#MeetCoolPeople

This episode of #MeetCoolPeople gave me a chance to sit down with Rex Jones, founder of On Demand HR in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Rex is the guy you want in your corner if you’re thinking about anything HR for your small business.

We covered a lot, including how HR isn’t just for big companies. Even if you’re a solopreneur or have just a handful of employees, setting up good habits now makes every stage of growth easier down the road. Rex kicked things off with the story of how he went from considering funeral direction (thanks, Mom) to becoming a calming force in HR for 30 years.

The real gem in Rex’s advice? Frequent, clear communication. Whether someone is a contractor or on your payroll, touch base regularly. Set expectations, ask what support they need, and don’t just leave them floating. Rex reminded me about the difference between delegation and abdication. If you’re hiring for skills you don’t have, give them the task, give them the process if it exists, and stay involved without breathing down their neck.

We swapped stories about personality profiles too. Rex recommends getting people’s strengths on paper and not picking clones of yourself. Hire someone whose skill set balances yours so the important-but-less-fun jobs get done well.

Here are a few takeaways:

• HR is about building up your people. The right support means better results.
• Never assume a top performer should become a manager. Some folks just want to do the thing, not lead the charge.
• Recurring check-ins create space for honesty and faster problem-solving.
• If someone isn’t the right fit, help them transition out early. Don’t wait until burnout or costly mistakes.
• Personality profiles are useful tools. But only if you and your team use them to learn and adapt.

Want to connect with Rex? Find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexjones/

Send a message mentioning this podcast so he knows where you found him.

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Hey there! This episode is a milestone for me ⇒ 100 episodes of #MeetCoolPeople. I went solo for this one to reflect on some of the biggest insights I’ve collected over these first hundred shows. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know these conversations are about more than just meeting interesting folks. They’re about what happens when you bring together people who genuinely care and share openly.

I broke down a few common themes that kept popping up. 

The power of authentic storytelling. Guests like Graham Kuhn and Mario Wilson gave real examples of how stories shape the way we connect, learn, and grow.

Systems and structure came up a lot, too. Conversations with Scott Neal, Michael Stewart, and Dan Smink dug into building SOPs, delegating, and why automation isn’t about avoiding people It’s about freeing up time for deeper connections.

Another thing that stood out: winners prefer collaboration over competition. Andy Grider’s view on “coopetition” hit home for me. Supporting each other just works better, plain and simple.

Meaningful communication was a thread throughout. Both Dr. K and Julie Jones touched on what it takes to build lasting relationships. These are skills that go way beyond networking.

Many guests pushed the idea of celebrating your own quirks. We talked Renaissance Festivals, opera backgrounds, and AI cats, and MUCH, MUCH MORE! You name it. Being yourself really is the shortcut to finding your tribe.

Here are some takeaways I hope you’ll remember:

• Your story matters, tell it honestly.
• Automate, delegate, and drop the stuff you hate.
• Collaboration beats competition for business growth.
• Clear, warm communication goes further than tactics.
• Celebrate your weird side… it’s your greatest asset.

I want to give the biggest Thank You to each and every one of you that listen to the show and to every guest who helps to make it happen.

I appreciate you all!

✌️ 

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This week on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I hung out with Brian Hilliard—an author, speaker, and, honestly, one of the most down-to-earth experts on helping speakers get booked that I’ve met.

Brian’s done over 400 speaking gigs since launching his business in 2001. He’s figured out how to help other speakers get on stages without giving away big commissions or wasting hours prospecting every day. Instead, he built a process that uses a smart mix of AI, virtual assistants, and his own experience, so his clients can spend less time chasing and more time speaking.

Brian and I got into what really makes conference speaking different from the typical “Speak to Sell” circuit. In his case, it’s much more about mindset, building long-term relationships, and always putting value first.

Highlights from this episode:

• Find Your Why: Brian says having a clear purpose matters. Are you speaking to sell or to serve? Get honest before you pitch yourself.
• It’s a Two-Way Street: Think about what the event gets from you, not just what’s in it for you.
• Mindset Is Everything: Success at conferences is tied to your attitude. If you want more gigs, focus on helping and connecting, not just showing off expertise.
• Be Ready for Anything: From schedule mix-ups to last-minute changes, staying flexible pays off for any speaker.
• Conference Gigs = Higher Stakes: This isn’t just a local lunch-and-learn. Audiences expect more. Go in prepared and treat it like a bigger stage.

Brian’s approach is all about real connection and being a “cool person” both on and off stage. If you want to see how someone blends business, generosity, and professionalism, Brian’s a great model.

E sure to connect with Brian here:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hilliard/
• Website: https://morepaidspeakinggigs.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!

On this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I sat down with Brian K. Wright. Brian is a writing coach, radio show host, and publisher of Ultimate Achievers Magazine. If you've ever thought about writing a book, getting on more podcasts, or simply making your expertise stand out, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Brian & I met back in 2022 at the Million Dollar Mastermind event in Dallas (not long before I moved). Brian’s story is all about consistency and building relationships. He’s been hosting his radio show since 2012, logging over 600 episodes and interviewing some of the biggest names out there. He shared several honest insights about what it really takes to keep a show, or any content platform, going for the long haul.

We talked about mistakes new authors make, how to use a book to grow your business, and why sharing your story (any way you can) opens doors you never saw coming. We even got into the details of what ghostwriting actually looks like, and why you don’t have to be famous to hire someone to write your book.

Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:

• Consistency wins: Brian’s radio show sets a regular schedule so both he and his audience know exactly when to tune in. If you’re building any recurring content, locking in a time and sticking with it really does matter.
• A book opens doors: Forget about bestseller lists. A completed book can get you speaking gigs, bulk orders for events, and positions you as an authority overnight.
• Books don’t have to be long: Brian stressed the value of concise, easy-to-read books that deliver clear results. Sometimes the most powerful message fits in a smaller package.
• Ghostwriting isn’t just for celebrities: If you have knowledge and are short on time or writing skills, hiring someone to help get your ideas on paper can move your project forward way faster than you think.

Connect with Brian K. Wright:

• Main website: https://briankwright.com
• Book writing info: https://writeabookforyou.com
• Schedule a call: https://callwithbrian.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!

Hey there! I had such a good time on this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast with Graham Kuhn. If you’ve ever wondered how storytelling, video production, and authenticity can work together to boost your business, this one’s for you.

Graham is the founder of Focus Films, a video production company in Atlanta. He actually started out studying opera, then spent 20 years performing as a singer, but jokes that he did everything but opera. Eventually, his creativity and interest in stories led him toward video, beginning with filming wrestling matches as a teen, and years later producing weekly videos for his church.

What really stuck with me was Graham’s commitment to real stories. He talked about the difference between a scripted sales pitch and a truly honest, unscripted story. The way he approaches his work isn’t about flashy production; it’s about making people comfortable so the “real” version of them comes through. That matters, whether you’re a lawyer, a doctor, or a local business owner.

Some takeaways from our conversation:

• Authenticity connects more than any scripted promo ever could. People trust people, not robots.
• Most people sound stiff in front of a camera, but a friendly chat brings out their best.
• Your “why” means more to your audience than your credentials or years of experience.
• Simple frameworks (like before, during, and after stories for testimonials) can create powerful client videos — no jargon needed.
• Rising above the noise isn’t about being bigger, but about being genuine and letting character shine.

Want to connect with Graham? Check out his site: https://focusfilms.com

Or find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkuhn1/

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 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 #MeetCoolPeople listeners! Today I sat down with Charles Ambrosecchia, a guy with a deep background leading IT, telecom, and cybersecurity projects at the enterprise level. What stood out right away is how Charles brings real-world corporate strategy down to small and mid-sized businesses, giving them the stuff big companies rely on, but without the bloat or overwhelm.

Charles and I first met at a networking event. Neither of us expected much, but we hit it off over geeky talk (think old Commodore 64 days.) That conversation set the tone for what you’ll hear in this episode: down-to-earth advice, zero sales pitch, just clarity on what actually makes businesses tick.

Here’s some of what you’ll get out of our conversation:

• Don’t chase shiny objects. Charles stressed that technology should always serve a purpose, not just be the latest thing you see online. It needs to improve your business, not slow it down or create headaches.
• Your time has real value. We talk about the trap entrepreneurs fall into by trying to do everything themselves. Outsourcing tech or admin tasks often saves money in the long run because it frees you up to do your highest value work.
• Plan first, then act. Charles is a big believer in clear, executable plans with actual deadlines. Perfectionism slows you down. Get your basics ready, then get out there and sell or serve.
• Ultra-focus beats being a generalist. As tempting as it is to offer everything to everyone, Charles learned to narrow his services and client base. Quality and customer satisfaction became his measure for success, not just revenue.
• Communication wins. We both agree: lose the jargon, speak in plain language, and solve actual problems for your clients. It builds trust and relationships fast.

Connect with Charles: Find him on LinkedIn (search Charles Ambrosecchia) at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambrosecchia/

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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!

Thanks for tuning in to another solo episode of #MeetCoolPeople. The response after my last crossover with 7th Fold Projects was huge, so I’m keeping these solo deep-dives in the mix. Today’s topic is one that hits home for just about anyone—especially if you’re running your own business: resilience.

Let’s be real. The past few years have been tough, with challenge after challenge to overcome. I break down my five go-to questions that help me figure out whether I’m truly stuck, burned out, or just facing a bump in the road. Whether you’ve been tempted to quit or feel stuck procrastinating, these questions have helped me get clear and move forward.

Here are a few things I touched on in this episode:

• Pinpoint the real problem: Sometimes what you’re running from isn’t what you think.
• Will it follow you? If you quit, will you face the same challenge somewhere else?
• Build your toolkit: Sticking around may mean learning valuable skills by pushing through.
• Who else matters: Someone could be relying on you to see it through, even when you want out.
• Measure your future regret: Which choice, leaving or staying, will you wish you’d handled differently?

I shared how my own cycle of burnout happens when I don’t take time to rest. Sometimes, your brain is just desperately trying to get away from the grind. Other times, you may really need a change and that’s okay too… just make sure you’re clear on your reasons.

I truly believe most people give up too soon. Ask yourself better questions and you’ll get better answers. This episode is about slowing down, tuning in, and being honest with yourself.

As always, I love hearing your thoughts on these topics. Let me know what resonated and if this helped you see resilience in a new light. Want to connect or share your story? Shoot me an email or reach out on LinkedIn.

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!

I’m excited for today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode, because I caught up with my friend Julie Jones, and wow, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear if you want to discover the post powerful skills you can learn to stand out and get ahead. Both in business and in your personal life!

Julie is a people skills strategist and business etiquette expert. She runs Today’s Professional Consulting and Development, helping others upgrade their leadership, people skills, and overall professionalism. We first connected at an event I was speaking at (shoutout to Sheryl Powers for connecting us!), and immediately clicked around our shared love for better communication.

Julie shared how she pivoted from classroom teaching to entrepreneurship, after seeing the gap between what’s taught in schools and what businesses actually want. She told the story behind getting certified in etiquette training, the pushback she faced, and why she stuck with it anyway.

We also talked a lot about why soft skills matter more than ever, especially post-pandemic. Julie explains how everything from showing up prepared to having a real conversation (not just texting) makes a difference.

Here are a few takeaways:

• The way you show up matters. People notice how you dress, how you greet others, and your overall presence, even on video calls.
• Being professional isn’t about expensive clothes, it’s about effort. Looking put-together leads people to trust you more.
• Face-to-face time is valuable. Isolation drains creativity and weakens relationships. Even introverts need community.
• Social skills are learned, not just “natural.” Anyone can improve with simple steps around etiquette, greetings, and active listening.
• Emotional intelligence is huge for leaders. Knowing your own triggers, reading others, and communicating across styles can boost your impact.

You’ll especially want to hear Julie’s thoughts on teaching kids these skills early and why family dinners may be the best training ground for young professionals.

Be sure to connect with Julie and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjulieajones/
• Website: https://todaysprofessionals.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!

I had a great chat with my long-time friend, Tracy St. Croi, for this episode of #MeetCoolPeople. If you’re curious about what it takes to launch a #1 paranormal investigative show from the ground up (or just like stories of business road bumps) this one’s for you.

Tracy is the creator and host of Haunted Road Trip Show. She’s been in the afterlife communication field since 2011 and now leads both a top-ranking podcast and streaming TV show. We talked less about ghosts, more about what goes into actually pulling off a project like hers. From finding the right team to getting clear about your own vision.

She shared a lot about the realities of working with people, how plans can start as collaborations, then leave you doing it all solo, and why learning to ask the right questions is key if you want to build something solid.

Here are a few takeaways:

• Start simple, but get clear: Tracy began with a podcast, letting it grow as she learned what was needed and where she wanted it to go.
• Ask better questions: Don’t just look for someone who can do the job; get specific about what they can actually deliver. Sample work, references, the whole deal.
• Hold on to your mission: When things get hard, knowing exactly why you’re doing this keeps you moving forward.

We also talked about the impact of gratitude, giving back, and the trap of rooting for the underdog without asking if they really want to step up.

If you want to connect with Tracy, the best place is her Patreon, which links out to all her projects and socials.

Get the link to that and Tracy’s other resources here: https://tracystcroimedium.taplink.ws/

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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 is a practical one. I got to chat with Michael Stewart, growth strategist and founder of Business Planning Plus. Michael has been in marketing since the late 1990s, so I knew we’d have plenty of ideas to swap.

What stood out in this conversation is how we both see so many business owners, especially solopreneurs, working way too hard just to keep things moving. Michael specializes in showing leaders, big and small, how to actually step back, trust their plans, and build a business that runs without them being stuck at the center.

Here are a few things that really stuck with me:

• Don’t Skip the Plan: The most successful businesses have simple, clear plans. Most people honestly spend more time planning a vacation than mapping out what success actually means for their company.

• Automate and Delegate: If you do something more than twice, look for a way to automate it. Michael echoed what I always preach: anything you repeat (emails, follow-ups, instructions, etc) can be templated, systemized, or handed off. Even big companies miss out on this.

• Know Your Value Tasks: Michael shared Brad Sugars’ concept of, Are your daily tasks worth $5 an hour or $5,000? Most business owners spend way too much time on low-value tasks and get stuck earning low-value returns.

• Write Down What Success Looks Like: Instead of overcomplicating your business plan, spend an hour setting out what your business should look like in a year, what you love doing, and what you need to stop.

• Make Tiny Improvements: You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Michael suggests even tiny daily tweaks add up fast, and that’s what actually changes a business over time.

Michael is someone who’s been in the trenches and coaches from real experience.

Want to connect with Michael?

Find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj52art/ or head over to his website at  http://www.askmjs.co.uk.

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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!