Content Creation to Cashflow - EP 322

 

 

A few years ago, Tony was paralyzed by the fear of speaking in public, especially on camera. It's surreal to see how far he has come since then. This episode is a close look into Tony’s journey, revealing how he found his greater purpose and turned it into a successful business. He also shares the near-death experience that altered his perspective on fear and purpose, propelling him to become a public speaker, best-selling author, and podcaster.

Creating valuable content consistently is a challenge, but it's not impossible. Tony debunks the fear associated with it and provides practical tips on how to ignore critics and continue creating content that resonates. He shares easy strategies for video recording and content creation that will help you get started without getting bogged down by the details.

Join the live webinar “Content Creation to Cash Flow” on Wednesday 9/27 or catch the replay at: 365driven.media

Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley


Anti-Funnel Marketing with Nicholas Kusmich - EP 321

Picture this: you're spending countless hours crafting the perfect organic marketing strategy, but is your return on effort (ROE) really worth it? Should you be considering paid advertising instead? In this episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, Tony sits down with marketing guru Nicholas Kusmich to share his wisdom. Together, they unravel the complexities of ROE and ROI, explore the benefits of anti-funnel marketing, and delve into the nuances of organic versus paid advertising.

Ever wondered how to make your brand stand out in a crowd? Nicholas has you covered. He puts a spotlight on personal branding, targeting premium prospects, and the psychology of luxury buyers. In a landscape filled with funnels, Nicholas and Tony discuss how to carve out your unique category and truly differentiate your brand. They also delve into the concept of using paid advertising to amplify organic growth, leveraging existing content to increase exposure and drive business growth.

Nicholas also dissects strategies for effectively targeting and optimizing Facebook ads. Exploring key questions like whom your audience follows, where they frequent, and what they fund, he demystifies the process of identifying your target market.

Key highlights:

  • ROI and ROE in Advertising Importance
  • Organic vs. Paid Advertising
  • Reimagining Funnel Marketing
  • Personal Branding and Targeting Premium Prospects
  • Paid Advertising for Organic Growth
  • Targeting and Optimizing Facebook Ads
  • Opportunities for Business Growth and Support

Connect with Nicholas Kusmich:

Website: nicholaskusmich.com

Twitter: @nicholaskusmich

LinkedIn: Nicholas Kusmich

Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley


Don't Listen to Comparisons

Don't listen to them. Your business doesn't have to be stressful. You don't have to work insane hours and sacrifice what truly matters to you.

Sometimes you'll see other business owners stand on their digital soapbox and try to talk down to you. They'll say things like:

"You aren't working as hard as me."
"You aren't sacrificing as much as me."
"Your business model isn't as great as mine."
"I'm better at business because I have more employees than you."
"My business is legit because I have a physical location."
"I'm better than you because I do 7-figures, 8-figures, All-the-figures."

In business, all of these lines are bullshit. They are usually sourced from their uncontrolled ego and insecurities.

I know this, because I've used a few of them in the past, when I was seeking external validation and approval. I grew up without money or social status, so I felt I had something to prove.

Back then I also mistakenly linked someone's social status and self-worth with their net worth. If they are more successful, surely they rank higher on the imaginary human status scale, right?

Some of you are thinking "I'd never do that, I'm not like that. I treat everyone as equals." But your subconscious still plays these stacking games, it's how we were taught. It's what we believe.

Need proof? When you meet someone new, there are often general questions asked.

"What's your name?"
"Where are you from?"
"What do you do?"

Although these questions seem harmless (and boring), that last question is our passive attempt to categorize someone based on status. If someone responds they are a brain surgeon, you automatically elevate them in your mind. If they respond with a lower income career, you rank them lower in your status stack-up.

Well, these entrepreneurs that hit social media with their comparison phrases are doing the exact same thing. They are making an attempt to climb to a higher (to themselves) status by downplaying those who they think do less, struggle less, and sacrifice less.

In business, we each have our own desires. No answer is correct, or better than others. Some are fulfilled earning less than six figures, where others believe they require millions.

Struggle is a choice. Sacrifice is a choice. Spending time away from your family is a choice. Feeling stressed and anxious is a choice. Wanting more employees is a choice. Not having time or location freedom is a choice.

I've built online businesses. I've built physical location businesses. I've built teams and staff businesses. I've done retail. I've done services. Each model has its pros and cons. I don't consider any of them "better" than the other. That's because "better" changes, based on what you want your life to be, in this period of your life.

Nowadays I define my idea of a successful business based on a combination of things I value. I value time the most. Minimal time, maximum net profit. Minimal stress, maximum fulfillment.

I don't care about other entrepreneurs with revenue humblebrags, because it doesn't always portray their net profit, time sacrifices, family sacrifices, mental and physical health sacrifices... and more importantly; Their sacrifice of fulfilment and happiness in life.

You don't need to justify your business choice to anyone. You simply need to decide what matters most to you, and build it for yourself.

-Tony


Bringing Respect Back to the Trades with Andrew Aranda - EP 320

 

 

Imagine transforming your ideas into an eight-figure business, in a sector as significant as the service industry. That’s exactly what Andrew Aranda, founder and CEO of Pure Plumbing and Air, accomplished. His journey, from starting in his garage to building a dream office, is remarkable. Andrew and his wife, Alexis, combined their unique talents to create a powerhouse partnership. Andrew is on a mission to bring respect back to the trades at a time when these skills are highly sought after.

In this episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, Andrew shares his strategic approaches to business growth. He dives into his systems, from organized job descriptions, KPIs, and responsibilities set on different timelines. Andrew also impresses upon us the critical importance of customer service, and how a technician's cleanliness and organization can make or break trust with clients. It’s a masterclass in meticulous planning, discipline, and leading your team to success.

Andrew opens up about his early struggles with prompting the wrong people, and firing those that were not the best fit. He shares what he has learned about how to make these tough but necessary decisions. Lastly, we get a glimpse of the man behind the eight-figure company, as he discusses the balancing act between work, physical health, spiritual wellness, family, and mental well-being. This episode is packed with life lessons and business strategies you won’t want to miss.

Key highlights:

  • Building an Eight-Figure Plumbing Company
  • Promotions and Leadership in the Workplace
  • The Importance of Having a Coach or Mentor
  • Learning and Growing as Business Owners
  • Balancing Life and Business

Connect with Andrew Aranda:

Website: themoderndaytradesman.com

Instagram: @andyaranda1

Email: andrew@themoderndaytradesman.com

Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley


5 Years of the 365 Driven Podcast - EP 319

 


Join Tony as he celebrates the fifth anniversary of the 365 Driven podcast. In this episode, he reflects on the journey of the podcast, the highs, the lows, and how it has consistently grown over the years. Tony also shares his personal experiences and lessons learned from starting a podcast and how he has managed to rank in the top 1% globally.

Tony shares his experience of having his social media account disabled, the lessons that came with it, along with an exciting announcement for the 365 Driven podcast.

Key highlights:

  • Tips for Building a Successful Podcast: Reflecting on 5 Years of Podcasting
  • The Five C's of Audience Building
  • The Impact of Having a Social Media Account Disabled
  • Upcoming Event in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
  • Video Content and Personal Growth Challenges
  • Overcoming Critics and Naysayers
  • Discipline, Accountability, and Showing Up

Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley