In this episode, brand strategist Cory Simon explains why standing out in a crowded market matters more than ever and how a solid brand strategy is key to making it happen.

We also get into managing client expectations, setting boundaries, and why profit-sharing agreements with clients can be a risky bet.

Plus, a few personal stories from our travels in Mexico, including some embarrassing public mishaps.

Follow the Show! https://www.instagram.com/thestratshow

Connect with Cory Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-simon/

Takeaways

-Disabling notifications can improve productivity and focus

-Standing out in a crowded market is crucial for success

-A branding specialist can help businesses connect with their audience

-Client fit is important and setting clear expectations is key

-Profit sharing can be a valuable incentive for employees Profit sharing agreements with clients can be risky and require trust and transparency

-Traveling in Mexico offers unique experiences, including delicious food and unpredictable weather

-Sometimes embarrassing and humorous situations can arise, such as shitting oneself in public

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Notifications on Productivity

06:04 The Importance of Standing Out in a Crowded Market

14:04 The Role of a Branding Specialist

27:43 The Value of Profit Sharing

28:34 The Risks of Profit Sharing

34:18 Exploring Mexico

47:54 Embarrassing Stories

We start with Sean’s New York recap and our upcoming travel plans. Then, we’re joined by Kristie Sullivan from Executive Remote Worker. Her company sets up business professionals with done-for-you workations, so you don’t have to sacrifice paychecks or burn through your PTO. We get into the rise of workations, the perks, and the bullshit fears that hold people back.

The concept of an executive remote worker (ERW) is to provide guidance and support for remote workers who want to travel and work in new locations.

Follow Kristie:

https://www.instagram.com/kristieds

Visit the ERW website for details on upcoming events:

https://executiveremoteworker.com/

Follow the Show! https://www.instagram.com/thestratshow

Takeaways

-Sean recently visited New York and shares his experience of exploring the city.

-Executive Remote Worker specializes in workations and coordinated travel events for remote workers.

-Workations allow people to travel, work, and immerse themselves in local culture.

-Many people are starting to embrace the idea of remote work and workations, but some are held back by fear and uncertainty.

-Executive Remote Worker takes care of all the logistics and provides a safe and organized experience for remote workers.

-Workations offer a unique opportunity to combine work and travel, allowing people to see the world while still being productive. The fear of losing their job is a major concern for remote workers when it comes to traveling.

-Many remote workers in the US are hesitant to travel outside the country due to the distance and unknowns.

-The concept of an executive remote worker (ERW) provides guidance and support for remote workers who want to travel and work in new locations.

-Common worries for remote workers include Wi-Fi availability and the ability to stay focused in beautiful locations.

-Planning and time management are key to maintaining work-life balance while on a workation.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring New York and Detroit

01:14 The Rise of Workations

01:36 Planning and Coordinating Workations

02:36 The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work and Travel

20:09 Overcoming the Fear of Losing a Job

21:00 The Importance of a Support System

21:45 Navigating Misconceptions and Obstacles

22:44 Workations: Balancing Work and Leisure

27:36 Corporate Workations: Team-Building Experiences

Today is all about the tough reality of freelancing—dealing with nightmare clients. We break down the importance of setting boundaries, demanding respect, and why your contract counts. Showcasing our own failures, we discuss why balancing client demands with your own sanity is priority 1. If a client’s pushing too far, cut ties and move on—no refunds, no second chances.

Follow the Show! https://www.instagram.com/thestratshow

(More links to come…)

Chapters

00:00 Awkward Medical Appointments and Personal Experiences

05:02 Navigating Difficult Clients in Freelance Business

24:57 The Power of Setting Boundaries

32:28 Letting Go: Opening Doors to Better Clients

39:35 The Value of Time Management

43:42 TSS - Youtube Outro 2.mp4

Takeaways:

Dealing with difficult clients is a common experience in the freelance world.

Clients who try to negotiate a lower price upfront often end up being the most difficult to work with.

Setting boundaries and clearly defining deliverables in a contract can help manage client expectations.

Respecting clients and maintaining professionalism, even in challenging situations, is crucial.

It's important to strike a balance between accommodating clients and protecting oneself from abusive or unreasonable behavior. Set clear boundaries and expectations with clients, and include them in the contract.

Communicate any additional costs for work outside the scope of the contract.

Establish communication schedules and response times to manage client expectations.

Prioritize self-care and don't let difficult clients negatively impact your mindset and productivity.

Know when to walk away from a difficult client and focus on attracting better clients.

Refunds may not be feasible in service-based industries where time and effort have already been invested.

We’re kicking off The Strat Show with zero filter. We discuss everything from motorcycle crashes to addiction, therapy, mental health, and the grind of building a business. No BS, just real talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Follow the Show! https://www.instagram.com/thestratshow

(More links to come…)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Motorcycle Accident

07:25 Setting the Tone for the Show

11:36 Silent Retreats and Mental Health

19:38 Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help

25:36 Approaching Addiction and Personal Choices

31:33 Finding Mental Health and Prosperity in a New Country

32:00 Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

33:23 The Benefits of Living in a Different Country

34:20 The Challenges and Stress of Being an Entrepreneur

37:06 Setting Boundaries and Choosing the Right Clients

44:16 Prioritizing Mental Health in the Fast-Paced World of Entrepreneurship

54:36 Celebrating Small Wins and Avoiding the Constant Pursuit of More

Takeaways:

Conscious listening involves active engagement and non-verbal cues to show understanding.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to unexpected injuries and experiences.

The idea of renting puppies as a business venture is both humorous and intriguing.

Silent retreats offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and mental challenges.

The hosts aim to create a podcast that blends business strategies, personal experiences, and humor to engage a diverse audience. Exploration of mental health and therapy as a means of self-discovery and healing

The impact of environment on personal growth and the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals

The challenges of addiction and the importance of self-awareness in managing harmful behaviors

The formation of a marketing agency and the value of collaboration and collective expertise

The significance of trying new experiences and the impact of past trauma on present behavior Entrepreneurship and remote work come with unique challenges and uncertainties.

The pursuit of financial stability and success can lead to constant stress and anxiety.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship and remote work, and it requires attention and care.

We’re here to talk about strategies for business and life, without the BS.

Expect episodes on effective marketing, mental health and wellness, and travel with our rotating panel of (degenerate) experts.

We’re bringing you industry trends, expert interviews, and honest conversations about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.