AI in Business: The Human Touch vs. Efficiency

In this episode, Shaun chats with Chantal Cornelius, founder of Apple Tree Marketing, to dive deep into the emotional side of marketing and why it’s the key to building strong customer relationships. Chantal shares insights from her decades of research into what drives buying decisions—hint: it’s more than just a product or service! Together, they explore why connecting with your customers on an emotional level creates loyalty that lasts. From understanding the emotional motivators behind buying decisions to building trust at every step of the customer journey, Chantal offers actionable strategies for making meaningful connections with your audience. Tune in to learn: How to uncover what really matters to your customersThe power of emotional language in marketingTips for aligning your sales and delivery teams to create consistent customer experiencesWhy focusing on retention can be more valuable than chasing new clients LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantalcornelius/ Take the Test: https://appletreeuk.com/Take-the-Test/

In this episode, Shaun sits down with Jacqueline from Behind the Design Co., who shares her transformative journey from a 15-year corporate marketing career to helping creative entrepreneurs build profitable businesses. Jacqueline opens up about her pivot from marketing into interior design and how her experience in both industries inspired her to create a unique program for entrepreneurs who want to turn their hobbies into sustainable businesses. Listen in as Jacqueline reveals her three-pillar framework for success: Mindset Mastery: Why understanding your mindset and overcoming hidden mental blocks can be the game-changer for business growth.Systemizing for Success: How establishing systems and processes can prevent burnout and help solopreneurs work smarter, not harder.Building Supportive Habits: The small but powerful habits that keep businesses running smoothly and allow entrepreneurs to scale. Jacqueline shares practical advice on how to focus your marketing efforts, the power of asking for help, and tips on creating an exceptional client experience. Whether you’re just starting out or feel stuck in your business, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you grow with intention. Website: https://www.behindthedesignco.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignco/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/behind-the-design/

In this episode, host Shaun Whynacht sits down with Amy and Tim, a husband-and-wife duo who have achieved incredible success in the world of network marketing. Together, they’ve built a multi-million dollar business while navigating the unique challenges of working as a couple. From Amy’s early struggles in network marketing to the pivotal moment that sparked their rise to the top, this episode covers their entire journey. You’ll hear how they balanced family life with growing a business, how Tim went from skeptic to supporter, and why they recently decided to take the risk of leaving their established company to start fresh with Farmasi. Plus, Amy and Tim share their top tips for anyone looking to break into network marketing or find success in their own entrepreneurial ventures. Key Takeaways: What network marketing is and how it works.The struggles Amy faced in her early years, and what eventually led to her breakthrough.Tim’s transition from doubting husband to supportive partner and full-time business collaborator.The importance of believing in the products you sell and understanding your compensation plan.Tips for balancing marriage, family, and a growing business.Why they recently left their successful company to start a new journey with Farmasi. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the episode and Amy and Tim’s background.[02:00] What is network marketing? Amy and Tim explain.[07:30] Amy’s 17-year journey in network marketing before her breakthrough.[11:00] Tim’s initial doubts and how Amy’s growing success changed his perspective.[14:30] Keys to success in network marketing: belief in the product, knowing the comp plan, and setting boundaries.[18:00] Balancing work and personal life: How Amy and Tim manage marriage and business.[23:30] Why they left their established company for a new opportunity with Farmasi.[28:00] Advice for anyone looking to get started in network marketing.[30:00] Closing thoughts and where to find Amy and Tim online. Resources Mentioned: Tim and Amy’s Website

In this insightful episode, Shaun Whynacht sits down with LinkedIn expert Scott Aaron to explore how professionals can maximize the power of LinkedIn for client acquisition, lead generation, and business growth. Scott shares his personal journey from running health clubs to becoming a LinkedIn authority, helping professionals leverage the platform for organic growth. With over a decade of experience, Scott breaks down the key steps to optimizing your LinkedIn presence and building meaningful connections without overwhelming your audience with spammy tactics. Key Discussion Points: Scott’s Entrepreneurial Journey: From running health clubs to shifting into LinkedIn consulting, Scott shares how he found his niche.Why LinkedIn?: Scott explains why LinkedIn is a must-use platform for business professionals looking for organic growth and how it differs from other social platforms.Profile Optimization: The importance of SEO on LinkedIn and how optimizing your profile with the right keywords can help you stand out.Building the Right Network: Strategies for connecting with potential clients and power partners who will help expand your business.Messaging Without Pitch-Slapping: Scott emphasizes building authentic connections through thoughtful, personalized messaging, not just pitching from the start.Creating Value-Driven Content: Tips on how to educate and inform your audience through engaging content, and why consistent content creation is crucial.Engagement Tips: How to effectively engage with other people’s content on LinkedIn and build relationships through authentic interactions.Avoiding Common Mistakes: Scott highlights what not to do on LinkedIn, from using automated software to joining engagement pods that hurt your reputation. Actionable Takeaways: Optimize Your Profile: Embed relevant keywords throughout your profile to improve your search visibility on LinkedIn.Connect with Purpose: Focus on connecting with potential clients and power partners who align with your goals.Engage Authentically: Focus on building genuine relationships by engaging with others' content and being consistent with value-driven content creation. Resources Mentioned: Free LinkedIn Profile Optimizer Tool: Download Scott’s free tool to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile here.Upcoming Workshop: Scott’s free 5-day challenge, “Amateur to Expert in 5 Days on LinkedIn,” runs from November 4th-8th. Sign up here. Connect with Scott Aaron: LinkedIn: Scott AaronWebsite: scottaaron.net

In this episode, we dive into the world of podcast guesting as a powerful networking and marketing tool for business owners. Our guest, Jessica Rhodes, founder of Interview Connections, shares her insights on how appearing as a guest on podcasts can open doors to new relationships, opportunities, and business growth. Key Topics Discussed: The Overlooked Value of Podcast Guesting: Jessica explains how podcast guesting is not just about reaching a wide audience but also about building relationships with podcast hosts who are often fellow business owners.Starting with Guesting Before Hosting: She advises aspiring podcasters to begin by guesting on other shows to gain experience and confidence before launching their own podcast.Building Genuine Relationships with Hosts: Jessica emphasizes the importance of connecting with podcast hosts before and after the interview to nurture valuable professional relationships.Strategies for Providing Value Without Being Salesy: Learn how to share your expertise and stories in a way that provides value to listeners without turning the conversation into a sales pitch.Choosing the Right Podcasts to Appear On: Insights on selecting podcasts that align with your target audience and business goals to maximize the impact of your guest appearances.The Long-Term Benefits of Podcast Guesting: Jessica discusses how podcast episodes serve as evergreen content that can continue to generate leads and opportunities long after they are published. Guest Bio: Jessica Rhodes is the founder and CEO of Interview Connections, the first podcast booking agency established in 2013. With over a decade of experience in the podcasting industry, Jessica has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs leverage podcast guesting to grow their businesses. She started her entrepreneurial journey as a virtual assistant and quickly saw the potential of podcast guesting as a networking and marketing tool. Connect with Jessica: Website: interviewconnections.comLinkedIn: Jessica Rhodes on LinkedIn (Note: Insert actual LinkedIn URL if available) Actionable Takeaways: Focus on Building Relationships: Remember that podcast hosts are valuable connections who can lead to new opportunities beyond the episode.Prepare Your Messaging: Have a clear understanding of your topics and the value you bring to ensure each guest appearance is impactful.Invest in Quality Equipment: Good audio and video quality can enhance your professionalism and the overall success of your guest appearances.Think Long-Term: Approach podcast guesting as a long-term strategy, committing to consistent appearances over time to see substantial results. Sponsor/Call to Action: Interested in leveraging podcast guesting to grow your business? Visit Interview Connections to learn how Jessica and her team can help you get booked on podcasts that align with your goals. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you.

In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Bernadine, who shares her remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of knowing your “why.” Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_motivationalcoach After moving from South Africa to the U.S. with just $200, Bernadine and her husband had a choice: rebuild from scratch or let adversity win. They chose to thrive. We dive into: The importance of defining your 'why' in business and lifeHow Bernadine launched multiple ventures, including a gratitude journal and a coaching businessStrategies to overcome self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty when pursuing your goalsWhy gratitude is essential for success and growth Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone navigating a major life change, this episode is packed with motivation, actionable advice, and real-world strategies to help you turn obstacles into opportunities. Tune in to hear how Bernadine transformed adversity into opportunity and learn how you can do the same.

Host: Shaun Whynacht Guest: Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto In this episode of the podcast, Shaun Whynacht sits down with Marcel Petitpas to dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects for agencies: pricing and profitability. They discuss various pricing models, how to structure them, and the importance of aligning pricing with the value delivered to clients. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Pricing & Profitability: Shaun and Marcel introduce the topic, emphasizing the importance of structuring pricing models to build a profitable agency that serves its clients effectively.Marcel’s Background: Marcel shares his journey from running a virtual real estate tour agency to becoming an expert in agency profitability, highlighting his experiences and lessons learned along the way.Different Pricing Models: Marcel outlines four main categories of pricing models for agencies: Time and Materials Billing: Selling hours, days, weeks, or months.Abstracted Versions of Time-Based Billing: Broader time horizons or larger buckets of team rates.Flat Rate Pricing: Fixed costs for specific deliverables.Value-Based Pricing: Pricing based on the value or performance outcomes delivered to clients. Utility of Time and Materials Billing: Marcel explains situations where time and materials billing is beneficial, especially for high-risk or undefined scope projects.Indicators for Changing Pricing Models: Signs that an agency might need to adjust its pricing model, such as consistently going over budget or the methodology used conflicting with the pricing structure.SaaS-Based Service Agencies: Insights on how agencies offering SaaS products should approach pricing, including the importance of considering pass-through costs and understanding agency gross income.Future Trends in Agency Pricing: Marcel shares his observations on the increasing complexity of pricing models in smaller firms and the importance of internal specialization for future agency success.About Parakeeto: Marcel discusses his company, Parakeeto, which provides software and services to help agencies measure and improve profitability through actionable insights based on operations data. Resources Mentioned: Parakeeto WebsiteOn Pricing Models: https://parakeeto.com/blog/how-to-identify-the-right-pricing-strategy-for-your-produc-with-marcel-petitpas-episode-68/ Toolkit: http://parakeeto.com/toolkit?utm_source=Earned+Media&utm_medium=Podcast+Appearance&utm_campaign=Content+Amplification+Podcast For solopreneurs who want to scale a team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXaNXMzcPoY&ab_channel=SolopreneurCoach-MikeMoll  Connect with Marcel Petitpas: LinkedInTwitter Final Thoughts: Marcel leaves listeners with the encouragement to explore different pricing models and find the one that aligns best with their agency’s strengths and the value they deliver to clients. How to Work with Parakeeto: If you’re interested in working with Parakeeto or learning more about their services, visit their website or check out their free agency profitability toolkit. Closing: Shaun thanks Marcel for sharing his valuable insights and expertise on agency pricing and profitability, wrapping up the episode with a note of appreciation for his time and knowledge. Tune in to this episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to structure your agency’s pricing model to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Yeung, founder of Find Your Audience, to explore the provocative notion that "marketing is easy, people are lazy." With over 15 years of executive experience and nearly two decades in search engine optimization and media buying, Nathan shares his journey from finance to running a successful marketing firm. We dive into practical strategies for understanding customer touchpoints, leveraging SEO, and preparing for the AI-driven future of marketing. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner, Nathan's insights will help you make your marketing function work efficiently and effectively.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of podcasting with Jeremy, the founder of Command Your Brand. Jeremy shares his fascinating journey from studying the Roman Empire to becoming a podcasting expert. We explore the evolution of the podcasting landscape, essential strategies for new podcasters, and the best practices for promoting your show effectively. Whether you’re looking to start a podcast or improve your current one, Jeremy’s insights are invaluable. Key Topics Discussed: Jeremy’s Background: • Transition from teaching to podcasting. • Founding Command Your Brand in 2016. • Early success in podcasting and the growth of the industry. Starting a Podcast Today: • Importance of niching down. • The necessity of a long-term commitment. • Adapting to changes in the podcasting ecosystem. Podcast Formats and Business Integration: • Different formats and their benefits. • Aligning your podcast with your business model. • Creating content that provides value to listeners. Ideal Podcast Length: • Factors influencing podcast length. • Adapting to listener preferences and habits. • Using surveys to determine optimal episode duration. YouTube and Podcasting: • Leveraging YouTube for podcast discoverability. • Setting up and optimizing video podcasts on YouTube. • The benefits of live streaming episodes. Essential Equipment and Setup: • Jeremy’s recommended gear and setup. • Importance of audio quality and background noise reduction. • Lighting tips for video podcasts. Being a Great Podcast Guest: • Finding the right niche shows. • Crafting your message for maximum impact. • Effective outreach strategies for securing guest spots. Promoting Your Podcast: • Effective video optimization techniques. • Utilizing tools like Taja.ai, VidIQ, and Video.ai. • Strategies for promoting episodes across social platforms. Command Your Brand Services: • How Command Your Brand helps clients get on shows and produce podcasts. • The ideal client profile for their services. Special Offer: Visit CommandYourEmpire.com to access a free resource packed with PR tips, podcasting insights, and tools to help you boost your company’s visibility and success. This comprehensive guide is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to dive into podcasting or enhance their current efforts.

Hey I had a really interesting chat with a potential client about the role of AI and automation in business. We got into whether AI can ever replace the human touch and how businesses can find that sweet spot between being efficient and staying personal. I brought up some great points and shared a practical example of how tools like ChatGPT can make tasks like proposal writing a breeze, saving time without sacrificing quality. By the end of our conversation, we were weighing the downsides of using AI in business, but it was clear how much more productive and cost-effective these technologies can make us. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we covered: 00:00 A Realization Moment: The Impact of Words00:27 The Old School vs. AI Debate01:09 The Practicality of AI in Business Operations02:18 AI's Efficiency in Task Management03:50 A Personal Experience: AI Transforming Business Proposals05:03 The Unmatched Speed and Precision of AI in Business06:25 Reflecting on the AI Advantage I hope you enjoy the episode and find some useful takeaways for your own business.