The Business of You with Rachel Gogos

Good writing is the foundation of thought leadership. Whether you choose to write articles online, publish a book, or a combination of both, there's no way around it: writing is an essential skill for any entrepreneur looking to build their authority. Today's guest is here to help you sharpen your storytelling skills.

As the founder of The Institute for Thought Leadership, Rhea Wessel helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through story smarts. She advises on messaging, AI writing, and finding and articulating your best ideas. As a journalist, Rhea wrote thousands of stories for outlets like the NYT, WSJ, and BBC, and has penned and edited thousands of stories across 30 industries.

Becoming a Thought Leader

There's no formula for becoming a thought leader–but there are shortcuts. Writing a book is one of the fastest ways to skyrocket your authority. Publishing a book can help you gain invitations to speak on bigger stages, which leads to more sales, more invitations, and so on. Books can also be repurposed into social media posts, newsletters, and blogs.

Rhea recommends publishing one book per year. If you're just dipping your toe into the thought leadership world, you might want to start with online content. But don't be afraid to pursue bigger publications–one great article could change your business.

The 3-Step Process for Thought Leadership Writing

The first step in establishing thought leadership is to know your niche. What is your area of expertise and how are you going to distinguish yourself from others in the industry?

Once you're clear on your niche, look for creative ways to frame it. When you're writing about the same topics over and over again, you need fresh ways of framing your ideas. For example, you could repeat the same story, but frame it through the lens of a different audience. If you have more than one ideal customer avatar (ICA), this technique can help you generate new story ideas.

The last step is to flesh out your ideas and start writing. Rhea recommends always having an editor or friend review your work. Everything you publish is a reflection of your brand, so quality matters.

Enjoy this episode with Rhea Wessel…

Soundbytes

6:47-7:19 "You need to have a writing practice if you're going to be constantly finding new ideas to serve your audience and externalizing those. You need to have ways to take a thought that's just emerging, capture it, and potentially park it for a while until it matures and you're ready to turn that into a piece of intellectual property."

12:53-13:11 "I am using generative AI daily and It has changed the way I gather information, it's changed the way that I collect it, and also how I write my articles."

Quotes

"Writing is thinking on paper."

"Thought leadership practice lives off intellectual property."

"There are so many great ideas, but they're not being heard."

"I want to help the world's true subject matter experts get their best ideas out there."

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

Website: http://www.instituteforthoughtleadership.com

Connect with Rhea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawessel/

Write Like a Thought Leader Book: https://getbook.at/WriteLikeThoughtLeader

Connect with brandiD

Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/

Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

What do all great brands have in common? They create a meaningful experience for their customers–something Stu Synder is an expert in.

Stu is the Founder and President of Snyder Media Group, LLC., creating content and providing strategic guidance to media, live entertainment, and start-up companies.

Chances are, you're already familiar with Stu's work. Maybe you watched Cartoon Network or Adult Swim during his long tenure at Turner Broadcasting System. Perhaps you've seen a film he helped bring to screens, such as Terminator 2: Judgement Day or Reservoir Dogs. Or maybe you've attended Disney on Ice or a Ringling Brothers show. Most recently, Stu is the co-owner of Beal's Lobster Pier, an iconic restaurant and lobster pier on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

The one thing that all of Stu's projects have in common is that they offer people memorable experiences.

Exceed Your Customers' Expectations

Stu lives by the rule of over-delivering. When someone walks into his restaurant, he aims to put a smile on their face–whether that's with great customer service, decorations on their takeout box, or an extra gift with their order. It might even involve taking the customer for a walk to show them where the lobsters come in.

It's all about the experience and making them feel connected to your brand. When you exceed expectations, that's what turns customers into advocates.

Equally important is how you deal with customers when things go wrong. Stu personally responds to every review of his restaurant, positive or negative. If it's positive, he thanks them for coming in. If it's not, he uses it as a learning opportunity and lets the customer know how he plans to correct the issue. The most important thing is to make your customers feel heard and taken care of.

Building an Entrepreneurial Team

As any business owner knows, building a team comes with its fair share of challenges. It can be difficult to keep everyone on the same page moving toward your vision. Stu takes a unique approach, encouraging his team to think like entrepreneurs–to look for out-of-the-box solutions, be creative, and take calculated risks.

If you're the leader, it's your job to give your team direction. But you should also listen to their input on that direction. Set targets together so everyone stays accountable.

In the hiring process, Stu recommends focusing on personality just as much (if not more so) than their work experience. Get to know the person, their communication style, and their interests. Would they get along with the other people on your team? Does their communication style work well with yours? Look for people who want positive relationships with their professional peers. Strong connections within your team make for a healthier business.

Enjoy this episode with Stu Snyder…

Soundbytes

17:13-17:37 "If someone comes in expecting this, I want to over-deliver and exceed their expectations, whether that is the time that they hit Beal's or they get a little thing, someone orders from deals a box of lobsters, or Lunchable kids. How do we over exceed that expectation and put a smile on their face? What do we put in the box? How is the box decorated? How do we deliver on that experience?"

18:47-19:01 "You're not going to take care of 100% of the people and satisfy everyone. It's also when things go wrong or they're not perfect, how do we respond to them? How do we take care of them? Because that's critical to me."

24:13-24:35 "I like to keep growing. I like working with different teams and learning, because I personally feel that if you if one stays too long in one place, you're only learning one set of disciplines. This is the way we did it. Well, what I wanted to learn was different ways of doing things and then apply it to my overall skill set. "

Quotes

"Making people feel special, making people become advocates for your show or advocates for your brand is very important."

"Over-delivering is critical."

"How do we make people feel special, especially in a world that we're living in, where I think people are looking for that."

"Being a leader was encouraging my team to think as entrepreneurs."

"Never take yourself too seriously."

"Your team needs direction. They need to know where they're headed."

"If I'm making a hiring decision after one hour, I'm not doing my job."

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

Visit Stu's website: https://stuartsnyder.com/

Connect with Stu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartsnyder/

Connect with brandiD

Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/

Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Welcome to our special 200th episode! We're thrilled to mark this milestone with none other than Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a former NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and current President of the NBA G League. Shareef's incredible journey from professional athlete to business leader is packed with lessons on leadership, personal growth, and making an impact.

Reflecting on the Journey Beyond the Court

In this milestone episode, Shareef shares how he transitioned from a celebrated NBA career into a dynamic role on the business side of sports. From his time as a player to leading the NBA G League's expansion to 31 teams and its first international team in Mexico City, Shareef reveals how he embraced change and built on his strengths to create a meaningful second act.

For leaders and entrepreneurs, Shareef offers valuable insights into the importance of setting a clear vision, leading by example, and building trust within a team. He emphasizes that leadership isn't always about charisma—it's about consistency, care, and a shared commitment to success.

The Power of Personal Branding

Shareef discusses the importance of personal branding, especially for young professionals and athletes. In today's social media-driven world, understanding and leveraging your brand can open doors to lifelong opportunities. Shareef shares practical advice on how to balance authenticity with strategy to build a brand that aligns with your values and goals.

This episode also highlights the incredible ability of sports to bring people together, regardless of background or beliefs. Shareef's dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation—both on and off the court—serves as a reminder of how we can all use our platforms to make a difference.

Thank you for being part of our journey to 200 episodes! This special conversation with Shareef Abdur-Rahim is packed with inspiration, and we can't wait for you to listen.

Soundbytes

11:54-12:20 "I think the ability to be able to one outline a vision for people, you know, I just think our coach meeting us at the beginning saying, Okay, this is our objective. So being able to outline a vision of where you want to go, a plan, to articulate a plan."

15:51-16:22 "I think it starts with education, especially for young people. We're in an era of name, image, and likeness opportunities, and the social media boom has opened so many doors. It's incredible to see young athletes, even as early as high school, learning to leverage these opportunities to build something lasting for their future."

20:55-21:20 "One of the great things about sport is how it humbles you naturally. Being part of a team teaches you that your success relies on others. It's about understanding the necessity of working together, recognizing the value of everyone's contributions, and staying grounded in the process." _____________________________________

Quotes

"The power of sport is its ability to bring communities together, regardless of background or beliefs."

"Leadership starts with outlining a vision, crafting a plan, and exemplifying the behavior you want to see."

"As athletes, we must leverage our experiences to build something meaningful for life beyond the game."

_____________________________________

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

Visit Shareef Abdur-Rahim's Website: https://Shareefabdurrahim.com

Connect with Shareef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shareef-abdur-rahim/

Learn more about Future Foundation: https://future-foundation.com

Connect with brandiD

Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/

Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form

When Nick Barrett launched his company in 2020, he had no experience in product development. Just a few years later, his products have appeared on The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, ABC Secret Sales, and the Tamron Hall Show. They've also been endorsed by Sharks from ABC's Shark Tank. His product, the CordBrick, was voted "Coolest Product" by attendees of the National Retail Federation BIG SHOW in NYC in 2023.

Creating a Unique Product

Nick built his first prototype of the CordBrick out of modeling clay from Michael's. He knew the design needed to be simple, clean, and mass-market-friendly.

Nick recommends all product-based entrepreneurs find a unique angle or design to help differentiate from the competition–and that once you find that unique aspect, protect it. The CordBrick has multiple patents, including utility and intellectual property.

Share Your Idea as Much as Possible

Nick's biggest advice to other entrepreneurs is to share your idea with as many people as possible. Some founders are worried about people stealing their ideas, but the benefits outweigh the risks. An outside perspective can help you see your product in a new light and come up with better solutions.

Another benefit is that the more information you give people, the more likely they are to introduce you to their network and connect you with the right people.

Likewise, Nick recommends consulting with other entrepreneurs who have done the thing you're trying to accomplish. Look into what made those people successful. Read their biographies, and if you're able, reach out and connect with them. But when you ask for advice, focus on the big picture. The industry and technology may have changed, but the principles remain the same.

Enjoy this episode with Nick Barrett…

Soundbytes

10:17-10:38 "How much would people really pay to solve this problem? Like $5? So one of the first things I did was I took these and I took them to a little shopping center near me, and people told me they would pay not just five, but $10. Some people even told me $20. Several people told me 20 and I was like, Wow, that's crazy. I can't believe people would pay that much to solve this. I might be able to have a business out of this."

11:58-12:24 "Don't be afraid to share your idea with a lot of people. I think people keep things too close to their chest for too long, and they either don't do anything, or they get stuck on a couple of thoughts. They either haven't diagnosed the problem correctly, or there's a solution they haven't considered, and just by talking to people, I would say I've gained so much more benefit from talking to people."

Quotes

"Don't be afraid to share your idea with a lot of people."

"The more you share, the more information people can give you about how to help you better or introduce you to the right person."

"It's more work than you think, but that doesn't mean not to do it."

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

CordBrick: https://cordbrick.com/

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-barrett-0781491a/

Connect with brandiD

Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/

Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Did you know that employees are more likely to stay at an organization when they view their leader as empathetic?

Of all the traits that make for great leadership, empathy is near the top of the list–and according to this week's podcast guest, it's going to be increasingly important for the next generation.

Pattie Dale Tye is the Consulting COO for Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and a Board Member of Trilogy Health Services, LLC. Pattie Dale is also a C-suite veteran with over 30 years of experience leading companies to new heights. She spent over a decade with AT&T, leading sales and operations for the company's largest accounts. In her time with Humana, Pattie Dale was instrumental in the company's multibillion-dollar Large Employer Segment. She is also the best-selling Forbes Author of Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary.

Challenges for the Next Generation of Leaders

Any entrepreneur who led a team through the pandemic knows how difficult it can be to connect virtually. Leaders need to model behavior, and that's much more difficult to do online. Pattie recommends meeting in person as much as possible. If that's not possible, look for ways to bring the whole team together for virtual events.

Another challenge is that Gen Z and millennials don't have a lot of trust in leadership–so you need to work harder to earn their loyalty. They're driven by purpose, autonomy, and flexibility, and they want to work for leaders who share those values. Look for ways to demonstrate those values and show that you care about them as individuals.

Leading with Empathy and Generosity

According to Pattie Dale, the two most important characteristics of a leader are empathy and generosity. You need to know the people you're leading and understand where they're coming from. Let them know that you're invested in their success and that they can come to you when they need support.

As for generosity, focus on giving back to your team. Replace a "survival of the fittest" mentality with generosity. If someone is struggling, offer to help. Make yourself available. Being approachable can help you get the best of everyone.

Enjoy this episode with Pattie Dale Tye…

Soundbytes

14:00-14:26 "When it's a customer with a problem that I can help solve in a way that helps that entity flourish, it just lights me up, because you know that had a multiplier effect–that didn't just help that person, that executive that day, or that leader that day, that allowed them to feed many, many families and to grow business in a much more expansive way."

18:46-19:24 "We need to be leading with empathy right now. And I love to say you need to be leading with generosity. You need to get to know the people you're leading and understand where they're coming from and why they have the notions about leadership they do, because we understand that 50% of the Gen Z's don't have respect nor trust in leadership, and we need to. We need to get to the root cause and let them know that you have as much vested in their success as hopefully they have in their own success."

Quotes

"I was very ordinary until I learned what might make me extraordinary."

"As long as I'm helping solve a problem and release energy to the universe, I'm a happy camper."

"Stop coming to work in a survival mode and come to work in a giving mode."

"If you're not an approachable leader, you're not going to get the best out of your people."

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

Visit Pattie's website: http://pattiedaletye.com

Connect with Pattie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattie-dale-tye/

Connect with brandiD

Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/

Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Do you ever feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day? As a business owner, your to-do list is virtually never-ending. But what if you could grow your business faster by doing less? Today's podcast guest is proof that it's possible.

Rodric Lenhart is a lifelong entrepreneur, multi-best-selling author, and sought-after speaker. Over the last 30 years, he's built several multi-million dollar companies in both the product and service industries. Having traveled to more than 50 countries across six continents, Rodric brings a unique worldview and a deep appreciation for freedom. All profits from his book Million Dollar Flip Flops are donated to his foundation, Send a Student Leader Abroad, with the goal of sending one million kids on life-changing trips.

Build Your Business Around Your Life

Like most successful business owners, Rodric is very protective of his time. He wakes up in the sun and has a structured morning routine, after which he works from around 10:00 to 3:00 pm. It's important for him to leave empty space on the calendar for reading, writing, and introspection. That quiet time is crucial for developing the business. When you're busy all day everyday, that leaves little room for new ideas.

If you're trying to find your ideal daily routine, ask yourself what you want your day to look like a year from now–then build a business that fuels that, instead of the other way around.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs

Rodric has two pieces of advice for new entrepreneurs: the first is to turn off social media. Forget what everyone else is doing and focus on your business and your customers. Don't get lost in the comparison game.

Second, try to avoid Shiny Object Syndrome. It's easy to get sucked into the newest app or strategy, but successful businesses are built on the basics. Be willing to pick up the phone and have conversations with people. Figure out what your target audience wants and needs, then give it to them. Let them tell you what they want, instead of trying to impose your ideas on them. Listen and learn.

Enjoy this episode with founder Rodric Lenhart…

Soundbytes

11:29-11:51 "I'm very protective of my time. I haven't set an alarm in probably 15 years. I wake up with the sun. I have a very set morning routine, and I try to work between around 10:00 and 3:00 every day. And I make a lot of time for reading and introspection and writing and developing the business, not just being busy all the time."

21:10-21:36 "It's shiny object syndrome, the next cool app or program, the next customer acquisition method. That's not what's going to give you a successful business. It's back to the basics. It's having conversations with people. It's being willing to pick up the phone. It's learning what do they want, what do they need? That's how you know what to give them, versus thinking you have this idea of what to give them."

Quotes

"The bulk of my financial abundance came from the ability to change course."

"What do you want your day to look like a year from now? And let's build a business that feeds that, not the other way around."

"Why write a book? Well, it's to help people who are in the same situation I might have been in 20 years ago."

"Ultimately, it all comes from a place of service. And I think if we aren't wired that way to start, none of the other things fall into place."

"I don't know what chapter two looks like, but I know I can't see it while I'm in the middle of chapter one."

Links mentioned in this episode:

Million Dollar Flip Flops: http://www.milliondollarflipflops.com/

Connect with Rodric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodriclenhart/

Connect with Rodric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodriclenhart/

Connect with brandiD: Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/ Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Marketing your business on a budget?

In this episode, Michael Herklots shares how he used the power of storytelling and personal branding to build his luxury cigar business from the ground up.

Michael has worked in the Premium Cigar Industry since 1999. He served as Vice President of Nat Sherman International, responsible for creating and maintaining the company's portfolio of premium cigars, pipe tobaccos, and accessories. Most recently, he is the co-founder of Ferio Tego, which has been named the "Brand of the Year" by Cigar Dojo and "New Company of the Year" by Halfwheel.

Michael is a Certified Master Tobacconist by Tobacconist University and a thoughtful business leader with 20 years of experience in specialty retail and wholesale luxury goods.

The Power of Storytelling

When Michael and his co-founder decided to launch a cigar company during COVID-19, there was no shortage of obstacles. Aside from the challenge of selling cigars during a respiratory pandemic, they also had limited capital. Without the budget to hire a marketing team or ad agency, they leaned on something more powerful: their story.

Over and over again, they told the story of Ferio Tego, their backgrounds in the cigar industry, and their vision for the brand. Both Michael and his co-founder Brendon Scott had plenty of connections in the cigar world, but they took a unique approach to every conversation.

Every time they met with a potential partner, they would lean into different aspects of their story. For instance, smaller companies were more likely to relate to their story of bootstrapping the business from the ground up, while larger companies wanted to see the data and volume.

Innovate the Process, Not the Product

In today's fast-paced world, many companies shift their marketing and add new products every week–but ultimately, that hurts your brand recognition and makes it harder for retailers to sell your products. The more consistent you stay, the greater the chance consumers will start to relate to and remember your brand.

While the Ferio Tego brand is consistent, Michael is constantly innovating other aspects of the business. He and his co-founder have taken a unique approach in partnering with other cigar companies. They now have factories in multiple countries without the overhead of managing their own warehouses.

Enjoy this episode with founder Michael Herklots…

Soundbytes

17:46-18:30 "New businesses, we don't have a marketing budget, we don't have an advertising agency. We don't have four people who are building decks on what is Ferio Tego and what isn't Ferio Tego and creating all of those thoughtful pyramids. Who has time for that? We're fighting for our lives every day, trying to get another sale. And so what we lack in that sophisticated, deep infrastructure of brand, we have what a lot of those departments crave and try to create which is the absolute authentic story of time served and process and how we do things."

19:20-19:37 "What they are trying to do is to create brands that feel authentic, whereas we have, just as a consequence of being a small startup, we're creating a brand that is authentic. What you see is what you get."

27:09-27:37 "As a Brand Builder and a storyteller, it's incumbent on me to tell the same story over and over and over again consistently, so that you as a retailer, can tell the same story over and over to your consumers. The consumers can learn that story and share it with their peers, and by the time they learn it, they can catch back up with the brand, and we're still singing the same song. We've abandoned that in so many industries."

54:04-54:50 "There are times when you look at something that just seems so overwhelming, whether it's something as small as playing a gig, or something as big as launching a company. And to get over the hump of it, I have to believe that the opportunity and the idea and the consideration–all of the work has been done for a reason. All those opportunities are lined up for a reason and therefore I have to have faith that this is meant to be."

Quotes

"They're trying to create brands that feel authentic, whereas we, as a consequence of being a small startup, are creating a brand that is authentic."

"As a Brand Builder and a storyteller, it's incumbent on me to tell the same story over and over and over again consistently."

"It's become innovative to go back to building the brand."

"It's probably naive to think that it's possible to be everything to everyone. What I try to do is be something to everyone."

"I don't know anyone who would consider themselves an expert. Even the most famous, most successful are still practicing all the time."

"You have to live within what's authentic to you and let your audience find you."

Links mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Ferio Tego cigars: https://www.feriotego.com/

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelherklots/

Have you ever heard the saying "Success is a lousy teacher?"

Our biggest learning experiences come from failure: the product that flopped, the content that didn't perform, the "failed" business idea. For Anne Montgomery, failure was just the beginning.

Anne is a former television sportscaster, writer, and educator. Her first TV job came at WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia, and led to positions at WROC-TV, KTSP-TV, and ESPN, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award-winning SportsCenter. She finished her on-camera broadcasting career with a two-year stint as the studio host for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, before moving into her career as a teacher and author.

Her novels include Your Forgotten Sons, The Castle, A Light in the Desert, Wild Horses on the Salt, The Scent of Rain, and Wolf Catcher. She taught journalism and communication skills in a Title I high school for 20 years.

Defying the Odds

When Anne told her parents she wanted to be a sportscaster, they laughed. In the 1970s, that wasn't an option for women. But Anne proved them wrong and went on to have a successful 40+ year career in sports.

Likewise, she was also told she would never go to college. Growing up, Anne struggled in school, and it wasn't until she was in her fifties that she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite that, Anne has several degrees and has published six novels (and counting).

Failure is the Greatest Teacher

One of the most important skills any entrepreneur can master is how to bounce back from failure. For Anne, failure has been her greatest teacher. She never planned on becoming a writer or an educator–she was forced into a career change when the men in her industry decided she was too old to be on camera.

At the time, leaving sportscasting felt like a failure. But it led Anne to her most rewarding career yet, a life-changing friendship that inspired her first novel, and even the family she couldn't have dreamed of, when her teaching experience led her to become a foster parent.

Enjoy this episode with author Anne Montgomery…

Soundbytes

31:25-31:53 "Business owners like to hire people who've been in sports or actually any extracurricular. You know how to be punctual or you're not playing, you know how to work as a teammate, and you know how to follow rules, all those things. And of those young athletes, I wouldn't want to hire the kid who caught the game-winning touchdown. I want to hire the kid who dropped the game-winning touchdown, that went to practice the next day. That's the kid I want."

35:17-35:37 "I sometimes feel bad for people who are such incredible athletes or singers or actors or whatever, where everything is always perfect because at some point it's not going to be. How do you handle that? We all have to learn to handle failure, and how you handle it is more important than anything we do. You know? How do you handle disappointment? Get back up and do it."

Quotes

"I was told when I was young that I'd never be a sportscaster. I'm the kind that says, 'I'll prove you wrong.'"

"We plan our lives and think it's going to be a straight line, but it's not. It's how you handle the curves."

"I'm not embarrassed about anything that's ever happened to me. They're all learning experiences."

"We learn nothing from success. We learn from failure."

"Life isn't going to be exactly what you expect, but maybe it will be better."

"I think failure is falling down and not getting back up."

Links mentioned in this episode:

Visit Anne's website: https://annemontgomerywriter.com/

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-montgomery-1b995b23/

Are you thinking of starting a podcast? Or maybe you already have a show and are wondering how to take it to the next level? Today's guest shares everything you need to know to launch and grow a successful, purpose-driven podcast.

Erik Cabral is a leading expert in brand development, trusted by Fortune 100 and Inc. 5000 companies to define and deliver their core messages. Having built thousands of brands over his career, Erik has shared the stage with powerhouse brands like Shark Tank's Matt Higgins and Kevin Harrington, VaynerMedia, David Meltzer, and Hal Elrod of the Miracle Morning.

As the founder of On Air Brands, Be Your Brand, PodMAX, and theMindado Investment Group, Erik is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop their personal and corporate brands through podcasting and media strategies. His work has been featured in major publications and has contributed to raising millions in capital for his investor clients.

Preventing Podfade

After launching dozens of podcasts, Erik says the biggest obstacle is "podfade"–where a podcast gradually disappears over time because they run out of content ideas. Thousands of new shows were created in the past few years, but very few of them survived past 20 episodes. The reason comes down to a lack of purpose. If you don't have a clear goal for your show, it's unlikely to last.

That's why Erik's company has shifted more into personal branding. Before launching a podcast, be clear on your goals, your mission, and who you want to serve. Focus on your purpose, because that's what makes great content.

In Erik's own business, he's rebranded his podcast to The Erik Cabral Show and is focused on incorporating his faith into his brand. His mission is to build personal brands that glorify God and speaking openly about that has helped attract people who share those values.

What to Know Before Starting a Podcast

If you want to start a podcast, the first step is to manage your expectations. The average number of downloads per episode is 29. That may not sound like a lot, but even a small audience can create momentum in your business! If you have 30 loyal listeners every week, that's the same as having 30 people in a room who are eager to learn from you. Don't believe the noise on social media that says you need massive numbers to create an impact.

When it comes to growing your show, podcasting is like starting a business. It starts with word of mouth and your personal network. Most of the biggest podcasts are hosted by someone who already had a personal brand with a large following. Audience growth is a slow build, so don't give up too soon.

Enjoy this interview with podcasting expert Erik Cabral…

Soundbytes

13:47-14:06 "It's what we call pod fade: all these shows got started, and the statistics are running away from me, but all the hundreds of thousands of podcasts that started during that era, we benefited from, for sure, but then a lot of them faded because they didn't have clarity and purpose and an end goal in mind."

15:05-15:25 "If I asked you to speak at my event and there were 30 people in the room that were going to be hungry and eager to learn from you, and you have an hour-long opportunity to get into their minds and in their hearts…would you take that? Absolutely. You have this every week you're speaking on your own stage about whatever you want to talk about every single week."

33:32-24:04 "There is a purpose outside of money. Your purpose could be money and earthly things and earthly desires and material things. But I've recognized, and I've been around a lot of successful people…sharing the room in stages with millionaires and billionaires. I've recognized there are people that aren't happy with all that money, but the ones that are have that greater purpose, and they're usually God fearing people that know there's something bigger than themselves beyond this life here on Earth."

Quotes

"Podcasting is very much like starting a business. We have to start with friends and family, word of mouth. We have to grassroots."

"Having a podcast, especially with a YouTube channel, you're set apart for most business owners who don't want to do that."

"We want to build personal brands that glorify God."

"Building a business is personal. It comes from us, our heart."

Links mentioned in this episode:

Visit Erik's website: https://www.erikcabral.co/

Free podcasting guide: https://www.erikcabral.co/guide

Connect with Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcabral/

The transition from solopreneur to CEO is never easy. It can be hard to let go of control and trust your team to deliver an ROI. Today's guest shares how you can break through that 6-figure plateau and set your team up for million-dollar success with a sales-focused marketing strategy.

Victoria Hajjar, founder of Ugli Ventures, helps female-founded startups scale from 6 to 7 figures. She specializes in the sales and marketing strategies, team building, and leadership development they need to build profitable 7-figure enterprises. Her clients have had million-dollar months, been featured on Forbes 40 under 40, and several have passed the billion-dollar revenue mark.

How to Build an ROI-Driven Team

Victoria uses a 4-step process to help her clients transition into an executive role. The first step is brand clarity: getting focused (or re-focused) on your messaging, ideal client, and positioning. Before you can build a successful marketing strategy, you need to be clear on your ideal client's pain points and the transformation you provide.

The next step is a sales-focused marketing strategy. Victoria recommends a 24/7 content flywheel that speaks to all six stages of the customer journey. Once you have a funnel in place, measure the performance of each piece. Look at your conversion rates to determine where the leaks are, then optimize accordingly.

Once you've optimized your funnel, evaluate your team. If conversions are low in a particular area, it could be because the person assigned to that task isn't an expert. A common hiring mistake is expecting each person to do multiple jobs. If you can't afford to have more employees on retainer, hire an independent contractor with a proven track record. For example, if your website conversions are low, hire a user experience expert to solve the issue on a project basis.

The last step is leadership. Are the right people in the right seats, and are you managing them well? Each team member should know which metrics they're responsible for and bring ideas for improvement.

3 Essential Marketing Meetings

Even if your team is mostly independent contractors, you should still include them in your quarterly planning meetings. This keeps everyone on the same page as you move toward your goals.

You should also meet weekly to review your marketing scorecard. Let each team member report their own metrics and offer feedback and ideas. Regular communication eliminates silos within your company.

Lastly, take the time to sit down monthly or quarterly with key people on your team. Ask them to tell you about what's going on in their life, the challenges they're facing, their career path, and any resources or training they might need. Investing time in your team pays off in long-term loyalty.

Enjoy this episode with founder Victoria Hajjar…

Soundbytes

4:01-4:30 "I bring a fresh perspective because I've been inside so many people's businesses over my 15-year career. Not only inside different businesses but also in different countries around the world. I've worked in China, I've worked in Mexico, I've worked in Dubai, and the UK…and what's been really great is figuring out this universal approach. How do you grow and scale a business using marketing as the catapult for growth?"

7:32-7:51 "We have to make a transition. And the transition is from doing everything ourselves and feeling like we have to execute everything ourselves, especially when it comes to marketing and sales, and beginning to take that path towards stepping into the leadership role in your business."

21:47-22:08 "Building your team doesn't mean that you need to get a bunch of employees and have a ton of people on retainer, but you have to systematically, in an intelligent way, invest in the growth of your business. That means getting people in who have proven track records that really know what they're doing in particular areas."

Quotes

"Any business can use marketing as a catapult for growth, it just depends how the business is setup."

"Once our time, money, energy, and budget gets split across different efforts, that's where we also tend to see that dip in performance."

"Even if you don't consider yourself a leader, you are. Your team is looking to you."

"So many of us as business owners, but especially women, we think that someone will like us more if we're in the trenches with them, instead of as a leader."

"You're not going to build a million-dollar business, a 7- or 8-figure business, by being too nice."

Links mentioned in this episode:

Ugli Ventures: http://www.ugliventures.com

Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-hajjar/

24/7 Marketing Flywheel resource: https://www.ugliventures.com/overwhelm

Learn more about Victoria's accelerator program: https://www.ugliventures.com/accelerator