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/

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, you have me, Ely Delaney, flying solo to tackle a hot topic that everyone’s buzzing about—AI. As an automation guy, you might expect me to be fully onboard the AI-train, but I have mixed feelings. There's a lot to talk about when it comes to the balance between automation and maintaining human connections. I wanted to share my honest thoughts and ideas on AI, and to clarify my stance for those curious or skeptical. Yes, I use AI, but I aim to do it in ways that are ethical and still preserve the essence of human interaction. Here are the key takeaways from today’s episode: Human Connection Matters: Automation should not replace genuine human interaction. People want to connect with other people, not robots.AI for Factual Content: When it comes to reporting pure news or data, AI’s unbiased nature can be an asset. It helps in delivering facts without personal bias.Enhanced Productivity Through AI Tools: Utilizing AI for brainstorming and research can save time and spark creativity without compromising authenticity.Efficient Transcriptions and SOP Creation: AI tools can quickly transcribe and create structured documents from audio or video content, freeing up time for more critical tasks.Knowledge-Based Chatbots: While I’m not a fan of chatbots for customer service, they can be useful for straightforward, data-driven queries if presented honestly as bots. Throughout our chat, I emphasized how AI can act as a powerful tool when used correctly. It’s especially helpful in tasks like transcription, brainstorming, and factual reporting. Yet, I caution against using AI for human-centric roles like personal email communications or sales conversations, where the human touch is irreplaceable. For those of you curious, the tools I mentioned, like Cast Magic, Minvo, and Grammarly, are ways to leverage AI without stripping away your unique voice and authenticity. Links to these tools will be in the show notes, and yes, they’re affiliate links that help keep me in mocha! Minvo: https://elylikes.com/minvo Opus Clip: https://elylikes.com/Opus Grammarly: https://elylikes.com/grammarly If today’s episode sparked some thoughts to share, feel free to reach out. I’m always up for a conversation about finding ethical ways to integrate AI while keeping the human connection alive. 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 the great pleasure of chatting with Don Oehlert, an expert in job search strategies, a managing partner at ecareercoaching.com, and a fractional chief people officer. Whether you’re navigating the challenging job market or looking to enhance your company’s culture, this conversation offers valuable advice and actionable steps. In this episode, we focused on something I love to talk about, personality assessments and their broad applications in both personal and professional settings. Don provided expert insights on how understanding these assessments can greatly improve workplace dynamics and job search strategies, particularly for those aged 45 and older. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Mainstream Acceptance of Personality Assessments: Tools like DISC, Enneagram, and Myers-Briggs are now widely recognized and utilized for better communication and collaboration within organizations.Enhancing Communication: Understanding diverse personality types can significantly improve empathy and courtesy in interactions, leading to a more positive work environment and better teamwork.Job Search Strategies for Older Adults: Don emphasized the importance of using "SAR stories" (Situation, Action, Result) to create compelling marketing messages for job seekers, especially those aged 45 and older.Personalized Recognition for Retention: Employee retention is improved when recognition and rewards are tailored to individual personality types, making people feel more valued and understood.Understanding Company Culture: Employers should introspect to determine their desired company culture, which in turn helps in managing employees effectively and ensuring a conducive work environment. Be sure to connect with with Don. You can reach out to him via email at don@ecareercoaching.com. Don’s expertise in career coaching and personality assessments can offer profound benefits for both job seekers and small business owners alike. ========= 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! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sheryl Powers, an amazing entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the DFW radio industry and co-founder of M Powered Advantage. Sheryl and her husband launched a suite of subscription-based services to address the resource gaps they found in corporate America, particularly for entrepreneurs and 1099 contract labor teams. We dove into Sheryl's journey and the inspiration behind her business. Through strategic networking and fervent dedication, Sheryl built a company that provides essential non-insurance-based services designed to simplify life for entrepreneurs. Her passion for building supportive communities and educating others truly shines in every aspect of her work. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: Community and Education are Essential: Sheryl is deeply committed to her role in educating people and building supportive networks, which are cornerstones of her business model.Clear Communication with Clients: Sheryl highlighted the importance of conveying her business services clearly and concisely, ensuring potential clients grasp the value she offers seamlessly.The Power of Networking and Personal Interests: Engaging in hobbies and personal interests can significantly bolster business connections and lead to valuable relationships.Efficiency in Networking Tools: Sheryl shares her practical use of the notes app on her iPad for organizing networking leads and referrals, demonstrating the importance of utilizing simple tools to streamline the process.Human Connection Over Transactions: Both Sheryl and I stressed the necessity of fostering genuine connections in business, proving that relationships driven by authentic interactions often lead to mutual success and growth. For anyone interested in connecting with Sheryl Powers, you can reach her through her: https://mpoweredadvantage.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 the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Stephanie Castro, the owner of Stay Home Pet Sitting. This episode is a must-listen for pet lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.  Stephanie shared her heartfelt journey from the corporate world of oil and gas to creating a haven for pets within the comfort of their own homes. Her dedication to providing stress-free pet care inspired a wonderful conversation about caring for our furry friends and building a business with passion. Stephanie's story began with a traumatic experience her dog had at a traditional boarding facility, which led her to realize the immense benefits of pets staying in their own environment. Today, Stay Home Pet Sitting serves the central part of Houston and is expanding to other areas, offering specialized care tailored to each pet's needs. For all you pet lovers out there, I made sure to ask her all the important questions about the intricacies of hiring a trustworthy pet sitter, addressing the importance of insurance and bonding, as well as leveraging reviews and personal recommendations.  Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: - **The Benefits of At-Home Pet Sitting:** Traditional boarding can be stressful for pets. Keeping them in their own environment reduces anxiety and promotes well-being. - **Hiring the Right Pet Sitter:** Ensure they are insured, bonded, and have positive reviews. Open communication and frequent updates from the sitter are crucial. - **Entrepreneurial Growth:** Stephanie's transition from a sole proprietorship to managing a team of five highlights the importance of passionate, client-focused employees. - **Value of Entrepreneur Groups:** Relationships and varied perspectives from mastermind groups can significantly impact personal and professional growth. - **Planning Ahead for Holidays:** Start looking for pet care well in advance to avoid last-minute stress during busy holiday seasons. Stephanie also shared her experience with entrepreneurial mastermind groups and the transformative impact of external perspectives on her business and personal life. We finished our discussion with practical advice on operational efficiency and a couple of great “out-of-the-box” ideas that she implemented in her business, which have really made her stand out and created an excellent client experience. For those interested in connecting with Stephanie or needing pet-sitting services in the Houston area, reach out via her website at https://www.stayhomepetsitting.com You can also connect with her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stayhomepetsitting ======== 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.