Keira and Elaine are back with a deep dive into their experience at Grow 2025, Catherine Brown’s incredible conference in Galveston. They share insights on prosperity, money mindset, and the powerful connections formed in the room. From overcoming introvert resistance to embracing the transformative conversations at the event, this episode is packed with takeaways.

Keira reflects on the impact of Ryan Brown’s thought-provoking discussion on prosperity and forgiveness, while Elaine highlights how Katherine Pomerantz’s session shifted her perspective on time and money. Plus, they discuss a standout moment—offering five-minute content strategy sessions as sponsors—which proved just how easy it can be to generate valuable ideas when you have the right guidance.

Stick around to hear how this experience is shaping exciting changes for the podcast and where you can join them next!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of redefining prosperity beyond money 💰

• Why examining your money story is key to unlocking growth

• The permission to NOT chase a 7-figure business (and why that’s freeing!)

• How quick, intentional conversations can generate endless content ideas

• The importance of referrals and connections in business growth

Key Takeaways & Favorite Moments:

🔹 “I felt like I was meant to be in that room.” – Keira on overcoming resistance to attending

🔹 Ryan Brown’s powerful question: What does prosperity mean to you?

🔹 The eye-opening exercise from Katherine Pomerantz: Why are you grateful for money?

🔹 Erica Bryant’s refreshing perspective: You don’t have to want a million-dollar business!

🔹 Scott Ballard’s life-changing coaching session for Keira

🔹 Blessing Richardson on monetizing existing resources in the age of AI

🔹 How the five-minute interview strategy helped people realize that content isn’t as hard as they think

Resources:

GROW 2026

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this enlightening episode, Elaine and Keira Crooms discuss the complexities of tech stacks and the impact they have on expressing influence online. They focus on the benefits of consolidating tech tools, specifically highlighting the all-in-one capabilities of Kajabi. Keira shares valuable insights on how business owners can maximize their content and streamline their operations using Kajabi, from hosting websites to creating courses and building communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their tech setup and enhance their digital presence.

• Keira Crooms: A seasoned expert in technology solutions, Keira specializes in helping business owners streamline their processes through effective tech stack management with platforms like Kajabi.

• Importance of evaluating your tech stack

• Overview of Kajabi’s features

• Content creation and distribution strategies

• Role of social media and other platforms in content marketing

• Value of email marketing and building a mailing list

• Benefits of customizing user experience with landing pages

• Tech Consolidation: Review and consolidate your tech tools to optimize cost and efficiency.

• Kajabi’s Potential: Kajabi offers a comprehensive suite of tools including website hosting, course creation, and email marketing.

• Content Strategy: Align your content with sales goals to drive conversions.

• Essential Automations: Utilize automations to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

• Website Customization: Use unlimited landing pages to tailor user experience and increase engagement.

•  “Tech stacks might not sound sexy, but they are essential for influence.” - Elaine

• “If they don’t know it, they can’t buy it.” - Keira Crooms

• “The world needs more of you.” - Elaine

• Kajabi

• National Business Development Association

• Squarespace

• Mighty Network

•  Circle

Tech stack, Kajabi, content strategy, course creation, email marketing, landing pages, automation, digital presence, business owners

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Episode Summary:

In today’s crowded market, how do you differentiate yourself and sell more? The answer: Thought leadership and strategic content. In this episode, we dive deep into how you can establish trust, build authority, and create content that not only elevates your brand but also drives sales.

We’re pulling insights from experts like Catherine Brown and Elaine Acker to explore the power of positioning yourself as a thought leader. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or online service provider, these strategies will help you amplify your voice, engage your audience, and convert leads into loyal clients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to define your expertise and carve out a unique perspective

✅ Why reframing familiar concepts with fresh insights can set you apart

✅ The key pillars of a winning content strategy (Educational, Inspirational, Conversational)

✅ How storytelling strengthens engagement and builds trust with your audience

✅ Ways to repurpose and recycle content for maximum impact

✅ How to measure the effectiveness of your content and refine your approach

Actionable Takeaways:

🔹 Identify your thought leadership niche and start sharing your insights.

🔹 Develop a content strategy that aligns with your sales goals.

🔹 Use personal storytelling to foster deeper connections with your audience.

🔹 Experiment with multiple content formats—blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media.

🔹 Track performance metrics and adjust your strategy to optimize results.

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this episode, Jeffrey Schlissel, author of Craveable Obsessed, Journals of a Food Addicted Chef, shares his unique insights into the intersection of mental health and the culinary industry. Jeffrey discusses his personal experiences with mental health challenges, thought leadership, and the importance of setting boundaries. He also highlights the need to support local farmers and collaborates on farm-to-table initiatives. This episode is a compelling conversation about confronting mental health stigma, redefining leadership, and creating memorable culinary experiences.

•         Jeffrey Schlissel: Author, chef, public speaker, and owner of the Bacon Cartel. Known for his advocacy on mental health in the culinary industry and support for local farmers.

Connect with Jeffrey

       LinkedIn

        Instagram

        Website

•         Mental health in the culinary industry

•         Thought leadership and personal experiences

•         Importance of setting boundaries

•         Supporting local farmers and farm-to-table initiatives

•         Redefining leadership vs. being a boss

•         Normalizing the discussion of mental health can lead to better support systems.

•         Setting boundaries is crucial for personal and professional well-being.

•         Supporting local agriculture strengthens community and sustainability.

•         True leadership involves collaboration and valuing team input.

•         “If you feel pressured, you are in the wrong relationship.” - Jeffrey Schlissel

•         “The less we talk about it, the more we are demonizing it.” - Jeffrey Schlissel

•         “A boss just points. A leader steps in and says, here’s the problem. What do you think?” - Jeffrey Schlissel

•         The Cookbook Creative

•         American Culinary Federation

•         The Bacon Cartel

•         Ever After Farms

•         Craveable Obsessed: Journals of a Food Addicted Chef

mental health, culinary industry, thought leadership, farm-to-table, local farmers, Jeffrey Schlissel, leadership, boundaries, sustainability

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Patton, author of “A Warrior’s Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness.” Sean shares insights from his extensive military background and discusses how leadership and self-discipline are pivotal in personal and professional success. The conversation explores the themes of gratitude, self-leadership, and the significant role veterans can play as unifying forces in society. Aimed at business leaders and anyone looking to amplify their impact, this episode is filled with practical advice and motivational stories that emphasize the importance of dreaming big and taking responsibility.

Sean Patton: Former Army officer, Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author of “A Warrior’s Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness.” Sean coaches business leaders and speaks on leadership and personal development.

Discover the keys to unlocking your full potential with Sean Patton’s leadership strategies. Whether you’re a business leader or on a personal development path, Sean offers invaluable insights into leadership and personal responsibility. Follow Sean for inspiring discussions that will motivate you to maximize your impact on the world.

LinkedIn

No Limits Leadership Podcast

Book Sean Patton as a Speaker

• The essence of a warrior’s mindset

•  Importance of self-leadership

• The role of veterans in societal unity

• Overcoming personal limits through gratitude and perspective

• Developing a leadership framework in business

• Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership.

• Veterans have a unique opportunity to foster unity.

• Gratitude and perspective fuel personal growth.

• Critical thinking and challenging one’s beliefs are essential.

• Defining success and working towards it with intentionality.

•  “Be an American worth fighting, killing, and dying for.” – Sean Patton

• “Maximize your own experience of life, maximize your impact on others.” – Sean Patton

• “You’re never going to be able to lead others better than you can lead yourself.” – Sean Patton

• “If you aren’t challenged by your thoughts, you’re not thinking hard enough.” – Sean Patton

• West Point

• Army Special Forces (Green Berets)

• 101st Airborne Division

• Fortune 500 company

• Jiu Jitsu business

Leadership, self-leadership, gratitude, veterans, unity, personal responsibility, business coaching, entrepreneurship, mindset, personal growth

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we step away from our usual discussions on nonfiction publishing to explore the dynamic world of fiction publishing with author J. D. Barker. Barker shares his experiences navigating the publishing industry, from his early days as a ghostwriter to collaborating with big names like James Patterson and the family of Bram Stoker. Discover how Barker strategically markets his books, his views on traditional versus hybrid publishing, and his advice for aspiring authors.

• J. D. Barker: Bestselling author known for thrillers and horror novels, including collaborations with authors like James Patterson. Barker has a unique perspective on both writing and the business side of publishing.

• Evolution of the publishing industry

• Marketing strategies for authors

• Collaborating with other authors

• Traditional vs. hybrid publishing models

• Importance of understanding and engaging your audience

• It’s crucial to distinguish yourself in the crowded market.

• Collaboration and networking can significantly enhance a writer’s career.

• The publishing industry is rapidly changing, and adaptability is key.

• Authors should consider various publishing routes, including hybrid models.

• Writing consistently, even in small amounts, can lead to significant achievements.

• “Every time I think I’ve captured lightning in the bottle for the last time, my phone rings with something else.” - J. D. Barker

• “You always have to come up with a way to distinguish yourself from everybody else.” - J. D. Barker

• “Anybody can get it done if you set your mind to it.” - J. D. Barker

• Stephen King

• James Patterson

• Bram Stoker’s family

• Rolling Stone

• Simon & Schuster

• Amazon KDP

• Random House

•  HarperCollins

publishing, marketing, fiction, hybrid publishing, collaboration, J. D. Barker, Stephen King, James Patterson, authorship, writing

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this interview, host Elaine Acker and guest Pandora Hodges, founder and CEO of Sharpline Sales, discuss strategies for elevating your influence and making the most of conference experiences. They cover topics like crafting a compelling value proposition, building referral networks, and preparing ahead of time to connect with the right people at conferences.

•   Pandora Hodges, CEO of Sharpline Sales

•   Elevating your influence at conferences

•   Crafting a value proposition

•   Building referral networks

•   Preparing for conferences

•   Have a clear, concise value proposition prepared ahead of time to share with new connections

•   Leverage conference networking opportunities to identify and cultivate the right referral partners

•   Allocate time after a conference to follow up with new contacts and continue building those relationships

•   “When you have referral partners, it really is like making more than one of yourself, because if you groom that relationship and you invest in that person, they’re going to represent you in the way that you’ve taught them.” — Pandora Hodges

•   “The reason I like this worksheet is I can go into a group that is new to me. And if I follow this template, I am gonna be able to share who I am and people are gonna come to know me and be able to refer me quickly.” — Pandora Hodges

•   Catherine Brown

•   Grow 2025

•   Sell Well

•   Tech Collaborative in Houston, Texas

• Who We Are, Who We Serve PDF
• Who We Are, Who We Serve Template

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Episode Description/Show Notes:

In this episode, Keira Crooms, Elaine Acker, and Bill Gannon dive deep into the art of effective presentations and everyday communication. Bill, a seasoned expert in presentation skills, sheds light on how impactful presenting goes beyond the big keynote stages—it’s about showing up powerfully in our daily interactions, from team meetings to sales calls. Together, they explore the importance of understanding your audience, establishing clear presentation goals, and avoiding common pitfalls like scripted monotony and overloaded slides.

Throughout the discussion, Bill shares actionable strategies for making presentations memorable and engaging. He emphasizes connecting with the audience, whether it’s a room full of busy medical professionals or an audience at a high-energy conference. Keira and Elaine add their insights on avoiding assumptions about audience needs, tailoring content, and infusing personality into every presentation. They wrap up with a look at the bigger picture of conference dynamics and how skilled emceeing can connect themes across sessions, keeping the energy alive.

From practical tips on avoiding “PowerPoint purgatory” to advice on crafting presentations that serve a purpose, this episode is packed with valuable guidance for anyone looking to communicate with impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Everyday Presentation Matters: Presentations aren’t limited to keynotes; they happen in daily settings that influence our connections and credibility.

• Know Your Audience: Avoid assumptions, research the audience, and tailor messages for lasting impact.

• Set a Clear Goal: Keep presentations focused with a central purpose, removing anything that doesn’t serve that goal.

• Avoid Script Dependence: Find ways to engage, interact, and adapt on the fly to keep things lively.

• Conference Flow: As an emcee or speaker, stay tuned to the overall theme and connect messages to create a cohesive experience.

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this episode of Cover-to-Cover Influence, Elaine Acker and Keira Crooms discuss the parallels between publishing a book and creating an online course. They take listeners behind the scenes of the course: Your Book, Your Rules, and share insights on developing a course, the importance of understanding your audience, and how books and courses can significantly amplify a business’s reach and impact. The episode emphasizes the importance of addressing frequently asked questions and leveraging knowledge to connect with a broader audience. Elaine also highlights an upcoming webinar that will guide participants on enhancing their business through book publishing.

Elaine Acker: A marketing strategist with a background in book publishing and course creation.

Keira Crooms: An expert in project management, course development and business delegation strategies for CEOs

• The similarities between book publishing and course creation
• Strategies for reaching a wider audience
• The importance of understanding your audience’s needs
• Steps involved in creating and launching a course
• The role of webinars in building sales funnels

• Publishing a book or creating a course can significantly increase visibility and authority.
• Understanding your audience’s needs is crucial for successful content creation.
• The process of course creation involves detailed planning and execution.
• A well-crafted course or book can serve as a powerful marketing tool.
• Self-publishing is a viable and effective option for reaching audiences.

“Every business can benefit from a course because we have so much knowledge to share.” — Keira

“The book or a course really is the thing that has a job to do in marketing your business.” — Elaine

“If you don’t have the capacity to take on everyone who wants your service, which most of us don’t, then a course is for you.” — Keira

“It’s 100% okay to self-publish today.” — Elaine

“You don’t have to be a best seller in order to grow your business with a book.” — Elaine

Kajabi

Amazon

LinkedIn

book publishing, course creation, audience engagement, self-publishing, online learning, marketing strategy, business growth, webinar

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

In this introductory episode, Elaine Acker and Keira Crooms, talk about what they learned at the recent Sell Well conference in Houston. Thye reflect on the value of a strong referral network and how critical it is to craft an engaging Signature Introduction. They also share specific frameworks that can help you craft yours.

•         Keira Crooms: An entrepreneur and business consultant specializing in streamlining operations and implementing efficient systems for business owners.

•         Importance of building a referral network

•         Crafting effective self-introductions

•         Exercises and frameworks for memorable introductions

•         Personal experiences from the Sell Well conference

•         Building a referral network is crucial for business success.

•         A structured approach to introductions can leave a lasting impression.

•         Practicing introductions by recording oneself can provide valuable insights.

•         Tailoring introductions for different audiences enhances communication.

•         “Building a referral network is a really good thing.” – Elaine Acker

•         “Sell Well was great experience and I do agree that building that referral network is essential.” - Keira Crooms

•         “Sharing your Signature Introduction takes practice. We’re always learning and growing.” - Keira Crooms

•         Sparx360 Publishing

•         Sell Well Conference 2024

•         Catherine Brown, founder of the Good Humans Growth Network

•         Emcee and Speaker Bill Ganon

•         Keira’s Modern Desk

referral network, self-introduction, Sell Well Conference, Sparx360, business networking, communication skills, elevator pitch, one-liner, value proposition

Craft a memorable self-introduction that starts engaging conversations and helps build a strong referral network. This one thing will enhance your networking skills and set you apart.

DOWNLOAD the guide to creating your own Signature Introduction.

READ the blog

SUBSCRIBE to Cover-to-Cover Influence. You will receive emails twice per month with action steps and resources that turn your ideas into influence.

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!