#MeetCoolPeople

You're going to want to grab a coffee for this one, because on this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I got to hang out with Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski. We just clicked when we met during a recent event I was speaking at, and I knew I had to get her on the show. “G” has over 20 years in HR, training, and recruitment with companies like Cintas, 7-Eleven, CVS, Sara Lee, and PwC. She’s also the founder of Golden Synergy Touch LLC and the author of the eye-catching book "FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONAL HR!: 7 Ways to Humanize "Evil" Human Resources."

“G” brought some much-needed real talk about what it means to humanize both HR and LinkedIn. We nerded out on company culture, personal branding, and why fitting in is completely overrated (she lives by “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated,” and I love it). She shared her journey of shifting from corporate to entrepreneurship and how she now helps small and mid-sized companies build true employee advocacy and bold brands… starting from the inside out.

🎯 Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:

• HR Doesn’t Have to Be the Bad Guy: “G”’s mission is to reframe HR as a driver of culture, not an enforcer of cold rules. Her book, inspired by her DisruptHR talk, is all about bringing empathy and humanity back where it belongs.
• LinkedIn Beyond Job-Hunting: Whether you’re an employee or a business owner, LinkedIn isn’t just for finding your next gig. “G” empowers teams to bring out their unique strengths and become advocates for both themselves and their companies, all starting with knowing yourself.
• Start With Strengths: “G”’s foundation for career growth (whether you’re a company or an individual) begins with CliftonStrengths. When you know what you’re great at, you can build authentic personal brands and stronger teams.
• Leadership Sets the Tone: Authentic employee advocacy and positive workplace culture have to start at the top. If your leadership encourages people to shine, you’ll have a much happier and more loyal team.
• Smile and Network: “G”’s parting advice? Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine smile, putting yourself out there, and having real conversations—on LinkedIn or in line for coffee. You never know where those connections might lead!

🔗 Connect with G:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gehanharidy/
• Website: https://goldensynergytouch.com/

If you liked what you heard, send “G” a quick note on LinkedIn and let her know you found her through #MeetCoolPeople. That’s how the best connections get started!

And if you want to see how my team and I can help you turn connections into clients, check out my free training at ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum

Hey everyone! Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode is a must-listen if you want to make the most of AI in your business, without getting overwhelmed or lost in the hype. I sat down with Rachael Garnett, the “AI Whisperer,” cofounder of Eaas AI, and all-around optimist, to dig into what it really looks like to add AI into your business and nonprofit workflows.

Rachael’s story is pretty unique. She didn’t chase AI because it was “the next big thing”—she started out experimenting with AI-generated art, especially cat-themed pieces (she is, after all, the LinkedIn Cat Lady), before bringing her prompting skills into her nonprofit grant writing and fundraising work. Over time, she figured out how to use AI to actually save time, reduce overwhelm, and get better results for both small businesses and mission-based organizations.

One thing that makes Rachael stand out? She’s not selling quick hacks or the latest tool. She focuses on a process she calls the “AI Persona Method,” which turns AI into customized, task-specific team members that sound and work like you (or even better, as she admits!).

🚀 Key Takeaways:

• AI Personas, Not Just Prompts: Rachael recommends creating distinct “AI employees” for specific tasks instead of trying to do everything with one generic chatbot. Each persona is job-specific and trained in your voice, making output more effective and authentic.
• Start Where You Are: Don’t get stuck figuring out the “best” AI tool. Rachael suggests using what you’re most comfortable with first, then stacking different platforms (like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) for different strengths.
• Save Time & Money Without Losing Your Human Touch: AI can help you buy back your time, especially if hiring is out of reach or you’ve had bad experiences with agencies. The key is still checking, refining, and putting your personal touch on the output.
• Nonprofit Superpowers: If you’re running lean on resources but high on mission, AI can help you multiply your impact—think faster grant writing, communications, or event planning… without increasing costs.
• Experiment, Learn, and Don’t Be Afraid: You can’t break AI by trying, so start small and keep improving as you go. The field is always changing, and Rachael stresses the value of curiosity and ongoing education.

🔗 Connect with Rachael Garnett:

• Grab her free Top 10 AI Personas guide: lp.eaaservice.com/top10
• Connect with her on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-garnett-eaas/
• Learn more at Eaas AI: https://eaaservice.com/

Be sure to check out my NEW Building Your Follow Up Machine Audio Course https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/fum

What’s up, my friends! Today’s episode of #MeetCoolPeople is a fun one. I got together with Andy Greider, and let me just say, this guy’s brain is a goldmine for making connections that matter.

Andy and I actually started chatting online through business circles, but really hit it off once we uncovered a shared love for music (and being a bit old-school with our mixtape references). Professionally, Andy is Managing Partner and Chief Dot Connector at Domestic Growth Capital LLC, where he works with companies bringing world-changing ideas to market, helps hospitals and private practices navigate tough business problems, and loves connecting the right people at the right moment.

In this episode, we dug into everything from building solid business relationships, to the wild ride of working in healthcare, to the kind of life rules you need to stay sane and have a little fun.

Here are a few takeaways from our talk:

🎸 Make Your Own Rules: Andy shared his “Three Rules That Became Five” for choosing clients and business partners. Top of the list: work with people you genuinely like, trust, and who don’t create ongoing drama. Seriously, business is better (and a lot more fun) when you’re with the right people.

🎤 Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: One thing that stuck with me is Andy’s approach to only taking on clients who are looking for answers—not just complaining about the issues. It's a good reminder that if someone wants to stay stuck in the problem, it’s okay to say no.

👥 Quality Connections Matter: If you’re making introductions, Andy says to always explain the WHY. Give context, add value, and don't just say "you two should meet." This helps everyone get more from the relationship.

🎶 Music Brings People Together: Whether it’s running sound at a gig or just sharing your favorite mixtape, music is a universal connector and Andy’s stories about the music world prove it.

Abundance Over Scarcity: Andy looks for people who embrace collaboration, not competition. There’s more than enough room for all of us to win—lifting others up is part of the fun.

🔗 Connect with Andy:

• LinkedIn is the best place: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygreider/
• Healthcare work: healthcareevolutiongroup.com

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Want to learn how to create your own evergreen follow up machine? Get The "Building Your Follow Up Machine" Audio Course for FREE here: https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/fum

Thanks for listening – and, as always, get out there and meet some cool people this week!

Hey friends, I’ve got something a little different for you on this episode of #MeetCoolPeople. I got to catch up with my friend Ben Roth, who might be one of the most passionate archers I know – and not just any archery, but Asiatic and horseback archery. If you’ve ever thought about what it takes to mix the worlds of entrepreneurship, horses, and slinging arrows, you’ll want to listen in on this one!

Ben and I go back, meeting through Oregon’s archery community. What started for him as a creative way to opt out of high school PE (seriously) turned into a lifelong journey. First just riding and helping out at a nearby horse barn, then catching the bug for horse archery after seeing a Facebook post, and eventually starting a business as a distributor for some top Asiatic archery brands.

I love Ben’s straightforward approach. For him, the joy’s in the simple stuff: the satisfaction of watching an arrow fly, the discipline of mastering an ancient skill, and the chance to teach and connect with others along the way.

Here are a few nuggets from our conversation:

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Passion Can Lead to Business: Ben didn’t set out to be an instructor or distributor – it grew naturally out of sharing what he loves and helping new shooters find their way.
• Community Matters: it’s all about the people you meet, the friends you shoot with, and the connections that stick for years.
• Start Simple, Stay Consistent: Whether you’re just picking up a bow or trying to teach others, focus on the basics, find the right gear, and don’t skip the safety! (Which applies to pretty much anything in life!)
• Teaching Is Its Own Reward: Ben lights up talking about helping new archers get that “aha!” moment and become independent in their practice.
• Real Talk on Business: Product-based businesses bring challenges, from inventory to suppliers dragging their feet. But Ben’s advice? Keep communicating and don’t lose sight of why you started.

🔗 Connect with Benon Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BenRothHorsesAreNeat

If you’ve ever been curious about horseback archery or just want to chat bows, Ben’s your guy.

And as always, if you’re looking to connect with more cool people (and maybe convert a few into clients), check out my free training over at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

I’m excited to bring you another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. This time, I sat down with Dan Smink, founder of Refract ROI, who has spent over sixteen years in digital marketing, focused on helping manufacturing companies build sustainable, scalable sales pipelines.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dan first as a client, then as a friend, and now as an expert I genuinely trust to break down the “money side” of marketing. Dan’s story is a great peek into what it takes to switch from high-pressure, unpredictable project work to the stability of a subscription-based, digital service model. He’s also passionate about using modern marketing approaches to level the playing field for small and mid-size businesses… especially in industries like manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Subscription Models Matter: Dan revealed why moving from one-off projects to monthly recurring services changed his business—and how this switch can help any company stabilize cash flow, improve scalability, and boost its overall value.
• The Power of Data-Driven Marketing: We talked about how digital marketing empowers even small businesses to compete with the big players (think: outranking Amazon and Home Depot on Google for niche terms!), all because digital gives you access to data print ads never could.
• Niche Down for Bigger Results: Dan explained how focusing on manufacturers lets him use his background and create real impact. Serving a less competitive industry means smaller businesses can see outsized gains from even small marketing investments.
• Understanding the Buying vs. Research Terms: Dan broke down the difference between “buying” and “research” search queries and how choosing the right ad keywords makes every marketing dollar go farther.
• Community Impact Through Manufacturing: Dan has a real heart for helping manufacturers, since every manufacturing job supports multiple other local businesses—meaning his work helps entire communities thrive.

If you’re thinking about diving into digital advertising or want to understand what it takes to grow your lead flow sustainably, you’ll get a ton from this episode.

🔗 Be sure to connect with Dan at: [email protected]

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Want help turning more connections into clients?

Check out my free training at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

Today’s episode of The #MeetCoolPeople Podcast features someone I’ve been lucky enough to call both a client and a friend—Lori Howard. Lori’s an executive career coach and leadership strategist with deep roots in tech. She works with senior tech leaders who are ready to figure out “what’s next” and finds ways to help them step into their next role with clarity and real confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with personal branding or wondered how to stand out (whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or somewhere in between), you’re going to want to listen in.

Lori shares some great stories straight from her coaching practice, including why even seasoned executives find it tough to talk about what makes them special. We get into how tech leaders can identify their unique superpowers and why it’s critical to go beyond buzzwords, especially in interviews and high-stakes conversations.

Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation:

• Clear is Always Better Than Clever: Whether you’re talking about yourself in an interview or representing your business, clarity is what gets remembered (and gets results). Leave the clever taglines at home and make sure people know exactly how you can help them.
• Understand & Own Your Value: Lori talked about how many leaders assume their value is obvious, but it’s not. If you don’t clearly communicate what you bring, nobody else will do it for you.
• Your “Secret Sauce” is Your Advantage: That thing you do a little differently (even if you think no one else values it) might actually be the exact quality that sets you apart from the crowd.
• Positioning Isn’t Just for Entrepreneurs: Know your audience, the problems you solve, and the value you bring… then say it simply.
• Communication Matters at Every Level: From new entrepreneurs to C-suite tech leaders, learning to talk about your strengths and your impact is key. Don’t just focus on what you do… be able to articulate why it matters.

🔗 Connect with Lori:

• Visit her website: https://lorihowardcoaching.com/

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Want more tips on turning connections into clients? Check out my free training at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

What’s up, my friends? Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This one's a great listen, especially if you’re running a small business or thinking about starting one. I had the chance to sit down with Jasmin Hurley—she’s a corporate attorney, Army veteran, and the founder of her own boutique law firm, JH Legal. If you’ve ever wanted to hear from someone who actually gets what it’s like to build a business from scratch, especially in a smaller or rural town, you’re going to appreciate this conversation.

Jasmin shared how her work is all about making legal support accessible to founders in overlooked places and communities, especially veterans and folks in smaller towns. She drops a lot of practical advice that any small business owner will find valuable—no legalese, just clear and useful info for the real world.

Here’s what stood out most for me during our chat:

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Cover Your Bases Early: Jasmin stressed how common it is for new businesses to skip basic legal steps—like setting up as an LLC, keeping business and personal accounts separate, and having key contracts in place. Going DIY is fine, but there’s real value in getting professional eyes on your set-up before trouble pops up.
• Diverse Business Certifications Matter: She explained what certifications like minority, veteran, or women-owned business status can do for you. It’s not just about boxes to check—having ownership and control are both key if you want access to the best opportunities, and each certification has its own requirements and strategy.
• Delegate and Fire Early: One of Jasmin’s big lessons from going solo was learning when to delegate work out and not being afraid to end relationships with vendors if things just aren’t working. Transparency and clear contracts make this a lot less painful.
• Have a Data Room: It sounds fancy, but it’s basically having all your business paperwork—formation docs, agreements, contracts, IP, the works—digitized and easy to find. You’ll thank yourself the first time you need to pull something quickly.
• Remember Your Intellectual Property: If you’re creating marketing materials, brand assets, or even just new offerings, you’re making intellectual property. Jasmin reminded us not to overlook protecting the creative side of your business, right from day one.

🔗 Be Sure To Connect with Jasmin:

• Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminjhurley/
• Check out her firm’s site: www.jhlegalohio.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.

Have you ever stopped to think about your journey into entrepreneurship? Where you started, where you’ve been, and the lessons you learned along the way?

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I'm sharing a bit about my entrepreneurial journey and the lessons I’ve learned over the years.

From kicking off my career in the staging industry for rock and roll concerts (Pre-business) to building a web and graphic design agency, to teaching small business marketing to building a coaching business around email marketing, I share the lessons that I feel I’ve learned at every stage and how they helped me evolve over the years.

I talk about how my journey evolved and some pivotal moments that shaped my path. For instance, burnout led me to pivot from web design to teaching and coaching in marketing, showing that sometimes the best moves come from unexpected challenges.

Here are a few takeaways from our chat:

• Systematization is Key: Early lessons in staging concerts taught me the power of precision and repeatable systems. Carrying this forward into business can streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Be Ready to Evolve: Business models need evolution. My transition from web design to marketing coaching and eventually to email campaign management illustrates how staying flexible can open new doors.
• Continuous Learning is Crucial: Throughout my career, continuous learning has been my backbone. Staying curious and educating yourself keeps your skills sharp and relevant.
• Your Network is Your Net Worth: The connections you make are vital. Networking can lead to clients, mentors, and lifelong friendships. Be intentional about where and with whom you spend your time.
• Enjoy What You Do: Don't pursue something solely for monetary gain. Passion fuels longevity and success in your career.

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you found something valuable, and I’d love to hear from you if this resonated or sparked any thoughts. Let's keep on growing and evolving together!

If you're interested in learning more around the new channel, check it out on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@7thFoldProjects

Of course, if you want to learn how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients, check out our free training at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of #MeetCoolPeople. Today, it's just me, Ely Delaney, and I want to talk a bit about the concept of win-win relationships. This is a topic that's close to my heart as it’s what I have always tried to focus on in my business career as I am out there Meeting Cool People.

We always hear about "win-win" situations, especially in sales, but I believe it's important to apply this to all relationships. Whether it's in business or personal life, we should strive for value on both sides. It's not just about an even trade; it's about understanding and meeting the unique needs and values of each relationship.

Here are some thoughts from this episode:

• Beyond Referrals: While referrals are a straightforward win-win scenario, they aren't the only way to create valuable relationships. Sometimes, you might not have the right referrals, so find other ways to add value.
• Eyeballs Matter: Sharing someone's work, whether through an introduction or simply putting them in front of your audience, can be a great way to create value. For instance, hosting guests on this podcast lets me share their expertise with all of you!
• Open Doors with Introductions: Sometimes the greatest value you can offer is to introduce people to the right contacts. It's about making connections and creating opportunities, even if they aren't immediately beneficial to you.
• Listen and Support: Often overlooked, just listening to someone can be one of the most valuable gifts. Being there for someone during their tough times is a powerful cornerstone of a true win-win relationship.
• Add Your Two Cents: When you share someone else's content, don't just share it—add your thoughts. By commenting and showing your perspective, you bring additional value to the conversation.

I'd love to hear your feedback and thoughts on today’s episode, or how I can help you in your journey!

Connecting with me, Ely Delaney, is just a click away.

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

🎙️  In today's #MeetCoolPeople episode, I took the opportunity to share some personal thoughts with you, focusing on a topic that's really close to my heart - kindness. As an entrepreneur and someone who's dedicated to building genuine connections, kindness, and compassion are not just core values but essential elements for personal and professional growth.

During this solo “stream of thought” show, I discussed the importance of kindness and how it can transform both your life and your business. If you’re like me and love having meaningful conversations, you'll understand why kindness should be more than just a nice sentiment – it’s a strategy for success.

🤝 Key Takeaways:

• Start with Conversations: Genuine interest is key. By having real conversations and showing genuine interest in others, you lay the groundwork for kindness.
• Active Listening is Powerful: Whether in person or over Zoom, focus on actively listening to others. It can be transformative, allowing deeper connections and understanding.
• Reach Out Regularly: Don’t just connect when you need something. Regularly checking in on people builds solid, lasting relationships.
• Be Genuine: Kindness can't be faked. People will see through it, so ensure your actions and words come from a genuine place.
• And… Smile More: A simple smile can change someone’s day. It's a small gesture that can have a big impact on those around you.

Hope these reflections inspire you to incorporate more kindness into your everyday life and business practices. Let me know your thoughts and if these solo episodes resonate with you.

🔗 If you'd like to share your feedback or just say hello, you know where to find me! I’m always happy to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and cool people. Enjoy the rest of your week, and remember to be kind!

Also, 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