The Recognized Authority

In this lively bonus episode, host Alastair McDermott debates the ethical line in AI writing tools with expert podcaster and author Joe Casabona. They discuss the benefits and dangers of AI assistance, the importance of the human editorial eye, and the potential loss in fully outsourcing creative work to machines. Tune in to shape your own ethical framework for leveraging AI tools in your content creation.

Award-winning international speaker and consultant, Lucy Bloom, shares tips on engaging storytelling, humor, and becoming an expert in public speaking. Topics include using emotional stories, structuring speeches, testing material, and publishing books for authority.

Tired of working every hour delivering custom services on hourly rates? Wish your subscribers felt more valued and engaged? Renowned online entrepreneur Brennan Dunn joins host Alastair McDermott to share his journey from agency work to selling digital products. After building a successful consultancy, Brennan yearned for something scalable. He took a leap of faith, pivoting to content marketing and community engagement. Learn how Brennan attracted 50,000 subscribers without spending a penny on ads. Brennan unlocked rapid growth through segmentation - by understanding subscriber needs, he created tailored content tracks that subscribers raved about. His audience insights also revealed promising new product ideas. Tune in to discover: The instability of reliance on a few big clientsBootstrapping your audience with blogs and communitiesWhy most businesses fail at basic segmentationOptimizing confirmation pages to learn about subscriberDebunking the myth that you need absolute authority If you're struggling to engage subscribers, this episode is a must-listen. Brennan's list-building and segmentation tactics will help you keep subscribers hooked and uncover hidden opportunities. Ready to make real progress in building authority? Register for The Authority Bootcamp at TheRecognizedAuthority.com/bootcamp and take a significant stride towards becoming a recognized expert in your industry. 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 👑 - BOOKS: Searching “Alastair McDermott” on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B017M706MU/allbooks Expert Authority Builder Series:  👑 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  👑 Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads 👑 Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule () 👑 How to Sound & Look Good on Zoom & Podcasts: Tips & Audio Video Recommendations for Consultants & Experts 🚨 - FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA... 👇 👑 - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott 👑 - TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy 👑 - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority 👑 - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy 💻 - WEBSITE: https://TheRecognizedAuthority.com

In this episode, I introduce you to Authority Bootcamp, a 4-week program starting on November 9th, designed to help experts build authority in their field. I break down the weekly agenda from refining your positioning and LinkedIn profile to practical content and video creation. The bootcamp emphasizes real content creation during live sessions, eliminating the need for extra work outside the scheduled times. I also highlight the Focus Work Sessions, the heart of this bootcamp, where we’ll work together to create valuable content, share progress, and provide immediate feedback in a supportive community setting. Plus, I share an exclusive discounted rate offer for those who sign up early! Ready to make real progress in building authority? Register for The Authority Bootcamp at TheRecognizedAuthority.com/bootcamp and take a significant stride towards becoming a recognized expert in your industry. Tune in to learn more! Join the Authority Boot Camp starting Nov 9th to boost your content creation skills. Revamp LinkedIn profile, create engaging posts, explore options, and develop distribution strategies. Register at therecognizedauthority.com/bootcamp.

We all want more recognition for our expertise. But the path to becoming a recognized authority is not always clear. In this episode, I reflect openly on an oversight in my own authority-building journey: not focusing enough on the pain points and problems that my audience and ideal clients are experiencing. This is a topic we addressed in my conversation with Steven Lewis in the previous episode, and it's something I'm exploring a bit further in today's episode. My takeaway from last week is that I often jump too quickly to solutions before fully exploring the frustrations and challenges of the problem or situation. This is coming from a good place with intentions of helping, but it may be doing my audience a huge disservice, limiting my ability to motivate and compel them to take important-not-urgent actions that can profoundly impact your career and life. Walking through my experience, I share how consistently creating and publishing content opened opportunities, expanded my business, and freed up more of my time. But starting this content engine isn't always easy or an obvious priority. That’s why I want to explore this further and paint a fuller picture, examining the consequences you face when not building authority through content. My goal isn’t to exaggerate or exacerbate the pain, but explore the limitations and trade-offs you encounter without this critical but never urgent step. My hope is a peek behind the scenes of my thinking motivates and encourages you to start your authority-building journey. I believe the effort is so worth it, but also want to validate that it takes real commitment and perseverance from you. If you need accountability and support, join my intensive Authority Building Bootcamp this November running from Monday 6th for 4 weeks. Let's make progress together before the end of the year and holiday season kicks in, so that we're starting the new year on a strong footing. If you're interested, please enter your email on this form and I'll send you some details about the bootcamp in the next 24 hours. The path to authority takes time, but your impact makes it all worthwhile. I look forward to exploring this with you. ---------- 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 👑 - BOOKS: Searching “Alastair McDermott” on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B017M706MU/allbooks Expert Authority Builder Series:  👑 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  👑 Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads 👑 Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule () 👑 How to Sound & Look Good on Zoom & Podcasts: Tips & Audio Video Recommendations for Consultants & Experts 🚨 - FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA... 👇 👑 - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott 👑 - TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy 👑 - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority 👑 - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy 💻 - WEBSITE: https://TheRecognizedAuthority.com

In this power-packed episode, master copywriter Steven Lewis reveals the hidden science behind crafting crystal-clear messaging that compels action. Drawing on decades of experience, Steven dives deep into the psychology of communication, sharing little-known tips for breakthrough marketing. You’ll learn why most website copy fails to connect, the crucial difference between addressing needs versus wants, and how to frame your expertise so prospects instantly “get” you. Steven also deconstructs the intensification of online platforms, why you should always build your house on owned land, and the key to standing out by simply explaining what you do clearly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this masterclass provides profound insights you can immediately apply to make your messaging impossible to ignore. So tune in now to learn: The science behind crafting persuasive messagingActionable tactics to compel prospects to actHow to explain your expertise simply and powerfullyThe pitfalls of overly complex communicationWhy you should focus on addressing wants, not just needs Don’t miss these game-changing communication insights from copywriting expert Steven Lewis! 🗒️ Show Notes 🗒️ Access all the links mentioned in this episode in the show notes here:  👉👉  https://therecognizedauthority.com/crystal-clear-messaging/ 👈👈 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✉️ Subscribe to the email list at TheRecognizedAuthority.com 🎙️ Record a question or voice message for the show at TheRecognizedAuthority.com/question ⭐ Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🕮 - NEW BOOK: Alastair's new book "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business podcast" https://rec.nz/book 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 🚨 – FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA… 👇 👑 – LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/ 👑 – TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy 👑 – FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority  👑 – INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy/ 💻 – WEBSITE: https://therecognizedauthority.com

Special Bonus Episode: Leveraging AI in Expert Businesses I'm excited to share a re-post of an interview I recently did on the unbillable hours podcast with Flo & Ash. We had a fascinating discussion about the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT in content creation and marketing. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover when and how to effectively utilize large language models like ChatGPT and Claude. I share my perspective as someone who has been experimenting daily with these tools over the past year. Key highlights include: Why it's crucial not to blindly copy/paste AI-generated content without careful reviewExamples of using AI for brainstorming ideas and restructuring draft contentTips on crafting effective prompts to get quality results from the AIHow subject matter experts can refine AI output by adding their unique perspectiveThe importance of iterating with the AI to improve results over multiple roundsPotential applications like summarizing meetings and generating proposals after client callsExciting possibilities like simulating expert panels to spur creative thinking Florian, Ash and I also discuss concerns around data privacy, misinformation and hype versus practical use cases. If you're curious to learn more about how AI can boost your productivity and content quality when applied judiciously, have a listen. I think you'll find this dialogue enlightening, as we cover both promise and pitfalls. Check out LearnAI.guide for a free guide to getting started with AI.

AI is transforming how experts like you work. But many resist adopting AI tools out of very legitimate fears. In this episode, Alastair McDermott argues that AI is here to stay and offers practical tips on how you can harness it to increase your productivity and impact. Alastair shares examples of how he already uses AI in his daily work, including generating content, ideation, voice cloning, and more. He provides resources for getting started with the latest AI tools and explains why now is the time for experts to experiment with AI. You'll learn why AI should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat and how you can use it to augment your expertise instead of being automated away. Don't get left behind by AI. Tune in to learn more, and get the free guide at LearnAI.Guide 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 👑 BOOKS: Searching “Alastair McDermott” on Amazon https://rec.nz/allbooks Expert Authority Builder Series:  👑 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  👑 Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads 👑 Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule 👑 How to Sound & Look Good on Zoom & Podcasts: Tips & Audio Video Recommendations for Consultants & Experts 🚨 FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA... 👇 👑 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott 👑 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority 👑 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy 💻 WEBSITE: https://TheRecognizedAuthority.com

Do you feel like just another face in the crowd? In today's crowded marketplace blending in can spell disaster if you want to attract ideal clients and increase your impact. You need to learn how to differentiate yourself and become the only choice. In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott interviews branding strategist Gerry Foster on how consultants, coaches and thought leaders can stand out from the competition through strategic branding. They discuss the importance of finding your uniqueness in order to increase your impact. Gerry explains that you need to identify and promote how you are different and better than other options your potential clients may be considering. He discusses the concept of the "blue ocean" - finding untapped market spaces where you can offer fresh and original solutions. This allows you to differentiate yourself rather than compete directly with established players. Alastair and Gerry also explore the sequence of brand, market and sell. Branding is about shaping perceptions, while marketing helps you get found. This lays the groundwork for selling your services or products. They dispel the myth that branding is just logos and emphasize the need for a distinctive brand identity. Gerry shares strategies for making intangible services tangible. This includes developing a unique "secret sauce" system to deliver concrete outcomes for clients. He advises positioning yourself as a brand that offers exclusive value, not just another generic service provider. The episode provides actionable tips for experts and thought leaders to stand out in a crowded marketplace by embracing strategic branding. Key Insights Amplify uniqueness to increase impact and avoid commoditizationTap into unmet needs and offer unique solutions in the "Blue Ocean"Follow the sequence: brand, market, sellBranding is shaping perceptions, not just logosTake the intangible and make it tangible like a physical productPosition yourself as the only choice, not just another choiceUncover your talents and abilities to deliver value no one else canBig brands show the brand itself is more important than the product Strategies Identify unsolved problems, desired outcomes, or "impossible" goalsCreate a "secret sauce" system or process to deliver unique valueFocus on becoming a distinctive brand, not just a service provider Quotes "When you cannot amplify your uniqueness you're not going to be able to magnify your impact." - Gerry Foster "You have to plant your flag and stake your claim in untapped market space, where you are saying to your market that you are offering something that is altogether fresh, unique and original which keeps them from commoditizing you." - Gerry Foster 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 👑 - BOOKS: Search “Alastair McDermott” on Amazon Expert Authority Builder Series:  👑 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  👑 Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads 👑 Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule () 👑 How to Sound & Look Good 🚨 - FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA... 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy https://TheRecognizedAuthority.com

Ever wonder how to build a marketing funnel with content that generates leads and sales? In this behind the scenes episode of The Recognized Authority, I'm unveiling some of the inner workings of my content marketing funnel and strategy that have been instrumental in building authority and reaching my audience.  In this episode, I explore the strategy around creating short-form books as a part of my marketing funnel. Learn why I put these short-read books, some of which were initially conceived as lead magnets, onto Amazon. There's some interesting tactical benefits from a simple pricing strategy to boost downloads and reviews which has a knock-on effect: higher rankings and enhanced visibility. These books then serve as a gateway for readers to access additional resources, entering my broader ecosystem.  I'll also give you a look at how I think about this podcast, where LinkedIn fits in the mix for me, and as usual I talk about the importance of a consistent body of work in establishing authority, sharing knowledge, and building trust.  We're in a market where trust is the key to sales, and this episode provides a practical roadmap for anyone looking to harness the power of content to create trust in a strategic, impactful manner. Whether you're looking to refine your content creation process, explore new marketing channels, or simply curious about the mechanics behind successful funnels, this episode is packed with actionable insights, so tune in.  You can find me on Amazon by visiting rec.nz/allbooks and learn more about my coaching at rec.nz/coaching 🗒️ Show Notes 🗒️ Access all the links mentioned in this episode in the show notes here:  👉👉  https://therecognizedauthority.com/my-content-marketing-funnel/  👈👈 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ✉️ Subscribe to the email list at TheRecognizedAuthority.com 🎙️ Record a question or voice message for the show at TheRecognizedAuthority.com/question ⭐ Like what you heard? Please help share the podcast by leaving a rating & review 🎙️+📺 SHOW: The Recognized Authority is the podcast & YouTube show that helps experts & consultants on the journey to becoming a recognized authority in your field, so you can increase your impact, command higher fees, and work with better clients. 📲 | SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://rec.nz/ytsubscribe 🕮 - NEW BOOK: Alastair's new book "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business podcast" https://rec.nz/book 🎓 COACHING: Find out more about working with Alastair: https://rec.nz/coaching 🚨 – FOLLOW Alastair and The Recognized Authority ON SOCIAL MEDIA… 👇 👑 – LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/ 👑 – TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhatStrategy 👑 – FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority  👑 – INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/WhatStrategy/ 💻 – WEBSITE: https://therecognizedauthority.com