Special Ops with Emma Rainville

If your team can’t operate without you... you don’t have a team, you have a bottleneck. And that bottleneck is you.In this 6-minute Special Ops rapid-fire, Emma Rainville goes straight for the jugular on one of the most toxic habits in business: micromanagement. From real-world examples to unfiltered truths, she walks through how founder control issues cripple culture, delay growth, and erode decision-making trust. You’ll learn why empowering your team isn’t just nice — it’s non-negotiable if you want operational excellence. Plus: what Emma’s absence for 22 days taught her about culture, SOPs, and who should really be making decisions inside your company.We cover:The psychological effects of micromanagement (and why it backfires)How to shift from micromanager to culture builderWhen it’s a you problem vs. a team problemThe real difference between managers, mentors, and leadersWhy your team should write the SOPs (not just follow them)Timestamps(0:00) Why Emma’s the biggest slowdown in her business(1:02) The chaos of too many founder ideas(2:00) What happened when she left for 22 days(2:45) Who she trusts to make which decisions — and why(3:30) Micromanagement = toxic leadership(4:20) Your culture is built by what you tolerate(5:25) How to know it’s time to get a new team(6:10) Managers vs. mentors vs. leaders — and what your team actually needsReady to build a team you can actually trust?Sign up free for the Visionary Vault at www.SpecialOpsPodcast.com — your tactical toolkit for founder freedom, including playbooks, SOP templates, and growth frameworks built by operators who’ve scaled.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

Why I Chose Advertising Law: Ryan Poteet’s Journey From Asset Freezes to Law Firm CultureWhat drives a lawyer to choose advertising law over the more traditional—and lucrative—paths? In this episode, Ryan Poteet reveals why the unpredictable, high-stakes world of FTC litigation is where he thrives.Emma sits down with Ryan to explore the journey that took him from First Amendment litigation to becoming a partner in advertising law. They unpack the unique challenges of ad law, from sudden FTC asset freezes to the nuances of legal compliance in marketing campaigns. Ryan shares candid reflections on career decisions, law firm culture, and what it’s like to face the government in court. Along the way, you’ll hear the inside story of how he and Emma first crossed paths, the importance of building trust with your legal team, and how copywriters and marketers can avoid dangerous missteps with advertising claims.This is a behind-the-scenes episode designed to help you understand not just the law, but the people behind it.We cover:Why Ryan chose advertising law over safer, more predictable fieldsHis transition from First Amendment litigation to ad lawWhat an FTC litigation case looks like in practiceThe realities of law firm team culture and partnership promotionHow lawyers help copywriters reframe claims for complianceTimestamps:(0:00) Why Ryan chose advertising law(4:15) First Amendment litigation to ad law career shift(7:20) Facing FTC litigation and asset freeze cases(10:45) Law firm culture, promotions, and partnerships(13:30) Helping copywriters find compliant advertising claims(15:50) Building trust with your legal teamSign up for the Visionary Vault at www.specialopspodcast.com to access free legal and compliance resources. Don’t wait until the FTC is knocking—arm yourself with the frameworks that protect your business.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru

Most founders obsess over scaling revenue—but forget the most scalable asset of all: their internal team. In this tactical solo episode, Emma Rainville breaks down how to mentor employees into future roles that drive real business growth. From her private mentoring guide templates to using masterminds like Genesis and Ignite to build leadership capacity, she shares how to document goals, develop tribal knowledge, and lead your team without becoming a bottleneck.This episode isn't about management—it’s about mentorship that compounds. Emma unpacks the difference between leading people into who you want them to be… vs. mentoring them into who they actually want to become. You'll walk away with tools to track progress, align personal and professional goals, and scale your staff’s skill set alongside your business.We cover:Why tribal knowledge is the most underutilized growth assetHow to create a mentorship cadence that actually worksWays to align employee goals with business objectivesThe exact rating system Emma uses to identify skill gapsCreative ways to outsource mentorship (without dropping quality)Episode Timestamps:(0:00) Why tribal knowledge beats new hires for scale(1:25) Mentoring vs. managing: what most founders miss(3:10) Emma’s personal mentorship rating system(5:00) Aligning employee goals with business growth(7:00) Using masterminds & courses to offload training(9:15) How to document progress without micromanaging(11:00) Quarterly check-ins that actually drive growth(13:10) Download the Mentorship Template (Visionary Vault)🔐 Access Emma’s Mentoring with Purpose Template — available now inside the Visionary Vault.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

If your pricing strategy still hides fees at checkout, you’re already in violation. A new FTC rule just dropped the hammer on deceptive drip pricing—and the penalties hit $53,000 per incident.In this Marketing on Trial episode, Emma Rainville along with compliance attorney Ryan Poteet break down the FTC’s new Junk Fee Rule—and why this May 12, 2025 regulation changes everything for marketers. Whether you're running events, selling supplements, or managing e‑commerce stores, this rule forces all fees to be clear, conspicuous, and upfront. No more burying charges in the cart.We explain exactly what counts as a mandatory fee, what platforms like Ticketmaster and Airbnb now must show, and how this law applies far beyond hotels and concerts. Ryan walks us through compliant vs. noncompliant language, Apple Pay pricing loopholes, and how to audit your checkout flows before regulators (or customers) do it for you.We cover:What “drip pricing” means under FTC lawThe full scope of 16 CFR Part 464Where businesses must disclose fees: ad copy, checkout, and moreHow to handle shipping insurance, resort fees, and “quality checks”The right and wrong way to phrase “plus shipping”Why transparency is now a competitive advantageTimestamps:(0:00) Why your $93 booking turns into $300 at checkout(1:45) What the FTC’s new Junk Fee Rule actually bans(3:20) Mandatory fees: what must be disclosed up front(5:10) How this impacts e‑commerce, not just hotels and tickets(7:30) Real examples: shipping protection, Apple Pay loopholes, QA fees(10:00) How to revise your copy and checkout flows(12:30) Final checklist: audit steps, team training, enforcement alertsGrab the Fee Transparency Compliance Toolkit—free inside the Visionary Vault at www.specialopspodcast.com. Includes ad copy swipe, pricing audit sheet, and examples of compliant display language. Don’t guess—get it right.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

Hiring to fix chaos? That’s how chaos hires you back. In this tactical solo episode, Emma Rainville breaks down exactly why hiring to patch broken systems will never work — and what to build first instead. If you’ve ever rushed a hire and paid for it later, this one’s a must-listen.Emma walks through her proven SOP-first hiring framework, the Preview HR test she swears by, and how to design a values-aligned hiring avatar that attracts long-term players — not job-hoppers. You’ll also hear her top interview question that filters out the unaware in seconds.We cover:Why you should build SOPs before you hire — and what they should includeHow to define KPIs before posting a job adThe role of a working interview in hiring decisionsWhat a real onboarding playbook should look likeWhy “these are not your kids” is the mindset that saves your teamTimestamps:(0:00) Welcome + why hiring problems are usually systems problems(2:45) What to document before you even post the job(5:25) How to build the hiring process checklist(7:40) Preview HR test: what it is, why it works(9:30) The secret to vetting culture fit before the first day(11:05) The structure of Emma’s interviews (and her #1 question)(14:45) How she runs paid “working interviews”(17:10) SOP rewriting + how onboarding is built(19:15) Why you must do a 30- and 90-day reviewAccess the full Hiring SOP Framework and Emma’s exact interview questions inside the Visionary Vault — free to download.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru  

Slapping a “Made in the USA” label on your product? You might be setting your brand up for an FTC beatdown. In this episode of Marketing on Trial, Emma Rainville teams up with FTC compliance attorney Ryan Poteet to dissect the new crackdown on origin claims. With the FTC zeroing in on brands like Amazon and Walmart, enforcement around "Made in USA" labeling is no longer theoretical — it's here, it's real, and it's ruthless. Whether you're in supplements, consumer goods, or apparel, if you're using patriotic branding or making origin claims without rock-solid documentation, you’re a target.From dissecting what “all or virtually all” really means, to how manufacturers and marketers get blindsided by overseas components, Emma and Ryan break it down in real-world terms with no fluff and all fire. This is not just about compliance. It’s about protecting millions in revenue.We cover:Why “Made in USA” is now an FTC bullseyeThe exact threshold for legal origin claims Real case studies of compliance failuresHow to audit your product and marketing copy What marketers must document — and what’s not enough Timestamps:(0:00) Intro: Why “patriotic branding” can destroy your business(2:11) The FTC’s Made in USA Month and enforcement pivot(4:32) What “all or virtually all” means — the unqualified claim trap(7:05) Real-world compliance failures: docks, steel, and supplements(8:48) Your compliance checklist: marketing claims vs. ingredient truth(10:00) What documentation marketers must request from manufacturers(11:30) Trust, contracts, and how to protect your company(13:02) Visionary Vault: Access our compliance checklist free(14:19) Outro and final compliance warningDownload the Free Made in USA Compliance Checklist. Sign up for the Visionary Vault at www.specialopspodcast.com to get the downloadable compliance checklistExplore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visiona... Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website:

You didn’t build a business — you built a job.If stepping away from your company causes chaos, you haven’t built a business — you’ve built yourself a glorified job. In this episode, Emma Rainville breaks down the systems, mindset, and ruthless leadership decisions required to create a business that actually runs without you. She shares how she turned a vacation disaster into a team transformation — and how that shift now allows her to unplug for a month without worrying the place will burn.This is the tactical blueprint for founder freedom, from someone who’s done the hard reset and rebuilt smarter.We cover:The 6–8 week “no CEO” stress test for your businessHow Emma rebuilt her team to be self-reliant after vacation burnoutThe exact delegation system that lets her disappear without fearWhy letting your team make mistakes is your highest leverage playHer formula for unplugging 65+ days a year without slowing growthTimestamps(0:00) You didn’t build a business. You built a job.(1:30) Dream vacation gone wrong: when your team can’t function(3:45) The hard truth: fire fast, delegate faster(6:10) The psychology behind letting your team fail(8:00) The system that lets her take a month off(10:15) The anti–9 to 5 mindset: why Emma works 300+ days a year(11:55) Visionary Vault: free guide to turning your business from trap to freedomReady to stop being your business’s bottleneck? Grab the 5-step guide to building systems that set you free — now inside the Visionary Vault. It’s free. No fluff. No pitch. Just tactical execution tools.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

If your cookie banner has one-click "accept" but a buried opt-out, you're not compliant — you're exposed.In this high-risk episode of Marketing on Trial, Emma Rainville and FTC attorney Ryan Poteet break down the real legal stakes behind cookie banners — and why most marketers are still getting it wrong. As Google confirms its Privacy Sandbox rollout by 2026 and California’s regulators sharpen enforcement, your tracking stack and banner design could be liabilities waiting to be litigated.We dissect the FTC’s position on “dark patterns,” California’s symmetry-of-choice mandate, and the massive fines already hitting brands using deceptive consent flows. Plus: what OneTrust-style consent tracking tools must now include, and how to fix noncompliant legacy funnels before they become class action bait.We cover:What “symmetry of choice” actually requires in 2025 (2:01)How to audit your cookie banners against FTC and CPRA design rules (4:10)Back-end tools for consent tracking: what’s defensible vs. noncompliant (7:26)The truth about placing cookies before consent (10:34)The real legal consequences: AG action, FTC scrutiny, and class-action risk (11:55)Final checklist to make your funnel cookie-compliant now (12:50)(0:00) Introduction: Cookie-based marketing is collapsing(2:01) Why consent isn’t just a checkbox(4:10) Designing legally safe cookie banners: California’s standard(7:26) Consent tracking tools (OneTrust and alternatives)(10:34) Illegal placements: when are cookies actually set?(11:55) Consequences: six-figure fines and class actions(12:50) Audit checklist & Visionary Vault toolkitGrab your Cookie-less Compliance Toolkit inside the Visionary Vault to fix your tracking flows before regulators fix them for you. Free, instant access. No upsells — just defense.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

If you're texting Texas residents, you may already be breaking the law — and the state’s not playing around.In this Special Ops mini-episode, Emma Rainville breaks down Texas’s new SMS marketing regulations hitting on September 1st, and what they mean for founders, media buyers, and ops teams. From curfews to compliance filings, this is not a law to take lightly — especially in a state with serious enforcement teeth. You’ll learn exactly what you must do to avoid five-figure fines (and yes, it starts with a $10K bond).Rainville outlines the new classification of SMS as telemarketing under Texas law (SB 140), the required Secretary of State registration, and strict curfew hours. If you're a direct response brand or own an e-commerce operation with Texas leads, this 4-minute update could save you a major compliance headache. Get ahead — not penalized.We cover:Why SMS is now considered telemarketing under Texas lawHow to register with the Secretary of State (+ what it costs)Required $10,000 surety bond breakdownWhen you’re legally barred from texting Texas phonesWhat happens if you don’t comply — and why curfews matterWhere to grab a done-for-you SOP for full complianceTimestamps(0:00) The new Texas SMS law: Who it applies to(0:45) Required registration + bond overview(1:20) Legal SMS curfew hours explained(2:05) Risks of noncompliance in Texas(3:00) Where to get the free SOP inside the Visionary Vault(4:15) Final warning: Texas isn’t messing around⚠️ Don’t get caught unprepared. Get your free “Texas SMS Compliance SOP” in the Visionary Vault to follow every step. Stay legal. Stay scalable.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

What if your next big promo landed you in court?This week, Emma Rainville and compliance attorney Ryan Poteet break down DraftKings’ $3 million marketing settlement—and the deceptive bonus offer that triggered it. From “risk-free bets” to 30-day guarantees, we unpack how one headline promo became a regulatory minefield and what marketers must do to avoid similar fallout.Whether you’re running affiliate banners, SaaS free trials, or limited-time bonuses, this episode is your tactical guide to staying compliant without killing conversions. We cover legal definitions of deception, why “clear and conspicuous” means more than fine print, and how affiliate behavior could make you liable—even if you didn’t approve the ad.We cover:The DraftKings settlement: deceptive by omission vs outright lieWhy “free” and “risk-free” are legal red flags (even with fine print)FTC rules on disclaimer proximity (and why footers won’t cut it)State AGs, class actions, and affiliate banners under scrutinyA tactical checklist for legally bulletproof bonus offersTimestamps:(0:00) DraftKings: what happened and why $3M was paid(1:27) “Risk-free” ≠ risk-free: why terms must match the claim(3:12) What counts as “clear and conspicuous” in ad copy(5:06) Affiliate networks, UI banners, and who’s responsible(7:14) Class actions vs AG enforcement: the bigger threat(9:29) Tactical checklist: fix your offer stack, disclaimers, and funnels(12:05) Final verdict: one promo, skipped truths, $3M goneDownload the playbook:Get our Bonus Marketing Compliance Template—tested language, visual placement cues, and funnel audit steps—in the Visionary Vault at www.specialopspodcast.com.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

“I trained ChatGPT 5 to think like me—and run my business.”In this episode of Special Ops, Emma Rainville pulls back the curtain on her real-life workflow with “Lester,” her custom-trained ChatGPT 5 assistant. From late-night discovery of the new release to hands-on testing of its upgraded features, Emma shows exactly how she’s using thinking mode, agent mode, and memory control to get faster, sharper, and more personalized results.You’ll hear the real differences between ChatGPT 4 and 5, how to decide when to turn memory on or off, and the tactical ways Emma uses projects vs custom GPTs to keep her business operations running without chaos. Plus, she reveals how she automates full email sequences, uses trigger words to “switch hats,” and even compares Grok AI and Gemini for different use cases. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to turn AI into your most efficient team member, this is your blueprint.We cover:ChatGPT 5 features vs ChatGPT 4 (thinking mode, multimodal input)When to use memory on vs memory offProjects vs custom GPTs: which to use whenSetting up prompts and trigger words for fast context switchingUsing agent mode to automate full workflowsComparing ChatGPT, Grok AI, and Gemini for entrepreneursTimestamps: (0:00) Intro and why ChatGPT 5 had Emma up all night (1:32) Key differences between ChatGPT 5 and ChatGPT 4 (3:08) Thinking mode vs non-thinking mode (4:42) Projects vs custom GPTs (6:10) Memory feature: on, off, and tactical use (8:03) Trigger words and role-switching with AI (9:55) Building a multi-role AI assistant (12:10) Automating 21-day email sequences with agent mode (14:05) Grok AI, Gemini AI, and where they fit (16:20) Final thoughts and Visionary Vault inviteAccess the free Visionary Vault to grab your AI Workflow Playbook, including prompt templates, automation tips, and a ChatGPT setup checklist → www.specialopspodcast.comExplore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

Before you hit “publish” on that AI-generated ad, the FTC and state regulators may already be looking for you.Hosts Emma Rainville and FTC compliance attorney Ryan Poteet strip the shine off AI hype and reveal the legal risks marketers are hitting every day. From AI-generated testimonials to synthetic brand ambassadors in lab coats, what feels like a shortcut can become a subpoena if you ignore disclosure rules.We break down where the FTC, state attorneys general, and even California’s privacy regulators are focusing their fire — and how you can scale with AI without stepping into a legal minefield. This isn’t about fearing technology. It’s about building campaigns that are bulletproof under the harshest regulatory spotlight.We cover:- FTC’s stance on AI-generated content in ads- Disclosure requirements for synthetic faces and voices- How state AGs are outpacing federal regulators- When using AI crosses into unlicensed legal or professional advice- Legal do’s and don’ts for AI testimonials and avatars- California rules that set the national compliance barTimestamps:(0:00) The biggest AI-driven threat to marketers’ livelihoods(3:42) AI copywriting vs. FTC truth-in-advertising rules(8:15) Synthetic media and disclosure obligations(13:09) The NASM “AI coach” scenario — where you cross the line(17:54) AI testimonials: ethical vs. deceptive transformations(21:46) Why California compliance may be your safest bet(24:58) How to monitor fast-changing AI marketing lawsProtect your campaigns before the regulators come knocking. Download the free AI Compliance Kit inside the Visionary Vault at specialopspodcast.com  and get the checklists, disclosure templates, and workflows to scale safely.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru

If you're relying on a non-compete to protect your business, you're already behind.In this episode, Emma Rainveille and Ryan Poteet expose the non-compete myth that many entrepreneurs still cling to—and why most of these clauses are now legally worthless. With the FTC’s proposed ban thrown into legal chaos and state-by-state rules changing fast, the truth is clear: non-competes aren't your safety net anymore.This episode covers what is enforceable, how to legally protect your agency or team, and what employers still get wrong about trade secrets, non-solicits, and exits. Whether you're scaling, exiting, or just hiring your first key player, this is essential listening.We cover:Why your non-compete clause probably won’t hold up (and what to use instead)When non-solicits are enforceable—and when they’re disguised non-competesThe FTC’s April 2024 ban and August reversal: what’s actually enforceable nowLegal ways to protect your agency, offer, IP, and team without “shackling” peopleThe only time a non-compete has real teeth: post-exit restrictions for foundersHow to build contracts that protect your data, clients, and code legallyTimestamps:(0:00) You had them sign a non-compete... but it probably won't protect you(1:42) The FTC ban on non-competes: what happened in April and August 2024(3:21) Why state law still governs enforceability—and where the patchwork stands(5:00) Confidentiality, trade secrets, and what actually protects your IP(7:08) Non-solicitation clauses and client protections in 2025(9:04) What still works in court vs what will get tossed(11:12) Post-exit restrictions that hold more weight(12:58) Final thoughts and what to do nextDownload the legal playbook that goes with this episode in the Visionary Vault — visit www.specialopspodcast.com to access our full archive of free frameworks, templates, and legal resources.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

Most online business owners believe that buying a domain or designing a logo means their brand is protected. But in the eyes of the law, you don’t own your brand unless your IP is registered—and you’re actively policing it. In this episode of Marketing on Trial, Emma Rainville and FTC attorney Ryan Poteet break down how your most valuable business asset—your brand—is vulnerable to infringement if you skip key legal steps.From domain myths to copyright blind spots to cease-and-desist strategies, this episode is a tactical walk-through of what really counts as brand protection in 2025. If you're building with exit in mind—or want to prevent expensive brand theft—start here.We cover:Why domain ownership ≠ trademark protectionThe one legal move that makes or breaks an IP caseWhat “policing your IP” actually meansWhen to register: timing your trademarks and copyrightsCommon myths that leave founders exposedTimestamps:(0:00) Why your brand might not be legally yours(0:40) What qualifies as intellectual property(1:25) The truth about domains and trademarks(2:10) Registering trademarks and copyrights the right way(3:00) What “policing your IP” actually involves(4:10) The importance of timing in IP protection(5:15) How to work with IP attorneys(6:30) Cease and desist, Schedule A cases, and brand enforcement tools(7:40) Recap: Own your identity before someone else doesGet the free IP Protection Manual now inside the Visionary Vault: www.specialopspodcast.comOwn your identity. Guard your assets. Scale with confidence.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

Your “cancel anytime” could get you canceled. The FTC’s new Click-to-Cancel rule changes everything for subscription marketers.Emma Rainville and Ryan Poteet break down the FTC’s new Click-to-Cancel mandate and what it means for businesses running continuity, membership, or auto-ship models. This rule doesn’t just tweak existing guidance—it forces businesses to make cancellation as easy as sign-up. If your funnel isn’t compliant, you're opening yourself up to lawsuits, fines, and consumer backlash.Whether you’re a DTC brand, SaaS company, or marketer running continuity offers—this is your compliance wake-up call.Policy update (July 16): The DOJ moved the implementation date once again. Stick around until the very end to get updated and how to stay compliant.We cover:What the FTC now considers a deceptive cancellation processWhere and how your “Cancel Subscription” button needs to appearThe new standard for clear and conspicuous disclosureHow Apple and other brands are setting the compliance barReal examples of what not to do (like mail-in cancellation gimmicks)Timestamps:(00:52) Why Click-to-Cancel is a legal minefield(03:28) What qualifies as “unavoidable” disclosure(06:44) Where your cancel link must live on your site(09:10) Why marketing “fairy dust” won’t save you from the FTC(12:33) The end of shady cancellation gimmicks (like snail-mail guarantees)(15:21) What your cancellation flow needs to look like now(18:19) Real risks: class actions, fines, and lost trustSign up to our Visionary Vault and download our free Click-to-Cancel Compliance Checklist at specialopspodcast.com. Stay ready. Stay Compliant!Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

Receiving a Civil Investigative Demand from the FTC isn’t a lawsuit… but it might be worse if you don’t act fast.In this episode of Marketing on Trial, Emma Rainville and compliance attorney Ryan Poteet break down the moment that sends shivers down any marketer’s spine: getting served a CID. From understanding what it actually means, to responding strategically within the tight 14-day timeline, this is a tactical walk-through of what happens, what not to do, and how to avoid turning an investigation into a full-blown lawsuit.You’ll learn why panicking is the worst move, why legal hold procedures need to be immediate, and why old playbooks like “shut down the LLC” won’t save you anymore. Ryan also outlines the importance of meet-and-confer deadlines, rolling productions, and what the FTC is really looking for when they knock.We cover:What an FTC CID really is — and how it differs from a lawsuitWhy 14 days is your most critical countdownWhat “legal hold” means operationally (Google Drive, Slack, deleted calls)Why direct response playbooks won’t protect you anymoreThe dangers of ignoring preservation duties — even for contractorsWhat it means if your CID moves into a full investigationHow to work with the FTC without escalating the issueTimestamps: (0:00) What is a Civil Investigative Demand? (1:34) “Don’t panic” is legal advice (3:10) Who gets a CID — targets vs third-party providers (5:22) The 14-day clock and why you must respond with counsel (8:04) Meet-and-confer and motion to quash tactics (10:47) Legal hold: what to preserve and how (14:20) Contractor drives, Slack messages, and customer service calls (16:50) Confidentiality vs operational notification (19:15) You can’t hide behind LLCs anymore (22:00) What happens after you submit the documents (25:03) CID vs litigation: which is the better outcome? (27:11) Best case timeline: 2 years (28:45) The real reason to take CIDs seriouslyCTA:Get our free CID Emergency Kit — designed with legal checklists and data preservation workflows to protect your business from day one. It’s in the Visionary Vault. Compliance isn’t optional, and silence isn’t a strategy.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

In this episode of Marketing on Trial, Emma Rainville and Ryan Poteet of Gordon Reese break down a legal time bomb hiding on your product pages: fake reviews. Whether it’s gifted products, “helpful” testimonial swaps, or syndicating five-star feedback across SKUs, the FTC’s new rule under 16 CFR Part 465 draws a hard line. And enforcement is heating up.We dissect the difference between a review and a testimonial, expose review hijacking tactics that are now legally risky, and give you a review sourcing process you can actually defend. If your product relies on stars to convert — don’t miss this.We cover:What counts as deceptive under the FTC’s new fake review ruleWhy incentivized reviews = legal testimonials (and what that means)The difference between curating vs. suppressing UGC (yes, it matters)Disclosure placement: what “clear and conspicuous” really looks likeA 4-part compliant review sourcing framework you can implement todayTimestamps:(0:00) Fake stars can earn you a real lawsuit(2:20) Why incentivized = testimonial, not review(5:45) What’s legal vs. illegal on Amazon, Shopify, and your own site(10:10) How to safely disclose material connections (FTC-style)(14:05) Review hijacking examples that will get you flagged(20:00) Building a compliant review sourcing process(25:45) How long do you need to keep review records?Download the Get Compliant Review Guide free in the Visionary Vault — everything you need to audit your reviews and stay lawsuit-proof.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

In this tactical episode, Emma Rainville breaks down the WAVE Framework, a four-part strategic system built to help visionary entrepreneurs realign their personal life goals with high-growth business objectives.With the year’s halfway point in full view, this session delivers a no-fluff reset on how to plan intentionally, stay focused, uphold your values, and actually execute what you said you would.Emma walks you through the real-world application of WAVE (Written Vision, Absolute Focus, Values-Driven Future, Execution Plan), offering examples from her companies like Shockwave, Aftershock, and Seismic Wave. This isn’t just theory. It’s how her businesses run. Get inside her “breaker” methodology, learn why gratitude is a KPI, and why growth without a team development strategy is a recipe for burnout and regret.We cover:How to create a 10-year written vision you’ll actually commit toWhat to check at the 6-month mark to stay operationally alignedThe difference between goals and commitments—and why that mattersWeekly team rituals that move the needleHow to develop your team without losing focus on executionTimestamps:(0:00) Why entrepreneurs build businesses that block personal goals(2:15) The WAVE framework overview(4:10) Written Vision: What does your life look like in 2035?(9:30) One-year commitments vs annual goals(12:05) Absolute Focus: Staying true to your 2025 strategy(17:45) Values-Driven Future: Hiring for alignment, not duplication(23:15) Execution: How to break commitments into quarterly and weekly goals(30:20) What a “breaker” meeting looks like and why it matters(36:55) Growing your team while growing your businessSign up now for the Visionary Vault at specialopspodcast.com to grab your free WAVE playbook and unlock more frameworks used by 7-figure operators.Explore Free Resources inside the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru   

Discover why "everyone else is doing it" could cost you millions—and how to navigate the FTC’s aggressive stance on marketing compliance.In this highlight episode, Emma Rainville and Ryan Poteet of Gordon Reese break down dangerous misconceptions about marketing regulations, influencer disclosures, and subscription billing practices, highlighting hidden risks that marketers frequently overlook.Sign up to the Visionary Vault for every roadmap, tools, and resources that we drop in every episode. FOR FEE! https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vault(07:20) Why common marketing practices might still land you in serious legal trouble.(13:45) The critical elements of clear disclosures that protect against FTC enforcement.(22:30) Real-world examples of compliant influencer promotions (and costly mistakes).(29:55) Why truthful claims can still be considered deceptive.(35:15) The "grandma test": a simple method to gauge your marketing’s legality.Explore Free Resources at the Visionary Vault:https://specialopspodcast.com/visionary-vaultGet in Touch with Ryan Poteet:Website: https://www.grsm.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-poteet-43098ba  Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: Website: https://specialopspodcast.com/    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainvilleoperationsguru 

What is the real cost of indecision? This highlight episode breaks down risk, ops, and the rise of experiential buying. In this Special Ops highlight drop, Emma pulls the sharpest insights from two elite operators: Perry Belcher and Jason Fladlien. Together they dissect the collapse of recorded information, rising decision fatigue, and how AI, trust, and fulfillment are reshaping the sales and ops playbook.Buying a car can be tricky, from car care to car insurance, but it doesn't have to be. It's the same with business success, this is why we make these episode to pull the curtain on what it really takes to make a thriving business, whether it's care sales, concert tickets or digital products. You name it, and we unravel the game.We everyone enjoyed these recent highlight episode installments.Watch out for new episodes coming soon!As always, we invite you to sign up to our Visionary Vault—where you can download all the tools and books, and hacks that will help you scale your business. All for free! https://specialopspodcast.com/visiona... We Cover:(00:00) Why Recorded Info is Valueless — Perry opens by comparing recorded content to rotting bananas, explaining the experience premium.(02:18) Decision Fatigue and Influencer Trust — How too many choices drive consumers to follow authoritative voices who simplify decisions.(04:57) Concerts vs Digital Content — People pay $600 to watch a dot on a stadium stage and what that reveals about belonging and experience economics.(08:03) Why Risk Reversal Must Include Energy — Perry details why most marketers over-index on money-back guarantees while ignoring energy risk.(10:12) Conditional Coaching Offers — A breakdown of how layered unlocks protect margin while rewarding engaged customers.(14:09) Fladlien on Fulfillment Risk — Jason emphasizes that risk reversal only works if operations can deliver the promise.(16:45) The Marketing-Ops Handoff — When ops fails to support the pitch, the whole funnel crumbles, here’s how to prevent it.(19:00) Future-Proof Offers in the AI Age — What Belcher and Fladlien are investing in now to hedge against commoditized info products.Get in Touch with Emma Rainville: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialopspodcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_rainville512/  LinkedIn:...