The host of Beyond Business (Maddie Silk) breaks down Emotional Intelligence not as a buzzword, but as one of the most overlooked drivers of real business results. She shares how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reading people in real time show up daily — in client conversations, tough feedback, rejection, and high-pressure moments.

Pulling from her own experience in sales, leadership, and motherhood, she explains how constantly navigating emotions — both your own and everyone else’s — builds a level of adaptability and intuition you can’t teach from a textbook.

Reframing Emotional Intelligence as a revenue-generating skill, she connects it to stronger client relationships, higher close rates, better retention, and the ability to lead with confidence instead of reaction.

The takeaway: what feels like emotional weight is actually building capacity — and when you learn to use it intentionally, it becomes one of your biggest competitive advantages in business.

Hannah and Maddie discuss why many business owners don’t actually need more leads but need a better system for handling and converting the leads they already get, since leads often come in across multiple channels and get missed when life gets busy.

They emphasize that today’s consumers expect fast responses, and the first 5–10 minutes after an inquiry is the highest conversion window, using examples like roofing and an HVAC emergency where companies failed to respond.

They outline four essentials to improve conversion: (1) a centralized place for all leads (a CRM), (2) an immediate response system such as automated texts/emails that set expectations, (3) a structured multi-touch follow-up sequence with value-add touches and automation, and (4) clear next steps that explain the buying process and build trust through transparency.

They note follow-up impacts both revenue and reputation and should be consistently maintained despite staff changes.

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01:34 Lead Problem Myth

04:00 Speed to Lead Matters

06:14 HVAC Follow Up Fail

07:30 Customer Entry Points

08:53 Simple Forms Win

10:53 Four Part Lead System

12:53 CRM for Every Lead

13:31 Automation and Sync Issues

15:03 Time Investment Payoff

15:31 Automate the Mundane

16:45 Speed to Lead Systems

18:56 Meet Them Where They Are

20:38 Follow Up That Converts

24:37 Clear Next Steps

27:05 Trust Through Transparency

28:18 Reputation and Consistency

30:53 Backend Process Checkup

The host of Beyond Business (Hannah Anderson) discusses “working mom whiplash,” the exhausting daily shift between parenting demands and professional expectations, using spring break childcare, early-morning routines, and sudden school nurse calls as examples.

Reframing whiplash as a superpower, she connects it to “code switching,” describing how rapid identity and behavior shifts build elite adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to read rooms quickly.

She argues these traits make working parents more efficient, relatable, less shaken by rejection, and stronger leaders in sales and business, encouraging listeners to view the strain as stretching capacity rather than breaking it.

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00:00 Beyond Business Intro

00:39 Morning Setup and Context

01:10 Motherhood Summit Invite

02:39 Working Mom Whiplash

03:24 Spring Break Reality Check

07:17 The Mental Load Explained

09:14 Code Switching Superpower

11:03 Why It Helps in Business

14:25 Reframe and Encouragement

17:08 Wrap Up and Next Week

17:18 Marketing Agency Outro

In this episode, I (Maddie) sat down with my three boys to get their take on business… and let’s just say, their answers did not disappoint.

From what they think a business is, to what they think I do for a living, to their completely unfiltered commentary on why people are in business—this episode is equal parts hilarious and surprisingly insightful.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest (and most honest) perspectives can make you think a little differently about what we do every day.

A fun, lighthearted episode about business—through the eyes of kids.

Enjoy!

Maddie and Hannah discuss shifting sales expectations, noting that traditional pushy tactics and “sales breath” no longer work because buyers are more educated, have more choices, and prioritize trust.

They emphasize selling through relationship-building, authenticity, transparency, and honest expectation-setting, especially in long-term services like marketing.

They describe modern salespeople as trusted advisors, connectors, and consultants who provide value, ask better questions, listen, and challenge surface-level positioning such as “family owned” by clarifying what it means for customers.

They argue honesty builds lasting client relationships and prevents churn and buyer’s remorse, and they stress that entrepreneurs are always in sales.

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00:00 Beyond Business Intro

00:37 Weather Check Banter

01:59 Snowed In Stories

03:25 Sales Has Changed

04:09 Trust Over Tactics

06:01 Educated Modern Buyers

08:36 Transparency Builds Trust

09:47 Consultant Not Seller

12:09 Value And Challenge

14:52 Honesty For Long Term

15:16 Tool Hype Reality Check

16:32 Set Honest Expectations

17:23 Plan Check In Pivot

18:39 Sell What Fits Now

19:50 Believe In Your Product

21:25 People Buy People

23:20 Relationship Intelligence

26:04 Authenticity Self Awareness

27:17 Sales And Entrepreneurship

28:05 Marketing Partner Outro

Hannah and Maddie welcome photographer and business owner Leah O’Connell, creator of the weekly “Firefly Letters,” to discuss building a photography business from scratch and evolving it through major life seasons.

Leah shares how an early passion for storytelling led from mall portrait studios and camp media work to mentoring opportunities in Hawaii after repeated rejections from a college program and an unplanned career shift. She explains how entrepreneurship required a growth mindset, willingness to look inexperienced, and raising her hand for opportunities, and how motherhood, moves, pregnancy/postpartum cycles, miscarriages, and financial ebb and flow shaped her definition of success.

Leah describes choosing sustainability over constant scaling, managing creative energy, serving clients intentionally, and “tinkering” with small pivots rather than chasing novelty, emphasizing grit and not giving up.

Connect with Leah: https://leahoconnell.com/

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00:00 Beyond Business Intro

00:39 Meet Leah O'Connell

02:51 Photography Origins

04:58 Hawaii Turning Point

06:09 Mentorship And First Clients

09:05 Paying It Forward

10:12 Entrepreneur Mindset

13:25 Motherhood And Business Seasons

16:10 Scaling With Energy

17:26 Redefining Success

19:04 Flexibility Versus Stability

21:16 Redefining Success Seasons

22:43 Hardest Parts Entrepreneurship

23:14 Grit And Tinkering

27:29 New And Noteworthy

28:44 Spring Photos Push

30:45 Key Takeaways Recap

33:33 Blending Life And Work

34:53 Marketing Outro And CTA

Beyond Business hosts Maddie and Hannah interview David Vander Bloomen of the De Pere Chamber about his career pivots from music education to TV photojournalism, marketing, promotional products, law enforcement, and ultimately chamber leadership after injury, burnout, and stress-related health scares.

David emphasizes a servant mindset, faith, and clarity of purpose as anchors through change, encouraging people not to settle and to remember their “why.” He discusses contentment, slowing down, and learning to say no, plus leadership lessons from hardship that help him support chamber members.

David shares coaching youth baseball to build character, critiques current youth sports culture, and explains community-based chamber initiatives that connect residents and businesses through experiences. He advises new business owners to build a personal board of advisors and grow sustainably.

00:00 Beyond Business Intro

00:39 Meet David

01:38 From Music to Media

02:27 Marketing and Recession Pivot

03:08 Calling to Law Enforcement

04:04 Injury and Burnout Wakeup

05:01 Finding Home at Chamber

05:57 Mindset Through Curveballs

09:05 Purpose Over Money

10:07 Slowing Down for Joy

12:10 Leadership Lessons and Coaching

16:04 Building Center Valley Baseball

16:59 Parents and Youth Sports Pressure

19:26 Winning the Game of Life

20:25 Advice for Small Businesses

22:06 Community and Business Ecosystem

23:04 Reinventing Chamber Events

25:32 Serving Through Faith

28:47 Pursuit Adventure Group Mission

31:05 Time Management and Saying No

34:53 Key Takeaways Recap

38:01 Where to Find David

De Pere Chamber: https://deperechamber.org/

Connect with David: www.davidvanderbloomen.comnine2ohmarketing.com

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In this episode of Beyond Business, Maddie and Hannah discuss the complexities of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, particularly in the context of parenthood.

They address the challenges posed by unexpected events such as snow days and personal illnesses, and the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset.

The conversation highlights the need for positive self-talk, realistic goal-setting, and providing grace to oneself and others.

They emphasize that success is not only about meeting rigid expectations but also about adapting to life's unpredictable circumstances. The episode concludes with a call to support fellow parents and professionals, recognizing the shared struggles and triumphs.

00:00 Introduction: Beyond Business

00:38 Starting the Conversation: Real Life Interruptions

01:07 Pregnancy and Parenthood: The Real Talk

02:46 Episode 12: Life Updates and School Closures

04:41 Work-Life Integration: The Ongoing Challenge

06:52 Managing Expectations and Productivity

12:10 Flexibility and Fairness in the Workplace

20:46 Grace and Understanding: Personal and Professional Balance

23:29 Conclusion: Juggling It All

24:57 Outro: Marketing Support for Business Owners

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In episode 11 of Beyond Business, hosts Maddie and Hannah delve into the life and career of Sam, a top-producing realtor from Green Bay.

Sam shares her inspiring story of being a single mom, her transition from the health and fitness industry to real estate, and how she navigated her career during the unpredictable times of COVID. The discussion highlights the importance of being intentional and effective in both personal and professional realms, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the significant role of community support.

Sam also shares how her new season of partnership and marriage has positively impacted her life. The episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of balancing business and personal life.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Business

00:43 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest

01:33 Sam's Journey: From Fitness to Real Estate

03:08 Balancing Motherhood and Career

05:14 Navigating the Real Estate Industry

17:58 The Importance of Support Systems

21:38 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

30:06 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with Sam

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In this episode of 'Beyond Business,' we talk to Jennifer Muse, a former teacher turned children's book author. Jennifer opens up about her personal and professional journey, including having a stroke at 39 weeks pregnant, leaving teaching and entering the construction industry. Despite the setbacks, Jennifer found a new sense of purpose by writing a children's book inspired by her experiences.

The conversation touches on the importance of aligning work with personal values, dealing with life’s unexpected challenges, and finding fulfillment in meaningful moments. Jennifer also shares how she processes and copes with the gap between expectations and reality, emphasizing the importance of being present and connecting with others.

Connect with Jen: Jennifer Muse

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