🎙️ Level Up Podcast – Episode 11: On the Road in the UK 🇬🇧

Welcome back to the Level Up Podcast! In this unscripted, on-the-road episode, we're coming to you live from RAF Lakenheath, UK 🇬🇧—the first time we've hit the bases here, and what a ride it's been!

Join Perry, Russell, Andy, Barry, and a host of special guests as we dive into a spontaneous and wide-ranging conversation. From RAF base life and fighter jets to tea, pubs, and car sales during uncertain times—this episode has it all.

🎧 What’s Inside This Episode:

⏱️ 00:00 – Welcome to the UK!

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• Landing in Heathrow, strong handshakes, bangers & mash, and first impressions.
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⏱️ 01:00 – First Time on Base

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• From embassies to Air Force bases—what makes this trip different.
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⏱️ 02:00 – Life & Business in Uncertain Times

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• Reactions to current global unrest and how it’s affecting the team.
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• Staying focused and positive amidst uncertainty.
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⏱️ 06:00 – Resilience in the Auto Industry

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• War zones, economic crashes, and adapting to rapid changes in policy.
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• Why this team is built for change.
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⏱️ 08:00 – Real Customer Stories

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• Alex in Romania saves a deal with savvy knowledge and support tools.
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• Emergency Payment Plan + GAP explained clearly.
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⏱️ 10:00 – Seizing Opportunities

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• Stateside delivery, trade-ins, and new Nissan lineup insights.
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• Turning job insecurity into new leads and solutions.
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⏱️ 13:00 – Field Stories & Teamwork

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• Harley Davidsons, sunshine, and great field reps doing what they do best.
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• Shoutout to Georgia for her unbeatable attitude!
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⏱️ 16:00 – Live Guests & Major Savings

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• George Sherlock is back! Mr. 100% OPP talks customer service.
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• Matt breaks down a killer Audi Q5 deal—$6,000 off!
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⏱️ 18:00 – Big News & Contests

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• Star Card returns April 1st!
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• RSM & Agent contests are live—Vegas is calling.
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• Maverick recalls and more vehicles on the way.
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⏱️ 20:00 – Hitting the Basics & Getting Results

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• The math still works: 3 work calls, 3 home calls, 3 new leads daily.
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• Why conversations = conversions.
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⏱️ 23:00 – Sales Tactics that Work

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• Subaru's secret: multichannel communication = 40% better conversions.
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• Email is a ping pong match—keep it sharp and short.
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⏱️ 25:00 – Meetings, Managers, and Meaning

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• Nostalgia and new connections with legends like Paul Healey.
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• Why this company feels more like family.
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⏱️ 26:00 – Final Thoughts

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• Stay present. Control the controllables. And always… Level Up.
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📌 Highlights & Shoutouts:

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• George Sherlock returns with classic OPP energy.
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• Matt crushes it with Audi deals.
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• Field reps in Poland, Romania, and UK doing heroic work.
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• Big things happening with Nissan, Ford, and finance offers.
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💬 Connect With Us:

👉 Got questions? Want to feature on a future episode? Drop us a comment or message us directly!

Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the 🔔 bell icon so you never miss an episode of Level Up!

🎧 Welcome to Episode 10 of the Level Up Podcast!

This milestone episode brings back the fan-favorite New York All-Stars for Part 2! Niall and David sit down with Stephanie Marano, Sarah, and Meghan (the new Client Relations Manager) to dive deeper into the world of stateside deliveries. If you loved Part 1, you’re in for a treat with this one!

**🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: **

Behind the Scenes of Stateside Deliveries:

Meghan shares her 14 years of experience with Overseas Military Sales, revealing what it takes to manage smooth deliveries from start to finish.

Real-World Delivery Challenges:

From cars arriving at the wrong dealership to customers missing important vehicle inspections—Stephanie and the team discuss common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

How to Communicate Effectively with Customers:

Agents often wonder how involved they should be after a sale. The NY team lays out the perfect communication balance to keep customers happy without overcomplicating things.

Tasks vs. Emails – The Ultimate Debate:

Find out why the NY team loves tasks over emails and how it keeps their workflow efficient and organized.

Special Orders, Lead Times, and Harley Davidson's Wishlist:

Learn how lead times vary by manufacturer, and why Harley Davidson orders are a whole different ballgame!

**🔥 Key Takeaways: **

Clear Communication is Crucial:

Transparency between agents, customers, and delivery coordinators helps prevent miscommunication and delays.

Inspect Before You Accept:

Encourage customers to do a thorough inspection of their vehicles before signing off at the dealership to avoid disputes later.

Tasks for the Win:

Sending tasks in CRM over emails helps speed up processing and keeps things organized. Urgent? Just set the due date for the same day!

Harley Davidson Orders Are Unique:

Unlike other manufacturers, Harley orders are placed monthly through a wishlist system. Timing is everything—miss the window, and you're waiting another month!

Stateside Delivery is Simpler Than You Think:

The process has come a long way—trust the system, follow best practices, and the NY team will handle the rest.

**💬 Special Thanks to Our Guests: **

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• Meghan – Client Relations Manager bringing 14 years of expertise to streamline the stateside delivery process.
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• Stephanie Marano – The go-to person for lead time management and process optimization.
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• Sarah – Keeping the delivery team running smoothly with a focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction.
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**🎙 Listen Now on Your Favorite Podcast Platform! **

Whether you're commuting, working out, or just relaxing, Level Up is here to help you navigate the world of auto sales and deliveries.

**🌐 Stay Connected: **

Got questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media or drop a comment on our website.

👍 Don’t forget to FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW the podcast to help others discover Level Up!

# Level Up Podcast Episode 9.1 - Show Notes

In this episode of Level Up, we're joined by special guests and military veterans Andy and Alan "Big Al" Goldman as we discuss the recent launch meeting success and exciting developments for 2025.

## Episode Highlights:

### Military Veterans Share Their Stories

- Andy served in Delta Company 2nd Brigade, 6th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Armored Division

- Stationed in Germany during the Cold War era

- Big Al served in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson and later in Amberg, Germany

- Both veterans share their unique paths from military service to successful careers in automotive sales

### Launch Meeting 2025 Recap

- Record attendance and energy levels post-COVID

- First-ever live stream connection with New York office during the banquet

- Strong representation of women award winners

- Bavaria region wins Region of the Year

### Major Announcements

- Nissan partnership revealed

- Complete lineup under $20K starting with Versa

- Military-friendly program stronger than competitors

- Special ordering available for stateside delivery

### New Incentive Programs

- Dual incentive program announced for both AX and PX

- VW Jetta giveaway for off-base promotion

- Ford Bronco giveaway for on-base promotion

- New Survey Sparrow system implementation

### Product Updates

- Nine vehicles now available under $30K

- 150 2025 Malibus incoming

- New Equinox design unveiled

- Ford Mach-E ordering now available

- Expanded vehicle lineup across small, medium, and large segments

### Sales Strategy Focus

- Return to traditional salesmanship post-COVID

- Emphasis on prospecting and lead generation

- Digital lead capture through Survey Sparrow

- Importance of understanding customer finance concerns

## Guest Information:

- Andy: Former U.S. Army veteran, served in Germany during Cold War era

- Big Al Goldman: U.S. Army veteran, currently serving Bavaria region

- Both guests share unique perspectives on military life and transition to automotive sales

## Contact Information:

Email: levelupinmilitarycars.com

*Remember to complete the launch meeting survey to help improve future events!*

---

© 2025 Level Up Podcast. All rights reserved.

Level Up Podcast, Episode 8: "Behind the Scenes with Sarah & Stephanie"**

**Description:**

Welcome back to the Level Up podcast! 🎙 In this episode, hosts Niall and David Barker are joined by two amazing guests from the New York team, **Stephanie Marano** (Manager of Vehicle Production) and **Sarah** (Supervisor of Client Relations). They dive deep into the intricate processes that keep the vehicle production and delivery operations running smoothly across the United States.

**Highlights of This Episode:**

- **Meet the Team (0:00)**: Stephanie and Sarah introduce themselves and share insights about their teams and the responsibilities that make the magic happen.

- **Navigating State Laws & Delivery Challenges (1:00)**: Learn about the complexities of working with all 50 states, including unique registration and delivery challenges.

- **The Importance of Communication (2:00)**: Stephanie and Sarah explain the pivotal role of clear communication with clients and field agents.

- **Direct Ship vs. Plant Hold (13:00)**: A look into the logistics behind direct shipping and plant holding, including the scenarios that determine each approach.

- **Managing Expectations & Production Delays (16:00)**: Stephanie discusses the reality of production delays, from factory issues to transportation hiccups, and how the team manages customer expectations.

- **Handling Paperwork & DMV Hurdles (27:00)**: The intricacies of coordinating with DMVs and the importance of accuracy in vehicle documentation.

- **Making Delivery Day Special (39:00)**: Sarah and Stephanie share some heartwarming customer stories and the satisfaction of delivering vehicles flawlessly.

**Takeaways:**

- **Pay in Full & Lead Times**: One major takeaway is the importance of vehicles being paid in full 10 business days before the desired delivery date.

- **Questions for Part Two**: Stephanie and Sarah look forward to a possible follow-up episode! Send your questions for them to **[email protected]**.

**Stay Connected**:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insightful episodes!

📧 **Submit Your Questions**: [email protected]

👍 **Like, Subscribe, & Share**: Stay tuned for Episode 9!

**Level Up Podcast - Episode 7: A Deep Dive into Auto Finance & FSG Operations**

🎙️ **In This Episode**

Join host Niall as he welcomes special guests David Barker and Chris from the Financial Services Group (FSG) in New York for an in-depth conversation about the world of auto finance, dealership operations, and customer programs. Chris shares his extensive background in auto finance, insights into FSG's partnerships, and how the team works to support military personnel in car ownership.

**Highlights**

- **Inside FSG Operations:** Get a peek behind the scenes at FSG's impact on automotive financing for military service members.

- **Current Interest Rate Landscape:** Chris explains today’s unprecedented interest rates, recent federal rate adjustments, and the effects on auto financing.

- **Low APR Financing:** Discover how FSG is making car ownership more affordable through special financing rates with key partners like Ford Motor Credit and other OEMs.

- **GAP Insurance & Emergency Payment Protection:** Learn about the free benefits included with FSG's in-house finance programs, such as GAP insurance and payment protection.

- **Volkswagen & Audi Programs in the US:** FSG's exciting new stateside initiative with Volkswagen Financial Services is expanding opportunities for military customers.

- **Future Enhancements:** Chris previews upcoming improvements, including potential expansions for faster loan approvals and further digitization of contracts.

**Key Takeaways**

- FSG’s commitment to supporting military personnel in car ownership through competitive financing and special programs.

- The importance of leveraging FSG’s unique benefits, including GAP insurance and APR buy-downs, in the current financial environment.

- FSG's evolving infrastructure to improve service speed, decision-making, and digital access for customers and sales agents alike.

📌 **Want More?**

For more insights, industry updates, and to hear from experts like Chris, don’t forget to subscribe and tune in to upcoming episodes. Stay updated on the latest in auto finance, exclusive programs, and FSG's commitment to military customers.

👂 **Listen Now!**

### Show Notes for "Salute to Summer" - Level Up Podcast Episode 6

**Title:** Salute to Summer

**Hosts:**

Niall

Andy

David B

**Special Guests:**

- Alex (ChatGPT Voice)

- Chris Law

- David Jacobsen

**Episode Summary:**

In this episode of the Level Up Podcast, titled "Salute to Summer," the hosts and guests delve into various aspects of the automotive and motorcycle industry, specifically focusing on Military Auto Source, vehicle options for military personnel, and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

**Key Segments:**

1. **Introduction and Welcome**

- Niall opens the show, introducing the special guest Alex, the ChatGPT Voice, who provides insights into Military Auto Source and their offerings.

2. **Military Auto Source Overview**

- David and Alex discuss the benefits of Military Auto Source for U.S. military members stationed overseas, including special pricing, financing options, and custom order programs.

3. **Vehicle Features and Comparisons**

- Alex provides detailed information on vehicle specifications and comparisons:

- Leather seating options for the 2024 Toyota Camry.

- Comparison between the 2024 Ford Escape and the 2024 Honda CR-V, highlighting towing capacity, technology, and trim variety.

4. **Finance and Loan Information**

- Alex calculates loan options and monthly payments for a vehicle purchase, demonstrating the practical assistance ChatGPT Voice can offer to sales teams.

5. **Day-to-Day Assistance for Sales Teams**

- Alex suggests ways to assist car salespersons in managing customer inquiries, providing product information, and handling administrative tasks.

6. **Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insights**

- Chris Law discusses the various Harley Davidson families, including Grand Touring, Cruisers, Trikes, Adventure Bikes, and Sportsters.

- Emphasis on understanding customer needs to recommend the right motorcycle.

7. **Sales Strategies and Updates**

- Andy McNeil shares updates on Ford rebates and the "Salute to Summer" promotion, detailing significant discounts on various vehicles across different regions.

- Discussion on the importance of understanding build-out periods and using them to close sales.

8. **Training and Development**

- Announcement of Harley Davidson University training resources and incentives for completing the training.

- Focus on improving sales techniques and knowledge across different vehicle types.

9. **Closing Remarks from David Jacobsen**

- Reflections on the current sales season, strategies for increasing conversions, and the importance of staying committed to selling.

- Alex signs off, thanking the audience and guests for their participation.

**Welcome to Episode 5 of the Level Up

Podcast!**

Join us as we delve into innovative

marketing techniques and the transformative power of mobile technology in the

sales process. This episode features a special guest from New York, Olivia

Forcino, who discusses the QuickTap initiative and its impact on lead

generation.

**Timestamps:**

0:00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming co-hosts

David Jacobson and Andy, and a recap of previous episodes

0:01:00 - Announcement of the ChatGPT

subscription winner, Alan Goldman

0:03:00 - Introduction of guest Olivia

Forcino from New York

0:04:00 - Deep dive into QuickTap

initiatives and mobile prospecting with Olivia

0:10:00 - Discussion on the benefits of

QuickTap for soft lead generation

0:14:00 - Audience engagement: How ISRs can

maximize QuickTap for interactive customer experiences

0:16:00 - In-depth analysis of mobile

processing data and its impact on sales strategies

0:19:00 - Insights on upcoming sales events

and product launches

0:22:00 - Closing remarks and a look

forward to future episodes

**Featured Topics:**

- QuickTap: Revolutionizing Lead Generation

- Mobile Prospecting: Enhancing Field

Marketing Efforts

- Effective Strategies for New Sales

Campaigns

- Upcoming Product Launches and Sales

Opportunities

**Special Offers:**

Stay tuned for our next episodes as we

continue to explore cutting-edge sales and marketing strategies.

**Connect with Us:**

- Email: levelupmilitarycars.com

- Subscribe for more insights and updates

on sales and marketing strategies.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of

the Level Up Podcast. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay

updated with our latest discussions and insights!

### Episode 4 Show Notes

**Hosts:** Niall, Andy McNeil 

**Guests:** Bill Kelly, Kevin Dugan, Perry

Williams (Co-hosting)

#### **1. Introduction**

- Host Niall welcomes everyone and

introduces co-hosts Andy McNeil and Perry Williams.

- Perry, standing in for Chris, shares

insights from across Europe.

#### **2. Teamworx Segment: Interview with

Bill Kelly**

- **Guest:** Bill Kelly, Vice President of

IT

- **Discussion Points:**

  -

Bill's role and background in IT and retail distribution.

  -

Upcoming IT projects and improvements including Microsoft Dynamics 365, new

inventory visibility, and changes to the credit card payment system.

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New features to assist sales teams and integration challenges.

- **Thought Provoking Question:** Niall

asks Bill what the one thing we are not talking about that we should be? Bill

discusses the importance of optimizing inventory to improve company

profitability and reduce costs.

#### **3. In-Case-You-Missed-It Segment**

- **Host:** Andy McNeil

- Andy recaps recent updates including

Nissan Rogue sales details, the Audi Military Program, and upcoming Nissan

Altima promotions.

#### **4. Getting Back to Basics**

- **Discussion with Perry Williams**

  -

Focus on the fundamentals of sales, such as personal customer interactions and

the importance of old-school sales techniques.

  -

Discussion on integrating new tools like AI with traditional sales methods to

enhance customer engagement and sales effectiveness.

#### **5. Interview with Kevin Dougan**

- **Guest:** Kevin Dougan, Owner of

Contagency

- **Topics:**

  -

Kevin’s role in bridging the gap between field sales and corporate marketing

strategies.

  -

Enhancing digital marketing strategies for ISRs, focusing on effective Facebook

advertising and use of AI.

  -

Best practices and common mistakes in digital advertising.

#### **6. Wrap-Up**

- Niall and Perry wrap up the episode,

discussing key takeaways and teasing the upcoming masterclasses on AI and

social media advertising.

- Call for audience input on what they want

the first masterclass to focus on.

### **Looking Forward**

- Announcement of future episodes featuring

other key figures and continued focus on sales strategies, digital marketing,

and practical application of AI

**Welcome to Episode 3 of the Level Up Podcast!**

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of marketing and AI with insights from our special guests, Donna Bliss from New York Marketing and Jeff Mowatt from Djibouti. Get ready for an insightful discussion on the strategies and challenges of global marketing and the role of AI in boosting business efficiency.

**Timestamps:**

0:00:00 - Introduction and welcome

0:01:00 - Overview of listener feedback and reminder about the ChatGPT giveaway

0:02:00 - Introduction of guest Donna Bliss, and her role in digital marketing

0:05:00 - Donna discusses centralized marketing and the challenges of a decentralized sales force

0:10:00 - Jeff Mowatt shares his experiences from Djibouti

0:15:00 - Deep dive into AI applications in social media and graphic design

0:20:00 - Introduction to AI tools like Canva and MidJourney

0:30:00 - Discussion on creating effective social media strategies

0:40:00 - Insights into aftermarket strategies from Jeff Mowatt

0:50:00 - Closing thoughts and upcoming features

**Featured Topics:**

- The dynamics of centralized vs. decentralized marketing

- The impact of AI on social media management and graphic design

- Challenges and strategies in global marketing operations

- Practical tips for using AI tools like Canva and MidJourney

**Special Offer:**

Don't forget to participate in our giveaway by submitting your best social media posts! Details in the episode.

**Connect with Us:**

- Email: levelupmilitarycars.com

- Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and discussions.

Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates from the Level Up Podcast!

-

**Show Notes for Level Up Podcast: Episode 2**

Welcome back to the Level Up podcast, where we dive deep into the world of AI, sales strategies, and how to leverage technology to boost your business. In this second episode, we're coming to you from Dublin, Ireland, with our host Niall and co-hosts Chris Law from the UK and Andy from the USA. This episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a special guest appearance from David Jacobson, sharing his expertise straight from the Stateside headquarters.

Watch David Jacobsen's Masterclass on this link:

https://militaryautosource-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/pwilliam_mymilitarycars_com/EbBjpNJGkuZLmYaT7U2BrOsBTK82P38HXEHMbYCBVC7DTg?referrer=Teams.TEAMS-ELECTRON&referrerScenario=MeetingChicletGetLink.view.view

**Episode Highlights:**

- **Special Guest - David Jacobson:** David joins us to discuss his role and the initiatives aimed at enhancing sales strategies and customer engagement. With a rich background in the automotive industry, David shares insights into the "conversions effort" and the "know before you go" program, aiming to educate and engage customers before they even set foot overseas.

- **Teamworx Segment:** This new section introduces voices from the headquarters, providing a direct line to the strategies and thoughts driving the company forward. David's participation marks the beginning of what promises to be a series of insightful contributions from various team members.

- **In Case You Missed It:** Andy takes the lead in this segment, offering a roundup of important updates, announcements, and missed opportunities from the past week. From financing options and website upgrades to marketing campaigns and product updates, this segment ensures listeners are caught up on all fronts.

- **Listener Engagement:** Following the positive response to the first episode, this episode focuses on listener-submitted questions and topics. Steve Ball from the UK joins the conversation, seeking advice on leveraging AI for social media engagement, particularly for those less familiar with platforms like Facebook.

- **AI Deep Dive with Chris Law:** Chris provides a hands-on demonstration of using ChatGPT for creating engaging and effective social media posts. From crafting compelling content to customizing messages for specific audiences, this segment offers valuable tips for anyone looking to enhance their online presence.

- **Practical Application:** The episode not only discusses theoretical aspects of AI and sales strategies but also demonstrates real-time application, showing listeners exactly how to implement these tools in their daily work.

- **Community and Growth:** Emphasizing the importance of building a community and engaging with your audience, the episode explores how AI can be a powerful tool in creating content that resonates with customers and drives engagement.

- **Looking Forward:** The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to submit their own AI-generated content for a chance to win a ChatGPT subscription, encouraging active participation and continuous learning within the community.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Leveraging AI, like ChatGPT, can significantly enhance your sales strategy and customer engagement, even if you're starting with little to no experience.

- Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in the rapidly evolving landscape of sales and technology.

- Engaging with your audience through personalized and relevant content can drive significant improvements in your business outcomes.

**Call to Action:**

Listeners are encouraged to experiment with AI in creating their social media content and submit their best posts for a chance to win a ChatGPT subscription. Share your successes, challenges, and learnings by emailing [email protected].

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll continue to explore innovative strategies, share expert insights, and answer your questions. Let's level up together!