Brain Gaining Marketing and Business Insights from Industry Leaders
Gain knowledge and insights from industry leaders on a wide variety of marketing and business topics. Interested in a specific topic? Reach out and we’ll find an expert to drop some knowledge.
Investments & Expansion in a Down Market by Rick Gilbert
June 25, 2020
Rick Gilbert, the founder of a popular lifestyle apparel company in Portland, Oregon called Grafletics, shares clever ways he’s adapt his retail and ecom business during the pandemic. Even though revenues are off 50% they’re actually looking to invest in a larger retail location.
How You Get 5-Star Reviews by Bill Lyons
June 24, 2020
Bill Lyons, Founder and CEO of Griffin Funding, a mortgage company that has excelled by staying focused on a niche market, Veteran Funding, which earned them the fastest-growing company in San Diego. He shares insights on how you hire for culture, talks about market trends, and has actionable business insights.
How Video (Has Been) Fixing Educational Deficiencies by Evan Erdberg
June 23, 2020
Looking at an educational system that has missing teachers, and even textbooks, today’s Ask an Expert guest developed a virtual learning platform over 10 years ago to help give education to kids in need. Evan Erdberg is the President and Founder of Proximity Learning and has created a video-based educational platform that pairs remote teachers to students and classrooms in need across the country.
Summer Camp Pivots Through Challenging Times by Nick Middleton
June 23, 2020
Nick Middleton runs an agency that develops marketing campaigns for summer camps, a sector that has been hit especially hard these past few months. He shares several different ways that camps are getting creative and innovative to pivot in the face of cancelations or experience changing restrictions. He also shares interesting marketing opportunities including Facebook eCommerce platforms and FREE AdWord funds for non-profit organizations.
How Listening, Learning & Surrounding Change Your Business by Rohit Talwar
June 22, 2020
Rohit Talwar, Founder and CEO of Fast Future, talks about how we’re in a one-time opportunity to rehearse how we want our future to be. He also says that now is a time to get back to basics, to start really actively listening, to focus on training and learning and surround yourself with people who will encourage and challenge you and your ideas.
Ripping Up the PR/Marketing Playbook by Samuel Monnie
June 18, 2020
Samuel Monnie is an acclaimed speaker, author and consultant focused on Marketing Transformation, and also co-hosts the “Across the Pond: Marketing Transformed” podcast. Today he talks about business responsibilities in the current societal climate focused on racial inequalities. He highlights some companies that have historically been focused on equality, talks about how customers are demanding change from their brands, and explains the importance of being proactive vs. reactive.
Your Culture is Your Brand in the New Normal with Julia Brun
June 17, 2020
Julia Brun, from the Business Hood, is a branding evangelist. She speaks about how your company culture is one of the most important brands your company can have, both inward and outward.
Results-Oriented Marketing Revolution with Grayson Lafrenz
June 12, 2020
Grayson Lafrenz, Founder and CEO of Power Digital, believes that this new environment is an opportunity for companies and marketers to finally change the marketing mindset, to focus more on better targeting that focuses more on results, not just eyeballs. This is not necessarily a new idea, but an idea that is now becoming a necessity to survive these days.
Return to Better by Andy Bailey
June 12, 2020
Andy Bailey at Petra Coach has seen everything before. While the exact circumstances may be different, recessions and economic volatility have been with us forever… so how does he advise his CEO clients to a better-than-ever recovery?
Thriving Amid Uncertainty with Peter Keller
June 10, 2020
FringeSport is an Austin-based company that helps workout enthusiasts build home gyms and also helps entrepreneurs build community gym businesses.
Peter’s company, and eCommerce in general, are thriving during and after the shelter-in-place. However, topline growth does not necessarily mean the industry is not fraught with uncertainties.
How a Recession Spawned a Successful Start-Up by Richard Davis
June 10, 2020
After navigating the last recession, today’s Ask an Expert guest Richard Davis, President of a full-service agency, concentrated his efforts on developing a crowdsourcing platform to connect talented writers across the world with companies in need of a slogan. Richard also explains why businesses need to make sure they continue to be aggressive with their marketing, and which channel they should look at right now.
The Secret to How I Helped Scale Starbucks by Howard Behar
June 09, 2020
Howard Behar, former President and Boardmember of Starbucks, joined the company when there were just 28 stores, and by the time retired there were over 15,000. Howard shares the most important thing for their quick growth. Quick hint, it’s not about the coffee (which just happens to be the title of a popular book he wrote, and it’s something that you should be focused on with your business today.
Proven Sales Secrets & Insights Gained Over 35 Years by Dave Kurlan
June 09, 2020
Dave Kurlan, who started out as a musician, realized at an early age his real talents were in sales and has been running a sales training firm working with SMB’s to Fortune 500 companies. In this Ask an Expert segment Dave shares cold calling strategies, sales hiring tips (hint: don’t trust your gut), pivot strategies, and how to leverage video for selling in today and future environments.
Harnessing the Power of Video For Small Businesses by Matt Slack
June 03, 2020
Matt Slack, Founder and President of AV Solutions, helps organizations have great meetings with their teams and customers all over the world from their conference rooms.
The COVID realities have changed the perception and ease of video conferencing, but there are important considerations that Matt is highlighting, as more and more people return to work.
C+A+X = World-Class Customer Experience by John DiJulius
June 02, 2020
John DiJulius is considered the preeminent customer service experience leader by big brands from all over the world from The Ritz Carlton, Lexus, Starbucks, Progressive Insurance, and more. In this Ask an Expert interview John explains how by focusing on three things, Culture, Customer Experience, and Accountability you can create a world-class customer experience.
Success is a Mindset – Here’s How by Jack Daly
June 01, 2020
Jack Daly, and sales and motivational speaker, shares key mindset approaches to achieving the success. He’s built several successful businesses, and equally, if not more incredible, has done over 95 marathons and 15 ironmans – – – all after the age of 46.
Why It’s Great to Invest in Real Estate After 2020 Halftime by Alex Parker
May 29, 2020
In today’s Ask an Expert series Andre Chandra is chatting with Alex Parker, Founder of LST Properties, a residential investment firm based in Louisville, KY. He shares how the pandemic has largely untouched the real estate market so far.
How to Get PPP Forgiveness by Ami Kassar
May 26, 2020
Ami Kassar, Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, gives key insights on what businesses need to be focusing on right now in order to secure PPP forgiveness. He also shares how they’re pivoting to expand their market share during these challenging times.
Why Your Why Matters to Customers & Companies by Summer Erickson
May 26, 2020
Summer Erickson has worked with some of the biggest brands from Visa, Shutterfly, Gap, and has created a consulting firm to help businesses accelerate performance through customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty. She shares insights on why your why matters, how you should look to pivot, and how you should engage your customers in today’s environment.
20 Punchcard Rule: Your Yes’es Mean More Than You Think by Adam Dailey
May 22, 2020
Warren Buffett famously said that investing is like having a punch card with 20 slots on it… what you say “yes” to is put into a new light when you see that you only have a few shots at it, so make them count. Adam Dailey, a serial entrepreneur, author, and former professional athlete from San Diego. His businesses mostly revolve around the real estate and hospitality industry, which has been one of the hardest hit recently.
Agility: From Outerwear to Masks in a Couple of Weeks
May 22, 2020
In today’s Ask an Expert series, Eric Chen stops by. He is the General Manager at Fossa Apparel, a family-run outerwear manufacturer based in California. As the outbreak hit and shutdowns came, he saw demand for his normal products quickly disappeared, but was soon replaced by another: protective cloth masks for people on the frontlines.
The Courage Map: Principles for Living Boldly with Franziska Iseli
May 20, 2020
In today’s Ask an Expert series, I am joined by entrepreneur and adventurer Franziska Iseli, who believes that anyone can learn to unlock their inner courage and live an extraordinary life. Fraziska is the founder of Basic Bananas, and decided to write about courage while on a multi-year motorbike journey around the world.
Reimagining Office Spaces and Work Environments by Ron Harrell
May 20, 2020
As businesses re-open, what will the new office work environment look like? What health and safety measures will be here to stay, and how do you keep your team healthy, happy, and productive?
Ron Harrell, a veteran entrepreneur who founded My Office, a firm that provides office transition services. He is equally proud of his achievements mentoring other CEO’s though his other company called Power Traction.
Humanizing Interactions When Human Interactions Are Impossible by Lee Prosenjak
May 19, 2020
Lee Prosenjak is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, and investor, but he’s always an artist at heart. He founded Cherry Creek Dance, and is currently serving as COO with HESSE Parters and on the leadership board at Simon Sinek Consulting.
All of Lee’s roles require interacting with other human beings through form, movement, and team exercises. Listen to his story on how different his world looks and sounds like these days, and how he made an artwork out of this jumble mess of circumstances.
Hidden Opportunities to Pursue NOW by Daniel Burstein
May 19, 2020
What are the hidden opportunities and silver linings that brand managers and marketers can pursue now and in the mid-term future? What will be the new normal of marketing and customer engagement? In today’s Ask an Expert series, I got a chance to sit down with Daniel Burstein, Senior Director at MecLabs Institute, whose mission is to help marketers discover why customers say “yes” and make the choices they do. Listen to our conversation as he lays out the changes that have come (or will be coming) to marketing and branding environments post-COVID-19.
Startup 101: How I Did It by Piyush Patel
May 18, 2020
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, how do you even begin the journey? How do know you are on the right track? What mistakes can you afford to make along the way?
In today’s Ask an Expert series we’re joined by Piyush Patel. Piyush started as a school teacher but his passion and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Digital Tutors, a digital animation training company for the film and gaming industries.
Credit Union by Heather Anderson
May 15, 2020
Heather Anderson, former executive editor at Credit Union Times and founder to The Oasis Group, shares how credit unions are uniquely positioned compared to regional banks during this economic crisis. She also details what they need to be keenly focused on right now.
Working Out From Home Under a New Normal with Nate Pearson
May 15, 2020
With the pandemic outside, how do you maintain a healthy lifestyle? How different is it exercising from home, and how can you settle into this new habit?
Today’s “Ask an Expert” vodcast features Nate Pearson, CEO of TrainerRoad, who shares big changes happening in the home workout industry, and how to maintain top physical shape if you cannot visit the gym or do team sports activities.
Mental Health in The Workplace by Jessica Jones
May 14, 2020
Within a two month period Jessica Jones, onboarded at infoUSA as VP of Talent, got promoted to GM and had to adapt to a global pandemic. She shares how one of the biggest takeaways is focusing on employee mental health during the crisis we’re facing.
Smart Human Resource Strategies During Slowdowns by Tina Hamilton
May 05, 2020
Unemployment rates skyrocket, but at the same time, workers feel unsafe returning to offices. People need to continue making a living, yet they need to provide care to their families and loved ones during mass closures. How do we navigate through all this? Today’s “Ask an Expert” vodcast features Tina Hamilton, owner of My HR Partner, a full service human resources outsourcing firm for small- to medium-sized businesses.
A Unique Twist to Social Media by Nick Lateur
May 05, 2020
Nick Lateur, National Sales Manager for IMAGEN Brands, shares the attention getting series he’s developed, and the approaches he’s taken to becoming a social media guru…so much that he’s recently been promoted to IMAGEN’s social media director.
Traveling in Times of Lockdowns and Shutdowns by Dietmar Dutilleux
May 04, 2020
Dietmar, a native Belgian has lived as an expatriate in Indonesia for 30 years. He shares his interesting adventure about trying to return home in a foreign country just before a total government lockdown, and how COVID has impacted the Asian export market.
Be a Partner, Not Just a Vendor by Sebastien Nault
May 04, 2020
Sebastien talks about taking the time to deepen relationships with your clients AND also your vendors during economic slowdowns.
Conquer, Not Eliminate Your Fear by Christian Brim
May 04, 2020
Christian shares about his formative years growing up in a family business going through a severe business downturn, and while fear may never go away, there are ways to keep it under control.
The Importance of Running “Recession Drills,” and How by Ryan Shortill
May 01, 2020
Ryan Shortill @ Positive Adventures talks about why all companies should run “Recession Drills,” and how to do it. In addition, he shares some tips on staying mentally healthy, and how shelters-in-place can negatively affect people in abusive relationships.
Navigating Commercial Leases During Crisis by Jonathan Keyser
May 01, 2020
Jonathan Keyser, a national expert representing commercial real estate tenants, thoroughly details what tenants should and shouldn’t be doing as we navigate these difficult decisions. In this interview he covers many topics from what to do if you can’t pay rent to is now a good time to re-negotiate your current lease.
Pivoting within the Event Industry by Heather Frank
May 01, 2020
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy
Heather Frank @ Studio 4Forty shares how she nimbly navigated her company to pivot on such short notice, and the key big things to focus on first.
Health & Safety Standards Under This New Normal by Heather James
April 29, 2020
Heather knows all about keeping a work environment safe – she shares how social distancing is here to stay, and companies must now operate under a new normal when it comes to workplace health and safety.
Southeast Asia Economic Outlook by JP Tuason
April 28, 2020
JP shares about COVID’s impact in the Philippines, and the economic outlook from here on out in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Invest Into Your Great Employees by Anthony Utomo
April 27, 2020
Anthony is describing his ground level perspective on how COVID has impacted transportation, and logistics as governments try to halt the spread of the outbreak. He also shares how he uses this time to clean house, to invest more in great employees and prune out the bad ones.
Avoiding fear based decisions in tough times by Daniel Heck
April 28, 2020
Daniel Heck is co-founder of Greek Kitchen Managment, a meal planning and prep service, founded in the Greek life market, but has since expanded into any residential dining operation. As food service has been particularly hit hard during Covid-19 Dan explains how he and the team are maintaining balance to avoid making fear based decisions.
Seeing the Big Picture Through Crisis by Agustin Linenberg
April 23, 2020
Agustin is the Co-Founder of Aerolab.co, a digital product agency focused on changing the way people interact with digital products. Based in Argentina, Agustin shares how their organization has taken a big picture approach to the impacts of COVID-19, notably around re-aligning their teams to focus on community-based improvements.
Getting Started with Lean by Paul Akers
April 16, 2020
Paul Akers is internationally respected for passion and continued pursuit of Lean processes. He has spoken on, and shared his insights, in over 100 countries and has worked with countless companies from Amazon, Mercedes Benz, Toyota and more. Here he shares the key principal to successfully implementing Lean.
3 Tips for Business Autonomy by Ron Lovett
April 17, 2020
Ron Lovett’s innovation helped change how businesses approach scaling up. Starting from a one person security company, Ron grew a business to over 1,500 employees across Canada and eventually sold it to the largest security company in North America for 24x. Here he shares the three powerful, but simple, tips you can adopt in your business.