Writing and Publishing for Business Growth In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Melanie Herschorn, the founder and CEO of Big Impact Books. Melanie shared her extensive knowledge on writing, publishing, and promoting books, particularly for business professionals such as attorneys, wealth advisors, and business owners. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering detailed insights and actionable advice for aspiring authors looking to leverage their books for business growth and thought leadership. Melanie emphasizes the necessity of having a clear purpose before embarking on the journey of writing a book. She advises aspiring authors to consider their motivations: generating business, establishing credibility, or sharing expertise. Understanding your end goal is crucial, as it shapes both the content and marketing strategy of your book. Melanie suggests that potential authors start by identifying common questions they receive from clients or audiences, which ensures the material is relevant and valuable to readers. By focusing on these key questions, authors can create a structured outline that guides their writing process, making it less daunting. One of the key points Melanie makes is that a book should not be seen as an end in itself but as a means to an end. She recounts a success story of an author who printed only 12 copies of her book, sending them to potential clients, which resulted in substantial business growth. This illustrates that the impact of a book is not solely measured by sales but by how effectively it is used to generate leads and opportunities. Melanie encourages authors to think creatively about how to use their books, such as offering the book as a lead magnet, creating supplementary materials, or developing online courses. For more information and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit yourbigimpactbook.com and explore the offerings available to support their writing journey. About Melanie Herschorn: Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist for professionals, business owners, consultants, and speakers globally, she’s on a mission to support and empower authors to share their message with the world. Her experience as a celebrity publicist, award-winning Journalist, and long-time entrepreneur, gives Melanie a unique 360-degree view to guide her clients to create brand awareness, sell books, and position themselves as subject matter experts. Her new book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is out now. About Big Impact Books: Whether your goal is to inspire, educate or entertain, Make a Big Impact with Your Book equips you with strategies to make your mark as an author. This is your roadmap to achieving long-term success in the competitive world of publishing, whether you're in the midst of writing, or you're already published and have seen little traction. Inside you'll find expert insights for building awareness and credibility in your field, targeted marketing techniques and innovative ways to reach your audience, and much more!   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 Big Impact Books website at https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ Check out Big Impact Books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Make-Big-Impact-Your-Book/ Check out Melanie Herschorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn 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 Deep Dive into Effective Leadership and Organizational Culture   In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Karl Martin, the founder of Arable, who shared his profound insights on leadership, organizational culture, and the essential qualities that define effective leaders. Karl's discussion was rich with actionable advice and expert perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills and fostering a positive organizational culture. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide to effective leadership. Karl Martin introduced Arable as a company dedicated to enhancing leadership and culture within organizations. Their approach begins with building trust with CEOs, which then extends to their teams and the entire organization. Karl identified two significant shortcomings in current leadership practices: the lack of leadership education and the focus on skill sets over mindsets. He argues that leadership should be a core component of education, emphasizing the importance of teaching qualities such as bravery, kindness, and curiosity alongside traditional skills. Karl critiques the tendency to create specialized leadership programs, arguing that leadership should be integrated across all fields. He believes that every professional, whether a doctor, accountant, or president, should possess strong leadership skills. His book, "The Cave, the Road, the Table, and the Fire: Leading from a Deeper Place," explores the spatial nature of leadership and outlines four key qualities that leaders should cultivate: authenticity, bravery, kindness, and curiosity. These principles, along with Arable's bespoke programs, offer a valuable framework for fostering a culture of trust, growth, and effective leadership in today's complex organizational landscape. About Karl Martin: With over twenty-five years of experience building organizations and maximizing team potential, Karl Martin founded Arable in 2020, inspired by the lush Scottish countryside surrounding his home. Arable, named after the fertile land "capable of cultivation and growth," is dedicated to creating bespoke ecosystems where leaders and organizations can truly flourish. Karl coaches some of the world’s most influential leaders, including executives from Toyota Motors North America, NBCUniversal, X (formerly Twitter), Saatchi & Saatchi, the BBC, Joe Gibbs Racing, and more. Renowned for his deep, soul-centered coaching approach, Karl helps leaders embody the qualities of being True, Brave, Kind, and Curious through Arable’s unique leadership development system. Arable also partners with leadership teams to drive cultural transformation within organizations. A sought-after keynote speaker, Karl is also the author of three books, including his latest, The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire, which explores how to lead from a deeper, more authentic place. He divides his time between his home in Scotland and the U.S. He’s married to Niki, and they have four grown daughters. About Arable Consulting:   Arable is an executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational culture agency who partners with leaders and teams to develop healthy cultures through our programs, consultation, and coaching. We launched in 2020 but carry over 50 years of experience building organizations and individuals to their potential. Arable is passionate about helping organizations grow well. We are committed to developing thriving teams and excelling leaders by creating cultures of health. 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 Arable Consulting website at https://www.arableco.com/ Check out Arable Consulting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/arable Check out Karl Martin on LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/karl-a-martin 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 Growth in the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Alastair Sanderson, the CEO of Operio Group. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on the growth and operational strategies of Operio Group. Alastair shares valuable insights on the company's operations, market dynamics, and strategic growth through acquisitions, offering a wealth of knowledge for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Alastair begins by explaining the essence of Operio Group, which derives its name from the Latin term meaning "to cover." The company specializes in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, emphasizing the intricate relationship between chemical and mechanical processes in tablet production. Alastair describes the manufacturing process as a "magical dance," where any misstep can lead to blame-shifting between mechanical and chemical teams. Operio Group aims to unify these disciplines under one roof, ensuring that when clients face challenges, the focus remains on solutions rather than assigning blame. A significant portion of Operio Group's recent growth has come through acquisitions. Alastair shares that the company has successfully integrated three acquisitions within a year, a feat he describes as a "digestion phase." This phase involves consolidating operations, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration among newly merged teams. Alastair emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong company culture during this transition, as merging different organizational cultures can lead to challenges. He believes in reassuring employees about job security during transitions while being transparent about potential shifts in staffing, allowing time for natural turnover to facilitate smoother integration. About Alastair Sanderson: Alastair Sanderson is an innovative entrepreneur and CEO of Operio Group, a leader in global manufacturing of tablets, capsules, and machinery. He founded London Fashion Arts in 2009, which was rebranded as LFA Machines and grew from $3,900 in its first year to $10 million by 2021. Under his leadership, LFA expanded internationally, opening offices in Texas and Taiwan, and completed key acquisitions that enhanced its offerings. Today, Operio Group employs over 280 people and generates around $100 million in annual sales. A high school and university dropout, Alastair has launched over 20 businesses, navigating both successes and challenges. An avid traveler, he has visited over 100 countries while balancing his family life in Kansas City. His journey reflects resilience and a unique approach to business, overcoming dyslexia to achieve remarkable success. About Operio Group: Launched in 2022, Operio Group started from the robust foundations of LFA Machines and Vivion Inc, uniting under a shared vision. This vision recognized that customers seek more than just machines or ingredients; they require comprehensive solutions to product creation. Operio's inception hinged on the synergy of Vivion's extensive ingredient knowledge and LFA's deep understanding of the machinery used for these ingredients. This collaborative approach allows Operio's brands to offer not just products, but also a wealth of support and expertise. The group's collective history spans over 100 years, marking a journey of continuous evolution and growth. Operio's portfolio has been further enriched by the inclusion of several notable brands: Stokes, Elizabeth, Scheu & Kniss and Compression Components & Service (CCS). Together, these brands under Operio Group offer a holistic approach to product creation, spanning from raw ingredients to sophisticated machinery, ensuring that customers have access to an all-encompassing service and product portfolio. 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 Operio Group website at https://www.operiogroup.com/ Check out Operio Group on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/operio-group/ Check out Alastair Sanderson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-s-7755b0140/ 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.  

Jurriaan Kamer, co-founder of a transformation coaching firm and author of "Unblock," shares powerful insights into organizational culture and decision-making. He discusses common workplace frustrations that stifle innovation, emphasizing the need for greater autonomy and a shift from bureaucratic processes. Jurriaan explores the intricacies of decision-making, highlighting the dangers of analysis paralysis. He also outlines key strategies to foster effective teamwork and cultural transformation, providing leaders with tools to drive real-time success.

The Transformative Power of Aesthetic Design and Lighting in Workplaces   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Ben Rousseau, the founder and designer of Ben Rousseau Design. The discussion centers around the significant role that aesthetic design and lighting play in enhancing workplace environments. This blog post delves into the key insights shared during the episode, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for improving lighting in both physical and virtual workspaces. Josh opens the episode by addressing listeners who are seeking connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to uncover where their best business comes from. Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry over the next six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. He invites listeners to visit his website, upmyinfluence.com, to access this valuable content. Following this introduction, Josh welcomes Ben Rousseau to the show. Ben is recognized for his expertise in creating beautiful and functional lighting environments that enhance the aesthetic appeal of various spaces, including offices, bars, and unique installations like the Ice Hotel in Sweden. Ben begins by explaining his approach to design, which focuses on using the beauty of lighting and high-quality materials to create spaces that foster productivity and well-being. He emphasizes the importance of both functional and decorative lighting, which not only helps individuals focus on their tasks but also contributes to a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. Ben believes that a well-designed workspace can significantly impact how people feel about their work and their surroundings. Josh and Ben delve deeper into the specifics of lighting quality. Ben shares his experience of living in California, where the natural light is rich and colorful. He contrasts this with the often flat and uninspiring lighting found in many workplaces. He explains that good lighting should mimic natural light, making spaces feel more alive and enjoyable. About Ben Rousseau: An award-winning British artist and designer, renowned for his work across high-end product design, commercial installations, and luxury residential interiors. His expertise as a designer, engineer, and light artist allows him to exploit the transformative power of lighting in creating bespoke spatial experiences. About Ben Rousseau Studio: Ben Rousseau Studio is an award-winning British design house based in Brighton, UK, with a strong presence in both Europe and the US. Led by Ben Rousseau, our ethos is to guide you on an exhilarating creative journey to make your dream interior or statement piece a reality. We specialize in working with high-net-worth individuals, luxury brands, and top-tier designers to create custom pieces that are as unique as our clients. At Ben Rousseau Studio, you gain access to a multifaceted team combining the talents of a designer, an engineer, and a light artist. We approach each project with the same meticulous attention to detail as an event producer designs a live stage show, ensuring that every interior or installation tells a compelling story and creates a lasting impression. Our signature blend of drama, desirability, and functionality is achieved through cutting-edge lighting, innovative technology, premium materials, and precision craftsmanship. 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 Ben Rousseau Design website at https://benrousseau.com/ Check out Ben Rousseau on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrousseaudesign/ 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.  

Leadership Insights: Navigating Challenges and Enhancing Team Performance In the latest episode of *The Thoughtful Entrepreneur*, host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joelle Kaufman, the CEO of GTM Flow. The discussion delves into leadership, team dynamics, and personal resilience, particularly in the face of unexpected challenges. Joelle shares her expertise as a revenue catalyst, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for leaders looking to improve their team's performance and efficiency. Josh kicks off the episode by emphasizing the importance of networking for business growth. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand where their best business comes from. To help listeners enhance their networking skills, Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in their industry over the next 6 to 8 months, without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. Listeners are encouraged to visit [upmyinfluence.com](https://upmyinfluence.com) to access this valuable content. Joelle Kaufman, with over 25 years of experience in building brands and optimizing team performance, joins the conversation. As a revenue catalyst, Joelle works with CEOs and their leadership teams across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of operating with focus, clarity, momentum, and a mindset of continuous learning. Joelle shares that she has developed five key levers that leaders need to pull to enhance team performance, which she offers as a resource for listeners. About Joelle Kaufman: Joelle Kaufman developed the Curveball Method through 25 years of navigating high-stakes business challenges. This approach, born from personal adversity with cancer and honed in the tech industry’s fast-paced environment, equips leaders to transform unexpected challenges into opportunities. As a seasoned go-to-market executive, Joelle has: • Served as CMO/CRO for companies including Bloomreach, Adify, and WorkBoard • Led category creation and revenue growth strategies for multiple startups • Guided numerous teams through periods of significant change and uncertainty The Curveball Method integrates neuroscience insights, leadership frameworks, and practical tools. It’s now implemented by leading tech companies, impacting over 150,000 professionals across various industries. Joelle’s expertise spans: • Developing high-performance Sales & Marketing teams • Building resilience and adaptability in leadership • Implementing effective OKRs for accelerated growth With a background that includes Harvard Business School, training in transformational coaching, and experience as a public speaker (on topics ranging from the Recipe for a Top Tier S&M Team, secrets to building a highly effective team, the future of digital engagement to the value of OKRs to accelerate growth), Joelle brings a unique perspective to leadership development and organizational change. Using Joelle’s approach, leaders and teams excel in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.   About GTM Flow: GTM Flow brings 25 years of designing, leading and optimizing sales, marketing and customer success teams for scale. Growth, predictability and focus all improve when your go-to-market has flow. Align your companies on the most important GTM challenges to address. Develop leaders who can lead agile teams. Leverage OKRs to keep people aligned, focused and accountable.   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 GTM Flow website at https://gtmflow.com/ Check out GTM Flow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtmflow Check out Joelle Kaufman on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellekaufman 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 Lead Generation: Essential Strategies for Defining Your Ideal Customer Profile and Boosting Sales Success In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh delves into the intricacies of lead generation and sales development with John Karsant, the founder and CEO of LevelUp Leads. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and expert insights, particularly valuable for business owners and professionals aiming to refine their sales strategies. Let's break down the key takeaways and tips from this enlightening conversation. Josh kicks off the episode by addressing the importance of building connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of engaging in private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand the sources of their best business. Josh offers a free video resource on achieving 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry within six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. Listeners are invited to visit his website, Up My Influence, to access this valuable content. John Karsant introduces LevelUp Leads, a sales development agency dedicated to helping small to midsize companies enhance their prospecting and appointment-setting efforts. The agency's primary goal is to create more sales opportunities for their clients by leveraging effective lead generation strategies. John and Josh discuss the dynamic nature of lead generation strategies over the past five years, highlighting the resurgence of cold calling and the importance of human-to-human conversations. John emphasizes the need for a clearly defined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and the significance of understanding a client’s current strategies, successes, and challenges for effective outreach and engagement. About John Karsant: John Karsant is the Founder and CEO of LevelUp Leads, an outbound lead generation agency that typically works with small companies. John is also a Member of RevGenius, a group of revenue generating sales and marketing professionals. Previously, John served as the Head of Sales and Business Development at Brightest Minds, Sales and Account Manager at DaoCloud, and in business development roles at Accelevents and Solar Lead Factory. Prior to their career in sales and business development, John was a Tennis Professional at Claremont Country Club and Teaching Professional at Peter Burwash International. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Communications from California Lutheran University. About LevelUp Leads: LevelUp Leads is a B2B sales development agency that offers a comprehensive, done-for-you service. Acting as an extension of clients' teams, they provide both fractional and full-service Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) supported by a robust technology stack. The LevelUp Leads team spearheads outbound strategies, sourcing relevant data, implementing advanced technology solutions, crafting compelling copy, and managing campaigns to generate meetings and drive revenue. This approach allows clients' teams to focus on closing more deals while LevelUp Leads handles the intricacies of lead generation.   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 LevelUp Leads website at https://levelupleads.io/ Check out LevelUp Leads on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/levelup-leads/ Check out John Karsant on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkarsant 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 Power of Music in Leadership In a recent podcast episode, the host had an enlightening conversation with Susan Drumm, CEO of Meritage Leadership Development and author of the USA Today bestselling book, "The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life". This episode delves into the fascinating intersection of music, neuroscience, and leadership, exploring how music can serve as a transformative tool for personal and professional growth. Susan, with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, has a remarkable ability to recognize and disrupt unproductive patterns in leaders, helping them build high-performance teams. Susan's book, "The Leader's Playlist", emphasizes the power of music in leadership. Leaders often face the challenge of achieving exceptional results in an environment characterized by rapid change and complexity. Many find themselves stuck in unproductive patterns that hinder their effectiveness. Susan introduces the idea that music can be a secret weapon in recognizing and disrupting these patterns. For example, she shares a compelling story about a chief marketing officer who struggled with feelings of exclusion. Through coaching, Susan helped her identify the root of this pattern, create a playlist that represented her feelings, and develop a new playlist that embodied her desired emotional state, ultimately improving her relationships with colleagues. Susan explains that music's ability to change emotional states is well-known, but its potential to help identify and transform limiting patterns is less recognized. Music activates all four regions of the brain, making it a powerful tool for personal development. By pairing behavioral changes with music, individuals can accelerate their transformation and achieve their goals more effectively. Susan encourages leaders to be intentional about their music choices, using it as a tool for state change and personal growth. The episode concludes with Susan inviting listeners to visit her website, [susandrumm.com](https://www.susandrumm.com), where they can take a quiz to discover their path to enlightened leadership and receive a downloadable playlist to help them create their own music-based transformation. About Susan Drumm: Susan Drumm is a CEO Advisor, speaker, USA Today bestselling author, and leadership coach dedicated to empowering leaders and their teams to thrive in today’s disruptive landscape. With extensive experience coaching billionaire CEOs, high-profile political figures, and Fortune 100 executives, she leverages her diverse academic background—including graduate degrees from Harvard Law School and Carnegie Mellon University—to inform her unique coaching approach. As a Master Certified Coach (MCC) through the International Coaching Federation, Susan holds multiple certifications, including HeartMath™ and the Integrative Enneagram. She is the two-time bestselling author of *The Leader’s Playlist*, where she explores how music and childhood experiences impact leadership. Her podcast, "The Enlightened Executive", ranks in the top 2% globally, featuring groundbreaking strategies for personal and leadership effectiveness. Susan's clientele spans various industries, including tech, healthcare, and finance, with notable organizations such as KPMG and Oracle. Before founding Meritage Leadership Development, Susan held senior consulting roles at The Boston Consulting Group and NBC/GE. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, she is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and enjoys travel, hiking, and spending time with her toy Australian Shepherd, Jasmine. About Meritage Leadership Development: Meritage is a leadership consulting firm built on the principle that people are the most important asset of any business. We know that without high-performance leadership and aligned teams, no company can reach its full potential. Our clients span healthcare, private equity, financial services, technology, media, retail and consumer goods industries. 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 Meritage Leadership Development website at https://meritageleadership.com/ Check out Meritage Leadership Development on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/meritage-leadership-development/ Check out Susan Drumm on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-drumm 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 the Evolving SEO Landscape: Essential Insights for B2B and SaaS Success In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh sits down with Steven Schneider, the CEO of TrioSEO, to delve into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO). This episode is a treasure trove of insights, particularly for B2B and SaaS companies looking to refine their SEO strategies. Steven shares his extensive experience in the SEO and content marketing space, emphasizing the importance of quality content and strategic approaches to attract high-intent traffic. Here, we break down the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you navigate the complex world of SEO. Steven introduces TrioSEO, an agency that primarily serves B2B and SaaS founders. Unlike many SEO agencies that focus on technical SEO or backlinks, TrioSEO specializes in creating high-quality content aimed at attracting ideal customers. Steven underscores the importance of an ROI-focused SEO content strategy that prioritizes meaningful traffic over mere numbers. As 2024 approaches, the SEO landscape is rapidly evolving. Steven notes that AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular for content production. However, he advocates for a more traditional approach that emphasizes quality and sustainability. Josh and Steven discuss the potential pitfalls of producing large volumes of low-quality content using AI tools like ChatGPT. Steven warns that while this approach might yield a temporary increase in traffic, it is unlikely to be sustainable. Google is adept at recognizing low-quality content, and user behavior—such as high bounce rates—will ultimately impact a site's ranking. The episode concludes with actionable advice: focus on creating valuable, high-quality content that meets the needs of your audience, monitor user behavior, and leverage expert advice to position your business for long-term SEO success.     About Steven Schneider: Steven is co-founder and CEO at TrioSEO - a blog writing agency that helps online businesses scale organic traffic and use their blog to generate qualified leads through BOFU (bottom of the funnel) content. Before TrioSEO, he co-owned a portfolio of 40 blogs, managed 400 articles monthly, and scaled to 7 figures in annual revenue with his two partners. Today, TrioSEO creates content strategies that speak directly to their client's ideal customers and targets topics that convert browsers into buyers. The team at TrioSEO manages everything from strategy and outlines to writing, editing, uploading, and publishing- even offering tips and tricks to enhance user experience (UX) and conversion.     About TrioSEO: TrioSEO is a monthly SEO agency tailored for SaaS, eCommerce, and online businesses. They specialize in creating SEO content that effectively drives traffic and attracts customers to websites. For those looking to increase their website traffic, TrioSEO offers a comprehensive approach that includes auditing existing SEO practices, conducting keyword research, identifying content opportunities, creating high-quality content, and optimizing current content. Their mission is to enhance SEO traffic for thousands of online businesses through exceptional content. Recognizing the value of SEO but lacking the time to implement it? TrioSEO serves as the ideal solution. Founded by Connor Gillivan, Steven Schneider, and Nathan Hirsch, the agency is led by experienced SEO professionals who have successfully built businesses generating six, seven, and even eight figures through effective SEO strategies. 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 TrioSEO website at https://trioseo.com/ Check out TrioSEO on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/trioseo/ Check out Steven Schneider on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis 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 Importance of Operational Leadership in Business Growth In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the critical role of operational leadership in driving business growth, particularly for small and medium-sized business (SMB) founders. This episode features two main speakers: the host, who introduces the episode and the guest, and Mara Whitener, a seasoned business growth strategist and fractional CEO. Mara shares her expertise on how operational leadership can transform a business, helping entrepreneurs streamline their operations and uncover hidden financial opportunities. The host opens the episode by addressing the audience, emphasizing the need for effective introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He highlights his extensive experience, having engaged in private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to discover the best sources of business growth. To support listeners in their entrepreneurial journey, he promotes a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in their industry over the next six to eight months, without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. The host encourages listeners to visit his website, upmyinfluence.com, to access this valuable resource. Mara begins by sharing her extensive background in entrepreneurship, having spent over 20 years growing six and seven-figure companies. She observes that many entrepreneurs start their businesses driven by passion and skill but soon realize the complexities of running a business can detract from their core mission. Mara positions herself as a "translator" for CEOs, helping them articulate their big vision and translating it into actionable plans that encompass systems, workflows, team dynamics, and marketing strategies. One of the key areas Mara focuses on is helping entrepreneurs identify hidden money within their businesses. She explains that many founders are sitting on untapped financial resources due to inefficient systems and processes. By analyzing their operations, Mara has helped clients uncover significant savings—one example being a client who discovered $12,000 in initial savings, which eventually grew to nearly $300,000 through strategic operational improvements. The conversation shifts to current trends in operational leadership. Mara notes a societal shift towards valuing work-life balance and the desire for entrepreneurs to enjoy their lives more. This trend has led to a demand for simpler, more efficient business operations. However, the plethora of available tools and platforms can create confusion for founders trying to determine the best fit for their needs. For those who have never hired a director of operations or fractional CEO, Mara outlines her engagement process. She begins with a "blueprint to success," where she collaborates with the CEO to assess what is working, what isn't, and where gaps exist. This thorough analysis allows her to create a customized plan that addresses the unique needs of the business. Mara invites listeners to explore the free resources available on her website, whitenerpros.com, offering a popular guide on finding hidden financial opportunities in businesses and complimentary strategy sessions to help business owners move the needle in their operations. About Mara Whitener: Meet Mara Whitener - seasoned entrepreneur, systems expert, and passionate business puzzle-solver. With over 20 years building and scaling companies, Mara brings precision and proven methodologies to unstick growth challenges. Having built and sold several 6&7 figure firms, Mara understands first-hand what it takes to transform vision into reality. Her superpower is designing fully-custom operational systems - the missing piece to level up your business. Mara’s systems empower you to take on more clients, save money, and focus on what you love. Growth doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Mara tailors solutions catered to you and fixed for how you best operate. Beyond business, she is a dedicated foster pet-parent, award-winning community leader, and thrives behind the scenes as an introvert. If you seek to turn your endeavors into well-oiled machines, let Mara work her magic. With unmatched dedication, she will unpuzzle your operations so running your business feels easy, while making your biggest dreams possible. About Whitener Professional Services: Whitener Professional Services specializes in business development, project management, and account services designed to help businesses enhance their profitability. With a dedicated team of experts, Whitener Professional Services offers tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by each client. Their strategic approach focuses on optimizing operations, streamlining processes, and fostering strong client relationships to drive growth. Committed to delivering measurable results, Whitener Professional Services empowers businesses to achieve their financial goals and sustain long-term success in a competitive market. 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 Whitener Professional Services website at https://whitenerpros.com/ Check out Whitener Professional Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbananaseo/ Check out Mara Whitener on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-whitener/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. 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