The Financial Gravity Podcast

Tomas Keenan is the co-founder and CEO of Top Class Installations, company that installs GPS tracking telematics units and dash cameras in commercial fleet vehicles, helping companies become more efficient. They are a third-party subcontractor that chooses from the very best products the market has to offer and offers installation and servicing functions to an organization to "track and view" their vehicles. Tomas explains more about the applications of what he does, as well as the potential for growth in this space as technology develops further. John and Tomas discuss the future of automated vehicles, and how he plans to capitalize on the increasing need and demand for telematics services. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

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

[1:15] What does Tomas do?

[1:54] What are some of the applications of what Tomas does?

[4:28] 5G is the next game changer. Why is it going to have such an impact on Tomas's business?

[8:25] Are there any new markets opening up in this 'tracking and viewing' industry that don't exist now?

[10:42] Tomas shares how his business started out, and what it has evolved into.

[13:55] Tomas and John discuss the idea that he is helping bring autonomous vehicles to market faster.

[17:44] Tomas' business has the potential for growth in the after-market sector as well.

[19:57] How has Tomas's business grown and evolved over the years?

[22:22] How does Tomas plan to expand his business as a greater need and demand for his product and services emerges?

[25:48] Tomas does both installations and service work in his business.

[29:40] Tomas shares some of the biggest and most difficult lessons he learned from starting his first business.

[31:36] What is Tomas's objective for listeners?

[36:14] Tomas has a new book out, Unf*ck Your Business.

[38:08] Get in touch with Tomas if you're looking for a new business to get into!

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Tomas Keenan

Tomas Keenan on Facebook

Tomas Keenan on LinkedIn

Tomas Keenan on Instagram

Unf*ck Your Business, by Tomas Keenan

Top Class Installations

Abundance 360

Mobileye

Tesla Automated Vehicle — Autopilot

Nick Raithel is the founder of 7-Hour Book, a company that focuses on helping business people to build their authority and get their message out to their audience by publishing their own book in just seven hours. He explains more about how he came up with his business idea for the 7-hour Book, and his key takeaways from his entrepreneurial journey. Nick also recently started a new business venture in the real estate investing space, and he explains what prompted his move to a completely new industry as well as his thoughts on the opportunities that exist, both in real estate and in other areas. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Nick Raithel.

[1:14] How did Nick get into the space that he's in?

[3:36] How did Nick get into the real estate niche in terms of helping people become authors?

[4:48] Nick and John discuss how he stumbled into the real estate business for himself.

[7:17] Nick explains more about the 7-hour book concept.

[8:40] How does Nick ensure that his process accurately captures his client's voice and message?

[11:40] What role does Nick play in the other aspects of publishing a book?

[12:41] What has Nick's experience been with tangible books vs. e-books?

[13:44] Why do people form such an attachment to books?

[15:03] John shares a personal anecdote about his first book.

[15:47] How did Nick get into the book space?

[17:37] Writing a book forces you to crystallize your thoughts about what you're doing.

[19:41] How did Nick's real estate business evolve?

[21:40] Starting a business as a side hustle is difficult because it takes up a lot of time, energy and money. Nick and John share their experience on that front.

[27:26] In starting a business, it is important to have mentors and people who have already walked the path you're pursuing.

[29:03] What is Nick's real estate lane?

[30:35] Nick and John dive into the profit margins of flipping houses and other real estate transactions.

[35:53] How is Nick managing the financial part of his business with regard to meeting with banks?

[37:10] When it comes to financing, crowdfunding has emerged as a very viable way to raise money.

[41:18] There are opportunities that exist that nobody is looking at yet.

[46:17] Find out more about Nick and the work that he does on his websites and check out his podcast as well.

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Nick Raithel — The 7-Hour Book

Nick Raithel's Podcast — 7 Rules for Real Estate Investing

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World, by Gary Vaynerchuk

Upwork

Crushing It: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence—and How You Can, Too, by Gary Vaynerchuk

Wine Library.tv

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 88: "John Matheson — Revolutionizing the Commercial Loan Process"

Kickstarter

Crowdstreet

Abundance 360

Tiffany Toombs is the Founder and Director of Blue Lotus, a company dedicated to helping people overcome their limiting beliefs that hold them back, and author of the book Stop Being a Selfish Bitch. She helps people stop self-sabotaging and gives them the tools to rewire their brains and live their best life. On this episode, she explains more about why people engage in such self-destructive behavior and how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help people frame their experiences differently and push past their own limiting beliefs. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

[:18] John introduces his guest for this episode — Tiffany Toombs

[1:14] Where did the name Blue Lotus come from?

[3:01] What kind of approach does Tiffany adopt — therapeutic or coaching?

[4:06] John shares a personal anecdote of when his COO had to stage an intervention to help him stop engaging in destructive behavior. Tiffany explains how this is quite a common occurrence.

[9:16] One of the things that hold us back in life is our identities.

[13:34] Focus on the activities that make you happy.

[15:19] John gives a shout out to SmartVault.

[17:24] What is NLP and why should people know about it?

[20:39] Instead of treating the symptom, Tiffany aims to address the root cause and core problem that results in the symptoms.

[21:57] Tiffany explains a little more about "rewiring" the brain — it's all about perception, particularly of failure.

[27:15] Tiffany's company, Blue Lotus Mind, covers a wide array of topics.

[28:34] Tiffany's book is titled How to Stop Being a Selfish Bitch. She explains more about the inspiration behind it.

[32:36] John and Tiffany discuss the word 'selfish' and how it ties in with living your best life.

[39:02] Societal norms don't always reflect what reality should be.

[42:04] Get your copy of Tiffany's book on Amazon and check out her work by visiting her website.

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Tiffany Toombs on LinkedIn

Blue Lotus

Stop Being a Selfish Bitch: A Comprehensive Guide to Living Your Best Life Through Radical Self-Love, by Tiffany Toombs

Strategic Coach

Strengths Finder

NLP

NO EGO: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement and Drive Big Results, by Cy Wakeman

Strategic Coach — The Experience Transforme

Ed Lyon is the Chief Tax Strategist for Financial Gravity who has been working with CPAs and EAs for 15 years. On this episode, he joins John to discuss some of the critical problems in the accounting industry and how technology is disrupting it and bringing about changes that both accountants and small business owners need to be prepared for. Ed sheds light on what accountants need to do to keep up with the changes, how they can adapt their businesses to stay ahead of the curve and how these changes will ultimately benefit them. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

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

[2:02] What are some of the global problems in the accounting industry?

[5:16] John shares an analogy of how technology has disrupted the transportation industry, and how that relates to the accounting industry.

[10:53] John and Ed discuss some of the problems that arise as a result of small business owners doing their own accounting.

[14:21] Ed explains more about the problem that Financial Gravity solves for small business owners and the opportunity that the Tax Master Network creates for accountants.

[17:55] What are some of the challenges in the accounting industry?

[26:58] What can accountants do that clients want, now that technology is eliminating or simplifying many parts of an accountant's job?

[29:11] How can accountants make the shift from providing basic "numbers-in-boxes" services to value-added planning services? Ed explains with a pick-up truck analogy.

[34:32] Businesses do not stay the same over time. How can accountants help business owners adapt to these changes?

[40:56] John predicts that manual tax filing will be phased out in the next few years.

[44:00] John shares more about his special ability to stay ahead of the curve and live in the future.

[47:22] How will small business owners and accountants benefit from the changes in the system that are happening?

[52:14] Ed explains how the Tax Operating System helps accountants serve their clients better by providing a road map for managing the different processes in play.

[1:00:45] Accountants and small business owners should be leveraging the laws in place to save as much as they can on taxes.

[1:05:45] If you're an accountant, get on board with Financial Gravity to help save your clients money on taxes.

[1:10:55] For CPAs interested in offering the Tax Blueprints, join the Tax Master Network to find out more.

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year.)

Ed Lyon

Tax Master Network

Quickbooks

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 42: "Jason Kos — Growth Through Human Analytics"

Dan Sullivan, Strategic Coach

iPhone

ScreenTime App

Snapchat

Sidney Clevinger is the CEO of Fritz Advertising Agency, a digital marketing and digital advertising agency that helps people with generating leads online through social media and other online avenues and also teaches people how to convert leads into closed sales. It is a resource-driven company that focuses on tried-and-tested systems, scripts, and training around closing leads to get results. ey shares some of his insights about the importance of knowing and advertising to your ideal client and why media plays such a critical role in generating leads and closing sales. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

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

[:58] Who is Sidney and what does he do?

[2:03] Sidney explains the rationale behind why he teaches people not only how to get leads but also how to close them.

[4:03] How does Sidney help people generate and close leads?

[4:48] What sets Sidney apart from the rest of his competition? He explains more about his Unique Selling Proposition.

[8:00] Sidney shares an example of how he helps his clients with the different parts of the sales cycle.

[11:10] Sidney elaborates on the importance of knowing your ideal client and how brand identity and direct response marketing tie into it.

[15:15] John and Sidney discuss why repeat customers are crucial, particularly to small businesses, and how to retain customers to turn them into repeat customers. Sidney also explains with some real-life examples.

[22:35] Set yourself up with an opportunity in a targeted and rich market by expanding your offerings to clients who have already bought into your initial offering.

[25:39] What is the success ladder? John and Sidney talk through some examples.

[29:23] Who are most of Sidney's clients?

[30:41] What are some emerging trends Sidney sees regarding media and the different platforms available?

[33:53] Facebook is a powerful tool when it comes to targeting your ideal client and moving them to take action.

[40:19] Technology has made it cheaper than ever before to target people and advertise to them but most people do need experts to help them with the complexities of these areas.

[42:14] Get Sidney's eBook How to Generate Highly Qualified Leads on Facebook for Free to learn more about his strategies for generating and closing leads.

[44:46] What tools and technology does Sidney use?

[49:18] John and Sidney discuss the misconception that if you give something away for free, then people are not going to need to pay you to do it.

[54:57] Get in touch with Sidney via Facebook with any questions you may have.

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Sidney Clevinger on LinkedIn

Fritz Advertising Agency

Ice to the Eskimos: How to Market a Product Nobody Wants, by Jon Spoelstra

Documentary — The Creepy Line

Grant Cardone

The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies, by Chet Holmes

How to Generate Highly Qualified Leads on Facebook for Free, by Sidney Clevinger

ClickFunnels

Leadpages

Lead Ads Form

Infusionsoft

ActiveCampaign

PhoneSites

PipeDrive

Trello

MailChimp

Constant Contact

Microsoft Dynamics

Kajabi

HubSpot

Tim Bornholdt is the co-founder of the Jed Mahonis Group, a company that works with businesses and startups to build mobile apps. The team focuses on everything around mobile apps — strategy, design, development, deploying and shipping it out to consumers. Tim and John discuss the importance of identifying the right client for your business, and why validating an idea is crucial to success. Tim also highlights how his company has helped various businesses generate more revenue and improve customer experience through an app, and what rookie mistakes to avoid if you're thinking about launching an app for your business. Tune in to find out more.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] Who is Tim Bornholdt and what does he do?

[:53] How did Tim get into building mobile apps?

[2:07] How did Tim go from idea to execution?

[4:28] Tim unpacks what it means to validate an idea.

[5:50] Tim and his partner ended up switching their roles in the business. How did that happen?

[9:25] How has Tim managed to identify and cater to "the right client" in his business?

[13:20] John and Tim discuss the difference between an achievement entrepreneur and a lifestyle entrepreneur and how to work with people.

[17:53] John shares a personal anecdote of firing a client.

[20:16] What is Tim's process for helping clients determine if they need an app and what they need the app to do?

[22:19] How does Tim determine if the app that his client asks for is the app that their customers want?

[25:31] John and Tim discuss the Great Clips App as a case study.

[30:52] How does Tim curate new ideas and improve on the apps that he creates?

[33:05] John gives a shout out to his sponsor, SmartVault.

[34:27] How does Tim deal with bad reviews on apps?

[39:32] Tim shares how he helped the Great Clips App collect good reviews.

[43:25] Get in touch with Tim to find out more about how he can help your company create a customized mobile app.

[44:43] Tim highlights some of the apps he has created for some smaller companies.

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Tim Bornholdt

Jed Mahonis Group

Great Clips App

Kevin Kelly — 1000 True Fans

Abundance 360

Trello

Review Fire

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 105: "Bill Hogsett — Take Control of Your Reviews"

Kwikly

Damion Lupo is the Founder and CEO of Total Control Financial, where he teaches people to tap into their 401(k) and IRA to give them more options and control over their retirement funds. He has owned multiple businesses, been involved in real estate and insurance, and now works on helping people make better financial decisions. John and Damion dive into many topics relating to financial planning, from the different strategies to the importance of understanding the differences between various financial products. Tune in to find out more about playing to your strengths and collaborating on your weaknesses!

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Damion Lupo.

[2:29] John and Damion discuss the importance of playing to your strengths, rather than trying to improve your weaknesses. That's why you need a team around you.

[4:32] Damion highlights why trusting the right people is important.

[5:08] John gives a shout out to the sponsor, SmartVault.

[6:14] Who is Damion and what does he do?

[6:47] Some of what Damion is doing is contrary to Tom Wheelright's strategies. Damion explains perspective on some of his strategies.

[10:43] Damion explains why it's so important to understand what someone is trying to sell and how to use that to your advantage.

[13:50] John and Damion talk through a specific example of a strategy you can employ and how it relates to tax strategy.

[17:41] Damion has niched down on how to use certain assets.

[22:24] How has Damion solved for the fact that consumers don't really understand the difference between different financial products?

[23:43] Damion and John discuss how they deal with operating in the clients' best interests.

[27:53] You may have to pay a big premium for being cheap — it is expensive to be cheap.

[31:59] Damion shares a personal anecdote about a friend of his.

[33:08] People don't make decisions based on math, but based on shortcuts.

[38:20] How can people find someone like Damion to help them with their finances?

[40:11] Damion highlights a "hack" — having a team.

[44:55] Get in touch with Damion via his website to find out more about how he helps people with their finances.

[46:42] Damion shares some final thoughts with an anecdote from his experience.

Damion Lupo

SmartVault (Use Discount Code "TaxMasterNetwork" to save 15% for the entire first year)

Tom Wheelwright

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 028: "Tom Wheelwright — Reducing Taxes is Your Moral Obligation"

Tax-Free Wealth, by Tom Wheelwright

Freedom Founders dentists

QRP and eQRP

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini

Strategic Coach

Gary Keller

Peter Diamandis

Tim Ferriss

William "Bill" Hogsett is the CEO and Customer Experience Officer at Review Fire, a company that aims to help clients get feedback that they can use to improve their business, from real customers that matter. In a time when people are using social media as a bludgeon against companies they aren't satisfied with, how can businesses counter bad reviews posted online? Bill's product allows clients not only to get good feedback from customers but also to improve their business based on these reviews. He explains his inspiration behind launching Review Fire, and why having reviews can be a real game changer for many businesses. Tune in to find out more about how to harness the power of reviews!

Key Takeaways:

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

[1:47] Bill explains the premise of his business.

[2:43] How did Bill identify this problem that led him to start his business?

[5:49] Bill shares some fascinating statistics about the reviews accountants get.

[8:45] Bill highlights the key advantages of having more reviews.

[11:48] How does Bill's company help clients get feedback to improve their business?

[13:34] Reviews help clients deal with expectations.

[16:16] What was Bill's process in designing and creating his product, and what were some factors he took into consideration?

[22:46] Employees aren't a good source of feedback to improve your business, happy customers are.

[23:57] Bill walks us through some other key points of his product that allow business owners to customize their client experience in getting feedback.

[25:01] Bill and John discuss the impact that negative reviews have on people's perceptions.

[27:54] Review Fire also allows business owners to share great reviews on Facebook.

[28:40] Can business owners only choose to highlight positive reviews?

[31:58] John and Bill dive into the technology behind the platform that makes it reliable and trustworthy, and how clients can automate the process of gathering feedback.

[35:36] Bill explains how his technology helps clients from an internal standpoint, using John's company as an example.

[39:38] Bill compares how his product fares against his biggest competitors.

[42:09] What are John's thoughts on the Net Promoter Score?

[46:41] Bill shares his thoughts on his ideas for John's business and how Review Fire can help.

[47:49] Get in touch with Bill and find out more about Review Fire at his website.

Bill Hogsett on LinkedIn

Review Fire

Call Review Fire — +1 972-362-1231

Email Review Fire

Driver's Edge

Microsoft Dynamics

SurveyMonkey

Infusionsoft

MailChimp

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 25: "Kevin Hodes — Referrals Can Build a Business!"

Net Promoter Score

Vikram Rajan is one of the co-founders of Phone Blogger, a company that markets to accountants and attorneys.  He helps busy professionals create content that can be published to social media platforms and emailed to clients and prospects as a newsletter — all through short phone interviews. Vikram shares more about his business model and what makes it so appealing to his target audience, as well as why his strategy helps his clients build and grow their businesses through word-of-mouth referrals. Tune in to find out why you too should be repurposing your content, and just how you can do it!

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Vikram Rajam.

[3:59] What does Vikram do?

[4:56] Vikram's business is all about bringing the system of referrals and social media together.

[8:51] What's Vikram's process with clients to bring the content produced to the wider audience?

[12:24] John recommends a resource for Vikram to check out.

[14:03] John and Vikram discuss the importance of differentiation, particularly among CPAs, and Vikram elaborates with an example from Wheel of Fortune.

[19:40] What people want from accountants isn't the service that they provide. John speaks to the need for entrepreneurial accountants who are focusing on making the highest best use of their time.

[22:50] How long does it take for Vikram and his team to nail down a client's 'voice'?

[28:05] There's a fine balance between being personable and being professional. It is important to temper the two because, at the end of the day, it's people relating to people.

[30:57] Vikram recommends that his clients keep an idea bank for blog articles.

[34:12] Vikram shares a trick he has for clients — turn long answers you write in response to a client's question into a blog post.

[37:41] All content that is created should be reused — you can monetize a piece of content multiple times. There are so many opportunities to repurpose content. John and Vikram discuss the examples from WWE, Disney, and Netflix.

[44:34] Vikram and John discuss the Facebook acquisition of Instagram, as well as the algorithms behinds Facebook ads.

[51:16] Get in touch with Vikram via email or social media.

Phone Blogger

Vikram Rajan on LinkedIn

Vikram Rajan on Facebook

Email Vikram Rajan

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 83: "Deconstructing Digital Marketing with Paul Slack"

Peter Diamandis

Vyral Marketing

The Entrepreneurial Accountants Facebook Group

A Way with Words Podcast

Blog Brainstormer

WWE

Disney Business Model — Google Search

The Toys that Made Us on Netflix

Mark Willis is a Certified Financial Planner with Lake Growth Financial Services, a full financial firm specializing in the Bank on Yourself concept. Mark explains more about what a Certified Financial Planner does that differ from typical insurance agents, and how the Bank on Yourself concept works to give policy owners financial security by helping them grow their money in a safe and predictable way, while also acting as a source of their own financing. He breaks down the different aspects of this concept and highlights some key pitfalls to be aware of. Tune in to find out more!

Key Takeaways:

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

[2:21] What is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

[9:00] What does Mark do?

[12:23] How does the Bank on Yourself concept work, and why would someone buy it?

[18:43] Bank on Yourself gives people access to capital in a way that makes them become, in essence, their own banker. Mark explains further.

[20:44] Mark illustrates how the banking portion of the concept works in terms of withdrawing money from the policy as a loan.

[28:17] The problems with this policy come up in the insurance aspect of it.

[30:02] The design of the policy is key to reducing the commissions.

[32:59] How does this policy compare to and differ from other types of policies?

[37:50] John and Mark discuss the phenomenon of market chasing.

[40:43] John highlights how Infinite Banking differs from the Bank on Yourself concept.

[44:01] The Bank on Yourself system ensures its agents and advisors go through rigorous training before speaking with clients.

[44:37] What are some elements you should consider before getting on board with the Bank on Yourself system?

[47:36] Who is not a good candidate for this policy?

[49:26] If you're interested in finding out more about Bank on Yourself, get in touch with Mark!

Mark Willis on LinkedIn

Lake Growth Financial Services

Mark Willis' Calendar — Schedule a Meeting

Not Your Average Financial Podcast

How to be an Amazon Legend and Fire Your Banker!, by Danny Stock and Mark Willis

Bank on Yourself