Midlife can be a challenging and transformative period for many people. It’s a time when individuals often reassess their lives, reflect on their accomplishments, and question their future direction. In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Molly Seidel, a midlife change coach and the creator of the podcast “I Am This Age.” Our conversation delved into the struggles and opportunities that come with midlife, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, embracing imperfection, and cultivating strong relationships.

The Challenges of Middle Age

Molly and I began by discussing the common challenges faced by individuals in midlife. She explained that many adults spend their early adulthood pursuing specific goals, such as a particular career, financial stability, or material possessions. However, upon achieving these external markers of success, they may find themselves feeling unfulfilled and questioning their life’s purpose. This can lead to a midlife crisis, a period of uncertainty and reflection.

I added that the definition of midlife has become more complex in recent years. People are living longer, delaying retirement, and often juggling multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and personal commitments. This can add to the stress and uncertainty of midlife.

The Power of Self-Discovery

To navigate these challenges, Molly emphasized the importance of self-discovery. She encouraged individuals to be present in the moment, explore new interests, and step outside their comfort zones. Trying new things, she said, is a way to understand oneself better and find new passions in life.

I agreed, noting that starting something new can be both humbling and liberating. It allows individuals to approach life with a beginner’s mindset, free from the constraints of past experiences and expectations.

Escaping the Trap of Comparison

Our conversation also touched on the issue of social comparison, which Molly referred to as “comparisonitis.” We agreed that the constant exposure to others’ seemingly perfect lives on social media can fuel feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Molly encouraged individuals to focus on their own journeys and celebrate their unique strengths and accomplishments.

The Importance of Relationships

We then shifted our focus to the importance of relationships in midlife. Molly mentioned studies showing that a strong social network is crucial for a long and fulfilling life. She encouraged individuals to evaluate the people in their lives and determine their impact on their well-being. Cultivating positive and supportive relationships can provide a sense of belonging, companionship, and emotional support.

Embracing Imperfection

Molly and I also discussed the concept of perfection and the importance of giving oneself and others grace. She emphasized that no one is perfect and that part of being a mature adult is understanding and accepting this. We also talked about the value of admitting when one doesn’t know something and the trust that comes with humility.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Mobile commerce is rapidly evolving, with app commerce poised to overtake e-commerce as the primary driver of online sales. In a recent podcast episode, industry experts John Golden from Sales POP Online Sales Magazine and Pipeline CRM and Campbell Paton, co-founder and CEO of Store Lab, discussed the future of mobile commerce and the shift towards app commerce.

The Rise of App Commerce

Paton, a specialist in mobile apps and mobile marketing, believes that app commerce will eventually surpass e-commerce as the primary driver of online sales. He cites three main drivers for this trend:

• Push notifications: Push notifications have higher conversion rates than email, SMS, and traditional advertising methods. They are also free to send, making them a powerful tool for businesses.
• Enhanced user experience: Mobile apps provide a faster and more streamlined browsing experience compared to mobile web. This leads to higher conversion rates and a more satisfying user experience.
• Increased retention rates: Mobile apps can create a sense of exclusivity and community, leading to increased customer retention and higher purchase frequency.

Paton advises companies to consider a no-code solution for app development, prioritize conversion rate optimization in app design, actively plan and strategize app content, and utilize tools like MessageFlow for push notification campaigns.

Balancing Human Connection with Technology

The conversation also touched on the challenge of balancing human connection with technology in the app industry. People are increasingly seeking human connection, but at the same time, they rely heavily on apps and technology. Some apps have chat bot functions or the option to talk to a human, which helps retain a level of human connection within the app experience.

The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity in E-commerce

Golden and Paton discussed the importance of storytelling and authenticity in e-commerce. Businesses should tell their story, show behind-the-scenes processes, and establish trust and credibility with customers. Authenticity and credibility can be easily achieved through simple tools like smartphones.

The Impact of AI on the App Industry

The conversation then shifted to the impact of AI on the app industry. AI can be used for personalized recommendations and text-based marketing platforms like push notifications.

The Concept of “Less is More” in App Design

Finally, Golden and Paton touched on the concept of “less is more” in app design, highlighting the importance of focusing on essential features and avoiding clutter. App builders provide pre-designed elements that are optimized for conversion rates, ensuring a streamlined and effective user experience.

The discussion between Campbell Paton and John Golden provided a deep dive into the future of mobile commerce, the rise of app commerce, and the importance of balancing human connection with technology. Paton’s expertise in app design and mobile marketing added valuable insights to the conversation.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Understanding the Acquisition and the Need for Change

As the host of the Sales POP! Online Sales Magazine and Pipeline CRM. I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Swiler, the CEO of a leading software suite for Microsoft users. Our conversation revolved around his experience acquiring and turning around a software company. Andrew emphasized the importance of understanding what you’re buying when acquiring a company and the need for significant changes when sales are flat.

The sales team he inherited had no objectives or KPIs and lacked modern sales tactics. They were solely focused on farming the current user base for revenue and were resistant to change. Andrew shared that the existing sales process was not really a process at all, with each salesperson having their own way of selling. This lack of structure and resistance to change were the first challenges Andrew had to tackle.

Implementing a Personalized Approach to Sales

To turn things around, Andrew implemented a more personalized approach to the sales process. He encouraged the sales team to make personalized calls and send personalized emails, showing genuine interest in the prospects’ businesses. He also emphasized the importance of curiosity in sales, comparing it to the mindset of entrepreneurs. Andrew believes that salespeople need to be curious and constantly seek new knowledge and insights to succeed.

Rebuilding the Sales Team

Andrew discussed the process of rebuilding his sales team. He let go of most of the existing salespeople, except for one dedicated individual who had been with the company for ten years. This person was highly knowledgeable about the product and always went the extra mile to support the team. Andrew decided to give him a chance to prove himself as an asset, even though he wasn’t the best salesperson.

To rebuild the team, Andrew worked with someone to create a sales playbook that outlined their processes and steps for lead management, email sequences, and more. They then hired a few new salespeople, but one of them turned out to be unreliable and had taken another job without informing Andrew. This experience highlighted the importance of honesty and integrity in a small company like theirs.

The Challenges of Hiring Great Salespeople

Andrew emphasized the need for candidates who have held a job for more than three years. He finds it confusing how some people with a history of job-hopping still get hired. We also touched on the entrepreneurial nature of salespeople and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in a constantly changing market.

Andrew mentioned that he tries to hire more women in sales, as he believes they tend to be more honest and wants to address the gender imbalance in the industry.

The Importance of Authenticity in Sales

We discussed the importance of authenticity in sales and the shift towards more human-centric selling. I mentioned that women salespeople often bring a natural level of empathy and authenticity to their interactions. Andrew agreed and added that many salespeople, both men and women, are naturally competitive. Sometimes this competitiveness can manifest in a toxic way.

Andrew shared an example of a toxic salesperson who would yell at people on the marketing team and treat others with deference. He emphasized that authenticity is crucial in sales.  As people can see through inauthentic behavior.

The Need for Genuine Connections

Before the pandemic, there was already a growing desire for human relationships in sales.  The pandemic has further highlighted the need for genuine connections. Andrew mentioned a statistic from McKinsey that 80% of software buyers prefer not to speak to someone. Before purchasing software, which surprised him. I suggested that this preference may stem from bad experiences. If a salesperson can surprise and provide value to the buyer, they will stand out from the competition.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

The Five Principles of Intentional Growth: A Conversation with Ryan Tansom

As a podcaster, I have the privilege of engaging with some of the most brilliant minds in the business world. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Tansom, an entrepreneur and founder of Arcona. Our conversation revolved around the five principles of intentional growth and the importance of having a clear vision, financial targets, exit options, growing value, and a team of advisors to achieve success in business.

The Journey of an Entrepreneur

Ryan’s journey into entrepreneurship began in the family business. His experiences there led him to develop the intentional growth framework, a concept that we delved into during our conversation. Intentional growth, as Ryan explained, is about understanding your ‘why’ and taking purposeful actions towards your goals. It’s about learning from experiences and not just going with the flow.

The Five Principles of Intentional Growth

Ryan broke down the five principles of intentional growth for us. These include:

1. Having a vision for the business: Knowing where you want to go is the first step towards getting there.
2. Setting financial targets: This gives you a clear idea of what you need to achieve and helps you stay on track.
3. Considering exit options: It’s crucial to have a clear exit strategy, as many business owners don’t know what they want to do with their business in the long term.
4. Focusing on growing value: Businesses should allocate funds to improve and appreciate their value over time.
5. Having a team of advisors: Surrounding yourself with advisors who can provide valuable insights and guidance is essential.

The Importance of Cash Flow and Exit Strategy

One of the key points Ryan emphasized was the importance of looking beyond just the income statement and considering the cash flow statement. In the past, people only focused on their income statements, but now, with supply chain issues, interest rates, and labor problems, cash flow has become crucial.

Ryan also highlighted the need for a clear exit strategy. He compared this to owning a house, where people want it to appreciate in value and have options when selling it. However, many people end up investing a significant amount of money into their house, only to sell it for less than expected. The same principle applies to businesses.

Understanding Business Valuations

Understanding business valuations can be challenging, but Ryan explained that the value of a company is determined by its normalized EBITDA (cash flow) and the buyer’s perception of risk (represented by the multiple). He advises business owners to de-risk their cash flow to increase the multiple and manage their debt to enhance equity valuation.

The Role of Advisors and Coaches

We also discussed the importance of having a team of advisors and coaches to support business owners. Ryan emphasized the need for business owners to take ownership of their situation and goals and to surround themselves with advisors who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Investing in the Right Things

As we concluded our conversation, we touched on the importance of investing in the right things for a bigger return rather than wasting money on ineffective advertising. Ryan shared that their online academy at Arcona has helped many businesses grow and succeed.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Small Businesses

As the host of this enlightening podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with John Golden, from Sales POP! Online Sales Magazine and Pipeline CRM, and John Nieuwenburg, a professional business coach since 2004. Our discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities that small businesses face in today’s dynamic environment.

The Enduring Challenges of Small Businesses

Golden and Nieuwenburg highlighted the enduring challenges of time, team, and money that small businesses often grapple with. As a small business owner, you might find yourself overwhelmed with tasks and short on time. Recruiting and retaining a good team can also be a daunting task. Financial management is another hurdle, with a disconnect often existing between profitability and cash flow. You might be running a profitable business but still struggle to have enough money in the bank. This is further complicated by the cash gap – the time between paying expenses and collecting on sales.

The Recruitment Challenge and the Expectation Gap

Our speakers also delved into the challenges of recruiting and the expectation gap between employers and potential employees. They emphasized the importance of giving recruiting the attention and resources it deserves. Platforms like Upwork can be a valuable tool in finding skilled recruiters. They also suggested the strategy of continuously recruiting and building relationships with potential replacements for key team members. The benefits of fractional resources and part-time employees were also discussed, along with the importance of cross-training and having backups for key roles.

Time Management and the Myth of Multitasking

Golden and Nieuwenburg also tackled the challenges of time management and the impact of distractions on productivity. They debunked the misconception of multitasking, explaining that our brains can only switch tasks, not truly multitask. This constant switching between tasks can actually decrease productivity and effectiveness. They stressed the importance of setting priorities and mapping out time to match those priorities using techniques like a default diary or time blocking. This approach empowers individuals to say no to distractions and focus on what truly matters.

The Power of a Time Audit

Nieuwenburg introduced the concept of a time audit, where individuals track their activities in 15-minute blocks for a week. This exercise helps identify low-value tasks that can be delegated to others, such as virtual assistants, freeing up time for high-value activities that generate income. They emphasized the need to be aware of the time wasted on interruptions and the time it takes to refocus, which can significantly impact productivity.

Embracing the AI Revolution

Looking ahead, Nieuwenburg mentioned the upcoming revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to change the way we work. He encouraged individuals to learn and experiment with AI to understand how it can apply to their respective fields. They discussed the shift towards more natural language interactions with AI and the need for businesses to adapt to these changes to meet customer expectations.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Mastering Time Management

As a podcaster, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in enlightening conversations with experts from various fields. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Jones Loflin, a renowned author, speaker, and time management expert, on my podcast. We delved into the intricacies of time management, productivity, and decision-making, particularly in the context of our increasingly digital world.

The Impact of Distractions on Productivity

Jones and I kicked off our discussion by addressing the elephant in the room – distractions. In today’s hyper-connected world, distractions are more prevalent than ever. We identified three main culprits hindering productivity: internal factors (like a lack of clarity about goals and expectations), external factors (such as technology and environmental distractions), and the expectations of others.

We also touched on the cultural glorification of busyness, a common misconception that equates being busy with being productive. Jones emphasized the importance of clarifying expectations and managing them effectively. He suggested a simple yet powerful framework for communicating boundaries and protecting time for focused work: “Yes with a period, no with a period, and yes with a question mark.”

The Challenges of Working from Home

Our conversation naturally veered towards the challenges of working from home, a reality many of us are grappling with. The temptation to blur the boundaries between work and personal life is real and can lead to burnout if not managed well. Jones and I stressed the need to set clear boundaries and prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

We also discussed the need for flexibility in work styles and routines, especially given the risk of employees leaving for more flexible remote jobs or engaging in “quiet quitting.” The lack of clear expectations and resource management in many workplaces can lead to disengagement and unnoticed resignations. We emphasized the importance of prioritization and the ability to say no to tasks that don’t align with goals.

The Power of the Environment

Jones highlighted the importance of considering the environment when setting up a home office. He shared his personal preference of using a diffuser with white tea and thyme to sharpen his focus but acknowledged that different scents work for different people. We had a good laugh when I asked if there was a whiskey-scented diffuser!

As we concluded our conversation, Jones invited the audience to connect with him on LinkedIn for more tips and ideas. I reminded our listeners that time is a precious commodity that needs to be managed effectively. I expressed my intention to connect with them again soon, and thanked Jones and the viewers for their time.

In essence, our conversation underscored the need for individuals and organizations to adapt their approach to time management in the face of increasing distractions and changing work environments. It was a reminder that even small changes can make a significant difference, and it’s worth investing time to make our workspaces more conducive to work.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Building Successful Relationships: Insights from Relationship Coach Nicolas Rion

John Golden, is your host for this enlightening podcast episode. Today, I had the pleasure of having an insightful conversation with Nicolas Rion, a renowned personal and professional relationship coach from London. We delved into the ten habits of successful relationships and the journey that led Nicolas to formulate these habits.

The Birth of the Ten Habits

Nicolas’s journey began in the rustic landscapes of Burgundy, France, where he grew up in a family of farmers. His early experiences with conflict and blame in relationships sparked his interest in exploring alternative ways of building relationships. This exploration led him to spend five years studying and working on these habits while engaged in change management.

The Ten Habits of Successful Relationships

Nicolas’s ten habits are neatly divided into three groups: emotional intelligence, mindset, and approach to relationships.

Emotional Intelligence

The first group, emotional intelligence, encompasses self-awareness, self-management, and self-care. As I pointed out during our discussion, self-awareness is a critical aspect of relationships that is often undermined by popular culture. Nicolas concurred, adding that people often decide to work on these habits when they desire more fluid and confident relationships.

Mindset

The second group, mindset, includes assertiveness, curiosity, and transparency. These habits are essential for maintaining open communication and understanding in relationships. In a world that has become increasingly polarized, it’s more important than ever to exercise curiosity and listen to understand others’ values and perspectives. As Nicolas rightly pointed out, curiosity is the antidote to false beliefs.

Approach to Relationships

The third group, the approach to relationships, highlights the importance of vulnerability. Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability, when combined with assertiveness, can build trust and lead to positive outcomes. However, it requires self-confidence and assertiveness to ensure it is not exploited.

The Importance of Open Communication and Understanding

Our conversation also touched on the challenges of having difficult conversations and giving feedback. Nicolas emphasized that having the same intention of helping each other grow and support each other is crucial for successful conversations. Setting intentions and long-term goals before engaging in difficult conversations is vital. Examining one’s own intentions is a necessary step before embarking on any personal growth journey.

Meet Nicolas Rion

Nicolas is a life and executive coach who specializes in helping people improve their relationships in both personal and professional contexts. He works with individuals facing challenges in their careers or personal relationships, providing coaching for 6 to 12 months to help them achieve their objectives.

In conclusion, no relationship is perfect. It’s a continuous journey of learning, understanding, and growing. I encourage everyone to explore Nicolas’s work and apply these ten habits to their relationships. I want to extend my gratitude to Nicolas for sharing his insights and enriching our understanding of successful relationships.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Cultivating Digital Leadership Skills

We recently had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Geoff Blaisdell. He is an experienced digital leader, executive advisor, investor, and change agent. Our discussion revolved around the importance of cultivating digital leadership skills.  Fostering innovation, and the role of technology in the modern business landscape.

The Role of Technology in Business

Geoff  delved into the necessity for leaders to comprehend that technology is not just a shiny new toy. It is a tool designed to solve business problems and deliver value. We agreed that successful technologists are hybrids, possessing a deep understanding of both technology. The business context in which it is applied.

Digital Transformation: A Misunderstood Concept

We also touched on the concept of digital transformation. This is a term often misunderstood as a threat to human roles. Contrary to this misconception, we concurred that digital transformation is about connecting disparate systems, improving processes, and enabling organizations to access and utilize data more effectively.

Geoff shared his perspective on the term “digital,” stating that it represents a level of technology that accelerates the delivery of value. He believes that we have reached a point where technology and innovation are essential for progress, and digital transformation is a natural progression on this exponential path.

Aligning Digital Initiatives with Business Goals

Our conversation emphasized the importance of aligning digital initiatives with business goals and involving stakeholders in the journey. We highlighted the need for a shared understanding of digital transformation and its potential benefits.

The Impact of AI on Jobs

We also discussed the impact of AI on jobs. Geoff acknowledged that while AI may eliminate some jobs.  It can also be augmentative and improve job performance. He gave the example of AI assisting investment managers, where a competent investment manager armed with AI can outperform just a competent manager. He compared this to the combination of a grand master and AI in the chess world.

Maintaining Customer Centricity in the Digital Age

We agreed on the importance of maintaining customer centricity and human interaction in the digital age. Geoff mentioned a startup he is working with that uses AI to improve sales outcomes by gathering data during meetings and reducing subjectivity. We concurred that customer centricity is critical and that companies should strive to provide a human touch in their interactions.

The Future of Technology

When discussing the future of technology, Geoff believes that while there are incremental improvements, there are also truly transformative advancements. He mentioned autonomous driving as an example, which he believes will have a monumental impact on people’s lives by recapturing time. He also raised ethical considerations, such as the potential use of AI in the legal system to eliminate bias.

Bots, Transparency, and Ethics

We touched on the topic of bots and transparency, agreeing that companies should be upfront about their use of bots and not try to deceive customers. We also discussed the ethical questions surrounding AI and human relationships, referencing the movie “Her” where a protagonist falls in love with a chatbot.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.