Beyond Influencer Marketing

Tim Paige, the "Webinar Superhero" who has hosted over a thousand live webinars grossing nearly $10 million in revenue, and professional voice actor with clients such as NBC, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Weather Channel, Comcast and more, talks about building long-lasting connections - influencers or not - by giving value and the right resources every single time.

Tim Paige's Journey

Tim was an accidental webinar expert. He started out selling vacuums and cellphones in malls, and while those weren't the best jobs, they allowed him to learn more about the psychology of people and what gets them to take action.

Years later he got hired by LeadPages to start a podcast for them. Clay, CEO of LeadPages, got sick one day and could not do the webinar, so Tim had to take his place.

Surprisingly, he surpassed Clay's average conversion, and since then he's hosted over a thousand webinars for LeadPages and several hundred more outside of the company.

Your influencer marketing story Making connections with your audience

Tim shares the following key points to connect with his webinar audiences:

• Remember that you're only just having a conversation with the other person, not with a number.
• When your audience isn't engaging with you, put yourself in their shoes. They probably have their hands full.
• Always make sure your webinars are full of value and that your audience will get something out of it that will profoundly impact their life.

Connections are about delivering value

To create connections with influencers, giving value first is also a must.

They may seem like they have everything figured out, but there will always be something you can do for them.

Be confident you have value to offer, and take action to deliver that value.

You could offer your expertise or become a connector to the right person.

When you act as bridge, however, keep common courtesy in mind as Tim does, and always ask for permission before making the introduction.

The most important skill to build relationships

Listening is the most important skill when it comes to building relationships, whether as an influencer or a follower of an influencer.

"To be interesting, be interested," Tim quotes. He believes that truly listening and being genuinely interested is all you need to set yourself apart and become someone that matters to the other person.

Worst influencer marketing moment

"He just really came off as a totally different person than I thought he was," says Tim of a particular influencer he met in person.

It happens often - we put a person in a pedestal and expect them to be exactly what their public persona is...and a lot of the times, they're not.

One thing you're most excited about

Tim is currently developing his flagship offer: an in-depth, intense, and hands-on webinar program. He'll work with his extensive network to spread the word.

Resources and tools mentioned

• Free webinar tool: Webinar Creation Checklist
• ConversionCast (LeadPages Podcast)
• Podcasters' Paradise
• Pat Flynn's Podcasting Tutorial
• Greg Hickman's Funnels that Scale

More about Tim Paige

Tim Paige is what the smartest people in the world refer to as a "Webinar Superhero" (or at least, that's what he'd prefer they'd call him).

Having hosted over a thousand live webinars and grossing nearly $10Million in revenue directly from those webinars, the companies that work with Tim are truly glad they do.

He's also a professional voice actor with clients such as NBC, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Weather Channel, Comcast, and more.

He's a husband to one, father to two, and beloved by at least 3.

His presentations are often littered with comic book references and he bleeds Syracuse Orange. Learn more about him at http://www.timpaigewebinars.com/

Marnie Swedberg, a trusted mentor to more than 15,000 leaders, author of 13 books, radio show host, and founder of WomenSpeakers.com, shares how to find your uniqueness to grow your network and your business.

Marnie Swedberg's Journey

Marnie's struggles with reading as a child helped her become a resourceful and resilient adult.

Her unique perspective allowed her to find opportunities and "holes" in the market that people would otherwise overlook.

Now, she leads flourishing businesses and one of the largest communities for women speakers.

Your influencer marketing story Finding what makes you stand out

Marnie makes a distinction between what makes you stand out and what makes you unique.

Even the pains and challenges that you've faced contribute to your uniqueness.

Marnie says you can't be everything to everybody so instead, focus on being really good for the people who need you.

Choosing a path you're most comfortable with

We are all built differently, so there isn't a wrong or right way to reach out to influencers. Instead, she suggests:

1. Pinpointing your values
2. Finding out how you function best
3. Beginning from your own platform

Marnie started WomenSpeakers.com with one member-- herself!

Other speakers and event planners found the site and joined. Now it has become the largest online directory for Christian women speakers in the world, connecting thousands of speakers and event planners.

Marnie as an influencer

Marnie continuously receives requests to review books, write forewords, make a statement for publicity, become a guest on her show, join WomenSpeakers.com directory, or collaborate on joint ventures, webinars and online summits.

How to handle it all?

By staying focused.

Knowing her vision, mission and purpose helps her define which opportunities are for her and for her audience. This means that if you approach her with a proposal that perfectly matches her mission and values, you'll be much more likely to get a yes.

Worst influencer marketing moment

"It's usually about the process," Marnie says. Take note of what didn't work during the joint project so you don't repeat the mistakes.

Marnie also learned to reframe her challenges as "college credits." Learn and move on!

One thing you're most excited about

Her main focus for 2018 is on expansion, including a new per-minute coaching program. She wants to help you go beyond current limitations and to find your ideal audience.

Resources and tools mentioned

• Marnie's Website
• Free resouce: Mission Vision Template
• Women Speakers
• The Path by Laurie Beth Jones
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Marnie's Message

You're unique. There is nobody else on the entire planet that is put together just like you.

Your mission and vision is to accomplish what you're meant to do. Go figure it out and get it done.

More about Marnie Swedberg

Marnie Swedberg is a trusted mentor to over 15,000 leaders from 35 countries sharing practical, doable, success principles to maximize your productivity, reduce your stress, and ​skyrocket your delight in life. She is the author of 13 books, hosts a #1 ranked and featured Blog Talk Radio Show, and is the host of WomenSpeakers.com, the largest online directory of its kind in the world. Learn more about her at Marnie.com

Caitlin Pyle, a passionate entrepreneur who has built a seven-figure business in only 3 years, shares her insights on how blogging and connections with bloggers allowed her to rapidly grow her reach and revenue, and how, as an influencer, she decides who to add to her network.

Caitlin's journey

Caitlin had built a successful proofreading business before she created her blog. She attributes her success, among other factors, to the way she was able to niche down to a small target audience of people who were interested in a proofreading business working at home.

Her proofreading course became a huge success, bringing in six figures within 90 days, and skyrocketing her business to eventually reach seven figures. Because she was able to build a seven-figure funnel, she's now a proud member of the "Two-Comma-Club," created by Russell Brunson from Clickfunnels.

Your influencer marketing story Focusing on what you're gifted at

Caitlin's influencer marketing journey started when she applied to be interviewed at a targeted blog for those who were interested in building a work-at-home business.

Her intent at the time, was to gain exposure by delivering valuable content to the owner of the blog.

She chose collaborating with a blogger because writing is her gift; what she enjoys doing.

Finding new sources of blogger connections

Having experienced the positive results from her blog interview, she started to use HARO.com, a PR website that that helped her land new interviews and guest-posting opportunities on other relevant blogs.

Expanding through affiliates

Caitlin found her first affiliate partner by simply Googling "proofreading" and then reaching out to blog owners and other influencers who had the highest rankings.

At the time, she saw the potential of collaborating with others who had a larger audience than hers grow her own business.

It's important to note that when Caitlin started to build her network, she had a proven product, a clear proposal that made it easy for potential partners to say yes.

A change in mindset

Caitlin said that, to create those affiliate connections, she had to dramatically change her mindset. Who she used to think of as a competitor, became an ally.

She proposed the idea of promoting her course to hew new connection, and because it was a perfect fit for that blogger's audience, she got a yes.

That first affiliate led to the next, and the next...The rest is history!

Worst influencer marketing moment

Caitlin once supported an entrepreneur with her launch, and did everything it took to maximize sales. As a result, she became one of the top launch partners.

However, after the launch was over, the entrepreneur in person would ignore her every time Caitlin tried to ask her for support. It became clear that the person wasn't interested in delivering value to Caitlin and creating a long-lasting connection.

Lesson learned: Always put people first in your business or you'll jeopardize the relationship. "The more you give, the more you get," Caitlin says.

How to Stand Out

As an influencer, Cailin receives pitches for guest-posting, JV and affiliate partnerships, and interviews. She mentioned the following to stand out when you submit a pitch and start the relationship in the best possible way.

• Position your pitch based on the value you have to offer to the influencer
• Leverage a common connection whenever possible
• Include information that supports your expertise
• Show that you're really interested in the influencer
• Take time to build the relationshiip
• Cut yourself out of the equation, and just focus on serving other people
• Only reach out to people who share your values
• Don't be a cookie cutter marketer who sends out mass emails to influencers
• Don't try to reach out to too many people at the same time. Otherwise, the quality of your pitch will decrease
• Don't take yourself too seriously. As Caitlin says, "Nobody gets out of this alive."

One thing you're most excited about

Caitlin is excited about the launch of her new Work-At-Home program early in 2018. She's launching it with a virtual Summit.

I have the honor to be part of the Summit, and I can tell you that this event is revolutionary in the way it's laid out and also in the way that it leverages product bundles to increase sales!

Resources mentioned

Google Calendar for organization

Software tool: Zoom for interviews and networking

Book: Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success by Denise Duffield-Thomas.

More About Caitlin Pyle

Caitlin Pyle is a former freelance proofreader turned multimillion-dollar business owner. Together with her husband, Ben, they've created an online media empire that has helped thousands of people learn the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Caitlin firmly believes that living the life you want is possible -- if you're willing to work for it. Get her inspiring, fun, and valuable newsletters at http://www.CaitlinPyle.co

Networking expert Robbie Samuels shares how face-to-face interactions can help you create a solid network of influencer connections, and what your networking efforts can do for your personal development and the growth of your business.

Robbie's Journey

Robbie has been speaking on inclusive networking for nearly a decade. His journey started in 2006 with a social justice Meetup group, where he coached participants on best practices to network effectively.

His teachings led him to create a system called "Art of the Schmooze," which then led to the birth of his podcast, "On the Schmooze," his book, "Croissants vs. Bagels," and his coaching program.

Robbie eventually left his job organizing fundraising events, and now he's thrilled to help entrepreneurs master the art of building business relationships.

Your influencer marketing story A Mentor Who Changed Everything

At a Senior Executive Leadership Program, Robbie met Dorie Clark, a renowned international bestselling author and speaker. After the program, Robbie invited Dorie to participate in his Meetup group and networking dinners, where their relationship grew.

Dorie became what Robbie calls a "friendtor," a friend and a mentor, who's been instrumental in his journey as an entrepreneur.

Dorie believes so much in Robbie's talent that she inspired him to leave them comfort of his day job, encouraged him to write his book "Croissants Vs. Bagels," endorsed that book, and featured him in her own bestselling book, "Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It."

What works to connect with influencers at networking meetings

• Know why you're attending events
• Be clear on the value you have to offer
• Track all new connections
• Follow up (influencers are good at saying no because they have to.) As Robbie says, you must be "politely persistent" and know the right way to follow up
• Become a true supporter: comment on their content / social media posts, tell others about their work
• Focus on the relationship, not the transaction
• Do the work. Creating relationships takes time

Your own platform to connect with influencers

Robbie's podcast, "On the Schmooze," has allowed him to expand and elevate his network. He's created new connections who have become supporters of his work, even endorsing his book.

His first guests were alumni from his Leadership Network. Then, he invited top speakers from the National Speakers Association Conference.

Those first guests helped him expand his reach, and raise the caliber of his podcast. Now, he's routinely pitched by PR companies to feature potential guests on his show.

The show was invited to be part of the C-Suite radio, which has helped Robbie get in front of his ideal audience. Thanks to his podcast, Robbie has become an influencer himself.

Worst influencer marketing moment

There was a stage Robbie wanted to get on. He identify the gatekeeper, so he worked hard to create a connection: volunteered for the person's event, was present in the green room, attended meet-and-greet events. etc.

The gatekeeper eventually agreed to be on Robbie's podcast, but when the day of recording arrived, he was reluctant to answer the questions, and abruptly ended the interview.

Lesson learned: To vet people not only because they sound great on paper, but because they match your values.

Robbie hasn't given up on the opportunity to be on that stage, but he's accepted that there will have to be a different way to get there.

How to Stand Out

"Tell people how they've made an impact in your life"

One thing you're most excited about

Robbie is getting ready to launch a second podcast. On the new show, he'll interview entrepreneurs who started a business because of the fact they are parents. He's excited about this project because he's the father on a toddler and expecting a new child.

A new book is also in the works!

Resources mentioned

GIFT: "Ten Tips for Conference Connections" www.robbiesamuels.com/BIM

Book: "Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences" by Robbie Samuels. www.croissantsvsbagels.com

Book: "Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It" by Dorie Clark

Podcast: "On the Schmooze" www.ontheschmooze.com

Networking Resource: ScheduleOnce scheduling tool

More About Robbie Samuels

Robbie Samuels has been recognized as a "networking expert" by "Inc." and "Lifehacker," and profiled in "Stand Out" by Dorie Clark.

He is the author of the best-selling business book "Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences."

As a consultant, coach, author, and speaker he shares how to create more inclusive and engaging connections. Tune into On the Schmooze, his weekly podcast on leadership and networking, to be inspired by the talented professionals he interviews. www.OnTheSchmooze.com.

CEO of Lifter LMS, Chris Badgett, shares a journey that has taken him from remote regions in Alaska to connecting with influencers to grow his course-building software business.

Chris's Journey

Chris spent years in remote areas of Alaska where he ran sled dogs. In those remote areas, he became conscious of the amazing power of the Internet to bring people together.

He built a web design company and made it his mission to build digital courses centered on sustainable agriculture, one of his passions.

Now, he provides software solutions for digital course creators and is known as the "online course guy."

Your influencer marketing story Mentorship and research

Chris's first connections were made from a place only accessible by helicopter: a glacier in Alaska. His first mentors where members of the Iditarod community, where he learned about leading teams and communicating effectively.

As Chris immersed himself in the online business world, he researched and studied what influencers had done to grow their business. Then, he connected in person and online with other software company owners and digital marketing professionals who have helped him expand his business.

Meeting the first influencer connections

Chris met his first group of influencer connections when he attended a 30-person mastermind event in Mexico. The attendees and hosts have become long-term connections.

The mastermind was Chris's opportunity to get out of his comfort zone and meet new people. At the same time, the event was a good match for his personality. It was a group small enough that he had the opportunity to create deep connections with his fellow participants.

Chris's position as an influencer

Chris values true mentoring relationships, so whoever approaches him with mentoring in mind stands out in Chris's mind.

When he's pitched with a business idea, he's most compelled to connect with those who send a personal, customized email rather than a genetic message.

Ways to collaborate with influencer connections

• Virtual summits
• Exchanging ideas and feedback
• Building complementary products
• Including other people's products as bonuses
• Inviting connections to appear on your own podcast
• Appearing on other people's podcasts

What matters most, according to Chris, is to approach each relationship with an open mind.

Worst influencer marketing moment

According to Chris, it's important to not feel chased and to not chase somebody online. For him, it's natural to follow up but not excessively.

Some of his relationships have faded away even after following up. But if that relationship isn't working, he quickly moves on.

Chris's Motto

"It's about win-win"

One thing you're most excited about

Chris is focusing on leveraging his software platform to create results at all price levels--not only at premium prices.

Resources mentioned

Gift: The 3 Course Blueprints https://lifterlms.com/free-lifterlms-course

Hack: Go for a morning walk and listen to podcasts or audio books during that time.

Resource: Podcast websites, your all-in-one solution to host your own podcast https://www.cloriskylie.com/podcastwebsites Use promo code HOSTME to get $10 discount per month for life or free Podcast Media Hosting & Download Stats for life.

More About Chris Badgett

Chris Badgett is known as "the online course guy." He created successful online courses, created a gardening course publishing business with experts around the world, and is the CEO of the popular fast growing course building tool for WordPress powered websites called LifterLMS. https://lifterlms.com/

Founder of the Kolada Group, Jordan Gill, shares the myriad ways she's been able to tap into her connections with influencers to rapidly grow her consulting business online, and how you can do that, too

Jordan's Journey

Jordan started in online marketing working alongside the owner of a 7-figure business. That business owner helped her see that one of her strongest skill was process and systems optimization.

Jordan connected with that first client / manager by applying clever influencer marketing strategies. "I was on her email list, and she posted the position," Jordan relates.

After doing her research and knowing that the person in question loved sweets, Jordan sent a set of delicious cupcakes to her manager/client-to-be and her husband, along with a note wishing her luck on her upcoming presentation and highlighting how excited Jordan was about applying for the open position.

Shortly after, she was selected for the position, catapulting a successful career in digital marketing.

In 2016, Jordan launched her own business as a consultant helping business owners stay in their zone of genius by mastering their processes and systems.

Your influencer marketing story Collaborating with influencer connections

Jordan shares some of the many different ways she has been able to collaborate with her influencer connections to build authority, rapidly build her list, and grow her business:

• Joint webinars with a single offer
• Joint webinar with a combined offer
• Guest appearances on virtual summits
• Hosting her own summits

Through these forms of collaboration, Jordan builds rapport with her community and delivers value on many different areas. In contrast, with Facebook ads "it takes forever to build trust," she asserts

Connecting with the first few influencers

Jordan connected with her first group of influencers by hosting her own virtual summit. She started by reaching out to her own connections, and asked them for introduction to people in their network.

Thinking out of the box to approach influencers

To invite an influencer she didn't know to her summit, Jordan created a customized video expressing why she admired the influencer and why that person would be a perfect speaker for her summit. The result? Success!

Jordan stood out by going above and beyond, and by demonstrating she truly cared about the influencers she intended to connect with.

Jordan's quick tips to succeed with virtual summits

• Anticipate people's needs
• Make it easy for people to work with you
• Be transparent through the process
• Promote your guests so that they get maximum exposure
• Make your speakers feel that they're being well taken care of

Worst influencer marketing moment

"I've been very lucky so far," Jordan says, but she prevents problems by always creating contracts when collaborating with other entrepreneurs, and by putting all agreements down in writing.

Also, Jordan only works with people who are interested in long-term collaboration, and those who share her values. She follows her gut feeling and, as a result, she hasn't had negative experiences with her business connections.

One thing you're most excited about

Jordan is excited about launching "The Triple Threat," her new signature training to automate your calendar, inbox, and social media to free up your time. Coming up in 2018!

Resources mentioned

Jordan's gift: Save an hour a week by taking control of your inbox. https://www.systemssavedme.com/bimpodcast

Book: "Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" by Keith Ferrazzi

More About Jordan Gill

With millions of dollars made and thousands of hours saved, Jordan Gill, founder of The Kolada Group, knows that if you want to make incredible impact in your business, you must have massive support. Her mission is to partner with business owners like YOU in making your company indestructible to losing team members and money-sucking software decisions.

Learn more about Jordan at https://www.systemssavedme.com

Jodi Flynn, Women's Leadership Coach and founder of "Women Taking the Lead," talks about the important role that local connections play in the growth of your business and the expansion of your influencer network.

Jodi's Journey

Jodi had a successful career in mutual fund operations, becoming the Assistant VP of Corporate Quality. However, as time went by, she started to ask herself, "Is this it?" She then became fascinated by coaching, and decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Gradually, she found her niche: Type A women, and hasn't looked back since. Now, she leads a thriving community of women leaders, and hosts her popular podcast, "Women Taking the Lead."

Your influencer marketing story From your own backyard to the rest of the world

Jodi has built a solid network of connections in four main ways:

1. Joining her local BNI chapter. BNI helped her hone her speaking skills and better articulate what she does in her business. Thanks to that first group of supportive connections, she met many more people in the local area.
2. Attending business-after-hours meetings and other local networking events where she knew ideal clients might be.
3. Signing up for targeted conferences in the local area and other locations across the country, too.
4. Hosting her podcast, with listeners from all over the world. I personally met Jodi through her podcast, which has allowed her to become an influencer herself.

The best way to get started

Jodi says that local networking is the most powerful way to get started. "Nothing trumps a face-to-face meeting," she says. "That's how we get to know each other (...) It's about the energy exchange."

The best way to expand

To connect with influencers outside her local area, Jodi has leveraged her own platform (podcast). Influencers want to spread their message, and if you have a podcast, you can deliver value to them through the added exposure on your own platform.

A "Spartan" connection

Jodi wanted to connect with Joe De Sena, author of "Spartan Up!: A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life." She saw him during a Spartan race, and immediately approached him with a proposal to be on her show.

Joe said, "I'd love to!" And a new influencer connection was made. "If I didn't have a podcast, that wouldn't have happened," Jodi relates.

How to approach podcasters

To successfully connect with Jodi as an influencer, writing a podcast pitch that she can relate to is a must. "If someone has a powerful story that resonates with my audience, I'll want to interview them," she says.

Also, potential guests must show that they clearly understand Jodi's audience's struggles. It's about clearly conveying that you have value to offer.

Authenticity as the foundation for long-lasting connections

Authenticity is a must to connect with any influencer.

Shelli Warren, one of Jodi's listeners, would share every episode of Jodi's podcast on social media. She would add an insightful comment and tag Jodi.

Shelli even emailed Jodi regularly to tell her about the impact that Jodi's podcast was having in her business. Eventually, Jodi felt compelled to reach out to Shelli to learn more about her. Shelli eventually ended up as a guest on Jodi's podcast and became one of Jodi's closest connections.

As Jodi says, you have to genuinely admire and respect somebody to be able to connect with them. Always give first: The equation is "give, give, give, and then ask."

Worst influencer marketing moment

"Not all influencers are the right people for you," Jodi says.

She once connected with a top influencer in leadership, who didn't share her values and style.

Jodi sensed it wasn't the right fit from the start, but because that influencer had a very large audience, decided to continue nurturing the relationship.

However, the disconnect between their values continued to surface, and the relationship eventually fizzled.

One thing you're most excited about

Jodi is launching her new website, with a wide variety of resources for women in leadership. "It's a new evolution of my business," she says.

Resources mentioned

Podcast: Women Taking the Lead

Book: "Spartan Up!: A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life."

Jodi's motto

"Give, give, give, and then ask."

More About Jodi Flynn

Jodi Flynn is the Founder of Women Taking the Lead, a podcast and community of ambitious entrepreneurial women who want to go BIG. She works with Type-A women who are already successful but have not yet achieved the level of success they want to achieve. Jodi helps her clients to see how extraordinary they are and then set priorities, get organized, in action so they can achieve their biggest goals with ease. She became an Amazon bestselling author with the release of her book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to doing.

Connect with Jodi at https://womentakingthelead.com

Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and YouTube influencer Evan Carmichael, shares how he built a network of connections to grow his blog readership and YouTube channel, which is nearing a million subscribers.

Evan's Journey

Evan publishes daily content YouTube to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential. He was passionate about entrepreneurship from a very young age, but because being an entrepreneur wasn't the path most people followed, he thought he would become a banker.

It was only when he went to college that he partnered with friends and started his first business. After selling his business a few years later, he dedicated himself to empower entrepreneurs to succeed.

Your influencer marketing story: Evan Carmichael's position as an influencer Partnering to win

When he first started his YouTube channel, he didn't have "an agenda." But then, inspired by Bill Gates, who recommended partnering with others who have the same audience, he was moved to seek influencers.

Starting to connect with influencers

He was successful connecting with his first 2 YouTube influencers because he was a true fan of their channels. He also found an angle that would appeal to their audience, so he suggested 3 ideas that would be helpful and relevant.

Evan didn't get a "yes" immediately. He followed up as many times as needed. "It just seemed natural," he says.

Building momentum

To build his network, he reached out to people who he already knew in search for relevant connections to contribute content for his blog. He was introduced to Guy Kawasaki and Seth Godin, who agreed to contribute to his blog.

Evan's first connections led to new contributors for his blog. Same approach worked for his YouTube channel. "You keep pulling sweaters to get to the front of the line."

What works and doesn't when pitching to an influencer Generic doesn't work; authenticity does

When Evan receives generic pitches, he rejects them. On the contrary, when he's approached by people who're active on his channel, he takes notice and wants to learn more. "If someone leaves a comment 5 or 6 times, (...) you click on his profile (...) Maybe I end up reaching out to him because it's a potential fit."

Value comes first

Even when you share influencers' content on social media, always add a comment that brings value.

Building a name (your own platform) is a way to attract influencers. Choose a platform that matches what you're great at. Do what comes naturally to you.

Pick a path and be consistent--otherwise you'll give up!

Keep on looking until you find a way

When Evan was writing his book, Your ONE Word, he wanted to interview the CEO of Starbucks. He asked everyone in his network, trying to find his way through. Eventually, he connected with the CEO's book's ghost writer on Twitter.

He sent her a video to tell her what he found most impactful about the book, and then asked for an introduction.

The ghost writer introduced him to corporate PR, and even though the timing didn't work, he was able to reach people in the highest ranks at Starbucks because of his reaching out to the ghostwriter.

"You have a goal, and you just attack it from every possible angle without giving up!" Evan says.

One thing you're most excited about

Evan is excited about his new book, The Top 10 Rules for Success.

The book is meant to be read one page at a time. Each page will give you 2 fantastic ideas from legends in business that you can then apply into your own life.

Resources and tools mentioned

Evan says he has a "massive disrespect for tools," because tools will not save you when things go wrong. Start with you. With zero tools you can still dominate. Don't let the tools become an excuse.

Evan's best tool is his own YouTube channel--all about mindset adjustment and becoming inspired to achieving your highest potential.

Book: Your ONE word, about finding your core value to grow your business.

Evan's motto

#BELIEVE

More About Evan Carmichael

Evan Carmichael #Believe in entrepreneurs. At 19, he built then sold a biotech software company. At 22, he was a VC helping raise $500k to $15mil. He now run EvanCarmichael.com, a popular website for entrepreneurs. He breathes and bleeds entrepreneurship. He's obsessed. Aiming to help 1 billion entrepreneurs. Change the world. He has set 2 world records, uses a stand-up desk, rides a Vespa, raises funds for Kiva, wears 5-toe shoes and created Entrepreneur trading cards. He speaks globally but Toronto (#EntCity) is home. He loves being married, his son, salsa dancing, DJing, League of Legends, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Connect with Evan at EvanCarmichael.com

Marc Mawhinney, host of Natural Born Coaches podcast and founder of "The Coaching Jungle" on Facebook, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed when you want to connect with an influencer.

Marc's Journey

Marc went through 2 business closures in less than 4 years. Out of that challenge, came the opportunity to become a coach. Through his podcast and thriving Facebook group, Marc has become an influencer.

Your influencer marketing story

Marc's primary way to connect with influencers is his podcast, Natural Born Coaches.

As an influencer, Marc decides who to connect with based on:

• How much he trusts the person and how authentic he or she seems to be
• How much the other person supports his business
• How customized their first attempt to connect is
• Whether their request has a specific objective (rather than a broad "get-to-know-you" interaction)

Marc also feels compelled to support those who join his products and programs, and those who show commitment to applying what he teaches.

What has worked best to build and nurture your network?

Marc's podcast allows him to initiate the connections, and he continues to promote their appearances in the long term.

He clearly communicates what he can and cannot do to support a connection.

He enters all relationships with a long-term approach in mind.

Worst influencer marketing moment

Marc assumed that one of his contacts had created a high-quality product, so he didn't check it out before putting it out to his community. The product ended up not meeting the expectations of Marc's audience, so now Marc carefully screens products/offers before agreeing to promote them.

Also, Marc recommends to never make a decision under pressure to collaborate with a connection.

One thing you're most excited about

Marc's new speaking engagements, such as his recent presentation at Social Media Marketing World.

Resources mentioned

The Real ABC's of a Successful Coaching Business

More About Marc

Marc Mawhinneyis a lifelong entrepreneur who's on a mission to help coaches build successful businesses! He achieves this with his coaching programs; his podcast, Natural Born Coaches;his Facebook group The Coaching Jungle, and his exclusive print newsletter Secret Coach Club www.SecretCoachClub.com He frequently makes media appearances and is a contributor for Entrepreneur.com. You can learn more about Marc at: www.NaturalBornCoaches.com

JV Crum III, founder of "Conscious Millionaire" for coaches and consultants, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed with influencer marketing while running a conscious business that creates a legacy and long-lasting impact.

JV's Journey

JV started his first business at age 4! He was tired of being told "we don't have that much money," so he decided he would become a millionaire. He achieved his goal at age 25.

He "had it all," but in only 3 months he realized there was something wrong with the story. He didn't really "have it all." "If you have money, all you have are things you can buy with money, but that's all," he says. That's what started his search for purpose and meaning.

As he tried to find meaning, and use what he found in a way that benefited the world, he became an influencer. Now, his Conscious Millionaire podcasts have attracted over 12 million listeners.

Your influencer marketing story: JV Crum's position as an influencer

JV says he became an influencer because he intended to make a difference and found a way to do that. His goal wasn't to become an influencer, but to find meaning by helping others.

His number one goal: To see everyone win.

As an influencer who receives hundreds of pitches to appear on his show, JV selects who he will accept based on the alignment between the proposals and his mission. "You can see it through the energy of the words and the way the sentences are constructed," he says.

Cookie-cutter pitches won't grant anyone an appearance on his show.

What works: a great message that will bring value to the listeners.

Business has evolved in a way that the authentic desire to deliver value first is a must.

Worst influencer marketing moment

JV joined a high-priced mastermind for people creating info products, but soon he realized the leader of the group's values were not a match to his. That experience made him wonder whether he wanted to create a connection with the other members in the group, who were likely to share the same values of the leader.

At the time, he was trying to break in. Strategically, joining the mastermind was a good idea, but because there was a value mismatch, it ended up not working out.

"The profit comes from making an impact, but the focus is on making that impact," JV says as he talks about his values.

His lesson learned: Always look for a commonality of values when you intend to connect with an influencer.

One thing you're most excited about

JV is excited about his upcoming University specifically designed for coaches and consultants. He wants to give them exactly what they need so that they get wealthier by doing that feels meaningful for them. In the University, he will walk his clients through the different milestones to reach 6 figures and 7 figures in their business, and he will help them become conscious influencers.

Resources mentioned

Gift: 3-Day Challenge for Coaching and Consultants and 6-Step Rapid Growth for Coaches and Consultants. http://www.consciousmillionaire.com/rapidgrowth

Social Grow for Instagram: https://socialgrow.io/

Book: Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson

JV's motto

"Trust perfect timing."

More About JV Crum III

J V Crum III is known for his LIVE On-Camera Trainings where he creates a Breakthrough for coaches and consultants by helping them find $50,000 or more in hidden revenues and develop steps to put it in their bank account. His podcast, Conscious Millionaire, was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 13 Business Shows to listen to in 2017. JV is the author of the #1 best-seller, "Conscious Millionaire: Grow Your Business by Making a Difference." JV holds graduate degrees in three areas: law, business and psychology and has multiple certifications in NLP and coaching.

Conscious Millionaire Show and Podcast:

http://ConsciousMillionaireShow.com

Conscious Millionaire Website:

http://ConsciousMillionaire.com