Clarity Compressed: Build a Better Business Through Better Brand Development: Recent Episodes
Paul J Daly
If you're looking for "marketing hacks" from a "guru", you're only chasing short-term results. This isn't the podcast for you. After spending 15 years building a multi-million dollar business, Paul J Daly is sharing the experiences and perspective that grew him from an entrepreneur in Upstate New York to an inspiring leader, a national speaker, and sought-after business consultant. By focusing on brand development, company culture, and crafting better marketing, Paul J Daly is leading the charge for entrepreneurs and small businesses to align their marketing, messaging, company culture, operations, leadership development, and everything in between to drive long-term success; all in the spirit of CLARITY. www.claritycompressed.com
Clarity Fam,
I just crossed the line on my 20th year of being an entrepreneur. It is so strange to think about how different my life was back in early 2003. I was in my first year of marriage, we were renting a small place, and I had this crazy idea that I could start and run my own company with nothing more that a "Small Business for Dummies" book and a Quickbooks CD Rom. There was no YouTube or touch screen phones, or even Facebook! It's true, I'm that old.
Today I talk about one of the biggest distinctions I've observed in running a company. That is the difference between the "organization" and the "business". How does one balance the people and the profit?
I started this train of thought in this LinkedIn post and go a little deeper on this episode.
Here's to another 20 years!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I was on a plane ride a few weeks ago that I will never forget. The leg room was tight, I had to pay for my beverage, the seat was a little more uncomfortable...and I LOVED IT.
All of this was because of one woman's extra bit of empathy and attention. It reminded me how one person can make all the difference.
I tell the story this week.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
As we roll into March, I start getting very excited about the changing of the seasons. Sure, in Upstate NY we likely have at least another 4-6 weeks where it could snow, however, I know that we are close to the nicer weather!
All of this has me in the 'spring cleaning' mentality when it comes to making changes for the better and it has me thinking about how much progress is good enough.
Often it is easy to let incremental improvement get overshadowed and shut down by the "best" improvements. In reality, the 'best' is a fantasy.
I dig into it a bit in this weeks episode as I anxiously await our first 60 degree day in Syracuse.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
Aside from my Eagles losing a heartbreaker last week, it's been a really great week. Mainly due to the fact that I was disconnected.
I took my family on our first intentionally disconnected vacation in quite a while. I spent 6 days unplugging from my hectic regular life and making new connections with my family.
I talk about it and share some of the things I learned in this week's episode.
Disconnect to reconnect and get that clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I do some of my best thinking on planes. Although I’m not built for commercial flight, (long legs, a head that wants to constantly fall forward when I fall asleep, and shoulders that constantly get bumped by the aisle walkers), it is a place where I tend to reconnect with myself.
This is probably the result of being strapped down for several hours, unable to bounce around talking to people and looking for the next great opportunity. But I welcome it.
Today, on a 4 hour flight from Syracuse to Dallas, I started thinking about how each era has a unique “enemy” of sorts.
I think I’m ready to name it for the 21st century. After you listen, let me know what you think!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I just spent 5 days at the largest gathering of Auto Dealers form across the country and in the world. I sat down with some executives for podcasts with my media company ASOTU. One conversation in particular was with an SVP with a publicly traded company. One statement he said still has me thinking 2 days later.
I’ll share it with you in this episode.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I'm about to embark on a 5 day journey with my company ASOTU to cover the largest show for Retail Auto Dealers, the NADA Show. 30k people will converge on Dallas to show and tell everything that is on the cusp of the future of automotive. But guess what...
There are millions of folks who are in the industry and won't get to go and I think it's the leader's job to bring as much back as possible. Merely going isn't enough to keep your people in the loop with you. A leader needs to provide a way for their people to experience and, most importantly, be able to contextualize what is happening in the industry.
This is what I call 'making the world smaller' and it applies to business leaders as much as it does to parents. I talk about it more in the episode.
And if you'd like to follow along for the next few days to see what the show I'm covering is all about, follow along here.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Carity Fam,
As I’m rolling into the second half of the month it’s busier than ever, but I’m more focused than ever on doing meaningful things. And I better be!
Between my work with Congruent, ASOTU, and beyond there are more and more things that demand my time, contribute to my emotional state, and require me to focus.
Today I give some thoughts on why it can be good to remind yourself and your team about the bad times, and I also reveal why I never got that tattoo.
I hope it’s helpful or at least makes you smile.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I hope your first few steps into the new year were great ones! Today I’m going to read and react to a post made by the insidehistory Instagram account that dropped a perspective bomb right on my head.
In short, it tracked someone born in 1900 through all the wars, pandemics, conflicts, and crisis they would have experienced. It blew my mind.
Most pertinently, it reminded me that evaluating my current situation in a much broader context whenever I think things are ‘tough’.
I hope it brings you some great clarity as you march into 2023.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
PS. I’ll be in Dallas (Go Birds) Texas for the NADA Show later in the month. If you’ll be there too, I hope we get to meet in person! Follow my company ASOTU on LinkedIn to get the full deets on the where’s and when’s of the week.
Clarity Fam,
It's great to see you in 2023! There is so much great energy around the new year. A fresh start. A chance to cut ties with the challenges and mistakes and get moving on those things you really wanted to do, uninhibited by the baggage.
I've surely had mixed success with new year's resolutions so I've stopped making them, but I haven't stopped using the turn of the new year as a chance to boost meaningful change in my life.
Today I talk about shifting the paradigm of how we look at things in a way that helps us do the things we want to be doing. A mindset shift that might just work.
I get into it in the episode, but for now, make the decision with me to pursue more clarity in 2023 than ever before!
Paul
PS: Here is a link to the "Tonight Show" style event me and the team at ASOTU put on in Nashville that I mentioned in the episode.
Clarity Fam,
I’m sitting in Nashville Tennessee preparing for a lifestream. We’ve been working on for months. My voice is just about gone, but I wanted to take a few minutes to share my thinks and my thoughts coming out of 2022 and heading into 2023 for so many of us in this community that is in pursuit of, we’ll you know, clarity.
Thank you for being part of the journey this year. I’ll be taking the week between Christmas and New Year’s off and can’t wait to see all of your bright shining faces and just a week or so.
Let me know what you think about the episode!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Yes. It is more than ok to bring your kids to work with you. ESPECIALLY if you are traveling. This past week I had the privilege to speak to about 150 people in Princeton, NJ about the importance of their role serving people throughout the service lanes and I was able to bring my 11 year old daughter Elyse with me for the day.
It was a real grinder of a day that would make any road warrior proud. 4am wake up, flight, long Uber ride in traffic, setting up in a meeting room for livestreams, team meeting, etc. All of this to be in place for an evening dinner where I met their team for 30 mins, spoke for 15, and spent the rest of the night meeting and interviewing as many people as I could.
Another long ride, delayed flight, in bed by 1am. Yep, that was 21 hours and my little Elyse was a champ!
Sure she could have been learning some math equation, but instead she learned how to adapt, how to have conversations with leaders, and even have fun as a podcaster 🙂. Most of all, they will learn that they are important to you.
Yes it takes more planning.
Yes, it takes more money.
Yes, it is worth it.
Your future self will thank you.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity fam,
In 1997, the year I graduated high school, a book called "Don't sweat the small stuff" was released. And while I know the premise to not get bogged down in life with all the demanding details, I happen to think that giving more intentionality to the small stuff will yield you the best results long term.
Relationships, business, finances...all of it. The trick is to give thoughtful consideration on which small stuff to focus on. I'm still working on that and hope you'll join me on that journey.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Today I take a moment to take a moment with my 16 year old son, Myles. Having teenaged kids is fun. It helps keep me in the loop with how the minds of the next generation are shaping up. It is also rewarding to be able to have a conversation with an almost young-adult that I had a hand in raising. (Credit my wife for most of his good traits 🙂 )
We get into pop culture and his friends' perspectives on things that may confound us grown ups.
I hope it helps give you a little clarity on what those darn kids are thinking...
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation where you were talking to someone when all of a sudden you realized they weren't really paying attention and you were even a little bored with what you were saying? I certainly have.
This week I talk about the importance and discipline of 'hearing yourself' in real time as you are talking. Why should we expect others to hear what we have to say if we can't first listen to ourselves.
I hope it brings a little perspective into your conversations as it has mine.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I’m here in Palm Beach teaching a Creative Track and the main theme is Content Communication. That is, actually saying something that matters through your content.
This doesn’t mean it can’t be fun or light, but it does mean it needs to be intentional. I get into a few different types of content and hope the energy from this show in Palm Beach connects with you wherever you are.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
We've had one of the warmest Springs on record where I live in Syracuse, NY. It's certainly the warmest I remember in the last 20 years of living up here. There is a buzz about it. People are out more with lots of smiles and comments on how nice it is. I'm sure you can imagine. I'm pretty certain my friends who live in warmer climates who are used to this aren't experiencing the same buzz.
This is why today, I'm talking about how experiencing the harder things in life are actually what allow us to appreciate the good things even more. How can you appreciate the sunny warmth unless you experience cold and rainy? The same is true for most other areas as well.
I'd love to know what other areas you think this applies to.
Keep pursuing that clarity and GET OUTSIDE!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Today I’m going to share some of the routines I’ve fallen into and why they are working. I’ve read about some people who simplify basic things in their lives to free up mental space for more the more complex things.
Our headspace is a deplete-able asset. Every day, we only get so much. Efficiency studies show this over and over. Even our will power gets weaker as the day goes on just like a muscle you are working out.
I’m not trying to be prescriptive by any means! But I am hoping you get some perspective on your routines and how you might be able to tweak them in your favor.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
This weekend I had an ecstatic moment...for the first time in 13 years, my Phillies made it into the World Series. As I looked deeper into the leadership situation of the team, the reason for their late-season success began to look much more like an episode of Ted Lasso than they typical Philly-grit story (although it has that too).
Today I talk about the leadership story behind the story that has me just as ecstatic. Maybe more so.
Keep swinging and keep pursuing that CLARITY!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I've been seeing a lot of content regarding building a personal brand with the intention of doing business. While I'm certainly not against that, I think there is risk of turning everyone into a walking dollar sign if you aren't careful.
So today I talk about my perspective on personal brand and dive into a few others I know very well...while unpacking a special item from a Macy's box. Yep.
Keep creating, building, and pursuing that clarity.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I spent most of last week in Miami…and I wasn’t thrilled. Don’t get me wrong, I love the NAMAD family I was with, but I wasn’t happy about 85 degrees, sunny, and humid. That is primarily because October in Upstate NY is my absolute favorite time of year. It’s just invigorating!
The sunny, crisp 55 degree days. The insane color painting the palette of the tree lines. The festivals, baked goods, and hints of wood burning stoves in the air is second to none.
October always puts me in the mindset of how ‘seasons’ come and go. The truth is, they never stay. I talk about how to make the most of the good ones, and how to hold on through the tough ones today.
Enjoy the season you’re in and keep pursing that clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
It's a picture perfect Fall in Upstate NY. It's my family's favorite time of year for sure. With all the coming and going of the season change, the holidays, and the picking up of end-of-year business, there also comes the conflict of life and relationship.
I'm not a huge fan of conflict. I shy away from it typically, however, I'm learning that setting my ego and fear aside when conflict arises actually makes the it MORE likely that I will have deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Today I tie this principle back to my very first job in the auto industry and bring it all the way through today.
I hope it gives you a bit of a perspective unlock to the conflicts in your life right now.
Pursue Clarity and light a campfire!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Running, gunning, funning, and everything in between. But it’s mostly the first two for a hard core entrepreneur. Many of you know what I mean. You are passionate about what you do and also passionate about keeping your family served and all the other people who depend on you in good spirits.
Sometimes I have so many good things going that I get overwhelmed and my brain is in such a fog of paralysis that I can’t help anyone. Thankfully, my wife Sara saw this in my eyes and kicked me out. Away from everyone for a day so I could reset. Some people call it self care.
I’m not happy to admit that its been years since I’ve stepped away from everyone for a day to reconnect with my own spirit. Today I did and I recorded this episode halfway through.
It’s a little more raw than usual…but that’s how honesty is supposed to be.
Pursue meaningful change as you pursue clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam
Last week I was a part of executing the largest event I've ever been a part of, ASOTU CON where hundreds of Auto Dealers and Industry Partners gathered just a mile from where I grew up in South Philly for 2 days.
We laughed, cried, learned, danced, and yes, ate cheese steaks from the Geno's that was built into the venue. More than all of that, I left it all on the field.
Five hours of sleep across 2 days. Not sustainable, but I'd argue that it's healthy.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Some people are wired to play it safe all the time. Some are wired to swing for the fence. I'm the latter, HOWEVER, not all the time. I'm in the midst of throwing the largest live event I've ever been a part of and it's got me thinking about the value of taking big swings.
There are times to swing, and times to hold and I talk about both in todays episode.
Keep swinging big and keep pursuing clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Those who have been here for a while know about my relationship with Gary Vaynerchuk and his businesses because of my early involvement in his Vayner Mentors program. So I wasn't surprised when I got an email asking what the best way to trade out of the truck that Gary has been in for the last 6 years. I mean, I'm their 'car guy'.
In my opinion, the Land Cruiser that has driven him over 250,000 miles and has been featured in hundreds (maybe thousands) of posts as he made content from the back seat in NYC is a iconic piece of entrepreneurial history that must be preserved.
So I bought it.
I'm going to drive it, tastefully customize it, and sell it to a super-fan who will continue to preserve it. I'm going to document it on this instagram account too.
Today I talk about this journey and why I think its good to find a way you can express your creativity AND make a profit.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I've been living that Dad life even in my new office space. My agency, Congruent, moved into our new building months ago. My wife Sara and I made sure all the details were in place from the neatly lined up bottled beverages in the new kitchen, to the 8' plants that separate the cafe and work space.
Every meeting room had nice furniture and new TV ready to be streamed to. There is even bumpin music in the bathrooms...in stereo. However, my office was a stock room with a desk for me.
Finally this past week some shelving and sound treatments went up and I was able to start organizing inspiration. I wanted it to feel more like a retail shop than an office, and its getting close.
I talk through some of the items and rationale of having a space that inspires this week and hope it encourages you to do something inspiring of your own.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Just a few years ago, the word 'brand' took a hit. That's because it became a buzzword and by definition, buzzwords lose their punch. That doesn't mean that the concept is void of meaning though!
Next up, the word "community". I share my thoughts in this episode.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I've been spending the last 18 months trying to figure out my sleep. Mainly, trying to feel better on less of it.
That reminds me of a principle in business and in life that you can apply today in things great or small. I hope you will!
Keep measuring that CLARITY,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Last week I recorded over a dozen podcast episodes across several of my initiatives. One of which is the new Auto Collabs Podcast . (I hope you check it out!). One of our guests talked about the fact that every decision in life causes pain, regardless of the direction you take. That principle was lodged in my brain for the rest of the week so I though it would be helpful to share with you.
So many times we are tempted to think that a decision can be painless, however, there is always a requirement on us. This makes the self awareness to truly count the real cost more important than ever.
Keep Pursuing That Clarity!
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam
Today I'm standing on a finished driveway that took longer and cost more than it should have. Or at least more than I thought it would.
As I stand here on this smooth blacktop, I'm reminded of how getting the groundwork right is worth the effort and how overlaying this mentality in many areas of my life would be more than beneficial.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
There is so much click bait in the world and the above subject line isn't that. It's true. The car I leased 3 years and 30k miles ago is only worth $3000 less than I paid for it...meaning I was able to enjoy it for only $1000 per year.
The reasons for that have to do with a pandemic, supply shortages, and some fortunate timing on my end. But that isn't really what this episode is about. It's about taking risks.
As I prepare to trade in my car for vehicle that Gary Vee has been in for the last 6 years (slipped that one in there), I share some thoughts why I believe taking risks is necessary.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I'm not a big F1 racing fan, but when I heard this quote from a legendary driver, I moved closer to being one. It is so easy to look at the inconvenient and challenging environments in life as nothing but problems. However, the very best operators, athletes, and entrepreneurs understand an entirely different perspective on those types of environments.
Today I share a quote and the perspective that drives it. (Pun very much intended)
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
As many of you know, I run several small businesses, have four kids, and a slew of people counting on me on a regular basis. But that means, is that sometimes I have to really fight to get this podcast recorded and posted every week.
I don’t know how long this podcast will go, but one thing I do know, is that this is not going to be the week that it ends!
I was on my way home from work with my 15-year-old son, Myles, and an episode needed to be recorded. So I grabbed a mic, turned on my camera, and told Myles he could ask me anything he wanted.
It got a little deep at the end. Big surprise :-)
Letting people ask you questions might just give you some perspective on why you do the things the way you do.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
P.S. I’ve been hard at work with team ASOTU to put together what I think is going to be the best automotive conference the industry has ever seen.
Check it out here
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
For so long I heard people saying that I should focus on what I needed to STOP doing to save some time, energy, etc. Then, one day, my business coach and mentor, David Meltzer told me I was approaching that topic all wrong.
This episode talks about his advice to me. I can tell you it's working.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
There is a secret that a lot of people seem to know. Typically it's those who are successful in multiple areas of their lives. It could be business, farming, family, or volleyball. Ready?
They know that no one else is going to do the work for them.
So many people walk around feeling like things aren't going their way...again. Maybe they even have friends that listen empathetically and help solidify their belief in their excuses. I think that's unfortunate.
Only we can choose to do the work that moves us forward. Only we can choose to take responsibility for our own outcomes. Sometimes my care for people leaves me wanting better for them than they really want for themselves.
Keep choosing to get that perspective.
Keep choosing CLARITY,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
This week I tell a parenting story or two as I talk about the reasons a lot of people might be tempted to quit. To stop. To give up on what you've been walking towards.
Sometimes the shots just keep coming one after another. Those are the moments where your character are really formed. I hope you'll lean in with me this week.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I wear my heart on my sleeve most of the time. This makes me a terrible card player and a hopefully better leader. Part of my hardwiring is to want everyone to be ok. I believe one of the primary responsibilities of a leader (especially in business) is to work to create the most opportunity for the most people.
Like most things in life, that isn't always cut and dry. I talk about the in-between areas this week.
What ever you do, keep serving people and keep pursuing clarity.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I hope you are enjoying the summer weather as much as I am! Let’s be honest, I live in Syracuse, NY which means that mid-70s weather = heaven. You can keep that 90 degree stuff to yourself!
My family and I took the pontoon boat out for the first time last weekend. We laughed, ate, got some ice cream and then started talking about…a puppy. Yeah, I know, I’m a sucker for the pleading of Sara and the kids. I’m also glutton for punishment
As my 15 year old son (who also happens to edit this podcast) was reluctantly going along with the conversation, we had a deeper conversation about why I would ever consider saying yes to dog #4. This spurred a deeper conversation which is the source of today’s episode.
Thank you for being here and keep Pursing Clarity!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
As of today, I’ve been married for 20 years. There is FAR more to say about that than can fit in a 10-minute podcast, but here are the things that came straight to the top.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I just spend several days at the very first VeeCon. It was a first-ever activation around Gary Vaynerchuk's NFT community, VeeFriends and was meaningful in more ways than one. Although I'd love to get into the basics of crypto and NFT's, what I was really impacted by was the community element of the VeeFriends brand.
The creative of every is NOT the brand, it is only the signal fire that shows the other people who feel the same about a certain topic or band or fashion where to gather together. Often we get confused and put the creative at the top. That's wrong.
People don't really celebrate the creation. They celebrate what it means to them.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
Clarity Fam,
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about perspective when the episode number (222) can be read the same front and back. I also happen to be wearing a tshirt from one of my favorite brands "Go Fast Don't Die" on which the back reads "Speed is a number, fast is a feeling."
You see, no two people have the exact same perspective. That's the beauty and curse of relationship. I'd argue it's mostly beauty, BTW. While 50 mph might feel slow to someone, it might feel lightning fast to someone else.
So here is some CLARITY on perspective...from my perspective.
Pursue CLARITY,
Paul
PS: I'll be attending VeeCon with so many others this week in Minneapolis, MN. If you are going, hit me up. It would be great to meet in person!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week wasn’t going to be the week I missed a podcast…so I didn’t. After a major event the night before, I was almost voiceless and out of time, but that didn’t stop the show. All we can do is give our best effort everyday, and today, this was mine.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Good morning and HAPPY MAY! I'm pretty sure I've never wished anyone a "Happy May" before, but since its the beginning of a new quarter and the weather in Upstate NY has been stunning, it seemed appropriate.
This morning, however, my week was greeted with an email I didn't want. Someone whom we've been wanting to hire for a critical position in one of my companies decided not to join. Now the reasons were understandable and this person really seemed like if the situation was different, they would have made the move. However, it is all the same to the fact that we still have a big gap.
What would my next move be. Will I let it dictate the rest of my morning, day, or week? THESE are the moments I'm focusing on in today's episode.
So if you are having a hard time with something threatening your trajectory, this one's for you.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I’m coming off an absolutely gorgeous Upstate NY weekend with my family. As we were putzing about and clearing out our old office space getting it ready for a new tenant, we were doing a lot of thinking about how we got here. There was a lot of talk about how our first company was able to stick together like it did.
One of the core elements, and one of our company values was ‘gratitude’. This was far before it was a buzzword and it was anything but that in our company.
Today I talk about the choice that is ‘gratitude’ and why I believe it is the grease in the wheels for just about any team or individual pursuit.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this story, and keep marching forward with YOU!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
If you spent any time around young children, you are sure to hear the phrase, "That's not fair!" before long. The concept of "fair" is one that everyone wants to a point. This is especially true in sports. Without enforced rules, the game becomes less fun for everyone. However, over-focusing on 'fairness' is the quickest way to lose in so many areas of life.
The truth is that most of life isn't fair and will never be fair. This is why my wife, Sara, and I raise our kids to never use that phrase. Someone else is always smarter. Someone else is taller. Someone else has a friend in the industry to mentor them. Someone else is naturally more charismatic. Someone else has a better voice. I could go on forever.
This week I dig into the concept of 'fairness' and offer my thoughts on why I believe individuals should focus on it less.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I've been loving this track, Keepin it movin by one of my favorite Hip Hop artists, Andy Mineo. Consider it the soundtrack to this episode as we talk about the concept of "movement" this week.
Your relationships, business endeavors, health, and just about everything around you is in a state of movement. This means if you aren't intentional about the way you are moving, or intentional about moving at all, you are losing.
All movement isn't equal, but if you don't move, your toast. This is why we need that CLARITY. I try to get us all moving together in this weeks episode.
I hope you get up and join me.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Let't talk about 'context'. Last week, everyone was talking about the 'slap heard round the world' as Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars. We are NOT getting into that, however, I think it is important to consider that 'context' plays an important role in how we should think about it.
Actually, 'context' plays an important role in how we should think about everything, because nothing truly happens out of context. When it seems that way, I believe that we just haven't put enough time into considering the context.
I'll go one step further and say that the better and faster we get at accurately considering the context of all situations in our lives, whether it be relationships, business, stocks, news, parenting, etc, the far better we will be at decision making.
Context = Clarity.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Often times we don’t need any more knowledge. No more wisdom. No more motivational quotes or insight-driven speeches. I’d argue that we’ve already heard 99% of what we need need to hear in order to do the next right thing.
What we typically need, is more acknowledgement and adherence to what we’ve already learned. This week the principle of reaping and sowing was put smack in the middle of many situations in my life.
Why do we so often expect one outcome when we’ve spend so much time fostering a different outcome?
I talk about my experience and resolve this week and hope you will join me with yours this week.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
This past week has been one of the most personally challenging weeks I can remember. Often, the Clarity Compressed Podcast reflects what I’m working on in my own life and this week’s episode is certainly no different.
There is so much more to being a “good listener” than meets the eye. In fact, to reach the actual goal of listening, which is ‘to hear’, takes maturity, experience, and real work. I’m still thinking through this, but I’m guessing that one of the primary distinguishing factors of truly great leaders is their ability to HEAR and not merely listen.
I share three levels of listening that apply to just about everyone.
Keep listening, keep hearing, and keep PURSING CLARITY.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I got some fresh perspective this last week after wrapping up five high-octane days at the National Auto Dealers Association Conference in LasVegas Nevada. We ran 15+ hour days…every day. Then…the last leg of my trip left me sitting in BWI Airport for hours.
I just wanted to be home, but I also knew I got to choose how I invested my time there. So this week you have a very worn out road warrior deciding what to do.
Keep deciding. Keep pursuing clarity.
Paul
PS: If you want to see all the crazy things we were up to last week, check out the social feeds for Automotive State of the Union on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
It's probably no secret to you that I’m doing A LOT in my life. I'm deep in the throes of three businesses, a full service agency, Congruent, a small consultancy, Contagious Auto, an up and coming media publisher, ASOTU. On top of that I'm redeveloping a new production studio, Tipp Hill Studios in Syracuse NY annnnd I have a family of seven to keep led, fed, loved, and inspired.
So what gives and when?
Today I talk about the answer I received from my coach David Meltzer when I asked him the question, “How do I know what to STOP doing?”
The answer might surprise you like it did me.
Pursue that CLARITY!
Paul
P.S.: I'll be in LasVegas later this week for the NADA Show where 30,000 Auto Industry professionals will converge.
My media company, ASOTU, will be pumping out livestreams and fun content in real time. Follow #asotu on any social platform or sign up for one of the best daily emails on the inter webs here to be a part of the troublemaking.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I learned two important lessons this past week from my trip to Waco, Texas to visit the Magnolia Empire:
-
The power of brand connection is alive and well.
-
It is A LOT different (but worth it) navigating an airport with a family including a 2 year old and a mother-in-law than it is my myself.
I had a speaking engagement in Dallas last week and since our family are fans of Fixer Upper and the Magnolia brand, I decided to bring everyone with me so we could spend a few days in Waco, Texas. We had a blast and the Magnolia team delivered in a MAJOR way!
Waco has had its challenges over the years and is still, in many ways, fighting through them. However, what one brand has done for that town is staggering. People now travel from all over the country (and world) to visit just a couple of square blocks on one Texas town.
I get into some of the impressive elements and show off some of the things I experienced in the video.
Keep reaching for more.
Keep your family with you.
Keep Pursing Clarity.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Like many of you, I stayed up later than usual to watch the nail biting end of Super Bowl LVI. We had two teams who were full of finely tuned athletes and coaches who had trained for the majority of their lives to be in this position. It came down to the final seconds and one team was victorious, while one team was the loser.
After the excitement died down, the game had me thinking about the razor thin margin of separation between the winners and losers of that game and how those two terms might be contextualized for those of us playing the infinite game of life.
Keep winning, losing, and pursuing CLARITY,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Like many of you, I stayed up later than usual to watch the nail biting end of Super Bowl LVI. We had two teams who were full of finely tuned athletes and coaches who had trained for the majority of their lives to be in this position. It came down to the final seconds and one team was victorious, while one team was the loser.
After the excitement died down, the game had me thinking about the razor thin margin of separation between the winners and losers of that game and how those two terms might be contextualized for those of us playing the infinite game of life.
Keep winning, losing, and pursuing CLARITY,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Four years ago I released Episode One of the Clarity Compressed Podcast. Actually in the early days, it was called “Dealers Compressed” and it was a fully produced spot. The intention was to release 10 Episodes of series created around a book called “Like I See It” by my (now) good friend, Dale Pollak.
I’ve had the honor to interview so many amazing people. Entrepreneurs, New York Times Best Sellers, Navy Seals, Influencers with millions of followers, Millionaires, Billionaires, and even my therapist.
All of these episodes in pursuit of what I call CLARITY. The perspective of knowing where I am on the map, so I can better plot the course to where I want to go.
It’s just appropriate that I didn’t even realize that this week was the four year anniversary until I remembered I needed to record the episode for this week as I was shoveling the entrance to my office building…alone.
That is what growth is like. It seems like its just plodding along and then all of a sudden, it’s four years later and you realize how much you’ve changed, hopefully for the better.
SO many good things have come into my life. So many of those are because I decided to start a podcast.
I don’t now how many weeks I’ll do this podcast for, but I know I’ll release one THIS week.
What I DO know, is that I’m grateful to be on the journey WITH you. Thank you.
Let’s keep pursuing CLARITY together,
Paul
PS: I’ve just started another company and we have a killer daily email…you can check it out by subscribing at www.asotu.com. We also have a fun and easy referral game where you win swag I co-designed by sharing the email. I hope to see you over there!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Lately, I've been thinking about the velocity of highly opinionated content coming my way that is masquerading as fact. The truth is that any article that is titled "How to think about ________" should cause us major pause.
Thinking for ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we've been given and is the bedrock principle of progress that allows us to take care of one another. There should be challenges to one another's thinking and we should both cultivate and celebrate diversity of thought in its truest sense.
This week I offer three suggestions on how we can be more thoughtful about how we think and hopefully reject the notion that we need someone else to tell us how to.
Keep thinking and keep pursuing that clarity!
Paul
PS: I'm very excited to let you know about launching a daily email I publish with my partners at ASOTU.com . It covers automotive, culture, marketing, and a really fun section on what the kids are up to these days. I think you'll enjoy it. You can sign up here. Also, we're launching an awesome referral program in the next couple of weeks that will get you all swagged out for sharing it with your friends!
Let's be real, I just wanted another reason to buy more black flat brims 🙂
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
This week I tell the story of how my wife and I were invited to hang out with Grammy Award Winning recording artist, Leon Bridges. It started at baggage claim in Orlando and ended on opening night for the newest, state-of-the-art symphony hall in the country.
The moral of the story is, have the awareness and do the work to make the most of every opportunity. Often times it is the little things that move you the furthest along...but only if you are paying attention.
Pursue that Clarity!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
There are very few times where you get to speak with a real hero. Even if you were times you get to speak with a real hero, who is also one of your personal heroes. Today was that day for me as I had the opportunity to sit with retired Navy SEAL and legendary entrepreneur Jocko Willink.
Jocko has shaped many of my mindsets through his books, podcasts, and my observations of his life. He reminds me that there are no excuses, only the ones that I allow myself to make. He reminds me that the American spirit is alive and well, and at its best, contributes to much flourishing. But at its worst, has the potential to be destructive.
We talk about creating, entrepreneurship, expectations of leader ship, and I even get in a slew of rapid fire questions in the end that were a whole lot of fun.
So if you’re curious about what drives this driven man… And also, what this driven man drives, literally, this one is for you!
And you should definitely check out The Jocko Podcast, clothing company, Origin, and his new book “Final Spin” at your soonest opportunity.
Pursue clarity my friends,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I was watching a show called “Undercover Billionaire” when I heard a quote that stuck with me for the next week. “Because that’s what successful people do.” I explain the scenario in the podcast, but that quote had me thinking of common traits I see in the successful people around me.
I talk about eight of them in this episode and I’d love to hear what traits YOU have observed in the most successful people.
Until then, keep pursuing that CLARITY!
Paul
PS: I’ve been having a blast on the new daily podcast and livestream with one of my business partners, Kyle Mountsier. It’s called “The Automotive Troublemaker” and we talk retail, culture, cars, and crypto for a quick fifteen minutes every morning.
You can catchup on the podcast here and see the livestream on YouTube here.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I’m so pumped to be greeting you in 2022 for the first time! I know it’s just another day, but it can be a completely blank slate if we let it be. There is something I’ve always loved about a new year because it helps me mentally reset. Like a freshly organized desk. Like a brand new email address. Like getting rid of all my pets and getting new ones…joking.
Today I talk about the opportunity we have as individuals and as a community to adopt the real meaning of ‘tolerance’ in what is sometimes a violently intolerant culture. We can be a part of the solution by deploying some key traits together. I hope you’ll join me.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
PS: I have a WHOLE LOT planned for 2022. One of those things is turning my daily podcast (with biz partner Kyle Mountsier) for the Automotive Industry into a daily livestream.
The podcast can be found here.
The livestream will be streamed from my profile on LinkedIn, and our Automotive State of the Union Channels on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I hope you are having a refreshing time over the holiday season...I'm doing my best to do just that! Last week I minted and issued my first NFT in the form of a POAP. It was totally new territory for me but I realized that with anything new, I have to feel confused before I can feel savvy.
That's how trying new things works. That is the transaction of growth.
I hope you enjoy hearing about the journey to minting this NFT and are encouraged to take on something new of your own!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
No, I wasn't going to miss this episode because yesterdays livestream was exhausting! Typically, I'd have the episode locked and loaded by Monday, but yesterday we put on a big livestream for a community I started as the first Covid lockdown began. It is called, The Automotive State of the Union.
I thought it would be great to share the story of where it came from via the opening monologue from the show to let you know that, although I don't always succeed, I'm always trying to practice what I'm preaching.
Have a wonderful Christmas / Holiday Season!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I can't believe that 200 weekly episodes have been made. Every week for almost four years, the team and I found a way to make it happen. Because YOU have made it worth it.
As I shot this episode, it was appropriate that I was on the road with nothing more than my phone, a paper towel holder I lifted from the hotel room, and a microphone. I just received the 2021 Diversity Advocacy Award from the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers in Miami, when my wife Sara encouraged me to celebrate the wins for a moment.
So that's what I'm talking about today! I hope you stop and celebrate with me =)
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
JOIN ME FOR A LIVESTREAM TO REMEMBER!
I'm throwing down with so many of my friends on a livestream you won't soon forget. So much so, we're calling it a "Year End Extravaganza" Register today to be a part of some giveaways, lots of insights, perhaps an NFT, and a ridiculous amount of fun.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I’ve never come back to the office to record a podcast AFTER I already went home for the weekend…until this week. It was one of those days where two parents were running around managing five kids. Just when I thought the moment had turned on us, we received the most pleasant surprise.
That’s how life is sometimes. Well, a lot of the time actually. I hope this episode helps you see through the fog of life just a little more clearly.
Have a great week and Pursue that Clarity!
Paul
PS: I’m putting on a big, year end livestream through The Automotive State of the Union on Monday, December 20th. Even if you aren’t in the Auto Industry, it will still be a whole lot of fun to drop in on. You can start getting settled in by joining this LinkedIn Event.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Todays show is especially fun because the source content is, well, REALLY fun. I do a flyover of a recent purchase experience from a former guest on the show, Jesse Cole, CEO of the Savanna Bananas baseball team. (Check it out here)
To top it all off, I bought it with bitcoin!
It's a story or customer experience, surprise and delight, crypto currency, and more.
I hope it gets you thinking outside the box and smiling at the same time.
Pursue Clarity and HAVE FUN,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
As we break out the dinnerware, get that turkey thawing, and prepare for those awkward family conversations, I thought it would be a good to share a little secret about my brain (and yours) I learned over the last week. Negativity Bias.
Yes, believe it or not, our brains are hardwired to see the worst possible things before we can even think about things that help us grow and develop. Well that explains a lot, LOL.
As we head into a week of focusing on the GOOD things over the Thanksgiving break, this little bit of knowledge might be just the hack you need.
Pursue Clarity...and Thankfulness.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Isn’t it so easy to be critical? Being critical costs nothing. No risk, no pain, no exposure. But to actually DO is altogether different. This week I talk about the insecurity that’s in the driver’s seat in the times I get critical.
That’s all it is. Insecurity.
The antidote is doing. Risking. Going for it. We get a little help from an epic quote as we dare to brave living a life beyond. Beyond the fear, beyond the danger, beyond the comfort of a critic’s couch.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
PS: If you didn’t know, I started a daily podcast called The Automotive Troublemaker with friend and biz partner, Kyle Mountsier. Even if you aren’t in automotive, there is something for you. We talk business, leadership, and culture. Check it out here.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Several weeks ago I received a letter in the mail that made me feel amazing. Yes, a good, old fashioned piece of paper. It was to notify me that I have been named a 2021 Diversity Advocacy Award by the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers (NAMAD). I wrote a post about it here.
It really got me thinking about the phrase "I see you." An acknowledgement of your intention, work, and heart. I go deeper in this weeks episode and hope you will join me on my quest to encourage others with those three simple words.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I was about to go pick up my motorcycle and shoot a great podcast from the vintage garage in Rochester NY with the owner. But then…my trailer harness didn’t work when I attached the trailer. No brake lights meant not trip.
Instead, I hit up a great local spot to regroup and talk about what we do when our plans get wrecked. If anything, I hope you realize it’s not just you
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I know a lot of you are on the hustle creating content and posting. If you are like me, you are tempted to measure the ROI of a post based on likes, impressions, views, or clicks. I want to tell you first hand, that those metrics are liars.
In today's episode I talk about how a single post with only 4 likes kicked off an ROI that is so great, I won't be able to measure it for years.
Your efforts go so much further than you think.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I just came back from an incredible week where my fellow troublemakers and I put on the “Here’s To The Troublemakers” event in Las Vegas during Digital Dealer week and it exceeded my expectations!
An industry leader-friend dubbed it the “World of Automotive Outlaws of Podcasting”…and he was right! I’m going to be releasing lots of content from the event over the next weeks and months. But for today, I’m digging into the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ trouble.
Here’s a hint, I believe we need MORE of the good kind. More of those willing to talk about what’s actually happening, when the rest of the world is stuck living in the popular narratives.
I hope you’ll join me!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This question has been rolling around in my head and on my LinkedIn, “Who is more successful…those who are “ready” or those who are “certain”? You can see all the conversation around a LinkedIn poll I posted here.
In today’s episode I drill down a little more into WHY I think the way I do on this. We’re going to talk about business, the battlefield, and the things that hold me back internally.
One thing is for sure, I’m working to get CLARITY on this so that we can keep marching forward together!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
I’m a recovering creative perfectionist and I’m just beginning to realize how it has limited opportunities for me and my family. I just launched a new daily podcast with my business partner Kyle…and it only took 18 minutes from concept to launch.
What that reminded me is that the step you take is infinitely more valuable the the steps you don’t take.
Be brave, take a step, and pursue clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
Today is a special day because I get to share my Business Coach with YOU. I first came across David (Dave) Meltzer in a clubhouse room. Then, I was able to spend a little time with him and some other greats like Gary Vee at the NoBull business conference in Syracuse. Before I knew it, he was helping me work through my business mindset and goals.
Today I’m hoping to share some of his wisdom with you. What I love most about Dave’s approach is that it doubles down on caring without sacrificing the practical needs of business. More than anything, Dave’s message is one that has helped thousands (maybe millions) of people live more caring and profitable lives.
You should check out Dave’s site here and reach out…he literally answers every email and DM!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This past week, heck, this past YEAR, has been full of facing mandates, problems, arguments, and turmoil in our country. That has filtered down through my business, my community, my family, and relationships.
It seems like most of the problems being presented at the top of that funnel are HUGE. They feel like they are unsolvable and it’s easy to feel that there isn’t much I can do alone. I don’t think I’m by myself in those feelings.
I’m reminding myself as I remind you, that I can…WE can only do what we CAN do. That waiting for some organization or group to fix things isn’t the right point of focus.
This episode addresses what I believe IS the proper point of focus. I hope you agree…
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Growth is a transaction. It’s not a gift.
Growth costs something.
Who doesn’t say they want to grow?
Who isn’t excited about the potential benefits of growth?
How many of us fail to measure the cost?
Fail to expect the conflict and the tension?
Get surprised and demotivated when they show up?
Growth hurts...even scars.
Childhood development, fitness, physics, relationships…
We learn to walk, run and ride a bike by way of bumps and bruises.
Our bodies require pain in order to be conditioned to be stronger, run faster, last longer.
Because of the tension of wind resistance on a car, it takes about 75 horsepower to get to a hundred mph, but almost 500 horsepower to reach 200mph.
And how about love? It is so easy to grow in relationship in those early days. What does it take to stretch that into months? Years? Decades?
It takes huge investment, long lists of hurts and forgiveness.
Investment. Pain. Growth.
The more you learn, the stronger you get, the faster you go, the deeper and richer the relationship…the more it takes to get to that next step.
When you look at objectively. From outside the emotions and pain and struggle, it seems to me that
Growth doesn’t bring us into conflict with these other elements of resistance.
Growth brings us into conflict with ourselves.
—————————
I wrote these words over 7 years ago and they are just as relevant today.
Let’s keep leaning in to the Transaction of Growth together.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Over the last year, I feel like I’ve heard enough versions of “The Law of Attraction” to make me want to vomit. I’m not saying that they are all bad, I’m just saying that there is a lot of confusion and quite a bit of blatant lying going on.
This week I’m giving my take on the role of ‘attraction’ in life and business. You may find that it is a lot simpler and more practical than you realize.
I’m glad that you were at some point attracted to this community
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Relationships are based upon a value proposition. In the ideal situations, both parties find some level of value in the other person which leads to the continuation of the relationship. I know this seems a little sterile, but bear with me!
Speaking of employment relationships, I see and hear a lot of complaining from BOTH sides of the arrangement around the inter webs and in person (often at retail locations). Employees complaining about pay, perks, and environments and Employers complaining about work ethic, attitudes, and expectations. BOTH sides are giving away their power over the situation.
Both sides are ignoring the fact that THEY have the power to make themselves MORE valuable by focusing on their own … ‘stuff’. I get into it in this episode.
May we keep working to make ourselves more valuable … and in-turn, find more fulfillment and purpose in our work.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ve said some stupid things in my day. Even worse than that, I’ve said things that have started fires in my relationships and business. Things that have be hurtful and damaging. If I’m being honest, it was because I was insecure, lacking confidence in myself.
On the contrary, at my best, I’ve said encouraging things. Even better than that, I’ve said things that inspired people to believe more deeply, dig in, and build something meaningful. Things that motivated others and gave them perspective. THOSE things were born from security, confidence, and a desire to be generous to others.
We all have a choice with each and every word we speak. Will it inspire others to grow and serve? Or, will it burn this place to the ground? Let’s choose wisely this week!
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I know the subject line seems like a joke in the making, but I assure you, it is not. The answer to the question is my guest for this week. He is none other than Scott Flansburg, AKA ‘The Human Calculator.’ Scott is friends with and has been the guest of every one of those people and many many more.
At a young age, Scott realized he had a gift with numbers. Instead of turning into a socially awkward anomaly, Scott has turned his gift into a way to bring people closer. Not just closer to understanding math, but closer to one another. I don’t say that lightly!
I hope you enjoy this episode as we talk about everything from the ‘International Counting Bee’ Scott founded, to the proposal of a new ’13 Month Calendar’, to putting the town that invented Basketball (really) back on the map.
Oh, and we may have had a live showdown of Scott and his mega-mind vs me and my iPhone ….
Keep counting your blessings and pursing that CLARITY,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I don’t know if you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, but I know that I have. Years ago, my motorcycle safety class instructor told the class, “Right before you start the bike, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are about to ride a machine that could kill you if you aren’t paying attention.” A stark warning for sure.
To this day, I still go through that mental procedure before I hit the start button.
Fortunately, every moment of our lives aren’t lived in that level of life and death immediacy. However, where we are looking and giving our attention to, is EXACTLY where we are heading. In this episode, I talk about another very important riding principle that would serve you well to adopt in your everyday life.
Remember, you ALWAYS get to choose to pursue clarity.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
If you are in this community, you are most likely pursuing something specific in life.
There aren’t too many lazy, unmotivated folks checking out my content. While I was jam packed into a middle seat in the back of a plane on a four-and-a-half hour flight from Chicago to SanFrancisco a few weeks ago, I had a little moment of clarity that I made the topic of this podcast.
Here’s the gist, my level of misery in that middle seat was completely shaped by my perspective on the situation.
I’ll talk about where I landed (pun intended). I also bring in a little help from some other thought leaders who helped shape my thinking on this; John Maxwell, Timothy Keller, and Simon Sinek.
Pursue that CLARITY,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There is so much pressure to find meaning it what it is that we do on a daily basis.
Sometimes, this pressure can even convince ourselves that our “why” is something that isn’t true. Today I’m sharing a short interview I did of my friend Dan Moore.
Dan is the CEO of tech company, Vistadash, Author of Do Moore, Get More and is getting ready to deliver his very first TEDx talk in Roseville, CA on August 7th. The tile of his talk is, “Is Your Why A Lie?”
We talk about the lies we tell ourselves and how to get to the the truth at the bottom. I hope it brings some CLARITY to your week.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It has been QUITE a while since I’ve been able to do an in-person interview. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share this conversation with the one an only Glenn Lundy. Yes, he has the #1 morning show in the country, Rise and Grind, where 10’s of 1000’s gather every morning at 5:30am to make an impact. Yes, he is on a mission to help others see their responsibility to make an impact. Yes, he really does have 8 kids!
I hope you can siphon from some of Glenns energy today as we have some laughs and talk about what is truly meaningful. Hint: It has nothing to do with your social media feed :)
Go get that CLARITY this week!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Why is the day before vacation SO productive? When I’m about to take time off, I become more focus, get off to a better start in my day, and seem to check important things off the todo list in record pace. What gives?
I’ve always wondered why I don’t get that much done during regular weeks so I spent some time being more thoughtful about why. I share what I arrived at in this weeks episode.
Now go get productive with all that CLARITY!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I tend to be a little different. Sometimes, I even go as far as ending sentences with prepositions, just because. I wear a flat brim and Nikes while talking to a room full of people in suits. You know what? It works.
The reason it works for me and not for others is because I’m leaning into the things that are authentically me while still doing the work to practice empathy for those I’m trying to communicate with.
It’s not a perfect science, but I’ve definitely been practicing it for quite a while now. I hope sharing my experience frees you to lean into your style more. Because that’s what we need more of…authentic people adding creative flavor to our everyday home and work lives.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
In an unprecedented moment in Clarity Compressed history, we have a second consecutive episode about…a book. This week's book, The Innovation Stack by Square Co-founder Jim McKelvey. If you are a Creative, an Entrepreneur, or BOTH, I couldn’t recommend this more.
I share my takeaways and mostly, the encouragement to my fellow entrepreneurs and creators that the AUDACITY to do something new and release it into the world is a brave thing indeed.
Keep doing it!
Audacity takes CLARITY. Pursue both.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Are you the type of person who moves away from the things that you find boring? Of course you are! On this week’s episode, I tell the story of how the decision to pick up a “boring” book late one night before boarding a flight from JFK to Syracuse changed my life.
I had been running my business for over a decade and didn’t realize how my lack of perspective and understanding of profit was hindering my ability to take care of people. In hindsight, I can clearly see how that ignorance could have been devastating if left unchecked.
We all have our areas of weakness, blindness, and maybe just boredom. My hope is that this story will help you get prospective on yours and provide the CLARITY to move forward.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
The Podcast is coming at you live from Tampa, FL this week. I delivered a keynote at the very first large event held in the Tampa Convention Center since the start of the pandemic. Let me just say… IT WAS AWESOME!!!
There has been so much uncertainty of what a post-covid world would look like when it comes to conferences and other live events. Let met be the first to tell you…there are GOOD things ahead.
I hope this overview (including some great footage from the experience) encourages you as the world begins to open up.
Keep connecting on a HUMAN level and keep pursuing that clarity ,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I hope your week is off to an amazing start doing meaningful work. If you don’t feel like it has been, it’s not too late to turn it around!
May the momentum of the great reopening continue 👊🏻🤟🏻
On this weeks episode, I get personal about what I’ve learned from 19 years of being married to my bae, the beautiful and truly amazing, Sara Daly.
SPOILER ALERT, a big part of what I’ve learned has to do with a deep, deep selfishness that the world around regularly did (and continues to) preach in my ear. I internalized it like a champ…and almost let that lie destroy my marriage. By God’s grace, that didn’t happen.
Here’s the punchline, I’m not the most important person. Far from it. Progress is a windy road.
Grace is the grease in the wheels, and together, is most definitely better.
Never straight, always forward,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Success leaves clues. In today’s case, our guest is spelling them out a little more clearly. I had the privilege of sitting with LinkedIn Influencer and Digital Marketing Expert, Shay Rowbottom :high_brightness: Shay’s efforts on Facebook garnered billions (with “B”) views for her clients and she translated those learnings to LinkedIn.
We talk about the real opportunity is on LinkedIn and she dishes secrets that helped her get to 600,000+ followers on the platform. Regardless of where you are on your execution, there is something to learn in this episode.
Check it out: We’re releasing 2 versions of this episode. The audio only version is a long-form conversation with a lot more nuance on the topics. The video version is a separate conversation we recorded specifically to fit in the 10 minute limitation of LinkedIn video.
I hope this conversation with Shay gives you the perspective and CLARITY you need to take the right next steps.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity Fam,
The last business trip I went one before the lockdown was to Nashville to spend the day with NYT Bestselling Author Donald Miller and a small group of fellow entrepreneurs. We were gathered to pilot a new course on Mission Statement.
I’ll spare you all the details, but the bottom line is that I was able to distill down my core belief in business. It has become my agency’s vision and a message that is deeply personal. Here it is…business is more meaningful when people connect on a human level.
The second people start to feel like they’re involvement with you is without meaning, they being to drift. This is true for both your clients and your teams.
As it turns out, people like it when they are able to be…people.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Demolition has officially begun on the new redevelopment of the office/studio for my agency Congruent. It took TWO YEARS to get to this point. After multiple properties, banks, and a pandemic, we are finally moving!
All of this has me thinking about all the things we probably wouldn’t start if we really knew what it would take to get to the end.
We often get going with SOME idea of what it will take, but many times, it takes far more. And that is ok.
The reality is that as we move through the struggles, we get stronger, more resilient, and more capable of handling the things that come our way.
“I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.” Is something I’ve said often and will surely be saying again.
Whatever is “in process” in your life right now, I hope you have the perspective you need to keep pushing.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Lies are destructive. Some of the most destructive among them are the lies we tell ourselves. Most often those are driven by the lies that are prevalent in our culture. This week I’m sharing my perspective on what some of those might be.
Last week I introduced the concept of “practicing.” I approach this topic with the same posture.
I don’t have it all figured out, but I am committed to pushing back against what I see as the lies of the day.
I hope you’ll push back with me.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. At least I do. Pressure to be a good husband, father, business leader, content creator and on and on. But I found some CLARITY after a trip to Philly last week and subsequent conversation with some fellow leaders. Here it is:
Adopting the mindset of ‘practicing’ in this areas, just like a Doctor or Lawyer does in their vocation, helps take some of that pressure off.
This is a good thing because it frees us up to keep learning and growing. It reminds us that being a practitioner is a worth while and noble cause. We will never ‘arrive’ at perfection, but we will constantly improve if our focus is on practicing not pressure.
Practicing the pursuit of CLARITY alongside you,
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Everybody loses. It’s just a part of life. Actually, it’s a very healthy part of life if you will let it be. You see, the only difference between losing and learning is your mindset. That’s it!
This week I dig into the how and why of appreciating the losses in life. Whether you are a business leader, a parent, an athlete, or a toddler (don’t think I have many toddler-listeners) there’s something for you in this episode.
May you have fresh perspective and CLARITY this week as you learn to embrace and appreciate your losses.
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We’ve heard so many phrases like, “looks can be deceiving” and “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Anyone who has been in a long-term, meaningful relationship knows that looks change over time. But that certainly doesn’t mean your relationship sags (sorry, I couldn’t help myself). The truth is that there are countless numbers of outwardly “attractive” people who are miserable and separated.
The same principle is true for brands. You might have amazing looking content. Your logo might be the pinnacle of all the finer principles of design. However, if your values, messaging, value propositions, and execution (aka: the substance) of your brand is lacking, you will soon be out-of-business. Trust me, I know this first hand and I tell the story of my failed Coffee Truck business in this episode.
The moral of the story is: you can use “looks” to hide, but you can never outrun the true substance of who you are personally, or in the marketplace.
It’s great to work on the substance, together.
Pursue Clarity on the inside and out,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ve been reading through the book Leaders Eat Last with several members of my team at Congruent and it’s spurred on some deeper thinking about what’s going on in company culture, relationships, and society at large.
When we reduce one another to single believes or values, we destroy relationships. The CLARITY is that we care for, cooperate with, and depend on people with many beliefs that are different than ours. That is the basis for healthy society.
I hope this principle encourages you to serve more and care more this week.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Maybe you’re the type of person who is always looking over the horizon for the next opportunity. Maybe you’re the type of person who always has your head down focused on the task at hand. I call this either “head up” or “head down” and BOTH are critical to having a great future.
The most successful people and leaders are those who find great balance between the two. This week I talk about the risks and rewards of each and give some very simple and practical steps to ensure that you don’t over index on either.
Pursue balance.
Pursue CLARITY!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Here’s the quote of the week by the one and only Simon Sinek:
“Leadership is not a license to do less. Leadership is a responsibility to do more.”
You see, there is a MAJOR difference between a ‘manager’ and a Leader. There is a major difference between having a title and being a leader. The truth is that you don’t need any formal title to be a true leader.
This week is for those who aspire to be better leaders and commit themselves to developing those qualities in yourself and others.
It’s good to have company :)
Pursue Clarity
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I made this post on LinkedIn last week asking if my community prefers watching the Behind the Scenes or the actual production better. Although some people tried to cheat and say “both”, the overwhelming response was the BTS content.
I agree. Most of life is lived BTS. We can polish up, filter up, and fire up that ‘movie magic’ whenever we want these days. But everyone knows that any success you see has come by way of countless hours, days, and years of hard work, sleepless nights, and uncertainty. THAT is where the real story is.
So this week I wanted to share this BTS from the last live event I put on in November of 2020 in Philly. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did making it and living through the uncertainty and excitement.
In the end, the goal is the road.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Can you believe that it’s been a year since we had a full-on government lock down? Even saying those words “Government lockdown” I realize how normal they have become. At that in and of itself is a crazy thought. This week I share some of the most impactful things that I’ve learned over the past 12 months.
I get into the real power of fear, trading freedom for security, the discipline of positivity, and the fact that our common struggles have brought me closer to more like-minded people than ever previously imaginable.
I’d love to know what your biggest lessons of the last 12 months were! Drop me a comment or DM on social, or just hit “reply” to this email.
Until next week, keep that CLARITY coming.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Do you realize you have ‘agency’? I’m not talking about the use of the word in a marketing sense, but in a sociological sense. I know, I know, I won’t get too fancy, but each one of us has “agency” over our actions. That is, the FREE WILL to act independently according to our own choices and decisions.
Today I’m getting into how each one of us can use that power to lean into our “Connection Agency” and what might just happen if we do.
It’s good to be connected.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Starting off with a question this week: How much do you know about those in your family who lived 100+ years ago? The vast majority of us will answer, “Not much.” And even those who know something about them, only know some facts and dates. Perhaps some stories have been passed down and maybe those stories have grown in scope every time they are told. But most or maybe ALL of the nuance has been lost forever.
That ☝️ will never be the case again. Our great, great, great, great grandkids will know EXACTLY who we were because of social media, the ease of capturing content, and even podcasts like this.
With every post, every comment, every video, we are speaking to generations in the future and giving them something to aspire to, be proud of, and handing over the torch. OR, we are giving them things to run from, be ashamed of, and things they may even want to bury. They will know how we acted, what our demeanor was like day in, day out, our perspective on world events and how we treated the world around us? How did we dress? Did we have an accent? Was there kindness in our delivery? Was there fire in our eyes?
We are speaking to our legacy everyday, in ways that history has never seen.
The real question is, are we being good stewards of that gift?
May we continue to speak CLARITY and TRUTH into those who are carrying our legacies…
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
The last 12 months have felt like a marathon that I’m still running. Frankly, I’m tired. I’ve been tired and I know most of you have been as well. Nevertheless, we keep running even though we are tired.
The truth is, it’s impossible to run a marathon without getting tired, so we need to determine where we will “put” the tired if we are going to keep running. One of my favorite minds, Seth Godin, turned me on to this principle in his book, What To Do When It’s Your Turn.
So the question for us becomes; where do we put the tired? Also, where do we put the fear?
Thanks for allowing me to share where I’ve landed on this in this week's show.
Keep running, keep getting tired (it’s ok) and keep Pursuing Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Have you ever felt helplessly overwhelmed by ideas and inspiration? I’m not simply talking about not getting something done. I’m talking about getting REALLY (almost hopelessly) frustrated because you have great ideas, great opportunities, and great potential but almost feel crushed by the weight of not having enough time, or ability, to execute to make progress.
I have and still do fairly often.
That’s why I’m so excited to share a little known short story that changed my perspective forever. The story is called “Leaf by Niggle” and was written by the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit / Lord of the Rings).
I won’t spoil the story, but it involves a creative, a world war, and a sudden death…and the CLARITY it gave me brought tears of joy, relief and immediate appreciation.
I hope it does the same for you, and more.
May you enjoy the PURSUIT of clarity :)
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Today I’m taking you with me on a little walk through some deep snow. This week marks the third anniversary of the Clarity Compressed Podcast. My life is so much different than it was when I started and I’ll bet yours is too. I’m not one to spend a lot of time celebrating the wins (one of the many things I wan’t to improve upon) so this episode is a reflection of that in it’s simplicity and lack of fanfare.
I’ve found that most things in life that are worth doing feel a lot more like a walk through deep snow at a consistent pace than any euphoric journey that most of social media tries to convince you it should be. It is the consistency over time which produces good results in us and in others, not hype. It called work.
The difference between work that is worth doing and work that is meaningless is why and how you do it, and who you include in the journey.
With that being said, we have done some meaningful work together and we aren’t finished yet!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your meaningful work and for being a part of mine.
Keep Pursing that Clarity…the best is still to come.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Today I welcome the future of education. The good news is…it finally makes sense! I had the opportunity to sit down with Synthesis School Co-Founder and CEO, Chrisman Frank. So here’s the premise: Elon Musk was done with the traditional, conveyor model of schooling so he hired a private instructor which turned into an actual school on the SpaceX campus which is now being brought to the masses through Synthesis. (Insert big inhale)
We get into some of the ways all of us need to think in order to be successful in a rapidly changing world and how we can prepare our kids for that TODAY. If you are a parent, you will love this. If you aren’t a parent, you should still be leaning in, because, ready or not, the next generations will be the ones taking care of all of us.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
So it’s Super Bowl time and frankly, as an Eagles fan who lives in Syracuse…I couldn’t be more dis-interested in the football. It just hurts, LOL. However, as a marketer and creative, I’m VERY interested in the commercials. The Super Bowl happens to also be the …Super Bowl of Advertising!
Today we’re talking through the first Super Bowl commercial released which is from a company who sells used cars online, Vroom (VRM NYSE). We’ll talk about what makes a good commercial and whether or not this one is any good.
We also get into how perception is reality and the power of using empathy to make a consumers pain feel a lot worse that it really is.
Have a great week knowing that next week, its already February!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It turns out that there is a lot in common between flying a Blackhawk and running a business. Ok, so maybe imminent death isn’t quite as close with one vs the other, however the stakes and potential power represented by both are extreme, important, and meaningful.
Today it’s my privilege to introduce you to Commander Adam Jones. Adam was a Blackhawk Pilot and Commander in the Army. His company, Mountain Movers Consulting brings all of that experience and energy from the cockpit to the boardroom as he translates principles and practices to help us win in everyday business and life.
Adam was gracious enough to offer our listeners a 15 minute personal call with him to work through some leadership challenges. If you want to connect with him, by emailing him here.
You can also check out his Instagram, LinkedIn, or Clubhouse (@commanderadam)
I hope you get the same CLARITY as I did from the perspective Commander Adam offered in this interview.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I hope your 2021 is off to a great start! Before I get into the episode, I want you to be one of the first to know that I’m partnering with Simon Sinek, NYT bestseller of ’Start With Why,” “Leaders Eat Last,” and the creator of one of the most legendary TED talks.
I’ll be teaching a new course, “Branding to Make Your Business Invincible” in his online classroom, Inspire U. You can register for the class here. I hope to see you there!
Now onto the episode. This week I’m diving into the hot, new, audio-only social media platform, Clubhouse. It is the only social media platform you can engage passively and I literally spent dozens of hours on the platform over the last week. (Here’s a great summary I found)
Oh, and it’s invite only. Oh, and it’s only on iOS. What!!!???
Sure, any new platform can soar, or fizzle out. My bet is that Clubhouse is here to stay. If you join, look me up @pauljdaly
Get that CLARITY
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We are all playing a game with constantly changing players and constantly changing rules. Leadership teacher and guru Simon Sinek so aptly captures this in his book The Infinite Game. If we have a rigid mindset, we are going to become demotivated and quickly lose. Let’s leave that for the other people who don’t have the CLARITY and perspective we do!
This year is going to be different, so I’m kicking off the year of content differently. I’m kicking off this episode with a Saturday recording, walking through my facility, and rocking a beat as I talk about the new year and the new requirements of executing life and business.
If 2020 taught us anything, it is that we don’t know what’s going to happen. There are going to be a lot of things we can’t predict…again. Here’s what we do know: ALL of us are going to have to make something out of whatever the year gives us. The good news is that despite all of the things that are out of our control, there are some things that are always within our control. Specifically, how we react to what we are given.
May you react well and THRIVE in 2021!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We really did it, and you are in for a real treat this week. We made it through 2020 with enough sanity and fortitude to be resolved to make 2021 something special. That’s why we’re going to be hearing from several Clarity Compressed Alumni as we head into the new year.
Get ready for quick shots of insights and encouragement from (in order of appearance):
Darren Doane, Founder and CEO of the Doane Agency
James Orisini, President of the Sasha group
Dr. Nicole Lipkin, Founder and CEO Equilibria Leadership Consulting
Alex Vetter, CEO of CARS Inc
Brian Benstock, Partner/VP Paragon Honda
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, Vayner X
Personally speaking, I want to encourage all of you to work hard to shut out the negativity and venom of mass media and social media and infuse those around you with care, compassion, and kindness. ESPECIALLY, for those who might not agree with all of your views. That’s when it really counts.
May our collective 2021 be marked by THESE things.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I originally recorded this interview with David Long to release it to car dealers, but since it was so relevant to ANY leader, I wanted to share it with you all as well! He’s the Executive General Manager at Hansel Automotive Group, located in the San Francisco Bay area. Although David’s profession is in the automotive industry, his true genius is found in how he is able to keep people together, and inspired, through some of the toughest situations. I just had to share it with you.
If you are a leader in any way, shape, or form (parents are included in that!), I know you will find encouragement in the stories and wisdom of David.
Until next time, I hope you have a blessed and amazing Christmas and Holiday week with those you love the most.
All I want for Christmas for both you and I, is CLARITY.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I hope you are ready to finish out 2020 with me and go into 2021 with some perspective on where you are heading. Today’s guest will help you do just that. I had the privilege to sit with Ty Montague. If you haven’t heard of him before, you’re in for a treat.
Ty has is the co:founder and CEO of NY based co:collective who helps develop and implement purpose-led strategies for some of the most inspiring organizations in the world. Little old companies like Google, PUMA, Infinity, Capital One, and Timberland to name a few. Before that Ty helped some of the worlds best agencies like Weiden & Kennedy, WPP, J. Walter Thompson and others where he worked with brands like Nike, Ford, Mercedes Bens and other mom and pop’s like them.
Ready to listen now???
We talk about how storytelling isn’t enough in your brand and marketing. These days, people are more likely to make purchasing decisions based on what your company actually DOES. Ty talks us through a quick diagnostic tool you can use in your business TODAY.
Pursue Clarity and go DO SOMETHING!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Have you ever been hard on yourself for not being able to keep balance in your life? I have. I find that there are some areas in which I naturally find balance and some which it seems like a complete enigma.
One thing is for sure, there is no “one thing” you can change that guarantees balance in any area. That’s because life is not steady. It’s anything but consistent, as we are barraged with outside influences that require continuous correction.
In this short episode I talk about how “balance” and “clarity” are very similar in the way it takes a constant pursuit. The pursuit is actually the goal.
May you find the balance you need heading into 2021 and beyond.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We made it to December! The momentum of what has transpired in our country since March has been fast and furious. I think a lot of us have been asking, “How did we get here?” in so many areas of life: personally, professionally, politically, and beyond. This line of thinking led me to the topic of today's episode, Momentum.
We usually hear about the great traits of momentum and strive to accumulate some. However, I think the flip side is much more impactful to us on a regular basis. I’m talking about the type of momentum we don’t think about but leads us to make all types of decisions that we wouldn’t make if we took a fresh pass.
I hope this quick episode gives you some CLARITY to push back on some of the unfavorable momentum in your life.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s a great week to be Thankful! This week I’m extra thankful for my friend, David Long for inadvertently giving me the topic for this week’s podcast. We were together for the Live Event in Philly I put on a couple of weeks ago. After a VERY long and engaging day at the event, I was completely drained.
I always leave everything on the field on days like this and as I was stepping into the hotel elevator I said to David, “I’m going to be totally useless tomorrow.” And what David said next changed my perspective forever.
When you listen to this short episode, I hope it changes yours too!
I want to close this email by telling you how incredibly thankful I am for you being a part of this community. There is no shortage of people to connect with these days, and I’m so glad you connect here.
May you have a refreshing Thanksgiving break. One that brings you Turkey AND CLARITY!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I hope every single one of you is doing well today…really! I’m about to share something that is sure to make your day even better. I’m about to share the conversation I had with the insightful and inspirational, Glenn Lundy. (You really should check out his social media and especially his daily morning show, Rise and Grind.
This interview happened last Thursday in Philly after a REALLY long day putting on a live event. After Glenn dropped a fiery keynote to close out the event, he sat down with me to go deep on life, purpose, and the reasons so many people lose their way in business and their personal lives.
He talks about being low and a failed attempt to take his own life. He shares a beautiful story of what he learned by watching his Grandfather pass while holding his bride of 49 years in his arms. But most importantly, Glenn shares the reasons we all can keep our heads up and have hope in these dark and challenging times.
May Glenn’s openness bring some CLARITY to your day!
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This is one of those weeks where I get to introduce you to another one of my friends, the one and only Jasmine Star. Jasmine is the founder of the exploding platform, Social Curator and before that a very successful photographer. She’s got hundreds of thousands of devoted followers, been featured on Forbes, MSNBC, Entrepreneur, The Huff Post and more because of her own energy and entrepreneurial energy.
Jasmine and I first met back in 2017 at one of the very first of Gary Vaynerchuk’s 4D’s Event. Since then, both of our businesses and lives have changed quite a bit, but the entrepreneurial energy and drive is running stronger than ever.
Our conversation gets into many relevant topics for business owners and entrepreneurs who are working to turn this mess of 2020 into the success of 2021. I know the insights and motivation that Jasmine shares in this interview will provide some clarity and perspective for you, like they did for me.
You can check out Jasmine’s company and ecosystem at www.jasminestar.com There are a lot of free resources for you!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Before I start: I’m doing a thing, Live in Philly next Thursday…for real
NOW, I was on a date with my wife this past week when she blew my mind and said “I don’t want to live in the “what if”, I want to live in the “what is”. WOW! I immediately told her I was stealing that for this week's podcast, LOL
So many people spend their lives thinking about what “could be” and never find contentment with what they already have. Not a very healthy or happy way to live. But then, I thought about it from the other side…if everyone was so content with the way things are, then we would never innovate and improve. It's the very basis of entrepreneurship…(((mind blown again))).
So what is the best way to look at things? The answer is BOTH. The tricky part is knowing when to deploy each. That only comes with a healthy perspective…or CLARITY on when you fall out of balance on the two. That’s when it becomes toxic to you and those around you.
I hope this episode helps you think meaningfully about this apparent paradox in a way that allows you to give, serve, innovate, and ENJOY this gift of life.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
So I decided to do it. Take a big swing in a time when most people are protecting the plate. (In baseball, ‘protecting the plate’ is basically a half-swing that’s primary purpose is to NOT get a strike). I decided to host a live, in-person event in Philly in a time when all the other events in the Automotive Industry have been cancelled. (P.S. You should come and hang out 🤣)
I believe that this could be one of those “flag in the ground” moments. This could be a symbolic gesture that inspires and encourages an industry and beyond! But just like every big swing, it could miss the mark.
It’s a brave, new world where the old formulas just don’t work anymore and you can either wait for someone else to figure out the new way, or get busy figuring it out yourself. Sure, it might not work like you planned. Sure, the people you THOUGHT were innovative will take a step back because they aren’t as all-in as they’ve been saying. Sure, you’ll have to sign for a venue, and food, and camera crew, and swag before you’ve locked in attendance…oh wait, that’s me. 🙂
I’m standing here in the midst of the pre-game jitters as I write this, and I know many of you are in the different areas of your lives, too. New careers, new places, new parenting styles, new skill sets, and new risks are a part of our lives now. What are YOU going to do about it?
Are you going to take a big swing…or protect the plate?
I’m not even advocating for one or the other. Both are ways to play the game. What I hope is that you get CLARITY on what you really want and embrace that decision with all your heart.
It’s great to be in the game with YOU!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m too excited not to tell you this first…I’m hosting an IN-PERSON event in Philly in early November. This one is geared toward retail automotive and capacity is very limited. Registration is opening this week. If you want to be first to know, register here.
Now on to our regular programming…I changed my mind literally moments before I hit record on this week's episode. I was going to talk about a book, but instead decided to talk about all the things we so easily take for granted.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's taught us that so many of the great things we enjoy in life can be removed suddenly and sometimes savagely. But the reality is the pandemic has just highlighted a core element of our human nature. The thinking that the “grass is always greener on the other side” and the discontentment that pesters our everyday thinking. After all, how could we POSSIBLY be discontent after spending hours scrolling everyone else’s “best life” on social media
I talk about a few things we can do together to appreciate what we have in a deeper way, because we just don’t know what’s going to happen next. I hope it gives you and your team some new-found perspective and CLARITY.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Are you done with election season yet? I mean, it’s usually pretty sporty, but this year is in a league of its own. The venom, the volume, and soon to be rendered…the VOTE! I’m blessed to work with brilliant, talented, and kind people who will most certainly vote for different candidates come November 3rd…AND I LOVE IT!
Since navigating the social/political environment at work can get tricky at times, I thought I would give you a few quick points to help us not only survive, but THRIVE during election season.
I simply don’t buy into what the media is constantly selling us. We do NOT have to hate one another. Actually, we can love, accept, and cultivate relationships with those who disagree.
Say it with me…disagreement isn’t evil. As a matter of fact, the ability to disagree with one another and still care for and serve one another is one of the greatest freedoms we have as Americans and humans.
So as the days tick ever-closer to Election Day, may your relationships with those around you grow deeper and more meaningful REGARDLESS of who they are voting for.
And if you are really having a hard time deciding who to vote for, you can always write me in. If elected, I’d be the first President with a weekly podcast :slightly_smiling_face:
CLARITY for President :us:
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s Fall time friends, and there’s just something about this season that motivates me to make meaningful change. In my career, there has been nothing more influential than the ability (or inability) to make meaningful change to the team that I surround myself with.
Over the course of the last two decades I have worked with countless teams. Mainly, teams on which I had significant say or influence over who was on them. Since I really care about people, the thought of choosing who gets to be on or off the team has been a combination of joy, stress, sadness, excitement, perseverance, and responsibility all rolled into one.
The right team will rocket morale and motivation to succeed. The wrong team will burn like an underground fire until your organization is consumed.
I know I’m not alone! Unfortunately, there are no magic bullets in choosing your team, but there are some guiding principles I’ve learned and deploy regularly which remain my “north star” during tough decisions. Like any guiding principle, they always serve us best when our emotions could easily hijack our reason.
I hope this episode helps you and anyone you share it with surround yourself with a winning team who brings you (and them) success and fulfillment in whatever you take on!
I’m grateful to be on YOUR TEAM,
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I don’t know about you, but dare I say the world is starting to feel a little more connected again. Not “zoom life” but in real life. Regardless of where you live, people are starting to “move about the cabin” more and that is leading to more connection on a human level.
This week I’m talking to those of you who run a business, freelance, or maybe are trying to find a new job or career. Basically, you are trying to convince someone to make a certain decision. Selling.
Although getting someone to say “yes” is important in the moment, I believe that connecting in a deeper, more lasting way leads to far more success, contentment, and builds significantly better relationships.
The best relationships become a part of who a person is, what they believe, and how they act which is why I use the metaphor of “religion.” I get into the nuances in this quick episode.
I hope the few minutes you spend here will give you massive ROI in perspective and action. May we walk forward doing much more than simply selling this week.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
If you know what the word “palmcorder” means, then you will have some idea of how long ago I “started” making content. In this week’s episode, I have the very first video camera I bought to start making content with and I try to shoot on it again (you’ll have to watch to see how THAT worked out)!
Getting right to the punchline; I started. I’m the type of person that likes to wait until all the finer points are in order before I start, and I’m constantly fighting with that deficient way of thinking.
The truth is, you can’t succeed until you fail.
You can’t fail until you start.
You can’t start until you decide.
Check out this shot I never would have made if I didn’t take it.
I hope this episode gives you the courage and nudge you need.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m willing to bet that most of you would agree that throughout our journey in life and business, the impact and benefits of our relationships FAR exceed any financial investment, product knowledge, or strategy.
I received some serious clarity on this while filming an Instagram Story with NYT Bestseller and Storybrand, CEO Donald Miller back in February. (Remember when we could travel 🙂) I included the first few minutes of that Story in this episode.
If you consider all the good things that have happened in your life, you will be able to track them back through some series of relationships you invested in at some point. It’s easy to forget them. It’s easy to think we just happened to get here by our own intelligence and hard work. However, if we drill down just a little deeper to grasp the real ROI that investing in relationships has given us, we’ll gain some important clarity and motivation to double down on relationships in a world that tries to keep us separate.
Thank you for being a valuable relationship to me…I’m doing my best to give you a return on your time 🙂
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I didn’t take a lot of math courses in college, but one of the most memorable courses I took was a math course. Introduction to Statistics. I can’t remember a single calculation but I learned a VERY valuable lesson: Data doesn’t lie, but statisticians can pretty much make it say anything they want. This week, we are talking about measuring what matters.
In business, numerical measurements serve as good guide posts. Things like revenue, profit, and marketshare are indicators but not the whole story. In our personal lives, however, numerical measurements typically do one of two things: inflate our ego, or tell us we aren’t good enough. Salaries, houses, likes, followers and the like aren’t any of the things that contribute to they type of measurements any of us really want.
My suggestion is that measuring our legacy matters. Not only in the macro, but also in the micro moments. What is the “wake” we leave behind with every interaction, every conversation, every post, and every comment?
I hope this episode helps us all get better about measuring what really matters in this world that highlights the frailty of data.
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s September…wait…what???? Yeah, we all feel the same way about the strangest collective summer we’ve ever had. But I hope that it wasn’t all lost for you. It certainly wasn’t for me. Sure, there was challenge after challenge. Exhaustion after exhaustion. However, even in the most challenging times, there can be good, solid innovation and growth.
This week I have a great conversation with Brian Kramer a student of leadership, innovation, General Manager of Germain Toyota in Naples, FL. Brian is someone I’ve been connected with on linkedIn but really got my attention with an article he wrote about the story of how the technology developed by the company Pixar was initially snubbed by old school Disney animators. A mistake that cost BILLIONS.
We talk about innovation, leadership, and what it is to pursue excellence in your work.
I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did and I hope it gives you a little more perspective on where you are in your own journey.
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Can you imagine a kindergarten class where we allowed and even encouraged children to treat one another like we commonly observe today…and maybe even participate ourselves? If I try, I can imagine such a situation, and it’s all wrong.
Election seasons are always full of escalated emotions and extreme levels of venom and division that is always somehow justified by politicians, the media, and unfortunately one another. In this particular season, the nuclear reaction of COVID-19, racial tension, and economic shakeup have officially elevated the level of intensity to “Face Melter.”
On today’s episode, I share some experiences I’ve had in recent weeks which I hope will cause all of us to take a closer look at how and why we are treating those who have a different perspective the way we are. At the very least, I hope we can take a step closer to “kindergarten-kind.”
As the one and only Bob Goff (((((Link up @bobgoff)))) says, “Love difficult people, you’re one of them.”
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Congrats, you left Monday in the dust!
If you are like so many of us, Mondays often leave you staring face to face with a slew of problems. Some big, some small, but all of them requiring some sort of action to address it. Sometimes the problems are new, and sometimes it’s the same problem that keeps surfacing over and over again. Why is that?
I recently dug into the book “Upstream” by NYT Bestselling Author Dan Heath and a couple of the stories punched me right in the gut by addressing some of the reasons the systems I’ve designed might be the problem.
Just like in most of life, you can’t fix it until you realize there’s a problem. And also like many other times in life…the problem is us. But wait! That’s actually good news. If you are the problem then YOU have control over taking the first steps to fix it
May we continue to solve problems and not just the symptoms they produce…
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
My guest this week broke through walls like a wrecking ball. Aaron McCormick was raised in poverty by a single mother on the South Side of Chicago and was raised by a family who held him back from pursuing college. That didn’t stop him from becoming hugely successful in the corporate world, being considered in the top 1% of IBM.
We discuss what separates those who set their own expectations and those who live their lives subservient to the expectations of others as we talk about Aaron’s new book “Unbounded: Journey to Your Within.”
We discuss the perspective that every event in our lives, “good” or “bad,” serves us…if we let it. You know that I’m a big believer in this concept and call it “The Transaction of Growth.”
As we continue to walk through this pandemic-laden election year, I hope you will gain a little more clarity and perspective from this interview.
Until next time, Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Today I’m opening up the vault to a segment from the Brand Is Gravity workshop I released for sale, last year. It is the section on ‘honesty.’ When building a brand, the concept of ‘honesty’ is the foundation of any authentic brand. Make no mistake, the truth always comes out.
Honesty in relationships is about being straightforward with the other person about what you think, believe, and intend. It’s the same in branding. When you pair that honesty with a deep understanding of who you would like to do business with (empathy), you are in a prime position to make a deep connection. Connection is what branding and marketing is ALL about. That’s why I call my marketing agency Congruent: a “connection agency”.
I also get into a fun case study of how Volkswagen specifically leveraged “honesty” about their tiny little car, The Beetle, when they released it over half a century ago. Honesty worked then, and it works now!
Here’s my honesty: I get excited when the people around me get perspective on the next steps they need to take…CLARITY.
Have a great week cultivating that HONESTY!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Lately, it’s been really easy to think about things we HAVE to do; like wearing a mask, working remotely, eating at home, educating our kids, staying up to date on every piece of new news…
Feeling stressed yet?
No wonder the United States is facing some of the highest levels of stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, obesity, divorce, heart disease, suicide, and consumer debt in the world. Why does a country with so much freedom succumb so much bondage?
I believe we can find some answers and real RELIEF by understanding the differences between what we HAVE to do, what we GET to do, and what we CHOOSE to do.
One makes us a victim. One makes us a beneficiary. One makes us intentional participants.
Let’s make decisions that bring us more fulfillment and purpose together.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We seem to live in a world where everyone is imagining everyone else at their worst. So many are now conditioned to assume that every news story, every tweet, and every word choice is meant to be an all out aggression. Guess what, although we are in the midst of a major flare-up, this isn’t new to human nature.
It’s been happening in our relationships for a long, long time. It happens when we are afraid or hurt. It happens during legal disputes. It just happens. I’ve found that most times, my assumptions of others at their worst are either completely wrong, or at least exaggerated.
This week I talk about a way we can push back against the trend together.
I hope you’ll join me!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There are thought leaders, and then there are thoughtFULL leaders. This week's guest: the one and only Chris Do.
If you are a creative or in the agency business, you already know who he is. If you are just hearing about him, he is the founder of the design agency Blind and also the game-changing educational ecosystem The Futur which has a mission to educate 1 BILLION creatives (yes, you read that right). He and his work have been featured across the globe and he has more accolades than I could possibly mention here.
Beyond that, he is one of the most thoughtful guests I’ve ever had on the show. We get into some controversial brand marketing topics, talk about leading an organization through a pandemic, and of course, I had to ask about the flat brim hat.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Ok, so I have a bit of a nerdy man-crush on the author of the most influential business book I’ve ever read. Jim Collins wrote “Good to Great” which was published way back in 2001. (Yes, that is almost 20 years ago and YES, you are old) . I started my first business in 2003 and latched onto this book a couple of years in. In those days, I spent hours on the road every day, driving from dealership to dealership, repairing and refinishing wheels on dealers’ used car inventories. So, the audio book was the way I rocked it. (Note: this was before you could stream ANYTHING online so I had the CD set. Flip phones couldn’t do it either. YES, you are even older than you thought!)
I built my company with many of the principles in that book at the center of my thinking and not much has changed today. That’s why when I received an audio message the other week from Jim Collins himself, I had to share it!
True to form, Jim used the opportunity to encourage and educate, reminding me of “The Stockdale Paradox.” Jim reminded me that we are living in the middle of one right now. And now, I’m going to share exactly what that means in this week's episode.
I hope you listen, learn, and lean into it with me as we are honest about the challenges of the day, but continue to KNOW that we will get through this. And when we do, we won’t trade what we’ve learned, or how we’ve grown, for ANYTHING!
Let’s keep marching…
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m not here. I’m on vacation. And a big part of taking a break is refreshing and finding inspiration to keep running the race in a manner worth running. That’s why my team has helped me by putting together some great clips from my last live stream event.
You’re going to get a quick burst of inspiration and energy from some guests and friends… many of whom you will recognize like VaynerX Chief Heart Officer, Claude Silver.
So thanks for letting me take a break to recharge my batteries so I can return with some fresh fire next week.
Keep swinging!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We’ve been pretty serious on the show lately. Why wouldn’t we be, life is heavy these days! That’s why I thought it would be great to get back to talking a little “shop” with the CEO of the very well respected agency, Ignite Visibility, John Lincoln.
If you have a business or are a marketer, I know you’ll get some great insights from this conversation where we start at company culture in remote work times and we walk through the massive impact that can be had when deploying your marketing in way that keeps the “why” of your brand at the center. I also mention the growing platform TiKTok for the first time on the show.
If you need a break from all the heaviness of the day...I hope you find it here :)
Pursue Clarity
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Easy answer here; EVERYONE is stressed out.
Our routines have changed.
Our plans have changed.
Our sense of security has changed.
Our parenting responsibilities have changed.
Our work situation has changed.
Our LIVES have changed.
So what are WE going to do about it? The way I see it, we have two options: Choose to be a victim to our circumstances OR choose to take control back. You probably know what I’m going to say…YOU GET TO CHOOSE!
I recorded this episode to preach to myself because I need to hear it lest I fall into the bottomless pit of the victim mindset. I am not a victim. You are not a victim.
I hope this episode helps you take responsibility for your own feelings and make GOOD choices this week.
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Like many of you, I’ve been reeling. So many emotions have surfaced in response to the recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd and ensuing social unrest. I’ve been pensive to talk about these things publicly because of fear that I might say something unintentionally offensive to my African American friends. But greater than that fear is my belief that my true intent is to love my neighbor and be a part of the healing in our country.
May we continue to gain clarity and perspective in these critical times.
Love one another and Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Although it seems like everything has changed, there are still quite a few things that we can lean on to help us navigate our interpersonal relationships at work and at home. This week I was able to sit down with Amber Hurdle, a high-level consultant, coach, speaker, author, and former celebrity event planner. Yes, of course she lives in Nashville 🙂. You should check out her work here!
We talk about how to read body language on a Zoom call, how to use some meaningful data about your team to serve them well, and ultimately how to re-tool your team to position your organization to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
You know I try to deliver clarity each week by giving you perspective on where you are on the journey. This week, I have a desk full of notes from my conversation with Amber regarding how I can do a better job of leading my team through this pandemic. I hope you are able to say the same.
Glad to hear that so many of you are reopening your businesses and lives as we enter into the month of June!
Keep calm and Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Last week I made this post on LinkedIn that got a little transparent about the sleeplessness that has come with the territory over the course of this pandemic. Apparently, I have a lot of company as the comments and empathy rolled in to make it my farthest-reaching post of the week. But it isn’t all bad. It never is ALL bad…or ALL good for that matter.
It’s been my experience that life is always traveled on parallel rails. One rail is the good things. The smooth things. On the other rail are all the challenges and difficult things to walk through. It takes BOTH rails to go on the journey of a meaningful life. This pandemic has blown up many or most of the ways we lived life and operated our businesses. It’s been tough. However, there are things that have come from this situation that would have been completely impossible had it not happened. Closeness with family, new business opportunities, and a fresh gratitude for the health that we still have.
I hope you don’t get too down on your sleepless nights, they are an important part of what makes you human. They are an important part of a life worth living.
I’m praying that you THRIVE in the midst of the challenges of this week.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Without a doubt, the Zoom calls, Google Hangouts, Facetimes, Blue Jeans (yes that’s a real one), and every other virtual call can be quite exhausting. My personal progression went from pensive, to motivated, neutral, all the way to now, when I’m over it.
Sure there are efficiencies, but I can’t help but count down the days until we can get our “game-day” energy back. In an effort to do so, this week we aren’t focusing on one big topic. Instead, we are looking back at 10 Moments of Clarity from past issues that I think are especially relevant right now.
I define “value” as something that can be implemented immediately. I hope you find some value in this week’s show.
Keep calm and PURSUE CLARITY.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week after MANY epic production mistakes on my behalf, I managed to get a podcast recorded! (I explain more in the show). After two weeks of amazing best-selling authors for guests, Donald Miller and David Meerman Scott, I’m setting some time aside to talk with you about a pyramid-shaped tool called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs that I believe can give us some clarity on how we are reacting to the current pandemic.
Our responses are always heavily influenced by our state of mind, and Maslow’s pyramid is like a quick reference guide for us. You see, the human brain will always default to “survival mode” when it is threatened. And guess what, this “survival mode” doesn’t lean towards optimism.
All of the more enjoyable things in life, like dreaming about what could be and developing our skills and relationships happen “up” the pyramid. All the basics, like finding enough food and shelter are at the bottom. Which direction do you think living in a pandemic drives you? Down. Maybe WAY down.
The truth is, if you are reading this, or listening to podcasts, you aren’t even close to the bottom, but your brain might be causing you to react and respond like you are. Hopefully spending a few minutes together will give you a little more perspective and clarity about what’s actually going on.
I hope you have a great week moving your way UP the pyramid!
Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Why do you do business with who you do business with? There is no simple answer. With so many variables to consider like timing, cost, value, stage of life and so on, how can any business secure the loyalty of a consumer? By making them more than a customer and tapping into sentiments that run deeper than any single product or service.
This week I sit down with Wall Street Journal Best Selling Co-Author of the book “Fanocracy”, David Meerman Scott. David shares some of the insights he’s learned in his vast experience in everything from speaking at Tony Robbins events (who wrote the forward to his book, BTW) to being the only known owner to images taken at Bob Marley’s very last show. Yeah, it’s that diverse 🙂
Brand marketing is ALL about connection. And this week we’re diving right in.
Keep connecting and Pursue Clarity,
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There are talkers and there are doers. NYT best-selling author and CEO of the high-growth StoryBrand organization is my guest this week. He is one of the most dedicated doers I’ve ever met. More than that, he has been making a significant impact in my life for well over a decade and he is likely about to start impacting your life today.
Don is a master storyteller. I also consider him a master at building the businesses of tens of thousands of organizations across the country, including his own. Not only does he share his practical insights in how companies can and should be operating in this pandemic, he also shares his plans to grow his business past $250 million dollars, revive the earnings of the middle-class, and even talks about his future run for office in the US Capitol. Yep, you heard that right!
I hope you listen to this one twice, because it’s worth your time. May you learn from and be inspired by Don as I have over the years. You can learn more about his organization by visiting his website. We would love to know what you thought of the podcast. Please consider leaving a review once you listen to it!
Until next time, Pursue Clarity.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I don’t know about you, but I was doing an awful lot of “clinging” in the early days of this pandemic. Holding on to the hope that we would be back to normal quickly and without much trouble. Unfortunately those hopes have slowly faded over the past 6 weeks. But I’m realizing that in many instances, I might be better off not going back to the way I was doing things.
I’ve been talking to owners, CEOs, and leaders from local small businesses and publicly traded companies over the past 2 weeks and one theme is recurring: there will never be a better time to reinvent and innovate.
This week I’m leaning in on three things I believe will help all of us to accept that there are many things in our lives that will be better off reimagined and reinvented rather than restored.
I hope it brings you some perspective and encouragement.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Everything has been so heavy that I’m looking to break the noise this week. Today’s guest is truly one in a million. It’s the filmmaker, director, and brand warrior, Darren Doane. (Check out his wikipedia page for a taste of the brilliance) One part of this story I love most is the fact that we met over some content I produced almost a year ago on Instagram and then we became fast friends.
There are a few reasons for this. First, I wouldn’t be surprised if we both listen to the Beastie Boys’ “Sure Shot” while prepping to write some brand content. Second, we have a very aligned view on how you have to break the norms to build a brand that truly connects.
In this episode, we talk about; shooting the video for the national launch of the Toyota Sequoia, filming the latest Jason Mraz video solely on an iPhone Pro and telling him that he needed to be on TikTok ASAP, and how brand-marketing content creators are like the grunge movement of the 1990s. Yep, this one’s worth listening to the entire interview.
So cue the music and meet my friend Darren.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s a battle for the ages that has confounded many teams, relationships, marriages, friendships and more! Some of it is ‘nature’ and some is ‘nurture’, but whether you tend to be optimistic or realistic, you must find the balance or risk ruining relationships.
The current pandemic has us all showing our true colors and finding ways to look for that silver lining, or tell everyone just how bad this whole thing could possibly get.
But which is the better way to go? Optimism or realism? The answer is that we need to adopt a healthy measure of both. This week I dig into this phenomenon and discuss how being too heavy handed on either side can be destructive and send you on your way to losing trust and credibility, FAST.
There has never been a better time to be more self aware in order to serve those depending on you more effectively. I don’t know how this crisis will finally end, but I DO know that how we walk through it will matter far into the future. (OK, so you got me, I’m a natural optimist 🙂)
I’m optimistic that you will find new ways to connect with those who matter most in these times and I’m optimistic that we will continue to walk this path together. 🙂
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
If this COVID-19 situation has taught me anything, it’s that we’ve all been living in straw houses, and not fortresses.
There will be tons of economic aftermath when we all get through this. There already are plenty of examples, but the one I see coming is going to be a seismic correction of traditional media.
Price and payment advertising is the modern-day straw house. Just look at this recession. The companies that rely on it are feeling it more than ever.
But if you’ve been making branded content… well… you’re in the driver seat.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Ok ok, I know that might seem a little insensitive, but if you know me, I really do care about people’s feelings. More importantly, I care about their families, livelihoods, our economy, and the stability of our country.
Truth be told…we’re coming back from this COVID-19 thing. This is the time when we need to do our very best to keep calm and do everything we can to keep our families, businesses, and communities spinning. How we CHOOSE to carry ourselves during this time is everything.
It might only be a few weeks from now when you look back and either feel good about the way you stood, or wish you had another at bat to display the strength you could have.
Will you shoulder up with me?
I hope this episode puts a little steel in your spine.
Keep Calm and CLARITY On.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There are few things that would spur me to record and release a special episode, but this is one of them. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty going around due to the pandemic, economy, and even toilet paper shortages. I was compelled to get this message out to the CLARITY community quickly: Calm minds prevail.
It’s going to be ok and in this episode, I’m going to tell you why. So whether you are naturally a minimizer or maximizer when there is unrest, I hope this episode will bring you some courage and stability in unstable times.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ve wasted a lot of time and emotional energy in my life trying to convince unconvincible people. Maybe it’s the idealist or optimist in me. In any case, I was wasting both of our time by not paying enough attention to the signs. I hope this week's episode helps you avoid the mistakes that I made.
This podcast actually stems from a clip of a conversation I had with Gary Vaynerchuk in a restaurant one evening almost a year ago. I was telling him about the trouble I was having convincing car dealers that a retail-minded, brand-first approach would help them save a fortune and build real value into their businesses. His answer set me off (in a really good way).
You see, this doesn’t just apply to business, sales, and negotiation. It applies to relationships, parenting, and most areas of life. We are constantly working to compel others of ideas and opportunities all the way down to the deepest, most meaningful things.
Here’s the punchline: the better you are at investing your time and emotional energy in those who will believe in your product, service, or message, the better off everyone is.
May all of us spend our time finding the “others.”
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
These last few episodes have really been shaping up to be a bit of a thesis on organizational leadership and people development. This week’s topic is likely going to offend some people, and that’s ok. Sometimes being offended is our first indicator that we are being defensive.
In episode 105 I went through four critical traits of great leaders and then in 106 l went all in on the importance of finding the meaning in the midst of the fog of life. This week I’m getting more practical on an issue that I think could be the most divisive and destructive in existence: Blaming. And coming in at a really close second: sarcasm.
Let’s be clear, blame and sarcasm are toxic. They are founded in insecurity and jettison accountability. They are never helpful to a relationship or organization and if left unchecked, eventually lead to an environment that no one wants to be around…and that is bad for every individual, every leader, every client, customer and owner.
But don’t fret, there is hope! It’s my hope that you’ll uncover it with me on this week's episode.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s so easy to lose sight of meaning when you are in the fog of life. I believe that if we can clearly define what is meaningful to us and find ways to keep it front and center, we’ll be able to cut through the fog of life and find fulfillment even through the most difficult situations.
In business, this plays out as a mission. In our personal lives, it is less often defined, but it can be infinitely more impactful.
Here’s the secret: meaning can only be realized through struggle and conflict. We spend our time trying to eliminate struggle from our lives but a life without struggle is a life without meaning. We have it backwards. So, if you find yourself in the middle of difficult things, take heart! You are likely closer to finding meaning than the rest of us.
I hope this episode helps you cut through the fog of life enough to give you some CLARITY that keeps you focused on doing meaningful work in business, and at home.
If you think this episode would be meaningful to someone you know, it would mean the world if you hit that ‘forward’ button.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
My fellow leaders, there aren’t many topics that have been written about more than leadership. In the past 2 years of traveling around the country meeting with owners, executives, and directors, I’ve seen countless leadership books on desks, posters in conference rooms, and have had hundreds of conversations with those who have the hard job of leading a group of people.
I’m a guy that needs things to be simple, so today I’m thrilled to release The Leadership Episode that gets into the four key behaviors I believe every great leader needs to master:
A great leader defines and aligns
A great leader listens
A great leader serves
A great leader is a source of courage
Thrilled because I know there are so many like me who are on the constant pursuit of being a better leader. Over the years I’ve been encouraged by countless leaders who have taken the time to share their thoughts and insights. Today, I hope that mine will encourage and advance both your thinking and action.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ll bet you’ve been ready to quit before. I’m willing to say that with an audience our size, there are a fair amount of people reading this who feel like they are on the verge of quitting right this very moment. On this week’s show, I’m hoping to help bring a little context and clarity to when it’s ok to quit and when you need to persist at all costs.
For my LinkedIn and Instagram communities, I posed this question: “What do you think is the #1 reason why people quit?”
Here are some of answers I received:
bored/unfulfilled
fear
there’s no patience these days
not a big enough “why”
people is afraid to lose the security of a monthly income
they love the points and not the game
because they want instant results
they lose momentum
not enough traction as fast as they thought it would come
it’s too hard
These are all valid reasons. But is it ever a good time to quit? I think, yes, but not in the way you might think. Sometimes stopping and going back to that last fork in the road is the only way forward, but you have to do it for the right reasons.
That starts with understanding what those “right” reasons are. I hope this episode brings you some clarity and context to whatever challenges you are facing right now.
Persist. Just don’t quit.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week I pose the question: “What’s more valuable: what you sell or how people feel about what you sell?” I also get fired up about the incredible conflict of interest in some ad models and relive a story from my honeymoon involving some really pushy timeshare salesmen. Just another week on the show!
One of the ideas that’s been fascinating me lately is the fact that innovation is really a combination of courage and foresight. It’s a real mix of being willing to do something that you don’t fully have the data to support, but have the instinct of knowing it is worth doing.
Once the proof is available, then more people will do it and hence, the competitive advantage is lost. This opens up the field for the next person willing to be courageous and insightful enough to innovate again. And around and around it goes.
Thinking back to last week’s episode, doing the things you are ‘supposed’ to do will never send you down this path. So get out there, be courageous and dig deep for insights that will spur innovation. Do something you’re not supposed to do and you’ll be one step closer to the discovery all of us need you to make!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Innovation favors those who don’t do what they are ‘supposed to do.’ So why do most of us find ourselves doing the same things that everyone else is doing? Simple…it feels safe. The path is already worn and we know that others who have travelled along it have survived. Maybe they don’t seem incredibly fulfilled, overly successful, or very happy…but they are getting along.
If we take a closer look at those who have risen above, we find that these are typically the people and organizations who have had the courage and inspiration to NOT do what they were supposed to do. Those who don’t accept that there is only one way.
The Automotive group who wasn’t SUPPOSED to be one of the country’s best places to work, Bergstrom Automotive.
The little known search company who wasn’t SUPPOSED to beat Overture, the well funded behemoth who was developing pay-per-click technology (Google).
The high school teenager who wasn’t SUPPOSED to be able to go right into the NBA (Kobe Bryant).
The world is full of people doing what they are supposed to do, but those who have the courage to take the path less traveled are often the ones that inspire us all to be better.
Break the mold this week and show us not how it’s supposed to be done, but how it SHOULD be done!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m fired up to kick off the next 100 episodes of the show with another CEO of a publicly traded company. Alex Vetter, the CEO of CARS Inc. (parent of Cars.com), sat with me to talk about cultivating a culture to be adaptable and also to share some little known stories about the early days of this household-name brand.
I find Alex to be a genuine person. There is a deep care and loyalty to his team, a commitment to the industry he serves, and a whole lot of empathy for the modern car buyer. I’m always interested in learning from people who have been through the refining fire of change. One of the main reasons is that those who make it through can teach a thing or two about what it means to innovate.
As I say, “Innovation is a choice.” It’s a decision that must be made to try something different over and over again. I hope you find some value from this conversation with a seasoned veteran who is still walking through the fire of change and is more committed to innovation than ever.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel like time has gone by at lighting speed but ALSO at a snail’s pace? I had one of those moments this week as I recorded the 100th episode of the Clarity Compressed Podcast. I’ve had my share of good fortune to land so many great guests and want to make sure you hear from them.
I’ll be revisiting my time with Gary Vaynerchuk, Carvana CEO Ernie Garcia, Claude Silver, Dr. Nicole Lipkin, Guy Kawasaki, Dale Pollak and more in this fun and fast-moving episode. It kind of felt like doing a director’s cut of the entire show from the start.
ALSO, I’ll be doing an interactive LIVE version of this show on LinkedIn Wednesday the 15th at 2 p.m. EST. If you follow me on LinkedIn you will get a notification when we go live and can join the conversation. Hope to see you there!
On behalf of myself, and the entire Clarity Compressed team, I want to thank you for listening, watching, sharing, commenting and encouraging us to keep producing. If there was no ‘you,’ there would be no ‘us’!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We’re just getting into the first lap of the new year and it’s time to settle into the practical execution of all those hopes, visions, and goals for 2020. Inspiration is one thing, execution is something else altogether.
This week I’m brining an illustration that is helping me prioritize and focus…
This year I’m resolved to set the tone for home life and Congruent and I know so many of you have similar trajectories in your world. Regardless of our intentions, life happens, and we get distracted…easily. That is why clearly identifying the BIG “rocks” and doing things that ensure that they stay aligned at the center is critical if you want the results you SAY you want.
Clarity on the big things, leads to alignment on the small things.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Although I’m not a fan of ‘resolutions’, I am a huge fan of the fresh feeling the new year always brings. And 2020 is a special one. I mean, come on, 2020…Clarity…its like this year was made for me! It’s not only a fresh year, but a fresh decade and a perfect opportunity to reboot your mindset. That being said, I’d like to talk about what I’m going to STOP doing this year.
Most resolutions fail, however, I believe if you keep things simple and clear, your chances of lasting, positive change are much more likely. You know it’s true. So instead of long lists of aspirational good-intentioned things, just pick 2 simple things to execute: One thing you will STOP doing, and one thing you will START doing. Write them down, put them on your screen saver, make them difficult to get away from and go.
2019 has been a difficult, but good year and I’m going to be shaking things up quite a bit in 2020 in my personal and professional life, so watch out for some new vibes and tribes coming from me, Congruent, and the entirety of the Clarity Compressed ecosystem.
May 2020 be a prosperous year filled with an abundance of CLARITY for you and your families!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s Christmas Eve and the holidays are in full swing, and boy do we need it with all the negativity running a full-out blitzkrieg on our peace. This week I talk about giving over receiving and I’m backed up by our friends at Harvard.
We don’t get to choose when we receive, but we absolutely get to choose when and what we give! I’m also hoping to launch my own little offensive on the negative vibes going around with #complimentAcompetitor
Good-hearted, whole-hearted competition in the marketplace makes us all better and I want to take a moment to compliment one of my worthy competitors and give you a platform to do the same.
So go on your platform of choice (or all of them) and give a warm compliment to one of your competitors. I think we might just be amazed and encouraged at what the result is. And when you do, use the hashtag #complimentAcompetitor
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
As I recorded this episode, I was thinking a lot about the practical things of life and business. I don’t know about you, but life and business are often moving so fast that I need to keep things simple if they are going to be usable in my everyday life.
It’s one of the reasons I come up with phrases like “Innovation is a choice,” and put them on a t-shirt. They are simple, but immediately usable reminders of what I believe is true.
This week I talk about three principles I believe can help you in your everyday busyness to help protect you against the lies that hack away at your personal and organizational health and will help keep you centered on true principles.
As we get close to the new year, getting these things straight could make a major difference in 2020.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This is one you won’t want to miss as I had the chance to sit down with one of the most uniquely gifted entrepreneurs we’ve ever had on the show. It’s the customer-experience wizard author of Find Your Yellow Tux: How to be Successful at Standing Out and the founder/owner of the wild Savannah Bananas Baseball team in Savannah, Georgia.
It’s hard to explain, but it involves an all-grandma dance team, crazy on-field antics, a breakdancing first-base coach, oh…and there’s some really good baseball in there too. All of this led by our guest. Literally. This is what happens when The Greatest Showman decides to make a baseball game the stage.
Don’t let the fun fool you though, Jesse is an entrepreneur through and through. He runs a business. He knows what it’s like to risk it all, mortgage his dream home, and put it all on the line.
I love his story most because he has been able to align an organization in a manner that is different than the way it’s “supposed” to be done. I believe that in many established industries, this mindset is what helps organizations truly gain market share and grow.
I know you’ll enjoy this one.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m standing in the middle of a dump of a building for this week’s episode. Who would own a dump like this? Me. My wife and I just bought this building and have really big plans to renovate it into the new Intergalactic Headquarters of Congruent.
Growing is very, very hard work. I’m reminded of a season in my first business where growing almost killed us. That’s when I really learned that growth is transitionary. It costs something. It was so impactful that I made it the theme of the year and we even scripted and shot a video to memorialize it. (This was before I had an agency, BTW… It was actually the birth of an agency)
This week I’m talking about something every successful business and individual must come to terms with if they are going to succeed. The transaction of growth.
I hope you gain some perspective on any situations you are currently growing through as you connect with this message. Be encouraged and inspired that NOTHING worth anything comes without transacting with growth.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This episode comes from the middle of a big week, and also while standing directly in front of the Atlantic Ocean. I talk about the fear we all face if we are going to move forward in life. Just like there’s no way to run a marathon without getting tired, there is no way to move forward without fear.
I had the mixed emotions of fear and excitement. Afraid, because like any artist, I’m wondering how the world will respond to the new Brand Is Gravity Workshops we just released. We gave it our best, but is that enough? I believe it is, but the world gets to decide for themselves.
I’m excited because I’m at a conference in Palm Beach, Florida for some of the leading minds in the automotive space and was able to share some of our findings from a full year of brand-first deployments in automotive marketing and it went over BIG!
Those two parallel rails of fear and excitement will always be with those who are moving forward in business and life. The sooner you accept it and acknowledge it, the better off you will be.
On next week’s show, I’ll be going deep on a companion episode around what I call, “The Transaction of Growth.” I consider it the counterpoint to this episode and hyper-relevant as we enter the last month of the year.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ve been working on getting some more variety with our guests lately and today is no exception. We’re talking with Alex SanFilippo who has a very successful podcast, has created his own social platform, and is also an aerospace executive. What could go wrong?
We get into the nitty-gritty of the brand buzzword wars going on and how great brands actually deploy not only externally, but also as a tool to align their internal operations, product launches, and, oh yeah, marketing.
I know you will walk away with some fresh ideas from this weeks show!
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s an awesome week on the show because I got to sit down with long-time marketer and EVP of the breakout agency 97th floor, Paxton Gray. If you pay attention to where others are paying attention (aka, a business owner or marketer) then I know you will benefit from Paxton’s experience and insights.
You know how I believe the best marketing is HUMAN. Well, Paxton agrees and we get into some strategies and tactics that will help your efforts connect. He was also super generous and sent me 2 SIGNED copies of Seth Godin’s latest book, This Is Marketing to give to 2 lucky members of the Clarity Compressed Podcast.
If you want to get one:
Head over to brandisgravity.com and click ‘request access’ to be the first to know when we launch our new workshops THEN
Take a screenshot of your confirmation and tweet it to me @paulthedaly
We’re going to ship out the book to 2 lucky winners. Until next time, have a great week and PURSUE CLARITY!
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Somebody had to be one of the people responsible for marketing Apple’s Macintosh line back in ’84. This is the guy. Well, more directly, this is Guy Kawasaki, my guest on this week’s show.
Guy was gracious enough to give me some time while we were both speaking at the CarGurus Navigate event in Boston a few weeks back. We talked about the early days at Apple, his upcoming podcast launch, Remarkable People, and we also get into the modern day concept of “personal brand” where he obviously doesn’t hold back. Doesn’t he realize what I’m trying to do here, LOL!
One thing is certain, Guy is as real as it gets in this straight forward interview that I think the Clarity Compressed community will really benefit from listening to.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
You’ll hear it in my voice… I was pumped to be shooting the podcast in my hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This week I’m all about getting out and meeting other people. This is such a critical aspect of gaining objectivity and growing. It has also been an extremely important component of my success in business and life. Believe it or not, I benchmark as an introvert… so there is hope for you!
Even introverts can take small, but meaningful steps to help spur your objectivity and growth. The point is to make forward progress.
I also talked about not convincing yourself that you have to be like the people you are watching on social media, or do what they do in order to be significant and successful. That may very well be the biggest trap of the 21st century. Don’t fall into it!
All in all, this weeks episode is all about breaking free from the mundane and getting yourself inspired and motivated to DO.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I just finished filming the soon-to-be-released Brand Is Gravity workshop and I’ve been thinking non-stop about what it means to bring people closer, because I believe that is what brand is all about. Making money isn’t the point of a great business, its a byproduct.
When you do the work to define your “why” as best-selling author and thought leader Simon Sinek puts it, you can begin to find and connect with others who believe in the same things. I spend so much of my time preaching the message of connection and this is at the core. Bringing people closer will benefit every area of your organization from sales, to recruiting, to internal culture alignment, and interpersonal relationships.
Oftentimes, bringing people closer requires us to battle our own insecurities and fears. It requires vulnerability. It isn’t easy, but its worth it.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Life is full of relationships. Romantic ones, friendships, work relationships, and our businesses are constantly in relationship with consumers and employees.
They all start with some sort of attention which eventually leads to a level of connection. But life changes. Situations change, needs change.
This is why at some point, what worked at one time, no longer works, and the relationship breaks. This week I talk about how this happens and why you don’t have to live with broken relationships.
And if you’re a business, there are some very specific things you should be doing internally and externally so that those relationships you’ve worked so hard to build, don’t fall away.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week I’m sharing a little inspiration and encouragement I found from our old friend Tommy Edison, the man who invented the lightbulb, as I push through the 99% of perspiration it takes to follow through on that one great idea.
I’m in the throes of the deep work it takes to follow through on one of those inspiring moments I had a couple of months ago. It’s a full blown digital workshop that teaches branding. (You can be first to know at brandisgravity.com )
If you subscribe to this podcast, I already know that you are the type of person who is generally motivated and working toward some type of goal. There is always a goal with people like us. Sometimes it is a long term goal becoming an executive, sometimes it’s a shorter term goal like hitting a monthly sales number. It could be a personal goal like getting more organized, or in better shape. One thing is for sure, there is never a shortage of those ideas and moments that inspire us to get moving on something.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I heard a brilliant interview on the CMO Podcast on which the guest, NYU Stern School of Business clinical professor Scott Galloway said that the sun is setting on the “brand-era”. What-the-whaaaat???
His premise is that the time between World War 2 and Google was the golden era of brand because that is when companies could add huge amounts of value by building “brands” around normal products. Think, “Choosy moms choose Jif”. Not very amazing peanut butter, with a VERY disproportionate market share because of brand connection. Now, Galloway proposes, companies add the most value through monopolizing an entire lane of someones life. Think Amazon, Netflix, etc.
While I agree with the premise of large companies losing the brand edge, I couldn’t DISAGREE MORE with the presentation that the brand-era is passing. It’s just the opposite. The large companies used to control the money, talent, and distribution channels to build brand and have now lost their monopoly. Now, small and midsized companies and even individuals have the availability of knowledge, tools, and marketing channels to build amazing brands…and all of us are benefiting from it.
Better branding makes the world better.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Being present is not the same as hearing.
Being present, doesn’t equal hearing, and hearing doesn’t equal understanding, and understanding doesn’t mean implementing and implementing doesn’t mean succeeding.
I’m recording this podcast in Chicago in the space between 2 conferences. And doing things like this is bittersweet. The more I go to these events, the more I see the real but silent danger in them. It’s the danger of people coming out and doing these types of things and convincing themselves that just because they came out, that they are better off…or changed for the better…or moving forward.
But that is a lie. Because you always have to go home. And if nothing changes, nothing changes.
There are A LOT of steps in-between being present and succeeding. My hope is that this podcast will help you be a little more aware of where you are in the process.
. . .
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Hireology Elevate: Sept 18th in Chicago
Automotive News Retail Forum: Sept 19th in Chicago, IL
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
A two-star review just came in for my recent book, “The Automotive Manifesto”. It actually got me excited. It came from Amy. Not only am I honored that she, bought, read, AND took the time to review, but she also had some valid perspectives. I thought it would be good to talk about it head-on in this weeks show. If you are going to create content to any extent, you are going to come face to face with others who might not see it the same way. That’s a good thing!
Criticism and feedback are an important part of life. The way it is absorbed and responded to defines our level of maturity, security and growth potential. Back in episode 76, I spoke with Dr. Nicole Lipkin about mental agility. This gave me a great chance to grow and I hope it has the same impact on you.
I hope you have a great week working, creating and caring for those around you.
Paul
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Hireology Elevate: Sept 18th in Chicago
Automotive News Retail Forum: Sept 19th in Chicago, IL
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Everyone gets ‘stuck’ in life. I just did in a MAJOR way. The new site we launched for Congruent took about 10 times longer to develop then if we had been building a site for a client. Why? Because it was ours. Because we were too close to it. Because that’s what happens when objectivity leaves the room.
On this week’s podcast, I dive into the nature of getting stuck in business, personal growth, relationships and life in general. It’s human nature to get stuck and I present a few insights I’ve gained from helping companies and people get ‘unstuck’ as well as insights from the times others helped ‘unstick’ me.
(Here’s a hint: you usually need someone else’s help)
Pursue Clarity (and unstuckness),
Paul
Where I’ll be attending and/or speaking:
Hireology Elevate: Sept 18th in Chicago
Automotive News Retail Forum: Sept 19th in Chicago, IL
CarGurus Navigate Convention: October 22-23 in Boston, MA
Automotive Attribution And Analytics Summit: November 17-19 in West Palm Beach, FL
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
If you’ve been confused, disheartened, suspicious and/or frustrated with your branding and marketing spend, there is probably good reason.
This episode might provide clarity. This is the third part of my recent series on the broken agency model and what you can do about it. (You can check out the first part here and the second here)
BE WARNED, it’s a logical and human approach, so I won’t be nerding out over metrics like last week. Whether you are an executive, marketing manager, sole proprietor, or aspiring personal brand, there is something in the process that will help you.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’ve been getting myself into a little trouble lately. I just don’t understand how the conflict of interest in the current agency model has lived on for so long. Charging clients fees which are based on a percentage of ad spend just seems crazy to me. Some of the metrics justifying that spend seem even crazier. Most of them aren’t even tied back to meaningful measurables.
All this talk about the broken agency model has some people on the defense, and that’s ok. I’ve been on the defense plenty being in business for the better part of two decades.
Guess what? Having to defend my position and beliefs made be better and that is also my hope for the marketing industry.
This is probably my nerdiest podcast to date as I get into some of the mechanics of digital marketing, but the nerdery is necessary. Next week, we get incredibly practical as I submit what I think is a step toward solving the problem.
Let’s get that CLARITY
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Would you rather spend your marketing dollars on ads, or on content that’s created to optimize lasting brand connection? There is an existing conflict in the ad world that is forcing many organizations into ad spend that is out of balance. Because the economy is good right now, I feel like no one is paying attention and I want to start the conversation.
We all know that conflicts of interest are never a good thing. This is because the conflict makes it impossible to make an objectively good decision and someone always loses when they shouldn’t have to. I see one of the most common agency models to be caught in the middle of a MAJOR conflict of interest and I think it’s time we talk about it.
Agencies who charge a “management fee” which is a percentage of the ad spend, are incentivized to spend your ad dollars where you could (and should) be spending brand development dollars.
When the economy changes, the brand-tax bill is going to come due and I’m hoping I can help more businesses avoid it.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
A lot has changed in the business world since I first ventured out to start my own business with a few thousand borrowed dollars and a rusty 1984 Chevy Astro. In the 17 years since there are so many things that 2019 Paul would have been able to teach 2003 Paul. I guess that’s why experience really matters.
Mentors also matter and I didn’t have nearly then as I do now. As I’ve racked up a little experience, I’m finding it very fulfilling whenever I have the chance to help someone else avoid the mistakes and misunderstandings I had back then.
That being said, as I recorded a recent episode of my “Clarity Compressed Podcast”, I shared three things I wish I knew when I started my business and would like to share them with you with the hopes that they can contribute to your journey.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I recently visited Bergstrom Automotive, a dealership group out in Wisconsin, and a thought came to me. Are you doing something because it’s relevant to the culture, or are you being authentic with yourself in what you do?
A lot of different businesses wear suits and ties at the office… But is it because it looks cool? Probably not. Is there something more to it? In most cases, I hope so.
For Bergstrom Automotive, they wear suits out of respect for their customers. Now the question is, do the customers know that too? Or is your business just another stressful environment for people, especially the moment they see a suit and tie. Your brand hangs in the balance of WHAT you do and how well you communicate WHY you do what you do.
You can make a brand connection. Not every suit and tie needs to be intimidating.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Is mental agility the new indicator of how successful a leader or organization will be? Maybe so. You may think of “mental agility” as the ability to switch tasks quickly or, to use a trendy word ‘pivot’. However, this week's guest, Dr. Nicole Lipkin, brings the focus to something I believe to be more potent.
She defines mental agility as working to adopt a mindset and approach that is as open to change as possible. I believe this to be a rational approach, mainly because the inability to be agile or flexible is what actually gets us stuck.
The hardwiring in our brains is literally designed to maintain equilibrium. It is natural to resist mental agility. So, the good news is that it’s not your fault. You can’t control nature. However, we can significantly improve our mental agility with some good, old fashioned self-awareness.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I remember a popular self-help book back in the late 90’s called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. If you’ve been in business since then, you probably remember it too. It proposed a way to position all the problems and situations in your life so they didn’t overrun your thoughts and cause you anxiety.
Even though I agree with some of that thinking, my years of experience have taught me that it all matters in business, relationships, and personal growth…even the smallest of things.
May all the small things add up to BIG things.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There is a dark side to visionary leaders that often gets lost in the midst of the allure and appeal of progress. It’s like many relationships in life where we overlook the downside because the upside is good. In reality, BOTH sides of behaviors are effecting your ability to move forward and grow. So, who showed up for work today? The visionary or the arsonist?
On my recent vacation I read a book named DO/SCALE by Les McKeown which increased by awareness of this dichotomy. Generally speaking, the book is a practical guide to scaling an organization. For me, it quickly became a practical guide in self-awareness as it introduced some common traits of visionary leaders.
In this weeks episode, I talk about the blessing and curse of visionary leadership and how you can best keep moving forward.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I’m dating myself when I tell you that, as a kid, I played a game called “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out” on the original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). In real life, Mike Tyson was an insane boxer to watch. Full of power and antics. A real entertainer out of the ring and straight-up vicious inside the ring, often knocking out opponents in seconds.
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face…” was a (paraphrased) quote that Tyson made during an interview. Basically meaning, you can plan all you want, but when that first blow lands, you find out what you are really made of. You find out the TRUTH.
These days I hear people talking about the concept of “your truth” and I feel like it is being misused in many ways. I understand that it is good to not live under the judgment of others, however, it is dangerous to think that “your truth” IS reality in every area. It isn’t.
THE truth is what you find out about your level of preparedness and competency ONLY after that first punch lands.
Today I talk through this as it applies to a variety of areas. Relationships, your brand, your health and even athletics.
My hope is that this community is able to courageously ask the question, “What am I lying to myself about.” My hope is that we are ready to consider and accept what THE truth really is. My hope is that we pursue clarity together.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Have you ever chopped down a tree with an axe? I have! Swing after swing, I became tired, exhausted and almost had to stop. One of the worst moments was when I stood there breathing heavily with two thirds of the trees diameter cut out and the tree seems just as solid as it did when I took the first swing. It was crazy!
I kept swinging and finally heard a “crack”. That was encouraging. One or two more swings and then I pushed that tree right over.
That memory reminds me of what life is like for someone on a mission. Swinging away, day after day, seeing very little evidence of change. Then…”crack”!
In the midst of all the swinging, don’t forget to take the time to keep the axe share and the person swinging it fresh or you WILL burn out.
As I’m heading on vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey with my family productivity skyrocketing and my energy increasing. Maybe more vacations are a good thing ?!?!
It’s a short podcast this week but I wanted to emphasize how important it is to unplug from work every once in a while. You may think you’re slacking, but you’ll be shocked to see the progress made when you get back into the swing of things.
Take a break, and sharpen up then SWING AWAY!
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It’s not easy to walk through an airport backwards, recording a podcast … ESPECIALLY when everyone else’s eyes are glued to their phones! But then I thought to myself: there’s a daily opportunity that your brand DOESN’T want to miss.
Think about it. There are 1,000s of people in an airport staring at their phones, consuming news, entertainment, or sending messages. What else is there to do in an airport anyways?! Now think about how many of those people could be a perfect customer for your brand. But are you even reaching them??
Just ask yourself how your brand connects with its current target audience. Are you staying within that bubble, or are you looking to expand for potential customers. It’s EASY to get a few impressions on social media; a retweet, like, or favorite, and go home thinking your business ‘grew.” Did it really though?
Playing the short-game is convenient, I can’t argue that. But tactics only go so far. The moment you stop taking that pill, the illness can come back. Think macro. Build a long-term strategy.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
I had a conversation about a brand experience I just couldn’t ignore. More than that, I couldn’t bear NOT sharing it with you because of it’s timely relevance. I’m excited to introduce you to my friend and colleague, the 25 year old D.P. (Director of Photography) at my agency Congruent.
I didn’t have him as a guest just because he’s cool and more in touch with the modern retail experience than most (but he is). I didn’t have him because he’s a 25 year old millennial (he’s that too). Although those things have relevance to why his opinion is important to us, the primary reason is that I wanted him to share a VERY relevant retail experience he just had because I think we can learn a lot from it.
I am fanatical about brand connection being MORE important than just about anything else in retail. In my recent book I state my belief that when you truly make an impactful brand connection, you successfully pull that customer OUT of your competitors sales funnels.
This is real-time evidence of that. If you are in the retail business or building a brand of any type, I think you will find this episode insightful and hopefully it will move you to CONNECT.
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Every company starts with a story. Usually that story revolves around a person and a problem they are out to solve. Today is no different. When I spent some time with Carvana CEO, Ernie Garcia a while back we saved a good portion of the interview to release after the initial segment.
To be honest, I think this is the better part.
This is where we talk about the human side of the publicly traded CVNA s founder. We talk about his perspective on why the car business is so tough and why dealers are being forced further into the struggle. Ernie shares his philosophy behind how any good company should develop a new solution. We talk about the moment he knew that solution was really resonating with consumers. Finally, we get into what he want’s his legacy to be and why t-ball is the most exciting thing in his life at the moment.
Carvana has been in the news a lot lately regarding their business model and all the stresses and pressure of a publicly traded company are certainly heavy. Don’t we all have our stuff?? Whatever your opinion of Carvana, I hope this episode gets your wheels turning (no pun intended) on what you are doing and where you are heading.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
On this week’s show I thought it was a good idea to bring it back to basics…one camera, one voice, one mic and one goal. To have you walk away with one small moment of clarity you can deploy TODAY in order to move closer to person you want to be.
I’ve found that a broad sense of “clarity” rarely comes at once. It is typically the culmination of many smaller moments of clarity over time. Those are the things that allow you to see a little bit more of who you are and most importantly, a little bit more of who you want to be.
Life and business are hard. Hard on our emotions. Heavy on our hearts and heads. They often demand the most of us and it is so easy to fall short. Usually, any time I fall short I can look back and realize things that were within my control were fumbled. BY ME!
I talk about three concepts I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. Concepts in which I want to grow in. Actually, they are concepts which I believe if I can master, will lead to VERY significant growth personally and professionally.
They are:
Selfless > Selfless
The difference between strategy and tactics.
What is the ROI of serving someone else?
I hope working through them can bring you a moment of clarity in the midst of your busy day. They work best if you share them with someone you trust and hold each other accountable to growing in them together.
Thank you SO much for being a part of this community with me…
Paul
PS. I’m thinking about putting on some top-tier, two day workshops on branding and marketing near our HQ in Syracuse where we’ll teach business owners and leaders how to develop and deploy effective brands. Is that something you would ever consider??? Let me know!
. . .
Get your copy of my first book at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
One thing I’ve learned throughout my life is that leadership is not a respecter of industry, age, situation or just about anything else. Leaders understand how to serve. Leaders are experts at empathy. Most of all, leaders are not afraid of engaging the conflict required to make forward progress.
My guest today, Kevin Frye, is currently the Marketing Director of one of the largest, most progressive dealer groups in the country (Jeff Wyler Automotive), was a Navy fighter pilot who has flown hundreds of combat hours and is a man who understands and practices a high level of leadership.
I’m not taking credit, but when I asked Kevin what is the most important role of a leader, his answer included my favorite word….Cl@r**y. You’ll have to listen to figure it out.
I feel like we can all take a cue from his personal mantra of “being an agent of positive change” as you approach whichever challenges we face in the marketplace or at home.
Don’t be afraid of the friction. Don’t be afraid of the process. Don’t be afraid to lead.
. . .
Connect with Kevin Frye on LinkedIn
Follow Kevin Frye on Instagram
Check out Jeff Wyler Automotive
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
It’s been two weeks and I’m STILL having flashbacks about how awesome ClarityCon 2019 was… seriously! I know I touched on the event last week, and how empathy was a key theme across all the speakers, BUT... this week I wanted to share the overall experience that people had.
Brand is my OBSESSION. I know that it takes more than just a leader to brand well, it takes a team. People NEED to be on the same page or else it won’t happen.
A car may have all the best parts, but the driver can crash at any time. A business may have the best skills around, but no clue on how to connect with their customers.
That’s a problem.
I believe brand beats the hacks of Google algorithms. Brand is the communication of what you’re about to your customers. Brand is human. Brand is connecting with what matters most to your customers and team.
Customers are smarter than ever and you need to differentiate from your competitors. Knowing this, I had to tell others how important brand is in today’s market.
But to teach this, I needed help. That’s why I called upon Dale Pollak, Adam Robinson, Glenn Pasch, Candice Crane, and Michelle Denogean to give their perspectives, too.
And so… ClarityCon happened!
This week’s podcast is here to show you what went down and how people reacted to it.
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
PS: I’ve been loving connecting with so many of you in the comments and DMs across the platforms. If you have anything you’d like me to answer or address in an episode, LET ME KNOW! One of the best way is to mention me on Twitter @paulthedaly
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
Phew… My very first live event, ClarityCon 2019. went down last and it was a HUGE success. Looking back, it couldn’t have imagined it going much better. The speakers, attendees and my team walked away with some more vision and clarity for what it looked like to be better. I was surprised by how honest people became. The key ingredient is the center of this weeks show…Empathy.
The format involved an uplifting environment with sharp keynotes and fireside chats featuring the event speakers. Attendees were able to submit questions and comments anonymously via an app which really increased involvement and authenticity.
The vast majority of questions that came in were geared toward the ‘human’ side of business.
How do I have a hard conversation with my superiors? Am I working for the wrong boss, but the right company? I saw a Carvana license plate frame and instantly got nervous, are we doomed? How can I convince a valued, long-term team member to change and adapt? And on and on they went…
These are the hard questions and I am incredibly honored to have held an event which solicited them.
One word came up over and over…EMPATHY. Striving to understand before being understood.
Why do your coworkers work differently. Are they struggling, or just naysayers? Why does your boss hate social media? Is he scared of the unknown, or unwilling to learn? Why you work for your company? Is it a paycheck only, or do you find purpose?
Remember, the order is FIRST understand THEN it’s your turn…
Pursue Clarity,
Paul
PS: I’ve been loving connecting with so many of you in the comments and DMs across the platforms. If you have anything you’d like me to answer or address in an episode, LET ME KNOW! One of the best way is to mention me on Twitter @paulthedaly
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
If you want to do something that’s worth anything, you can’t get FANCY, you can’t get LAZY, you can’t get ENTITLED, you can’t stop being empathetic to those on the journey with you. Oh, and by the way, it’s INCREDIBLY difficult. This is just the way it is in life.
I’m in the same boat and I’m feeling every bit of it today. That’s ok, because I don’t EXPECT it to be easy. All my experience in life and business has confirmed this. The good news is that I have a choice every single moment. A choice to lean in, or bow out. That choice is made hundreds of times between the outside stimulus and your response to it.
If you are facing tension and friction today, that’s ok. Actually is great, because friction is what produces the growth. I call this the “transaction of growth”. Especially if the friction is the result of pursing meaningful things. Keep going!
One of the things I lean on when I’m feeling the friction created by the pursuit of meaningful things is the community of people I follow and connect with online. THIS community is valuable to me and I know it is to you too. Let’s keep pursuing clarity together.
PS: I’m trying something NEW. Since there isn’t much of a feedback mechanism for podcasts, I’m making my Twitter account the means of discussion. If you want to jam about any topic, ask a question or just let me know what you think…hit me on Twitter @paulthedaly
PSS: I just released my new book, The Automotive Manifesto and it’s gotten some great reviews and I’ve received a bunch of DMs from people who have read it. I’d love for you to check it out: www.theautomotivemanifesto.com
“Paul is changing the Automotive industry by bringing care, candor, and connection to the forefront…his Automotive Manifesto contains Truth that we can all stand behind. No matter the industry.” -Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, Vayner X
“It takes a lot to truly blow me away. But Paul Daly’s Manifesto did just that. His perspective is fresh, insightful and spot-on. It’s a quick read that packs a powerful, profound punch…” -Dale Pollak, Founder, vAuto; EVP, Cox Automotive
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
CLARITYCON: May 8, Rochester NY.
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
P.S. I’m thrilled to announce that my first live event ClarityCon 2019 will take place in Rochester, NY in just 2 weeks on May 8th. It offers a national lineup of speakers from the automotive industry that want to help people and businesses grow, with forward thinking. I hope to see you there! (www.claritycon.app)
P.S.S. I also have a book releasing TOMORROW: The Automotive Manifesto. Find out how to take your business higher by focusing on improving your culture and customer relations.
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
CLARITYCON: May 8, Rochester NY.
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
Isn’t if funny how we obsess over controlling all the things we can’t, yet often ignore the one thing we can. The one thing you can always control is your decision.
I had the chance to head down to NYC to speak at the DrivingSales President’s Club this week and it really had me considering what keeps people from being innovative. As I thought more about it, I realized that most people see innovation as some magic ability for OTHER people. They feel like they aren’t smart enough, or fast enough or that they don’t have enough resources. Those are all untrue.
Innovation is a choice. It’s the decision you make to improve, get better and try harder to make the next version better than the last. If that is indeed the case, then you are completely in control of whether or not you are being innovative.
This works in business the same way it does in relationships. You decide, you try, you observe what happened. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes you improve and sometimes you don’t. Either way, it’s forward motion.
May you choose to pursue clarity AND innovation today. Don’t let the others have all the fun!
P.S. I’m thrilled to announce that my first live event ClarityCon 2019 will take place in Rochester, NY in just 2 weeks on May 8th. It offers a national lineup of speakers from the automotive industry that want to help people and businesses grow, with forward thinking. I hope to see you there! (www.claritycon.app)
P.S.S. I also have a book releasing TOMORROW: The Automotive Manifesto. Find out how to take your business higher by focusing on improving your culture and customer relations.
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
CLARITYCON: May 8, Rochester NY.
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
What are conventions great for? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … CONNECTION. When people are in the same room, they talk, and when they talk, both parties win. Fresh perspectives, new ideas, shared tools, newfound knowledge, you name it, it’s there. Digital Dealer 26 was a great opportunity to wrap with tons of people in the automotive industry and grow.
One of the companies I ran into was Reunion Marketing, out of North Carolina. My good (internet) friends, Dane and Dave, co-founded this company 3 years ago. From sharing a living room with a few people to growing to 50 people three years later, they explain how you get people to leave a stable job to join a new, shared vision.
The secret sauce is CULTURE. Why do people want to work with you? Why do they stay? What are they saying to other people? If all these answers are positive, you’re doing something right. Ask your employees what they think. Be vulnerable, and be honest. You’ll be amazed.
I’m also happy to announce my own convention happening on May 8th in Rochester, N.Y. Clarity Con is drawing in automotive leaders from across the nation. Dale Pollak, Glenn Pasch, Adam Robinson, Candice Crane, Michelle Denogean, and myself will be speaking.
Tickets and info are available at www.claritycon.app
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
CLARITYCON: May 8, Rochester NY.
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
There are few people over the last 5 years of my life that have personally given me more clarity than this weeks guest. His name is Mike Lynch and he happens to be my therapist. Let’s face it, we all have issues that blur our vision and judgement at times. Most times, they aren’t business issues or personal issues or coworker issues or relationship issues…they are HUMAN ISSUES.
Listen in as Mike and I discuss the things that get in the way of our better judgement and success. The real variable is how you choose to engage them. The truth is that it is always a CHOICE.
I’m BEYOND EXCITED to announce the pre-order for my new book “The Automotive Manifesto: How Brand Connection Can Save Retail Automotive”.
You can read the early release reviews and pre-order your copy at TheAutomotiveManifesto.com
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
Have you ever found yourself exhausted from being neck deep on so many different fronts? I surely have. The funny thing is that all the things you are doing could even be good, positive and engaging things. Yet, you can still get tired and that’s ok.
This weeks podcast is a quick shot where I dig into this balance and also get a little old school some quick and easy strategies for getting the most important things accomplished through understanding and aligning your team.
I hear lots of voices telling everyone to “hustle their faces off” but not many encouraging the balance required to stay fresh. The truth is, sometimes the most productive and progressive thing you can do is take a break. It’s ok. I can say that finding my balance over the past year has been critical to maintaining the level and velocity at which I’ve been pushing. I’ll say it again…it’s ok!
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
It seems the word "disruption" is thrown around pretty loosely these days. Ernie Garcia legitimately disrupted one of the largest retail industries in the USA. Automotive. Our conversation spans from cars to startup culture to personal legacy. One of my favorite parts of the interview is when I asked him to tell me about the moment when he realized Carvana was going to work. You’ll have to listen for the answer.
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
What’s the difference between crazy and eccentric? Today’s guest will help you consider the answer. We talk about his huge collection of custom Nikes (I knew I liked him), his 22,000 gallon koi pond you have to cross on a glass walkway in order to get into his Lexus dealership. I’m really looking forward to introducing you to him.
Peter Cooper owns Lexus of Lehigh Valley, winner of the prestigious Lexus Brand Champion award one of the biggest Lexus dealerships in the northeast. The secret to building his success lays in all the small things: seemingly minor details and strategies that add up to forming lifetime human connections with the people he works with and his customers. All of this orbits around his central belief in what people are craving in every area of life…connection.
Aside from all that, he’s super accessible, caring, and warm except when it comes to the sneaker market, where he’s a real shark. If you think that buying expensive cars and rare sneakers is just something that rich brats do, then you’re wrong. Peter’s unique take on the auto business and life have lead him to a really fun, eccentric place. You have got to hear his story.
Culture References
StockX
Off—Whites
Connect With PeterLexus of Lehigh Valley
Peter’s Cell Phone Number: 610.360.6600
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
I've said it again, and again, and again, and again. Your brand is not your logo. Your brand is not the name of your company. Your brand is a feeling that gives someone a reason to do business with you.
BowTie Terrance is the epitome of a personal brand, especially for my friends in automotive. This man knows we live in a world where personal connection is key and when he found himself selling cars nearly 800 miles from home, he found a way to make sure people knew who he was. I can’t wait for you to meet him.
Subscribe to BowTie Terrance on YouTube
Follow BowTie Terrance on Instagram
Like BowTie Terrance on Facebook
Connect with BowTie Terrance on LinkedIn
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
This is the last podcast I’ll make in my 30’s as I enter my next decade of life. If I were to pass on just one lesson I learned in my 30s, I would tell you to GET HONEST with yourself as soon as possible. Honesty IS clarity.
Sure, it's easy to wish the clarity came earlier, but the reality is that I needed to go through everything I did to bring me to the point where I could see it. The point where I could recognize the mistakes, the co-dependencies and the leadership failures. The conflict is where the essence of life is more easily recognized. More importantly, conflict is the only thing that truly brings growth.
I also discuss the often unrealized brand TAX that most businesses are paying…repeatedly. It may not show up on a P&L statement, but I assure you, it is a VERY real thing.
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
Making Excuses copyright Marty Robbins and Legacy Recordings
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
Imagine what it would be like if your organization was able to deliver an amazing customer experience BY delivering an amazing employee experience. Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at Vayner X spent a little time with talking about what it looks like when people begin to feel free in their workplace. Perhaps it is fitting that I could see the Statue of Liberty from her office.
But, don’t let the nice office fool you, Claude is an incredibly practical operator and gives me/us some very usable advice during the interview. Claude has become a friend since our first meeting almost two years ago where I first connected with the word “Clarity”.
f you can’t tell, I enjoy the people side of the business so much. Customer facing…team facing…its all the same to me. That’s because they are both centered on CONNECTION. Branding and HR both require cultivating true connection in order to be effective. That’s why I love what I get to do everyday.
For those who follow Gary Vaynerchuk and the many organizations he has built already know that he very publicly intends to build what he calls, “The Honey Empire”; "...humanity and heart and efficiency and execution and competition.”
Basically, it is treating people with so much empathy and care, that they are free to be the best versions of themselves and therefore make the best teams and produce the best outcomes. Once you understand this, you can understand why Claude Silver is at his right hand in turning this vision into reality. The truth is, nobody will ever stay at your company because you have a ping-pong table or a pallet wall or free cold brew. Those things are nice, but they don’t truly help anyone thrive. People will stay because they feel like they are thriving…and that takes some very intentional cultivation because work is full of friction. Full of opportunities for our spirits to be crushed. Opportunities for us to feel inadequate, unappreciated and hurt.
The antidote is fighting to create an environment where people are free to contribute, free of judgement but not free of accountability. If everyone becomes accountable to leave every person they come in contact with “better than we found them” as Claude suggests, a real “Honey Empire” begins to emerge.
I hope this episode has done just that.
. . .
Connect with Claude Silver on LinkedIn
. . .
We Will Rock You copyright Queen and EMI Records
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: (PROMO CODE: DALYVIP) April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
Making Excuses copyright Marty Robbins and Legacy Recordings
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
If anyone ever had a good excuse for a business to fail, it would be the guy selling VW beetles to West Texas Cowboys. BUT, just the opposite happened.
A few weeks ago I went all the way to Amarillo Texas and had the privilege of talking to John Luciano, the newly named Volkswagen Global Brand Ambassador, about what it was like opening the first VW dealer in 27 years in a small Texas market.
John didn’t just survive. John didn’t just earn the average VW marketshare in his area…NO! He has five times (YES, FIVE TIMES) the average VW market share. IN AMARILLO TEXAS…where pick up trucks rule the road. Yes, most of my Uber’s were crew cab pickups I had to literally climb into.
Excuses are poison. And not only do they rob you of all the potential you truly have, but nobody even cares about them. Ok, maybe your mom. But that’s it.
I hope you find some inspiration and encouragement in this episode as we kick all of our weak excuses in the teeth and get busy, getting busy!
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
. . .
Making Excuses copyright Marty Robbins and Legacy Recordings
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Clarity Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
What started as a 12 part content series for dealers around Dale Pollak’s book Like I See It turned into a weekly audio AND video podcast that has generated tens of thousands of views and interactions, speaking engagements and an overall forward momentum in the auto industry and beyond when it comes to better branding, marketing, operations and CONNECTION.
. . .
Upcoming Speaking Appearances:
DrivingSales President’s Club: April 17
DMSC: May 19-21
. . .
Let’s Get It Started copyright Black Eyed Peas and Interscope Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It's true, people just don’t care about you.
They don’t want to hear about your 50th anniversary.
They don’t really care that your Great-Great-Great Grandpappy founded the company.
They don’t want you to tell them about all the awards you’ve won.
They certainly don’t believe that you are “different”.
It isn’t that these things aren’t good things. It's just that until you do the hard work of EMPATHETICALLY CONNECTING with potential customers, they can’t care, because you haven’t shown them that YOU care about them.
. . .
Resources:
GrowthCon
Donald Miller
Donald Miller’s “Building a Story Brand”
Brand-First Dealership Case Study
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There are certain moments where things just come together. This past week was one of them as I spent 6 days in San Francisco for the National Auto Dealers Association annual convention.
It became evident very quickly that my message of CLARITY is incredibly timely to the automotive industry, especially as it pertains to branding. The seismic shift in consumer demands has finally caught up. Consumers want more than a “deal”, they want to feel understood, valued and respected. They deserve it.
Over the years, auto dealers have become addicted to tactics, bullhorn style advertising and more recently data and algorithm hacks that are barely keeping their heads above water.
Pursing sales tactics that slightly ease the immediate symptoms of this changing landscape instead of a holistic and strategic deployment of a cure. Brand.
Frankly, living on a 30 day marketing cycle based on sniping the customer at the last minute is exhausting! I can see it in their eyes.
THE GOOD NEWS IS that there is relief. There is a better way. Brand-first execution.
But first, the addiction to the 30 day tactics must be broken. But just like any addiction, you need to admit you have one before you can more forward.
I talk about that and some other steps forward as we recorded this weeks podcast in a little corner of Union Square in San Francisco this week. I hope you are willing to hear the message…and DO something about it.
I don’t typically do this in our podcast, but if you didn’t know, my agency, CONGRUENT, helps auto dealers navigate these waters. The funny thing is, they SAVE money on their ad spend when they do. Our most recent case study on this is HERE.
Thanks for listening and I hope you have a GREAT WEEK full of CLARITY
. . .
California Love copyright Tupac and Death Row Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
You know those moments when something you’ve been feeling or saying gets validated by some other credible source? Well that was the story of my day at Gary Vaynerchuck’s Agent2021 conference. The topic? You guessed it… BRAND.
There is no shortcut. There is no hack. Those who put in the work will disproportionately win in the next 2-4 years of the internet. Whether you are an Auto Dealer, influencer, non-profit or otherwise, your understanding and commitment to being strategic about deploying brand WILL be the difference maker.
Focusing on the bottom of the funnel activity will leave you in a constant crap-shoot for trying to win customers. Maybe you will interrupt them at just the right time…or maybe your competitor will. That is why those who pay real attention to contextually connecting with potential customers BEFORE they are ready to buy is where the intelligent investment is made.
The truth is that most business owners and managers don’t have the vision, patience or discipline to do this. The same people who complain about millennial employees having and “instant gratification” mindset, do the SAME EXACT THING in their marketing.
I’ve decided to stop trying to convince the inconvincible.
I’ve decided to speak to and work with those who believe this concept is the truth…even if they don’t know how to execute yet.
This is what the CLARITY community is about.
. . .
Brand-First Dealership Case Study
Here is my current itinerary:
Jan 24-27: NADA, SanFrancisco CA > Workshop: A Crash Course In Dealership Branding
. . .
Take My Fire copyright Switchfoot and FanTasy Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
For the first (and probably last time) in my life, the words “Who are you, Barbara Walters?!” were spoken to me.
They came from this week’s guest, Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO of the CBT News Network and the Atlanta Small Business Network when I started asking him questions about his legacy.
Because that is really what drives a person. Ok, that is what SHOULD drive a person. It is what has driven the most meaningful contributors throughout history. No matter what the business accomplishments are, these lines of questioning are always the ones I find most interesting and engaging.
Regardless, Jim has a long history of entrepreneurial success. In the true spirit of entrepreneurship…he saw a need and created an effective solution. First in automotive and now he’s broadened his scope to the commercial powerhouse of Atlanta. His son now owns and runs a very successful marketing agency which Jim started. Furthermore, his current ventures are shared with his lovely wife, Bridget. He is a real example of how family business can work. He gives us some pointers on that very topic.
I hope you enjoy spending some time with Jim Fitzpatrick as much as I did.
. . .
Here is my current itinerary:
Jan 16-17: Agent 2021 Conference, Miami FL > Attending and video feature
Jan 24-27: NADA, SanFrancisco CA > Workshop: A Crash Course In Dealership Branding
. . .
Keep On Truckin’ copyright Eddie Kendricks and Tamla Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We often get in situations where we feel like we are a hostage to our situation. Consumer behaviors. Volatile markets. The political climate. Our financial outlook. AND THEN, there are all the things that really go deeper…our relationships. Our spouse or significant other. Our kids. Our friends. Our co-workers. Our social media followers…and on and on and on.
Let me be very direct with you. You are not a hostage. You don’t have to be a victim.
The CLARITY is you always have a choice.
YOU get to choose.
This week I share a couple of pages from one of my favorite books over the last year from former Navy Seal and Business-life coach, Jocko Willink. Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual that really bring this point home.
My hope is that together, we will gain enough CLARITY to stop blaming and start CHOOSING.
Choose to give customers what they want instead of complaining about their preferences.
Choose to own our own feelings and not make it someone else’s fault.
Choose to contribute at our jobs instead of being a part of the problem.
Choose to take our thoughts captive, before they carry us away.
It means so much to me that you invest some of your time with me and the rest of the CLARITY community. Please share it with someone you think might need to be a part of it!
. . .
Here is my current itinerary:
Jan 10: Mobile Tech Expo, Orlando FL> Workshop: Building Your Business w/ a Legacy Mindset
Jan 16-17: Agent 2021 Conference, Miami FL > Attending and video feature
Jan 24-27: NADA, SanFrancisco CA > Workshop: A Crash Course In Dealership Branding
. . .
The Choice Is Yours copyright Black Sheep and Mercury Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Will 2019 be a year of CLARITY or just more fog?
We’re ringing in the new year right for 2019. A new name, renewed trajectory and the desire to make this next year the clearest, most fulfilling year yet. I hope that you are gearing up to do the same. Why? Because we are all in the fight together.
So many times we make “resolutions” which are really nothing more than a dream. The best-intentioned wishful thinking leads us to state what we want to happen in 2019, but if we’re honest with ourselves we’re pretty sure we wont get there. So why do we do it? More importantly, why don’t we ever get there?
I used to sling resolutions around like it was my job, but never kept traction. Then, I learned some things that changed my perspective forever. This week I talk about the difference between dreams (or resolutions) and goals. I link up some practical tips I learned from leadership coach Michael Hyatt and discuss some of the progress I’ve been able to make as a result of listening to them.
I also discuss the trajectory for the CLARITY community and this podcast for the new year.
Here is my current itinerary:
Jan 10: Mobile Tech Expo, Orlando FL> Workshop: Building Your Business w/ a Legacy Mindset
Jan 16-17: Agent 2021 Conference, Miami FL > Attending and video feature
Jan 24-27: NADA, SanFrancisco CA > Workshop: A Crash Course In Dealership Branding
. . .
Michael Hyatt’s Guide to Goal Setting
Gonna Fly Now copyright Bill Conti and United Artists
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
As we recorded the last episode of the year, it’s a surreal thought that we only started 10 months ago. In this quick little episode, I take a little walk down the best moments of the year and talk about a bit of trajectory for 2019.
The emails and DM’s have been through the roof over the past few weeks and being able to connect and help businesses and individuals find some CLARITY. In fact, I can’t wait to scale it even further. This is why we’ve announced CLARITYCON 2019 where I want to help you and others cut through the fog even more. There aren’t a lot of details yet, but if you want to have a voice in shaping the event and be the FIRST TO KNOW new details, you can sign up at pursueclarity.com.
THANK YOU so much for being a part of such a memorable year and worth-while movement and we’ll see you in 2019!
Here is my current itinerary:
Jan 10: Mobile Tech Expo, Orlando FL> Workshop: Building Your Business w/ a Legacy Mindset
Jan 16-17: Agent 2021 Conference, Miami FL > Attending and video feature
Jan 24-27: NADA, SanFrancisco CA > Workshop: A Crash Course In Dealership Branding
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
On this week’s podcast, I spoke with the AJ Amyx, a growth strategist for creative entrepreneurs. I’m a big fan of AJ’s energy and insight, so I was glad to get him on the pod. I’m really happy with this episode and the CLARITY it brings to some life concepts that are important to me.
Key Takeaways
• Being the Same Person
• Understanding the Drama Triangle
• Expectations Vs Agreements
• Connect with AJ
I love meeting like-minded people. We get inspired off each other's experiences and ideas, and it brings a new perspective. If you connected with anything we said in the podcast or simply have a question you're struggling with, you're always welcome to drop me an email or connect on social.
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Right now, there’s all sorts of talk and murmurings about a coming recession. If you weren’t in business ten years ago, then you might not really understand what it’s like to do business in that sort of climate.
From someone whose been there: It’s a weird time to see stock prices drop, sales plummet, bailouts happen, etc. When there’s all sorts of upheaval in the marketplace, everyone gets scared. Those conditions create a lot of fear and that makes doing business harder in many ways.
One thing that I’m happy about now, even if there might be a recession on the way, is that I’m in the brand-building business.
Brand is something that holds its value. Even when the markets drop. Even when budgets shrink. Even when sales plummet. And the great thing about 2018 versus 2008 is that we have an idea that a recession or a market correction could be coming. We’re not going to get caught by surprise. And we can get prepare for it by building up our brand.
In this week’s podcast I cover the value of brand in the face of recession and detail how Congruent recently executed on a successful soft launch of a rebrand.
One quick note: If you haven’t connected on LinkedIn, there’s some great conversation happening. It’s not just a place to look for a new job anymore. Connect with me and follow along!
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week we are welcoming LOTS of new friends in to the COMPRESSED community.
Why do we have so many new friends you might ask?
Well, because Gary Vaynerchuk featured us on his podcast and released some co-produced content about the work we’ve been doing together over the past 7 months in the Vayner Mentors program on his social media channels.
More friends pursuing the message of CLARITY is always something to be excited about!
Now is a great time to re-calibrate and discuss the things that are the MOST meaningful to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and those who simply want to cut through the fog of life.
I hope you find the CLARITY and encouragement to take some “next steps” from this episode.
ONE MORE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT…WE’RE HAVING AN EVENT
We have officially announced CLARITYCON 2019 and I couldn’t be more excited. Many more details to come, but if you want to be 1st to know, sign up for updates here!
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Since we’re all thinking about gratitude, I also wanted to bring up a topic that I feel is related. This is related to last week’s episode where I talked about the importance of having tough conversations. Everyone here knows that growth takes hard work and some pain. I call this pain the TRANSACTION OF GROWTH.
We all fall into different cliche traps when we talk about business. 10x’ing growth. Grinding. Leveling up. But we don’t always talk about the pain of it. The transaction costs.
So this week’s episode is pretty brief, but it links up gratitude with the transaction of growth. Something to keep you all dialed in and making new connections as we ride out the year.
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Turning 40 on the Dealers Compressed Podcast has me a little introspective this week as I discuss managing the speed of life in a way that isn’t so…well, URGENT! I visit the thinking of a couple of leaders/authors I respect greatly. One old, one new.
Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Leaders introduced me to the concept of breaking life into four quadrants. This simple principle has helped me size up what I’m spending time on and recalibrate. I can really say that if there was one principle I wish I could sear into my retinas it would be this one because Covey’s framework can bring quick and thorough CLARITY.
Next up is someone I’ve mentioned on the podcast several times, best selling author, speaker and former Navy Seal Jocko Willink. He has a great perspective on not having to have any really tough conversations. What?! How is that possible as a leader to have that be the truth? The secret lies in being willing to have lots of small tough conversations so you never have to have the big ones. More CLARITY.
Both of these concepts work REALLY well together. Like many of the things I talk about, they work in business and parenting and relationships and on and on.
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
This week’s reading list:• Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Follow Jocko Willink on Twitter
• Extreme Ownership by Jock Willink
I Don't Wanna Be by Gavin DeGraw copyright Gavin DeGraw and J Records.
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Dear Mark,
Every week we push our community of auto dealers to be better. You do the same to inspire your community. With the launch of Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet, we'd love to introduce you to our audience. I think you'll find yourself in good company.
Let's connect!
Paul J Daly
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Copyright Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch and Interscope Records.
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week feels good.
We are fortunate enough to be one of the first outlets in the country to cover a bomb-drop of an upcoming product release from vAuto. We have Dale Pollak as a guest talking about a big secret which is about to change the auto industry…again. There have been whispers in the industry regarding what is going on and my hope is that this interview brings some much needed CLARITY and expectation.
I have a little bit of an advantage on this one since my agency, Congruent, was tapped by Dale and vAuto to produce launch content for this new product. Although it means a great deal to be entrusted with this responsibility, I’m more excited for the opportunity to tell the story behind the story. The story of a man willing to risk his legacy to act in the best interest of the industry and people he has sworn to protect.
That being said, enjoy this weeks episode and siphon from the energy and passion of a man still waking up at 4am excited to be on the hunt!
This Week’s Homework:
vAuto’s Learning Center
Dale Pollak’s Blog
Here is my current itinerary:January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Not Too Late by Moon Taxi. Copyright Moon Taxi and RCA Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Clarity is something I’m obsessive about. Not because it benefits me, but because it benefits everyone; Your customers, your team, and yourself. When any type of communication isn’t clear, things begin to go wrong. Assumptions and misinterpretations often take over and we end up with a mess. At best, we’ve wasted a lot of time.
This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Oli Gardner, co-founder of Unbounce, a company whose vision is to empower businesses to create better marketing experiences. Frankly, Oli’s level of data-supported intuition was very impressive. His keynote at the Driving Sales Executive Summit had the 1000+ person audience leaning in, taking notes, and laughing…a lot.
Here is my current itinerary:
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
This Week’s Homework:
Follow Oli on Twitter
Oli’s #DSES Presentation
Unbounce
A/B Test Calculator
Conversion Centered Design
Viva Las Vegas covered by The Killers. Copyright Elvis Presley and RCA Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
If I had to describe this influential COO in one word, it would be balanced. No... maybe it would be intelligent Or maybe poised. Open-handed might be a good one. Anyway... you get it!
I had the privilege of interviewing one of the businessmen I look up to most, James Orsini; Chief Operating Officer of the explosive, game changing empire that is VaynerMedia. Sure... millions and millions of people know and follow Gary Vaynerchuk. But a visionary like that needs someone to execute. When Gary keeps throwing Hail Marys, someone needs to catch it in the end zone. That someone is James.
James has served in some major global roles as the COO of Interbrand, EVP of Finance and Operations for Saatchi & Saatchi, and the President and CEO of SITO Mobil.
Since I first met him in February of this year, he has quickly become a true mentor. The more I get to know him, the deeper my admiration grows. Not only does he have a long list of professional successes, but he balances that with great success as a husband, father, and community servant.
It is my absolute privilege to introduce him to the Dealers Compressed community. This might be a great week to share with a friend.
Here is my current itinerary:
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Reading List:
Connect With James Orsini on LinkedIn
JimmyThePencil on Twitter
Maplecrest Ford
Empire State of Mind copyright Jay-Z and Atlantic Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There are two words that have always reaped more return for me than any other.
Go. Do.
For those of us who are immersed in a fast-paced, competitive world, they are essential. Because life and business are competitive. If we aren’t progressing, growing and intentionally seeking out improvement…well, someone else who is will take what we once called ours.
First, Go. I find that when I get out of my usual routine and change my scenery, new ideas and fresh perspective begin to bring clarity to the murky day in, day out. Sometimes this means getting out of the office for a couple hours and working from another location. Sometimes it means going to a conference out of state. Sometimes it means flying to NYC for the day with no agenda and just walking 20 miles. (True story).
But it can’t stop there. Once you find clarity, you have to DO something about it. Implement something you learned as immediately as possible. Commit to making one small change which will hold you accountable to the clarity.
Clarity is extremely perishable.
This week I was able to snag a few minutes with Kendell Griffen, CX manager for Nissan as we talk about the holistic approach needed to give the customer what they are looking for. I think its appropriate that we met at a conference. Going. Doing.
Speaking of going and doing, we’ve got a busy week planned!
I’ll be at vAuto’s exclusive Access Velocity event in Chicago this week where we are helping out by producing content for an exciting and secret new product launch…
After that its off to the Driving Sales Executive Summit where I’ll be presenting the workshop “A Crash Course in Dealership Branding” on Sunday at 4pm at the Bellagio Hotel in LasVegas.
If you are going to be at either one, I’d consider it a privilege to meet you!
Go. Do.
Here is my current itinerary:
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Reading List:
Connect with Kendall Griffin
Scenes from Pain & Gain copyright Paramount Pictures
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
(Psst…there’s promo codes for some upcoming auto dealer conferences at the bottom of this!)
Speechless. That was my response when I was asked by a co-worker about my trip to the Ciocca Auto Group based in Allentown, PA. Now I’ve had the privilege of being in and out of hundreds of dealerships throughout my career in automotive. I’ve seen all types of leadership. Good leaders, dysfunctional leaders, brilliant leaders, co-dependent leaders, temperamental leaders and on and on. RARELY have I found generational leadership which was so well executed, that the incoming generation truly garners the same respect as the former.
I expected a great interview with Gregg Jr. What I didn’t expect is the conversation I was able to have with his father and founder, Gregg Ciocca Sr. What started as a brief introduction turned into an almost 2 hour conversation about people, legacy and a real commitment to both of them. I understood immediately why the environment at Ciocca is magnetic.
I hope you enjoy this interview with the torchbearer of the Ciocca legacy. As usual, it is my hope that all the content we produce will cause us to be better as an industry and better as people.
Here is my current itinerary:
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Reading List:
Ciocca Dealerships
Ciocca Welcomes Mercedes-Benz of Flemington to the Family
Ciocca Group Named To List of Nation’s Top Sellers
Ciocca Spotlight on Dealers Compressed Episode 18
Tractor Supply Co. Core Values
A Message To Garcia
Motown Philly copyright Boyz II Men and Motown Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
(Psst…there’s promo codes for some upcoming auto dealer conferences at the bottom of this!)
We made it one-third of the way on our journey to episode 100. We’re on the path. We’re IN process.
It should be no surprise to anyone in the automotive industry that things are changing…again. As a matter of fact, if you don’t understand and embrace the nature of the change, it might be a great time to find an exit. The truth is, it’s not just automotive, it’s life.
Today we talk about being committed to the process, because that is where it really goes down. That is where mindset matters most. It is where perspective is the difference between winning and losing. You know… CLARITY.
We talk about this and some interesting developments from the Cars.com UX which takes some cues from dating sites in the never ending search for the perfect process of searching for a new car.
Thanks for being a part of the process with me and the rest of the Dealers Compressed community.
The goal is the road.
Here is my current itinerary:
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Reading List:
Jocko Willink
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink
Cars.com Borrows From the Dating Site Playbook
Original Dealers Compressed Web-Series
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Billy Beane
Tubthumping copyright Chumbawumba and EMI Records
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
(Psst…there’s promo codes for some upcoming auto dealer conferences at the bottom of this!)
We pass along some ancient advice this week…wait for it…
You reap what you sow.
I love this phrase so much. It has the word “you” on both sides of the equation. There is no room for the blame game. No room for excuses. Nowhere to run. Only accountability.
You know that I like to talk about things that are truths which can be applied in many areas of life. Truths which are applicable in work life, relationships, parenting, fitness, finances etc. This is one of them.
When we find ourselves in all types of good and bad scenarios, it is incredibly important to understand what we ‘sowed’ in order to reap these results. Maybe you never want to do that again to avoid the pain. Maybe you want to do it as many times as possible to repeat the win. Either way, you can only do so if you know what you did to get you here.
We talk a little about Netflix’s recent wins at the Emmy’s and how they tie back to their investment in creating the right content. We talk about the differences between investments in AdWords, employment videos and brand building.
Its my deep hope that sowing into the Dealers Compressed community will reap long term relationships, stronger businesses, more impactful growth and some good, old fashioned positivity.
I’m sincerely grateful for your desire to be a part of the movement.
Here is my current itinerary:
October 1-2: ELEVATE conference by Hireology in Chicago: (attending only)
PROMO CODE: ELEVATE_DALY for 10% off!
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
Human copyright The Killers and Island Records
Reading List:
Netflix and HBO Tie For Emmy Wins
Congruent
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
. . .
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
(Psst…there’s promo codes for some upcoming auto dealer conferences at the bottom of this!)
I remember September - December of 2008 VERY clearly. Now that there is a decade between us, I thought it would be a good time to do a throwback to a time when we set off on an incredibly turbulent season in the car business and the economy in general. We hit some of the highlights (or more appropriately, low-lights) as I talk about the EXTREMELY important space between when a situation gets our attention and our reaction to it.
Lehman Brothers, Citigroup, auto bailouts, bankruptcies, cash for clunkers…it was NUTS!!! I was on the bleeding edge of going out of business as our customers, dealers, we’re getting crushed…but we didn’t.
As an industry, we didn’t. Nobody said it was easy.
During that time we got better, stronger and smarter. It’s been a strong run lately and a downturn will certainly come again. The only thing we can do about it is react well.
Lets hone those skills now…together. Its good to be in the fight.
Speaking of being together, I’m going to be out and about attending and speaking at several conferences over the next several months. I hope you will come out and allow us to meet in person! We’ve also been given some promo codes for our listeners…
Here is my current itinerary:
October 1-2: ELEVATE conference by Hireology in Chicago: (attending only)
PROMO CODE: ELEVATE_DALY for 10% off!
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
The Scientist copyright Coldplay and Capitol Records
PS…There was ONE bright spot during that season courtesy of my hometown, Philadelphia as the Phillies won the World Series…just sayin’.
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
(Psst…there’s promo codes for some upcoming auto dealer conferences at the bottom of this!)
Sometimes you just need a moment to catch up. That’s just what we did on Episode 30 as I went all in on the reality of seasons in life. Everything in business and life submit to the basic principles of the “ups and downs”, the “ebb and flow”, the “wins and losses”.
There aren’t many exceptions. We face seasons in personal growth, the weather, our careers, changing consumer sentiment, generational preferences, our relationships, health, and on and on…
I’ve found that the key isn’t to fight the seasons. It’s impossible. The key is to REALIZE that the time you are in right now is only a season. It will not last forever. Whether it is a season full of good things or a season full of challenging things…IT. WILL. NOT. LAST. FOREVER!
Once you have CLARITY on that truth, you can then live more effectively, take less for granted when there is an abundance, and have the patience you need to push through the hard times.
In the car business, we are in a season. A season of great change and great opportunity.
I’m enjoying spending this season with the Dealers Compressed community as we learn, grow and improve together.
I also talk about what I’m up to and where I’m going to be in Q4 as we kick off CONFERENCE SEASON! I know that a lot of our listeners attend conferences and thought it would be great if we could meet in person. Also, some of the events have been kind enough to offer our listeners discounts on several events
Here is my current itinerary:
October 1-2: ELEVATE conference by Hireology in Chicago: (attending only)
PROMO CODE: ELEVATE_DALY for 10% off!
October 21-23: Driving Sales Executive Summit, Las Vegas : (Speaking on the 21st at 4pm)
PROMO CODE: DALYVIP for $100 off!
January 24-27: NADA Convention, San Francisco: (Speaking: Time and location TBD)
All Or Nothing At All copyright Switchfoot and Atlantic Records
Reading List:
Rethink Selling by Brandin Wilkinson
Have a great week!
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
The future belongs to the courageous. I hope you find a little here.
TWO IN A ROW! We have another innovative thinker/operator on this weeks show as we talk about some high-tech push back in auction level acquisitions. Jonathan Hakes, the used car director of the Dorschel Automotive Group in Rochester, NY tells us all about his experience hosting a Mannheim physical auction at the dealership. We discuss how this is a response to the disruptive approach of ACV auctions and similar offerings.
Change is healthy, but not easy. Sometimes it’s terrifying. So I take a moment to talk about why most of us are change adverse and do my best to bring some CLARITY to the feelings which often linger below the surface. There is no way to grow without change. There is no way to engage change without fear. (HINT: It’s impossible to be courageous unless you are first afraid.)
Waiting On The World To Change copyright John Mayer and Columbia Records
This week’s reading list:
How To Run A Marathon Without Getting Tired
Connect with Jonathan Hakes
Manheim Mobile Auctions
. . .
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Its a special day on the DC Pod today as we welcome a very special guest, Brandin Wilkinson. Brandin is a young, innovative dealer who convinces customers to drive lots of miles just to do business with his Dodge store.
Heres a hint…it has to do with CULTIVATION of his team and his brand…
I kick it off with a few words from my 15 years of experience playing the long game in entrepreneurship, business and life in general. I’m not the sharpest pencil in the box…but I’m making my mark. You should too. We should, together.
Well, that has always been the goal of the Dealers Compressed community and this week we go a little deeper.
Middle of Nowhere copyright Hot Hot Heat and Sire Records
This week’s reading list:
Bryce Harper's Training Regimen
Meet Brandin Wilkinson
Woodworth Dodge
Brent Fikowski
Eric Hinman
Rethink Selling
Simon Sinek on Community and Business
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Come together. Without a doubt, humans crave community. Its the counterpoint of relationship, safety, provision and progress. It is where we find meaning. The brilliant thinker, Seth Godin simply encourages us to “Find the others.”
Well, that has always been the goal of the Dealers Compressed community and this week we go a little deeper.
Come Together copyright The Beatles and Apple Records
This week’s reading list:
Tribes by Seth Godin
Hireology Elevate Conference- Use promo code "Elevate_Daly" for 10% off!
CDK Partners With Lyft
——————
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Last week we talked about process. This interview is the result of a long one. We’re (especially Paul) excited to release this exclusive interview with Dale Pollak, automotive visionary, Founder of vAuto, EVP at Cox Automotiveand all around caring man.
As business becomes more relational and engaging, communication plays a heavier factor in how we interact with our customers. Empathy is the key to hacking these interactions.
Beat It copyright Michael Jackson and Epic Records
This week’s reading list:
Gary Vaynerchuk’s 51/49 Principle
The Case for Empathy in Marketing
Sonic Sells Stores
——————
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
We hope you enjoy listening and watching as much as we enjoyed producing it!
——————
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Last week we talked about process. This interview is the result of a long one. We’re (especially Paul) excited to release this exclusive interview with Dale Pollak, automotive visionary, Founder of vAuto, EVP at Cox Automotiveand all around caring man.
Sitting in the game room of the vAuto headquarters in the Chicago area, Paul and Dale talk about automotive, working together and of course many of the topics in Dale’s recent book, Like I See It. The interview goes a little deeper as Dale talks about why he is still working and gives his prediction regarding what the next 12 months holds for the auto industry.
We hope you enjoy listening and watching as much as we enjoyed producing it!
——————
DID YOU KNOW that the Dealers Compressed Podcast started as a creative visual production around the book “Like I See It”. We created it independently to give auto dealers an accessible way to engage the book and hopefully spread the timely message to their staff and others in the industry. We hope that YOU will use it in your dealership!
It’s engaging.
It’s FREE.
Its right HERE!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This week takes on a different feel than usual as I recount a notable day at vAuto headquarters in Chicago with Founder and visionary, Dale Pollak. The truth is, every worthwhile event in life never happens in an instant. It is the result of process. This is true in business, parenting, personal development, etc.
Next week we will be releasing this exclusive interview with Dale where my opening question seeks some clarity on why Dale set aside time for…me???
Thank you for being a part of this community and I couldn’t be more energized to pursue CLARITY together!
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Blockbuster? Out of business. Toys R Us? Out of business. Local television? Getting crushed by Netflix and Hulu. So do we really want their advice on advertising?
Loser copyright Beck and DGC Records
Articles Referenced:
Carvana's commercial
Don't Listen To Blockbuster
Amazon's Holiday Catalog
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Your reputation is facing the same transparency that the retail industry faces. Anyone can go online and tell complete strangers what they think about you or your business. Brand management is more important than ever.
Bad Reputation copyright Joan Jett and Boardwalk Records
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
It's hot. Customers don't want to walk a lot for their new car. They want to research it online like everything else they bought this week.
Summertime copyright Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Jive Records.
Articles Referenced:
CarMax Boosts Online Buying
Facebook Steps Into 3D Memories
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Keeping gratitude in the top of your mind is often a challenge, but we're not waiting until Thanksgiving to reflect.
Philadelphia Freedom copyright Elton John and DJM Records.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
The change of seasons and the launch of IGTV brings some thoughts on where you can fit in.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
On the back of Father's Day, we discuss the legacies of dealerships as family businesses and their positioning for growth as acquisitions are on the rise.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Paul recaps his experience at the 2018 DMSC conference in NAPA held by PCG Consulting.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
There’s a stigma with salespeople across all industries, but if you can fix the problem internally, your employees can fix it externally.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Gary Vaynerchuk built a business around paying attention to the world around him and then "hacking" that attention. He challenges listeners to do the same.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Drive Motors is doing something special in the way they take notes from huge players in progressive industries to align dealership operations with customer experience. We took some time with their SVP of Customer Experience, Matt Weinberg, to get some insight on how customers actually view dealers and what dealers can do to start fixing it.
Thanks to Matt and the team at Drive Motors for coordinating this episode with us. Visit DriveMotors.com to learn more or you can reach out to Matt directly at matt@drivemotors.com or 561.926.0455
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
In a business built on trust and relationships, your brand is not the manufacturer you represent, but your perception in your community. It's time to pivot our brands.
Special thanks to CBT News, Dale Pollak, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Sean V Bradley for use of their clips. Check them out at CBTNews.com, vAuto.com, GaryVaynerchuk.com, and SeanVBradley.com.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
This interview took place before Dale Pollak’s ‘Like I See It’ was even released and the thoughts presented hold true today. Insights like this show just how valuable forward-thinking is in the automotive industry.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
As progress pushes forward, dealers need to find their blue ocean to thrive.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
As larger corporations start to acquire smaller dealerships, it's important to stay educated on the inefficiencies that force the mentality of "join or die".
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
You deal with them daily, but there's little you can do besides educate yourself. To match increasing transparency in service, keeping yourself educated is key to serving your customers best.
Note: At first mention, we refer to the CFPB as the CPFB. To clarify, it is the CFPB. Apologies for the mix-up.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Dealerships might feel like culture changes and branding are bigger tasks than they feel comfortable changing, but this week, we cover something you can implement right away.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Customers used to spend hours driving from lot to lot until they found THE car. Now, they spend hours online and visit less than 2 dealerships when they are shopping for a new car. Have you adapted to the change?
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Do you know what you biggest investment is? People. Automotive turnover rates are atrocious and that makes fighting for better company culture WAY more difficult that it needs to be. Special guest Adam Robinson, founder and CEO of Hireology, sits with Paul to talk about effectively hiring and implementing company culture for dealerships.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
We all hate taxes, but have we added extra taxes to our used vehicles? Have we even noticed how they affect our business?
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Over time, there are things that no longer make sense to do on your own. There's a major factor that dealers often overlook when analyzing internal costs: Time.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
When 99% of customers expect a hassle, when will we admit that something in the industry NEEDS to change?
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
Picking up right where we left off, Paul dives into the 4 major threats dealers face today. What is your biggest struggle? Where do you think you need guidance?
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
In the first episode of the Dealers Compressed podcast, we identify 4 direct threats to the current automotive dealership model. Are you ready to address these? Are you a proactive or reactive dealer? This episode will help you find out.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook
'Dealers Compressed' was born out of a desire to make car dealers aware of the challenges that are impacting the automotive industry. Image Auto founder, Paul J Daly, decided that we needed to take responsibility for making the industry better.
. . .
pauljdaly.com
Connect with Paul J Daly on LinkedIn
Follow along on Instagram
Follow Paul J Daly on Twitter
Like Paul J Daly on Facebook