In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, we have the pleasure of featuring Misty Gilbert, a transformational coach, blogger, writer, and sought-after speaker. Misty joined us to share her wisdom about resilience, how to identify and overcome what’s holding you back from true transformation in your life, and even what it takes to gear up for a TEDx talk.  During our conversation, Misty emphasized the significance of recognizing one's own weaknesses and working diligently to improve. Her approach is one that resonates with many, as it involves embracing authenticity and aligning with core values to overcome life's hurdles. Here are some vital takeaways from our time with Misty Gilbert: - **Preparation is Key**: Misty underscored the importance of over-preparing when it comes to delivering a talk. From her TEDx experience, she learned that knowing your material inside out is essential. - **Recording as a Tool**: Using video to watch yourself deliver presentations is invaluable. It allows you to catch nuances in your body language, tone, and pacing. - **The Power of Vulnerability**: By sharing her personal story, Misty touched on how vulnerability connects you with your audience and reinforces the authenticity of your message. - **Understanding Your Audience**: It's crucial to know who you're speaking to. This knowledge shapes the delivery and preparation of your content, ensuring it resonates well. - **Navigating Emotional Pain**: Through her coaching, Misty assists clients in traversing the complexities of emotional pain to find alignment and clarity in their lives. Misty's journey from the setbacks of leaving a cult in 2013 to her defining TEDx talk on authenticity should be an inspiration to us all.  Want to stay connected with Misty? Be sure to check out her website at www.mistywgilbert.com

On today’s #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, we’re thrilled to have the incredible Dan Bennett, the founder of Video For Entrepreneurs. Dan shared his journey from touring with a rock band to teaching professionals how to shine on camera. With his experience working with big names like Harley Davidson and Nerf, Dan brought a treasure trove of knowledge to our virtual studio. We dove deep into the essentials of looking and sounding professional during video presentations and remote meetings. As we all navigate the shift to virtual platforms, Dan's practical tips for improving virtual presentations are more valuable than ever. From finding the perfect frame to using a good microphone, Dan underscored the necessity of making a positive impression, even through a screen. We both shared personal stories as we reflected on our own experiences with video creation. I’ve certainly come a long way myself in getting comfortable with being on camera, discovering that little things like standing instead of sitting can add that extra dynamism to your online presence. Meanwhile, Dan spoke candidly about his transition from filming weddings to empowering individuals to film themselves like pros. But Dan didn’t stop at just looking good on camera. He stressed the psychological impact that a polished appearance and high sound quality can have on the viewer's perception. According to Dan, the mindset accounts for a whopping 85% of creating great video content. It's all about building that trust with your audience or clients. During our chat, we also explored Dan's unique solar system methodology for content creation, which prioritizes elements like storytelling, strategy, and camera presence. He generously shared a success story where this very approach turned a TikTok viewer into a prospective client almost overnight. Here are your key takeaways from today’s episode: - Establishing a professional appearance and audio quality in video calls and presentations significantly influences client trust and perception. - Practicing and improving presentation skills are essential – standing up can bring more energy to your delivery. - Psychological impact and mindset are huge facets of creating engaging video content. - Systemizing your video production process can lead to efficient and effective content creation. - Dan's solar system methodology for content creation emphasizes the significance of having a clear central theme supported by specific topics. To connect with Dan, visit https://DanHasLinks.com.

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, we were joined by Lori Lyons, an expert in turning websites into powerful business tools. Our conversation dove into the intricacies of building and maintaining effective websites, the importance of client-centric communication, and strategies to enhance email deliverability. Key Highlights: Building Trust and Loyalty: Lori Lyons shared insights on the legitimacy of solicitations her clients receive and emphasized the importance of building trust and loyalty through email communication. Email Deliverability: We discussed the current issues with email deliverability and the significance of providing value and staying in front of people to enhance communication effectiveness. Website Transformation: Lori shared her journey of transitioning from a packaging business to the digital marketing realm. She talked about the need for both visual appeal and functionality in website design and emphasized the shift from "me-centric" to "client-centric" language on websites. Testimonials and Case Studies: We delved into the significance of testimonials and case studies for websites, with Lori providing actionable advice on gathering client feedback and creating compelling case studies to showcase problem-solving and client satisfaction. Engagement and Opt-Ins: Lori offered valuable strategies for capturing user information from social media and using lead magnets to engage and secure customer interest on websites. Take-Aways: Building trust and loyalty through email communication is crucial for client relationships. Updating website content, adding testimonials, and creating case studies can significantly enhance a website's effectiveness. Capturing user information from social media and engaging with potential clients through lead magnets is essential for business growth. Connecting with the Guest: To connect with Lori Lyons visit her website: https://lorilyons.me/

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, Ely Delaney sits down with RJ Redden, a seasoned expert in leveraging technology to enhance engagement and outreach strategies for coaches and entrepreneurs. The lively discussion revolves around the ethical and authentic use of AI tools and bots in business, sharing personal experiences, and offering valuable insights for listeners. Key Highlights: - RJ Redden advocates for using bots to facilitate deeper conversations, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to enhance, rather than replace, human interaction. - Ely Delaney and RJ Redden share a mutual passion for integrating AI and bots with personality into their businesses, underscoring the importance of transparency in acknowledging their use. - The potential misuse of AI in spreading negativity and manipulating emotions during the upcoming election season is a warning emphasized by RJ Redden, urging responsible AI usage and ethical considerations. - RJ Redden recommends GPT as a user-friendly tool for beginners to begin authentic and ethical AI integration, highlighting its potential to foster creativity and success in business. - Both Ely & RJ stress the significance of personalized experiences for users, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to AI that involves human touch and empathy to avoid burnout and disconnection. Key Takeaways: - Embrace AI and bots to foster genuine connections and deeper conversations, not just for automation. - Transparently integrate AI and bots with personality into your business for an authentic user experience. - Ethically and responsibly use AI tools and bots, considering their impact on emotions and societal well-being. - Utilize user-friendly AI tools like GPT for brainstorming and creativity, while prioritizing user-specific customizations in AI-based interactions. - Maintain a balance between AI automation and human involvement, ensuring a personalized and empathetic user experience. Connect with RJ Redden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjredden/

In today's episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, Ely sits down with James Allen, an online business coach on a mission to assist knowledge-based entrepreneurs in growing their businesses authentically. James shares his journey from construction work to creating lean, profitable, scalable, passive income businesses.  We dive deep into the importance of customer research, emotional connections in sales copy, and the creation of successful online courses. We also discuss the significance of relationships in scaling a business, the ongoing work required for passive income, and the value of course creation based on customer needs.  From Sales Calls to Customer Research to Collaboration and Networking and everything in between, this was a fast-paced conversation on what it takes to create a successful course and get clients that will stick with you for life! Get your pen and paper ready. You’ll want to WRITE this stuff down! To connect with James and learn more about his 1-hour masterclass, visit https://profityourknowledge.com/masterclass

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of hanging with with Tomas Keenan, a former car audio installer turned business coach. Tomas and I share a passion for systems and processes, and our conversation was filled with a ton of value for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and achieve sustainable growth. Key takeaways from our conversation include: - **The Importance of Core Values:** Tomas emphasized the significance of clearly defined values in business operations. Implementing core values in daily business activities helps avoid struggles and painful experiences, especially in the hiring process. - **Documenting Processes and Delegating Tasks:** We discussed the G3 method and the strategy of gradually delegating lower-value tasks to focus on higher-impact activities such as lead generation and sales conversations. Tomas highlighted the need to identify and delegate $10 an hour tasks and stressed the importance of documentation using tools like Loom to record processes for ongoing access by team members. - **Start Small, Be Prepared for the Long Journey:** Thomas offered valuable advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to start small, be prepared for a longer journey, and never give up. His insights serve as an encouragement to small business owners who are looking to scale their operations. Tomas' approach to coaching entrepreneurs on building systems and processes, combined with his personal experiences and actionable advice, made for a great conversation that we could both geek out on!  If you're a business owner looking to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and scale your business, then this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Tomas at (of course): https://connectwiththomas.com

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer Loehding. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the significance of self-care and networking to the importance of setting small wins and tackling mental health issues. Jennifer shared her journey of self-discovery and healing after being diagnosed with a rare nerve condition, emphasizing the transformative power of holistic approaches and personal coaching. She reminded me of the need for self-care and the importance of filling one's cup on a daily basis to maintain mental clarity and avoid feeling stuck in life. Her own journey of self-discovery and getting through personal obstacles led to how she helps her clients Identifying and addressing mindset, habits, and belief systems is crucial to overcoming obstacles in their own personal and professional lives. Want to connect with Jennifer and learn more about her work?  Visit her website at https://www.jenniferloehding.com.

In today’s episode of #MeetCoolPeople I'm thrilled to have the amazing Philip Sessions join us today. Philip is a speaking coach who has a wealth of experience in transforming individuals from shy to confident speakers. His insights and tips are going to help you level up your speaking game, no matter what industry you're in. "You want to serve your audience, not yourself, when you're delivering a message." - Philip Sessions Some key takeaways from the episode include: - Understanding the problem people need solving before addressing your audience. - Shifting towards tangible advice and help, emphasizing substance and actual knowledge. - Utilizing persuasive communication and storytelling to engage logical thinkers and speakers. - Focusing on serving the audience rather than oneself when delivering a message. - Unpacking the importance of identifying the problem one solves and having a clear message in speaking and coaching businesses. If you want to learn more about Philip Sessions and his incredible work as a speaking coach, you can connect with him on his website at https://www.speakingsessions.com.

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople we sit down with my friend and sales expert, Connie Whitman. Together, we delve into the evolving world of sales, busting traditional stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships with clients.  Known for her high-energy, passionate, heart-centered, and enthusiastic approach to sales, teaching and coaching, Connie has been the CEO of Changing the Sales Game for 20+ years helping business owners, leaders and sales teams build powerhouse organizations. “80% of sales is all preparation” Here's a glimpse of what you can expect from the episode: Connie's emphasis on the importance of serving clients and fostering genuine relationships over solely focusing on making a sale.The value of active listening and understanding the chaos present in the lives of business owners.How to effectively prepare for client meetings and presentations to ensure a deeper understanding of their needs.The significance of referral-based sales and earning the right to ask for testimonials.Connie's 7-step process for successful sales conversations, including the importance of building rapport and implementing a defined follow-up system. Connie Whitman and I also explore the evolution of sales tactics, the power of genuine human connections, and the need to understand various communication styles for effective engagement. For those who want to connect with Connie and get her Communication Style Assessment, you can get it here: https://whitmanassoc.com/csa/

"Focus on 1 to 2 goals and 3 to 5 action items for a more impactful approach." - Dave Brown In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dave Brown, a seasoned coach and mentor with over 5,000 hours of coaching experience working with realtors, lenders, and entrepreneurs. We delved into various aspects of personal development, time management, and the challenges faced by professionals in the mortgage and real estate industry. We talked about the importance of simplifying and focusing on fewer tasks in the overwhelming world of social media and communication tools. Dave highlights his effective scheduling approach based on the 12-week year concept. To connect with Dave Brown visit his website at www.davebrown.com