Ask an Expert by Propelo

In this episode, we dive into the world of marketing with Rob Murray, CEO and Co-founder of Intrigue Media. Rob challenges the traditional approach of trying to convince everyone to love your product. Instead, he reveals the marketer's secret weapon: finding those who already adore what you offer.

The episode goes beyond theory, offering actionable advice. Rob discusses the tenacity needed to find your ideal customers, but also introduces the "3SWN" principle: "Some will, some won't; so what? Next!" This powerful concept helps you move on from rejection and focus on the potential "yeses" waiting around the corner.

Finally, Rob emphasizes the importance of authenticity, both for your brand and your individual marketing efforts. He shares the inspiring quote: "Every single time you get a ‘no’ you’re closer to the ‘yes’. Embrace the no, get the answer and then move on to the next one."

Join us as we learn how to ditch the generic marketing tactics and find your true fans!

Are you struggling to understand why your product isn't selling? 

In this episode, pricing expert Hermann Simon, founder of Simon-Kucher & Partners, dives deep into the concept of perceived value and how it impacts your pricing strategy.
 
You'll learn how to assess customer perception, along with practical tips on using conjoint measurement to maximize your profit. Hermann also discusses the role of innovation and market share in difficult economic times.

This episode is for you if:

• You're a business owner struggling to price your product competitively
• Your sales are lower than expected
• You're unsure how to measure customer perception of your product

Tune in and unlock the pricing secrets of hidden champions!

Looking to climb the career ladder and make a difference? This video explores 3 key ingredients for success:

1. Tenacity & Goal-Setting: Learn from Melissa Eichbauer, a recognized leader, on how clear goals and unwavering determination can propel you forward.
   
   
   
2. Adaptability & Innovation: Discover how Finley Volkswagen thrived during the pandemic by embracing online sales and prioritizing customer convenience.
   
   
   
3. Enhancing the Customer Experience & Community Involvement: See how businesses can win by putting customers first and giving back to the community.
   
   
   

Melissa shares valuable insights on leadership, empathy, and creating a positive impact. Be inspired to achieve your goals and make a real difference!

Business guru Verne Harnish, known for books like "Scaling Up," shares valuable advice applicable to any company. He emphasizes prioritizing customer needs over sales ("giving before taking"). He also challenges the typical view of differentiation, arguing for a truly focused target market. As Harnish says, "the richest are in the niches."

Mark Graham, co-founder of Commonsku, tackles both the challenges and the potential of the promotional products industry. He explores the fate of those pens and stress balls we leave behind in hotels, contrasting them with the high-quality items we hold onto. This disparity highlights the industry's struggles. But Graham doesn't just dwell on the problems; he offers a solution: fostering a strong community. He explains how Commonsku's innovative software bridges the gap between distributors and suppliers, fostering collaboration across the entire supply chain. This isn't just about software – it's about connection. By fostering authentic connections within the industry, Commonsku empowers distributors and suppliers to interact and collaborate effectively. In essence, Graham details the evolution of Commonsku, a platform that has transformed from a simple product into a powerful tool that unites the promotional product community.

Margaret Heffernan, a renowned entrepreneur, CEO, author, and keynote speaker, dives deep into the ever-present reality of uncertainty. From navigating personal challenges to navigating global shifts, Heffernan emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown and fostering the skills necessary to thrive in dynamic environments.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life: Recognizing this allows us to approach challenges with a proactive mindset.
• Preparation is key: While we can't predict the future, we can be prepared to adapt by developing scenario planning and critical thinking skills.
• Embrace experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new things and learn from failures. Experimentation is crucial for innovation and growth.
• Stay informed and engaged: Be an active participant in shaping the future by staying informed about current events and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Heffernan's insights offer valuable guidance for individuals and organizations alike, empowering them to navigate uncertainty with confidence and initiative.

Using Swag More Intentionally and Thoughtfully by Joseph Sommer

Discover the dynamic world of promotional products with Joseph Sommer, the entrepreneurial mind behind Whitestone Branding. In this podcast, Joseph recounts his journey from a culinary enthusiast to the founder of a successful marketing agency. Uncover the challenges of saying "no," scaling a business, and securing major deals, including the Washington Nationals.

Explore the evolution of Whitestone's marketing strategies, from overcoming scaling hurdles to rebranding for a polished image. Joseph sheds light on the misunderstood realm of promotional products, emphasizing strategic thinking over throwaway swag.

Get real-world examples of impactful and misjudged promotional campaigns, along with insights into KPIs that define success. Joseph predicts the future of promotional products, envisioning a shift towards sustainability and creative integration into virtual and in-person events.

Before you dive into promotional products, Joseph leaves you with three vital questions: Does it surprise and delight? Will it be used? Is it of high quality for a potential re-gift? If you resonate with two out of three, promotional products might be the strategic boost your brand needs.

Join us for Promo Unveiled, where Joseph Sommer shares his expertise, providing a fresh take on turning swag into a potent tool for marketing success.

Jesse Cole is the owner of the viral sensation Savannah Bananas, a baseball team that has sold out every home game since the 2016 season. But it wasn’t like this at the beginning, as Jesse explains. With a lot of adversity came the realization that they had to be dramatically different, so they challenged themselves to create an unforgettable customer experience. 

Join us in this episode as Hilary Corna, a seasoned professional with a background in process optimization at Toyota, unveils a groundbreaking approach that places humanity at the forefront of business. Discover how her unconventional, "unprofessional" approach encourages authenticity, allowing individuals and organizations to shed pretenses and connect on a genuine level, fostering a more loyal customer base.

Intriguingly, Hilary kicks off the conversation by delving into the importance of embracing this human-centric philosophy, even within the realm of process optimization. We explore the correlation between improving the customer experience and directing the same effort towards understanding customers on a personal level.

Hilary also shares insights from her recent transformative experience at Burning Man, shedding light on how it has shaped her perspective and influenced her clients in understanding their business's trajectory.

What sets this episode apart is the wealth of practical examples Hilary provides, showcasing how businesses can infuse humanity into their operations. Learn from success stories like Scribe Media, who have personalized their invoices to add a human touch to otherwise mundane aspects of business. Tune in for a captivating discussion on revolutionizing the business landscape with a human-centric approach.

Welcome to today's episode of the Untangled Entrepreneur Podcast. In this edition, we delve into the insights and experiences of Jonathan Domsky, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of expertise. As the Founder of Untangled Coaching, Jonathan's mission is to ignite the growth and potential of fellow entrepreneurs.

In this exclusive Ask an Expert Interview, Jonathan shares his remarkable journey, from an impulsive decision resulting in the establishment of his first company, Kidorable, to his adept utilization of key industry connections that facilitated the rapid expansion of his business to over 2,500 retail locations.

Moreover, he imparts invaluable wisdom on the significance of recognizing and nurturing one's passion and purpose, emphasizing the vital intersection between personal fulfillment, proficiency, societal needs, and financial viability.

Listeners will gain profound insights into breaking detrimental habits and routines, as well as discovering the secrets behind sustained motivation and productivity in the ever-evolving landscape of remote work. Jonathan's tips on navigating complexities, both professional and personal, will undoubtedly inspire and guide you towards your own entrepreneurial success.

Tune in as Jonathan Domsky unravels the fundamental principles that drive success, offering practical tools to cut through the noise and carve a path towards a purposeful and prosperous entrepreneurial journey.