Join us as we welcome Michelle Scott, a seasoned CRM consultant with over two decades of experience. Michelle's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support, all while setting strong work boundaries and prioritizing mental health.

Michelle Scott's career took an unconventional turn when she transitioned from corporate America to become a CRM consultant in 1999. What's even more remarkable is that she was recruited by her vendor, a bold move that speaks to her exceptional skills and the business she was driving away from the vendor's perspective.

In this episode, Michelle candidly shares her experiences, including her initial doubts about her qualifications for CRM consulting, her eventual confidence gained through years of work, and the abrupt job losses that forced her to forge her own path. Her story is a testament to overcoming adversity and embracing opportunities.

Mark and Michelle engage in a candid conversation about the realities of working alone, emphasizing the need for a robust emotional support system. They discuss the crucial importance of addressing mental health issues and unresolved personal challenges because, as a solo entrepreneur, your well-being directly impacts your work. Unresolved issues can manifest in your business operations because, as the face of your company, you can't hide from them.

Additionally, Michelle shares an essential aspect of her journey, a significant pivot in her business model. She details how she had to adapt when the technical support side of the CRM software she was supporting began to decline in market share. This pivot demonstrates her adaptability and resilience in the ever-changing business landscape.

Discover how Michelle built a strong support system within her family and community, how a colleague's rejection of her job application encouraged her to go solo, the strategies she employed to set effective work boundaries, and the challenges she overcame while pivoting her business model.

Producer Cynthia Zimmerman joins the conversation as they explore unique workplace issues that women often encounter, shedding light on a perspective that differs from Mark's firsthand experiences. Michelle's inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for those who are considering taking the plunge into entrepreneurship or making a career change.

In a world where asking for help is increasingly accepted and encouraged, Mark, Michelle, and Cynthia emphasize the importance of seeking support, establishing boundaries, nurturing mental health, and adapting to change to maintain professional and personal well-being. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable advice, motivation, and a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the business world while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. The shame factor associated with seeking help has significantly evolved from the past, making it a resounding "yes" to seek assistance when needed

In this episode, Mark and Cynthia Zimmerman engage in a thought-provoking discussion with the renowned Social Impact Entrepreneur, Michael Woyan of Marketsling Innovation Labs.

Michael, a true master collaborator and innovation architect, brings over three decades of experience to the table. Join us as he shares insights from his extensive background in areas ranging from social enterprise to finance, technology, marketing, and beyond. Discover how the "Business Case for Treating Employees as Assets" can revolutionize your organization's success.

In this episode, Michael highlights two success stories from his consultancy work – one in the world of hospitality and the other in the complex realm of mortgage brokerage.

Cynthia leads a conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), exploring the ever-evolving landscape of workplace culture. Mark shares his own experiences and how he's implementing valuable feedback from his contractors to drive pivotal changes in his UK office.

Join us as we challenge the prevailing notion that "No one wants to work" amidst record-low unemployment rates and delve into the compelling argument that treating employees as assets is not only ethical but also a strategic advantage.

Mark and Cynthia Zimmerman dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence. 

In this engaging podcast, Mark and his AI guide, Vivek Gargav, explore the incredible potential of ChatGPT. Together, they reveal how to harness ChatGPT's power to construct an ideal client profile and why this is pivotal in today's business landscape. Discover how ChatGPT complements, rather than replaces, human expertise when seeking assistance with strategic decisions and copywriting.

Mark shares his expertise on using ChatGPT to craft compelling cold email campaigns, demonstrating how AI can supercharge your outreach efforts. Vivek emphasizes the importance of refining ChatGPT's initial drafts to achieve polished, effective messaging.

To easily send email, Mark introduces Clodura.AI, an innovative list scraping tool that streamlines your campaign process without cluttering your CRM. Say goodbye to tedious data migration between systems, and say hello to a more efficient way to cultivate your initial data.

Stay at the forefront of AI's transformative role in today's business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you leverage AI for success. Subscribe now and embark on a journey to master the art of AI in business!

In this episode, we sit down with Cindy Chang, a Korean immigrant who's not only a talented actress but also an independent distributor of skin care products. Cynthia & I uncover the remarkable story of how Cindy built her career outside the confines of conventional networks and expectations.

Cindy's journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the unyielding desire to learn. Despite familial expectations pushing her towards a "safer" trade, Cindy fearlessly ventured into the uncertain world of acting. Through our candid conversation, we learn how her faith provided a strong foundation to navigate the challenges of pursuing an unconventional career.

Beyond faith, Cindy's story is one of internal perseverance and motivation. Her family's concerns about the instability of the acting profession didn't deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to prove that success can be achieved on her terms. Her journey wasn't without its obstacles, but her relentless pursuit of honing her craft led her to unexpected opportunities.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul, or anyone striving for self-discovery, Cindy's journey will ignite your own pursuit of unconventional success.

Cynthia & Mark dive into the cutting-edge strategies transforming the business landscape. In this episode, Mark takes on the role of the inquisitive luddite, exploring the realms of Voice Marketing, AI-powered content creation, and their profound impact on businesses.

🎙️ Join us for captivating conversations with our expert guests:

Susan & Scot Westwater of Pragmatic.Digital: Discover the future of marketing with voice search technology and conversational AI. Susan and Scot unveil insights from their new book on Voice Marketing, shedding light on how businesses can leverage these innovative tools to engage customers and stay ahead of the curve.

Vivek Gargav of Caldere Associates: Explore the power of AI in content marketing as Vivek shares his remarkable success story. Learn how he harnessed ChatGPT and other AI tools to achieve a remarkable 400% ROI over just six months. Vivek's experience provides actionable takeaways for businesses aiming to boost their content strategy's effectiveness.

Mark Mondo, Your Host: Step into Mark's shoes as he candidly admits his unfamiliarity with voice search and its role in business. As a moderator and self-proclaimed luddite, Mark seeks enlightenment from our knowledgeable guests, allowing listeners to relate to his journey of discovering the potential of these transformative technologies.

Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses: Susan and Scot share invaluable insights into using AI tools like Bard and Google My Business. Learn how even small businesses with shoestring budgets can create a competitive advantage by harnessing AI's capabilities. Uncover strategies that can propel your business forward in an increasingly digital world.

🔗 Whether you're a tech-savvy entrepreneur or a curious business enthusiast, this episode will expand your horizons and inspire you to embrace the future of business innovation. Join us and gain the knowledge you need to thrive in today's dynamic market.

Cynthia & I interview the multi-talented Tina Pappademos, a freelance singer, piano teacher, and certified yoga instructor. Tina's journey from teaching music in public schools to embracing a thriving career in both singing and teaching has been nothing short of remarkable.

Having graced the stage of prestigious venues, including the renowned Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Grant Park Chorus, Tina brings her experience to the forefront as she discusses the intricacies of finding gigs in the competitive world of music. She sheds light on the challenges of managing rejection and navigating auditions in an industry as subjective as music, offering invaluable insights to aspiring performers.

One of the most surprising revelations comes from Tina's perspective on how the pandemic unexpectedly facilitated her teaching journey, enabling her to strike a work-life balance. From virtual lessons to innovative ways of connecting with students, she unveils the silver linings of an otherwise tumultuous time.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Tina's passion for yoga shines through as she shares tips on leveraging networking to discover new and exciting audition opportunities. Her versatility as an artist and instructor offers a refreshing perspective on the art of balancing passions and careers.

Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and profound wisdom as Tina Pappademos illuminates the path towards a harmonious and fulfilling life in the world of music and teaching. Tune in to a story that will inspire and resonate with performers, educators, and dreamers alike.

Join hosts Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman as they sit down with special guest Matthew Mondo on his journey from frustration to freedom in the world of commercial real estate. In this episode, Matt shares his experiences of moving from Chicago to the Treasure Coast of Florida, starting with zero clients and relentless drive for change.

Discover how Matt successfully transitioned from a background in network support to sales. Reflecting on the challenges he faced while trying to sell MSP services, Matt candidly discusses the frustrations of dealing with ever-changing product lines dictated by layers of management, the constant rotation of new bosses every 90 days, and the mismatched mindset of applying copier sales strategies to the world of MSP services.

However, amidst the setbacks, he emphasizes the invaluable support he received from his family and the transformative power of collaboration. Tune in as Matt underscores the importance of collaboration over competition, even among fellow agents within the same brokerage, as a key driver of his success.

Gain insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom as they discuss the keys to navigating career transitions, overcoming obstacles, and embracing collaboration to achieve triumph in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Mark and Cynthia interview Conor Mackin, a commercial real estate agent residing in Florida's Treasure Coast. Conor's story of triumph begins with a humble origin story, working at a Dunkin Donuts store and traversing the streets on a bicycle, before eventually quadrupling his income within a mere two years.

What sets Conor's success apart is the fact that he had no prior experience in the real estate industry. This unique aspect adds a layer of inspiration and relatability to his tale, as he shares the process of learning the ropes and carving out a niche for himself in the competitive field of commercial real estate.

Amidst his professional accomplishments, Conor bravely opens up about his personal battle with overcoming substance abuse. By sharing his own journey, Conor imparts authenticity into personal growth, resilience, and the power of determination.

Conor delves into the essential skills necessary for navigating the world of sales and overcoming the fear of rejection. Listeners will glean practical advice and strategies for turning rejection into a catalyst for growth and ultimate triumph.

Furthermore, "From Donuts to Deals" challenges the prevailing notion that groundbreaking innovations or unicorn apps are the sole drivers of success in business. Conor's story exemplifies the effectiveness of old-school sales techniques and reinforces the belief that by focusing on fundamental principles and strategies, measurable results can be achieved.

Gain practical advice for personal and professional growth, and develop a fresh perspective on success in the real estate industry, all from the unique vantage point of an individual who started with no prior real estate experience.