In this episode of the Grow Sell and Retire podcast, B.D. Dalton II sits down with branding expert Barry to dive deep into the world of differentiation in business. They explore the power of authenticity, consistency, and how understanding your unique selling points can skyrocket your brand’s market presence.
Barry shares his wisdom on:
- Why being real and consistent matters in branding
- How leaders shape a brand’s identity and boost employee loyalty
- The game-changing practice of refocusing on customer needs to drive market share
- How 'jam sessions' and active listening can unlock your team’s best ideas
- Using direct customer feedback to define your brand’s core strengths and avoid empty buzzwords like "quality" or "service"
🎯 Actionable Next Steps for Listeners:
- Identify your business’s unique qualities by asking your customers
- Define and name your differentiators—ditch the generic terms
- Share your brand identity with your team to boost retention and improve customer satisfaction
Barry’s transformation story of pushing a company’s market share from 30% to 70% by listening and responding to customer feedback will leave you inspired and ready to take action in your own business.
Tune in to learn how to differentiate your brand, inspire your team, and create a market presence that sticks!

How do you grow from $10 million to $500 million? Here's some tips.
Get ready for an energizing and insightful episode of the Grow Sell Retire Podcast, where B.D. Dalton sits down with the brilliant Melanie Dulbecco, CEO of Torani! In this episode, Melanie dives into her journey through the Liquor Era, Café Era, and now the booming Consumer Era, sharing what it takes to empower teams and lead them through growth and transformation. Her contagious energy and hands-on approach to leadership will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on your own business challenges.
Melanie doesn’t just talk about success; she lives it! She discusses her philosophy of setting three-year plans to keep teams aligned and motivated, with a laser focus on actionable goals. Her insights into Torani's incredible journey, including how they looked to trailblazing companies like Cliff Bar for guidance when scaling from $50 million to $100 million, are invaluable for any business owner with big dreams of expansion.
Tune in to hear all about Melanie’s “Success Journeys,” where she gathers wisdom from those further ahead in their growth trajectory, and learn how you, too, can leverage the experience of others to power your own success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, scale, and empower their team like never before!

Want to learn secrets about improving your business image, enhancing your communication in the boardroom or just want ways to engage and motivate team members? This episode Allison Kluger, whose pedigree goes from Good Morning America to teaching classes along side American idols like A-Rod and Tyra Banks, gives so many tips from her life time of helping people communicate to sell and enthrall. You will have frame works to get team mates on board and give you the confidence to drive in the direction in your life you know you want to.  Don't miss this awesome episode. More about Allison here https://www.allisonkluger.com/

In this episode of the Grow Sell and Retire podcast, B.D. Dalton sits down with Peter to delve into his remarkable career and his latest book, "Leading from the Jump Seat." With a background that spans 25 years as a Royal Air Force pilot and a collaboration with Simon Sinek, Peter brings a wealth of experience to the table. He explains the "jump seat" philosophy, emphasizing learning from every experience and sharing those lessons in an accessible way. B.D. is captivated by Peter's storytelling and eager to explore the practical insights from his book.
Peter shares an intense personal story from his time as a co-pilot, navigating an emergency with a novice captain. This incident underscores the vital themes of trust, teamwork, and leadership under pressure. The conversation expands to discuss the transition of leadership, the empowerment of others, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams. Peter highlights the necessity of aligning personal beliefs with organizational goals, building strong relationships, and creating an environment of mutual trust and support. For more from Peter, click [here](https://www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com/).

Hey folks! Tune in to the latest episode of B.D. Dalton's dynamic business podcast where he sits down with Glenn Kramon, the editorial genius from The New York Times and a seasoned Stanford professor. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their written communication game. Glenn shares his top tips, emphasizing the importance of standing out with his mantra, "Be one in a million, not one of a million." He also reveals the power of the PS as a secret weapon to engage and personalize your messages. The conversation is not just informative but also filled with lively banter and insightful anecdotes.
Glenn doesn't just stop there; he dives into the BLUF method—Bottom Line Up Front—stressing the value of getting straight to the point. His advice? "Get rid of the organ music before church. Get to the point. It shows respect." This episode is packed with practical strategies and engaging stories, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about mastering the art of communication. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to transform the way you write with insights from one of the best in the business!

Brain and Brawn: Two Powers of Herculean Business:
In this dynamic episode, B.D. Dalton II sits down with Robert Siegel to dive into the pivotal themes of digital transformation and systems leadership, as unpacked in Robert's enlightening book "The Brains and Brawn Company". They dissect how the most successful firms are those that effectively meld the digital with the physical, and how traditional companies can evolve to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Key Points Discussed:

1. Adapting to Business Changes: B.D. and Robert delve into the relentless evolution of the business landscape, highlighting the crucial role of leaders in steering their teams through the waves of change brought about by AI and global events like the Covid-19 pandemic. The necessity for leaders to develop both their cognitive and emotional intelligence is underscored.

2. Venture Capitalist's Insight: As a seasoned venture capitalist, Robert shares his three-fold criteria for investment: market potential, team execution capability, and business model defensibility. He lays out the attributes he values in CEOs and the strategic importance of corporate venture capital.
3. Expanding Knowledge: Robert advocates for broadening one's horizon through diverse sources of information, stressing the significance of staying abreast of technological trends and their business implications.
4. Technology and Systems Leadership: The conversation shifts to practical technology use and the overarching concept of systems leadership. Robert provides a peek into his upcoming book, aimed at equipping leaders to better navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

B.D. and Robert's discussion serves as a masterclass for modern entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike, offering insights and strategies to thrive in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and leadership wisdom. More info on Robert Siegel
https://robertesiegel.com/

Want to Crush the Competition? Here is episode 3 of our mini Series from Dave Dodson.
Get in here.

Small Business Strategy: Key to Growth
The discussion revolved around the importance of business strategy, especially for small business owners. B.D. and David spoke about the significance of strategy for business growth, even for companies with a small market share. David shared insights from their book, "The Manager's Handbook," and their collaborations with thought leaders such as Michael Porter. They emphasized that having a clear strategy can help businesses stand out in their respective markets. The conversation also touched upon the importance of forming a strong team to execute the strategy and understanding the market dynamics. David suggested that listening to the market and being open to advice are crucial steps in designing a successful strategy.
Market Insights and Strategy Focus
David emphasized the importance of gathering information from employees, customers, vendors, and competitors to better understand the marketplace. They highlighted the need for a specific definition of quality from the customer's perspective and the importance of sticking to a strategy. B.D. questioned the reluctance of companies to ask customers and competitors certain questions, such as why they do or don't exclusively buy from them. David explained the value of open-ended questions and the insights they could provide, as well as the role of trade shows in gathering information. They also stressed the importance of maintaining focus on the strategy without losing sight of the company's mission, vision, and values.
Integrating Leadership and Management Skills
David stressed the importance of integrating various skills of leadership and management, such as hiring and retaining good people, maintaining a focus on priorities, and adhering to quality, to achieve maximum performance. They emphasized that these elements should not be selectively applied but should work together. B.D. raised the concern of how to ensure that employees and clients understand and buy into the company's strategy, to which David responded that setting and maintaining priorities, saying no to distractions, and having specific tools in place can help maintain focus. B.D. shared their personal application of these strategies with clients and expressed plans to provide them with books on the subject.
Operating Plan Development Process
David explained the process of developing an operating plan, emphasizing that it's not merely a budget but a strategic document that outlines focus areas, priorities, and day-to-day operations. They highlighted the importance of involving key stakeholders in the planning process and seeking outside advice. David also stressed the need for leaders to communicate and emphasize the plan's importance throughout the organization. They shared examples of successful companies, such as Southwest Airlines, where all employees are aware of and committed to the operating plan.
Maintaining Corporate Culture and Strategy
B.D. and David discussed the concept of maintaining corporate culture and strategy. B.D. expressed interest in how to ensure a strategy continues to work, prompting David to explain the title of Chapter 21, "Walk behind the Tractor". They shared their father's experience of manufacturing pharmacy equipment, and how they would follow customers to understand their use of the product. David emphasized the importance of understanding the end user's experience, particularly for software companies, where the IT department may not fully understand the product's use. The discussion concluded with David explaining how companies can adapt the "walk behind the tractor" concept based on their specific needs.
Strategy and KPIs in Business Operations
B.D. and David discussed the importance of a clear and actionable business strategy, suggesting that it should be adjusted and honed as needed. David emphasized that this strategy should guide a business's daily operations and that the team must be aligned with it. They also highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the strategy. Using a lumber yard as an example, David explained that a business should identify its target market and tailor its strategy accordingly.
Key Performance Indicators in Business Strategy
David stressed the significance of setting the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in business strategy. They explained that if contra indicators arise, it doesn't necessarily mean the strategy is wrong; it could mean the KPIs are incorrect or the strategy is being implemented in the wrong way. They highlighted the importance of making adjustments early and not waiting until year three to recognize and adjust a wrong strategy. They also emphasized the need for business leaders to be willing to receive advice and surround themselves with a good board to bounce strategies off of.
Seeking Advice for Better Decisions
David emphasized the importance of seeking and taking advice to make better and faster decisions. They suggested a strategic approach to seeking advice, which includes structuring conversations to maximize value and building habits and norms within an organization to encourage decision-making and advice-taking. David also mentioned the concept of teachers and managers, advising to shift mindset to that of a teacher. The discussion concluded with David recommending Rob Siegel, a Stanford author, for a future podcast.
https://davedodson.com/

Michael Watkins gives the Lazy Over Achievers tactical strategies to make amazing things happen.
1. Navigating the Geopolitical Business Maze with Michael Watkins
In this eye-opening episode, B.D. Dalton II chats with the illustrious Michael Watkins, straight out of scenic Zurich. They dive deep into Michael's riveting new book, focusing on mastering the art of strategic thinking in the often unpredictable realms of geopolitics and business. Michael, a celebrated author and award-winning thinker, shares six key principles vital for any business leader. From the nuances of mental disciplines like pattern recognition and systems thinking to the crafty art of political savvy, this discussion is a goldmine for anyone looking to steer their ship through today's turbulent business waters.

2. Time Travel and Vision: Unlocking the Secrets of Business Success
Ever wondered what it would be like to witness Steve Jobs in action, crafting the vision for Apple or Pixar? Michael and B.D. take you on a journey of 'business time travel,' exploring how vision and execution shape the destiny of companies, big and small. Michael's insights into system thinking and the ripple effects of business decisions offer a unique perspective for listeners. Though a cliffhanger moment leaves us craving more, the dialogue here is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

3. Global Trade and Pivoting: Lessons from the Real World
Get ready for some real-world drama as Michael recounts how a stuck ship in the Suez Canal and a volcanic eruption in Iceland threw global trade into chaos. This segment highlights the butterfly effect in global supply chains and the importance of adaptability and strategic pivoting in business. Michael's discussion with B.D. about strategic management, including fascinating examples like Airbnb and Instagram, illustrates the power of adaptability and the critical role of strategic thinking in leadership.
This episode is not just a conversation; it's a masterclass in strategic business thinking. Don't miss out, tune in, subscribe, and follow B.D. Dalton's 'Grow, Sell, and Retire' podcast for more such insightful episodes! 🚀🎧

Episode 2 of Crushing the Competition with Dave Dodson
This episode with is part of three episodes designed to deliver punch and focus in three parts The Manager's Superpowers, Employee Heroes and lastly, Leveraging Strategy
Dave Dodson is the guru behind the amazingly useful The Manager's Handbook (not boring; inside joke from original episode #134)

Employee Training and Development
B.D. and David discussed the importance of employee training and development in an organization. David emphasized that a manager's role is not just about managing but also about teaching and coaching employees. They highlighted that an employee can be a 'hero' within the company by excelling at their job. The discussion also touched upon the significance of decision-making skills, with David suggesting a process to help employees improve this skill.
Creativity and Productivity Framework
David and B.D. discussed the importance of having a clear process or system in place to guide employees' creativity and productivity. David explained that, contrary to taking away freedom, a framework actually allows for more creativity by giving a clear direction. They used the example of running a good meeting and hiring processes as instances where a system can enhance the creative process. B.D. brought up the idea of celebrating employees, and David suggested that true employee morale comes from a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, rather than superficial rewards.
Team Morale and Feedback Loop Debate
David and B.D. had a discussion about the importance of establishing a feedback loop to boost morale in a team. David emphasized the need to set priorities and reward team members who succeed, asserting that this approach would inherently boost morale. B.D. raised concerns about how to handle team members who might resent those being rewarded. This question remained unresolved by the end of the segment.
Success, Problems, and Coaching Strategies
David emphasized the importance of defining success and rewarding it. They also addressed the issue of handling people with more fundamental problems in the workplace. They suggested asking whether the problem lies with the player or the coach, focusing on behaviors rather than the person, determining if the problem is skill-based or attribute-based, and figuring out if the person is coachable. David shared their personal experience of using these methods to help a senior officer become one of the best CEOs they knows.
Hiring Process: First 100 Days' Importance
B.D. and David discussed the importance of the first 100 days in the hiring process, particularly in integrating new employees into the team. David emphasized the need to evaluate the initial decision to hire someone, including the risk of hiring a potentially unsuitable candidate. They also highlighted the importance of a structured transition for new employees, including comprehensive training and understanding of company norms. David concluded that successfully navigating the first 100 days significantly increases the likelihood of retaining talented employees long-term.
Employee Retention and Performance Management
David and B.D. discussed the challenges of employee retention in a competitive job market. David stressed the importance of not just keeping employees, but also ensuring that star performers are embedded within the company. They also discussed the evolution of management, moving from a system of rank and yank to a more sophisticated approach of measuring and coaching employee performance. David suggested that if a company has 10 people, it doesn't necessarily need to get rid of 2 or 3, but rather, focus on changing their behavior to ensure success. B.D. asked about the three key performance indicators (KPIs) David would focus on if starting a company. David suggested focusing on quality, the ability to attract and hire talent, and teaching the organization to manage distractions and stay focused.
Standing Out in Business: Shifting Roles and Creating Super Teams
David and B.D. had a conversation about the importance of standing out in business by doing more than the competition. David stressed the need for business leaders to shift their role from being a teacher to a coach, and to teach their team these skills. They also discussed the idea of creating super teams.
https://daviddodsonauthor.com/

Crushing Competition Ep 1 Management Superpowers Leadership Priorities B.D. and David engaged in a conversation about strategic management and the concept of 'employee heroes'. David shared their motivation behind writing their book, emphasizing the need for a practical handbook on leadership implementation. They highlighted the importance of consistent leadership and setting priorities, using the example of Sam Walton. B.D. praised the book and asked David to share more examples of 'superpowers in action'. David shared a story about the founder of Southwest Airlines and how focusing on a 10-minute turn helped save the airline from bankruptcy. They stressed the importance of setting and adhering to priorities, especially in times of crisis. David also discussed Steve Jobs' management style at Apple Computer, emphasizing their focus on setting and adhering to priorities, and their process of bringing key managers together to identify and focus on important tasks. Superpowers in Management: Focused Approach David and B.D. discussed the importance of a focused approach and the concept of 'superpowers' in management. David emphasized that the key to success is not merely relying on instinct or gut feel, but rather, adhering to a specific process that ensures optimal results. They cited examples from their own experience and research, underscoring the significance of critical skills such as effective hiring and feedback. B.D. shared personal anecdotes on how David's methods have positively impacted their organization, including the recent hiring of two new employees. Hiring Practices and Day Management Discussion David and B.D. discussed the importance of process-driven hiring in selecting top talent for their organizations. David emphasized the significance of a candidate's likeability and snappy answers in the hiring process, while also highlighting the need to focus on the outcomes a candidate can bring. B.D. questioned who was currently leading in hiring practices, with David mentioning Amazon and Mckinsey and Company as examples of companies with strong hiring processes. Additionally, David shared their strategy of condensing complex hiring information into a concise manager's handbook to make it more accessible for busy readers. Finally, the conversation shifted to the underrated skill of effective day management, a topic inspired by David's conversation with the COO of Disney. Productivity Tips From Harvard Study David shared insights from a study they conducted at Harvard, which revealed that CEOs have specific strategies to manage their day and filter out digital noise. They suggested a few tactics to improve productivity, such as reducing meeting times by 20 minutes and ruthlessly unsubscribing from distractions. They also emphasized the importance of setting limits on email-checking frequency. B.D. appreciated the advice, noting that implementing these tactics could save a significant amount of time. Powerful Questions and Employee Heroes B.D. and David discussed the importance of asking powerful questions in management, with David referencing Steve Jobs' habit of asking "What did you say no to today?" They also touched on the concept of creating employee heroes, emphasizing the role of teaching skills and embracing collaboration within an organization. The conversation ended with David highlighting the significance of teaching essential skills to the entire team, rather than relying solely on one individual's leadership.
Find more about Dave on https://daviddodsonauthor.com/