#MeetCoolPeople

This episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast was one I couldn’t wait to share. Roger Jorns from Reanimation Design joined me for an honest conversation about websites, business growth, and why every contractor, coach, and consultant needs clarity online.

We looked back at our web design roots, trading stories about the days of hand-coding, Netscape Navigator, and Dreamweaver. It’s wild how websites have changed over the years, and Roger Jorns broke down what actually matters now.

If you’ve ever wondered why your site isn’t getting results, or what “a website should do” besides just sitting there, this is for you.

Here’s what stood out:

• A website should answer three questions: What do you do, why should someone care, and how can they get in touch.
• Most websites are missing a direct call to action. Don’t bury yours at the bottom.
• Spokes matter. Your website isn’t an island. Give people ways in and out: think LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, and lead magnets.
• Clarity beats cleverness. You have about five seconds to grab someone’s attention, so get to the point.
• Your About page isn't for bragging; it's where you show you understand the visitor’s problem and let your personality show.

I especially liked Roger Jorns’s approach to touchpoints. People won’t buy right away. It takes multiple exposures before anyone takes action, so your site needs to nurture, educate, and move people step by step.

If you’ve been treating your site like an online brochure, Roger Jorns explains how to shift that mindset. Your website is part of a bigger system and it should tell a story—not just toss out information.

Want to connect or get your site in shape? Find Roger Jorns at https://www.reanimationdesign.com. He’s got a free audit checklist and solid resources for business owners who want more from their digital presence.

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Hey, it’s Ely with another solo episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Today, I wanted to share a quote that always sticks with me: “If you know the way broadly, you will see it in everything.” That’s from Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Five Rings. It’s really about how focus changes what you notice in your daily life.

This topic hits close to home as I reflect on the year. We often hear about the “law of attraction,” but I brought up something far more grounded this time: your reticular activating system (RAS). That’s the part of your brain tuned in to what matters most to you at the moment.

Here’s how I see it: once you zero in on a goal or a passion, your mind starts pointing out opportunities you’d never noticed before. I used the example of buying a car—suddenly, that same make and model is everywhere you look. The cars didn’t magically appear; you’re just noticing them now.

The same thing goes for business, relationships, and your purpose. Once you’re clear, things come into focus. Some doors may have always been open, but it’s your awareness that changes. So I’m challenging you to get clear on what excites you as the year wraps up. There’s something powerful in writing down your purpose and narrowing your sights.

Here are some quick takeaways:

• Clarity sharpens your vision and helps you notice real opportunities.
• Your reticular activating system shifts your focus and reveals what was always there.
• Purpose and passion make all the difference in what grabs your attention.
• Writing down your goals pushes your awareness even further.
• The opportunities you want may be right in front of you—you just need to see them.

Want to connect or need help finding that clarity? Reach out to me.

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This episode of #MeetCoolPeople is something I've been looking forward to for a while! I sat down with David Newman, a certified speaking professional, top-ranked podcast host, and author of several books that I've had on my shelf for years. His latest, "Market Eminence," just dropped, and it's a major departure from his previous “Do It” series.

David opened up about his decision to unscale his business. He used to run a big team but realized his heart is in being a craftsperson, staying closely involved with clients instead of focusing on managing a staff. We talked about how “success” looks different at every stage of life, and how chasing someone else’s definition just leaves you drained.

David’s new book is all about “market eminence” – building visibility, respect, and brand preference, so you’re not just another option, but the only logical choice. He shared three sharp questions to help you create a contrarian slant and stand out from the noise.

We didn’t shy away from the fact that being authentic doesn’t mean following someone else’s “personal branding” template. David argues that it’s more about revealing who you really are, not just adding more layers. If you’ve ever felt pressure to scale or fake it to fit in, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

Key takeaways:

• Success should match your life stage, not outside pressure.
• Market eminence is about visibility, respect, and brand preference.
• Figure out what conventional wisdom in your industry you disagree with.
• Don’t cover up who you are to widen your appeal. You’ll only attract the wrong clients.
• Being yourself isn’t a task… when you stop trying, it gets easier.

Connect with David: Get the book and free resources at https://marketeminence.com

Find his other work at doitmarketing.com

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s episode gave me a chance to sit down with Emmy award-winning broadcaster Kerry Barrett. If you’ve ever felt awkward talking on camera, this one’s for you. Kerry Barrett has more than two decades on air, and now guides professionals through looking and sounding confident on camera.

We talked candidly about what holds most people back. It’s rarely the tech. It’s that uneasy feeling of speaking to “no one,” or worrying about messing up and freezing mid-sentence. Kerry Barrett was refreshingly honest about her own stumbles, laughing off the moments that didn’t go as planned both in her reporting days and during live webinars.

She insists all you need to start is a phone and your face. Stop overthinking gear, lighting, and the finer points of background noise. Instead, begin by narrating a piece of your day. Record for 30 seconds and play it back. Watch for one thing you’d like to adjust. Don’t try fixing everything in one go.

Here are a few highlights:

• The “performance” fear is real: People freeze on camera, even if they’re fine speaking on stage. Just jump in and keep practicing.
• Recovery matters more than perfection: Have a handful of “outs” or one-liners ready. If you blank, just acknowledge it and move on.
• Progress is about repetition: Kerry Barrett and I both needed dozens of takes when we began. There’s no shortcut for reps.
• Start simple: A weekly “teach-it” video on LinkedIn is a solid first step. Don’t let tech or editing scare you off.
• It’s about sharing, not showing off: Audiences don’t care about a minor mistake. Don’t over-apologize or dwell on it.

If you want more support, Kerry shares regular tips on LinkedIn. Connect with here here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/

If you want to really dive in with what Kerry can help with, learn more on her website at:

KerryBarrett.com

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features Michael Buzinski. I first met Michael over BBQ in Dallas, and I’m glad we connected and kept in touch.

Michael is a US Air Force veteran, bestselling author, host of a top marketing podcast, and the founder of Buzzworthy Strategies. His company helps B2B service firms escape random acts of marketing and build a system that actually drives qualified leads.

He shared the difference between “strategy” and “tactics” in marketing, which is something too many business owners miss. Most folks jump from one shiny idea to another without thinking about the big picture. Michael shows how a good strategy decides which tactics matter, not the other way around.

Some gems stood out while we talked:

• Track What Matters: Michael’s “50/50 Marketing Paradox” hit home. Most businesses don’t know which half of their marketing works, so they cling to everything. Tracking and knowing your numbers brings clarity.
• Strategy First, Always: Random acts of marketing lead to wasted time and cash. Start with strategy, then use tactics to support it. That goes for email, websites, and anything else.
• Quick Wins Matter: He explained why getting clients a fast result (in the first 30 days, ideally three weeks) sets the stage for a longer relationship. Anchoring your clients in early success means happier clients and more referrals.
• Advocate Creation: The best marketing comes from clients who turn into fans. Done right, your client’s journey leads them to bring new business back to you.
• Client Fit Is Key: Michael shared his Predictably Profitable Prospect filter - core values, culture fit, and delivery readiness. Taking on the wrong clients just because you “need the cash” leads to pain.

Whether you’re new to B2B or deep in the trenches, Michael’s advice here is worth your time.

Connect with Michael:

• His book: https://ruleof26.com/
• His site:https://buzzworthystrategies.com/

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features a great conversation with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell, founder and president of Kwedar & Co. We actually met at an event and hit it off before I learned she was on the panel for podcasters. She’s got a long history in PR, helping B2B companies and purpose-driven leaders tell their stories in clear, honest ways.

Lauren breaks down how PR has changed in the last two decades. Think less about faxing press releases, more about crafting thoughtful stories that stand out in today’s crowded market. We talked about the real value in showing your business’s heart. Even in industries that people call “boring.”

We covered a lot, from building relationships with journalists to pitching stories without sounding robotic. Lauren had strong opinions about the right and wrong ways to get PR opportunities, especially how important it is to respect both your brand and the media’s time.

Here are my favorite takeaways:

• Start With Curiosity: The best stories come from asking questions and finding the personal angle behind the business. Even companies that feel “boring” have something special when you look closer.
• Build Real Relationships With Media: Journalists and reporters are people. Follow them, comment on their work, and communicate like you would with any colleague. Mutual respect gets better results.
• Quality Over Quantity in Pitches: Don’t spam generic pitches or hire cheap firms that do. Lauren stressed how badly that hurts your reputation. Invest in someone who learns your story and can match you to the right opportunities.
• Small Businesses Can Win at PR: You don’t need a big budget. Even solo founders can offer expert perspectives, become a resource for local media, and use platforms like podcasts to share their voice.
• PR Means Serving, Not Selling: Think about the value you bring to journalists, audiences, and clients. Make things easier for everyone and trust goes further.

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: https://KwedarCo.com/
• Podcast: The Impatient Entrepreneur Podcast (available everywhere)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkwedar/
• Social: @KwedarCo on most platforms

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

This solo episode is a little different. It’s my birthday week, so I took the mic to reflect on gratitude, milestones, and what truly matters as another year turns.

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Buddhist saying

Gratitude gets tossed around a lot in November, but this year I wanted to slow down and dig into what it really means, well beyond a quick “thanks.” I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally, and I noticed that intentionally focusing on appreciation is what helped me break out of some tough stretches.

I share why surface-level gratitude isn’t enough, and how deep appreciation can actually change your perspective and relationships. I talk about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth, making new connections, and how a single introduction kicked off a whole chain of positive events in my life.

I break down the daily practice that’s made a difference for me: writing five things I’m grateful for every morning. Plus I throw out a challenge for you to reach out to three people who’ve been your “gardeners” this year.

Here’s what stood out:

• The difference between quick gratitude and real, deep appreciation, and why the latter matters for happiness.
• How to spot the chain of events that led to something positive in your life, instead of just the outcome.
• The practical power of saying thank you, publicly and privately, to people who move you forward.
• Simple, specific ways to express appreciation (think audio or video messages, not just notes).
• Why intentionally focusing on gratitude rewires your mind, builds stronger connections, and reduces burnout.

If you want to connect or dig deeper, I’m always happy to connect with listeners. You can reach out to me directly if you want to chat further or if I can help with anything at all.

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today's #MeetCoolPeople episode brings you a practical marketing chat with Kristi Mitchell. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by marketing, wondering what actually works, this episode is for you.

Kristi is a marketing strategist who traded in corporate jargon for clarity. Her focus is pure strategy, helping purpose-driven businesses find their best approach, stop chasing every shiny object, and land on what works for them.

One thing that stood out for me is Kristi's analogy of a marketing strategist as a personal trainer. She's there to guide, plan, and hold you accountable, not to do the “reps” for you. That distinction really hits home for business owners deciding where they need help.

Our conversation covered why the classic marketing funnel still matters in 2025. Tactics and platforms may shift, but you still need to attract, convert, nurture, and close. Kristi explained how strategy, and sticking with tried and true frameworks, beats jumping to the next trend.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy comes first. Chasing tactics without a plan leads to wasted time and money.
• Know your ideal client. It shapes your messaging and sets you apart from competitors.
• Your message needs to hit real pain points. Get out of your own bubble and speak your clients' language.
• Authentic storytelling builds connection. Personal brand and sharing your own journey create trust.
• Values matter. Kristi said alignment is more important than being “like-minded”. That’s where good collaborations start.

Kristi made a great point: if you’re not sure who your audience really is, start with clarity work before jumping into marketing strategy. Check out her podcast, Unfudge Your Marketing, and connect with her for real stories and lessons learned.

Connect with Kristi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristimitchell/
• Website: https://kristimitchell.com/ (hit the Resources tab for free guides)
• Podcast: Unfudge Your Marketing 

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Hey there! Today's #MeetCoolPeople episode features Jordan Ring, and I knew this one would be good. Jordan is a ghostwriter, book coach, and development editor who helps leaders, coaches, and founders turn their ideas into legacy-building books. We originally met at the Badass Business Summit, hit it off right away, and set up this conversation to dig into his process and advice.

Jordan shared how he got into ghostwriting after years working with audiobook production and book marketing. What struck me is how he genuinely loves the long-form writing process. He's helped clients who either want to create something timeless at the end of their careers or entrepreneurs looking to boost their credibility as their businesses grow.

We covered everything from the myths about ghostwriting, what actually goes into writing a book, and how writing can serve both personal purpose and business goals. If you've ever wondered if a book can help you stand out or build trust, this is an honest take.

Here are some key takeaways from our chat:

• Process Over Perfection: You don't need a perfect book idea to get started. Jordan says it's all about collaboration and refining your message, even if you feel stuck or unsure.
• Legacy Matters: Legacy books aren't just for big names. Anyone who’s spent years gathering stories and expertise can create something lasting for the next generation.
• Ghostwriting Is Collaborative: It's not “set it and forget it.” The best results come when you're part of the process, putting your own voice and ideas into the writing.
• AI As a Helper: Jordan gave his straightforward take on AI. He uses it for brainstorming and organizing ideas, but still emphasizes the power of human thinking and editing skills.
• Know Your Goals: Whether you want credibility, leads, or just to get your ideas out in the world, be clear about your "why" before getting started.

Connect with Jordan:

• Website: https://jmring.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorjmring/

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Hey, thanks for tuning in to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Today, I sat down with Craig Andrews, and honestly… his story’s got layers. Craig’s a US Marine turned electrical engineer who then designed mobile phones and, finally, built a top marketing agency called Allies For Me. We crossed paths at the Badass Business Summit, and after our first chat, I knew this was someone you should meet.

Craig’s got a unique take on marketing. Especially for crowded and commoditized industries. He helps businesses dig out their deeper story, especially those selling higher-ticket, trust-heavy services. 

If you've ever wondered whether adversity can shape smarter business strategies… Craig’s comeback tale after months in the hospital makes the answer pretty clear.

Here are some takeaways that really stuck:

• Your Story Is Your Differentiator: If you can’t stand out by what you do, stand out by who you are. People buy from personalities, not just products.
• Flaws Build Trust: Craig insists the thing most folks are scared to reveal (their vulnerability) actually makes others trust you. Sharing a weakness or a messy backstory can make your About page magnetic.
• Skip The Scripted Hero’s Journey: Don’t just list facts and “overcome adversity.” Make people feel something when they read about you.
• Authentic About Pages Matter: The About page isn’t a last-minute throwaway. Craig spends real time interviewing and writing for clients, using film techniques from the book “Stealing Fire from the Gods” to spotlight why you do what you do.
• Show Up As Yourself: People connect faster when they see your quirks and relatability. Craig’s story proves there’s power in owning your uniqueness.

If you’re in a crowded market and struggling to stand out, this episode is for you!

Be sure to connect with Craig:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-andrews/
• Website: https://allies4me.com/

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!