Digital Marketing 4 SME's

AI is already talking to AI on LinkedIn but the businesses that stand out will be the ones that make people feel seen, heard and valued.

In this conversation, digital marketing expert and prolific podcaster Graham Coath explains why real dialogue, long-term consistency and genuine curiosity matter more than chasing likes, viral posts or automated engagement.

With more than 700 podcast episodes behind him and seven years of posting a daily LinkedIn poll, Graham shares a refreshingly honest view on visibility, content and building a business people actually want to connect with.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “going viral” is not a business strategy

• The danger of AI-generated engagement and AI talking to AI

• How to create LinkedIn content that starts real conversations

• Why a like or “Great post” comment is not meaningful engagement

• The power of showing genuine interest in a small number of people

• What seven years of daily LinkedIn polls taught Graham about consistency

• Why many talented people never make it—and what resilience has to do with it

• What musicians, live performance and business can teach us about connection

• How to use AI without losing your humanity

• Graham’s new book, And in Poll Position

Featured quote: “If you want to sell in 2026, the thing you need to be most interested in is not yourself—it needs to be the people in front of you.”

Connect with Graham at a better way of life https://abetterwayoflife.co.uk and explore his book, And in Poll Position available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

Get more leads and sales for your business:

Free Google Ads Audit: https://mikesonlineacademy.com/freeaudit

Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeesharp/

Book a 121: https://growth.mikesonlineacademy.com/

Business coach Stacey Hylen has helped clients go from six to eight figures without the burnout.

In this episode she shares her "Add a Zero Without the Hustle" philosophy, the overlooked upsell strategy that grew one client's sales 48% in a single month, and how she became one of the first business coaches to build AI into her work.

Host Mike Sharp (Mike's Online Academy) sits down with Stacey - former VP of Consulting for Tony Robbins, longtime collaborator with Chet Holmes (The Ultimate Sales Machine), and author of the upcoming book Hidden Profits to unpack how small and medium businesses can grow revenue from clients they already have, instead of chasing endless new leads.

In this episode:

• Why the "BS funnel" quietly kills business growth

• The "want fries with that?" upsell — and why it works

• Resources vs. resourcefulness: the Tony Robbins recession lesson

• How one question added 48% to a client's revenue in 30 days

• Becoming an early AI adopter (the first 1% of ChatGPT users)

• Custom GPTs, the SASI framework, and using AI without losing your voice

• Lifestyle design: growing the business without sacrificing your family

Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:04 – Stacey's story: giving entrepreneurs back to their families 05:09 – "Add a Zero Without the Hustle" explained 08:10 – Money mindset & the upper-limit problem 09:38 – The upsell strategy ("want fries with that?") 12:31 – Resources vs. resourcefulness 14:28 – The one-question upsell: +48% in a month 17:14 – Becoming an early AI adopter 20:20 – Custom GPTs & the SASI framework 22:15 – Inside working with Tony Robbins & Chet Holmes 29:25 – Who she works with & lifestyle design 32:19 – How to work with Stacey 32:47 – Rapid fire: music, books, films & favourite tech 38:20 – Where to find Stacey

Connect with Stacey Hylen: Free hidden-profits assessment & custom GPT →

https://moreclientsandcash.com/

Coaching & masterminds →

⁠https://staceyhylen.com/⁠

More from Mike's Online Academy:

Work with Mike to get more leads and sales for your business with paid ads

⁠https://growth.mikesonlineacademy.com⁠

Get free access to my paid ads community on skool:

⁠https://mikesonlineacademy.com/skool⁠

Business coach Stacey Hylen has helped clients go from six to eight figures without the burnout.

In this episode she shares her "Add a Zero Without the Hustle" philosophy, the overlooked upsell strategy that grew one client's sales 48% in a single month, and how she became one of the first business coaches to build AI into her work.

Host Mike Sharp (Mike's Online Academy) sits down with Stacey - former VP of Consulting for Tony Robbins, longtime collaborator with Chet Holmes (The Ultimate Sales Machine), and author of the upcoming book Hidden Profits to unpack how small and medium businesses can grow revenue from clients they already have, instead of chasing endless new leads.

In this episode:
• Why the "BS funnel" quietly kills business growth
• The "want fries with that?" upsell — and why it works
• Resources vs. resourcefulness: the Tony Robbins recession lesson
• How one question added 48% to a client's revenue in 30 days
• Becoming an early AI adopter (the first 1% of ChatGPT users)
• Custom GPTs, the SASI framework, and using AI without losing your voice
• Lifestyle design: growing the business without sacrificing your family

Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:04 – Stacey's story: giving entrepreneurs back to their families
05:09 – "Add a Zero Without the Hustle" explained
08:10 – Money mindset & the upper-limit problem
09:38 – The upsell strategy ("want fries with that?")
12:31 – Resources vs. resourcefulness
14:28 – The one-question upsell: +48% in a month
17:14 – Becoming an early AI adopter
20:20 – Custom GPTs & the SASI framework
22:15 – Inside working with Tony Robbins & Chet Holmes
29:25 – Who she works with & lifestyle design
32:19 – How to work with Stacey
32:47 – Rapid fire: music, books, films & favourite tech
38:20 – Where to find Stacey

Connect with Stacey Hylen:
Free hidden-profits assessment & custom GPT →

https://moreclientsandcash.com/

Coaching & masterminds →

https://staceyhylen.com/

More from Mike's Online Academy:

Work with Mike to get more leads and sales for your business with paid ads

https://growth.mikesonlineacademy.com

Get free access to my paid ads community on skool:

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/skool

Damian Lo Cascio known as the Digital Doctor, shares practical insights into automating marketing, sales, and customer service processes, and discusses the future of digital solutions for SMEs.

Main Topics Covered:

• The evolution of automation in small businesses since 2008
• How data and customer journey mapping drive personalised marketing
• Different tools and platforms for automation including Go High Level, Keap, HubSpot, and others
• Strategies for lead generation, nurturing, and converting prospects with automation
• The importance of ongoing communication and relationship-building post-sale
• Cost saving tips by optimizing tech stack and renegotiating software contracts
• Practical automation examples for Facebook ads, email campaigns, appointment setting, and follow-ups
• How to start simple: leveraging Facebook lead forms and basic workflows
• The role of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude in research and content creation
• Real-world applications: charity walks, health initiatives, and personal projects

• Damien emphasizes that automation is personalisable and scalable.
• Start simple with lead forms and basic workflows before expanding.
• Regular communication and relationship nurturing are key to maximizing customer lifetime value.
• Evaluate and optimize your tech stack to reduce costs and complexity.
• AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with content, research, and problem-solving.

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest overview: Damian, the Digital Doctor
02:01 - Damian’s background in health clubs and automation via client retention strategies
04:02 - Lessons learned from his health club business crash and pivot to online fitness
05:40 - The rise and challenges of Fit Steps and data insight value
07:23 - The impact of COVID on digital fitness solutions and automation advantages
09:02 - How automation started and evolved for Damien’s business ventures
10:44 - Popular automation platforms: Infusionsoft, Go High Level, HubSpot
11:44 - Key functions of CRMs and workflow automation in marketing and sales
12:34 - Building customer qualification and segmentation through automation
13:11 - Automating for nurture sequences, appointment booking, and referrals
14:40 - Customer journey mapping and creating personalized automation paths
15:17 - The importance of segmentation and tailored messaging
16:33 - Maintaining relationships with regular, relevant communication
17:11 - Integration of CRM with social media, financial, and project management tools
18:17 - Automating reminders, follow-ups, and re-engagement strategies
19:01 - When and where to start with automation in your business
20:37 - Practical lead generation strategies with Facebook and lead forms
22:04 - Automating customer onboarding, order follow-up, and reviews
23:33 - Using automation for predictive contact points, e.g., mortgage or dental checkups
26:36 - Adding value through 'Wow' moments: personalized thank yous, gifts, and extra touches
28:28 - Overview of Damian’s tech stack and choosing cost-effective solutions
30:46 - Saving costs by renegotiating and consolidating software tools, avoiding legacy systems
32:21 - How automation enables real-time analytics and business insights
33:17 - The future of automation and AI integration
36:31 - Damien’s charity work: supporting women’s heart health and charity walks
38:46 - Favorite music, films, and personal interests
43:41 - The anticipated future of automation in SMEs and online business
46:17 - How to get in touch for automation consultancy and services

Resources & Links:

Connect with Damian

• Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠
• Website: ⁠thedigitaldoctor.co.uk⁠
• Walking In Memory: walkinginmemory.co

Sylwia Czarnecka, a branding and marketing expert, shares her journey from sales to creative branding, emphasising the importance of understanding your brand's core, asking childlike questions, and integrating AI tools into creative processes.

Discover practical strategies for building a cohesive brand identity and fostering personal growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sylwia Czarnecka and her expertise

01:02 Sylwia's journey from sales and accountancy to branding

04:22 Understanding, imagining, creating: Sylwia's three-stage process

05:59 Branding is more than just a logo

08:04 Starting with client and business understanding

10:52 Connecting visual identity with brand values

11:26 The power of childlike questions in innovation

16:09 Introducing NanoChange: small steps for big growth

19:09 Sylwia's 52-week journal for personal development

21:12 Challenging limits: the story behind the 10K run

23:18 The impact of habits and challenges on growth

24:04 Using the understand-imagine-create blueprint with clients

28:24 The role of AI in creative and routine tasks

32:08 Sylwia's views on AI tools like ChatGPT

33:43 Sylwia's favorite books and their influence

36:14 Favorite holiday destinations and Poland's seasons

37:51 Sylwia's favorite foods and contact info

guest links

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylwia-czarnecka/

Website - https://bold-creative.co.uk

Are you an activated lifelong learner, or just a lifelong learner?

In this insightful clip, we dive into the mindset that separates the top ten per cent of the world from the rest.

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In this episode I sit down with award-winning TEDx speaker and business coach Katrena Friel to unpack how a devastating $30,000 scam became the best thing that ever happened to her — and how it launched a 25-year career helping SME owners become recognised experts in their field.

Katrena shares her "Becoming the Expert" program, a 12-month done-for-you journey that takes experienced professionals and turns their knowledge into a published book, a signature talk, and a high-value signature program — all in 90 days of build time.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why building a business is the greatest personal development program you'll ever do

How to identify your unique "field of excellence" and package it correctly

Why writing a book is the #1 confidence and positioning tool for new coaches and consultants

The truth about online courses (and why high-touch 1-on-1 programs convert better)

How Katrena has helped 100% of her clients hit #1 bestseller on Amazon

Whether you're a consultant, coach, or service-based business owner with 1–10 staff, this episode is packed with practical insight on how to stand out, charge your worth, and build a business that reflects who you truly are.

🌐 Find Katrena at: https://becomingtheexpert.com.au

🌐 Find Mike at https://mikesonlineacademy.com

This is a recording from my presentation to the Cofi Business Network session.If you’re having issues with Google Ads, feel like you’re wasting money, not getting leads, or simply don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes — this is a must-watch.I break Google Ads down in a clear, practical way for real business owners, covering what actually matters, what to avoid, and how to make your ads work smarter, not harder.Perfect for small businesses, founders, and anyone running their own marketing.

Join my community on skool for free at https://mikesonlineacademy.com/skool

Posting daily but getting nowhere? Boosting ads but seeing no return?You don’t need “more marketing”.You need better strategy.Watch this talk delivered to the CR38IVES Club in February 2026

I break down how organic and paid marketing complement each other and how creatives can use both to build momentum without overwhelm.

Learn about paid ads in my community on skool:

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/skool

Visit CR38IVES Club:

Real talk. Real tactics. Real connections.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cr38ives-club-online-networking-event-tickets-1975281842163

In this episode of Digital Marketing 4 SME's my guest is business growth specialist Dan Sagar who discusses his journey into business coaching, the relevance of AI for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and various AI tools that can help your business grow.

Dan emphasizes the importance of automating repetitive tasks, utilising CRM systems for client research, and the benefits of using AI for database reactivation.

He also introduces his software, Foundations AI, which helps businesses streamline their processes and improve efficiency.

Relevant Links:Dan's 90 Day Business Plan limited time offer is now live - expires 31st December 2025:

https://dsbusinessgrowth.co.uk/90-day-offer

Dan's Video on AI tools mentioned in the interview7 AI Solutions You Can Start Using In Your Business TOMORROW

https://youtu.be/b0cwlw8Hra8?si=UqYIgQR-bCBg5J0Q

Automate your business with Foundations.AI

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/foundations-ai-pro

Manage your ads campaign and track your leads with one tool:

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/foundations-ai-adsmanager

Email marketing, SMS And Whats app Marketing, Automated Lead Source Tracking And Business Phone Number:

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/foundations-ai-email

All Foundation AI products come with 24/7 Support

Get expert help with Meta and Google Ads for just £17

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/skool

Get free 30 day access to Entrepreneurs Circle:

https://mikesonlineacademy.com/ec-30-day-free-trial

Need help with Paid ads? Book a free 30 minute virtual coffee with Mike:

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