Learn Speak Teach

Learn Speak Teach Episode #132 with William Milliken.

Have you considered how narrowing your niche could give your business a competitive edge? The more targeted your niche, the higher your chances of success.

In today’s episode, we learn from William Milliken, the President & Co-Founder of Swoop Scoop®️, a dog waste removal company serving over 2,000 recurring clients. William shares the story behind his unique poop scoop business, revealing how a simple idea turned into a thriving enterprise.

He dives into the practical aspects of the business, including waste management, service pricing, and navigating market competition. Moreover, he explores the unexpected “dark side” of poop scooping and addresses frequently asked questions.

William also discusses the Poop Scoop Millionaire Community, revealing how he built a thriving network of like-minded entrepreneurs and the purpose behind connecting people in this unusual but profitable field. Additionally, he offers tips on how anyone can get started in this business.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:10] Starting Poop Scoop

[03:19] Waste Management

[04:02] Pricing

[07:35] Community

[09:52] Competition

[15:46] Horror Stories

[19:25] Starting the Business

[22:18] Website: https://scoopstart.com/

[23:48] Learn more

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start

[26:24] FAQs

Key Takeaways:  

• “If you can explain what you do in one word, YouTube has no clue what you do.” ~Roger Wakefield [12:49]

• The poop scoop business has a relatively low barrier to entry. A practical way to secure your first clients is by reaching out to friends and family or leveraging free buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook. ~William Milliken [19:38]

• The more people you bring into your business community to provide value to your clients, the better off you’ll be. ~William Milliken [28:09]

• The more niche your business is, the greater your chances of success. ~William Milliken [28:35]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Roger Wakefield

Keep In Touch with William Milliken:

Website: https://scoopstart.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scoop-Start

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScoopSpokane

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_swoopscoop/

• Poop Scoop Millionaire Community: https://www.skool.com/poop-scoop-millionaire/about

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #131 with Austin Armstrong.

How many followers do you have on Facebook?

Would you like to grow your audience? If the answer is yes, this episode is for you.

Ben Albert interviews content creation powerhouse Austin Armstrong, founder of Syllaby and a social media juggernaut with millions of followers across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Austin shares his journey from MySpace marketer to modern-day AI entrepreneur, revealing how he built a massive online presence without burning out. He breaks down his secrets to prolific content production, from leveraging AI and delegation, to the viral tactics that keep his posts at the top of the feed.

Ben and Austin also dive deep into thriving and surviving in the fast-paced world of social media, touching on everything from Facebook growth hacks and the evolution of content creation, to the democratization of AI tools like Syllaby. 

No matter where you are in your content creation journey, this episode is packed with practical advice, a behind-the-scenes look at viral strategies, and a refreshing, transparent discussion on balancing creativity, business, and well-being in the digital age.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:25] Social media and time management

[02:37] Season of growth

[03:26] Burnout for entrepreneurs

[09:26] Facebook strategy

[12:42] Facebook text threads

[15:58] Reposting top-performing posts

[21:34] Facebook’s backgrounds

[22:08] Check out Austin’s Facebook page

facebook.com/Owwstin

[22:49] MySpace versus Syllaby

[27:46] Syllaby’s content quality

[37:43] A sample of what Syllaby can do

[39:45] 4th July video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBragY66CPk&ab_channel=AncientHistoryFacts

[42:55] Syllaby’s video feature

[48:41] Attend AI Marketing World, Oct 9–11 in Frisco, Texas

[50:06] AI Marketing World conference plan

[53:07] Signature talk

[54:41] Capitalizing on trolls

[57:46] Support Austin

Key Takeaways:  

• One of the biggest lessons I learned in business is to not solely build the lead generation source around your personal brand. Because when you disappear, it doesn’t work anymore. ~ Austin Armstrong [06:37]

• “Quantity leads to quality.” ~ Austin Armstrong [17:57]

• “There’s always going to be a workaround that’s why marketers are the worst people on earth.” ~ Austin Armstrong [21:01]

• At my agency, I treated every social media platform for a service-based business owner as a search engine. People are searching for information. ~ Austin Armstrong [28:15]

• “I believe that anybody should be able to create content no matter where they’re at.” ~ Austin Armstrong [34:54]

• That’s why I love AI, it democratizes the ability to get that idea out of your head and into the world. ~ Austin Armstrong [35:46]

• “All information is repeated. People are just looking for the voice they resonate with.” ~ Austin Armstrong [36:59]

• “It doesn’t matter how content is made, the viewers will decide if your content is good or not.” ~ Austin Armstrong [44:34]

• If you’re able to deal with trolls (and not everyone can, I get it), you can manipulate them to get more engagement, which increases your chances of going viral. ~ Austin Armstrong [54:55]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Syllaby

2. Five Insane Bible Facts

3. The Entire History of 4th July

Keep In Touch with Austin Armstrong:

Website: https://austinarmstrong.ai/ 

X: https://x.com/SocialtyPro 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ancienthistoryvideos/f 

                https://www.youtube.com/@socialtypro 

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #130 with Adrianne Hart.

Imagine stepping on stage as a keynote speaker, your introduction perfectly planned with drones and paper airplanes, yet anxiety still creeps in. That’s exactly where Ben Albert found himself. But after just a few minutes of guided hypnosis with wellness hypnotist Adrianne Hart, his brilliant unconscious mind unlocked, and the tension melted away.

In this mind-opening episode, Adrianne Hart joins Ben Albert to reveal the power of hypnosis. She shares her very first encounter with hypnosis and how it helped her sister overcome a fear of the dentist after a traumatic experience. Adrianne also talks about how hypnosis healed her back pain and why this powerful tool is essential for mental and physical well-being. To make it even more exciting, Adrianne performs a live content free hypnosis session on Ben during the show.

Adrianne is a wellness hypnotist and the host of the podcast Get Well with Me, which features practical insights and content free hypnosis sessions anyone can benefit from. This episode is packed with insights, real experiences, and practical suggestions to help you tap into the hidden power of your own mind.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:34] Benefits of hypnosis

[05:47] Keynote speaking

[08:57] Content free hypnosis

[13:09] Hypnosis versus meditation

[20:07] Adrianne hypnotizes Ben

[28:10] Signs that you may need hypnosis

[29:50] Connect with Adrianne Hart

Book a session: https://adriannehart.com/

[31:03] Hypnosis suggestions by Adrianne

[33:38] Hypnopompic and hypnagogic states

[38:23] Reframing

[40:21] Adrianne’s journey with hypnosis

[46:31] Evolution of Adrianne's practice

[50:37] Support Adrianne

Leave a comment or review on her podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tdaftF9cNXsTYuH3h6LYr6LYr 

[51:48] "Dissolving Sugar Cravings" guide

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KPG43hqwBDgiPdyCygB6D 

Key Takeaways:  

• All hypnosis is consensual. It carries a sense of mystery because of its power but ultimately, it’s not hypnosis itself that’s powerful, it’s the power of your own mind. ~ Adrianne Hart [04:17]

• There is no universal hypnosis experience, meaning there’s no way to do it wrong. ~ Adrianne Hart [04:46]

• When the pain of staying the same is worse than the comfort of staying the same, that's the threshold. ~ Adrianne Hart [29:38]

• “We’re healing according to our youthful blueprint.” ~ Adrianne Hart [32:39]

• I learned early on that there are two ways to learn: the hard way, suffering through it yourself or the easy way of learning from someone else. ~ Adrianne Hart [39:25]

• “If the problem is in the mind, so is the solution.” ~ Adrianne Hart [48:28]

• In hypnosis, we say that the glue that holds trance together is rapport. ~ Adrianne Hart [49:07]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. What is Relationship Marketing with Jessika Philips

Keep In Touch with Adrianne Hart:

Website: https://adriannehart.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianneehart   

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tdaftF9cNXsTYuH3h6LYr           

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #129 with Erica Mallett.

Between Kanye West and Ellen DeGeneres, who do you think is the most lovable celebrity? If you guessed Ellen, you’re wrong! If Ellen is truly as lovable as we think, why was it so easy to have her canceled- while Kanye, despite having done worse, seems uncancellable? That’s the power of contradictions.

Erica Mallett sits with Ben for an eye-opening episode on the psychology behind contradictions and how they shape brands and public perception. Erica explains why contradictions make brands and people more lovable and even shares her own “Cringe Mountain” experiences.

If you’re just starting out with your YouTube channel, Erica’s Theory of One channel should be on your subscription list. She has a genius way of presenting content that we can all learn from.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:12] Kanye West

[04:46] Kanye West vs. Ellen

[09:08] The Real Business Connections brand

[11:11] Becoming a category of one

[11:50] The PDF framework by Erica

[15:07] How to avoid going in the wrong direction with your brand

[17:58] Erica’s Cringe Mountain

[25:19] The view at the top of Cringe Mountain

[30:41] What makes a celebrity so darn likable

[36:26] Identifying your contradictions

[38:45] Erica’s contradiction

[41:48] Support Erica – Subscribe to the Theory of One YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theoryofone/

[43:26] How Erica structures her videos

[49:08] Levels and kinds of fame

Key Takeaways:  

• Imperfections are the point of a brand. We're at a point in culture where it’s not only desired to have imperfections, but it’s necessary to have them built into your brand. ~Erica Mallett [07:04]

• “It’s important to be aware of your imperfections and then use them strategically in your brand.” ~ Erica Mallett [07:39]

• If you can be a mirror for people and make them feel less alone, then you can build a brand and smash it. ~ Erica Mallett [10:14]

• “The best way to attract your people is to have a set of beliefs.” ~ Erica Mallett [11:26]

• A niche is important, but you also have to think about your emotional niche because everyone you meet naturally falls into one. ~ Erica Mallett [15:37]

• “No one will ever look back from in front of you on Cringe Mountain and laugh at you for climbing behind them.” ~ Erica Mallett [26:07]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. April Cluck

2. Struthless

3. Courage to be Disliked-Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

4. The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek 

5. The Brand Gap-Marty Neumeyer 

Keep In Touch with Erica Mallett:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theoryofone/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_mallett/   

Website:https://www.ericamallett.com/   

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #128 with Mike Swenson.

They say, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” But here’s reality: most businesses don’t. They operate without a crisis plan, and when trouble hits, they scramble to react instead of leading with confidence and communicating from one simple voice.

In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with veteran crisis communications strategist Mike Swenson, a man with over 30 years of experience helping fast-growing brands and iconic organizations weather their toughest storms. Mike shares powerful real-life stories that will change the way you think about preparedness as a business or organization.

For example, he recalls a 1990s case study involving Jack in the Box. The restaurant chain found itself in crisis due to one of its suppliers, but for the sake of its brand, the company had to take full accountability-illustrating the critical importance of owning the narrative during challenging times.

Mike Swenson and Sam Meers host The Kansas City Marketing Legends podcast. They interviewiew the people who built the marketing community in Kansas. Mike also runs Crisis Trak as his service outlet.

Listen to this episode and learn how to create a crisis plan that works when you need it most, from building your team and crafting crisis messages to communicating effectively during a crisis.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Trailer

[01:11] Crisis plans for businesses

[02:14] Reactive vs. proactive in business

[04:37] Crisis examples

[08:00] Crisis track process

[17:06] Accountability in crisis messaging

[19:25] Jack in the Box case study

[22:42] How Mike got into crisis management

[28:24] Political crises

[31:08] Filtering the noise

[34:07] Mike’s most rewarding PR projects

[41:06] Mike’s entrepreneurship journey

[48:22] Steps to resisting crises

[50:52] Connect with Mike Swenson

Website: https://crisistrak.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/ 

Key Takeaways:  

• “A crisis doesn’t have to be your fault to impact your business.” ~ Mike Swenson [06:05]

• Filter out the noise so you can focus on what really matters. ~ Mike Swenson [29:00]

• You can’t run a business long-term without facing a crisis at some point. ~ Mike Swenson [48:44]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Jack in the Box

2. March of Dimes

Keep In Touch with Mike Swenson:

Website: https://crisistrak.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/ 

Podcast: https://www.kcmarketinglegends.com/ 

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #127 with Dr. Michelle Mazur.

Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/uQyHWUf_zSQ

Does marketing suck?

For many experts, yes, it does! In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Mazur joins Ben Albert to unpack why so many experts struggle with marketing. Often, their deep knowledge and skill are overshadowed by louder, less qualified voices who are simply better communicators.

Michelle explains that the core problem is not ability but communication. Experts tend to rely on their expertise to speak for itself, but in today’s noisy digital space, that’s rarely enough.

Instead of pumping out generic “how-to” content (which Michelle says devalues expertise and makes you replaceable), she urges experts to craft opinion-based or diagnostic messaging grounded in their Three Word Rebellion, a powerful concept to communicate unique value and spark curiosity.She also emphasizes identifying your ideal clients, not just choosing a niche. Once you know who you serve, you can speak directly to their needs and create a clear path for them to work with you.

Dr. Michelle Mazur is the founder and messaging strategist at Communications Rebel. Listen in to tap into her wisdom and expertise. 

Timestamp:

[00:00] Introduction

[01:50] The Overlooked Experts

[08:19] Finding Your Specialty

[12:26] Who Are Your Ideal Clients

[14:47] Marketing vs. Messaging

[16:17] Understanding the Three Word Rebellion Message

[17:47] How to Create Your Marketing Rebellion Message

[21:14] Polls

[23:33] Making Marketing Suck Less

[27:42] Sustainable Marketing

[30:37] How-to Content

[34:07] Defining Your Offer

[35:54] How People Work with Michelle

[38:05] Michelle’s Podcasts

[39:26] The Evil Geniuses

[46:03] The Pursuit of More

[48:18] Manipulative Marketing

[52:22] Connect with Michelle

The Market Like an Expert Seven Day Course: https://drmichellemazur.lpages.co/mle/ 

Key Takeaways: 

• Experts have a communication and marketing problem, because they are too good at what they do. ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [02:39]

• “You can't really rely on referrals. You never know when they're going to come.” ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [04:30]

• Experts have a lot of strengths that they bring to the table. ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [05:37]

• “Experts shouldn't be niche. They should specialize in the type of person they serve.” ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [07:21]

• “Give people a clear door to walk through and then once they're through, you can surprise and delight them with all the awesomeness that you have.” ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [15:24]

• “We have to get our ideas out of our head and onto paper. So that we can look at them more objectively to create our own three word rebellion.” ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [19:03]

• “How-to content, in my opinion, makes you replaceable because it doesn't have a viewpoint.” ~ Dr. Michelle Mazur [33:07]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1.Against the Rules with Michael Lewis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-rules-with-michael-lewis/id1455379351   

2.Moneyball: https://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Art-Winning-Unfair-Game/dp/0393324818 

3.Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Advertising-Eugene-M-Schwartz/dp/0887232981 

4.Make Marketing Suck Less Podcast: https://drmichellemazur.com/blog 

5.Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/duped-the-dark-side-of-online-business/id1562877811\ 

Keep In Touch with Dr. Michelle Mazur:

Website: https://drmichellemazur.lpages.co/mle/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellemazur/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellemazur/   

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #126 with Kelly O’Connor.

Is college money a scam?

In this episode, Ben Albert and Kelly O’Connor seek to elaborate the complexities of college pricing and financial aid. Kelly explains that college costs are not a scam but rather a business influenced by government policies and the FAFSA system, which inflates tuition through guaranteed loans.

They discuss strategies to reduce college expenses, emphasizing the importance of ignoring sticker prices, targeting schools where the student is above average, and appealing financial aid offers. Kelly shares real-life examples and highlights his College Money Academy, which helps families navigate the financial aid process.

Listen to learn more.

Timestamp:

[00:00] Introduction

[07:40] Financial Planning for College Parents

[09:16] Affordable college access explained

[14:37] Choosing colleges: target affordability

[18:13] Becoming a desirable student

[22:59] Student aid index explained

[27:01] Financial aid disparity highlighted

[29:14] University tuition and aid dilemma

[33:25] College admission strategy game

[39:12] College money academy success story

[43:28] College cost reduction strategies

[46:44] Education savings breakthrough

[48:29] Prioritize involvement over grades

Key Takeaways:

• Once we understand the internal workings, it becomes a different ballgame in terms of how we can leverage a school for more money, and when we do, the results are drastic. ~ Kelly O’Connor [06:59]

• "If you think just your grades and just your test scores are all you need, good luck." ~ Kelly O’Connor [21:09]

• Expected Family Contribution is confusing, but the Student Aid Index isn’t. ~ Kelly O’Connor [23:45]

• Take high school seriously. Do as well as you can. I mean, grades are important, but they aren’t the number one thing. It’s the quality of the kid. ~ Kelly O’Connor [48:30]

• "If they say, 'We want two letters of recommendation,' do not send one and do not send four. More is not better." ~ Kelly O’Connor [50:02]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. My Financial Caffeine Webinar: https://wealth.financialcaffeine.com/webinar-register

Keep In Touch with Kelly O’Connor:

Website: https://collegemoneyacademy.com/

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #125 with Mark Schaefer.

Are you a marketer worried that AI might take your job? If so, this episode is for you. Mark Schaefer and Ben Albert have an in-depth discussion on what it means to be audacious in today's fast-changing marketing world.

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author. From his years of experience, Mark shares valuable advice on how to navigate disruptive marketing. He explains how marketers can stand out in a crowded digital space by embracing their creativity. The conversation also covers the fine line between sharing and oversharing, along with how marketers can stay authentic without losing professionalism.

Mark also provides tips on incorporating authenticity into your social media strategy and offers a powerful message encouraging marketers to embrace change and become audacious.

Timestamp:

[00:00] Introduction 

[01:29] Liquid Death

[05:13] Winning in an AI marketing world

[06:47] How to become the signal above the noise

[10:04] Effects of disruptive marketing

[11:42] Standing out for small businesses

[14:51] How to get people’s attention

[18:41] QR codes in Mark’s book

[23:14] What makes a podcast audacious

[28:46] Keynote speaking

[28:59] Sharing versus oversharing

[33:13] Tactical strategic authenticity

[34:57] Mark's love of water

[37:15] Integrating strategic authenticity with social media

[41:19] Mark’s inspiration to write books

[46:08] A message to marketers

Key Takeaways: 

• “Competent doesn't cut it. Boring doesn't cut it. That is ignorable, that is vulnerable, because AI can do that. We've got to do something that only humans can do.” ~ Mark Schaefer [04:34]

• “Fear and boredom have just been normalized as a way of working.” ~ Mark Schaefer [12:52]

• “Authenticity creates this expectation that, you know, if I'm not transparent, I should feel guilty about it.” ~ Mark Schaefer [31:24]

• “I think to build a personal brand and to build trust, you can share glimpses of your life that let people know what you're like, what you value, and what you stand for.” ~ Mark Schaefer [31:45]

• “The marketing world is boring. AI is probably making it more boring. That's your opportunity.” ~ Mark Schaefer [46:21]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Giant Spoon: https://giantspoon.com/ 

2. Marketing Rebellion: https://businessesgrow.com/rebellion/ 

3. Audacious: https://businessesgrow.com/audacious/ 

Keep In Touch with Mark Schaefer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/   

Website: https://businessesgrow.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markwschaefer/   

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Learn Speak Teach Episode #124 with Serah D’Laine.

Have you discovered your purpose? How big is your vision, and does it scare you? In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with the incredible Serah D'Laine, a former Hollywood actress turned transformational coach and branding expert, for an in-depth conversation on how to discover your purpose.

Serah takes us through her transformation journey from being a Hollywood star to becoming a CEO, Business coach, and branding guru. She shares her personal evolution, branding with authenticity, and uncovering your deeper calling. She offers valuable insights that can help us transform our own lives.

Listen and learn.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[01:24] Serah’s pivotal moment

[03:54] Serah’s mermaid experience

[08:03] How Serah started thinking bigger

[15:56] Personal branding and authenticity

[20:04] Honoring our deeper calling

[25:16] Discovery phase in personal branding

[26:29] Serah’s experience in Sedona

[29:50] How to connect with a power greater than yourself

[31:04] Finding your deeper purpose

[39:24] How to turn your purpose into something tangible

[42:54] How to get attention from people

[44:21] The possibility virus

[51:33] How to employ strategy

[57:01] Serah’s proven NLP tools

[59:18] Connect with Serah

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serahdlaine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serahdlaine/

Website: https://www.serahdlaine.com/

[01:02:35] Closing thoughts with Serah D’Laine

Key Takeaways: 

• You can be anything that you want in the world. If one thing doesn't happen the way you thought it would, you can reinvent yourself. ~ Serah D’Laine [07:07]

• I fully believe in and support people wanting to make a difference, and using their influence to positively impact the world. ~ Serah D’Laine [09:40]

• “Fame means absolutely nothing if you don't have something to say to inspire people by.” ~ Serah D’Laine [10:23]

• If we're not innovating who we are as people, especially as women, what are we doing? ~ Serah D’Laine [13:59]

• There’s this false narrative that creating a personal brand means you’re self-centered. That’s simply not true. ~ Serah D’Laine [17:43]

• “There is no end destination, only constant evolution of self.” ~ Brian Bogert [23:11]

• “If it's not working for where we're going, we need to be willing to change and mold.” ~ Serah D’Laine [39:01]

• “People don't respond to the solution. They respond to the problem they know they have.” ~ Serah D’Laine [55:29]

• All the smartest business leaders know that aside from strategy, it’s your inner game you need to master, because you’re often your own biggest obstacle. ~ Serah D’Laine [56:15]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Brian Bogert- https://brianbogert.com/ 

Keep In Touch with Serah D’Laine:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serahdlaine/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serahdlaine/  

Website: https://www.serahdlaine.com/ 

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This feed is JUST LEARN SPEAK TEACH EPISODES. To listen to all of our episodes from "Real Business Connections," search 'Real Business Connections' on your podcast player, or head to www.RealBusinessConnections.com

Learn Speak Teach Episode #123 with Cameron Herold.

When is the right time to hire a COO for your company?

Ben Albert sits down with the legendary Cameron Herold, a business growth guru known for his expertise in building high-performance company cultures and the founder of COO Alliance. Cameron unpacks what makes the world’s best workplaces tick, revealing how “cult-like” cultures, when built right, can drive team alignment, energy, and extraordinary results.

Cameron shares advice for businesses at every stage from solopreneurs just getting started to $50 million enterprises ready to scale. He also walks through practical hiring strategies, explains when to bring on that crucial second-in-command, and shares the morning routines that keep leaders at their peak.

Grab your notebook and pen, you’ll want to take notes.

During this episode, you will learn about:

[01:25] How to start a cult-like company culture

[02:59] Companies that Cameron has helped build culture in

[04:25] Understanding the four corners of the jigsaw puzzle

[04:57] The essence of core values

[11:30] The importance of having clear vision statements

[14:31] What it looks like when a company gets its vision wrong

[17:58] How to find the best employees

[19:11] The cost of a failed hire

[21:44] When is the right time to hire a COO?

[23:59] Cameron’s book, Second in Command

[25:37] When businesses decide to bring in a COO

[27:42] Hiring a COO for a $1 million company

[28:37] Hiring a COO for a $50 million company

[29:23] How to handle a $50 million company

[30:11] How to access Cameron’s mentorship

Leadership program: https://investinyourleaders.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVxhPgUCzGQQw0XuT9EeAFg

Podcast: https://cooalliance.com/podcasts/

[31:23] Cameron’s miracle morning

[34:20] Cameron’s nomadic lifestyle

Key Takeaways: 

• The best companies to work for on the planet have a vivid vision of what their company looks like, acts like, and feels like in the future and everybody can see what they're building. ~ Cameron Herold [04:05]

• “My core purpose is to help entrepreneurs make their visions come true.” ~ Cameron Herold [06:55]

• A vivid vision is a four- or five-page description of what your company looks like, acts like, and feels like three years in the future. ~ Cameron Herold [11:56]

• “A lot of people will overpay to have average people.” ~ Cameron Herold [17:59]

• If a COO was coming into your company, you wouldn’t be delegating anything to them. They would be telling you what needs to happen. ~ Cameron Herold [22:54]

• The best employees are usually working somewhere, knocking the cover off the ball, working for a great company. Your job is to entice them into your company culture. ~ Cameron Herold [24:20]

• The first key hire for every entrepreneur is to get an executive assistant or a fractional EA to take a bunch of the admin work off your plate freeing you up to do the stuff you’re really good at and love doing. ~ Cameron Herold [25:51]

• “Whatever is in your vivid vision that you don’t have the time, energy, or skills to execute, hire someone who does, and you win.” ~ Cameron Herold [28:57]

• “There’s not a single problem that exists inside your company that writing a check can’t solve.” ~ Cameron Herold [29:32]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:

1. Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Entrepreneurs-Elevate-BUSINESS/dp/1942589123

2. Double Double: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Your-Revenue-Profit-Years/dp/1608320995

3. A Little Bit Culty Podcast: https://alittlebitculty.com/ 

Keep In Touch with Cameron Herold:

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@secondincommandpodcast  

YouTube: https://cameronherold.com/watch-cameron/   

COO Alliance Website: https://cooalliance.com/    

Personal Website: https://cameronherold.com/   

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This feed is JUST LEARN SPEAK TEACH EPISODES. To listen to all of our episodes from "Real Business Connections," search 'Real Business Connections'