The Financial Gravity Podcast

Josh Elledge runs a website called SavingsAngel, and a podcast of the same name, both of which focus on helping you get the most bang for your buck, and maximizing how far your dollar goes. He also runs an “anti-PR” firm called upendPR that helps business owners grow their business through smart strategies. In this episode, tune in as Josh joins John to discuss two important (and interrelated) topics — savings, and PR. Whether you’re a consumer, or a small business owner, Josh definitely has some great tips that will benefit you!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John welcomes his guest for this episode — Josh Elledge

[:58] What does Josh do? What are his objectives?

[2:40] Josh talks about how he got into this business of not necessarily saving money, but getting more for the same amount of money.

[5:59] Expressing your frustration is okay, but do not blame the person you’re working with!

[6:55] Treat the problem as a separate entity from the person you’re dealing with. It’s about getting the person you're talking to on your side, rather than against you!

[8:28] There are times when you do need to fight, and take charge so that you’re not being bullies.

[11:59] How did Josh’s website and podcast come about, and how does he generate income?

[17:15] Josh started something like an anti-PR firm — it’s not about the impressions or clicks that you have, but the ROI.

[20:45] There are lots of things that you can do to generate media, but it doesn’t necessarily mean conversion.

[21:34] You can outsource your PR to an extent, but representing your brand and acting as a publicist is something that is best done from within the company.

[23:28] How do some of the things Josh teaches on the consumer side, work on the business side? Hint: It’s all based on relationships.

[27:53] John shares a personal story of how wanting to build a relationship led to more business than trying to sell a product.

[31:00] Josh is an advocate for surrounding yourself with experts, and being willing to pay fair money for that. It’s an investment that you’re making in your business.

[33:45] At some point, you have to pay a little bit so that you can elevate. Don’t be penny wise, pound foolish!

[35:05] What are some of Josh’s saving strategies? He shares his strategy to getting upgraded in hotels almost 100% of the time!

[45:26] Josh shares some other tips about getting the most bang for your buck and while increasing your negotiating power as well!

[48:19] Josh does a lot of media training with his company upend PR, and the great news is that being likable on TV is a skill set that you can improve!

[50:34] Check out Josh’s sites upend PR and SavingsAngel.com, to take advantage of the great resources he has!

[52:34] Josh has a $99 course about Twitter that he’s offering listeners for FREE! Check it out at upendpr.com/gravity!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

SavingsAngel.com

The SavingsAngel Podcast with Josh Elledge

The Like Switch, by Nick Schafer and Marvin Karlins

upendPR

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 13: Nick Nanton — Celebrity Branding Agency

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 32: John Jantsch — SEO for Growth

Hotwire

Priceline

Better Bidding

Southwest Airlines

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 15: Michael Port - Heroic Public Speaking

upendPR on Twitter

Free Course worth $99, by Josh Elledge at upendPR

Josh Elledge on Twitter

Jason Kos is a consultant for Culture Index, which is a tool used by Financial Gravity and many other companies, to determine if an individual is a good fit for a company. Culture Index has a unique offering, in that it works with visionary entrepreneurs to grow their business through human analytics, and has consistently delivered on its promises of finding the best candidate for a position. Tune in to this episode, as Jason shares his insights into reading people using the technology that Culture Index has developed, and how it can be used to help you find your ideal employees!

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Jason Kos.

[1:08] Where did the science behind Culture Index come from? Jason talks us through the history of personality evaluation tools that gave rise to DISC.

[4:03] Because DISC wasn't copyrighted, many companies started using it to their benefit in the HR domain. Culture Index is different in that it works with visionary entrepreneurs to grow their top- and bottom-line though human analytics.

[7:07] Culture Index helps to determine what the “ideal” looks like from a work allocation standpoint, before efficiently ranking candidates for the role, making the process much more efficient.

[9:17] John pitches in with his own experience using Culture Index in his company.

[11:05] What are the 7 things that Culture Index measures?

[16:19] The Culture Index evaluation of a person gives the company a common language to deal with different personality types.

[17:32] Jason deconstructs John’s personality traits, based on his Culture Index profile.

[24:30] Jason delves into what he would focus on when working with John.

[27:32] In the last 20 years, John has observed a shift in perception from “work on your weaknesses” to “focus on your strengths.” Now, John has accepted who he is, and works with that information to build a successful team.

[31:02] Get in touch with Jason via email, to take advantage of a complimentary demo account!

[33:33] John highly recommends using Culture Index, even if you’re trying it out with a small leadership team, just to get a better understanding of yourself.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

Email Jason Kos

Jason Kos on LinkedIn

Culture Index

DISC Assessment

John’s Culture Index Profile

A senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, isn’t happy about some of the current loopholes in the tax code, especially those that offer tax credits for selling chicken “litter” to power plants.

Key Takeaways:

[:21] Don’t blame the IRS for tax season, blame Congress.

[:43] Senator Jeff Flake has issued a report called “Tax Rackets” that comes down hard on “outlandish loopholes” in the tax code.

[1:22] Flake is especially hard on a tax incentive for chicken farmers.

[2:15] The power plants that these tax breaks would subsidize aren’t very popular amongst taxpayers, either.

[2:56] The developers of American Dreamland are requesting tax-subsidized municipal bonds to finish a $5 billion mall.

[4:29] Flake says the subsidies he has exposed will cost taxpayers $50 billion over the next decade.

[4:52] Call Financial Gravity when you’re ready to start paying less in taxes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

Kevin van Eekeren has a podcast called the State of Logic podcast in Fulcrum Investing. Kevin is an investor in seed and Series A companies, a farmer, and owns a few other businesses, as well. He started out training police officers and SWAT teams, but has grown from the initial non-profit he started, to running a rock solid investment company. Join Kevin and John on this episode to find out more about Kevin’s journey, the things he’s learned from successful and unsuccessful companies, and what investors are looking out for in companies.

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John welcomes his guest for this episode — Kevin van Eekeren.

[1:21] Who is Kevin and what does he do?

[2:37] Kevin is currently less of an entrepreneur, and more of an investor and a farmer. How did that happen?

[5:13] Where did Kevin’s foresight to go down the path he took come from?

[7:17] How did Kevin make the jump from training SWAT teams to being a farmer?

[9:04] Kevin manages his farm business while still being an investor running Fulcrum Investing.

[10:02] How does Kevin determine if a company is going to be a good investment for his portfolio?

[15:58] Kevin’s team removes emotion from the decision making process of whether to invest, by making their system very clinical.

[17:25] What’s next for Kevin?

[18:10] Is Kevin’s approach to companies he’s investing in more hands on or hands off?

[20:17] Why does Kevin choose to focus his team’s time and energy on the companies that are doing well instead of those who aren’t doing as well and may need help?

[23:20] What are some of the lessons that Kevin has learned from his experience investing in and working with successful and unsuccessful companies?

[26:39] Were there any companies that Kevin thought would fail but that ended up being successful?

[30:07] Investors try to apply as much science as they can to the process of investing, but it’s also an art.

[32:00] Kevin shares his own start up failure and where he went from there.

[36:28] There’s more to be gleaned from the failures than the successes. Kevin talks about his first (and only) investment ever with Fulcrum Investing that failed.

[41:30] What an investor is looking for is also if they can help you take your business further.

[43:07] Check out Kevin’s podcast, The State of Logic, and visit his website at Fulcrum Investing!

[43:24] Kevin highly recommends using the app Headspace, which has been a game changer for him.

[45:44] What kind of companies is Kevin looking for to invest in? If you think you’re going to knock it out of the park, reach out to him!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

State of Logic Podcast

Fulcrum Investing

Rocket Fuel, by Mark Winters

Headspace app

Abundance 360

Mexico’s decision to tax the Catholic Church, and good marketing by the beer industry, are the reasons you celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Key Takeaways:

[:21] Americans love to party, and Cinco de Mayo is a good excuse to do so.

[1:08] In 1862, Mexico could not pay its debts to France.

[2:22] Victory in a small battle against the French is why Cinco de Mayo was originally celebrated in Mexico.

[3:40] How did the beer industry encourage celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the United States?

[3:55] Mexico’s decision to tax the Catholic Church led to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

[4:09] Call Financial Gravity when you’re ready to celebrate paying less in taxes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

Carl Gould runs a company called 7 Stage Advisors, that helps small to medium companies reach the next level. By analysing the DISC of the company, Carl not only helps companies evaluate if their goals are feasible, but also identify their core competencies to allow them to move into other areas of generating revenue they may not have considered. Tune in to this episode to find out more about DISC, Carl’s ingenious use of DISC to help businesses, and how he can help you take your business to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Carl Gould.

[1:01] What is 7 Stage Advisors? How did Carl get to where he is today?

[3:44] What’s the difference between Carl’s system and the other methodologies that are out there?

[6:10] Carl’s system not only looks at if company goals are feasible and provides a reality check for companies, but also looks at the company’s core competencies to identify other areas for generating revenue.

[8:32] Carl’s system helps companies to mine for wealth that they didn’t know was there.

[10:24] Carl’s team is extremely diverse, so whoever is advising their client has in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, the industry they’re working with.

[13:28] John and Carl discuss how accountants are likely to give companies safe advice, rather than giving them advice that can help them grow.

[15:00] Carl gives an example from his personal experience where a company’s cost-cutting measures had the opposite of the intended effect.

[18:22] What is the DISC? How does Carl use it?

[22:24] Carl’s way of using the DISC test is ingenious, and makes use of the results in a way that allows companies to maximize their strengths.

[24:26] What are the different quadrants in DISC?

[28:21] The trick to running a successful business is to have a system that is duplicatable and replicable, so that employees don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time.

[31:40] Carl shares an anecdote of a client of his who was fighting the implementation of technology to create standardized systems.

[34:50] Carl brings up the last quadrant — Controls. This is the language of business.

[39:57] Slow and steady wins the race; slow and steady doing the boring things wins the race.

[42:48] There’s a definite benefit in focusing on making things more practical. Focus on the important things, and the rest will fall into place.

[46:06] Check out Carl’s books — The 7 Stages of Small Business Success and Biz Dev Done Right.

[47:29] Other entrepreneurial operating systems fit within Carl’s system — they're not mutually exclusive, they're complementary!

[50:04] Carl’s company has digitized their consulting model, and the Dashboard system is going to be coming out later this year — keep an eye out for it!

[52:49] What kind of businesses does Carl work with? If you’re a company that is growth-minded and looking to go to the next level, get in touch with Carl via his website!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

Carl Gould

7 Stage Advisors

Scaling Up, by Verne Harnish

EMyth

DISC Assessment

Freedom Founders

Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz

The 7 Stages of Small Business Success, by Carl Gould

Biz Dev Done Right, by Carl Gould

Mick Holly has 30 years of experience delivering consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Seven years ago, he and his partner, Andre Gien, created an elegant solution to provide business owners with numbers that help them run their business. In this episode, Mick talks about how he has made the indecipherable numbers accountants produce every month, into something the average entrepreneur can understand and use, by weaving them into a story! Tune in to learn more about Mick’s simple solution to a problem many entrepreneurs grapple with, and how you too can run your business by the numbers!

Key Takeaways:

[:17] John introduces his guest for this episode — Mick Holly.

[1:41] How did Mick get to the point he’s at now?

[3:00] What exactly does Mick do? He gives us his elevator pitch.

[5:43] Mick has taken the usual, indecipherable numbers that accountants churn out and made them easy to understand for the average entrepreneur, by weaving them into stories.

[11:05] Mick has converted accounting into a story with three main characters and five main chapters — it is a great analogy that anyone can understand, making accounting accessible.

[13:46] Mick uses this technique of distilling accounting jargon when he goes into small businesses, and also uses a program called “Running the business by the numbers” to really understand the concepts.

[15:20] How does Mick monetize his great stories and ways of explaining things?

[18:17] Mick’s programs are an investment small businesses are making to improve, and eventually they will get a higher return on their investment through all the money they save based on Mick’s recommendations.

[19:03] Mick has also devised a course to turn financial advisers, tax advisers, and CPAs into coaches who can deliver the Run Your Business By The Numbers capability by themselves.

[20:49] What are some things that Mick has discovered about taxes and accounting, approaching this industry as an outsider?

[23:21] John believes that professionals in the financial and accounting industry don’t know why they’re producing some of the documents that they’re producing.

[25:15] Mick points out that while we are very careful with our own personal finances, it becomes a mystery when we go into business. There is power in understanding that.

[27:34] Mick explains more about the Treasure Map he produces for his clients.

[33:02] John summarizes Mick’s entire concept.

[34:15] Mick’s program reflects all the decisions made by the business in the prior period. Everything happens in real-time, and it even has a powerful what-if scenario planning capability.

[37:18] Mick’s program really releases entrepreneurial creativity — he illustrates with a simple example.

[39:28] What else does Mick want business owners to know about his program and the courses that he offers?

[41:35] Check out Mick’s webinar (link below) to see how the Treasure Map works!

[43:53] What are some technologies or apps that Mick can’t live without?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

Science of Business Wealth

Treasure Map

Evernote

Email Mick Holly

Dona Frank and Stephen Smith are in the medical marijuana business in California. Controversy about cannabis aside, this industry poses several very unique challenges to business owners, because of the fact that it is legal at a state level, but not at the federal level. In this episode, Dona and Stephen join John to talk about the problems they face with taxes and the IRS, getting permits and licences, state regulations, and a whole lot more. Tune in to find out how they take on these problems, and how to apply some of their tactics to your own business.

Key Takeaways:

[:17] John introduces his guests for this episode — Dona Frank and Stephen Smith.

[1:30] How is the company Natural Cannabis organized?

[3:00] Cannabis has historically been illegal, but now it is legal in 26 states, with California leading the way. It sounds easy to sell a product with high demand, but the reality is much more complicated.

[5:05] The IRS Code 280E poses a lot of problems for Dona's business, in terms of taxes.

[9:13] How does Dona handle online sales in multiple states, and all the additional problems that comes with that?

[10:56] Dona believes that most of her problems with the IRS started when they began gunning for smaller, and odd businesses. She shares her personal experience with the IRS during the time of her company's audit.

[14:30] Business people may be on different sides of the political fence, but they tend to believe in the same things. They are business people first!

[15:46] Dealing with the stigma of running a business centered around marijuana — how does Dona get good employees who are not stoned all the time?

[19:00] The quality of art produced by Dona's clients is staggering. How did she come up with the idea to start a crowd-sourcing event based on art from clients?

[21:40] Dona's idea to take her product and connect it to something bigger than itself is something all business owners can do.

[24:50] Dona also uses the art generated during this process in her marketing materials and uses it to create a giant community.

[27:47] Is the cannabis industry experiencing something similar to the gold rush?

[30:20] John observes that what's likely to happen in the cannabis market in California is something that all business owners have to deal with — every business gets commoditized, and business owners need to figure out how to market their products as being higher value for the higher prices they have to charge.

[31:18] Dona shares some of the advantages she has in her industry, compared to new entrants.

[34:50] The cannabis business is still in its toddler stage, and as it grows, it will give rise to a whole host of new problems.

[37:03] Dona made the decision when she started out to be both a manufacturer and a distributor, but she is being forced by state laws to decide which aspect she wants to continue in.

[41:10] Dona shares a recent situation she faced that highlights the fine line between legality and illegality that business owners in her industry tread.

[44:22] Stephen shares an advantage of operating in a difficult industry.

[46:30] What is Dona's unique ability?

[52:04] What has research shown about cannabis and the different forms and means of cannabis consumption?

[55:10] John, Dona and Stephen discuss the possibility of taking a company like Natural Cannabis public.

[59:36] Check out the Natural Cannabis store if you're in California, but if you're outside the state of California, do check out some of the amazing art that the High Art artists have produced!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 31: “Abundance 360 — Looking to the Future”

Shop Marijuana

Natural Cannabis

High Art

IRS Code 280E

Peter Diamandis’ Abundance 360

The Toyota Way, by Jeffrey Liker

Blue Ocean Strategy, by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand

Elizabeth Marshall is a thought leader strategist and her job is to help influential thought leaders to transform audiences and change the conversation in their fields. She and John were introduced by Michael Port a few years ago, and since then she has helped John see the world in a whole new way. Tune in to hear her insights on how thought leaders can effectively manage social media to ensure a cohesive message across all platforms and how they can harness the power of self-publishing to grow their reach and spread their message.

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Elizabeth Marshall

[1:02] What is a thought leader strategist?

[2:30] Elizabeth has a unique mind. How does she help to shape entrepreneurs, their view of the world, and how they should think about their businesses?

[5:16] John is generally good at global thinking, but not in this particular area, which is how Elizabeth can help — she helps him (and can help you) to see the world differently.

[7:20] Agility is a key requirement to maneuver and manage changing markets. Integration is another — it is important to be able to see across different channels, to ensure your message is cohesive.

[9:19] Many people think there’s a need to be on a variety of social media channels, but that leads to social media fatigue. What does Elizabeth think about reigning in the “need” to be on all social media channels?

[12:40] What works for others may not work for you — be sure to do something that capitalizes on your strengths, and that you’re excited about doing!

[14:41] A lot of people follow methodologies, but you need to follow your heart.

[16:14] When it comes to social media and picking a platform, it’s about understanding the unique expression for each of the elements. Elizabeth shares an anecdote of a client who chose a platform that wasn’t right for him.

[20:04] What are the ten elements to transform your audience and change the conversation in your field?

[22:39] People worry about AI and robots taking over the world, but relationships are not going anywhere.

[24:05] Elizabeth suggests that when it comes to relationships, always remember “rapport before request.”

[25:05] Friends are always good. You never know not only when you might need them, but also, when they might need you.

[26:59] There has been a seismic shift in the book publishing industry in the last few years. How should people approach this shift?

[32:33] John shares his own experiences in publishing his own e-book, and some unconventional routes of publishing some great authors have undertaken.

[35:16] Elizabeth compares publishers to mini VCs — they're looking for authors to invest in, and having a big platform is a good way for them to hedge their bets.

[37:58] Keep in mind that your goal isn’t really to make money on the book — it is a tool to expand your reach and platform.

[39:40] Who is Elizabeth’s ideal client?

[42:09] In order to benefit from Elizabeth’s talents, you need to be dedicated, and committed. You need to be coachable. Elizabeth and John both share their positive and negative experiences in this aspect.

[49:27] It takes time and energy, but it benefits your business to get on this thought leader journey.

[50:15] Follow Elizabeth on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and check out her website!

[50:50] Also check out some of the great people Elizabeth has worked with!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

The Financial Gravity Podcast with John Pollock

Elizabeth Marshall

Elizabeth Marshall on Twitter

Elizabeth Marshall on Facebook

Elizabeth Marshall on LinkedIn

Financial Gravity Episode 15 — Michael Port

Seth Godin

Financial Gravity Episode — Abundance 360

Ten Elements — Thought Leader Platform Diagnostic

Love is the Killer App, by Tim Sanders

Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz

Ron Saharyan

The Coaching Habit, by Michael Bungay Stanier

Platform, by Michael Hyatt

The Entrepreneur Equation, by Carol Roth

Predictable Success, by Les McKeown

The board game Monopoly gained popularity during the Great Depression, but it was actually created decades earlier to promote a certain tax model.

Key Takeaways:

[:17] In 1935 Americans were suffering in the midst of the Great Depression.

[:42] On February 6th, 1935 the Parker Brothers started selling the board game Monopoly.

[:56] Everyone has an opinion about how to best play Monopoly, but few know the game’s true history.

[1:46] What is Georgism, and what does it have to do with property tax and Monopoly?

[2:37] Economists argue that a land value tax is more efficient than income or sales taxes.

[3:13] President Roosevelt did not take the same approach to income tax that Monopoly does.

[4:22] Call Financial Gravity when you are ready to pay less in taxes. Do not pass Go.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity