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Can I Borrow Your Car?
Can I Borrow Your Car? episodes
- Can I Borrow Your Car? What Happens When You Stop Hiding in Business with Carl Cox
In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Carl Cox, a “recovering CPA,” strategic thinker, and one of the most authentic leaders I know. What starts as a conversation about strategy quickly turns into something much deeper: faith, fear, identity, and the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself.
Carl shares a powerful story about stepping onto a stage, abandoning the polished business persona, and speaking from the heart, and how that single decision transformed his business, his relationships, and the people in the room.
We talk about:
• Why authenticity is now a competitive advantage
• The real future of business in an AI-driven world
• Why relationships will always outperform tactics
• Execution vs. information — and why most people are stuck
• Faith, clarity, and confidence in direction
This episode isn’t about hype.
It’s about alignment.
And the freedom that comes when you stop pretending.
If you’re a business owner navigating uncertainty, pressure, or the rapid changes coming our way, this conversation is for you.
Connect with Carl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carljcox/
Register for the 40 Strategy Growth Workshop: https://40strategy.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
Are you a good fit for the Strategic Referral Team? https://strategicreferralteam.com
Email Mike: [email protected]
Call Mike: 540-314-5665
44 min - Do You "Need" Social Media to Grow Your Business?
Social media isn’t the problem.
How we use it is.
In this episode, I unpack a paradox I see every day: good people using social media in ways that strip out their humanity. Automation, mass DMs, shallow tactics — all in the name of “marketing.”
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do social media.
And if you are doing it, you should do it on purpose.
We talk about:
- Why vision and mission must drive your marketing (not fear or trends)
- Why social media is a tool — not a Swiss Army knife for everything
- How strategy, not hustle, separates impact from mediocrity
- Why investing in people beats investing in programs
- How to stay human in a world moving fast toward AI and automation
If you want your marketing to deliver results and deepen your humanity — this conversation is for you.
Be human. Be intentional. Be strategic.
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
15 min - The Shift in Buyer Behavior: Why Your Clients Decide Long Before You Show Up
In this eye-opening episode of Can I Borrow Your Car?, Mike Garrison sits down with marketing strategist and longtime collaborator John Lusher to break down the latest 6sense Buyer Experience Report — and what it really means for small, elite professional service firms.
Buyers are moving upstream. Decisions are being made before a seller ever enters the conversation. 80% of deals now go to a vendor someone on the buying team already knows personally. Meanwhile, AI isn’t replacing research — it’s multiplying confusion, accelerating timelines, and raising the bar on digital presence.
Mike and John unpack:
- Why organic reach is not a strategy
- The myth that “great expertise sells itself”
- How consistency + credibility = early shortlist placement
- Why AI Engine Optimization (AEO) is the new SEO
- The only shortcut in modern deal flow — and when you should use it
- How small firms can win big by focusing on ideal clients, content they’ll stick with, and a referral ecosystem that actually scales
This is the playbook for professional service owners who refuse to be invisible while their competitors get chosen first.
Read the 2025 B2B Buyer Experience Report: https://6sense.com/science-of-b2b/buyer-experience-report-2025/
Learn More About The Social Buzz Lab: https://webuildbuzz.com
Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlusher/
Email John: [email protected]
Call: 540-314-7145
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
1 hr 8 min - Ideal Client Acquistion and Why it Matters
In this episode of Can I Borrow Your Car?, Podcast, I sit down with my good friend and marketing partner, John Lusher, founder of The Social Buzz Lab, to talk about one of the most misunderstood, yet absolutely vital, parts of business growth: Ideal Client Acquisition.
We dig into what it really means to define your ideal client, why so many business owners get it wrong, and how refining your focus can transform not only your marketing, but your entire business.
From sales and systems to the role marketing should actually play in your business, this is a conversation packed with honesty, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs along the way.
If you’ve ever said, “We need better clients,” this episode is for you.
🎙️ Listen now and start thinking differently about who you serve — and why it matters.
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
Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlusher/
Learn more about The Social Buzz Lab: https://webuildbuzz.com
44 min - The New Scarcity: Meaning, Trust, and Ideal Clients in the Age of AI
In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car? Podcast, Mike discusses the dual nature of AI, exploring its potential to simplify life while also questioning the authenticity of relationships and trust in a world increasingly influenced by technology. Mike also emphasizes the importance of human connections that cannot be replicated or replaced by AI.
Takeaways
AI has the potential to simplify life for many.
The impact of AI on content creation is significant.
Real-world relationships cannot be replaced by technology.
Trust is a fundamental aspect of human interaction.
The perception of a better world varies across different cultures.
AI's influence raises questions about authenticity.
Human connections are irreplaceable by AI.
The future of technology must consider human experiences.
AI can create challenges in maintaining relationships.
The balance between technology and humanity is crucial.
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
14 min - Can I Borrow Your Car? Marketing with Soul
In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. In this episode, Mike challenges entrepreneurs, advisors, and professional service providers to ask a deeper question — does your marketing feed your soul?
He explores how to build significance while building your business, why tactics alone will never replace relationships, and how true growth starts with being human. Drawing parallels from fly fishing to referral marketing, Mike shares why marketing without soul might work — but it won’t last.
Listen in for a reminder that the most effective marketing isn’t about chasing algorithms, it’s about connection, integrity, and meaning.
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
7 min - Building Relationships Beyond Profit with Mike Cook
In this episode of Can I Borrow Your Car?, I sit down with my longtime friend Mike Cook—entrepreneur, rancher-at-heart, and author of People & Profit—to talk about collaboration, referrals, and why vendors are people first, not just line items. We dig into the faith-driven mindset behind serving everyone who touches your business (customers, employees, vendors, stakeholders), and how an abundance + stewardship framework creates healthier profit.
Mike shares his “first day in outside sales” disaster, how that pushed him toward building a business by referral, and why paying vendors early and with respect becomes a competitive advantage when things go sideways. We also unpack his three-person leadership model (Chief Stewardship Officer for employees, Chief Brand Officer for customers, COO for vendors) and talk legacy: passing down values and valuables so your culture survives succession. If you’ve ever treated vendors as a cost to crush instead of partners to cultivate, this one will reset your compass.
Connect with Mike Cook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecookstrategicdoer/
Email Mike: 434-841-8707
Purchase People & Profit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WAXqTH
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
32 min - Bob Goldsmith: Investment Banking & Exit Planniing
In this encore episode of The Can I Borrow Your Car Podcast, Mike talks with Bob Goldsmith, founder of Northern Edge Advisors, to discuss the intricacies of investment banking, the importance of trust in financial transactions, and the role of financial advisors in guiding business owners through mergers and acquisitions. Bob shares insights on valuation, the need for proactive investment bankers, and the significance of building strong relationships with clients. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding unique business needs for successful sales.
Takeaways
- Bob emphasizes the importance of trust in investment banking.
- Investment bankers should be proactive in finding buyers for businesses.
- Valuation is often subjective and depends on buyer motivations.
- Financial advisors play a crucial role in guiding business owners through M&A processes.
- Understanding the unique needs of each business is essential for successful transactions.
- Bob's firm focuses on serving underserved markets in investment banking.
- The relationship between business owners and their advisors is critical for successful exits.
- Preparation for selling a business should start well in advance of the actual sale.
- Investment bankers should provide honest and realistic expectations to clients.
- Networking and building relationships are key to successful business transactions
Learn more about Bob: https://www.northernedgeadvisors.com/
Email Bob Goldsmith: [email protected]
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
48 min - The Power and Necessity of Authenticity in Collaboration and Referrals
In this episode of the Can I Borrow Your Car? podcast, Mike discusses the complexities of building business relationships through referrals. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and understanding personal differences in collaboration. Mike shares insights on how to navigate these differences while maintaining genuine connections and the significance of sharing one's story in professional settings.
Takeaways
Doing business by referral can be challenging.
Not everyone is compatible for collaboration.
Social media serves as a community, not just marketing.
Authenticity is crucial in building relationships.
Sharing your beliefs can impact business opportunities.
It's important to know who you are and what you stand for.
Managing differences can mitigate risks in referrals.
Being authentic helps avoid regrets in business.
Your story can enhance your professional relationships.
Boundaries are important when sharing personal information.
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
16 min - Collaboration is the New Competitive Edge
In this engaging conversation, Mike is joined by Tina Corner Stolz to explore the transformative power of collaboration in business. They discuss the importance of explicit roles and agreements, the impact of AI on collaboration, and the necessity of authenticity in building strong partnerships. The dialogue emphasizes that collaboration is not just a strategy but a vital component for personal and professional growth, urging listeners to start their collaborative journeys without delay.
Key Takeaways
Collaboration is essential for business growth.
Explicit roles and agreements enhance trust.
AI will not replace collaboration but enhance it.
Quality relationships are more valuable than quantity.
Authenticity is crucial in collaborative efforts.
Trust is built through effective communication.
Cutting in line means leveraging strategic partnerships.
Collaboration leads to exponential growth opportunities.
Start collaborating now; it's never too late.
Navigating challenges in collaboration requires patience.
Learn More About LX Council: https://www.lxcouncil.com/
Connect with Tina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinacorner/
Contact Tina: [email protected]
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
Contact Mike: [email protected] or 540-314-5665
40 min
About Can I Borrow Your Car?
From the publisher's feed
The Can I Borrow Your Car Podcast is dedicated to transforming how financial advisors and client-focused professionals approach client acquisitions. Drawing on decades of expertise, best-selling books, and industry recognition, the podcast’s mission is to help listeners fill their sales funnel with more ideal clients than they require—by building a referral system rooted in generosity, respect, and genuine care for relationships.
Core Themes and Approach
Giving, Not Begging: The podcast champions a referral system based on purposeful giving, not asking or begging. Listeners will learn how to become someone trusted enough to be “loaned” the most important relationships in a client’s life.
Lowering Referral Risk: Each episode explores strategies for reducing both perceived and actual risk in the referral process, making it easier and more comfortable for clients and centers of influence to refer their valued contacts.
Farming, Not Hunting: Adopting a “farmer” mindset, the podcast emphasizes nurturing a diverse network, engaging key contacts early, and cultivating long-term relationships that naturally yield referrals over time.
Systematic Growth: Listeners are guided to set clear client acquisition targets, double their meeting goals based on closing rates, and create a waiting list of interested clients—ensuring a full pipeline and sustainable business growth.
Respect and Enterprise Value: The podcast highlights the importance of treating people with respect and care, which not only increases referrals but also enhances the enterprise value of an advisory practice.
Enjoyable Referral Process: Episodes focus on making the referral process enjoyable for all parties, so that giving and receiving referrals becomes a source of pride and satisfaction, not stress.
Who Should Listen
Financial advisors seeking to grow their practice and enterprise value through referrals
Professionals in client acquisition roles who want to make referrals their primary growth engine
Anyone who values building their business by loving people and giving on purpose within a proven system
Host Credentials
Best-selling author of multiple books on referrals, including Can I Borrow Your Car?
2024 Exit Planning Institute Member of the Year and online faculty member
Recognized expert in helping financial advisors grow their practices’ enterprise value through referrals and exit planning
Podcast Promise
Listeners will discover how to become the “obvious choice” in their market by building a referral-driven business that everyone loves participating in—clients, centers of influence, and advisors alike. The Can I Borrow Your Car Podcast is your guide to growing your business by loving people, giving first, and earning the right to be introduced to your ideal clients.