In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tony DiSilvestro. Tony is a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and author of the Business Scaling Blueprint. With a passion for helping businesses achieve exponential growth, Tony shared valuable insights into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding business scaling.

Key Takeaways:

Tony highlights the essential principles of scaling a business successfully by emphasizing the intrinsic nature of every business as a people business, underscoring the importance of human interaction and fostering a culture that prioritizes growth. The significance of meticulous systemization is highlighted, with a focus on defining brand pillars and implementing robust internal processes. Tony advocates for embracing technological advancements like AI while maintaining a balance with genuine human engagement for sustained relevance. The holistic approach to management involves continuous improvement, rigorous attention to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and recalibration for effective decision-making, laying the groundwork for unlocking exponential growth in any business.

 More About Tony DiSilvestro:

• Tony’s Speaker Kit - drive.google.com/file/d/1e9HyZP5THntO5ugAsY4lBKCUZBioI5In/view
• Visit his website - tonydisilvestro.com/
• Tony's book - The Business Scaling Blueprint - amzn.to/3uFpv1s

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Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by the DeskTeam360. Desk team 360 is the #1, flat-rate, digital marketing integration team, that helps small businesses and marketing agencies with graphic, web design, and on-page marketing services.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Phil Mershon. Phil Mershon is the director of experience for Social Media Examiner and author of Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences. He's been designing the Social Media Marketing World experience for over a decade. Drawing from over 25 years in creating customized events, Phil loves to create memorable moments and transformational experiences.

Phil introduces the concept of the three M's—Memorable, Meaningful, and Momentous—as the foundation for crafting unforgettable experiences. He breaks down how events need to stand out, provide personal value, and create significant moments to become truly unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

Phil Mershon emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer journey, surprising and delighting attendees with unexpected elements, and transforming event audiences into a supportive community. Phil shares insights on measuring success through post-event surveys and a 30-day engagement plan, ensuring that the impact of the event extends well beyond its conclusion. Whether you're an event planner or looking to enhance your understanding of crafting exceptional experiences, Phil's expertise provides actionable strategies for hosting events that leave a lasting and meaningful impression.

Questions I ask Phil Mershon:

[00:57] What makes an event unforgettable?

[02:50] Describe the 3 M method?

[05:22] How can you utilize social media marketing to convey the purpose of an event?

[07:52] How can you serve both audience and community ?

[09:45] What are some of the ways to make both customer and employee experiences unforgettable?

[12:29] What are some of the best practices for virtual event planning?

[15:17] How do you measure the success of an event?

[17:54] What are some of the ways to get people engaged before, during and after an event?

[20:39] Where can people connect with you and grab a copy of Unforgettable?

More About Phil Mershon:

• Phil’s book: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences - amzn.to/3MGMTSw
• Visit his website - philmershon.com/

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I’m doing a solo show, and I’m gonna talk about 7 marketing mistakes that business owners usually make and I give you some tips on how to avoid them.

Key Takeaway:

Businesses often make seven deadly marketing mistakes: lacking a clear vision, trying to please everyone, being just like their competition, wasting marketing resources, competing solely on price, succumbing to the idea of the week, and lacking measurable success criteria. Overcoming these mistakes requires a focused marketing strategy aligned with business objectives for creating a roadmap for growth.

Topics I Cover:

• [01:25] Introduction to the 7 deadly marketing mistakes.
• [02:32] Number 1: No vision of where your business is headed.
• [03:47] Number 2: Trying to be all things to all people.
• [05:54] Number 3: Being just like the competition.
• [08:49] Number 4: Wasting precious marketing resources.
• [09:37] Number 5: Competing on price.
• [11:11] Number 6: Getting overwhelmed with the idea of the week.
• [13:16] Number 7: Having no way to measure your success.

Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Leanne Hughes, a renowned consultant, speaker, and facilitator who specializes in maximizing team potential through influential and contagious work experiences.

Leanne shared insights from her expertise, focusing on her book, the "Two-Hour Workshop Blueprint." Discover how business-owners can design workshops that are fast, deliver strong results, and eliminate stress from the process.

Key Takeaways:

Leanne Hughes shares invaluable insights into the art of workshop facilitation, focusing on the strategic significance of the two-hour timeframe. The discussion delves into the transformative shift from traditional presentations to horizontal, engaging workshops, emphasizing the evolution of skillsets required for effective facilitation. Leanne guides listeners in identifying workshop opportunities by recognizing the telltale "how" questions in various contexts. Additionally, she provides practical tips for building rapport and connection with participants, highlighting the importance of pre-event communication and a thoughtful, engaging kickoff. Leanne's expertise shines through, offering a comprehensive guide for mastering workshops and delivering impactful, results-driven sessions that resonate with diverse audiences.

Questions I ask Leanne Hughes:

• [00:49] Why did you choose a two-hour timeframe for your blueprint?
• [01:27] What's the difference between a workshop and a conference?
• [02:19] Do workshops require a different skillset?
• [04:40] How can businesses view workshops as products or lead generation tactics ?
• [06:20] What structure do you recommend for workshops to follow?
• [07:29] What are the best and most time-efficient workshop strategies?
• [10:22] How do you guarantee immense value for workshop attendees?
• [11:41] How do you build rapport and get people to contribute during workshops?
• [13:26] How does audience size effect a workshop?
• [14:32] What is power up?
• [16:08] Can you explain the value of metaphors in a workshop?
• [16:47] What are the best employee engagement activities?
• [20:06] Where can people connect with you and learn more?

More About Leanne Hughes:

• Get the Two-hour Workshop Blueprint - https://2hourwork.shop/
• Visit Leanne's website - https://www.leannehughes.com/
• Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehughes/
• Subscribe to her Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/LeanneHughes

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jeffrey Hayzlett, a primetime television host of C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives on C-Suite TV, and business podcast host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett on C-Suite Radio. He is a global business celebrity, speaker, best-selling author, and Chairman and CEO of C-Suite Network, home of the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders. 

Key Takeaways:

The Hero Factor—a leadership philosophy emphasizing the prioritization of values, employee well-being, and community impact. Highlighting the importance of transparently publishing and living by these values, Hayzlett draws lessons from companies like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. He underscores the relevance of conveying values consistently in both physical and digital realms. For CEOs aiming to instill change, he advises starting with defining and embodying core values. Humility, a key trait of hero leaders, is stressed as crucial in fostering a servant mentality towards employees and customers, ultimately shaping successful and impactful businesses.

Questions I ask Jeffrey Hayzlett:

• [00:57] How do you view the expanding fractional C-suite industry?
• [02:23] What is the Hero Factor?
• [04:35] How do you instill values of radical humility in an organization?
• [06:00] Is there a universal set of values every company should adhere to?
• [06:54] As a company, how do you authentically communicate hero values?
• [08:56] In a competitive market, how can values be communicated to attract like-minded individuals?
• [11:56] Can a company's actions conflicting with its stated values send a message of its own?
• [13:24] In our increasingly digital world, are there specific techniques for communicating the hero factor?
• [14:11] What suggestions do you have for demonstrating radical humility to employees?
• [17:11] As a leader transforming company culture, how do you introduce the hero concept?
• [19:18] What role does humility play in this scenario?
• [20:06] Where can people connect with you and get a copy of the Hero Factor?

More About Jeffery Hayzlett:

• Visit his website - https://hayzlett.com/
• Buy a copy of The Hero Factor and win a Business Transformation Kit - https://www.herofactorbook.com/hero-factor

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Todd Rammler, president and founder of Michigan CFO Associates. With his extensive experience in financial management, Todd is a leading expert in implementing strategies to protect small businesses from embezzlement while enhancing their profitability.

Key Takeaways:

Amidst the challenging landscape of small business finances, Todd Rammler sheds light on the critical issue of embezzlement. He emphasized the common ways small businesses fall victim to financial misconduct and highlighted the importance of preemptive measures to safeguard against such risks.

During our conversation, Todd outlined the fundamental strategies businesses can employ to fortify their financial foundations. He stressed the significance of employee dishonesty insurance as a protective layer against potential embezzlement, a critical step often overlooked by many small businesses.

Moreover, Todd underlined the necessity of maintaining strict internal controls, such as segregation of duties, even in small business settings. These measures, while challenging to implement in smaller organizations, are pivotal in minimizing vulnerabilities to financial misconduct. His insights on the proactive steps to prevent embezzlement and strengthen financial structures serve as a guide for businesses aiming to protect their bottom line.

If you're seeking practical strategies to shield your small business from the risks of embezzlement while fortifying your profits, this episode is a must-listen. Todd Rammler's expertise promises to redefine your approach to safeguarding your finances as your business grows.

Questions I ask Todd Rammler:

• [00:45] How do small businesses commonly fall victim to embezzlement?
• [01:49] Is it a common practice in small businesses to entrust all control to one individual?
• [02:18] What practices should and should not be employed to safeguard against embezzlement?
• [03:08] What is employee dishonesty insurance?
• [04:25] Do employees tend to feel distrusted when internal controls are implemented?
• [06:10] Can a stop gap measure like hiring an external CFO act as a deterrent to embezzlement?
• [08:29] Is investing in cybersecurity a proactive approach to protect against potential disasters?
• [11:45] What approach do you take in the initial 30 days as a fractional CFO for a small business?
• [13:24] How do you address the resistance of small businesses who are hesitant to adopt this financial strategy?
• [14:37] How do you effectively convey the importance of profitability to small businesses?
• [16:22]What guidelines do you have concerning labor and productivity costs?
• [17:55] Could you outline what a typical engagement entails when hiring a fractional CMO?
• [19:55] Where can individuals connect with you to explore more about your work?

More About Todd Rammler:

• Make better financial decisions with Michigan CFO Associates - https://www.michigancfo.com/
• Connect with Todd on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrammler/
• Free Worksheets - https://www.michigancfo.com/free-reports-whitepapers/

This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by ActiveCampaign.

Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer - https://www.activecampaign.com/promo/dtm

Sign up for a 15% discount on annual plans until Dec 31, 2023. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today!

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Ryan Stewart, a prominent fractional marketing officer (CMO) and a seasoned expert in the world of marketing strategy. With over a decade of experience in his toolkit, he specializes in helping clients build out cross-channel acquisition systems using a mix of owned, earned and paid tactics. Over the last 13 years he's worked with companies like Target, Jeeter and Shopify to implement performance marketing campaigns. 

Ryan has made it his mission to lead businesses towards unprecedented growth through this unique approach, and during our conversation, he generously shared the secrets behind his successful strategies.

Key Takeaway:

In today's complex marketing landscape, Ryan emphasized the vital role of a fractional CMO in steering your business towards success. He broke down the core elements of his 90-day approach that consistently delivers remarkable results. If you're ready to revolutionize your marketing strategy and unlock unprecedented growth for your business, this episode is a must-listen. Ryan Stewart's expertise and insights promise to redefine your approach to marketing in the digital age.

Questions I ask Ryan Stewart:

• [00:47] How do you define fractional CMO?
• [03:18] What are the main challenges for those attempting the fractional CMO model?
• [07:17] What is you cross-channel acquisition strategy?
• [11:13] Why is video an important part of your content strategy?
• [14:00] Where does AI fit in the content and strategic realm?
• [17:30] How deep into financials and metrics do you get before taking a client on?
• [19:01] What makes your method so different from others?
• [20:58] Are there any overlooked channels or platforms worth exploring?
• [22:02] Where can people learn more about your work?

More About Ryan Stewart:

• Work with Ryan at Ryan Stewart Consulting - https://rsc.llc/
• Explore Ryan's training program, The Blueprint Training - https://theblueprint.training/
• Connect with Ryan on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RQ0xqm3WHqa5ilpUe1FAg

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by;

 DeskTeam360 - https://deskteam360.com/DTMOffer for 10% off

and

Shopify - Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/dtm

In this episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Julia McCoy, a leading expert in AI-optimized content creation. As the president of Content at Scale, Julia is spearheading major initiatives for what's quickly become one of the most sought-after AI content writing tools for SEO marketers globally.

An eight-time author with a flair for building successful businesses, Julia grew her writing agency, Express Writers, to a remarkable $5 million in revenue with a team of over 100 staff members. Recognized as one of the top 10 content marketers to follow in 2023, she is acclaimed for her compelling content strategies that not only elevate business growth but also generate tangible revenue. And now, she's at the forefront of teaching marketers how to leverage AI to exponentially increase their blog's authority, volume, and traffic. 

Key Takeaway:

AI-driven content creation is not just a trend; it's a game-changer that's reshaping the content marketing landscape. In our conversation, we uncover how businesses can tap into their SEO marketing potential by harnessing AI to produce high-quality, optimized content efficiently. We discuss the critical skills necessary for content creators to stay competitive and provide insights on the strategic integration of AI for bolstering blog impact and search engine rankings. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to elevate their content strategy and capitalize on the transformative opportunities AI presents in the digital marketplace.

Questions I ask Julia McCoy:

• [01:08] What sets this era of the content game apart for you?
• [01:32] You once said AI was evil, what triggered your shift in that perspective?
• [04:36] How does Content at Scale outshine other similar tools?
• [06:20] In what ways does AI excel in content writing that can challenge even human writers?
• [07:56] What guidance do you have for content writers looking to embrace AI?
• [09:50] How can we encourage individuals to view content as a central element of their business strategy?
• [10:56] How do you create content that generates results?
• [13:01] How does this AI tool optimize for SEO and what formats can it use? 
• [15:04] What's your advice for marketers looking to repurpose existing content effectively?
• [16:18] What's the best way to start exploring Content at Scale?
• [18:15] Where else can people connect with you and learn more about your work?

More About Julia McCoy:

• Publish High Ranking Content Instantly with https://contentatscale.ai/?fpr=ducttape
• Connect with Julia on linkedin.com/in/juliaemccoy/

In this episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, we explored the art of customer recovery with Jon Picoult, a renowned customer experience expert and author of "From Impressed to Obsessed: 12 Principles for Turning Customers and Employees into Lifelong Fans."

Key Takeaway:

In the world of customer experience, mishaps are inevitable. However, by approaching customer recovery with style, empathy, and exceptional ownership, businesses can turn these situations into opportunities to create raving fans. Remember, a well-handled recovery can often leave a more positive impression on customers than a problem-free experience.

Questions I ask Jon Picoult:

• [01:01] How does somebody become a customer experience expert?
• [02:48] How do you unify decision-makers in an organization around a customer experience vision?
• [05:27] As the pandemic's impact led to relaxed customer service, are we now entering an era where customers have heightened expectations?
• [06:56] What role do you see speed playing in today's market?
• [09:06] Could you share a case where a company sought your assistance in transforming their customer experience?
• [13:13] Have you encountered instances where customers were willing to pay more for exceptional service? 
• [15:10 What are the best strategies for fixing a poor customer experience?
• [17:56] How can someone begin to identify and address gaps in their customer experience? 
• [19:52] What role will A.I. play in shaping the future of customer service and experience?
• [21:19] Where can our listeners connect with you and explore your work further?

More About Jon Picoult:

• Learn more about Jon’s book, FROM IMPRESSED TO OBSESSED: 12 Principles For Turning Customers And Employees Into Lifelong Fans - http://www.impressed2obsessed.com/
• Learn more about Jon and his company - https://watermarkconsult.net/jon-picoult/about/
• Watch Jon’s story about The Best Service Recovery… Ever! - https://youtu.be/Z2iBxdF1lNg?si=6H2NycnhjXY5q-by

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by DeskTeam360.

GET 10% OFF when you sign up here deskteam360.com/DTMOffer

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Peter Caputa, CEO of Databox, an innovative player in the realm of marketing analytics. With a focus on transforming raw data into actionable insights, Databox has carved out a niche for itself, offering unique solutions for businesses to visualize their metrics in a customized manner. Peter, with his rich background in data analytics and his leadership at Databox, brings a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities in the world of marketing analytics.

Key Takeaway: Peter and I dove into the world of data measurement, emphasizing the transformative power of turning raw figures into actionable insights. Peter shared the significance of looking beyond just the present numbers and understanding historical patterns and the importance of harnessing the power of data tools for any size company. The rising importance of predictive AI-driven analytics became clear, hinting at a future where forecasts will shape decisions.

Questions I ask Peter Caputa:

[0:48] What exactly does Databox do?

[02:06] Can you share your experience starting with an early-stage company (Hubspot) that eventually went public?

[07:11] With so many tools claiming the same space, how does Databox differentiate itself?

[08:43] Many tools only show real-time data, making historical comparisons challenging. What's your take on that?

[09:55] At what company size does implementing a tool like Databox become beneficial?

[12:46] As we move towards predictive analytics, how is Databox addressing this trend?

[15:11] Attribution remains a challenge. How can businesses approach it more effectively?

[17:41] Can you elaborate on benchmark groups and how someone can participate?

[19:01] Is it possible for users to bring their own groups for benchmarking?

[20:54] Where can listeners connect with you and learn more about Databox?

More About Peter Caputa:

Check out Databox - https://databox.com/

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pc4media/

This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by the DeskTeam360 https://deskteam360.com/dtmoffer

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Ben Guttmann, a marketing and communications expert, professor, and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He’s an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. 

Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.

Key Takeaway:

From the design of his book cover to the clear title, Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win―and How to Design Them, Ben highlights the importance of simplicity. He talks about concepts like fluency and discusses how the things we perceive as easy often bring about positive reactions. Ben and I explored the five key principles of simple messaging: being beneficial, focused, salient, empathetic, and minimal. Understanding these principles can significantly impact the way you market your business.

Questions I ask Ben Guttmann:

• [01:32] What was the thought process that went into trying to make the book cover as simple as possible?
• [04:56] Why do clear marketing messages win?
• [06:30] Do you find it is actually harder to be simple?
• [10:48] Is simplicity a technique that people can actually use in some ways to mislead?
• [12:05] What are some examples of great messages and why?
• [14:03] What are the five principles of how to create simple and effective marketing messages?
• [15:33] How do you show empathy in your marketing message?
• [19:10] How can people connect with you and where can they find your book?

More About Ben Guttmann:

•  Get Ben's book - Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them - https://amzn.to/3QaH9mn
• Connect with Ben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benguttmann/

Like this show? Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 -, scroll to the bottom, rate 5 stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know why you like the show!