Free Work That Actually Pays w/ Troy Plota | Ep 377

What if the secret to standing out on LinkedIn isn’t posting more—but mastering comments? In this episode, Chris Do talks with copywriter and creative strategist Jasmin Alic about building influence, writing with rhythm, and showing up with consistency. From his early days as a rapper to becoming one of LinkedIn’s most engaging voices, Jasmin breaks down how creators can use discipline, habits, and authentic interaction to earn visibility and trust online. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Power of LinkedIn comments (05:10) From rap career to copywriting (10:15) Why posting daily is overrated (18:20) Engagement as habit, not job (26:00) Mastering LinkedIn algorithm timing (37:20) Finding content ideas in comments (48:15) Building trust and real community (01:01:10) Balancing business and family life (01:15:30) Discipline, mindset, and consistency (01:37:50) Rap, rhythm, and persuasive writing (01:49:10) Final reflections and key takeaways Hey listeners!   Here is a savings opportunity for the AIGA Design Conference in October.  Use code: 25DCTHEFUTUR15 for a 15% discount on your ticket.  https://www.aiga.org/design/aiga-design-conference Check out today's guest, Jasmin Alic: Website: ⁠https://www.hey-jay.com/⁠ Jasmin Alic LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin/?originalSubdomain=ba Check out The Futur: Website: https://www.thefutur.com/ Courses: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠ Twitter:⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Threads:⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠ Zaap: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ Clubhouse:⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the real cost of internet fame? In this episode, Chris and Jodie Cook break down the hidden pressures of building a big online audience—relentless DMs, parasocial fans, and the constant demand for time and attention. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, use automation to manage inbox overload, and price coaching calls in a way that protects your energy while increasing client results. Jodie also shares the challenges of authenticity online, the perks (and pitfalls) of recognition, and why clear systems are key to thriving in the spotlight. This is a must-listen for creators, founders, and coaches who want to grow without burning out. Timestamps (00:00) — Cost of Internet Fame 02:46) — Managing Social Media DMs (05:22) — DM Automation Tools (09:16) — Coaching Call Pricing (14:20) — Client Prep Questions (22:19) — Parasocial Fan Boundaries (31:46) — Benefits of Recognition (37:28) — Online Authenticity vs Persona (44:01) — Dark Side of Fame (48:27) — Fake Net Worth Sites (50:43) — Final Episode Takeaways Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook Websites: ⁠⁠⁠https://jodiecook.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachvox.ai⁠⁠⁠ Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠ Courses: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠ Twitter:⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Threads:⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠ Zaap: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ Clubhouse:⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Behance: ⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Atlanta studios to Hollywood sets to inventing new technology, Troy Plota has built a career on persistence and reinvention. In this conversation with Chris Do, he shares how he went from organizing model books to shooting celebrities, the $35K day that changed everything, and the app that transformed still photos into living motion. But the story doesn’t stop there. Troy opens up about clients who refused to pay, platforms that exploited his work, and why he believes DAOs could finally give artists ownership and fair compensation. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build, lose, and rebuild again in the creative industry, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) – Intro (03:29) – Shooting Mariah Carey and Usher (05:00) – Fashion “testing” explained (09:37) – $250 shoots to $35K payday (11:12) – Free work lands a big client (13:33) – Catalog jobs and cashflow struggles (15:58) – Tony Braxton photos used without pay (20:21) – Playboy shoots: nine lights, full precision (22:16) – Investor backs out of VR startup (23:54) – Beta launch earns $230K (24:37) – App turns stills into motion (26:54) – Slammed-fist meeting with acquirers (38:21) – Platforms profit while creators don’t (45:50) – Where to Learn More Check Out Today's Guest, Troy Plota: Website: https://troyplota.com Plotaverse (his app/platform): https://plotaverse.com X (Twitter): @troyplota Instagram: @Plotagraph Check out The Futur: Website: https://www.thefutur.com/ Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/ Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Do reunites with Allan Dib, bestselling author of The One Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing, to break down timeless marketing truths in a noisy AI-driven world. Using his playful “wedding episode” framework—something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—Allan shares why fundamentals never go out of style, how AI is an Iron Man suit (not a replacement), why creativity and identity are the ultimate differentiators, and how to use simple human touches to cut through digital clutter. They explore the real challenges creators face today: obscurity vs. theft, average messaging vs. standout authenticity, and why giving away your best ideas often creates the greatest opportunities. Along the way, Allan introduces lean marketing principles, the barbell strategy, and the concept of “positive externalities” that make your marketing valuable—even to those who never buy. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro & The Wedding Episode Setup (01:19) Something Old — Fundamentals in an AI-Obsessed World (04:42) AI as the Iron Man Suit (10:10) Composer vs. Conductor: The Creative Advantage (11:44) Obscurity vs. Theft in the Creator Economy (13:52) Give Away 99% of Your Best Stuff (15:31) Standing Out: Analog & Pattern Interrupts (19:19) Marketing That Creates Positive Externalities (21:32) Brandwidth: Why 47 Minutes Builds Trust (23:19) Something Borrowed — The Barbell Strategy (44:44) Something Blue — Future-Proofing Your Marketing Check out today’s guest, Allan Dib: Website: https://successwise.com/ The One Page Marketing Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1941142990 Lean Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0648780745 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allandib/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/allandib Check out The Futur: Website: https://www.thefutur.com/ Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/ Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/thefuturishere TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere Check out Chris Do: Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/thechrisdo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⁠Register for AdobeMax⁠ using the code FUTUR25 for $400 off a full pass.  See you there! In this episode, Chris Do sits down with designer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur Stan Nwaeze to unpack the story of how he built himself—from growing up with scarcity in Nigeria to crafting a career rooted in vision, values, and relentless curiosity. Stan traces his path from teaching himself HTML and design, to shifting into branding and UI/UX, and finally to discovering filmmaking as the medium that allows him to bring all his skills together. He opens up about building authority by sharing what he knows online, landing global clients through consistency, and why documenting your process can be more powerful than waiting to be “discovered.” Chris and Stan also dive into the bigger themes of faith, identity, and authenticity in the creator economy: why who you are comes before what you do, how to balance free work with strategic marketing, and what it takes to stand out in a noisy world shaped by AI tools and endless competition. Along the way, Stan shares the frameworks behind his content creation—hooks, sound design, B-roll, and storytelling—that keep people engaged and opportunities flowing. Whether you’re an emerging creative, a freelancer trying to break through, or a seasoned pro wondering how to reinvent yourself, this episode is a candid roadmap for resilience, creativity, and leading with identity. Timestamps: (00:15) From Scarcity to Vision: Stan’s Early Journey(02:00) Choosing Design over Development(04:00) Finding Filmmaking and Storytelling(07:00) Sharing What You Know & Creating Your Stage(10:20) Building Credibility and Authority in a Crowded Space(15:00) Free Work, Marketing, and Playing the Long Game(20:30) Hooks, Sound, and Storytelling in Content Creation(29:00) Standing Out with Identity and Authenticity(35:00) Lessons on Faith, Resilience, and Creative Growth Check out today's guest, Stan Nwaeze: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stan_nwaeze/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@stannwaeze1219?si=vPP5SXclma4EBUj2 Twitter/X: https://x.com/stan_nwaeze LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-nwaeze-0798a6105?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zaap: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ Clubhouse:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠⁠ Behance: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we care so much about what other people think? In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Chris Do and Jodie Cook unpack the roots of identity, judgment, and self-worth. From school systems that condition conformity, to the subtle ways parents shape our sense of pride and achievement, Chris and Jodie explore how external validation can quietly dictate our happiness. They discuss the difference between praise and gratitude, the trap of living for weekends, and how to cultivate the courage to stand in your own truth—unapologetically. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why schools and early environments push us toward conformity How parental expectations shape identity and self-worth The difference between praise and gratitude in relationships and leadership Why living for the weekend signals deeper misalignment How judgment (of others and self) creates separation Practical ways to stop caring about others’ opinions and focus on your own path Timestamps (00:00) Caring about others’ opinions (07:29) Pride vs. gratitude (14:00) Parents, school, and conditioning (24:48) Clearing the record (35:30) Trusting instincts (45:00) Entrepreneurship & comparison (55:00) Criticism & resilience (1:05:00) Work, identity & fulfillment (1:15:00) Owning your story (1:27:30) Closing reflections Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook Websites: ⁠⁠https://jodiecook.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://coachvox.ai⁠⁠ Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠ Courses: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠ Twitter:⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Threads:⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠ Zaap: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ Clubhouse:⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Behance: ⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with CPA, creator, and entrepreneur Hector Garcia to unpack how he’s blended accounting, content, and community into a career that defies categories. From building his bookkeeping firm out of Florida to becoming one of the most influential voices in the QuickBooks world, Hector shares how documenting his learning journey on YouTube turned into a thriving practice, new ventures, and over 300,000 subscribers. He opens up about selling his firm, founding a software company, and running a conference for accountants—all while wrestling with how to market without losing authenticity. Chris and Hector also explore the deeper themes of relationship-building, generosity, and long-term thinking: why showing up, serving without expectation, and creating value is the real engine behind sustainable business. Along the way, Hector breaks down his multiple income streams, the lessons learned from navigating YouTube’s algorithm, and how to turn community into opportunity. Whether you’re building a brand, teaching what you know, or trying to balance craft with commerce, this episode is a roadmap for reinvention, resilience, and staying relevant in the creator economy. Timestamps: (00:15) From Venezuela to Florida: Hector’s Early Journey (03:00) Becoming “the QuickBooks Guy” on YouTube (10:20) Selling the Firm and Building New Ventures (15:00) The Power of Generosity and Relationship-Driven Business (20:30) Revenue Streams: YouTube, Affiliates, Software, and Consulting (28:00) The Challenges of Marketing Without Losing Focus (35:40) Community, Loyalty, and Playing the Long Game (44:00) Lessons on Creativity, Commerce, and Staying Relevant Check out today's guest, Hector Garcia: Hector's Website: https://hectorgarcia.com/ Hector's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HectorGarciaCPA/ Hector's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectormgarciacpa/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠⁠⁠ Courses: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠ Youtube:⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠⁠⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ Threads:⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ Zaap: ⁠⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ Clubhouse:⁠⁠⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠⁠ Behance: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your brand could capture attention like a Hollywood blockbuster? In this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do sits down with Greg Logan—founder of Narrativity and author of Creating a Blockbuster Brand—to unpack how the world’s most successful movies can teach us how to tell unforgettable brand stories. Greg explains why the Hero’s Journey works every time, how to define your brand’s quest, and why storytelling—not facts—drives human decision-making. He also shares his four-day process for helping companies transform from forgettable to unforgettable. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, you’ll walk away with practical storytelling frameworks that help you stand out, connect emotionally, and build a brand people love. What you’ll learn in this episode: Greg Logan’s 3 rules of storytelling How Hollywood formulas apply to brand storytelling Why stories are more persuasive and memorable than facts The Hero’s Journey explained (and how to adapt it for business) How to avoid the “we’re amazing” trap in branding Defining your brand’s quest and why it matters Greg’s collaborative process for crafting blockbuster brands in just 4 days Timestamps (0:00) Three Rules of Storytelling (1:05) Greg Logan’s Background & Narrativity (2:28) What Hollywood Teaches About Branding (5:03) The Hero’s Journey Explained (7:35) Why Humans Are Wired for Stories (10:20) Why Brands Misuse Storytelling (12:28) Hollywood Formulas Applied to Business (14:35) Why Founders Struggle with Their Own Story (15:56) Greg’s Four-Day Branding Process (16:36) Defining a Brand Quest (17:52) Real Brand Quest Examples (19:34) Emotional Clarity vs Jargon (20:26) Chris Do’s Quest Example with Greg (23:21) Helping Creative Entrepreneurs Create Their Future (29:45) Genre, Enemy, and Superpower in Branding (33:10) Building Stories Collaboratively with Clients (38:00) Quests That Resonate with Audiences (44:00) Chris Do’s Brand Quest Reframed (49:10) Final Takeaways: Turning Brands into Blockbusters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Register for AdobeMax using the code FUTUR25 for $400 off a full pass.  See you there! In this episode, Chris Do sits down with brand strategist and storyteller Sun Yi to unpack the truth behind internet personas, the realities of creative entrepreneurship, and how storytelling unlocks influence. From building his agency out of a New York apartment (and sleeping in the office) to helping others reframe their own narratives, Sun shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career—including how his wife Gigi helped turn a struggling business into a thriving one. They explore the tension between craft and commerce, emotional thinking vs. structure, and what it really takes to raise your prices, trust your gut, and teach others to say “I never thought of it that way.” Whether you're building a brand, running a creative business, or trying to find your voice online, this episode is a masterclass in owning your story—on and off camera. Timestamps: (00:15) Internet Personas vs. Real Life: Who Is the Real Sun Yi? (03:00) From Freelance to American Red Cross: Building an Agency from Scratch (10:50) The Gigi Effect: How Business (and Marriage) Saved the Company (22:00) Leadership, Loyalty, and Letting Go in Business (30:20) Why Sun Doesn’t See Himself as Creative—and Why That’s His Superpower (38:05) The Mechanics of Storytelling: How to Make People Say “I Never Thought of It That Way” (44:00) Myth-Truth Sandwiches, Logic Traps, and Reframing Beliefs (47:20) Da Vinci, Multidisciplinary Thinking, and Finding Your Niche Check out today's guest, Sun Yi: Sun's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sun.yi/ Sun's YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/sunYiCo/ ⁠⁠⁠Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠⁠ Courses: ⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠⁠ Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠⁠ Youtube:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠ LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠⁠ Twitter:⁠⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠⁠ TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠ Threads:⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠⁠ Zaap: ⁠⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠⁠ Clubhouse:⁠⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠⁠ Behance: ⁠⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and powerlifter—for an unfiltered conversation on building an agency that fits the life you want to live. From rabbits, deer, and elephants to whales and dolphins, we unpack how to categorize clients, know which ones to pursue, and why chasing the wrong type can leave your business overrun, exhausted, or stuck. Timestamps: (0:00) Intro (1:46) What Are Deer Clients (3:29) Cost of Too Many Smalls (5:04) Landing Big Brand Whales (6:34) When Big Clients Overwhelm (8:52) Whales vs Third-Bid Time Wasters (10:48) Dolphin Clients Explained (12:37) Client Budgets & Competition (14:17) Moving Up to Bigger Accounts (16:02) Jumbo Smalls Drain Resources (17:32) Revenue vs Profit Truth (19:19) Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome (20:51) Chasing Big Clients Anyway (22:59) Creative Agency Lessons (36:27) Power of Niching Down (38:15) Mid-Sized Clients’ Sweet Spot Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook Websites: ⁠https://jodiecook.com⁠⁠ https://coachvox.ai⁠ Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠ Courses: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠ Twitter:⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Threads:⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠ Zaap: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ Clubhouse:⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Behance: ⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices