LinkedIn in 2026. Customer Research Beats Algorithm Hacks (Every Time)

If you are a coach, expert, or online educator looking for more clients, join FREE 30-Day Skool Hackathon community - to launch and grow a Skool community as a lead magnet, to attract and nurture clients. —- What if everything in your life—good, bad, or downright ugly—could become a source of income? In this mind-bending episode, Lidia sits down with Bart, the Side Hustle Samurai, who literally turned getting his leg amputated into a profitable business. If you've ever felt stuck in the corporate grind, convinced you need to pick ONE thing and master it, or believed that making extra money requires sacrificing all your free time, this conversation will completely shatter those limiting beliefs. This episode isn't about creating a high paying job for yourself. It's about building multiple streams of income from things you're already doing, thinking about, or dealing with anyway. Stop waiting for life to happen. Start asking the question: Can I monetize this? 🔗 Connect with Bart: Website Book: Monetize Your Mindset Free Assessment: The Blind Spot Assessment ⏱️ TIMECODES: 00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 00:55 The Side Hustle Samurai Origin Story 05:15 The Bungee Jump That Changed Everything 08:38 The Samurai Code Applied to Business 11:13 The Jack of All Trades Revelation 15:04 Choosing the Right Side Hustle: The Three Lists Method 19:31 Real Life Examples: From Stereos to Mobile Discos 21:31 Monetizing the Unthinkable: The Amputation Story 25:21 Side Hustles You're Already Doing: Housing & Transportation 33:24 The Wake-Up Call: When Money Becomes Everything 30:52 Dog Training & The Power of Flexibility 36:41 The Book: Monetize Your Mindset 40:09 The Bus Driver Success Story 44:12 The One K Blind Spot Assessment Revealed 45:40 Why Side Hustle Over Main Hustle: Freedom & Control 49:49 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Bart ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidiaaxe

Are you still treating LinkedIn like it's 2024—or have you adapted to the massive algorithm shift that's changing everything about how coaches get discovered, build trust, and land clients? In this game-changing episode, Lidia sits down with Michelle J. Raymond, LinkedIn expert and company page evangelist, to cut through the noise and reveal what actually works on LinkedIn in 2026. If you've been frustrated by dropping engagement, confused about whether to use video or newsletters, or wondering why your perfectly crafted posts aren't converting into clients anymore, this conversation will completely transform your LinkedIn strategy. This episode strips away the vanity metrics and gets brutally honest about what it takes to use LinkedIn as a lead generation machine for your coaching business. Stop chasing impressions. Stop trying to trick the algorithm. Start speaking your client's language and watch the right people find you. 🔗 Connect with Michelle J. Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a FREE community to turn your M.A.G.I.C.(mentoring, advising, guiding, instructing, coaching) skills into a $12K/m online expert business through monthly action sprints: https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: Chapters 00:00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 00:04:29 LinkedIn Profile Fundamentals: Banner & Featured Section 00:11:44 Company Pages for Solopreneurs: Why They Matter 00:16:14 Your Greatest Hits Library: Repurposing Content Strategy 00:25:38 The Trust Crisis: Why Coaches Need Different Strategies 00:37:52 The New LinkedIn Algorithm: What Actually Changed 00:39:32 Customer Research Over Algorithm Hacks 00:49:29 The Vanity Metrics Trap: Impressions vs Real Business Results 00:45:41 The Power of Strategic Commenting 00:46:55 Content Creator vs Service Provider: Know the Difference 00:57:09 Video on LinkedIn: The Honest Truth 00:57:39 LinkedIn Newsletters: A Resounding Yes 00:58:39 The One Thing to Double Down On in 2026 01:00:28 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Michelle ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidiaaxe

What if you could decode a complete stranger's behavioral patterns, workplace sabotage, and hidden emotional baggage—in just 20 minutes? In this episode, Lidia sits down with Annalisa Corti, a Personal Efficiency Expert, who literally "brings down the matrix" on her clients using a powerful neuroscience-based assessment tool. If you've ever struggled to understand what’s wrong with your clients, why your clients resist change, or why you keep hitting the same walls in your business despite your best efforts, this conversation will completely shift how you see yourself and the people you work with. This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, client transformation, and the courage to tell the truth even when it's uncomfortable. You can't change what you can't see. But once you see it, you have a choice. Annalisa shows you exactly how to help your clients (and yourself) make that choice with clarity, compassion, and concrete data. 🔗 Connect with Annalisa Corti: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalisacorti/ Website: https://www.annalisacorti.com/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - FREE community where [ex]corporate pros build $12k/month online expert businesses through monthly action sprints: https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: Chapters 00:00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 00:01:36 What Does It Mean to 'Bring Down the Matrix'? 00:07:47 The Methodology Behind the Behavioral Test 00:10:44 The Accuracy of Behavioral Mapping: Real Results 00:13:49 Transformation Story #1: The Toxic Leader Who Found Trust Again 00:27:11 Transformation Story #2: The Angry Entrepreneur's 60% Revenue Increase 00:20:58 The Importance of Client Readiness: When to Walk Away 00:32:20 Choosing the Right Assessment Tool: What Makes This Different 00:37:14 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Annalisa ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidiaaxe

Are you struggling to find clients because you're stuck chasing cold leads instead of activating the network you already have? In this game-changing episode, Lidia sits down with Devin Sizemore, author of Connection Expansion and founder of ACES Connection Group, to reveal the strategic networking system that turns relationships into revenue—without feeling salesy or pushy. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by automation tools, frustrated by low response rates on LinkedIn outreach, or wondered why your friends hire someone else instead of referring you, this conversation will completely shift how you think about building your coaching business. What you'll discover in this episode: • Why your network is much more than a prospect list—it's an entire ecosystem of vendors, referral partners, stages, and opportunities • The critical mindset shift: stop looking for buyers and start adding value to everyone you meet • How to activate your existing network: ex-coworkers, parents at your kid's school, alumni groups, hobby communities, and more • The non-negotiable tool every coach needs from day one • Time management for solopreneurs: how to balance the sales/production teeter-totter without burning out • How to use AI to personalize outreach, solve problems, and make meaningful connections at scale This episode is packed with actionable frameworks, real scripts, and honest advice about what it actually takes to build a thriving coaching business through authentic relationships. Stop wasting time on cold outreach and automation—start with the 300 to 3,000 people who already know, like, and trust you. 🔗 Connect with Devin: Website: https://devinsizemore.com Book: Connection Expansion (available on Amazon in all formats) Free Skool Community: Aces Connection Group https://www.skool.com/aces-connection-society/about 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a community where MAGIC business builders: Mentors-Advisors-Guides-Instructors-Coaches turn dreams into paying clients: https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 03:30 Devon's Origin Story: From Journalism to Connection Expert 07:38 The Connection Expansion System Explained 13:47 Start With Common Ground: Your Existing Network 14:48 The Detective Approach: Everyone You Know Is Connected to Someone You Need 17:44 CRM and Tracking: The Non-Negotiable Foundation 24:37 Time Management: The Teeter Totter Between Sales and Production 28:39 Staying Top of Mind: Nurture Emails and Social Strategy 34:42 Final Tips & Where to Find Devin's Resources ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://podmatch.com/signup/lidia

Is asynchronous coaching the future—or are you missing out on deeper client connections by staying stuck in endless Zoom meetings? In this game-changing episode, Lidia sits down with Travis Bogard, Founder & CEO of CarbonVoice, to explore how voice messaging technology is revolutionizing the coaching business. If you've ever felt drained by back-to-back calls, frustrated by scheduling conflicts across time zones, or wondered if there's a better way to stay connected with clients without being glued to your screen, this conversation will open your eyes to a whole new way of working. What you'll discover in this episode: • The real reason people hate voice messages—and how CarbonVoice solves those frustrations • Asynchronous coaching explained: what it is, why it works, and how it creates deeper client connections (not less) • Why voice captures emotion, nuance, and breakthroughs in real-time—something text and even video can't replicate • How to use voice messaging in your sales process to pre-qualify clients and create ongoing conversations (not just one-shot discovery calls) • The psychology of voice: why coaches were taught to turn cameras OFF during reflective exercises • How to integrate CarbonVoice into your coaching workflow with action items, to-do lists, and AI-powered follow-ups This episode is a must-listen for any coach looking to work smarter, not harder. Asynchronous voice coaching isn't about replacing human connection—it's about amplifying it. 🔗 Connect with Travis: Website: https://getcarbon.app Chat on Carbonvoice: https://cv.chat/travis 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a community where MAGIC business builders: Mentors-Advisors-Guides-Instructors-Coaches turn dreams into paying clients: https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: 00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 02:15 Carbon Voice Origin Story 05:55 The Elephant in the Room: Why People Hate Voice Messages 09:35 Communication is 90% How We Say It, Not the Words 10:39 Solving Voice Limitations: Transcripts, AI Summaries & Accessibility 15:30 Features Coaches Love: To-Do Lists, Notes & AI Integration 23:03 What Is Asynchronous Coaching and Why It Works 31:58 Deeper Connection & Benefits Of Voice-Only Conversations 37:42 Premium Features of CarbonVoice 44:31 Closing Thoughts & How to Get Started ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://podmatch.com/signup/lidia

Should you be running ads for your coaching business right now—or are you wasting money you don't have? In this brutally honest episode, Lidia sits down with Zach Spuckler, Facebook and Instagram ads expert and founder of Heart, Soul & Hustle, to cut through the noise and answer the question every coach asks: when is the RIGHT time to start running ads? What you'll discover in this episode: • The two currencies you can invest in your business: time vs. money (and why you need both) • When coaches should actually start running ads—and the one thing you MUST have in place first • Why the "ads stop working when you turn them off" argument is misleading (and what's really going on) • The competency vs. outsourcing trap: why you can't hire an agency until you understand the fundamentals • The trust recession: why marketing strategies from 2019 don't work in 2026 • From transactional to relational: how influencer marketing and personal branding are changing the coaching game • Why showing your personality (yes, even your Taylor Swift obsession) is now a competitive advantage • The sea of sameness problem—and how to stand out when everyone's shouting the same promises This episode is packed with real talk about what it actually takes to succeed with advertising in today's market. Spoiler: it's not about having the perfect funnel or spending a fortune—it's about building relationships, showing up as yourself, and understanding your numbers. If you're ready to stop making excuses and start making strategic decisions about your marketing, this is the episode you need. 🔗 Connect with Zach: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachspuckler/ Website: https://www.heartsoulhustle.com/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a community where I make it easy for you to turn dreams into paying clients for MAGIC business builders: Mentors-Advisors-Guides-Instructors-Coaches https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: 00:00 Episode Introduction & Welcome 01:31 Meet Zach: The Facebook Ads Expert Behind Heart Soul Hustle 08:45 Personality Leads the Way 14:10 When Should Coaches Actually Start Running Ads? 18:44 The Organic vs Paid Advertising Debate 23:57 The Outsourcing Trap: Competency vs Convenience 28:39 From Employee Mindset to Business Owner Mindset 36:27 What Has Changed in Facebook Ads (And What Still Works) 38:15 The Trust Recession: Why Relational Transactions Matter Now 50:21 Do You Still Have a Chance in Today's Saturated Market? 58:49 Wrap Up & Where to Find Zach ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://podmatch.com/signup/lidia

What if marketing your coaching business doesn't have to be complicated? In this no-nonsense episode, Lidia sits down with Norbert Orlewicz, co-founder of Digital Mentors, to cut through the noise and break down what actually works for coaches trying to build a sustainable business. If you've been overwhelmed by all the marketing advice, confused about funnels and algorithms, or convinced you need to be on every social platform to succeed, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. What you'll discover in this episode: • The critical difference between the employee mindset and the entrepreneur mindset • The three stages of business growth and why strategies that work at scale will kill your business at the start • Why posting on every social media platform is terrible advice for early-stage coaches • The simple 3-step marketing framework that hasn't changed in 20 years (and still works today) • How to turn sales conversations into coaching conversations • Why "I hate sales and marketing" really means you're being too selfish (and what to do about it) • The pricing strategy that actually works: creating tiers and why your first offer shouldn't be your highest ticket • LinkedIn outreach that works: the exact messaging sequence to turn connections into conversations into clients • Why collaboration beats competition every single time in the coaching space This episode strips away the complexity and gives you permission to keep it simple. Marketing isn't mysterious - it's just a language you haven't learned yet. And if a theater school dropout can build multi-million dollar businesses using these principles, so can you. 🔗 Connect with Norbert: Website: https://digitalmentors.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norbertorlewicz/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a community where I make it easy for you to turn dreams into paying clients for MAGIC business builders: Mentors-Advisors-Guides-Instructors-Coaches https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: 00:00 Episode Introduction & Welcome 03:14 Why Focus on Coaches? The Mission Behind the Work 07:46 The Fundamental Problem: Coaches Are Great at Coaching, Not Business 10:02 Marketing is Just a Language You Haven't Learned Yet 15:43 Employee Mindset vs Entrepreneur Mindset: Opposite Thinking 18:41 Business Stages: Start, Grow, Scale - Different Priorities 23:48 Content Creator vs Service Provider: A Critical Distinction 26:56 Why Coaches Hate Marketing and Sales (And How to Fix It) 33:18 The Enrollment Call: Treating Sales as Coaching 38:18 Pricing Strategy: Multiple Tiers and Introductory Offers 45:37 The Lead Generation Question: How Do We Get More Leads? 53:29 The Three-Step Marketing Framework: Build, Engage, Sell 1:00:19 Collaboration Over Competition: The Team Sport Mindset 1:02:25 Reality Check: Your First Two Years Are About Figuring It Out 1:04:03 Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidia

Why are most coaches terrified to do the outreach? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Lidia sits down with Drewbie Wilson, founder of Call The Damn Leads , to tackle one of the biggest obstacles facing coaches, consultants, and other solopreneurs: fear of sales. If you've ever felt your stomach drop when it's time to name your price, frozen when reaching out to potential clients, or convinced yourself that "your work should speak for itself", this conversation is for you. What you'll discover in this episode: • The real reason behind call reluctance (hint: it's not what you think) • Why imposter syndrome might actually be a good sign for coaches • Cold vs. warm outreach: what actually works for solopreneurs • The CALLS framework - a proven structure for sales conversations that doesn't feel salesy • How to handle the dreaded money conversation without freezing up • Why coaches should actually be the best salespeople (and how coaching skills translate directly to sales) • The difference between a script and a structure (and why you need one and not the other) • How to respond when prospects say "it's too expensive" or "I need to think about it" This episode is packed with practical frameworks, honest insights, and the permission you need to step into sales with confidence - without feeling sleazy or salesy. Ready to stop hiding behind certifications and start having real conversations with potential clients? This episode will show you exactly how. 🔗 Connect with Drewbie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbiewilson/ https://callthedamnleads.com/ 🚀 Join MAGIC Activation Zone - a community where I make it easy for you to turn dreams into paying clients for MAGIC business builder: Mentors-Advisors-Guides-Instructors-Coaches https://www.skool.com/a-zone ⏱️ TIMECODES: 00:00 Episode Teaser & Welcome 01:23 Origin Story: From Insurance Agent to Marketing Entrepreneur 03:42 The Corporate-to-Solopreneur Transition Challenge 04:27 Understanding Why You Are So Afraid To Sell 09:06 Imposter Syndrome: Friend or Foe? 12:23 The Bothering People Myth 16:05 Cold vs Warm Outreach Strategy 23:30 Script vs No Script: The CALLS Framework 27:08 Coaches Are Natural Salespeople 35:32 Discovering Your Worth: The 75 Dollar Lesson 39:20 Time, Energy, and Effort: The Real Finite Resources 43:44 Handling Money Objections Like a Pro 47:10 The Identity Shift Required for Success 51:58 Final Call to Arms and Mission ___________________________ 🔗 Connect with Lidia: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ ___________________________ ↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lidia

Most coaches confuse branding with marketing—and it's costing them clients. In this raw conversation, serial entrepreneur and brand strategist Deevo Tindall breaks down the difference using a simple billboard analogy. Deevo shares his journey from a $500K corporate salary to building multiple businesses and reveals why you can't successfully market anything until you've built your brand foundation first. We explore what branding really means (hint: it's not your logo), the soul-level work required to build an authentic coaching business that connects, and why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates everything. If you're struggling to attract ideal clients, feeling unclear about your message, or wondering why your marketing isn't working—this conversation reveals the missing foundation piece that changes everything.🔗 Connect with Deevo:YouTubeLinkedIn 🚀 Join ⁠Coaches Action Zone (A-Zone)⁠ - a community where coaches stop learning and start earning, one client at a time⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 Episode Trailer & Intro into the Episode04:30 Who is Deevo the Brand StoryTeller07:35 The Slow Drip: From $500K Salary to Serial Entrepreneur14:28 What to Expect When You Are Just Starting Out17:26 Your Business Is a Laboratory for Self-Awareness and Self-Growth19:45 The #1 Mistake Coaches Make Early On20:36 Branding vs Marketing Difference22:38 What Is Your Brand25:12 When to Focus on Your Brand31:08 Do You Build or Find Your Brand38:52 Are Brands Created or Discovered33:21 Emotional & Pragmatic Connections That Sell36:01 Your Brand Will Evolve (But Start with a Foundation)39:29 The Number One Thing You Must Must Do, No Matter What41:38 Where to Find Deevo Online___________________________📮 Subscribe to the '⁠⁠⁠⁠Thriving Coach Sunday⁠⁠⁠⁠' newsletter for practical tips on how to build a sustainable coaching business🎙️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Podmatch⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link)🔗 Connect with Lidia:⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ #coachingbusiness #businesscoaching #podmatch

Heather launched TWO businesses simultaneously in 2025—one helping small businesses design their exit strategy, and another building an ethical AI community. In this raw conversation, we dive into the realities of using AI as a solopreneur: the hallucinations, the 30-minute time-wasters, and the strategic places where it actually helps versus where manual processes win. This isn't "AI will solve everything" hype—it's an honest look at what works, what wastes time, and why competitor research still beats ChatGPT summaries.But we go beyond tools. We explore why controversial LinkedIn posts get you clients (not canceled), why vanilla content kills your business, and why being a "good girl" won't change the world. If you're tired of boring business advice, hesitant to share real opinions, or wondering what to automate versus do manually—this conversation will challenge you. We get vulnerable about the entrepreneurship bug, the freedom and chaos of solopreneurship, and why women in business need to break more rules, not follow them.🔗 Connect with Heather:Humans in the Loop Newsletter🚀 Join Coaches Action Zone (A-Zone) - a community where coaches stop learning and start earning, one client at a time⏱️ TIMECODES:00:00 Episode Trailer01:32 Lidia& Heather Connection via London Business School03:42 Heather's Two New Businesses 06:23 Why Did Heather Decide to Start Two Businesses All At Once12:41 How AI Can Help Solopreneurs Build Businesses (Responsibly)18:25 AI Hallusinate and Lies (BEWARE)21:08 Where Heather Uses AI: Content, Workflows & Custom GPTs24:03 Why AI Research Can't Replace Manual Analysis28:48 Automated Outreach Is Killing LinkedIn (Please Stop)32:33 How to Spot AI-Generated Content a Mile Away34:17 Controversial Opinions Get You Clients: The LinkedIn Strategy That Works38:10 "Name One Good Girl Who Changed the World"40:00 Why Women Need to Break More Rules in Business___________________________📮 Subscribe to the '⁠⁠⁠Thriving Coach Sunday⁠⁠⁠' newsletter for practical tips on how to build a sustainable coaching business🎙️ ⁠⁠⁠Join Podmatch⁠⁠⁠ to find guests for your podcast or become a guest on other people's podcasts (affiliate link)🔗 Connect with Lidia:⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ #coachingbusiness #businesscoaching #podmatch