Go For No: Rewriting the Rules of Rejection with Andrea Waltz

Andrea Waltz discusses the 25th anniversary sequel to her bestselling book Go For No and explores how embracing rejection leads to success. She shares insights about the new book’s storyline featuring a 20-year-old protagonist, discusses the evolution of the Go For No philosophy, and offers practical advice about overcoming fear of rejection. The conversation covers publishing insights, storytelling techniques, and how the principles apply beyond sales to areas like education, leadership, and personal growth.

Guests
• Andrea Waltz - Co-author of the bestselling book ‘Go For No’ and its sequel. Along with her husband Richard Fenton, she’s known for transforming how people think about rejection and failure in business and life.

Topics discussed
• The philosophy behind ‘Go For No’
• Writing and publishing Go For No: The Sequel
• Overcoming fear of rejection
• Storytelling in business books
• Self-publishing insights
• Building resilience in young professionals
• Reframing failure and success
• The power of asking and persistence

Key Takeaways
• Success often requires embracing and actively seeking rejection
• Only the customer should end the sale, not the salesperson
• Stop giving yourself a ‘no’ before others have the chance
• Perfectionism often prevents people from taking action
• Focus on the process rather than just the outcome
• Creating ‘no awareness’ helps achieve bigger goals

Notable Quotes
• “Stop talking yourself out of opportunities. Stop saying no to yourself.” — Andrea Waltz
• “It’s one thing to get that no… But you don’t want your head hitting the pillow thinking, I wonder what would have happened if I had just gone up and asked.” — Andrea Waltz
• “The secret is when you see other people getting ahead… somewhere along the way, they made a choice to just play differently.” — Andrea Waltz

Links
• Go for No! The Sequel (book)

• Andrea Waltz

• Richard Fenton

• No Quotient Quiz

• Sell Well Conference in Houston

• Panola College

Keywords

rejection, sales, resilience, mindset, persistence, storytelling, publishing, failure, success, courage

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Your Hidden Advantage: Breaking the Broken Cookie Effect with Patty Block

Business advisor Patty Block discusses how women business owners often undervalue their services and sacrifice their own interests, a pattern she calls the “broken cookie effect.” She explains strategies for value-based pricing, building business value, and preparing for potential exits. Patty emphasizes the importance of standardizing pricing models and operations while maintaining business stability. She shares insights from her book Your Hidden Advantage and her experience helping women position their businesses for successful exits.

Guests
Patty Block - Business advisor, author of ‘Your Hidden Advantage,’ and creator of the Broken Cookie Effect. She helps women business owners optimize pricing, positioning, and exit planning, drawing from nearly 20 years of experience working with professional service companies.

Topics discussed

• The Broken Cookie Effect and women’s tendency to self-sacrifice in business

• Value-driven pricing strategies

• Building business value for potential exits

• Common myths about growing a business

• Balancing secrecy and stability during exit planning

• The importance of standardization in business operations

• Women’s unique challenges in business exits

• The three acts of women’s professional lives

Key Takeaways

• Value-based pricing should replace hourly rates to better reflect the true worth of services

• Standardizing pricing models makes discussions less personal and more strategic

• Business valuations early in the exit process can be costly and ineffective

• Building a sellable business requires intentional planning and structure

• Women often need to overcome generational conditioning about business ownership

• Exit planning typically requires about five years of preparation

• Maintaining business stability while planning an exit is crucial

Notable Quotes

• “Putting yourself last doesn’t serve anyone.” — Patty Block

• “It’s not about how much time you’re spending on something. It’s about the value that you’re bringing to the client.” — Patty Block

• “We are shocked because if it’s a fair offer, the amount of money is a validation.” — Patty Block

• “Women don’t retire. We always go on to our next thing.” — Patty Block

Quick Links 

• Your Hidden Advantage 

• Patty Block’s Website 

• Revenue Roundtable 

• Value Driven Pricing 

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Making Work Fun Again with Jake Brown: ADHD, Bad Bosses, and the Power of Doodling

Author, coach, and self-proclaimed workplace fun-bringer Jake Brown joins Elaine for a refreshingly honest and wildly insightful conversation. From surviving toxic bosses to teaching thousands how to doodle their way into hyperfocus, Jake shares practical tools and laugh-out-loud stories for thriving at work—especially if you think a little differently. Whether you lead a team or lead yourself, this episode will leave you energized, empowered, and maybe a little more doodle-happy.

0:00 Welcome + Meet Jake Brown

2:03 Why Fun is a Survival Skill

5:20 The Conference Moment That Changed Everything

8:40 Doodling for Dopamine: Why It Works

13:45 Skeptics Welcome: When Weird Works

18:10 How “Coworking Calls” Changed One Company’s Culture

21:40 The Book That Almost Wasn’t

27:10 Storytelling with Heart and Humor

31:35 The W.I.P.E. Framework for Work (and Life)

37:15 When You’re the Bad Boss (To Yourself)

42:00 Real Talk About Trust, Delegation, and Managing Up

47:00 Current Reads + Inspired Recommendations

50:40 How to Work with Jake (or Just Get a Good Laugh)

Resources:

• 💩 Get the book: LeaderSH!T by Jake Brown
• 🎧 Download the free first chapter (PDF or audio) at leadership.co
• 🧠 ADHD tools + coaching: jakebrown.co
• 📘 Books mentioned:
   
  • Escape from Tarikiak by Ben Brown 
• They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead by Dave Munson

 Whether you’re stuck in a toxic job or just trying to make your workday feel a little less overwhelming, Jake reminds us that fun is fuel, stories are strategy, and even the messiest jobs can lead to something meaningful.

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Turning Years of Experience Into a Valuable Resource with Bruce Rosenthal

Looking to harness the full potential of corporate sponsorships? Join Elaine as she sits down with Bruce Rosenthal, author of 'Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships.' Discover how Bruce leveraged decades of experience to transform how associations engage with corporate sponsors. They explore the evolving landscape of sponsorships, from year-long engagements to the impact of COVID-19, and the shift from transactional relationships to strategic partnerships. Learn how actionable strategies and deep industry insights from Bruce's new book can help associations drive revenue and deliver member value. Whether you're an association leader or a corporate partner, this conversation reveals how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today's competitive environment.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:44 Challenges Facing Associations

03:22 Shift in Corporate Sponsorships

04:07 Impact of COVID on Sponsorships

05:52 Educate to Sell: A New Approach

11:03 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process

18:51 Case Studies and Real-World Applications

32:12 Final Thoughts and Opportunities

Resources:

Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships by Bruce Rosenthal

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

How does a writer turn everyday experiences into bestselling novels? Join us as we chat with Susan Wiggs, the acclaimed author of over 50 novels, including favorites like 'The Apple Orchard' and 'The Lost and Found Bookshop.' Susan shares her insights on the writer's journey, the power of storytelling, and the elements of fiction that nonfiction writers can use to enhance their work. We dive into her inspirations, discuss the creativity sparked by her daily life, and get a sneak peek into her upcoming novel 'Wayward Girls,' which explores the true horrors of Magdalene Laundries. Plus, Susan offers a heartwarming look at the importance of human connections, both in her narratives and in her life. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this conversation is full of valuable advice and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction to Susan Wiggs

01:30 Elements of Fiction for Nonfiction Writers

05:24 The Writing Process and Daily Routine

11:09 Early Writing and Career Evolution

15:01 New Book: Wayward Girls

24:19 Personal Inspirations and Future Projects

27:24 Favorite Bookstores and Hobbies

32:52 Advice for Aspiring Writers

35:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Preorder Susan’s latest book!

Join Susan’s mailing list and stay up-to-date on new releases!

Follow Susan on Instagram

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

How do you find and capture the unseen beauty of the wild? Wyman Meinzer, the official state photographer of Texas, shares his remarkable journey from a degree in wildlife management to publishing iconic images in prestigious magazines like National Geographic and Smithsonian. Discover the biggest obstacles he faced, how the rise of digital photography transformed his career, and why his powerful imagery continues to resonate. Join us as we delve into his inspiring stories, the essence of Texas’ rolling plains, and the poetic storytelling behind his captivating photographs.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:43 Wyman Meinzer's Early Career and Challenges

03:08 Life in the Rolling Plains

04:31 Transition to Real Estate Photography

08:10 Collaborations and Writing Journey

11:58 Advice for Aspiring Photographers and Writers

17:52 Memorable Moments and Reflections

23:23 Love for History and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/wymanmeinzer/

https://www.facebook.com/wymanmeinzer/

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

What happens when you or your company is going through a crisis? How do you communicate with customers and your team? Join us as we sit down with Kristi Piehl, the founder and CEO of Media Minefield. Kristi shares her journey from Emmy award-winning TV news reporter to successful entrepreneur. Learn key insights about managing crisis situations, the importance of proactive planning, and the role of authenticity in communication. Kristi also shares personal anecdotes, including her own son's battle with cancer and how it shaped her social media presence. Don't miss Kristi's expert advice on leveraging thought leadership and building a personal brand that resonates with your audience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:23 Crisis Communication Strategies

04:27 Common Mistakes in Crisis Management

07:30 From Journalism to PR: Kristi's Journey

11:01 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

16:52 Leadership and People-First Philosophy

21:41 Thought Leadership and Social Media

28:47 Personal Story: Impact of Social Media

33:06 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristipiehl/

https://www.media-minefield.com/

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

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Are you struggling to navigate a business transition or feeling stuck with your current branding? Meet Sarah Sears, the visionary founder of S Design, who's been pivotal in shaping the look and feel of iconic sites in Oklahoma City and the state's branding. Learn how Sarah combines design, strategy, and mentorship to help businesses manage growth and change. From launching Oklahoma's AIGA chapter to working on complex branding projects, Sarah's insights into the power of consistent brand perception, the importance of understanding your audience, and the nuances of color selection will inspire you. Discover her journey, her exciting involvement with the upcoming LA Olympics, and her holistic approach to branding that aligns business strategy with visual identity. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a large organization, Sarah's grounded yet creative methods will provide you with actionable takeaways to elevate your brand.

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Sears

00:29 Sarah's Impact on Oklahoma City

02:27 Sarah's Role in the LA Olympics

04:18 Branding Strategies for Businesses in Transition

06:24 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

13:44 The Emotional Side of Branding

16:50 Color Theory and Practical Branding Tips

23:43 When to Consider a Rebrand

28:13 The Importance of Internal Brand Alignment

32:14 Sarah's Personal Interests and Closing Remarks

Resources:

https://www.sdesigninc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsears/

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

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What if the biggest obstacle to your success is your own fear? On this episode I’m joined by Scott Ballard, a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and author who turned his childhood struggles with dyslexia into a career of empowering others. From coaching CEOs and NFL players to making strides in personal growth, Scott shares the transformative power of encouragement and how he helps individuals confront and conquer their fears. Discover how Scott's own journey led him to write the book 'The Biggest Disability is a Bad Attitude' and how he's inspired countless others to break through their limits. Learn practical steps to shift from fear to courage and the importance of embracing joy in the journey. If you're ready to unlock new opportunities and reach your full potential, this conversation is a game changer.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Ballard

01:14 Scott's Journey and Discovering His Superpower

02:36 Overcoming Fear and Building Courage

03:51 Personal Breakthroughs and Coaching Experiences

08:02 Scott's Business Transformation

12:21 Writing and Publishing a Book with Dyslexia

28:12 The Power of Joy and Gratitude

35:42 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

Resources:

https://www.confidencecoach.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ballard-a3250422/

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

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Keira and Elaine are back with a deep dive into their experience at Grow 2025, Catherine Brown’s incredible conference in Galveston. They share insights on prosperity, money mindset, and the powerful connections formed in the room. From overcoming introvert resistance to embracing the transformative conversations at the event, this episode is packed with takeaways.

Keira reflects on the impact of Ryan Brown’s thought-provoking discussion on prosperity and forgiveness, while Elaine highlights how Katherine Pomerantz’s session shifted her perspective on time and money. Plus, they discuss a standout moment—offering five-minute content strategy sessions as sponsors—which proved just how easy it can be to generate valuable ideas when you have the right guidance.

Stick around to hear how this experience is shaping exciting changes for the podcast and where you can join them next!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of redefining prosperity beyond money 💰

• Why examining your money story is key to unlocking growth

• The permission to NOT chase a 7-figure business (and why that’s freeing!)

• How quick, intentional conversations can generate endless content ideas

• The importance of referrals and connections in business growth

Key Takeaways & Favorite Moments:

🔹 “I felt like I was meant to be in that room.” – Keira on overcoming resistance to attending

🔹 Ryan Brown’s powerful question: What does prosperity mean to you?

🔹 The eye-opening exercise from Katherine Pomerantz: Why are you grateful for money?

🔹 Erica Bryant’s refreshing perspective: You don’t have to want a million-dollar business!

🔹 Scott Ballard’s life-changing coaching session for Keira

🔹 Blessing Richardson on monetizing existing resources in the age of AI

🔹 How the five-minute interview strategy helped people realize that content isn’t as hard as they think

Resources:

GROW 2026

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!