Have you ever felt like an artist facing a blank canvas, unsure of the masterpiece within you? Tony Martinetti, a luminary in the realm of leadership and personal growth, joins us to illuminate the path to uncovering your life's work. Together, we share tales of our first meeting and the electric conversations that sparked a deep dive into the art of maintaining tradition while embracing innovation in our professional lives. Tony lets us in on his personal "why," sparking a connection with my own quest for authenticity and the courage needed to chase after our true purpose.

This episode is a vibrant tapestry of wisdom for those of us seeking to add color to the monochrome routine of daily life. We tackle the challenge of finding passion, avoiding burnout, and the importance of focusing our energies without becoming overwhelmed. Tony and I discuss the delicate dance of setting boundaries and earning respect in the workplace. We also explore the delicate balance of preserving valuable traditions in an ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and rapid change.

Wrapping up, we delve into Tony's "Campfires of Connection" workshop and his upcoming book, showcasing the power of storytelling in forging organizational bonds and personal relationships. You'll learn the importance of physical presence and the sensory connections it enables. We share heartfelt stories of overcoming workplace conflicts and the emotional release that comes with learning from our missteps. If you're ready to embrace your authenticity and turn life's hurdles into stepping stones, join Tony Martinetti and me for a conversation that promises transformation and connection.

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Ever dreamt of establishing a successful start-up or yearned to better grasp the fast-paced world of B2B e-commerce? This episode is your golden ticket, as we navigate the entrepreneurial seas and the complex terrain of B2B commerce with our distinguished guest, Alec Berkeley. Alec, co-founder of the e-commerce startup Bundle B2B and now the director of global strategy at BigCommerce, offers a treasure chest of insights drawn from his journey of scaling up from a college side hustle to selling a successful startup.

We venture into the labyrinth of B2B commerce, unearthing the significance of aligning business divisions and understanding client needs for survival and success. Our conversation takes a futuristic turn, exploring how AI could revolutionize the industry. Alec then takes us on a backstage tour of the challenges faced by manufacturers and startups, revealing his secret strategies to overcome the hurdles. 

We conclude by diving deep into Alec's personal journey, where he recounts his experiences growing up in Southern California and building two successful companies by the age of 30. His tales are a testament to the power of turning business blunders into opportunities for growth. So come join us, as we uncover the grit, determination, and misadventures that pave the road to entrepreneurial success.

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What happens when you combine love, adventure, military service and entrepreneurship? You get the invigorating life story of Kevin and Hannah Thompson. Together they share a deep commitment to family, a passion for the outdoors, and a spirit of perseverance that has seen them through military deployments, personal health crises, and the ups and downs of starting their own business.

Their tale begins with a love story that survives the rigors of Kevin's military service and the challenges of their first year of marriage. Kevin's time in the US army, his deployment to Iraq, and his return home form a saga that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. But this couple's story doesn't end there. After Kevin's military service, he embarked on a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, beginning with being a helicopter pilot and then owning his own pawn shop.

A terrifying battle with COVID-19 lands Kevin in the ICU, battling for his life on a ventilator, and leaves Hannah facing the agonizing uncertainty of the situation alone. But even in the face of such adversity, the Thompsons are not defeated. They channel their experiences into launching AK Mountain Dog, a unique pet treat business. Their partnership, based on shared values and complementary strengths, proves to be a winning formula for entrepreneurship. Kevin, with his military discipline, and Hannah, with her resourcefulness, embody a customer-focused approach that sets their business apart. Witness these inspiring entrepreneurs as they navigate challenges, solve problems, and build a brand that leaves an enduring legacy.

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Do you feel the power of podcasting? Brace yourself, as we have the phenomenal internal communications strategist, Ben Baker, with us today. Ben's journey into podcasting is nothing short of unique, and he walks us through how this platform allows deeper, unrestricted dialogues and a rich, flexible listening experience for audiences.

We don't just stop at podcasting. Together with Ben, we traverse through the world of communication, emphasizing how critical it is to foster healthy conversations and conflict resolution skills, especially among the young generation. We unravel the profound impact social media has on communication, stressing the significance of active listening in understanding differing perspectives. 

Setbacks, resilience, adaptability - we get personal as Ben shares anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey. Listen to how he turned business failures into a learning experience, building resilience and changing his outlook. We also venture into the harder parts of communication, like expressing regret to resolve challenging situations. Catch this enlightening episode and learn about the intriguing world of podcasting, the art of healthy communication, overcoming business failures, and the vitality of resilience in life.

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The one, the only, Marcus Sheridan, master of content marketing and author of the groundbreaking book They Ask, You Answer, is on today’s episode and we’re just super honored to have him. 

Prepare for an impactful conversation filled with Marcus’ invaluable insights into the art of asking the right questions (a sneak peek at his next project), becoming transformative communicators and pathfinders, and leading others to their "light bulb" moments. That’s not all! He’s also addressing the pricing elephant in the client meeting room - to list or not to list prices on your website and sharing his take on AI.

Nicole doesn’t let Marcus get away too quickly and plays a round of not-so-rapid lightning round of questions. Find your comfy spot and get ready to unearth a wealth of wisdom.

ABOUT MARCUS SHERIDAN

Marcus Sheridan is a highly accomplished husband, father, entrepreneur, influential speaker, and best-selling author in the realm of sales and digital marketing.  Marcus gained widespread recognition for his remarkable journey as a business owner of River Pools and Spas, where he defied the odds and turned his struggling business around using a simple yet powerful methodology he developed based on Inbound Marketing.

With his groundbreaking book, They Ask, You Answer Marcus has inspired numerous businesses to harness the power of content marketing and embrace a customer-first approach. TAYA strategies have been shown time and again to drive revenue growth for companies around the world.

INSIDE THIS EPISODE 

• 5:28 Discovering the power of public speaking 
• 7:15 Success vs. fulfillment
• 10:27 Are you asking the right questions? Marcus’ next big project.
• 23:10 Reflecting on profound questions and crafting a framework
• 26:29 To list or not to list pricing on your website and learning to “vanguard”
• 37:18 How do you know you’re asking the right questions?
• 40:44 Vanguarding examples
• 49:24 Should marketers utilize AI and missing the TikTok train
• 1:03:43 Lightning Round

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Visit https://marcussheridan.com/ to learn more about Marcus Sheridan and his insightful book They Ask, You Answer. Don’t forget to purchase your copy!
• Get your copies of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, Good to Great by Jim Collins, How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis at your favorite book retailer
• Discover the experience of HubSpot’s Inbound https://www.inbound.com/ and be sure to check out HubSpot https://www.hubspot.com/hp
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at ww.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Learn more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

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In a world where most kids dream of becoming superheroes or astronauts, Karlyn Ankrom, at 8 years old, dared to dream differently.

Hear how she finally made the leap into entrepreneurship, discovered the power of saying no, and the importance of guarding your team. Get a glimpse into her Fan Firestarter Framework and SNAP Scan,  the information evaluation method that gauges your social media channels' effectiveness from an external perspective.

Ankrom is on a mission to change how small businesses and small teams see and use social media.

ABOUT KARLYN ANKROM

Meet Karlyn Ankrom, the innovative Founder and CEO of Oh Snap Social, a specialized social media marketing consultancy for small and mid-sized businesses.

Her Fan Firestarter Framework is the game-changing approach to social media marketing designed for businesses feeling overwhelmed by content creation. After a decade of experience working with companies struggling with social media, Ankrom recognized their "social allergic" tendencies. In response, she crafted a user-friendly strategy to help newcomers swiftly elevate their social media game in just one hour per week.

Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Karlyn is a devoted mom, wife, and passionate dancer who finds joy in teaching dance during her spare time.

INSIDE THIS EPISODE

• 2:49 Karlyn’s spirit animal
• 4:48 An 8th grader finds entrepreneurial inspiration in her father
• 7:47 Saving for the future and taking the leap
• 13:19 Misadventure in business and shifting into intentionality and learning to say no
• 22:52 Guarding your team and a peek into the Fan Firestarter Framework  
• 27:32 Don’t go viral, be intentional and stay consistent
• 35:33 LinkedIn’s secret weapon
• 41:02 SNAP Scan

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Connect with Karlyn Ankrom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlynankrom/ 
• Get to know Oh Snap Social by visiting www.ohsnapsocial.com
• Curious about the strength of your social media content? Find out with SNAP Scan, https://events.ohsnapsocial.com/snapscan  
• Learn more about Dorie Clark’s book The Long Game by Dorie Clark at https://dorieclark.com/longgame/ 
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at ww.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Learn more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

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It’s no secret, entrepreneurship and foundership can be a lonesome journey but who said it has to be? 

Simon Chou, founder of the Marketing on Mars podcast and CMO of Canada’s BCjobs, is dropping the mic truths on foundership and the power of intentional connections to overcome loneliness on the journey. Hear how he scaled a service agency from $20k to $2.5 million through team building and fostering client relationships. Nicole also gets his expertise on marketing through community building.

It’s an insightful conversation filled with the AHA moments you need.

ABOUT SIMON CHOU

Simon Chou is a connector, a community builder, and a marketer of excellent caliber. His two popular podcasts, Marketing on Mars and Innovators, don't just bring in an impressive 750,000 views, but also demonstrate his knack for communication and a value-oriented approach.

BCjobs, the largest job board in Western Canada, has benefited from his savvy strategies as their Chief Marketing Officer. Above all, Simon strives to break the isolation bubble many entrepreneurs find themselves in.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 2:24 Simon’s spirit animal 
• 3:48 Going all into being a founder
• 6:44 Loneliness in foundership
• 10:29 Building an engaging community
• 18:02 Scaling an agency
• 21:45 Team building
• 31:40 Struggles are real but you need to have fun
• 43:52 Transparency, self-awareness, and the community advice for future marketers and podcasters

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Listen to the Marketing on Mars and Innovators podcasts on your favorite streaming service 
• Follow Simon Chou on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonchou1/ 
• If you're based in Western Canada, be sure to explore BCjobs at https://www.bcjobs.ca/ 
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at ww.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Learn more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

Looking to overcome marketing blunders and find inspiration from the experts who have been there?

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Innovation can come from the cringe-worthiest of misadventures. Bonnie Sussman, founder and CEO of GoLidZ, chats with Nicole about the origin story of her reusable food containers, the marketing advice you need to grow a successful business, mental health as entrepreneurs, and learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable bits of your entrepreneurial journey. 

ABOUT Bonnie Sussman Strominger

Bonnie Sussman Strominger is an accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of GoLidZ. After 20+ years working in management, product development, consumer marketing, and sales, she decided to focus her attention on her revolutionary cup lid idea. 

Today, GoLidz is an award-winning company changing the way people sustainably enjoy their favorite snacks, and drinks while on the go.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 2:05 Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster with a lot of emotions. 
• 3:49 Finding a coping mechanism
• 11:33 GoLidZ’s origin story
• 17:30 Advice for remembering your good ideas
• 19:08 Timing is important
• 25:04 Fatherly influence and business advice
• 33:15 Advice for growing a successful business

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Connect with Bonnie Sussman Strominger on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniesussmanstrominger/
• Discover the ingenious GoLidZ for yourself, https://www.golidz.com/ 
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at ww.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Learn more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

Looking to overcome marketing blunders and find inspiration from the experts who have been there?

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Life as business owner, an entrepreneur, or human being on planet Earth is so stressful but that’s a good thing. We’re demystifying stress with the accomplished Dr. Amir Rashidian of the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center on this week’s episode. He’s on a mission to change how we heal, how we view stress, and how we manage it. Hear about Dr. Rashidian’s childhood in pre-revolution Iran, his entrepreneurial journey, his own business blunder, and his secret to business. 

ABOUT DR. RASHIDIAN

Dr. Amir Rashidian founded the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center in 2006 and is now serving over 18,000 patients annually. His practice takes a holistic approach to healing and focuses on promoting drugless, health solutions. Dr. Rashidian is a published author, serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, and is the chairman of the elder leadership team at Grace Community Church. He has received honors and awards, including Business Leader of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year. He is happily married since 2005 and has three sons.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 3:13 - Perfect days exists!
• 6:51 - Stress is good. Dr. Rashidian shares why
• 13:32 - A legacy of entrepreneurship and generosity
• 26:36 - Dr. Rashidian on finding his path to helping people heal the right way.
• 39:13 - Everyone has business blunders including our guest
• 43:45 - Serving your team and a community is great for business
• 56:22 - Enjoy your beginning - advice from Dr. Rashidian for new and aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners 

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Connect with Dr. Amir Rashidian on https://drrashidian.com/
• Check out Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@RealChiropractic and connect with the center at www.midatlanticclinic.com
• Purchase your copy of “Cracking the Stress Secret: How to Turn Pressure Into Power” at all major book retailers.
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at ww.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Learn more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE

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The coolest ideas solve the biggest problems in the most boring of ways. Kenny Scott, CEO of Paramify, takes us on a wild journey from punk rock to cyber security compliance on today’s episode. Hear how he became a SaaS Startup founder, learned to trust those who know better, found the yin to his yang business partner, and discovered boring and painful were good things. Tune in for the laughs and stay for the inspiration. It’s an episode dedicated to everyone’s crush, Cow Town’s very own, Jimmy Zendejas.  

ABOUT KENNY SCOTT

Kenny Scott is a seasoned startup founder with 16 years of experience. His impressive career also includes consulting services to major corporations such as Adobe, Google, and Pricewaterhousecoopers. Today, Kenny and Tyler Stevens, co-founders of Paramify, are leading the charge in empowering organizations to efficiently build and maintain their enterprise security programs.

Despite his busy professional life, Kenny prioritizes his role as a devoted husband and father to his five children. He enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in his passion for surfing, even though he lives in Utah.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 1:42 - Humble beginnings in Cow Town, aka Chino, CA
• 10:22 - Solving the pain, how Paramify came to be
• 20:17 - Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart
• 24:51 - Tragedy and the hope
• 30:59 - Building a team, abdicating over delegating
• 35:27 - Paramify’s evolution
• 41:41 - No need to fear AI
• 46:02 - Learning to see pain as experience

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Connect with Kenny Scott on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-scott-960bb43/ 
• Learn more about Paramify on https://www.paramify.com/ or follow them on Instagram @letsparamify
• This is Marketing by Seth Godin is available at popular book retailers or visit https://seths.blog/tim/
• Discover how RevRoad can help visionary founders grow https://www.revroad.com/ 
• Find Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary via your favorite book retailer.
• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-donnelly-dmg
• Find out more about DMG Digital at dmgdigital.io

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE

Looking to overcome marketing blunders and find inspiration from the experts who have been there?

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