Ambitious Entrepreneur Show

Hey, it’s Annemarie, hope you are keeping well. It’s been some time since I released a podcast episode. It’s been a very eventful year and I’ve been supporting my husband after he was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of this year. I put everything on hold, including my podcasts so I could be there for him during this time. Anyway, I wanted to pop in to let you know about one of the only events I’ve been able to say yes to, in case this was something you’d be interested in attending. It’s The Kingdom Impact Summit 2025: Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship That Transforms Lives. It’s the first-ever Kingdom Impact summit where business becomes mission and mission becomes movement - it goes from Nov 4-6, 2025, and I am one of 35 speakers. My specific topic is From Invisible to Influential Trusted Authority - even if you’re in a crowded marketplace. To find out more and to register go to:  ⁠https://tinyurl.com/kis-annemarie⁠ It’s free to register and as soon as you do you’ll get immediate access to: ✅ The Kingdom Impact Playbook (a powerful resource for faith-driven entrepreneurs) ✅ 35+ speaker sessions (Nov 4–6, 2025) ✅ Global community impact (your participation fuels real businesses + discipleship worldwide) And best of all—as I mentioned it’s completely free. That link again is ⁠https://tinyurl.com/kis-annemarie⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Carrie West as she sits down with Annemarie Cross to explore the power of personal stories—no matter how small—and their ability to inspire hope and connection. Carrie reflects on the importance of moving away from fear-driven headlines and finding platforms that celebrate uplifting news. Annemarie shares her remarkable journey, from being a curious child adopted from a nunnery to becoming a passionate podcaster. She opens up about pivotal moments, including a life-changing accident that shifted her career and shaped her path. This conversation highlights the power of sharing stories, the courage it takes to open up, and the growth that comes from connecting with others. If you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur ready to unlock the potential of your own story, this episode is packed with strategies to fuel your personal and professional growth. Here are key takeaways: Impact Beyond Circumstances: Your origin story holds unique experiences that can inspire others. Each of us has faced challenges that have shaped who we are today. Sharing these challenges not only fosters connection but can provide hope and guidance to someone navigating similar paths. Curiosity as a Driving Force: Embrace the passion to learn and grow. My curiosity from an early age led me to the podcasting world, a space where I continue to learn from others' stories, experiences, and insights. Stay curious; it's a portal to discovering opportunities and sparking innovation. Fail Forward to Succeed: Transform your failures into stepping stones. My greatest business failure turned into a learning experience, paving the way for new ventures and the opportunity to empower others with the lessons learned. Let your setbacks fuel future success. Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now!  Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account.  For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more!  You can also follow us through Facebook.  Additional Resources: 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz  Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz  Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and/or book a time to chat. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:  Linkedin  Instagram  Facebook  To staying ambitious,  Annemarie  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! I’m Annemarie Cross, and today, I’m sharing five essential strategies to help your business stand out and thrive in 2025. In an ever-changing business landscape, creating a stellar customer experience is no longer optional—it’s a must. Every interaction, from first contact to ongoing support, needs to leave your clients feeling valued and understood. These strategies will ensure your business becomes the trusted choice when your ideal client is ready to take the next step We’ll look at how to move away from the outdated "numbers game" mentality, the importance of robust CRM systems to streamline your processes, and how to nurture potential clients through longer buying cycles. I’ll also discuss how to build trust and credibility in a world where skepticism is on the rise and how segmenting your audience can help you craft messaging that speaks directly to their needs. Drawing from my own experience, I’ll share practical tips, proven tools, and insights into the systems I use in my business. Whether it’s creating meaningful customer touchpoints, preparing for podcast appearances, or building stronger connections with your audience, these strategies will equip you to achieve sustainable success in the year ahead. Let’s get started on building a business that thrives in 2025! Here are key takeaways: It’s No Longer Just a Numbers Game: Consumers want to feel valued, not just counted. Shift your mindset to view each person as an individual and ensure every single touch point in your communication strategy shows empathy and value. Your ideal clients will thank you by becoming loyal followers and customers. Brace for a Longer Customer Buying Cycle: With longer buying cycles, it's essential to have a robust CRM system in place to nurture potential clients effectively. Consider tools like ITL Technologies to manage your customer relationships and marketing initiatives seamlessly. Overcome Growing Skepticism: In an increasingly skeptical market, trustworthiness and authenticity are your best allies. Be transparent in your communications and ensure your content reflects your unique expertise. AI can support you, but it can't replace your personal touch. Develop a Robust Communications Strategy: Stay top of mind with your audience by integrating diverse communication tactics. Segment your audience to tailor your messages specifically to their needs and interests. Regular newsletters, masterclasses, and community engagement can help maintain strong connections. Build an Unforgettable Brand: Your brand should be unique and uncopyable. Define your brand personality and characteristics that make you stand out. Showcase your distinct qualities and stories to become the choice for your dream client.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION:   Continue the conversation about this podcast episode over on our Community! Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now!  Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account.  For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more!  You can also follow us through Facebook.  Additional Resources: 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz  Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz  Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and/or book a time to chat. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:  Linkedin  Instagram  Facebook  To staying ambitious,  Annemarie  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to unlocking your business’s next big breakthrough wasn’t a new strategy or tool—but your own personal story? Let’s learn how sharing your journey can elevate your brand, build trust, and create opportunities you never imagined. Our guest, Melanie Horsham, is an independent publisher and book marketing strategist who’s made it her mission to help people harness the impact of their stories. Melanie’s career is nothing short of fascinating—starting in Hollywood with celebrity PR, moving into journalism and radio news, and eventually designing and manufacturing breastfeeding clothing. Her journey wasn’t without its struggles, including the tough decision to close her business after a disappointing marketing experience. But those challenges fueled her passion for helping others share their stories through books. In this conversation, you’ll learn why your story is one of the most valuable assets you have, how publishing a book can elevate your brand, and the surprising ways it builds trust and credibility. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional, Melanie’s insights will inspire you to embrace your narrative and turn it into a powerful tool for success. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters or how to use it to grow your business, you’re about to find out. Let’s welcome Melanie Horsham and explore how your story can make a lasting impact! Here are three key takeaways to enhance your storytelling in business: Authenticity Over Polished Content: Consumers are increasingly skeptical of overproduced marketing. Trust is built on authenticity and genuine connections, as revealed by Edelman's research. Conversations Trump Funnels: When it comes to high-ticket sales and services, personal conversations and relationships are far more effective than traditional funnels and automated systems. Introverts as Networking Pros: Podcasts offer a powerful platform for introverts to network, allowing for meaningful one-on-one conversations without the overwhelm of traditional networking events. RESOURCES:   Continue the conversation over on our Community! Book in for an Authority Audit  5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz  Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz  www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/Roundtable  Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now!  Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account.  For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more!  You can also follow us through Facebook.  Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers.  Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me.  Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:  Company website  Instagram  Facebook  Join our Community of Change Makers  Twitter Linkedin  To staying ambitious,  Annemarie  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally featured on The Christian Entrepreneurs Podcast, I’m excited to share this episode here on the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show too! Karen Crowell and I dive deep into the intersection of faith and business, exploring how to overcome burnout, stay motivated, and care for your well-being. I hope these insights and practical strategies inspire and encourage you to thrive in your business while staying true to your values. Here are the key takeaways for this episode: Spiritual and Emotional Resilience: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. Health and Productivity: We discussed the importance of addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Faith and Community: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. RESOURCES:   Continue the discussion over at https://www.facebook.com/DestinyStrategies  Join our Community over on www.AmbitiousEntrepreneurNetwork.com/Community and access free training to help you be positioned in the right way so you can go from Invisible to Influential Trusted Authority – THE choice.   Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now!  Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account.  For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more!  You can also follow us through Facebook.  Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers.  Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here and have a chat with me.  Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:  Company website  Instagram  Facebook  Join our Community of Change Makers  Twitter Linkedin  To staying ambitious,  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices