The Future of Sales: Harnessing AI for Autonomous Prospecting   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages with Nick Smith, CEO and founder of Sailes®, a leader in autonomous prospecting through AI-driven sales bots. The discussion explores how Sailes® is transforming the sales landscape by reshaping prospecting practices with AI technology. Key insights from the episode offer actionable advice on leveraging AI in sales strategies, emphasizing the potential of AI to enhance the sales process while maintaining a personalized touch. Nick Smith introduces Sailes® as a pioneering company offering autonomous prospecting solutions for enterprises. Their sales bots manage the entire prospecting process, from identifying potential companies and enriching data to locating decision-makers and generating personalized content. These bots maintain a unique personality that reflects the human they represent, ensuring a personalized interaction. Josh raises concerns about automated outreach saturation, but Nick highlights the importance of a targeted approach, focusing on genuine connections and reducing outreach volume while increasing effectiveness. As the conversation progresses, Josh and Nick discuss best practices for using Sailes® technology. Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding the market and analyzing customer interactions to optimize outreach efforts. The AI-driven sales bots automate successful strategies, allowing sales professionals to focus on high-value activities. Nick shares insights into the real-world impact of Sailes® technology, noting significant returns on investment and the intelligence gained from sales bots. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to explore Sailes® further, highlighting the potential of AI to drive business growth and enhance sales outcomes. About Nick Smith:   Nick Smith is the President, CEO, and Founder of Sailes – the company that created the first AI software to automate all prospecting. Nick founded Sailes in 2018 after an extensive career in sales leadership at CBS Corporation, iHeart Radio, and other enterprise sales organizations. Recognizing the power of AI to multiply human potential, and with the knowledge that most sales teams were taking a proportional, “sales enablement” approach to prospecting, Nick invented the Sailebot® to prospect on behalf of Sales Executives while accounting for their unique personalities. Nick’s accolades include an Eagle Scout award, a two-time CBS New York “One to Watch” award, and being named “40 Future Leaders of New York Politics” by City and State Magazine. Prior to founding Sailes, he co-hosted “Common Ground,” an audio program on WOR New York and iHeart Radio, dedicated to building bridges between business and labor organizations. Sailes, a venture-backed “Startup to Watch”, currently serves Fortune 1000 to 50 enterprises and is based in New York, NY and Kansas City, MO.   About Sailes®:   Sailes® is Sales, with AI: AI for Sales on Autopilot Unlock Human Potential with the Market-Leading AI-Native Sales Prospecting Solutions In a world where sales teams are constantly challenged to do more with less, Sailes® emerges as the game-changer that redefines how businesses approach sales prospecting. Built by salespeople, for salespeople, Sailes® harnesses the power of AI to elevate prospecting, delivering a seamless blend of efficiency, personalization, and innovation. AI-Native Sailebot®: The Future of Sales Prospecting At the heart of Sailes is Sailebot®, an AI-native technology designed to take prospecting off your plate, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters—building relationships and closing deals. Sailebot® autonomously manages everything from company research and data enrichment to outbound communications and objection handling, continuously learning and adapting to match the unique style of each sales executive. This means every interaction is not only efficient but also authentically tailored to your prospects. Digital Labor™: Supercharge Your Sales Efficiency Leveraging Digital Labor™ , Sailes® maximizes your team’s productivity by automating the menial and time-consuming tasks that often bog down sales efforts. From sourcing leads to responding to prospects, Sailebot® works tirelessly in the background, ensuring no opportunity is missed and freeing your team to engage only when it’s time to make meaningful connections. A New Era of Sales Excellence Sailes isn’t just about automating tasks; it’s about transforming the way sales teams operate. By complementing the skill and intuition of human salespeople with the precision and intelligence of AI, Sailes unlocks unprecedented potential, enabling your team to achieve new heights of success. Discover the future of sales with Sailes—where technology empowers your team to be more human, more effective, and more successful.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Sailes® website at https://sailes.com/ Check out Sailes® on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/saile Check out Nick Smith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nixmith   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

2076 - Nick Smith

The Power of Personalization: Enhancing Buyer Engagement Through Conversational Design   In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Mary Kathryn Johnson, also known as MKJ, a founder, podcast host, and CEO. MKJ brings her expertise in helping entrepreneurs accelerate the buyer's journey through conversational and category design. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs navigating the crowded digital marketplace. Let's dive into the key takeaways and actionable advice shared during the episode.   Mary Kathryn emphasizes that in today's saturated business environment, simply being louder or more visible is not enough. Entrepreneurs must find ways to stand out by being specific and personalized in their messaging. She highlights the importance of identifying your unique selling proposition, tailoring communication to address the specific needs of ideal customers, and ensuring consistent branding across all platforms. Additionally, MKJ stresses the importance of focusing on the buyer's journey rather than just the sales journey, which involves understanding the potential buyer's needs, preferences, and pain points.   MKJ’s expertise lies in helping entrepreneurs design conversations that facilitate trust and engagement. She discusses the role of interactive video as a powerful tool for enhancing engagement, introducing "Relatable," a platform for creating interactive video content. Mary Kathryn underscores that relationships are built over time and require trust, advocating for consistent communication, value-driven content, and personalized follow-up messages. By focusing on the buyer's journey, leveraging technology, and being authentic, entrepreneurs can create a more effective and engaging approach to business that fosters trust and drives success. For more information, explore Mary Kathryn’s work at callmemkj.com and engage with her on social media platforms. About Mary Johnson:   Mary Kathryn Johnson, known as MKJ, is a dynamic CEO and M.I.S.C.H.I.E.F. Maker (Mindset Impact Strategic Catalyst Helping Innovative Entrepreneurs FOCUS). With over 20 years of experience in online business and marketing, MKJ helps entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leadership teams gain clarity and focus on what makes their business unique, and how to communicate that difference to both internal and external customers. MKJ specializes in guiding businesses away from the crowded Attention Economy and outdated sales strategies like lead generation and sales funnels. Instead, she focuses on the Relationship Economy, demand generation, and optimizing the buyer's funnel. Her approach shortens the sales process, increases customer retention, and creates communities that actively promote businesses through Word of Mouth. MKJ is also the host of the M.I.S.C.H.I.E.F. Maker podcast, where she shares insights on helping businesses thrive by connecting with customers in more meaningful, lasting ways.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Mary Kathryn Johnson's website at https://www.callmemkj.com/ Check out Mary Kathryn Johnson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/callmemkj/   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.    

Creating a Thriving Workplace: The Power of Gratitude and Wellness Practices   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ania Halama, the founder and CEO of Xpansion Alchemy. The episode delves into the critical themes of workplace wellness, the transformative power of gratitude, and practical tools to boost employee satisfaction and productivity. This blog post will break down the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you foster a healthier and more productive work environment. Ania Halama introduces her company, Xpansion Alchemy, as a comprehensive wellness platform that operates in both business-to-business (B2B) and personal development spaces. The platform focuses on various aspects of well-being, including health, relationships, financial wellness, and overall productivity. Ania's mission is to help individuals and organizations feel better, which in turn leads to improved relationships and enhanced performance in the workplace. One of the central themes of the episode is the significance of gratitude in fostering a positive work environment. Ania shares a simple yet powerful practice: encouraging team members to express gratitude not only for what they appreciate but also for why they appreciate it. This practice can shift individuals' internal states, promoting a sense of well-being and connection among team members. Beyond gratitude, Ania discusses various tools and practices that can inspire a culture of appreciation and well-being in the workplace. Gratitude meditation and breathwork are becoming increasingly popular in corporate settings. These practices can help employees manage stress and improve focus. Ania also shares insights into trends in employee well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing feelings of unworthiness through appreciation and self-work. Xpansion Alchemy offers a range of services, including monthly live classes and a back-office portal with resources organized by key wellness pillars. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of appreciation, organizations can enhance their overall success and create a thriving workplace community. About Ania Halama:   Ania Halama is a world-renowned spiritual mentor, plant medicine facilitator, intuitive healer, and entrepreneur whose life journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and manifestation. After breaking free from an unfulfilling corporate career, Ania embarked on a transformative global odyssey that opened her to ancient healing modalities and her true life's purpose. Today, Ania draws from a multitude of certifications - including EFT Practitioner, Breathwork Facilitator, Ho'oponopono Master, and Akashic Records Reader - to help thousands of heart-centered individuals align with their highest potential. Her keen intuitive abilities and mastery of the Law of Attraction allow her to guide clients in attracting health, love, wealth, and spiritual abundance. Recognized as a "Top Millennial Powerhouse" by Entrepreneur Magazine and "Top 10 Entrepreneur to Follow" by US Reporter, Ania's insights have been featured across major media outlets. She is a two-time bestselling author of "Rebel's Guide to Spirituality" and "Women Gone Wild the Wealth Edition", she is also the founder of Xpansion Alchemy. With an intuitive artist's eye for beauty and a passion for uplifting others on their journeys, Ania fuses her business savvy and metaphysical gifts. Her mission is to impact lives by empowering people to manifest their deepest desires through radical self-love, spiritual awakening, and entrepreneurship.   About Xpansion Alchemy:   Xpansion Alchemy is an interactive, holistic school for individuals looking to become the best versions of themselves. If you want to clear your mind, let go of limiting beliefs, and heal life’s traumas, we’ll provide you with just the right tools & techniques! On average, our students achieve higher levels of consciousness, happiness, drive, & personal freedom.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Xpansion Alchemy’s website at https://xpansionalchemy.com/ Check out Xpansion Alchemy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/92701077 Check out Ania Halama's website at https://aiahalama.com/ Check out Ania Halama on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahalama/   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.    

Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design and a veteran in the book publishing industry, shares valuable insights on self-publishing. She discusses how platforms like Amazon are empowering authors, while emphasizing the continued importance of print books. Michele also delves into the challenges posed by AI in preserving authentic storytelling. Additionally, she highlights crucial marketing strategies for authors, stressing the need to understand their audience and the benefits of professional assistance.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Insights on Modern Business Leadership   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Blair LaCorte, the Managing Director of LaCorte Ventures. The discussion delves into Blair's diverse career journey, the challenges that contemporary business leaders face, and the transformative role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in shaping business operations. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for business leaders looking to navigate today's complex business landscape.   Josh opens the episode by inviting listeners to explore opportunities for connecting with partners, investors, and clients. He shares insights from his extensive experience, having spoken with over 2,000 leaders about their best business practices. Josh offers a free video class on his website, Up My Influence, where he outlines strategies for generating high-ticket sales appointments without relying on spam or ads. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and invites potential guests to join his podcast. Blair LaCorte shares his unique career trajectory, which he humorously likens to that of Forrest Gump due to its diverse experiences. He recounts his upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs, with both parents running their own businesses. This early exposure to the challenges of entrepreneurship shaped Blair's understanding of business dynamics.   As the conversation shifts to contemporary business challenges, Blair identifies three primary concerns that executives are grappling with today: cultural shifts in the workplace, economic pressures, and product commoditization. He discusses the evolving nature of work culture, particularly in the context of remote work and the expectations of younger generations. Blair emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt to changing economic conditions and to find innovative solutions to manage costs and maintain efficiency. He also highlights the challenge of commoditization in products and services, stressing the importance of focusing on customer relationships. The discussion then turns to the impact of AI on business operations, where Blair shares insights from a recent AI conference he hosted. He introduces his coaching group, Mastermind Innovate, which brings together CEOs from various industries to share insights and support one another.   About Blair LaCorte:   Blair LaCorte is a dynamic business executive and transformational leader known for his curiosity, collaboration, and competitive spirit. With a diverse career spanning entertainment, aviation, AI, aerospace, and more, Blair has led companies through growth, restructuring, and IPOs, while mentoring and coaching teams to drive success. His passion for mentorship is reflected in his work with several coaching organizations, and his broad industry experience allows him to share best practices across sectors. Blair’s leadership style focuses on aligning teams, driving motivation, and achieving operational excellence. An active investor and advisor to over 100 companies and nonprofits, Blair has an impressive track record of delivering growth and investor returns. He holds an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and has completed executive coursework at Stanford. A space enthusiast and former NASA Innovator of the Year, Blair is an astronaut-in-training, set to fly with Virgin Galactic.   About LaCorte Ventures:   Lacorte Ventures is a family office engaged in seed investing and advisory services for early-stage venture and middle-market private companies. This includes executive mentorship, coaching and board participation focused on:   - select project-based B2B restructuring - fundraising - growth initiatives   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out LaCorte Ventures on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacorte-ventures/ Check out Blair LaCorte on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-lacorte-68084/   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.    

Navigating Leadership, Burnout, and Purpose   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a profound conversation with Dennis Franczak, the founder and partner of Bright Matter Advisors. The discussion explores the complexities of leadership, personal growth, and the critical importance of understanding one's purpose in life and work. Dennis shares his personal journey through burnout as a CEO, the invaluable lessons he learned, and how he now dedicates his efforts to helping other executives navigate similar challenges. Dennis Franczak's story is a compelling narrative of resilience and transformation. As a CEO for nearly two decades, he faced severe burnout that had been building over the years. In 2022, recognizing the toll it had taken on him, he decided to take a six-month sabbatical to focus on self-healing and reflection. During this time, he disconnected from the demands of his professional life and engaged in deep introspection, ultimately realizing that he had lost touch with his identity as a leader and family man. Upon returning to the professional world, Dennis transitioned into a chairman role at his former ad agency and founded Bright Matter Advisors. His mission is to assist executives in understanding their true selves, their relationships with their careers, and what they want to be known for. A significant theme in Dennis's journey is the need for vulnerability among leaders. He discusses how executives often feel pressured to maintain a facade of strength and control, which can prevent them from seeking help when they need it. Dennis emphasizes that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a crucial step toward healing and growth. He encourages leaders to open up about their struggles and seek support before reaching a breaking point. At Bright Matter Advisors, Dennis works with high-performing professionals through one-on-one coaching, group sessions, and workshops, focusing on self-discovery, career alignment, and discovering their purpose and legacy.   About Dennis Franczak:   Dennis Franczak is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive advisor with a deep passion for meaningful impact and legacy. With over two decades of experience, Dennis has navigated the complex landscapes of advertising and business strategy, establishing himself as a thought leader in both fields. As the founder and former CEO of a highly successful advertising agency, he possesses extensive knowledge of the latest trends in advertising and brand strategy. Today, Dennis dedicates his expertise to CEO and executive advisory, helping leaders scale their businesses, optimize sales processes, and determine the right times to buy or sell their enterprises. Dennis's journey is marked by personal transformation. After experiencing burnout post-COVID and realizing the detrimental effects of maintaining a façade of the "perfect CEO," he took a six-month sabbatical to reconnect with his core values through therapy and self-reflection. This period of profound personal growth has equipped Dennis with unique insights into the challenges executives face, from loneliness and isolation to the struggle for authenticity in leadership. Driven by a desire to help others avoid the pitfalls he encountered, Dennis now emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, self-awareness, and leading with authenticity. His approach is a blend of practical business strategies and motivational guidance, aimed at fostering resilience and long-term success among executives and emerging leaders alike. He believes that true leadership is about creating a lasting, positive impact and leaving a meaningful legacy.   About Bright Matter Advisors:   Bright Matter Advisors is a team of former CEOs and executives who have been where you are. We've been in your shoes. We've had similar problems, challenges, failures, and successes. We remember the late hours, working on vacation, the stress that comes with our position, and of course making sure our people are taken care of. We've been stuck on a problem, whether it be growth, profitability, marketing, regulators, operational efficiency, sales. We could name dozens of more problems we've faced. But you get it. You've been there. We also remember the times when we wished we could talk to other people like us who've been where we are, who understand us, and get support from them. At times, being an executive can be isolating and lonely, and you have to put up brave front because everyone expects you to be perfect. Not here. Now you have a chance to work with people who you can share your struggles, get help, and find inspiration. Because we have been right where you are and we ended up achieving our goals. You can too. It's time to "level up" and enjoy your role knowing you have a group of colleagues who can relate to what you are going through, and help you unlock solutions that deliver previously unachievable results. The kind of results that change lives. The kind of results that turn leadership into legacy.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Bright Matter Advisors website at https://brightmatteradvisors.com/ Check out Bright Matter Advisors on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-matter-advisors/ Check out Dennis Franczak on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfranczak   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

The Best Framework for Infinite Leadership and Personal Growth   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Kylee Leota, the founder and chief vision officer of "Elements 4 Success." The episode delves into the nuanced concepts of success and leadership, particularly through Kylee's innovative framework known as "infinite leadership." This framework comprises eight pillars designed to help individuals define and achieve their personal and professional goals. Below, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode.   Josh opens the episode by emphasizing the importance of thoughtful connections and networking for business growth. He shares his extensive experience of conversing with over 2,000 leaders to uncover the best sources of business success. Josh promotes a free video resource available on his website, which outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of success and leadership with Kylee Leota. Kylee begins by sharing her perspective on success, quoting Earl Nightingale: "Success is the progressive ongoing realization of a worthy goal or ideal." She highlights that success is a deeply personal journey, varying from person to person. Many individuals become trapped in societal expectations of success, losing sight of their unique paths. Kylee's mission is to empower and inspire others to navigate their success journeys, both personally and professionally.   Kylee observes that many leaders struggle with a sense of unconscious existence, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. People often fall back into routine, going through the motions of daily life without making conscious choices. This lack of mindfulness can hinder personal growth and success. Kylee emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, starting with the first pillar of her infinite leadership model: Identity. She encourages individuals to ask themselves: Who am I at this moment? Where do I want to be in my journey? Understanding one's identity and aligning it with personal goals is crucial for progress. This self-awareness forms the foundation for conscious living and intentional decision-making.   About Kylee Leota:   Kylee Leota is the founder of Elements 4 Success – a global organisation delivering transformational experiences to individuals, teams, and businesses. Earl Nightingale defines success as “the progressive realisation of a worthy goal or ideal”. Kylee wishes to empower people of all ages so that they can develop the confidence, skills, and tools they require to live a life of their design and purpose. She believes that you have the knowledge within yourself to create success and gives you the right tools in your toolbox to help you make these goals and ideals, reality! After 20 years in the education sector, including leadership roles at both schools, and regional levels, Kylee wants to empower and have a positive impact, further than just the education sector: working collaboratively across sectors including complex behaviour, trauma and early intervention, as well as transition to work sectors. Her depth of experience and knowledge ensures she is adaptable to any industry. Kylee is a change management facilitator, specialising in sustainable behaviour changes for both individuals and teams. With a track record for results, Elements 4 Success has a long list of happy clients who have achieved their goals, a team renowned for its out of the box thinking and solution focused approaches.   About Elements 4 Success:   Elements 4 Success is a global organization delivering powerful experiences to individuals, teams, and businesses. Founded by Kylee Leota, Elements 4 Success delivers high-performance coaching, consultancy, and training programs that enable all to optimise growth through their journey of self-discovery, awareness, and development. Earl Nightingale defines success as “the progressive realisation of a worthy goal or ideal”. Elements 4 Success believes that you have the knowledge within you to create success and gives you the right tools in your toolbox to help you make these goals and ideals, reality. Leadership is a skill, not a position and at Elements 4 Success we believe that the principles of leadership, knowing yourself and others, are the foundations to creating the success you want in life.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Elements 4 Success website at https://elements4success.com.au/ Check out Elements 4 Success on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/elements-4-success/ Check out Kylee Leota on LinkedIn at https://au.linkedin.com/in/kylee-leota-65a332100 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.          

Mastering the Art of Hiring Talent   In a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, host Josh engages with Philip Rivers, co-founder of Talent HQ, to explore the intricacies of hiring talent, especially for small businesses. Philip shares his expertise on the common challenges business leaders encounter, emphasizing the importance of clear job descriptions and structured onboarding processes. This blog post distills key insights from their conversation, offering practical advice to help streamline your hiring process.   One of the main challenges small business owners face is identifying the right candidates, often due to unclear hiring needs. Philip highlights the necessity of defining specific skills and responsibilities for each role and crafting detailed job descriptions to attract suitable candidates. Additionally, he underscores the importance of a structured recruiting process, which includes initial screenings, structured interviews, and assessments to evaluate candidates' skills and fit for the role. Talent HQ assists businesses by streamlining these processes, ensuring a thorough understanding of client needs and implementing a rigorous vetting process.   Effective onboarding is crucial for the long-term success of new hires, yet many businesses overlook this step, leading to high turnover rates. Philip stresses the importance of documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), comprehensive training programs, and mentorship to help new hires integrate smoothly. Talent HQ supports businesses in developing robust onboarding processes, providing resources and continuous support to ensure new employees feel welcomed and equipped to succeed. By addressing these aspects, businesses can enhance their hiring outcomes and foster a positive work environment.   About Phillip Rivers:   Phillip Rivers launched his career in marketing and sales by designing and selling t-shirts timed with Nike Dunks releases on niche message boards. With no access to Facebook ads, Phillip mastered the art of building and monetizing email lists, laying the groundwork for his future achievements. Later on, Phillip founded an email marketing agency that drove over $200M in attributed revenue for its clients. The agency grew to nearly 8-figures and over 50 employees, leveraging global talent for outstanding results. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Phillip is renowned for his actionable insights in scaling businesses, optimizing email and SMS marketing, and uncovering easy marketing wins. His methodologies have propelled some of the fastest-growing brands online to explosive growth. Today, Phillip is using his processes for vetting top tier global marketing talent to help companies scale their output and margins with global talent.   About Talent HQ:   Leading staffing agency connecting global marketing talent to their dream jobs.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out TalentHQ website at https://www.talenthq.co/ Check out TalentHQ on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-talenthq/ Check out Phillip Rivers on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thephilrivers/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.      

Building a Brand That Resonates: Insights on Emotional Connections and B2B Marketing Trends   In this podcast episode, the host engages in a conversation with Rachel Minion, co-founder of Rockstarr and Moon, focusing on branding and B2B marketing strategies. Rachel highlights the significance of congruence in branding, using music as a universal connector to evoke emotional resonance. She elaborates on the process of filtering clients through brand messaging and offers insights into current B2B marketing trends, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of LinkedIn newsletters and email lists. Rachel critiques disingenuous marketing practices and strongly advocates for transparency and setting realistic expectations. She shares her perspective on how authenticity in marketing can build trust and foster stronger client relationships. Her insights provide valuable guidance for businesses looking to refine their marketing strategies in a rapidly evolving landscape. The episode wraps up with reflections on the communal power of music and its profound impact on branding. Rachel underscores how music can unify and engage audiences, creating a lasting emotional connection that enhances brand identity. This discussion offers a fresh perspective on integrating music into branding efforts to strengthen emotional ties with clients and customers. About Rachel Minion:   Rachel Minion is a force to be reckoned with—a marketing rockstarr, a relentless cancer warrior, and a dynamic speaker who embodies resilience, raw honesty, and unapologetic truth. With over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, Rachel has honed her expertise to become a powerhouse of no-nonsense insights and actionable strategies that resonate deeply with her audience. Rachel’s speaking style is direct, bold, and refreshingly real. She doesn’t just skim the surface; she dives deep into the complexities of life and work, tackling the tough topics that others shy away from. Whether navigating the unpredictable career journey, confronting the life-altering reality of a cancer diagnosis, or breaking free from societal expectations to find and amplify your unique voice, Rachel brings real talk to the table. As a speaker, Rachel Minion is here to do more than just inspire—she’s here to provoke thought, ignite passion, and challenge your audience to push beyond the superficial. Her talks are a powerful blend of authenticity, leadership, and courage, leaving listeners not just motivated but equipped to face adversity head-on and lead with unwavering passion.   About Rockstarr and Moon:   Their comprehensive services are tailored to meet current demands and ensure sustainable growth. Offers the expertise needed to jumpstart marketing efforts and drive growth. As a business expands and considers building an internal team, they will be there to provide support. They offer frameworks, playbooks, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Rockstarr & Moon website at https://rockstarrandmoon.com/ Check out Rockstarr & Moon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockstarr-and-moon Check out Rachel Minion on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelminion   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.