Unscripted Small Business

Interview with Conrad Coe: Operations, AI, and the Evolution of Automotive Wrapping Host: Jeremy Rivera, Unscripted Small Business Guest: Conrad Coe, Operations Manager at Exotic Vehicle Wraps Episode Overview In this episode, Conrad Coe shares his unconventional journey from music education to becoming operations manager at one of the nation's top automotive wrapping shops. We explore how AI tools are transforming small business operations, the value of hands-on experience over formal education, and why showing the heart of your business matters more than polished marketing in today's digital landscape. Top Quotes On Experience vs. Education: "I would rather have four years of hands-on practical experience at the thing you're trying to do than a degree saying I'm good at it." On AI in Small Business: "We wrap cars with vinyl. That's sticky. So what we've been using AI for has been mostly beneficial for us." On Marketing Differentiation: "No one uses dashes. Nobody does except for GPT and AI models... In that way, we are using AI to help us differentiate ourselves from AI." On Customer Service: "We're not vinyl installers. This isn't a vinyl wrap shop. This is a client experience shop." On Problems as Opportunities: "Problems are bugs and not a feature. Like, you're going to have problems. That problem then therefore becomes a feature if you know you're going to have these problems." About Conrad Coe Conrad Coe is the operations manager at Exotic Vehicle Wraps, a premier automotive aesthetic restyling shop in Loudoun County, Virginia. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Conrad's path started in retail management, moved through music education at Berkeley Boston, and evolved through design, print, and installation before landing in shop management. His hands-on approach and mentorship style have helped shape one of the longest-running and most respected shops in the automotive wrapping industry. Key Discussion Points The Non-Traditional Path to Success Conrad discusses his journey from aspiring music teacher to operations manager, emphasizing how mentorship and practical experience often outweigh formal education in tr...

Host: Jeremy Rivera Guest: Lynn Colepaugh, Founder of Cyber PR Army Podcast: Unscripted Small Business Episode Overview In this episode, Lynn Colepaugh from Cyber PR Army joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing for small businesses and creators. We dive into the challenges of treating creative work as a legitimate business, the impact of AI on content authenticity, and the fundamental marketing mistakes that are costing businesses customers every day. Lynn shares practical, actionable advice on everything from fixing basic website issues to building local trust, and why simply responding to inquiries can be your biggest competitive advantage. Top Quotes from Lynn Colepaugh On Treating Creative Work as Business: "It is convincing creators that they are a small business. And it's a really big hurdle because they are creators at heart—whether they are dancers, whether they're making instruments, whether they are writing music." On AI vs. Authenticity: "I'm seeing the pendulum swing away from as much AI generated stuff back to people questioning, 'Is this real, a real image or is this something that was generated separately?' And those that are authentically creating are now standing out even more in a really beautiful way." On Basic Marketing Fundamentals: "If some industries are just so kind of barren with communications that all you have to do is reply and be thoughtful and communicate, then holy mack, there are companies missing out completely on getting new customers and nurturing customers and keeping their customers long term." On Local Trust Building: "I tell people, if you have roots, show your roots, because that's how people know if something goes wrong, they're going to be able to find you." On Low-Hanging Fruit: "So many things are on the very granola first level fixable level that people have issues that are just 100% addressable." On Timeless Marketing Strategy: "If you're getting your message out correctly, then you will adapt as tools come and go. To me, it is staying face forward there, making sure you're storytelling and talking about the things that are important." Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Unscripted Small Business Podcast, host Abbey Crane interviews John Steger, the founder of Foxmoor Studio, a custom woodworking business. John shares his journey from a childhood passion for woodworking, inspired by his father, to establishing a successful business. He discusses the challenges of starting out, the importance of sustainable practices, and the role of online platforms like Etsy in growing his customer base. John also reflects on the balance between creativity and business operations, the importance of community engagement, and his future aspirations for Foxmoor Studio. Motivational Quotes From Our Conversation: "You have to know better to do better." "I want to keep it as simple as possible." "Even when it's slow, just keep one foot in front of the other, and it always picks up." "Find a niche item, something unique. That's the key."   Purchase from Foxmoor Studio an incredible Cookeville woodwork shop or from Mountain Top Candle Shop here!    Exerpts:  Abbey Crane What other things have led to more growth for you? We were recently talking with Kelvin Dorsey who's got an unconventional newsletter, which made me think about non-traditional marketing efforts...Are there any other things that your shop has kind of led to that you've been really excited about? Jon Stager You know, since moving here, I have mostly focused on online sales. And Etsy's been great to expand my horizons because it's such a wide marketplace, literally worldwide. Although I focus mostly on North America. I've had some sales in Australia and England. But yeah, so it's really expanded my horizons. I almost haven't needed to sell locally as much. I guess when I moved here, I had my client base already, because I had started in Pennsylvania. So now I'm trying to kind of tap into the local market more, like forcing myself to just not be content with online sales, but really. Yeah, I'm excited to start going to local markets and selling in person. The local art scene in Cookville is really awesome. And I feel like just a matter of focusing and building up an inventory, that's the hardest part. I get busy with these online sales and whatnot. It takes up a lot of your time and then just a matter of setting aside time to make these items to have in stock to bring to shows. That's something I look forward to exploring. Abbey Crane: You've maintained a simple business model as a sole proprietorship. Tell us about that decision. Jon Stager: I'm sort of a minimalist within reason! I I prefer the warm comfort of cabins over luxury cabo experiences. There's something authentic about living simply, surrounded by natural materials. My shop is about 30 feet from my cabin, so my home and work life are very entwined. I chose to remain a sole proprietorship because I want to keep things as simple as possible. I'm not trying to become a big corporation with people working under me and building things that just have my name on them. I respect the craft too much for that. I'm sort of a minimalist within reason, though my shop can be a little cluttered! My shop is about 30 feet from my cabin, so my home and work life are very entwined. I chose to remain a sole proprietorship because I want to keep things as simple as possible. I'm not trying to become a big corporation with people working under me and building things that just have my name on them. I respect the craft too much for that.

Unscripted SEO Podcast Show Notes Episode: Writing the Right Book for Your Business with Ali Machate Host: Daniel Hill Guest: Ali Machate, CEO and Founder of The Writers Ally About the Guest Ali Machate is the CEO and founder of The Writers Ally, an author services company that helps serious authors write, publish, and sell high-quality books. With a background at Simon & Schuster (one of the Big Five publishers), Ali brings traditional publishing expertise to independent authors and business owners looking to leverage books for business growth. Key Topics Discussed The Evolution of Publishing How digital technology has made reading more accessible through eBooks and audiobooks The shift from traditional gatekeepers (Oprah, NY Times bestseller list) to platforms like BookTok The democratization of publishing and audience building Should Every Business Owner Write a Book? The short answer: No. Not everyone should write a book Common scenarios where book writing isn't the right choice: Too early in business (lack of case studies and client stories) Wrong timing or insufficient platform When other content formats might be more effective Writing the Right Book vs. The Wrong Book The memoir trap: Many coaches want to write memoirs when they should write prescriptive business books The importance of understanding your target market (memoir readers vs. business book readers) Strategic thinking: What do you want the book to accomplish for your business? Key Questions to Ask Before Writing Who are you trying to reach? What do you want readers to do after reading your book? What transformation do you want to create for your readers? How does this book fit into your broader business strategy? The Authority Effect The connection between "author" and "authority" How books can open doors to speaking engagements, podcasts, and media opportun...

Unscripted Small Business Podcast - Episode: Understanding Therapy and Mental Health with Kinsey Morgan Host: Jeremy Rivera Guest: Kinsey Morgan, LPC-MHSP, Owner of Arise Counseling Services Episode Focus: Therapy approaches, EMDR, workplace trauma, and breaking mental health stigma Episode Summary Join host Jeremy Rivera as he sits down with licensed therapist Kinsey Morgan to explore the world of mental health therapy. Kinsey shares her personal journey into psychology, explains innovative trauma treatment approaches like EMDR, and discusses the rising trend of workplace trauma in post-COVID America. This candid conversation breaks down therapy myths while providing practical insights for anyone considering mental health support. Key Topics Discussed Kinsey's Background & Journey (00:24 - 02:04) How high school counseling for bullying and family issues sparked her interest in psychology The transformative impact of working with a skilled teen therapist College experience with professors who maintained private practices The unique nature of psychology: "We are all part of psychology, walking around in bodies every day" Arise Counseling Services Overview (02:20 - 03:01) Founded 8-9 years ago in Brentwood, Tennessee Specializes in trauma therapy, mood disorders, grief and loss Focus on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Deep Dive: EMDR Explained (03:23 - 05:25) What EMDR stands for: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing How traumatic memories get "stuck" in fight-or-flight brain regions The movie poster analogy: dimming the brightness of painful memories Recreating REM sleep's bilateral stimulation while awake Therapeutic Approaches & Methods (09:56 - 11:23) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Inner child work and somatic therapy Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) The difference between intellectualizing vs. feeling through emotions Reparenting work for adults Generational Trauma & Cultural Shifts (12:21 - 15:30)

  Guest: Andrew Poles - Executive Coach & Ultra Marathon Mountain Biker Host: Daniel Hill - Unscripted Small Business Podcast Episode Highlights The Founder Growth Flywheel Andrew explains why founders and entrepreneurs who stop growing personally inevitably see their businesses stagnate shortly after. ️ The "Seemingly Impossible" Challenge How a Netflix documentary and his wife's belief led to Andrew's incredible 100-mile mountain biking journey at 10,000+ feet elevation. Coaching vs. Therapy: The Key Difference Forward-focused coaching engagements bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, rather than exploring how you got here. When NOT to Scale Up Why "bigger isn't better" and the crucial question every entrepreneur must answer before pursuing business goals. Key Business Insights Discussed Economic uncertainty strategies for commercial real estate and geographic businesses Market-specific analysis - why interest rates affect different sectors uniquely Efficiency before expansion - sometimes profitability matters more than growth The ultimate end game - defining your exit strategy before making scaling decisions Related Conversations Worth Exploring ️ More Entrepreneurial Journeys: Grant Simmons' journey from corporate to freelance SEO success - Similar career transformation story James Dooley's scaling strategies for building a 9-figure business empire Simon Schnieders scaling his SEO agency - Agency growth insights Practical Business Resources: Local keyword research strategies for geographic businesses SEO-aware business framework for new ventures

In this engaging conversation, Larry and Sue Pruett share their journey of marriage, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of communication, mutual respect, and the foundational elements that have helped them maintain a strong marriage over 35 years. The Pruetts also delve into their experiences in e-commerce, the challenges of working together as a couple in business, and the significance of prioritizing their relationship to succeed in both marriage and entrepreneurship. Their insights provide valuable advice for couples looking to navigate the complexities of running a business together while maintaining a healthy relationship. Key Takeaways: The foundations of marriage enable business success together. Communication creates connection in relationships and in business. Thirty-five years of marriage provides tested wisdom. Homeschooling taught alternative approaches to life. Twenty-one years of entrepreneurship experience guides others. Connect time strengthens daily marriage relationships. Difficult conversations prevent relationship breakdown. Side by side approach addresses problems as a team. Business roles may differ from home roles. Clear role definition prevents partnership conflicts.   Interested in working with Larry and Sue? Check out their website for a FREE connection card resource and to book a consultation call! 

Summary In this episode of Unscripted Small Business, host Zaneta Chuniq Inpower interviews Karen Aucoin, owner of JoBelle and Studio 131. Karen shares her entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and pivots she faced while growing her business. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, networking, and organizational strategies in scaling a creative business. Karen also highlights the significance of empowering women in business and the future trends in the creative economy, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions fearlessly.   Takeaways Studio 131 began as a dance instruction space and evolved into a successful event venue. Entrepreneurship requires the ability to pivot and adapt to unexpected challenges. Collaboration with other businesses can lead to greater success and innovation. Delegation is crucial for growth, especially for women entrepreneurs. Using tools like Google Docs and CRMs can help maintain organization and efficiency. Creating packages that include multiple services can enhance client experience and profitability. Networking with competitors can foster collaboration rather than competition. Having a clear vision and planning ahead is essential for business success. Empowering women in business can lead to generational wealth and inspire future generations. The future of creative entrepreneurship lies in adaptability and embracing change.  

Summary In this Unscripted SEO conversation, Zaneta Chuniq Inpower interviews Lesle Lane, co-founder and lead photographer of Studio 13, about her journey in photography, the transition to B2B photography, and the impact of technology on the industry. Leslie shares insights on scaling her business, the importance of networking, and the role of mentorship in shaping the future of photography. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and the significance of authenticity in visual representation.   Takeaways Lesle Lane is a third-generation photographer specializing in B2B photography. Transitioning from portrait photography to B2B requires a different business approach. Networking is crucial for photographers to build relationships and gain clients. Technology has significantly changed photography, enhancing efficiency and quality. AI is impacting photography, but authenticity remains essential for client trust. Lesle emphasizes the importance of mentorship for aspiring photographers. Building a business requires strategic focus and delegation of tasks. SOPs and automation can help streamline business operations. Lesle's goal is to cultivate a successor for her business. Helping others in the industry is a key value for Lesle. 

In this episode of the Unscripted Podcast, Daniel Hill interviews Oreet Kaufman, a freelance PowerPoint designer from Chicago. Oreet discusses her journey into presentation design, emphasizing the importance of effective storytelling and audience engagement. She shares insights on the ideal number of slides, the role of AI in presentations, and common pitfalls to avoid. Oreet also highlights her success stories with clients and her approach to creating impactful presentations that resonate with audiences.

In this conversation, Claudia Rucker shares her journey and insights on helping small business owners transition from being owner-operators to effective leaders. She emphasizes the importance of purpose in business, the need for supportive teams, and the value of financial literacy. Claudia discusses the concept of fractional support and how it can help small businesses grow without overwhelming the owner. She also provides actionable steps for business owners to create a sellable business and highlights the importance of professional support in navigating the complexities of business growth. takeaways Claudia's purpose is to help people get unstuck. Fulfillment in business comes from having a clear purpose. Transitioning from owner to leader requires a mindset shift. Building a supportive team is essential for growth. Fractional support can help small businesses scale effectively. Financial literacy is crucial for business success. Creating a sellable business should be a goal for owners. Professional support can guide business owners through challenges. Actionable steps can lead to improved profitability and fulfillment. Self-reflection is key to understanding business goals.

In this conversation, Georgi Feidler shares her journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to a purposeful consultant. She discusses the importance of having entrepreneurial conversations at the dinner table, the skills gained from her corporate career, and how they translate into her consulting work. Georgi emphasizes the need for generalists in small businesses and the challenges faced by baby boomer business owners in succession planning. She highlights the emotional ties to businesses and the importance of mentorship in ensuring a smooth transition for future generations. The discussion also touches on the significance of finding the right fit for leadership roles and the balance between planning and surrendering to a greater purpose in business. Takeaways: A dream doesn't turn into a goal without a plan. Understanding your natural strengths is crucial for success. Generalists can provide the connective tissue for small businesses. Founders often feel lonely and need support. Tribal knowledge can hinder business scalability. Succession planning is essential for baby boomer business owners. Emotional ties to businesses complicate succession. Successors need to be forged over time, not just found. Mentorship is key in transitioning business knowledge. Creating structure protects legacy and freedom. Succession planning is crucial for business continuity. Mentorship plays a vital role in successful transitions. Documentation is essential for delegating responsibilities. Identifying single points of failure helps in succession planning. Hiring for character and connection is more important than credentials. Emotional intelligence is key in business handoffs. Delegation allows founders to step back and take breaks. The right successor can enhance team dynamics. Legacy planning should be a continuous process. Surrendering to purpose can lead to unexpected opportunities. Impactful Quotes: "Tribal knowledge is the enemy of succession. If it's in your head, that's not delegation. We can't delegate that, right? That doesn't exist." "Successors aren't found. They are forged over time."   "Structure is actually what protects freedom and that legacy."   "I think that founders are the lifeblood of innovation. They have an amazing potential to change the lives of their teammates, their family, and their community."   "I always say teams can be well-rounded, even though people can't."   "Hiring your successor isn't about finding the perfect person. It's about finding someone who makes the team more complete."   "The clearer that we can be upfront, the less frustration that we're going to create down the road."   "You can't train character. Connection is a very trusting...

  In this episode of the Unscripted Small Business Podcast, host Daniel Hill speaks with Drew Carmichael, a 19-year-old entrepreneur who runs a marketing agency called The Cultivator. Drew shares his journey from starting small businesses in school to establishing a successful marketing agency that focuses on helping e-commerce and service-based businesses scale. He discusses the importance of being open to opportunities, the decision to forgo university in favor of entrepreneurship, and the significance of SEO and data-driven marketing strategies for small businesses to drive increases in leads & revenue. Drew emphasizes the need for genuine relationships with clients and offers insights into effective marketing practices.  

  Show Notes: In this episode of Unscripted SEO, host Zaneta Chuniq Inpower sits down with Tatiana Zagorovski (also known as "Miss Z") of Trio Realty Partners to discuss her fascinating journey from a 23-year career in software development to becoming a successful real estate investor in St. Louis, Missouri. What You'll Learn: How Tatiana discovered her passion for real estate through a simple $27 online training course The challenges of transitioning careers and the importance of finding the right mentorship Tatiana's focus on three key real estate strategies: buying houses, fix and flips, and seller financing Common misconceptions about cash home buying and how honest investors operate Why proper analysis and understanding construction are crucial skills in real estate The people-centered nature of real estate and the importance of building a strong team How Trio Realty Partners goes above and beyond to help clients in difficult situations Tatiana's vision for building a legacy and helping others become homeowners Something as simple as a new application of professional paint can improve home value, making sure your AC is tuned up BEFORE it is inspected also can alleviate maintenance concerns What makes St. Louis an ideal market for real estate investment and family living Featured Guest: Tatiana Zagorovski is the founder of Trio Realty Partners in St. Louis, MO. After 23 years in software development, she made a career change to pursue her passion for real estate. Her company focuses on buying houses for cash, fix and flips, and seller financing to help people who might not qualify for traditional mortgages become homeowners. Connect with Tatiana: Phone: (314) 804-0777 Website: Trio Realty Partners, helping people buy homes in St. Louis Key Quotes: "Real estate has so many strategies and possibilities that anyone can find something in real estate." "We end up with trying to do everything and doing nothing." "There is no one solution to fit it all." "Real estate, it's a people business, its relationship, its connections, and it's relying on others on your team."...

Jeremy Rivera speaks with Zach Brown and Jared LeCroix from Majestic Photo Booth about their journey in the photo booth industry. They discuss the origins of their business, the evolution of photo booth technology, and how they have adapted to a growing market with innovative business models. The conversation also covers their unique approach to photo booth rentals, brand activations, partnerships with venues, and their vision for the future of Majestic Photo Booth as a leader in the industry.   Takeaways The idea for Majestic Photo Booth originated from a musician's need to fund his tours. The company started with vintage film photo booths before transitioning to digital. They tapped into the market through word of mouth and early SEO efforts. Majestic Photo Booth differentiates itself by maintaining a classic style while innovating. They offer a unique venue placement model that provides photo booths at no cost to venues. Brand activations are a key part of their business, allowing for customization and engagement. The photo booth experience is designed to create memorable moments for guests. They focus on providing high-quality outputs that guests can take home. Even if you're in a "boring" industry like commercial kitchen appliances, you can still build a memorable brand The company aims to expand into museums and sports arenas for greater reach. Continuous improvement is a core value, driving their mission to innovate in the photo booth industry.

Is your organization struggling with the revolving door of talent? In today's competitive market, retaining top performers requires more than competitive salaries—it demands a workplace where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to grow. Join Abbey Crane for an illuminating conversation with Francie Jain, founder of Terawatt, who reveals how her innovative approach to group coaching is revolutionizing how companies invest in their most valuable asset: their people. Francie shares why her marketplace model is making professional development accessible beyond the C-suite: "We really push group coaching because it's much more affordable. If you're a CEO or CFO, you may get one-on-one coaching as part of your benefits package. Whereas if you're a practicing contributor, you're definitely not getting one-on-one coaching." What You'll Discover: The Real Cost of Burnout: Learn why employee disengagement isn't an individual failing but a symptom of system-wide dysfunction Success Story: How a group of doctors transformed their workplace dynamics through targeted communication coaching The "17 Touches" Principle: Why meaningful employee recognition might require more consistent effort than you think Generational Insights: Discover why accommodating Gen Z's workplace expectations creates a better environment for everyone "If you feel like you could just be as miserable, $10,000 more a year is a worthwhile reason to leave," explains Jain. "But if you felt like this was the most perfect job you've ever had, you wouldn't feel like an extra $10,000 would be worth it." Ready to transform your organization's approach to professional development and dramatically improve retention? This episode provides actionable insights every leader needs to hear. Visit terawatt.co to learn more about bringing affordable group coaching to your organization.   Other resources mentioned:  Lisa Gibson- Shine the Spotlight on you  Arianna Huffington- The Sleep Revolution

In this enlightening episode, marketing expert Angela Frank shares her revolutionary "marketing ecosystem strategy" and why focusing on a single channel is the secret to scaling your business. As a fractional CMO who has helped clients manage marketing budgets of up to a million dollars per month, Angela breaks down why entrepreneurs should resist the temptation to be everywhere at once and instead, master one platform before expanding. Key Takeaways: Why the "do more by doing less" philosophy is crucial for marketing success How to identify which single marketing channel will work best for your specific business The value of a fractional CMO versus hiring in-house marketing leadership Why creating a cohesive "marketing ecosystem" with a through-line across all efforts drives better results How to determine your ideal customer profile (ICP) and find where they're hanging out online Practical ways to use ChatGPT to enhance (not replace) your marketing efforts The surprising resurgence of Reddit as an effective marketing channel Resources Mentioned: Want even more help with your marketing? Join the FREE Membership Program: Marketing Accelerator  Interested in working with Angela? Check out her website here!  For more marketing tips, listen to The Growth Pod podcast!  Angela's Book: Your Marketing Ecosystem (DM Angela on LinkedIn for a FREE copy!) Angela's LinkedIn: Connect with Angela on LinkedIn for marketing insights, learn about her fractional CMO services, and DM her for your FREE copy of her book! Marketing Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, HubSpot, Canva, CapCut 

In this episode of the Unscripted Small Business Podcast, our new host, digital marketing consultant Zaneta Chunique Inpower speaks with Miles Johnson, an elected official in Ingham County, about his role in the Lansing community. They discuss various topics including community development projects, food deserts, youth empowerment, and economic initiatives. Miles shares his passion for advocating for the youth and the importance of local politics, encouraging listeners to get involved in their communities. He also offers advice for aspiring political leaders and emphasizes the significance of representation in public service. takeaways Miles Johnson is an elected official in Ingham County. He represents South Lansing and is involved in community development. There are new projects in South Lansing, including a bank and health system. Food deserts are a significant issue in South Lansing. Youth empowerment is a top priority for Miles Johnson. Economic development is crucial for the community's growth. Community members can get involved by attending local meetings. Local politics are essential for making a difference. Representation in politics is vital for diverse perspectives. Starting small can lead to significant changes in the community.

In this conversation, Jeremy Rivera interviews Tyler Mumford, the owner of Grind Time Stump Grinding, about his unique journey from a corporate sales job to running a niche stump grinding business. Tyler shares insights on transitioning from B2B to B2C, building an online presence, navigating regulations, and the importance of branding.   He discusses his growth plans, seasonal strategies, and the value of collaborations and referrals in the service industry. Tyler also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter niche markets.   takeaways Stump grinding is a loud and dirty process, but it's PG. Tyler transitioned from a corporate sales job to entrepreneurship. Initially, Tyler focused solely on B2B for his stump grinding business. Cold texting tree companies was the starting point for Tyler's business. Tyler aims to grow his business but is uncertain about the future. There are minimal regulations for stump grinding businesses. The name 'Grind Time' was chosen for its simplicity and appeal. Tyler operated without a website for the first few months. If you're trying to grow a brand, it doesn't matter if you're saving commercial kitchens on cost, or laying down concrete, you have to remember the value of testimonials from satisfied clients. Winter is used to up level the business and plan for the future. Asphalt contractors should account for varied weather too. Building referral relationships is crucial for business growth, for example he often sends business to land clearing, tree trimming and landscape partners.

In this engaging conversation, Abbey Crane interviews Brandon Barnum, known as the 'King of Referrals.' Brandon shares his inspiring journey from struggling financially to becoming a successful figure in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of referrals in business. He discusses mindset shifts, strategies for building referral partnerships, and effective networking techniques, especially for introverts. The conversation also touches on the role of community in business, the balance between automation and personal touch in follow-ups, and the future of AI in relationship building. Brandon concludes with valuable insights on asking for referrals and the importance of trying new things to succeed.   Takeaways: Brandon Barnum's journey from $20K to $200K in income. The significance of referrals in B2B sales. Building reciprocal referral partnerships is crucial. Networking events should be approached strategically. Understanding personalities can enhance networking effectiveness. Community engagement is vital in a digital landscape. Follow-up is key to maintaining relationships. Automation should complement personal outreach. AI is transforming relationship building in business. Asking for referrals is essential for growth.   Resources Mentioned:  Buy Brandon's book, Raving Referrals here!  Why They Buy  The One Minute Millionaire The Gap and the Gain ravingreferrals.com hoa.com