Maximizing Retirement Income: Transition from Active to Passive Income In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Selengut, also known as "The Income Coach." Steve, the author of "Retirement Money Secrets" and the mind behind theincomecoach.net, shares his expertise on financial strategies tailored for business owners and entrepreneurs. The episode delves into retirement planning, transitioning from active income to passive income through investments, and the importance of profit margins. Here, we break down the key insights and actionable advice from the episode to help you optimize your financial future. Steve Selengut specializes in helping individuals transition their investment portfolios into income-generating assets. He often works with business owners contemplating retirement or those looking to optimize their investment strategies. Steve's journey began with selling his business and successfully generating income from his investment portfolio, allowing him to retire comfortably. His investment philosophy centers around a critical question: "How much income is your portfolio generating?" He notes that many portfolios yield less than 3% in income, whereas his own portfolio yields around 10%. The key to achieving higher income lies in using the same securities but packaging them differently to focus on income production. Steve introduces closed-end funds as a powerful tool for income generation. These investment vehicles are designed to generate income rather than grow in market value. They invest in a variety of securities, allowing investors to benefit from income generation while minimizing market risk. Steve likens an investment portfolio to a retail store, where each investment represents a product on the shelf. He advocates for setting a profit target—such as 5%—and encourages clients to sell investments that exceed this target rather than waiting for potentially higher returns. This strategy secures profits and accelerates overall profit margins. By following these steps, you can build a robust investment portfolio that ensures financial stability and freedom in your retirement years. About Steve Selengut: Steve Selengut is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in investment management, advisory services, and as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Currently, Steve focuses on coaching both individuals and fellow advisors to achieve income independence for themselves and their clients. He is also promoting his second book, Retirement Money Secrets. Throughout his extensive career, Steve managed approximately 325 individual portfolios both domestically and internationally. He stands out as one of the few investment authors with direct experience in managing client investments. Steve demonstrates how to generate significantly more potential spending money than is typically needed, consistently quarter after quarter and year after year. His method enables clients to confidently state that neither stock market corrections nor rising interest rates will negatively impact their portfolio income. Instead, these conditions can actually accelerate income growth. Unlike most investment portfolios, which often produce modest returns of 3% or less, Steve's approach safely achieves returns that are two or more times higher. About The Retirement Income Coach LLC: Income Coach Steve Selengut spent his 40+ year career managing millions in client retirement assets for a higher level of income than most investors achieve. He shares a lifetime of income-building insights and innovative investing techniques in his new book Retirement Money Secrets, and his coaching services, and investment security Selection Universes. Steve"s methodology has been one of the best-kept secrets in the investment management business. But not anymore. Now, he’s showing everyone how to use the oldest type of investment fund in existance in an active, hands-on portfolio management strategy with an income focus. As explained in "Secrets", CEF investing is a proven route to substantially more retirement income.   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 The Retirement Income Coach LLC website at https://theincomecoach.net/ Check out The Retirement Income Coach LLC on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retirement-income-coach-llc/ Check out Steve Selengut on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/privateinvestmentmanagement 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.  

In this final episode of our special series, we reflect on the profound impact relationships have on doing business. We discuss how trust and authenticity are key to building strong business relationships that drive success.Key Points Covered:Building Trust in Business Relationships:Trust is fundamental to any successful relationship, especially in business. Josh and Alissa discuss how entrepreneurs can build and maintain trust with clients and partners, emphasizing the importance of consistent, genuine interactions to foster long-term loyalty and success.Navigating Personal and Professional Relationships:The lines between personal and professional relationships can often blur in business. This episode explores how entrepreneurs can balance these dynamics to ensure relationships remain effective and productive without compromising personal boundaries.The Power of Authenticity in Networking:Authenticity is a crucial element in building genuine relationships that resonate with clients and partners. Josh shares insights on how entrepreneurs can embrace authenticity in their business dealings to create deeper, more meaningful connections that lead to sustained success.Featured Clips:[Guest 1: Wayne Moloney]:Wayne discusses the concept of relationship selling and the importance of focusing on helping clients achieve their outcomes. He emphasizes the need for strong, trusted relationships to build a successful business.[Guest 2: Liz Wolfe]:Liz talks about the importance of authenticity in relationship-building and how being true to your values and passions can strengthen your business relationships and enhance overall success.Join us as we explore how to cultivate relationships that last and make a meaningful impact in your business!Links for this episode:Explore our philosophy with a FREE trial: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/freetrial Check out our Partner Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/partner Our VIP Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros Check out UpMyInfluence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmyinfluenceCheck out Josh Elledge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledgePast episodes mentioned in this retrospective installment:1148 – Relationship Marketing and B2B Sales in 2022 with Wayne Moloney778 – The Importance of Sales Follow Up with Liz WolfeResources:B2B Sales 101: Stop Selling, Start Serving and Build Relationships7 Go-Giver Mindset Tips: Ignite Your ProsperityThe Secrets of Consistent Sales: B2B Relationship Building

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we explore the importance of networking and why your network truly is your net worth. We discuss how building and nurturing a strong network can lead to long-term success and create meaningful business opportunities.Key Points Covered:Aligning with the Right People for Success:The discussion begins with the significance of surrounding yourself with individuals who share your goals and values. Josh explains how aligning with like-minded people can amplify success, creating a supportive ecosystem where everyone benefits from shared achievements and mutual growth.Building and Maintaining Digital Relationships:With much of today’s networking happening online, Josh and Alissa explore effective strategies for building and maintaining strong business relationships in the digital age. They offer practical tips on leveraging digital platforms to foster genuine connections and keep relationships thriving.Leveraging Weak Ties for Greater Reach:The episode also highlights the importance of weaker ties—those less obvious connections that can open doors to broader networks and unexpected opportunities. Josh shares how entrepreneurs can effectively tap into these connections to expand their influence and reach.Featured Clips:[Guest 1: Blake Johnson]:Blake discusses the importance of aligning with people who are working toward the same goals and how a strong network can create a supportive environment where success is shared. He emphasizes the philosophy that “what’s good for one is good for all.”[Guest 2: Dr. Benjamin Ritter]:Dr. Ritter shares his journey of building trust and credibility through networking in the leadership development space. He talks about the importance of crafting a compelling message and nurturing relationships that go beyond immediate sales.Listen in to discover how to grow your network and enhance your business’s success!Links for this episode:Explore our philosophy with a FREE trial: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/freetrial Check out our Partner Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/partner Our VIP Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros Check out UpMyInfluence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmyinfluenceCheck out Josh Elledge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledgePast episodes mentioned in this retrospective installment:875 – The Serial Entrepreneur Career with Blake Johnson230 - Investing in Relationships with LFY Consulting's Dr. Benjamin RitterResources:Growing Your Podcast Community With Social MediaLeveraging ‘Whisper Networks’ to Propel Your BusinessPodcast Community Secrets: 10 Power Tips for Authority

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we delve into the power of storytelling in sales. We explore how compelling stories can connect with audiences, build trust, and drive business growth across various industries.Key Points Covered:The Importance of Storytelling in Business:Josh and Alissa discuss why storytelling is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a powerful way to create emotional connections with audiences. They highlight how effective storytelling can differentiate a brand and foster loyalty by making messages memorable and impactful.Crafting Stories That Resonate Across Audiences:The episode provides insights on how business leaders can tailor their stories to connect with diverse audiences. Josh shares examples from the podcast where guests effectively adapted their narratives to appeal to different sectors and customer bases, demonstrating the versatility of good storytelling.Leveraging Stories for Business Growth:We examine how storytelling isn’t just about engagement—it’s a strategic approach to driving sales and business development. Josh and Alissa discuss practical ways entrepreneurs can use stories to enhance their sales efforts and connect more deeply with potential clients.Featured Clips:[Guest 1: John Livesay]:John talks about how storytelling is essential for drawing in audiences and fostering business growth. He shares his perspective on why stories are more persuasive than data alone, helping businesses connect on a deeper level with their customers.[Guest 2: Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, Barefoot Spirit]:Michael and Bonnie share their journey of building Barefoot Wines, highlighting how storytelling played a crucial role in their brand’s success. They discuss their transition into helping other entrepreneurs turn their stories into impactful Hollywood-style narratives.Tune in to learn how to craft stories that sell and create lasting connections with your audience!Links for this episode:Explore our philosophy with a FREE trial: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/freetrial Check out our Partner Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/partner Our VIP Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros Check out UpMyInfluence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmyinfluenceCheck out Josh Elledge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledgePast episodes mentioned in this retrospective installment:1163 – Make Better Sales Through Exceptional Storytelling with John Livesay259 - Being Resourceful with What You Have with The Barefoot Spirit's Michael Houlihan and Bonnie HarveyResources:How to Be an Exceptional Podcast Host8 Reasons to Start a Podcast for Your B2B BusinessB2B Podcast as a Business Development Tool

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we kick off our special series celebrating 2000 episodes by exploring the theme of generosity in business. We discuss the importance of leading with generosity and finding the balance between giving and gaining in the world of podcasting and beyond.Key Points Covered:The Evolution of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur:Josh and Alissa reflect on the origins of the podcast, which started as a tool for interviewing clients in 2018, and how it has grown into a platform for meaningful conversations with entrepreneurs worldwide. They discuss the journey from its humble beginnings in PR to becoming a cornerstone of business advice and inspiration.The Philosophy of Leading with Generosity:The episode dives into the Go-Giver philosophy and how it has shaped the way the podcast engages with guests and audiences. Josh shares insights on how giving value upfront—without expecting anything in return—has fostered trust and long-lasting relationships, both on and off the show.Balancing Generosity and Strategic Gains:We explore how podcast guests can maximize their impact by actively participating in promoting and repurposing their appearances. The discussion focuses on strategies for balancing generosity with strategic actions to ensure mutual benefits for both the host and the guest.Featured Clips:[Guest 1: Bob Burg, Burg Communications, Inc.]:Bob discusses the transformative power of generosity in business, explaining why leading with a giving mindset can create more meaningful and profitable connections. He highlights the importance of giving first as a core business strategy.[Guest 2: Jessica Rhodes, Interview Connections]:Jessica emphasizes that simply appearing on a podcast isn’t enough. She talks about the importance of guests taking an active role in sharing and repurposing their content to fully leverage their podcast appearances for business growth.Listen to this episode to discover how to give generously while also reaping the rewards of meaningful engagement!Links for this episode:Explore our philosophy with a FREE trial: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/freetrial Check out our Partner Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/partner Our VIP Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros Check out UpMyInfluence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmyinfluenceCheck out Josh Elledge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledgePast episodes mentioned in this retrospective installment:1192 - The Go-Giver Philosophy with Bob Burg1921 – Maximizing Your Impact with Jessica Rhodes Resources:7 Go-Giver Mindset Tips: Ignite Your ProsperityPodcast Guest Preparation 6 Expert Tips to Elevate ImpactHow to Be an Exceptional Podcast Guest

PodCash Leader Network Attraction Mastery WorkshopReaching the 2000th episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur" is no small feat. Josh Elledge, the host, has spent countless hours conversing with over 2000 leaders, amassing approximately 40,000 minutes of content. This milestone episode is a treasure trove of insights and strategies for B2B business owners looking to attract high-value clients, partners, and investors without relying on traditional lead generation methods, spam, or ads. Let's dive into the key takeaways and actionable advice shared in this special episode.Josh emphasizes that the cornerstone of attracting high-value opportunities lies in building genuine relationships. Many business owners struggle with lead generation not because of a marketing problem, but due to a lack of meaningful connections. He advises engaging in meaningful conversations, showing generosity, and leveraging perceived authority. To achieve consistent and predictable business growth, Josh outlines six key strategies: public relations and visibility, social media engagement, networking, direct outreach, paid advertising, and SEO and content marketing. He highlights that 90% of top-level B2B decision-makers typically do not respond to unsolicited sales attempts, advocating for trust-building and avoiding pushy sales tactics.Josh also discusses the importance of language in business, encouraging listeners to view interactions as opportunities to build genuine connections rather than merely pursuing sales. He advises adopting "noble intent" and prioritizing high-value relationships over immediate sales. Authority is earned through consistent effort, and Josh suggests assessing your competence and sharing your expertise. Leveraging platforms like podcasts can significantly enhance your ability to build connections and authority. By crafting enticing invitations and being a generous host, you can attract high-quality connections. Josh shares success stories to illustrate the power of building genuine relationships, emphasizing that podcasting offers unique advantages for organic networking and transitioning to business opportunities.Links for this episode:Explore our philosophy with a FREE trial: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/freetrial Check out our Partner Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/partner Our VIP Program: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros Check out UpMyInfluence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmyinfluenceCheck out Josh Elledge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledgeResources:B2B Sales 101: Stop Selling, Start Serving and Build RelationshipsMastering the Art of B2B Social Selling: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for SuccessThe Secrets of Consistent Sales: B2B Relationship Building

Mastering Agency Growth and Client Retention In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Colby Wegter, the founder of the Delivery Mastery community. The discussion delves into the intricacies of agency growth, the critical importance of client retention, and the common challenges faced by agency owners in today's competitive landscape. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Colby, providing a comprehensive guide for agency owners looking to enhance their business strategies. Josh opens the episode by inviting listeners to explore valuable resources aimed at enhancing their business connections, including introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his extensive experience, having engaged in private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to uncover the best sources of business success. Josh offers a free video class that outlines strategies for achieving 100% inbound marketing in any industry within six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. He encourages listeners to visit his website, upmyinfluence.com, to access this resource. Following this introduction, Josh welcomes Colby Wegter to the show. Colby, who has spent over a decade in the digital marketing agency space, shares his journey, including the challenges he faced, such as burnout, and how these experiences led to the creation of the Delivery Mastery community. Colby begins by recounting his 12 years in the digital marketing agency world, with eight of those years as an agency owner. He candidly discusses the severe burnout he experienced in 2022, which nearly led to hospitalization. This period of intense stress and overcommitment prompted him to reevaluate his approach to work and life. In 2023, Colby found solace and support through networking with others who were navigating similar challenges, leading to the formation of the Delivery Mastery community. The core mission of Delivery Mastery is to provide a supportive environment for agency owners who often feel isolated and overwhelmed. Colby emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique pressures of running an agency. He aims to share techniques, systems, and frameworks that helped him transition from experiencing multiple burnouts to achieving multiple seven-figure revenues. About Colby Wegter: Colby Wegter has been involved in digital marketing since 2013 and has spent the last eight years as a partner in a bootstrapped agency that ranks among the top 1% globally, according to Clutch. His journey began on a farm, in a house without air conditioning, in a small town with no stoplights and a population of 600. He attended a Big Ten university and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Following graduation, Colby took a teaching job in Brooklyn, NY, but he left after just 4.5 months. Colby then joined BrandYourself as employee number 12, where he launched and managed the highest volume service, handling 160 clients simultaneously. After a year with BrandYourself, the company was featured on Shark Tank and turned down a $2 million offer from Robert Herjavec. After leaving BrandYourself, Colby moved to a marketing agency in the Twin Cities before co-founding Agency Jet with two partners. Under Colby's leadership, Agency Jet experienced remarkable growth, doubling its revenue every year for six years and is projected to reach $2.8 million in revenue this year. Throughout his career, Colby’s core strength has been retaining clients for unusually long periods. While the average client retention in the digital marketing industry is about six months, Colby often retains clients for over three years, with many staying with Agency Jet for up to six years. Colby is known for his strong opinions on delighting and delivering value to clients. With a philosophy of prioritizing clients first, employees second, and investors third, Agency Jet has grown from zero clients and revenue in 2016 to over 70 clients, eight full-time staff members, and $2.8 million in annual recurring revenue. The agency excels in providing world-class customer service while maintaining a lean operational model, compared to other agencies in the $2 million revenue range that typically have 20 or more employees. On the podcast, Colby would like to discuss strategies for scaling with less stress, as he is now focused primarily on strategy and inbound marketing, having stepped back from day-to-day operations at Agency Jet. He can provide insights on scaling through automation, team management, and maintaining long-term client relationships for predictable recurring revenue. Additionally, Colby is working on a community for agency owners called Delivery Mastery. This community aims to support agency owners who have yet to reach seven figures in revenue, offering a network of peers and strategies to eliminate the feast or famine cycle by retaining clients for years, rather than months. Delivery Mastery is set to launch later this year. About Agnecy Jet: Agency Jet is a full-service digital marketing agency in Minneapolis, MN. We specialize in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Web Design & Development, Social Media Marketing, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), as well as Brand and Identity solutions. Over 100 companies nationwide trust us with their brand online. We deliver explosive digital marketing strategies that drive revenue and visibility. 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 Colby Wegter website at https://colbywegter.com/ Check out Colby Wegter on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbywegter/ Check out Agency Jet website at https://www.agencyjet.com/ Check out Agency Jet on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/agency-jet/ 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.  

A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Leadership   In a recent podcast episode hosted by Josh, listeners were treated to an enlightening conversation with Graham Wilson, a renowned leadership expert and founder of Success Factory. Dubbed a "leadership wizard" by a client, Graham brings over three decades of experience in leadership, from his early days in the British Army to his current role in corporate leadership. This blog post delves into the key themes and insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to help leaders at all levels navigate the complexities of modern leadership. Graham Wilson's title of "leadership wizard" was coined by a client who appreciated his ability to simplify complex leadership concepts. This simplicity is a cornerstone of his approach, focusing on helping leaders decode what effective leadership looks like in today’s fast-paced world. Reflecting on his extensive career, Graham recounts his early experiences in the British Army, where he learned the importance of teamwork and high performance. He was introduced to the concept of "mission command," which emphasizes empowering teams to make decisions to achieve a shared purpose. This experience starkly contrasted with his observations in the corporate world, where he found organizations often over-managed and under-led. Today, Graham believes we are in a new era of leadership characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. He describes the current environment as "VUCA" (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous), which requires leaders to adopt a more agile and collaborative mindset. The traditional model of leadership, where leaders have all the answers, is no longer viable. Instead, leaders must foster a culture of empowerment, allowing team members to contribute to problem-solving and decision-making. By integrating these principles and practical tips into your leadership approach, you can create high-performance environments, inspire your team, and leave a lasting impact on your organization.   About Graham Wilson: Graham is a Leadership Expert, author of Leadership Laid Bare, The New Leadership Manifesto and wabisugi. He is the creator of ChangePro and the inspiration behind Successfactory. Described by clients as the UK's #1 Leadership Trainer and Coach, Graham is trusted by many leading global brands to develop their leaders and teams. Graham's specialities include: Leadership Development, Strategy Creation and Implementation, Value Innovation, Vitality, Agility, Leading Change, Resilience, Developing Elite Teams, Executive Coaching, Programme and Project Management and Sales Force Transformation. Graham is also a keynote speaker at leading conferences around the world. About The Success Factory: Our purpose is to awaken possibility in leaders and teams to deliver extraordinary results. We believe that in today’s competitive, volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world there is a better way to lead organisations. In times of fast change organisations need outstanding leaders, not just great managers. We focus on developing your leadership capability in 5 critical areas: New World Leadership Skills: We have worked out what successful leaders actually do to deliver outstanding results. We have decoded this into a system of pragmatic tools and techniques that we want to share with you. Strategy and Culture: Hope is not the only strategy! We help you to create and translate strategy into action. We will share with you the latest techniques for developing New World strategies at all levels in the organisation. 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 The Success Factory website at https://www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk/ Check out The Success Factory on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/400208 Check out Graham Wilson on LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/leadershipwizard 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.   Innovation: We help you to create a culture and process where people consistently develop great ideas to improve results. We can help you ensure innovation is part of your DNA. Leading Change: Great leaders know how to operate with speed, agility and to make change happen. We show you how to do this. We will show you how to lead change by taking people with you. Building Elite Teams: We will teach you a powerful range of tools and techniques to ensure you know how to build high performance teams. We ensure that you know how to set up your teams for success and sustain high performance.

Navigating the Complexities of Marketing In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Marc Ensign, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) specializing in the legal, financial, and medical sectors, and the founder and CEO of LoudMouse. Marc shared his extensive experience and insights into effective marketing strategies, the challenges businesses face with marketing agencies, and the importance of leadership and data transparency in driving successful marketing efforts. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide businesses in their marketing endeavors. One of the critical points Marc emphasizes is the lack of dedicated leadership in marketing within many organizations. While companies typically have a CEO, CFO, and sales team leaders, marketing often gets sidelined. This absence of leadership can lead to ineffective strategies and wasted resources. Marc's role as a fractional CMO allows him to step in and provide the necessary oversight and direction. By understanding the intricacies of marketing and having a comprehensive view of the business, he can identify issues that may not be apparent to other executives. This insight enables him to make informed decisions and adjustments to marketing strategies based on data rather than gut feelings Marc notes that the marketing landscape is constantly evolving, making it essential for businesses to stay updated. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in marketing efforts. In a world where consumers are increasingly skeptical, presenting a genuine brand story and connecting with audiences on a human level is crucial. Many businesses struggle to answer fundamental questions about their marketing performance, such as conversion rates and lead sources. This lack of clarity often leads to frustration and disconnection from marketing efforts. Marc stresses the need for robust tracking systems to gain insights into what is working and what isn’t. About Marc Ensign: MARC ENSIGN is a renowned marketer, prolific storyteller, and accomplished musician. After spending over a decade playing bass with the Broadway show Rent, Marc discovered he had a talent for getting people to pay attention. Think about it. How else does a kid with no experience or connections pass up thousands of other musicians to land the most coveted gig in New York City? Really good marketing. When his stint on Broadway ended, he (temporarily) hung up his bass and built a successful digital marketing agency to help companies compete in otherwise impossible industries to break into. This approach caught the attention of Fortune 500 Companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, American Express, and Nike, as well as Celebrities, Athletes, and Entertainers like Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey. But eventually, that sort of thing got boring, so he moved on. Now, leveraging over twenty years in the marketing industry, Marc is working with companies as a Fractional CMO to solve the marketing issues that have been plaguing businesses for years, from underperforming agencies and unpredictable results to wasted marketing spend and a lack of transparency. All while alleviating the stress of managing the marketing team so business owners can focus on what they do best. And that’s (more or less) how LoudMouse was born. Of course, none of this would be possible without Marc's incredibly understanding wife, who has been on this rollercoaster for 22 years and counting. Together, they have two kids: Bella, who is currently attending FSU with a major in political science and journalism, and Zach, who is studying to be a game designer. As far as that whole music thing goes, Marc still tours a few times a year with various Broadway shows. It’s a pretty cool side hustle and an even better way to get people to give you a standing ovation at the end of the night. About LoudMouse: LoudMouse is a Fractional CMO agency specializing in helping service based businesses. They utilizes a top-to-bottom approach to marketing that leaves you with no doubt that your marketing dollars are well-spent. 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 LoudMouse website at https://loudmouse.com/ Check out LoudMouse on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/loudmouse-fractional-cmo/ Check out Marc Ensign on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcensign/ 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 Outsourcing and Video Marketing   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh delves into the intricacies of outsourcing and video marketing with Kirsten Graham, co-founder and co-CEO of Six Figure Business Coaching. Kirsten brings over 16 years of experience in the outsourcing industry, particularly in helping businesses streamline their marketing tasks through virtual assistants (VAs). This blog post will break down the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice and expert insights to help you effectively manage virtual assistants and leverage video marketing to enhance your business operations. Kirsten shares her journey into the world of outsourcing, humorously referring to herself as the "outsourcing queen." With a focus on helping businesses outsource marketing tasks to VAs, primarily based in the Philippines, Kirsten acknowledges the mixed experiences many entrepreneurs have had with outsourcing. She attributes these challenges to a lack of proper management and communication. Drawing from her extensive experience, she shares several best practices for managing virtual assistants effectively, such as providing clear job descriptions, investing in training, utilizing project management tools, building relationships, understanding cultural differences, and committing to long-term roles. Transitioning to the topic of video marketing, Kirsten shares her personal experience in the real estate industry, where she began creating videos to improve client communication. She explains how her initial frustration with clients not bringing necessary documentation led her to create informative videos that enhanced the client experience. Kirsten encourages businesses to leverage video marketing as a way to give value without asking for anything in return, aligning with the philosophy of "givers gain." Josh inquires about how Six Figure Business Coaching supports clients in implementing effective video marketing strategies, and Kirsten explains that her company not only helps clients develop their marketing strategies but also matches them with trained virtual assistants who can assist in executing those strategies. About Kirsten Graham: Kirsten loves helping business owners create evergreen value-based video content that showcases their authority to build know, like, and trust. Knowing that time is our most valuable asset Kirsten and her team train Marketing VA’s for their clients who then take care of video/audio editing, social media and email marketing. This frees the business owner up to focus on making money! About Six Figure Business Coaching: We help entrepreneurs scale through video marketing with a marketing virtual assistant doing the heavy lifting through our signature program, https://TheMarketingVAAdvantage.com Our Outsourcing For Bosses program teaches entrepreneurs how to scale their business. Our business coaches teach you how to create original video content, marketing strategy, how to become a master delegator, provides done-for-you systems and processes and more so you can become an influencer in your niche, generate lead and close more sales. 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 Six Figure Business Coaching website at https://www.sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/ Check out Six Figure Business Coaching on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/six-figure-business-coaching-llc Check out Kirsten Graham on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc 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.