In this episode, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss the critical importance of data and metrics in driving business growth in 2026. They emphasize the need for small businesses to focus on actionable metrics that directly impact revenue and profitability, rather than getting lost in vanity metrics. The conversation covers effective tracking systems, the significance of defining key performance indicators, and practical steps for implementing a no-excuses culture in business. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on how to leverage data for better decision-making and sustainable growth.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Importance of Data in Business

02:28 Identifying Key Performance Metrics

05:09 Implementing the EOS System for Tracking

10:32 The Role of Tracking in Business Success

12:46 Defining Goals and Metrics for Growth

18:39 Actionable Metrics vs. Vanity Metrics

22:22 Rubber Meets the Road: Practical Tracking Strategies

30:51 Creating a No-Excuses Mindset in Tracking

In this episode, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss effective marketing strategies for small businesses in 2026 with expert Tim Priebe. They explore the transition from guerrilla marketing tactics to building a sustainable marketing engine, the importance of consistency and tracking, and the role of AI in modern marketing. Tim shares insights on common mistakes businesses make and offers actionable strategies for success, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the target audience and the importance of referral marketing.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scalable Marketing

02:59 Transitioning from Guerrilla Tactics to a Marketing Engine

05:49 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing

08:45 Building a Foundation for Small Business Marketing

11:33 Effective Tactics for Quick Revenue Boosts

14:45 Navigating Direct Messaging and Sales Pitches

21:28 Navigating Marketing Tactics Responsibly

23:47 The Importance of Tracking in Marketing

32:05 Common Mistakes in Marketing Strategy

33:55 Key Marketing Strategies for 2026

38:17 Implementing Effective Marketing Systems

43:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Referral Roadmap, hosts Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft delve into the critical strategies for enhancing local visibility in an increasingly digital marketplace. They emphasize the importance of optimizing Google Business Profiles and leveraging customer reviews to ensure businesses appear prominently in local searches. The conversation highlights the significance of 'near me' searches, which have surged in recent years, and how businesses can capitalize on this trend by ensuring their online presence is accurate, trustworthy, and engaging. Athena and Jada share personal anecdotes and practical tips, making the discussion relatable and actionable for small business owners navigating the complexities of marketing in 2026.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Becoming the Local Choice: Marketing Tactics for 2026

02:23 Understanding Local Search: The Importance of Visibility

05:39 Learning from Experience: The Need for Local Optimization

11:22 The Power of Reviews: Building Trust and Credibility

19:33 Research Insights: The Impact of Local SEO

24:22 Actionable Steps: Optimizing Your Local Presence

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of SEO, particularly focusing on the concept of zero click search, where users find answers without clicking through to websites. They explore strategies for small businesses to adapt to this change, emphasizing the importance of optimizing content for voice search and AI-driven results. The conversation includes practical tips for improving online visibility, the significance of reviews, and the necessity of a well-structured Google Business Profile. The expert guest, Griffin Mott, shares insights on common SEO mistakes and the long-term commitment required for effective SEO strategies.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Griffin Mott's Website:

https://griffinmottconsulting.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Shift in Search: Understanding Zero Click Searches

05:51 Defining Zero Click Search and Its Importance

09:37 Optimizing Content for Visibility

14:44 The Role of Voice Search in SEO

19:41 AI-Driven Search Results and Authority

24:34 The Long Game of SEO: Patience and Strategy

28:51 Improving Visibility in the New Search Landscape

32:36 Common SEO Mistakes Small Businesses Make

41:33 Key Strategies for SEO Success in 2026

47:28 Statistics on Zero Click Searches and AI Impact

49:36 Actionable Takeaways for Business Owners

In this episode, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss the transformative role of AI tools in small business growth. They explore practical applications, the importance of embracing AI, and share statistics on AI adoption among small businesses. The conversation emphasizes maximizing efficiency, enhancing creativity, and building relationships through technology. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps in integrating AI into their business strategies.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI Tools for Business

01:22 Understanding AI and Its Impact on Small Businesses

04:18 The Importance of Embracing AI in Business

07:13 Practical Applications of AI in Content Creation

10:21 Maximizing Efficiency with AI Tools

13:32 Creative Uses of AI for Resource Development

15:42 Maximizing Time with AI

19:24 Creative Breakthroughs Through AI

20:50 Adapting to Market Changes with AI

25:25 Exploring AI Tools for Business

26:19 Statistics on AI Adoption

29:59 Practical Tips for Using AI

33:47 AI as a Tool for Creativity

37:57 Embracing AI for Business Growth

In this episode, Jada Haycraft and Athena Captain discuss the theme of breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. They share personal stories of struggle, highlight inspiring figures from history, and present scientific research on goal perseverance. The conversation culminates in practical advice for listeners on how to keep going, the significance of community support, and the encouragement to not give up on their dreams.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Breakthrough

03:28 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience

06:18 Historical Examples of Perseverance

09:14 The Science Behind Not Giving Up

12:18 Practical Steps to Keep Going

15:30 The Importance of Community and Support

18:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this conversation, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss the importance of being present in a distracted world, emphasizing how authenticity and connection can enhance personal and professional relationships. They introduce Kyle Draper, who shares insights on how to engage meaningfully online and the challenges of maintaining presence in a fast-paced environment. The discussion covers practical strategies for improving engagement through video content, personal storytelling, and the significance of genuine interactions in sales and leadership.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Presence in a Distracted World

06:24 Introducing Kyle Draper: A Heart for Connection

09:22 The Challenge of Being Present Online

13:28 Shifting from Selling to Genuine Connection

16:48 Navigating the Balance of Presence and Authenticity

21:42 The Importance of Sharing Your Story

29:49 Understanding Social Media Engagement

31:33 The Importance of Being Present in Sales

36:38 Innovative Follow-Up Strategies

42:42 Leveraging Video for Connection

48:40 The Science of Presence in Communication

In this episode, Athena and Jada delve into the topic of burnout, exploring its signs, personal experiences, and the impact it has on productivity and mental health. They discuss practical strategies for recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and creating systems to manage energy effectively. The conversation highlights the need for resilience and coping skills in the face of life's challenges, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being even amidst chaos.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Burnout

03:21 Personal Stories of Burnout

10:27 Recognizing Signs of Burnout

15:13 Strategies for Recovery

20:24 Building Systems to Combat Burnout

30:09 Finding Breakthrough in Chaos

In this conversation, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss the importance of leveraging past relationships and nurturing connections to drive business growth, especially in challenging market conditions. They emphasize the need for a strong database, the value of authenticity in relationships, and practical strategies for re-engaging with past clients. Brandon Baca, a seasoned real estate professional, shares insights on how to maintain and nurture relationships over time, highlighting the long-term benefits of a well-managed database. The discussion also touches on the cost-effectiveness of retaining existing clients compared to acquiring new ones, and the significance of referrals in business.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Leveraging Past Relationships for Business Growth

06:49 The Importance of Relationship Building in Real Estate

13:14 Nurturing Relationships Over Time

18:28 Authenticity in Marketing and Communication

23:32 The Blind Spot of Business Owners

25:45 Building a Strategic Database

27:54 Navigating Market Challenges

30:58 The Importance of Nurturing Relationships

32:56 Reconnecting for Unexpected Opportunities

37:52 Authenticity as Currency in Business

39:19 The Cost of Customer Acquisition vs. Retention

41:51 Practical Tips for Re-engagement

In this conversation, Athena Captain and Jada Haycraft discuss the importance of streamlining business operations to drive growth, especially during challenging times. They introduce Tina Curtis, a successful entrepreneur who shares her journey of overcoming overwhelm and burnout by implementing systems and focusing on essential tasks. The discussion emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, the necessity of having a business coach, and the power of automation in enhancing productivity. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners on how to prioritize tasks, create systems, and maintain focus to achieve their business goals.

To access the resources and links discussed in this episode:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast

If you want to get more out your week, subscribe to my weekly blog where I will share business insights to build your own unstoppable sales engine: https://daily.athenacaptain.com/blog

If you'd like to connect with me, you can find me here:

https://www.athenacaptain.com/

Athena's Prospecting Secrets Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/athenasecrets

Chapters

00:00 Streamlining for Growth

05:40 Introducing Tina Curtis: A Journey of Transformation

08:16 The Importance of Focus and Systems

14:42 Tough Love and Business Ownership

21:14 Systems and Habits for Simplification

23:41 Harnessing Automation for Efficiency

25:53 Self-Discovery Through Focus

29:37 Taking Control of Your Business

31:19 The Science of Productivity

36:31 Practical Steps for Business Growth