
Uncensored Direct Marketing
Hosted by Maria Sparagis, president of DirectPayNet, and payment solutions expert for entrepreneurs in the high risk industries of supplements, dating, business opportunities, gambling and more. On this podcast, Maria shares her knowledge on how to reduce decline ratios, add thousands of dollars to your bottom line with a few simple conversion hacks, and maximize revenue while keeping your high-risk merchant accounts happy and healthy. As a cryptocurrency advocate since 2012, Maria will also share her knowledge on the digital currency markets.
Maria has worked with several high level entrepreneurs in Direct Marketing including Christian Hudson, Julian Reyes, Jeremy Schoemaker “ShoeMoney”, Mike Chang and many more.
She has been featured in American Banker, Vice, Inside Bitcoins, Coindesk, and Yahoo.
Connect with Maria mariasparagis.com or directpaynet.com
Latest episodes

May 28, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 156 - How to Handle the Rise and Fall of a Business | with Dr. Ant Webb
In this revealing interview, I sit down with Dr. Ant Webb, former supplement industry titan, to discuss the meteoric rise and catastrophic fall of his once thriving business.Dr. Ant opens up about his early days as a driven entrepreneur, sharing the strategies and mindset that propelled his supplements company to astounding heights. However, success can be fleeting. He vulnerably recounts the red flags he missed as his business began to crumble beneath his feet.With refreshing honesty, Dr. Webb reflects on the critical lessons he learned through his harrowing entrepreneurial journey. He offers invaluable insights on:-Reaching the pinnacle of an industry and handling success-Identifying the warning signs that your business is in trouble-Coping with the mental and emotional challenges when facing failure-Defining identity and self-worth outside of business success-Rising from the ashes and rebuilding after a catastrophic lossWhether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply fascinated by the peaks and valleys of those who reach for greatness, this interview will leave you inspired.Join me for a captivating conversation with a man who achieved extraordinary success and lived to tell the tale after losing it all. Dr. Ant Webb's story is one you won't soon forget.Follow Dr. Ant:https://x.com/thebrainwhisperhttps://www.instagram.com/dr.ant.thebrainwhisperer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrainwhisperer/https://www.facebook.com/AntTheBrainWhisperer/Get unstuck in business:https://website.brain-whisperer.co.uk/mindsetmasteryGet the book!https://www.amazon.co.uk/QUICK-WAKE-PILOT-introduction-Thinking/dp/1802278575/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

May 20, 2024 • 21min
Ep. 155 - Why Your Killer Copy Isn't Converting
Are you frustrated with low conversion rates despite having stellar copywriting and sales techniques? In this eye-opening video, we dive deep into the often-overlooked aspects of payment processing that could be sabotaging your sales.Today, I'm covering:- Why even the best copy can fail to convert- Common checkout issues that drive customers away- How to identify and fix bottlenecks- Strategies to optimize your checkout process for maximum conversionsDon't let technical issues undermine your hard work in crafting persuasive copy. Join me as I uncover the hidden culprits that could be costing you sales and explore actionable solutions to boost your conversion rates.✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

May 13, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 154 - Your Network Is Your Net Worth (and more) | with Raanan Rosenbaum
Get ready to supercharge your networking skills in this game-changing episode featuring Raanan Rosenbaum, THE networking pro from Kendago! We dive deep into the world of in-person and digital networking, uncovering the secrets to building powerful connections that can transform your personal and professional life.We also chat in-depth about media buying, when to let go of a traffic source, and so much more.Raanan drops knowledge bombs on:- Why networking is non-negotiable in today's fast-paced world- Insider tips for crushing it at networking events and conferences- Hacks for creating a digital network that opens doors- The art of nurturing relationships and becoming a value-adding rockstar- Mind-blowing success stories that prove the power of networkingYou've heard it before, and we'll say it again: "your network is your net worth!" This episode is your golden ticket to unlocking the full potential of your connections and catapulting your success to new heights.Get in touch with Raanan!https://www.linkedin.com/in/raanan-rosenbaum/https://www.instagram.com/raananlr/?img_index=1https://www.facebook.com/raanan.rosenbaum.79✓ Need a merchant account?🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

May 6, 2024 • 17min
ep. 153 - Reaching 3% (or lower) Refund Rate
High refund rates will kill your business. So how do you keep them low and what's the sweet spot?Aim for less 5%, but really if you're at 3% then you're golden. Keeping refund rates low also helps against chargebacks (indirectly), improves your relationship with payment processors, and keeps conversions high. Less refunds, more solid sales, higher bottom line. What's not to like?✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Apr 29, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 152 - The No BS Guide to Building a Powerhouse Email List | with Liss Graham
Liss Graham, of Lisst Email Management, is a ROCKSTAR in the email marketing industry. She knows what to say, how to say it, and who to say it to. If you're hesitant about starting an email list, then Liss is here to show you how it's done. Tune into this episode on all things email marketing and email list management. From regulation and AI to how to start your first!Want more on list management? Get in touch with Liss!https://lissgraham.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-graham-9b34ba7/https://www.instagram.com/mlgraham09✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Apr 23, 2024 • 11min
Ep. 151 - Adding More Payment Options on Shopify, and Why You Should
Shopify Payments is the built-in processor and gateway for your Shopify store—but it's not the only option you have! In this episode, I'm covering the ins and outs of payment processing, what options you have on Shopify, and why you should consider using alternatives to Shopify Payments to save on fees and better secure your business.✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Apr 15, 2024 • 24min
Ep. 150 - Direct Response Marketing vs Branding — What's the Difference?
Direct response elicits an immediate response (usually a purchase) from the customer. Branding is more build up for recognition and desire. Here's how you can incorporate some of the best branding tactics into your direct response business.Want more about phone sales and telemarketing? Check out our FTC episode!✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Apr 8, 2024 • 48min
Ep. 149 - X Advertising: Reaching a Better Audience, Making Millions | with Chris Orzechowski
Meet Forbes' $100+ Million Copywriter", Chris Orzechowski. From wrestler to million-dollar-making marketing expert, we pick his brain on how to get to that million-dollar milestone. But more importantly, we get the ins-and-outs of X advertising—what it looks like, how it works, and who to target.Want to get in touch with Chris?➡️ https://orzy.co/➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-orzechowski-b5531823a/➡️ https://www.facebook.com/orzymedia/➡️ https://twitter.com/chrisorzy✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Apr 2, 2024 • 13min
NEW FTC Telemarketing Regulation — BIG CHANGES
The FTC announced new regulations for telemarketers—inbound and outbound. If you use a call center, if over-the-phone sales is your main method, or if you're hopping on the new cycle telemarketing in 2024, then listen up. These rules WILL affect your sales and whether your business stands a chance.✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet

Mar 25, 2024 • 55min
Mastermind Affiliate Marketer TELLS ALL | with Gia Liossis
Want in on the affiliate marketing game? Today, we're thrilled to have Gia Liossis, a seasoned affiliate manager with years of experience in the marketing game. She shares all on what it takes to make it, going from social media to affiliate marketing to changing careers and so much more.Whether you're a marketing veteran or new to the scene, this conversation with Gia Liossis is packed with insight. Don't miss out on learning from one of the best in the business!Get in touch with Gia and GiAffiliate Management:https://www.facebook.com/gia.liosiChris Haddad Interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wjDo_UxiLU&t=46s✓ Need a merchant account? Get in touch!🔗 Maria Sparagis Website: http://mariasparagis.com🔗 DirectPayNet Website: https://directpaynet.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasparagis🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariasparagis.directpaynet🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directpaynet_paymentsolutions🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/directpaynet
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