Marketing Without Rules

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Kendall Hines, co-founder and CEO of Clicki, who transformed his family's struggling lawn care business from 90 customers to over 2,000 customers and nearly $1 million in revenue within six years and then went on to start a software company changing the game for business referrals.  Kendall shares his journey from building his first software solution out of necessity (Lawn Bot, which was acquired by Real Green and later WorkWave) to creating Clicki, a referral platform that automates the entire referral process for service businesses. He reveals how rising digital advertising costs on Google, Facebook, and platforms like HomeAdvisor are forcing small businesses to pay $100-400 per customer acquisition, eating into profits and growth potential. Kendall demonstrates Clicky's automated system that sends referral invitations immediately after job completion, tracks referrals through CRM integration, and handles payouts automatically via Venmo, Cash App, Amazon gift cards, or Visa cards. The conversation covers building B2B partner programs with real estate agents and other complementary businesses, the new mobile-optimized promoter app with magic links that eliminate login friction, and strategies for creating omnipresent marketing campaigns. Kendall emphasizes the importance of systematic approaches to growth, sharing how one client reached $650K in revenue in their first year spending $0 on traditional digital advertising by focusing entirely on referrals and community marketing.Interested in seeing if Clicki is the right fit for your business? Click here to book a demo (& snag a $50 gift card)Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules02:31 Kendall's journey: From lawn care technician to software entrepreneur05:27 Building and selling Lawn Bot to Real Green/WorkWave07:03 The referral problem: Why most programs fail09:13 How Clicki automates the entire referral process13:18 Live demo: Setting up referrals for Joe's Junk Removal17:28 Building B2B partner programs with real estate agents19:37 The new promoter app: Mobile-first referral experience22:37 Tracking, leaderboards, and gamifying referrals24:57 Magic links: Eliminating friction in the referral process28:45 Overcoming objections: Why referrals matter for growth31:07 Building omnipresent marketing across multiple channels32:22 Year-end planning: Reverse engineering your growth goals34:18 Final thoughts and getting started with ClickiVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk reconnects with Marc Mawhinney, a lifelong entrepreneur who has been helping coaches get more clients since 2014 and hosts the Natural Born Coaches Podcast with over 900 episodes. Marc reveals his remarkable consistency strategy of sending daily emails for over 8 years without missing a single day, explaining why most entrepreneurs fail at email marketing by putting all their effort into one weekly email that gets lost in busy inboxes. He breaks down his systematic approach to content creation, including batching emails three weeks in advance and repurposing content across multiple platforms to cut through the noise of the online space. The conversation covers Marc's evolution from real estate to coaching, his innovative flat-fee joint venture model that has generated consistent revenue streams, and his philosophy on handling criticism and building resilience in business. Marc shares his three critical questions every entrepreneur must answer for guaranteed success: who do you help, how do you help them, and where do you find them. He also discusses the retirement of his 92-month Secret Coach Club newsletter, creative business ideas from golf ball diving to pizza box innovations, and his approach to building authentic relationships rather than high-pressure sales tactics. Throughout the episode, Marc emphasizes the compound effect of small daily actions over sporadic bursts of effort, providing practical frameworks for sustainable business growth that service business owners can apply to build lasting customer relationships.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules02:33 Marc's journey from real estate to coaching since 201406:47 The power of daily email consistency (8+ years without missing a day)09:28 Why repetition works: The Guy Kawasaki Facebook experiment11:11 Navigating social media algorithms and engagement challenges12:05 The three questions for guaranteed business success16:45 Secret Coach Club: 92 months of newsletter publishing19:53 Flat-fee joint venture model and partnership strategies22:58 Community building: The Coaching Jungle VIP program24:40 Creative business ideas and thinking outside the box30:15 Golf ball diving business and insurance strategies34:16 The Alter Ego Effect and performance psychology39:49 Final advice on authenticity and avoiding online BSVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Kasim Aslam, serial entrepreneur who built and sold Solutions Eight (the world's #1 ranked Google Ads agency) for eight figures to a SoftBanc-backed company. Kasim reveals why most service business owners struggle with hiring and retention, sharing his counterintuitive approach that peak performers care more about growth than compensation once financially satisfied. He walks through his proven 7-step hiring system that has helped him build six multimillion-dollar businesses, including how to create job postings that attract top talent, implement "flytraps" to filter thousands of applicants down to the best candidates, and run trial projects that reveal true performance before making hiring decisions. Kasim introduces his "Black Box Delegation" framework for managing high performers without micromanaging, explaining why the traditional approach of trying to "retain" top talent is backwards, instead focusing on creating a flywheel that benefits from peak performers while they're with you. The conversation also covers the emerging field of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and how local service businesses can leverage authority-based content strategies. Throughout the episode, Kasim emphasizes treating employees as "miracles" rather than commodities, sharing real examples from his agency where individual employees managed 40% of revenue and became millionaires through equity partnerships.Get Kasim's Free Hiring Book: https://thehirebook.com/#section-IHYOSLuNCPTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules02:24 Kasim's background: From $100M Google Ads agency to serial entrepreneur04:17 The power of collecting books as "traps for future learning"07:17 Why service business owners struggle with hiring and delegation12:45 The Pareto Principle in hiring: Finding your 20% peak performers18:30 Why peak performers choose growth over compensation22:15 The flywheel approach to top talent retention25:19 Step 1-2: Mindset shift and creating irresistible job postings27:19 Step 3: Distribution strategy for maximum applicant flow29:08 Step 4-5: Flytraps and trial projects to filter candidates35:00 Step 6: Interview techniques that prevent future complaints37:09 Step 7: Onboarding for peak performance from day one40:45 The Black Box Delegation framework44:49 Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for local service businesses48:33 Final thoughts and resourcesVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk walks through the complete playbook for rapidly scaling a junk removal business, using his own success story with Integrity Junk Removal as the foundation. Starting from zero in May 2021, Lewis and his partner Ryan grew their Fredericton, New Brunswick-based business to $15,000 per month within just four months, serving a population of only 80,000 people. Lewis breaks down his proven strategies across website optimization, Google Business Profile mastery, community engagement through Facebook groups, and his signature "FEAST method" for leveraging local restaurant partnerships in giveaway campaigns. The episode covers advanced SEO tactics including backlink building through local directories, charity partnerships, and discount programs, while emphasizing the critical importance of customer retention through systematic follow-up campaigns. Lewis demonstrates live examples of Reddit marketing, local directory submissions, and provides actionable scripts for cold outreach to restaurants and media outlets. This comprehensive guide provides everything needed for both beginners and established junk removal operators looking to dominate their local markets through organic growth strategies.00:00 Welcome and introduction01:55 The Integrity Junk Removal success story overview04:47 Lewis's background in construction and digital marketing17:01 Website fundamentals and Google Search Console walkthrough37:46 Facebook profile optimization for business growth44:24 Community group engagement and posting strategies52:02 The FEAST method: Restaurant partnership giveaways01:03:24 Backlink building strategies and local directories01:06:28 Live Reddit marketing demonstration01:22:16 Charity partnerships and community sponsorships01:27:19 PR strategies and podcast guesting opportunities01:31:08 Customer retention and follow-up systemsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this throwback episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, who has built a remarkable home service empire spanning 15 states with 350 employees and is on pace to hit $300 million in revenue. Tommy shares his unconventional journey from starting with limited capital in 2007 to developing a billion-dollar vision, emphasizing that recruiting is the foundation of any successful home service business. He reveals his systematic approach to building company culture, demonstrating how A1's Indeed page with 154 five-star reviews and comprehensive Glassdoor presence attracts top talent by selling the company rather than just posting job requirements. The conversation covers Tommy's essential KPIs (average ticket, conversion rate, booking rate, and cost per acquisition), his philosophy of turning employees into recruiters and lead generators, and his strategic approach to affiliate marketing partnerships. Tommy discusses his extensive reading habits, the importance of delayed gratification, and his plans for becoming a consolidator in the home service industry. He emphasizes the critical role of systems, processes, and treating employees as internal customers, sharing real examples of how proper training and culture can turn upset customers into raving fans and generate significant revenue through employee-driven lead generation.00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome01:01 Meet Tommy Mello: A1 Garage Door Service founder03:16 Key catalysts and growth milestones in Tommy's journey08:49 Recruiting strategies: Why hiring is everything15:30 Live demonstration of A1's Indeed and Glassdoor presence22:41 Tommy's extensive book collection and learning philosophy31:10 Building lasting customer relationships and experiences33:13 Daily KPI reviews and data-driven decision making35:22 The billion-dollar vision: From dream to written plan37:32 Strategic acquisitions and platform company building47:44 Lead generation strategies and Google's dominance57:15 Final advice: Getting out of your comfort zoneVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Darcy Cudmore, founder of RepuLinks, a boutique digital PR and SEO agency that has secured over 5,000 organic backlinks for clients since launch. Darcy, a journalism graduate turned PR expert, reveals his proven strategies for landing high-authority backlinks from major publications like Forbes, USA Today, and CBS News without buying links. He demonstrates the Featured.com platform live, showing exactly how home service companies can pitch journalists and secure valuable media coverage. The conversation covers both reactive PR strategies (responding to journalist queries) and proactive campaigns, with specific tactics for plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, and other home service businesses. Darcy emphasizes the importance of creativity and persistence in 2025's competitive PR landscape, sharing real client success stories including a $10,000 sale directly attributed to CBS News coverage. This episode provides actionable insights for any home service business looking to build authority, improve SEO rankings, and gain credible media mentions through organic link building strategies.00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules05:44 Creative PR strategies for home service companies11:56 Live demonstration of Featured.com platform16:45 Client success story: CBS News coverage leads to $10,000 sale18:47 Home service opportunities on Featured.com23:15 Proactive PR campaigns and finding story angles25:51 Building media lists and finding journalists32:15 Final advice and connecting with DarcyVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Kevin Hess, founder of Survivor Junk Removal and former standout team member at 1-800-GOT-JUNK. Kevin shares how he helped grow a franchise location from $800K to $9 million in revenue by transforming from a manager into a leader and developing his entire team as leaders. He reveals the critical difference between managing processes and leading people, explaining how empowering employees to run morning huddles and setting ambitious goals created an "army of leaders" that achieved franchise of the year and #1 ranking out of 175 locations. Kevin breaks down his proven customer experience strategy that achieves a 95-96% onsite conversion rate, including welcome calls, strategic call-aheads that plant seeds for additional work, offering coffee runs, and building genuine relationships before discussing pricing. He explains his effort-based KPIs focused on residential average job size and shares the three key customer value drivers: time, space, and effort. The episode concludes with insights from his leadership books and resources available through The Junk Evolution, emphasizing the importance of putting ego aside and focusing on relationship-building over transactional interactions.00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules00:36 Meet Kevin Hess: From Cancer Survivor to Business Leader02:14 Kevin's Journey with 1-800-GOT-JUNK03:13 The Power of Leadership and Team Development06:15 Setting and Achieving High Goals12:43 The Importance of KPIs in Business20:22 Customer Experience: From Booking to Job Completion25:37 Building Customer Relationships in Home Services26:25 Examples of Rapport Building27:59 Understanding Customer Needs30:52 Keys to Customer Value: Time, Space, and Effort33:05 Tools of the Trade34:16 Earning Five-Star Reviews35:49 The Importance of Clear Communication39:07 Dream Collaborations and Networking41:46 Avoiding Transactional Interactions44:23 Books and Resources for Home Services49:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Phil Risher, founder of Phlash Consulting, who shares the exact blueprint he used to scale a home service business from $3M to $5M in under two years. Phil reveals how the original company achieved $3M in revenue with just 36 Google reviews by leveraging 100 B2B referral partners instead of relying on traditional marketing. He breaks down his complete B2B partnership system step-by-step: finding complementary services, cold outreach sequences, lunch-and-learn presentations with technicians, QR code referral systems and B2B email newsletters that gamify the referral process. Phil also covers lead management strategies that unlocked $100K in additional revenue for one client, AI-powered content creation using call transcripts and why cohesive content calendars outperform scattered marketing efforts. From his early days paying off $30K in student debt on a $48K salary to building a marketing agency with 15 team members, Phil demonstrates how data-driven strategies combined with relationship-building create sustainable business growth that attracts private equity buyers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:28 Phil's Early Career and Financial Hustle03:51 Transition to Digital Marketing and Blogging05:40 Corporate Experience and Starting Flash Consulting14:24 Scaling Flash Consulting and Service Offerings17:18 The B2B Partnership System That Changes Everything24:20 Step-by-Step Cold Outreach for B2B Partners24:37 Lunch-and-Learn Strategy with Technician Teams25:29 QR Code Referral Systems and Follow-up Process26:03 B2B Email Newsletters and Gamification Tactics27:15 Lead Management Systems That Unlock Revenue29:44 Three-Touch-Point Communication Strategy31:34 Using AI for Content Creation and Call Transcripts41:59 Content Calendars and SEO Strategy49:06 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this solo episode, host Lewis Vandervalk discusses how business owners can secure a prominent place in search results as AI transforms how people find local companies. With Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, and other AI tools now scanning the internet for signs that people are talking about your business, the old approach no longer works. Lewis shares four specific strategies: getting detailed reviews that mention what you did and how you did it, engaging actively in community groups through participation and giveaways, leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok as searchable SEO tools, and utilizing Reddit for local visibility since Reddit posts are dominating search results. He also covers implementing schema markup as a bonus strategy. Lewis offers a gift card incentive for the first five listeners who take action on the Reddit strategy. The episode emphasizes that this isn't about manipulating search engines, but about documenting great work consistently so AI and search engines can serve you up when people need your services.00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules00:42 Why being "talked about" matters more than ever01:34 Strategy #1: Get reviews that include specifics04:37 Strategy #2: Community engagement and giveaway tactics08:58 Strategy #3: Using social media as an SEO tool11:48 Strategy #4: Reddit strategy for local businesses (gift card offer)16:50 Bonus Tip: Schema markup implementation20:42 Conclusion and call to actionVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Zac Garside, President of Prolific Brand Design. They dive deep into the hunter mindset, creative marketing strategies and the biggest mistakes contractors make when trying to stand out.Zac shares actionable insights on boosting email deliverability, crafting captivating campaigns that actually get replies, and building long-term relationships with your list. They also discuss how CSRs can make or break your marketing ROI and introduce the concept of emblematic touchpoints… the small, memorable “WOW” moments that define your brand.This episode goes beyond tactics, challenging business owners to stop copying “best practices” and start creating marketing that’s personal, bold, and unforgettable.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview02:58 The Importance of CSRs in Home Services05:45 Creating a Wow Experience13:45 Effective Email Marketing Strategies18:16 The Pitfalls of Cold Emailing33:50 The Flexibility of Email Marketing34:49 Optimal Email Frequency35:09 The Importance of Consistency and Quality39:57 Emblematic Touchpoints in Marketing49:54 The Value of Personal Touch in Business52:18 The Role of AI in Marketing01:04:10 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes Chris Scoville, founder and CEO of Improvifi, to break down what they’d do to launch a home service business from scratch. Using a fictional brand called “Generator King”, Lewis and Chris brainstorm creative marketing strategies, branding tactics and referral-based growth plans that any local service business owner can use. They discuss the importance of standing out in a saturated market, the power of partnerships and physical branding, and how to build a referral flywheel that attracts long-term customers. From custom-wrapped porta-potties to co-branded trucks and authentic relationship-building, this episode delivers real-world advice with a creative twist, perfect for any trades-based entrepreneur looking to grow smarter and faster.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:35 Chris Scoville’s Background and Business Growth02:59 Building a Team with Purpose04:52 Scaling and Overcoming Challenges08:26 Creating the “Generator King” Blueprint28:02 Referral Strategies and Networking31:13 Colorful Dumpsters and Porta-Potties32:20 Branding and Partnerships in Dumpster Rentals34:21 The Importance of Differentiation in Marketing37:12 How to Build a Brand That Gets Noticed49:11 Final Thoughts and Where to Find UsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

What if every job you completed quietly brought in 3, 4, even 5 more without running ads or chasing cold leads?In this free training, Marketing Without Rules host Lewis Vandervalk reveals the exact local marketing strategy that service pros are using to multiply their jobs using trust, visibility, and smart systems.This week's episode is a special encore replay episode of a workshop Lewis hosted in June of 2025.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to get happy customers to post about you in community Facebook groups (without being pushy)Why signs, short videos, and reviews on multiple platforms still outperform fancy digital strategiesHow to revive your old customer list with one simple textA step-by-step formula to turn every job site into a local referral machineThis isn't marketing theory. It's what smart home service businesses are doing right now to 5X their leads without extra spend or a marketing team.Whether you're a contractor, home service pro, or local business owner, this training gives you a real-world system to grow fast using the jobs you're already doing.Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Mitch Smedley, owner of Smedley Plumbing and co-founder of Trade Wins, to unpack the real story behind what it takes to grow a trades business and why most owners stay stuck in the field longer than they should.From turning a plumbing van into a go-kart and strapping a 12-foot skeleton to a service vehicle… to hiring a full-time videographer and creating content that actually brings in leads.  Mitch shares the bold (and sometimes bizarre) tactics that helped him break free from the daily grind and turn his company into a brand.But it’s not all about stunts and social media. This episode pulls back the curtain on the hidden roadblocks that stop most trades businesses from scaling like lack of systems, fear of delegation and trying to "market like everyone else."You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Trade Wins, where Mitch helps other trades business owners build operations that don’t rely on the owner doing everything. Whether you're a plumber, roofer, or any local service pro trying to build something that lasts, this episode will challenge what you think it takes to grow.00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome 01:57 Mitch Smedley's Unique Approach to Social Media 04:49 Creative Marketing Tactics That Actually Work 06:43 The ‘Fix Pipes and Pet Dogs’ Brand Strategy 11:36 Plumbing Problems, Innovation, and Customer Experience 13:34 Personal Branding & Community Credibility 29:29 How Mitch Got Started in Plumbing 34:40 AI and What It Means for the Trades 39:01 Wild Marketing Stunts That Worked 41:52 The Skeleton Van Campaign 44:02 YouTube as a Lead Machine 50:01 Thinking Differently About Marketing 57:17 Tradewinds Consulting for Trades Pros 01:09:57 Google Reviews and Reputation Growth 01:15:21 Why Playing Small Isn’t Safe AnymoreVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Joseph Hughes from Contractor Dynamics to unpack the real reason most contractors fail at marketing and what to do instead. Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, the conversation unpacks Joseph’s journey from struggling entrepreneur to a highly sought-after marketing educator in the roofing space.Joseph reveals how his early failures shaped his approach, the power of mentorship, and the disciplined daily routine that fuels his consistency. Together, they break down the common traps contractors fall into… like chasing quick-hit leads without building a brand. Topics include the difference between marketing and lead generation, how to use video content effectively, and the tactical steps behind becoming 'Five Mile Famous.' Joseph also shares why extreme ownership, testing, and clear messaging are critical for any contractor looking to build a business that lasts.00:00 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules00:29 Introducing Joseph Hughes and Contractor Dynamics00:54 Joseph's Journey: From Struggles to Success04:11 The Importance of Consistency and Discipline04:33 Joseph's Daily Routine for Success07:49 The Evening Routine: Winding Down12:01 Extreme Ownership in Business14:57 Marketing vs. Lead Generation20:02 Becoming Five Mile Famous27:14 Tactical Marketing Tips for Roofing Companies27:26 The Power of Video Content29:29 Boosting vs. Targeted Ads30:32 Effective Marketing Strategies and Testing36:40 Getting Started with Video Production43:29 Consistency and Clarity in Marketing46:14 Common Marketing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them50:24 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Adam Sand, roofing entrepreneur and founder of Roofing Business Partner to unpack what it really takes to build a service business that grows without depending on you.Adam shares his journey from being an operator in a roofing company to founding the Roofing Business Partner, a consulting firm focused on helping roofing companies streamline operations and implement CRM systems. They dive into how he balances business and family life, why data-driven decisions matter and how to create SEO content that actually converts.You’ll also hear about the future of business systems including AI, smart contracts, and Adam’s plan to consolidate roofing companies through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to boost valuations and long-term equity.If you're serious about systemizing and scaling your service business, this episode delivers the blueprint.00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts00:42 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules01:07 Meet Adam Sand: Entrepreneur and Consultant02:33 The Importance of Data and Parenting Insights06:15 Balancing Business and Family Life09:00 Work-Life Balance: Myth or Reality?11:12 Rapid Fire Questions and Business Insights17:31 Webinar Strategy and Execution23:34 Setting Deadlines and Empowering Teams23:53 The Evolution of SEO and AI's Impact26:10 AI in Home Services: A Personal Experience27:23 Interactive Tools and AI Integration29:18 Future of AI and Home Services38:45 Consolidation in the Roofing Market46:44 Content Creation Strategies50:13 Final Thoughts and Future PlansVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk is joined by Chris Weir, the founder of Spartan Junk Removal, one of Maryland’s fastest-growing junk removal companies. Chris shares his unique journey from summer jobs in junk removal to building a purpose-driven business rooted in strong core values and community connections.They dive into the real-world challenges of running a local service business, including team leadership, hiring with intention, and building systems that actually stick. Chris talks about how understanding contracts through his legal background helped him avoid costly mistakes, and why staying consistent with local marketing strategies like yard signs, reviews, and community sponsorships has been a game-changer for growth.This episode is packed with insights on how to lead with integrity, create a standout brand that builds trust, and implement marketing strategies that keep your business top-of-mind year-round.00:00 Introduction to Core Values00:44 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules01:08 Meet Chris Weir: Founder of Spartan Junk Removal02:02 Chris Weir's Journey into Junk Removal06:17 Core Values and Team Leadership10:04 Three Critical Characteristics and Actions18:48 Branding and Marketing Insights23:42 Understanding the 7-11-4 Rule25:16 The Power of Consistent Marketing26:23 Effective Use of Yard Signs27:43 Targeting the Right Demographics29:22 The Importance of Customer Reviews30:57 Innovative Marketing Strategies39:41 Leadership and Employee Development42:59 Navigating Business Challenges46:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes back Barry Hartman, co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, (a $6 million+ junk removal company) and founder of Bolt Accelerator. They discuss the concept of 'vivid vision' in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining future goals. Barry shares his journey of crafting a vivid vision, the iterations over nine years, and how this has led to sustainable business growth. They also dive into the crucial aspects of tracking marketing metrics, including the significance of knowing your cost per lead, sales conversion rates and gross profit per campaign. Barry highlights how this data-driven approach has allowed his business to make informed decisions, optimize marketing efforts, and ultimately achieve financial freedom and community impact. The episode concludes with advice on adopting a default-to-action mindset to drive business success.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:39 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules01:05 Guest Introduction: Barry Hartman02:48 Diving into Vivid Vision04:06 Implementing Vivid Vision in Business11:07 Personal and Team Growth through Vivid Vision17:18 Tracking Marketing KPIs22:25 Taking Action Over Analysis22:52 Tracking Key Metrics in Business24:45 Identifying Sales and Marketing Issues25:58 Reviewing and Adjusting Campaigns29:20 Importance of Early Data Tracking35:20 Fitness and Business Balance39:26 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsIf you want the marketing plan document that Barry was talking about, head over to https://bluecrocus.ca/blog/marketing-without-rules-barry-hartman/ to grab your copy. Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk engages in an enlightening conversation with Dan Platta, a blue collar dude who actually makes bookkeeping exciting. The discussion kicks off with Dan sharing his recent experience of being hacked on Facebook and the chaos that ensued. (don’t click sketchy links in messenger, people)Dan explains the critical importance of bookkeeping for businesses, emphasizing that good financial data helps companies make better decisions and ultimately more money. The duo explores how Dan accidentally ventured into the bookkeeping business after an extensive career in the corporate world and running/acquiring multiple home service businesses. They discuss the value of having industry-specific bookkeeping services over regional ones and highlight the essential metrics that businesses should focus on, particularly client attrition. Dan shares practical insights into the nuances of bookkeeping, common mistakes business owners make, and the importance of communications and regular check-ins with clients. He also offers valuable advice on setting prices and managing business finances effectively. Dan's passion for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing adds a personal touch to this dynamic discussion, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs aiming to streamline their financial operations.00:00 Introduction and Facebook Hack Story00:12 The Importance of Bookkeeping00:58 Marketing Without Rules: Show Introduction01:27 Meet Daniel: The Bookkeeping Expert04:17 The Role of Bookkeeping in Business08:44 Daniel's Journey into Bookkeeping11:26 Building and Managing Service Businesses20:34 Lessons Learned and Future Plans24:03 Understanding Acquisition Costs and ROI25:33 The Importance of Client Attrition26:42 Effective Communication Strategies27:49 Setting Expectations with Clients38:32 The Value of Industry-Specific Bookkeeping40:18 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid43:34 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Chris Chisholm, Marketing Director of Allied Junk Partners (comprised of  Fire Dogs, Joseph's Junk Removal, Lug Away, and Junk Bear)Chris shares his journey from being a fireman to starting a junk removal business and eventually moving into marketing. He discusses the importance of building a strong brand, the efficacy of grassroots marketing efforts like yard signs and postcards, and the impact of consistent email marketing. Chris also delves into AI's transformative role in the marketing landscape and highlights the significance of adapting to new technologies and market conditions.00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules00:27 Meet Chris Chisholm: From Fireman to Marketing Director01:20 The Birth of a Junk Removal Business02:17 Balancing Firefighting and Entrepreneurship05:15 The Turning Point: Acquisition and Growth08:49 The Role of Marketing in Business Success14:42 Email Marketing Strategies18:09 The Importance of Customer Information24:23 Staggering Truck Schedules for Efficiency24:47 Importance of Time and Customer Service26:03 Community Engagement and Marketing Tactics27:07 Managing Multiple Brands and Data Points27:40 Branding Strategies and Cost Management29:34 Challenges of Managing Different Locations31:27 Tactical Brand Building and TV Advertising40:52 AI's Impact on Marketing and Operations44:19 Future of AI and Human Interaction50:16 Concluding Thoughts and Contact InformationVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Al Levi, known as the Seven Power Contractor. Al shares his expertise on simplifying and systematizing contracting businesses using a robust seven-part framework. These 'seven powers' include planning, operating, financial, marketing, sales, staffing, and leadership. By implementing these principles, contractors can turn their chaotic operations into smoothly running and profitable ventures (that they don’t dread showing up to every day). Al also touches on his personal journey from running a family business to becoming a top industry consultant who has helped countless contractors across North America and Australia. The episode dives deep into topics like the foundation of a solid business model, meeting structures, the “guru pig” syndrome, and understanding financial essentials. Al underscores the value of putting systems in place before scaling marketing efforts, offering listeners actionable steps to streamline their businesses and achieve significant growth.00:00 Introduction to Seven Power Contractor00:57 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules01:24 Al Levi's Journey and Impact02:11 The Story Behind 'Do What Al Says'07:24 The Seven Powers Framework18:30 Planning Power Explained24:17 The Importance of Budgeting25:11 Understanding Financials and Gross Profit27:50 The Value of Meetings28:52 Implementing Effective Meeting Guidelines33:29 The Visionary and Integrator Dynamic34:41 The Role of Standards and Accountability38:26 Empowering Your Team42:12 Marketing Essentials45:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!