#MeetCoolPeople

This week on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I hung out with Brian Hilliard—an author, speaker, and, honestly, one of the most down-to-earth experts on helping speakers get booked that I’ve met. Brian’s done over 400 speaking gigs since launching his business in 2001. He’s figured out how to help other speakers get on stages without giving away big commissions or wasting hours prospecting every day. Instead, he built a process that uses a smart mix of AI, virtual assistants, and his own experience, so his clients can spend less time chasing and more time speaking. Brian and I got into what really makes conference speaking different from the typical “Speak to Sell” circuit. In his case, it’s much more about mindset, building long-term relationships, and always putting value first. Highlights from this episode: Find Your Why: Brian says having a clear purpose matters. Are you speaking to sell or to serve? Get honest before you pitch yourself.It’s a Two-Way Street: Think about what the event gets from you, not just what’s in it for you.Mindset Is Everything: Success at conferences is tied to your attitude. If you want more gigs, focus on helping and connecting, not just showing off expertise.Be Ready for Anything: From schedule mix-ups to last-minute changes, staying flexible pays off for any speaker.Conference Gigs = Higher Stakes: This isn’t just a local lunch-and-learn. Audiences expect more. Go in prepared and treat it like a bigger stage. Brian’s approach is all about real connection and being a “cool person” both on and off stage. If you want to see how someone blends business, generosity, and professionalism, Brian’s a great model. E sure to connect with Brian here: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hilliard/Website: https://morepaidspeakinggigs.com ==== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

On this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I sat down with Brian K. Wright. Brian is a writing coach, radio show host, and publisher of Ultimate Achievers Magazine. If you've ever thought about writing a book, getting on more podcasts, or simply making your expertise stand out, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Brian & I met back in 2022 at the Million Dollar Mastermind event in Dallas (not long before I moved). Brian’s story is all about consistency and building relationships. He’s been hosting his radio show since 2012, logging over 600 episodes and interviewing some of the biggest names out there. He shared several honest insights about what it really takes to keep a show, or any content platform, going for the long haul. We talked about mistakes new authors make, how to use a book to grow your business, and why sharing your story (any way you can) opens doors you never saw coming. We even got into the details of what ghostwriting actually looks like, and why you don’t have to be famous to hire someone to write your book. Here are a few of my favorite takeaways: Consistency wins: Brian’s radio show sets a regular schedule so both he and his audience know exactly when to tune in. If you’re building any recurring content, locking in a time and sticking with it really does matter.A book opens doors: Forget about bestseller lists. A completed book can get you speaking gigs, bulk orders for events, and positions you as an authority overnight.Books don’t have to be long: Brian stressed the value of concise, easy-to-read books that deliver clear results. Sometimes the most powerful message fits in a smaller package.Ghostwriting isn’t just for celebrities: If you have knowledge and are short on time or writing skills, hiring someone to help get your ideas on paper can move your project forward way faster than you think. Connect with Brian K. Wright: Main website: https://briankwright.comBook writing info: https://writeabookforyou.comSchedule a call: https://callwithbrian.com ====== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Hey there! I had such a good time on this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast with Graham Kuhn. If you’ve ever wondered how storytelling, video production, and authenticity can work together to boost your business, this one’s for you. Graham is the founder of Focus Films, a video production company in Atlanta. He actually started out studying opera, then spent 20 years performing as a singer, but jokes that he did everything but opera. Eventually, his creativity and interest in stories led him toward video, beginning with filming wrestling matches as a teen, and years later producing weekly videos for his church. What really stuck with me was Graham’s commitment to real stories. He talked about the difference between a scripted sales pitch and a truly honest, unscripted story. The way he approaches his work isn’t about flashy production; it’s about making people comfortable so the “real” version of them comes through. That matters, whether you’re a lawyer, a doctor, or a local business owner. Some takeaways from our conversation: Authenticity connects more than any scripted promo ever could. People trust people, not robots.Most people sound stiff in front of a camera, but a friendly chat brings out their best.Your “why” means more to your audience than your credentials or years of experience.Simple frameworks (like before, during, and after stories for testimonials) can create powerful client videos — no jargon needed.Rising above the noise isn’t about being bigger, but about being genuine and letting character shine. Want to connect with Graham? Check out his site: https://focusfilms.com Or find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkuhn1/ ===== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Hey #MeetCoolPeople listeners! Today I sat down with Charles Ambrosecchia, a guy with a deep background leading IT, telecom, and cybersecurity projects at the enterprise level. What stood out right away is how Charles brings real-world corporate strategy down to small and mid-sized businesses, giving them the stuff big companies rely on, but without the bloat or overwhelm. Charles and I first met at a networking event. Neither of us expected much, but we hit it off over geeky talk (think old Commodore 64 days.) That conversation set the tone for what you’ll hear in this episode: down-to-earth advice, zero sales pitch, just clarity on what actually makes businesses tick. Here’s some of what you’ll get out of our conversation: Don’t chase shiny objects. Charles stressed that technology should always serve a purpose, not just be the latest thing you see online. It needs to improve your business, not slow it down or create headaches.Your time has real value. We talk about the trap entrepreneurs fall into by trying to do everything themselves. Outsourcing tech or admin tasks often saves money in the long run because it frees you up to do your highest value work.Plan first, then act. Charles is a big believer in clear, executable plans with actual deadlines. Perfectionism slows you down. Get your basics ready, then get out there and sell or serve.Ultra-focus beats being a generalist. As tempting as it is to offer everything to everyone, Charles learned to narrow his services and client base. Quality and customer satisfaction became his measure for success, not just revenue.Communication wins. We both agree: lose the jargon, speak in plain language, and solve actual problems for your clients. It builds trust and relationships fast. Connect with Charles: Find him on LinkedIn (search Charles Ambrosecchia) at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambrosecchia/ ====== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Thanks for tuning in to another solo episode of #MeetCoolPeople. The response after my last crossover with 7th Fold Projects was huge, so I’m keeping these solo deep-dives in the mix. Today’s topic is one that hits home for just about anyone—especially if you’re running your own business: resilience. Let’s be real. The past few years have been tough, with challenge after challenge to overcome. I break down my five go-to questions that help me figure out whether I’m truly stuck, burned out, or just facing a bump in the road. Whether you’ve been tempted to quit or feel stuck procrastinating, these questions have helped me get clear and move forward. Here are a few things I touched on in this episode: Pinpoint the real problem: Sometimes what you’re running from isn’t what you think.Will it follow you? If you quit, will you face the same challenge somewhere else?Build your toolkit: Sticking around may mean learning valuable skills by pushing through.Who else matters: Someone could be relying on you to see it through, even when you want out.Measure your future regret: Which choice, leaving or staying, will you wish you’d handled differently? I shared how my own cycle of burnout happens when I don’t take time to rest. Sometimes, your brain is just desperately trying to get away from the grind. Other times, you may really need a change and that’s okay too… just make sure you’re clear on your reasons. I truly believe most people give up too soon. Ask yourself better questions and you’ll get better answers. This episode is about slowing down, tuning in, and being honest with yourself. As always, I love hearing your thoughts on these topics. Let me know what resonated and if this helped you see resilience in a new light. Want to connect or share your story? Shoot me an email or reach out on LinkedIn. Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

I’m excited for today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode, because I caught up with my friend Julie Jones, and wow, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear if you want to discover the post powerful skills you can learn to stand out and get ahead. Both in business and in your personal life! Julie is a people skills strategist and business etiquette expert. She runs Today’s Professional Consulting and Development, helping others upgrade their leadership, people skills, and overall professionalism. We first connected at an event I was speaking at (shoutout to Sheryl Powers for connecting us!), and immediately clicked around our shared love for better communication. Julie shared how she pivoted from classroom teaching to entrepreneurship, after seeing the gap between what’s taught in schools and what businesses actually want. She told the story behind getting certified in etiquette training, the pushback she faced, and why she stuck with it anyway. We also talked a lot about why soft skills matter more than ever, especially post-pandemic. Julie explains how everything from showing up prepared to having a real conversation (not just texting) makes a difference. Here are a few takeaways: The way you show up matters. People notice how you dress, how you greet others, and your overall presence, even on video calls.Being professional isn’t about expensive clothes, it’s about effort. Looking put-together leads people to trust you more.Face-to-face time is valuable. Isolation drains creativity and weakens relationships. Even introverts need community.Social skills are learned, not just “natural.” Anyone can improve with simple steps around etiquette, greetings, and active listening.Emotional intelligence is huge for leaders. Knowing your own triggers, reading others, and communicating across styles can boost your impact. You’ll especially want to hear Julie’s thoughts on teaching kids these skills early and why family dinners may be the best training ground for young professionals. Be sure to connect with Julie and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjulieajones/Website: https://todaysprofessionals.com/ ===== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

I had a great chat with my long-time friend, Tracy St. Croi, for this episode of #MeetCoolPeople. If you’re curious about what it takes to launch a #1 paranormal investigative show from the ground up (or just like stories of business road bumps) this one’s for you. Tracy is the creator and host of Haunted Road Trip Show. She’s been in the afterlife communication field since 2011 and now leads both a top-ranking podcast and streaming TV show. We talked less about ghosts, more about what goes into actually pulling off a project like hers. From finding the right team to getting clear about your own vision. She shared a lot about the realities of working with people, how plans can start as collaborations, then leave you doing it all solo, and why learning to ask the right questions is key if you want to build something solid. Here are a few takeaways: Start simple, but get clear: Tracy began with a podcast, letting it grow as she learned what was needed and where she wanted it to go.Ask better questions: Don’t just look for someone who can do the job; get specific about what they can actually deliver. Sample work, references, the whole deal.Hold on to your mission: When things get hard, knowing exactly why you’re doing this keeps you moving forward. We also talked about the impact of gratitude, giving back, and the trap of rooting for the underdog without asking if they really want to step up. If you want to connect with Tracy, the best place is her Patreon, which links out to all her projects and socials. Get the link to that and Tracy’s other resources here: https://tracystcroimedium.taplink.ws/ ===== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode is a practical one. I got to chat with Michael Stewart, growth strategist and founder of Business Planning Plus. Michael has been in marketing since the late 1990s, so I knew we’d have plenty of ideas to swap. What stood out in this conversation is how we both see so many business owners, especially solopreneurs, working way too hard just to keep things moving. Michael specializes in showing leaders, big and small, how to actually step back, trust their plans, and build a business that runs without them being stuck at the center. Here are a few things that really stuck with me: • Don’t Skip the Plan: The most successful businesses have simple, clear plans. Most people honestly spend more time planning a vacation than mapping out what success actually means for their company. • Automate and Delegate: If you do something more than twice, look for a way to automate it. Michael echoed what I always preach: anything you repeat (emails, follow-ups, instructions, etc) can be templated, systemized, or handed off. Even big companies miss out on this. • Know Your Value Tasks: Michael shared Brad Sugars’ concept of, Are your daily tasks worth $5 an hour or $5,000? Most business owners spend way too much time on low-value tasks and get stuck earning low-value returns. • Write Down What Success Looks Like: Instead of overcomplicating your business plan, spend an hour setting out what your business should look like in a year, what you love doing, and what you need to stop. • Make Tiny Improvements: You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Michael suggests even tiny daily tweaks add up fast, and that’s what actually changes a business over time. Michael is someone who’s been in the trenches and coaches from real experience. Want to connect with Michael? Find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj52art/ or head over to his website at  http://www.askmjs.co.uk. ===== Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. I sat down with Katie Decker Erickson for a conversation that felt both practical and refreshing for anyone interested in how better creativity can be traced back to your work environment, whether at home, at work, or wherever you make your space. Katie is the founder of Colorworks, brings nearly 20 years of experience in interior and exterior design, and hosts the Success by Design Podcast. Her background in both business and design gives her a unique, no-nonsense approach. What I loved about this episode is how real and approachable Katie is. She started Colorworks out of her own frustration with flipping homes in Phoenix, realizing that much design advice doesn’t factor in real results, such as return on investment or how you actually feel in your space. Katie broke down what makes an office or workspace feel right. Whether you’re running a company from home or managing a whole building. There’s no “right way” that works for everyone. Instead, it’s about finding what matters to you, and making small changes over time. Key Takeaways: Lighting sets the mood. Switch out bulbs, add lamps, and use dimmers to fit your comfort.Biophilic design (bringing nature in) helps people feel and work better. Real or faux plants both help.Build your office or home workspace one item at a time. Start with one thing you love… art, a plant, or a favorite chair, and go from there.Let your space reflect who you are, not just what trends say. Functional items and personal touches matter just as much as style.Comfort and ergonomics are worth the investment. Find the desk, chair, or layout that fits how you really work. Connect with Katie: Website: https://colorworks.design/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deckerkatie/ Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Hey there! Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode is a little different. It’s just you and me. I wanted to talk about something that shows up for every entrepreneur I know, myself included: overwhelm, busyness, and lack of results.  Today, I’m going to share the process of Right Effort & Getting Ultra Focused to help overcome these issues. This episode was created for both my podcast and my 7th Fold Project YouTube channel as I feel that it applies in both areas. The idea hit me after talking with clients and friends who are feeling stretched every which way. Maybe you’re in that spot, too. You’ve got a stack of books, too many online courses, and a pile of business ideas, but it feels like you’re running in circles and not really getting anywhere. We covered what “Right Effort” means, and how it can change not just your business, but your whole life if you truly pay attention to it. This principle comes from the Buddhist Eightfold Path, but you don’t need to study Buddhism to see why it matters now more than ever. Here’s what I want you to remember from this episode: Focus Beats Hustle: Spreading yourself thin across 10 things leads to frustration, not results. Find that one thing you do best and double down.Know Your Audience: Get laser clear about who you serve and what problem you solve. The people doing well right now are ultra-niched.Simplify Ruthlessly: Stop trying to do everything. The more you streamline, the faster you see progress, and the easier your life and business become.Consistency Matters: Once you know what you do and who it’s for, put your message out there, over and over, in front of the people who actually need it.Less Is More: You don’t need to be everywhere or help everyone. Do more with less, and keep your sanity. I’d love to hear your thoughts or how you’re applying this. If you want to watch the video, check out the 7th Fold Project on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@7thFoldProjects.  Or if you want more episodes like this, let me know. I’m hoping that this helps you find clarity this week. === Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!