Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

In this episode, Eddie Yi, founder of Ditans Group, shares how he blends marketing strategy, business psychology, and operational infrastructure to help businesses grow smarter. With a background in healthcare operations and a deep understanding of digital marketing, Eddie walks us through the frameworks he uses to diagnose business bottlenecks and scale efficiently. He also unveils powerful automations, AI-driven call tracking tools, and his signature organizational model that optimizes every aspect of business performance. Whether you're struggling with lead generation, fulfillment, or internal systems, this episode is packed with insights that will help you tighten your operations and supercharge your marketing ROI.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 Why business psychology holds the key to sustainable growth and smarter decisions🛠 How to structure your business into 3 core divisions to maximize efficiency📞 How AI-powered call tracking reveals hidden leaks in your customer journey🎯 The exact way Eddie ties marketing strategy directly to revenue metrics💬 How to train your staff using call data and automated quality control reports🚦 How to avoid the “sales-first” trap and build fulfillment-ready operations🔍 Why visibility on local search is mission-critical for brick-and-mortar businesses📝 About the Guest Eddie Yi is a business strategist, marketing consultant, and founder of Ditans Group. With a background in business psychology and over a decade of experience in healthcare operations and digital marketing, Eddie helps companies improve their marketing performance and internal workflows to maximize growth. He’s worked with everything from dental practices to staffing firms to cannabis brands, blending tech and psychology to drive smart, measurable results.🎯 Eddie’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Study the market first—don’t start a business just because you want to. Start one because the market has a real need.” 💡 Key takeaways: ✔ Identify real gaps in the market before launching your business ✔ Customers pay for solutions, not ideas that just sound cool ✔ Great marketing only works if it promotes something people actually need📢 Memorable Quotes “Marketing is just a way of telling the world you exist—but only if you have a real solution to offer.” – Eddie Yi “You can’t fix business problems with more sales. Structure and operations matter just as much.” – Eddie Yi “Visibility means everything. If you’re not part of the local 3-pack on Google, your customers are going to someone who is.” – Eddie Yi💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Audit your business using Eddie’s 3-division model: External, Fulfillment, Internal ✅ Use call tracking to determine which marketing efforts actually convert ✅ Set SMART goals for your marketing outcomes—then build operations to match ✅ Monitor your local SEO visibility using real-time grid scans for search rankings ✅ Apply business psychology principles to improve organizational efficiency🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Ditans Group’s WebsiteConnect with Eddie on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive into the world of strategic planning with Adam Wolford and Sophia Shaw, the co-founders of PlanPerfect—a technology-driven platform making strategic planning accessible and actionable for nonprofits. With deep expertise in both nonprofit leadership and tech innovation, Adam and Sophia share how they’re bridging the gap between traditional strategic planning and cutting-edge AI-powered solutions.Whether you’re running a business or a nonprofit, this episode will help you understand why having a clear roadmap is essential for success—and how to ensure you actually execute on it. They also share the realities of transitioning from traditional careers to entrepreneurship, the power of partnerships, and the importance of just getting started.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why strategic planning isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about execution🛠️ How technology and AI can simplify strategic planning for any business💰 How nonprofits and for-profits can adopt the same growth principles⚡ Why removing ego is the key to getting teams aligned📊 The #1 mistake businesses make in strategic execution (and how to avoid it)👥 The power of co-founder partnerships—and how to find the right one⏳ Why speed and iteration beat over-planning in entrepreneurship📝 About Adam Wolford & Sophia ShawAdam Wolford has over a decade of experience in technology development, strategy, and operations, with a focus on helping organizations scale and operate more efficiently. He began his career at Accenture and Deloitte before transitioning into the startup world, where he led a product team at a Series A tech company. In addition to his work in technology, Adam has been actively involved in the nonprofit sector, serving on boards and volunteering. He is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, strategy, and impact—helping teams leverage the right tools and strategies to drive meaningful growth and results.Sophia Shaw is an accomplished nonprofit leader and board governance expert with over 30 years of experience and a deep passion for mission-driven impact. As the former CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden, trustee, board president, donor, volunteer, consultant, and professor of social impact at the Kellogg School of Management, she brings deep experience in organizational strategy, board leadership, and philanthropy.🎯 Adam & Sophia’s BEST Piece of Advice for Entrepreneurs"Stop overthinking and just start. The best way to learn is by doing."💡 Key takeaways from their advice:✔ You don’t need everything figured out—the roadmap will evolve as you go✔ Failure isn’t fatal—iterating quickly is more important than getting it right the first time✔ Execution is everything—a plan that isn’t acted upon is just a document💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Write down your vision—if your team can’t clearly articulate it, execution will fail✅ Test your ideas quickly—waiting for the “perfect plan” is a waste of time✅ Embrace technology—strategic planning tools like Plan Perfect can help you move faster✅ Find a partner you trust—a strong co-founder relationship can make or break your success✅ Make strategic planning a habit—don’t just plan once; revisit and adjust regularly🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit PlanPerfect’s WebsiteConnect with Sophia on LinkedInConnect with Adam on LinkedIn

In this episode, we’re diving deep into data-driven lead generation and how business owners can stop wasting time on the wrong prospects. Calvron Wachter, an expert in targeted lead generation and business development, shares his strategic approach to finding, engaging, and converting high-value customers using data—not guesswork.If you’ve ever felt like your lead gen efforts are scattered, inefficient, or attracting the wrong people, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Calvron’s insights will help you optimize your sales pipeline, increase conversions, and scale efficiently—without burning time or money on leads that won’t convert.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why most businesses waste time on the wrong prospects—and how to fix it📊 How data can immediately tell you who NOT to target (and why this matters)🎯 The importance of identifying “deal breakers” when defining your ideal customer📍 Why choosing the RIGHT market is key—and how to evaluate different regions using data💰 How to make lead generation proactive, not passive (so you’re not just waiting for leads to come to you)📈 How to scale effectively using a structured, data-driven approach📝 About Calvron WachterCalvron Wachter is a specialist in targeted lead generation. His company helps businesses identify and connect with their ideal customers, transforming prospects into loyal clients. With backgrounds in business development and data analytics, he’s developed strategies that enable small companies to scale efficiently by focusing on the right audience, and avoiding time wasters.🎯 Calvron’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“It’s okay to make mistakes. The key is learning from them and using data to guide your next move.”💡 Key Takeaways from Calvron’s Advice:✔ Test different approaches strategically—you won’t get it right the first time, and that’s okay✔ Look for patterns in failures—they often reveal what NOT to do, which is just as valuable as knowing what works✔ Patience + iteration = success—business growth comes from consistent refinement, not a one-and-done effort📢 Memorable Quotes📌 “Data doesn’t always tell you what you want—it tells you what you DON’T want. And that’s just as important.” – Calvron Wachter📌 “The biggest mistake businesses make is trying to go after EVERYONE. You need to be strategic about who you serve.” – Calvron Wachter📌 “Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the RIGHT things, over and over again.” – Calvron Wachter💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Define your “deal breakers”—what types of customers do you NOT want? Start eliminating them from your outreach✅ Focus on the top 30%, not just the top 5%—don’t get too specific too soon, but also don’t target everyone✅ Use data to guide your market selection—not all regions, industries, or customer segments are created equal✅ Be proactive, not reactive—don’t just wait for leads to come in, go after the RIGHT ones✅ Simplify your approach—your lead gen process should be clear and easy to execute, not overly complicated🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Inform Data Solutions’ WebsiteConnect with Calvron on LinkedInFollow Inform Data Solutions on LinkedIn

How do you measure the real value your business delivers? In this episode, Zach Hawley, founder and CEO of SteerCo, shares how he's transforming the way companies track customer success, collaboration, and ROI. After leaving a high-paying corporate job, Zach saw the struggle businesses face in proving their value to customers—and he set out to fix it.Whether you run a SaaS platform, a service business, or a startup, Zach’s insights will help you retain more customers, improve engagement, and build lasting client relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why some customers leave despite your best efforts—or how to turn them into brand advocates—this episode is packed with game-changing strategies.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why proving your value to customers is just as important as delivering it📊 The power of customer scorecards and why tracking engagement boosts retention🤝 How to build long-term customer relationships (even if you're a solo entrepreneur)📈 The secret to aligning your business goals with your customers’ success💡 How small businesses can apply enterprise-level customer success strategies🛠️ What SteerCo is doing differently—and how automation can help you scale customer success📝 About Zach HawleyZach Hawley is the Founder and CEO of Steerco Analytics, a SaaS platform transforming how companies build transparent, value-driven customer relationships. Zach boldly left a high-paying corporate position to build Steerco after witnessing companies struggle with value performance and ROI measurement.Under his leadership, Steerco evolved from vendor management into a powerful tool for sales and customer success teams, providing real-time insights and a centralized collaboration hub. The platform empowers businesses with data to build fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships.Beyond business, Zach is a passionate team builder and mentor who developed a Udemy course on successful management. He leads a growing team of Enterprise Customer Success professionals while advocating for relationships built on trust and measurable outcomes.A dedicated father of three daughters, Zach remains committed to leadership development and connecting with others who share his passion for customer success, data, and innovation.🎯 Zach’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Keep pushing forward. Progress isn’t about being busy—it’s about moving in the right direction.”🔹 Take small steps every day. Even small progress compounds over time.🔹 Don’t confuse busyness with progress. Measure your actions against your actual goals.🔹 Be honest about what’s working. If customers aren’t engaging, it’s time to change your approach.💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Track your value. Set up customer scorecards to measure success beyond just revenue.✅ Talk to your customers. Regular conversations about value prevent surprises at renewal time.✅ Automate customer success. Use tools like Steerco to make engagement and retention easier.✅ Build for customer-led growth. Your happiest customers are your biggest marketing asset.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit SteerCo’s WebsiteConnect with Zach on LinkedIn

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, sports betting, and web-based business growth with Jared Lee, the founder of LetMeBet.com. Jared’s journey from corporate engineer to tech entrepreneur is a masterclass in executing ideas, leveraging SEO, and building a thriving content-driven business. He shares his insights on breaking into a rapidly evolving industry, the importance of iteration, and why betting on yourself is the smartest move you can make.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a sports betting enthusiast, or someone looking to scale an online business, Jared’s story and strategies will inspire you to take action.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why execution matters more than ideas—and how to take action on yours🔎 How Jared used SEO to drive traffic and build LetMeBet.com into an industry authority📊 The key metrics and tools that drive growth in a content-based business📈 How to enter and scale in an emerging market (before it’s too saturated!)🛠️ The role of AI in content creation, web development, and automation🎯 Why making strategic sacrifices is essential for long-term success💡 How poker taught Jared to take calculated risks in business📝 About Jared LeeJared Lee is a sports betting and fantasy sports industry educator and founder of LetMeBet.com. He has been involved in software engineering and web development for almost 15 years.Jared studied mechanical and computer engineering at the University of Maryland. He started his career as a systems engineer working in the corporate world and has always had a passion for hardcore software engineering.Growing up in Buffalo, Jared has been a die-hard Bills fan all his life. He has also been an avid fan of poker since he was young and is generally a fan of all types of card games.When not writing blog posts or code for LetMeBet.com, Jared spends most of his time with his family and friends, his highly energetic border collie, snowboarding, or playing in his local flag football league.🎯 Jared’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Your first venture may not succeed, but the wisdom you gain is invaluable. Keep iterating, keep learning, and keep betting on yourself."💡 Key Takeaways from Jared's Advice:✔ Be willing to experiment and iterate—your first idea isn't always the best one✔ Focus on long-term growth over short-term gains✔ Don’t fear failure—it’s a stepping stone to bigger success📢 Memorable Quotes💬 “Ideas are worthless—execution is everything.” – Jared Lee💬 “Entrepreneurship is a long game. If you’re only in it for quick wins, you’re setting yourself up for failure.” – Jared Lee💬 “You don’t need permission to start—just take action and learn along the way.” – Jared Lee💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ If you're starting an online business, leverage SEO to attract organic traffic✅ Focus on building a product or content hub that you would want to use✅ Stay flexible—your business model may evolve over time, and that’s okay✅ Learn to embrace strategic risk-taking (Jared's poker lessons apply to business!)✅ Think in terms of years, not weeks—success compounds over time🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit LetMeBet.comConnect with Jared on LinkedIn

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into marketing strategy, brand positioning, and the mindset required to win—whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing business. Mike Guerrieri, President and CMO of Vanbrey Media, shares his broadcast TV industry insights and how he helps small businesses—the “Davids”—compete against corporate giants—the “Goliaths.”Mike’s journey from NBC executive to marketing agency founder is packed with lessons on building trust, crafting strategic marketing campaigns, and using data without getting lost in the numbers. If you’ve ever struggled with getting your business noticed in a crowded market, this episode is a must-listen.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business✅ How to think like a TV executive when marketing your brand✅ Why most entrepreneurs fail at marketing (and how to avoid their mistakes)✅ The "marketing mindset map"—do you see marketing as an expense or an investment?✅ Why being polarizing in marketing isn't necessary to stand out✅ How to leverage AI for efficiency without losing authenticity✅ Why customer experience is your biggest competitive advantage✅ How small businesses can advertise on TV at the same cost as social media campaigns📝 About Mike GuerrieriMike Guerrieri is President & CMO of Vanbrey Media based in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. Mike came up in broadcast television where he worked for over 25 years in creative services and programming, mostly for NBC stations. He worked in markets including Hartford, Detroit, Jacksonville, Houston and Miami. Mike spent the last 17 years of his television career in executive management, overseeing all aspects of creative and marketing for his respective stations. He also served 5 years as the Chairman of the NBC Station Marketing Council, a position charged with ensuring strategic marketing priorities were aligned between the network and more than 230 local stations across the country. Mike is a seven-time regional EMMY winner as a writer, producer and director. On January 1, 2020, he decided it was time for a new adventure and launched his agency.  Today, Vanbrey Media is a full-service marketing agency serving  both B2B and B2C clients from coast-to-coast. Their focus is on helping "The Davids of the world compete with the Goliaths", but as Mike will tell us that can be a tricky task.🎯 Mike’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs💡 “Be willing to pivot. It’s not a straight line, it’s a curvy road.”🔑 Key Takeaways from Mike’s Advice:✔ Know what you're good at—and don’t be afraid to ask for help in areas you’re not✔ Success takes time. Patience and persistence will outlast quick fixes✔ Your first business idea isn’t your final destination—be flexible in adapting to market changes💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Map out your "marketing mindset"—are you investing for long-term growth or just chasing quick wins?✅ Don’t rely on one marketing channel—build a diversified strategy like a stock portfolio✅ Use AI to enhance your marketing but never replace human connection✅ Think about your marketing like a TV network—how can you grab attention in a crowded space?✅ Focus on building brand trust first—revenue will follow🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Vanbrey Media’s WebsiteConnect with Mike on LinkedIn

In this episode, you’ll meet JD Morris, a full-time defense industry professional, dad of three young kids, and founder of Morris Strategic Advising. JD shares how he balances entrepreneurship with real life—and why doing “all the things” doesn’t mean burning out. With a deep focus on sustainable sales systems, he reveals the mindset and strategy shifts that allow solopreneurs to create consistent client pipelines without sacrificing their sanity.Whether you're building your business while working a 9–5 or struggling to simplify your marketing, this conversation will give you the blueprint to move forward with confidence, clarity, and calm.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🧠 How to build a business that fuels your life instead of burning you out💬 Why sales don’t have to feel “salesy” and how to focus on solving, not selling🛠️ The 3-pillar framework JD uses to help clients grow: Ideal Customer, Unique Value, Customer Journey🔁 How to avoid the “feast or famine” sales cycle as a solopreneur📅 Why 60 minutes of focused effort can outperform a full day of scattered tasks🧩 The power of building your business while working full-time (and why it might be your advantage)🤖 How JD uses AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT to boost productivity and stay strategic📝 About the Guest JD Morris is the founder of Morris Strategic Advising (MSA), where he helps small business owners build sustainable, revenue-generating systems that restore the freedom they launched their businesses to achieve. While growing MSA, he also holds a full-time role in the defense industry—an experience that gives him a rare blend of startup agility and corporate strategy. Over the past decade, JD has led accounts spanning scrappy startups to Fortune 100 firms across automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors. He holds an MBA that deepened his expertise in business systems and sparked his drive to launch his own venture. A father of three young children and married to a fellow entrepreneur, JD knows firsthand what it takes to balance ambition with real life.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs “Success should feel like freedom—not a trap. Build at your own pace and on your own terms.”💡 Key Takeaways from JD’s Advice: ✔ You don’t need to “go all in” on day one—gradual growth is still growth ✔ Build a business that aligns with your life, not one that dominates it ✔ Define success in a way that supports your values, family, and goals📢 Memorable Quotes“Without sales, you don’t have a business. But that doesn’t mean it has to feel like selling.” – JD Morris“Most people don’t have a time problem—they have a focus problem.” – JD Morris“If you’re sweating a LinkedIn post, it’s time to take a step back and revisit your plan.” – JD Morris💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Replace “more effort” with focused effort—identify your 20% that moves 80% of the results ✅ Don’t rush to quit your job—leverage it as a strategic foundation for growth ✅ Build trust and relationships, not just leads—nurture is the long game🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Morris Strategic Advising’s WebsiteConnect with JD on LinkedInFollow Morris Strategic Advising on LinkedIn

What if mastering your mindset and embracing the entrepreneurial journey could be the key to success? In this episode, Jarome McKenzie, founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, shares his inspiring journey from New Zealand to Kansas City, his leap into entrepreneurship, and how he helps startups and mid-market companies optimize their accounting functions to drive better decision-making.But this episode isn’t just about numbers—Jarome’s philosophy on self-belief, resilience, and taking the leap offers invaluable lessons for any entrepreneur. From his unexpected path into accounting to quitting his job without clients and building his firm from scratch, his insights on mindset, relationships, and perseverance will leave you inspired and ready to take action.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business✅ Why betting on yourself is the most important entrepreneurial decision you can make✅ How Jarome transitioned from a corporate job to building his own firm—and what you can learn from his leap✅ The power of mastering your mindset and how to use it to push through doubt and fear✅ Why deep relationships matter more than sales tactics when growing your business✅ How to take action even when you feel unprepared, underqualified, or unsure✅ The surprising truth about why great businesses are built on service and relationships—not just numbers📝 About Jarome McKenzieBorn and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Jarome McKenzie always knew two things: he wanted to be a dad, and he wanted to be an entrepreneur. His journey led him from playing baseball in the U.S. to earning a degree in accounting and working for global firms—before realizing the corporate world wasn’t for him.Now, as the founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, he helps entrepreneurs and business owners optimize their accounting functions, so they can make better financial decisions, scale their companies, and maximize business value. But more than numbers, Jarome is passionate about helping people, building deep relationships, and empowering entrepreneurs to take control of their future.🎯 Jarome’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Have faith in yourself. If you believe in what you’re doing, you’ll figure everything else out along the way.”💡 Key Takeaways from Jarome's Advice:✔ Your mindset shapes your reality—train yourself to believe you can do it✔ Impatience kills success—embrace the journey, not just the destination✔ The hardest challenges are often the ones that make you stronger📢 Memorable Quotes“If you don’t have a Plan B, you’ll make Plan A work.” – Jarome McKenzie“I wanted to be directly responsible for the outcome of my life.” – Jarome McKenzie“The best relationships in business go beyond transactions—they’re built on trust and value.” – Jarome McKenzie💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Struggling with self-doubt? Start each day reinforcing your belief in yourself✅ Want to build deep business relationships? Focus on giving more than you take✅ Thinking about starting a business? Don’t wait until you feel "ready"—take the leap and figure it out as you go✅ Learn to love the journey—success isn’t a single destination, but a process of growth🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Arrowhead Strategy Group’s WebsiteConnect with Jarome on LinkedIn

Hiring the right talent is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business, and today’s guest is here to help you master it. Jacqueline De Leon, founder of Empire Staffing Network, shares how she’s transforming the recruitment industry by prioritizing human connections, culture fit, and a strategic hiring process. From struggling to place her first candidate to building a successful boutique recruitment firm, Jacky's entrepreneurial journey is packed with lessons on resilience, relationship-building, and leveraging technology for smarter hiring.If you’ve ever struggled with finding the right people, making hiring decisions, or ensuring long-term employee success, this episode is a must-listen!💡 What You'll Take Away for YOUR Business🚀 Why most business owners fail at hiring—and how to do it right🔎 The secret to finding top talent (beyond job postings)🤖 How AI and technology are transforming recruitment (and what tools you should be using)💬 How to conduct interviews that predict job success (and spot red flags early)👥 Why culture fit matters more than skills—and how to evaluate it💡 The importance of branding when hiring top-tier employees✅ How to set up new hires for success with structured onboarding📝 About Jacqueline De LeonJacky De Leon is the founder of Empire Staffing Network, a values-driven boutique recruitment firm specializing in direct hire placements. With a passion for humanizing recruitment, Jacky leverages a personalized and empathetic approach to connect businesses with exceptional talent. As a Latina entrepreneur, she is dedicated to creating opportunities while fostering meaningful relationships that transform careers and companies alike.🎯 Jackie’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Just start. Don’t overthink the details—your business name, your LLC, or the perfect plan. Passion and commitment will take you further than perfection.”Key Takeaways from Her Advice:✔ Action beats analysis—start before you’re ready✔ Be willing to pivot and learn as you go✔ Passion fuels success—your enthusiasm attracts the right people📢 Memorable Quotes"Recruiting is both an art and a science. The right hire isn’t just about skills—it’s about culture, alignment, and fit." – Jacqueline De Leon"Your business needs to be attractive to top talent. If your company doesn’t stand out, the best candidates won’t take the job." – Jacqueline De Leon"Hiring is an investment, not an expense. The right person can transform your company, while the wrong hire will cost you time and money." – Jacqueline De Leon💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Stop relying only on job boards—use proactive outreach to find top talent✅ Invest in your company’s branding to attract high-quality candidates✅ Develop a structured hiring process that goes beyond gut instinct✅ Use AI tools to optimize your recruitment, but never lose the human touch✅ Build an onboarding plan that sets new hires up for long-term success🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Empire Staffing Network’s WebsiteConnect with Jacqueline on LinkedInFollow Empire Staffing Network on LinkedIn

In this episode, Brian sits down with Gard Gibson, the founder of BrandHeart Strategies, a marketing leader with nearly 40 years of experience working with brands like Ford, Gatorade, and Wendy’s. Gard shares why connection is the core of branding, how businesses can foster loyalty, and why AI and technology should be used to enhance—not replace—human relationships.Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or scaling an enterprise, this episode delivers real-world insights on how to make your brand more authentic, impactful, and sustainable.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🔹 The REAL definition of branding (hint: it’s not just a logo or colors)🔹 How to create lasting customer loyalty without relying on constant advertising🔹 Why human connection is the #1 growth strategy in today’s AI-driven world🔹 How Chewy & Southwest Airlines use emotional intelligence to dominate their industries🔹 How to use AI to personalize marketing without losing authenticity🔹 Why big brands invest in “Mission Control” centers and what small businesses can learn from them🔹 The importance of iteration—why the best brands are constantly evolving📝 About Gard GibsonGard Gibson is a transformative marketing leader with over 30 years of experience driving global brand success through innovative strategies and consumer insights. As the founder of BrandHeart Strategies, Gard helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences by blending creativity with cutting-edge technology and data. With a legacy of shaping iconic efforts for brands like Ford, Gatorade, and Wendy’s, and as a recognized thought leader in customer experience and digital strategy, Gard brings unparalleled expertise and a passion for making brands truly resonate with their audiences.🎯 Gard’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs & Entrepreneurs"Be committed, but don’t be rigid."💡 Key Takeaways from Gard’s Advice:✔ Your business is a hypothesis—stay flexible & keep learning✔ Customer relationships matter more than short-term marketing wins✔ Don’t just sell—build connections, and success will follow📢 Memorable Quotes🗣️ "A brand isn’t a logo—it’s every single interaction a customer has with your business." – Gard Gibson🗣️ "If you want true customer loyalty, you need to treat your audience like real people, not data points." – Gard Gibson🗣️ "AI is a tool, not a replacement for connection. The best brands use technology to enhance relationships, not replace them." – Gard Gibson💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Map out your customer journey—how does someone discover you, interact with you, and become a customer?✅ Use AI as an enhancer, not a replacement—find ways to use it for personalization without losing authenticity✅ Engage in social listening—set up Google Alerts or tools like Infegy to track what people are saying about your brand✅ Test and iterate your branding—get real feedback from potential customers before committing to a final look & feel✅ Build relationships, not just transactions—your marketing should feel human, not robotic🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit BrandHeart Strategies’ WebsiteFollow BrandHeart Strategies on LinkedInConnect with Gard on LinkedIn