Author to Authority

Jay Aigner is a seasoned entrepreneur and business growth expert with a rich background in software testing and quality assurance. As the CEO of Gdaqa, a leading software testing agency, Jay has successfully built a thriving business from the ground up, starting as a one-man consulting shop. His perspective on business growth and entrepreneurship is centered around the idea of scaling one's business by delegating tasks and focusing on the core aspects of the business. He believes that entrepreneurs should not try to do everything themselves, but instead focus on the things they are good at and enjoy doing. Aigner also emphasizes the importance of finding and understanding one's target customer, as well as establishing a mechanism to consistently attract and retain customers. His diverse background and experience working in various industries have equipped him with a unique perspective on entrepreneurship. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Jay Aigner on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to learn more about Jay's insights on business growth and entrepreneurship.

Episode Outline: (00:02:21) From One-Man Shop to Thriving Organization(00:06:37) The Power of Hustling for Success(00:11:45) Growth and success through rejection in sales(00:15:48) The Importance of Valuing Good Employees(00:17:28) Delegating for Business Growth and Success(00:26:55) Outsourcing for Time and Cost Efficiency(00:30:28) The Power of Entrepreneurial Mentoring Bio: My name is Jay Aigner, CEO of JDAQA a software testing agency with around $2M ARR. Father of 5, student pilot, and amateur astrophotographer. My 5 for 5 (5 am wakeup, workout, stretch, meditate, and journal) has been something friends, family members, and fans of my podcast have keyed on as something they really appreciate. 
 I also host a podcast called The First Customer where I interview successful founders about how they got their first customer.
 I've been featured on a couple podcasts and would be honored to be a guest on your show. I think I would provide a relatable story for your audience as someone who went from the 9-5 to consulting to the freedom of running my own business. My family is also currently being featured in a documentary about time management and successful people spend it.www.JDAQA.comwww.firstcustomerpodcast.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/

Carrie Pierce is a seasoned writer with over two decades of professional experience, including a background in the film and TV industry, and a co-founder of Morgan Pierce Media and Publishing. Carrie's unique insights on creating wholesome children's literature and overcoming writing challenges stem from her own journey. Initially, she pursued a career in the film industry due to a lack of discipline in writing, but found her way back to her passion through writing health and beauty articles, which eventually led her to craft children's stories and become an editor. Her experiences of being taken advantage of as a young author inspired her to start a publishing house to help other authors avoid similar negative experiences. She believes in the importance of writing material that resonates with readers, inspires them, and teaches them without talking down to or over their heads. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Carrie Pierce on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to learn more about her unique perspective and experiences. 

Episode Outline: (00:02:34) Need for Wholesome Children's Literature(00:06:04) Burnout in Writing(00:10:20) Ghostwriting(00:15:19) Balancing Editor Suggestions(00:24:44) The Importance of Book Cover and Marketing Blurb(00:29:38) Connecting with Carrie Pierce Bio: Carrie E. Pierce has written professionally for over twenty years, building a solid international reputation. During that time, Carrie discovered there was a real need for wholesome, quality children’s literature that could also be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as they read aloud. She understood the concern parents and grandparents felt as they struggled to find children’s stories they could trust and feel good about sharing with the young ones in their lives. Because of that realization, Carrie understands how important it is to keep storytime safe. 
 Eager to fill this niche, she began prayerfully crafting quality stories from the heart that contain important life lessons; written in a style that doesn’t talk ‘down’ to children.  
 Carrie’s stories always contain age-appropriate themes - free of agendas and teach wholesome, important life lessons.  
 Having experienced heartbreak and tragedy firsthand and seeing many of her dreams come true, Carrie speaks with a rich insight into the human heart and an honest voice holding nothing back. 
 
 Born in New Orleans and raised in Central Texas, Carrie now lives in Idaho. Over her lengthy career as a seasoned guest, Carrie has proven compelling and forthright. You- and your listeners- won’t be disappointed! 
 Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing is a premium-level, hybrid publisher that removes the intimidation often felt on the publishing journey by providing authors with the comprehensive publishing services they need before, during, and after their book launch. 

Joanne Bolt, a southern mama with a snarky attitude, has made a significant impact in the world of podcasting as a strategic tool for business growth. With a background in running a $56 million real estate team, Joanne transitioned to her true passion of helping women build their businesses. Joanne's unique insights on podcasting as a strategic tool for business growth stem from her emphasis on having a system and strategy in place, whether you have your own podcast or are a guest on other podcasts. Through her Podcast her network, she has created a community specifically for women podcasters, teaching them how to monetize their podcasts and run their businesses effectively. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Joanne Bolt on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to learn more about Joanne's unique perspective and strategies.  

Episode Outline: (00:01:43) Joanne Bolt(00:05:20) Podcasting(00:14:35) Purpose(00:17:59) Offer(00:25:34) Evolution of Podcasting(00:29:13) Effectiveness of Smaller Podcasts(00:35:03) Joanne Bolt's Resources Bio: Joanne Bolt is a southern momma with a snarky attitude who ran a $56 million dollar real estate team before turning to her true passion-helping women build the business they dream of. Host of The B-Word Podcast and founder of Podcast(H)er Network, Joanne builds community for women podcasters to get out of the messy middle and into action to achieve their unapologetically ambitious goals. If you want to learn more about the P.R.O.F.I.T system that Joanne talked about in the episode go to www.joannebolt.com/profit 

Braith Bamkin, an accomplished professional and Executive Director of BNI Melbourne Central, has dedicated his career to supporting thousands of business people in achieving new levels of success. With a deep understanding of the power of giving and knowing one's target market, Bamkin believes that genuine acts of giving without expecting anything in return lead to the most fruitful outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and solving their problems as the primary purpose of any business. Furthermore, Bamkin highlights the significance of identifying and understanding one's target market, comparing this focused approach to a ship's prow, allowing for smoother progress and easier navigation through the business world. His insights, gained from running several businesses of his own and serving as a trusted advisor in the industry, are shared in his book, "Breathe Easy: Simple Ways to Stay Well Connected." Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Braith Bamkin on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to delve deeper into these insights. 
Episode Outline:(00:10:08) The Benefits of Giving(00:11:18) Building a Successful Business(00:13:43) Knowing Your Target Market(00:21:45) Importance of Perspective(00:24:31) Personalization in Marketing(00:30:08) Writing and Publishing a Book 

Bio: Are your audience members seeking new ways to grow their business?  Let me take them back to the future and share my knowledge on generating business by being clear on their target market, building relationships and generating referrals. 
 I've supported thousands of business people to take their business to new heights through my role as BNI Melbourne Central Executive Director.  I’m a CPM (Certified Practicing Marketer) who has corporate experience but lives in and loves the small business world. 
 I've also run several of my own businesses as well as done time in corporate - so it's fair to say, I know my stuff!  
 If you want dry and boring, I'm not your guy.

Bridgit Norris, a game-changing leadership coach, has made a significant impact in the corporate world, particularly in the construction industry, with her no-nonsense approach and straight talking. Bridgit holds a unique perspective on embracing uniqueness and creating a movement, believing that it is more important than building a business as it allows for a deeper sense of purpose and legacy. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's disruptor point of view and overcoming fear to fully embrace it, leading to a shift in business and a sense of fulfillment. Bridgit gained these insights through her own journey of self-discovery and her experiences in helping others understand their own values and strengths. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Bridgit Norris on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to learn more about embracing your uniqueness and creating a movement. 

 Episode Outline: 
(00:10:06) Strengths(00:11:09) Creating a Movement(00:13:13) Disrupting the Industry(00:16:26) Ethical Publishing(00:27:22) Building a Business with Integrity(00:29:16) Connecting with Bridgit 

Bio:Bridgit is a game-changing Leadership Coach who uses a conscious and ethical approach to help her clients achieve success in both their businesses and personal lives. She is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach and her weekly community "THE REVOLT WEEKLY" which serves as a support group for rule-breaking individuals looking for inspiration, guidance, and real talk. Bridgit is a leader of a revolution and her community is filled with like-minded individuals ready to break free and create something extraordinary. 

Alexa Nazzaro is a seasoned professional in the realm of memoirs and publishing, with a rich background in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a successful career as the founder of Axel Author Services. Alexa holds unique insights on the power and benefits of memoirs, viewing them not merely as vessels of knowledge, but as models for learning from diverse life experiences. She underscores the value of memoirs in offering profound insights and inspiration, while also shedding light on the challenges of creating engaging children's books and the common misconception that they are simpler to write. Alexa advises authors to detach emotionally from their books and to heed their audience's feedback when utilizing their books as marketing tools. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Alexa Nazzaro on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to delve deeper into the world of memoirs and publishing. 

Episode Outline: 
(00:07:07) Learning from Memoirs
(00:08:18) Publishing Experience
(00:11:12) Author Website
(00:14:39) Ebook Preorders
(00:19:06) Building Relationships with Local Booksellers
(00:32:10) Being an Indie Author

Bio: 
Alexa Nazzaro is the founder of Aaxel Author Services, an agency providing authors with turnkey support in editing, book design and book marketing. Alexa has worked with over 100 authors in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia, and has experience in all genres, including non-fiction, memoir, fiction, children’s books, coloring books and journals. 
 A gradua’e from Concordia University reateive Writing, Alexa is a member of the Inde’endent Book Publishers Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and the Writers’ Union of Canada. She has contributed articles to the ALLi blog and to Write! Magazine. 
 
 In addition to her author services agency, Alexa is also founder of Two Pigeons Press, a hybrid publishing house that is releasing its upcoming middle grade book, The Whole World Opened Up, in April 2023. 



 

Ernie Martin, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, has a rich background in marketing and communications, having worked with renowned companies like Georgia Pacific and Delta Airlines before launching his own ventures. Ernie's unique perspective on his journey as an entrepreneur and author is deeply rooted in his experience as a solopreneur. Despite running a full-scale publishing company, he still identifies as a solopreneur, emphasizing the importance of wearing many hats and being involved in various aspects of his business. He understands the challenges of being a solopreneur, including the limited time available and the need to balance work and personal life, and highlights the essential traits of managing fear, having courage, and being creative. Join Kim Thompson-Pinder and Ernie Martin on this episode of the Author to Authority podcast to delve deeper into Ernie's fascinating journey and glean insights from his unique perspective.   

Episode Outline: 
(00:05:19) Ernie Martin's business story(00:06:47) Receivable Savvy(00:08:20) The process of publishing a book(00:16:37) Importance of courage(00:19:52) Importance of carving out real estate in someone's mind for your business(00:30:57) Marketing for solopreneurs(00:35:17) Leveraging author status 

Bio:Ernie Martin is a seasoned marketing and communications professional and the author of Nobody Cares About Your Business - The 8 universal marketing principles every entrepreneur must know to make customers LOVE their business. With an impressive career spanning over 30 years, Ernie has earned a reputation for excellence in his field. 
 Ernie’s extensive experience has seen him collaborate with numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, and Kimberly-Clark, as well as organizations such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Business Payments Coalition in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
 Ernie is also the founder and CEO of Receivable Savvy, a research and content development consultancy helping finance professionals master order-to-cash founded in 2015, 
 A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Ernie holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, has acted as a substitute adjunct professor, and regularly mentors entrepreneurs and small business owners as they launch and grow their companies. 

 

In this episode of the Author to Authority podcast, Tracy Beavers, a sales and marketing expert, shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship and her passion for helping others succeed. Tracy discusses the changing landscape of job security and the importance of taking control of one's own career. She emphasizes the need for authentic connections in the online space to grow email lists and attract ideal clients, offering valuable insights on how to start meaningful conversations on social media without being salesy or spammy. Tracy shares her strategy for building an email list through DM conversations, treating them as if they were face-to-face interactions. She also highlights the importance of building relationships and offering value in sales and marketing, emphasizing the need for follow-up and understanding customer needs. The episode concludes with a discussion on promoting a Master Class in the "Be a Confident Entrepreneur" group, providing a supportive community for entrepreneurs looking to grow their income and visibility.

Episode Outline: 
(00:00:00) Transitioning from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship(00:05:58) Building Authentic Connections for List Growth(00:11:43) Building Email List through DM Conversations(00:16:19) Magazine Publishing Process(00:21:16) Impostor Syndrome and Authentic Marketing(00:26:09) Promoting Master Class in "Be a Confident Entrepreneur" Group 
Bio:
Tracy Beavers has more than twenty years experience in sales and marketing. As the owner of three businesses, she understands the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. She loves sales, she loves networking, and she wants you to love it too!

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Tracy had corporate careers that spanned several industries: insurance, lending, real estate, and sales. Throughout every career, one fact remained constant: her love of people and her passion to help them WIN. Her ability to build relationships with others and listen to their needs is the bedrock of her success. 
 
 As a business/sales coach, Tracy has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs scale to their next level with a clear roadmap for success. She is a public speaker, and a published author. She has been featured on top business podcasts, and has been a regular contributor on one of her hometown’s premier tv shows. She is the creator of two online courses: “Business Visibility Made Easy” and “Be A Confident Entrepreneur”. She has a group coaching program and offers private 1:1 coaching for clients wanting a VIP custom experience.  
 
 Tracy graduated cum laude from the University of Tulsa in 1992.She and her husband Jon reside in Arkansas, have two children and a beloved English labrador. 
https://www.tracybeavers.com/resources

 

In this episode of the Author to Authority podcast, Tracy Hazzard discusses the power of authority marketing and how combining it with a book can benefit business growth. Tracy and host Kim Thompson-Pinder dive into the unexpected opportunities and connections that podcasting can bring. They also emphasize the importance of writing and publishing, as well as utilizing diverse media platforms to effectively communicate with different audiences. The conversation highlights the significance of sharing information generously and authentically to establish credibility and attract an audience. Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the value of combining podcasting and writing to establish a strong relationship with the audience, providing actionable steps for entrepreneurs, professionals, speakers, and coaches to elevate their businesses. 

Episode Outline: (00:00:00) Becoming Bingeable(00:06:48) The Power of Podcasting(00:12:18) Struggles with Writing and Publishing(00:17:54) The Power of Sharing(00:23:30) The Power of Combining Podcasting and Writing(00:29:07) Building a Platform: The Power of Podcasting(00:34:34) The Importance of Owning Your Audience 

Bio:
Tracy Hazzard is a seasoned media expert with over 2600 interviews from articles in Authority Magazine, BuzzFeed, and her Inc. Magazine column; and from her multiple top-ranked video casts and podcasts like The Binge Factor and Feed Your Brand – one of CIO’s Top 26 Entrepreneur Podcasts. 
 As CEO and Co-Founder of Podetize, Tracy brings diverse views from what works and what doesn’t work in marketing and media from thought leaders and industry icons redefining success around the globe. Tracy’s unique gift to the podcasting, marketing, and branding world is being able to identify that unique binge-able factor – the thing that makes people come back again and again, listen actively, share as raving fans, and buy everything you have to sell. 

Former firewalk captain for Tony Robbins, Dave Albin, shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and finding personal development through Tony Robbins' programs in a recent episode of the Author to Authority podcast. The conversation discusses their experience attending a seminar with Tony Robbins that included a firewalk and the transformative impact it had on their lives. The speakers highlight the importance of facing fears and pushing past limits, emphasizing the power of perseverance and the rewards that come from taking action. Firewalking is described as a life-changing experience that instills a sense of accomplishment and self-belief, empowering individuals and bringing people together. The podcast, hosted by Kim Thompson-Pinder, focuses on leveraging the power of writing and publishing a book to establish authority, offering valuable insights and secrets to elevate one's business.

Episode Outline: (00:00:00) Tony Robbins and the Power of Firewalking(00:06:42) Reluctance to Participate in Firewalk(00:12:24) Firewalking Experience(00:17:50) The Power of Firewalking(00:23:44) The Power of Taking Action(00:29:41) The Power of Small Decisions(00:35:49) Dave Albin's Journey to Sobriety(00:41:43) Author to Authority podcast 

Dave Albin was born in 1954 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Hollywood, California to a single mother. He was adopted by his Aunt & Uncle on his mother’s side at the age of 5. His adoptive parents told Dave they were not his parents at the age of 11. Later that year both his adoptive parents started drinking. 
 This is where Dave’s life took a hard turn.
 Dave tried alcohol at the age of 12. By the time he was 14 he was experimenting with hard drugs. Grossly addicted to drugs and alcohol he joined AA some 20 years later in June 1988.
 This is when Dave was introduced to the personal development industry. He attended a seminar with Tony Robbins in 1995 where he did is first firewalk. Dave went on to work for Tony Robbins for just shy of 20 years as Tony’s Firewalk Captain.
 Dave retired from the Anthony Robbins Companies in 2014 shortly after GOOGLE hired him to put on an event for them.. Firewalk Productions, LLC was born in 2014. Dave has done gigs for NASA, Heineken, The Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), RE Max, Chick-fil-A, Pruvit, Google, NI, NC Chiropractic Association, Wayne Dyer, T Harv Eker, CRISP Video, Tony Robbins and many others.
 Dave currently lives in the Appalachian Mountains in Ashe County North Carolina.Use code 6828 for a wonderful discount on Dave’s course coming up in October at www.FirewalkAdventures.com