#MeetCoolPeople

Ever feel stuck trying to juggle everything at once and getting nowhere fast? That was the whole focus of today’s solo episode, and honestly, something I’ve battled myself. I kicked things off by exploring why “just in time” learning can save you from drowning in information overload. Most of us try to collect anything and everything, but our brains aren't built for that. Instead, I walked through my own experience writing a new book and the trap of skipping ahead to shiny distractions, like ISBN numbers and formatting, before even finishing the draft. What hit home for me was remembering the lesson from my first marketing mentor, Armand Morin: always figure out your Next Logical Step. It sounds ridiculously simple, but it’s huge.  Here was Armand’s example: If you want 10,000 website visitors, you need a website first. So many people will focus on the traffic when they don't even have a website yet. It just doesn't make sense. Focus on the thing right in front of you… then move on. Here are some practical takeaways from the episode: Don’t get caught up in busywork. Separating what matters from the noise is key.Write down every “to do,” but only work on one at a time.Put distractions (like future steps you don't need yet) in a document and close it until you're ready.Next Logical Step: ask yourself, “What’s the ONE thing I need to finish right now?”Ultra focus beats information overload every single time. I’m not immune to getting distracted myself. We’re all prone to chasing what's next. Training yourself to zero in on one step is a skill anyone can learn. Save the rest for later, and you’ll make more progress without the anxiety. ==== If you’re tired of prospects ghosting you after your first conversation, grab my FREE 5-day email course at https://thefollowupfix.net/ and learn the five relationship-killing mistakes that are costing you sales (and how to fix them without being pushy). Let’s keep it simple, focused, and moving forward.

How One Entrepreneur Turned Failed Ventures Into a 7-Figure Advisory Firm You've got a lawyer, an accountant, and a CFO. But they're all speaking different languages, and you're stuck playing translator while trying to run your business. Most founders between $3 million and $10 million hit this wall. Your advisors multiply, but nobody's connecting the dots. Your attorney says one thing, your CFO says another, your tax advisor says a third. Deals fall through because your legal team didn't loop in finance. Tax strategies get botched because your CPA never talked to your lawyer. Lee Stringham built FinLaw Orchestration to solve this exact problem. After running out of cash in his first business at 25, then spending years as both a commercial banker and practicing attorney, he saw the same pattern repeat across hundreds of deals. Smart founders getting stuck because their financial and legal advisors operated in silos. In this conversation, Lee breaks down how he went from failed carpenter to building a firm that orchestrates financial and legal strategy for companies scaling from $3 million to $25 million and beyond. Episode Overview This episode is for founders tired of paying six figures for advisors who don't talk to each other. Lee walks through his journey from blowing up his first construction company to becoming a commercial lender, then an attorney, and eventually realizing the biggest gap in professional services wasn't expertise. It was coordination. He shares the frameworks and mindset shifts that led him to build a business specifically designed to solve the orchestration problem that costs founders time, money, and deals. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why running out of cash in three months taught Lee more about business than his degrees ever didThe exact moment Lee realized smart advisors giving conflicting advice was costing founders millionsThe framework Lee uses to orchestrate multiple advisors without becoming the middlemanWhy most attorneys and accountants will never coordinate on their own (and what to do about it)The real reason businesses stall between $3 million and $10 million (hint: it's not strategy)How Lee transitioned from practicing law to building an advisory firm that coordinates legal and financial execution Key Insights & Takeaways You can have the best lawyer and accountant in the world, but if they're not coordinated, you're leaving money on the table and creating risk you don't even see. Lee's background as both a banker and attorney gave him a unique view of how deals actually work. Legal structures that made sense in isolation created tax nightmares. Financial strategies that looked brilliant on paper violated legal frameworks. Founders spent their time managing their advisors instead of growing their business. The solution isn't firing your team. It's adding orchestration. Someone who speaks both languages, understands both sides, and can translate strategy into coordinated execution. Take the Next Step Connect with Lee Stringham: Learn more about FinLaw Orchestration and how coordinated financial and legal strategy can help you scale without the chaos at FinLawOrchestration.com Ready to fix your follow-up? Tired of prospects ghosting you after your first conversation? Grab my FREE 5-day email course at https://thefollowupfix.net/ and learn the five relationship-killing mistakes that are costing you sales (and how to fix them without being pushy). About the Podcast Meet Cool People is where founders, creators, and entrepreneurs share the real stories behind building businesses that matter. Hosted by Ely Delaney, each episode goes beyond surface-level advice to uncover the mindset shifts, failures, and frameworks that separate people who talk about success from people who build it. If you're tired of theory and want practical insights from people doing the work, this is your show.

This episode got real about something most people avoid. I sat down with Dr. Matt Markel, a guy who’s gone from entry-level engineer to running multi-billion dollar businesses in tech and defense. We met at the Writer’s Block Symposium and, honestly, I was hooked by his practical take on wealth and success. Matt’s book, “Anti-Preneur,” is small but packs a punch. He’s big on creating assets and shifting your mindset, instead of chasing overnight riches or quitting your job on a whim.  Matt shared his story of growing up with a scarcity mindset and how getting invited into a financial mastermind changed everything for him. He laid out why just having a 401k and working hard doesn’t cut it anymore, especially since the US is facing a huge retirement savings gap. He’s on a mission to get businesses and professionals comfortable talking about real wealth creation. Not just picking a mutual fund, but knowing how to build and protect assets.  My favorite part? His push to help leaders actually educate employees about money instead of just throwing pizza parties. If people understand how to set themselves up financially, it lowers stress, builds loyalty, and sets up a better future for everyone involved. Here are a few standouts: Changing your mindset comes first, before any financial move.Wealth comes from creating assets, not hustling harder at work.Businesses should teach real financial skills, not just offer standard benefits.Group learning boosts results and accountability for everyone. Want more of Matt’s insights? Find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-markel, or check out his website at https://anti-preneur.com/ for the digital magazine and program info. === Tired of prospects ghosting you after your first conversation? Grab my FREE 5-day email course at https://thefollowupfix.net/ and learn the five relationship-killing mistakes that are costing you sales (and how to fix them without being pushy).

This episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast was one I couldn’t wait to share. Roger Jorns from Reanimation Design joined me for an honest conversation about websites, business growth, and why every contractor, coach, and consultant needs clarity online. We looked back at our web design roots, trading stories about the days of hand-coding, Netscape Navigator, and Dreamweaver. It’s wild how websites have changed over the years, and Roger Jorns broke down what actually matters now. If you’ve ever wondered why your site isn’t getting results, or what “a website should do” besides just sitting there, this is for you. Here’s what stood out: A website should answer three questions: What do you do, why should someone care, and how can they get in touch.Most websites are missing a direct call to action. Don’t bury yours at the bottom.Spokes matter. Your website isn’t an island. Give people ways in and out: think LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, and lead magnets.Clarity beats cleverness. You have about five seconds to grab someone’s attention, so get to the point.Your About page isn't for bragging; it's where you show you understand the visitor’s problem and let your personality show. I especially liked Roger Jorns’s approach to touchpoints. People won’t buy right away. It takes multiple exposures before anyone takes action, so your site needs to nurture, educate, and move people step by step. If you’ve been treating your site like an online brochure, Roger Jorns explains how to shift that mindset. Your website is part of a bigger system and it should tell a story—not just toss out information. Want to connect or get your site in shape? Find Roger Jorns at https://www.reanimationdesign.com. He’s got a free audit checklist and solid resources for business owners who want more from their digital presence. === 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, it’s Ely with another solo episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Today, I wanted to share a quote that always sticks with me: “If you know the way broadly, you will see it in everything.” That’s from Miyamoto Musashi’s Book of Five Rings. It’s really about how focus changes what you notice in your daily life. This topic hits close to home as I reflect on the year. We often hear about the “law of attraction,” but I brought up something far more grounded this time: your reticular activating system (RAS). That’s the part of your brain tuned in to what matters most to you at the moment. Here’s how I see it: once you zero in on a goal or a passion, your mind starts pointing out opportunities you’d never noticed before. I used the example of buying a car—suddenly, that same make and model is everywhere you look. The cars didn’t magically appear; you’re just noticing them now. The same thing goes for business, relationships, and your purpose. Once you’re clear, things come into focus. Some doors may have always been open, but it’s your awareness that changes. So I’m challenging you to get clear on what excites you as the year wraps up. There’s something powerful in writing down your purpose and narrowing your sights. Here are some quick takeaways: Clarity sharpens your vision and helps you notice real opportunities.Your reticular activating system shifts your focus and reveals what was always there.Purpose and passion make all the difference in what grabs your attention.Writing down your goals pushes your awareness even further.The opportunities you want may be right in front of you—you just need to see them. Want to connect or need help finding that clarity? Reach out to me. ==== Want to stop losing prospects after just a few touches? Grab my FREE 5-day email course at https://thefollowupfix.net/ and discover how to turn one-time prospects into lifetime referral sources… without being an annoying pest!

This episode of #MeetCoolPeople is something I've been looking forward to for a while! I sat down with David Newman, a certified speaking professional, top-ranked podcast host, and author of several books that I've had on my shelf for years. His latest, "Market Eminence," just dropped, and it's a major departure from his previous “Do It” series. David opened up about his decision to unscale his business. He used to run a big team but realized his heart is in being a craftsperson, staying closely involved with clients instead of focusing on managing a staff. We talked about how “success” looks different at every stage of life, and how chasing someone else’s definition just leaves you drained. David’s new book is all about “market eminence” – building visibility, respect, and brand preference, so you’re not just another option, but the only logical choice. He shared three sharp questions to help you create a contrarian slant and stand out from the noise. We didn’t shy away from the fact that being authentic doesn’t mean following someone else’s “personal branding” template. David argues that it’s more about revealing who you really are, not just adding more layers. If you’ve ever felt pressure to scale or fake it to fit in, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Key takeaways: Success should match your life stage, not outside pressure.Market eminence is about visibility, respect, and brand preference.Figure out what conventional wisdom in your industry you disagree with.Don’t cover up who you are to widen your appeal. You’ll only attract the wrong clients.Being yourself isn’t a task… when you stop trying, it gets easier. Connect with David: Get the book and free resources at https://marketeminence.com Find his other work at doitmarketing.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!

Today’s episode gave me a chance to sit down with Emmy award-winning broadcaster Kerry Barrett. If you’ve ever felt awkward talking on camera, this one’s for you. Kerry Barrett has more than two decades on air, and now guides professionals through looking and sounding confident on camera. We talked candidly about what holds most people back. It’s rarely the tech. It’s that uneasy feeling of speaking to “no one,” or worrying about messing up and freezing mid-sentence. Kerry Barrett was refreshingly honest about her own stumbles, laughing off the moments that didn’t go as planned both in her reporting days and during live webinars. She insists all you need to start is a phone and your face. Stop overthinking gear, lighting, and the finer points of background noise. Instead, begin by narrating a piece of your day. Record for 30 seconds and play it back. Watch for one thing you’d like to adjust. Don’t try fixing everything in one go. Here are a few highlights: The “performance” fear is real: People freeze on camera, even if they’re fine speaking on stage. Just jump in and keep practicing.Recovery matters more than perfection: Have a handful of “outs” or one-liners ready. If you blank, just acknowledge it and move on.Progress is about repetition: Kerry Barrett and I both needed dozens of takes when we began. There’s no shortcut for reps.Start simple: A weekly “teach-it” video on LinkedIn is a solid first step. Don’t let tech or editing scare you off.It’s about sharing, not showing off: Audiences don’t care about a minor mistake. Don’t over-apologize or dwell on it. If you want more support, Kerry shares regular tips on LinkedIn. Connect with here here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/ If you want to really dive in with what Kerry can help with, learn more on her website at: KerryBarrett.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!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features Michael Buzinski. I first met Michael over BBQ in Dallas, and I’m glad we connected and kept in touch. Michael is a US Air Force veteran, bestselling author, host of a top marketing podcast, and the founder of Buzzworthy Strategies. His company helps B2B service firms escape random acts of marketing and build a system that actually drives qualified leads. He shared the difference between “strategy” and “tactics” in marketing, which is something too many business owners miss. Most folks jump from one shiny idea to another without thinking about the big picture. Michael shows how a good strategy decides which tactics matter, not the other way around. Some gems stood out while we talked: Track What Matters: Michael’s “50/50 Marketing Paradox” hit home. Most businesses don’t know which half of their marketing works, so they cling to everything. Tracking and knowing your numbers brings clarity.Strategy First, Always: Random acts of marketing lead to wasted time and cash. Start with strategy, then use tactics to support it. That goes for email, websites, and anything else.Quick Wins Matter: He explained why getting clients a fast result (in the first 30 days, ideally three weeks) sets the stage for a longer relationship. Anchoring your clients in early success means happier clients and more referrals.Advocate Creation: The best marketing comes from clients who turn into fans. Done right, your client’s journey leads them to bring new business back to you.Client Fit Is Key: Michael shared his Predictably Profitable Prospect filter - core values, culture fit, and delivery readiness. Taking on the wrong clients just because you “need the cash” leads to pain. Whether you’re new to B2B or deep in the trenches, Michael’s advice here is worth your time. Connect with Michael: His book: https://ruleof26.com/His site:https://buzzworthystrategies.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!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features a great conversation with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell, founder and president of Kwedar & Co. We actually met at an event and hit it off before I learned she was on the panel for podcasters. She’s got a long history in PR, helping B2B companies and purpose-driven leaders tell their stories in clear, honest ways. Lauren breaks down how PR has changed in the last two decades. Think less about faxing press releases, more about crafting thoughtful stories that stand out in today’s crowded market. We talked about the real value in showing your business’s heart. Even in industries that people call “boring.” We covered a lot, from building relationships with journalists to pitching stories without sounding robotic. Lauren had strong opinions about the right and wrong ways to get PR opportunities, especially how important it is to respect both your brand and the media’s time. Here are my favorite takeaways: Start With Curiosity: The best stories come from asking questions and finding the personal angle behind the business. Even companies that feel “boring” have something special when you look closer.Build Real Relationships With Media: Journalists and reporters are people. Follow them, comment on their work, and communicate like you would with any colleague. Mutual respect gets better results.Quality Over Quantity in Pitches: Don’t spam generic pitches or hire cheap firms that do. Lauren stressed how badly that hurts your reputation. Invest in someone who learns your story and can match you to the right opportunities.Small Businesses Can Win at PR: You don’t need a big budget. Even solo founders can offer expert perspectives, become a resource for local media, and use platforms like podcasts to share their voice.PR Means Serving, Not Selling: Think about the value you bring to journalists, audiences, and clients. Make things easier for everyone and trust goes further. Connect with Lauren: Website: https://KwedarCo.com/Podcast: The Impatient Entrepreneur Podcast (available everywhere)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkwedar/Social: @KwedarCo on most platforms ===== 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!

This solo episode is a little different. It’s my birthday week, so I took the mic to reflect on gratitude, milestones, and what truly matters as another year turns. "Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Buddhist saying Gratitude gets tossed around a lot in November, but this year I wanted to slow down and dig into what it really means, well beyond a quick “thanks.” I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally, and I noticed that intentionally focusing on appreciation is what helped me break out of some tough stretches. I share why surface-level gratitude isn’t enough, and how deep appreciation can actually change your perspective and relationships. I talk about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth, making new connections, and how a single introduction kicked off a whole chain of positive events in my life. I break down the daily practice that’s made a difference for me: writing five things I’m grateful for every morning. Plus I throw out a challenge for you to reach out to three people who’ve been your “gardeners” this year. Here’s what stood out: The difference between quick gratitude and real, deep appreciation, and why the latter matters for happiness.How to spot the chain of events that led to something positive in your life, instead of just the outcome.The practical power of saying thank you, publicly and privately, to people who move you forward.Simple, specific ways to express appreciation (think audio or video messages, not just notes).Why intentionally focusing on gratitude rewires your mind, builds stronger connections, and reduces burnout. If you want to connect or dig deeper, I’m always happy to connect with listeners. You can reach out to me directly if you want to chat further or if I can help with anything at all. ===== 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!