Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had a meaningful conversation with Zoe Martin. Zoe is an amazing photographer and the host of the "Heart of North Texas" podcast. This episode covers so much more than just her career; we explore her heartfelt Legacy Project, designed to help others cherish and preserve their memories. Zoe has a rich history in photography, drawing initial inspiration from Anne Geddes and eventually establishing her own studio. She moved to Dallas following her husband’s job promotion, which opened new avenues and connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Zoe’s deep commitment to her community shines through her podcast and her active involvement with local nonprofits. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Personal Brand and Presentation: Both in photography and videography, Zoe emphasizes the importance of properly fitting clothes, involving photographers in outfit selection, and using techniques to enhance visual appeal through layering and background choices.Client Comfort: Zoe provides a comprehensive experience for her photography clients that includes relationship building, wardrobe consultations, and complimentary hair and makeup services, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident.Networking Power: Zoe firmly believes in the power of genuine relationships over transactional interactions. Networking, as she puts it, can open doors to unexpected opportunities through mutual connections.Nonprofit Support: Her podcast, "Heart of North Texas," aims to connect volunteers with nonprofits and encourage community contributions.Legacy Matters: Zoe’s Legacy Project, in memory of her sister, offers services like photo restoration and family history recording. This initiative underlines the importance of preserving legacies, not just as end-of-life projects but as a part of everyday life. Be sure to reach out to Zoe and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast: https://thezoemartin.com/ Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had the privilege of having a conversation with Erika Andresen, a business continuity expert with a rich background in both corporate law and military emergency management. If you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur (of ANY SIZE), this episode is a must-listen as it provides practical strategies to help maintain business operations during crises. Erika shared the importance of creating contingency plans and the critical role small businesses play in community recovery post-disaster. We discussed the need for backup plans, the significance of local collaborations, and the impact of preparedness on mental health and business continuity. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Preparation Agreements Are Essential: Just like estate planning, having agreements in place can significantly reduce stress during crises. Proactively setting up these plans ensures that business operations can continue smoothly.Backup Plans for Solopreneurs: It’s crucial for small businesses and solopreneurs to have contingency plans, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. Whether it’s having alternatives for virtual assistants or backup communication platforms, preparedness is key.Utilizing Free Resources: Many free resources are available, such as fire department consultations and training, which can greatly enhance business preparedness. Never underestimate the value of asking for help and using available resources to your advantage.Community and Collaboration: Small businesses are vital for community recovery after a disaster. Connecting with local resources and creating effective communication strategies can make a huge difference in disaster response and recovery efforts.Cultural Shift in Preparedness: There’s a noticeable lack of disaster preparedness among small businesses compared to large corporations. Developing disaster preparedness plans and strategies is critical for maintaining business continuity and ensuring resilience. Be sure to connect with Erika and let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast via email at info@eaasc.com. Be sure to get a copy of her book as well: https://amzn.to/3VkwpDO Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This episode is a special one for me as it marks a year since I launched this podcast as a birthday present to myself. Recording from my daughter's spare bedroom in Idaho, I reflected on this amazing journey and the incredible people I've had the pleasure to connect with and introduce to you. One year, 55 episodes, and countless cool conversations later, I am thrilled to share a bit of the story behind #MeetCoolPeople. From Adam Hommey, my first guest who also happens to be a longtime friend, to a slew of fantastic individuals like Steve Gamlin, Lisa Manyon, and Bravis Brown, this podcast has truly been a tapestry of amazing human connections. We discussed how much these interactions mean to me and how important it is for all of us to meet and connect with new people. My guests come from various backgrounds, but all share a common thread: their ability to bring something unique and valuable to the table. Here are some key takeaways from this reflection episode: Commitment Matters: Most podcasts don't make it past five episodes. Commitment and showing up consistently are key to building something significant.Importance of Networking: The people we meet can lead us to opportunities we never imagined. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with someone new.Sharing and Supporting: Giving value first and helping others succeed creates a ripple effect that ultimately brings value back to you.Personal Growth: Putting projects on hold until the right moment can make a huge difference in the quality and impact of your work.Celebrate Small Wins: Each connection and conversation is a victory. Recognize and appreciate them. For anyone interested in connecting with some of the amazing guests mentioned in this episode or learning more about this journey, feel free to explore the previous episodes. Every conversation is packed with unique experiences and insights. Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/ Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Keep meeting cool people and making those crucial connections!

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Liam Darmody, a personal brand and social selling strategist. Liam’s work primarily focuses on helping professionals build impactful brands on LinkedIn. From our conversation, it’s clear that Liam’s insights into leveraging LinkedIn for more than just job searching can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Liam and I discussed the evolution of LinkedIn and how it has transformed beyond a platform for job seekers to a place to network, build connections, and even showcase your own personality.. We delved into the importance of showcasing authenticity and personal interests to build meaningful business relationships. Additionally, Liam shared his strategies for categorizing LinkedIn content to engage better with your audience. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Three Buckets of Content: Liam suggests categorizing LinkedIn posts into “Scope of Genius” for business expertise, “Fascination” for personal interests beyond work, and “Window into Personal World” for more vulnerable, authentic content. This approach helps maintain a balanced and engaging presence.Personal Branding: Sharing personal stories and characteristics is essential to differentiate oneself in a crowded professional space. Authenticity attracts the right connections and opportunities.Engagement through Commenting: For those hesitant to create their own posts, engaging through comments on others’ content is a powerful way to build networks and find inspiration for original material. Treat LinkedIn like a professional conference where commenting is akin to networking.LinkedIn as a Serendipity Engine: Liam describes LinkedIn as a platform that can manifest unforeseen opportunities when used authentically and consistently, transforming it from just a job search site to a place of professional serendipity.Sharing Personal Journeys: Discussing both successes and struggles, like weight loss journeys, can foster deeper connections and authenticity, making one more relatable and engaging to the audience. Be sure to connect with Liam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamdarmody1. Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today we had a fun conversation with Melissa Watson, Just one of the coolest people I know! A while back she spoke at an event I attended and I loved her strategic follow-up methods and how she fosters client relationships. I knew right then that I wanted to get her on the show to share her thoughts and ideas around networking, relationship-building, and authentic engagement. Melissa has a rich and diverse background, ranging from over 16 years in education to her recent role as a business development and project manager. Despite being relatively new to sales, Melissa has already mastered crucial techniques that many take years to learn. Our discussion flowed from the importance of long-term client strategies to leveraging personal interactions for business growth. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: The Power of Patience in Client Engagement: Melissa and I both highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term relationships without the pressure of immediate business returns. It's about consistency and genuine connection.Focused Personalization: Small personalized gestures like remembering clients' children's names can significantly build rapport and trust over time. This kind of attention to detail sets you apart in a crowded market.Balancing Structure and Flexibility: Melissa stressed the need to adapt sales techniques to one's personality rather than rigidly following scripts. This flexibility leads to more authentic and effective client interactions.Learning from Feedback: Whether it’s positive or negative, client feedback is invaluable. We discussed how seeking out this feedback can lead to substantial improvements and better understanding of client needs.Using Digital Tools Effectively: From digital business cards to Zoom calls, we explored how utilizing modern tools can enhance client interactions and maintain relationships despite geographical limitations. Be sure to connect with Melissa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawatson24/. (Don’t forget to let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast!) ------------------- If you're curious about how I can help you turn casual connections into loyal clients, check out the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/.

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This time, I sat down with Mike Nasche. Mike is a business consultant and coach who focuses on authentic networking and building meaningful client relationships. Our conversation sheds light on his unique approach to consulting and the mindset shifts necessary for business success. We explored Mike's journey from Houston to the DFW area and how he rebuilt his network from scratch. Mike's known for his “Good Old Fashion Networking” events. They stand out because they prioritize genuine connections over long speeches or sponsorship interruptions, focusing on the quality of interactions. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Quality Over Quantity in Networking: Mike emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions at networking events, valuing deep connections over just the number of attendees.Hybrid Consulting and Coaching Approach: By combining consulting's expert advice with coaching's self-realization methods, Mike helps clients uncover answers they might already have while providing concrete solutions.Choosing the Right Clients: Mike discusses the importance of aligning with clients who share your interests and values. Turning away incompatible clients is crucial for maintaining a positive working environment.Five B's of Bartering: Mike introduced his memorable framework for creating common ground with others — bourbon, barbecue, birdies, bullets, and business referrals.Transparency in Charging Clients: Both Mike and I agree that being upfront with clients about additional charges for problematic behavior can maintain respect and professionalism, often introducing an "a**hole tax." Mike also shares his strategy for increasing his online presence, particularly on LinkedIn, and the importance of inviting both old and new contacts to his events. He emphasizes the value of real connections and long-term relationships over transactional business dealings. Be sure to connect with Mike and let him know you heard him the #MeetCoolPeople, you can find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenasche/ ----- Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had the pleasure of hosting great conversation with Marc Zalmanoff, a fitness professional, speaker, author, and all-around inspiring human being. Marc and I talked about a wide range of topics in the realm of positivity, from the curation of positive social media feeds to the deep significance of cultivating joy over mere happiness. Marc shared his unique journey, from his initial pursuits in theater and chiropractic studies to finding his true calling as a personal trainer, where he makes a tangible difference in people's lives. We tackled the complexities of staying mentally healthy in the age of social media, the distinction between joy and happiness, and the importance of fostering a mindset that can withstand societal pressures. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Curate Your Social Media for Positivity: To maintain mental health and a positive outlook, Marc recommends carefully curating your social media feed to filter out negativity without falling into an echo chamber.Joy vs. Happiness: Marc made a compelling case for understanding the difference between fleeting happiness and deep-seated joy, which remains resilient even amidst life's challenges.Controllable Factors: Focus on what you can control—your thoughts and actions. This mindset fosters personal empowerment and resilience against societal negativity.Practical Mindset Strategies: Simple techniques like taking deep breaths and counting to ten can work wonders in maintaining composure in various aspects of life.Act-as-if Philosophy: Adopting the "act as if" mindset helps turn goals into reality, guiding decisions and behaviors toward success rather than merely faking it. Want more joy in your life? If yes, listen in to Marc’s infectious enthusiasm and practical advice light up up any coeversation. His philosophies are for anyone looking to improve not only their physical well-being but their overall perspective on life as well. Watch this guy and pay close attention! If you’d like to connect with Marc Zalmanoff further, you can reach him through his website at https://www.marczfitness.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marc.zalmanoff. Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, we had a fun chat with my friend, Robb Conlon. Robb is an expert in creating niche podcasts that serve as powerful sales and marketing tools for businesses. He joined me live from the Badass Business Summit, where we discussed everything from investing in enriching experiences to the nuances of podcasting. Robb and I met about a year ago through Success Champions, primarily talking about podcasting, and this summit was the perfect opportunity to reconnect. Throughout our chat, Robb shared some of his valuable experiences on building relationships, meeting new people, and creating impactful content for niche audiences. He also offered practical advice for anyone looking to use podcasting as a tool for business growth. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Investing in Experiences: Robb emphasized the importance of resolving issues by investing money to enhance experiences, both personally and professionally.Value of Small Podcasts: Both Robb and I highlighted how smaller podcasts can be incredibly valuable for business exposure. Even with a small audience, being featured on a podcast can demonstrate competence and credibility.Evergreen Content: We discussed the importance of creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time, how to recycle it, and the role of AI and automation in content creation.Commitment in Podcasting: Robb compared committing to a podcast to a nine-month pregnancy, stressing that it shouldn’t be treated as a simple marketing add-on. Consistency and dedication are key to standing out.Promotion and Reciprocity: Promoting podcast episodes when you appear as a guest is crucial. Robb urged guests to research, deliver a great performance, and help promote the episodes for mutual benefit. Connect with Robb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westportrobb Check out his website here: https://westportstudiosllc.com => Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I had rock-solid conversation with Tim Barry. Tim is a leader in sales training, leadership training, and executive coaching. Tim brings a wealth of knowledge (in a whole slew of areas) that can benefit anyone, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned business owners looking to elevate their sales game. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: The Power of a Morning Routine: Tim underscores the value of starting your day with activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. Incorporating gratitude journaling, exercise, and reading can set a successful tone for the day.Sales Mindset and Failure: Tim explains how reframing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for growth in sales. Counting failures instead of wins helps in maintaining motivation and enhancing skills.Ethical Sales Practices: Emphasizing the need for ethical selling, Tim advocates for a consultative approach where the product fits the client's needs, building long-term relationships rather than transactional ones.Audiobooks as a Learning Tool: For those resistant to traditional reading, audiobooks provide a valuable alternative to consume content and gain diverse perspectives. This isn’t just great info from a seasoned sales pro. This is the stuff lifelong learners will thrive on! Be sure to connect with Tim Barry on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbarryexecutivecoach/ === Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

Today on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had an amazing chat with Leslie Shields Botvidson. Leslie shared her unique perspective and brought a wealth of knowledge on running a business with a hybrid work model, providing insights into the future of workplace flexibility. Leslie is the owner of Shields Agency, specializing in Medicare and small group benefits. She’s been a pivotal figure in Fort Worth for almost a decade, and she brought a new perspective on managing a business during and after the pandemic which has led to her “Hybrid Employment Model”. We touched on the significant shifts toward hybrid work environments and how her agency adapted to these changes to attract and retain talented employees. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Flexibility in the Workplace is Essential: Implementing a hybrid work model, where employees work both remotely and in-office at times, can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, especially for those balancing personal responsibilities like childcare or eldercare.The Value of Daily Check-ins and Weekly Meetings: Regular communication is vital. Daily check-ins help reassess priorities and adapt to urgent tasks, while weekly team meetings keep everyone updated and focused on the organization's goals.Effective Hiring Practices Beyond Traditional Methods: Leslie's best hires have come from referrals and engagement in local community groups. This approach has proven more fruitful than conventional job sites, ensuring better cultural fits for the agency.Clear Role Definitions and Efficient Team Structures: Smaller, well-structured teams can be more efficient than larger, less coordinated ones. Understanding and redefining roles as the business grows ensures everyone’s efforts are aligned with company goals.Cost-Effective Solutions for Small Businesses: Even small companies can compete with larger corporations by offering attractive work environments and benefits. Providing flexibility, remote work options, and other perks can make a significant difference in attracting high-quality candidates. Be sure to get connected with Leslie at:  Website: theshieldsagency.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliealiceshields/ Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/