Podcast Transcripts & Articles

Paying your dues is not the same as showing up

I’ve spoken at a few local association meetings lately and it got me to thinking. Are you, or have you been a member of an association or group? Are you getting out of it what you want, and are your expectations aligned with the mission of the group? Do you know the mission of the group? It’s likely that education and networking are at the top of their mission statements. Bringing you more business isn’t likely on their list, but is it your expectation?

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When doing nothing costs you more

I don’t mind making mistakes, because it means you tried something. What bothers me is when people let others decide for them, or when you choose to let opportunities pass you by without actually making the decision to pass on them. It’s OK to say No to opportunities, even good ones, when the timing isn’t right. But it’s not OK (or at least shouldn’t be) to not speak up and say that an opportunity isn’t right, or that you’re actively going to pass.

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for perspective on when you might be letting others control your success.

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Planning Events That Give Back

Wouldn’t it be great if you and your couples, clients and customers could make an impact that goes beyond thrilling their guests? Well, Robert Kalt and Howard Goldberg have created PlanKind to help you do just that. Imagine feeding 200 guests at a wedding and also providing 200 meals for a local soup kitchen. Or having a corporate event at an art museum and providing art supplies to a local children’s center. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination and as big as your hearts.

Listen to this new episode for some ideas on how you and your clients can make a bigger impact on every event.

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Should you use different language with different customers?

Thanks to Meredith for this listener suggestion. The question they posed is whether you should be using different language with different customers, but I take this even further. Is it age or other factors that will make you change the way you communicate. When those cultural references (TV shows, movies, etc.) start to fall flat with your customers, maybe it’s time to find new ones. Is your language with your family and friends the same as what you use with your couples and clients?

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for some ideas on when you might, or might not adapt your language. 

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When are you better off staying home?

This was another listener suggestion. Todd wanted me to talk about when it’s better to say no to a piece of business because it might not be worth the effort for the return. Whether it’s too little profit, or would take too much effort, or maybe you just want to have some time off for you and your team, there are several scenarios for this that I discuss in this episode. 

Listen to this new, 8-minute episode for some thoughts on when you might be better off keeping the lights off than turning them on for too little return. Read More

Nequosha Anderson – Are you protecting your IP?

I love when listeners suggest guests and topics for the podcast. Nequosha Anderson was recommended to me after she spoke at a local association event about protecting your intellectual property. I’ll bet it’s something that most of us never think about, that is, until it’s too late! Whether it’s someone using a similar business name or even what they call their packages, there’s so much more to IP – Intellectual Property – than just copying a logo.

Listen to this new episode for some real insight into what IP is and how to protect yours. Read More

If you can’t walk a mile in their shoes, at least take a few steps

You’ve probably been told that you should walk a mile in the shoes of your customers, to see what’s it’s like for them when shopping for a service or product like yours. But can you really walk a mile in their shoes if you’re not the same demographic, with no prior experience shopping for a product or service like yours? I don’t think so, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t at least take a few steps as they do.

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for some ideas on how to gain more of their perspective, to make it easier for them to do business with you. Read More

Curiosity or FOMO?

I’ve always had a curious mind, liking to know how things work. Is that the same as FOMO – fear of missing out? I don’t think so. If we’ve been presented with an opportunity, and had a chance to make a decision whether or not to participate or try something, the FOMO comes before the decision is made, not after. If we didn’t know about an opportunity and find out after when it’s too late, that’s not FOMO. You missed out not because you had a choice.

Listen to this new, 7-minute episode for some thoughts on how you can view your own curiosity versus FOMO. Read More

Terry Brock – ChatGPT, AI and your business!

Have you heard of ChatGPT? It seems to be all over the place these days in the news and in discussions online and off. It’s next-level AI (Artificial Intelligence) is even making Google play catch-up. I wanted to know more, so I invited my friend, and tech guru, Terry Brock to join me to fill us all in on what it is, where to find it, how to use it for our businesses… and the potential downsides to be aware of.

Listen to this new episode to get your intro to, or more advanced knowledge of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Read More

Can your business survive without social media?

Is that a controversial headline for you? It’s the title of the only presentation I do solely on Social Media. I touch on social media in many of my trainings and talks, but I stay away from talking about the platform of the moment, because that can change in the blink of an eye. And, as you are reading this, some platform you’re using has adjusted some algorithm that may affect what you do there.

Listen to this new, 10-minute episode for a little perspective and a reality check, and see if you can either gain back some precious time, or get a better ROI. Read More