The Jody Maberry Show: Recent Episodes
Jody Maberry
The Jody Maberry Show is dedicated to helping you Market, Mobilize, and Master your message.
I draw from my experience in marketing, leadership, small business, and even as a park ranger to help you understand how to market your unique message. Successful entrepreneurs and experts, like Mike Kim, Lee Cockerell, and Jeff Brown, join the show to offer advice on how to master your message.
“When someone is gone, their stories are gone with them. Capture them while you can.” Notable Moments
01:35 — How Ken met and filmed Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump
03:50 — Editing choices when your subject has endless stories
06:20 — The lost stories we regret not recording
09:42 — Ken’s new film on Universal Monsters and how he shaped its story
14:48 — The power of pre-interviews and the “pregnant pause” for better storytelling
25:53 — Emotional connection: the secret ingredient of a great story
28:11 — Monsters are back: why Ken’s timing is perfect
Stories connect us, spark emotion, and build memories that last. Filmmaker Ken Kebow knows a thing or two about telling unforgettable stories through film. We explore his time with Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump, his new Universal Monsters documentary, and the art of letting people talk until the real magic appears. Ken shares tips for better storytelling, including the value of silence. We also swap stories about the ones that got away. This conversation will have you reaching for your recorder to preserve the stories that matter most.
Read my blog for more about this episode.
Connect with Ken
http://www.kenkebow.com/
The Whimsical Imagineer - The Story Of Rolly Crump
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"It’s not just about the ride. It’s the story, the operations, the people in blue shirts picking up trash. That’s the magic." Jason Surrell returns to flip the script and ask me three questions. Our conversation pulled back the curtain on why themed entertainment has captured my curiosity and professional heart. We also talk about my favorite attraction, Flights of Passage. The storytelling embedded in Pandora is a masterclass in immersive design. Jason also got me to talk about Magic Press, the publishing imprint I run through Morgan James. We’ve got exciting projects ahead, including one I’ve long promised: my own book.
Behind every attraction or book is a story. In fact, sometimes that story is the experience itself.
Read my blog for more from this episode.
Notable Moments: [00:00] Jason Surrell returns for Three Questions
[00:01:13] How Jody got into themed entertainment
[00:02:41] Favorite attraction thanks to its immersive design
[00:07:42] The vision and future of Magic Press
[00:10:09] Progress (or not) on Jody’s own book
[00:12:40] Jason’s upcoming books and collaborations
Connect with Jason
LinkedIn - Jason Surrell
The Haunted Mansion Book
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"You’re not just putting a mark on a page; you’re betting on yourself."
Notable Moments
03:50 – Origin story of Epic Universe development
06:57 – Designing IP-based lands and the role of Celestial Park
09:54 – Favorite finished experiences in Epic Universe
13:01 – Creating the How to Train Your Dragon land
14:40 – How every past job informed Jason’s future work
20:12 – Career growth through risk and taking a chance on yourself
26:41 – Writing The Haunted Mansion book and pitching Disney
31:43 – The backstory of Pirates of the Caribbean book
Jody Maberry welcomes Jason Surrell, originating creative director for Epic Universe. They reflect on the creative journey behind Universal’s newest park. Jason shares how the project began, the early brainstorming that led to immersive lands like the Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World, and how his background with Disney and Universal prepared him for this moment. He also talks about the emotional side of creative work, taking risks, and the courage it takes to leave a steady job in favor of something uncertain but potentially incredible. Plus, stories behind his beloved books on The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Read the blog for more on this epic conversation with Jason Surrell.
Connect with Jason
LinkedIn - Jason Surrell
The Haunted Mansion Book
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
“You can’t script chemistry, but you can prepare for connection.”
Notable Moments
00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Dennis Snow
01:22 – Dennis’ first question: What makes a great podcast guest?
03:30 – Why good guests understand the value of a story
06:05 – Dennis’ second question: How do you prepare for interviews?
09:15 – The problem with winging it (and sounding like a pitch)
11:45 – Dennis’ third question: What makes an episode memorable?
14:20 – Final thoughts on listening, connection, and staying curious
Want to be a podcast guest worth remembering? Former Disney leader and customer experience expert Dennis Snow returns, this time asking me the questions. He brings three thoughtful and unexpected prompts for me. Together we explore what it takes to be a great podcast guest, how I prepare for conversations, and what I’ve learned from years behind the mic.
We cover the subtle art of storytelling, how to avoid sounding like a commercial, and why being prepared actually creates more space for authenticity. If you’ve ever wanted to appear on a podcast or have thought about hosting one, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes advice that will help you show up well.
Read my blog for more on this episode.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
“Don’t discount what feels obvious to you—what’s obvious to you is magic to someone else.”
Notable Moments
01:45 Dennis shares his Disney origin story and the leap into speaking
04:30 Why so many professionals undervalue their own expertise
09:10 The biggest challenges Dennis faced going out on his own
14:20 Building a speaking brand that isn’t all about hype
20:05 How Dennis books clients and continues to grow
24:30 Advice for professionals ready to step into entrepreneurship
Can your corporate career become the launchpad for something bigger?
If you’ve spent years in the trenches of corporate leadership, you’re sitting on more value than you think. My longtime friend and Disney alum Dennis Snow is a perfect example. He transformed his corporate experience into a powerful, successful speaking and consulting business.
Dennis spent over 20 years at Walt Disney World, including years teaching at the Disney Institute. Today, he’s a sought-after speaker helping businesses deliver world-class customer experiences. His journey holds incredible lessons for anyone dreaming of making the leap from employee to entrepreneur.
Whether you're eyeing the stage, building a consultancy, or just looking for clarity on what’s next, this episode will show you what’s possible when you combine deep experience with intentional action.
Connect with Dennis
https://snowassociates.com/
Order Dennis' Books
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"There's good and bad to being a really nice guy, I guess. The good outweighs the bad, but sometimes when you're nice to everybody, some people can take advantage of it."
Notable Moments
00:43 Unexpected Acts of Hospitality
03:37 The Unexpected Realities of Being a Park Ranger
07:11 Transition from Agency to Company
12:03 Escape Room Adventure Highlights
Connect with Teddy Cheek
TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com
Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek
The Escape Game - theescapegame.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Teddy Cheek, a marketing wizard from The Escape Game, is back to turn the tables and ask me three questions. The things he asked really got me thinking on some of the unexpected aspects of my life and career.
Read the blog for more on the questions that highlight how moments of unexpected hospitality, the realities of being a park ranger, and the impacts of kindness have had on my life.
"You don't need to be the opposite of the rest of your category just for the sake of being different."
Notable Moments
00:53 The Adventure Factory
05:10 Teamwork is Essential in Designing and Escaping Rooms
06:39 Accessible and Story-Driven Experiences
10:30 Revamping Escape Game Marketing
14:27 Developing Virtual Games During Pandemic
19:28 Guest Feedback to Drive Decisions
20:34 Escape Room Experience Challenges
24:27 Unique Value: Exclusive Orlando Experience
Connect with Teddy Cheek
TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com
Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek
The Escape Game - theescapegame.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
During a visit to Nashville, I stepped into a world full of creativity and storytelling. The Adventure Factory of The Escape Game is where architects, engineers, scenic artists, and game designers turn ideas into interactive puzzle experiences. Teddy Cheek, the Senior Director of Marketing at The Escape Game, was my guide. Even though I knew it would be neat, the visit left me in awe.
Teddy joins for a conversation about knowing what you really sell. For example, The Escape Game is more than challenging games. They focus on creating fun and engaging escapes accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill levels.
Read my blog for more from Teddy on the way you can turn ordinary into extraordinary.
"You absolutely have to understand why we're all here, who we're serving, what's the important role that we're serving in someone else's life, and then how we're connecting, communicating with each other."
Fresh off his second mastermind experience with us, David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, shares why he returned and how these events continue to deliver fresh insights and encouragement. We explore several key takeaways from the mastermind, including some of our favorite bits of wisdom shared by Lee Cockerell and guest speaker Chris Trout. From pushing company culture to the front line to embracing risk and testing authority, we dive into the strategies that can help you and your organization thrive.
Read the blog for our recap of the Creating Magic Mastermind, including why everyone around the table is truly the best part of the event.
Episode Resources
Connect with David Hancock
Morgan James Publishing
Chris Trout, Donlon Consulting
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"We would go to an event and the speakers are the heroes of the event. All the attendees are in the shadows. We wondered what would happen if we make the attendees the heroes."
Notable Moments
00:37 Hallway Magic at Professional Events
05:45 The Unconference Experience
09:00 Opportunities for Feedback-Driven Improvements
11:55 Relentless Pursuit of Improvement
14:24 Selling Through Known Connections
16:49 Sustainable Success Over Quick Wins
21:59 Collaborating with Spouse on Project
25:36 Unconference Connection Successes
It always seems that the best part of a conference is mingling in the hallways. Vincent Pugliese recognized the value in it so he turned the concept into a reality. The Unconference took place in Sarasota, Florida, offering an event focused on the magic of conversations without the usual distractions of keynote speakers or sponsors.
Read my blog to learn more about how he created an event where relationships can be built without the rush of typical conference schedules.
Connect with Vincent
Website - My Membership Freedom
LinkedIn - Vincent Pugliese
Facebook - Vincent Pugliese
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"If you take an opportunity and it doesn't work out, you can always go back and find that next window that's going to open and you do something different."
Notable Moments
01:11 Embracing Risks and Opportunity
02:24 Mentor and Role Model Growing Up
05:13 Memorable Guest Service Excellence
09:40 Purpose of Luxury Experiences
Barry Jacobson is a seasoned expert in guest experiences. He is also now a seasoned guest of the show that is making a return to ask me three questions. His experience in creating memorable customer experiences, brought a fresh set of questions that took me down memory lane. Read my blog for more on my reflections from my past.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"Luxury means that I'm going to have this innate ability to have intuitive service radar. It's going to allow me to understand you as an individual and to be able to ensure that your needs are met no matter who you are."
When most people hear the word luxury they think about dollar signs or exclusivity. For Barry Jacobson, luxury is about creating that absence of worry and making each interaction magical. Barry's career spans three decades in the hospitality and customer experience industry, including key roles with Disney. He joins me to explore what luxury truly means and how anyone can incorporate it into their business model.
Barry started working with Disney as a lifeguard, and worked his way to leading luxurious endeavors like Club Thirty-Three and as the General Manager at Golden Oak, Disney's first luxury residential community. He recognized the importance of blending personal touch and attention to detail to elevate ordinary experiences to extraordinary. For example, at Golden Oak, crafting personalized Thanksgiving meals with family recipes exemplified this elevated service level. Even the smallest detail is crafted for comfort and delight.
Barry knows that true luxury is in the details. That may be a thoughtfully clean restroom or a warm greeting as simple as a friendly hello. These are the markers of a business that cares deeply for its customers, regardless of scale or industry. We dug into how making customers feel special doesn’t take a big budget, just a deliberate approach. Whether it’s showing empathy at an orthopedic clinic or offering a little extra for restless children in a restaurant, it’s the human connection that leaves a lasting impression.
Barry’s insights affirm that any business, no matter if it’s a corner store or a massive resort, can offer luxury. The tools? Kindness, attention to detail, and the desire to create meaningful moments. Remember, it’s not only about lavishness; it’s making people feel valued and cared for in the simplest ways.
Connect with Barry
https://www.barryjacobsonconsulting.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"I have a show that I've had in mind for a couple of years, and I wouldn't say I'm too scared to pursue it. I just look at it and say, okay. I'd have a good time with that, but it would take a lot of work."
One of the benefits of audio storytelling isn't just in the words we share; it's in the experiences we create. Recently, I welcomed back Rick Allen, to turn the tables and ask me three questions. We ended up talked about dream guests, unexplored episode topics, and the creation of audio experiences. Read my blog for more insights from this episode.
Notable Moments
01:02 Dream Guests
05:24 The Magic of Audio Experiences
07:30 Chasing Creative Dreams
10:01 The Role of Technology in Storytelling
Connect with Rick
https://rickallenconsultinggroup.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"Having a relationship based culture is going to beat everything else you try to do when it comes to guests."
The magic of Disney isn’t just in the attractions; it’s in the people. That’s at the heart of my conversation with Rick Allen, a Disney veteran of 43 years. Rick has seen firsthand how relationships shape the culture of an organization. Read the blog for more on why he says strong connections between employees, leaders, and customers are the foundation of long-term success.
Connect with Rick
Rickallenconsultinggroup.com
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"Have other people around you that have different points of view, or related points of view with different perspectives. I think that benefits a lot of people."
Isn't it funny how those unplanned "hallway conversations" drive creativity and collaboration? Bob Weis, retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering, returns to share how our unexpected chats can spark innovation and shape an organization's culture. Read the blog for more insights from this episode.
Notable Moments
03:11 Book Signings Aboard Disney Treasure
07:11 Monitoring the Los Angeles Fires from a Ship
08:58 Unknown Impact of the Fires on Neighborhood and Home While Aboard
15:26 Disney's Strong Alumni Support Network
18:24 Book Signings Give Opportunity to Connect with Fans
21:16 Inspired by Author Timothy Egan's Personal Touch
23:50 Author Signings at Walt Disney's Barn in Griffith Park
27:10 Spontaneous Hallway Conversations Sparked Creative Exchanges at Imagineering.
30:36 Diversity's Role in Creative Success
33:13 Marty Sklar's Energizing Walks to Boost his Mood and Productivity
37:01 Stewardship and Storytelling in Tourism Attracts Repeat Guests
Connect with Bob Weis
www.bobweis.com
Order the book – Dream Chasing
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"If you're confident that you've done your very best, then you can't do anything better than your very best."
It's been nearly two years since Jeff Noel joined for a conversation. We dove deep into the five quotes I tell myself every day to stay focused and motivated. There are a number of ways that these reminders can aid professionals in both their personal and professional lives. Read my blog or take a listen to learn more about my five quotes.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"If you want to invent an innovative future, first, you have to start where you are."
Ever wonder what a crow named Bernice has to do with innovation? Bob Allen returns to share more from his fascinating journey from executive leadership with Disney to his latest venture, Zenovation. Our conversation highlights how blending personal passions can lead to groundbreaking ideas. Read the blog for more highlights from this episode.
Connect with Bob Allen
Bob's Website https://zennovationnetwork.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"You have to push through that first fear barrier because it's one of those universal themes in storytelling, the fear of failure." The spark of a great story can come from the most unexpected places. In my recent conversation with Matthew Luhn, an accomplished storyteller and former Disney/Pixar creative, we talk about the magic of universal themes in storytelling, whether for film or business. Read my blog for more about our conversation.
Resources:
Matthewluhnstory.com
twitter.com/matthewluhn
The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond by Matthew Luhn
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"If you go through the process of doing the research and showing up prepared with questions, you may never get to ask any of those questions. And I say it doesn't matter. The fact that you were prepared with questions will make the conversation that much better."
Preparation is key to an unforgettable conversation. This was front and center of my mind as I prepared for my interview with Bob Wise, author of "Dream Chasing" and retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering. By being well prepared I am able to genuinely listen and respond to the nuances of guest's insights rather than just ticking off a list. Read the blog to for more on my approach to preparing for a guest.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"When you open this mailbox to put a letter in, do you think it squeaks or it doesn't squeak? And I said, oh, it probably doesn't squeak. And he said, but if you were on Main Street in small town, Missouri, would it squeak? I said probably."
Bob Weis, retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering and author of "Dream Chasing," returns to turn the table and ask me a few questions. Our conversation explores my time as a park ranger, the epic journeys of Lewis and Clark, and the art of storytelling.
His first question is about my own journey as a park ranger. For eight years, I had the privilege to serve in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington state, from the parks near Idaho to the scenic Olympic Peninsula. It was a reminder of why storytelling is so powerful. The ability to bring history alive is what makes our experiences memorable.
Our conversation took an fun turn when Bob tested my knowledge on two historic figures: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. These explorers braved countless hardships to discover new lands, and their stories remain a testament to human perseverance. Bob even threw in a trick question about William Clark's middle name (or lack thereof). It was a great reminder that there's always something new to learn.
One of the highlights was revisiting an unforgettable moment when I recounted the story of Captain George Vancouver to a visitor. The joy of sharing that history on the exact spot where it happened was indescribable. There is a special kind of magic that happens when you are prepared for that one moment when a visitor's curiosity aligns with your passion.
Bob emphasized that whether it's in national parks or at Disney, capturing someone's imagination can make their entire experience. This episode reminded me why I love helping others connect with the stories that shape our world.
Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com
Order the book - Dream Chasing
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
“We endeavor to make those worlds authentic by doing great research and make them kind of a pushed reality of what it might be to be there. To not have any contradictions. To make it as authentic and real as we can so that it's telling the story you want to tell."
Few people have had a hand in shaping the magic of Disney parks and experiences like Bob Weis, retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering. During our conversation we talk about bringing imaginative worlds to life and his brand-new book, "Dream Chasing: My 4 Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering." We explore the challenges of creating this immersive narrative, emphasizing storytelling over visuals, and how Bob exceeded his own expectations by penning over 450 pages with the help of Disney Editions.
Writing a book was an endeavor Bob initially hesitated to undertake. With the guidance of Disney Editions, the project transformed into a narrative-driven masterpiece. His story reminds us that even seasoned dreamers face doubts, but persistence leads to extraordinary results.
Collaboration was a central theme in our conversation. Bob shared stories of the various people he spent time working with in Shanghai and Tokyo. He emphasized how diverse talents come together to create unparalleled experiences. Bob also highlighted the parallels between Disney parks and national parks. Both provide meaningful, authentic experiences that enrich lives. He stressed the importance of trust, research, and authenticity in design.
Whether designing Flight of Passage in Pandora or Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Bob’s career is a showcase of relentless creativity and excellence. His insights remind us that dream chasing requires collaboration, persistence, and authenticity.
For lessons on leadership, creativity, or achieving your dreams, this conversation with Bob Weis is a must-listen. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom from a true Disney legend.
Connect with Bob Weis
www.bobweis.com
Order the book - Dream Chasing
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"This industry doesn't work unless you have repeat visitation as a part of your of your revenue model."
Connect Theron Skees CreatingMemorableWorlds.com
Order the Book – Creating Memorable Worlds
Theron Skees
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"The idea of the alter ego can be really powerful to help you plus up so that you can genuinely connect and help."
Recently a wonderful guest and friend, Lauren Gaggioli, launched a new podcast called the Digital Entrepreneur's Toolkit Podcast. After having her on the show a couple of times, I was honored to be one of the first guests on her new show. It's not often I get the chance to dive into topics I normally don't have the time to talk about. I liked it so much I asked Lauren if I could share that interview with you as an episode of the Jody Maberry show.
We have a wonderful conversation that dives into the essence of "Be You Times Two," exploring how doubling down on your authentic self can lead to remarkable transformations. Read more for the details highlighted in this conversation.
Notable Moments
02:15 Recognizing the pull to shift career focus
05:34 Learning from mistakes in freelance
11:53 Storytelling provokes personal action beyond facts.
17:30 Loyalty often leads to personal mistakes.
26:05 Balance goal declaration: tell right people selectively.
28:24 Accountability from others aids in achieving goals.
37:55 Overcame insecurity, started show, sought Disney insights.
42:13 Businessman excels in podcasting without hosting titles.
48:48 Your unique voice attracts like-minded followers.
53:16 Podcasting changes when tailored for one listener.
55:46 Creating Magic Mastermind: Engaging, conversational audience relationship.
01:01:12 Finding authenticity in public performance is powerful.
Connect with Lauren
https://laurengaggioli.com/
The Digital Entrepreneur's Podcast
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
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Eric Gray, the founder of Maverick Content Studio, returns to ask me a few unscripted, unexpected questions. His first one got right to the point: “What’s a surprising thing you learned about Disney executives?
There challenges many of us face in staying relevant, both in our personal and professional lives. The surprising yet relatable journey they go through in feeling relevant after leaving their high-impact roles. I shared an amusing anecdote about Dan Cockrell's encounter at Disney’s stables that perfectly encapsulates this experience.\
Next, Eric switched gears and asked about the book I’ve gifted the most. My answer is one tht is short, impactful, and I even gave it to my park ranger team back in the day. It offers profound insights and has made a significant impact on those I've shared it with, both during my time as a park ranger and beyond.
Eric's final question led me to recount one of the strangest sights I've seen in the wild: a majestic animal munching on a mop at Glacier National Park. It’s a reminder of how even in the most serene natural settings, unexpected—and often humorous—moments can occur.
People stories could fill a book, but the deer eating a mop takes the cake for now. Thanks to Eric for such engaging questions.
Connect with Eric
Maverickcontentstudio.com
Eric on Instagram
Eric on LinkedIn
Radical Content Podcast
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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"Create interesting valuable content and invite people in to participate. That's the community side that will build an audience. And when you build an audience you can do anything because they know, like, and trust you.
Leaving a "dream job" for the unknown can be daunting, but it can also be the most fulfilling decision you'll ever make. When Eric Gray left his "dream job" as the Senior Director of Content Innovation and Fan Engagement at Universal Studios to start Maverick Content Studio, it wasn't because it was easy or an obvious choice. The decision was emotionally taxing and filled with uncertainty. Read the blog for more about what steps he took to move through that decision and how it set him up for success.
Connect with Eric
Maverickcontentstudio.com
Eric on Instagram
Eric on LinkedIn
Radical Content Podcast
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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"How do you untangle a really hard knot? Just a little bit at a time."
Notable Moments
00:40 Liz's success on the show Survivor.
04:20 Looking to revitalize an existing email list.
08:08 Reintroduce podcast, set expectations, communicate updates.
13:01 Repurpose relevant podcast stories to content shared nationwide.
16:40 Include personal stories/photos in emails.
18:53 People love parks, talking, and engaging together.
23:12 Starting an email list as a beginner.
24:21 Mix free and paid content in newsletters.
28:17 "The Email Sound Booth" podcast and connecting with Liz
If you’ve let your email list go cold, it’s never too late to reignite it. Years ago, I was all in on an email list for my Park Leader Show podcast. It was tailored for park rangers and park professionals. But then…life happened. The list fell silent, and I felt disconnected.
I have wondered if I should I scrap it. If I were to bring it back, do I apologize for my absence?
Enter Liz Wilcox, the "fresh princess of email". Liz, who you might also know from her incredible run on Survivor, gave me game-changing advice. Read about her tips on how to restart your email list.
Connect with Liz
Podcast - The Email Sound Book
Website - Liz Wilcox
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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"Spend more time asking and listening than you do talking and telling stories. There are times where stories are the right thing to do, and telling them will help you build a better relationship."
Connect with Jody
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In 2006, I had the privilege of being a guest on Dan Miller’s podcast, 48 Days To The Work You Love. Being invited was no small feat because Dan rarely had guests. What made it happen? A simple yet impactful story about my son. Read more about it here in my blog.
"Do your best and forgive yourself. I don't know if there is any better advice than that." Notable Moments
01:03 Staying Positive in Challenging times
02:45 Best Advice Ever Received
05:12 What Will They Say When You Get to Heaven
08:18 Reasons for Favoring The Lion King
12:08 Joy in Disney Broadway Musicals
Order Michael's Books: Michael offers signed and personalized copies if you purchase through his website!
Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance
Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a 20-Year Career at Walt Disney World
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
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It is always fun having the table turned, giving guests the chance to ask me three questions. Michael Lyons kicked off his three with a question many have wondered: "How do you stay so positive and upbeat?"
The answer? It’s a mix of surrounding myself with incredible people and cherishing the opportunities life throws my way. There are certainly tough days, but hanging out with inspiring individuals like Michael, Dan and Lee Cockerell, and countless others makes it all worth it. I can assure you, positivity isn't always easy, but it’s the fuel for real growth and genuine happiness. Plus, remembering what my granny would do keeps me on my toes.
Another question Michael asked is about the best piece of advice I’d ever received, it reminded me of the words passed down from Admiral Payne to Lee Cockrell to me: "Do your best and forgive yourself." Simple yet powerful words that can help us all move forward, even on our hardest days.
Over the years I have learned the way to get the most genuine and impactful responses to questions, whether it is during a podcast or a conversation with a friend. It ultimately comes down to speaking off-the-cuff. This is your subtle reminder to trust your instincts and value authenticity over perfection.
Thank you, Michael Lyons for such great questions. They reminded me that any time we find ourselves navigating tough times, it is important stay connected with the people who lift you up. Lean into those genuine conversations. The best way I can encourage you to stay positive in a sometimes challenging world is to keep engaging with those who inspire you. Your best days are ahead.
"Treat writing a book like a road trip. Have a starting point and destination, but be ready for detours. Who knows? Your side journey might just be the chapter you need.
Notable Moments
03:10 The Golden Age of Animation in the 90s
06:12 From Freelance to Disney and Back Again
08:12 Writing Tips Related to a Road Trip
14:50 Staying Productive While Writing a Book
20:43 The Challenge of Writing a Non-Chronological Story
23:17 The Realities of Freelance Work
Order Michael's Books: Michael offers signed and personalized copies if you purchase through his website!
- Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance
- Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a 20-Year Career at Walt Disney World
Connect with Jody
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About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Michael Lyons is a 20-year veteran cast member of Walt Disney World and now a freelance author. His first book, "Drawn to Greatness," captures the magic of Disney's animation renaissance in the '90s. An era of iconic movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. His second book, "Magic Moments," dives into his 20-year career at Walt Disney World. From customer service to leadership, it's packed with lessons that apply far beyond the parks!
During our conversation we dive deep into his journey, from his Disney days to his blossoming writing career, and discuss his books Drawn to Greatness and Magic Moments.
Notable takeaways from our conversation:
- Repurpose Your Work: Michael repurposed years of old interviews and articles to craft his acclaimed book Drawn to Greatness. It's a testament to the power of leveraging past work to create something new and impactful.
- Dedicate Time Like a Job: Treat writing your book like a part-time job, setting realistic and consistent time slots dedicated to writing. Consistency can turn daunting projects into achievable milestones.
- Embrace Diversions: While writing, it's important to stay flexible. Sometimes the unexpected diversions or inspirations can lead to new chapters or topics you hadn't initially considered.
If you've ever wondered about the magic behind Disney animation or are looking for motivation to kickstart your own creative projects, this episode is a must-listen! Take a listen to the full episode to hear more about Michael’s fascinating journey and writing tips, especially if you've got a book idea simmering on the backburner.
"It is a very helpful thing to have a singular person in mind that you are reading to. In the same way that your copy will be more resonant when you write it for that."
Connect with Lauren
https://laurengaggioli.com/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Key Moments
00:00 Listened, prepared, presented for podcast audition success.
03:12 Staying true to yourself leads to success.
06:29 Encouraged pace, energy level, and performing impactfully.
11:58 Experience with ADR helps in editing.
15:36 Reflecting on reading experiences, addressing performance issues.
18:28 Reviewing August's points, making few changes.
21:19 Interviewer intrigued by managing like a mother.
24:23 Excited about unexpected opportunity, drawing from experience.
29:27 Inspired by promise, drive, and self-care.
32:01 Personalizing content enhances its connection with readers.
34:09 Grateful for the magical opportunity, thank you.
Lauren Gaggioli returns to the show for a conversation about our recent collaboration on an audiobook project. She and I worked together on the audiobook project for "Manage Like a Mother" by Valerie Cockrell. Working with Lauren has been an enlightening journey, filled with unique challenges and rewarding moments. Here are some key takeaways:
- Narration vs. Podcasting: Although narration and podcasting may seem similar, they require distinct skills such as enunciation and performance. The energy and focus needed for audiobook narration are truly unique.
- Recording in Chunks: Lauren shared a valuable tip on breaking down the recording process over several days. This approach helps maintain the energy and quality throughout the narration.
- Human Connections Matter: The project came to Lauren unexpectedly, showcasing the importance of cultivating relationships, being nice, and helping others. You never know when a fantastic opportunity might come your way simply because you've been a positive force in someone's life.
Lauren's dedication and enthusiasm shine through as she discusses the rigorous yet rewarding process of audiobook narration. Whether dealing with equipment issues or re-recording entire chapters, her commitment to quality and her passion for storytelling are inspiring.
This episode gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into aspects of audiobook production, from edits to final touches, this episode provides a comprehensive look. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the art of narration and the dedication it entails. And if you're as eager as we are, keep an eye out for the upcoming release of "Manage Like a Mother" on all major audiobook platforms!
🎧 Listen to Episode 326: Behind the Scenes of Narrating an Audiobook with Lauren Gaggioli and let us know your thoughts!
"When you design for the human experience, people feel it, and it becomes meaningful for them."
Key Moments
01:03 Lee Cockerell's remarkable journey resonates with all.
04:24 New generation of park professionals prioritize purpose.
07:35 Need for new productivity definitions in the workplace.
10:48 Transitions in professional industry and focus.
Connect with Chris
Donlon Insights website
Chris Trout on LinkedIn
Learn About Disney Aspire
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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If you've ever felt the magic of a sunset or found inspiration in unexpected places, this episode will really resonate with you. Chris Trout returns and the tables are turned. During this conversation he gets to ask me three unique questions.
Some of the topics we discuss:
- Disney Stories That Inspire: From the incredible journey of Lee Cockerell to the legendary tale of Joe Rohde's tiger in the boardroom, we dive into stories that have not only inspired me but countless others. These stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the art of storytelling.
- The Evolving Workforce: We explore the shifting dynamics of the modern workforce. What are younger employees looking for? How can organizations adapt? The importance of meaningful work and engaged leadership has never been clearer.
- Sunset Moments in Parks: As a former park ranger, I share some of my favorite "sunset moments" and the joy of seeing families and kids connect with nature for the very first time. These experiences remind us of the simple yet profound impact of our natural world.
Remember, whether you're a leader, storyteller, or nature enthusiast, always seek the story within the story. Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on immersing yourself in the stories and insights that can transform your perspective.
"You're either going to invest in your people to grow your people or you're going to pay later."
Key Moments
04:37 Establishing the Center of Excellence for Learning and Development at Disney.
07:30 Investing in workforce development program
11:16 "Corporate focus on people boosts business impact."
15:04 Shifting conversation from wages to long-term opportunities for employees.
16:04 Transitioning from Disney to starting own business.
21:20 Invest in employees for future success; aligning with business goals.
23:50 Innovative measures and community involvement for social impact.
28:35 Individuals creating and contributing to inspiring stories.
30:08 Find me at Donlon Insights on social media.
Connect with Chris
Donlon Insights website
Chris Trout on LinkedIn
Learn About Disney Aspire
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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In 2018 Disney launched groundbreaking educational program, Disney Aspire. One of the individuals that spearheaded the project is Chris Trout, founder of Donlon Insights and former vice president of learning and development at Disney. He joins for a conversation about his unique journey from leading business operations at Disney to creating the award-winning Aspire program.
We also discussed how businesses can harness their existing workforce's potential and the importance of prioritizing "return on people." Chris offers a wealth of insights on adapting to a changing job landscape and investing in employee development.
Some of the takeaways from our conversation include:
- Empowering the Workforce: The Disney Aspire program has made a significant impact by providing educational opportunities for hourly employees, leading to over 4,000 promotions with an average 45% salary increase. It's a testament to how critical investing in your workforce is.
- Tackling Big Challenges: Aspire isn't just a corporate benefit—it's a solution to bigger societal issues like student debt and income inequality. By supporting their employees' educational journeys, Disney not only enhances individual lives but also strengthens the community at large.
- Storytelling and Leadership: Chris highlighted the power of internal storytelling at Disney to create missions that are aspirational, measurable, and practical. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, turning employees into brand ambassadors and driving engagement and innovation.
This episode is packed with invaluable insights for any business professional looking to improve their approach to workforce development and employee engagement. Make sure to listen to episode 324 for the full conversation with Chris Trout and explore how you can design a more human-centric workplace and check out his company, Donlon Insights.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Bob and Rick Allen return to flip the script and asked me some thought-provoking questions. Their questions get me to look back on my career path and some memorable podcast moments. We also talk about the importance of diverse life experiences and how they shape our professional journeys.
Here's a sneak peek:
The Power of Diverse Experiences: I shared how my eclectic background, from being a financial analyst to a park ranger, has given me unique perspectives and opened doors I never could have imagined.
Humor and Hiccups: From my dog barking into the microphone to the time I wasn't recording an intense interview about being kidnapped in Africa, every episode has its own unexpected moments.
Lesson in Authenticity: An insightful tale of a podcast gone wrong illustrates the importance of authenticity in public speaking and interviews.
Make sure to listen to the full expisode if you are curious and want to learn more about these stories. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let's keep exploring the value of experience and exposure together!
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Connect with Jody
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" I felt a childlike wonder and when feel that it connects us. And in this world, especially now, we need to be more connected."
Key Moments
02:01 The Impact of Storytelling in Themed Entertainment
08:31 Building Experiences with Guest Feedback
12:52 Escapism and The Life of an Imagineer
20:19 Creating Transformative and Immersive Environments
26:39 The Essence of Shared Experiences
29:25 The Power of Storytelling and Experiential Marketing
Connect with James Warda and Theron Skees
Order the Book - How Does Disney Do That?
- Use the code DISNEYSHIPFREE
James Warda
Theron Skees
Connect with Jody
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How Does Disney Do That?
It is always a pleasure meeting people that can give more insights into the secrets behind those jaw-dropping Disney experiences we all know and love. That is why I couldn't be more appreciative for the conversation with Theron Skees, a former Imagineer, and James Warda, an emotional storyteller and author. They teamed up to co-author a fascinating new book, "How Does Disney Do That," which dives deep into the stories and feelings that connect us to Disney moments.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that are sure to pique your interest:
- The Power of Emotional Connection: James and Theron emphasize the significance of the emotional ties that guests form with Disney attractions. Understanding these feelings helps make their designs even more impactful.
- Storytelling as a Tool for Connection: The book is structured as a conversation, featuring stories from fans, designers, and cast members. This not only validates the reader's own experience but also invites them into a larger community of shared emotional journeys.
- The Role of Feedback and Collaboration: Theron discusses how vital it is for Imagineers to listen to guest feedback and collaborate closely with Disney leadership to create memorable experiences. This principle can be applied to any business that aims to truly understand and meet its customers' needs.
This is such a wonderful conversation about storytelling, connection, and making guests feel truly special. Take a listen to episode 320, "How Does Disney Do That?", if you are ready to be transported to the magic of Disney. Make sure to use the code DISNEYSHIPFREE when you check out after ordering the book at the following link: https://rivershorepress.com/store/how-does-disney-do-that . Along with the book, you'll get a free bookmark.
"Find lessons in everything. Even when you're down for the count for 8 weeks, it's alright. Figure out what you learned during that time and write it down."
Connect with Jody
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Eight Things I Learned Taking Eight Weeks Off
As you may or may not know, I had to take an 8-week break recently due to a medical issue. During this time, I learned quite a few important lessons that I'd love to share with you. During this episode I share eight things I learned taking eight weeks off and why I believe these lessons can benefit everyone.
A sneak peek into the 8 lessons I share:
-
Prioritize What Matters
-
Cherish Those Who Reach Out
-
Stay Productive in Different Ways
-
Adapt to a Fast-Moving World
-
Systems Can Save You
-
It's Okay to Share
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It's Also Okay to Keep It Private
-
Find Lessons Everywhere
In every situation, even difficult ones, there's something to be learned. Take the time to reflect and write them down. Every experience, good or bad, can teach you something and contribute to your personal and professional growth. When you document those lessons, they can become powerful stories and insights later for you and those around you.
To hear more on each of these lessons, make sure to listen to Episode 319 of the Jody Maberry Show. Thank you for your support and understanding during my time off. I'm looking forward to getting back to our regular schedule and continuing to share more stories and lessons with you all.
"The very act of just having a schedule and having a bucket that you have to fill with something, that forces you to be creative."
Key Moments
02:13 Collaboration between podcasters and ghostwriters in publishing.
06:02 Kent's show "The Daily Writer" offers lessons on writing skills.
07:24 Turn podcast into book by repurposing existing podcast content.
12:17 Book outlines are a framework essential for content creation.
14:45 Two book options:
Option 1: Big Kahuna book - multiple chapters per section.
Option 2: Bits and pieces book - short chapters for challenges.
20:01 Quickly gather feedback from ideal readers, create a 21-day challenge based on their problems, review similar books, and seek feedback on the outline.
21:09 Get feedback from potential readers for book outline. Don't overthink it.
24:52 Short, focused episodes make editing easier later.
29:53 Promote book through podcast.
33:19 Crafting a book takes time and work, but can be done by yourself or with professional help.
36:29 Scrivener aids writers in organizing and refining content for books, making the process more manageable.
38:15 Recognize the value of creating short books, multiple drafts, and use Scrivener for writing.
Resources
Kent's website
https://scrivener.app/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Use a Podcast to Write a Book
Kent Sanders is a a writer and professor that helps artists and writers fulfill their creative calling. Recently we combined our talents and collaborated on a webinar to teach others how to use podcasts for book writing. During this episode we talk about this method of creating a book outline and using it as a blueprint for podcast episodes. This episodes can then be transformed into the written work you always dreamed of.
Key takeaways from our conversation:
- Podcast Consistency: Kent shares the power of showing up regularly on a podcast, and how you can use daily episodes to build content for a book. Commitment over perfection is key.
- Crafting Your Outline: Develop a solid book outline before diving into podcast episodes. Utilizing strategies for outlining will transform your content creation process and be your roadmap to success.
- Podcast Forward Approach: Discover the benefits of aligning your podcast content with your book project and maximizing your efforts. Find a method that works best for you to convert your podcast episodes into book material.
This episode is a must listen for aspiring writers and podcasters looking for more ways to share their message. One of the reasons Kent and I did this webinar was to see what people thought of this idea. So let me know what you think. Was this a good idea? Or do if you don't think this is good, let me know. If you think it is great, let me know. That'll help out as we look at more ways to create books and podcasts.
"That's probably one of the things that really has helped me as I meet people. Being in that moment, asking really pointed personal questions to make people feel valued, to learn something new, and be curious."
Key Moments
01:21 Ending the 'Come Rain or Shine' Podcast
04:11 Life Advice from Lee Cockerell
06:04 Magical Vacation Planner Conference
12:57 Podcasting Growth from Duo to Solo to Live Audience
21:14 The Next Professional Chapter
23:16 Impact of International Education
25:02 Navigating Career Transitions
28:26 The Power of Networking; Focusing on Client needs, Not our Credentials.
32:12 Adapting Business Strategies in Times of Crisis
36:46 Impact of Practicing Asking Intentional Questions
39:21 Reflecting on Collaborations on the Podcast and Beyond
47:02 Sign Up for Dan's Newsletter to Stay in touch
Connect with Dan Sign Up for the Article of the Week aka Article of the Month
dan@dancockerell.com
Dan's Website
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
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A Tribute to the Come Rain or Shine Podcast
After five and a half years of laughter, lessons, and leadership insights, it became time to bid farewell to "Come Rain or Shine" with Dan Cockerell. It's only fitting to highlight some of the unforgettable moments and amusing anecdotes. This final episode reflects on some of our favorite memories, from some silly moments to key business lessons. Really none of it would have been possible without understanding the importance of consistency in business, the role of adaptability, and the impact of strong personal relationships.
Adaptability has been a consistent theme throughout our time podcasting together. Dan's approach, especially during the challenges brought on by COVID-19, exemplifies the power of responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances. Launching a daily podcast "Lemons to Lemonade" and conducting a Mastermind call for three months to offer guidance during tough times are prime examples. Hearing him navigate these changes in real time showcased the the value of being flexible and open to change. It’s the key to ensuring longevity and relevance in any industry.
Dan shares six key lessons learned from running Cockrell Consulting, highlighting that genuine connections often result in personal value and referrals. These are great reminders for business professionals striving for sustainable growth and a trusted network. By prioritizing value creation and relationship-building, you can create a solid advantage in the competitive business landscape.
While working on the podcast Dan and I had a number of moments that reminded us of the importance of engagement and effective communication. The more Dan dove into solo episodes, he found that interviewing podcast guests help refine his conversational skills. For leaders and entrepreneurs alike, the ability to ask the right questions and actively listen is incredibly valuable. It helps lead toward meaningful discussions while and nurturing collaborative partnerships.
Make sure to listen to Dan and I reflect on our time recording "Come Rain or Shine" podcast. Stay connected to Dan by signing up for his monthly newsletter. Past episodes are still available so keep listening. I bet you discover something new each time.
Here's to the future skies we'll navigate, come rain or shine!
"People make huge big deals of celebrities, but they very seldom give praise to the something that's way more important than celebrity, which is a great father or a great mother."
Key Moments
02:13 The Impact of Parenthood on Empowering Children
04:44 Value of Handwritten Memories
08:18 Celebrating Unnoticed Heroes: Parents
11:15 Character is Remembered More than Achievements
15:35 Balancing Career on the Road and Family
17:21 Writing About Family Stories in Maria's Scarf
Connect with Zoro
Zoro the Drummer Website
Order Maria’s Scarf
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Making Parenthood a Priority
As we do on this show, when we have a guest, they come back the very next week to ask me 3 questions. Zoro the Drummer is kind enough to return for a great conversation around making parenthood a priority. His questions highlight the importance we both place on prioritizing family, making sacrifices to be present for children, and the role fatherhood has played in our lives, both personally and professionally.
Our last conversation showcases how Zoro skillfully balances his passion for music with his dedication to parenting. Commitment to family doesn't hold you back. We have both found it important to make every moment count. For him, it's chose red-eye flights just to tuck his kids into bed. I shared my own experience flying back from a conference across the country to be there for my son's birthday. It's the moments we show up for that our kids remember, not the conferences we speak at. Presence is the best gift we can offer.
Maria's Scarf, Zoro's memoir, is a great example of the profound impact his mother, had on him, and how this influenced his book. His relationship with his mom sets the rhythm for his outlook on fatherhood and life. He shares how his mother's encouraging spirit lived on at her funeral, which was attended by those touched by her kindness. From pharmacists to grocery clerks. True legacies are made of love and the positive influence we have in our daily interactions.
Zoro the Drummer's commitment to handwritten notes to his kids echoes the daily letters I write to my own. Writing letters to my kids every day has become a way I am able to express love, capture moments, and craft a legacy no matter where I am. These notes have become my own manuscripts, documenting life through storytelling and letter-writing. Much like I love park preservation, these letters have a way of preserving an emotional legacy my children, by capturing growth moments and familial bonds.
This conversation was such a great way to show how our day-to-day interactions and the way we treat others leaves a lasting impact, especially on our family. Make sure to listen to the full episode and remember to honor the relationships that shape our world.
“I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn't have the heart to let him down."
Key Moments
02:23 Persuing Lifelong Passion
08:25 Using Personal History in Writing
11:09 Writing a Memoir
17:45 Perception and Memories
21:51 Finding Purpose By Overcoming Challenges
26:32 The Power of Emotional Connection
29:22 Empowering Youth Through Storytelling
36:15 Power of Friendship and Community Support
39:23 Vision and Perception
Connect with Zoro Zoro the Drummer Website
Order the Book Maria's Scarf
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The Impact of Long Term Friendship
Few navigate the rhythm of life with as much heart and soul as Zoro the Drummer. During our conversation Zoro takes us through a collection of lessons directly from his mother and the his life, captured meticulously in diaries and a variety of mementos. These are the building blocks of his memoir, "Maria's Scarf". His book highlights the impact of enduring friendships, such as his with music icon Lenny Kravitz, the ways their lives intertwine, and how it lead to success and dreams realized. The book aims to inspire youngsters just as athlete stories inspired a young Zoro.
Zoro the Drummer has an impressive collection of memorabilia including report cards, band program programs, and ticket stubs. His commitment to preserving his history offers us a unique window into the life of a musician and the tangible milestones of his career. He celebrates his vision, perception, and unwavering optimism, which he says were instilled by his mother. Those are what he credits for his growth, his faith, and his successes in life.
Despite being turned down by publishers over 100 times, Zoro the Drummer’s perseverance paid off when his memoir was finally accepted with a major publisher. He sees this delay as divine design - time for him to craft his writing skills, preparing him for the book's success. The book is a blend of heartwarming, heartbreaking, hilarious, and hopeful. As Zoro says, stories can fuel hope - a sentiment that he hopes readers will share worldwide.
Zoro the Drummer's story is not only about his ascent from challenging beginnings but also underlines the power of persistence, the significance of relationships, and the indelible impact of a supportive community. His memoir is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to dream and to triumph.
"We often do know what the problem is. It's acknowledging it and taking action on it that really matters."
Key Moments 02:10 Desire to learn with trustworthy, motivated group.
7:45 Power of Mastermind Groups
09:53 Self-motivation and accountability: take action or release.
11:24 Choose intentional actions to achieve desired lifestyle.
16:38 Importance of being over doing in leadership.
19:06 Powerful message resonates deeply, bringing positive impact.
24:14 Seek improvement, take action to find happiness.
26:22 Experiences matter more than years of service.
Connect with Jody
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Joining me are two special guests that recently soaked in the sun and wisdom at the latest Creating Magic Mastermind in Orlando, Florida. I always say each event is better than the last, and this time was no exception. Katie Currens and Tim Dyck are going to help unpack the event and the impact it has had on them. This Mastermind is one where the word "be" became a powerful mantra given by, Lee Cockrell, advocating for presence and authenticity in our everyday encounters.
Katie returns for her third mastermind experience, and admittedly echoes my sentiment that this may have been the best one yet. And after years of attempting to come, Tim Dyck shares his eagerness to learn from a group of so many uniquely motivated individuals. We explore how Lee emphasized the need for personal responsibility and what it truly means to "be" in business and life.
Some of our key takeaways:
- Embrace the Opportunity to “Be": Remember, who you are is as important as what you do. Infuse "being" into your daily practices.
- Learn from the Collective: The combined knowledge and experiences of a group can be a catalytic force for personal and professional development.
- Act with Intent: Acknowledge problems, move past excuses, and deliberately craft the life you envision through thoughtful planning and action.
The mastermind isn't just an event; it's a journey. This episode offers more than just a glimpse into a mastermind; it invites you into a circle of professionals passionate about deliberate living and authentic being. For anyone looking to tap into a network of motivation and actionable advice, consider this your call to action to join the next Creating Magic Mastermind this fall. As we were reminded during the most recent event, it's not just the years of service, but rather the experiences we create for others and ourselves that carve out a life well-lived.
Ready to dive into the magic yourself? Stay tuned for registration details for our fall mastermind event. Spots will fill quickly, so keep an eye on your inbox for the opportunity to be part of this life-changing experience.
Connect with Jody
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About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Preparing for the Spotlight
Liz Wilcox returns for another conversation. This time we flip the script and she gets to ask me three questions. We talk about preparing how to prepare for the spotlight when you face big moments and unexpected attention. Highlights from our conversation include:
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: I spent a lot of time initially doubting my voice for podcasting. Over time I came to realize that my uniqueness became one of my biggest assets. It's what gets me recognized time and time again. Embrace what sets you apart, as it may be the very thing that captivates others.
- Leadership Transition: As you move up in leadership, remember it's not about you – it's about removing obstacles for your team. There is an impactful way to make the transition from being technically proficient in a role to effectively leading others. Turn the focus from oneself to the team, empowering leaders to listen, remove obstacles, and lead with empathy.
- Ground Yourself: I touched upon self-preparation for heightened visibility and being in the spotlight, emphasizing the significance of grounding oneself, and reconnecting with your purpose to navigate increased attention effectively.
Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on how to ground yourself to stay true to your purpose and intention. Also check out Liz's website and sign up for her email list for a wealth of free resources on email marketing.
“I found that the more I step into myself the more successful I become, and the safer people feel around me.”
Key Moments
03:26 Aligning passions with knowledge for greater impact
10:13 Prioritizing low cost to serve majority population.
12:45 Challenges with blogging and why email lists are crucial.
17:59 Strive for self-acceptance and authenticity as a guide to success.
20:12 Surround yourself by a community that affirms and empowers your uniqueness.
27:33 Membership sign up at lizwilcox.com includes a free offer.
Connect with Liz Wilcox
Website: lizwilcox.com
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Shifting from a successful RV travel blog to establishing a thriving membership site doesn’t happen by chance. For Liz Wilcox it came down to leaning into her authentic self with a desire to help others on a topic she knows well; email marketing.
Liz is a great example of someone that has made an impact by leveraging her unique strength. She realized her potential in email marketing despite being known as a sarcastic RV blogger. Embracing her education background and passion for helping people, she pivoted to start a successful email marketing membership site, serving thousands while staying true her authentic self.
One of the ways she started to help others was by building a community. By offering a $9 per month membership, she was able to focus on making a large impact for a large number of people, echoing Costco's model. This approach made email marketing templates and tools accessible to many entrepreneurs. In turn by creating a supportive community she is bringing in consistent revenue.
Authenticity breeds comfort. By being her authentic self she has allowed others to feel safe and comfortable in her community. She encourages them to embrace their unique selves. Promoting psychological safety and creating a sense of community has been a key to her membership's success.
Make sure to listen to our full conversation for more about email marketing. And make sure to visit lizwilcox.com for a free welcome sequence, newsletter samples, and 52 subject lines to kickstart your email marketing journey
“It’s my blind spots. And I've been around long enough to know they're there. And so that's where my curiosity is helping fill in the gaps."
Key Moments
00:53 From Entrepreneurship to corporate
03:42 Moving to Sydney in 2024
08:33 Confidence, vulnerability, and teamwork lead to success.
11:15 Navigating new cultural environments.
14:51 Mission-Driven organizations
16:39 Investing in others’ dreams brings personal fulfillment.
Dealing with What You Don't Know
Recently Dan Cockerell announced a significant career shift. After spending five and a half years traveling and teaching worldwide, he has embraced the opportunity in Australia to return to a leadership role. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Dan and his wife Valerie have used their knowledge and experience to inspire and teach others. However, life led them to unexpected paths and opportunities, prompting them embark on a new adventure. During our conversation we discuss some of the challenges that have come with navigating unknown territory in a new job.
One of the things Dan is great at is his willingness to admit that there are things he doesn't know. Even better is his commitment to seeking guidance and insight. He emphasizes the significance of acknowledging one's blind spots and humbly reaching out to industry experts for advice. Through humility and curiosity you can foster a continuous learning mindset, which is critical for leaders.
As he transitions to the education industry, Dan understands the importance of cultivating a mission-driven focus in a for-profit organization. There is a delicate balance between delivering educational impact while ensuring the organization's financial sustainability. This is something felt by entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. There is often a unique dance between mission, profitability, and the need to make impactful decisions that benefit all stakeholders.
Something I often share is the power of meaningful connections and networking. That starts by seeking guidance and insight from your own team. Dan has often seen success when leaders advocate for a collaborative decision-making process that helps leverage the expertise and insights of the collective team. Successful organizations utilize collaboration and collective wisdom to guide strategic decisions.
As Dan prepares for his move to Australia, he recognizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances and interpersonal dynamics in a new work environment. Lean into genuine curiosity about a culture and having an eagerness to adapt to new terminologies. Change is not always easy, but approach it with a growth mindset and openness to embracing unfamiliar experiences.
Dan's journey serves as a testament to the power of connection, adaptability, and continuous learning. Take a listen to this episode for more about embracing a new adventure, seeking new opportunities, and approaching life with curiosity and authenticity.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
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“If all of us could live with more of a sense of adventure and curiosity, we would find our stories fascinating and filled with surprises that are always enriching."
Key Moments
00:58 Nostalgia nourishes, stories connect.
05:46 Face problems, embrace change, and envision new possibilities.
06:40 Embracing uncertainty leads to unexpected and exciting changes.
10:00 Richard's book "Story Intelligence”
Connect with Richard Stone
Story Intelligence Website
Order the Book Story Intelligence: Master Story, Master Life
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The Impact of Stories
Richard Stone, recent guest and author of "Story Intelligence," returns to the show to ask me three thought-provoking questions. His questions lead us to a conversation about the influence of personal stories. It is always amazing how recalling stories can lead to powerful moments of self-reflection and connection. This shows the significance of sharing experiences and the impact it has on resilience and growth.
The first power of stories is their ability to transport us to different places and times. As I reminisce about my childhood I recall a fond memory of the movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales." The geographical setting of the movie really hit me and my family history in Missouri. Movies and shows are perfect examples of the emotional connection and nostalgic impact of storytelling. Just ask young Jody why he was so set on setting up a tape recorder to capture movie dialogues.
Instrumental reminiscence is the act of remembering challenging times and learning from them. A poignant memory for me was my father's battle with cancer. As I think about that time, I’ve discovered that while there was a perception of stoicism and bravery, it masked my father’s underlying vulnerability and fear. Realizing this helps shape my approach to openness and communication with my own children. This experience showcases the significant influence of personal challenges on parenting and resilience.
Envisioning new possibilities begins with a willingness to embrace the excitement of the unknown. There is something to be said about purposefully navigating through life with an adventurous spirit. My own journey from the heart of Illinois to the west coast is a reminder of the power envisioning new horizons can have on our personal and professional transformation. Richard points out that an openness to change and unwavering curiosity ignites a passion for embracing life's uncertainties. That is what will lead us to unexpected career shifts and enriching experiences.
Our personal stories have the power to uplift, inspire, and connect. While it may not feel easy, finding a willingness to share vulnerable moments helps remind others of the power of storytelling. It’s one of the best ways to foster empathy and resilience. Make sure to listen to this episode for a vulnerable conversation on the impact of stories.
“Money alone is not enough compensation for investing our time and energy. There has to be a sense of meaning, purpose, and accomplishment that go along with that, And that's it it lays right in the lap of in the life you love."
Key Moments
06:16 Printed books are like business cards. Use wisely.
10:21 Inspiration of Dan and Joanne's loving marriage.
24:14 48 days to change life.
25:59 Rural upbringing instilled values.
35:55 Turning inconvenience into opportunity for bonding.
42:13 Finding fulfilling work goes beyond just money.
51:43 Reevaluate choices as world changes; embrace fresh perspective.
01:07:24 The importance of small gestures in maintaining a strong marriage.
01:11:19 Innovation and creativity propel progress in technology.
01:14:01 Dan Miller's teachings create a lasting legacy.
Books and Resources by Dan Miller
Order the Book 48 Days to the Work and Life You Love
Visit the Website: https://www.48days.com/
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48 Lessons Celebrating Dan Miller
Dan Miller is a successful entrepreneur and author who has dedicated his career to helping others find meaningful and fulfilling work. He is the creator of 48Days.com, a website filled with resources and ideas for those seeking to start their own businesses. In this special episode, I am celebrating Dan Miller by sharing 48 lessons from him. That’s a number that’s significant to his brand. After receiving the news of Dan’s cancer diagnosis, I knew when he saw and heard that I was doing 48 lessons celebrating Dan Miller, it would make him smile. So, I did 48 just to make Dan Miller smile.
Dan's significant achievements came after the age of 53. That’s a great reminder that success knows no age limit. Embrace the non-linear process of life stages and keep pursuing your dreams with perseverance and determination.
Dan's principle of "pay to cut to the front of the line" emphasizes the value of investing time and money into building personal relationships. Authentic connections are the backbone of success. Prioritize nurturing genuine relationships for long-term growth and opportunities.
Dan's fearless approach to uncertainty and potential failure highlights the importance of seizing opportunities with innovation and creativity. Embrace change, take calculated risks, and keep innovating to carve out your unique place in the marketplace. In the spirit of celebration and continued growth, let’s aim to embody the lessons from Dan Miller's journey and make them a part of our own stories. Let's honor Dan’s legacy by staying true to our passions, embracing change with grace, and finding fulfillment in our unique paths.
The 48 lessons are only a fraction of what I have gained from Dan's remarkable journey and friendship. Make sure to listen to this episode and share it with someone else that could feel the impact of the lessons. As Dan has said, “the sharing of ideas is a powerful thing."
"If you don't have a problem, you don't have a story. And the bigger the problem, the better the story.”
Episode Highlights
04:36 Larger problem makes a better story.
08:05 Face change and take risks for a more rich life.
11:34 Repackage your perspective to change your life's direction.
14:06 Take ownership of your life story to gain authority over it.
18:09 Share a personal story to trigger empathy and understanding.
22:29 Storytelling predicts resilience and self-esteem in children.
23:45 Generational stories help teens navigate through life challenges.
26:18 Book by Richard Stone, “Story Intelligence: Master Story, Master Life”
Connect with Richard Stone
Story Intelligence Website
Order the Book Story Intelligence: Master Story, Master Life
Connect with Jody
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Story Intelligence
Storytelling can have a profound impact on our personal and professional lives. Richard Stone is a nationally recognized speaker and author on the power of storytelling. His knowledge on "story intelligence" has brought value to industries including business, healthcare, and education. Don't get confused though. Story Intelligence is not about improving IQ. It's about seeing the world as a story, opening us up to possibilities, and elevating the quality of our lives.
Storytelling isn't just for bedtime. It's a powerful tool that shapes our lives, our businesses, and even our brains. It can also help build connection and empathy. When we hear someone else's story, it's as though we step into their world, creating a deep level of connection and understanding.
This is often seen through the stories we tell with our own families. Family stories have a significant impact on children's resilience and self-esteem. Children who know their family's stories are better equipped to face difficulties, as they have reference points to draw inspiration from. Our lives are stories in the making, and they are worth sharing with others.
By becoming the author of our own story, we gain authority over our lives and open ourselves to new possibilities. The shared experience of storytelling connects us, inspires us, and shapes our lives. When done well, they make our lives richer and more meaningful.
Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or just someone who loves a good story, remember that storytelling isn't just a pastime or a skill. It is a fundamental part of what makes us human. The power of storytelling goes beyond personal growth by connecting us emotionally. The stories we tell can change lives.
Make sure to listen to the conversation with Richard on the Jody Mayberry Show podcast. You can find more resources and interviews with Richard on storyintelligence.com and grab a copy of "Story Intelligence: Master Story, Master Life" on Amazon.
"Transformation should never end because if you have your best and brightest people thinking about how to continually make the experience better and better and better and better because it's never perfect."
Episode Highlights
04:12 Addressing consumer needs for personalization and simplification at Epcot.
08:31 Embrace new business approach to improve customer and employee experience.
10:12 Prioritizing accuracy over speed.
16:33 Continuous improvement is essential rather than achieving perfection.
17:32 Constant evolution essential for organizational success.
22:43 Balancing high expectations, competition, and constant delivery.
25:52 Embrace imperfection and be agile in journey.
29:39 Life teaches lessons, lead to inspire.
Connect with Jim MacPhee
Order Jim's Book
Jim MacPhee Linkedin
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Three Factors to Implement Change
Retired Disney COO Jim MacPhee joins for a conversation on the three factors crucial for successful change implementation. Jim brings insights from his time driving personalization and simplification for guests and staff within Disney. He emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs and frontline employees if you want to stay on the path to success. The evidence in Disney's transformational projects result in high NPS scores and improved guest experiences is enough to show that Jim’s experience with this topic is invaluable.
Transformation is continual, not a finite project. Jim emphasizes the necessity of viewing transformation as an ongoing effort, not a project with a defined endpoint. This mindset shift is crucial for sustained success in driving organizational change.
Prioritize the customer and employee experience. The implementation of change should prioritize ensuring that customers love the changes, employees can deliver them, and the changes ultimately enhance the overall experience. By prioritizing these aspects, transformative efforts are more likely to yield high NPS scores and simplify the customer experience.
Another key to successful change implementation is being able to nspire and engage to drive exceptional experiences. In leadership, it is vital to engage and inspire others to deliver exceptional experiences. This approach is pivotal in ensuring that change implementation focuses on creating enjoyable experiences for consumers, ease of delivery for employees, and reliability for all stakeholders.
Jim's wealth of experience and insights provide valuable lessons. Make sure to listen to this episode in full if you are looking to drive meaningful change within your organization. And don't forget to check out Jim MacPhee's book "Engage, Inspire, Lead" for further inspiration and guidance around successful change implementation.
"Be generous. Be gracious because you don't know what people are going through."
Episode Highlights
00:00 Daily podcast called "In the Front Row" offers guidance to child.
03:23 Removing bandage reveals stitches and scar, yet emotional bandages are hidden.
06:43 Podcast message helping students and families globally; available on all platforms.
In The Front Row Podcast
Listen Using This Link In the Front Row
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Delivering Daily Ideas
Over 100 episodes ago I started a unique daily podcast called "In the Front Row.” It was initially started for my son as he left for his freshman year of college. What began as a personal endeavor has since evolved into a global platform touching the lives of students, parents, and individuals around the world.
The power of consistent, heartfelt messages can have a profound impact, guiding and influencing loved ones through daily affirmations and life lessons. What is neat is seeing how much it has expanded beyond its initial purpose. It resonates with people around the globe. There is nothing better than hearing how it prompts positive change in the lives of students, parents, and individuals.
If you know a student, whether in high school or college, consider sharing "In the Front Row" podcast. It is a simple way to help inspire and guide them through the challenges of academic life and beyond. In fact, it is a great way for you to also start your day with a daily dose of inspiration and wisdom.
Thank you for being a part of the podcast community. I appreciate your support and hope that "In the Front Row" enriches your life and the lives of those you share it with. New episodes of Jody Mayberry Show are on their way with more valuable discussions.
"Let's embrace disconnection and just take a moment to appreciate what you see."
Episode Highlights
[00:01:55] How hiking and disconnecting connects you with work
[00:03:26] Valuable habit of taking breaks and brainstorming with a partner.
[00:09:20] Life is ongoing work. Embrace different perspectives for creativity.
[00:10:04] Getting away from distractions in nature sparks fresh ideas for Dan, who anticipates creating new content based on the experience with his companion.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Connect with Jody
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About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Go Outside for Fresh Ideas
Nature can transform your creativity and recharge your mind. While Dan Cockerell and were sitting trailside at Bryce Canyon National Park we decided to record a podcast episode. This conversation business strategies to the magic of disconnecting from the digital connectivity to immerse oneself in the beauty of national parks. Why knew a simple hike could spark a whole new perspective on work and life?
Dan's pursuit to unplug and escape into the wilderness was not only refreshing but also a catalyst for a fresh wave of creativity. Hiking can be a breeding ground for innovative ideas and concepts. A good hike is a powerful mental cleanse, too. he stillness of nature allowed Dan and I to reflect on their brainstorming sessions and business plans.
Nature has the incredible ability to shape new connections and fuel brainstorming sessions. If you've been wary of taking a deep dive into nature, these insights should be reason enough to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. After all, the magic of hiking, unplugging, and embracing nature's serenity could hold the key to unlocking your next big idea.
Embrace the great outdoors a little more. Who knows? Your next big breakthrough could be waiting for you atop that mountain peak or hidden along a forest trail.
“I’m more knowledgeable and think about things different now because of all the people I've had the chance to interview."
Episode Highlights
[00:00:59] Impacts of disruptive innovation such as drones in parks.
[00:05:03] Being a Park Ranger is not just about nature, it involves dirty work and dealing with difficult people, and yet is still a fabulous job.
[00:07:11] Theme parks are fun, but nature is truly spectacular.
[00:10:16] Be mindful and promote a hospitality mentality.
Connect with Josh
Order the Book The Hospitality Mentality
https://www.roller.software/
http://attractionpros.com/category/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualiebman
Connect with Jody
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Learning From the People You Interview
There have been many incredible learning opportunities that have come from podcasting. Each lesson has started with a conversation full of meaningful questions. In this episode, Josh Liebman, author of The Hospitality Mentality, returns to ask me three thought-provoking questions. We dive into the world of podcasting, park ranger experiences, and learning from the people you interview.
The first thing Josh asked me was about learning opportunities that come from hosting a podcast. The lessons from podcast guests are invaluable. For example, a conversation with the director of South Carolina State Parks still stands out to me. He opened my eyes to the concept of disruptive innovation. It draws parallels between drones and other inventions that have impacted the park industry. That conversation was a great eye opener and reminder that we should always be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Next, we talk about my favorite places to drive. The best drive can leave you in awe. This question made me recall a drive through the mountains of North Carolina, surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. It's a reminder to take the time to appreciate and experience the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Finally, we had to debunk some myths of being a park ranger. There is a misconception that this job is all about hugging trees and communing with nature. While it certainly has its rewarding moments, being a park ranger can also be incredibly challenging and messy. No matter how idyllic a profession may seem, there are always behind-the-scenes realities to consider.
Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on the importance of learning from the people we interview. Even if you are not hosting a podcast, there are many things you can learn from the people around you. Just start asking questions.
"The most important thing is the conversation that you're having with your guest. It is way more qualitative than it is quantitative."
Episode Highlights
[00:01:59] Discovering the efforts of running a complex amusement park and creating a seamless guest experience
[00:04:08] Utilizing formal education and experience to help elevate guest experiences.
[00:07:37] Impact of Ron Logan, Disney legend and professor.
[00:14:54] Guest enthusiasm should not exceed employee enthusiasm.
[00:20:14] Stepping stones to success and fulfillment.
[00:25:12] A Hospitality Mentality Book; best way to start is by building a service culture.
Connect with Josh Order the Book The Hospitality Mentality
http://www.attractionpros.com/
http://attractionpros.com/category/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualiebman
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
The Hospitality Mentality
Josh Liebman has been immersed in the world of hospitality, tourism, and attraction spaces for over 18 years. He brings his vast experience and expertise for a conversation around creating raving fans through your guest experience and this new book, The Hospitality Mentality. Josh has seen it all, starting from his early days working as a ride operator at the prestigious Cedar Point amusement park, and is here to shed light on the power of hospitality in any field.
Josh has used his vast experience to build customer service training programs. As demand for Josh's expertise grew, he saw an opportunity to have a macro impact on his industry. So, instead of working for one park at a time, he started consulting for many, helping implement his ideas and elevating guest experiences across the board.
Applying the principles of exceptional customer service and guest experience can have a transformative impact, even in unexpected industries like child support call centers. By adopting a mindset that values empathy, responsiveness, and resolution, leaders can create positive outcomes and build strong relationships. As early as chapter one of Josh's upcoming book, he highlights the importance of getting rid of customers and focusing on building a service culture.
One essential aspect of a hospitality mentality is effectively resolving service failures and complaints. Josh emphasizes the significance of embracing these situations as opportunities to build trust, demonstrate genuine care, and turn a negative experience into a positive one. By nurturing a culture that prioritizes outstanding service, organizations can create an environment where employees are motivated to exceed expectations and deliver memorable experiences to clients or customers.
Make sure to listen to the full conversation with Josh Liebman for even more on the power of a hospitality mentality and its potential to transform industries.. Remember, a little bit of hospitality can go a long way in making a difference.
“Quit goofing around and start working on your own stuff."
Episode Highlights
[00:02:05] Cockrell Academy and unfinished book project.
[00:03:59] Prioritizing personal projects over client work.
[00:07:09] Email works for words of encouragement and accountability.
[00:10:55] rite a standalone book before pursuing a series
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Why Won't Jody Maberry Finish Writing His Book?
In our previous episode, Lauren Gaggioli joined for a conversation about the value of understanding SEO. And guess what? She's back again, this time to ask me three questions the challenges of entrepreneurship and personal projects. Her questions lead to a reflective conversation about the struggles of maintaining focus, prioritizing tasks, and the importance of pushing ourselves to achieve our goals.
Three questions we address:
- What was the hardest season or project in my entrepreneurial journey?
- What is holding me back from finishing my book?
- Can people start emailing me for word counts again?
As entrepreneurs, it can be easy to get caught up celebrating accomplishments. The reality is that it is in the valleys where the real growth happens and we all need to take time to share the challenges and obstacles we face. It is from these experiences that we can truly connect and learn from each other..
For example, I continue to struggle finishing my book, guilty of making excuses and prioritizing other tasks instead. Sometimes, we forget to amplify our own voices and need others to remind us of our worth. There is a lot of power of encouragement. Let's take a moment to uplift each other and show support for our fellow entrepreneurs, authors, and dreamers.
After you finish listen to this episode, send me an email with words of encouragement and support. It’s a great idea to hold myself accountable, keep him on track, and stay motivated. Your emails will serve as a reminder of the impact my work has on people and the importance of completing this book.
Thank you for your continued support. I can't wait to hear from you!
"Not only had I figured out how to get them to the site, I'd figured out how to convert them to paying clients"
Episode Highlights
[00:01:39] How a boring topic turned out to be exciting and valuable
[00:06:00] SEO is important for websites to succeed in Google search; focus on key actions to be effective.
[00:10:00] Language matching is crucial for Google search. Using different language isolates users and hinders connection. Linguistic mirroring signals intent and empathy.
[00:12:06] Lee's website had a search problem with traffic. Visitors should enter through specific pages, not the homepage. The user experience needed improvement.
[00:15:53] Highly recommend new free course on DIY website audit, uncover hidden issues and improve user experience.
[00:19:37] The real magic happens when someone hits your optimized sales page. 1% statistically convert and you make money off strangers. Cracking online sales funnel; building community.
[00:23:48] Each page is a sales page for a trail guide. You can sell individual guides or bundle them together.
Connect with Lauren
https://laurengaggioli.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengaggioli
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurengaggioli
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
While SEO may sound dull and technical, understanding search engine optimization basics can make a tremendous impact on your online presence. However, Lauren Gaggioli, joins to explain why it is essential for getting your content discovered by the right audience and driving organic traffic to your website.
Lauren stumbled upon SEO while trying to solve her own problems in the world of education. As she dug deeper into the subject, she realized its immense potential for solopreneurs and small businesses like hers. Lauren's passion and expertise eventually led her to conduct a website audit for Lee Cockrell, revealing the power and limitations of consistent good content in the SEO realm. That was when I knew I needed to have her on the show.
SEO provides an incredible opportunity for small businesses to compete and thrive in the online space. With a little bit of effort and the right strategies, you can leverage it to reach your target audience and connect with potential customers. Creating good content consistently is crucial, but it's not enough on its own. By combining a strong content strategy with SEO principles, you can maximize the visibility and reach of your content, ensuring that it reaches the right people at the right time.
If you've ever found SEO to be boring or overwhelming, this episode will change your perspective. Take a listen to our conversation around SEO and uncover its secrets to success. Get ready to take your online presence to new heights with the magic of search engine optimization.
Valerie Cockerll returns to turn the tables and ask me three questions. She came prepared with questions that really challenged me to reflect on some of my own experiences. The conversion ends discussing the impact of our mom's teachings and how they have influenced the approach to our careerers. This is a great one that really hits on the impact of meaningful relationships and making a long term investment in others.
Some of the key takeaways from this episode:
- Prepare with Purpose: Women often come more prepared for interviews, knowing exactly what they want to convey. As professionals, it's essential to approach opportunities with a clear understanding of what we want to communicate.
- Think Long Term: Just like raising children, building relationships and investing in others requires a long-term perspective. The effort and consistency put into nurturing connections will eventually pay off and yield positive results.
- Lead by Example: Role modeling plays a crucial role in shaping the behaviors and values of others, whether they are your children or colleagues. By demonstrating positive traits, you inspire and influence those around you to follow suit.
In a world that often focuses on short-term gains and instant gratification, it's important to take a step back and consider the value of investing in others. Whether it's in the workplace, personal relationships, or even within our families, the act of investing in others has the power to create a brighter future for everyone involved.
This episode reminds us all of the significance of investing in others, not just for personal growth but also for the collective betterment of society. Take a listen and consider how you can make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of those around you.
Connect with Valerie: Order the book - Manage Like a Mother
Email - valerie@cockerellconsulting.com.
LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
[00:01:28] Women come more prepared for interviews.
[00:04:45] Parenting is a rewarding investment; kids mimic good behavior.
[00:08:00] Genuine interest, empathy, and understanding in work.
[00:11:22] Finding purpose during the pandemic.
[00:14:24] Never take anything for granted; everlasting appreciation.
[00:16:27] "Book: Manage Like a Mother” offers leadership lessons
"By virtue of being a kid and on the receiving end of mothering, you have learned you know what works and what doesn't work." - Valerie Cockerell
This conversation brought me an all new perspective around the ways that motherhood can serve as a powerful foundation for effective leadership in any organization. Valerie Cockerell is joining to discuss her new book, "Manage Like a Mother," where she explores the intersection of motherhood and leadership. Valerie's message is simple yet impactful: leaders should manage like a mother.
Valerie Cockerell is a French American former Disney leader who was part of the opening team of Disneyland Paris. She pursued her career at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and facilitated programs for the Disney Institute. She is now a consultant in Leadership and Customer service excellence for organizations around the world. Today, she is the proud mother of 3 and lives near Boulder, Colorado.
During our conversation, Valerie shares her goal of encouraging men to become advocates for women by reflecting on the impact of their own mothers. She draws parallels between the instinctive thinking and planning that mothers do for their children's futures and the long-term vision that leaders should have for their organizations. There is also value in the different approaches and strengths that women bring to the table.
Many organizations recognize the need for diverse skills and perspectives in leadership roles. Valerie does a great job of explaining that while there are imperfections of mothers, the lessons we take away - good and bad - provide value. By recognizing the unique contributions that mothers make, she hopes to bridge the gender gap in the workplace and inspire men to support and advocate for women. Valerie encourages organizations to shift their focus from experience to a skills-based approach, providing women with a fair chance to compete on an equal basis.
This is a great episode full of thought-provoking insight that challenges traditional notions of leadership. Valeries common-sense approch make it easy to embrace the unique skills and perspectives that mothers bring to the table. Connect with Valerie
Order the book - Manage Like a Mother LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
[00:02:33] Women rely on love, anticipate danger, notice details.
[00:06:23] Diversity in skills important; men value it.
[00:07:17] Mothers aren't always perfect, but they teach valuable lessons.
[00:10:35] Mothers' instinct can be transferred to leaders.
[00:15:02] Men supporting women in the workplace.
[00:18:54] Managing like a mother, teaching with workshops.
[00:22:59] Underestimated contribution of women in workplace.
[00:25:27] Be cautious of deliberate competence, strategic incompetence.
[00:28:33] Get men to advocate for women.
"Data can be turned into a story. When you present numbers without a story, people just glaze over."— Alice Fairfax
As is customary on the show, Alice Fairfax returns to ask three unscripted questions. Considering she is the author of "Tell Your Story: Tools to Take You from a Tweet to a TED Talk,” it makes sense that her questions would dive deeper into of storytelling. Much of our conversation revolves around the importance of learned and earned stories. Both play a significant role in connecting with audiences on a universal and specific level.
Alice makes an interesting connection between inviting an audience into a story and the significance of telling a good story. It is important to recognize the distinction between learned stories, which focus on information provided by companies, and earned stories, which are born out of personal experiences consumers have with a brand. When I think about my experience as a park ranger I feel that learned stories are like the informative signs, brochures, and videos encountered at parks. On the other hand, earned stories, exemplified by experiences at Disney parks, are the stories people go home and tell because they personally interacted with the brand. For a story to be remarkable, it needs to be both universal and specific. If a learned story lacks these vital elements, people are unlikely to relate to it or remember it, and therefore, they won't share it.
For businesses to truly connect with their customers they need to know the importance of understanding both learned and earned stories. It is not to say it’s easy. There are challenges faced by businesses like drug stores, where earned stories may be harder to create. In those situations it is best to focus on delivering outstanding learned stories that are both universal and specific.
Ultimately, Alice's story formula, which focuses on making stories relatable and engaging, perfectly complements the concept of learned and earned stories. There is no denying the power of storytelling and how businesses can effectively connect with their audience through learned and earned stories. By offering memorable and remarkable experiences, brands can foster deep connections and inspire customers to share their stories, creating a lasting impact. Storytelling plays a fundamental role in engaging audiences and creating meaningful connections.
Connect with Alice
Visit Alice's Website
Order the book Tell Your Story
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
[00:02:22] Businesses should offer universal or specific stories to be remarkable.
[00:04:23] Understanding and utilizing learned and earned stories
[00:09:13] Developing a storytelling formula.
[00:12:33] Disney and national parks both rely on storytelling to engage visitors.
[00:15:38] Universal and specific elements create memorable experiences.
In business, we are telling a story whether we know it or not. Evaluate what story you are telling and how you want people to participate. Own that story and create an incredible experience that exceeds expectations. - Alice Fairfax
In this episode I welcome Alice Fairfax, author of the book Tell Your Story, to share her expertise on the importance of storytelling in creating memorable experiences. With over 20 years of experience as an actor and storyteller at Disney, Alice understands the power of storytelling to captivate audiences and engage customers. We dive into many of the ways it can be used to create memorable and engaging experiences.
Her journey into storytelling began with listening to tales from her father during long cross-country drives. Alice Fairfax's journey into storytelling began with listening to tales from her father during long cross-country drives. She was just a child then, but the stories of the wild west, woven by her father, left a lasting impression.
Throughout our conversation, Alice emphasizes the need for businesses to recognize that they are telling a story, whether they realize it or not. She provides examples of how framing a message as an invitation rather than a demand can enhance the overall narrative and make customers feel special. Alice discusses the role of leaders as storytellers, highlighting the impact of authentic and personal stories on inspiring and motivating teams.
Alice's book, Tell Your Story, is focused around the Story Formula, a tool to help craft compelling narratives. By incorporating universality and specificity into stories, individuals and organizations can create connections that resonate with audiences. This is such a great tool for anyone that is wanting to enhance customer engagement and create lasting connections through memorable experiences.
This is a great conversation around the art of audience engagement. Make sure to take a listen and share this episode with anyone that is looking for more wants to make your audience, or customers, a part of the story.
Connect with Alice
Visit Alice's Website
Order the book Tell Your Story
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:00:48 - Alice's Disney Career
00:03:20 - Learning to Tell a Great Story
00:06:07 - Engaging the Audience
00:12:23 - The Power of Invitation
00:14:39 - Importance of Communicating and Owning the Story
00:16:55 - The Power of Inviting Guests into a Story
00:19:42 - The Impact of Leadership and Storytelling
00:22:08 - Transition from Disney to Becoming an Author
00:24:53 - The Story Formula for Compelling Stories
Start with a mirror - true leadership begins with self-reflection. - Mike Simmons
During my recent trip to Alaska I was intrigued by the innovative sales tactics used in high-end jewelry stores on the cruise. It only make sense to welcome Mike Simmons back to use his sales expertise to break down this tactic. His expertise in simplifying problem-solving and decision-making makes him the perfect person to talk about my observations on selling.
Thankfully Mike has familiarity with the sales strategies based on his own experience on a cruise. The tactics used onboard are a perfect example of the importance of designing experiences to engage customers and gather feedback. They had well-orchestrated incentives and engaging experiences that keep people coming back for more throughout the sailing.
The same principles used by the jewelry store sales team can be applied to simplify and streamline decision-making processes in business. Their meticulous attention to detail, strategic incentives, and structured sales approach highlights the power of isolating variables and taking action to achieve results. As Mike says, it is important to achieve results rather than just focus on execution.
If you're a professional trying to to simplify problem-solving and decision-making, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical tips from Mike's experiences. Tune in to learn how to isolate variables, take action, and streamline your decision-making process to achieve the results you desire.
Connect with Mike Simmons
https://www.findmycatalyst.com/
Find My Catalyst Podcast
Mike Simmons on LinkedIn
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:00:28 - Alaska Experience 00:06:28 - Building Sales into the Experience 00:09:21 - Scavenger Hunts and Trade Shows 00:11:33 - Scarcity and Urgency 00:12:41 - Additional Purchasing Options 00:14:20 - The Power of Copywriting 00:15:34 - Becoming an Extension of the Sales Team 00:16:46 - The Value of Scripts 00:18:32 - Making it Easy to Pay, 00:21:44 - Creating Your Own Laboratory 00:27:56 - The Need for Leadership and Culture Building 00:28:51 - Shifting the Focus to "Axe" 00:29:59 - Simplifying Approach and Embracing Continuous Learning 00:31:40 - Positive Feedback and Excitement for the Future
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Relationships matter. They are finite, and you need to take advantage of them in a good way for as long as they're offered to you. - Jim MacPhee
Jim MacPhee is a former executive leader with Disney who joins to share some of his lessons on becoming an inspirational leader throughout his 43 year career. His experiences range from starting as a boat driver and retiring as the COO/Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World. We spend a lot of time discussing the impact of building relationships and creating positive experiences. He emphasizes the fact that effective leaders make people feel valued. Throughout his career at Disney, Jim discovered that true engagement involves looking people in the eye, asking about their lives, and listening to their responses. He believes that caring leadership fueled by authentic engagement can turn average performances into extraordinary ones.
Making emotional connections and making people feel valued contribute to the overall success and reputation of an organization. This is echoed in Jim's philosophy of inspirational leadership, which is rooted in engaging, inspiring, and leading others. True engagement involves making eye contact, smiling, and showing appreciation to everyone in the organization. He shares how he made people feel valued throughout his career. I love when he says that the true measure of an experience is how an organization or individual makes someone feel. This is also why he encourages leaders to spend time engaging with frontline employees. They often hold valuable insights and play a crucial role in shaping the customer experience.
This episode is a wonderful conversation with valuable insights around improving leadership skills and enhancing customer and employee engagement. The experiences Jim shared showecase the power of relationships and what set the stage for his successful leadership style.
Connect with Jim MacPhee
Order Jim's Book
Jim MacPhee Linkedin
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlight
00:02:48 - The Window on Main Street
00:05:27 - Building Meaningful Relationships at Work
00:08:23 - Fly Fishing and Finding Joy in Retirement
00:10:57 - Embracing a Student Mindset
00:13:31 - Introduction to Disney and Epcot
00:14:35 - The Epcot Center Preview Center
00:16:01 - The Importance of Curiosity and New Challenges
00:18:22 - The Power of Relationships and Understanding
00:21:36 - Engage, Inspire, Lead
00:27:29 - Importance of Personal Connection
00:28:45 - The Value of Frontline Employee
00:29:01 - Challenges for Leaders
"A podcast lets people see your work, it lets people hear your work. And when people can see and hear your work, they can connect with you on such a deeper level." - Jody Maberry
There are some incredible benefits of starting a podcast for your business. I know firsthand just how powerful podcasting can be for growing your visibility and establishing yourself as an expert in your industry. I used to have my doubts about podcasting. I didn't like the sound of my own voice, and I wasn't sure if anyone would even listen. But boy, was I wrong!
Once you are able to push past insecurities and start your own podcast, amazing things start to happen. By consistently talking about your product or service, you become the go-to expert in your field. People start to trust you and see you as an authority in your industry. And you know what that meant? It meant more clients, more opportunities, and more growth for your business.
Podcasting is not just about credibility and expertise. Podcasting also allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level. Your listeners get to know who you are and what you stand for. They become familiar with your voice and your personality, and that creates a deep sense of trust and loyalty.
If have been looking to take your business to the next level, I highly recommend starting a podcast. It's a powerful tool that can help you showcase your unique approach, answer frequently asked questions, and build a personal connection with your audience. Don't let fear hold you back. Take a leap of faith and start podcasting today.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:01:14 - Story of Kevin Jury
00:03:05 - Podcasting and Personal Branding
00:06:07 - Jody's Journey into Podcasting
00:09:21 - Three Reasons to Start a Podcast
00:16:35 - The Power of a Podcast
00:18:15 - Cutting Out the Introductory Phase
00:20:26 - Becoming the Expert
00:22:53 - Unique Approach in Your Industry
00:27:17 - Overcoming Podcasting Challenges
00:33:19 - The Power of Talking About Your Product
00:34:15 - The Importance of Differentiation
00:35:23 - Overcoming Self-Doubt
00:36:32 - Impact of Podcasting
00:39:02 - Be Willing to Stand Out
"Don't ever say no for somebody else. Give them the chance to say no for themselves."
Recently, I was invited by Church on the Rock in St. Charles, Missouri, to speak at their Marketplace ministry event. While I was there, they asked me to sit in and record an episode of their Leadership Lifter podcast. The tables were turned. This time Pastor David Blunt had me on a podcast as the guest. The conversation was so good that I wanted to share it with you as an episode of The Jody Maberry Show.
During our conversation I revisited my journey from Illinois to Washington State. It was fun remembering stories of my past as a park ranger and my transition into podcasting. It made me realize how much of my own story was shaped by the very topic we discussed - the power of staff, service, and stories in setting an organization apart.
An important lesson I've learned over the years is that those are the only three ways to stand out. Having spent several years as a park ranger, I've seen firsthand the impact of staff, service, and stories on the visitor experience. Every park has trees and trails, but it's the human element - the interactions with park staff, the level of service provided, and the stories visitors take home - that truly differentiates one park from another. This concept holds true for any organization, reminding us that it's people's experiences that truly set us apart.
If you're looking to differentiate your organization in the service industry and attract more customers, this episode is a must-listen. The practical tips and real-life examples will inspire you to focus on your staff, provide exceptional service, and leverage the power of storytelling.
Connect with Jody
Listen to the Leadership Lifter Podcast
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"There is no work-life balance, just life. Prioritize what's important and put your energy where it needs to be."
The conversation during the last episode really hit home on something that is near and dear to my heart. Chris Neema and Michael McGreevey highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships within the family. We had a candid discussion about parenting, relationships, and the transition that happens when our children leave home.
During the episode, Chris and Michael asked me some thought-provoking questions that have stuck with me. We discussed the challenges couples face when their children grow up and leave home, as well as the need to redefine our relationships and individual identities. It really struck a chord with me because my son recently graduated high school and is going away to college. This has been a major transition for our family, and it has made me realize the opportunity to focus more on building a deeper relationship with my daughter.
We also touched on the differences in parenting approaches between spouses. It can be challenging when we have different beliefs and philosophies, but it's important to address those differences and find a common ground. We shared some personal stories and insights that I think many parents will find relatable.
Throughout the episode, we emphasized the significance of spending quality time with our spouse and each child individually. It's crucial to prioritize these relationships and make intentional efforts to strengthen them. The conversation was full of practical tips and advice that have helped us in our own journeys as parents.
If you are a parent who wants to nurture stronger family relationships, I highly recommend listening to this episode. It's filled with relatable stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will resonate with you. It's time to prioritize what truly matters - our family.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:01:06 - Chris's question - Leading Family through Transition
00:03:16 - Michael's question - Parenting Differences
00:06:06 - Lee Cockerell's Advice on Parenting
00:09:20 - Challenges in Empty Nest Season
00:10:50 - Taking Time for Dates
Chris Niemeyer and Michael McGreevy found themselves in a predicament faced by many men; How to excel at work without neglecting their responsibilities at home? It was a balancing act that seemed to demand all or nothing. However, instead of succumbing to the notion of incompatibility between the two, they decided to challenge it.
Their paths intersected during a meet at Dan Miller's mastermind group. There, they discovered a shared struggle and a shared belief - it is possible to be a devoted family man and a successful businessman. Chris, has a keen business acumen, with a knack for setting up supportive frameworks for entrepreneurs. Meanwhile his Pacific Northwest heart cherishes family time. This makes him adept at realizing the importance of balance in a working professional's life. Similarly, Michael, a proud Buffalo native, brings extensive experience in business and an even greater dedication to his family, understands the want to excel in both walks of life. Thus, The Forge was born, a community aimed at supporting men in their dual journey of family and work.
The Forge has become a haven for men to express their struggles, share their victories, and learn from each other, all in the pursuit of a harmonious balance between family and work. The idea was sprung from seeing a need for companionship and support for men navigating the tightrope walk between work and family. Their collective mission with The Forge is to help men enjoy fulfilling relationships with their families whilst also thriving professionally.
Connect with The Forge
Website https://theforgealliance.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/theforgealliance
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forge-alliance
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theforgealliance/
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:03:47 - Balancing Work and Family
00:07:45 - Impact of The Forge
00:09:08 - Personal Strategies for Balancing Work and Family
00:11:14 - Practical Steps and Cadence of The Forge
00:13:06 - Investing in Kids While Getting Business Stuff Done
00:15:22 - Balancing Career Success and Family Commitments
00:19:56 - Providing for Family Beyond Financial Support
00:21:15 - Results and Impact of The Forge
00:24:17 - Recognizing and Celebrating the Work Done at Home
"Often it's up to you to make the decision that changes your own life."
Ray Edwards was a copywriter and marketer at the top of his game. But in 2011, his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As the disease progressed, he found himself in constant pain, unable to walk, and even contemplating suicide. Despite trying various treatments, nothing seemed to work.
After much reflection he found himself considering that key to living well, even with his circumstances, was to change his mindset. He realized that he had the power within himself to change his mindset and live a fulfilling life despite his diagnosis. Drawing upon his skills as a persuader, Ray crafted a raw, compelling sales letter to himself, outlining the reasons to live and the purpose he could find in his life. The letter was the catalyst for him to undergo a transformative brain surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation. The surgery improved his symptoms significantly, and he was able to once again enjoy life.
Ray's story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of living with intention and finding purpose in even the most challenging situations. Intentional living can transform even the most challenging situations. Take a listen to our conversation to get a glimpse into how he guides others on their own journey to live a meaningful life aligned with their values. His passionate advocacy for intentional living makes him a truly inspiring guest.
Connect with Ray Order the Book Read This or Die
https://rayedwards.com/podcast-archives/
Ray Edwards Website
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:03:35 - The Sales Letter That Saved Ray's Life
00:08:03 - Deep Brain Stimulation
00:09:30 - Making a Change
00:12:32 - Starting from a Place of Strength and Happiness
00:14:10 - Change Through Education, Experience, and Exposure
00:16:15 - Self-Awareness and Doing Your Best
00:18:04 - Remembering Your Mortality
00:23:46 - Writing the Story of Your Life
00:25:06 - Your Life is a Story
00:26:37 - Vulnerability in the Book
00:27:25 - Making a Change
00:28:07 - Gratitude and Closing
"You become the average of the five people you spend the most intentional time with."
Ray Edwards is a well-respected copywriter and author who is known for his expertise in creating powerful biographical narratives for entrepreneurs. His recent participation in the Creating Magic Mastermind event has added another feather to his cap. The mastermind events with Lee Cockerell in Orlando Florida are always a wonderful time. The days were full of invaluable insights from participants of many different industries and walks of life.
It was clear that Ray's depth of knowledge and empathetic approach were greatly appreciated by all in attendance at the event. It only made sense to then invite him to the podcast for a conversation so he can further share his experience. During our conversation, Ray shares how he has transformed his personal and professional growth by attending the Creating Magic Mastermind event.
In this episode, you will:
- Explore takeaways from the Creating Magic Mastermind event and how they can change your life
- Learn how mentors can contribute to your personal and professional journey
- Understand the significance of cultivating a community for authentic connections
- Adopt the skill of incorporating feedback to enhance your capabilities
- Combine introspection and practical implementation for optimum growth
Take a listen to hear Ray's perspective on the impact of attending events such as Creating Magic Masterminds. If you aren't able to attend one in person, consider expanding your peer group by joining a virtual Mastermind group or community.
Make sure to share this episode with anyone else that is considering attending an event like Creating Magic Masterminds so they can discover the impact they will have on your personal and professional growth.
Connect with Ray
https://rayedwards.com/podcast-archives/
Ray Edwards Website
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:03:40 - The Group Where You Find the Gold
00:09:02 - Exceed Expectations and Good People Will Reward You
00:11:59 - Carl Holtz
00:13:11 - The Importance of Believing in Your Solution
00:16:42 - The Motivation to Get Out of Pain
00:19:38 - Understanding the Roots of Our Behaviors
00:21:11 - Disney's Success is in its Clarity
00:26:21 - The Importance of Community
00:27:12 - The Power of Correction
00:28:22 - The Value of Introspection
00:29:20 - Prospection
00:30:23 - Creating Impact
"Being an author takes you places that you don't expect to get." David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, and Karen Anderson, associate publisher, are the dynamic duo of the publishing world. Their passion is helping authors create transformative, engaging books. During our conversation we talk about their collaborated to launch Magic Press, a publishing imprint that focuses on authors with a background in theme parks and magical experiences. Both of them have worked closely with many authors to share their expertise and stories. They are an incredibly valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and writers looking to make an impact through the written word.
In this episode, you will be able to: * Uncover the advantages of writing a book for business-minded individuals * Examine the domino effect an author's written work has on their professional standing and influence * Dive into the world of storytelling and its profound effect on a reader's psyche * Investigate Magic Press's unique dedication to authors inspired by theme park experiences. * Get the inside scoop on the resources and support provided by Magic Press to aspiring authors
Magic Press, the imprint of Morgan James Publishing, was created to showcase the unique stories of entrepreneurs and authors. Make sure to listen to this episode as we discuss the power of writing a book and how Magic Press supports authors in the writing and publishing process.
Connect with Morgan James Publishing David Hancock
Karen Anderson
Morgan James Publishing website
Morgan James Radio Podcast
Morgan James Publishing Twitter
Morgan James Publishing LinkedIn
Morgan James Publishing Facebook
Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:02:48 - What is Magic Press?
00:07:53 - Why Write a Book at the End of Your Career?
00:11:59 - The Power of Storytelling
00:14:59 - The Power of a Book
00:17:22 - Overcoming Writing Obstacles
00:18:39 - The Magic of a Book
00:20:23 - Magic Press and the Book Publishing Process
00:21:59 - The Power of Publishing with Magic Press
"You've got to work hard to be ready when the lucky break happens."
Last episode, Jerry Dugan joined to share about his passion for servant leadership and the lessons he's learned in his career. As we do on The Jody Maberry show, when we have a guest, that guest comes back the very next episode to ask me three questions. These questions are not prompted by me or influenced by me. He really came up with some good ones.
Jerry's three questions are:
- What lessons from your park ranger days would you say still carry over today to being a servant leader?
- What is the rut you help people get out of?
- How would that person go about getting that first gig?
He even manages to sneak in a fourth question about Bigfoot.
As Jerry asked each question it led to interesting discussions about how our experiences can shape us into better leaders who prioritize serving others. Not only by leading, but also genuinely caring for those we lead. Many people that transition from public service to entrepreneurship find it challenging to promote themselves. It often goes against the very core of servant leadership.
Take a listen to hear my thoughts on authentic public service with the extraordinary servant leader, Jerry Dugan. We explore how my experiences as a park ranger have shaped my leadership skills and goals.
Connect with Jerry https://beyondtherut.com/
Podcast Beyond the Rut
Book Beyond the Rut
Audiobook Beyond the Rut
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:01:14 - Lessons from Being a Park Ranger
00:04:20 - Getting Out of a Rut
00:07:57 - Getting the First Speaking Gig
00:12:24 - Is Bigfoot Real?
00:14:18 - Movie Recommendation
00:14:23 - Fun End of Show
00:14:38 - Not Everyone Will Hear It
“Our ruts are really not that deep. They're not that hard to climb out of.”
Jerry Dugan never expected that a simple conversation about Nutella would lead him on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. He is a compassionate speaker and author who aims to empower men in their thirties and forties to shatter the barriers keeping them from realizing their full potential.
As an avid podcast listener, he found himself drawn to the stories of others and the lessons they had to share. During a New Years resolution jog on New Year's Day he realized he wanted to inspire others as well. This led to the creation of a father-son podcast that would ultimately change his life. He realized that through his podcast, Beyond the Rut, he was inadvertently inspiring himself by showing up every week to talk about something that mattered.
As the years passed, Jerry noticed that he was stuck in a rut in his personal and professional life. It was time for a change. Through introspection and the support of his family, Jerry made the decision to leave his corporate job. He spent time writing a book that captured all that he had learned to help others break free from their ruts. The podcast evolved from a men's ministry to a place where people share their stories and practical advice on how to get out of ruts in their lives. He now has a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment after recognizing the importance of seizing the moment and taking the necessary steps towards personal growth.
Jerry's podcast and book, Beyond the Rut, have given him a wealth of experience in guiding others towards personal breakthroughs and growth. Make sure to connect with Jerry, especially if you are looking for meaningful inspiration as you navigate changes in your family, career, and personal well-being.
Connect with Jerry
https://beyondtherut.com/
Podcast Beyond the Rut
Book Beyond the Rut
Audiobook Beyond the Rut
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:07:42 - Beyond the Rut
00:09:43 - Three Steps to Get Out of a Rut
00:11:33 - Jerry's Crucible Moment
00:12:39 - The Power of a Single Hashtag
00:14:05 - Getting Out of a Rut
00:16:01 - The Danger of Deferring Dreams
00:18:26 - KFC and Colonel Sanders
00:22:38 - Personal Stories in Jerry's Book
00:25:51 - Jerry's Vision for His Family
00:27:02 - Achieving Goals
00:28:06 - Jerry's Legacy
00:28:47 - Beyond the Rut
00:29:46 - Getting in a Rut
"Are Lee and Dan Cockerell really like that everywhere? That's right, they are."
Author and speaker known as Dr. Disneyland, Jeff Barnes, returns to the Jody Mayberry Show to ask me three questions. He hit it out of the park with his questions, including my childhood inspiration to become a park ranger. We also get into some of the experiences I've had with former Disney executives, Lee Cockerel and Dan Cockerell.
As a kid I can remember going on family vacations and admiring the hats and uniforms of park rangers. The more I learned about them and their dedication to protecting the parks, I became even more interested in becoming a ranger. In a similar sense, the more I got to know Dan and Lee Cockerell, my understanding and appreciation for the Cockerell legacy grew. Their lessons gave me a unique determination to excel in the new direction of my career.
One of my favorite memories with Lee Cockerell came during a recent visit to Hollywood Studios. It was the first time we had gone to a park together after working together for nine years. Lee had never been to Galaxy's Edge before, and it was amazing to experience the ride together. Lee and Dan have been great examples of pursuing new opportunities, while cherishing where you've been and what you've done. For me, that includes the fond memories of the parks and park rangers that ignited my dreams in the first place.
Connect with Jeff
Website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com/
Book: The Wisdom of Walt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drdisneyland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewisdomofwalt
LinkedIn: Jeffrey Barnes
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:00:03 - What Inspired Jody to Become a Park Ranger?
00:03:34 - Jody's Experience with Contrasting Climates
00:05:06 - Jody's Favorite Memory with Lee Cockerell
00:08:02 - Jeff's Favorite Memory with Lee Cockerell
00:12:24 - Dan Cockerell's Unique Approach
00:14:50 - Mini Golf Rematch with Jeff Barnes
"Every great story requires conflict."
Jeff Barnes had an underwhelming first experience at Disneyland. So much so that it sparked his curiosity about why people loved the park so much. His insatiable curiosity led him to research Walt Disney's life and the adversity he faced. It was through this research that Jeff discovered Walt's desire to be remembered as a storyteller and the importance of overcoming adversity in achieving success. This realization drove Jeff to create a course that uses Disney's stories to inspire and motivate students to face their own challenges and achieve their dreams.
Jeff's journey took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor immediately after starting the course. Rather than giving in to fear, Jeff chose to delay surgery and continue teaching the class. Throughout our conversation Jeff shares about the moments of resiliency he had learned from Walt Disney and how that ultimately shaped his success. His experience with the brain tumor gave him the courage to finally write his long-dreamed-of book about Disneyland. Now, as an author, speaker, and blogger, Jeff continues to use Disney's lessons and creativity to inspire and motivate people to embrace adversity and live their best lives.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover Jeff Barnes' intriguing transformation from professor to Disney entrepreneur
- Gain valuable insights on the crucial role self-belief and resiliency play in achieving success
- Delve into Jeff's captivating book, Wednesdays with Walt, and his exceptional presentation style
- Absorb inspiring lessons from Walt to spark creativity and motivation within yourself
- Find out how signing up for Jeff's email list and joining Phoenix Club will enrich your experience
Jeff's approach of using Walt Disney's lessons and creativity to inspire and motivate people to achieve their dreams inspiring to anyone who feels stuck and hopeless. The conversation highlights the importance of appreciating life and pursuing our dreams with a sense of urgency and determination. Ultimately, Jeff reminds us all why we should never give up no matter how difficult the challenges may seem.
Connect with Jeff
Website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com/
Book: The Wisdom of Walt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drdisneyland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewisdomofwalt
LinkedIn: Jeffrey Barnes
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:04:15 - Why Walt Disney?
00:09:33 - The Wisdom of Walt
00:12:30 - Facing Adversity
00:14:59 - Overcoming Obstacles
00:15:38 - Overcoming Obstacles
00:18:27 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
00:23:38 - Wednesdays with Walt
"If you want to get results, exert influence. If you want to feel like you're getting results when you're not, exert power."
After a great conversation with Tim Dyck in our last episode, he has returned to ask me three questions. This was a fun chat with questions that led to a discussion about the importance of influence over power in leadership positions and how my experiences as a park ranger taught me a valuable lesson.
Using influence, rather than power, is a more effective means of getting people to comply with rules and regulations. Although power may be necessary at times, influence tends to have a more lasting impact. Tim and I both agree that understanding the difference between the two is valuable in leadership positions where leaders have power over decisions that impact others. This episode highlights how seemingly unrelated experiences can provide valuable lessons and skills that can be applied in unexpected ways, making it essential to recognize and
Tim's questions explore:
- the crucial role influence plays in effective leadership over mere power
- valuable lessons from my unique park ranger experiences and how to apply them to your journey
- financial security tips when transitioning to entrepreneurship
- the impact of storytelling in leadership and business growth
- the story behind the greatest sports logo ever designed and why it matters
From discussing the best sports logos to the transferable skill of understanding power versus influence, this is a fun episode that navigates entrepreneurship and leadership.
Connect with Tim and Best Culture Solutions World at Work Podcast
Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/
LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc
Instagram: @best.culture.solutions
Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca
Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:01:06 - The Greatest Sports Logo Ever Designed
00:04:27 - Advice for Making the Entrepreneurial Leap
00:08:59 - Transferring Skills from Park Ranger to Entrepreneur
00:12:49 - Using Influence as a Leader
00:13:16 - Power vs. Influence
00:14:11 - World at Work Podcast
00:15:00 - Contact Information
"Seizing opportunities and taking risks help you avoid regret."
Tim Dyck, founder of Best Culture Solutions, made a significant career transition by moving from a senior leadership corporate job to starting his own HR consultancy business. His passion for hiring the right people and executing successful people strategies was inspired by his experience as a former Disney cast member. During our conversation he emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself and knowing that work should not define one's life. This episode is a testament to the power of following one's intuition, and the importance of seeking greater purpose in life.
In the beginning, Tim Dyck's HR consultancy business focused on helping job seekers navigate the interview process. But as word spread, it quickly expanded to include recruiting for businesses, resume writing, and other HR services. Tim's unique perspective, having been on both sides of the hiring process, allowed him to bridge the gap between employers and employees. He shares how he became certified in motivational-based interviewing techniques and how it has been instrumental in coaching candidates to succeed in interviews and grow their career.
Today, Tim's business is thriving, fueled by passion and his commitment to helping others find fulfillment in their careers. Tim's journey is an inspiring narrative of courage, perseverance, and the rewards of pursuing a dream.
In this episode, you will:
- Discover how Tim Dyck made the leap from a corporate career to starting his own HR consultancy
- Master the art of acing job interviews and pinpointing the ideal role for your skills and personality
- Grasp the significance of employee appreciation and fostering a positive work environment
- Uncover the advantages of podcasting and the elements of an engaging host
- Seize new prospects and learn how to push yourself beyond your comfort zone
There are many people like Tim that are exploring a career transition. Unfortunately it is easy to get fed a number of myths about starting your own consultancy business. During this episode Tim Dyck not only debunks three popular misconceptions, he shares the truth behind them. Make to connect with Tim and Best Culture Solutions to learn more about the world at work.
Connect with Tim and Best Culture Solutions
World at Work Podcast
Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/
LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc
Instagram: @best.culture.solutions
Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
00:05:55 - From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship 00:09:54 - Courage to Pursue Your Passion 00:12:33 - Purpose of Best Culture Solutions 00:13:23 - The Importance of Motivational-Based Systems 00:14:36 - Bridging the Gap between Employers and Employees 00:17:09 - The Impact of Fulfilling Careers 00:23:26 - The Value and Benefits of Podcasting
00:26:38 - Tim's Format for World at Work 00:27:49 - Going Deeper with World at Work 00:29:21 - Pursuing Passion and Taking Risks 00:32:43 - The Importance of Seizing Opportunities
"When you know what success looks like, you can put energy into closing the gap."
Storytelling can create a lasting impact on people, making it easier for them to remember and apply the concepts learned. John Losey joins this episode of The Jody Maberry Show and shares his insight on how to use your content to tell a story. He effectively utilizes storytelling to communicate the Next Best Step Strategic Action Process in his book, The Pottery Panda.
During his episode, John hares how feedback from his reading community helped him develop a more engaging narrative through Peter, the protagonist of the book. By making the protagonist face unexpected challenges, he is able to keep the readers hooked. This makes the learning experience enjoyable and memorable. His approach illustrates the power of stories in strategic planning, enabling more people to connect and relate to the content. Storytelling is an essential tool for strategic planning. It helps individuals connect with others and effectively communicate complex ideas.
During this episode, you will:
- Uncover the power of the Next Best Step Strategic Action Process for effective planning.
- Discover how shifting your focus from issues to success can transform your business.
- Learn the art of storytelling for engaging and memorable strategic planning lessons.
- Realize the significance of putting connection before process in storytelling for a lasting impact.
- Explore the Pottery Panda book and website resources for further inspiration and guidance.
Incorporating stories into strategic planning can make the process more engaging and relatable, helping people understand and care about the content. By transforming abstract concepts and complicated methodologies into relatable narratives, individuals can better grasp the lessons and strategies of strategic planning.
"Start with the end in mind."
Connect with John
https://intowisdomgroup.com/
The Pottery Panda
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights 00:04:00 - storytelling can make planning more engaging and memorable, such as classic business fables like Who Moved My Cheese and The Five Dysfunctions. 00:06:25 - the "Next Best Step Strategic Action Process". Know your purpose and mission before starting the planning process and shifting focus from issues to success. 00:12:38 - start the planning process by picturing success and painting a crystal clear target to shoot for. He suggests an exercise called the silent picture exercise, where you imagine scenarios where your company is fully operating to its full potential. 00:13:49 - the purpose of the "Pottery Panda" book was to make it easy for people to access the next best step strategic action process. 00:19:12 - there were challenges writing the "Pottery Panda" book in a story and parable style while still carrying the model. He got feedback that made him realize he needed to make people care about the character Peter by having him run into unanticipated situations and dilemmas. 00:22:29 - a simple model for finding stories is to start with the end in mind, create crystal clear statements of the response you want your story to have, then list all the ideas and stories from your life that might relate to that outcome.
"The secret to my success has been that I ask more and I offer more."
After a recent webinar I received an email with great questions about taking a professional leap. They were interested in how I got started working with Lee Cockerell and asked if I could share advice for people looking to make a leap. While Cassie and I have out own unique perspective of what it means to take a leap, it lead to a great conversation addressing things that many people often wonder during a career change.
I was able to establish a working relationship with Lee Cockerell by reaching out with a specific offer. That specific offer eventually led to the creation of various projects, including the Creating Disney Magic podcast and Cockerell Academy. The key is recognizing the importance of being specific in your offer, testing the waters before committing, and maintaining good relationships with past employers and organizations.
Cassie and I both are no stranger to taking calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. And when you are reaching out to help someone else, remember that you are also going to help yourself. For example, my reaching out to Lee and making and offer I was ultimately benefiting from the insights shared in the podcast.
Take the time to craft tailored messages when you are reaching out to respected professionals. When you find the courage to take calculated risks and explore new horizons you will start uncovering unexpected lessons about the power of specificity and resilience.
"A no usually is a not right now, it doesn't mean no forever."
Episode Highlights
00:01:18
Jody shares how he ended up working with Lee Cockerell, which led to the creation of the Creating Disney Magic podcast, the Cockerell Academy, live events, and courses.
00:03:23
taking the leap has different contexts, including leaving a job or reaching out to someone influential. Know the importance of being specific and offering something of value to increase the chances of success.
00:07:48
Do not be afraid to ask for what you want, even if you fear rejection. They also discuss the importance of building relationships, following up, and maintaining a genuine connection.
00:11:45
Talk to people who have successfully made the leap in the same industry or field, and test the waters before making a full-time commitment to entrepreneurship.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
"It does not work to make noise and get noticed without making an offer."
A recent conversation with Cassie Tucker and Lee Cockerell inspired me to reflect on two stories from my high school days. There were two different situations where I made big gestures without making an offer.
Did you know that having a happy ending is an opportunity for conversions in your business? It is important to make an offer when trying to get attention for your business. But it is about more than just drawing attention to the business. You need to make clear offers, only ask for one action, test offers, pay attention to customers, and add a sense of urgency.
In this episode, you will discover:
-
how clever marketing with no offer can be detrimental to business
-
the key elements of effective offers
-
why it is important to pay attention to customer needs when making an offer
My third story highlights just how confusing it can be when no offer is made. So here is my offer to you. Go to Jodymaberry.com and get on the email list. With emails, I can tell stories in a different way than I can in a podcast.
Episode Highlights:
[00:07:33]
People need to be told what you want them to do. It does not work to put out a podcast episode every week and never make an offer to somebody. How can we make better offers?
[00:09:43]
A lot of content should be driven towards value and adding value to the customer. Be clear about what you want people to do, and then just ask one thing. Don't make too many offers. Just make the one that's right for them. Testing and seeing what resonates and lands with your customers is really important.
[00:13:33]
Ask people first and pay attention to what the customers are saying before you create an offer.
[00:16:40]
Give people maybe two or three steps to take and just paint it out for them. Be very clear on what the next step is and what you want them to do.
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Cassie Tucker and I recently attended Podfest. Cassie returned to discuss the lessons we took away from our experience.
The first lesson comes from the current trends in the podcasting industry. AI assisting in streamlining tasks and podcast management. The importance of building community on your show. The emphasis on utilizing video was very prevalent. It is an exciting time to be podcasting.
Cassie presented on her first panel during Podfest, and a takeaway from her experience can applies to podcasting in general. Think about how you can get to the point quicker. You don’t want to lose people. You want to add as much value as possible. Be intentional and strategic about what you present and how. Lou Mongello is a proponent of speaking to one listen. You may have hundreds or thousands, but speak like the conversation is one-on-one.
The biggest theme we took away is to continue to ask, “how can I continue to add value to my audience.” Service is the number one objective. Money will follow. The most exciting thing about podcasting is the opportunities. You can automate. You can innovate. And you can serve your listeners.
If you want to see us utilize video content, let us know.
Resources
Lou Mongello Podcast: WDW Radio
Cassie Tucker Podcast: Marketing Happy Hour
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“If we can’t reach them, we can’t help them, if we can’t help them, we can’t build a relationship.” JM
Djuan Rivers is back again, and we are processing our recent Phoenix Club Cruise workshops. We were excited to have some great presenters, including Djuan.
Day one started with Mike Simmons presenting on Goal Setting. Mike provided a great definition of goal setting and the importance of the practical application to implement. The best takeaway is his GAME acronym. It stands for Goals, Actions, Metrics, and Execution. The best part: it can apply to any area of life: personal, business, etc.
Lee Kitchen followed with Storytelling. He shared a great story about Disney and his relationship with Salvador Dali. The partnership was the seed for projects that are finishing 50 years later. The workshop highlight was a great exercise that brought people from different areas together to develop something they couldn’t do on their own.
Workshop day two followed an excursion day. I kicked off this day myself with a session titled Timeline. The takeaway is identifying what is unique about your content. Once you know, you can distill everything in your mind into a logical pathway toward a book or a podcast to serve your audience.
Karen Anderson followed and covered the impact writing books can have. Karen is an expert at simplifying the process. In fact, she has Djuan seriously considering writing a book. If you’d like to see that happen, send Djuan an email djuan@djuanrivers.com and let him know.
The next workshop was a tag team effort between Djuan and I. We drew a parallel between national parks and theme parks and the stories they provide those who visit. Djuan brought it all home with his workshop explaining three principles he picked up over his 33 years with Disney. These three keys will help ensure you have happy employees, good retention, and satisfied clients and customers.
Overall, it was great to see how all of the workshops organically connected with each other. It provided lessons that build upon each other to see change.
Connect with Djuan
Connect with Jody
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“Your business needs to give stories to customers.” JM
Author Dan Miller and I recently visited the Wright Brothers National Monument in North Carolina. These are the ten lessons we learned as we reflected on our experience.
- Persistence, experimentation and asking for help are key to success.
- Many give up because they fear failure and competition.
- It doesn’t matter how old you are; you still have more inside of you.
- The Wright brothers did something no one had done, took a small break and then did it again. They didn’t let off the gas.
- You don’t know what progress will come after you break a barrier.
- Get the right people in your corner.
- Innovation is contagious and births more innovation. The sharing of ideas is a powerful thing.
- The Wright brothers always wore suites. They were who they were, no matter where they were.
- Once you accomplish one thing, you can ask what else you can do.
- Innovation will always be built upon. Everyone has limits, and the next generation takes it to the next level.
I am always amazed at the lessons you can learn about life and leadership. Often, they are in plain site. We just have to have eyes to see them.
Connect with Dan
Website
Podcast
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
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Quotes:
“We made it here, what’s next?” JM
“It takes a lifetime to build a reputation. In an instant people ruin it.” DM
Cassie Tucker once again joins me as host and draws a parallel we can all learn from. As a former park ranger, I found that every park has two types of stories it tells: learned stories and earned stories.
Learned stories are the stories that we tell. It is the information provided to guests; the content we choose for them to learn and use to enhance their experience. Earned stories are the stories they discover for themselves while visiting us. These are the actives and actions they do and take that create their own experience to pull from. There is a strong connection between earned stories, even more so than learned, because it is their own.
As leaders, we can apply this to our own businesses. Learned stories are what you present to your clients. Earned stories are how people experience you and your business. As we approach our business with a “Park” mentality, we learn how to cultivate our client's experiences and foster the space for them to earn their stories. You can intentionally create an environment for people to encounter their own earned stories, which is a win-win for everyone.
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“If you can help people earn their stories, they are the hero, and you are not. You don’t want to be the hero, because it’s not about you”
As is customary, Orlando Leyba returns to ask me three questions of his own. This episode has a little surprise: Orlando answers his questions, so you get a two-for-one deal.
First, why did you leave being a Park Ranger? Simply put, three things changed in my life. Not surprisingly, they cover a wide range of impacts.
Second, what is peace to you? If you have listened to this show for any length, you probably won’t be surprised at my answer. Can you guess?
Lastly, what is important in life? That is a big question, but the answer is surprisingly simple. What about you? What is important in life for you?
It doesn't matter if you are a comedian, or a podcaster; a satellite engineer, or a park ranger, there are themes in life that are universal. It is nice to see that on display today.
Connect with Orlando: https://heylando.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heylando/
Orlando's HBO Special
Connect with Jody: www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
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Most of us have a dream, but few people break from security to pursue their passion. Orlando Leyba did just that. A former satellite engineer turned comedian, Orlando shares his journey from working on CBS news to guesting three separate times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Orlando experienced multiple career paths before discovering his passion for stand-up comedy. After participating in a local improv theater class gifted to him by his wife, Orlando began to focus his efforts on pursuing the path that resonated with him. Looking back, Orlando recognized a trend in his life. The entertainment industry had always been there, just on the periphery.
Once you discover what you are supposed to do, you recognize that your spirit talks to you and will show you what you are supposed to do. There is math in everything; a problem and a solution. You must identify the situation you are up against and determine what needs to be done. Don’t just settle for being where something happens. Find the environment that was designed for what you want to do and get in it. Do the work of helping the journey along, and the journey will start helping you too.
Surround yourself with people ahead of you as the journey opens those doors. There is a flow, an energy, to life. You give off energy. When you give off the right energy, you begin to see the flow to everything, where you can see and feel everything and how it is connected. The flow triggers good connection and interactions.
When you pursue your dreams, you have to understand there are parts of your journey you have control over and some you do not. Your content, how healthy you keep yourself, and what you do with the contacts you encounter are all within your control. Do what you can and connect to the flow. That is how you pursue your dream.
Connect with Orlando:
https://heylando.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heylando/
Orlando's HBO Special
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“Your spirit talks to you and is like you’re in the right place, so all you gotta do is your part, you’re in the right place, you got here, you’re good, you made it, to the right place, now do the work for this place.” Orlando Leyba
I keep five notecards on my desk, each with a quote to help me keep my focus where it needs to be.
I replace two or three of those cards each year with new quotes. When I start the year with new quotes, I do an episode of The Jody Maberry Show with Jeff Noel to share the five quotes.
Here are my five quotes for 2023:
"Trade your expectations for appreciation." - Tony Robbins
"Do your best and forgive yourself." - Admiral Payne
"This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before." - Maya Angelou
"Don't get ready. Be ready." - Lee Cockerell
"Happy present moment." - Jeff Noel
In 2023, I choose quotes to help me focus more on today. I want to enjoy today more, give attention to priorities, get ready, and use today as best I can. So I selected quotes to remind me to stop getting distracted by what might happen tomorrow and enjoy today. Everything I need, I have with me today.
I've been doing the Five Things I Say to Myself cards for several years, which has worked well for me so far as it helps me give attention to what I think I need to work on this year.
Most of us use the New Year to set new goals or resolutions. Lee Cockerell recently told me something that changed how I view the beginning of the year.
"The New Year begins every morning" - Lee Cockerell
If something is good enough to start doing at the beginning of the year, it is good enough to begin on March 5th or a random Tuesday.
If something is enough of a problem, you should stop doing it as New Year's resolution; you should stop doing it tomorrow. Or today.
Understanding that the New Year begins every morning allows you to start over each day.
How refreshing to realize we get a new chance each day to start on new goals, rebuild a relationship, make new connections, and take care of our problems.
Many people are familiar with podcasts. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, you can benefit from podcasting in one way or another. Cassie Tucker joins me as we unpack three strategies for leveraging podcasts to reach your goals.
The first strategy is the one most think of when they consider podcasts. The long-term podcasts. Ideally, in this scenario, you post weekly and maintain the podcast an indefinite period. There are many benefits to this strategy. It allows you to build a network and connect in ways professionally that might otherwise be outside of your grasp. You can even foster a relationship before you even meet people. On a professional level, it allows you to build your email list and establish yourself as an authority on a topic or in a specific space. It can even help create additional content and boost your SEO when used strategically.
The second way you can use a podcast is a short-term podcast. These podcasts are for a limited time and have a specific focus. It is the perfect tool for authors or speakers. You determine how many episodes you will host and build the arc of your podcast on that foundation. Hosting a short-term podcast provides extra exposure for you and extra opportunities for engagement with your audience.
Lastly, one way anyone can utilize podcasts is to be a guest on existing podcasts. This is a great strategy for getting exposure to already existing audiences. It is an easy way to build your email list by providing opt-ins or a call to action that provides them with a resource. It also acts as an unofficial endorsement by the host, bolstering credibility. It also allows you to repurpose and customize your story or content for different audiences. Podcast Guest Magic is a course on how to successfully be a guest on podcasts.
No matter your vision or commitment level, there is a way you can utilize podcasts to propel your endeavors to new heights.
Resources:
Will Talks Biz Podcast
Podcast Magic
Podcast Guest Magic
The Secret Society of Success by Tim Schurrer
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“When you have to show up every week, with something to say you start to understand what you believe in and who you are” JM
Tanner Brock is back for our traditional follow-up episode, and he has three questions locked and loaded.
First, what is the most afraid you have been in the wilderness? I can tell you it isn’t meeting a bear, and it isn’t getting lost. The answer might surprise you.
Second, if you started a new podcast, what would the new podcast be about, and what would the name be? I have a topic top of mind, but the name might be more difficult to answer.
Third, you were one of the attendees at the Changing Discourse Mastermind in Kansas City. What was your big takeaway from the event? It is a tie between an exercise we did and one specific speaker.
Because we made good time, I went ahead and gave Tanner a bonus question and snuck on a surprise guest to further explore the idea of leaning into your strengths and what to do with your weaknesses.
Resources:
E-mail Tanner: tanner@changingdiscourse.com to receive the two page sheet on how to gain mentors and receive a 15 minute call.
Changingdiscourse.com
Twitter
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
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Tanner Brock has returned to discuss his newest resource, a five-step system to gaining true mentors in your life.
Tanner is many things, namely the founder and CEO of Changing Discourse and host of the Changing Discourse Podcast. After six years of seeking out and learning from some of the best mentors, Tanner shares how to find the right mentors with us today.
Once you identify someone you want to mentor you, there are five things to do.
- Don’t seek the relationship. Most people don’t have the time to invest fully in someone. Approach them with that in mind.
- Ask for work. Ask what you need to learn to do. You don’t even need to talk. Send an email and ask what you need to do practically to accomplish what you want to learn.
- Disappear. Get off their radar. They don’t have to worry or think about you, but you are working behind the scenes.
- Do the work. Once you have their insight, go and do what they told you to do. Don’t question it. If it resonates, go and do it. If they are the right mentor for you, what they suggest will work and impact your life when you apply it.
- Return and report. After you do the work and you have accomplished something, circle back and share it with them. Let them know what you were able to do because of what they shared with you.
Mentors teach you something, and then you can take it and teach others.
Resources:
E-mail Tanner: tanner@changingdiscourse.com to receive the two page sheet on how to gain mentors and receive a 15 minute call.
Changingdiscourse.com
Twitter
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“There is always someone out there who has done more or seen more or experienced more than we have” TB
“It is powerful to be a student.” JM
Cassie Tucker started working with me one year ago. Initially, Cassie provided support for the work I was doing. Over time, her role expanded, and now she provides operational support and marketing strategy for my business and our clients. We've worked together on product launches and events.
Cassie joins us for this episode of The Jody Maberry Show to discuss what she has learned during her one year working for Maberica, INC. Cassie talks about how living out your dream is possible in ways you might not expect, the importance of processes, leadership lessons she's learned from clients, how to have intention behind every piece of marketing, and how to become an excellent podcast host.
We also discuss some of our upcoming projects, including the book release for Lee Cockerell's Career Magic and the launch of my suite of podcasting courses.
Cassie has become the co-host of the Will Talks Biz podcast. We share the story behind that show and how Cassie became the co-host.
Resources:
Connect with Jody Maberry and Join his Email List to keep up with stories and behind the scenes look at the magical work they do:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - Jody - Cassie
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“Keep an open mind for unexpected and alternate ways you can achieve your dream.” Cassie Tucker
Mark Rucker is with me again in our traditional follow-up episode where he can ask me any three questions of me that he wants. Mark took a page out of his own book to come up with his three questions and they are great.
First, have you ever participated in a personal talent assessment? I have personally done a couple over the years, and I have had some points of contention with the results at times.
Next, how have you professionally used your helper abilities to help others pursue their dreams? Would you believe what I'm doing right now is directly tied to my helper ability?
Third, pick a leadership lesson you want to emulate or a poor leadership attribute you never want to exhibit? Since I am wired to help, I’ll give you one of each.
Fourth (that’s right, Mark snuck in a bonus question), which national park are you itching to visit? It is a toss-up that spans the continental United States.
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
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Mark Rucker joins me and shares secrets from his Life and Leadership files. Mark worked with Disney for 32 years, has served as an executive with Great Wolf Lodge, and recently authored the book Coffee with the Mouse: Life and Leadership Wisdom from 32 years at Disney and Beyond.
Early in life, Mark started collecting lessons on leadership into his drop file. Over time, it morphed into life and leadership lessons that he has since shared over coffee and now in a powerful book. Character is important. You will never know if being nice and humble will get in the way of advancement, but you must be true to yourself. Authenticity is key to succeeding in your own life. However, it is not a lack of humility to express a desire to improve to your leaders. That is how you manage your career while maintaining your integrity.
When you make a leap in leadership and move to manage more, it is necessary to take on an adoption mind sent. An adoption mindset is built on the communication and understanding of caring for your team, leading with compassion, and treating them as individuals. Get to know them. Connect and let them know you really care.
Whether leading in the office or at home, there are parallels. You, as the leader, provide values, speak the truth, and provide wisdom and direction. As those under your leadership grow, give freedom for them to walk in what they have learned, and the space needed to grow. Don’t worry about being like everyone else; it may have served you well in high school, but now you will benefit from standing out.
Resources:
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“How you treat people and what you say to people and how you say it to them can have a lifelong effect.” MR
An MBA can lead to a promotion and a bigger salary in the corporate world. But if you run your own business, do you need an MBA?
In the two years between my time as a park ranger and launching my own business, I went back to school to get an MBA. Now, nine years later, I look back and consider if an MBA has given me an advantage as an entrepreneur.
Reasons Not to Get an MBA
-Student loans can limit your opportunities.
-Time and money spent getting an MBA could instead be used to become an expert in one thing, and being an expert can create more opportunities than higher education.
-Nobody cares if you have an MBA. They care about the results you can create for them. People want to know you have the solution to their problem, not your educational background.
-Experience and exposure as an entrepreneur can be more valuable than education.
-You can learn more from a mentor than from a textbook.
-You can learn more specific targeted knowledge from the right conference or course.
Reasons to Get an MBA
-Getting an MBA is a long, arduous process. You will build a lot of confidence if you can stick with it and do the hard work it takes to graduate.
-You will become a big picture problem solver, and you can see the entire puzzle of a problem and understand all aspects of a business.
-There are situations where the credibility of an MBA will open doors for you. Having an MBA signals you understand a business before you even enter the room.
All things considered, no, you don't need an MBA to be a successful entrepreneur. Instead, you need to focus on being yourself and becoming an expert in your work. Find the right conferences to attend and groups to be a part of.
Tim Schurrer is back for our traditional follow-up episode where I invite my guests into the interviewer chair. Tim has three questions for me, and as always, they do not disappoint.
Question one requires a little bit of context, but when you boil it down, the question is simply this: who are you showing up for? For me, there is the obvious answer. Then there is also the more specific answer that can be summed up in the avatar of Lee Cockerell.
Next, what is your favorite story of helping someone else win that you were glad to be a part of? The first one that comes to mind involves seeing someone change their mind and step into a role they really excelled in.
Lastly, what is being successful? How do you define it? I can sum success up in one word, and it’s not what most have in front of their mind when they hear that word.
Since we got through these questions pretty quickly, make sure you listen for a bonus round of questions for Tim and some unsolicited parenting advice.
Resources:
Build a Winning Team Podcast
Secretsocietyfree.com (get the first two chapters free)
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Tim Schurrer is with me and is unpacking his new book, The Secret Society of Success. Tim spent ten years on Donald Miller’s Storybrand team and has recently embarked on a new journey as an author, podcaster, and speaker.
At some point or another, we all ask the question “what is success?” Society often waters success down to prestige, money, or position. Tim’s book takes a unique approach to answering this question. Success can look very different. It can be flying under the radar. Just because no one knows you had a hand in a project does not mean you have not achieved success. If you do your job in a way that frees others up to do theirs well, you are successful.
Those who are part of the society of success use their abilities and skills to shine the spotlight on others; not toot their own horn. There is no limit to what you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit. The secret society has little to do with your title on an org chart and everything to do with your headspace. When we are grateful to play a part, we can embrace our definition of success. You don’t have to touch a million lives at a time; just one at a time, and that is enough. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Define what success looks like for you this season, double-check your intentions, and walk down your path with confidence.
Resources:
Build a Winning Team Podcast
Secretsocietyfree.com (get the first two chapters free)
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Cassie Tucker returns today and we are laying out the greatest marketing lessons you are going to find. And I learned them from my dog.
As a dog owner, I am very interested in making sure my four-legged family member is taken care of. Not too long ago, I learned about a dog boarding and daycare company that markets their product in such an amazing way that I am now a customer. Here are seven lessons I have learned from a doggy daycare that business owners can adopt to their marketing.
First, there is value in word of mouth. Happy customers will share with others. Second, it is helpful to have a red velvet rope mentality. If there is a process that needs to be walked through, customers feel like they are part of something special.
Next, crest a story for people to be part of. Give people a narrative to participate in. Fourth, understand what product you offer. You have a core offering, and you have the underlying experience that is at the center of your products. That is what you need to highlight for those who come across your services.
Next, create more services for people to take part in. If you offer extra, there will always be someone who wants to take part in it. Sixth, scarcity, and exclusivity make people feel good about what they have bought. With exclusive offerings, you create a level of urgency that people want to act on. If you go this route, make sure you allow people to put themselves on a waitlist or opt into getting more information as the service or space becomes available.
Last, maintaining the customer experience should take priority over getting new customers. Taking care of existing customers should always take priority over bringing in new customers. If you can spend five dollars to take care of your current client versus spending five dollars to get a new client, always take care of your current client. Be honest with yourself and understand how much is too much for you to provide a good product. Don’t spread yourself too thin at the expense of your existing clients' experience.
They may be a dog boarding company, but Dogtown definitely has an edge in marketing a unique experience that instills value and creates long-term clients.
Recently I was a keynote speaker for a conference for park professionals in the midwest. I spoke on Role and Purpose and how parks can thrive once they understand every job has a role to perform, and every role plays into the bigger purpose of the park.
Once I was off stage, many people came up to ask questions and talk about my topic. As a speaker, the biggest compliment you can get for your presentation is someone seeking you out to ask questions. When someone finds me to ask a question, I know I have made a connection.
After my morning keynote, and later in the day, I had the opportunity to talk to several people about Role and Purpose. Even the following day, the conversations continued.
A few weeks after my presentation, the event organizer sent me some reviews they collected directly from the app they used for the event.
As I read the reviews, I was feeling good as I saw comments like:
"The concept stuck with me, and I intend to apply that to our team."
"Love the concept."
"It was a good way to get people thinking. A lot of organizations don't have a purpose that is known by the whole team."
Then one review stuck out:
"I'm sure he is a nice guy, so I blame the person who picked him thinking he was appropriate for this audience. Just not good."
Wait a minute...
For a moment, this is all I focused on.
Do you ever get hung up on negative words from someone else? It doesn't matter how many compliments we get; we focus on the few negative comments.
Don't let it stop you. You are not for everyone.
If you let a negative review keep you from getting on stage, everyone else will miss out on your message.
At this conference, where many people come to learn about park operations, safety, and new equipment, not everyone wants to hear how they can be better leaders. That is fine. The topic is not for people who are fixed on how they do things. The topic is not for everyone.
I'm not for everyone. And neither are you.
Keep writing your blog. Keep recording your podcast. Keep creating YouTube videos. Keep creating, and know you are not for everyone.
With the Jody Maberry Show, I like to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work with the people I work with.
In this episode, Dan Cockerell and I talk about what it took to put together a cruise for his online community, known as The Perch. Dan explains what led to doing a cruise for the community. Then he discusses what he would do differently about the next cruise.
A member of the Perch, Rob Midiri, joins us as a guest on the episode to ask questions to both me and Dan. In fact, Rob was the inspiration behind this episode. Since he asked Dan and me questions, we decided to turn on the microphone, record the conversation, and share it with everyone.
Rob gives his impression of the cruise and what it was like to spend several days with the group.
Rob's questions centered around interviewing podcast guests. Rob asks:
How do you transition between different shows since the people you work with have different personalities?
What do you do to get to know someone before you have them as a guest on your podcast?
How long did it take you to get used to the interview process?
Do you use interviewing skills you learned at Disney when interviewing people for your podcast?
What tactics do you use to help get information out of guests on your podcast?
The cruise was a big success, and Dan and I plan on hosting another cruise in 2023.
If you want to learn more about joining The Perch, you can get more information here -jodymaberry.com/perch.
Don't forget; Dan Cockerell has a great podcast, Come Rain or Shine. You can find it Here.
Cassie Tucker is back, and we are unpacking five lessons learned from live events and how they are run, especially in this post covid world. These lessons may be specific to a live event setting, but they are principles that can extrapolate into just about any arena of business.
First, set yourself up for adjustments. Every single day something will change. When you expect it and plan for it, you will keep everything running smoothly. Have backups. Think through the worst-case scenario and plan accordingly. Second, you win by thinking inside the box. Innovation is great, but if there are rules and policies required to be able to participate, it is better to stay in line and innovate around the non-negotiables.
Next, you will get more done by influence than authority. You may have the authority needed to force an issue, but if you can steer and direct with influence, everyone will have a better experience. If you find yourself at the point that you must use your authority, something has already gone wrong. Fourth, people want to be with people. Creating the opportunity and space for face time and connection will help establish a report and an environment that people want to be in.
Last, be ready rather than get ready. If you must get "ready," you are already losing. Keep in mind the highest authority in your company and run your area in such a way that you will be excited when they show up because it is an opportunity for them to see how well it is going. Leaders are proactive, and if you are ready from the get-go, you can pivot and adjust as things come up.
These lessons not only make for superb events, but they will also create a strong environment for any business out there.
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There are lessons to be learned from most interactions and experiences. They can then be applied to many different areas of life. Cassie Tucker and I are taking some time today to extrapolate the seven lessons I learned from my time in the Luxury Homebuilder business.
First, show up on time. Do that, and you will always have an advantage. It is simple, but something that people notice. Second, simply put, do what you say you will do. Be a person of your word, and people will talk about you behind your back in the best way possible. Third, always be upfront about costs. Don’t try to bait people with the promise of a lower price and then inflate it at the last minute. If there is ever any reason for a price increase, make sure you communicate scope creep as soon as possible.
Next, show your work. Give people the ability to see behind the veil. Share stories and pictures of where the work is getting done. People appreciate transparency. Make sure your communication is clear and copious. You cannot over-communicate when people are investing time and money. Next, the office or point of entry to your space sets the expectation for your business. When people walk in, that experience will set their expectations for what you do behind the scenes. What foot are you putting forward?
Lastly, use words wisely. You may like how something sounds, but if it isn’t providing clarity for the customer, get rid of it. Eliminate the fluff so you can be concise and clear. Regardless of your industry or the service you offer, the foundation is the same. Create a consistent, clear, and valued product from start to finish.
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We live in a day when politics can be a very dividing topic. Rather than looking at the divides that surround it, Peter Hinga and I are taking a deeper look at the lessons we can take from politics and apply them to our personal brand.
Peter Hinga started his political journey volunteering on local campaigns as a teenager. He and his father bonded over politics in a surprising way. He progressed through internships and made his debut in the congressional campaign circuit in 2004. He has run campaigns and now focuses on consulting.
Running for office has many lessons that are applicable across the board. Understanding your why and making sure that you want to set your hand to something is not a respecter of industry. Whether you are a politician, an entrepreneur, or an employee, your personal brand is front-facing. Connections and buy-in create influence. Getting involved and upfront with your potential audience in an industry will help you build connections and gain experience you can’t gain any other way.
No matter your industry, you need to be authentic. Don’t just be a talking head spouting talking points and lose yourself in the process. You can say all the right things and still fall flat if you don’t lean into what makes you uniquely you.
Know your audience, really get to know them. It can be tempting to spread out but don’t make the mistake of going broad right away. Start at your home base where you are strongest and then build from there.
Lastly, make sure you know how to roll with the punches. Don’t take things personally, but recognize when you can apply feedback. Get in front of the negative and approach things from a place of transparency rather than being caught off guard.
Resources:
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I recently received not one, but two of the same type of marketing pieces. I hate to say it, but it wasn’t the best marketing I have seen. It got me thinking, what makes a good marketing piece? I have Cassie Tucker back with me again to dive a little deeper into what makes a good piece and what these landscaping companies can do to improve on their attempts at getting their services out to the public.
Check out what others in your industry are doing and learn from it. Determine where your future clients are going to find info on the services you offer. Once you identify where make sure you are there. Maybe it is on review sites or inside local Facebook groups. Wherever it is, make sure you have representation.
It is ok to change your marketing focus by season. Often, people are looking for services at certain times. Make it simple to find you. Spend time getting to know people. Take the initiative and network with individuals in complementary industries. This is a great way to get your business in front of those who need your services.
Last, remember that experience is key. The best advertisement you can get is word of mouth from happy customers. Make sure your messaging is key, and you equip your team to provide consistent service. You can have the best marketing possible, but without providing consistent customer service, you may as well be tossing business cards tied in a bag with a rock.
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Lee Kitchen is back for our follow-up episodes where we flip the script, and my guest becomes the interviewer. Lee came up with a fun set of questions, and I can’t wait to answer them.
First, when you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? I had a top three that were about as different as you can come up with. But they all make sense in their way.
Second, if you were a Disney tour guide, what four attractions would you make sure your guests saw? Well, you will have to listen for the suggestions, but I will let you know you need a park hopper pass to see them all…or stay for multiple days.
Third, in eight years as a park ranger, how many yogi bear jokes did you hear? A lot. But there was something I was asked or told many more times, and it might surprise you.
Lastly, I let Ken sneak in a bonus question…and I’ll give you a hint…the answer earned me a label of “squirrel guy”. I hope you enjoy these questions and answers today. I know I did.
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One definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, but expecting a different result. Today, most industries have a rapidly changing landscape, and it is not enough to approach questions and problems from the same angle. Lee Kitchen is here unpacking the concept of Design Thinking and how you can set yourself apart by learning to look at your situation from a different perspective.
Lee Kitchen is one magical dude. After a 32-year career with Disney, he now brings his experience and knowledge to companies everywhere. He is a speaker, consultant, and trainer who specializes in challenging the approach we take to problem-solving and transforming it into a journey of discovery.
All too often, when presented with a problem, the baseline approach is to tackle it head-on. The linear approach seems to be a default in many industries. Design Thinking is a structured way of thinking that takes an abstract or sideways approach to tackle an issue.
There are four aspects to Design Thinking: scoping, empathizing, ideating and inspiring and idea developing. Scoping is all about taking apart your challenge and reassembling it in a way that ensures you are tackling the "right" challenge. Once you identify the correct challenge, you can’t simply rely on the data; you must humanize it. Dig deep with your customers and make sure you are approaching your challenge with the end in mind. Once you have your idea and your research, get everyone together, not just the experts. Brainstorm and hear from everyone involved. The last piece is making sure you have the infrastructure in place to implement your decisions and gain traction.
It is important to be challenged in the way you look at things. Breaking out of what you have always done and looking at situations from a new vantage point will keep you from being left behind.
Resources:
Magicaldude.com
Connect with Lee on LinkedIn
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We live in a competitive world. For every skill or discipline, there is a number of practitioners. So what can you do to set yourself apart and make the best offer possible? Dan Cockerell returns to share the lessons he has learned over the past three years.
Dan Cockerell is the former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. His podcast, Come Rain or Shine, centers on creating and maintaining a magical culture in any organization. He is a speaker, consultant, and coach and has a lot to offer when it comes to submitting pitches and making offers that are irresistible.
When you submit an offer or a pitch, it is important to differentiate yourself from the beginning. Respond quickly to inquiries. Clearly explain your methodology and what you do. Don’t try to sell; try to understand. Ask questions and then use their answers to help form what it is you can do for them. Dan submits a custom video for requests to help potential clients clearly communicate what they will receive from him. Lastly, give a tiered cost structure. At least two options, three if you can. Don’t alienate clients by giving them a one-and-done offer.
When you commit yourself to understanding how to serve, you will be able to submit the best possible offer and set yourself apart from the competition.
Resources:
The Perch Membership Community-Special Offer: $1/first month; $49/month after
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Once again, it is time for a guest on the show to turn the tables and ask me three questions. Col. Kevin Benson returns with a few thought-provoking questions that I am excited to answer for you today. Listen until the end, he also unpacks a special extension on our previous conversation about filling the unforgiving minute.
First, how did you come to conclude that conducting podcast interviews was your chosen line of work? This is an interesting question. Would you believe it, like many things, stemmed from my love of parks?
What delighted you about being a park ranger? This is an easy answer. What is more appealing, dealing with numbers or being in the outdoors?
Last, what is a path that you thought about taking but didn’t? If it weren’t for a three-month car trip, I may have ended up working for one of the most stable and well-known companies in Illinois. I’m grateful for that trip.
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It is an honor to have Colonel Kevin Benson with me. Col. Benson is highly decorated. His military career spans 30 years, during which he was the Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies and has become an Adjunct Scholar at West Point. As impressive as his career has been, even more, impressive is the extreme wisdom and humility that guides him.
The poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling ends with a challenge to fill the “unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run”. Col. Benson took this challenge to heart, pursuing his Ph.D. as a means of filling that unforgiving minute.
It is important to take the opportunities we have been given and refuse to rest on our laurels, no matter how impressive. Like those who have gone before, it is our responsibility to challenge ourselves and give back. Passing on what we know to the younger generation helps them to succeed as well.
One of the best ways we can grow is to move beyond asking what or how questions. We need to be asking why. Asking why helps us to uncover the reasoning behind past decisions. When we can understand the context of the moment, we can understand the decision that was made and what the end goal was.
Past or present, we can always find the opportunity to learn from others. Embrace that you aren’t the smartest person in the room. Everyone can contribute, and you can learn from anyone and everyone if you set your mind to. A humble leader refuses to throw anything away but evaluates and takes in the ideas presented. The way we approach the minute sets the standard.
Resources:
Red Teaming by Bryce Hoffman
Colonel Benson on Twitter
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I am excited to say Jeff Nole has returned! After a year without getting together in person, the stars have aligned, and we spent the last three days hiking at Glacier National Park. When I think of Jeff Noel, I think of a man that knows how to live in the present moment. He has invested time and energy into cultivating a life of being present, and that is something we all need a little more of.
There is a moment in time that is right now. Appreciating that moment and being grateful is a key component in being happy. Gratitude is part of the context of being happy. Every day, there are so many things to be grateful for. When we are intentional about appreciating our present and are grateful for it, we will be happy.
Being present doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionally building structure and processes and investing energy around being present. As you work being present and being grateful into your life, it becomes muscle memory. It becomes easier and easier to do.
If you are looking for a simple first step to being present, it is simply to enjoy where you are. Allow moments to happen organically. Linger in the present instead of looking for what is coming next. Enjoy what’s here right now; what’s in front of you. Life moves fast. Take autopilot off and start steering your own life toward embracing your present moment. Embrace the concept of compounded interest and let gratitude grow through slow and steady deposits invested in your present moment.
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It’s that time again. Cassie Tucker returns to bring three questions of her own creation to the table. Full disclosure, I do turn the tables on her towards the end.
First, what is your favorite national park and why? This is a pretty easy question for me, but it is a tie. It all depends; are you looking for scenic views or majestic wildlife?
Second, outside of the podcasts you and your clients have, what is your favorite podcast? I have a few. Would it surprise you to learn that one of them actually has five-hour episodes, and I listen to the whole thing? It’s that good.
Lastly, What is one of the biggest mistakes you see made in podcasting, and how can podcasters correct it? The biggest mistakes boil down to follow-through and how you interact with your listener…but you will have to listen to hear the specifics.
Resources:
Cassie Tucker Instagram
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I am excited to have a special guest with me. Cassie Tucker is new to our team and is my assistant. She is a former Disney team member, entrepreneur, and business owner, and overall amazing person. We connected after she reached out to Lee Cockerell to work with us. It took four years, and we are grateful to have her on the team.
As someone who has worked on a wide range of teams, from retail to advertising agencies, Cassie has experience when it comes to joining new teams. She knows what she brings to the table: strategy, project management, collaboration, and a get it done attitude. But what do you need to do to successfully come onboard a new team?
Ask a lot of questions and be open to others teaching you. Be humble and really dial in on understanding how things work. Talk to everyone and familiarize yourself with other departments. Identify who to go to get the answers you need. Most companies have a “culture” they introduce to you when onboarding; however, culture is how they do things and how things get done in their unique setting.
Lastly, be willing to learn new skills. Seek out improving your own tool belt, and don’t be afraid to utilize resources beyond what is provided to you. Be ambitious, and don’t be afraid to seek out what you need to thrive.
Resources:
Cassie Tucker Instagram
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Influence can open more doors for you than a title can.
To illustrate the power of influence, I share a fun story from my time as a financial analyst at a commercial bank.
Yes, I was a bit devious, but it was all in good fun.
Listen to the episode to hear the incident that could have gotten me fired. The takeaway from the episode is to focus on influence.
Don't worry about a big title. Don't worry about likes and comments on social media. Focus on people. And as you build relationships you will get more influence.
Once you have influence, the rest will take care of itself.
Back on the Jody Maberry Show is Tanner Brock from the Changing Discord podcast.
During this October 2020 interview, Tanner and I discuss the culture cycle of curiosity. Using my career trajectory as a guide, Tanner highlights the keys to timely decision-making and strategy. Additionally, he explores ways we can allow mentors and colleagues to provide input. As much as we want to tell our story, sometimes we must let others tell their story to determine what occupational path we should take.
Accordingly, rather than ask, "What do I have to lose", dare to imagine “What will my story be?” Applying this paradigm change, the sky is the limit to what you can accomplish.
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We are live from Kansas City, MO where I have the pleasure of attending Tanner Brock’s first live event. You may remember when I mentioned Tanner Brock is the person that makes me glad to do what I do. Mike Simmons, the host of the Catalyst Sales Podcast, is also with us.
Tanner has an amazing story. He started out working in a warehouse, never rising above the status quo. So how did Tanner go from not shaving and never tucking in his shirt to putting on a live event? The thing that set Tanner apart was his ability to ask good questions and apply the feedback he received. By investing in relationships that could be fostered and grown, he created a sense of accountability that allowed him to grow.
No matter who you are, you possess the power and potential to impact others. You don’t know who is listening as you share your struggles and your stories. Sharing your journey can lead to life changes in others. Seek wisdom and pass it on. Be a lifelong learner and share what you learn with those around you.
Resources:
Changing Discourse Podcast
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It’s that time again. Whenever I have the pleasure of interviewing a guest, I always have them back for a role reversal. JeffBrown returns to ask any three questions of his choosing.
First, have you seen Werewolves within? Also, can you clarify the difference between a park ranger and a forest ranger? This may seem like a simple yes or no answer, but you’d be surprised to learn the answer involves a reality show and unpacking how to differentiate between park and forest rangers.
Second, you host multiple podcasts. What is your favorite aspect of podcasting? (And which is your favorite?) I’ll give you a hint. The first part is an easy answer for me and has to do with the messages on the shows I host. The answer to the second part may or may not surprise you.
Lastly, you are always reading at least three books at any given time. One business book. One Self Development book. And one book purely for entertainment. If you were to recommend one book in each category, what books would you recommend? Well, you will have to listen to find out.
Resources:
Creating Disney Magic by Lee Cockerell
Books by Jim Rohn
Breaking Blue by Timothy Egan
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If you have been listening to the show for a while, you may be familiar with the name JeffBrown (and you know why it needs to be said in one breath). Jeff is the host of the Read to Lead Podcast. He is here discussing his new book, Read to Lead.
Jeff has been working on his podcast for eight years, and over that time, he has interviewed a few amazing authors. Jesse Wisnewski approached Jeff with a book idea he had previously pitched to a publisher. They rejected it due to a lack of platform. Jesse's initial idea, The Readers Edge, resonated with Jeff. Jeff joined the project, which they renamed Read to Lead, and the rest is history.
We have all heard that knowledge is power. And knowledge has long been associated with books and reading. As Jeff explains, one of the most powerful things about reading is the ability to gain a modicum of functional mastery on a topic by reading five books on any given topic. The idea that you can pick up a book for twenty bucks and walk away with someone’s expertise is astounding. No wonder we equate reading with power.
We live in a time where there are many ways to assimilate books. In addition to hard copies, we also have digital and audio formats. Different books call for different mediums. Audiobooks are great for entertainment and books meant to change how you think. However, books that we want to retain and understand on a deeper level are better digested in traditional print. There is something special that happens mentally and spatially when we read physical books. It impacts our retention and comprehension.
Jeff offers a few tips for getting the most out of the books that you read. First, challenge yourself to pick up a physical copy and read. Second, use the Pomodoro technique to help you focus, reading for 25 or 50-minute increments. Then start a new Pomodoro and make your notes. Third, try listening to an audiobook at 1.75 speed while reading along in the physical book. It will allow you to read quicker and retain more. Last, teach what you are learning to others. Teaching helps you to synthesize what you have learned, so you retain and comprehend more.
Resources:
Readtoleadbook.com
Read To Lead Podcast
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My family and I just wrapped up our stay at Glacier National Park. We had the pleasure of staying at the Granit Park Chalet during our stay. After arriving home and processing our trip, I have six lessons I learned from this trip that I am sharing with you. Jeff Noel is returning today to go over those lessons with me.
- Don’t do the work of a mule. There are some things you don’t need to be the one doing. Identify if there is work that you should not be doing. If you find something, figure out who can do it for you.
- Enjoy the present moment. The moment you are in right now is important; enjoy it. Challenge yourself to make it last a little stronger and a little longer.
- Eventually, you have to teach what you have learned. Why do we learn if not to teach others?
- Leaders create more leaders. Set someone else up to be the first to see and discover.
- If you focus on the priorities, the rest doesn’t matter. We are prone to worry and think about a lot of things that don’t matter. They may look like they do, but they really don’t. Focusing on your priorities will help you focus on what really matters.
- Last, you can serve the servers. There is no reason we can’t make sure that those who serve us are served as well. Do something nice for the people who serve you. Make it your purpose, that you want to be a bright spot in their day.
Jeff also made a point that is worth mentioning. Practice, over time, creates compound interest. Anything you practice, over time, gets easier and more like second nature; like taking a family vacation and coming away with life lessons.
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Jill Young is back for our traditional follow-up podcast, where I have my previous guests return to ask me three questions of their choosing. Now, the difference of having a coach doing the asking is pretty evident by the questions she asks. Take a look.
You have had multiple podcast shows what is a story that one listener shared with you that you knew your podcast changed their life? I can’t answer this question without sharing Tanner’s story. Hands down, it is the first one that comes to mind.
Second, how in the world did you become a financial analyst? I know I may come across as entrepreneurial, but if you are good with numbers, it’s hard not to get pigeonholed as the numbers guy. You’ll hear what I mean in my answer.
Lastly, Jill asks what makes a great podcast partner? I have been honored to work with a lot of different partners on multiple podcasts, and one element remains true across the board. And remember Tanner from earlier; he plays a part in this one too.
This episode took a slight detour from our normal three-question follow-up, but I think it was a bonus. Curiosity is an advantage, and as we learn to ask great questions, we can get beyond the surface and explore the deeper levels in most areas.
Resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoscoach/
Website - https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Traction: Ge a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goas Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan
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Jill Young, author and head coach for EOS Worldwide, explains what the Entrepreneurial Operating System is and why teaching helps us to internalize concepts fully.
Jill grew up as part of an entrepreneurial family. Her first coaching opportunity was in a daycare setting for 4 and 5-year-olds while she was in high school. Jill is now an author and owns her own coaching company, in addition to the work she does with EOS Worldwide.
Many people benefit from having a coach, especially those who are high performers. Often, a coach creates a space for exploring options, solutions, and possibilities. Coaches do this by creating a place for visionaries to be heard. A coach may sometimes have to be the one to provide feedback in a truthful and direct way. More times than not, the solution or next step needed is clear. They just haven’t seen it yet.
Individuals can benefit from coaching. Companies, especially those of an entrepreneurial nature, can benefit from finding their operating system; their entrepreneurial operating system to be exact. EOS is a simple set of business tools designed for companies to help them evaluate and develop three key principles, starting from their leadership down: Vision, Traction, and Healthy. With over 11,000 implementations worldwide, EOS is helping companies from 3-200 team members move toward their highest goals.
Resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoscoach/
Website - https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Traction: Ge a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goas Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan
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Mike Kim, the author of You are the Brand and my personal friend, returns for our three questions follow-up episode.
Mike does not disappoint with his questions today.
What have you learned in the last year that you wish you knew three years ago? It’s not so much about learning a new skill, so much as I wish I had known how well something was going to do so that I could have started it three years earlier.
What is giving you the most energy right now? I’ll give you a hint – two things that I was forced to abstain from for the past year.
This last one is probably one of the most unique questions I’ve been asked. If you could have a plane write anything in the sky for the world to read, what would you have them write? This was a surprisingly easy answer. Just two words, no question about it. What about you?
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I am excited to have Mike Kim, a business coach, marketing strategist, author, and most importantly, a personal friend, joins me as we take a look at his new book, You Are the Brand.
Mike and I met many years ago, and over the years, it has been an honor to watch the content of his new book, You Are the Brand, develop and refine over time. Often, we see people at the end of their journey, once they have it all figured out. It is important to remember that the good you see them doing now is because they have gone through the process, finding what works and what doesn’t.
In today’s world of social media and influencers, people tend to fall into two categories: Those who attempt to portray what they feel people are looking for and those who overshare for the sake of transparency. What we all need to understand is that we are our brand. Attention isn’t owed; it is earned. Ask yourself if what you are putting into the world can serve as a campfire for your target audience? Is it a beacon of light? Is it a place where people can gather and share stories? People want to see the journey and the hope at the end of the line. You build a brand by sharing true stories unique to your point of view.
How do you find your point of view? Ask yourself three questions: What ticks you off? What breaks your heart? What is the big problem you are trying to solve? Answer these questions, and you will have your unique point of view that will give life to your brand.
We are not goods. We are not cattle or pottery to be stamped with a brand. Your personal brand is a mix of your ideas, your expertise, your reputation, your message, and your personality. Your brand is what people know about you before you arrive in the room. Branding is not about image, it is about identity. As you narrow in on who you are and what you bring, you will begin to see a clear picture of what your brand truly is and has the potential to be.
Resources:
https://youarethebrandbook.com/
mikekim.com
Brand You Podcast
Youtube
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Do you suffer from FOMO? I do. That isn’t some weird disease or condition. It stands for Fear Of Missing Out. I recently when on a month-long trip to Florida with my family. When we left, I had intentions of recording multiple podcast episodes and working on my book. But at the end of the day, the month ended without me doing much along those lines.
Did I miss out on an opportunity? Some would say yes. But I say no. See, I know my priorities and what is important to me. Time with family… is my priority; that is what I am afraid of missing out on.
When you know your priorities and what is truly important to you, FOMO can help you capitalize and seize the moments that truly matter to you. Don’t let our social media, marketing-driven world tell you what you are missing out on. You define that for yourself.
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Djuan Rivers, soon to be French Ex-Pat, is back again and asking three questions that he is dying to know.
What about customer service annoys you the most these days? Rude people, long lines? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not even sitting on hold for six hours…it’s worse.
If you can be any person or object that represents something 300 years from now, what would it be? My answer may surprise you…but it also may not. I promise it is not what you expect.
Finally, you win the lottery worth 500 million dollars. What do you do with it? Besides run around the room like a crazy person? I have an idea, as I am sure you do. The sneaky follow-up question will get you through. It got me.
If you were sitting with Djuan and he asked you these questions, how would you respond?
Resources:
Follow Djuan on Instagram: @djuanworldtraveler
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Djuan Rivers, newly retired former VP of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is sharing not only his unbelievable stories of travel and adventure but also his secret to living an adventurous life while having a successful career.
Coming from a legacy at Disney, Djuan started his journey in a confectioners booth on Main Street in the Magical Kingdom and ended up with his name on a window in the same area. This didn’t happen overnight but through sacrifice and excellence over a 30-year career. Even while leading and doing a job in such a way that Disney will never be the same, Djuan still managed to wing walk, climb mountains, and swim with sharks.
You don’t have to choose either a successful career or an adventurous life. They are not mutually exclusive. It does take planning, sacrifice, and trust. Both endeavors require focus. You have to build and equip the team around you to be the best at their jobs. A good leader equips their team by empowering them to do their best and learn from their failures. You will develop into your full potential by trusting those around you to develop in theirs
Building an atmosphere of trust is necessary. That trust can only be attained by pouring into those under you and reproducing values and excellence in them. When you support your team by doing your job, they can support you by doing theirs.
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Matthew Luhn, the author of The Best Story Wins, is back again for the standard three questions follow-up episode.
It’s always fun to see what questions my guests will come up with. Matthew had a fun take. What is one of the first movies that you saw in a theater? I’m not sure it is the first, but I will say, as a result, I still have a soft spot for Reese’s Pieces and Drew Barrymore to this day.
Who is your favorite voice actor? This question hits close to home, having done 1500 podcast episodes and 3 audiobooks myself. I immediately think of three individuals, one of which has a voice that can bring my granny from the kitchen.
Lastly, who is the Pixar character to whom you most relate? That one is easy. Because we both have had adventurous jobs in our past, have had to figure out ways to use our abilities to help others in the background and most importantly, balance putting family first even while helping everyone else.
If you have wondered about any of these questions, you will enjoy our conversation.
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Matthew Luhn, author, and writer is known for Pixar movies such as Toy Story and Cars, is sharing the importance of using stories to communicate and build a brand.
Whether you are a writer or are in the business arena, you depend on stories more than you know. There is no difference between a presentation or a pitch, be it a business idea or a movie concept. You must hook your audience in the first seven seconds and have a clear takeaway for them at the end. A hook will get someone into the idea you are presenting and the takeaway will make it real to them.
It isn’t complicated to use a story. Every story possesses two key ingredients. First, they have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Second, there is a hero on a journey. It isn’t as simple as pointing out success and achievement. The greatest hero’s fail more than they succeed. Sharing obstacles makes you relatable and authentic, which enables your listener to engage in your story. It’s ok to be a real person.
Whether you are telling a story or making a presentation, don’t just seek to entertain. Change and inspire your listeners.
Resources:
Matthewluhnstory.com
twitter.com/matthewluhn
The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond by Matthew Luhn
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I have had the pleasure of helping to record and produce four audiobooks over the past few years. In the process, I have identified key steps when it comes to streamlining the process. Here are eight steps to recording your first audiobook.
Step 1 Record it. There are a few different strategies for this step, and I’ll unpack those for you.
Step 2 Edit. Whether you do it yourself or outsource it, it is a necessary step.
Step 3 Quality Control and Review. Get a friend to listen, read, and note any errors.
Step 4 Make the Changes. Go back and make the changes. There is one vital piece, and I’ll share that with you.
Step 5 Have someone else listen to it. Another round of edits can make all the difference.
Step 6 Add something, not in the written version. Listeners love an easter egg.
Step 7 Run it through auphonic.com.
Step 8 Submit it to ACX.
It is a long process, and there are many sub-steps within each piece. With this outline, you will save yourself lots of time in the long run.
Resources:
auphonic.com
ACX
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When you develop and create content, there is an important lesson we all must learn. In 2019, I had an unexpected chance to speak at the 2019 Copywriting Academy Live Event. This experience reinforced to me the necessity of knowing your content and having a reservoir of stories that you can pull from at any moment.
For the Copywriting Academy Live, I was able to go from coaching to speaking with only seven words on the confidence monitor. This is the recording of that event. From a list of seven words: Outhouse, Ranger Pants, Interpretation Formula, Swap, Cub, Voice and PLS to a 30-minute extemporaneous talk. How do you think it went?
No matter your medium, these tips will ensure your content is relevant, well-formed and ready for delivery whenever you need it.
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Jeff Noel is an establishment here at the Jody Maberry Show. He is also a talented podcaster in his own right. After celebrating 100 episodes, he is sharing his wisdom on the process of wrapping up his first show, If Disney Ran Your Life.
From recording the first episode in Kuwait City to being on-site in Glacier National Park, one thing that has been foundational for If Disney Ran Your Life is intentionality. From time frame to topics, Jeff had a clear vision of what he wanted the show to be.; this allowed him to stay the course and not let habit or comfort tempt him to take it further than planned.
Another remarkable strategy that Jeff put in place is intentionally not dating the conversations with current events. Not only has this allowed If Disney Ran Your Life to be focused and a consistent beacon in an ever-changing environment, but it has also allowed it to rise and be relevant today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
The growth that Jeff found along the way has allowed him to transition this amazing show from actively recording to continuously relevant. Hopefully, in the future, we might even see a book of the same title.
Resources:
If Disney Ran Your Life Podcast
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Bob Burg, the author of The Go-Giver, is back again for our traditional three questions follow-up episode.
I always enjoy the questions guests bring to the table and Bob did not disappoint. How did I get my start in business? Would you believe that working in parks was the bridge between two degrees and my love of finances and marketing?
What do I find most rewarding? I have the opportunity to work with amazing individuals and partner on fantastic projects. But there is something even more rewarding, and I’m going to unpack that for you.
How did you and Lee Cockerell get connected? Surprisingly, it was the result of a cold call, a family connection, and nearly standing him up…and we are still working together today.
If you have wondered about any of these questions, you will enjoy our conversation.
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Bob Burg, author of The Go-Giver, joins me to dissect the difference between being a go-getter, a go-giver, and a go-taker.
The Go-Giver is one of the top 5 business books I recommend. When we are driven by metrics and goals, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of relationships. All things being equal, people will do business with those they know, like, and trust. If it is a close race, a personal relationship or connection will win out, because people know it is in their best interest to work with someone they can rely on.
The good news is, as Bob so eloquently shares, there is no division or dichotomy between being focused on people and having goals. People don’t buy from you because of your metrics, but your metrics will help you set a path to helping as many people as possible. A go-giver is someone who is laser-focused on providing immense value to others.
Resources:
www.burg.com
The Go Giver – by Bob Burg and John David Mann
The Go Giver Podcast
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This is a momentous episode here on the Jody Maberry Show. We are celebrating 200 episodes. JeffBrown, a friend and host of the podcast “Read to Lead” is here to take me down memory lane.
I am so grateful for all of the opportunities podcasting has opened for me. It’s taken me around the world and landed me on stages I never dreamed I’d be speaking on. I know there is so much that this podcast, and others I am part of, have laid a foundation for. Some of which are in the works, and some that have yet to be realized. The Jody Maberry Show, specifically, has been a way of separating myself. It has allowed me to venture down paths that differ from the initiatives I am part of and exploring my take on the world.
If you have ever wondered why I started podcasting, what my favorite episodes are or what I would have done differently, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Also, make sure to stick around until the very end for a fun treat, courtesy of JeffBrown.
Resources:
How to be a Park Ranger to Your Customer
One Small Secret To Get More Attention
Read To Lead Podcast
The Cockerell Academy
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I recently had the opportunity of presenting virtually for a podcast summit, and I shared something near and dear to my heart: How to Use the Park Ranger Interpretation Method. I was introduced to this method after giving my first campfire talk as a park ranger. I have never forgotten it.
When creating a course, hosting a podcast, or delivering a talk, this method will help you engage your audience. It will also help them to take your content and apply it in their lives. You can remember this structure by keeping the S.W.A.P. acronym in mind. This flexible format allows for customizing the time you spend on each piece.
Pro tip: Keep a story inventory to pull from when you develop your content.
Whether you are doing an interview, or a monolog, remembering to S.W.A.P. will help you from preparation to delivery.
Resources:
Interpreting Our Heritage by Freeman Tilden
Everything You Need to Launch a Podcast Download
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Kary Oberbrunner is back for the anticipated follow-up podcast. When I have the pleasure of interviewing a guest, I always have them back and let them ask me any three questions they choose. My first time hearing them is during the interview, so you get the raw answers.
What would you regret not doing if you died today? This might be the most loaded question I’ve had on the show. Not publishing a book? Not making a big enough impact? Never traveling to Alaska? I may be changing some things up after this question.
What is the book that is pretty uncommon to most people, but life-changing to you? I don’t ever hear anyone talk about this book, but I do have a fun family connection to the author.
What music do you listen to when you want to be productive? I’ll give you a hint – It is a movie soundtrack and it’s far from Rotten to the Core.
Resources:
Made in America by Sam Walton
The Descendants Soundtrack
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Kary Oberbrunner returns to the Jody Maberry Show to talk about becoming unhackable.
In 2016, Kary published The Elixer Project, a fiction book about how the truth can get hacked.
Now, Kary has turned the lessons from The Elixer Project into a 30-day plan to help you maintain focus and get more done in life. The new book is Unhackable.
Our conversation goes beyond the books, as we discuss how you and I get distracted from who we are and what we are supposed to be by the everyday activities and priorities of other people.
Kary offers insight into how we can focus on what is important and not longer give priority to what doesn't matter. Kary even opens up and talks about challenges as a parent.
You can get more information about the new book at unhackablebook.com.
Every time Kary is a guest on the show, he leaves us with at least one memorable saying. This time, he said:
"Everyone wants the stage. No one wants the struggle."
Ray Edwards is back again for our regular follow-up podcast. When I have the pleasure of interviewing a guest, I always have them back and let them ask me any three questions they choose. Ray has some great questions, including one I have never heard before.
What do you carry in your pocket every day? There are a few things I carry every day that I am sure everyone can relate to. I mean, who doesn’t have a handcuff key on them at all times?
What did you discover about your backyard during the pandemic that surprised you? I’ll give you a hint – what do settlers, silver mines, and plane crashes have in common?
What is the one thing you are looking forward to the most in the next 6-12 months? I don’t want to give too much away. There are a few things I am looking forward to, but the thing I am most excited about how to do with you and connecting…in person. Excited? Me too.
Resources:
The Ray Edwards Show
Permission to Prosper by Ray Edwards
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Author and speaker Ray Edwards joins me to dive into the true meaning of prosperity and why you should want to do it.
Helping others find the freedom to prosper is something near and dear to Ray. It started as an event in 2015. In 2021, Ray channeled it into a new book. Our ability to make a difference in the world and the lives of those around us is the purpose of prosperity. Often, we reduce prosperity to something as trivial as money. When we do this, we run the risk of missing out on the true purpose prosperity holds in our life.
Prosperity is experienced in its purest form when filtered through gratitude and contentment. We need to tend to the everyday activities with the same passion we apply to pushing the boundaries and expanding our borders. When you can be grateful for the things you take for granted, you will encounter true prosperity.
Resources:
The Ray Edwards Show
Permission to Prosper by Ray Edwards
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At my desk, I keep five note cards. Each card has a saying or quote I want to be reminded of.
With a new year, I replace two to three of the cards with new cards. When I select a new quote, it is geared toward something I want to remind myself of or an attitude I need to work on.
Here are the five things I remind myself of every day for 2021:
"Excellence is the next 5 minutes"
-Tom Peters
"Trade your expectations for appreciation."
-Tony Robbins
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt
"What you appreciate appreciates."
-Jim Kwik
"Do your best and forgive yourself."
-Admiral Payne
In this special episode, renowned author Rick Bass joins me to explore the current challenges facing wild places in our nation, especially the Yak Valley in Montana. Not surprisingly, these challenges are also present in our own social climate.
As with many challenges currently facing our nation, our community, our connection, and shared history hold the key. Whether that is partnering with the scientific community to raise awareness of climate change and its impact or lending your voice to important movements like Black Lives Matter or 350.org – the need for passing the torch is rising with every passing year.
Sharing our stories, passing on our experiences, allowing the next generation to learn from our failures and successes takes courage. Making a difference takes courage, especially when it relies on one generation changing the trajectory of the previous.
In his book, Traveling Feast, Rick connects older and younger generations of authors over a meal. As we dive deeper into that concept, we see the importance of fostering generational connection. You don’t want things you value to be lost. It is necessary to connect the generations. Share what you love. That love promotes and generates generosity. Life is full of convergences. The more opportunities we have to fulfill our obligation to pass on the knowledge and wisdom we have gained, the more stories we share, the more hope we can hold on to.
Resources:
Books by Rick Bass
The Traveling Feast by Rick Bass
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As a former park ranger, the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World was the perfect place to stay.
Based on Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, Wilderness Lodge looks, feels, and smells like a historic National Park lodge. Many cast members are even in custom resembling park rangers complete with the iconic flat hat.
During my stay at Wilderness Lodge, I learned a few things, as I do anytime I spend time at Disney.
Dan Cockerell, retired Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, spent two years as the Wilderness Lodge General Manager. Dan joins me on this episode of the Jody Maberry Show to give his perspective on what I learned at the Lodge.
Create a memorable first impression. When you walk into the Wilderness Lodge, you know you are someplace special.
If you are going to copy, add your own personality. Wilderness Lodge has the feel of a National Park lodge but is full of unique touches of Disney. It taught me to be inspired by something but always add my own touch to it.
You are as happy as you decide to be. Even at the happiest place on earth, you won't be happy unless you decide to be.
Make it easy for people to do business with you. Magic Bands are a good example of making it easy for a customer to do business with you. Magic Bands make the experience better but also make it easier to spend money.
Solve the problems you know guests will have. When we checked into our room, there was sun relief gel waiting for us with our soap and shampoo. Sure enough, we got sunburns and used the sun relief gel. Disney anticipated we would have a problem and provided a solution before knowing we would need it.
You can find out more about Dan Cockerell at www.dancockerell.com.
You may want to listen to the audio version of Dan's book, How's the Culture in Your Kingdom. I narrate the book, so if you enjoy this podcast, you will enjoy the book. You can find it here.
Sometimes the wisdom we need to hear is found in conversations we’ve already had. In my last episode, Jeff Brown and I shared our book recommendations. One author mentioned was Rick Bass.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Rick in 2016 for The Park Leader’s Podcast. Although that conversation was through the lens of parks and for the park leader audience, the overarching theme is one for us all.
At the very core of who we are as humans, our connection to nature and “wild” places holds our history. We have a rich past of preservation in our country. Whether you are a scientist, a politician, an author, or an everyday average person, we have a responsibility to speak up about those values we hold, especially in public. Our words, our financial investments, our time…all of our modern resources can be engaged in stewarding and caring for our natural resources. Whatever the industry or arena, silos are detrimental to growth and improvement.
Resources:
Books by Rick Bass
Grizzley Years by Doug Peacock
The Lost Grizzlies: A Search for Survivors in the Wilderness of Colorado by Rick Bass
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Jeff Noel and I talk about the opportunity for you to join us on a retreat at Glacier National Park.
As is our tradition when we have guests on, Andy Storch is back with me with three questions, which I have no prior knowledge of:
What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of running my business? I am a people person and that heavily influences my answer to this question.
What is your favorite national park and what is one you haven’t been to? If you force me, I can boil it down to two, but the winner depends on which park I am standing in at the time. I also have a few honorable mentions I need to fit in.
What is the biggest mistake podcasters make and what is the most annoying thing some podcasters do and should stop? Podcasters aren’t radio hosts, but often they try and do this one thing like a radio personality and it can be detrimental to their show.
What do post-production, monetizing podcasts and grizzly attacks have in common? These are the answers to the bonus three questions Andy snuck in by adding a part two to each question.
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If there is anything 2020 has taught us, it is the importance of connection. Whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors, investing in connecting with people should be a top priority. Andy Storch, a podcaster, new author, and fabulous trainer just released his first book and we are unpacking the importance of investing in your network.
Reading Andy’s book, Own Your Career and Own Your Life, chapter 10 jumped out at me. The topic and challenge of purposely investing in building a network resonated. Networking can be an intimidating topic, but as Andy so eloquently explains, it isn’t doing things or making a connection for the quid pro quo. All networking is...is being intentional about showing up, genuinely, for those you connect with. Be it in person or via social media, be present, give lift to others and let them into your life. Lead with curiosity and generosity. When you can, give people a platform. Offer help without expecting anything in return.
Expectations will lead to disappointment. By building real, trusting relationships with others (without being motivated by what you can get out of it) is what networking is all about.
Resources:
- Own Your Life, Own Your Career Podcast
- Own Your Life, Own Your Career Book
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Let's spend a day together. This episode of The Jody Maberry Show documents a day of recording podcasts, videos, and other content.
People often ask me how I get so much done with 7 active podcasts and the other work I do. To answer the question, I spent a day and documented it.
Throughout the episode, you will get to join me as I record podcasts and have some conversations with some of the people I work with regularly.
In our time together, we will be joined by:
Jeff Noel: We record 3 episode of If Disney Ran Your Life.
Lee Cockerell: We recorded some promotional videos for the Cockerell Academy and recorded one episode of Creating Disney Magic.
Andy Storch: We record a couple of episodes of The Jody Maberry Show.
Dan Cockerell: We had a call about promoting The Perch Community.
Mike Simmons: We recorded an episode of the Catalyst Sale Podcast.
You will hear some behind the scenes conversation about what goes into each of the shows and projects we are working on.
Too often, we live a story someone else told us we should.
But you get to choose the character you want to be in the story you are living. Don't hang onto expectations of your parents, boss, a high school bully, or anyone else who told you who and what you are.
Who you are is completely up to you.
This episode, I use an interview from the podcast Foreward with Joe Pomeroy. During my conversation with Joe, we talked about some topics I had never discussed on the Jody Maberry Show.
Since the conversation with Joe was so good, I am sharing the interview from his podcast. This conversation will help you understand how your life is a story that is written by you. Your actions should be deliberate so your life is a story worth telling your kids about.
Disney VIP tours are a unique way to experience the theme parks.
My first VIP tour was in Disneyland. Not only did we get on more attractions than we would have otherwise because of the logistics of having a guide and the ability to get into FastPass lines, I learned more than I expected.
Our tour guide knew so much about Disneyland and Walt Disney. Nearly every ride, I learned a piece of history I would not have otherwise. She also had a story about topiaries, ticket booths, and the Tiki Room. It made for an exceptional day.
But during VIP tours, I learned some lessons.
Focus on Experiences. For people like me and you, a VIP allows us to feel like a celebrity for the day. For celebrities, a VIP tour allows them to experience the park like a normal person. In both cases, people are paying for the experience.
Make People Feel Special. This is the real charm of the VIP tours. A guide doesn't just take you around the park, they make you feel special. Disney selects tour guides who are good with people with a focus on service. Of the four guides I have been on a VIP tour with, each one has been different which led to a completely different experience. But the one thing that has been the same is how they make you feel special.
Exclusive is Valuable. I admit, one of the cool things about a VIP tour is that not everyone else is on one. You feel like you are getting an exclusive experience you would not get otherwise. Exclusive is another form of entertainment and Disney does it well.
There are people who want more and are willing to pay for it. Most people are happy with your basic offering. But there are some people who are willing to pay more to get more products, better service, or more access to you. Offer them more and let them pay for it. It is a service.
Thank you to Lee Cockerell and Dan Cockerell for contributing to this episode.
My guest today is Jeff Noel, a 30-year Disney veteran with over a decade of experience teaching at the Disney Institute. We are discussing practical tips for new speakers based on observations from past Podcast Movement keynote presentations.
As we discuss, there are many best practices in the world of public speaking. Some of the lessons we explore include vetting material in advance, giving the audience renewed hope, and relating to the crowd. With years of experience, Jeff shares in detail the ways he's matured these approaches from on-the-spot audibles on stage to preserving stage authority.
In any scenario, the key behind any tip is helping the audience come away with something. Whatever you do in practice or in the heat of the moment, act as if you've been there before.
Resources:
If Disney Ran Your Live - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/if-disney-ran-your-life/id1450061482
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
E-mail: jody@jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
On a recent trip to Nevada, I had the pleasure of staying at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno. Reno, much like Las Vegas is a town of noise and neon. Surprisingly, the Whitney Peak Hotel is neither of these two things…and that is exactly what makes them stand out. Every other hotel tries to compete by upping the anti-so to speak-and offers more of the same: noise and neon. The Whitney Peak Hotel is a no-neon, dog, and eco-friendly facility with a focus on customer service, not filling their lobby with unending slot machines.
This got me thinking. Just because others are doing something, doesn’t mean it is the best way to do something. How do you stand out in a world of noise and neon? Look around and see what others are doing and then do the opposite or put your twist on it. Look for what makes you you, what fits you, and do it your way. Be different in the way you are different.
In a world where every arena is crowded with more of the same, dare to be the one who dances to the beat of your own drum.
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
E-mail: jody@jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
As is our habit, when we have the honor of having a guest on the podcast, we have them back to ask me three questions. Reggie Williams returns today to rapid-fire the three questions on his mind:
What is your favorite song and why? I can’t give you a specific song, but you may be surprised at the current combo we have been enjoying in the Maberry household.
Who are the most famous people from Peoria, IL that you know? Hint – besides my granny, they include an actor, an athlete, and a government official from the Obama administration.
What was your biggest thrill in sports and your biggest disappointment in sports? From hat tricks to cheap shots, it is a pretty interesting array of experiences. We all have our Uncle Rico moments and today I’m sharing mine.
“The best day of my life is when I manage a winning game and the second-best day of my life is when I manage a losing game.” Tommy Lasorda
Resources:
Resilient by Nature – Reggie Williams
Reggie on Park Leaders:
Reggie on Come Rain or Shine
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
My guest today is Reggie Williams, former NFL linebacker and Disney executive turned author. We are discussing what it means to be “Resilient by Nature” and how we can turn negatives into positives.
How we deal with missed opportunities and being overlooked is proof of what we are made of. When you have been treated unfairly or experienced major disappointment, you can fill the void by strengthening yourself and others. Reggie share’s his experiences with us, from running into a childhood hero when he was ready to throw in the towel or seeing how the choices he made had ripple effects beyond his wildest dreams. Reggie’s story shows us our response to adversity is what sets us apart.
Our ability to give back and influence the next generation will require us to do better, to rise above our circumstances, and embody resilience.
Resources:
Resilient by Nature – Reggie Williams
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
How often do we learn great lessons and write them down, only to walk away and forget them? It is always a good idea to review notes. Dan Cockerell and I revisit and expound on some notes I put together on a return flight from a trip to Buffalo in April of 2018.
This event in Buffalo provided food for thought, ranging from how we care for the people that always show up to the importance of mixing up the way we approach tasks. When we allow others to be part of the story and present valuable information with enthusiasm, we provide a five-star experience. Creating your own luck and being open to the unexpected are key practices, especially when paired with enjoying the experience. In life, we often fear mistakes, but the ability to do what you need to do, even when you don’t know what that is will allow us to live life with forward momentum, even if we encounter failure along the way.
Resources:
- How’s the Culture in your Kingdom? – Dan Cockerell
Connect with Jody:
www.jodymaberry.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“If you have a good story and you tell it very well, that may matter more than what an expert you are on your subject.”
How do you remain in the present moment when responsibilities start to pull at you?
Jeff Noel and I are on a final day in Glacier National Park. We are recording from a beautiful location, and I already start feeling drawn to everything I have to do.
Instead of focusing on the beauty in front of me, I am thinking about driving home. I am thinking about all of the work I have to do once I get home.
Jeff and I discuss how we can remain in the present moment when other responsibilities start to pull at us.
Just like most things you are good at, it takes practice.
Jeff explains one of the keys is recognizing you are being pulled out of the present moment. Then you can ask yourself if you can let off the gas.
One way to help you remain in the present moment is to add some margin in your schedule. That way you have less to worry about if something gets in your way and causes a time delay.
When you have invested time, money, or hope into something, how do you know when it is time to turn around?
Jeff Noel says it takes practice. You need experience before you know when you should turn around.
Experience also helps you realize when you should say No. Saying no is a good time management tool. And it can help you not sink too much time into something you wouldn't be able to stick with.
This episode will give you some consideration of knowing when it is time to turn around and walk in a different direction.
Jeff Noel and I are deep in the wilderness of Glacier National Park. After recording an episode of If Disney Ran Your Life, it prompted us to stop and record this conversation about being all in.
Being all in, reaching for excellence, can leave someone burnt out. Knowing no matter how good you do, you can always do better.
Aim for perfection and settle for excellence. Always set the bar high.
If you set the bar high and don't make it. You at least know you did your best.
If you set the bar low and make it. You will always have to live with the regret of never having known what was possible.
No breakthroughs happen from people doing average work.
If you want to have an impact you have to go all in.
What do you do when you get eh second chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
For me, I started by reflecting and considered how I could have gotten the most out of the first opportunity.
Jeff Noel and I team up again in the wilderness of Glacier National Park for a series of episodes in the wilderness.
Based on Victor Frankl's book, we reflect on the question, "If I had today to live over again, what would I do differently?"
Jeff and I realize every day is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We can make the most out of each day by reflection and anticipation by treating each day life an opportunity.
A while back, I shared a story on Facebook about my cousin. You can read the original post here.
The story about my cousin helped me start some conversations about race.
In this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I share the story about my cousin. And then Jevonnah Ellison joins me to have a conversation about my story and a story she shared about tough questions white people can ask themselves about race.
Jevonnah explains when white friends speak up, black people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Courageous kindness is what it will take, according to Jevonnah, in order to have the conversations we need to have to make a difference.
As an example of courageous kindness, I share a segment from a live question and answer segment with Lee Cockerell. Someone asked Lee what he thought about athletes kneeling during the national anthem. Lee gives a strong answer, a courageous answer, standing up for what he believes in.
We round out the episode with Kelli English explaining how to have a discussion with kids about some of the terrible racial experiences from the past.
Lee Cockerell joins me on The Jody Maberry Show to discuss lessons from one of our live in-person Masterminds.
Here are the lessons we discuss.
There is no upside to being an idiot.
Be the kind of leader you would like your children to work for.
The thing you are worried about, you are the only one who knows. Other people don't know you are shy and introverted, for example.
Action is what matters. You can talk, but one great action is better than 2 great words.
Sometimes you are looking at a symptom and not the problem. Poor performance is a symptom of the problem of bad hiring.
The only thing you can leave behind and take with you is your legacy.
Don't ask a question Google could answer for you.
"Until today, I didn't know I could be great." Often, people do not realize what they are capable of until you help them discover it.
Make it easy to do business with yourself.
Learning to say "no" is the most effective time management tool.
Ask a younger person how to do better.
The most important question you can ask is, "what if?"
Slow doesn't mean better. Slow means slow. If you know what you are doing you can move fast.
If you enjoyed these lessons from Lee Cockerell, check out the Cockerell Academy.
Today, best-selling author and mentor, Dan Miller, joins me on the show to share his three questions.
Taking a more personal route, Dan and I discuss the joys of being a dad, the importance of experience-based education, and the future of Jody Maberry out to three years. Without spoiling the episode, while I hope to continue podcasting, I also plan to make several career shifts moving from behind the scenes to in front of them.
Regardless of how life looks in 2023, I’m excited about the future and what this year has taught me in terms of exploring new opportunities. No question, I look forward to making the most of them in the days, months, and years ahead.
Today, author Dan Miller joins me, and we are unpacking what it takes to create the life you love.
Dan is one of the top 4 influential people in my life. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his book, 48 days to the Work You Love, now re-released with an updated title – 48 Days to the Work And Life You Love. Life isn’t just about work. Determining the areas that carry value for us will help us steer towards our desired outcome.
We are diving deep into the mindset, perception, and belief system that makes a life we love possible. How we interpret opposition, how we define success; these are the factors that will propel us into the future. We also discuss the importance of taking action and the five steps we to making effective decisions. Dan has also graciously provided a special gift for my listeners. You can find the link in the episode resources.
Episode Resources
48 Days to the Work and Life You Love – Dan Miller
Quiz & First Chapter: https://www.48days.com/jody/
My uncle, Jerry, died of Covid. He was one of my favorite people and this is a terrible loss for my family.
Uncle Jerry was one of the most generous people I have met. In the spirit of his generosity, I want to share some of the things I learned from him on this episode of The Jody Maberry Show.
The Mask Isn't About You. Wearing a mask shows you care about other people.
Where you begin is not as important as where you finish. If you have a rough start you can still have an amazing finish. Don't let your beginning hold you back.
Money makes you more of what you already are. Money doesn't make someone selfish or a jerk. Money does not make someone generous and helpful. They were that way before they had money.
If you are not doing it for other people, why are you doing it?
Some problems are not worth fixing. When you know where you are going and why you are doing it. Some problems aren't worth the time or money to worry about.
A story can make anything personal. If you take the time to tell stories, it connects you to other people.
Living a big story is worth the risk. Sure, things may not work out the way you hope. But if it gives you a story to tell, it is worth it.
You become larger than life by living each day. It's not the big things people remember you for, it is what you do with each day you have.
Legacy is not built on big accomplishments. You build a legacy by what you do every day. How you treat people, and you help people, how you make people feel on a daily basis is where your legacy comes from.
People remember unexpected answers to expected questions. Rather than answer the simple, usual answers to questions, can you say something people will remember after the conversation?
The most important person in the world is the person right in front of you.
No matter what happens, it's going to be ok. These were Uncle Jerry's last words. And he is right. It will be ok.
In the last episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Dr. Mike Goldsby joined me to talk about entrepreneurship the Disney Way.
Dr. Goldsby returns to ask me three follow up questions to our conversation. In response, we are discussing three entrepreneurs who have influenced/impacted me over the years. Second, we take a look at my time as a park ranger. How did my experience and the skillset I learned prepare me for what I am doing now? Lastly, we are examining the areas of challenge and the opportunities for innovation in education as we move forward.
These three topics share the bottom line that leaders learn from the inputs around them – whether observation, experience, or the chance for innovation. Leaders keep moving.
Today, Dr. Mike Goldsby, Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ball State University and author of Entrepreneurship the Disney Way is with me. Dr. Goldsby has been teaching for 20 years and is sharing some valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, especially as seen in the life and career of Walt Disney.
Entrepreneurship is about being creative and it is all about opportunity. Walt Disney balanced creativity and business. He was a dreamer who knew how to be open to his circumstance and how to capitalize on his unique situation. As entrepreneurs, we can learn a couple of lessons from him in this area. First, be willing to take time and shape your ideas – learn and take input. Second, as a dreamer/visionary, surround yourself with implementors.
Understand yourself and what you stand for. Know yourself well enough to know when an opportunity isn’t for you. When you know what gives you energy and what takes it away, you can be patient enough to wait and find the opportunities that are good for you and those connected to you.
“A visionary needs an implementor”
Jeff Noel is with me again today to continue our discussion and introduce the five new things that I am telling myself every day in 2020. Last time, we laid to rest sayings and questions that I have used daily for years. Entering 2020, I wanted to think differently about the year.
Today we are examining my daily exercise and meditations on excellence, gratitude, thankfulness, appreciation, and ownership.
By defining what excellence is in the short term, we know how the whole of a project or situation will play out. By allowing ourselves to embrace enough and be thankful, we can experience the fullness of life. Through understanding our follow-through is not dependent on other’s feedback, we can overcome discouragement, which can allow us to appreciate what we encounter, rather than set ourselves up for unmet expectations. Lastly, by embracing ownership, we remove the limit of waiting for someone else to fix something or make a change. Even amid failure, we can move forward and do better. As Jeff likes to say, be amazed and be amazing.
What quotes or sayings inspire you? DM me on Instagram or go to jodymaberry.com and reach out.
Jeff Noel returns today to join me as I lay to rest my five daily sayings. Every day, there are five sayings/questions that I meditate on to help me create a successful frame of mind. When we want to do what we have never done, we must think differently than we have. So, in preparation for stepping into a new season, I want to visit these sayings for a final review.
Jeff and I discuss the concept of ‘rest being a weapon’ and the advantage it gives you over any adversary. We examine the benefit of asking ‘what does this make possible’ when you suffer loss. We look at the pro’s and con’s of ‘do the one thing’. We also consider what it means to ask yourself ‘what is it for’ as a means of keeping yourself on mission. Lastly, we unpack the benefit of reminding yourself to ‘do your best and forgive yourself’.
Words are very powerful. A slight change to a word can affect the whole manner with which we approach something. In the next episode, I will share what 5 new things I will be saying to myself every day.
Phil Gains and Donald Forgione join me today as we discuss what leading in a crisis really looks like. Both Phil and Donald are former State Park Directors and have faced their share of instilling confidence during a crisis.
Phil, Donald, and I discuss the core leadership principles that are needed when navigating unprecedented scenarios. We cover the importance of understanding your 3 target markets and how to effectively extend comfort and confidence.
We also examine how understanding the necessary principles that help form your long term vision will help you rise as a leader even beyond your immediate sphere. We must also look to those around us, our neighbors, and be a voice of hope.
Visit tailgate-talks.com
While Dan Cockerell and I were in Orlando for the annual Magical Vacation Planner Conference, most travel-related businesses began closing in response to Covid-19.
In the midst of the commotion and confusion, Dan and I along with Lee Cockerell to record an episode about how to deal with a crisis.
In addition to the interview with Lee and Dan, this episode will give some behind the scenes information about dealing with the crisis as it unfolded.
Here are four steps to keep in mind while dealing with a crisis:
Safety First.Before anything else, the safety of employees, customers, and yourself comes before anything else.
Deal with the Facts.During a crisis people get emotional. People speculate and gossip. You should deal only with the facts when you communicate with people.
Be Empathetic.Everybody is dealing with a crisis in different ways for different reasons. Understand people are worried.
Use the situation to get better.You and your organization can learn plenty from a crisis. Use it as a training opportunity.
During a crisis, your culture is on show for everyone to see. Your actions should match your words. What you say doesn’t build a culture. Culture is built through actions.
Vincent Pugliese joins me for the final episode in a series of special episodes of the Jody Maberry Show. Vincent does a podcast different than anything else you will hear out there.
Total Life Freedom, a daily podcast hosted by Vincent, has no intro or outro. No theme music. Vincent doesn't even say his name.
Inspired by his unusual style, I decided to invite Vincent to join me for a series of episodes. Five episodes in five days. Each day, we pick a topic and ask each other a question on the topic.
This episode we talk about our jobs and getting fired.
Both Vincent and I talk about our early work history and some of the unflattering things that have happened.
In the end, Vincent tells us a story to teach us every day is a bonus. We have nothing to lose.
Visit TotalLifeFreedom.com to learn more about Vincent and get a free audio version of his book, Freelance to Freedom.
Vincent Pugliese joins me for a series of special episodes of the Jody Maberry Show. Vincent does a podcast different than anything else you will hear out there.
Total Life Freedom, a daily podcast hosted by Vincent, has no intro or outro. No theme music. Vincent doesn't even say his name.
Inspired by his unusual style, I decided to invite Vincent to join me for a series of episodes. Five episodes in five days. Each day, we pick a topic and ask each other a question on the topic.
This episode we talk about education.
If a principal asked us to develop a curriculum of 5 classes we felt kids should be learning about, what would those classes be?
Hear both myself and Vincent list our 5 classes and why we feel they are important.
Visit TotalLifeFreedom.com to learn more about Vincent and get a free audio version of his book, Freelance to Freedom.
Vincent Pugliese joins me for a series of special episodes of the Jody Maberry Show. Vincent does a podcast different than anything else you will hear out there.
Total Life Freedom, a daily podcast hosted by Vincent, has no intro or outro. No theme music. Vincent doesn't even say his name.
Inspired by his unusual style, I decided to invite Vincent to join me for a series of episodes. Five episodes in five days. Each day, we pick a topic and ask each other a question on the topic.
This episode we talk about dealing with mi.
Tell me about an opportunity you turned down and then regretted.
For me, I should have left my career as a park ranger two years before I actually did. Staying on longer than I should have made me miss opportunities. Instead of finding a new opportunity, I stayed with the comfort of an uncomfortable situation.
Have you taken an opportunity that turned out to be the wrong decision?
Vincent tells about how he left his job and jumped into his own business. For a while, it seemed like it may have been a better idea to stay in a traditional job.
Don't fear a bad decision. Even a bad decision can lead you to your next opportunity.
Visit TotalLifeFreedom.com to learn more about Vincent and get a free audio version of his book, Freelance to Freedom.
Vincent Pugliese joins me for a series of special episodes of the Jody Maberry Show. Vincent does a podcast different than anything else you will hear out there.
Total Life Freedom, a daily podcast hosted by Vincent, has no intro or outro. No theme music. Vincent doesn't even say his name.
Inspired by his unusual style, I decided to invite Vincent to join me for a series of episodes. Five episodes in five days. Each day, we pick a topic and ask each other a question on the topic.
This episode we talk about paying to get access to people.
Tell me about a time you have paid to cut to the front of the line and get access to someone.
Vincent gives us several examples of times he has paid to get access to people to learn about podcasting, speaking and more. Access to people has helped him to build relationships and put him in the room with the type of people he wants to be around.
For me, the best example is Dan Miller. After paying to attend his Coaching with Excellence Program, Dan and I have built a relationship. Plus, I got to know many of the other people who attended the event.
Visit TotalLifeFreedom.com to learn more about Vincent and get a free audio version of his book, Freelance to Freedom.
Vincent Pugliese joins me for a series of special episodes of the Jody Maberry Show. Vincent does a podcast different than anything else you will hear out there.
Total Life Freedom, a daily podcast hosted by Vincent, has no intro or outro. No theme music. Vincent doesn't even say his name.
Inspired by his unusual style, I decided to invite Vincent to join me for a series of episodes. Five episodes in five days. Each day, we pick a topic and ask each other a question on the topic.
This episode we talk about Podcasting.
Why did you ignore conventional advice and launch a podcast so much different than what everyone else was doing?
Hear why Vincent decided to launch a podcast that is so different and how he was able to include so much of his personality in each episode. Vincent ignored advice and best practices to put more of his personality into his podcast.
How do you keep up with so many podcasts?
Systems. Without good systems and processes, I would not be able to produce as many shows as I do. I also talk about shows I considered doing but did not.
In the last episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Jeff Noel joined me to talk about how to use feedback to achieve excellence.
On this episode, Jeff Noel returns to talk about what happened next.
Using feedback, we implemented a good idea. But it didn't work out.
Not every good idea works out.
But you still have to keep trying.
You will never find success without failure.
"I've made more mistakes in my life than most people have made attempts" - Jeff Noel
Jeff Noel and I recorded this episode from the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR.
During this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, Jeff and I discuss the benefit of recording a podcast live in person.
We also give a behind the scenes look into recording the first episode of season 5 for If Disney Ran Your Life.
After recording the first episode, Jeff decides we could do better. So we regrouped and recorded the season-opening episode one more time.
In the pursuit of excellence, Jeff used feedback to understand he could do better. Feedback is a tool for excellence.
If you have a clear understanding of where you want to go, one piece of feedback could be the spark you need to make a change that moves you closer to excellence.
Jeff Noel reminds us, the only way you can succeed is if you are willing to fail. Some feedback can be tough. But you have to willing and open to hearing feedback if you are committed to excellence.
If you want to follow along and hear the final episodes of If Disney Ran Your Life as Jeff Noel and I create them, you can find the podcast here.
A couple time each year, Lee Cockerell and I host a Creating Magic Mastermind event in Orlando.
Even though I host the event, I learn as much or more than people who attend the event. And I take notes.
In this episode, I share the 8 new things I learned during the last Creating Magic Mastermind event.
- You can do more than you are now.
- When you think different, you act different.
- The Magic happens when experiences and ideas that don't usually come together run into each other.
- Candor moves the conversation.
- "One of the biggest obstacles to thriving is arriving." - Dan Miller
- What does that mean vs. Tell me more
- If one person is remote all people should be remote
- A first impression has to be professional
Lauren Davis returns to the show to ask me three questions.
If you were making so much money you couldn't spend it all, what causes would you give your money to?
My focus would be to help fund foundations and friends groups that support parks. My time as a park ranger helped me realize what benefit parks are to communities. Most parks are underfunded, understaffed and falling behind. If I had the money to do so, I would fund organizations that work in parks and conversation.
How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed and stressed?
Usually, I have several projects going on at the same time. If it begins to feel overwhelming, I select one project and get everything else out of my way.
My next step is to take a big task and break it down into as many steps as possible. First, I write down the end result I need. Then I list every possible step it would take. Break it down to as many small steps as possible. Once I have all of the steps written down I pick the next right step and I do it.
In 40 years what do you think you will be the most nostalgic about?
Without a doubt, I will look back at the time my kids lived at home and feel it was the time I was on top of the world. We spend more time with our kids when they are adults than when they are kids.
After resisting getting involved with Instagram, I finally began posting photos.
Instagram became my favorite social media platform, but I was reluctant to use Instagram stories. Finally, I posted an ongoing story when I took a trip to Florida.
The response was delightful. Every day, I received comments, messages, emojis, and questions. More than anything else I have ever done on social media, Instagram stories was getting people more involved with what I was doing.
Now I am hooked. And I want to do better.
When I want to get better, I talk to an expert. When it comes to Instagram, the expert I turn to is Lauren Davis.
Like me, many people get intimidated or frustrated trying to use social media to add some life to their personal brand. Lauren Davis makes it easier for me, though. She explains it in a way where I feel social media is easy to do because I only have to be myself.
Lauren's expert social media advice has been featured by Huffington Post, Reader's Digest and NailPro Magazine. As people realize how good she is at what she does, she has been making the rounds as a popular podcast guest.
Listen in as Lauren helps us understand how to build relationships with Instagram stories.
You can find me on Instagram at @SugarJMaberry.
Lauren can be found on the web at Lauren Davis Creative and on Instagram at @LaurenDavisCreative.
Whether you know it or not, and whether you like it or not, other people are telling a story about you.
Here is an example, when my wife and I went out for dinner, we ran into a friend. Just the night before, we saw our friend's boss at an event.
When I mentioned seeing her boss, my friend said. "He's not a fan of people."
Whether he knows it or not, this is the story his employees tell about the boss when he is not around. He is not a fan of people.
Here is what you have to understand about the story people tell about you...there is an onstage story and a backstage story.
Backstage is your co-workers, your family, and your friends. People who know you when you are not performing.
Onstage, which includes social media and other parts of your story actively in front of people, you can craft a story that looks good. But what about people who know you when you are not performing. What do they say about you when you are not around?
What if you found out people were saying something about you like you are not a fan of people? Is that the story you want to be told?
Jeff Noel joins me to discuss how you can help shape the story people tell about you.
Jeff reminds us, the essence of you or your brand, is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says your name. If what comes to mind for people is out of alignment with what you want them to think, you have some work to do.
Lori Allen joined us last episode to talk about success. Now, Lori returns to ask me three questions.
What is your favorite book?
Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell. One of the best business books in the past 20 years.
QBQ by John Miller. When I was a park ranger, I had everyone who worked for me read this book.
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt . Most people don't know of this book. But there are some fantastic business lessons in the book.
Which National Park is your favorite? And which one would you bring your kids, too?
Glacier National Park is my favorite. It is my park. Yellowstone National Park is the park I enjoy taking my kids to. There is so much to learn and explore. And the chances of seeing wildlife is high.
If you could change one thing about the way you were raised, what would it be?
When I was a kid, my father had cancer. Maybe this is not directly tied to the way I was raised, it impacted the way I was raised. And no kid would want their father to go through what my father went through. So if I could pick one thing to change, it would be that.
If you are interested in starting your own podcast, join me in the Podcast Magic course.
Lori Allen and I have worked together for years on the Great Escape Radio Podcast.
Now, we have retired the podcast, but I wanted to share Lori's incredible story with you.
Lori begins by talking about why it is difficult to tell your own story. So many of us can promote someone else but have trouble sharing our own story.
We don't share our story because of the risk of being vulnerable and failing. Instead, we try to fit in by being like other people.
In this episode, you will also hear the unorthodox and surprising method Lori used to get a job.
Lori also shares the story of realizing there was a need in the marketing place and finding a way to solve the problem. Great Escape Publishing is the product of Lori understanding what people wanted and finding a way to provide it.
One of the best lessons you can learn from Lori is about what it takes to be successful. Success, quite often, is made by what you don't see. You see the fruit of success, not everything someone did in the background to make it happen.
Tesla recently introduced the Cybertruck. On the first day, you could do so, I pre-ordered a Cybertruck.
For the past 10 years, I have driven a Montero I paid cash for. Car payments are not something I have any interest in.
So why would I pre-order a Cybertruck?
First, I can say I pre-ordered a Tesla. If nothing else, it is worth $100 just to be able to say that.
Even better, from now until the vehicles are available sometime in 2021, I get to imagine what it will be like to own and drive a Tesla Cybertruck.
The biggest reason I pre-ordered the Cybertruck, is I plan on getting one. But there is more to it than getting a new car. If I am driving a Cybertruck, it means there are many things I did right between now and then.
Those are the best goals you can set. A goal in which you will have to become someone you currently are not in order to make it happen. If a goal doesn't stretch you, it may not be worth considering a goal.
For Tesla, for the next year, there are 200,000 people who get to say they have pre-ordered a Tesla. The word of mouth about Tesla to come from the pre-orders is priceless.
What can you do in your business that is different enough from other people so they talk about you?
In this episode, three people join me who went through the Podcast Magic course.
Mike Sizemore, Cory Carlson, and Melissa Detweiller ask me questions about podcasting and we discuss the opportunities created through a podcast.
What got me interested in podcasting and what did I hope to accomplish?
My first podcast, The Park Leaders Show, was originally going to be a blog. But Jared Easley showed me the light and I launched a podcast instead. The show was launched with the intent to keep me connected to parks, but it turned out to be so much more.
What are some of the opportunities created by podcasting?
For me, a whole new world has been created. My first podcast led to a second, which led to a third, and so on until I had 8 active podcasts. Also, I have done coaching and consulting, narrated audiobooks, got speaking opportunities, traveled the world, been interviewed for a reality show and so much more because of podcasting.
What was my biggest fear about podcasting?
At first, I didn't know where to begin. Then, once I recorded, my biggest fear was that my voice was bad.
What has been your greatest challenge in doing podcasts?
The three toughest parts of podcasting are editing, creating new content every week, and still being willing to do episodes when it feels like no one is listenting.
Was there a tipping point where you decided you were all in?
For the Park Leaders Show, it was episode 10. By then, I was getting connected to people I had not previously known and this helped created momentum. Personally, overall, it was the launch of Creating Disney Magic. Once this podcast was launched I was all in on podcasting.
Were there any interviews over the years that you regret?
No. There are some interviews that could have gone better. But I am grateful for every interview I have gotten to do.
If you are interested in starting a podcast, check out my new course Podcast Magic.
This episode will give you an inside look at how I work through ideas to create content.
While sitting on a mountain pass, Jeff Noel and I discuss the rewards you can get from taking a risk.
Jeff Noel and I are going to take podcasting into the wilderness of Glacier National Park.
David Hancock joins the Jody Maberry Show to talk about the power of attending live events.
Lee Cockerell, Dan Cockerell, and Jeff Noel join me on this episode of the Jody Maberry Show to answer questions from a listener.
Braveity is the brief moment when you have made the decision to act brave. It only takes a moment but has a tremendous impact.
In 30 seconds, you can share how much you appreciate someone.
With only a quick video, audio message, email or text, you can have a powerful impact on someone's day while also building a relationship.
In this episode, I share 3 personal examples of short videos of appreciation and how you can apply this method right away.
Jeff Noel joins me on this episode of The Jody Maberry Show to ask me three questions.
Here are the questions Jeff asks:
Why did you drive a day and a half round-trip to go to Glacier National Park?
Jeff Noel asked me to meet him at Glacier National Park. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. In total, I spent more than 30 hours on the road driving to meet Jeff. Time is the most valuable gift you can give to someone. Especially if it is not easy time to give.
What's our most impossible dream?
At the moment, I don't have an impossible dream. But just a few years ago, I would have thought what I get to do now is impossible. So I know the impossible can happen, I just haven't set my sites on one big dream.
What do you love about being a parent?
The long term project of watching all the work you put in help kids develop into humans.
Jeff Noel even snuck in an extra fourth question. You will have to listen to the episode to find out what it is, though.
If you enjoy hearing Jeff on this episode, check out his new podcast If Disney Ran Your Life.
This episode of The Jody Maberry Show was inspired by a recent iTunes review of the podcast.
Part of the review states, "Jody is a bit like the Garrison Keillor of business podcasting..."
Reading that reminds me of the time I met Garrison Keillor in Seattle.
After one of his live events, I had the chance to get some books signed by Garrison. He took the time to admire my tie. He told me I married the prettiest girl in the San Juan Islands. He made an effort to make us feel special, even though we were there to see him.
You can take the time to do the same for people around you. Call it service. Call it going the extra inch. I call it a Beau Geste, or a beautiful gesture.
All it takes is one beautiful gesture to have an impact.
"Do your best and forgive yourself" is a quote from Admiral Payne.
And it is included in one of the questions I answer this week.
Mike Simmons, from the Catalyst Sale Podcast, asks me three questions;
Who is your favorite Marvel character and why?
What are the 3 key themes you have noticed through all of your experience?
What does "Do your best and forgive yourself" mean to you?
For 2019, I am playing by new rules.
Here are the new rules for 2019;
Urgency
Play
Sleep
I Will
One Thing at a Time
On this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I examine how it only takes 5 minutes to create magic for customers.
Jeff Noel has preached how you don't have to go the extra mile to Wow a customer. All you have to do is go the extra inch. Do that one little thing you don't have to do.
During a visit to LensCrafters, someone went the extra inch and it absolutely delighted me. And it made me realize all it takes is five minutes to do something special for a customer.
One inch in five minutes and you can create a situation where a customer tells other people about you.
To go deeper into the subject, I talk with Dan Cockerell - former Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, Phil Gaines - former Director of South Carolina State Parks, and Lee Cockerell - former executive vice president of Walt Disney World.
On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, we are joined by Jeff Noel.
Jeff shares a story about the Magic Kingdom that illustrates what happens when you give employees the freedom to create magic.
While on a family road trip, we listened to the book Ask an Astronaut.
My kids loved the book and have been asking questions about space. It all reminds me of how curious I was about space when I was a kid.
And that reminds me of a time a few years back when my son attended a space camp at the local library. On the final day, Astronaut John Fabian came to speak to the students.
No way was I going to miss the opportunity to hear an astronaut speak, so I snuck into the room.
On this episode of the Jody Maberry Show is about what I learned when John Fabian spoke to the kids about his time in space.
Recently, my daughter came with me on a trip to Nashville. We had a tremendous time together, but it wasn't all about having fun.
Here are the lessons I learned from traveling with my daughter.
R&R will help you catch your breath: When I saw R & R, I am not talking about rest and relaxation. Instead, I mean reconsider and refuse. In order to bring my daughter on a business trip with me, I needed to reconsider what work I am doing and refuse some projects. Doing so allowed me to catch my breath and enjoy my trip.
The Way Things Are Supposed to be is Getting in Your Way: Just because things are done a certain way doesn't mean they should be done that way. Policies, procedures, and tradition could be getting in your way of getting big work done.
I need to Make it Worth Your Time: If I am going to be on the road and away from my family, I need to make it worth your time or I am wasting my time.
Don't let perfect get in the way of done: Too often, we let the pursuit of perfect get in the way of just getting the work done.
We need to play more often: Sometimes all we need to do is play.
Ask for Advice not a job: If you ask for a job, you will get advice. If you ask for advice you will get a job.
Time is more important than anything else: Forbes Riley told me she had everything she wanted, now all she was after was more time to enjoy what she has. Her comment inspired me to pursue the time to enjoy now, rather than later after I feel like I have accomplished everything I wanted.
Anna Powers returns this episode to ask me three questions.
What is your favorite color?
There is only one color that has gotten me a hug from a stranger because I was wearing it. How can that not be my favorite color?
What is my favorite country I have visited?
Canada. Outside of the United States, Canada is the only country I have been to.
What is next for Jody Maberry?
In 2019, I have 3 projects I am looking forward to; my upcoming course about podcasting, the book I am writing, live events with Lee Cockerell.
You can use your experience to help people achieve their dreams.
Anna Powers is an example of how you can tap into your experience and knowledge to help someone else.
Anna achieved her dream of becoming an attorney, but a book became a thorn in her side that led her in a new direction.
Dan Miller's book, 48 Days to the Work You Love, caught her attention. Anna purchased the book so she could prove you could not find work you love in only 48 days. It took her 7 years, after all, to become an attorney.
By the time Anna had finished reading the book, she realized the message in the book was true. And she was inspired to become a coach to help other people find work they loved.
As Anna transition from being an attorney to coaching other people, she realized how important her time and training as an attorney helped her help other people.
Nothing is wasted. Experience and knowledge from your past will propel you into your next adventure.
Take your own background and skills to build what you have now.
You don't need to be an attorney or park ranger to bring your backstory into what you do today. Whatever your background is, you picked up skills you can bring forward to your new stage in life.
Energy is not generated by a bolt of lighting. It is generated by friction. Get out there and make something happen.
Ann has created this Sales page template to help you create a sales page to give you a place to start.
You can find Anna Powers the web, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Recently, Lee Cockerell and I hosted a one-day mastermind event in Orlando.
Twelve people from around the country joined us to discuss opportunities and challenges they have in their business.
Even though I help Lee host the event, I know I walk away learning more than anyone else. Here are six lessons I learned during the mastermind.
Choose the better story:When faced with two options, choose the one that will create a better story for you or your family. T
Take care of yourself:You can't take care of others if you haven't taken care of yourself first. Take care of yourself, then your family, then your career.
Quit Feeling Guilty:Do your best and then forgive yourself.
Let it go:You don't always have to have the last word or always be understood. Let it go. And the more often you let it go, the easier it will be to let it go next time.
People aren't always happy for you:When you become great, not everyone will be happy for you. Be great anyway.
Talk behind people's backs:Start saying good things about people when they are not around and see what happens.
In the last episode, Jason Swenk joined the Jody Maberry Show to talk about being recommendable.
Now, Jason returns to ask me three questions.
What was my scariest moment as a park ranger?
You will have to listen to the episode to hear this story. But I will tell you there was one night where I was concerned if I was going to make it back home to see my family. But faced with a tough situation, you have to find the courage to take the next step.
What is the one thing holding me back from launching my book?
Myself. It is that simple. But the book is in process and slowly coming along.
What is your worst client story and what would I change?
Once, I had to fire a client. Also, once, I was fired by a client. Both had similarities. Understanding what happened in both cases led me to understand how important it is to have clarity. Clarity in the work and expectations. But also clarity in who I should and should not work with.
Are you on Instagram? Me, too. You can find me here.
Jason Swenk was recommended as a guest by Aaron Walker. I mention that because I turn down nearly all requests to be a guest on the podcast. Since most episodes are just me, there simply is not room to have many guests. Usually, if I have a guest, it is already someone I know and have a relationship with.
But when Aaron Walker suggested Jason Swenk as a guest, I considered it. Once I did research on Jason, I knew he would be a great fit for the show.
Even though Jason has accomplished so much, the conversation has to start with the recommendation, though. What is a recommendation worth? What does it mean to recommendable?
Here is the other important thing about this interview...I messed it up. We recorded once and I strayed from my system and deleted the interview. I had to go back to Jason and let him know I made a mistake and ask if we could record again.
Jason creates so much content he is on a different level than most of us. In this interview, Jason explains why he creates so much content and what he does with it to serve more people. As Jason creates more and more content, it becomes easier to find out who he is and what he believes.
And that takes us back to the recommendation from Aaron Walker. Creating as much content as Jason has, someone like Aaron can get to know him. You can tell he is different and has something to say. Creating content has made Jason recommendable.
There lies the secret of this conversation...keep creating content until you have something to stand on. Keep creating until you become recommendable.
Once you get recommendable people will recommend you.
Here are all the places you can find Jason.
Web - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a couple days exploring Glacier National Park with some friends.
During my time in the beautiful mountains of Montana, I noticed a few things. Of course, I am going to share what I learned with you.
Here are the lessons from Glacier National Park;
Every day is a gift
Policies and procedures can get in the way
What you put out comes back to you
Time is the most valuable thing you can invest in someone
Are we connected on Social Media? You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Recently, I returned from the Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop in Austin, TX, hosted by Great Escape Publishing. I team up with Great Escape Publishing to host their podcast, Great Escape Radio.
While I was at the Workshop, something big happened. The 20th anniversary of the day I moved away from my hometown of Peoria, IL was while I was in Austin.
On the day of the anniversary, I posted on Facebook to commemorate the special day. The post got some wonderful responses from people;
"I Love This"
"What a great story"
"You're amazing!! You carve out the life you wanted to live...proud of you!!"
There were many comments like this, all cheering me on for such a bold move. And someone sent me a private message asking me why I left everything I knew and set out with no money and no job prospects.
In this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I examine why my big move still gets so much fanfare 20 years later. Why do people congratulate me? Why do people ask me why I did it?
We will discuss that and more on this episode.
During my time as a Park Ranger, I learned many lessons that still serve me today.
One Ranger taught me how a smile can save your day. In this episode, I tell the story of a Park Ranger who got stuck in an outhouse.
How did she get out? And how does it impact you?
To get the story, you will how to listen to the episode. Below, are the 4 lessons I took from the story.
Patterns are important.There are times when the right processes and procedures will get you out of trouble.
Avoid Patterns.The safety and routine of patterns can keep you from the creativity and ideas you need.
Celebrate.Take teme to celebrate. With so much work to do, we don't celebrate enough.
Smile.If there is one thing we learn from Ranger Sims, it is that a smile can save your day.
On the last episode, John Saccheri joined the show to talk about building a brand based on your personality.
Now, John returns to ask me three questions.
What did you do before you do what you do now?
Financial Analyst. I measured interest rate risk for a commercial bank. This job was as exciting as it sounds. But it did give me a strong background in numbers, which serves me well today.
Park Ranger. Becoming a park ranger was the fulfillment of a boyhood dream. I would not be who I am today without having been a park ranger.
Marketing Manager. This job was the catalyst for launching my own business to help businesses with marketing.
John asking this question reminds me, your background is not as important as you think it is. People are concerned with what you are doing now and what direction you are heading. Your background is not as important as you fear. Or as important as you hope, depending on how you look at it.
Don't let your background get in your way.
When was the last time Lee Cockerell surprised me with something he said on Creating Disney Magic?
Although I do know what direction each episode of Creating Disney Magic will go, every once in a while I am surprised. As an example, we did an episode where we talked about people who get by doing as little as possible while they wait for retirement to arrive. Lee's opinion on the topic was stronger than I expected it would be. You can listen to that episode here.
How important is family?
This could either be the easiest or hardest questions anyone has asked. Easy because my family is the most important thing in my life. Hard because how do I explain it? Well, I do my best on the episode to explain what family means to me.
John Saccheri has built a brand based on the power of his personality.
John, also known as Big Fat Panda, has created a YouTube channel based on weaving his personality into his love for Disney.
The creation of the Big Fat Panda brand is a story of love and hard work. What began as John creating videos to show his experience at Disney, has led to getting added to the Disney media list. Now, John can be found at all of the Disney events, invited by Disney because Big Fat Panda has become an influential brand.
John was just being himself when Disney noticed him and the work he was doing. This is an important lesson for anyone trying to build a personal brand. Be yourself. Your personality is the best thing you can bring to any of the work you do.
John advises us to put more of yourself into your videos, blogs, or podcasts. If you are working on something you love, you are more likely to infuse more of your personality and opinion into the work.
John on Facebook - Big Fat Panda
John on Twitter - @BigFatPandaShow
John on YouTube - Big Fat Panda Show
Phil Gaines, Director of South Carolina State Parks, recently retired after 27 years with the agency.
On his last day as Director, Phil did one final act of leadership that has people talking. What does a true leader do on his last day?
Well, if that leader is Phil Gaines, he returns to the same park where he began his career, 37 years to the day he first worked at that park. He didn't return to the park for a ceremony.
Phil Gaines spent the day working. He cleaned the bathrooms. He picked up trash. He talked with campers.
Phil orchestrated the perfect ending to a great story.
On this episode, Phil talks about his final day with South Carolina State Parks.
Phil also offers advice to leaders;
-
Focus on the Journey. Joy is found in doing, not finishing.
-
Leave Your Mark.
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Document your journey and enjoy the ride.
We are celebrating on this episode of The Jody Maberry Show.
This episode marks the milestone of 100 episodes.
To help me celebrate three people join me.
Jared Easley from Starve the Doubts podcast and the Co-Founder of Podcast Movement.
From Jared we get 3 lessons:
- Do the hard work for a season
- Strategic breaks help you grow
- If you stick with it, opportunities will open up
Mike Simmons from Catalyst Sale joins us to talk about his experience with the Catalyst Sale podcast.
And Mike Kim, who was with me on the first episode of the Jody Maberry Show, stops by to say congratulations and tell us what he has been up to the past few months.
After talking with all three people, a common theme emerged about just sticking with it and the opportunities will come.
I also noticed that all three of them started with an idea and then made something happen with it. The difference is they decided to act today.
This could be the day it all changes for you, too. Today could be the day where it all begins. You just have to decide so and then make the first step.
On the last episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Matt McWilliams joined us to talk about Affiliate Marketing.
This week, Matt returns to ask me three questions. The questions are unfiltered, unprompted and whatever Matt wanted to ask.
Here are Matt's questions;
Best burger I have had?
Best burger is Capone's in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Matt was asking a loaded question here because Matt and I have eaten together at Capone's, and he knew how much I enjoyed the burger. More than I enjoy eating the burger, I like taking people there and dining with them when they try the unique burger for the first time.
Best Fiction book I have read in the past few years?
Hands down the best fiction book I have read is To Kill a Mockingbird. I don't know it took me so long to read this book, but once I did, I read it twice because it was so good.
The Bourne Identity has to get a mention, though. One line in that book made a big difference for me. "Rest is a weapon." That lined changed my viewpoint on sleep. Since then I have focused on getting more sleep. In turn, I get more and better work done.
Most intimidating wildlife I have seen?
Although I have had a few encounters I could mention, with moose or a squirrel, the one that ranks at the top is a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park. During the encounter, there was a brief moment when I did not know what would happen or how it would turn out. In a situation like that, the rest of the world stops. All there is is the grizzly bear.
Finally, I am on Instagram. If you want to connect with me there, you can find me at @sugarjmaberry.
Matt McWilliams has a mission to help 100,000 people make their first dollar online.
One area many people overlook to make money online is affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing is a way to serve your audience and customers by putting products and services in front of them that you don't offer. By finding a product that works for your customer, you can make sure there is not a gap in the progress or service of your customer. By recommending a product or a service, you get a piece of the sale.
Matt describes affiliate marketing as recommending a product enthusiastically.
Here is an example of affiliate marketing. Currently, I am reading the Go-Giver Influencer by Bob Burg and I am loving it. I like it so much I encourage you to click here to get the book. If you click the link and buy the book four things will happen; Bob Burg will get a sale. I will get a small percentage of the sale. You will get an excellent book. We all win.
Matt will explain how you can use affiliate marketing to serve your customers, build relationships, and make more money.
Matt has a gift for you if you are interested in learning more about affiliate marketing. Click Here to get a free report, a case study interview, and a min-course.
Matt and I were both featured in the book the Art of Work by Jeff Goins. Both Matt and I have a chapter that tells our story. Have you read the Art of Work yet?
Last episode we had a great conversation with Jevonnah Ellison. This episode, Jevonnah asks me three questions.
Listen in to hear my answers to these questions from Lady J.
What has been one of your greatest lessons learned as it relates to dealing with people and building solid relationships?
In a word, curiosity. Being curious enough to ask people questions, and truly be interested in the answer, is the first step in building a solid relationship.
Tell me what happened as a park ranger that led you to become a business coach.
My time as a bike patrol instructor for the International Police Mountain Bike Association is what eventually led to me becoming a business coach. Over 5 years, I taught bike patrol classes to park rangers and other law enforcement officers. Often, I would have to coach individuals to help them learn the proper skills. Being involved in someone else's success was rewarding. The skills I learned coaching law enforcement officers helped me coach people in podcasting, brand building, and business.
Tell me about one of your favorite books and why.
My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg is currently one of my favorite books. Since the beginning of 2017, I have listened to the audio version of the book 6 times. Read Bragg does a wonderful job narrating the book and I enjoy hearing his southern accent. But the book helps me explore the world of telling short stories. Rick Bragg inserts humor and entertainment in telling a short non-fiction story with a point.
You are your best marketing. If you don't already believe that, you will change your mind after you meet Jevonnah Ellison.
From the first time I met Jevonnah, I wanted to know more about her. She made such a great first impression.
Jevonnah has taught me how YOU, the way you present yourself to other people, is the best marketing you can do.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, Jevonnah will share stories to help you understand how you can be more intentional and mindful about how you present yourself to other people.
"The greatest testament is oftentimes not in what we say, but in how we let our life speak for itself." - Jevonnah Ellison
Jevonnah on the web - jevonnah.com
Jevonnah on Twitter - @JevonnahEllison
Jevonnah on Facebook - Jevonnah Ellison
"Are you almost done?"
With those four simple words, a young boy nearly knocked me off my seat.
There I was in front of a group of campers, standing proudly in my park ranger uniform, giving my first campfire interpretive talk.
But a young boy stood up and asked me if I was almost done.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I explain what happened and why it matters and what it led to today.
Last week, Jennifer McClure joined the Jody Maberry Show to talk about developing a signature story.
This week, Jennifer asks me 3 questions.
The week after there is a guest on the show, they ask me three questions about anything. Business, life, parks...anything. I don't prompt them in any way.
Here are the 3 questions from Jennifer McClure, with short answers. Listen to the entire episode to hear the whole story.
What have I revealed about myself during my 10,000 steps per day walking streak?
So far, after over 800 days, I have learned plenty. I even did a podcast episode focused on the step steak. But if I had to pick one thing I have revealed about myself it would be this; If I can do this, what else can I do?
It has not been easy walking so many steps in a streak that stretches over 800 days. If I have it in me to accomplish this, what else can I accomplish? I look forward to finding out.
What is my fondest memory of being a park ranger?
Believe me, there are many. After being a park ranger for 8 years, I have enough fond memories to last a lifetime. But the best came during my first week as a park ranger.
Jack Hartt, the park manager and the person who hired me into parks, told me to spend time falling in love with the park before I worried about doing the work. That advice served me well as a park ranger and I still practice his advice today, no matter what I am doing.
What is my favorite National Park and why?
Not a fair question, but I will give an answer. For many reasons, my answer should be Yellowstone National Park. But for some reason, I can't shake the thought that Glacier National Park is my favorite.
I have spent much time in the backcountry at Glacier and seen things that most people who visit Glacier never see. Glacier is a backcountry park. As beautiful and stunning as the park may seem from Going to the Sun Road, you haven't seen the park until you walk into the wild.
If you want to make a mark as a speaker, you have to develop a signature story. Jennifer McClure joins the show to discuss developing your signature story and using it to connect with people.
Jennifer is a full-time speaker following a career in Human Resources.
In this episode, Jennifer will explain the value of a signature story and help you realize how you can use it to connect with people in the audience.
Jennifer has been a tremendous help to me in getting started in speaking. If you are interested in speaking more often, or just want to understand how to do better when you have to give the occasional talk in front of people, you will get plenty of inspiration and ideas from Jennifer.
Jennifer on the web - jennifermcclure.net
Jennifer's podcast - Impact Makers
Jennifer on Twitter - @JenniferMcClure
Jennifer on Facebook - UnBridled Talent
Not long ago, I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel when I spoke the annual conference for Magical Vacation Planner.
As I like to do when I visit anything related to Disney, I paid attention so I could see what I could learn. This episode is devoted to those lessons I discovered while staying at the Disneyland Hotel.
Here are the six lessons:
Create the environment for the feelings you want customers to feel.
Make a great first impression.
Magic is created by the small things.
Tap into as many senses as possible.
Your people are your brand.
Find ways to surprise people.
Special thank you to Jeff Noel for contributing to this episode.
Dan Cockerell was recently a guest on the Jody Maberry Show. As a follow up to that episode, Dan Cockerell asks me three questions.
Dan recently left his role of Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom to launch his own business. His three questions are related to building a personal brand.
What advice do you have for someone leaving the corporate world and starting their own business?
- Know what you want to be known for.
- Read and implement Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller.
- Work with the right people to help you get work done. I work with a podcast editor, an assistant, someone to build sales funnels, and a graphic designer.
What are some apps or programs you use to run your business and keep your life organized?
- Slack - This will allow to communicate with your team and cut down on email.
- ConvertKit - Start building an email list as soon as possible.
- Quickbooks Online - Keep your finances and accounting in order from the beginning.
- Grammarly - This makes sure my grammar is acceptable.
- Wunderlist - This will help you keep track of everything.
- iNaturalist - Unrelated to business, but I love this app. This app helps me identify plants, insects, and animals.
What is your best 2 or 3 tips to create a great podcast?
- Position yourself as an authority on your topic.
- Gear your show to one person, not hundreds.
- Be willing to talk about small topics on your show. As an example, here is an episode I did about outgoing voicemail.
After 27 years at Walt Disney World, Dan Cockerell is leaving the Magic Kingdom for a home office.
Dan began his Disney career parking cars at Epcot as part of the college program. He finishes his career as the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom.
During his time at Disney, Dan had 19 different jobs and learned how to manage operations and culture from the parking lot to the iconic castle. Now, Dan is launching his own business to work with organizations to improve organizational structure, build a magical culture and select the right talent.
You can find out more about Dan at dancockerell.com.
Lee Cockerell and I hosted a one-day Creating Magic Mastermind event in Orlando. In this episode, I share nine things I learned during the Mastermind.
Here are the nine lessons;
The opportunity is there if you are willing to take it. We are all surrounded by opportunities. You have to be open enough to see it and bold enough to act.
Family comes first. Don't let your job get in front of your family. The work you do is not more important than the people in your house.
An Organization will adjust to lack of clarity. If you aren't clear with expectations, people will adjust, and you probably won't like the direction of the adjustment.
Make sure the right people know who you are. If people don't know who you are they can't help you.
Don't practice on your customers. Make training a priority and don't practice on your customer.
There are only 4 things to make people change. The only things that will lead people to change their mind or change their behavior are education, emergency, experience, and exposure.
Beware of the HIPPO. The HIPPO is the Highest Paid Person's Opinion. Make sure everyone's opinion is heard, no matter what their position or pay grade.
Treat a customer like a member of the family. If your mother was in the situation your customer is in, how would you want your mother treated?
You will have to repeat your message often. When you are starting to get sick of hearing yourself say your message, people are just beginning to listen. Stick with it.
It can be scary to try something new. What if you mess up? What if it doesn't go as planned?
No matter what happens, there is one way to gain value from any situation. Reflection.
Reflection is how you get the most out of any experience. The insight you gain from reflection can be used for anticipation. Mess up today, reflect on it, and you are more likely to be able to anticipate what will happen in the future.
Exerpeince isn't worth much unless it is ran through the wash of reflection.
Donald Miller built a reputation as an author with popular books like Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Through writing books, Donald learned the elements of a great story.
Now, in his book, Building a StoryBrand, Donald Miller helps businesses tell a clear and compelling story.
StoryBrand has had an impact on nearly everything I do with my business. Once you understand StoryBrand, you will get clarity in your message. When your message is clear, your marketing and content become clear.
Listen to this interview with Donald Miller, and then get a copy of the book, and apply what you learn. It will be the first step towards attracting more customers.
Get the book - Building a StoryBrand
Donald Miller on Twitter - @DonaldMiller
Donald Miller on Facebook - Donald Miller
Donald Miller on the Web - Storylineblog.com
Find out more about the StoryBrand workshop.
Lee Cockerell, retired EVP of Walt Disney World, and Carol Quinn, CEO of Hire Authority, team up to discuss hiring and employee motivation.
If you want to stand out in your job and get noticed by your boss, there are 12 things you can do to set yourself apart from everyone else.
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Do the job in front of you.
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Be in service of the boss.
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Remember, your boss has a job to do.
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Think of your boss as a customer.
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Consider if there is a difference between what your boss wants and what your boss needs.
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Attitude stands out.
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Raise your hand when something needs done.
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Bring a solution not a problem.
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Bake your bosses goals into your goals.
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If you have something to say, say it to your boss not a co-worker.
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Keep your boss informed.
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Produce results.
If you want to have more impact, find someone who has had an impact and talk to them.
On this episode of the podcast, we ask Dan Ashe, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service how we can have an impact.
Director Ashe outlines three steps to have an impact;
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Be engaged personally. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
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Professional engagement. Think larger than what is around you.
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Persistence. Pick a course and stick with it.
Being married to an entrepreneur can give you heartburn.
Being married is always work. Worthwhile work, but still work. Being married to an entrepreneur brings a whole new level of challenges.
To help us navigate the tricky world of marriage and entrepreneurship, two special guests join the show. First, Joanne Miller gives encouragement to spouses of entrepreneurs. Next, Susie Miller offers advice for both entrepreneurs and their spouses.
To help you have better conversations with your spouse, Susie Miller has a free guide for you. CLICK HERE to get Fast and Fun Conversation Starters for Entrespouses.
Susie Miller on the web - susiemiller.com
Susie Miller on Twitter - @susiemiller5
Susie Miller on Facebook - Susie Miller
Susie Miller's Book -Listen Learn Love
Joanne Miller on the web - joannefmiller.com
Joanne Miller' book - Creating A Haven of Peace
Sometimes things just don't go right.
Our plans get knocked over. People don't show up. We make bad decisions and get in uncomfortable situations.
This week's episode of the Jody Maberry Show is a message of encouragement when things don't go right.
You only get one chance to make a first impression on a new employee.
How you handle the first day for a new employee will go a long way with shaping their attitude about your organization.
What do you want them to know? What do you want them to feel?
Design your new employee's first day to answer those first two questions.
Have you ever been lost in the woods? It has happened to me more than once.
Once, deep in the wilderness of Wyoming, I was so lost I thought I may never find my way back to civilization.
According to Jonathan David Lewis, there is little difference physiologically between people lost in the wilderness and leaders in a boardroom dealing with an unexpected challenge. In both cases, there is a predictable response to disruption.
People make bad decisions when they are in a difficult situation.
At some point, your business is going to face a disruption. And people will react as if they are lost in the wilderness.
In his book, Brand vs. Wild, Jonathan David Lewis presents research to show what organizations can learn from wilderness survival to survive disruption in business.
Find your one thing to help you stand out. Be unique. Be different.
Whatever is normal, do the exact opposite.
Jesse Cole, often seen in a bright yellow tuxedo, wants you to understand you don't have to do things the same way everyone else does it.
Jesse is the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, author, podcaster, and business disrupter.
When Jesse first became the owner of a minor league baseball team, he realized no one cared about the team. There were no fans at the games. There was no money in the bank account.
Instead of getting discouraged, Jesse tackled the problem head-on. He knew people thought baseball was long, slow, and boring.
Jesse encourages you to find what frustrates you about your business. Also, find what frustrates your customers about your business or industry. Now, tackle those problems directly. Do the opposite of what people expect or what others are doing.
Get a copy of Jesse's book, Find Your Yellow Tux.
Jesse Cole's website - FindYourYellowTux.com
Jesse Cole on Facebook - YellowTuxJesse
Jesse Cole on Twitter - @YellowTuxJesse
I finished 2017 by staying at the Historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane, WA. During my stay, I was reminded why it is important to focus on what is uniquely you.
When I sampled the soft peanut brittle a chef was making in the lobby of the hotel, it set me off thinking about why they do it. Why do they make the treat in the lobby and give it out to guests?
The peanut brittle is not about selling more of the tasty treat. It is about adding something special to guest's stay at the hotel. Something special you can only find at the Historic Davenport.
Richard Benson said, "Make only that to which you bring a unique quality and buy everything else around the corner."
As you start the new year, think about what you can offer that is uniquely you.
When my son was going to try out for the swim team, his self-talk began laying the groundwork for failure.
"My legs hurt."
"I am tired."
"I probably won't make the team."
Many of us do this. We say these things to make it easier, or more acceptable if we fail. But what we are doing is laying the groundwork to fail. We believe what we tell ourselves, but our self-talk is often not true. Until we make it true.
In marketing, the words we use and the stories we tell the matter. The same is true for what we tell ourselves. The words and stories you say to yourself matter.
Kevin Monroe found clarity through action. On this episode, Kevin will share his story of how taking action and trying new things allowed him to figure out what his higher purpose is.
Action help Kevin discover that his higher purpose is higher purpose.
Now, Kevin helps people find a higher purpose in the work they do. Kevin explains having a higher purpose puts meaning in even the most menial tasks.
You have the opportunity to go deeper into discovering purpose with Kevin on the Higher Purpose Podcast and the Navigating North Summit.
During our conversation, Kevin will also explain how has turned a No into a Yes to open new opportunities.
"Purpose thrives in community but starves in isolation. " - Kevin Monroe
Kevin Monroe on the Web - kevindmonroe.com
Kevin Monroe on Twitter - @kevin_monroe
Kevin Monroe on Facebook - Higher Purpose Community
This week I will hit a milestone worth talking about. Six Hundred days ago I set out to walk 10,000 steps a day.
Jared Easley asked me what impact my walking streak has had on my business. At the time, I didn't have a good answer. I hadn't thought about it.
Thanks to Jared, I have put together thoughts and observations about the impact walking over 6 million steps in 600 days has had on me.
The most obvious answer is exercise, but it is much bigger than that.
Discipline. The ability to do something you don't necessarily want to do to get an outcome that is important to you.
Connection. I've used the time while walking to talk to other people. If I am not listening to an audiobook, I am on the phone with someone. This has allowed me to keep in contact with people more often than I would otherwise.
Reflection and Anticipation. Daily walks force me to get away and reflect. Some of my toughest problems have been solved on walks. Some of my best ideas of come on walks.
Commitment. Sticking with something for so long, no matter what happens, is powerful.
Outside of the bigger lessons I have learned, here are some more observations.
-You will get a better connection to the place you live if you explore it every day by foot.
-Most people come home from work and sit down and watch television for hours. I see it when I walk by their house.
-It is fun to watch your neighborhood and local parks change during the seasons throughout the year.
-One pair of expensive shoes will last three times as long as cheap shoes.
Hopefully, this episode will inspire you to tie up your shoes and start walking.
A special thank you to Amy Robles for joining me for the interview portion of this episode.
Recently, I spent time touring with Lee Cockerell for presentations in Nashville, TN and Coeur d'Alene, ID.
When I returned, someone asked what were my takeaways from spending so much time with Lee. Until I was asked, I hadn't taken time to document what I learned on the trip. Once I had considered what I had learned, I wanted to share it with you, too.
Here are the seven lessons I learned about Creating Magic while touring with Lee Cockerell.
-People need to hear your message. Many people want to do better, but don't know how. They need to hear what you have to say.
-You have to think different if you want different results.
-If you know your message, you don't need notes when you talk about it.
-Everyone wants to feel special and you can help.
-People are more important than processes.
-Try new things. If it doesn't work, no big deal. If it does work, you found a new way to serve people.
-Once you realize you don't know something, you have the opportunity to learn. If you don't, it is your choice not to get more knowledge.
John Nemo and I first met in the lobby of the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Immediately, we had a solid connection.
I knew I would learn plenty from John, but I did not realize how much I would enjoy spending time with him. John is the author of LinkedIn Riches, but I learned about the value of connection from John before I learned about LinkedIn. Speaking of LinkedIn, check out John's LinkedIn Webinar.
John taught me the more we can relate to each other as human beings, the quicker we can begin to know, like, and trust each other. Once that happens, we can begin to help people.
John admits his online profile doesn't match who he is as a person. Look at his LinkedIn Profile photo...he looks like a banker who spends his day analyzing credit risk. But that is not John Nemo at all. In this episode, John tells us to make sure your online brand matches who you really are.
You will be impressed with John's story of leaving behind a successful job to launch his own business. Once he mastered LinkedIn, he began to reach out to help A-List entrepreneurs with their LinkedIn profiles. John has personally rewritten LinkedIn profiles for Chris Brogan, John Lee Dumas, Bob Burg, Jairek Robbins, Dan Miller, Ray Edwards and many others.
Pay attention to how John approached these people to show he was worth their time and attention. Once he had written winning profiles for the A-List Entrepreneurs, they began to promote him.
Now, John helps people like you and me win on Linkedin.
Don't miss the opportunity to join John on this FREE webinar to learn more about how to win with LinkedIn. You can SIGN UP here.
You can get a free copy of John's book, LinkedIn Riches HERE. This book is so helpful to get you started on the right path for a better LinkedIn profile.
John Nemo on Twitter - @JohnNemoPR
John Nemo on LinkedIn - John Nemo
John Nemo on the Web - www.linkedinriches.com
John Nemo on Facebook - NemoMediaGroup
Have you ever noticed how most organizations treat every customer the same?
Even if the service is good, it is the same for everyone. Treating all customers the same is a missed opportunity.
Jeff Noel gives us ideas from Disney so we can begin to deliver excellent service to every customer.
-The customer will give you feedback on whether or not you are doing a good job.
-Treat every customer like a VIP - Very Individual Person.
-Ten seconds of unexpected service will create a moment a customer will talk about.
-Understand what it will take to WOW every customer.
-Go the extra inch and do something small and special for each customer.
-Focus on the extra inch, forget the extra mile.
Sometimes it is worthwhile to step away from business talk and just enjoy what we are doing.
For this episode, I team up with Bryan Orr to create a story for you to enjoy.
No business.
No homework.
No deep thoughts.
Just a good story.
Enjoy the Legend of the Spark Ranger.
It is common to want to avoid failure. Most people will opt for comfortable and safe rather than put themselves in a position where they might fail.
But failure is a shortcut to success. It is not the only shortcut to success, but it is the best shortcut.
Here are the four reasons you need to fail more often;
- You won't believe you can create until you have created. Even if your creation is a flop.
- You will appreciate success more when it comes if you have experienced a failure.
- You learn more from failure than you do success. You try to figure out what happened when you fail but rarely do people try to figure out what happened with a success.
- It builds a better story. That story will build influence with others.
During the discussion about failure in this episode, I share two personal stories of failure. Listen in to find out what happened
After a recent trip to Disneyland, I have been thinking about how to delight repeat customers.
It is one thing to make sure someone has a great experience the first time they do business with you, but how do you continue to create a great experience for repeat customers?
No one delights the way Disney does, so I asked Jeff Noel how to make sure a returning customer still has a great experience.
Here are the three points you need to know about creating a great experience for your customers.
- All organizations have people, physical resources, and processes. What you do with these three resources will set you apart from others and make sure your customers are delighted.
- If you believe it can't be done, it can't. You may be the biggest roadblock to making sure your customers have a great experience.
- Find the stereotypes in your industry and use the three resources from point 1 to bust through them.
Write out one stereotype for your industry. Below this, write People - Physical Resources - Processes. List out how you can use these three resources to bust through the stereotype.
To learn more from Jeff Noel, you can follow him on Twitter at @JeffNoelMidlife.
Mike Kim had a tremendous speaker line up for his Influence and Impact Conference. Sure, I was one of the speakers, but that is not the only reason it was a great line up.
Mike was deliberate in bringing in a speaker to cover specific aspects of building a personal brand. Val Brown talked about looking great on camera. Michael Hudson gave insight into being a paid consultant. Jennifer McClure gave us a glimpse of the speaker life and how we can do it. Kary Oberbrunner talked about building a business off of a book. I talked about podcasting. Jason Clement talked about design.
Throughout the conference, I jotted down some of the great things the speakers said. On this episode of the show, I share some of my favorite quotes from the conference with you.
Here are where you can find out more about all of the speakers from Influence & Impact.
Mike Kim - website - Twitter - Facebook - Episode of The Jody Maberry Show
Val Brown- website - Twitter - Facebook - Episode of The Jody Maberry Show
Michael Hudson -website - Twitter - Facebook - Episode of The Jody Maberry Show
Jennifer McClure - website - Twitter
Kary Oberbrunner - website - Twitter - Facebook - Episode of The Jody Maberry Show
Jason Clement - website - Twitter
Click here to hear Mike Kim and I discuss Influence & Impact on his Brand You podcast.
When Mike Conner and Mike Simmons launched their company, Catalyst Sale, they decided to use a podcast as part of their marketing and promotion.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, Mike and Mike discuss their business, why they chose to use a podcast, and how a podcast can help with sales.
Catalyst Sale website - catalystsale.com
Catalyst Sale on Twitter - @catalystsale
Catalyst Sale Podcast - Catalyst Sale
I spent the day at Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, CA. Here are the lessons I learned;
- It is better to experience with other people. I did California Adventure by myself, but just like most things in life, it is better to have other people with you.
- Look the part. At Disney Land, cast members have uniforms depending on where they work in the park. Uniforms help them look the part of the role they are playing. The way you dress and present yourself should have the same consideration.
- Be "On" when it is time to be "On". When I saw Buzz Lightyear meeting and greeting kids, he was completely Buzz Lightyear. He was "On". You need to know when it is time to act like Buzz and fully be in character.
- Do little things to delight people. At California Adventure, a cast member draws Disney Character on the pavement with water. They don't last long, but guests who see it are delighted. Do you do little things like this to delight people?
- We are just getting started. Walt Disney felt like he was just getting started. You should approach life in the same manner. What you are about to do is more important than what you have already done.
- Celebrate milestones.
Not long ago I had the opportunity to interview Dan Tyre. Dan is the Sales Director of Hubspot. Dan was a guest on the Catalyst Sale Podcast, which I host with Mike Simmons and Mike Conner. Mike Simmons and I did an interview with Dan about sales and during the conversation before we recorded, and sometimes during the interview, I noticed how Dan would insert silence into the conversation.
Mike Simmons and I did an interview with Dan about sales and during the conversation before we recorded, and sometimes during the interview, I noticed how Dan would insert silence into the conversation. Usually, after he asked a question is when he would be silent.
I had to find out more, so this episode of the Jody Maberry Show is all about silence. Dan Tyre explains why he goes silent.
How comfortable are you with silence?
Here are the reasons Dan Tyre uses silence in a conversation;
- Silence shows you are interested in the response of the person you are talking to.
- Silence is part of active listening.
- Silence prevents you from rambling about stuff the other person doesn’t care about.
Dan suggests you should be talking only 30% of the time when you are talking to a prospect.
One of my favorite business books is QBQ by John Miller. There are few books that have had such a direct impact on my career.
QBQ stands for Question Behind the Question and it focuses on personal accountability. When I apply what John suggest in the book, good things happen. It is that simple.
In my park ranger days, I used to give this book to people who worked with me. Their response to the book told me plenty about their personality and work habits.
I had the opportunity to ask John Miller how we can have an impact.
Here are the things you need to know from John Miller's comments about impact;
-When something goes wrong, leaders figure out their role and find a way to do better.
-You have to be good enough to out perform the situation and circumstances that get in your way.
-Deep down, nobody likes a complainer. You have to make a decision to resist the temptation to complain and step away from personal accountability.
-The quickest way to have an impact is to practice personal accountability.
Personal Accountability is the foundation of leadership.
If you have not yet read QBQ, you can get it here. You can find John Miller here.
As a former park ranger, it was a delight when I had the opportunity to have dinner with the Director of the National Park Service. Jon Jarvis, now retired, also took the time to sit with me and discuss parks and leadership
One of the questions I asked Director Jarvis was how to have an impact. No matter the work you do, you should be more concerned with having an impact than you are with success.
Director Jarvis how you should take the initiative to step up and take on hard issues. Pick an issue that matters to you and step up to be a leader.
Here are other things you need to know;
-Most organization are conservative in the amount of risk they are willing to let you take. Once you understand how to make things happen within the parameters of processes, procedures, and guidelines (as well as how much autonomy you have), you can begin to get.
-Most organizations embrace innovation and initiative. Being aware of the problems your organization faces allows you to show innovation in finding a solution.
-You don't have to wait for someone to tell you that you are a leader.
-Don't just participate. Lead instead. Word will spread about your initiative.
-Find the issues your organization needs to take on. Pick your issue and become a champion to solve the problem.
How to READ a solution to any problem
R - Recognizee
E - Execute
A - Assess
D - Deliver
Recently, I was a coach at Ray Edwards' Copywriting Academy Live. As a coach, I had the opportunity to get first-hand experience with the questions and concerns people have about their business.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I give you some of the advice I may have given you if you were at Copywriting Academy Live. You will get eight coaching sessions in a single podcast episode.
- Your story is the only thing that sets you apart.
- Everyone else is just as scared as you are.
- Cut out anything confusing, unbelievable, or boring.
- Most people know the answer, but don’t believe it until someone else guides them there.
- The only way to get ahead is to do the work.
- There is a thread woven throughout your background that connects your offer to the world to your personal story.
- Break down a complex task into as many pieces of possible.
- Read your work out loud.
I spent 8 years as a Park Ranger. During that time I gave dozens of interpretive talks. Interpretation is a skill every park ranger works at, but interpretation can help you grow your business.
When giving an interpretative talk, there is a three-step formula to help you connect with the audience.
- Tell a Story
- Tell why it matters
- Call to Action
This is the same formula I use for most podcast episodes, speeches, and many sales pitches.
Understanding interpretation, and adopting this simple formula can help you build your business.
Jennifer Dunham is happy because she has learned how to skip the dark side of success.
The truth is, many of us trade out happiness for success. We don't celebrate when things go well. Sometimes we don't even notice. We just keep pushing.
Happiness matters. Jennifer Dunham will give us some insight to how we can be successful and happy.
Don't miss The Dark Side of Success Summit. You can find more information here.
Jennifer Dunham's website - HappinessMatters.com
Jennifer Dunham on Twitter - @jen_dunham
Jennifer Dunham on Facebook - Happiness Matters with Jennifer Dunham
Jennifer Dunham on Instagram - @jendunhamstarr
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I share a personal story to highlight how people are worth more than your time or your money.
If you are a leader, you have to be willing to give up time and money to make people feel special. Take care of your people and they will take care of the customer.
The story you tell builds influence. Your story, the information you share about yourself, will either influence people to want to learn more or it will influence people to move on.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I share personal examples to illustrate how you can draw the right elements out of your story to intrigue other people.
Michael Hudson wants you to get your message heard.
In this episode, Michael explains how and why to get your message out to the world. He also shares why you need a talk specifically tailored towards selling you and the work you do.
Michael's website - MichaelHudson.com
Michael on Twitter - @DrMichaelHudson
Michael on Facebook - DrMichaelHudson
Here is Michael's exercise to map your significant life experiences;
This is a quick exercise where you will map the most significant experiences in your life across the timeline…events you experienced something that changed you, your perspective, and your path.
- Take a piece of paper and lay it out landscape.
- Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the paper.
- Label the left side with the date of your birth and the right with the current date.
- Draw vertical lines above the center line for the positive experiences with the height of the line indicating the significance of the event to you. Label the event at the top of the line for the event.
- Draw vertical lines below with the relative heights indicating the significance of the event for the negative experiences in your life. Label the events at the bottom of the line for the event.
- Review your timeline and circle the 5 most significant events (positive or negative), i.e., the ones with the longest lines.
- Answer this question for each of these 5 events…What did I learn from the experience that reveals insight that others can use?
This will help you define your unique message as it reveals the things on your life journey that led you to discover what matters most. Your core message will emerge from these insights…because they make up your signature story. They capture the essence of what has shaped you and are the message you should share to create the most impact for those you seek to serve.
Recently, I watched the film Ice Guardians. The film is about enforcers in the National Hockey League.
At the end of the movie, when asked if he would do it over again, Kelly Chase said, "with more fire".
I couldn't stop thinking about what he said.
When I look back on my career as a Park Ranger, I would do it with a little more fire if I could do it over again. As an entrepreneur, I would do the first three years with a little more fire.
Heck, I would redo today with a little more fire if I could do it over again.
Don't fall into that trip. Don't get to a point in the future and wish you had lived today with more fire. Start the fire now.
Josh Elledge used publicity to grow savingsangel.com into a profitable business. Now, he helps entrepreneurs and businesses figure out the best public relations approach and begin to show up in the right places to become an authority.
Josh is a regular contributor on television and in newspapers.
In this episode, Josh will explain how to use what you know to become an authority through publicity.
Don't miss Josh's Twitter Publicity Master Course. Usually, it costs $100, but you can sign up for free HERE.
Josh's website - UpEndPR.com
Josh on Twitter - @joshelledge
Josh on Facebook - UpendPR
This episode we are going to make the final stop on our Florida Customer Experience Tour.
Lessons from Universal Studios:
- Keep your entrance sharp. Make people feel they have entered someplace special.
- Do something different. Don't directly compete with the big names.
- Find your niche and become known for something specific.
- Consider the design of your product and customer experience.
The final day of touring Walt Disney World to learn about customer service we will visit Epcot.
I had the opportunity to take part in a pilot program Disney World is testing out. Guest relations had my cell phone number. Every day they would text me just to see how things we going. And they made sure I knew I could text them if I had questions about anything.
This worked out great for me. No looking for a cast member. No waiting in line. Just send a text. I did text them with 3 questions throughout the days we have been here. One thing I noticed is they language
When I texted and mentioned I could not see my plans in the Disney World app or website, they pleasant reply I received was. “Our system is currently going through a magical enhancement which is why you cannot view or modify your plans.”
Check out the choice of words. Magical Enhancements. The language you use for your service or product matters. The words you use to and in front of customers matter.
Now, my final lesson from Epcot and from Disney World came when I stood in line so my daughter could meet Anna and Elsa, the characters from Frozen. My daughter was wearing braids. Elsa told her a story of how Anna uses Reindeer slobber to keep her braids in place. It was quite a story. And it made my daughter feel special. What can you do to give customers individual attention to make them feel special?
Day 3 of our Lessons from Disney World tour takes us to Hollywood Studios.
Here are the three lessons from Hollywood Studios;
- Give your customer a clear, exact path to get what they want.
- If your customer's experience will be enhanced by the experience you have created, don't give them a shortcut.
- If it is your responsibility, you need to take responsibility.
Listen to the episode to find out where the lessons come from and how you can apply it to your business.
Today, we take the show to the Magic Kingdom for day 2 of Lessons from Disney World.
I visited the Magic Kingdom for one day six years ago, so this park is not new to me. But I came with new eyes. Looking to see what I can learn about how they create magic.
Here are the business lessons I learned from a day at the Magic Kingdom;
- Most businesses overuse signs. What signs can you remove from your business?
- Every cast member at Disney will stop to pick up trash. Consider the buy in it takes across an organization for every cast member to stop and pick up trash.
- Cast members love working for Disney. How much do your employees enjoy coming to work?
- If you don't love what you do, find something else. You do not have to settle.
This episode is the first of four episode from Walt Disney World.
Each day I will visit one of the Disney World Parks and share with you what I learn.
On The Jody Maberry Show, we have learned about Disney from Lee Cockerell and Jeff Noel. But now, I will get to experience what we have learned on the ground.
Today’s park is Animal Kingdom.
The day got off to a curious start when my Magic Band would not work. But the lesson I learned is that you should stick with your customer until the problem is solved.
I also learned how we should remove the potential of confusion away from customers.
Listen in to hear this short episode about Animal Kingdom. Next episode, we will visit the Magic Kingdom.
The Jody Maberry Show goes on the road to the Kennedy Space Center.
This is the first episode in a series examining some of the popular attractions in central Florida. We will find lessons we can take from the attractions to apply directly to your business.
Here are 10 Customer Service Lessons from my time at Kennedy Space Center:
- Make a great first impression.
- Build anticipation from what happens next.
- If you are not unique, you have to get the details right.
- Be Boldly Clear about what you do.
- Interpretation can connect you to an audience.
- People love to feel like an insider.
- Offer an experience, not just a product.
- Offer upgrades.
- Use video to help get your message out.
- Everyone on your team has to sold on the mission of what you are doing.
Does the thought of charging premium pricing scare you?
In episode 13, we talked to Kirk Bowman about value pricing. Kirk urged you to move away from charging by the hour and base your price on value. In this episode, Petra Foster joins us to talk about using premium pricing for your coaching or consulting business.
People who have mastered their message charge premium pricing based on value. People who are still trying to determine the value they offer price by the hour.
Petra Foster is a Client Enrollment Strategist who helps coaches and consultants develop premium packages and get high-end clients in six weeks.
In this episode, Petra explains why you need to charge premium pricing and outlines how to structure a premium coaching package. Petra will remove some of the intimidation you feel about charging premium prices.
Click Here to get Petra 6-Step Blueprint to help you discover how to craft irresistible coaching packages. Don't miss this eBook.
Check out Petra's Facebook Group, Enroll High-End Clients With Ease.
Petra's website - petrafoster.com
Petra on Twitter - @petra_foster
Here is one thing you need to know about getting big work done; It is all about influence.
Many people think if you work hard you can make things happen. They are only about 10% correct.
The work you do account for about 10% of making something happen. The right opportunity accounts for about 20% of making something big happen. Influence is 70% responsible for getting big work done.
Yet, many people focus intently on the work they do. They put 90% of their effort into something that will only account for 10% of the results. People with more experience understand this concept enough; they focus more on finding the right opportunities. Sure, things can happen when you find the right opportunity, but big things happen because of influence.
Once you understand the importance of influence, and you know what to do about it, you can begin getting big work done.
If you want to go deeper in a discussion about Influence, CLICK HERE to sign up for a series of emails all about influence.
Thank you to Paul Johnson, host of the God Zone Show, for the review on iTunes.
This episode we are going to take a close look at telling a story with Joe Sindorf.
I discovered Joe when I interviewed him for Great Escape Radio. Doing research before the interview, I admit I was impressed with his record of telling great stories. Better yet, telling great stories people were noticing and paying attention to. Joe has won an Emmy and a Peabody award. But it got better. After our interview for Great Escape, I liked him so much I asked him if he would also do an interview for The Jody Maberry Show. I knew you could learn a lot from Joe about storytelling.
During the interview, Joe suggests the elements of a great story are simply a beginning, a middle, and an end. That has to be in place to build a great story.
Along with the great insights on storytelling, Joe reminds us we need something bigger than our work to be proud of.
Joe Sindorf's website - JosephSindorf.com
Joe Sindorf on Twitter - @joesindorf
One of the wonderful opportunities I have is to host podcasts for other people. Shows like Creating Disney Magic with Lee Cockerell, Catalyst Sale with Mike Simmons and Mike Conner, Great Escape Radio with Lori Allen. There are more shows, I just listed a couple as an illustration.
Because of the work I do, I am often asked a question like this “Why should I have a co-host on my podcast”. Or, “What value does it add to my show to have a co-host”.
People like Jeff Goins and Ken Davis, who would certainly do a great show on their own, use a co-host format. A few popular podcasts used to be solo based shows and now use a cohost. Michael Hyatt did 100 episodes, I believe of his show This is Your Life before he changed formats and added a co-host. The Ray Edwards Show is one of my favorite business podcasts. Ray used to do the show solo and added his son, Sean Edwards, as a co-host.
Here are the five reasons you should consider having a c0-host for your podcast;
- You will build an on-air rapport with the co-host you just won’t have on a monolog based show.
- When you have a co-host, the show move from a presentation to a conversation.
- Having another person on the show encourages you to go deeper with your content.
- You do not have to carry the workload by yourself.
- A Co-host will sharpen your In-Front-of-People persona.
On the Jody Maberry Show, we often talk about marketing and branding on this show, but you may be surprised to know the best lesson I learned about branding came on a sheet of ice.
Now, you know some top marketers have been on this show. Ray Edwards and Mike Kim understand branding like no one I know. But they have nothing on Homejuice.
What is a homejuice is what you just thought? Right. Who is Homejuice is the better question.
In this episode, I share a story about a boyhood friend called Homejuice to illustrate a simple, but powerful lesson about branding.
Kary Oberbrunner returns to the show to talk about his new book, The Elixir Project.
After writing several non-fiction books, Kary wrote a young adult fiction thriller. It was a risk to move from traditionally published non-fiction books to write a fiction story. In this episode, Kary will discuss the story behind The Elixir Project, what you can learn from the book and how he is offering a way for people to go deeper after reading the book.
Take the Hackability Assessment HERE.
Sign up for the Elixir Project Webinar HERE.
Get the Elixir Project book HERE.
Connect with Kary on Twitter.
Listen to Kary's first appearance on the Jody Maberry Show.
If you took a flight anytime during 2016, you understand how much of a pain in the neck it has become to fly. Some airports are much better than others, but my home airport in Seattle has terribly long lines to get through security. Sometimes you have to get there two hours ahead of time and barely make your flight, but other times you can zip through security and spend two hours waiting to board your flight. I thought I would apply for TSA pre-check to eliminate the process.
Do you know TSA-Precheck? You go through a back ground check and what not, pay $85, and in return, you do not have to wait in the long lines at the airport. You begin with an online application. The second part of the process requires you to be in person at one of the screening locations. Since I live in a remote area, it took me two hours to get to a location to get the back ground check.
I had an awkward experience during the TSA Precheck process, which is the basis for this episode.
There is no excuse for a customer having an awkward experience with you. You should know the exact experience your customer is going through. The only way to truly know what your customer experiences is to have the experience of your customer.
You have to know what it is like to do business with yourself. You may feel your training has been effective. Or your policies and procedures are working just fine, but you never know how it looks and feels from the customer’s side of the counter until you have stood there yourself.
And things you may not think are a big deal, can certainly turn out to be a big deal. So I had to stand awkwardly at the counter for a couple of minutes before anyone acknowledged me, even though there was someone right there at the desk. No big deal, right? The lady who helped me had an attitude like I was an inconvenience. In the big picture, does this really matter? Maybe the bathroom is dirty, or you hung up a paper sign three weeks ago, and it is all tattered and beaten up now. Does it matter?
All of these things matter.
But this also takes me to a third aspect; we have talked big business, we have talked small business, but what if you are so small, you are the business. This is the case with me. I am the business, I am the one who hosts podcasts, writes copy, or does the consulting. People are working directly with me, so how can I find out what it is like to do business with me? Even if I asked my next door neighbor or my cousin to work with me and tell me about the experience, I would likely treat them differently and make sure I did everything the best I could. So how do you handle it?
For starters, treat everyone like they are your friend, neighbor, or cousin when you do business with them. Everyone is important, and if you act as such, you will not have many problems, unless they ask to sleep on your couch. The other thing you do is ask for feedback. And be open to feedback.
Here are the three things I want you to remember from this episode about improving customer service and experience;
- You are never as good as you think you are. You have to find out the truth.
- Remember, people remember the way you made them feel long after they forget the work you actually did.
- Just ask.
Some stories never die. One of those stories for me has been about an incident with a squirrel from my time as a park ranger.
Usually, episodes of the Jody Maberry Show are filled with ideas, advice, and content you can take action on in business. This episode I want to just have a little fun. Is that OK? You won’t get much advice in this episode, but you will get a good story.
I spent 8 years as a park ranger. As a ranger, you see so much. Most of it wonderful, some it awful, and some of it bizarre. And park rangers love to tell stories. Early in my ranger career, there was one incident that happened that labeled me the rest of my career. In the years since this incident happened, I have been asked to tell the story hundreds of times. It is what I imagine it must be like being a musician and having one hit song everyone wants to hear. Everyone wanted to hear the squirrel story.
Jason Harrod provided the music you hear during the story portion of this episode.
Next episode I will be back with content to help you market, mobilize, and master your message. For now, be careful of those squirrels.
If have a podcast, download my best ideas about building a profitable podcast.
One thing I have run into, mostly working with personal brands, people like myself whos business is built around the person running the business, is the reluctance to offer content for free. Some people are worried about giving away too much. The thought there is that you might be giving away something you could have charged money for. The other concern is the work it takes to create content, and just give it away is wasted time. It is time you could have used to create something that would bring income.
Both of those ideas are wrong. At least in my experience they are wrong. Not giving content away for free will likely have the exact opposite impact you expect it would if you are holding back so you can get paid for your work.
Here are five reasons you should give away content for free;
- You have to give a lot of value before you ask someone to spend money with you.
- People can sample you before they buy you.
- You are playing the long game. As Ray said, over time people come to know, like, and trust you.
- You will have a bigger reach. If your reach were only people who bought from you, you would not be getting your message out to many people.
- Offering content for free allows you to discover what connects with people and why.
All of five of those reasons funnel into something Ray Edwards told us, Serve First, Profit Later.
Let me tell you one example I have seen of this in action. Sure, you may know some of the names Ray mentioned like Dan Miller, Michael Hyatt, or Jeff Goins. Maybe you don’t know them, but in internet entrepreneurial world, they are well known. But this idea works with the little guys too. Take Todd Smith. I host the Agents in Action podcast with Todd Smith. Todd put out high-quality actionable content twice a month on the Agents in Action for many months before he ever asked the listeners to purchase anything from him. Finally, he put together some live workshops for Realtors in the Dallas area where he is from. Like most of us, Todd had a bit of fear his workshops would be a flop. But as entrepreneurs must do, Todd moved forward anyway. And what happened? His workshops sold out. Why did they sell out? Is it because Todd is a nice guy. No. Todd is a nice guy, but people didn’t show up to give him a hug. Did his workshops sell out because he has 25 years experience as a high performing Realtor? No. That helped, but it is not why people paid money to attend his workshop. The workshops sold out because Todd had been giving away bonafide content on every episode of his podcast. People who listened to the podcast knew how good he was. They had a free sample and knew what he offered was worth paying for. The concept of giving stuff away for free does not just apply to Ray Edwards. It applies to you. And it applies to Todd Smith. And it applies to me, which is one of the reasons I do this show.
So maybe the secret is out. I do this show so I can serve you. So you will know me and like me. And perhaps someday, you may want to learn more from me in a manner that goes beyond listen to me talk on a podcast. But if you don’t, if you just enjoy hearing me talk, that is fine too. If you find value in this podcast, but never pay me a dollar for anything, that will still make me happy. That is how this works. You have to decide to give no matter what you get back.
And how does this work for you if you are not a personal brand or a business driven by a personality? What if you are a physical store? The principle is the same. Find some extra way to give and serve. If you are a chiropractor, offer education in a newsletter, podcast, or a blog. A local example for me comes from one of the hardware stores; they put on classes teaching kids how to build stuff. The class and the materials didn’t cost anything for the kids. And of course a parent came along with the kid, and when the time comes, it is the parent who is going to decide to shop at the hardware store and spend money because their kid learned to build a birdhouse there.
My last word on this, if people find value in your free stuff, what impression will that leave for your paid content?
It is possible to get too comfortable in business. I was reminded of that on a recent shopping trip.
It is the season to shop, and I recently visited three stores that left an impression on me.
‘First, was the Disney Store. Have you ever been to a Disney store? It is everything you would expect. It is a magical place. Of course, what they sell is outstanding, but it is bigger than that. The displays, the cast members, the layout of the store are all wonderful. Every detail of a Disney store leads to you having a great experience, and hopefully spending money while you are there. You may not be able to have products that are as magical of what is on the shelf at a Disney store, but you can pay attention to everything else they do. Find the Disney store closest to you and spend some time there. Don’t go there to buy anything, just watch. Watch how people flow through the store. Watch how customers interact with displays, products, and cast members. You can learn a lot spending an hour in a Disney store.
Next stop was the Lego store. This was an impressive experience too. Just like walking into a Disney store, you feel like you walking into a special place. They are doing a lot of things right in the Lego Store, too. You can always find an employee. There are more working than you would expect in a store that size, and they are easily identifiable in their bright yellow aprons. There are built Lego sets to look at, there are loose legos to touch, there are some lego sets exclusive to Lego stores. Plus, there is even an interactive display where you hold a Lego box up towards a screen, and right in front of you, the Lego box is instantly built on the screen. There is one thing that really impressed me at the Lego store, though. That was the shelves. They were never empty. If a customer took a box off the shelf to purchase, an employee immediately went into the back, grabbed a new box of the Lego set and put it on the shelf. I don’t know they reason behind this, but it gave the impression that they had everything you wanted. I ever saw when one Lego set sold out; they did not leave the space empty. An employee immediately rearranged the displays on the shelf, so the spot that was empty a moment ago was now full of lego boxes. Within a couple of minutes, there was no trace of the lego set that sold out. Everything they did in that store gave the sense of an abundance of Legos.
My third experience was even more memorable, not because of the store, which was nice, but because of something an employee said to me.
The third stop was Sierra Trading Post. At Sierra, I tried on a pair of dress boots. Once the boot was tied, I stood up and was immediately poked on the heel by something. I took the boot off and, I know this was not my best idea of the day, I stuck my thumb in the boot to see what poked me. Well, it was a nail sticking up from the sole of the boot, and now not only did I have a puncture in my foot, but I also had one in my thumb as well.
Not wanting this to happen to someone else to that pretty size 11 boot, I told one of the workers. I showed him the boot and then he went on to open every box of those boots and check every single boot to make sure no other pairs had that problem. While he did that, I was still browsing shoes, and we talked for a bit. He told me he had a nail come up through his boot once and poke him in the foot. The difference between his story and mine is he is a Marine. He was on one of those long marches Marines do. In the middle of the march, the nail came up from the sole of his boot to poke his foot. I asked him what he did about it. He said nothing. I am a Marine. Pain is just weakness leaving your body. I lost a lot of weakness that day.
How incredible is that? I am a park ranger, but I would have sat down and tried to fix my boot. But this Marine kept on marching.
I thought about the marine the whole way home. Especially what he said about pain is weakness leaving your body. I had never thought of it this way. But I can also apply it to business. The pain you feel in business is helping you get rid of weakness. The pain can come from stretching beyond what you are comfortable with. Pain can be doing something you have never done before. Pain can be rejecting “we have always done it that way.” Pain is making mistakes. Pain was apologizing to a customer when you didn’t perform the way you should have.
All of this pain is weakness leaving your business.
If you are not experiencing the pain and instead focusing on your comfort, you are being left behind. If you are comfortable, you are being left behind.
Think of the Marine who I talked to at Sierra Trading Post, when the nail from his boot was poking his foot he felt pain. He could have stopped to fix his boot and felt comfort, but all of the other Marines would have left him behind.
So think about the pain you feel in your business. Is it a sign of growth? Is it an indicator you need to do something different? You should worry if you aren’t feeling pain because you are being left behind.
You can look great on camera every time. Not long ago, I did not know this. I thought you stood in front of the camera and hoped the photos turned out in the end.
Early in the year, I had a photo shoot. It didn’t turn out real well. I wasn’t comfortable using any of the photos on my website. Yet, I still needed photos, so I scheduled another photo shoot. Luckily, between the first and second shoot I met Val Brown.
Val Brown is an Emmy award winning producer. She has been preparing people to appear on television for more than 30 years. I was fortunate to work with Val before my second photo shoot because she set me up to improve on the first photo shoot, the one where I did not do so good. Now, we are both fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down today with Val Brown. I want to walk through the process Val and I went through to prepare me for the photo shoot. I know you are going to learn plenty from Val, so let’s get to work.
In this episode, Val Brown will walk you through the process we went through to prepare me for a photo shoot. After listening, you will realize you can look great on camera every time. If you want to learn more, don't miss out on more tips from Val. To get Val's guide, How to Prepare for Your Next Photo Shoot, just click HERE.
This week I was given a surprise reminder of someone from my past I am thankful for. Mrs. Warren, Jill Warren, was my high school accounting teaching. She had such a tremendous impact on me. Before I took one of her accounting classes in high school, I had no idea what to do. And I was a bad student. I didn’t even try.
But Jill Warren changed all of that. After taking the first accounting class with her, I took every class I could that she taught. All business related. A few years ago one of Jill Warren’s daughters contacted me. A milestone birthday was approaching for her mother and the daughters had a wonderful surprise planned. They reached out to former students of Mrs. Warren and asked them to write a letter about her.
I begin to write a letter, but sadly, I never sent it. Sorry Mrs. Warren.
But this week I found everything I had written to Mrs. Warren in a notebook in my desk drawer.
So now is the time to thank Mrs. Warren and share this with you.
I call it Everything I need to know I learned in high school accounting. These are the 9 biggest lessons I learned from Jill Warren.
- There is a reason to celebrate everyone.
- A smile and a handshake can build trust and mutual respect.
- It is tough to be grumpy when someone looks you in the eye, smiles, and shakes your hand.
- Respect can level the playing field.
- You can not always trust a smiling face and a generous handshake.
- Timing is precious.
- Appearance and perception matters
- Patience.
- You can have a big impact by impacting one person.
So it may be true that everything I needed to know I learned in high school accounting. Thank you, Jill Warren. I am positive I would not be who I am today without you.
Rachel Ries write songs. She sings songs. And she sells songs.
Does Rachel create art or content? Rachel joins me on the Jody Maberry Show to discuss that and more. We also talked about writer's block and connecting with your audience.
Rachel will help you consider a different approach to how you write and the content you create.
Find more of Rachel at RachelRies.com.
People buy truth. That is what Monaica Ledell says. What does she mean?
People are attracted to the real you. Authenticity attracts. When you build you brand around the real you, people will feel it.
How can you build a brand around authenticity? Is is possible to implement what you learn from other people and still be authentic?
A couple of years ago, I had the delight of being included in Jeff Goins book, The Art of Work. When Jeff Goins writes about you, people notice. Being in Jeff's book gave me 15 minutes of fame.
This is exactly the type of break we are all looking for right? For someone like Jeff Goins to notice us, right? It could change everything.
All we need is a big name to share our blog post, or to be a guest on a popular podcast, or to have Jeff Goins write about us, and then we can get the success we deserve. That is how it works, right?
No. Fifteen minutes of fame is fun. But it changes nothing. You still have to do the work.
Here is how you handle your 15 minutes in the spotlight;
Enjoy it. Then get back to work.
Success is found by showing up every day and doing the work. Every day.
Check out Jeff Goins' book, The Art of Work. Jeff also has a new eBook out about getting started writing called It's Not Too Late. You can get your copy here.
Ray Edwards has had a tremendous impact on my business. He taught me how to write copy and has given advice and counsel that has drastically changed my business. Ray joins the Jody Maberry Show to discuss six ways you can change your business.
For this interview, we pull the content from the second episode of The Jody Maberry Show and Ray walks through it, point by point, to discuss the six ways you can change your business.
Don't miss Ray's Copywriting Summitt. You can sign up here.
Ray's Website - rayedwards.com
Ray on Twitter- @RayEdwards
Ray on Facebook - Ray Edwards FB Page
Mike Kim is a sought-after copywriter, speaker, and marketing consultant. But if he has his way, when you hear the word Pivot you will think of him?
Why does Mike position his branding around the word Pivot when he is known for copywriting?
In this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Mike Kim explains why we have to narrow down and be known for one thing. When people think of you, one word, one sentence, or one phrase should come to mind. Mike explains the common mistakes people make when trying to market and brand themselves.
Check out Mike's Brand You Podcast.
Sometimes it takes money to get your message or product out into the world. Crowdfunding through Kickstarter and Indiegogo have become a popular way to raise money from a crowd.
When it comes to launching a Kickstarter campaign, the Field of Dreams principle does not apply. Just because you build it does not mean people will come. When you launch your campaign, people do not just show up and fund it. Just like people don’t show up and listen to your podcast because you recorded it. On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I am joined by a Product Launch Expert, a Copy
On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I am joined by a Product Launch Expert, a Copywriter, and a Musician teach us how to launch a successful Kickstarter Campaign.
Khierstyn Ross offers her expertise on launching a successful crowdfunding campaign. Khierstyn has helped creators and entrepreneurs raise more than $1 million dollars through crowdfunding. Ray Edwards gives us advice on writing copy for a campaign. Jason Harrod shares what he learned from running a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise money to record a new album.
Here are the five things I learned from these experts about running a successful Kickstarter campaign;
- Build your following before you launch a campaign.
- If you have to spend too much time explaining your product, you are already in trouble.
- Make sure you have a $25 reward level.
- Reach out to people in your network so they know about your campaign.
- Deliver everything you promise you will deliver.
If you don't keep telling a story it will die.
If you want your message to spread, you have to keep talking about it.
Chances are, you need to apologize to someone. And if you do apologize, you will get it wrong. Most people don't apologize. And those who do, put forth a good effort but get it all wrong. There is an art to making an apology. It is so simple that most people just can't seem to get it right.
There is an art to making an apology. It is so simple that most people just can't seem to get it right.
Chris Brogan discusses the importance of apology in his book The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth. Chris outlines the three aspects of a proper apology; acknowledge, apologize, and act.
Chris Brogan also tells us if we are not apologizing, we are not trying hard enough. Growth and progress will offend someone as you try new things.
In order to get important work done, you need to understand the difference between action and progress.
If you have ever asked for an introduction or been referred by someone, you need to understand what a referral really is.
At the minimum, a referral is saying “I vouch for this guy”, or basically, I endorse this person I am telling you about.
You need to understand the importance of a referral. And you need to understand what you are really asking for when you ask someone for an introduction.
I have two stories about introductions one bad and one wonderful.
I love connecting people when I know they can benefit each other. But I am also deliberate about introducing or referring people. I know everyone I refer is a reflection of me. Call it selfish, but I only want to make introductions where the two parties involved will be glad I made the introduction and welcome the next introduction I might make. I want people to know if I am referring someone, which they have my backing and they will reflect my quality standard. So if you ask me for an introduction to someone, I might not do it. Not if you are not ready for it. And I might not refer your work to someone else unless it meets a high-quality standard. But it delights me when I connect two people, and it works out for both of them. I win because they won. We all win. What a perfect situation.
In this episode, I highlight two examples of introductions, one with a bad ending and one with a wonderful ending.
In the introduction with the wonderful ending, Bryan Buckley did two things that made a big difference;
- He respected the referral. He understood his actions would be a reflection of both of us.
- He did his research. Before reaching out to Jeff, he bought his book; he left an Amazon review, he listened to Jeff’s podcast.
It worked out well for Bryan. After exchanging some emails, Bryan had the opportunity to meet Jeff at Podcast Movement in Chicago. They had a great conversation. The home work paid off. Handling an introduction the right way paid off.
So there are two stories about introductions. One handled poorly where no one benefited from the introduction. And one that was handled with excellence where everyone benefited from the introduction.
Not long ago, someone asked me what I do to get the most out of a conference. That question is again on my mind since I am here at the Podcast Movement conference and I want to share with you the 8 things I do to make sure I get the most out of a conference;
- Have a plan before you get there.
- Be willing to abandon the content of the conference to make connections.
- Only go to conferences that can help you.
- Dress better than most other people who are there.
- 5. If you took notes, do something with them.
- Send follow up email or physical cards to people.
- Take action on at least one thing from the conference.
- Try to build a good connection with at least one person you meet at a conference.
On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, we examine how you can go the extra inch to recognize solutions to problems your customers are facing.
Do you remember the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks? If you saw the movie, you probably remember Wilson, right? Wilson was the volleyball Tom Hanks always talked to. If you haven’t seen the movie, let me catch you up without spoiling anything. Tom Hanks is stranded alone on an island for a long time. If it were not for his volleyball sidekick, Tom Hanks would not have been completely alone. It was a compelling story, even though Tom Hanks was the sole character for most of the movie.
Chances are, you would not be entertained or fulfilled if you were alone on an island. Yet, too often, we put ourselves in Tom Hanks’ position, feverishly rubbing sticks together to start a fire and shouting aloud to no one once we reach our goal.
To avoid being a Castaway, you need to add what Tom Hanks was missing in the movie. You need a cast of characters to build your story. If you want to live your life as a rich, fulfilling story, you need a cast of characters. If you want a thriving workplace where work gets done, and people enjoy being there, you need a cast of characters.
I will tell you now, that I stole this cast of characters idea from Chris Guillebeau. In the back of his book, The Happiness of Pursuit, he lists the cast of characters of the people from the book. When I mentioned that the cast of characters idea could be applied to networking, he recommended I run with it and turn it into a blog post or a book.
I didn’t turn the idea into a book, but I did turn the idea into a podcast.
To get an idea of what a cast of characters is, I want to tell you two stories.
Lee Cockerell explains, At Disney World, they are putting on a show every day. Each day is a new performance and employees have a deliberate role to play in delivering the best performance possible. This is why Disney employees are called cast members. Disney uses a cast of characters to put on a show for their guests. And you can’t put on a show without clearly defined roles for the cast of characters in the show.
Now, let’s look at one more story involving a cast of characters. I mentioned New York Times bestselling author Chris Guillebeau and his book The Happiness of Pursuit. In this book, Chris uses case studies of real life quests people have undertaken. Each quest is individual and unique as the person who is doing it. At the same time, each quest is weaved into the greater whole of the story of the book.
At the end of the book, Guillebeau included a cast of characters appendix. The appendix lists the name of an individual, their quest, as well as the category and status of their quest.
Your career or business life is no different than the story in the book or the show they put on every day at Disney World. You can apply the cast of characters concept to build a better team, build better relationships, and build a better project.
Let’s begin by looking at team building.
You can use this concept for team building. Whether you are a supervisor or a front line worker, you can build your team by viewing the in individuals as a cast of characters in the show you are putting on every day at your organization.
How to apply the cast of characters for team building; Keep a list, perhaps a spreadsheet, of all of your team members. Keep track of the one big thing each team member is working on at work. Also, keep track of the one big thing they are working on in their personal life. Make note of important personal information such as birthdays, work anniversary, the name of spouse and kids, hobbies or any other relevant information.
If you work for a small organization, this will build deeper productive relationships with your whole team. If you work for a large organization, building a cast of characters will set you apart, help you stand out, and move you closer to the promotion you have your eye on. You can also use this approach outside the walls of your office. Build a cast of characters for vendors, suppliers, contractors, or anyone else outside of your organization that plays a role in the work you do.
You can also use the Cast of characters to build relationships.
Networking has been a hot topic for a couple of years now. There are books about networking. There are podcasts about networking. The contemporary view of networking has moved away from handing out business cards and trying to get new business. Modern networking, thankfully, has turned towards adding value, noticing others, building relationships, and connecting with other people.
But what if you viewed networking completely different?
What if you considered you’re a life a story being told in a book or a movie? Wouldn’t you pay more attention to the characters in the story? Wouldn’t you take the time to build depth and meaning for each character?
Just like a good book, when a new character is introduced, you don’t know what role she will pay in your story. Will the person you just met be a hero in your story? Will he introduce you to an idea or person who will change your life? Will he become a friend who brings you joy and comfort? You never know, but by using the cast of characters approach, you can build a network of relationships as you have never known.
How can you apply Cast of Characters to building relationships. Begin by creating a spreadsheet of those closest to you. Add the one big goal or dream you know they are working on. Add other important personal information, such as birthdays and other important dates. Add a section for contact information. When was the last time you were in contact with them?? Did you correspond through email, phone, face to face, or handwritten note? What new information did you gather during the correspondence? With each new conversation or interaction, you can build depth to their profile.
When you meet someone new, add them to your cast of characters spreadsheet. Include how you met them. Don’t leave out new online contacts. You will meet some new people on Twitter or Facebook you will want to include. Perhaps you will want to start a cast of characters list strictly for online contacts.
If you work independent like I do, there is another way to use the cast of characters concept. My work is project based, as I do a series of projects for different people, or different projects for the same people. Either way, it takes a cast of characters to do great project work. You don’t complete projects by yourself. There is a cast of characters who play a part in every project. If you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, coach, or someone else who mostly works by yourself, using the cast of characters concept will help you keep track of progress and who is playing each role in a project. I work out of an office in my garage, but I have a cast of characters who help me get work done.
How to apply; Create a spreadsheet listing everyone who has a role in the project. List their name, role, and include a section for highlights, milestones, and correspondence. This can be critical to help you keep track when you have multiple projects going, which many of us do who work independently.
Aaron Walker helps men live extraordinary lives. After a successful career, he now focuses on helping others reach new levels in their personal and business lives.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, Aaron shares his personal story and delivers three key points that can help any business or personal brand;
Focus on Significance
Be Clear on Your Message
People Buy Confidence
Aaron is offering three free resources for you, which you can find here.
Aaron's website - viewfromthetop.com
Aaron on Twitter - @VFTCoach
Aaron on Facebook - View From the Top
Recently, my next door neighbor had a new roof installed. During the process, the roofing company (let's call them ABC Roofing) stacked some roofing material on my lawn. They didn't ask if that would be OK. It was on my lawn for only a day. No big deal, but it was a missed opportunity.
Had ABC roofing knocked on my door and explained they were installing a new roof next door and would like to stack some material on my lawn for a day, they would have left a good impression. They would have been first on my mind when I need a new roof, and everyone needs a new roof eventually.
Doing so would have been Collateral Marketing. Collateral Marketing are the small things you do that promote your company and you work you do. Usually, it is not direct marketing, and these opportunities are usually overlooked.
In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, we will take a look at what Collateral Marketing is and how you can take advantage of it.
Also mentioned in this episode;
Creating Magic podcast with Lee Cockerell
Agents in Action podcast with Todd Smith
Great Escape Radio with Lori Allen
Morgan James Radio with David Hancock
Brand You Podcast with Mike Kim
If you want to sell more, you need to understand why people don't buy your product.
People don't buy your product or service, they buy the result or the feeling the product gives them. For example, people don't buy a drill, they buy a hole in the wall. They don't buy a shovel, they buy a hole in the ground.
When you understand what it is people are actually buying, you can tap into it and sell more.
Tommy Spaulding is the NY Times Best Selling author of It's Not Just Who You Know and The Heart Led Leader. On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Tommy talks about the important of sending handwritten notes, why Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People does not go far enough, and how opening a restaurant fits his mission.
Tommy's website - tommyspaulding.com
Tommy's books - It's Not Just Who You Know and The Heart Led Leader
Tommy on Twitter - @tommyspaulding
On a recent trip to Nashville, I stopped at Dave Ramsey’s headquarters to visit Eric Anthony, the producer of the Entreleadership podcast. I had met Eric at the Podcast Movement conference last year and had worked with him a bit when Lee Cockerell was on the Entreleadership podcast. So I stopped in to say Hello and spent time chatting with Eric and Ken Colemen, who hosts the show. While I was there, Dave Ramsey was recording his radio show, and a couple was waiting in the lobby to do the Debt Free Scream. Do you know about the debt free scream?
I didn’t want to miss a good debt free scream, so I hung out in the lobby to watch. The couple did a short interview with Dave and finish with the scream to announce their freedom. When they were done, Dave Ramsey came out into the lobby to say hello to them in person. Since I was in the lobby, I had the chance to meet Dave.
This was not the first time I met Dave Ramsey, though.
I have paid attention to Dave Ramsey for years. Even when I did not take his advice, I was paying attention.
Dave Ramsey helped transform my kid’s attitudes and actions towards money through Financial Peace Junior. My wife and I are students of Financial Peace University, I have listened to Dave's radio show, and read a couple of his books.
Although I don’t remember how I heard Dave Ramsey was looking for volunteers for a Seattle event, when I heard he was looking for volunteers to help his team I did not hesitate for a moment.
I have organized many events; concerts, Sea Stories, puppet shows, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, and the Scandinavian Cold and Flu Festival. Working as a volunteer for Dave’s event would be an opportunity to experience, first hand and behind the scenes, how professionals put on an event.
I submitted a volunteer application and was delighted to be accepted as part of the team.
The evening of the Living a Legacy event, ten volunteers gathered before the event and received instruction from Dave’s team on our assignments for the evening. I was selected to work the Back Stage Experience, where I got to meet Dave and his lovely daughter, Rachel Ramsey Cruze.
I learned plenty from hearing Dave talk to the small backstage crowd. Of course, I learned watching Dave on stage. But the biggest lesson I learned was from a member of Dave’s team.
Before the event, before the volunteers had done any work, Pete, one of Dave’s team members, gathered us together to explain how the evening would unfold.
As Pete explained the importance of the volunteers greeting guests as they enter, he said “The first few minutes set the tone. If not, Dave will not be able to connect with the audience”.
Listen to that again. “The first few minutes set the tone. If not, Dave will not be able to connect with the audience.
Imagine if we all viewed customer service that way.
What if we took responsibility to set a tone to ensure anyone in our organization will connect with the customer?
How would you change the way you answer the phone?
How would you act when a customer interrupts when you are busy?
How would you treat the opportunity of being face to face with a customer?
What if your biggest role was to make sure the next person is able to connect with the customer. Let’s take a doctor’s office. The receptionist sets the tone for a nurse to make a connection with the customer. The nurse sets the tone for the doctor. This makes front line the most important part of an organization.
In your case, front line could be the person who answers the phone. The person who greets people at the door, or checks people in as they arrive.
Once we can connect with customers we can build relationships.
Once we build relationships, then we can get work done.
Perhaps you have heard me mention that I used to be a park ranger. During my eight years as a Park Ranger, only once did I see an event that shocked everyone who saw it. Children gasped. Parents turned their heads. A baby cried.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you that a Park Ranger caused the commotion.
The shocking event happened at the end of an interpretive hike on a trail in the Little Spokane River Natural Area of Riverside State Park. Twenty kids and their parents joined Park Ranger Joseph Felgenhauer and me for a hike along the meandering river.
Ranger Felgenhauer led the group using words to guide their steps through the forest. He talked about trees. He talked about the river. He discussed the native history of the area. He pointed out signs of wildlife. He encouraged kids to touch leaves, trees, rocks, and bugs.
He explained the value of connecting to the natural world.
At the end of the hike, as we approached the parking area, he pointed out deer droppings to the kids. He explained how to tell what type of animal the scat had come from. Ranger Felgenhauer then reached down, picked up two deer droppings, and popped them in his mouth.
“It tastes nutty” was all Ranger Felgenhauer said about it before leading the group down the short trail to the parking area as he finished his interpretive hike.
No one in attendance heard another word after “nutty”. The crowd was still buzzing with what they had seen as they climbed into mini-vans and SUVs.
Here is what the crowd did not know.
For several weeks, Ranger Felgenhauer and I had it on our calendar to do an interpretive hike with a group of school kids. Left up to me, I would have conducted the hike based on my knowledge and experience in that area of the park.
Ranger Felgenhauer took a different approach. Joseph is a champion interpreter and he would not give an interpretive walk without knowing every turn and curve that his guests would walk. He wanted to see what they would see before they saw it, so he could tell a story about it.
The morning of the scheduled hike, Joseph and I had visited the Natural Are where the hike would be. We walked the trail and Joseph took note of interesting trees, plants, and rocks. He planned what he would say at each viewpoint along the river. He paid special attention to coyote scat alongside the trail, knowing it would present an opportunity for a story.
When the kids arrived we lead them on the predetermined route along the river. Ranger Felgenhauer hit each practiced point right on queue. He stirred enthusiasm in the kids and answered every question.
At the coyote scat, Ranger Felgenhauer had each kid examine it. He explained what you can learn from scat; what the coyote ate and how long ago the animal had been there.
Finally, towards the end of the hike, Ranger Felgenhauer discovered the deer scat under a young Ponderosa Pine tree. The kids leaned in to hear what then Ranger would teach them.
And then Joseph ate deer droppings. It was something that none of the kids, or their parents, will forget.
Joseph Felgenhauer and I worked together only a few months. I left Riverside State Park for another park and soon after Joseph moved on to another career. Even after I left, the way Joseph conducted the interpretive hike stuck with me.
Joseph knew knowledge does not have the same impact as preparation. Preparation was the key to delivering a great experience to families who took time out of their day to go on a walk with us.
Joseph did not just lead a hike and talk about what showed up before us. Each stop was a deliberate effort to educate the kids. Each viewpoint had been pre-selected to offer the best opportunity for a story. Interesting trees and large rocks had been chosen as highlights because they would create the most curiosity from the kids.
And the coyote scat played into the story of the day. It offered an educational stop and made the kids consider what they can learn from scat.
It played right into Joseph’s finale of eating deer dropping.
You see, the finale was deliberate, just like the rest of the hike. Joseph knew by doing something that would WOW the kids they would remember the hike. The precise spot and timing of that event had been planned.
Earlier in the morning, when we had walked the trail, Joseph had sprinkled Raisinets on the ground under the pine tree.
Ranger Joseph Felgenhauer knew how to deliver a memorable customer experience. Jeff Noel talks about going the extra inch beyond what customers expect. For Joseph Felgenhauer, the extra inch was as simple a couple of raisinettes.
Joseph Felgenhauer taught us that preparation is the key to delivering a memorable customer experience to your customers. You can prepare like a park ranger, too. Here are the three steps you can learn from Joseph to deliver some WOW to your customers;
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See what your customers will see. How do you do this? Park in the parking lot and walk into your business. What did it look and feel like on the way in, beginning with the walk through the parking lot? Visit your website and look for information people would commonly be looking for, like your contact information, or even what you do. Call your business. Look at the ways customers interact with you and walk through it like Ranger Felgenhauer walked the trail before he had a school group with him. By walking the trail ahead of time, Joseph knew where the landmarks were. He knew when to tell stories. He even knew when to tell kids to watch their step. You have to begin by walking the same path your customers are going to walk. It doesn’t matter if you are a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker.
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Know your stuff. I mentioned that ranger Felgenhauer knew that preparation trumps knowledge. True enough, but he also knew what he was talking about. He didn’t talk about oak trees while standing next to a Ponderosa Pine. He didn’t talk about a black bear’s diet when the group was looking at Coyote Scat. First, Joseph walked the trail to know what his customers would experience. Then, since he knew his stuff, he was able to know where stories could be inserted into the hike. He knew this rock outcrop offered a view of an Osprey nest and it would give him an opportunity to talk about how an Osprey turns a fish when it carries it back to the nest. How can you do this? Once you know what your customer will experience, you can make sure the right information is in the right places. Sometimes it could be something as simple as having the hours of operation on your door. It could be having the right words in the mouth of staff that customers will interact with. It could mean having well-writtenwords on your website. It means understanding where to include information to enhance the customer experience.
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Add the WOW. Ranger Felgenhauer would not have been able to wow his customers if he had not prepared. He did backstage work so he could delight people when he was onstage. Well, I am not really sure if anyone was delighted when he ate deer poop, but people did say WOW. Because Joseph already knew the trail, he already knew what the group would see, he already knew what stories they would hear, he understand exactly how to deliver WOW. It was timed perfectly so the group was talking about what happened as they walked back to the car, and probably talked about it on the way home too. How can you deliver WOW? You don’t have to eat anything gross. You don’t have to go over the top. Add something a little delightful that other people are not doing. Dan Miller often includes mints in the box when you order books or other items from him. Look at what others are doing and do something different. Or do what they are not doing. Open an hour earlier, close an hour later. Return phone calls. Or answer your phone. Not many people answer their phone anymore. You will likely know what to do to add WOW if you have followed the first two steps. If you have walked the path your customers will walk, you will know when you have the opportunity to go the extra inch to delight and even WOW a customer. All it takes is to go a little further than what people expect.
Jeff Noel introduced me to the idea of going the extra inch, but I am so taken by it I am going to adopt this idea. Isn’t it encouraging to know you don’t have to go an extra mile to delight people? All it takes is an extra inch. And we can all stretch one more inch, right? One inch is all that separates you from the competition. And when you go the extra inch enough times, you are a foot ahead of everyone around you.
Preparation is key to show you have mastered your message.
I know what question you probably want to ask me, so I am going to go ahead and answer it. No, Ranger Felgenhauer did not tell the group that it was raisenettes he ate. Everyone went home thinking he had eaten deer droppings.
Recently, I visited the Burke Museum at the University ofWashington. Although the museum is full of fascinating fossils, one important piece that is missing is the Manis Mastodon. The Manis Mastodon is not at the BurkeMuseum because the University of Washington missed anopportunity with the way they answered the phone.
You could be missing an opportunity with the voicemail greetingon your phone. The often overlooked voicemail greeting is thesecret to getting more attention.
In this episode, we examine the elements of a great outgoingmessage and how it gets you more attention. Jeff Noel presents theelements of a proper voicemail greeting.
Pricing is more than what a customer pays. Pricing informs a customer what it will be like to do business with you. When it comes to price, you should be delivering so much value your customer should feel they got the better deal.
Kirk Bowman joins the Jody Maberry Show to discuss the pricing, value and how they connect to marketing your message.
Kirk is known as the Visionary of Value. His podcast, The Art of Value, offers weekly conversations centered around the concept of value pricing.
Kirk's Website - ArtofValue.com
Kirk on Twitter - @ArtOfValue
Kirk's Podcast - Art of Value
Have you ever heard the phrase "you get what you pay for"? It is true. You do get what you pay for. But you also get what THEY pay for.
What does that mean?
When you try to compete on price and offer prices lower than you should, four things happen;
You know the customer's mindset is Cheap.The customer is looking to pay the least amount possible and squeeze as much as possible from the purchase or transaction.
Customers don't value what they get.If their mindset is cheap, they will believe what they got is worth what they paid, which means it is not worth much.
Customers won't trust your work.When someone is paying as little as possible, they are going to assume you are cutting corners, just like they are. Because they don't fully trust your work, you will find they ask for more, or watch over the project, more than a high paying customer.
People willing to invest in themselves see the world different.Someone who is willing to pay more will believe they are worth more. And they will expect your work to meet their expectations.
I am going to come right out and tell you this show is a bit different. It feels different to me anyway. Last week was a tough week. At the end of the week, we had to put our dog to sleep.
Bridger was a beautiful chocolate lab. He had been my best friend for the past 14 years. Since he is what I have been thinking about the past few days,I thought I would use an episode of The Jody Maberry Show to talk about what I learned from the situation.
Even though it was an awful event for me, I noticed how good the veterinary clinic was at delivering vulnerable customer service.
Upon arrival, they let me and Bridger go to a private room. I didn’t have to fill out paperwork in front of other people and it gave me more time with my dog.
Treated my situation as unique. They perform this process every week. The see individuals going through the sadness and distress of losing a dear family pet every week. But they treated me as an individual and my situation as unique. They understood I had not been through this situation before and it was difficult for me. The treated it as such, not like it was no big deal.
The doctor showed a human side. It was clear it was not a transaction. He asked questions about my dog. He told me stories about losing a dog himself. He made me feel like a human facing a difficult situation and he also showed he was human.
Everyone at the clinic made the transaction portion of my visit as minimal as possible. I only had to fill out the absolute necessary paperwork. Steps of the transaction were removed to make it as easy on me as possible. For example, they allowed me to pay shortly after I got there while my beautiful was still sitting at my side. Can you imagine standing in the lobby trying to pay after losing your pet? Taking care of the payment beforehand allowed me to exit the building quickly once it was all over.
They understood my needs even before I did. Since they see people in my situation often, they understand what customers going through this process need. There was Kleenex in the room. If they would have asked me when I got there if I needed Kleenex I would have said no. But I did indeed need Kleenex, and they knew it. There was already a box sitting quietly on the counter next to the chairs where customers sit. They also let me stay alone with my dog as long as wanted to when the process is over. As a business that makes money based on appointments and number of customers seen in a day, it could be tempting to move people in and out as quickly as possible. But they let me stay with my dog to say goodbye and grieve as long as I needed.
I will never forget the kindness and care shown by Pet Townsend. In fact, just today, I received a notecard in the mail from the vet clinic. All of the staff signed it and the doctor wrote a message to me. You don’t get caring service like that often. You can be sure I will recommend them and return if I get another dog.
But here is the thought I had about how great they treated me, why can’t we treat everyone like that? They treated me well when I was vulnerable, but every customer could be vulnerable, even if you do not serve them during situations where they are obviously vulnerable. If your customer is a dog owner who just lost his best friend of 14 years, it is obvious your customer is vulnerable. But consider the rest of my day. I was still sad when I went to the grocery store. I still felt lousy when my family went out for burgers and fries for dinner. I was vulnerable the rest of the day. The same is true for every one of your customers. Everyone you interact with has something going on you do not know about. I promise that is true.
So what would be different if you treat a customer’s situation as unique even if it is the 100th time you have seen it this month?
What if you eliminated unnecessary steps from a transaction so your customer could be on their way sooner?
What if you took the time to hear your customer’s story?
What if you treated a customer like the special person they are? Won’t it make the situation they are dealing with that you don’t know about a little better? Yes, of course. So why not do it?
There is one more aspect of vulnerable customer service I want you to think about. There are times when a customer is in a situation where they have no alternative. You have all the power. Think of when you are not satisfied with a product but are not certain if you can get a refund. The power is with the company. Think of trying to accomplish anything with the cable company. They have all the power. When I was a park ranger, I often dealt with a customer where I had all the power. When someone broke a rule or even broke a law, the customer did not have many options and the power was in my hands. Usually, in these situations, the customer caused whatever happened. How do you handle it? Do you talk down to the customer? Do you tell the customer it is policy and you have no choice?
You know who comes to mind as one of the worst in handling these situations? Barney Fife from the Andy Griffith Show. Did you ever watch this show? I did not watch a single episode of The Andy Griffith Show until a couple years ago, but as you can imagine, I have heard Andy Griffith jokes most of my life with a last name like Maberry.
Anyway, Barney Fife was the deputy of the town of Mayberry. Barney could get carried away with law enforcement.
In one episode, Deputy Barney Fife arrested an elderly citizen, Emma, for jaywalking. When Sheriff Andy Taylor found out he explained that they never stop Emma for jaywalking and “we figure if she can save a step or two here and there, why, she will just be with us that much longer”.
Sheriff Taylor understood customer service.
Deputy Fife protested. He reasoned if Emma got away with her crime, people would soon be “jaywalking all over the place and disregarding Keep of the Grass signs” and soon Mayberry would turn into a regular Sin Town.
Unfortunately, many organizations take The Barney Fife approach. This is a missed opportunity. It ensures that the organization will not turn into a regular Sin Town, but what image does it leave with customers? Seth Godin points out that in the moment when you have the power, you will establish the way customers feel about your entire organization.
I think Sheriff Andy Taylor would agree with Seth Godin. If an organization works hard to provide a positive experience when the customer has no choice, the benefit of the doubt earned is worth more than it costs.
I will add to that and say if you work hard to provide a positive experience when your customer is vulnerable, the benefit of the doubt is worth more than it costs. Vulnerable could mean they are in a vulnerable situation like I was when I was with my dog at Pet Townsend. Or vulnerable could mean you have all the power and the customer has no choice.
Also, remember, at any point in the customer process, if you can save the customer a step or two here and there, as Andy Griffith suggested, they will be with you that much longer.
Which direction does your organization lean? Do you have the Deputy Barney Fife approach to fend off Sin Town? Or do you have the Sheriff Andy Taylor approach to making sure customers will be with you that much longer?
If you were to ask me about the best podcasters, Jeff Brown would be at the top of my list. Jeff is the host of the Read to Lead Podcast. After 26 years in the radio business, Jeff brought his broadcast skills, and buttery voice, to podcasting.
It is not just a dreamy voice that makes Jeff a great podcaster. Jeff's preparation, interviews, and production quality make Read to Lead one of the best independent podcasts you will hear.
In this episode, Jeff offers some of his secrets on how to make a good podcast great. But it is really no secret. Jeff Brown is so generous he is willing to share his knowledge and experience to help other podcasters make their show great.
Jeff's Website - ReadtoLeadPodcast.com
Jeff on Twitter - @THEjeffbrown
Jeff Brown on Facebook - Read to Lead Podcast
Have you ever asked yourself, "Should I have a podcast?" Podcasting is not for everyone, but it may be for you. Often, people will ask me if they should start a podcast.
Podcasting may be the right option for your business, but wouldn't you like to have a better understanding of how a podcast can help you? In this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I will examine whether or not you should start a podcast. I also get insight from some of my favorite podcasters including Jeff Brown, Dan Miller, Lou Mongello, and Lee Cockerell.
Podcasts I am currently involved with as a host or co-host:
Creating Disney Magic with Lee Cockerell
Agents in Action with Todd Smith
Pharmacy Life Radio with Alex Barker
Jeff Noel spent 30 years at Disney World. The last 15 years Jeff was a speaker at the Disney Institute and spoke to over 1 million people. Jeff understands what makes Disney World so successful, from the big picture of leadership and customer service to the very smallest items, like trash.
Jeff joins the Jody Maberry Show to talk trash. Disney World is one of the cleanest places you will visit. How do they do it? More importantly, why do they do it? What does Disney obsess about the cleanliness of the park?
One of the key's to making Disney World so clean is Cast Members understand what their priorities are. First, Cast Members make sure Guests have a great time. Second, Cast Members pick up trash. Third priority is the job you were hired to do. Imagine the impact it has on the culture for every cast member to understand picking up trash is so important, you should pick up litter before you tend to the job you were hired to do. That is how you create excellence through priorities.
Jeff's Website - Jeffnoel.com and midlifecelebration.com
Jeff's Book - Midlife Celebration
Jeff on Twitter - @jeffnoelmidlife
On a recent trip to Nashville, I told Dan Miller a story about my son playing violin on the street corner in the small town where we live. Dan enjoyed the story so much he did a short interview with me on his podcast about my son swinging the bow on the street corner. I realized if Dan found the story interesting you probably would as well. You can hear Dan Miller's interview with me here.
On a visit to downtown Port Townsend my, son saw someone playing music on the street corner.
What caught his attention was not the music, it was the guitar case. It was open in front of the musician and had several bills and many coins in it.
What my son saw was money Money. Someone was Playing music on the street and in return people were giving him money.
It was a new concept to his eight-year-old mind. I was quickly bombed with several questions.
"Why is he playing guitar on the sidewalk"?
"Why are people giving him money"?
And then he asked the big one.
"Can I play my violin on the sidewalk"?
He had quickly connected the dots. He realized playing his violin on the street corner could get him money, which could be used to buy Legos.
My kid wants to be a busker.
My first reaction was "no". I was not going to let my son play violin on the street corner in a busy tourist town. I may think he is the best eight-year-old violin player in our house, but is it a good idea to let him play in a place where people expect to hear experienced and quality musicians?
After considering it for a day, I decided it would be a good idea for him to be a busker. Here are the six lessons he can learn from being a kid busker;
Have the courage to do something that can be criticized. He is not as good as other musicians playing on the street. People may laugh. People may say he is not very good. People may ignore him. But consider the lesson he will learn by standing tall and playing his violin anyway.
Realize not everyone is your audience. The one or two people or even the ten people you connect with are your audience. Mike Loomis believes you can be successful by reaching three people, and you can accomplish lots of great stuff with a twelve person tribe. Do not worry about the masses. Connect with your audience, even if it is only three people.
The thought of doing something is often harder than the actual doing of that thing. Doing one intimidating act, like busking on the street corner, can build enough confidence to take on another, bigger, and scarier project.
The only way you will ever know is to take the risk. At the age of eight, my son can take a step to eliminate a regret, so many of us have. He may play violin on the street corner and not do well, but he will know. How many of us adults wrestle with the regret of not knowing how something would have worked out if we had only been brave enough to try.
The value of making a ruckus. Rather than waiting for someone to tell my son how an eight-year-old should act, he could be on the street corner making a ruckus. Making a ruckus, rather than doing what others expect you to do, is how you get things done. Listen to this episode of Starve The Doubts podcast with Jared Easley to hear Seth Godin talk about making a ruckus.
The difference between contributing and spectating. Theodore Roosevelt said "there is no effort without error and shortcoming. (A Contributor) at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and at worst, if he fails, at least, fails while daring greatly". Colonel Roosevelt even called spectators "cold and timid souls."
I realized, If my son wants to dare greatly and play his violin on the street corner, it would be wrong not to let him.
And he did play on the street corner. He picked the busiest corner available and set up shop. He dressed nice and even slicked his hair back to look the part. He understood, even at eight years old that he was putting on a show.
At the time he only knew how to play a few songs, so he played them over and over. I usually stood against a nearby wall to not only watch him play but to watch the interaction between him and the people who passed by. Many people dropped money in his violin case. And many people slowed down or stopped to hear him play. In a busy tourist town where buskers are common on every corner, it is one thing to drop some money; it is another thing altogether when someone stops to watch and listen.
In the end, August played for 62 minutes and made $47. Consider what that means to an 8-year-old. Rather than get an allowance, my kids earn commissions. He would have to take the trash out to the corner 47 times to earn $47 dollars. He would have to shred 23 stacks of paper to earn $47. He has a good week when he earn $10 in commissions. And now, in 62 minutes he earned $47 from something he created, not from what someone told him to do.
To me, the $47 is not really the big deal. What excites me the most is the possibility. How important is it for my 8-year-old son to learn the possibility of doing things differently. If you learn as an 8-year-old that you can earn money playing on the street corner, does a job in a cubicle even look appealing once you are an adult?
This is where the most important lesson comes in, the lesson I want to stick with my son, and the lesson I want you to hear.
If you create value, people will put money in your violin case.
It is that simple. That is the secret to business. Create value and people will give you money. Creating value is part of mastering your message. You need to understand what you do and how it will create value for other people. In the case of my son on the street corner, the music was the message. It created value for people because they enjoyed hearing it. Buskers create the unique atmosphere in downtown Port Townsend that people like so much. Without buskers, downtown Port Townsend would feel, and sound, different. An 8 year old boy playing violin on the corner creates value because of the music and because people like having buskers on the corner.
Bob Burg once said people will not buy from you because you need to buy groceries. People will buy from you because you create value for them.
Even if you are not an entrepreneur, the secret to success is the same. Forget about sticking to your job description. Create so much value in your position that your organization will not want to be without you.
To give you a little update on my son, after the first time playing violin on the street he did not return. I know it would be a better story to tell you he went back to the street corner and earned 40 or 50 dollars every week and bought a car before he was 10 years old. It did not happen though. At the time, he saw it as an opportunity to earn enough money to buy the lego set he wanted. After he had the legos in hand he did not return. But after hearing this story again on Dan Miller’s 48 Days to the Work you love podcast he declared he would be a busker again this summer.
Most of us know we don’t know it all. Perhaps you know enough to realize how much you don’t know. If only you could get a leg up. If only you could get an advantage or a little head start, we could do so much better. If only we had a mentor, right? You have thought that before, I am sure. If you had a mentor to show you how to do this or that. If only you had a mentor to help you avoid mistake, or point you towards this shorter path through the woods.
A mentor can be a big factor in shaping and evolving your message and be a jumpstart when it comes to marketing, mobilizing, and mastering. Holy Crow, that was a lot of Ms.
From my experience, there are five types of mentors.
Classic mentor. A Classic mentor is likely what you think of when you think of a mentor. A classic mentor is a single person who invested in you and your development. When I first became a Park Ranger, I was lucky enough to have a classic mentor. Jack Hartt, the Park Manager, took an interest in me and devoted time and attention to my development. He would spend lunch breaks with me. Jack would answer my questions almost any time. He exposed me to situations that were above my pay grade and helped me think a level or two above where my current job was. We would even play quick rounds of trivial pursuit in the office. I am pretty sure I won every time.
Academic mentor. An academic mentor is someone who mentors you through the content they produce. Books are an obvious way to connect with the academic mentor. For only $20 you can spend hours with a mentor and get some of their best advice. Don't discount this idea. Pick a book and take the words with the same weight you would with a classic mentor. If you take a book with the idea of consuming the words, not for entertainment but to learn and grow and change, it can have the same impact as spending the same amount of time with the classic mentor.
The best part of an academic mentor is there is one out there for any topic you want to learn about. Do you want to build a strong foundation of personal accountability? Spend time with John Miller and the book QBQ. Do you want to get better customer service? Spend time with Lee Cockrell and the book The Customer Rules. Want to help lead your team through changes spend time with John Kotter in the book Leading Change. Those are three examples of academic mentors through books to consider. I have spent time with Seth Godin, Jack Welch, and so many more mentors through books.
Books are not the only way to connect with an academic mentor. Content comes in many forms. A podcast can connect you with a mentor. Let’s use the Brand You Podcast by Mike Kim as an example. Each week, Mike Kim gives you a valuable, personal lesson on marketing or branding that will enable you to take action. Or, Mike Kim will have a guest on his show. This gives you an opportunity to sit in on a conversation with someone like Ray Edwards or Pat Flynn who is going to deliver their own valuable lesson. It is like you are right there at the table with them. Whatever topic Mike covers that week, you can spend that week working on it. A podcast can be just as good as a weekly session with a classic mentor, although not as personal. Just like with books, there is nearly a podcast about any topic you want to learn about. One of my other podcasts is called The Park Leaders Show. If there is a show out there for park rangers, there is also going to be a show about whatever industry you are in or the topic you are interested in learning more about.
Situational mentor. A situational mentor is someone who mentors you for a certain situation. If you need to improve a skill, perhaps you can find a situational mentor to help you only with that skill. If you are having a tough time with an employee, you can find someone else who has been through a similar situation. If you are hiring an employee for the first time or going for a promotion yourself, you can find a situational mentor to help you out. I think you get where I'm going with this. You can find a situational mentor to help you out in that situation. It could be a short time mentorship lasting only for this one situation. You do not even have to use the word mentor, just ask for help. The word I like to use this counsel. I don't ask for advice. I don't expect someone to tell me what to do. I want counsel as I work to the situation.
Shadow mentor. A shadow mentor is simply someone you observe. For example, you want your supervisor or someone else in a leadership role with a deliberate eye towards how they handle situations and how they deal with people. The key here is you have to be deliberate in watching and analyzing what they do and how they do it. You can take a step further than just watching; you can ask to be involved in situations and learn in their shadow. You can ask your supervisor to let you attend a meeting with her. You can ask to help with staff scheduling for the month or something else you are interested in. Find a way to get yourself in her shadow so you can learn.
If you are self-employed like I am, fear not. You are not out of luck. You may not have a supervisor or a leader in the organization to shadow, but you can reach out to anyone. Find a local businessman and ask if you can just shadow them for a day. Find someone you respect in the online world and ask if you can help them at an event or training just to shadow and learn from them. Let them know you want or expect nothing in return, you just want to shadow them.
Anti-mentor. Having an anti-mentor may sound strange and like something you want to stay away from. But if you find yourself working for a bad boss you can grumble about it and have a lousy time, or you can use a bad boss is a mentor and anti-mentor. Let a bad boss mentor you on what not to do. Trust me when I tell you to use an anti-mentor like a shadow mentor and don't tell them you're using them as a bad example. If you tell a bad boss you are using him as an anti-mentor it will make your life a bit uncomfortable. Watch them and be deliberate about understanding what they're doing that you would not want to do. Some things I learned from an anti-mentor include the importance of doing the work. Let your team see you working with them. I learned the value of inclusion. If a team member does not feel like they are part of what is going on things will begin to crumble. I have learned about customer service, time management, people management and so much more from one bad boss. Some of these lessons are just as valuable as what I could've learned from a classic mentor. In fact, the lessons stick more because I understand how it made me feel.
Those are the five types of mentors but don't overlook the value of friendships. If you are hanging out with the right people, you are going to be smarter and get more done. There you have it my friend, my take on mentors. The good, the bad, and where you can find each type. As I mentioned at the top of the show, by the end of the day you can have a mentor identified, maybe for all five types of mentors. And you have an opportunity to be working with a mentor by tomorrow. With the opportunity to work with an academic mentor, you can have one of your major problems solved by the end of the week.
Have you had a mentor who impacted your life, your business, or career? If you want to share the story, send an email and tell me about it. I am always curious to hear stories about how someone used the knowledge or experience of someone else to improve.
Have you ever thought you could get further along if someone would come along and notice you, partner with you, or promote you?
The truth is, the big guys and guys do not want to partner with you. Kary Oberbrunner will explain why. And he will tell you what you can do about it.
Kary is an author, podcaster, and coach who is willing to tell you the truth about what it really takes to connect with people. In 2015, Kary published an episode of his Igniting Souls podcast explaining why the big guys and big gals do not want to connect with you. Kary shares his secrets to connecting with high influencers. In that episode, Kary reached through the podcast and virtually slapped me in the face. In this conversation on The Jody Maberry Show, Kary will share the same bold information about partnering with "Big Fish".
Kary Oberbrunner will explain how you can connect with anyone.
Kary's Website - karyoberbrunner.com
Kary's Podcast - Igniting Souls
Kary's Book - Day Job to Dream Job
Mentioned Resources:
Jared Easley and Starve the Doubts.
Dan Miller and 48 Days.
Ray Edwards
Kirk Bowman
In preparation for an upcoming trip to Nashville, I decided to order some new business cards. I know there are people who don’t order business cards. That is fine. I also know at least one person who will not accept business cards. That is fine too, even though it can be a little awkward. But I can think of one situation when I ran out of business cards and decided not to order new ones. Who needs them, I thought. Then I gave a presentation for a home builders association. After I was done, I had someone tell me they wanted to talk about doing some work for them. They asked for a business card so they could follow up. I did not have a card, and I never heard from them. A business card is a simple, cheap way not to let that happen again. Some people like business cards and I want to make it as easy as possible for them to contact me. If 99 of your cards are thrown away, but the 100th person follows up with you, isn’t it still worth it? I think so, and I wanted to get some cards made for my trip to Nashville.
I ordered the cards through Moo.com because I have always been impressed with the quality of their products. This time, I got bold and ordered square business cards. More likely to get throw away I thought, but also more likely to stand out. So I quickly designed the front of a new card in Canva, uploaded my logo for the back of the card and submitted my order.
The cards arrived a few days later, and I was excited to open them. As soon as I slide the square white card out of the box I realized I had made an error. The logo on the back of the card was not centered. There was no way I was going to give those cards out to people. I was lamenting my error to Scott Barlow when he suggested I contact Moo. He claimed they had an outrageous satisfaction policy. Not a chance, I thought. This was my error and Moo was not likely to help out.
I was curious enough to check the website. On the Moo website, I found what they call the Moo promise, which is;
MOO's promise
We've never thought 'satisfaction guaranteed' was the most inspiring phrase. We'd like you to be satisfied of course, but we'd prefer it if you were absolutely thrilled beyond words with your order. We take great pride in our work, and we want you to feel the same about yours. So, even for the tiniest of typos, we’ll move heaven and earth to make sure you get exactly what you want – or your money back!”
My call with Moo proves they back up their promise. They do make sure you get exactly what you want.
Here are the three things you can learn from the exceptional service Moo delivers on the phone;
- Answer the phone with a smile.
- Make it a policy to delight your customers.
- Give your customers more than they expect.
If you would like to try Moo, you can get 10% off your first order by clicking here.
Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World. Lee joins the Jody Maberry Show to offer lessons from Disney you can apply to your business.
"It's not the magic that makes it work; it is the way we work that makes it magic."
In this episode, Lee explains what it looks like for small businesses and entrepreneurs to create magic. Creating magic is easier than you think it will be. Have a great website, answer your phone, return calls, look professional are just some of the simple things Lee offers as a way to create magic.
If you want to figure out how to create magic, get feedback from customers, colleagues and friends. Feedback will help you figure out what you do best and where you need to improve.
Lee also explains why a podcast is an important tool to mobilize your message. And if you want to master your message, Lee suggests you study and practice. First learn, then practice, and then teach to master your message.
Lee's Podcast = Creating Disney Magic
Lee's Books = Creating Magic, The Customer Rules, Time Management Magic
Lee Cockerell on Twitter = @LeeCockerell
Other Resources mentioned;
Out West by Dayton Duncan
Dealing with Anxiety episode of Creating Disney Magic Podcast
When I was a park ranger, I had the opportunity to help a lady who was camping solo for the first time since her husband died. Her grand adventure took an unfortunate turn when she was not able to set the tent up by herself. In 20 minutes, I was able to set her tent up, and in the process, I learned some lessons on how you can be a park ranger to your customers.
Here are the points you need to remember from this story so you can be a park ranger to your customers.
- Identify the people you can help. As a park ranger, it was easy to identify this lady needed help, but what if my approach would have been just to show up at every campsite and ask if they needed help with something? What are the chances a burly guy in flannel would have needed the park ranger's help to start a campfire? It would have been a waste of my time, and I would have probably missed the opportunity to get in front of the person who really needed help.
- Put yourself in front of the right people. How would the same story have played out if I had stayed in my ranger truck and told myself “if anyone needs help, they will find me”. I would not have had the opportunity to help the lady. Someone else would have helped her, or she would have gone home in frustration.
- Be identified as an authority. When the handsome man with the badge and flat hat walked into her campsite, she knew right away I could help her. She knew she could trust me. So she opened up and told me about her husband passing away and how she could not set up the tent. If the burly guy in flannel had walked into her campsite would she have been so open about her problem? Probably not. My uniform built the authority and trust she needed to open up. What have you done to build authority, credibility, and trust where people can identify you as someone who can solve their problem?
- You are only a piece of the customer's story. The park ranger who saved the day was only a small piece of her adventure. The real story is her first camping trip since her husband died. Perhaps without the park ranger, she would have given up and went home, but all I did as the ranger was provide her with a solution so she could have her adventure. You need to understand you are a piece of your customers story. Find a way to explain how what you do will help them live out their adventure and create their own story in some way. I spent only 20 minutes with the lady. You have to make your 20 minutes count.
- Exceed expectations. When this lady paid the fee for a night of camping, she expected to get a campsite to herself for one night, the use of clean bathroom facilities, and access to all of the natural beauty at the park. She did not expect to get a park ranger to give her personal time and attention to help set up her tent. That went way beyond her expectations, and it did not cost her any more than the camping fee. It took me only 20 minutes, and she is probably still telling people about it today. Consider what you can do to go beyond the expectations of your customer. Truthfully, most people have become accustomed to not having their expectations met. So if you can meet expectations you have already won. But if you can exceed those expectations, you have earned a loyal customer. Do you think the lady went camping again after that trip? I bet she did.
- Work within your message. To keep it simple, let’s say the message of a park ranger is to protect and serve parks and people. I marketed the message by being in uniform. For a park ranger, there is no better marketing than the uniform. I mobilized the message walking the campground and getting your message out in front of the people. I mastered the message by telling the lady I could help, and then delivering on the promise. When our interaction was over, I know she believed the message of a park ranger was to protect and serve parks and people. And perhaps more importantly, I believed the message too.
If you can apply those five lessons into your business, you will be strutting around like a park ranger. And you will serve your customers better.
Do you ever wonder if there is a magic formula for marketing? Should you just copy what other people are doing? How do you stand out?
In this episodes, Mike Kim will explain how you can market yourself like no one else can. Mike Kim is a marketing consultant, communications strategist, and copywriter. After a couple of career pivots, Mike has set himself apart by leveraging his personal story to connect with other people.
During this interview, Mike Kim will give you the exact steps he uses with his clients to market yourself like no one else can. The key to marketing yourself is to uncover the elements of your story that make you unique.
If you want help setting yourself apart from the crowd, check out Mike's Brand You Blueprint. The Brand You Blueprint will give you a strategic overview on what it takes to a fun, fulfilling, and profitable personal brand business. You can get the Brand You Blueprint here.
Mike's Twitter = @MikeKimTV
Mike's website = mikekim.com