I figured out early on in my business growth that hourly fees are not my friend. Hourly rates tie your services to your hours, something that can be itemized. But your value goes well beyond just those hours. 

This is why you have to get away from charging hourly. Recently, I came to understand that hourly fees aren't just bad for you. They place you and your client at odds. 

Here is the podcast transcript and video: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/23/hourly-fees-bad/

When we use the term "outsourcing", people typically only think of one kind. There are in fact two (at least)! 

In today's podcast episode, we're going to go over the two types of outsourcing, and why one is so much more expensive than the other. AND... why you need both to help run your business. 

Here's the video and podcast transcript: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/22/types-of-outsourcing/

Unless you're an enterprise level company, you're probably expecting to experience slow periods. Besides the dip in revenue, you're also just dreading it in general. Slow periods attack a business owner's confidence. 

Instead of dreading slow periods, I've come up with a recommendation for you. You might actually begin to look forward to slower periods. Or at least you won't dread them anymore!

Here is the video and podcast transcript: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/19/handle-slow-periods/

Why should you worry about content variety on your website? Well, first of all, people don't want to see the same stuff over and over. But certain types of content are more effective depending on where your client or customer is at on their buyer's journey. 

One type of content goes from 73% effectiveness at the start of the journey, and drops to 6% at the end!

Here is the transcript and video: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/18/content-variety-importance/

Yes, I hate to tell you, but ranking #1 on Google isn't as important as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, I think dedicated businesses can get there for many keywords. However, there are a lot of other considerations you need to take into account before you pay that SEO company to get you to the "top". 

Here is the transcript and video: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/17/ranking-1-on-google

You need to put your client or customers' success front and center. How do you do that? With an awesome case study that shows how your product or service helped improve their business or life. 

What is a case study though? A case study is typically a 1-2 page document that showcases the problem that your company solved. 

Writers create compelling success stories through interviews, data, and creative writing. 

Here are the video and transcript: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/16/case-study/

SEO. Search Engine Optimization. It's been a buzzword for a long time. If you're going to run a successful blog for your business as part of your content marketing strategy, then you need to learn about it. I'm sorry, it can't be avoided. But it doesn't have to be super hard! There are over 200 SEO ranking factors, but some matter more than others. 

In today's podcast episode, we're going over the top three factors that you should worry about (at least once you get the one time factors out of the way). I keep things simple, but you're going to walk away with some good information!

Here are the transcription and video: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/15/seo-ranking-factors/

When your customers or clients are in control, how are you supposed to market? Are you still using archaic methods that people have become blind to? If your target market includes younger demographics, then you need to be aware of the "ad blindness" trend. 

Businesses no longer control the marketing narrative. But we can contribute to it. Learn more in today's episode. 

Want the transcript? Here are this episodes video and transcript: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/07/12/customer-controls-marketing/

Do you really have to get up before the sun to have a great morning routine? No! In today's episode, I'll tell you the real key. 

I asked my network which activities were critical to their morning routines, and wow, the response was overwhelming. Instead of trying to detail every activity, I noticed a few themes. Those themes are what I address in today's podcast episode. 

Link to the shownotes: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/10/03/optimal-morning-routine/

People often bemoan networking events. There are coaches who's entire premise is "never go to another marketing event again!" So what makes me bring it up? We all know that in person interactions are more effective that interactions over the phone. Video comes closer, only because so much of communication is nonverbal. 

If you've had a bad experience at a networking event, it's probably because that event wasn't for you. It doesn't mean that all events are bad. When you attend networking events, you need to go with a plan in mind, just like any other type of marketing. This means understanding the sorts of people you will meet at events. 

In this podcast episode, I've identified the four types of people you typically run into at events. 

Do you have a networking event that you just love? How about a horror story to share? 

Read the shownotes here: https://defythestatusquo.com/2019/10/01/types-of-people-at-networking-events/