I am Charles Schwartz Show

In this episode, Charles explores the revolutionary world of authentic podcasting and sustainable content creation with Jordan Harbinger, the visionary host behind The Jordan Harbinger Show. Jordan shares his extraordinary 18-year journey from recording in a friend's basement to building a podcast empire that's reshaping how creators approach audience engagement and long-term success. Jordan challenges prevailing notions about podcast growth, emphasizing the immense value of a patient, authenticity-driven approach to content creation. Charles and Jordan delve into the crucial balance between niche focus and content evolution, the power of genuine audience connection, and developing sustainable podcasting strategies that prioritize both listener loyalty and personal passion. Jordan's expertise shines as he breaks down his methods for crafting compelling interviews, implementing effective audience retention techniques, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in podcasting. He underscores the importance of thorough preparation, the strategic use of production tools, and maintaining integrity even as the pressure to chase trends grows. Whether you're a novice podcaster grappling with finding your voice, an established creator seeking to deepen audience engagement, or a professional navigating the complex landscape of content monetization, this episode is filled with priceless insights. Prepare to revolutionize your approach to podcast creation, audience building, and sustainable growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Discover how Jordan transformed his "Anti-Viral Approach" into a game-changing podcast growth strategy Learn why identifying your unique niche can dramatically increase your listener loyalty Gain insights into aligning passion projects with potential monetization for long-term satisfaction Understand the power of authentic content creation and bias-free guest selection Explore strategies for scaling a podcast while maintaining quality and personal enjoyment Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 2:00 Podcast Origins: Recounts the start of his 18-year podcasting journey. 4:30 Hobby Approach: Advocates treating podcasting as a hobby rather than a business. 6:51 Passion vs. Results: Explores the balance between pursuing passion and chasing outcomes in podcasting. 9:27 Trend Avoidance: Warns against the pitfalls of chasing trending topics in content creation. 13:38 Talk Show Evolution: Illustrates the "Jerry Springer Effect" in content degradation. 17:30 Algorithm Pitfalls: Cautions about letting algorithms dictate content decisions. 20:09 Audience Capture: Introduces the concept of audience capture in content creation. 22:12 Click Pursuit: Describes how creators can fall into the trap of pursuing clicks at any cost. 24:01 Capture Explained: Elaborates on the audience capture phenomenon and its effects. 26:18 Audience Building: Shares strategies for building a loyal podcast audience. 27:55 TikTok Challenges: Discusses the issues with shallow engagement on platforms like TikTok. 30:01 Content Hurdles: Outlines the challenges faced in consistent content creation. 34:49 Sponsorship Navigation: Addresses the complexities of managing podcast sponsorships. 39:34 Podcast Tools: Recommends resources and tools for effective podcast production.

In this episode, Charles delves into the transformative world of time optimization and productivity mastery with David Buck, the innovative mind behind Infinity Lifestyle Design. David shares his remarkable journey from recognizing the limitations of traditional time management techniques to developing a groundbreaking approach that's redefining how entrepreneurs and business leaders harness their most valuable resource - time. David challenges conventional wisdom about productivity, highlighting the immense value of a proactive, data-driven approach to time management. Charles and David explore the delicate balance between structure and flexibility, the power of leveraging technology for productivity, and creating sustainable lifestyle designs that prioritize both professional success and personal fulfillment. David's expertise shines as he breaks down his strategies for identifying peak productivity zones, implementing effective time blocking techniques, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in time management. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in productivity, the strategic use of time tracking tools, and maintaining a holistic view of one's life even as professional responsibilities grow. Whether you're a startup founder struggling to manage multiple roles, an established business owner seeking to optimize your daily routine, or a professional navigating the complex landscape of work-life balance, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Prepare to transform your approach to time management, productivity enhancement, and personal growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Discover how David turned his "50% Rule" into a game-changing productivity strategy Learn why identifying your "Productivity Zone" can dramatically increase your daily output Gain insights into aligning personal and professional time management for exponential life satisfaction Understand the power of proactive scheduling and bias-free task prioritization Explore strategies for scaling a business while maintaining a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 2:00 Killing Procrastination: David introduces his approach to permanently overcoming procrastination. 4:12 Time Optimization: The concept of time optimization is explained in detail. 6:02 Key Time Takeaways: Essential insights for effective time management are shared. 8:21 Procrastination Hurdles: Common challenges in overcoming procrastination are discussed. 10:20 Core Elements: David defines the key elements of his time optimization system. 12:26 Optimization Tools: Various tools for enhancing productivity are explored. 14:34 Calendar Strategies: Tips for effective calendar management are provided. 17:18 Quarterly Planning: The importance of setting quarterly goals is emphasized. 19:02 Meeting Types: Different structures for productive meetings are outlined. 24:30 Automation Importance: The crucial role of automation in time management is highlighted. 26:49 Time Tracking: Useful time tracking tools and their benefits are discussed. 29:03 50% Rule: David's "Rule of 50%" for time allocation is explained. 30:39 Progress Monitoring: Techniques for tracking progress in time management are shared. 34:14 Project Collaboration: Strategies for effective collaboration on projects are presented. 35:57 Calendar Sharing: The benefits of sharing your calendar with accountability partners are discussed. 39:03 Productivity Zone: Methods for identifying your peak productivity times are explored. 41:01 Process Automation: Techniques for automating business processes are shared. 43:46 Email Tools: Email automation tools for increased productivity are recommended. 45:49 Tracking Importance: The significance of consistent time tracking is emphasized. 49:22 Time Assessment: A comprehensive time management assessment tool is introduced.

In this episode, Charles dives deep into the revolutionary world of sales team building and business ecosystem development with Kayvon Kay, the mastermind behind The Sales Connection. Kayvon shares his extraordinary journey from recognizing the pitfalls of traditional hiring methods to developing an groundbreaking 8-step hiring process that's redefining how businesses recruit and retain top-tier sales talent. Kayvon challenges conventional wisdom about sales hiring, highlighting the immense value of a data-driven, holistic approach to talent acquisition. Charles and Kayvon explore the delicate balance between sales aptitude and cultural fit, the power of leveraging technology in the hiring process, and creating sustainable business ecosystems that prioritize both profit and long-term growth. Kayvon's expertise shines as he breaks down his strategies for building high-performance sales teams, aligning sales with marketing and operations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the hiring process, the strategic use of assessments, and maintaining a holistic view of the business even as it scales. Whether you're a startup founder looking to build your first sales team, an established business owner seeking to optimize your sales force, or a sales leader navigating the complex landscape of talent management, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Prepare to transform your approach to sales hiring, team building, and business scaling. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Discover how Kayvon turned a comprehensive hiring process into a game-changing business model Learn why a 62-trait assessment can predict sales success with 97.6% accuracy Gain insights into aligning sales, marketing, and operations for exponential business growth Understand the power of video introductions and bias-free candidate evaluations in hiring Explore strategies for scaling a business while maintaining a cohesive company culture Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 1:14 Transforming Hiring Process: Kayvon introduces his revolutionary 8-step hiring process for sales teams. 6:01 Self Sales Assessment Tool: The conversation delves into a proprietary tool that examines 62 different traits of salespeople. 9:23 97.6% Efficacy Rate: Reveals the staggering success rate of Kayvon's hiring method when candidates are placed in the right environment. 12:01 Importance of Assessments: Emphasis is placed on why comprehensive assessments are crucial in the hiring process. 14:44 Recruitment Process: A breakdown of the unique video introduction step in the hiring process is provided. 16:20 Sales and Marketing Alignment: The discussion shifts to the importance of aligning sales and marketing efforts. 20:43 Owner's Responsibility: Kayvon stresses the critical role of business owners in the sales process. 22:35 Business Ecosystem Importance: The conversation highlights the significance of viewing a business as a complete ecosystem. 24:06 Key Hiring Questions: Exploration of essential questions to ask during the hiring process begins. 27:14 Sales Process Assessment: An explanation of how to evaluate a candidate's sales process is offered. 29:36 Common Sales Issues: The dialogue turns to frequent problems encountered in sales teams. 34:14 Leading High-Level Clients: Strategies for guiding high-level business owners are discussed. 36:12 Less Talking, More Selling: Kayvon shares his philosophy on effective selling techniques. 39:01 Importance of Audits: The conversation concludes with insights on why business audits are crucial for growth.

In this episode, Charles delves into the innovative world of apprenticeship and entrepreneurial growth with Dave Kerpen, a serial entrepreneur who's built seven companies and successfully exited two. Dave shares his remarkable journey from hiring college students to developing the groundbreaking Apprentice program that's reshaping how businesses access and nurture top-tier talent. Dave challenges traditional notions of education and work experience, highlighting the immense value of practical, hands-on learning in the business world. Charles and Dave explore the delicate balance between formal education and real-world experience, the power of building genuine connections in the digital age, and creating sustainable businesses that prioritize both profit and personal growth. Dave's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he breaks down his strategies for scaling businesses, leveraging young talent, and building strong, lasting relationships in the business world. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in networking, the strategic use of social media, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance even as the business grows. Whether you're a startup founder looking to tap into fresh talent, an established business owner seeking innovative growth strategies, or a young entrepreneur navigating the complex business landscape, this episode is brimming with valuable insights. Get ready to transform your approach to talent acquisition, business scaling, and personal brand building. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Uncover how Dave turned hiring college students into a million-dollar business model Learn why practical experience can often outweigh traditional education in entrepreneurship Gain insights into building genuine connections and leveraging social media for business growth Understand the power of mentorship and apprenticeship in nurturing future business leaders Explore strategies for scaling a business while maintaining work-life balance Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 2:01 Hiring College Students: Reveals how Dave leveraged student talent to build his businesses. 4:35 Learning Beyond College: Discusses the value of practical experience over traditional education. 6:11 College vs. Business: Explores the debate between pursuing higher education and starting a business. 9:12 Starting a Business: Outlines Dave's approach to launching a new venture with limited funds. 11:05 Viable Problem Assessment: Explains the importance of identifying and solving real market problems. 13:52 Unit Economics Importance: Highlights the crucial role of understanding business unit economics for scaling. 16:55 Hospice Experiences: Shares insights gained from working in hospice care and their impact on business perspective. 22:00 Learning and Teaching: Emphasizes the bidirectional nature of mentorship in business. 23:31 Building Rapport: Offers strategies for creating genuine connections in professional settings. 27:11 Listening Skills: Stresses the importance of active listening in building relationships.

In this episode, Charles dives deep into the world of strategic hiring and company culture with Eric Bandholz, the founder of Beardbrand who transformed a passion for men's grooming into a thriving e-commerce empire. Eric shares his incredible journey from experiencing hiring nightmares to developing a revolutionary 9-step hiring process that boasts a remarkable 95% success rate. Eric challenges conventional hiring wisdom, emphasizing the critical role of company culture and core values in building a sustainable business. Eric and Charles explore the importance of cultural fit, thorough vetting processes, and creating a work environment where both founders and employees can thrive. Eric's bootstrap mentality shines through as he breaks down his strategies for growing a business organically and reinvesting profits. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, strategic hiring, and maintaining a strong company culture even as the business scales. Whether you're a startup founder struggling with hiring decisions, an established business owner looking to improve team cohesion, or an HR professional seeking innovative recruitment strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Prepare to revolutionize your approach to hiring, team building, and company culture. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Discover how Eric turned hiring challenges into a 95% success rate Learn why cultural fit is as crucial as skills in the hiring process Gain insights into creating a compelling job listing that attracts the right candidates Understand the power of core values in shaping company culture Explore strategies for conducting effective reference checks Learn how to implement a thorough skills assessment process Discover the benefits of a bootstrap mentality in business growth Understand the importance of balancing performance with cultural alignment Learn strategies for maintaining company culture as your business scales Explore the long-term benefits of investing in a strong company culture Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 2:01 Business Journey: Eric shares his experience building Beard Brand from a startup to an e-commerce empire. 4:15 Hiring Process: He outlines his revolutionary 9-step hiring process that achieved a 95% success rate. 6:02 Hiring Mindset: The entrepreneur emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset when hiring. 8:30 Job Listings: Bandholz explains how to create compelling job listings that attract the right candidates. 10:12 Reference Checks: He stresses the crucial role of thorough reference checks in the hiring process. 12:14 Resume Screening: The founder details his approach to the resume screening process. 15:12 E-commerce Focus: Eric discusses the specifics of running an e-commerce business. 17:14 Core Values: He delves into the importance of aligning core values in hiring decisions. 20:10 Employee vs Entrepreneur: Bandholz distinguishes between employee and entrepreneur mindsets. 22:30 Application Process: The businessman outlines his unique job application process. 25:01 Compensation Policy: Eric explains Beard Brand's compensation policy and philosophy. 27:11 Skills Testing: He provides an overview of their skills testing approach for candidates. 30:18 Candidate Investment: The entrepreneur discusses the importance of investing time in potential hires. 32:54 Accountability: Bandholz emphasizes the value of accountability in the workplace. 37:23 Honesty: He underscores the significance of honesty throughout the hiring process. 39:44 Reference Process: Eric details their thorough reference check process. 42:50 Power of Silence: The founder explains how silence can be a powerful tool during interviews. 45:52 Red Flags: Bandholtz identifies key red flags to watch out for when hiring. 49:58 Gut Instinct: He advises listeners to trust their gut when making hiring decisions. 52:05 E-commerce Resources: Eric shares valuable resources for running an e-commerce business. 54:50 Product Highlight: The entrepreneur spotlights their popular sea salt spray product. 57:28 Company Culture: He offers insights into building and maintaining a strong company culture.

In this episode, Charles delves into the world of e-commerce and entrepreneurship with Steve, a Stanford-educated electrical engineer who turned a simple wedding day solution into a thriving online business. Steve shares his remarkable journey from a traditional engineering career to building a six-figure e-commerce empire in just one year, all starting with handkerchiefs. Steve reveals his unconventional approach to e-commerce, challenging popular notions about dropshipping, and emphasizing the power of selling your own products. Through engaging stories and practical advice, Steve and Charles explore the importance of emotional selling, product validation, and finding unique market opportunities that solve real customer problems. Steve's engineering background shines through as he breaks down his strategies for automating and scaling an e-commerce business. He emphasizes the importance of email marketing, outsourcing, and continuous adaptation in the ever-changing online retail landscape. Whether you're an aspiring e-commerce entrepreneur looking to launch your first product, a seasoned online seller aiming to scale your business, or a traditional business owner seeking to pivot into the digital space, this episode is filled with actionable insights. Prepare to be equipped with the knowledge to transform your approach to online selling and business growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Discover how Steve turned a personal need into a profitable e-commerce niche Learn why selling your own products can be more sustainable than dropshipping Gain insights into product validation strategies and the power of solving real customer problems Understand the importance of emotional selling in e-commerce Explore strategies for automating and scaling your online business Learn how to leverage email marketing for increased sales and customer retention Discover the benefits of outsourcing and how to do it effectively Understand the long-term commitment required for e-commerce success Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 2:00 Handkerchief Business: Explains how a wedding need led to launching a successful e-commerce business. 5:29 Dropshipping Decline: Discusses why dropshipping is becoming less viable in today's e-commerce landscape. 7:16 Emotional Purchasing: Reveals the importance of emotions in driving customer buying decisions. 9:53 Fulfillment Challenges: Highlights the risks of relying on third-party fulfillment in dropshipping. 12:07 Mental Hurdles: Addresses common mental blocks entrepreneurs face when starting an e-commerce business. 14:31 Engineering Mindset: Emphasizes the value of a problem-solving approach in entrepreneurship. 17:10 Business Purpose: Stresses the importance of having a clear purpose beyond just making money. 21:24 Problem-Solving Products: Advises on creating products that solve personal or observed problems. 24:02 Manufacturing Partners: Offers guidance on finding and vetting manufacturers for your products. 27:11 Marketing Budget: Discusses the financial considerations for marketing a new e-commerce product. 28:56 Wholesale Strategy: Explores the potential of selling to distributors to scale your business. 30:41 Customer Service: Shares insights on outsourcing customer service to the Philippines. 34:41 AI Content Creation: Introduces the use of AI for generating product images and content. 37:00 Time Management: Breaks down the time allocation needed for running an e-commerce business. 39:40 Product Validation: Provides strategies for validating product ideas before full launch. 43:20 Return Rates: Discusses typically low return rates in e-commerce for non-apparel items. 45:32 Marketing Tactics: Outlines effective marketing strategies for e-commerce businesses.

Finn McKenty, a YouTube sensation and business strategist, shares his journey from music content creator to personal branding expert. He discusses the importance of authenticity in brand pivots and offers strategic insights for optimizing LinkedIn for business growth. Finn emphasizes focusing on one platform at a time and using social proof to build credibility. With practical advice on engaging interactions and the power of voice notes, he inspires listeners to redefine their digital presence and embrace their unique traits for success.

Ryan Hanley, a once-struggling insurance agent turned digital marketing powerhouse, shares his inspiring journey of building a successful digital agency in just two years. He unveils his "100 Days, 100 Videos" strategy, showcasing how to leverage content to engage potential clients effectively. Ryan emphasizes the power of addressing customer questions and the importance of authenticity in communication. His unique five-step "one call close" method revolutionizes sales, focusing on empathy and personalized communication, ultimately boosting close rates.

In this episode, Charles delves into the world of exclusive fashion and entrepreneurship with Kola Tytler, the visionary founder of Dropout Milano. Kola shares his remarkable journey of building a thriving streetwear and sneaker store in Milan, Italy, while still pursuing his medical degree. Get ready to be inspired as Kola unveils his unique approach to creating an aspirational brand that resonates with its target audience. Uncover the power of exclusivity and experience-driven marketing as Kola reveals how he transformed Dropout Milano into a community-focused brand that goes beyond just selling products. Through engaging stories and practical insights, Kola and Charles explore the importance of understanding your market, identifying customer motivations, and leveraging data to optimize your marketing efforts. Kola's passion for continuous learning and self-improvement shines through as he discusses his pursuit of multiple degrees from prestigious UK universities, including an upcoming Masters at Cambridge. He emphasizes the significance of investing in your own education and network to build confidence and make better business decisions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode will provide you with valuable lessons and frameworks to help you create a brand that stands out in today's competitive landscape. Get ready to be motivated and equipped with the tools necessary to build a loyal community around your brand and achieve remarkable success. Key Takeaways: Discover Kola's unique approach to building an exclusive, community-focused brand that resonates with its target audience Learn how to leverage experiential marketing and collaborations to create an aspirational brand that goes beyond just selling products Gain insights into the power of understanding your market, identifying customer motivations, and leveraging data to optimize your marketing efforts Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. Key Points: 1:00 - Kola's journey to success 5:55 - Breaking limits and pursuing passions 7:26 - Building a sneaker empire 10:27 - Creating a sustainable business 13:53 - Building exclusive communities 15:36 - Creating physical store experiences 18:09 - Balancing exclusivity in e-commerce 20:22 - Product challenges in e-commerce 22:07 - Leveraging brand partnerships 24:02 - Creating unique brand experiences 25:55 - Shifting focus to brand identity 28:00 - Creating experiential content 30:00 - Engaging with online communities 32:24 - Crafting viral content 33:55 - Brand building strategies 36:24 - Focus on conversion ads 40:14 - Thirst for knowledge 42:30 - Pursuing entrepreneurship studies 44:58 - Celebrating academic achievements 46:42 - Leveraging online learning

In this episode, Charles dives into the world of niche influence with Jon Davids, the marketing mastermind behind Influicity. Jon shares his hard-earned wisdom on building thriving communities and skyrocketing brands to unimaginable heights. Get ready to take notes as Jon unveils his secret formula for creating a movement around your brand that captivates your target audience. Uncover the power of niche influence and learn how to harness it to amplify your brand's reach and impact. Jon reveals the "rent-to-own" marketing strategy that empowers businesses to scale without sacrificing their current revenue streams. Through real-life examples and practical advice, Jon and Charles explore the intricacies of building unshakable faith among your customers and creating a loyal community that advocates for your brand. Jon's no-nonsense approach cuts through the noise and delivers actionable insights that you can immediately implement in your own marketing strategy. He shares his journey from the early days of online magazines to working with industry giants like Disney and Toyota, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of digital marketing. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting your business, this episode will arm you with the tools and frameworks necessary to thrive in today's competitive digital landscape. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and motivated to take your brand to new heights by leveraging the untapped potential of niche influence. Key Takeaways: Discover Jon's secret formula for creating a movement around your brand that captivates your target audience Learn how to harness the power of niche influence to amplify your brand's reach and impact Uncover the game-changing "rent-to-own" marketing strategy that allows businesses to scale without sacrificing current revenue Head over to https://podcast.iamcharlesschwartz.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. Key Points: 2:08 Building an Online Magazine 5:10 Growing Website Traffic 7:32 Making money with Google AdWords 10:07 Launching influencer marketing agency 13:00 Collaborating with YouTube influencer 15:15 Unfair advantage discussion 17:23 Building community vs. Identity 20:00 Importance of brand for small businesses 22:49 Building communities effectively 28:01 Importance of niche influence 30:53 Building KLT 33:21 Examples of successful movements 36:59 Twitter success story 39:08 Faith building checklist 42:38 Interview testimonial questions 45:04 Acquiring more customers 46:57 Rent to own marketing framework 50:03 Accessing marketing resources