#MeetCoolPeople

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dave Gieselman. Dave is the founder of Limitless Flow Breathwork and a former professional chef who transitioned from high-stress kitchens to mastering stress and communication for business professionals through the power of breathwork.

If you’ve heard of doing breathwork before, imagine leveling that up several steps, and THAT is what Dave is doing! I can say from personal experience that it’s a whole new level.

;)

Dave shared his journey from dealing with overwhelming stress in Los Angeles kitchens to discovering the scientific underpinnings of breathwork. This fascinating conversation covered how specific breathing techniques can boost team communication, productivity, and even creativity, particularly by achieving a flow state.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• The Science of Breathwork for Stress Management: By controlling respiration, you can influence your heart rate and brain function, which aids in managing stress and improving performance.
• Achieving Flow State: Known as transient hypofrontality, this state enhances cognitive abilities, fosters emotional release, and triggers creative breakthroughs.
• Breathing Techniques for Daily Stress Relief: Specific methods like the "Physiological Sigh" and "Clarity Breath" can quickly reduce anxiety and prepare you for challenging situations.
• Saturday Breathwork Sessions: Dave offers 90-minute breathwork sessions every Saturday at 10 AM Pacific, both in-person in Los Angeles and virtually. These sessions aim to provide self-awareness and insights without specific interventions.

Be sure to connect with Dave and join one of his breathwork sessions at www.ConnectToFlow.com. 

In fact, Dave was kind enough to give us a chance to see his work in action during a complimentary session!

Here’s how to sign up:

1. Go to https://www.ConnectToFlow.com
2. Click on “Join A Limitless Flow session - In-person or live on Zoom”
3. Once there, pick your day, add your ticket to checkout
4. Use the promo code "coolpeople1" 

This is a fantastic way to spend your Saturday morning, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Dave, for an enlightening conversation. And to our listeners, thanks for tuning in to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! If you have feedback or suggestions for improvement, we’re always eager to hear from you.

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Interested in learning more about how my team and I can assist you in converting casual connections into clients? Don't forget to check out our free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/.

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had a great conversation with Joshua Wathen, the COO of Triad Infosec, a serial entrepreneur, and a former Green Beret. Joshua and I met at the Badass Business Summit in Fort Worth last September and had a short but solid chat. Today’s conversation went in a few directions… From the challenges of cybersecurity to the importance of discipline, and then we landed the ship on the value of genuine relationships in business.

Joshua shared several great lessons from his military background, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability in both personal and professional life. We discussed how honesty and the ability to admit mistakes can build stronger relationships with clients, a principle we both firmly believe in. We also talked about the importance of mastering the basics and having core values that truly matter.

Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:

• Admitting Mistakes Builds Trust: Being honest about your mistakes can strengthen your client relationships by showcasing transparency and respect.
• The Role of Discipline in Success: Discipline is crucial for entrepreneurship, whether it’s maintaining a consistent exercise routine or managing daily tasks. It’s about embracing discomfort and staying consistent.
• Genuine Relationships Over Transactions: Personal connections are often more valuable than technical skills. Building rapport and genuine interactions are key to long-term success.
• Core Values Are Fundamental: Identify and stick to your true core values like honesty, integrity, and empathy. These should be real values you're willing to stand by, even in challenging situations.

Joshua Wathen is definitely a guy you want to get to know. Be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wathen

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients?

Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had a great conversation with Austin ARM Brands. Austin is the host of the "Millionaires Are Made" show, a serial entrepreneur, and a growth coach with a wild background spanning business ventures, athletics, and finding great places to live!

Austin and I first met at the Million Dollar Mastermind event in Dallas, and as I’ve watched him evolve since we met, I knew this would be an awesome conversation. From managing multiple businesses to relocating to the Virgin Islands, Austin shared his journey and how it has shaped his approach to business and life. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the simplification of life and making a big impact, making this episode a great listen for anyone looking to grow personally or professionally.

Here are a few of the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Embrace Minimalism in Business: Austin suggests that aspiring entrepreneurs reduce materialistic dependence and adopt a lean approach to living, which can lead to significant cost savings and streamline business operations.
• Commit to Your Mission, Vision, and Core Values (MVCV): Austin highlighted the importance of defining personal and professional MVCV for growth and aligning with them consistently, which can help one stay focused and authentic in their pursuits.
• Opportunities in the Virgin Islands: Austin explained the benefits of relocating to the Virgin Islands, such as tax incentives and the potential for easier access to other great benefits, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.
• Effective Networking and Business Growth: Austin has extensive experience in networking and focuses on helping small businesses grow through branding initiatives under "Millionaires Are Made." His advice on using effective networking to leverage business opportunities is insightful.

Be sure to connect with Austin and let him know you heard him on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast!, You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube as “Austin ARM Brands”

https://www.facebook.com/AustinARMBrands

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! I'm Ely Delaney, and this is a special episode where I talk about what "Meet Cool People" really means. As we celebrate the 58th episode, I take you back to the origins of this show, sharing the journey and insights that have shaped this podcast. We also dive into some recurring themes from past episodes, highlighting the importance of genuine connections and making a positive impact.

The “Meet Cool People” concept originated from my travels as a speaker, where I noticed the power of meeting amazing people. Over time, it has evolved into a platform that showcases some of the coolest entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, and changemakers who are making a difference in the world.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Genuine Connections Matter: Throughout the show, a recurring theme is the value of forming genuine connections. Authenticity and sincerity in our interactions go a long way in building lasting relationships.
• Making a Positive Impact: The guests on the podcast are not just successful in their fields but are also focused on making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
• Be Intentional: Whether it's business networking or casual social interactions, being intentional about adding value to others’ lives can create meaningful engagements.
• Embrace Virtual Connections: With the shift to virtual events, building a strong network doesn't require physical presence. Being adaptable and maintaining virtual connections can still provide immense personal and professional growth.
• Celebrate the Small Gestures: Simple acts, like sending a quick birthday video or checking in with a friend, can make someone's day and reinforce bonds.

To connect with me, Ely Delaney, feel free to visit https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/. You can watch a free training video to see how my team and I can help you convert your casual connections into clients.

Thank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast for more episodes featuring inspiring individuals who are making a difference. Have a great day, and go out there and be cool people!

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had a great conversation with Melissa Cohen, a personal branding and LinkedIn strategist who transitioned from a 30-year career in the fashion industry to helping others amplify their presence on LinkedIn. This episode is packed with practical advice on leveraging LinkedIn for business growth, networking, and personal development.

Melissa shared her journey, starting from the fashion industry, where she managed product development and production, to losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. She used this pivotal moment to reinvent herself, leveraging LinkedIn to build a successful consultancy helping people optimize their LinkedIn profiles.

Here are the key takeaways from our chat:

• LinkedIn Premium Benefits: Melissa explained how LinkedIn Premium enhances your profile's visibility, aids in networking, and provides access to extensive learning resources and exclusive events featuring thought leaders and industry experts.
• Personalized Connection Requests: Emphasizing the importance of personalized messages when sending connection requests, Melissa noted LinkedIn’s data showing higher acceptance rates with personalized notes. 
• Profile Enhancement Tips: Melissa underlined the importance of having a professional and updated LinkedIn profile, suggesting a clear headline that serves as a quick elevator pitch about who you are and what you do. She also stressed the necessity of a recent and professional photo.
• Engagement through Comments: Building relationships on LinkedIn goes beyond just posting content. Engaging through comments can be more impactful, echoing Dan Roth's sentiment on the importance of interactive comment sections.
• Maximizing LinkedIn’s Free Features: Before diving into LinkedIn’s paid tools like Sales Navigator, Melissa advocates for fully leveraging free features to make the most of what the platform offers.

Be sure to connect with Melissa Cohen on her LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-beth-cohen

Also, be sure to visit her website at:

https://www.melissabethcohen.com.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about converting your casual connections into clients, don’t forget to check out the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/.

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had a meaningful conversation with Zoe Martin. Zoe is an amazing photographer and the host of the "Heart of North Texas" podcast. This episode covers so much more than just her career; we explore her heartfelt Legacy Project, designed to help others cherish and preserve their memories.

Zoe has a rich history in photography, drawing initial inspiration from Anne Geddes and eventually establishing her own studio. She moved to Dallas following her husband’s job promotion, which opened new avenues and connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Zoe’s deep commitment to her community shines through her podcast and her active involvement with local nonprofits.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Personal Brand and Presentation: Both in photography and videography, Zoe emphasizes the importance of properly fitting clothes, involving photographers in outfit selection, and using techniques to enhance visual appeal through layering and background choices.
• Client Comfort: Zoe provides a comprehensive experience for her photography clients that includes relationship building, wardrobe consultations, and complimentary hair and makeup services, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident.
• Networking Power: Zoe firmly believes in the power of genuine relationships over transactional interactions. Networking, as she puts it, can open doors to unexpected opportunities through mutual connections.
• Nonprofit Support: Her podcast, "Heart of North Texas," aims to connect volunteers with nonprofits and encourage community contributions.
• Legacy Matters: Zoe’s Legacy Project, in memory of her sister, offers services like photo restoration and family history recording. This initiative underlines the importance of preserving legacies, not just as end-of-life projects but as a part of everyday life.

Be sure to reach out to Zoe and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast: https://thezoemartin.com/

Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had the privilege of having a conversation with Erika Andresen, a business continuity expert with a rich background in both corporate law and military emergency management. If you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur (of ANY SIZE), this episode is a must-listen as it provides practical strategies to help maintain business operations during crises.

Erika shared the importance of creating contingency plans and the critical role small businesses play in community recovery post-disaster. We discussed the need for backup plans, the significance of local collaborations, and the impact of preparedness on mental health and business continuity.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Preparation Agreements Are Essential: Just like estate planning, having agreements in place can significantly reduce stress during crises. Proactively setting up these plans ensures that business operations can continue smoothly.
• Backup Plans for Solopreneurs: It’s crucial for small businesses and solopreneurs to have contingency plans, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. Whether it’s having alternatives for virtual assistants or backup communication platforms, preparedness is key.
• Utilizing Free Resources: Many free resources are available, such as fire department consultations and training, which can greatly enhance business preparedness. Never underestimate the value of asking for help and using available resources to your advantage.
• Community and Collaboration: Small businesses are vital for community recovery after a disaster. Connecting with local resources and creating effective communication strategies can make a huge difference in disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Cultural Shift in Preparedness: There’s a noticeable lack of disaster preparedness among small businesses compared to large corporations. Developing disaster preparedness plans and strategies is critical for maintaining business continuity and ensuring resilience.

Be sure to connect with Erika and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast via email at [email protected].

Be sure to get a copy of her book as well: https://amzn.to/3VkwpDO

Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This episode is a special one for me as it marks a year since I launched this podcast as a birthday present to myself. Recording from my daughter's spare bedroom in Idaho, I reflected on this amazing journey and the incredible people I've had the pleasure to connect with and introduce to you.

One year, 55 episodes, and countless cool conversations later, I am thrilled to share a bit of the story behind #MeetCoolPeople. From Adam Hommey, my first guest who also happens to be a longtime friend, to a slew of fantastic individuals like Steve Gamlin, Lisa Manyon, and Bravis Brown, this podcast has truly been a tapestry of amazing human connections.

We discussed how much these interactions mean to me and how important it is for all of us to meet and connect with new people. My guests come from various backgrounds, but all share a common thread: their ability to bring something unique and valuable to the table.

Here are some key takeaways from this reflection episode:

• Commitment Matters: Most podcasts don't make it past five episodes. Commitment and showing up consistently are key to building something significant.
• Importance of Networking: The people we meet can lead us to opportunities we never imagined. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with someone new.
• Sharing and Supporting: Giving value first and helping others succeed creates a ripple effect that ultimately brings value back to you.
• Personal Growth: Putting projects on hold until the right moment can make a huge difference in the quality and impact of your work.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Each connection and conversation is a victory. Recognize and appreciate them.

For anyone interested in connecting with some of the amazing guests mentioned in this episode or learning more about this journey, feel free to explore the previous episodes. Every conversation is packed with unique experiences and insights.

Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Keep meeting cool people and making those crucial connections!

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Liam Darmody, a personal brand and social selling strategist. Liam’s work primarily focuses on helping professionals build impactful brands on LinkedIn. From our conversation, it’s clear that Liam’s insights into leveraging LinkedIn for more than just job searching can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Liam and I discussed the evolution of LinkedIn and how it has transformed beyond a platform for job seekers to a place to network, build connections, and even showcase your own personality.. We delved into the importance of showcasing authenticity and personal interests to build meaningful business relationships. Additionally, Liam shared his strategies for categorizing LinkedIn content to engage better with your audience.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Three Buckets of Content: Liam suggests categorizing LinkedIn posts into “Scope of Genius” for business expertise, “Fascination” for personal interests beyond work, and “Window into Personal World” for more vulnerable, authentic content. This approach helps maintain a balanced and engaging presence.
• Personal Branding: Sharing personal stories and characteristics is essential to differentiate oneself in a crowded professional space. Authenticity attracts the right connections and opportunities.
• Engagement through Commenting: For those hesitant to create their own posts, engaging through comments on others’ content is a powerful way to build networks and find inspiration for original material. Treat LinkedIn like a professional conference where commenting is akin to networking.
• LinkedIn as a Serendipity Engine: Liam describes LinkedIn as a platform that can manifest unforeseen opportunities when used authentically and consistently, transforming it from just a job search site to a place of professional serendipity.
• Sharing Personal Journeys: Discussing both successes and struggles, like weight loss journeys, can foster deeper connections and authenticity, making one more relatable and engaging to the audience.

Be sure to connect with Liam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamdarmody1.

Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today we had a fun conversation with Melissa Watson, Just one of the coolest people I know! A while back she spoke at an event I attended and I loved her strategic follow-up methods and how she fosters client relationships. I knew right then that I wanted to get her on the show to share her thoughts and ideas around networking, relationship-building, and authentic engagement.

Melissa has a rich and diverse background, ranging from over 16 years in education to her recent role as a business development and project manager. Despite being relatively new to sales, Melissa has already mastered crucial techniques that many take years to learn. Our discussion flowed from the importance of long-term client strategies to leveraging personal interactions for business growth.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• The Power of Patience in Client Engagement: Melissa and I both highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term relationships without the pressure of immediate business returns. It's about consistency and genuine connection.
• Focused Personalization: Small personalized gestures like remembering clients' children's names can significantly build rapport and trust over time. This kind of attention to detail sets you apart in a crowded market.
• Balancing Structure and Flexibility: Melissa stressed the need to adapt sales techniques to one's personality rather than rigidly following scripts. This flexibility leads to more authentic and effective client interactions.
• Learning from Feedback: Whether it’s positive or negative, client feedback is invaluable. We discussed how seeking out this feedback can lead to substantial improvements and better understanding of client needs.
• Using Digital Tools Effectively: From digital business cards to Zoom calls, we explored how utilizing modern tools can enhance client interactions and maintain relationships despite geographical limitations.

Be sure to connect with Melissa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawatson24/.

(Don’t forget to let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast!)

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If you're curious about how I can help you turn casual connections into loyal clients, check out the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/.