iDigress with Troy Sandidge

I had the pleasure of being on a panel for the "Ahead Of The Game: Marketing Trends 2023" event run by HubSpot's Black @ Inbound team. The panel consisted of Tyronna Heath, Jamir Milligan, Resa Gooding, and myself, along with Devyn Bellamy as moderator. In this episode, I spotlighted some of my answers from the event. Watch the full recording of the event with answers from all of the great panelists here.Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBuy my book Strategize Up to maximize the growth and profitability of your business.Click Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

Adaptability = Survivability = Sustainability.The numbers have always reinforced that the longer you are able to stay in business during certain milestones, the higher the percentage you will be successful in business. No surprise that the longevity of a business's existence runs parallel with the growth and success of that business. But most emerging businesses need to think long-term and work backwards to reengineer their approach for the short-term.Passion. Obsession. Immediate Action. All great and necessary intangibles to get off the ground and liftoff. But certainly, charting out a path to the moon and beyond even before the rocketship is funded and built is part of the process if you want to break through the atmosphere in a mighty way. With the rise of AI/ML, as shown through the fast-adopting movement with Chat-GPT as well as this constantly changing and ever-evolving business/marketing landscape that is impacting both legacy and emerging brands, it is getting more difficult to know which way to go, how to fortify, and how to scale your business long-term.The secret to the longevity of a business, from brand allegiance and authority to maintaining high-level demand upstream and downstream to even being recession-proof, is all dependent on this one X Factor most business leaders easily forget. This episode dives in and talks about it!Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBuy my book Strategize Up to maximize the growth and profitability of your business.Click Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

This is an audio open letter addressing the elephant in the room... why are we still talking about the same things when it comes to being more inclusive, respectful, empathetic, and responsive to black and marginalized leaders, businesses, creators, employees, clients, customers, and communities without more action being taken and more progress being made?The truth is we need more to be done to ensure no matter the industry, profession, or business type, from startups to legacy brands and everything in between, the investment in creating a dynamic ecosystem where people can feel empowered to work to their best abilities for the good of the sustainability of the brand and their livelihood is made while building and maintaining a culture standard to mitigate and eliminate additional obstacles and challenges because of their race, skin, identity, gender, socio-economic status, and beyond.So let's talk about it. Let's listen. Let's educate. And then let's take action!Beyond The Episode Gems:Listen to Episode 46: How To Become A Better Ally For Black BusinessesReady to delegate to accelerate? Get top fractional admin talent without breaking the bank using Virtual Gurus! Buy my book Strategize Up to maximize the growth and profitability of your business.Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

We need more diversity and representation on stages, at events, behind the microphones, and in the executive boardrooms.But just stating that obvious fact and taking real action to make that a reality are two separate things.The truth is the only way change can occur, is by not only educating but empowering people in power to take action for change by aligning those investments, those initiatives, and those advances with what everyone wants more of: money.In this episode, I explain why more representation isn't just the right thing to do, it's the best financial thing to do. I share snippets from my interview with Megan Powers on the Trade Show Talk Podcast expressing my feelings on social impact, on the need for more women and diverse individuals with a seat at the table, and even got very personal regarding my experiences, vantage point, and reflection as a speaker, business owner, business leader, creator, and as a black man.Let me be crystal clear, black is not only beautiful, black is not only powerful, black is profitable!  Beyond The Episode Gems:Ready to delegate to accelerate? Get top fractional admin talent without breaking the bank using Virtual Gurus! Listen to the full interview on the Trade Show Talk Podcast here.Buy my book Strategize Up to maximize the growth and profitability of your business.Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, according to Brené Brown. I had recently heard her speak so eloquently on the subject. I instantly saw the connection and parallels we as business owners, operators, and creators face as we navigate the pursuit of success with the daily grind. We don't update our tools, resources, and processes to where we are now enough. We operate our business, we perform our jobs, and we build as if it's just us in the room. When we need to understand the only way to scale is through expansion, delegation, and patience. This episode is all about challenging you to be vulnerable about who you are, where you are, who you want to be, where you want to be, and what you need to become, build, and remove to get there. Beyond The Episode Gems:Ready to delegate to accelerate? Get top fractional admin talent without breaking the bank using Virtual Gurus! Buy my book Strategize Up to maximize the growth and profitability of your business.Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

Have you set any new year's resolutions lately? Are you going through a series of changes? New birthday? Massive life change? New family addition? Work changes or challenges?I've been there, and I can empathize as well as relate. In many cases, a new year will look exactly like the previous year if you don't make changes and achieve your goals. In most cases, a past goal or desire will remain a goal or desire weeks, months, or even years from now if you don't make changes and achieve your goals. I think you may see the pattern here. But regardless of the reason or the ignition to acknowledge a change or even pursue a change or declare a goal, if one does not take action in the pursuit and possess the discipline to see it through, nothing will ever happen, no change will occur, and nothing will be accomplished. So instead of beating around the bush, let's talk about it. Let's sit in that sunken place, in that void, at those crossroads and discuss what our options are, what we can do, and how to begin to make dreams into reality and actions into accomplishments. Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkReady to delegate to accelerate? Get top fractional admin talent without breaking the bank using Virtual Gurus! Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Discover how the #1 Content Marketing Firm For B2B & Tech Firms, No Middle can elevate your content marketing results.Buy my book Strategize Up to get a simplified 7-figure blueprint for maximizing the growth and profitability of your business.#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

Have you conducted a 2022 personal audit? Reflection is essential to critical redirection and acceleration in business and life.On this episode, I discuss the particulars of how to learn from the past year, how to navigate teetering sales and client opportunities from 2022 going into 2023, the importance of declaration and delegation, and why the first thing you need to focus on is not the business, but yourself, for your business to grow and for you to be even more successful this year.I also share my goals for 2023 and expound on the pillars of growth and success while giving you a motivational boost to pursue being greater!Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkReady to delegate to accelerate? Get top fractional admin talent without breaking the bank using Virtual Gurus! Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyDiscover how Agorapulse is helping businesses achieve effortless growth on TikTokRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Discover how the #1 Content Marketing Firm For B2B & Tech Firms, No Middle can elevate your content marketing results.Buy my book Strategize Up to get a simplified 7-figure blueprint for maximizing the growth and profitability of your business.#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

I said no to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or holiday-themed discounts on my growth strategy retainers and services because the price is the price. If you are an emerging brand that isn’t dependent on volume and want 6 - 8 figure clients working with you, discounts aren’t the tactic to use. If you are a service-based business and have to discount a high ticketed offer for like 40% - 80%, how do you expect to actually make 6 - 8 figures if you aren’t a B2C/D2C focusing on volume, upsells, and subscriptions? You most likely won’t. Your ideal audience shouldn't need a price reduction to jump because price shouldn't be an issue. The solution is using the right tactics and positioning to get the quality of clients and the number of projects you want.Make sure your moves match desired outcomes.Make sure your marketing matches desired outcomes.Make your positioning and pricing match desired outcomes.Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyDiscover how Agorapulse is helping businesses achieve effortless growth on TikTokRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Discover how the #1 Content Marketing Firm For B2B & Tech Firms, No Middle can elevate your content marketing results.Buy my book Strategize Up to get a simplified 7-figure blueprint for maximizing the growth and profitability of your business.#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

The truth is if you aren't growing, you're simply using the wrong tactics. Many make decisions based on how they feel or what they think and don't consider the market, the demand, or the time it takes to go to market, build community, and drive residual sales. But before you can apply the right tactics, you must have the right strategy in place based on your growth goals, industry, timeline, price point, audience, and offerings. Take a listen to this master class I shared with entrepreneurs, startups, and agencies, where I break down the essentials to course-correct your business to grow and scale, pursue ideal clients, attract opportunities and sponsorships, and leverage the creator economy to make a brand imprint on your community. Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Learn more about this setup blueprint I talked about by Stew Redwine, VP of Creative Services for Oxford RoadAre you a Tech, SaaS, or B2B needing copywriting or content marketing? Visit NoMiddle.com to see how we can help.Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyDiscover how Agorapulse is helping businesses achieve effortless growth on TikTokBuy my book Strategize Up to get a simplified 7-figure blueprint for maximizing the growth and profitability of your business.#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy•  Follow Troy on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/FindTroy

Google search has changed. Social media platforms have changed. How we use data analytics has changed. Not to mention the marketplace and values of your ideal audience have shifted. The pandemic has accelerated so many things for your customers and potential customers, from how they consume to how they make buying decisions. With so many things evolving almost at the speed of light, where do SEO, social media, and data analytics fit into your marketing strategy and customer lifecycle ecosystem?Semrush's Head of Marketing Vlad Opryshko asks me questions in another "Ask The Strategy Hacker" themed episode where we discuss SEO, TikTok, social listening, data analytics, LinkedIn, Instagram, social media schedulers, creator economy, influencer marketing, lead generation, and more! Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformClick Here For Free HubSpot Marketing ToolsSee all of the podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkWatch this video to learn more about The LinkedIn Authority Writing System™Need copywriting and content marketing support for LinkedIn? Visit NoMiddle.com to learn how we can help!See the featured article I'm in for Semrush's 13 LinkedIn Marketing Strategies That WorkRead my article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyDiscover how Agorapulse is helping businesses measure the impact of social media and prove ROIBuy my book Strategize Up to get the blueprint for maximizing the growth potential of your business.#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: FindTroy.com/Strategize-Up•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy•  Follow Troy on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/FindTroy