The Liquid Lunch Project

“I've recently come to the realization that…we're always selling. We're selling ourselves. We're selling our products. We're doing it constantly. And the sad thing is, we're doing it all wrong.”   So, how do we do it the RIGHT way?   On this week’s episode of The Liquid Lunch Project, Matt and Luigi sit down with Bill Caskey to share his revolutionary approach to selling.    Caskey found that most sales training was focused on teaching salespeople what to say or do to persuade someone to buy. However, he believed this approach was flawed. He realized that the prospect or customer should be the one convincing the salesperson that they have a problem that needs to be solved. This realization led him to develop a framework that flipped the script, changing the dynamic of the buyer-seller process.   He calls this approach a "180 flip," in which the salesperson shifts their focus from convincing the prospect to buy to understanding the prospect's problems and needs. Caskey believes that changing this dynamic makes prospects more engaged, honest, and open about their issues. This approach creates a more organic and joyful way to sell, which benefits everyone.   If you’re stuck in a sales rut or looking for ways to get better at what you do (let’s face it, most of us can!), don’t miss this episode.  Key Takeaways:   The importance of crafting customer-focused, unique messages Choosing the right platforms to deliver your message Why persuasion alone is not enough to build trust and establish lasting relationships with customers How to foster honest communication The pros…and cons...of incorporating AI into your sales approach Favorite Quote:   “I believe the greatest salespeople are exquisite communicators rather than exquisite persuaders.” Connect with Bill: Website: https://billcaskey.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billcaskeyfan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bill.caskey/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcaskey/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BillCaskeyTraining Million Dollar Checklist: https://resources.billcaskey.com/mds-checklist    Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.      

"I have cameras pointing at my fridge. If the fridge is empty, the VA orders it." If you thought you knew all there is to know about virtual assistants, this episode might surprise you. We've got Justin Nelson on the show today; he's the CEO of Sphere Rocket, a VA company that has seen a tremendous amount of success in the past few years, going from 0 to 100 employees in just 12 months.  After leaving Engineering school early at the age of 19, he pursued his Real Estate License and, within three years, took over the team and launched his own Real Estate coaching company. From there, he created Sphere Rocket VA to help agents and businesses across all sectors acquire virtual assistant talent; they now hire thousands of people each year.  Justin shares that most people see their virtual assistants as robots - something he's trying to fix. Employers who treat their VAs respectfully and communicate effectively will have much better results. That's why they offer one-on-one coaching for employers to help change their perspective. We also discuss Justin's determination and discipline that drove his success from an early age, how he leverages VAs in all areas of his life, his tips for managing a team of virtual employees, why he always hires three people for the same job, and how he got his team on board to sell the company.  If you're at all curious about how a Virtual Assistant can improve your life or your business for the better...don't miss this episode.     Episode Highlights: Scaling a VA business How hiring multiple candidates increases success The VA training process How a virtual office enhances team collaboration How he utilizes VAs for both personal and professional use Favorite Quote: “Whenever I'm able to see someone's talent over 90 days, a lot of times I can create a position for them, especially if it's around generating more revenue.” Connect with Justin: Website: http://sphererocketva.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinnelson76 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjustinnelson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-nelson-82b98412a/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealjustinnelson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealjustinnelson   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.        

Business owners, let's cut to the chase: You NEED to pay yourself. You DESERVE to pay yourself. And if you haven't quite figured out how or just need some additional encouragement, this episode should not be missed.    We sat down with serial entrepreneur Brandon Neely to discuss his journey from starting a coffee shop in South Chicago to becoming a small business advisor. He recognized that, even though he was doing something he loved (running a coffee shop), everyone else was getting paid for it. He knew something had to give.    That's when they pivoted. Today, Brandon is a Profit First and Bank On Yourself Professional and the co-host of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast with his wife and business partner Amanda. Together, they help develop personalized financial strategies for businesses and help implement the Profit First system.    In addition to the Profit First system, we cover the importance of self-care and running a lean, profitable business, the concept of a poverty mindset versus a balanced mindset in finances, and balancing ego-driven desires with financial discipline. Brandon also gives us a look at how he uses life insurance policies to his advantage and how it ties in with the Banking Yourself strategy.    If you're still figuring out how to pay yourself or wonder if you could be doing a better job at it, don't miss this convo with Brandon Neely.  Episode Highlights: The Profit First system explained Why you should bank on yourself The STILL Method What is a “properly structured” life insurance policy? The three things every business owner needs to have Acknowledging if you have a business or a hobby Favorite Quote:   “Is this a hobby or is it a business? Because if it's a hobby, treat it like a hobby and be OK with not getting paid.” Connect with Brandon: https://grandmaswealthwisdom.com  https://www.facebook.com/brandonneely.bizactivist  https://www.instagram.com/wealthwisdomfp/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-neely/  https://www.youtube.com/c/wealthwisdomfinancial      Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.  

How did a pair of over-priced soccer cleats become the catalyst for our guest's "dirty hands turned cutting-edge tech" trajectory?    (We love stories like this.)   This week, we sat down with the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, Bryan Clayton. From starting a simple lawnmowing business in high school to building a successful tech company that connects homeowners with local care professionals, his career has had its share of highs and lows.    Bryan discusses the challenges and triumphs he experienced over the past decade in growing GreenPal into a nationwide network, his grassroots approach to customer acquisition, lessons he's learned from being in the home services industry, and that even though he sometimes has 100-hour work weeks, he's not worked a day in the last ten years.    Service-based businesses, startups, app developers, and those with an idea just itching to be explored - don't miss this episode.  Episode Highlights:   How he transitioned from brick-and-mortar to the tech space Evolving as a business owner Why he taught himself to code The importance of investing in different marketing strategies Foundational lessons from a home service business Why they don’t operate a discount model Product versus Distribution Favorite Quote:   “Pick up your phone, call your 20 customers, and let that data speak.” Connect with Bryan: https://yourgreenpal.com/  https://instagram.com/bryanmclayton  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214  https://twitter.com/bryanmclayton     Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.    

How does someone turn a near-forclosure property into a profit in just one month?    That’s the topic in this week’s episode of The Liquid Lunch Project. We’re sitting down with Quentin West, an expert in Airbnb arbitrage, to learn how he’s found huge success.   Airbnb arbitrage is basically renting a property for a year or more and then subleasing it on Airbnb to travelers. By charging more per night, you can make some extra cash. Quentin, who's been in the Airbnb business for a while now, says he started by listing his own home on Airbnb to avoid losing it but then moved on to renting properties specifically for arbitrage.   Quentin shares the difficulties he faced when starting his business (like dealing with guest relationships and neighborhood complaints) and emphasizes the significance of screening guests and creating a good reputation to avoid problems. He also talked about the importance of scaling the business in a healthy way and advised against maxing out credit cards or spending all the profits on expanding the business, as it can leave one vulnerable in case of a slow month.   While arbitrage offers low risk and flexibility, Quentin urges listeners to remember that it's not a long-term retirement plan. The profits may be insane now, but fluctuating markets and new regulations can change that. Instead, he encourages people to see it as the next step to building long-term passive income.    If you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to enter the short-term rental market and build a new income stream, don't miss this conversation with Quentin West!  Episode Highlights:   How he’s found success by targeting small niche cities. How he manages guest screenings. The benefits of direct bookings. The highs and lows of having an Airbnb How “The Golden Triangle” helps them determine where to buy next Favorite Quote:   “Arbitrage should be your next step to get to longer-term passive income. Don't put yourself in a position where if tomorrow your market outlaws Airbnb, all your income's gone.”   Connect with Quentin: http://realquentinwest.com/  https://www.facebook.com/quentin.west.98 https://www.instagram.com/qdealshomes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/qdealshomes/ https://www.tiktok.com/@qdealshomes?lang=en https://twitter.com/Qdealshomes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC5K0vQqeaIvHAe6NraLjGQ   To learn more about his upcoming mastermind retreat, where he aims to help others level up their health, wealth, and mindset, visit www.CapitalConnectionEvent.com/Capital-Castle     Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

This week's episode tackles the long-overdue disruption needed in the real estate industry. Like many, we're frustrated with the outdated norm of traditional property transactions, so we were anxious to sit down with Kareem Karachni of Property Guys. He's on the show to tell us how they're busy revolutionizing real estate and empowering agents to become true business owners through franchising - all while giving them the potential to make more money doing what they already do.   We discuss the industry's potential for change, trends, the costs associated with becoming a franchisee, and how Property Guys has emerged as a prominent disruptor, offering flat fees and comprehensive packages, thereby challenging the reliance on traditional agents.   It's a fascinating new take on a system that's been stuck in its ways for decades. Will Property Guys change all that? Is franchise worth exploring? Tune in as we explore this question and others with Karim Kerachni. Episode Highlights:   How Property Guys is an alternative solution to property sales The future of real est The cost to purchase a franchise How they turn agents into business owners Average revenue to expect Favorite Quote:   “If you’re going to get the exact same result for literally one-tenth of the cost, it’s a no-brainer.” Connect with Karim: http://info.propertyguys.com/Mass  https://www.facebook.com/KarimDuDeAngel?mibextid=LQQJ4d  https://instagram.com/karimfrenchy?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg== https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-kerachni   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Discover the factors shaping prevalent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's—and why lifestyle choices matter more than genetics. Today on The Liquid Lunch Project Podcast, we sit down with Christian Yordanov, a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Buteyko breathing instructor, Pn1 Nutrition Coach, GrowBaby practitioner, DNAfit trainer, author, and fellow podcast host.   In this episode, we cover actionable steps to reduce toxin exposure and enhance detoxification for better health, and why Christian embraces a holistic approach that prioritizes cognitive function and quality of life, not just longevity. We also debunk the myth that extreme exercise is the key to longevity, how stress plays more of a role than we think, why carbs are actually GOOD for you, and why Matt is choosing “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll all day long.”   Busy, stressed-out business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone who feels like they’re burning the candle at both ends - don’t miss this episode for a quick health check and some great takeaways to incorporate into your daily routines.    Episode Highlights: Why you should feed your brain well The power of blue-blocking glasses How creatine benefits the body Nature vs. Nurture when it comes to our health The importance of moderation Favorite Quote:   “So the point is, how can we put more life into our years, not just years into our life?” Connect with Christian: www.christianyordanov.com https://www.instagram.com/christian_yordanov/?hl=es https://twitter.com/christian_yorda?lang=es https://www.facebook.com/ChristianYordanovCoach/   Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.    

We're going a bit existential in today's episode as we aim to uncover the true purpose behind our actions and financial aspirations. Joining Matt and Luigi is Chris Miles, the visionary founder and CEO of Money Ripples; he's on a mission to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve present-day freedom and prosperity.   Chris emphasizes the significance of developing passive income streams that give us the freedom of choice when it comes to work. We can choose to work because we want to - not because we need to. This financial independence gives us more opportunities to spend quality time with our loved ones and live a life free from monetary concerns.   But the conversation doesn't stop at personal gain. Chris passionately emphasizes that financial education is a powerful catalyst for creating a ripple effect in the lives of others. As we find financial blessings, our capacity to bless others' lives grows exponentially. It's a great reminder that the pursuit of wealth should not be self-contained but should extend to making a positive impact on the world around us.   We also take a look at Chris's personal journey. Growing up with limited financial education and witnessing his father's struggles with work-related stress, he was driven to forge a different path. From college drop-out to starting his own business to eventually becoming a financial advisor, he learned the transformative power of financial education.   This episode underscores the incredible importance of financial literacy and strategic planning in breaking free from the relentless cycle of the rat race. Financial education isn't just about amassing wealth; it's about creating a life of abundance and fulfillment.   Platforms like Money Ripples pave the way for a brighter financial future where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Tune in to this episode and embark on the journey toward your own American dream.  Episode Highlights: How alternative investments can create freedom The mind-shift needed for financial success How to keep your money out of prison Why he recommends avoiding company stocks Why he prefers tangible investments Favorite Quote:   “When you don’t feel like you have control, you can never have freedom.” Connect with Chris: https://moneyripples.com  https://www.facebook.com/moneyripples/  https://www.instagram.com/moneyripples/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-ripples/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles/  http://www.twitter.com/moneyripples     Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.  

Building trust is crucial for the success of any business. But sometimes that's easier said than done. Joining us on the show today to discuss this topic - and offer a solution -  is Natalie Doyle Oldfield, author of the book "The Power of Trust: How Top Companies Build, Manage, and Protect It."    Natalie has 25 years of experience in IT and has trained hundreds of technical team members to become Trusted Advisors to their clients using science-based programs. Recently recognized as one of Canada's Most Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs, she was also named one of the world's Top Thought Leaders in Trust.   Natalie explains that a business with high trust equity can increase sales, revenue, referrals, and client retention. However, it's not something that can be achieved overnight; it requires intentional effort, transparency, and honest communication.     In this episode, she outlines eight principles that can be followed to build, strengthen, and protect a relationship of trust - principles that are based on scientific evidence and tested over several years. They roll up into three critical components: communication, behavior, and service. How a business communicates, behaves, and serves its customers directly impacts the level of trust it can build.    Tune in to learn more about the power of trust, how it can transform your business, and where you can find her free trust assessment tool to get you started. Episode Highlights: The power of empathy How to instill trust in disliked industries The eight principles of building trust The importance of honesty and accountability How she became an expert in trust Three things business owners can do immediately to build trust Practical changes for better behavior Favorite Quote:   "We trust people who understand us, who get us, and are able to really empathize with us."   Connect with Natalie: https://www.successthroughtrust.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedoyleoldfield    Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Business owners: Are you neglecting the financial side of your business?   We get it; there’s a lot to worry about. P&Ls. Cash flow. Balance sheets. And if you’re not a numbers person, it can feel pretty overwhelming. But if you want to scale your business and grow (and grow well), these are the things you can’t ignore.    Today, we’re joined by Chris Mannina, a Certified Public Accountant and tax strategist with almost 20 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. As a CPA with KWC Advisors, he helps business owners reach their financial goals by providing innovative accounting solutions, and he’s here to give us the scoop.   For Chris, it starts with technology. Automating and streamlining processes reduces the need for manual effort and allows accountants and financial professionals to shift their focus from processing data to analyzing it.    Secondly, he strongly encourages CEOs to have meaningful discussions with their CFOs to better understand the business's levers. It’s the best way to enhance their knowledge of the company and make more informed decisions. Don’t have a CFO? Well, that’s something you can outsource to someone like Chris. Paying them for a few hours a month isn’t cost-prohibitive, and they can review monthly or quarterly financial statements, make forward-looking cash flow projections, and provide some real insight into your business.    The goal is to create a roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve optimal industry best practices, and integrating technology and systems can lead to optimization and improved efficiency over time. Even if you think you’re “doing fine,” the truth is - you could be doing better. And you might even be able to make the same amount of money doing half the work through automation. Who wouldn’t want that, am I right?    When you make changes to an existing model or process, it can be a bit tricky and require some effort - and this might make you unsure about whether to proceed with the changes. Automation? Optimization? Hiring a CFO? It feels like a lot.   Just keep in mind that though the process may be complicated in the beginning, the payoff is worth it. Don’t miss this episode to learn what Chris of KWC Advisors can do to take your business to the next level.  Episode Highlights:   The top do’s and don’ts in starting and scaling your business How to incorporate automation into your financial operations How to optimize for greater efficiency When to hire a CFO The difference between a Controller and a CFO Exit planning with ESOPs His favorite tax strategy   Favorite Quote:   “Just because you’re doing well doesn’t mean you’re doing as good as you could be or as efficiently as you could be.” Connect with Chris: https://www.kwccpa.com  http://manninaincorporated.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/manninastrategies/   christopher.mannina@kwccpa.com    Stay Connected: Connect with Matt and Luigi on Instagram: @matthew.r.meehan @luigi_rosabianca @theLiquidLunchProject @ShieldAdvisoryGroup. Visit The Liquid Lunch Project website and subscribe to The Weekly, our Friday morning newsletter, for all the latest in the world of finance, tech, small business, and more. www.theliquidlunchproject.com Make sure you never miss an episode — check out The Liquid Lunch Project on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.