Entrepreneur Conundrum

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with Alison Mullins — an award-winning sales leader, two-time best-selling author, and founder of Rep Methods — to talk about what actually drives growth in trade-based businesses.Alison shares why public speaking, trade shows, and real conversations consistently outperform social media in her industry — and how too many sales professionals stay stuck being reactive instead of proactive.You’ll also hear Alison’s candid take on:Why most sales and marketing efforts fail before they start How referral and “co-op” relationships create faster momentum than cold outreach What it really cost to publish her first book — and why it was worth every dollar The challenge of collecting authentic testimonials in a paid-review world Using AI as a second brain, not a shortcut Her new workforce development summit helping high-school students build real communication skills and land internshipsThis episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and trade-based business owners who want sustainable growth without relying on constant social media posting.Key Questions(01:31) How did you get to where you are today?(05:09) Authoring your books, was it worth it?(06:48) Who do you serve these days? Who's your ideal people?(07:42) How do you get in front of these people?(11:49) Do you utilize past clients' relationships that way to get your Google reviews or testimonials and stuff like that?(14:53) What are some of your big goals in the next year or two?(18:27) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(20:40) What's the best advice you've given?(21:54) You consult and coach, correct?(28:47) Where can we go to learn about you and what you do?(29:26) What about your books? Where can we go for those?Alison Mullinswww.repmethods.comwww.alphacolores.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmullins/https://www.facebook.com/alisonlearvahttps://www.facebook.com/repmethods/https://www.instagram.com/repmethods/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, we cover:Why entrepreneurship is harder than most people expectThe hidden cost of “doing nothing” in businessHow AI agents are transforming marketing automationWhy live webinars are making a comebackThe importance of authenticity in an AI-driven worldHow to protect your mindset during brutal business seasonsWhy patience is not optional for long-term successWhat real scalability looks like in the next 1–2 yearsConnect with Jason Wright:Website: https://intentionallyinspirational.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasonjwright/Key Questions:(00:52) How did you get to where you are today?(01:50) Who do you serve today?(02:42) How do you get in front of these new people, these people?(03:41) Would you do an evergreen with it off the bat or do that later on?(04:49) Do you do anything on social media?(05:47) What are some common mistakes, for the lack of a better word, that a lot of your clients are doing before or when they start to work with you?(06:56) What do you have to share with us in terms of entrepreneur mindset?(09:00) What are some things that you do to either keep yourself out or to get out of a funk?(10:13) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(11:32) So we had talked a little bit about how the marketing is different in today's age. And do you think it's just solely because of the AI that's coming in?(12:41)  What is some of the best advice you've ever given?(13:29)  What are your big goals in the next year or two?(14:22) What are some automations and systems that actually scale our businesses?(15:46) Is there anything that we haven't talked about today that you wanted to share with us?(16:40) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do.Jason Wrighthttps://intentionallyinspirational.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasonjwright/ Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Many entrepreneurs are highly skilled at what they do — yet struggle to gain traction because no one knows who they are.In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with PR strategist Zachary Bernard, founder of WeFeature You, to unpack how credibility is built before the sales conversation ever happens. Zach shares his journey from launching an automation agency at a young age to building a PR firm that helps founders amplify their expertise through podcast guesting, media placements, and consistent visibility.The conversation explores why being “good” at your work is no longer enough, how third-party validation changes buyer perception, and why podcasts have become one of the most effective credibility-building tools available to entrepreneurs today. Zach explains how podcast appearances, when leveraged properly, create trust, shorten sales cycles, and make every other marketing effort more effective.Virginia and Zach also discuss common mistakes business owners make when it comes to visibility — including trying to be everywhere at once, failing to repurpose content, and underestimating the role of consistency. Zach offers practical insight into choosing the right platforms, using email outreach effectively, and building a digital presence that supports long-term growth rather than quick wins.This episode is a valuable listen for founders, CEOs, and business owners who want to strengthen their authority, be taken seriously online, and build a brand that people trust before they ever reach out.In this episode, we discuss:Why credibility often matters more than talent in business growthHow podcast guesting builds trust faster than traditional marketingThe role of PR and third-party validation in buyer decision-makingCommon visibility mistakes entrepreneurs make onlineWhy consistency on fewer platforms beats being everywhereHow podcast content should be leveraged as a long-term marketing assetBuilding authority without relying on paid ads🎧 Listen to the full episode:https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/zacharybernardKey Questions(00:53) How did you get to where you are?(02:43) Who are your ideal clients?(04:17) How do you get in front of them?(05:27) I don't know if there are any misconceptions or mistakes that a lot of your clients are making or that they aren't doing, things that they aren't doing when you go to work with them?(07:02) Do you help them create their ideas to come up with content and stuff?(08:01) How would using PR help increase credibility? You did talk about them being able to look us up and find credibility that way.(09:44) What is your opinion on using podcasts as a way to build your brand?(11:15) What are some of your big goals in the next year or two?(12:24) What do you feel is a big roadblock for you being able to get there?(14:11) What do you think is the best advice that you've ever received?(14:58) What about the best advice you've ever given?(15:59) Is there anything that we haven't touched on that you would like to talk about?(18:38) What if I was all over the place? I was on a few platforms, but I wasn't consistent on any of them. Is there a certain platform that you would recommend?(19:55) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?(20:18) And what about your podcast? What is it called?Zachary Bernardwefeatureyou.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/itszachb/ https://www.instagram.com/itszachb_/ https://zacharybernard.com/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, we cover:Why success can quietly lead to complacencyThe difference between common and uncommon leadershipJohn’s Seven Ds of TransformationHow executive coaching transforms leaders from the inside outFaith-driven leadership without preachingOvercoming imposter syndrome and fear of failureWhy leaders feel “busy” instead of fulfilledThe power of reflection, discipline, and purposeWhy great leaders focus on who they’re becoming—not just what they’re buildingResources & Links:Website: https://coachjohngallagher.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjohngallagher🎧 Listen to the full episode:https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/johngallagherKey Questions(02:03) Can you share with us how you got to where you are today?(03:41) Who do you serve today?(05:43) Do you find that there are consistencies in those blind spots with those that you work with?(06:55) How do you get in front of these people?(08:19) Do you do group coaching?(09:11) Do you have a Facebook group or anything?(10:08) What are some big goals you have in the next year or two?(11:33) What do you feel is your roadblock from reaching, like getting your book accomplished or finished?(15:24) What are some seven steps to personal transformation?(20:22) Do you have many clients that have the overwhelm when they start getting into all of this? And then how would you help them get through it?(23:24) Can you talk to us a little bit about faith in business?(26:26) What's the best advice you have ever received?(28:11) And are we able to let that experience shape us into the person that we are to become?(29:08) What's the best advice you've ever given?John Gallagherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagherhttps://www.instagram.com/coachjohngallagher/coachjohngallagher.comVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Guest: Bill Zujewski (GoodLiife) (LinkedIn)Book: What’s Your Life Score: A Playbook for Designing Your Best Life (Amazon)What we coverBill’s path from engineering → enterprise marketing leadership → entrepreneurshipWhy “best product” doesn’t always win (and what brand really means)Building GoodLiife as a purpose-driven, balanced-life companyThe “HELP GROW” life areas and why balance is bigger than work/lifeZenScore vs. LiifeScore: measuring how you feel and how you’re doingWhy accountability beats “knowing what to do”Life coaches as a sweet spot: bringing metrics into a traditionally “touchy-feely” spaceBill’s moonshot: making “life score” a mainstream conversation (like a credit score)Mentioned in this episodeGoodLiife (web app + iOS app; web has the most features) (GoodLiife)ZenScore resource page (GoodLiife)Bill’s LinkedIn (LinkedIn)Listen link (your preferred format)https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/billzujewski Key Questions(01:15) Can you give us a little bit, maybe fill in some gaps about how you got to where you were today?(05:10) Who would you say are your ideal clientele these days?(08:00) How do you get in front of each segment?(09:09) With the people that you've worked with, what are some of the major areas they need help in or mistakes or things that common trends that you tend to find with them?(11:18) The role of brand in high tech marketing, what can you talk to us about that?(12:57) How was that change and what have been some of the biggest lessons that you have learned?(15:34) Do you have any tips that you could share with us on things that you do to get you through the failures or those down times?(16:51) Do you do anything special for Milestone Wins?(18:25) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(22:41) I was going to ask, so the app, we can find it on both Android and Apple?(26:30) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(28:15) What's the best advice you've ever given?(29:24) Do you have anything else to say on the balance aspect?(34:25) So is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you wanted to touch on?(34:59) Where are all the places we can follow you and stalk you and learn more about you?Bill Zujewskihttps://GoodLiife.comMy book, published this year: https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Your-Life-Score-Designing-ebook/dp/B0DT2CPGBV/PERSONALLinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/billzujewski/Twitter/X:    https://x.com/BillZujewski  @BillZujewskiBUSINESSInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/goodliifellc/Twitter/X: https://x.com/GoodLiifeLLCVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

In this episode, we cover:Nicolai’s global journey across 11 countries and 10 years at McKinsey Why ambition can either propel you forward or trip you up The difference between wisdom and knowledge in career decisions How to move from “outside-in” expectations to “inside-out” self-authorship Nicolai’s three-part reflection framework: past, present, and future Why so many high performers feel stuck, and how to get unstuck Practical tools for sustainable peak performance (without losing your edge) The “future of work” that’s already here—and how to not miss the waveTimestamps (approx.)00:00 – 01:05 – Intro: Nicolai’s background, Potential Academy, and global journey 01:05 – 04:20 – Nonlinear paths, ambition, impatience, and learning patience as wisdom 04:20 – 07:00 – Where Nicolai’s ideal clients hang out and why online media is the new TV 07:00 – 12:17 – Big goals, Potential Academy’s vision, and helping people find their path 12:17 – 15:03 – Why so many of us feel stuck & the shift from outside-in to self-authored lives 15:03 – 19:50 – Sustainable peak performance, presence, cosmic perspective, and micro-practices 19:50 – 23:59 – Intuition, “feather–brick–truck” messages, and listening to your gut 23:59 – 26:04 – “Know your I before your why” and getting honest about trade-offs 26:04 – 28:58 – The future of work as a moving target and massive opportunity 28:58 – 29:04 – Where to find Nicolai and final thoughts About Nicolai NielsenNicolai Nielsen is a Danish-Chinese bestselling author, coach, and founder of Potential Academy. Born in Brazil and now living in Italy, he’s lived in 11 countries and spent 10 years with McKinsey & Company focusing on leadership and culture. Today, he helps ambitious individuals and leaders unlock sustainable peak performance and design lives that truly fit who they are.Website: www.nicolainielsen.com Potential Academy: www.potentialacademy.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaicn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolaicnielsen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolaichennielsen X (Twitter): https://x.com/nicolaicnielsenKey Questions(01:05) Can you share a little bit more about how you ended up where you are today?(02:00) Who are your ideal clients these days?(02:47) Okay, so why should I have patience in moving forward? Or when should I?(04:20) Where do you find your people? Where are they hanging out? How do you get in front of them?(05:21) Which channels do you like to be on?(07:00) What are some big goals you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(08:05) So is Potential Academy, is it a group program or a one-on-one? How's that one laid out?(12:17) Why do you think so many of us are feeling stuck these days?(15:03) So amidst all of this confusion and muddle and stuff, how do you help us become the best version of ourselves?(18:23) How do you make sure that you can still focus on the flowers but yet not lose sight of your ambition and your goals?(19:50) What was the best advice that you have ever received?(22:40) What's the best advice you've ever given?(25:07) Is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you'd like to touch on?(26:04) Can you give me an example?(28:28) Where can we learn more about you and what you do?Nicolai Nielsenwww.nicolainielsen.comwww.potentialacademy.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaicn/https://www.instagram.com/nicolaicnielsen/https://www.facebook.com/nicolaichennielsenhttps://x.com/nicolaicnielsenVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, we discuss:How Laura went from introverted teen to global leadership mentor Her transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur The limitations she experienced in corporate and what pushed her to make the leap Why storytelling is a non-negotiable skill for modern leaders Laura’s signature 3M Framework for leadership The mindset traps younger leaders often fall into The importance of community when growing as a leader How cross-generational dynamics affect today’s workplace What it means to start with the end in mind Laura’s goal to impact 100,000+ people through her books and programs Her best advice for aspiring leaders: think big, embrace change, and stay aligned with your purposeWhere to find Laura:Website: https://www.empower-quest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-g-patacYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@empowerquest1-p9lBooks by Laura:Stories with Purpose (Available on Amazon, Kindle, BookBaby, and more) Love Is – releasing OctoberEpisode URL:👉 https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/laurapatacLaura Patac www.linkedin.com/in/laura-g-patachttps://www.youtube.com/@empowerquest1-p9lwww.empower-quest.com, under review to progress to v2 by end of April.Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Episode: Redefining Goals: Behavior-Driven Change with Michael LopezGuest: Michael Lopez – Best-selling author, LinkedIn Top Voice, transformation consultant Listen: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/michaeljalopezIn this episode, we cover:Michael’s journey from military intelligence and Big Four consulting to founding his own boutique consultancy Why traditional change programs fail when they treat employees as one homogeneous group The truth about change: you can only change yourself—but you can influence others through modeling How redefining goals from things you want to actions you take keeps you motivated longer Why outcomes are harder to predict—but inputs (effort, repetitions, consistency) are fully in your control How Michael uses his Top Voice Tuesday series on LinkedIn to practice this “effort-first” approach The role of time, constraints, and focus when you’re a high-touch consultant with a full client roster Why doing hard things literally reshapes your brain and reputation as a leader How to build teams that embrace mistakes as part of growth rather than something to hide “Watching the tape”: what football film review can teach leaders about revisiting failure without shame Why leaders should stop over-directing and instead create space for teams to design the howConnect with Michael LopezWebsite: https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljlopez9/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/MichaelJLopez9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelJosephLopez9Connect with VirginiaDistinct Digital Marketing: @distinctdm Instagram: @h_ginia Podcast: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Website: https://entrepreneurconundrum.comKey Questions (00:58) Can you share a little bit about your journey? How did you end up where you are today?(02:55) Who's your ideal client these days?(04:15) When you're talking about change, is that my change and how our company change?(05:58) How do you get in front of these people off?(10:28) What do you feel is your biggest roadblock for reaching those goals?(12:14) Earlier, you had mentioned about defining goals differently. Because then you have pursue your goals differently. So are those the same thing or are they different?(16:13) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(17:56) What's the best advice you've ever given then?(20:24) Was there anything else on the implications for change in teams and organizations that you wanted to touch on?(24:19) Is there something that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to touch on?

Guest: Lloyd Ross – lawyer, MBA, CFA level III, multiple six-figure entrepreneur, seven-figure investor, 2-Comma Club winner, Legacy Club millionaire, author of three books, and host of the award-winning podcast Money Grows on Trees.Episode: Become Time Rich: Ditch Busywork and Build Real Wealth with Lloyd RossLink: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/lloydrossIn This Episode, We Cover:Lloyd’s journey from unhappy lawyer to global real estate, network marketing, and financial education The moment he realised a 3-hour commute was “destroying his soul” and chose excitement over security How a simple side hustle (aimed at $500/week) turned into a multi-million dollar portfolio Why freedom, not hustle, is his highest value—and how he designed his life around it The danger of being tactically perfect but strategically wrong Why “the busy man has no time to make money” (and what that looks like for entrepreneurs) Hurry sickness and how constantly living in the future kills your presence and productivity The real reason many people never sit down with their bank statements How to start shifting your money identity by creating evidence that you are good with money Why environment beats willpower—and how changing your circle changes your bank account Lloyd’s approach to delegation as personal development for your team His rhythm of overwhelming himself, then automating, delegating, and eliminating to buy back his time The story of attending Warren Buffett’s last AGM as CEO and Lloyd’s goal of owning one Berkshire Hathaway A share His definition of success, best advice received (and given), and why he refuses to live in “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.” Connect with Lloyd RossWebsite – Money Education: http://moneytreeeducation.com Book: Money Buys Happiness – http://moneybuyshappinessbook.com Time Rich + Links Hub: https://linktr.ee/becometimerich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.ross.7 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lloydjamesross X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/lloydjamesross LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-james-ross-26b7859 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lloydross Podcast – Money Grows on Trees: https://spoti.fi/3KLSsvg Connect with Virginia / Entrepreneur ConundrumWebsite & Episodes: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com Instagram: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Facebook: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Twitter / X: @EnConundrumPod Distinct Digital Marketing (Virginia): @distinctdm Lloyd Rosshttp://moneytreeeducation.comHttp://moneybuyshappinessbook.comhttps://linktr.ee/becometimerichHttps://www.facebook.com/lloyd.ross.7Https://instagram.com/lloydjamesrossHttps://mobile.twitter.com/lloydjamesrossHttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-james-ross-26b7859https://youtube.com/@lloydross?si=Sn77cP78AtetWBmIhttps://spoti.fi/3KLSsvgVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comKey Questions(02:49) How did you get to where you are today? (09:56) How do you get in front of them? How do they learn about you Well, they buy my books.(10:57) Is there any advice or tips that you can give us in regards to money mindset?(23:48) How did you overcome that?(25:23) What's some of your big goals you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(26:22) What do you feel is the number one roadblock in your way?(31:09) What's the best advice you've ever received?(32:39) What other way can I do it?(33:52) What's the best advice you've ever given?(34:37)  Is there something that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to talk about?(35:06) Where can we go to learn more about you, what you're doing, how to get your books?

Guest: Mark DelaneyWebsite: markdelaney.comNonprofit: purposemastermind.com/nonprofitPodcast: The Purpose Mastermind PodcastYouTube: @Mark.DelaneyFacebook: facebook.com/markdelaney.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-delaney-3a935b107In This Episode:The single line that changed Mark’s life Why comfort and reputation keep us trapped Freedom defined: “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove” Why fixing your problems isn’t the solution—purpose is The link between purpose, service, and mental health What it really means to live authentically and love people wellBooks Mentioned:One Step to FreedomIn the Game (both available on Amazon)Key Questions(00:56) How did you get to where you are today? Is there any bit of a journey that you can share with us?(02:16) Who do you tend to help these days?(04:09) How do you get in front of all these different varieties of people?(06:34) What are a couple of big goals that you have in the next year or two?(08:16) What do you feel is the number one roadblock from reaching that goal?(09:24) So we're talking about freedom. We tend to hear about freedom in the movies and stuff like that. But is it something that we can actually... How obtainable is it? Is it just like a fairytale?(17:32) What's your take on the difference between goals and motivation?(19:12) Why do you think that we, as a society, don't really talk much about our purpose or having purpose?(25:47) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(28:24) What's the best advice you've ever given?(32:33) We've covered a few things today. Is there anything else that you wanted to talk about?(37:05) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do and grab some of your books?Mark DelaneyWebsite: markdelaney.com/purposemastermind.com/nonprofitFacebook: facebook.com/markdelaney.meLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/mark-delaney-3a935b107/Podcast: The Purpose Mastermind PodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mark.DelaneyVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com