Get Unstuck & On Target

In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill talks with Gary Searle about the power of referral marketing in today's business landscape.

Gary Searle, founder of Customerse, shares his expertise on building consistent referral sources. He breaks down the five most reliable referral channels:

1. Existing clients

2. Business partnerships 

3. Affiliate networks

4. Employee referrals

5. Strategic networking

Mike and Gary discuss why traditional marketing tactics are losing effectiveness. As ad costs rise and algorithms change, businesses need new ways to reach customers. Gary argues referral marketing fills this gap.

The conversation covers practical tips for asking clients for referrals without feeling awkward. Gary emphasizes timing these requests after a "win" and framing them as helping the client's network.

A key insight: Every referral starts with a conversation. Gary stresses the importance of productive dialogue in driving referrals at any scale.

Mike adds valuable perspective as an executive coach, noting parallels between referral marketing and building coaching relationships. Both rely on meaningful conversations to create connections.

Topics to look out for:

• The five most consistent referral sources for businesses

• How to ask for referrals without feeling uncomfortable 

• Why conversations are the key to unlocking more referrals

This episode provides a fresh take on an age-old marketing tactic. Gary and Mike make a compelling case for why referral marketing deserves renewed focus in the digital age.

Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/190

In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit and two-time bestselling author.

Damon shares a deeply personal story of how quitting alcohol 8 years ago transformed his leadership style and life. This vulnerable moment sets the tone for an honest discussion about authentic leadership.

Mike digs into Damon's journey from high school baseball star to CEO, uncovering valuable insights on:

• The importance of transparency in uncertain times

• Why courage to fail is crucial for innovation

• How to build a culture that embraces risk-taking

• A 3-step formula for overcoming imposter syndrome

Damon reveals how his athletic background shaped his leadership philosophy, stressing the value of putting your team first and giving them space to try new things.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for leaders looking to build trust, foster innovation, and create a learning culture in their organizations.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode offers fresh perspectives on authentic leadership in the modern workplace.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/189

Serial entrepreneur Shafqat Huq reveals why failure is his secret weapon for business success.

In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Shafqat Huq, a serial entrepreneur who's turned multiple ideas into thriving businesses.

Huq takes us on his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his high school days selling discounted sweaters to classmates. He shares candid insights about his failures and how they shaped his future successes.

"I think it means that I have failed a lot," Huq admits when asked about being a serial entrepreneur. But those failures yielded valuable lessons he applied to later ventures.

Mike digs deep into Huq's experiences, uncovering gems of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Start now, even if it's scrappy. Huq's first app began with a simple Google form.
• Forget perfection. As Reid Hoffman says, "If you're not embarrassed by your first product launch, you've launched too late."
• Delegate repeatable tasks. Anything that doesn't require your unique skills can be outsourced.
• Be willing to pivot. When faced with unresponsive overseas developers, Huq flew to Bangladesh to find a new team.
• Focus on practical solutions. Huq's superpower? Translating tech jargon into real-world applications for clients.

Mike highlights Huq's ability to make complex tech accessible to non-technical business owners, praising his responsiveness and practical approach.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to start or grow a business. Huq's journey proves that with persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failures, entrepreneurial success is within reach.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will challenge your thinking and motivate you to take action on your business ideas.

Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/188

From solopreneur to CEO: The rollercoaster of scaling a tech marketing firm.

Ian Hameroff, founder and CEO of Fulcrum Group, shares his journey from a one-man show to leading a team of seven in just five years. 

In this candid conversation with host Mike O'Neill, Ian reveals:

• The unexpected challenges of scaling a business

• Why feedback is crucial for growth

• How to balance fun and frustration as an entrepreneur

Ian emphasizes the importance of having a "virtual board of directors" - mentors and advisors who provide guidance and support. He credits this network for helping him navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Mike probes deeper, asking Ian about the non-linear nature of business growth. Ian agrees, sharing how he learned to embrace the "zigs and zags" of the entrepreneurial journey.

Key takeaways:

1. Every company is a tech company in today's world

2. Scaling a business isn't linear - be prepared for unexpected turns

3. Find a balance between pushing for growth and maintaining quality

4. Surround yourself with mentors and advisors

5. Embrace both the fun and frustrating aspects of entrepreneurship

Whether you're considering starting a business or looking to scale your existing company, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who's been in the trenches.

Don't miss Ian's advice on knowing when to push the throttle and when to ease off in your business growth. You'll learn how Ian and his team at Fulcrum Group help B2B tech companies accelerate their growth through strategic marketing and go-to-market strategies.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in the realities of scaling a company in today's fast-paced tech landscape.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/187

Are you tired of hearing the same old hype about AI? Get ready for a fresh perspective that cuts through the noise and delivers practical, value-driven insights.

In this thought-provoking episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Dr. Robert Joseph, a tech whiz with impressive credentials from MIT and Carnegie Mellon. But don't worry, he's not your typical academic – Joseph has a gift for breaking down complex topics in a way that even non-techies can understand.

Together, they explore the true potential of AI, not as a shiny new toy, but as a tool for driving real business value. Joseph shares eye-opening examples of how companies have misused AI, chasing buzzwords instead of focusing on their core goals.

But it's not all cautionary tales. You'll also learn how to harness AI's power strategically, using it as a "thought partner" to generate fresh ideas and perspectives you might never have considered.

With his refreshingly grounded approach, Joseph challenges leaders to shift their mindset. Instead of getting swept up in the AI hype, he urges them to start with their desired outcomes and work backward, leveraging AI only when it serves those specific goals.

Along the way, Mike and Joseph dive into the importance of continuous learning, even (or especially) for successful entrepreneurs. Joseph shares a candid personal story about recognizing his own knowledge gaps and proactively seeking outside expertise – a humbling reminder that we can all benefit from new perspectives.

Key points to look out for:

• Powerful examples of companies misusing AI by chasing buzzwords instead of business value

• Insights on how to strategically harness AI as a "thought partner" to generate fresh ideas

• Robert Joseph's candid personal story about recognizing knowledge gaps and seeking outside expertise

Whether you're an AI skeptic or an enthusiast, this episode offers a much-needed reality check. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and emerge with a clearer vision of how to wield AI's potential responsibly and effectively.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain insights from a true tech polymath who's as passionate about driving value as he is about cutting-edge innovation.

Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/186

Are you a leader struggling to connect with your team? Maybe you're great with numbers but lack the "soft skills" to truly inspire.  

In this candid chat, leadership coach Mike O'Neill sits down with Angel Beets, CEO of recruiting powerhouse Gilman Partners. Despite leading a firm that places top execs, Angel's not your typical headhunter.

Her secret? Understanding that today's leaders must be masters of communication and emotional intelligence. Gone are the days of leaders barking orders from an office.

Angel shares why the most in-demand execs aren't just financial whizzes, but pros at building trust, collaborating, and rolling up their sleeves. Her firm's unique approach to vetting candidates goes beyond resumes to find the humans with true leadership presence.

But that's just the start. Angel also lifts the curtain on GP Elevate, her firm's innovative leadership program. Over several months, high-potential managers learn to tackle strategy, talent development, and more - skills often missing from traditional MBAs. 

The goal? Creating well-rounded leaders prepared to steer organizations with vision and emotional intelligence.

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or heading your own company, you'll learn the people skills that motivate teams to follow your vision - not just your title.

Prepare to be inspired by Angel's insights on:

• The #1 trait modern companies want in new leaders (it's not what you think)
• How to build trust and have "crucial conversations" without losing your cool
• The smart way to identify and improve your own leadership blind spots
• Secrets for creating real camaraderie among high-level peers
• Why Marketing and HR leaders might make great CEOs (despite what you've heard)

Throughout, host Mike masterfully guides the conversation, challenging Angel to dig deeper on her innovative approaches. His coaching perspective adds a powerful layer, helping extract maximum value for listeners.

Whether you manage a team of 5 or 500, the path to true leadership starts here. Stop telling people what to do and learn to inspire them.

Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/185

Have you ever felt like you're speaking a different language from your clients?

In this candid conversation, Mike O'Neill sits down with Nancy Zare.

Despite her impressive credentials (PhD from Boston College, 7 published books), Nancy's approach to sales is refreshingly down-to-earth.

Gone are the scripts and high-pressure tactics. Instead, Nancy teaches a counterintuitive method based on deep listening and adapting your communication style to match your prospect's personality type.

With decades of research behind her AlikeAbility System, Nancy has cracked the code to making instant connections - turning 50% of prospects into clients.

Imagine having that kind of success rate!

As a former professor, Nancy's journey from the classroom to the boardroom is nothing short of inspiring. She shares how evolving her business to meet clients' needs led to her becoming a "Sales Whisperer."

Mike's insightful questioning skills draw out Nancy's best insights, including:

• The 4 distinct personality styles that govern how people make decisions
• How to quickly identify a prospect's style and speak their language
• Why asking for permission is the key to avoiding the "salesy" stigma
• Real-life examples of clients who got unstuck by shifting their approach

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply want to improve your communication skills, this episode is an invaluable lesson in authentic influence.

Join the dynamic duo of Nancy and Mike as they demystify the art of human connection - and learn to turn more prospects into loyal clients and raving fans.

Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/184

Imagine a former actress who dared to dream beyond the stage, only to find her true calling in helping others conquer their inner critic and achieve unstoppable confidence.

Meet Nikki Gangemi, a certified master NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist, and founder of Mindful Matters. In this captivating episode, Nikki shares her transformative journey from pursuing acting to teaching and ultimately becoming a life coach.

Prepare to be inspired as Nikki reveals the pivotal moments that pushed her to bloom where she was planted, leading her to create the groundbreaking CALM Method – a simple yet powerful tool for getting the results you want.

Join host Mike O'Neill as he dives deep into Nikki's insightful strategies, uncovering practical techniques to reframe limiting beliefs, manage emotions, and forge a new path towards the life you've always envisioned.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, perfectionist, or someone who struggles with people-pleasing, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how to silence the inner voice that robs you of time and energy, and embrace a mindset of unwavering self-belief.

Nikki's authentic storytelling and real-world examples will leave you feeling empowered, motivated, and equipped with the tools to overcome any obstacle standing in your way.

Key points to look out for:

• Nikki's life-changing transition from actress to mindset coach and how she found her true calling

• The CALM Method - a powerful tool to overcome self-doubt, manage emotions, and reframe limiting beliefs

• Practical strategies and real-world examples to cultivate unshakable confidence and achieve your biggest goals

Tune in and get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a life of clarity, confidence, and achieving your wildest dreams.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/183

Mike O'Neill sits down with Alp Kirmizioglu, the mastermind behind RangeWater Real Estate's in-house construction revolution.

In this episode, Alp reveals how he transformed a 16-year-old real estate developer into a vertically integrated powerhouse. It's a tale of corporate evolution that rivals Amazon's leap into logistics.

Alp shares the challenges of turning a major cost center into a profit engine, all while navigating the treacherous waters of internal politics. He explains:

"Construction is your biggest risk when you're a developer. If you cannot execute in construction, obviously your investment is at risk. Meaningfully."

But it's not just about numbers. Mike digs deep into the human side of this transformation, uncovering how Alp:

- Aligned his vision with RangeWater's existing culture

- Tackled the inherent conflict between revenue and cost centers

- Built a team that could thrive in this new, hybrid environment

Alp's insights on cultural integration are particularly striking:

"We really had a very good understanding out of the gate as to what was really important. When we were going to get on this new venture."

Mike's probing questions reveal the delicate balance between innovation and tradition in a long-established company. He pushes Alp to share concrete examples of creative problem-solving, leading to a fascinating discussion on the nuts and bolts of corporate transformation.

This episode dissects this idea of intrapreneurship, offering invaluable lessons for anyone looking to drive change from within an existing organization. Whether you're a budding corporate innovator or a seasoned executive, you'll find actionable insights to fuel your next big move.

Don't miss this deep dive into the art and science of building new businesses within established companies. It's a rare glimpse into the mind of a true intrapreneur, guided by Mike O'Neill's expert questioning.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/182

Max Schneider was a shell of his former self. Anxiety attacks, shingles in his 20s, and a decade of non-stop work had taken their toll.

That's when he decided to take a radical step - a month-long surfing and yoga trip to Costa Rica with his wife.

In this eye-opening episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill dives deep with Max into his journey from corporate burnout to discovering mindfulness and movement.

Max shares how that transformative month in Costa Rica inspired him to launch Sand & Salt Escapes, a mindfulness retreat company helping high-achieving professionals rediscover themselves.

Mike and Max explore:

• The dangers of constantly "pushing through" without proper rest

• Why even a week-long retreat can dramatically shift your perspective

• How entrepreneurs often struggle more with unplugging than corporate employees

• The unique challenges faced by neurodivergent founders and leaders

Max explains his innovative "pond analogy" for understanding the impact of constant stimulation on our minds. He reveals how slowing down allows us to see beneath the surface of our thoughts and discover hidden insights.

Mike probes into the practicalities of taking extended time off, addressing the common excuse of "I don't have time." Their conversation highlights the critical importance of intentional rest for sustained high performance.

Whether you're a burned-out professional, an overwhelmed entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking more balance, this episode offers invaluable insights on the power of mindfulness and the courage to prioritize your well-being.

Tune in to discover how slowing down might be the key to unlocking your full potential.

Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/181