#MeetCoolPeople

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!

Today's #MeetCoolPeople episode is packed for any business owner who knows they need to do more video, but feels stuck. I sat down with Mario Wilson from 12 Media Group. He’s run his video production company for over 14 years, helping small businesses build trust using video. Mario’s approach is refreshing. He doesn’t just focus on making you look good on camera. He cares about showing the real people in the company, not just the owner. We talked about how getting all team members on video can actually help you avoid the “bottleneck” where every client expects to work directly with the founder. Mario’s seen firsthand how showing the faces behind your company builds trust, helps close deals, and beats out competitors… even when your price is higher. Here’s some things I took away from this conversation: Get Your Team On Camera: Don’t go solo in your business videos if you have a team. Show who’s doing the work behind the scenes.Brand Story First: The first video you should create is about why you started, what you do, and what makes your business unique. Skip the pitch, start with heart.Just Start, Don’t Wait: Mario’s advice? Use your phone, keep it simple, and get started. You’ll get better as you go.Use Client Questions for Content: Capture the questions potential clients ask. Each could be a quick video for social media.Behind-The-Scenes Footage Works: Record short clips of you and your team in action. It’s easy, real, and builds credibility with your audience. If you’ve felt awkward in front of the camera or get stressed about making things perfect, Mario’s process will put you at ease. He even shared how editing can help smooth things out. Perfection is never the goal. Be sure to connect with Mario at https://12mediagroup.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!

This episode of #MeetCoolPeople was all about what goes into building a business you can actually step away from. I sat down with Scott Neal, the owner of Neill Insurance Brokers, based right here in the DFW area. Scott started his independent agency in 2021 after selling his Farmers Insurance agency. Since then, he's pushed past 1 million in revenue, grown his team, and handled a changing industry… all without burning out. Scott and I didn’t spend time talking about insurance. Instead, we focused on his process for building a team and the importance of systems in business growth. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar spot or you’re running solo from your kitchen table, his approach has something for everyone. Here are a few things worth taking away: Don’t wait until you’re swamped to hire help - Scott’s advice: by the time you feel overwhelmed, you’re already late.Start your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) early - He recommends building checklists and video walkthroughs before you think you need them. This makes training and delegating way easier.Use tech to lighten the load - Scott talked about using tools like Stream Deck and even employing virtual assistants for repeatable tasks. This keeps his core team focused where it matters.Be honest about what you don’t want to do - Write a list, figure out what you’d rather hand off, and make that your hiring roadmap.SOPs aren’t just for future hires - they help you stay organized too, especially as your business gets more complex. Scott’s practical approach helps any business owner think about the next step, not just the current one. Be sure to connect with Scott at https://Neillinsurance.com If you run a business and are shopping insurance, you’ll want to give Scott and his team a chance to save you a few buck! ---- 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 ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business and someone I connected with through the Success Champions Network. We unpacked how David went from biology and environmental consulting into mentoring technical leaders and business owners. Focusing on those who want to become confident, people-first decision makers. David explained how many technical experts get tossed into management roles without training or guidance. His approach centers on helping leaders understand themselves, get clear on their values, and play to their strengths instead of trying to be everything for everyone. He’s all about building real relationships, not just workstreams. David shared how this mindset shift helped a client organization grow from 25 to 80 employees, empower their technical staff, and expand their services. I also asked David to give us some nuggets around the pitfalls many solopreneurs encounter: taking on too much alone, neglecting to document their processes, or ignoring personality differences on their small teams.  We also talked about introversion, leadership burnout, and the importance of intention in business.  Key takeaways: People-first leadership is a learned skill: introverts and technical folks can absolutely thrive hereSelf-awareness comes before strong leadership: know your own style so you don’t sabotage yourself or your teamStart documenting what you do, even if you’re solo or just have a VA: it makes growth much smootherProactive communication and understanding personality types will save you from team drama and burnoutGet clear on your “why” before chasing the “how” - it saves you time and frustration Be sure to connect with David: Find out your own Leadership Voice here: https://stewardyourbusiness.com/5voicesConnect with David on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr/ ---- 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 ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

On this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I sat down with Jake Stahl, creator of Neurostrategy and CEO of Orchestraight. Jake brings a rare mix of deep psychology knowledge and practical business experience, which made this a super insightful conversation for anyone serious about better sales and communication. We got right into Jake’s background. He’s spent decades training and studying how real conversations work. His philosophy is that while everyone wants to think we're unique, most of us share basic patterns in how we process information, communicate, and make decisions. That realization shaped his approach to both sales training and the software platform he created. We talked a lot about Orchestraight, Jake’s SaaS product that’s built around his Neurostrategy framework. He explained that it helps solopreneurs and small teams clarify their message, nail their value proposition, and improve business conversations. It’s interesting to hear how many folks use his tool, from realtors to ghostwriters, to write bios, role play calls, and even communicate more effectively with investors. Some of my favorite insights came when Jake shared his philosophy around sales: selling without selling. For follow-ups, he suggests sending prospects something of genuine value, like a useful article or book recommendation, instead of a “Just checking in” nudge. That “give-first” approach keeps you top of mind without coming off as pushy. A few quick takeaways: First impressions on your headshot matter. Real smiles, posture, and authenticity build trust fast.Being one minute late to a call sends a strong negative signal, even if no one calls it out.If you drop a generic “book a time here” calendar link, it can sound lazy. Framing it as “Would it make sense to talk live?” increases your odds of a real connection.Most of sales is about perception, breaking prospect conditioning, and understanding our shared “coding” as humans. Want to connect with Jake? Connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/ or visit http://www.orchestraight.com for more info about his platform and training. Big thanks to Jake for a candid, tactical, and psychology-rich conversation! ---- 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 ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!