“Whatever you do, do it with exceptional attitude.”
Cris Cohen interviews Daniel Gouldman, founder of Ternio. Ternio is an enterprise blockchain company based out of Alpharetta, GA. Ternio's global banking platform - BlockCard - allows customers to frictionlessly use their cryptocurrencies in their account and connect it to a Visa card. They discuss: - The future of money / banking - The business pivot that led to Ternio’s success - From homeless to business leader - “Nothing can define you accept for yourself” - How his interest in geopolitics has helped with his work - Earning people’s trust - The danger of listening to influencers - How the adoption ramp for blockchain mirrors the adoption ramp for the internet - And more Download a free pdf e-book of the interview. Recorded January 12, 2021 Hire us to tell the story of you and your business "You will get further ahead faster when you understand that you are always learning." Cris Cohen interviews Ray McKenzie, Founder and Managing Director at Red Beach Advisors (a technology management consulting firm) and Founder and CEO at StartingPoint (a SaaS customer operations and experience platform). They discuss the work of both companies as well as: - Covid accelerated the changes they have been preaching to companies for five years - The ability to democratize talent - “There are different solutions for different companies at different stages with different people.” - Having a sensible process and procedure - The priority of making things simple and efficient - Talking about what you are working on in a positive light is a form of sales - The challenges of building a Software as a Service company - How discussions with early customers greatly improved their messaging - Companies need to stop falling back on “This is how we have always done it.” Hire Connect To Fans to tell the story of you and your business Cris Cohen interviews Bob Stapleton of Live Oak Leadership, a leadership development executive coaching and human resource consulting practice committed to helping leaders see and think in new, clear, and powerful ways. “Don’t come in with any preconceived notions. That’s the hardest part of coaching.” They discuss: - What inspired him to become a business coach - The importance of empathy in his work - Leadership is not just about how someone leads a company, but how they lead their lives - It is not about telling people what to do. It is about guiding people by asking questions. - “People know a lot more than they think they know… always.” - And more Cris Cohen interviews Tony Bevilacqua, founder of Athletic After 40. They discuss: - What most people misunderstand when it comes to improving their fitness level - Why “After 40” - Keeping people’s expectations realistic - The advantages of training people remotely - People’s self-limiting beliefs - The importance of comparing you to you - And more -- Hire Connect To Fans to tell the story of you and your business.
Cris Cohen: Market research is kind of an all-encompassing, big umbrella term to me. I'm wondering, how do you describe what Ulta does? Marcia Cubitt: If you're looking for answers to questions that you have about your business, then we find the people that will share their opinions to help formulate your ability to run a successful business. You are absolutely right. Market research is a huge umbrella of different things. Our piece of that pie is making sure that we have the people in the room, the people online, the people in the interview process… to answer the questions that our clients might have, so they can make better products, so they can formulate things about the political world we live (in), so they can talk about social issues that might be impacting communities. Cris: I think that's an interesting point, if only because nowadays, no matter what the business is, everyone says it is the technology that's the answer. “You have an issue? Oh, we'll just tweak the technology, improve the technology, create a new app.” But, the insights that you guys are able to provide, that depends on the connection to the people. I think a lot of people put too much stake in the technology and not enough stake in getting people in the seats, so to speak. Marcia: It's really interesting that you said that, because that is definitely the case in a lot of different fields, but especially (in) market research. We like the bells and whistles, and the graphs, and all of the details that go with a market research project. They are important. They absolutely are, but… if you don't have that human connection, you don't have the revelatory experience that you might think you're having with your graphs, and the technology that you have. We need to get back to talking to people in a neutral setting. Let's face it, there are a lot of ways for people to share opinions out there in the world with social media, email, cell phones. To actually have it in a structured environment and make those people who are sharing those opinions feel valued and (that) what they are doing is important, kind of gets to the heart of what market research is. Most often, (our clients are) trying to understand how their product could help a person's life, or how talking about something in the community can impact that community. By bringing people in and having these lengthy conversations about things that matter to the company, the community, and to the people that they are servicing is kind of a tried and true recipe for success. We (all) talk quickly, in soundbites. You might think you have an answer. But until you actually talk to people, spend some time with them, and see (their) body language and some of those things that might get lost in other quick technology, you may not have the total story. People Will Surprise You Cris: It seems like you guys are this kind of translator between actual people and the messiness of their thoughts, emotions, opinions and stats. Is that accurate? Marcia: One thing I can tell you -- and I see it all the time -- people will surprise you. Having set thoughts about what you think a certain person's going to say or do can definitely hurt a client's ability to roll out a product or talk about a social issue. You have preconceived notions. But people will surprise you. That's why what we do is so important, because we bring people together within the demographics our clients are asking for, but then they share their honest feedback. It's always fascinating. When people hear “market research,” or they get a phone call, people are suspicious these days. Right? It's like well, what's this? Cris: Yes. Marcia: What we have found 100% of the time is once a person new to market research participates, they love it. They are like, “Sign me up for the next one!” We are in a rush, rush, rush society right now. Not a lot of listening (going on). (But) people feel heard by the time they leave these groups. Cris: I never thought about that. But now that you bring it up, you might be some of the few people actually listening in today's world. Marcia: Right? It is empowering. People walk out of the groups and say, “You really listen. That was great.” Once people are part of market research, they are like, “Okay, sign me up again. That was fun. I'm getting paid to get a free product to test. I'm getting paid to shape a community issue.” Market Research VS Going With Your Gut Cris: And then, from the perspective of a client, a business, someone who hires you... what is your argument for doing market research, as opposed to going with your gut? Marcia: With market research, you get to hear other people's perspectives. If you are going with your gut, then you are going with what you feel is best. When you are going with your gut, you are rolling the dice. With market research, it takes away the rolling of the dice. Cris: What types of businesses could really benefit from market research that have not taken that leap, necessarily? Marcia: Great question. Big companies use market research a lot. Big corporations use market research continuously, ongoing, because they know and understand the value of having that touchstone with their customers. We also do a lot with law firms, because we do mock jury trials, where we simulate a court case, so that they can understand the mindset of a potential real jury. We do a lot of those, nationwide, and people always find those fascinating. We also do a lot of medical research projects. We are talking directly to the professionals, to the doctors, to the pharmacists. “Do you prescribe this particular drug? How do you feel your customers like it?” Cris: That's something I didn't think of, personally. When I hear market research, I tend to think about products and the general public. But what you are talking about here is that you guys can focus in on particular professions, people with particular specialties, and get opinions and insights just from that targeted vocation. Marcia: Exactly, and it is very powerful. But people who could truly benefit from market research and probably don't take advantage of it are the smaller companies or companies that are just getting going, or an entrepreneur who has an idea. And I understand cash flow is something that you have to think a lot about. But market research in the long run saves those people money. For instance, you might decide that you are going to offer free shipping, because that's what you think your customers will want. (But) you might end up talking to people who see a true value in what you are offering. They say, “I don't mind spending that kind of money on shipping, because I'm getting something that's really special to me.” You don't know those answers and you're losing money. If you just took some time to think, “What do we want to know? Who is my customer, and if I could talk to them directly, what would I want to know the answer to?” It can save a lot of heartache and money in the long run. Knowledge is power. If you have the information with you, then you know how to begin to structure things for success.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Anthony Citrinite of MeetHook, which connects music industry professionals with people seeking instruction, advice, or music business insights. We discussed what led to the creation of this business, the professional musicians who have mentored him, and the challenges in launching a new app.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every business is now also a media company. Your media company needs a professional writer / editor / interviewer / biographer. Hire Connect To Fans to show the world how knowledgeable and experienced you are. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging. Love You To Death - Four hometown friends dish on all things past, present, and future.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Nick Ruffini of Revoice Media. We discussed The Good Parts podcast that he produces for musician Andy Grammer, Nick’s own long-running Drummer’s Resource Podcast, and what he thinks most people miss when it comes to online content and content creation.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every business is now also a media company. Your media company needs a professional writer / editor / interviewer / biographer. Hire Connect To Fans to show the world how knowledgeable and experienced you are. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging. Love You To Death - Four hometown friends dish on all things past, present, and future.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Katelin Kennedy, co-founder of Fallone SV, a law firm serving startup founders. We discussed the legal challenges most startup founders don’t prepare themselves for, how the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) affects startup companies, and the ways that many traditional law firms are broken.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every business is now also a media company. Your media company needs a professional writer / editor / interviewer / biographer. Hire Connect To Fans to show the world how knowledgeable and experienced you are. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging. Love You To Death - Four hometown friends dish on all things past, present, and future.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Dan Speca, president of the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. We discussed what it took to resurrect this historic theater, what he believes makes for a good venue, and what he has learned from being part of this massive undertaking.
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This episode is brought to you by Meraki Maker’s Studio. Meraki Maker’s Studio is a new creative space in Warren, Rhode Island, offering classes and workshops in a variety of media. Learn everything from garment making and knitting to watercolor painting, silk marbling and more. Whether you are looking for a place to host a fun group event or just want to learn a new skill, Meraki Maker’s Studio is the place for you. Visit merakiatcutler.com to find out more. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Andy Gesner, founder and president of HIP Video Promo, a music video promotion company. We discussed what makes for a great music video, how they measure success in a world where many artists buy fake views and fake followers on social media, and the massive amount of work it takes to get your music video noticed.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every business is now also a media company. Your media company needs a professional writer / editor / interviewer / biographer. Connect To Fans will show the world how impressive your business is. Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Jon Hull, drum tech for Rich Redmond, the drummer for Jason Aldean. We discussed the importance of clear communication in your work, the vast amount of time he spends attending to the details of his job, and how he has learned to adapt instruments and sound to every environment from a home studio to Fenway Park.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Mike Doyle, owner of Drive 80 Studios, which creates animated videos for businesses. We discussed his belief that you should do one thing and do it really well, how people often undervalue the power and effectiveness of cartoons, and why you should never be in a grey area in business.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Gina Yacone, Director of Sales at Braintrace, a cybersecurity company. We discussed the thousands of compromised credentials her company has found on the dark web, what type of business is often an easy target for black hat hackers, and what she learned during her years as a private investigator that helps with her current job.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode I spoke with Jake Kiser, CEO of StrongKey, a cybersecurity company specializing in user authentication and data encryption. We discussed his claim that StrongKey can give you the same security the Department of Defense uses for less than you [would] spend on a photocopier, changing people’s behavior around security through rewards and dopamine hits, and what he learned through his work and travels in sub-Saharan Africa that is helping him build this business.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging.
For this episode I spoke with Tamara Rogers, a blockchain lawyer and general counsel with Pithia Inc. We discussed her company’s recent purchase of public stock using cryptocurrency, why she describes blockchain as a “genuine disruptive technology”, and the potential uses for blockchain technology in the music industry.
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This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcast, Bands To Fans, where Cris interviews professional musicians.
For this episode I spoke with Laurie Ruettimann, a writer, speaker and consultant specializing in Human Resources and general workforce issues. We discussed the various ways most workplaces are broken and how to fix them, why she felt she could only change the system from the outside and not while on the inside, and how the gig economy is an absolute mess.
Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcast, Bands To Fans, where Cris interviews professional musicians.
For this episode I spoke with Ken Moore, CEO of Anfield. We discussed how companies that do not train their people consistently underperform companies that do, a case where a lack of training led to a public relations disaster for a major airline, and the art of tactfully telling a client that they are on the wrong path.
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans.
Subscribe to the podcast here. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com. And check out our other podcast, Bands To Fans, where Cris interviews professional musicians.
For this episode I spoke with Michele Riggs, owner of DownTown Knits. We discussed the skills she developed at IBM that she applied to the creation and growth of her arts & crafts store, the areas where they far exceed anything Amazon could offer, and how – in a world obsessed with tech and virtual – she has succeeded with a brick and mortar store and items that are tangible.
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans.
Subscribe to the podcast here. Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com. And check out our other podcast, Bands To Fans, where I interview professional musicians.
For this episode I spoke with Rebecca Lavoie, who is best known as the creator and host of the hit podcast “Crime Writers On…”. She also hosts the podcasts “These Are Their Stories” and “Mom And Dad Are Fighting” and has co-authored four books with her husband, Kevin Flynn. We discussed the large amount of work that goes into making their shows seem effortless, the art to orchestrating a four-person show both on air and off air, and why taking their company, Partners In Crime Media, to the next level meant losing their closet space.
Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com
This episode is brought to you by… us. Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans.
Subscribe to the podcast here.
Check out our other podcast, Bands To Fans, where Cris interviews professional musicians.
For this episode of the Connect To Fans podcast I spoke with Jason Edwards, CEO and founder of ProLogix Percussion. ProLogix makes high quality drumming practice pads and practice tools that are used by drummers the world over. We discussed the evolution of his company (which began with him making the products by hand in his parents’ driveway), balancing passion with responsibilities, and the importance of developing strong relationships with your customers as well as the teams of specialists who support your business.
Empathy Improves Marketing
For this episode I spoke with Brandon Hoe, Marketing Strategist and Creative Director at ClearSketch as well as Founder and Inventor at Helium, which develops professional-grade photography and filmmaking tools for smartphones. We discussed the importance of empathy in marketing work, the mistake people make in chasing trends, and what smartphone cameras have not gotten right yet.
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans. The Importance of Experience
For this episode I spoke with Jean-Paul Dame, owner of Fire Horse Films, a high definition media production company. We discussed the skills you develop from experience that you do not get from film school and the misguided belief many people have that the equipment and technology does all of the work for you.
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans. The Power of Predictive Analytics
For this episode I spoke with Eddie Riddell, CEO of All Associates Group. They use data analytics to create predictive models detailing the impact and expense document creation and management have within an organization. That description may not grab you, but trust me, it is actually fascinating.
Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Hire Connect To Fans to grow and engage your audience and turn your customers and clients into fans.
Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast
This episode is brought to you by… us. Connect To Fans does content marketing for businesses. Does your company need a better way to tell its story on its website and social media? Would you like Connect To Fans to run and host a podcast like this one that promotes your business? Hire Connect To Fans Our theme music was created by iSourcemusic.com Check out our other podcasts: Bands To Fans - interviews with professional musicians A Healthy Dose Of ER - A Podcast About All Things ER. Two longtime friends talk through episodes, dish about characters, and basically revel in the fact that their favorite show is finally available for binging. The Advantages Of Being An Outsider
For this episode I spoke with Alex Ryan, CEO of Evolve Solutions Group, a consulting company specializing in disciplines such as change management and sales enablement. We discussed the benefits of being an outsider and how many of today’s businesses over-emphasize speed with their work.
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