In this encore episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car? podcast, Mike and Scott Couchenour explore the themes of career transitions, collaboration, and the importance of legacy. Scott shares his philosophy on the 'fourth quarter' of life, emphasizing the potential for impact and fulfillment during this stage. They discuss the significance of trust in collaboration and how to identify the right partners for success. The conversation highlights the need for deeper relationships and the value of understanding one's legacy while navigating career changes.

Takeaways

Scott identifies as a professional steward of failure, emphasizing the lessons learned from past experiences.

The fourth quarter of life can be the most impactful, leveraging time, resources, and wisdom.

Exit planning should be viewed as a launch pad for future opportunities, not an end.

Legacy is about living in a way that creates lasting impact while still alive.

Collaboration is essential for success, and trust is the currency that fuels it.

Career transitions require a framework to navigate emotional and practical challenges.

Deep relationships yield greater results than superficial connections.

Identifying the right collaborators is crucial for meaningful partnerships.

The process of transition is as important as the outcome, focusing on internal growth.

Fulfillment increases when individuals align their actions with their core values. 

Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcouchenour/ 

Scott’s Website: https://www.servingstrong.com/

Email Scott: [email protected] 

Call Scott: (331) 253-2378

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack:  https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

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Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this encore episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car podcast, Mike is joined by George Sandman, Owner of Growth-Drive.com to discuss the critical role of collaboration in business growth. They explore how effective collaboration can lead to better client outcomes, the importance of setting expectations, and the dynamics of professional relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, trust, and mutual support among advisors to enhance their effectiveness and build a culture of collaboration. They also touch on the significance of referrals and how new advisors can navigate their careers in collaborative environments.

Takeaways:

Collaboration is essential for business success.

Quality assurance is key when identifying collaborators.

Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings.

Setting expectations is crucial in collaborative relationships.

Trust is built through consistent communication and support.

Collaboration can lead to better client outcomes.

New advisors should focus on delivering value to gain trust.

Referrals are a powerful tool in building professional relationships.

A culture of collaboration enhances overall business performance.

Over-communication can be beneficial in maintaining relationships.

Connect with George: [email protected] and growth-drive.com

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car podcast, host Mike Garrison explores the powerful intersection between owned media (content you control) and his proactive referral methodology. Drawing inspiration from marketing thought leaders like Mark Schaeffer, Jeannie Dietrich, and Marcus Sheridan, Mike explains how integrating these two strategies can reduce friction in the sales process, create predictable growth, and compound trust over time.

Mike shares how owned media, blogs, newsletters, videos, podcasts, lets you control your message, timing, and delivery, while referrals, when done right, act as evergreen relationships that multiply over generations. He lays out the difference between macro and micro referral strategies, how to identify ideal clients through trusted partners, and why deep relationship-building beats reactive marketing every time.

The big takeaway? It’s not AI vs. human connection,it’s AI plus human connection. Not content vs. relationships, but content fueling relationships. By combining strong, credibility-rich owned media with intentional referral systems, businesses can create scalable growth while staying deeply human in a tech-driven world.

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car:

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Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

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Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

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Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode, Mike and Wally Waldron explore the intricacies of collaboration in exit planning and the role of financial advisors. They discuss the importance of building trust, understanding the value of businesses, and the need for effective communication among professionals involved in the exit process. Wally shares insights from his company, Exitology, emphasizing the need for a growth mindset and the significance of creating optionality for clients. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in navigating professional relationships and the impact of collaboration on business success.

Takeaways

Collaboration is essential for effective exit planning.

Building trust is crucial for successful partnerships.

Understanding a business's value is key to maximizing exit potential.

Financial advisors play a vital role in the exit process.

A growth mindset is necessary for business owners.

Creating optionality for clients enhances their decision-making.

Effective communication among professionals is critical.

The exit planning process requires a marathon approach, not a sprint.

Discerning qualification processes lead to better client relationships.

Exitology aims to unlock the value of privately owned businesses.

Learn more about Exitology: https://exitology.com/

Connect with Wally: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallywaldron/

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car:

https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car Podcast, Mike Garrison and Tom Maxwell discuss the importance of collaboration and disciple-making in both ministry and business. They explore how effective collaboration can lead to greater success in achieving goals, the significance of investing in people, and the need for clarity in purpose and direction. Tom shares insights from his experience with SonLife, emphasizing the role of preparation and foundational work in building effective ministries and organizations. The conversation highlights the parallels between disciple-making and business practices, encouraging listeners to consider how they can implement these principles in their own lives and work.

Takeaways

Collaboration is essential for success in ministry and business.

Disciple-making is a model for effective leadership.

Investing in people leads to exponential returns.

Clarity in purpose is crucial for achieving goals.

Preparation and foundational work are often overlooked.

Understanding the product you want to produce is key.

Individual collaboration differs from organizational collaboration.

Building relationships is fundamental to effective ministry.

Successful marketing relies on collaboration and relationship-building.

The life of Christ serves as a model for leadership and ministry.

Connect with Tom: linkedin.com/in/tom-maxwell-4b42498

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car:  https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car? podcast, Mike and Scott Couchenour explore the themes of career transitions, collaboration, and the importance of legacy. Scott shares his philosophy on the 'fourth quarter' of life, emphasizing the potential for impact and fulfillment during this stage. They discuss the significance of trust in collaboration and how to identify the right partners for success. The conversation highlights the need for deeper relationships and the value of understanding one's legacy while navigating career changes.

Takeaways

Scott identifies as a professional steward of failure, emphasizing the lessons learned from past experiences.

The fourth quarter of life can be the most impactful, leveraging time, resources, and wisdom.

Exit planning should be viewed as a launch pad for future opportunities, not an end.

Legacy is about living in a way that creates lasting impact while still alive.

Collaboration is essential for success, and trust is the currency that fuels it.

Career transitions require a framework to navigate emotional and practical challenges.

Deep relationships yield greater results than superficial connections.

Identifying the right collaborators is crucial for meaningful partnerships.

The process of transition is as important as the outcome, focusing on internal growth.

Fulfillment increases when individuals align their actions with their core values. 

Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcouchenour/ 

Scott’s Website: https://www.servingstrong.com/

Email Scott: [email protected] 

Call Scott: (331) 253-2378

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack:  https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car podcast, Mike is joined by George Sandman, Owner of Growth-Drive.com to discuss the critical role of collaboration in business growth. They explore how effective collaboration can lead to better client outcomes, the importance of setting expectations, and the dynamics of professional relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, trust, and mutual support among advisors to enhance their effectiveness and build a culture of collaboration. They also touch on the significance of referrals and how new advisors can navigate their careers in collaborative environments.

Takeaways:

Collaboration is essential for business success.

Quality assurance is key when identifying collaborators.

Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings.

Setting expectations is crucial in collaborative relationships.

Trust is built through consistent communication and support.

Collaboration can lead to better client outcomes.

New advisors should focus on delivering value to gain trust.

Referrals are a powerful tool in building professional relationships.

A culture of collaboration enhances overall business performance.

Over-communication can be beneficial in maintaining relationships.

Connect with George: [email protected] and growth-drive.com

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

Summary

In this episode, Mike discusses the importance of maintaining a full sales pipeline, especially for professional advisors. He emphasizes the need for trust in building relationships and the effectiveness of both macro and micro strategies in client acquisition. We also highlight the significance of nurturing relationships over time and identifying key individuals who can help in the referral process.

Key Takeaways

Winter is coming; ensure your sales pipeline is full.

Trust is essential in professional relationships.

Macro strategies are small, consistent actions.

Micro strategies involve harvesting relationships periodically.

Nurturing relationships is crucial for long-term success.

Identify key individuals who will help you.

Prepare for economic downturns by having options.

Referrals take time and effort to cultivate.

Focus on people who will actually help you.

Building a strong network is vital for business growth.

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car:

https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode, Mike Garrison shares insights gained from working with new clients, emphasizing the importance of a personal plan in exit planning. He discusses how understanding personal aspirations can lead to better business outcomes and the significance of systematizing client acquisition to enhance business value. The conversation highlights the need for a culture of caring within organizations to ensure both personal and professional success.

Takeaways

Working with new clients forces you to up your game.

A personal plan is crucial for business owners.

75% of business owners are unhappy after an exit.

Connecting actions to desired outcomes is essential.

Systematizing client acquisition increases business value.

Decentralizing the owner is key for growth.

Capturing the culture of the organization is important.

Risk mitigation is influenced by the owner's buy-in.

A culture of caring leads to better business outcomes.

Predictable cash flow is a goal for successful businesses.

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car: https://caniborrowyourcar.com

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665

In this episode of the "Can I Borrow Your Car" podcast, host Mike Garrison delves into the foundational steps for building an ideal advisory practice, focusing specifically on the growth phase. Garrison frames this as the first of a two-part series, emphasizing that success in business comes from treating people right while striving for excellence.

He outlines a seven-step process for advisors aiming to create their ideal practice:

• Define Your Ideal Client: Garrison stresses the importance of clearly identifying the type of client who brings the most satisfaction and profitability, and aligning your service model to exceed their expectations.
• Assess Your Current State: Evaluate how many ideal clients you currently have, the total client base, and whether your existing service model can support your goals.
• Set Your Growth Interval: Determine the realistic number of ideal clients you can onboard each year without sacrificing service quality, and set clear acquisition targets.
• Engineer Your Referral System: Garrison advocates for a proactive, giving-based referral strategy, highlighting its effectiveness—especially for advisors seeking more sophisticated clients.
• Double Your Activity Targets: He encourages advisors to set ambitious, measurable activity goals for both giving and receiving referrals, noting that most people underestimate the effort required.
• Share Your Vision: Communicate your business goals and vision to your network to attract support and potential referrals.
• Build a Waiting List: As you approach your ideal client count, maintain a waiting list to ensure continuity and allow for strategic growth or transitions.

Throughout, Garrison emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, proactive marketing, and maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement. He concludes by reminding listeners that building an ideal practice is a journey worth pursuing, one that allows advisors to grow their business and love their life.

Learn More About Can I Borrow Your Car:

https://caniborrowyourcar.com/

Subscribe to the Can I Borrow Your Car Substack: 

https://bit.ly/CanIBorrowYourCarSubstack

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/

Buy your copy of Can I Borrow Your Car: 

https://amzn.to/3ZeudQV

Email Mike: [email protected] 

Call Mike:  540-314-5665