Strategy & Action

What if we told you the key to scaling your business is not complicated marketing tactics or big budgets, but simple human connection?

In this captivating episode, Jason Croft sits down with Clay Hicks, the founder of H7 - a rapidly expanding B2B networking platform with members in 45 states, as well as Canada, Australia, England, Croatia, El Salvador, Columbia, Philippines, Italy, and India.

Clay shares the powerful mindset shift that allowed him to grow from a single location in Cincinnati to a nationwide phenomenon, all through intentional networking and word-of-mouth.

You'll discover his deceptively simple "Connect, Serve, and Ask" philosophy that has members lining up to be a part of the H7 movement.

Learn how asking thoughtful questions, serving others first, and having the humility to ask for help created a community of champions who propelled Clay's vision forward.

Forget the outdated "follow the rules" networking approach - this fresh perspective will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about building relationships that fuel real business growth.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or simply looking to level up your networking game, you'll love this conversation with Clay.

Grab a pen and get ready to be inspired by Clay's infectious enthusiasm and the remarkable results of living out timeless principles with unwavering commitment.

What if your biggest setback was actually your biggest advantage?

In this episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Chad E. Foster, a man who refused to be defined by his circumstances. Diagnosed with a condition that left him blind by the age of 21, Chad's story could have been one of despair. Instead, it's a narrative of triumph, a journey from victim to visionary. Chad doesn't just share his story; he dissects the very fabric of resilience, offering listeners a blueprint to forge their own path through adversity.

Jason Croft draws out the essence of Chad's message, making it accessible and actionable for everyone. Whether you're a leader looking to inspire your team, an individual facing your own set of challenges, or simply someone who loves a story of triumph against the odds, this episode is for you.

Chad's insights are not just theoretical; they are forged in the crucible of real-life challenges. From his decision to attend Harvard Business School to his success in the corporate world and his impactful work as a speaker and author, Chad embodies the message he shares. His book, "Blind Ambition," is not just a memoir; it's a manual for anyone looking to build resilience in their own lives.

This episode of Strategy + Action is an invitation to challenge your limits, step out of your comfort zone, and transform your life's toughest moments into your greatest victories. Join Jason and Chad as they explore what it means to truly live a resilient life.

Dive into this episode for a journey that promises not just to inspire but to equip you with the tools to navigate your own challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering determination.

One of the biggest challenges in outsourcing your social media content or your client's content is keeping your "voice" when someone else is creating it.

In this information-packed episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft digs deep with entrepreneur Becky Jolly on the ins and outs of outsourcing social media and content creation. Jason sets the stage by asking Becky about her journey into social media marketing and how she "found" herself as an entrepreneur after discovering a knack, passion, and talent for crafting branded content.

Becky then dives into the nitty gritty of what to look for when bringing on a social media consultant, stressing the importance of finding someone who takes full ownership and has a clear onboarding process mapped out. Jason asks thoughtful questions about maintaining brand voice and personality when outsourcing, which Becky addresses by highlighting her tactics of deeply researching each client and shaping voice collaboratively.

They also dig into the importance of remembering that even in the B2B (Business to Business) world that Becky does a lot of work in, it's critical for the businesses and anyone creating content for them that it's still all about Humans to Humans. The most effective B2B marketing appeals to the people within an organization rather than treating that company as just an entity.

Other topics Jason and Becky explore include the value of improvisational skills in content creation, establishing formulas and structures to spark creativity, putting "anchor points" in your schedule to boost productivity, and more. Becky also outlines ideal customer profiles for her agency and directs listeners to her website to learn more.

Whether you're considering outsourcing social media or simply want an inside look at how it works, don't miss this engaging back-and-forth between Jason Croft and social media expert Becky Jolly.

One of the biggest challenges in outsourcing your social media content or your client's content is keeping your "voice" when someone else is creating it.

In this information-packed episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft digs deep with entrepreneur Becky Jolly on the ins and outs of outsourcing social media and content creation. Jason sets the stage by asking Becky about her journey into social media marketing and how she "found" herself as an entrepreneur after discovering a knack, passion, and talent for crafting branded content.

Becky then dives into the nitty-gritty of what to look for when bringing on a social media consultant, stressing the importance of finding someone who takes full ownership and has a clear onboarding process mapped out. Jason asks thoughtful questions about maintaining brand voice and personality when outsourcing, which Becky addresses by highlighting her tactics of deeply researching each client and shaping voice collaboratively.

They also dig into the importance of remembering that even in the B2B (Business to Business) world that Becky does a lot of work in, it's critical for the businesses and anyone creating content for them that it's still all about Humans to Humans. The most effective B2B marketing appeals to the people within an organization rather than treating that company as just an entity.

Other topics Jason and Becky explore include the value of improvisational skills in content creation, establishing formulas and structures to spark creativity, putting "anchor points" in your schedule to boost productivity, and more. Becky also outlines ideal customer profiles for her agency and directs listeners to her website to learn more.

Whether you're considering outsourcing social media or simply want an inside look at how it works, don't miss this engaging back-and-forth between Jason Croft and social media expert Becky Jolly.

In this insightful episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft has an in-depth conversation with Deborah Southgate about applying project management principles to personal development. Jason sets the stage by sharing how he met Deborah in the Brand Builders Group community and was impressed by her unique approach to coaching people through major life changes.

Deborah then shares her powerful personal story of reaching a low point in her late twenties when her health, relationships, and work-life were all unraveling. After realizing she needed to take control, Deborah drew on her professional project management skills and began viewing her personal growth as a project with defined goals and action steps. This allowed her to methodically work through getting her health back on track, starting a business, meeting her husband, and finding happiness again.

Jason does an excellent job guiding the discussion and drawing out the details of Deborah's "Project You" methodology. He highlights how it provides helpful structure while still being customized for each person's unique goals. Deborah explains the step-by-step process, from initiating the project and setting goals to developing a realistic plan, managing risks, tracking progress, and celebrating wins along the way.

This is a fascinating conversation about an innovative approach to personal development that could help many feel "unstuck" and make meaningful progress in their lives.

Welcome to Episode 90 of "Strategy + Action" with your host, Jason Croft. In this captivating interview, we dive deep into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of the remarkable Nick Kennedy.

In the first half of this power-packed podcast, Nick shares his awe-inspiring journey, starting very simply as a college student selling pancakes out of his dorm room. A keen problem solver from the outset, Nick realized he could create solutions and help others along the way. He takes us through his remarkable trajectory, from being part of a company that sold a check-in kiosk business for eight figures to launching and selling a thriving private plane subscription service company, Rise.

However, Nick's journey doesn't stop at entrepreneurship; it's just the beginning. Discover how he transitioned into executive coaching for CEOs, where he helps leaders not only confront their emotions but also focus on personal and professional growth. Nick's insightful take on leadership is that it's not just about external strategies but, even more importantly, about understanding one's own emotions and being introspective to make a positive impact on the world.

In the second part of this engaging interview, Nick delves into the critical role of a coach and the profound value of having someone guide you through your challenges. He differentiates between offering advice to friends and coaching clients, highlighting how clients are more likely to heed advice due to the financial investment they've made.

Nick shares a personal anecdote about his collaboration with Jason to create the transformative "Seven-day Audacity Challenge." This challenge revolves around making audacious decisions to drive personal growth. It's a journey of empowerment and self-discovery that Nick believes is essential to unlocking one's full potential.

The interview further emphasizes the pivotal importance of having a coach or mentor who can challenge you, helping you navigate both your personal life and your career. Nick's firm belief in the power of audacity and taking calculated risks is evident throughout the discussion as he draws on his own life experiences.

Nick Kennedy goes on to describe his coaching practice, focusing primarily on "tip-of-the-spear" leaders, individuals who are responsible for their organization's payroll. His services extend to one-on-one coaching and a remarkable group coaching program, the "Kennedy Leadership Program."

In addition to his coaching services, Nick generously offers a treasure trove of free resources, including his informative newsletter, transformative courses, and a valuable book he authored, "The Good Entrepreneur." The book not only provides valuable insights and a deeper look at his story but also offers actionable tasks to guide you on your journey to becoming a better entrepreneur.

Don't miss this extraordinary episode and make sure to check out Nick's newsletter, courses, and book, "The Good Entrepreneur," to ignite your own path to success.

Are you ready to supercharge your personal brand and take your business to the next level? In this insightful episode of Strategy + Action, host Jason Croft sits down with the wonderful Elle Petrillo, a branding and sales expert from Brand Builders Group. Together, they dive deep into the world of personal branding and sales strategies that can transform your entrepreneurial journey.

In the first part of the interview, Elle shares her invaluable insights into personal branding and its paramount importance in today's digital landscape. Discover how Brand Builders Group helps mission-driven messengers, including entrepreneurs and service-based professionals, solidify their online reputation and become household names in their industries.

Elle and Jason emphasize that it's not just about getting more leads; it's about focusing on what's next for the clients you already serve. Learn how to navigate the ever-changing world of sales and develop a resilient mindset that can handle rejection with grace. Elle's wisdom will reshape the way you approach sales conversations, ensuring you ask the right questions to uncover your potential customers' concerns and provide tailored solutions.

In the second half of the interview, Elle delves into the art of sales, breaking down crucial tactics and strategies that can skyrocket your success. Discover why letting your customers speak without interruption is a game-changer and why tracking and analyzing your sales process is a must for growth.

Elle also shares the eight key components of a successful sales system, from lead generation and nurturing to closing deals and promoting through testimonials. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode will provide actionable insights to enhance your sales approach and brand building journey.

Elle's expertise extends to helping you prevent those pesky "maybes" in sales and mastering the art of closing through effective questioning and objection handling. Plus, learn the secrets of upselling and building a referral process that can unlock new revenue streams for your business.

Are you ready to amplify your personal brand, drive consistent, high-quality leads, and make a more significant impact in your field? Elle's insights will guide you on your path to success. So, don't miss out!

To take the next step in your personal branding journey, connect with Elle Petrillo and her team at Brand Builders Group. Schedule a complimentary 60-minute call with one of their strategists to gain clarity on your goals and unlock your roadmap to success. You can also find Elle on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't let your personal brand stay in the shadows. Elevate your brand, transform your sales game, and unleash your full potential with the guidance of Elle Petrillo and Brand Builders Group. Start your journey to success today!

Explore the profound journey of self-discovery and discovering purpose in life in this captivating episode of Strategy + Action with host Jason Croft and guest Andrew L. Anderson!

In the first half of this thought-provoking episode, they dig into the power of creating a life's mission, unraveling its multifaceted layers and its profound connection to ideas like legacy and creativity.

Andrew Anderson shares his remarkable journey from never envisioning himself as an author to an awe-inspiring moment in the majestic Zion National Park, an incredible story of how he felt a divine calling that led to the birth of his book, "Strength of the Oak, Strength of the Willow."

Discover the transformative process of finding one's life mission and how it becomes a beacon of purpose, particularly during challenging times. Andrew's insight into guiding individuals seeking meaning and direction in their lives is truly enlightening.

Uncover the hidden truth that success in business and family can still leave you yearning for more without a clear life mission. Jason and Andrew delve into the idea that recognizing the purpose behind your pain can catalyze immense personal growth.

But here's the kicker – your life's mission doesn't need to be grandiose; it can be deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. Andrew hints at the idea that life missions can evolve and change over time, promising a deeper dive into the discovery process and its tangible impact on your life.

In the second half of this episode, Jason and Andrew venture further into the essence of a life mission – it's not just about the destination; it's the journey that matters. Discover the significance of finding a mission that stirs your soul and fuels your inner fire.

Andrew candidly shares his own journey of discovering his life mission at a young age and how it has been his guiding star ever since. Gain insights into the concept that a life mission can expand and evolve, encouraging you to embrace change and growth.

Andrew emphasizes the incredible value of serving others as a means to unveil your true passion and purpose. Don't worry if you haven't found your passion yet; by helping others, you might stumble upon your calling and the ultimate fulfillment you seek.

The episode concludes with Andrew's inspiring journey into coaching and speaking, born out of a challenging period in his life. Witness his remarkable transformation from teaching to real estate, and ultimately, to coaching and speaking – all thanks to the unwavering support and belief of someone who recognized his potential.

Get ready to embark on an incredible journey of self-discovery, growth, and purpose in this episode of "Strategy + Action." Explore the evolving nature of your life's mission and consider how service can unlock your true passion and direction in life.

🚀 The Mastermind Movement: Transforming Lives and Businesses Worldwide 🌎

Author, speaker, coach, business owner, and family man Aaron Walker is on the show today.

If you don't yet know "Big A", well you're in for a treat.

From a first meeting and mastermind with Dave Ramsey, Aaron's trajectory in life was forever shifted and led him to the massive impact he's had today on hundreds of men's lives (and their families).

He was encouraged by a mastermind member to start coaching, which he fell in love with. This led to podcast interviews and eventually the formation of mastermind groups, which have grown to include participants from around the world. Aaron emphasizes the transformative power of these mastermind groups in people's lives.

He also touches on the distinction between coaching as a high-paying job and building a business that can generate income even when you're not actively involved, highlighting the importance of creating an asset for the future.

Throughout the conversation, Aaron emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with trusted advisers and being part of a supportive community, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and transparency in building strong relationships.

Aaron goes on to discuss how he got involved in hosting mastermind groups and the growth of his mastermind community:

1. Aaron Walker started doing podcast interviews to share his story and was featured on John Lee Dumas's "Entrepreneur on Fire" podcast. This led to 15 one-on-one coaching clients after the first episode aired.

2. Despite initially not wanting to start a mastermind, Aaron started one and eventually expanded it due to high demand. The mastermind groups have grown over the years.

3. The mastermind framework focuses on sharing personal and professional goals in areas such as relationships, personal development, professional growth, spirituality, and physical health. They use a digital accountability tool to track progress.

4. Members in these groups hold each other accountable, which leads to the adjustment of goals as they achieve more than expected.

5. They have also developed a Success and Significance Scorecard to measure progress in all five areas of life.

6. Aaron emphasizes the importance of building a community, cross-pollinating between groups, and leveraging the relationships within the mastermind for networking and collaboration.

7. The community includes members from different countries and backgrounds, creating a diverse and supportive environment.

8. Aaron and his team have created resources, including a Mastermind Playbook, to help others build and scale their own mastermind groups. They emphasize sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it.

9. The interview touches on Aaron's faith and his commitment to personal and professional growth within a supportive community.

10. The interview concludes with an invitation for interested individuals to visit their website and apply to join their mastermind community.

I encourage you to check out this powerful interview with Aaron and see if Iron Sharpens Iron is right for you.

"If you don't teach people how to think of you, then they'll make it up on their own."

In this episode of Strategy + Action, the wonderful Marlana Semenza, a photographer and visual strategist, and I dive deep into the power of visuals in building a strong brand image.

📸 Marlana explores the difference between a documenting approach and a storytelling approach in photography, emphasizing the importance of conveying a message or story through images on a website.

🌟 Key Takeaway 1: "Fake it 'til you make it" is a poor strategy and Marlana explains why.

🌟 Key Takeaway 2: Breaking through the noise is crucial. In a world full of photographers vying for attention, understanding your target audience and having a visual strategy that resonates with them is essential to attract the right clients and differentiate yourself from the competition.

🌟 Key Takeaway 3: Be intentional in how you present yourself. Marlana highlights the importance of aligning your true essence with both your copywriting and photography. By teaching others how to think of us, we can shape the perception of our personal brand and attract the opportunities we desire.

Don't miss this captivating conversation on how photography can impact your brand strategy and reputation.