In this conversation with Chris Voss, the former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of The Black Swan Group, listeners gain insights into transformative negotiation techniques. Voss reveals the power of 'no-oriented' questions and stresses emotional intelligence as key to successful outcomes. He shares gripping tales from high-stakes negotiations, including a six-year kidnapping case, and emphasizes the importance of active listening and understanding human nature. The dialogue also touches on hiring strategies that align talent with company culture, showcasing how personal beliefs influence performance.

Brendan Kane, Managing Partner at Hook Point, is a digital marketing guru known for creating viral content for celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. In this conversation, he delves into the essence of virality beyond trends, emphasizing its significant business benefits. Kane shares insights on social media content creation, the importance of mastering specific formats, and understanding algorithms. He highlights strategic approaches to achieving virality and the critical balance between quality and posting frequency, essential for thriving in the digital landscape.

Brian Burton, General Manager of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Phoenix, shares his extensive sales expertise alongside Logan Altland, the top salesman at Mister Sparky. They dive into the power of relational selling, revealing how genuine connections boost sales. Discussion also includes overcoming job loss and its impact on sales strategies and personal development. They emphasize structured communication and tackle cost objections by highlighting the importance of quality and service. Their practical role-playing scenarios make for engaging, actionable advice!

Explore the crucial role of accountability and personal goals in team dynamics. Discover strategies for aligning professional ambitions with family values. Learn about building a vision-driven team and the importance of equity incentives. Dive into effective ways of recruiting and retaining top talent while enhancing operational performance. Uncover the significance of reputation management and innovative marketing strategies to thrive in tough economic times. Get actionable insights to boost efficiency and navigate business challenges successfully.

Ismael Valdez, CEO of Nexgen Air, and Travis Ringe, President of ProSkill Plumbing, discuss effective client retention strategies in the home service sector. They share insights on how consumer behavior has shifted post-COVID-19 and the importance of direct engagement. The conversation dives into innovative customer communication tools and advanced technology like modern thermostats that enhance service efficiency. They also highlight the critical role of proactive customer service and feedback in building a strong company culture, ultimately driving success and loyalty.

Chris Yano, CEO of RYNO Strategic Solutions, shares his deep expertise in home services digital marketing. He discusses navigating marketing challenges in the post-COVID landscape and the importance of data-driven decision-making for better business outcomes. Chris highlights the need for transparency in marketing agency relationships and how effective CRM integration can boost conversions. He also delves into balancing family life with running a business, emphasizing the importance of empathy and prioritization in both personal and professional realms.

Rob Parker, a Managing Director at TD Cowen specializing in sell-side M&A, and Eric Van Dam, head of Residential & Commercial Services, share their insights on merging and acquiring home service brands. They discuss the evolving role of private equity and the essential financial metrics for valuation like EBITDA. The importance of choosing the right CRM and ERP systems for growth is highlighted, along with strategies for successfully integrating acquisitions. They also delve into preparing for public offerings and the significance of solid legal representation in M&A.

Dr. Robert Cialdini, Founder of the Cialdini Institute and renowned author on influence, dives deep into the art of ethical persuasion. He discusses powerful principles like scarcity and social proof, showing how small changes can lead to big impacts in business. Through engaging anecdotes, Cialdini reveals psychological tactics, such as reflecting on trust and likability, and the importance of generosity. He also shares insights on aging with vitality and building lasting relationships, emphasizing the profound effects of ethical influence in our lives.

Explore the essential role of customer trust and creating a positive company culture for business success. Discover strategic financial planning tips for scaling without debt, including recruitment and operational excellence. Learn innovative marketing strategies, such as influencer marketing tailored for home services. Hear valuable insights on elevating customer service and effective sales training, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership. Finally, grasp the importance of investing in tools and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Benny Fisher, the founder of The Big Fish Contracting Company and a celebrated business consultant, shares his transformative journey through adversity, touching on personal growth and the importance of emotional connections in business. He discusses the delicate balance between ambition and inner peace while navigating the emptiness that can follow success. Benny emphasizes personal branding and the power of podcasting to foster genuine relationships. He also shares sustainable health tips and how gratitude can elevate both personal and professional life.