Schmidt List - Inspiring Leaders

In this episode of *Schmidt List*, host Kurt Schmidt has a conversation with Craig Pladson from BraveCo to explore the intricacies of modern marketing. They discuss the challenges businesses face when choosing between marketing agencies that focus solely on implementation and those that provide strategic impact and measurable results. Kurt struggles to find agencies capable of developing comprehensive go-to-market strategies, instead of just executing specific tasks like SEO.

Craig emphasizes the importance of identifying target audiences and understanding various growth factors before making promises about return on investment (ROI). Listeners gain valuable insights as Craig explains that small businesses often outsource marketing due to a lack of in-house expertise. He also highlights the necessity of having a dedicated point person to ensure campaign success.

The discussion delves into cross-industry learnings, the shift toward flexible marketing models, and the evolution from traditional agencies of record to monthly retainer models. BraveCo, Craig's consultancy, crafts tailored marketing solutions by leveraging a network of independent professionals, focusing on client-specific outcomes such as leads and sales.

Craig further explains the significance of understanding audience insights and the customer journey, overcoming "shiny object syndrome," and incorporating empathy into consumer engagement for effective strategies. He offers a refreshing perspective on marketing priorities, setting realistic expectations, and implementing efficient strategies to support small businesses through gradual, project-based engagements.

For more information about BraveCo, Craig encourages listeners to visit "Go Brave Co." The conversation concludes with Kurt thanking Craig and expressing anticipation for future discussions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about aligning marketing strategies with business goals for long-term success.

https://gobrave.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobraveco/

https://www.instagram.com/gobraveco

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In this captivating episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt engages with BJ, a distinguished expert in battery manufacturing and AI at Technicity. Together, they explore varying technological perspectives across generations and stress the importance of developing comfort with emerging tools. BJ highlights AI's potential to enhance productivity, encouraging executives to view it as a tool for improvement rather than a panacea for all business challenges.Tune in to discover how BJ has been pivotal in shaping AI strategies for industry leaders like Amazon and Google, focusing on practical implementations such as enterprise chatbots and consultancy. Gain insights into BJ’s understanding of AI’s crucial role in human resources, security, and data management. Kurt shares his practical experiences with tools like ChatGPT, showcasing their impact on streamlining content creation.Delve into nuanced discussions about AI's influence on the job market, the risks of over-relying on generative models, and the significant societal changes we may witness. BJ offers actionable tips for effective AI adoption and addresses controversial themes like "convergence" and maintaining creativity and diversity in AI.This episode is not just for tech enthusiasts—it's for anyone eager to comprehend the practical, ethical, and strategic aspects of integrating AI into their lives and work. Join Kurt and BJ for a thought-provoking discourse on AI's real-world applications and transformative potential. Listen now for an in-depth exploration of the ever-evolving world of technology and AI! Guest Bio:BJ is an expert in battery manufacturing and AI at Technicity, assisting Fortune 1000 companies such as Amazon and Google in leveraging AI for cost efficiency and innovation. With experience in commercial, industrial, and military applications, BJ brings knowledge to discussions on emerging technologies and their strategic implementation. Connect with BJ via LinkedIn for more insights, though messages are preferred over connection requests.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjyurkovich/
https://technicity.io

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In this compelling episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews Todd Fonseca, who shares his journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur and leadership coach. Fonseca discusses his career transition and the importance of leadership and personal development.

He recalls a pivotal moment during a corporate talent review that led him to explore nonverbal communication and body language. This insight turned him into a certified body language trainer and hypnotist, enhancing his coaching skills.

Fonseca outlines his approach to managing organizational change, focusing on psychological safety, capability, and accountability. He addresses fears around change, particularly during layoffs and the rise of AI, and offers advice on building a resilient workforce. With Kurt Schmidt, they explore leadership challenges, like balancing authority with approachability and the importance of transparent communication. They introduce frameworks like the SCARF and TAPS models to help leaders in complex situations.

From stories of compassionate management to strategies for maintaining processes during upheavals, Fonseca and Schmidt provide valuable insights for leaders. Tune in to learn how to lead authentically and effectively in uncertain times. Don’t miss Todd Fonseca’s advice on sustaining morale and productivity and Kurt Schmidt’s reflections on leadership. Whether facing structural changes or looking to improve your leadership, this episode offers actionable insights to help your team thrive.

LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddafonseca/
Website: https://www.thriving9to5.com/

Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group


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Join host Kurt Schmidt in this engaging episode of Schmidt List as he chats with marketing expert Danielle Fauteaux. Danielle, known for her work in building revenue generation systems and refining business development pipelines, shares valuable insights into the current challenges facing marketing agencies and service providers.

Key topics covered include the shift from hustle culture to strategic, relationship-focused marketing, the critical need for resilience in business, and how to enhance emotional intelligence and soft skills within teams.

Danielle emphasizes the importance of viewing lead generation as a team effort and discusses practical strategies for achieving long-term client retention and sustainable growth. This episode is packed with actionable advice for agency owners, marketing strategists, and anyone keen on confidently navigating the evolving market landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Lead generation as a team sport.
• Post-pandemic market challenges.
• Building resilient marketing agencies.
• The importance of relationship-focused marketing.
• Enhancing team emotional intelligence and soft skills.
• Strategic advice for impactful approaches heading into 2025.

Connect with Danielle Fauteaux:

• LinkedIn:Danielle Fauteaux
• https://gettingmomentum.com/

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In this episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt talks with Lauren Buckley, co-founder of the Hush Collaborative, about actionable messaging, strategic initiatives, and barriers to effective collaboration and employee engagement. 

Lauren highlights the importance of organizational audits focusing on strategy, systems, and human factors to reduce the high failure rates of strategic (90%) and change initiatives (70%). They emphasize engaging employees and leadership across all levels to drive successful change. They discuss leadership's short-term focus and the tendency to overlook the human aspect of change management, leading to employee dissatisfaction.

Lauren shares her approach to creating actionable plans, engaging leaders, and fostering a culture where employees feel safe declining non-productive tasks, with examples of reducing workload and transitioning to revenue-generating models. They address challenges from legacy leadership's focus on quantitative measures and the importance of operational efficiency.

Key themes include structured meetings, clear decision-making, and developing professional skills like communication. Lauren also stresses how minor organizational changes can lead to major improvements, valuing internal networks over formal processes. 

Join us as Lauren Buckley discusses breaking down silos, building community, and fostering engagement through transparency. Discover how her team provides solutions that enhance work processes and reduce waste, helping clients achieve revenue improvements and create fulfilling work environments.

Don’t miss her insights on successful organizational change, the difference between culture and community, and the unique approach of Hush Collaborative. For more insights, follow Hush Collaborative:
https://www.hushcollaborative.com/
https://isbu.substack.com/
@honestforgood
@isaidbuckleup

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In this enlightening episode of the Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt is joined by Anne Steiner, a strategic advisor at NerdNoir, to delve into the evolving landscape of product development and innovation in the post-pandemic world.

As a master networker, Kurt opens up about the dynamic energy he derives from community interactions, setting the stage for a rich conversation on the importance of in-person engagements, even as remote work becomes the norm. 

Anne Steiner emphasizes the timeless value of learning from others' mistakes, enriched by her industry experiences. Kurt and Anne advocate for a culture where mistakes are celebrated as essential steps toward innovation. The discussion transitions into the current state of agile methodologies, noting their decreased prominence and the maturation of processes in industries like finance and pharma.

They explore the critical role of technology and the evolution of product management as a competitive edge, highlighting the lack of standardization and the broad scope of responsibilities faced by product managers today. Steiner and Schmidt stress the need for team-based goals to ensure alignment across various organizational roles and discuss the complexities of maintaining efficient operations in high-level organizational structures.
Anne shares insights on the pandemic's impacts on product development workflows, from increased reliance on AI and no-code solutions to the shift toward virtual meeting cultures. She critiques the overreliance on processes and tools at the expense of delivering true market value. 

The episode also touches on the stress of asynchronous communication and the necessity of intuitive leadership in remote settings. Personal anecdotes and practical advice underscore the importance of in-person connections, customer engagement, and diverse perspectives in driving innovation and success.

Kurt and Anne conclude by offering valuable resources for founders and product managers. They discuss the benefits of networking, startup incubators, and continuous learning through experiential methods over traditional media. Whether you are a seasoned product manager or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides knowledge and inspiration to enhance your product development journey.

For more information on Anne Steiner and NerdNoir, visit nerdnoir.com or connect with Anne via LinkedIn. Tune in for an episode packed with insights that will help you navigate and excel in the complex world of product development.

www.nerdnoir.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annesteiner/


Check Out The SOLO CLUB! https://schmidtconsulting.group/soloclub/

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In this insightful episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Bob Freytag, a seasoned marketing expert and partner at Introworks, a specialized marketing agency with over three decades of experience.

Bob delves into the meticulous research methodologies used at Introworks, highlighting the importance of deep individual interviews in understanding a company's ecosystem—from products and competitors to customer mindsets. He shares their structured approach, from exploration meetings to crafting strategic narratives and narrowing down messaging into clear, market-tested ideas that resonate with the target audience.

The discussion emphasizes the critical role of market feedback in shaping brand messaging, the necessity of preparing sales teams with practical tools, and the challenges of maintaining regulatory compliance in highly regulated industries like medical technology and fintech. Bob also introduces their proprietary tool, Trueview, which aids in aligning market perceptions with the company’s messaging.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of branding, authenticity, and client education. Bob and Kurt explore how understanding and connecting with clients can lead to market success, illustrated by real-world examples of successful marketing repositioning and product launches.

Tune in to discover the nuances of working within regulatory constraints while maintaining creativity, the significance of continuous learning in marketing, and the power of listening to and collaborating with your audience.

For more information and to connect with Bob Freytag and Introworks, visit their website at intro.works, subscribe to their quarterly newsletter, "The Catalyst," or reach out directly via email or LinkedIn.

Join us for a deep dive into the art and science of effective marketing in complex industries!

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In this enlightening episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt discusses networking with esteemed guest Mike Adams. 

Mike, an experienced sales and marketing professional, shares his insights and expertise on becoming a "super-connector"—a career path dedicated to facilitating valuable introductions.
We explore the principles of intentional networking and the tools that make it effective, such as the IntroStars platform, which Mike is developing to help people monetize their networking skills. Mike outlines how being a superconnector can create more opportunities and provide substantial financial benefits.

Listeners will gain practical tips on navigating networking events, framing oneself as a helper rather than a seller, and effective icebreakers to kickstart meaningful conversations. Mike also shares advice for introverts on making the most out of networking without feeling pressured.

Kurt and Mike discuss the ethical dilemmas of spam and cold outreach, emphasizing the value of trusted relationships and manual efforts in lead generation. Mike’s perspective on using LinkedIn as a powerful tool for maintaining and managing professional relationships offers fresh, actionable insights.

With stories from Mike’s 28-year career in major tech companies and his transformative journey from an introvert to a "Networking King" in London, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their networking strategy. Tune in to discover how networking can be a joyous and serendipitous journey contributing to personal and professional growth.

https://introstars.com
https://linkedin.com/in/supermike

There is too much Schmidt to List!

Check out https://www.kurtschmidt.me for more show info.

Visit Kurt’s coaching site at https://schmidtconsulting.group
 
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New Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2C61THR  

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In this riveting episode of "Schmidt List," host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Nathan Young, fractional COO, founder, and author of "How to Be Second." Together, they delve deep into the concept of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the value of the support role in leadership. Nathan shares his unique journey and the realizations that led him to embrace his role as an integrator, rather than a traditional entrepreneur.

Key topics include:

• Main Character Concept: Exploring how seeing oneself as the main character can foster a victim mentality.
• Personal Growth: The importance of exposing oneself to diverse perspectives and situations for genuine growth.
• Facing Fears: Kurt shares a personal anecdote about overcoming his fear of guns through education and practice.
• Work-Life Balance: Discussing the different attitudes towards work and the impact on personal identity.
• Guest Spotlight: Nathan introduces his book, "How to Be Second," and a new matchmaking service for leaders and supporters.
• Networking and Mentorship: The necessity of building a sustainable network and the transformative power of mentorship.
• Productivity Techniques: Insights into time blocking, changing work environments, and maintaining focus.
• Role Specialization: The importance of clear role definitions and the emotional journey of embracing the "second" role.

Listen in as Kurt and Nathan offer valuable advice on intentional networking, professional accountability, and the multifaceted nature of leadership roles. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your professional journey with clarity and confidence.

Resources and Links:

- Nathan Young’s book, "How to Be Second," is available now from major publishers, including an audiobook version.

- Visit http://howtobesecond.com for more information on Nathan’s work and to join his community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-s-young
- Subscribe to Nathan's newsletter for updates and more leadership insights.
- Check out Kurt’s "The Little Book of Networking" for a solid framework on intentional networking.

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In this insightful episode of Schmidt List, host Kurt Schmidt interviews John Hoeft, the president of Interactive Circle and founder of The Agency Builder.

After almost 30 years of experience in launching digital marketing services, John is sharing his expertise in helping solopreneurs and business owners to successfully launch their agencies. Learn about the innovative agency operating system that Interactive Circle uses to help new agencies build their tech stack, generate new business, and more. John delves into the details of marketing and sales, discussing the common challenges new agencies face and the importance of having a strong marketing strategy.

Discover how their approach, which emphasizes strong leadership, effective project management, and a broad network of service providers, sets agencies up for success without the need for constant hiring and firing. Kurt and John also discuss the crucial role of content marketing and how it continues to evolve in the digital age. They cover the tools and strategies essential for modern marketing success, from web development to paid search, social media, and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a business owner looking to expand into the marketing world, this episode is full of valuable insights and advice.

Key takeaways:

• The inner workings of Interactive CirCircle'sency operating system
• The critical mistakes new agencies make and how to avoid them
• Tips on building robust marketing strategies that stand the test of time
• The evolving landscape of content marketing and its importance
• How to utilize platforms like LinkedIn for B2B marketing

For more information, connect with John!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhoeft/
www.theagencybuilder.com
www.iacircle.com


Tune in to Schmidt List and get the expert guidance you need to build a thriving agency!

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