In this solo episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands opens up about the biggest pivot of his entrepreneurial journey.

He explains why he intentionally cut his income, shut down parts of his business, and even started “bleeding money” in order to build something scalable—a company with the potential to exit for $100 million.

This is a transparent look at entrepreneurial maturity, sacrifice, and what it takes to think beyond short-term income toward long-term equity.

Whether you’re scaling your first hustle or thinking about your legacy, this episode will challenge you to think bigger.

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Stormi Banks shares how she turned a $50,000 loss into a grant-writing empire that’s secured millions for businesses. In this powerful interview, she breaks down how to win grants, scale debt-free, and unlock funding most entrepreneurs don’t even know exists.

If you’re serious about business growth, this is the playbook.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

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David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Stormi On IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamstormibanks/

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David Shands and Donni Wiggins sit down to challenge the way entrepreneurs think about startups, evolution, and solving problems. They share personal stories, practical frameworks, and global examples of innovation that prove real success comes from tackling big problems—not chasing trends.

This episode covers:

• The truth about “founders” vs “entrepreneurs”
• Why your business evolution is a strength, not hypocrisy
• Real-world lessons from innovators solving life-or-death challenges
• How to measure your market (TAM, SAM, SOM)
• The courage to think past risks and go big

Tune in to hear why solving problems around money, health, and mindset will always be the foundation for building world-changing businesses.

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Ever met someone who claims they “run ads”… but really, they just shoot videos? 🎥💸

In this Hot Seat Episode David Shands exposes the brutal truth about what separates a real digital marketer from a terrible one.

👉 Are you actually running ads — or just wasting money?

Watch as we break down:

• Why most videographers fail when they call themselves “marketers”
• The difference between creating content vs. creating conversions
• The REAL way to run ads without burning your client’s budget
• How to build systems that actually generate leads

🔥 If you’ve ever wondered why your ads aren’t working, this clip is a wake-up call.

👇 Drop a comment: Do you think most digital marketers are terrible… or just misunderstood?

#HotSeat #DavidShands #DigitalMarketing #PodcastSummit2025 #AdsThatConvert

👉🏾 Join the Morning Meetup - http://www.themorningmeetup.com⁣

Click Here To Apply to the Hot Seat: https://forms.gle/Ba4tqWzmepKy3gMT7

Subscribe to the Hot Seat on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@hotseatsp?sub_confirmation=1

On Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-seat-with-david-shands/id1751210337

On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2mdfI5zXzYydyNYRf9QYHj?si=f8058395400c4ef0

Shira Simmons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/butshefinetho/

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David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of David Shands, LLC, The Real Social Proof, LLC and/or David Shands.

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To every struggling entrepreneur… this one’s for you.

You’re calling it a business, but the truth is you might just need to get a job. That’s not failure. That’s survival. Are you chasing the dream or is it time to face reality? Comment below and let’s talk truth.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you’ve ever turned hate into motivation.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-proof-podcast/id1374373035

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...https://open.spotify.com/show/5QM1w9IfjTza1wwHR06WaR?si=7c3bcc1c3b954bb9

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David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Donni on IG: https://www.instagram.com/donniwiggins_/

#entrepreneurship #business #howto #podcast

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At Podcast Summit 2025, Ace Metaphor sits down for a fireside chat with David Shands to reveal the raw truth about touring, collaborations, and building an ecosystem around your brand.

From the hidden costs of live events to creating multiple revenue streams beyond ticket sales, Ace breaks down how he scaled Tonight’s Conversation into a powerful movement.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this chat:

The real costs of touring (and how to actually make money)

Why collaborations can hurt if you’re not prepared

How to build an ecosystem that prints opportunities (events → apps → products)

Why filming everything fuels your growth

The power of selling to your audience instead of waiting on sponsors

If you want to scale your brand, grow your podcast, or launch live events — this fireside chat is a masterclass.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

👉🏽Get Your Tickets To: https://podcastsummit.com/registration

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David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Ace on IG https://www.instagram.com/acemetaphor/

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To all the haters watching… this one’s for you. 😤

I’ve been roasted online, criticized, and doubted; but here’s the truth: letting negativity control your life only hurts your growth. Instead, use it as fuel to level up, crush your goals, and show what you’re really made of.

💥 Are you the hater, or are you the one grinding to success? Comment below — let’s see who’s really about growth.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you’ve ever turned hate into motivation.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-proof-podcast/id1374373035

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...https://open.spotify.com/show/5QM1w9IfjTza1wwHR06WaR?si=7c3bcc1c3b954bb9

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David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Donni on IG: https://www.instagram.com/donniwiggins_/

#entrepreneurship #business #howto #podcast

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In today's conversation we speak on scaling, focus and thinking bigger.

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David on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

#entrepreneurship #business #howto #podcast

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David Shands and Donni Wiggins talk about how they can better serve "My First Million Conference" attendees.Tune into the conversation to find out about how this event may happen in 2025.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-proof-podcast/id1374373035

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...https://open.spotify.com/show/5QM1w9IfjTza1wwHR06WaR?si=7c3bcc1c3b954bb9

👉🏽Get Your Tickets To: https://podcastsummit.com/registration

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY TODAY: https://www.themorningmeetup.com

👉🏾 Actionable CEO: https://www.actionableceo.com/enroll

Grab the Podcast EBOOK👇🏾

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GO SUBSCRIBE to The Brain Picker Podcast on All Streaming Platforms!!

David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Donni on IG: https://www.instagram.com/donniwiggins_/

#entrepreneurship #business #howto #podcast

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David Shands and Donni Wiggins talk about how they can better serve "My First Million Conference" attendees.Tune into the conversation to find out about how this event may happen in 2025.

Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-proof-podcast/id1374373035

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...https://open.spotify.com/show/5QM1w9IfjTza1wwHR06WaR?si=7c3bcc1c3b954bb9

👉🏽Get Your Tickets To: https://podcastsummit.com/registration

👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

JOIN THE COMMUNITY TODAY: https://www.themorningmeetup.com

👉🏾 Actionable CEO: https://www.actionableceo.com/enroll

Grab the Podcast EBOOK👇🏾

**http://www.podcastebook.com

GO SUBSCRIBE to The Brain Picker Podcast on All Streaming Platforms!!

David on IG : https://www.instagram.com/dshands/

Donni on IG: https://www.instagram.com/donniwiggins_/

#entrepreneurship #business #howto #podcast

Our Sponsors:
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