

The Authority Builder Podcast
Steve Gordon
The Authority Builder Podcast is the place to come if you are building a professional practice and want to be seen as the leader in your market. We interview the top experts throughout professional services and share insights to help you grow your firm and be positioned as the only choice the clients ever want.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
― Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
― Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 11, 2018 • 34min
48: Josh Turner | Compelling Marketing Creates Consistent Growth
When you have a business, it’s tempting to be all things to all people. But when your target market is too big, says Josh Turner, you don’t reach anybody effectively. This B2B marketing expert recommends ways to laser focus your marketing so you can generate as many leads as you can handle. Josh is a big fan of one social network in particular. He shares how he’s learned to use it to turn more prospects into lifelong clients and customers. You’ll also get details on… The forgotten impact of your physical health on mindset Ways to generate leads on social media without “spamming” How to get referrals on autopilot by building your reputation online The 15-Minute Rule for overcoming negativity and getting back to work The people you need in your business so you can focus on “needle movers” And more… Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Josh Turner, the WSJ bestselling author of Connect and Booked and the founder of Linkedin Selling. 01:25 Josh tells us how he realized how Linkedin could be used in a very powerful way early on. 06:19 Josh, like all of us, had a tough road in growing his business. He started off with just $5000 and a couple of credit cards. 11:02 Josh talks about the importance of working out and keeping healthy. 13:25 Josh talks about why he has refocused and reduced the number of potential drivers to push forward his company this year. 15:51 Josh talks about the changes he’s had to make as his company grew so quickly. 18:56 Steve and Josh talk at length about “Done for your services”. 23:06 Josh gives superb advice in trying and succeeding in gaining the clients you want from Linkedin. 26:48 Josh talks about how not to come across as just another person wanting to sell services on Linkedin. He gives a real-time example of helping a client with this. 32:20 Josh gives us a link to his in-depth Linkedin master class which gives a beginner to advanced guide to how best to gain clients through the platform. Mentioned in the show LinkedUniversity LinkedSelling LinkedIn Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Jan 4, 2018 • 39min
47: Laura Posey | Make Clear Decisions that Get You Closer to Your Ultimate Goal
For many of us, self-promotion is tough. We were raised not to brag. Laura Posey, Chief Instigator at Simple Success Plans, faced that early on in her consulting career. But when she realized one key fact about herself (you have it too), she never hesitated to promote her services proudly… and brings in a steady stream of appreciative clients as a result. In this episode, Laura also shares a shortcut to help you make any business decision. If the answer is “no” - you let it go without guilt. Yes - you take action. It’s also a handy way to avoid “shiny object syndrome.” Listen now to discover… How to eliminate “fuzzy” goals from your business planning The “boring” parts of your business you have to master before you innovate What it takes to reach your biggest goals - it’s not fast, but you get there Ways to train your brain to ignore the distractions that plague entrepreneurs The key to envisioning the “Big Picture” that gives you confidence, purpose, and perspective Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Laura Posey. Laura is an internationally recognized speaker, a consultant in sales and marketing and creator of the Simple Success Plans website. 01:19 Laura tells us how she started off in business. From pizza to car sales to insurance to the point where she realized she wasn't cut out for the corporate world. 04:39 In order to overcome obstacles and refocus, Laura goes back to her old emails from clients telling her how much she has helped to change their lives. 06:50 Laura does have days where she wishes she had a normal job but knows she’d get bored in 20mins! 09:28 Did you YOU sell Cutco Knives? 10:24 Laura talks about the shift from selling stuff to selling yourself and how she got over the self-doubt. 14:30 Laura talks about people who read lots of books and go to conferences but asks why they never implemented what they read or heard?. 15:49 Laura’s index card trick. 18:47 Steve reveals the big secret about conferences. 20:33 Laura talks about how important planning is for your business and how you're not going to double the size of your business by working twice as hard. 27:07 “The average person makes 35,000 decisions a day” 29:21 Steve talks about doing his first strategic plan and Laura explains how to boil it down using the 80/20 rule. 36:07 Laura tells us how to get in contact with her and how her daily success checklist can help you immediately. Mentioned in the show https://simplesuccessplans.com/daily Cutco Knives Brian Treacy Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Dec 28, 2017 • 46min
46: Bob Serling | Next Level Networking that Leads to Breakthrough Business Partnerships
The popular image of an entrepreneur is going solo… being independent. But my guest this week, copywriter and joint venture expert Bob Serling, advocates a different approach that allows you to leverage the expertise and contacts of others. You can use his strategies if you’re selling a product or seeking clients for your professional services… even trying to find work on a new career path. Your business will move forward exponentially, says Bob, when you leave behind a winner-take-all attitude and instead help others be successful first. That’s just one of the counterintuitive concepts Bob shares. And they’re proven to work - it’s how he created a best-selling toy with the world’s top skateboarder, despite starting with zero experience in the industry. Tune in to discover… The secret ingredient to a successful business most entrepreneurs don’t understand Where to find the game-changers for your business - they’re closer than you think Why you should avoid traditional networking… and what to do instead The one thing you must do before creating a product or trying to sell it How to quickly make yourself credible to those who can help you the most Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Bob Serling. Bob has over 30 years experience in marketing, he is the founder of Profit Alchemy and a guru for joint ventures. 01:34 Bob is interested in people with unique ideas has that's the way he himself is wired. This has led him to work with a wide variety of different sectors. 03:33 Bob discusses the school system and how it categorizes you into predetermined “buckets”. 05:26 Bob recognizes that in order to be different you have to do different things that other people aren't doing. Bob goes in depth in how he did this throughout his career. 15:46 Bob explains the power of just sending out a simple email. 18:19 Bob explains how not being greedy leads to much more money. 19:50 Bob tells us why only 2% of potential products get to market. 15:49 Laura’s index card trick. 22:08 Bob explains what the key is to making joint ventures work because as many as 70% fail. He goes in depth on how to build great relationships. 30:28 Bob talks about trying to get people to do interviews for him and about his 15 min email academy. 35:41 Steve explains what the “Hamster wheel of Death” is. 36:57 If you an introvert, emailing is for you. 38:18 Steve and Bob give great examples of using email lists. 41:01 Bob gives further examples of his work with a client in a joint venture. 43:59 Bob tells us how to get in contact with him Mentioned in the show Tony Hawk Profit Alchemy, Inc How to write a good advertisement -Victor Schwab How to get rich in mail order - Melvin Powers Adweek Ted Nicholas Gary Haliburton http://www.15minuteemail.com Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Dec 21, 2017 • 35min
45: Laura Roeder | Going from Solopreneur to 7-figure CEO
If you’re transitioning from being a freelancer to building your own company - and you’re struggling (who isn’t?), you don’t want to miss this talk with Laura Roeder. She was a freelance designer and is now CEO of a 30-employee company that offers the popular social media automation tool, Edgar. As the owner/founder, you’re often the bottleneck slowing your company’s progress. Laura has solid tips for recognizing and overcoming your self-inflicted obstacles to growth. She also shares strategies for avoiding social media burnout and using this marketing channel effectively. Check out this episode now to find out… Ways to avoid “Money in the Middle” Syndrome How to make sure you’re actually delegating Which type of people you need to take your business to the next level A social media strategy that gets results - and takes less work The two types of social posts getting the most traction now And that’s just a small taste… Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Laura Roeder. Laura is the founder of Edgar, a social media app designed to prevent status updates from ever going to waste. 00:54 Laura gives us a quick recap of where she's at. 02:23 When trying to overcome problems, Laura had found that staying present has been one of her greatest assets and how the comparison is the thief of joy. 06:18 Laura talks about being a new CEO and how having to delegate work and not be the “monkey in the middle”. 09:11 Laura talks about hiring people to do jobs that she can’t do. 11:20 Laura talks about being pregnant when launching Edgar and how it actually helped her. 13:59 Laura talks about the steps that led her to build Edgar. 16:45 Steve and Laura talk about Edgar and how to repeat blog posts are not an issue. 20:52 Laura explains that simply posting more often can be the best way of reaching more people. 26:08 Laura discusses how video is fast becoming the new best marketing trend and why you should narrow your social media platforms. 33:29Laura tells us how best to get in contact with her. Mentioned in the show https://meetedgar.com/ @LKR FB Instagram Linkedin Dan Sullivan Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Dec 14, 2017 • 44min
44: Dov Gordon | Figure Out Your “Ultimate Destination” as an Entrepreneur and Your Path Will Be Clear
Have you ever fallen into the trap of comparing yourself to others? Their success… their achievements… actually, have nothing to do with you, says my guest this week Dov Gordon. Dov helps people in the corporate world transition into becoming six-figure consultants and coaches. But anyone who’s struggling to grow a new business can benefit from his strategies. In this episode, he shares techniques for clearing away “mental blocks” so you can tackle - and achieve - your biggest, boldest goals. And he’ll highlight the only three things you need to create the business success you deserve. Listen in now to discover… When you should listen to your gut - even if your brain is yelling at you to stop How to find the right answers… by asking better questions The dangers of long-term thinking Why “outside” feedback can give you the clarity - and kick in the butt - you need Everybody feels self-doubt - here’s how to get over it ASAP And more Listen now… Timeline 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Dov Gordon. Dov is a consultant who helps all types of professionals find their ideal clients. 01:02 Dov clears up that he and Steve aren’t actually brothers. 02:34 Dov tells us how he started off in consulting, without any knowledge of consulting at just 22. 05:45 Things never go to plan like all the books say they will. Dov had some particularly tough times. He tells us how his “inner knowing” that it will all work out drove him through his problems. 10:07 Dov comes across as very confident. However Dov says that nobody would swap each other's problems and how the money always comes up not when you want it, but when you need it. 15:50 Steve explains why it's so hard to figure out what you really want. 17:21 Dov Tells us how he believes that we all have a purpose and tells us the only 3 things you’ll ever need to know in life. 23:57Steve talks about when he first asked Dov for help and how he paused over the fee. 27:36 When it comes to investment, Steve usually says yes. 29:36 Dove goes in depth in explaining how people with the same goals always end up meeting each other and “you can’t be a pigeon consultant and attract regal clients”. 40:02 Dov tells us what he is getting excited about in business today. 41:59 Dov has a VERY special gift exclusively for Unstoppable CEO listeners!. Mentioned in the show Dov Gordon Bill Gates Tony Robbins http://dovgordon.net/unstoppable Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Dec 7, 2017 • 40min
43: Hugh Culver | “Save” Your Clients From Themselves and They’ll Reward You
If you teach businesses how to boost their social media profile, create webinars, or similar… check out a new approach to working with clients from Hugh Culver of Stand Out Social. There’s an alternative to teaching that will ensure they follow through and see results. And when your clients succeed in this way… you succeed because they hire you again and again - automatically. This is how Hugh grew his latest business to six figures in just 10 months. Hugh also shares what happened when he finally stopped trying to be the hardest worker in his business. And that’s just the start. Check out the episode to find out… How to get the most out of your mastermind group - if they don’t “scare” you, you’re wasting your time The weekly ritual with your team that can change everything in your business Ways to pre-qualify clients so you only work with those that will be successful Where to find the right employees so you can escape the day-to-day - and focus on growing the business Details on a profitable alternative to teaching and consulting - your clients are dying for this right now And more Listen now… Timeline 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Hugh Culver. Hugh is the CEO of SOS and the author of Give me a break: The art of making time work for you. 01:12Hugh tells us how he started in the business, white water rafting with his brother. 02:53 Hugh tells us how he sold his business and what he learned from it was that equating being busy as success was wrong. 06:30Hugh explains how putting in long hours constantly is a bad idea. 09:07 Hugh explains how writing his book 5 years ago changed everything. 13:17 “You do not want to be the smartest person in the room”. 15:12 Hugh talks about his done for you service and goes in-depth giving examples of other great service providers. 23:24 In order to free up more time Hugh decided to get help but chooses to hire locally rather than the cheaper option from abroad. 27:36 When it comes to investment, Steve usually says yes. 28:29Hugh tells us exactly what SOS does and breaks down their process on how they drive more traffic to your website. 35:00To find out what you should change in your business Hugh tells us you first have to look at your own pain. Mentioned in the show Dov Gordon Trevor Turnbull LinkedIn HelloAlfred http://Getsos.net/ http://hughculver.com Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Nov 30, 2017 • 27min
42: Craig Ballantyne| Don’t Just Set Goals - Achieve Them
Having an ambitious goal is all well and good, says my guest this week Craig Ballantyne, author of The Perfect Day Formula and creator of related business coaching programs and workshops. But, cautions Craig, a goal without a plan will get you nowhere. It’s all about preparation and consciously putting the right elements in place so you have a clear of what you must do… a support system to keep you motivated… a source of professional advice in case you get stuck… and the right “push: to compel you to get to work now. He calls them the 5 Pillars of Success. And in this episode, Craig explains how to use these simple but effective strategies to achieve breakthroughs in your business and personal life. Listen in to learn… Why normal planning isn’t enough… and how to take it to the next level How to create tangible action steps to achieve your “big picture” goals Where to find the “paid pain the ass” who will keep you on track Two types of accountability that ensure you don’t slack off Ways to transform your values into goals that will change your life Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Craig Ballantyne, the author of “The Perfect Day Formula”, Men's Health and coach to high level entrepreneurs. 01:23 Craig tells us how he started off in business coaching entrepreneurs. 03:02 Craig explains his 5 Pillars Of Success which can help anyone overcome difficulties. 04:11 Pillar #1: Better Planning And Preparation Than Ever Before. 05:36 Craig breaks down his 90-day plan. 08:21 Pillar #2: Professional Accountability. 09:33Craig explains why it's important to have someone who will hold you accountable. 10:44 Pillar #3: Positive Social Support. 12:20 Pillar #4: Incentive 15:18 Pillar #5: The Big Deadline 18:36 Craig talks about his Coaching Life Workshops and The Perfect Life Retreat and the benefit of taking yourself out of your regular work environment. 21:51 Craig explains why he tries to be a “polite and courteous British gentleman”. 23:00 Craig talks about the rules for his life. Mentioned in the show Henry Ford Thomas Edison Edison Newton Steve Sims Harvard https://freeperfectdaybook.com https://earlytorise.com Enjoyed this episode? Rate this podcast on iTunes >>

Nov 23, 2017 • 36min
41: John Curry | The Foundation for Successful Sales You Might Be Missing
A successful salesperson is slick and manipulative, right? No deal, says my guest this week, financial advisor and master salesman John Curry. During his 40 years in the field, John has refined the real foundation of sales. It’s quite simple: identify what you client needs, then help them get it… even if that sometimes means sending them to a competitor. Your role should be more like a trusted advisor than a smooth operator. Give your prospect enough information to make an educated decision. Take an open and honest approach. Be firm - even indifferent - when you need to be. Adopt this philosophy and the money will follow, says John. Listen in to find out… An easy technique for taking pressure off a customer What you’re really selling - it’s not your product or service The Surgeon’s Posture Secret for boosting your sales numbers Why giving your prospect permission to say “no” often leads to “yes” A technique for being at peace with rejection - it boosts your confidence too Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with long time friend John Curry. John has been working at the pinnacle of retirement planning for over 30 years and is considered one of the best salespeople in the country. 03:11 John tells us about “Purity of Intent” and why you should “Focus on the mission, not the commission”. 06:19 John tells us that we are all liars! 08:17 John tells us how he wasn’t always a master salesman. He explains how rhino skin and allowing people the option to say to to him made him a master of the art. 16:53 Steve explains the his “Surgeons Posture” and how he uses it with every potential client. 20:54 Steve and John discuss how the “ABC” of sales is wrong. John gives us some examples from his own life from heart issues to suicide. 26:43 Steve talks about how John approach to selling has led him to sell life insurance to people who were completely against it. 36:00 Steve is a geomatic engineer. Who knew? He explains to us how he ended up in marketing Mentioned in the show Henry Ford Thomas Edison

Nov 16, 2017 • 42min
40: Joel Erway | The fastest way to conversion, the simplest way to the sale
Even in the Internet era, an in-person sales presentation can be a very effective way for certain businesses to market their products or services. This week’s guest, Joel Erway, Chief Strategist for the Webinar Agency, has found a way to blend these direct sales methods with digital marketing strategies to create a blockbuster selling tool. He does it with webinars - but unlike any you’ve seen before. In the process he’s helped his clients increase revenues in a big way. One went from one sale a week to 14 - a 1,300% boost! In this episode, Joel reveals what makes his “next generation” webinars - and entire marketing strategy - different… and so powerful. If you’re a professional service provider, this is worth a listen. Tune in now and you’ll learn… Where most online sales presentations fail… and what to do about it Techniques for appealing to the most skeptical buyers A strategy to bridge the gap between digital marketing and live sales Ways to avoid getting tripped up on metrics that don’t matter How to draw on past skills to fuel success now Listen now… TimeLine 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Joel Erway, the chief strategist of The Webinar Agency and webinar guru. 01:08 Joel realized as many of us do that his first job out of college wasn’t for him. He tells the story of how he went from engineering to marketing to digital entrepreneurship. 07:10 Steve and Joel talk about why so many engineers end up in digital marketing 09:49 Joel tells us his story of leaving his 6 figure job and dealing with the tough problems that arose and the path he took. 20:12 Joel talks about his early mistakes from FB ads to automation before forming his unique “mini webinar” idea. 26:18Steve breaks down why you should shift your marketing from 1-1 to 1 to many. 28:39 Joel “ People focus on details that don’t make them money” 31:00 Steve explains why we should all keep things nice and simple. 32:23 Joel’s moto for 2017 “Make the F¢#king offer!” 34:56 Steve goes back to the 60s. 36:17 Joel talks about the marketing pyramid and how building a $5,000 ticket will make you a million a year. 38:13 Joel tells us the best ways of getting his content and getting in contact with him. Mentioned in the show The Webinar Agency Tim Ferris Final Engineering Exams BreakThrough Marketing http://soldwithwebinars.com/live Sold With Webinars Podcast Tell us what you think: Leave a review of podcast

Nov 9, 2017 • 33min
39: Michael Zipursky | Embracing Imperfection in Your Business
Perfection is your biggest enemy, says our guest this week, Michael Zipursky of ConsultingSuccess.com. Michael says it’s an issue holding back many of the consultants and professional service providers he’s worked with over the years. Michael sees tremendous value in what he calls “Imperfect Action.” Don’t spend all your time fine-tuning your offer, value proposition, product, or service. Just put it out there… then learn how to make it better based on what the marketplace tells you. That’s how to make consistent progress and grow your business. Patience, focus, and a willingness to make mistakes are key too. And that’s just the start. Tune in now to hear Michael explain… What matters more than tactics, strategy, and technology The dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome Ways to achieve meaningful success that counts The myth of the Magic Bullet for your business How to create proposals that are easy for your clients to say yes to Listen now… Timeline 00:11 Today Steve speaks with Michael Zipursky, an entrepreneur, a coach to elite consultants and the CEO of ConsultingSuccess.com 01:23 Michael gives us a quick rundown of his career, starting with the creating a consulting business in college with his cousin 04:15 Michael talks about how he deals with challenges and how important it is to stay focused on your plan. 07:42 Michael explains that the really good, long-standing companies out there are masters of subtraction rather than attraction. 12:19 Michael tells us about his book, The Elite Consulting Mind, and how your mindset really is the most important thing in business. 16:46Michael and Steve go in depth about the issue if delaying your progress until everything is perfect instead of “imperfect action”. 24:43 Michael explains how to level up if you're a small business and gives an in-depth explanation of how to put a proposal together. 31:48 Michael tells us how best to get your hands on his book. Mentioned in the show The Elite Consulting Mind Scope Creep http://consultingsuccess.com http://consultingsuccess.com/mindsetbook