Dmitri Leonov is the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President at SaneBox, an email management application that helps bring order and sanity to the chaos that is your email inbox. Dmitri and John discuss the various features of SaneBox, such as SaneLater, SaneReminders, the Black Hole and many others. How do these features help you manage your inbox for a stress-free and more productive experience? Tune in to find out! Dmitri also has some great tips and strategies for managing your email, so be sure to listen to this episode to revolutionize how you deal with email!

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Dmitri Leonov.

[:37] John shares his personal experience in dealing with email.

[2:10] What sparked Dmitri’s interest in solving the problem of insane inboxes?

[4:00] How did Dmitri begin to tackle this massive and growing problem?

[6:06] Reprogramming yourself and how you deal with email is part of the process too.

[9:13] What is Dmitri’s response to his naysayers who believe the app doesn’t do anything special?

[12:25] Another feature within SaneBox is the Black Hole. What function does it serve?

[14:55] What is the #1 feature of SaneBox? How does this benefit people who have CRM systems outside of SaneBox?

[21:20] SaneBox helps people manage their email by changing their habits and helping them do it faster. However, it is worth remembering that sometimes things do slip through the cracks, so the human component still matters.

[24:45] What are some other features of SaneBox? Dmitri talks about NoReplies, Snooze, and several others.

[30:28] There are many options, tools, and features available on SaneBox — it is up to you to use whatever fits your workflow.

[34:53] SaneBox’s algorithms are essentially AI. John and Dmitri discuss the importance of AI, data, and security in this space.

[38:10] What are some strategies Dmitri has for people to manage their inboxes better?

[44:22] Dmitri has a final, important takeaway and advice about managing your email.

[48:30] Get access to Dmitri’s free course about email management via Inbox Zero Academy and sign up for SaneBox to bring sanity to your inbox! Also, get a copy of his eBook 25 Email Tricks.

Mentioned in This Episode:

SaneBox

Inbox Zero Academy (Free Course)

How to Outsmart Your Inbox: 5 Email Tricks for Busy Professionals, by Dmitri Leonov

The Art of Charm Podcast

Hans Finzel is a leadership expert who runs an international non-profit organization with about 650 employees scattered across the world. He has years of experience in the field of leadership, and has written extensively on the topic. On this episode, Hans and John discuss his latest book, The Top 10 Ways to Be a Great Leader. Tune in to find out more about the 10 key leadership principles any leader needs to ensure his success.

Key Takeaways:

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

[1:27] What does Hans do?

[3:52] Hans and John discuss the importance and intricacies of delegation.

[5:12] What makes a great leader?

[8:00] Is leadership more of an art or a science?

[10:23] Hans shares another insight he gained from his interaction with Mother Teresa.

[11:55] The first leadership principle is listen and learn. Why is it tough for busy leaders to listen?

[15:10] The second principle of leadership is E.Q. Hans explains why E.Q. is much more important than I.Q.

[19:40] The ‘A’ in leadership stands for Accessibility. Hans talks about what that means, especially when it comes to dealing with the millennial generation.

[22:40] Another principle in leadership is the servant attitude. A servant leader cares more about the good of the team than his or her own enrichment.

[24:21] The ‘D’ is for determination. Consistency is the key to greatness, and consistency comes from determination.

[25:46] Effective communication is also crucial to leadership — leaders have to see communication as a big part of their responsibility.

[29:08] Resilience is another leadership principle. It is so important to cultivate the ability to bounce back from difficulties, disappointments, heartbreak, and hard times.

[33:05] The ‘H’ in leadership stands for hands-off delegation. Hans has four questions every follower asks, which forms the basis for delegation.

[35:39] Many leaders do not have integrity, but it is one of the fundamental leadership principles every leader should have.

[37:10] The final leadership principle is the power of humility. Hans believes that humility is the essential characteristic of leaders that makes them successful.

[40:35] How has Hans learnt to deal with some of the stuff about running a business that isn’t fun, but is necessary?

[44:10] Hans shares some final pearls of wisdom he’s accumulated over the years through his experiences.

[47:06] Check out Hans’ website for some great leadership podcasts, as well as his books.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Hans Finzel

The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make, by Hans Finzel

The Top 10 Ways to Be a Great Leader, by Hans Finzel

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Change Is Like A Slinky, by Hans Finzel

Good to Great, by Jim Collins

Robert Klinck is an online entrepreneur who also happens to be an Intellectual Property (IP) attorney. Dealing with IP is an important, but often overlooked or poorly planned part of running a business. On this episode, John and Robert discuss the different types of IP, the strategic aspects of choosing which IP to focus on, and the processes of obtaining IP rights on brand names, logos and other aspects of your business. Tune in to this episode to find out all you need to know about IP, and stake your claim in the universe.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Robert Klinck.

[2:25] What is Intellectual Property (IP)? Robert talks about trademarks, patents, copyright, and trade secrets.

[6:30] John and Robert discuss if trademarks are more important than trade secrets with some examples.

[8:39] From a strategic standpoint, John loves trademarking because it helps him protect unique business processes.

[10:30] Having a good trademark, or brand name is important. Trademarks can be a huge value to your company if you do it right, but there is a dichotomy between being in the path of what people are looking for, and being unique and differentiated.

[13:32] There is some value in having a patent pending for three years before being rejected. John and Robert discuss the intricacies of patents.

[18:21] What’s a reasonable estimate for how much the process of getting a trademark is going to cost? Robert and John share their personal experiences of the process of getting a trademark.

[23:04] John gives a practical, real-world example of how he’s planning on using a patent. Robert analyzes his strategy, comparing how patents and trade secrets differ.

[28:25] Patents really belong on products, and something physical, rather than business processes.

[29:56] Robert wants people to think about the issues of IP at the outset to avoid problems later on in the future.

[34:30] Do your due diligence upfront! John reflects on a mistake he made. Keep in mind that owning a website or domain for a name doesn’t matter — only actual use, or filing an application for a trademark grants you trademark rights.

[38:49] If you’re considering a name, Robert recommends checking that someone else doesn’t already have the trademark, but also making sure that someone else isn’t already using the name, because that would give them priority over you.

[41:45] Robert shares a personal story to illustrate the fact that attorneys too, do make mistakes!

[44:48] What is Robert working on now?

[46:19] Check out Robert’s website for some great freebies — a 4-part course, books, and even a free consultation with him!

[48:13] John recommends getting a creative attorney, who can give the right advice at the right time, someone like Robert!

[50:25] What are some apps and technology that Robert uses that are integral to his life?

[52:14] Entrepreneurs need to take some quiet time to come up with and grow their ideas.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Klinck LLC

Robert’s Freebies

Entrepreneur’s IP Planning Playbook, by Robert Klinck

Patent Litigation Primer, by Robert Klinck

Robert Klinck on Twitter

Nest Egg Cookbook, by John Pollock

HeroX

Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

Calm App

Thrive Themes

King Sumo Giveaways for WordPress

Moleskine

Dan Sullivan

Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

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

Ryan Stewman is the founder and CEO of Hardcore Closer, Breakfree Academy, and YourFreeAlarm.com, among others. He is an entrepreneur and best-selling author of books about small businesses and sales training. Ryan’s journey was an unconventional one, but today, his businesses are thriving. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how Ryan reinvented himself and his businesses multiple times, and why offering interlinking and complementary products and services is the key to building a successful business.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Ryan Stewman.

[1:22] What is Ryan’s elevator pitch?

[5:22] How did Ryan get to where he is today? How did he decide that he was going to become a closing coach?

[7:39] Ryan’s license was taken away from him, and he could not get a new license because of a change in the law, so he got into the internet marketing business and started teaching people how to do what he used to do.

[10:57] Ryan also did a brief stint managing social media for his Realtor® friends and got a huge wealth of experience and information on the industry.

[13:00] From that point, Ryan pivoted again and move into the space that he is now as a Hardcore Closer. He talks about his journey.

[15:20] How long did it take for Ryan to get from making that decision to start his business, to the point of no turning back? He explains how he grew his business.

[19:25] Ryan teaches salespeople the importance of not spending recklessly — invest in real estate, or the stock market for the same euphoric feeling, with better returns!

[22:43] Ryan has expanded his Hardcore Closer business to include an in-person and online education program called Breakfree Academy, and also invests in real estate.

[24:42] Ryan gives back to the community via his alarm company that does home automation, but that also interlinks with his other businesses.

[26:15] Ryan is doing something similar to what John did — once he realized there’s a market around a product or service that he was already offering, he added other complementary offerings to that.

[27:20] Ryan talks about his hero and mentor, Bill Shaddock, and how he inspired him to create and make money off of affiliations.

[32:23] Home automation is the future. John and Ryan discuss some of the changes they're observing and projecting for the future.

[33:43] Ryan talks some of the considerations he’s had to make with regards to tax planning.

[36:21] What is Ryan’s response to people who are wondering how he can help them if he is so different from them?

[40:24] Ryan has become the successful entrepreneur that he is because of his experiences, and he can share his experiences with you so you can learn from them. If you have nothing to lose, that can also be powerful motivation.

[42:20] John has some recommendations for Ryan on coaching programs and organizations to join to keep growing his business.

[45:38] What are some of Ryan’s offerings, and how can you get started in working with Ryan? He’ll give you one of his books for free to get you started!

[47:40] What are some apps or technology that Ryan is using to make his life better?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ryan Stewman, Hardcore Closer

Breakfree Academy

YourFreeAlarm.com

Follow Ryan on Social Media

Elevator to the Top, by Ryan Stewman

Nick Nanton

Kevin Nations

Frank Kern

Bill Shaddock

Robin Robbins

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

Vivint

Abundance 360

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 28: “Tom Wheelright — Reducing Taxes is Your Moral Obligation!”

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

The Power of Broke, by Daymond John on Audible

10X Ambition Program with Dan Sullivan

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

“I Spent Half a Million Dollars on Mentors and Masterminds and Here’s What I Learned,” by Ryan Stewman

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 36: “Perry Marshall — Understanding 80/20 is the Key To Success”

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 55: “Brian Kurtz — Don’t Define Yourself By Your Channel”

LastPass

1Password

Brian Kurtz is a legendary marketer and an umpire for Little League Baseball. Brian is unique not only for his marketing prowess and acumen but for being able to do something that most small business owners have not been able to, which is finding passion outside their vocation. Brian reveals how his umpire gig enhances his work in marketing and talks about why it is important for marketers not to define themselves by the channels they use. There are benefits to be reaped by making use of multi-channel marketing — tune in to get some insights from Brian on this episode!

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Brian Kurtz.

[:39] Brian talks about his umpire gig — it’s a way for him to take his mind off his business by refocusing it elsewhere.

[3:59] Umpiring is related to marketing. Brian explains how.

[6:20] Brian is a real example of how he has used something he does outside of work to enhance his work.

[9:04] Marketing is the foundation for any successful, growing business. It’s not just about getting new clients; it’s also about retaining the ones you already have by making use of multiple channels and touchpoints.

[12:00] It’s important to analyze your audience, especially if it is very broad, to accurately segment and create messaging to effectively reach out to them.

[14:45] The idea is to move away from selling and toward marketing. Marketing is about positioning your audience so that they can’t wait to buy from you.

[17:15] Brian shares an example of a company that flipped the argument from selling to relationship building.

[21:46] What is Brian’s background?

[24:28] Don’t fall into the trap of defining yourself by your channel! Taking a multi-channel approach diversifies your portfolio, and allows you to meet your customers where they want to be met!

[27:17] Why do people resist direct mail marketing?

[31:32] John draws a parallel between online dating and email marketing, and the importance of having tangible products.

[34:22] Brian has two Mastermind groups — he talks about how he has segmented out of the broad category of Masterminds and created a niche that is unique and different.

[36:28] Brian’s first Mastermind group caters to multi-channel marketers, and everyone in the group needs to be an active participant.

[39:18] Brian’s second group is his Masterclass group, meant for companies that are not quite where they want to be yet.

[41:37] Brian does five live events every year for his groups, and these events are a hotbed for idea generation and interaction between the best minds in the industry.

[46:07] Get yourself a copy of Brian’s book to get on his list, and get access to all sorts of great resources!

[51:10] Brian is also selling Breakthrough Advertising, by Eugene Schwartz, which is a fundamental book for marketers, so check that out as well!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Brian Kurtz

“Christmas Cards in July,” by Brian Kurtz

Breakthrough Advertising, by Eugene Schwartz

The Brilliance Breakthrough: How To Talk And Write So That People Will Never Forget You, by Eugene M. Schwartz

“Branding without Getting Hives,” by Brian Kurtz

“Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 36: Perry Marshall — Understanding 80/20 is the Key To Success”

Reality in Advertising, by Rosser Reeves

The Advertising Solution, by Brian Kurtz and Craig Simpson

Scientific Advertising, by Claude Hopkins

Lyndsay Phillips is the founder and CEO of Smooth Sailing Business Growth, a content marketing company. She focuses on content and marketing for small businesses and entrepreneurs to attract and acquire customers faster through powerful content marketing. Although the company is similar to others in the space, it is packaged differently, which makes it unique and creative, and creates a separation from the rest. Tune in to this episode to hear Lyndsay’s insights on defining your avatar, what to focus on when it comes to building your brand, and the importance of consistent branding.

Key Takeaways:

[:22] John introduces his guest for this episode — Lyndsay Phillips.

[1:50] What is Lyndsay’s elevator pitch?

[2:30] What makes Lyndsay different?

[4:42] Does Lyndsay create content or does she distribute it once it’s been created?

[6:22] John shares a little about how his company is set up in terms of content creation and distribution. His company handles its own content creation, but for many others, it’s not something that comes naturally, or that they have time to do.

[10:20] Teams are changing and people need to start thinking differently about teams. How does Lyndsay work with clients, and how does she manage them, to ensure everyone is working and growing in the same direction?

[12:20] Lyndsay ensures that everything is on track with each client by systematically and methodically working through the process — it’s all about the systems and procedures she has in place so that nothing gets missed.

[14:27] It’s easy for information to get lost in your emails, so make sure it is immediately conveyed to a different platform that makes it easier to keep track of.

[16:32] What were some things Lyndsay was looking at when she built her own website to ensure that her marketing and branding is consistent and present across the whole platform?

[19:56] There’s a lot of psychology that goes into a brand — colors, fonts, and words, all create certain impressions on people, which is why it’s important to be aware of that.

[22:25] What does it mean to define your avatar? Recognizing who you are, and building your brand on that is very important.

[28:15] Recognize also who your target market is not, and have the courage to say no to those clients.

[30:18] What is the process that Lyndsay takes her clients through, to assess their problem areas and then provide her solutions?

[33:30] Building a business and funnel process is a lot like dating before getting married — there’s relationship building involved.

[34:23] There is also a need to analyze the preferences of your target market, and cater to that.

[37:54] Lyndsay points out that content marketing is not just about producing and distributing quality content; it’s also about relationship marketing.

[41:32] Lyndsay talks about her upbringing.

[43:12] How did Lyndsay’s business evolve?

[45:55] Lyndsay shares a good lesson for entrepreneurs — there are endless possibilities open to you. You are not stuck.

[49:09] Lyndsay has some great freebies on her website, and lots of information for you to take advantage of, so be sure to check it out!

[51:08] What are some apps or technology that Lyndsay can’t live without?

[52:06] Lyndsay leaves us with some last words of advice.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Smooth Business Growth

Client Attraction System

Teamworks

Sanebox

Dan Sullivan

CEO Warrior

Growth Hacking, by Chad Riddersen and Raymond Fong

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Culture Index

Tube Buddy

ConvertPlayer

Simple Podcast Press

Ted Thomas is in the tax lien business, which is a fascinating business. Most people fit into one of two categories — extremely conservative types who are worried about investments, or entrepreneur types who want to buy properties. As someone who has been in the business for over 20 years, Ted has a wealth of information to share about tax liens and how they can be turned into a profitable business, regardless of whether you’re more conservative, or an entrepreneur. Tune in to this episode to find out more about what tax liens are, some of the risks associated with being in this business, and how you can turn a profit by educating yourself about tax liens.

Key Takeaways:

[20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Ted Thomas.

[1:10] Ted gives his elevator pitch, and explains a little about what he does.

[1:56] What is a tax certificate, and what can you do with it?

[3:15] In states that don’t sell tax certificates, if the property owner owes taxes, the property gets seized and sold at an auction.

[5:13] The business is not new, but it hasn’t reached the public because auctions are only announced in the county that they’re happening in. Ted’s business is teaching people about this business.

[7:49] John summarizes the concepts that Ted has shared.

[9:48] It’s all about the education, and understanding exactly what happens during the process. Ted illustrates with an example.

[12:59] What are some of the risks involved in the business of tax liens?

[15:30] Ted gives us some numbers to help break it down, and shares more examples of regulations in specific counties that make this a profitable business.

[20:10] What are some things that can be a downside in this business, and how can that risk be negated?

[25:25] The tax lien business is not a difficult business to be in, but you do need to know the rules and regulations of each county that you buy in, because each county is different, and it is a business.

[30:25] The lesson is there’s no easy business, and it takes work. The nuances of the business will come later, with experience.

[32:27] How are tax liens taxed?

[33:47] It’s important to do the math of owning real estate, rather than getting sucked into the emotional aspect of it.

[39:10] On the flipside, Ted’s business is much simpler and much more profitable. The math works out!

[41:25] Ted is a current practitioner of the business too, so he has real, up-to-date information on the industry and regulations in each county.

[44:36] Check out Ted’s website for some free videos to learn more about this business!

[46:09] What apps or technology does Ted use on a daily basis?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ted Thomas

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 28: Tom Wheelright — Reducing Taxes is Your Moral Obligation!

When the editor of Us Weekly asserted that “stars are just like us,” she changed paparazzi. We know that stars really are just like us in one way; they don’t want to overpay on taxes, and they can get in trouble when they underpay.

Key Takeaways:

[:20] In 2002 the editor of Us Weekly changed the paparazzi game forever.

[:59] Celebrities experience more pain due to paying taxes than the average Joe.

[1:29] Audit rates are down to historic lows.

[1:52] Boxer Floyd Mayweather has gone rounds against the IRS.

[3:49] Rapper DMX has been arrested for tax fraud.

[4:21] We know that you don’t want to pay more taxes than you have to, but you’re not willing to risk an appearance in court or in the news to pay less. You don’t have to feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Call Financial Gravity when you’re ready to make a plan.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Financial Gravity

Lori Jones is the President and CEO of Avocet Communications, a company founded by her father almost 40 years ago. Avocet focuses on increasing customer count through integrated marketing communications for their customers to ultimately increase revenue. Lori talks about what it means to be an entrepreneur, while juggling other life commitments, and the changes that she’s witnessed in her 28 years in the industry. Tune in for some great insights about the importance of approaching marketing without any preconceived notions.

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Lori Jones

[:54] What does Lori do, and what separates her from the massive number of marketing companies?

[2:00] Lori’s team promises an innovative, gutsy, ROI-based solution to increasing customer count. She explains what that means.

[3:52] Lori’s approach is agnostic to the promise of the “best path” — it’s really about keeping an open mind and going in without any preconceived notions.

[5:36] As a company that has been around for almost 40 years, Avocet has evolved through the times, and even as a child as a business owner, Lori has seen those changes. She shares some of the changes she has witnessed.

[6:57] How did Lori become an entrepreneur — was it hard-wired into her, or nurtured along the way?

[10:45] How did Lori and her father’s father/daughter dynamic play out in the real world?

[13:05] What are the challenges that Lori faces now that her father has retired, and she can no longer rely on his skill set in the business?

[15:00] What is Lori’s superpower and unique ability?

[19:22] What is Lori’s kryptonite? What drags her down, and how does she compensate for that?

[22:18] Lori shares some experiences that have helped her to bring about a change and make a difference in her business.

[25:53] When you have to make a tough decision, doing something physical like writing it down can help overcome the psychological barriers to going through with that decision.

[27:49] What has Lori learnt about taxes, finances, and profitability, in the last few years?

[32:30] What did Lori learn from her father about handling money?

[34:08] Lori shares some insights about what it means to be an entrepreneur, while juggling other responsibilities and commitments in life.

[37:58] We live in incredible times, and entrepreneurs are bringing about huge changes. Remember, don't get sucked in by the negativity that’s on the news!

[41:15] What are some apps or technology that Lori can’t live without?

[46:18] Lori points out Tesla as a commendable brand in the way they have approached their marketing to increase brand awareness, and to differentiate themselves in the market.

[50:56] Get in touch with Lori if you’re looking to grow your brand, and believe in an integrated approach to marketing via email, or Twitter.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Lori Jones on LinkedIn

Email Lori Jones

Lori Jones on Twitter

Avocet Communications

Delivered From Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder,
by John Ratey

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, by Walter Isaacson

Find My Phone app

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

TeamSnap

GMC Yukon

Tesla

Gorgi Nikkaran is the inventor of Gravocore, a revolutionary exercise tool that packs all the benefits of a full-sized gym into a compact seven-pound product that can be used anywhere. After suffering an injury that prevented him from exercising using traditional equipment, Gorgi set out to create a device that would help him solve his pain, and wanted to share his invention with as many people as possible. Tune in to this episode to find out more about Gravocore and Gorgi’s entrepreneurship journey that has led to it.

Key Takeaways:

[:20] John introduces his guest for this episode — Gorgi Nikkaran.

[1:20] Gorgi explains his heritage.

[2:15] What is Gravocore? How did Gorgi come up with the idea for it and what does he plan on doing with it?

[4:40] Gravocore is a product that combines many different things into one compact package in a way that isn’t threatening.

[7:45] Gravocore allows you to use your own body weight and gravity to adjust the resistance for each exercise, making it a suitable product for people ranging from a Navy Seal, to a grandma.

[9:29] A lot of great inventions are born out of entrepreneurs who are passionate about solving some sort of pain, and then sharing that with as many people as possible. Gorgi and Gravocore are no different.

[13:16] What are some challenges that Gorgi has had in his entrepreneurial journey?

[15:40] Knowing that different parties are working toward a common vision helps overcome conflict that may arise in the process of creating something, and this can only be achieved with clear and open communication.

[16:43] Gorgi grew up without parents, and had to overcome some immense challenges in his life — these are the things that make up his essence today.

[21:17] Gravocore hasn’t been launched yet. Gorgi talks about where in the process he is, and what the next steps are for him.

[22:45] Why would Gorgi do a Kickstarter campaign despite the fact that he has a working prototype?

[26:25] What has Gorgi learned about finances, taxes, and profitability, that he didn’t know before embarking on this entrepreneurial journey?

[29:59] The adversities that Gorgi has faced in his life have given him an intense gratitude for what he has today, and he takes that into building his business too.

[34:55] When does Gorgi expect to launch Gravocore on Kickstarter?

[35:15] Gorgi shares a little about how he comes up with inventions, and the thought processes behind them.

[42:14] Gorgi has never read an entire book in his life!

[44:45] Gorgi points out an important truth — exercising won’t change anything, if you’re not eating right as well. They work in combination.

[48:13] What are some apps and technology that Gorgi uses?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Gorgi Nikkaran on LinkedIn

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Gravocore

Gravocore Promotional Video

Financial Gravity Podcast Episode 34: Hussain Manjee — Revolutionizing Video Technology

Kickstarter

Coolest Cooler on Kickstarter

David & Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell

Google Voice