Entrepreneur Conundrum

Guest: Derrick Chevalier — H-C (h-c.com), Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon #1) Core ideas:Negotiate people, not problems; products don’t change—people do “Feel good” ≠ “win-win”; feelings aren’t facts Persuasion vs influence: persuasion is seen, influence is felt Antidote axiom: the antidote to any tactic is that tactic (or its opposite) elevated Harmony > balance for life/work integration Tactics & frameworks:Identify counterpart intent (not just demeanor) When splitting the difference can be smart—and when it’s a trap Cooperative empathy: share just enough of your constraints to co-design terms Post-deal audit: judge outcomes by ROI over time, not end-of-meeting vibes Stories & examples:From hostage talks to aerospace & automotive deals Coaching a skeptic who becomes a “gold medallion” client and top negotiator/lawyer Miles Davis “wrong chord → resolution” as a model for harmony Takeaways:Prepare to discover what you don’t know about the other side Don’t avoid “sales”—upgrade your definition and skill set Use influence to align behavior, not manipulate Resources:Book: Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon) Connect with Derrick: IG @derrick_chevalier, FB /anyproblemsolved, LI profile Free 30-min consult link via h-c.com Key Questions(01:00) How did you get to be where you are today?(03:43) Who do you serve today?(05:38) So if I wanted to come work with you, what would be some of the criteria that you would be looking for?(09:37) So on that note, how do you get in front of your potential client?(12:34) What are some commonalities, mistakes, misconceptions that people have when they start working with you or when they come to you?(25:24) Can you talk to us about how negotiation impacts everyday life, whether it's business or personal?(30:41) Have you heard of Chris Voss?(42:34)  What is your take on balance in life and work?(49:34) What is the best advice you have ever received?(51:21) What's the best advice you've ever given?(58:23)  We've talked about a few things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?(59:39) Where can we learn more about you and what you do and your book?Derrick Chevalierwww.h-c.comhttps://www.amazon.com/EVOLVE-Be-Slaughtered-Negotiation-Negotiating/dp/1965092543www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272https://www.instagram.com/derrick_chevalier/https://www.facebook.com/anyproblemsolvedVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

What happens when a software engineer pulls back the curtain on social media’s inner workings? In this episode, Virginia Purnell talks with Tim O’Hearn, author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective on Social Media, about the psychological and technical forces that shape what we see, share, and believe online.You’ll learn:How Tim’s unconventional path led from tech to authorship The real mechanics behind social media growth What entrepreneurs misunderstand about “influence” Why authenticity is more powerful than algorithms How to think critically about your digital footprint About Tim:Tim O’Hearn is a software engineer, writer, and entrepreneur whose debut book, Framed, became an Amazon #1 bestseller in the “Social Aspects of the Internet” category. His work explores the intersection of psychology, technology, and society—helping readers and entrepreneurs understand the hidden systems that shape our online world.Connect with Tim:🔗 tjohearn.com📘 LinkedIn📰 timohearn.beehiiv.com📚 Buy Framed on AmazonConnect with Virginia:🌐 entrepreneurconundrum.com/timohearn📸 IG: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm      FB: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm💼 LI: Virginia PurnellListen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Guest: Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau — ENCC-accredited senior executive coach; founder, Smart Power Method; author of Who’s in Charge? Lead with Real Power and Creative Impact in the Echo-Chaotic World.Links:Website: smartpowermethod.com The Book: smartpowermethod.com/the-book LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/In this episode:The Smart Power Method: authentic, service-driven leadership for complex systems Clarity > force: purpose, intent, and clean communication Stubbornness vs. relentless purpose (and how to know which one you’re in) Vulnerability that strengthens trust (CEO case example) Artistic intelligence at work: trusting the creative process in leadership Energy management: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual levers Three quick practices for emotion regulation and presence Career design: aligning with values now, not “someday” Timestamps (approx.):00:00 – Why “smart power” beats “old power” 05:09 – Who Sylvia serves (C-suite, founders, change-makers) 06:40 – Attraction vs. chasing: how she builds trust and clients 10:26 – Common pre-coaching pitfalls (purpose, clarity, communication) 14:20 – Arts → leadership: trust the process 16:47 – Embodied presence & authentic power 20:34 – A CEO’s vulnerable pivot that built credibility 20:44 – Resilience & energy: the four dimensions 23:14 – Instant practices for emotional awareness 25:43 – Best advice received: “As a leader, it’s no longer about you.” 27:20 – Best advice given: “Start loving yourself.” 29:19 – Career/life alignment with values 31:27 – Where to find SylviaCTA:Explore the Smart Power Method and Sylvia’s book: smartpowermethod.comKey Questions(01:55) Can you explain a little bit more to us about how you ended up where you are today?(05:01) Who do you serve today?(07:48) You do stuff on social media then to gain that more like and trust aspect?(08:51) What are some big goals that you have in the next year?(10:26) Is there a common I don't know if I want to use the word mistake, but a common thing that your clients do just before you start to work with them?(13:57) You have a lot of artistic background, like if you're dancing, being an artist, and singer, and all of that other stuff, how have you found that integrating all of that art into the workplace has been a positive outcome?(16:20) Taking the... I'm going to say holistic in the sense of all aspects, let's say well-rounded. We have bringing in our artistic self, this spiritual aspect, and embracing those, how does that help to support the leaders that want to increase their power?(20:34) Can you touch a little bit on the art of resilience and energy management for effective leaders?(23:06) Do you have any examples that we might be able to implement right away?(25:26) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(27:16) What's the best advice you've ever given?(29:08) Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?(31:27) Where can we learn more about you and what you do.Sylvia Rohde-Liebenauhttps://smartpowermethod.comhttps://www.smartpowermethod.com/the-bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Guest: Fred Meyers, Founder & CEO of QueensboroLinks:Website: www.queensboro.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/queensboro/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queensborousa/Episode page: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/fredmeyersIn this episode:(00:00) Intro — spotting a premium polo gap and building from scratch(02:35) Why Queensboro is B2SMB (marketing-first vs. enterprise sales)(04:14) The $4.95 first-order offer and trust-building guarantees(06:07) Shipping realities: continental U.S. free shipping and reliability(07:25) Lessons from economic turbulence & organizational vulnerabilities(09:40) Why move HQ to Dallas—and what improved (talent & logistics)(15:26) Expansion thinking (East, Texas/Midwest, West Coast next)(16:06) “Great small company” > “bad big company” (and how to become great)(18:35) A turning point: “We’re not doing better because we aren’t better.”(19:38) The 4 P’s people framework: Principled, Positive, Proactive, Productive(27:50) Brand basics: clear positioning → clear logo → clear expression(30:24) Culture you can “hear”—why energy shows up in the box(33:21) Best advice received: “Do what’s good for Freddie.”(35:52) Best advice given: “Pray for a difficult life (and wife)” → growth & character(37:58) Where to learn more & connectTakeaways:Trust is a growth lever: guarantees, clear policies, and reliability convert skeptics.Hire for the 4 P’s; you can’t out-perform your lowest standard.Be a great small company—scale comes after excellence.Position → brand → logo → apparel: get the story straight, then amplify.CTA: Start your first embroidered shirt for $4.95 and test the experience: www.queensboro.com Key Questions(01:07) All right, so how did you get to where you are today?(01:52) You stayed focused?(02:28) Who is your ideal It's a small, probably company. Do you sell more B2B or B2C?(04:09) Do you have a minimum quantity that I need to order?(07:13) You have been around for a while. You've been through lots of crazy things with the economy. What things did you learn? What tips do you have for it?(11:32) When you were growing, was it hard to remove yourself from certain positions so that you weren't for bottleneck?(15:58) Are there any other big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next couple of years?(22:57) How did you get your company's name?(26:39) What are some of your thoughts about helping others build their brand?(30:57) What did you do to help you get through hard times or times that were rough?(33:12) What's the best advice you've ever received?(35:49) What's the best advice you've ever given?(37:53) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do? Fred Meyerswww.queensboro.comhttps://www.facebook.com/queensboro/https://www.instagram.com/queensborousa/?hl=enVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Show NotesPrima’s pivot + origin — Moving from engineering and retail to online work; COVID as the “house on fire” moment that forced reinvention. “Best Kept Secret” diagnosis — It’s not lack of skill; it’s talking about what the market doesn’t urgently care about. House on Fire Marketing — Identify activation points (urgent, can’t-wait problems), show up with a “fire extinguisher,” then demonstrate and invite. Leads vs Buyers — Why “leads” can be someday/never; focus on buyer intent to shorten time-to-trust and time-to-cash. Conviction > tactics — Self-leadership, integrity, and inner work as the engine behind strategy. Seasons, silence, and signal — Reducing noise to hear divine guidance; living on your terms, not chasing balance myths. Revenue rhythm — Structuring offers (6–24 months) so $2K days come from today’s sales + tomorrow’s recurring. ResourcesGuest: Facebook @primajope | IG @prima_jope | YT (link above) | the2kClientsystem.com Show: entrepreneurconundrum.com/primajope https://www.skool.com/theworldsbestkeptsecretorbit/about Key Questions(01:34) How did you get to be where you are today?(11:12) Who is your ideal client?(12:16)  How do you get in front of them?(13:25) What are a couple of big goals that you have in the next year or two?(14:05) You have mentioned before in other areas, you don't have a buyer problem, you have a buyer identification problem. Can you expand on that a little bit.(23:02) So what do you do to make sure that you're in a quiet space or however, so that you can hear those little promptings?(27:47) Do you feel like you have a really good work-life balance?(30:28) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(32:31) What's the best advice you've ever given?(34:17) You have built a system that shows how to go from 2,000 to 2,000 per week to 2,000 per day without stress. So what makes it work when other marketing strategies?(45:52) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do? Prima Jopehttps://www.facebook.com/primajopehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PQhPk4Hr1RNSXEC05ZdEQwww.the2kClientsystem.comVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How Cliff’s musical journey began at Berklee and led him to Los Angeles What being kicked off American Idol taught him about resilience The power of saying “yes” and following curiosity into new ventures Why Cliff believes health is the foundation for creative and business success His approach to work-life “integration” and getting more done with less stress The role of coaching, affirmations, and mindset in creating lasting change Resources & Links from Today’s Episode:Website & Blog: sidehustleandflow.net Music: Stream “Cliff Beach” on all major platforms Book: Side Hustle and Flow (available in print & audiobook) Email: cliffe@sidehustleandflow.net Social: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | Bluesky Key Questions(01:32) How did you end up where you are today?(04:54) How did you stay upbeat with it?(08:01) How was it for you? Do you have any tips for us with when you did change your mental state or being able to change those mental blocks that are holding us back?(10:05)  How do you keep a work-life harmony?(14:28) Do you work with people through that inspiring aspect, or is it more just through your books?(18:35) Who are your ideal clients? Who's your ideal person to work with?(19:59) What do you help? What do you coach people with or through? (21:06) How do you get in front of these people?(22:12) What are some big goals that you have the next year or two?(24:14) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(25:50) What's the best advice you've ever given?(27:07) Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?(34:38) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Cliff BeachSidehustleandflow.netFacebook.com/cliffbeachmusicInstagram.com/cliffbeachmusicTwitter.com/cliffbeachmusicBluesky.com/cliffbeachmusicVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, you’ll learn:How Steve launched, scaled, and sold a successful advertising agency. Why consistency and persistence matter more than talent. The endurance athlete mindset and how it translates to business. The epidemic of loneliness — and how Loving Your Neighbor: A Practical Guide helps combat it. Why scaling isn’t for everyone (and why that’s okay). Steve’s best advice: it’s all about people. His most powerful tip: define your core values and live by them.Resources & Links:Website: www.stevefales.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenfales Facebook: facebook.com/steve.fales.18 Books: Available via Amazon & websiteKey Questions(01:21) How did you end up being where you are today?(03:17) When things got tough, how did you keep pushing forward and not just quitting?(04:37) Do you take some of those principles and carry it forward in some of your races and triathlons and stuff like that to be easy as well?(05:47) You have a few books. You're also a coach and mentor and stuff like that. Is that correct?(07:26) How do you get in front of those people?(09:28) What are a couple of big goals that you have in the next year?(13:44) With all the things that you want to get done in your retirement with all your spare time, what do you feel like is a roadblock? What's your biggest roadblock?(15:33) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(16:55) What's the best advice you've ever given?(18:36) We've touched on a few different topics today. Is there anything that we haven't talked about that we would like to?(20:48) Where can we learn more about you and what you're up to?Steve Faleswww.stevefales.comLinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfales/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/steve.fales.18Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Show notes (bullet style)Mike’s path from dentistry plans to pet franchisingScaling EarthWise Pet: 3 stores → 200+ units; 9 acquisitions; 51 corporate storesIdeal franchisee profile: passion, alignment, “in the trenches” grit, financial readinessRegionality & marketing: different buying habits, local ad spend, video & reviewsPet nutrition edge: 3-tier Dietitian certification; vet advisory council; AI dietitian for accessible guidanceTotal Pet Care plan (24 months): 250 stores, 150 mobile units, bi-coastal warehouses, e-com + DTCMobile grooming & mobile nutrition pros; delivery tacticsCulture shift: owner-operator → multi-unit; avoiding “weeds” thinkingM&A realities: due diligence, fees, team acqui-hires, and bank/attorney orchestrationLeadership & resilience: risk, failure as learning, anti-shame ethos for customersResources & LinksGuest: Michael Seitz — LinkedInEarthWise Pet (Franchising): https://www.EarthWisePetFranchise.comEarthWise Pet (AI Dietitian on homepage): https://www.EarthWisePet.comGroomBar: https://www.GROOMBAR.comKey Questions(01:37) How did you get to where you are today?(04:30) Who would you say are your ideal clients?(07:54) When you say pet store, are you more what would live inside my house(08:28) If we have the nutrition side of it. Tell me a bit more about that one. That one I didn't think about. Is it like, My doctor said this, or is it just, Hey, my dog is old?(11:30) With having the AI version of it, does that make it more accessible, even just financially for people, too?(12:20) How do you get in front of your ideal people?(14:46) Do you help your store owners with their digital marketing? Do you provide that for them or do you host it for them? How does that work?(15:39) Do you give them training on the marketing side of it?(16:09) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(18:25) What's involved in your mobile unit? Is that when someone comes to my house.(19:13)  What do you think is the number one roadblock stopping you?(21:35) What are some of your thoughts on entrepreneurship and franchising?(24:13) How has your experience been with mergers.(29:48) What's some of the best advice that you have ever received?(33:00) What's the best advice that you've ever given?(34:24) We have covered a lot of different things, but is there something that we haven't touched on that you want to?(36:49) All right. Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?.Michael Seitzwww.linkedin.com/in/michaelseitzceowww.EarthWisePetFranchise.comwww.EarthWisePet.comwww.GROOMBAR.comVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Today on Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia sits down with Doug Zarkin, brand leader, keynote speaker, and author of Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone. Doug brings a wealth of experience from shaping powerhouse brands like Avon, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Pearle Vision.He shares:His journey from agency life to leading global consumer brands Why entrepreneurs should adopt a “think human” philosophy in marketing How to balance short-term revenue goals with long-term customer relationships The real purpose of marketing (and how to avoid alienating your audience) His best advice for overcoming roadblocks and moving forward📘 Grab Doug’s book Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone on Amazon.🌐 Learn more at dougzarkin.com.🔗 Connect with Doug on LinkedIn and follow @dougzarkin.Key Questions(01:34) How did you get to where you are today?(02:39) Who would you say is your ideal client today?(03:44) How do you get in front of those?(04:24) You do posting on social media and stuff like that?(04:45) You had talked about thinking human. What does that mean to you?(06:13) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(06:43)  Do you do trainings or stuff like that to get better? (07:39) What do you feel is your number one roadblock?(08:10) To you, what is the purpose of marketing?(09:13) How do we move into those deeper relationships?(09:59) What's the advice you have ever received?(10:22) What's the best advice you've ever given?(10:35) Is there anything that we haven't talked about that you would like to?(11:30) Where can we learn more about you and what you do?Doug Zarkinwww.dougzarkin.com@dougzarkinLinkedin.com/in/dougzarkinVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia welcomes Becky Freemal, Emmy Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and founder of The Market Exec. Becky shares her journey from broadcast journalism to fractional CMO, and why effective storytelling is the key to sustainable business growth.What you’ll hear in this episode:Becky’s transition from journalism to entrepreneurship How evidence-based storytelling drives results Why brand voice is essential for consistency and trust The role of curiosity in leadership and business growth Becky’s vision for speaking, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs 📖 Learn more about Becky:Website: beckyfreemal.comCompany: themarketexec.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemalInstagram: @beckyfreemalFacebook: @Beckyfreemal🎧 Listen now → entrepreneurconundrum.com/beckyfreemalBecky Freemalhttps://www.beckyfreemal.com/https://themarketexec.com/https://www.instagram.com/beckyfreemalhttps://www.facebook.com/@Beckyfreemalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemal/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com