The Analog Advantage is the acquisition edge you earn by using physical, relationship-first channels AI cannot replicate. Strategist Amanda Dake joins Mark Stern to break down how a mailed book, a handwritten note, and disciplined channel choice outperform the digital playbook — and why rising digital distrust makes analog more powerful, not less.

marketing expert Janak Mehta, founder of Clients Online, to explore what nearly two decades in digital marketing has taught him about growth, focus, and staying ahead of industry shifts.

From the early days of Google Ads and SEO to today's AI revolution, Janak shares how his company has consistently stayed ahead by anticipating where the market is headed—not simply reacting to it. Together, Mark and Janak discuss why niching down creates authority, how long-term client relationships become your greatest competitive advantage, and why AI should be viewed as an amplifier for your team rather than a replacement.

Whether you're running an agency, scaling an online business, or preparing your company for the next wave of AI, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for building a business that lasts.

In This Episode:

• Janak's entrepreneurial journey and nearly 20 years in digital marketing
• Why focusing on one core competency helped Clients Online scale
• How identifying trends before they become mainstream creates massive opportunities
• The importance of building authority through specialization instead of constant reinvention
• Why AI-generated cinematic ads are changing paid advertising
• The evolution from service provider to platform owner
• Building businesses designed for longevity rather than short-term wins
• The importance of creating true win-win relationships with clients
• Why losing alongside your clients is better than winning at their expense
• How AI agents will transform employee productivity
• Practical ways every business can begin implementing AI today
• Why empowering employees with AI is a better strategy than replacing them

Resources & Links Mentioned

Books

• Built to Sell by John Warrillow
• Marketing principles from Dan Kennedy

Connect with Janak Mehta

Website:
https://clientsonline.com/

LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram & X: @JanakMehta

Connect with Mark Stern

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/

Work with us: Customboxagency.com
Instagram: instagram.com/customboxagency

Want to Be a Guest on Dash Talks Live?

Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting?

Apply to be a guest at:
https://dashtalkslive.com/

Real people. Real launches. Real mom

In Episode 2 of Dash Talks Live, Mark Stern sits down with entrepreneur, funnel strategist, and event pioneer Steven J. Larsen for a conversation about what it really takes to build and grow in the age of AI.

From the evolution of online acquisition to why events remain one of the fastest ways to capture market share, Steven shares the frameworks, observations, and unconventional strategies that have shaped more than a decade in entrepreneurship.

Together, they explore why AI isn't replacing entrepreneurs—it's amplifying them. The founders who thrive in this next era won't be the ones producing more content for the sake of it. They'll be the ones who develop clear positioning, build platforms instead of products, understand their processes, and have the confidence to share their unique voice.

If you're a founder, marketer, or creator trying to navigate the changing landscape of business and technology, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to adapt, innovate, and build with intention.

• Why personal brand and authentic voice matter more than ever
• The surprising power of live events for accelerating growth
• Steven's concept of moving from offer thinking to platform thinking
• Why AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it
• The shift from omnipresence to strategic positioning and messaging
• How entrepreneurs can use AI to improve processes instead of creating "AI slop"
• The importance of understanding your customer journey before implementing AI
• The difference between markets and customers, and why most businesses confuse the two
• How book funnels can dramatically improve acquisition economics
• Why the future belongs to right-brain thinkers and creative problem-solvers

Books

• Prediction Machines by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb
• A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
• DotCom Secrets by Russell Brunson
• Steven's upcoming book: Red Ocean Blue Offer (working title)

Website: www.stevejlarsen.com
Titans of Industry: www.titansofindustry.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/

Work with us: Customboxagency.com
Instagram: instagram.com/customboxagency

Want to Be a Guest on Dash Talks Live?

Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting?

Apply to be a guest at:
https://dashtalkslive.com/

Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.

In the very first episode of Dash Talks Live, host Mark Stern sits down with entrepreneur and EverConvert AI founder Paul Ace for a conversation about the realities of building, scaling, and reinventing businesses over time.

Paul shares his unconventional journey—from wedding singer and bridesmaid dress entrepreneur to fractional CMO and SaaS founder—and the lessons each chapter taught him about marketing, customer behavior, data, and growth.

They discuss why founders should stop chasing shiny objects, the power of testing over guessing, how personal relationships can outperform mass marketing, and why some of the biggest business opportunities are hiding in plain sight.

If you're building a business and looking for practical insights on acquisition, growth, and long-term entrepreneurial success, this episode delivers.

• Paul's entrepreneurial journey across multiple industries
• Lessons learned from scaling and nearly losing a business
• Why customer feedback is one of the most valuable growth tools
• The importance of grit, consistency, and experimentation
• Building relationships that open doors and create opportunities
• How EverConvert AI helps businesses increase conversions automatically
• Why testing landing page copy matters more than most founders realize

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulace/
EverConvert AI: https://everconvert.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/

Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting?

Apply to be a guest at:
https://dashtalkslive.com/

Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.

Welcome to Dash Talks Live hosted by Mark Stern.

In this trailer episode, Mark shares the vision behind the show and what listeners can expect from future conversations with founders, marketers, operators, and creators who are building real businesses with speed and intention.

Drawing from his experience as the founder of Custom Box Agency, Mark explores why the fastest-growing companies don’t leave customer experience to chance, they design it intentionally. From launch strategy and brand storytelling to systems, scaling, and customer retention, Dash Talks Live is built for entrepreneurs who value execution just as much as vision.

This podcast is designed to deliver fast-paced, practical conversations that cut through the noise and focus on what actually works when building and scaling a business today.

In.

Whether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or creator, Dash Talks Live is your space for honest conversations, practical insights, and real-world momentum.

Learn more about Custom Box Agency and how intentional customer experiences can help grow your brand.