David Aferiat – Co-Founder (Exited FinTech), Executive Coach, Leadership Strategist, The Avid Group

In Episode 140, Drewbie sits down with David Aferiat, a seasoned entrepreneur who spent 20 years building and scaling a FinTech software company before successfully exiting—and now helps founders and leadership teams navigate growth, culture, and scale without breaking themselves in the process.

David shares the behind-the-scenes reality of landing massive enterprise deals with companies like E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade, Schwab, and Interactive Brokers—and why closing the deal is often the easy part. The real challenge? What happens after you win.

This conversation goes deep into leadership identity, scaling pains, values-driven decision-making, and why every time you double your business, you break it—and why that's actually a good thing.

From redefining perseverance, to building meetings that don't suck, to reframing leadership as a guide on the hero's journey, this episode is a masterclass for founders, sales leaders, and executives navigating growth.

• Selling and licensing FinTech software to major enterprise platforms

• Why landing big clients forces you to rebuild your company from the inside out

• "Every time you double your business, you break it" — and why that matters

• The shift from one-to-one selling to one-to-many decision-makers

• How enterprise sales change customer service, product development, and staffing

• Managing identity after a successful exit from a 20-year business

• Why anchoring identity in values—not roles—is critical for leaders

• Redefining perseverance as daily rituals toward a better future version of yourself

• Designing meetings that create momentum instead of draining energy

• The danger of endless one-on-one meetings and weak leadership structures

• Building mutual accountability through team-based problem solving

• The "toothbrush test" for leadership alignment and daily focus

• Why employees—not customers—are the real heroes of the business

• Leadership as a guide, not the hero, in the organization

• How values become the filter for hiring, promoting, and firing

• Using assessments to uncover hidden friction in sales, marketing, and operations

• Simplifying, prioritizing, executing, and communicating as leadership fundamentals

1. Scaling always breaks the company—and that's normal. Every growth stage requires rebuilding systems, roles, and processes from scratch.

2. Big deals don't just change revenue—they change everything. Customer service, R&D, staffing, and accountability all shift at scale.

3. Your identity must outlive your title. Founders who anchor identity to roles struggle after exits or transitions.

4. Values are revealed through decisions, not websites. Real values show up in how leaders hire, fire, promote, and prioritize.

5. Perseverance is not burnout—it's intentional daily rituals. Success comes from designing habits aligned with a future version of yourself.

6. Meetings should build momentum, not resentment. Well-run weekly leadership meetings drive clarity, accountability, and speed.

7. Weak leaders hide in one-on-ones. Strong leaders build alignment and accountability in the group.

8. Your team are the heroes—you are the guide. Leaders exist to empower others to win, not to be the star.

9. Psychological safety unlocks execution. When teams trust each other, problems surface faster and solutions follow.

10. Simplify → Prioritize → Execute → Communicate. Leadership doesn't have to be complicated—but it must be intentional.

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaferiat/ 🏢 Company: The Avid Group 📍 Atlanta, GA

David regularly shares leadership insights, growth frameworks, and reflections on the hero's journey for founders and executives.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:

• Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures.

• Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game.

• Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales.

• Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries.

Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom.

If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing!

https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

• Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with my guy Ethan Dowie, founder of Indigo and one of the sharpest minds in the branded-merch game. Ethan didn't come into the industry with experience, money, or a fancy network… he came in with a cell phone, a notebook, and the willingness to make 500 cold calls.

And on call #496, everything changed.

That single outreach — one conversation with a buyer at Zappos — turned into hundreds of thousands of dollars in orders and opened the door to a multi-six-figure merch company built on systems, relationships, and high-touch service.

Ethan and I break down what it really takes to win in sales when you're starting from scratch, how to use merch the right way as a growth tool, and why quality > quantity in every part of your business.

If you've ever doubted yourself, if you've ever been tempted to quit before you hit that breakthrough, or if you're trying to figure out how to scale a brand from "one good client" to a real business — this episode is your sign.

💥 Cold Call #496 — The One That Changed Everything Ethan went 0 for 400+ calls before landing Zappos. One swing changed the trajectory of his company — and proved the power of persistence.

📈 Slow, Steady, and Systematized Growth Before scaling, Ethan became the only employee he needed — learning everything himself, documenting the process, and turning each lesson into SOPs.

🎨 Why Most Merch Fails (And How to Fix It) Ethan shares why brands get merch wrong: they start with the product, not the outcome. Reverse engineer the purpose, then design with intention.

🎁 Merch as a Sales Tool, Not a Vanity Project Done right, merch builds brand equity, creates unforgettable customer experiences, and keeps you top of mind long after the interaction.

🛠️ Consultative Merch Strategy (Not Transactional Orders) Ethan's team doesn't just take orders — they ask questions, uncover goals, and design campaigns that amplify the experience and ROI.

💡 Trade Show Secrets for Higher Traffic Don't just hand out random bags. Create interactive experiences at your booth — games, challenges, giveaways — and watch traffic triple.

💸 Quality Over Quantity — Every Time One high-quality item beats 1,000 cheap ones that no one wants. People remember the feel, the fit, and the experience.

🤖 How Indigo Uses AI (The Smart Way) AI helps Ethan's team ideate, avoid mistakes, and improve efficiency — but it doesn't replace high-touch service or human-level communication.

🤝 Service Is the Sales Advantage Ethan trains his team to "advance the position" with every interaction — stay positive, build connection, and play the long game.

🎯 The One Thing Every Brand Should Implement: A Thank You Program A thoughtful, well-designed welcome gift or first-purchase surprise can instantly elevate your experience and improve customer retention.

▪️Persistence Pays Off You might be one call away from everything changing. Keep dialing.

▪️Reverse Engineer Your Merch Start with the outcome, not the item.

▪️Quality Wins Long Term Cheap merch hurts your brand. Premium merch builds loyalty.

▪️Experience | Item What people feel matters more than what they wear.

▪️Ask More Questions Great merch companies — and great salespeople — uncover the story behind the order.

▪️AI Elevates Ideas, Not Execution Use it to think bigger, not to replace the human touch.

▪️Relationships Build Revenue Play for 10-year clients, not one-project payouts.

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethandowie/

📱LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethandowie/ 💬 Message him the word "MERCH" for a free 20-minute consult 🏢 Company: Indigo — premium branded merch built with strategy, intention, and unmatched customer experience.

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:

• Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures.

• Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game.

• Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales.

• Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries.

Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom.

If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing!

https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

• Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Lidia Axe – Business Coach for Solopreneurs, Sales Mindset Strategist, Author, Host of "Conversations That Convert"

In this episode, Drewbie is joined by the fiery, hilarious, and deeply insightful Lidia Axe, a former corporate director turned business coach who helps solopreneurs overcome the mindset blocks stopping them from selling with confidence.

Lidia shares her transformational sales story—how a kids club turned into a boutique gift shop, and how her passion for the products helped her understand one of the most important principles in sales:

👉 If you deeply believe in the value of what you sell, selling becomes easy.

The conversation dives into the emotional and ego-driven struggles of coaches and consultants, why so many hide behind certifications, and why starting the conversation is the most important (and most avoided) step.

From pitch-slapping, to ego death, to corporate conditioning, to the "discotheque problem," Lidia breaks down exactly why so many solopreneurs avoid outreach and how to fix it with a mindset shift that puts the buyer—not the seller—at the center.

This episode is LOADED with real talk, practical reframes, and a refreshing perspective every coach, consultant, or new business owner needs to hear.

• Why Lidia once believed she would "never be good at sales"

• How passion for her products turned her into a natural salesperson

• The boutique kids shop that accidentally taught her the truth about selling

• Why believing in your offer eliminates fear, sleaze, and pressure

• The trap of waiting "to be picked" in business (the discotheque analogy)

• Why most solopreneurs lack a sales problem—they have a conversation problem

• The pitch-slap epidemic: leading with an offer before you know the person

• Why certifications become a socially validated form of procrastination

• How corporate conditioning keeps coaches stuck collecting acronyms

• Ego death: why transitioning from corporate to solopreneurship is so emotionally hard

• The danger of hiding behind endless learning instead of client acquisition

• Why clients don't care about your certifications—they care about their problem

• How to reframe your fear of judgment and shift to a service-led approach

• Why "coaching" is not the business—it's simply one tool in your toolbox

• How to stay human, start conversations, and build real relationships

1. Selling is easy when you believe in the value. Passion and certainty make conversations natural—not salesy.

2. Stop waiting to be picked. If you don't start the conversation, you're standing in the corner of the discotheque forever.

3. Certifications do not replace clients. You are not in corporate anymore. You don't need 19 letters after your name—you need conversations.

4. Learning is safe. Outreach is scary. Most coaches bury themselves in training to avoid rejection.

5. Shift the focus OFF yourself. When you focus on the person you're helping, selling becomes service, not pressure.

6. Clients don't care about your tools. They care about whether you can fix their problem. Tools ≠ value. Results = value.

7. Ego death is part of becoming a business owner. Letting go of identity, titles, and corporate validation is essential.

8. Start with a normal human conversation—not a pitch. No one likes a pitch-slap. Build the relationship first.

9. Your offer is not about you—it's about the job it does for the client. People buy outcomes, not methodologies.

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ 🌐 Website: https://www.skool.com/a-zone/about 💬 Sends DMs, welcomes conversations—but NO pitch-slapping!

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals."

Each week, host Drewbie Wilson brings real-world sales wisdom, humor, and high-energy conversations designed to help you become a better communicator, closer, and leader.

Expect a powerful mix of: 🔥 Real Sales Stories 🔧 Proven Sales Tactics 🎙️ Expert Interviews ⚡ Humor, Mindset & Motivation 📈 Practical, usable strategies you can implement today

Whether you're a salesperson, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur—this show will sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and help you close more deals by simply… 👉 Calling the damn leads.

Share your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Dr. Chris Gray – Consumer Psychologist, Founder of The Bycologist, Behavioral Marketing Expert

In this episode, Drewbie sits down with world-renowned consumer psychologist Dr. Chris Gray, whose three decades of experience in marketing, psychology, and behavioral science have helped brands decode how customers actually think, feel, and buy.

Dr. Gray shares an unbelievable story from early in his career—a sales meeting gone wrong that turned into one of the most transformative projects of his life. What began as a devastating rejection ended with multimillion-dollar partnerships, a groundbreaking "Shopper Passport" experience, and a deep truth he carries into every project today:

👉 Experience is undeniable.

Through the power of curiosity, psychological insight, and immersive customer empathy, Dr. Gray helps businesses understand their buyers better than their competitors ever will. This episode is PACKED with wisdom on consumer behavior, emotional decision-making, customer journeys, and the psychology behind why people choose one brand over another.

If you want to sharpen your marketing, elevate your sales conversations, and truly understand your customers' inner world… this episode is a masterclass.

• The shocking sales meeting meltdown that almost ended his career

• How a single bad experience shaped a pharmaceutical exec's explosive reaction

• Why consumer psychology became Dr. Gray's differentiator

• The creation of the "Shopper Passport" immersive research program

• What happens when you make executives live their customers' struggles

• Running a 700-person nationwide consumer immersion with 17 retailers

• Why experience is undeniable when trying to understand your customers

• How curiosity drives great salespeople

• The danger of assuming you "already know your customer"

• Why avatars & journey maps alone aren't enough

• Intellectual humility as a competitive advantage

• Why the ability to ask "What don't I know?" opens more sales doors

• How Dr. Gray sells without "selling"—teaching, value, and insight

• Why deep customer understanding creates an unfair advantage

1. Immersive experience beats assumptions. When you feel what the customer feels, your strategy changes forever.

2. Curiosity is the salesperson's secret weapon. If you're not asking "What don't I know?" you're already falling behind.

3. Consumer behavior changes constantly. The moment you assume you know everything, you stop learning—and stop selling.

4. Intellectual humility creates better customer insights. Let go of certainty. Replace it with questions.

5. The best sales conversations start with empathy. Understanding emotional tension, constraints, motivations, and trade-offs leads to deeper connection.

6. Teaching is selling. The more value you share, the more people want to work with you.

7. Whoever understands their customer best… wins. Wins the sale. Wins loyalty. Wins lifetime customers.

8. The psychology of buying is a competitive advantage. Understanding how and why people decide is more important than what you sell.

9. Experience is undeniable. You can't argue with what you've lived. Neither can your customers.

🔗 Website: https://thebycologist.com 📰 Newsletter: Monthly deep dive into consumer psychology & application ✍️ Substack: The Bycologist – Consumer behavior, insights & strategy 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchris (handle: Dr. Chris)

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals."

Each week, Drewbie Wilson brings humor, heart, and real-world sales wisdom from 20+ years in the game. Expect a wild mix of:

🔥 Real Sales Stories — entertaining, relatable, and packed with lessons 🔧 Proven Tactics — practical, repeatable strategies for better sales 😆 Humor & Energy — because sales should be fun 🎤 Expert Interviews — gain insights from pros across industries

Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or scaling your business, these conversations will help you grow.

Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode, Drewbie welcomes the brilliant and authentic Melanie Gorman, a trained mental health therapist turned powerhouse sales strategist and business builder. Melanie shares her unconventional path—from therapist and bartender to selling for John Gray (Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus) and eventually launching her own company, Crownsville Media.

She breaks down how relationship psychology gives you an unfair edge in sales, why authenticity dissolves pressure, and how slowing the conversation creates more sales opportunities—not fewer. Melanie dives into the real fears entrepreneurs face when leaving a stable job, how she built her business by doing every role herself, and how evidence-based confidence helps you grow faster without burning out.

If you're a sales professional, coach, consultant, or therapist wanting to sell without feeling "salesy," this episode is your blueprint.

• How Melanie transitioned from therapist → bartender → relationship-focused salesperson

• Working with John Gray at the height of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

• Why authentic conversations outperform aggressive scripts

• How to slow down the sales process to reduce anxiety on both sides

• Why people will refer you even when they don't buy

• The moment Melanie realized she needed to build her own business

• How she grew Crownsville Media by mastering every role before delegating

• Building confidence through evidence, not emotion

• Why leaders should share goals, limitations, and expectations transparently

• The 80% rule: perfection isn't required for success

• Marketing as a "pie chart"—do what fits your time, budget, and energy

• How to stay ahead of your competition through constant learning

• Using content, SEO, and strategy to be found by the right clients

• Why unique naming matters for branding (like Crownsville Media!)

1. Sales anxiety drops when you remember the buyer is more anxious than you. Lead with compassion and curiosity.

2. Authentic conversations are more memorable than perfect scripts. People buy from people who make them feel understood.

3. Confidence grows from evidence. Keep your wins visible—your brain needs reminders.

4. A "no" today can still become a referral tomorrow. Good relationships outlast individual transactions.

5. You don't need a massive team—just a clear vision. Align your people, define expectations, and support them.

6. Marketing is long-term—not a one-and-done task. Websites, content, SEO, and messaging must all work together.

7. Stay educated to stay valuable. If you stop learning, you stop growing.

🔗 Website: https://crownsvillemedia.com 📅 Consultation: Book a call directly through her site 📘 Specialty: Websites, SEO, and marketing systems for therapists & service providers

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals."

Each week, Drewbie Wilson brings humor, heart, and real-world sales wisdom from 20+ years in the game. Expect a wild mix of:

🔥 Real Sales Stories — entertaining, relatable, and packed with lessons 🔧 Proven Tactics — practical, repeatable strategies for better sales 😆 Humor & Energy — because sales should be fun 🎤 Expert Interviews — gain insights from pros across industries

Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or scaling your business, these conversations will help you grow.

Want to be a guest? Pitch your story here: 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode, Drewbie sits down with podcast strategist and agency owner Virginia Elder, whose entire career in podcasting started by accident—thanks to debt, diapers, and financial podcasts that gave her hope during tough times.

Virginia shares how she paid off $80,000 of debt on a modest household income, started a financial podcast to fill a gap she saw in the market, and unexpectedly built a thriving podcast production agency serving financial professionals, coaches, and business owners.

From how to use a podcast to land clients, stay top-of-mind, build authority, and create "forever content," to avoiding the biggest mistakes beginners make, Virginia breaks down the strategy, psychology, and practicality behind launching a podcast that actually drives business growth.

If you're a sales professional, business owner, or creator who's been thinking about starting a show—or struggling to be seen—this is your sign.

• How a forgotten LinkedIn connection turned into a powerful reminder: people don't remember what you do unless you TELL them

• Virginia's wild origin story—financial crisis → podcasts → financial coaching → full-time podcast agency owner

• The real reason people forget what you offer (and why it's not personal)

• How podcast listeners form parasocial relationships—and why that's gold for business

• Why niching down your podcast actually attracts more clients, not fewer

• The power of hyper-specific episodes that speak to your ideal client's actual pain points

• Why your podcast episodes can continue generating leads years after they're recorded

• How to design an intentional listener journey that leads to sales

• Why your CTA must be "two seconds simple"—or people won't do it

• How personal hobbies can become wildly effective podcast angles (gardening + finances? yes.)

• Why most people quit at seven episodes—and how to make sure you don't

• What "sustainable podcasting" looks like for real-world business owners

• Why you don't have time not to have a podcast

1. You must remind people what you do—frequently. Even people who love you forget. Visibility is not bragging; it's clarity.

2. The riches are in the specifics. Your episode titles and topics should match the exact searches, pains, and desires of your ideal client.

3. Podcast content is "forever content." Unlike social media, your episodes live and work for you for years—even while you sleep.

4. Your listener journey must be intentionally designed. One clear CTA. Easy to find. Easy to click. Easy to convert.

5. Your show doesn't need to be about your industry. It just needs a strategic bridge from your topic → to your offer → to your ideal audience.

6. You don't need time—you need sustainability. Start with a format you can maintain: weekly, biweekly, or even monthly.

7. Showing up consistently builds trust at scale. Your voice becomes mentorship—and that connection creates clients.

8. Just start. Adjust later. Momentum beats perfection. Every podcaster improves with reps.

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaelder/ 📘 Free Podcast Resources: podcastabundance.com/resources 🎙️ Podcast Strategy, Consulting, Production & More

Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.

Expect a wild mix of:

• Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire

• Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game

• Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life

• Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields

Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

Follow Drewbie

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this week's Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Chad Link, real estate veteran and co-founder of Swÿvvl.com — a revolutionary new platform built to disrupt the traditional real estate industry.

Chad's been in the business for nearly two decades, training hundreds of agents and helping more than a thousand clients buy and sell homes. After seeing firsthand how much money was being siphoned off by giant real estate tech platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, he decided to build a better way — one that gives power (and money) back to agents, buyers, and sellers.

In this episode, we talk about how Swÿvvl is changing the game by eliminating the massive referral fees, reducing transaction costs, and giving real estate professionals more control over their lead generation and client experience. If you're a real estate agent tired of handing over 40–50% of your commission to big tech — this one's a must-listen.

• 🏡 The Birth of Swÿvvl: Chad shares how frustration with the current real estate model inspired him to build a platform that empowers agents and clients — instead of draining their profits.

• 💰 Breaking Free from Big Tech: Learn how Swÿvvl's flat-rate membership model puts thousands of dollars back in agents' and buyers' pockets — without the massive referral fees.

• ⚙️ Nationwide MLS Access: How Chad and his team fought through two years of red tape to secure one of the most robust property search feeds in the nation, rivaling the biggest players in the market.

• 🤝 Turning Conversations into Opportunities: Why being "out there" — attending events, shaking hands, and talking to people — is still the most powerful way to grow your business.

• 🚀 Built by Agents, for Agents: Unlike the tech giants, Swÿvvl was designed by real estate professionals who actually understand the grind — not Silicon Valley coders chasing margins.

• 📉 Why Most Agents Fail: 87% of agents leave the business within five years. Chad breaks down why that happens — and how tools like Swÿvvl can change the game for those who stick it out.

• 💡 The Early Adopter Advantage: How brokerages and teams joining Swÿvvl early are securing exclusive territories and positioning themselves as market leaders before the next wave of disruption hits.

• 🔄 Disrupting Tradition: The "monkey experiment" analogy — how the real estate industry has stayed stuck in its old ways and why it's time to evolve.

• Real Estate's Biggest Problem: Massive referral fees and corporate middlemen are robbing agents and buyers of their hard-earned money.

• Simplicity Wins: Swÿvvl offers a clean, transparent model — flat monthly rate, no backend fees, and total control over your own leads.

• Opportunity Comes from Action: Whether you're selling homes or building a company, success comes from getting out there and talking to people.

• Industry Change Requires Courage: Disruption isn't easy, but innovation comes from those willing to question "the way it's always been done."

• Homeownership Should Be Attainable: By cutting unnecessary costs, Swÿvvl helps make homeownership more accessible in a market where prices continue to climb.

• Be an Early Adopter: Agents and brokerages that move fast can claim territory, save money, and grow alongside this new model.

• Value Over Vanity: The future of real estate isn't about flashy apps — it's about real people, real relationships, and fair transactions.

🌐 Website: www.swyvvl.com 📧 Email Chad: [email protected] 📧 Email Rob (CTO): [email protected]

✅ Start searching for homes today, connect with agents, and learn how Swÿvvl is changing the real estate game for everyone involved.

Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.

Expect a wild mix of:

• Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire

• Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game

• Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life

• Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields

Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

Follow Drewbie

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Audrey Wiggins – "The Tech Diva" Digital Marketing Strategist • Show Host • Brand Builder

In Episode 133, Drewbie sits down with digital marketing powerhouse Audrey "The Tech Diva" Wiggins to break down what it really takes to stand out, get noticed, and stay consistent in a crowded online marketplace.

From how the iconic nickname Tech Diva was born, to why so many entrepreneurs still look unprofessional online in 2025, Audrey brings wisdom, humor, and straight talk to the conversation. Together, Drewbie and Audrey unpack branding fundamentals, content creation, digital professionalism, and the costly mistakes business owners continue to make—especially when it comes to tech, tools, and subscriptions.

This episode feels like a masterclass wrapped in laughter, as Audrey explains why branded email is non-negotiable, why video is still king, and how consistency beats complexity every time.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, confused by trends, or stuck creating content that doesn't convert, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and show up with confidence.

• How the nickname "Tech Diva" came to life—and why it stuck

• Why digital marketing became more exciting once analytics became accessible

• The #1 branding mistake Audrey still sees everywhere (and why it drives her crazy)

• Why using a personal email hurts your credibility, SEO, and authority

• How branded emails instantly elevate professionalism

• Standing out in a noisy online marketplace without being everywhere

• Why video content still dominates in 2025

• How to create content daily without burnout

• "Pick a theme, pick a routine" — the consistency strategy that works

• How algorithms learn your posting habits

• Why posting inconsistently kills reach

• The truth about trends vs. recurring marketing cycles

• Why entrepreneurs are drowning in unused software subscriptions

• Audrey's $2,500 tech mistake (and what it taught her)

• Avoiding duplicate AI tools built on the same foundation

• The danger of being "trained out" instead of taking action

• Why every business needs a tech and systems audit

• Building simple marketing flows that actually convert

• Why content is still the fastest way to build trust and visibility

1. Professionalism starts with small details. A branded email is not optional—it signals trust, authority, and legitimacy instantly.

2. Consistency beats perfection every time. You don't need every platform. You need repetition where it matters.

3. Capture content when inspiration hits. If you don't record the idea in the moment, it's gone.

4. Algorithms reward predictable behavior. Posting on a routine trains both the platform and your audience.

5. Video still wins. Authentic, simple video builds connection faster than polished ads.

6. Stop chasing shiny tools. More software does not equal more success—clarity does.

7. Audit your tech stack regularly. Subscriptions add up quickly and often overlap.

8. AI is powerful—but not unique everywhere. Many tools use the same foundation; don't pay for duplicates.

9. Don't let training replace execution. Learning feels productive—but action is what makes money.

10. Keep your marketing flow simple. Attention → Value → Next Step. No hacks required.

🌐 Website: https://altogether.biz 🎙️ Podcast: Tech, Marketing & Digital Strategy Conversations 📲 Brand: Altogether Digital Marketing

Audrey is known for making tech and marketing simple, approachable, and actionable—without the fluff.

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:

• Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures.

• Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game.

• Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales.

• Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries.

Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom.

If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing!

https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

• Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Keith Kakadia, the founder and CEO of Socially In, one of the top social media agencies in the country. With more than 14 years in sales and digital marketing, Keith's built a powerhouse team that helps brands dominate online — all while staying true to the fundamentals of human connection.

We dig deep into what really works in modern sales and social media. From losing a $60,000 deal over one extra page in a proposal to mastering AI tools and automations that streamline client relationships, Keith shares the hard lessons and smart systems that every sales professional needs to know.

If you've been trying to do "all the things" online or wondering how to blend sales, marketing, and automation without losing the personal touch — this conversation is for you.

• 💥 A $60K Lesson in Attention to Detail: Keith shares the story of losing a massive deal over a one-page mistake — and how it reshaped his sales process forever.

• 💻 Social Media Strategy Simplified: Why you don't need to be everywhere — and how focusing on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) can 10x your B2B pipeline.

• 🧠 The Power of the ICP: How to define your Ideal Client Profile and create content that speaks directly to the decision makers you actually want to sell to.

• 🎥 Content that Converts in 2025: Educational + personal = unstoppable. Keith reveals why posting about your hobbies, travel, or even your wedding can be the secret to attracting business.

• 🤖 AI-Incorporated Sales: How Socially In uses custom GPTs, automation, and AI note-takers to boost efficiency — without losing the human touch.

• 🔄 Seamless Sales-to-Service Handoff: Why salespeople should stay involved in onboarding to improve retention, referrals, and long-term revenue.

• 📋 The Personal CRM Advantage: Build your own "Rolodex" outside of the company CRM to maintain your relationships for life.

• ⚙️ Automation Meets Authenticity: How AI tools can prep your calendar, research your prospects, and keep your schedule tight — so you can focus on real conversations.

• Details Matter: The smallest mistake can cost the biggest deal. Slow down and double-check everything.

• Less Is More in Marketing: Focus on one or two platforms, master them, and show up consistently.

• Engagement > Posting: Don't just post — connect. Comment, DM, and engage to build real relationships.

• Be Human: Mix personal stories with professional insight. People buy from people they relate to.

• Play the Long Game: Social selling takes time. Consistency compounds results — stay patient.

• AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Use it to automate the boring stuff, not replace the conversations that close deals.

• Sales Never Ends at the Close: Stay involved after the deal to build trust, drive referrals, and grow lifetime value.

• Protect Your Network: Build a personal CRM and treat your connections like gold. Relationships are currency.

📱 LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook: @KeithKakadia 🌐 Website: www.sociallyin.com 💼 Company: Socially In – Full-service social media agency specializing in B2B marketing and content strategy. Keith's an open book and always happy to talk sales, marketing, or AI strategy — don't hesitate to reach out!

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:

• Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures.

• Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game.

• Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales.

• Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries.

Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom.

If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing!

https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

• Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this explosive episode, Drewbie sits down with world-class salesman and internationally bestselling author Chris Smith, creator of The Conversion Code, to break down the true science of sales and why most people overcomplicate what should be simple.

Chris shares his outrageous first week selling for boy-band mogul Lou Pearlman, what he learned from boiler room "Wolf of Wall Street" environments, and how he turned those fundamental lessons into a multi-7-figure career, award-winning companies, and one of the most respected sales frameworks in the world.

From sales psychology to KPIs, personal branding, AI, appointment setting, and why "conversations create customers," this is a masterclass for anyone who wants to sell more—today.

• Chris' INSANE first week in sales—half the room fired, chaos everywhere, and the lesson he never forgot

• Why "the box on the spreadsheet is only big enough for the number"

• The simple sales formula Chris learned early: Get people more excited than the cost during the time you have their attention

• Why enthusiasm is the #1 sales tool most people overlook

• The four-word mantra every salesperson must adopt: I AM SOLD MYSELF

• The difference between elite salespeople and everyone else

• Why most real estate agents—and most salespeople—struggle with "call reluctance"

• How Chris built massive credibility through content, books, blogs, podcasts, and social media

• Why inbound marketing + outbound prospecting = the winning formula today

• The real reason AI won't replace salespeople (but WILL replace low-level appointment setters)

• The future of sales: AI analysis, real-time coaching, and the huge gap between the good and the mediocre

• Why personal brand + consistent content = easier sales calls and faster closing cycles

• Why the best companies separate appointment setting from selling

• How to figure out what's broken in your sales machine (marketing, systems, or sales)

1. Sales is simple—but most people complicate it. If you can make someone more excited than the cost before they lose attention, you win. Focus on enthusiasm, clarity, and energy.

2. Conversations create customers. Dials don't matter. Contacts don't matter. Conversations matter. Know your metrics and trust them like math—not emotion.

3. Lead conversion is a 3-part system: Sales, Marketing & Tech. If one piece is broken, your results will always flatline. You need:

• Strong content + brand

• Solid automation, routing & follow-up systems

• A real sales process that works consistently

4. Call reluctance is real—but optional. You're not afraid of the phone. You're afraid of calling strangers. Chris' advice: detach from dials and anchor to conversations and outcomes.

5. Inbound + outbound beats everything else. You should be creating content that attracts leads and dialing outbound like a pro. Not either/or—both.

6. AI will not replace salespeople—but it will widen the gap. Great reps will become phenomenal. Mediocre reps will get crushed. Appointment setters are the first to go.

7. People buy from people, not funnels. Your personal brand—how you show up online—determines the warmth of every sales conversation.

8. Compensation matters. If you want great salespeople, pay them well for performance. Period.

📘 Book: The Conversion Code — theconversioncode.com 📱 Instagram: http://conv.codes/ig 🐦 Twitter/X: http://conv.codes/twitter

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:

• Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures.

• Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game.

• Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales.

• Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries.

Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom.

If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing!

https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

• Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

• Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads