The Financial Gravity Podcast

Charles Alexander founded his company creating animated explainer videos for busy professionals such as financial advisors, insurance agents, and business service providers. His 90-second videos help his clients stand out from others, build the know-like-and-trust factor with their audience, and close customers. He shares more why video is such a critical element of marketing for businesses these days, his unique process for creating, producing and delivering videos and even some tips for creating your own videos. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John shares his thoughts on email and how it might not be the most effective method of marketing.

[1:31] John and Charles discuss digital brochures and the inexpensive yet most effective ways to be connecting with your audience through social media.

[6:28] What kind of medium does Charles use for his videos?

[8:37] Charles explains why he tries to get clients to use a professional voice-over artist for the videos.

[10:26] Charles shares his process and system to create, produce and deliver his videos to clients.

[11:26] Business owners need to be creating a customer experience that rivals Amazon.

[12:47] Video is a necessity. You just have to decide if you're going to do it yourself or outsource it. Charles shares some of his tips for creating your own videos.

[16:54] John highly recommends outsourcing creating videos for your business. He explains why.

[18:13] What are Charles's prices for his services?

[20:41] How did Charles get into the video creation space? What were some of the struggles he had?

[24:08] Charles and John discuss the importance of having a business coach.

[27:19] Video is how many people get their information these days, so it is critical to your business.

Charles Alexander

Special Promotion for Podcast Listeners

Peloton

Harmon Brothers

Strategic Coach

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Christopher Gerg is the Chief Information Security Officer and VP of Risk Management at Gillware, a company that started in 2004 in the area of data recovery but has since grown to include digital forensics and information security. Christopher started doing phone tech support for Microsoft in 1995, moved up to a Systems Administrator on the Windows side, became a network engineer, and eventually found his way into the information security space. He shares more about some of the risks regarding information security in companies and steps they can take to improve their position and reduce risks, as well as why an overarching strategy for information security based on real-world risks is so important. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Christopher Gerg.

[7:15] What does Christopher do?

[9:22] What are some of the things that Christopher commonly sees as the risks regarding information security in companies?

[13:44] Christopher explains how ransomware works, and how it impacts companies.

[19:52] What are some things that small business owners can do to improve their information security?

[26:38] What is Christopher's response to people who think they don't need information security because they operate in "the cloud"?

[31:21] Christopher and John discuss how technology is making life easier at the same time that it is creating more complexity.

[36:18] One of the use cases for blockchain technology could be in the healthcare industry. John explains further.

[38:46] Christopher shares some insight on third-party vendor due diligence.

[42:33] Many companies need an overarching strategy that's based on risk in the real world when it comes to information security.

[50:19] Who is Christopher's ideal client?

[53:33] Get in touch with Christopher via Gillware, or send him an email to learn more!

Christopher Gerg

Email Christopher Gerg

Gillware

GandCrab ransomware operation says it's shutting down

Bitcoin

Ethereum

VPN

Windows

Linux

Google Authenticator

Authy

FortiGate

SonicWall

Sophos XG Firewall

HIPAA

Amazon Virtual Private Cloud

GDPR

California Consumer Privacy Act

Brent Buchanan is the President & Founder of Cygnal, an award-winning polling and research firm. Brent uses his extensive 11-plus years of experience to help solve critical problems in business and in the political space. Did you know that research can help answer problems like high turnover and actually save you money on tedious split-testing work? It can also help bridge the gap between finding the best clients to work with. On today's episode, Brent dives into what he does, how it can help the average small business owner, and some of the key benefits owners are missing out on by not tackling the data first.

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Brent Buchanan.

[:58] What does Brent do at Cygnal?

[1:20] Is customer research expensive?

[2:15] Decisions are a two-step process and people leave out the first step — gathering information.

[9:25] Back then, gathering customer research was either extremely expensive or incredibly inaccurate. Brent strived to get it right at a price point that made sense.

[12:04] Brent discusses AI and how it helps his business.

[19:53] How many data points does Brent need before he determines something as 'accurate'?

[26:58] Brent explains the types of marketing problems and confirmation biases his company can help solve.

[36:11] Research can help you figure out why you have such high turnover rates.

[38:59] Brent shares an example of certain data points and discoveries that shocked him.

[43:39] By analyzing how your audience is going to react, you can make your split tests much more effective.

[45:41] Everything comes down to it being a communication problem.

[54:14] Afraid to make the leap on a big decision because you don't have the answers? Brent's company can help!

Cygn.al

Brent on LinkedIn

Gallup

Bridgewater

Bob Riley

Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will, by Geoff Colvin

I, Robot

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done In 12 Weeks Than Others Will In 12 Months, by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

Culture Index

Cameron Herold is an internationally acclaimed business coach, speaker, and successful author of  Double Double and Meetings Suck. He has 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, and also runs a unique organization catered to executives in the operations space, the COO Alliance. On this episode, Cameron shares more about the delicate relationship between the CEO and COO in a company, how they work together and support each other, as well as why there was such a need for a platform for COOs to mastermind together. Tune in to find out more about the importance of the second-in-command in the organization, and their role in taking the organization to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Cameron Herold.

[1:24] What is Cameron's background and how did he get to where he is today?

[4:41] Cameron shares more about the role of the second-in-command in a company.

[7:14] The CEO should always have the COO's back. Cameron explains what this means and how this ties in with getting feedback on the entire leadership team.

[13:46] Over time, we remain the same person, but we have to adapt to different situations.

[16:00] The CEO and COO need to work in tandem to improve themselves and grow together.

[18:21] Cameron shares the systemic reason why people are late for meetings, and how to address that problem.

[19:48] How did Cameron recognize the need for a coaching program for COOs?

[23:24] Cameron highlights how CEOs and COOs differ in terms of personality and how that impacts their working relationships.

[28:21] Cameron gives an example of a company where the CEO and COO complement each other.

[31:55] What kind of shock waves can we expect in relation to AI?

[38:46] One of the things Cameron discusses with participants at the COO Alliance is what they can do to move things forward.

[39:11] Find out more about the COO Alliance at the website, or check out some of the content at the Second in Command Podcast.

[41:29] It is important for leadership teams to work together to improve themselves and take the company forward in the right direction.

[43:59] To take your company to the next level, everyone needs not just to cheer on their own team, but also the rest of the leadership team.

Cameron Herold

Books by Cameron Herold

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Vistage

EO EMP

1800-Got-Junk

Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business, by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters

"Monkeys Looking Sideways," by Cameron Herold

Vistage Key Executive Program

COO Alliance

Strategic Coach

Kolbe

Culture Index

Shopify

Second in Command Podcast

Second in Command Podcast Ep. 03 – "Building Shopify with Harley Finkelstein"

Boston Dynamics

Abundance 360

Joe Rogan Podcast

Sheevaun is the Founder and CEO of Energetic Solutions, where she creates miracles in people's lives. When she first started her business 15 years ago, there was hardly anybody else doing anything close to what she was doing in the area of energetics, business, and health. Sheevaun explains how she discovered her unique talents for helping people understand and change their energetics to influence their health and businesses, and how she built a business around it. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Sheevaun Moran.

[:53] What does Sheevaun do?

[2:58] How quickly do people start revealing their vulnerabilities and idiosyncrasies after Sheevaun's introduction?

[4:08] The word 'miracle' helps people get past their logical brain and jump right into what it is they want.

[5:30] Sheevaun shares a little more about her journey to where she is today.

[10:08] How did Sheevaun heal herself from her sickness?

[13:40] How is energy related to health and business?

[15:58] Sheevaun explains more about flow states and a personal anecdote.

[19:54] Business is supposed to be factual but there is also an aspect of energy to it.

[20:49] Sheevaun and John talk through an example of a problem John faces in his business.

[26:51] How does Sheevaun help people understand the energy that they have, that they give off, and the impact that it has on others?

[31:24] It is easier to change someone's energetics than it is to change their behavior.

[32:21] John and Sheevaun discuss the conflict between Sheevaun's beginnings as a coder and how she deals with energy today.

[35:38] Find out more about Sheevaun and the work that she does by visiting her website, Energetic Solutions or Energy Mastery.

[37:24] What are some patterns Sheevaun has seen in her 15 years of experience?

Sheevaun Moran, Energetic Solutions

Energy Mastery

Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson

Books by Sheevaun Moran

Arlene Cogen is the founder of Arlene Cogen Consulting. She calls herself a Philanthropic Leadership Consultant who specializes in comprehensive financial planning to help people take care of their personal goals, financial goals, and create a legacy. She is a Certified Financial Planner and uses her 20 years of experience in the trust and investment world and nine years of experience with nonprofits to help families give charitable gifts they never imagined. Arlene and John discuss some of the benefits and shortcomings of the various tools available to people who want to make a difference in the world, community, and causes they care about. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Arlene Cogen.

[1:17] What does Arlene do?

[4:29] How does Arlene introduce the conversation about making charitable contributions when they're afraid they're going to run out of money?

[9:03] John shares an anecdote of some of the immediate benefits of charitable acts.

[11:43] Arlene has a few stories to share of how she has helped people.

[15:36] What are some of the tax benefits of the donor-advised fund, and why might someone be interested in one?

[21:30] John and Arlene discuss some of the limitations and downfalls of donor-advised funds.

[26:00] What's the difference between setting up a foundation and a donor-advised fund?

[29:06] Arlene explains what the charitable remainder trust is. how it works, and how it differs from a charitable lead trust.

[34:47] What are some of Arlene's strategies for people to make a charitable gift they never imagined?

[37:10] Arlene shares a lesson she has learned about leading by example.

[40:10] Why is it important to engage in making charitable contributions as a family?

[43:26] Check out Arlene's book, Give to Live: Make a Charitable Gift You Never Imagined.

[45:37] John gives a shout out to Janet White Speakers Agency.

Arlene Cogen

Oregon Community Foundation

Give to Live: Make a Charitable Gift You Never Imagined, by Arlene Cogen

JW Speakers Agency

Grant Aldrich is the Founder and CEO of OnlineDegree.com, a company that has made it its mission to make higher education affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly working adults. Grant shares more about what prompted him to create his company and how he managed to create so much traction to get over 1,400 colleges involved, as well as some of the challenges he has faced and overcome in this journey. John and Grant also explore the economic model behind the business and how Grant is able to keep the platform 100% free for students. Tune in to find out more about how Grand is helping to fix the very broken education system.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Grant.

[:53] John and Grant discuss the broken education system.

[2:18] What were some of Grant's successes and failures in business?

[11:33] Grant shares more about his personality and compulsion to build.

[15:19] How did Grant get into the online education industry?

[17:32] Grant decided to tackle the issue, not of teaching people things, but of getting people a degree. He explains more about his thought processes toward this.

[19:30] What are some of the challenges that Grant has had to overcome?

[26:09] Grant explains the process of creating pathways for students to various universities.

[27:46] What's the economic model behind this business?

[34:20] Grant shares more about what it was like entering the industry as an outsider and having to start from scratch.

[36:07] How does Grant fund his business?

[40:15] How does Grant deal with the problem of a student taking classes for a certain university but then not getting accepted by them?

[43:18] John and Grant discuss the dynamic that both universities and students don't care for the initial 101 classes that are mandatory.

[46:03] How long has OnlineDegree.com been in operation and how it is progressing?

[52:04] Grant shares a personal anecdote of his own experience with college and how that led to the genesis of OnlineDegree.com.

[54:49] What are some of the challenges Grant still faces in this industry?

[58:07] Check out OnlineDegree.com and share the information about Grant's work.

Grant Aldrich on LinkedIn

OnlineDegree.com

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Vistage

Jordan Peterson

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, by Jordan B. Peterson

Singularity University

Colorado State 

Evan Rapoport is the CEO of SMArtX Advisory Solutions, an independent-of-custodian platform that provides clients with real-time data to make instant decisions. He and his company have revolutionized the space to bring products and services that were previously only available to the uber-rich to everybody in a more transparent, cost-effective, and secure way. Evan and John dive into some of the shortcomings of some of the existing technology and platforms in this space, and how SMArtX has used technology to expand into the Turnkey Asset Management Program (TAMP) space. Tune in to find out more about how Evan and his company are turning the industry around.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Evan Rapoport.

[1:26] How did Evan get into his business today?

[7:32] What role does SMArtX play in the industry today?

[10:34] Evan shares more about the partnership with SS&C Advent.

[11:55] Evan explains the role of SMArtX within the TAMP space.

[16:25] What has the evolution of the business been like?

[20:52] John shares some of his observations for the marketplace and how SMArtX allows its clients to be creative in building their portfolios.

[24:24] What are some of the benefits of working with SMArtX?

[29:30] John highlights that SMArtX is a technology firm that uses its own technology.

[32:28] Most great innovation comes from outside the industry.

[35:12] John and Evan discuss Black Diamond and its role in the success of SMArtX.

[40:13] Evan leaves us with some final thoughts.

Evan Rapoport

SMArtX

HedgeCoVest, SMArtX Advisory

HedgeCo.net

SS&C Advent

Black Diamond Platform

Envestnet

Vestmark

Adhesion Wealth Advisor Solutions, Inc.

Quovo

Michael Rozbruch is the Founder of the Tax and Business Solutions Academy and is a CPA who specializes in the tax resolution market. He discovered his niche in this industry after being fired from his corporate job and built his business in tax resolution from the ground up to a multi-million dollar company through marketing and sales. Today, he teaches other professionals in the accounting industry not just about tax resolution, but also how to market themselves and run a successful business. Michael shares his insights on the industry, the need for marketing and focusing on a niche, and other lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Michael Rozbruch.

[:55] How did Michael get into the business of tax resolution?

[6:29] Most accounting type products are products themselves, rather than teaching you how to make the sale.

[9:08] Most CPAs are terrible business people.

[12:22] Michael shares his biggest takeaway from figuring out his marketing.

[16:50] Why did Michael decide to create the Tax & Business Solutions Academy?

[19:55] John and Michael discuss why people fear competition without considering the size of the market.

[23:36] How can people create authority for themselves?

[24:44] What was Michael's experience with packaging his service and getting it out to the marketplace?

[30:03] What services does the Academy provide?

[32:56] Michael has taken the opposite route of many info-marketers.

[34:27] Michael and John discuss why it's important for professionals in the accounting industry to lead with the result, not the product.

[38:56] What's next for Michael?

[44:51] John makes a prediction for the future of the industry.

[50:34] Find out more about Michael and his work at his website or on YouTube for some free training.

Michael Rozbruch, Tax & Business Solutions Academy

Tax Resolution Domination System and Toolkit

Strategic Coach

Michael Rozbruch's Tax and Business Solutions Academy on YouTube

Premiere Networks

GKIC

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

H&R Block

TurboTax

Intuit

Drake Software

Ilise Benun is the founder of Marketing Mentor and uses her 30 years of experience to help creative people and independent professionals market themselves to get the clients they want and grow their business. She busts some myths about marketing and explains why marketing is really about creating and cultivating relationships with the right kind of clients. She also shares why she thinks people go about marketing themselves backward and how to deal with the frustration of a prospect that's "ignoring" you. Tune in to find out more from the Marketing Mentor, and find out what the three marketing tools are that will help you succeed.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Ilise Benun.

[:57] What does Ilise do?

[1:28] Ilise's clients aren't necessarily all from the "creative" industry.

[4:43] Ilise explains more about what she does.

[7:08] How does Ilise help people bring their marketing efforts forward and update their strategies to suit the times?

[8:18] Ilise makes a distinction between content creation vs. interacting with actual prospects.

[10:01] How did Ilise get into the work that she does? She shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey.

[14:43] The myth about marketing is that it's about bragging. The reality is that if you can share information about what you know that they don't, then they come hungry to know how you can help them.

[15:22] Ilise helps business owners figure out who to market to, and how to do it.

[16:35] John and Ilise discuss her approach to cultivating clients.

[18:59] What's frustrating for a lot of business owners is the silence of not hearing back from a potential client. Ilise explains how she helps her clients manage that.

[23:03] How does Ilise eliminate prospects who aren't a fit for her?

[25:17] What's Ilise's process with her clients?

[27:38] John and Ilise dive into the nuances of commercial art vs. fine art (B2B vs B2C).

[34:22] John shares a personal anecdote of his client who is an artist.

[37:34] Ilise explains why she thinks most people are doing marketing backward.

[39:29] What are the three marketing tools Ilise recommends for creative professionals?

[43:03] Get in touch with Ilise via her website.

Ilise Benun, Marketing Mentor

Free 30 Min Session with Ilise Benun

Simplest Marketing Planner

National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals

"Am I Ignoring Her?" by Ilise Benun

Abstract: The Art of Design, on Netflix

Kalika Antao