Never Been Promoted: How to Leverage Grit for Growth

This week’s podcast episodes are packed with real, down-to-earth advice from folks who’ve been there, done that, and made it work. Whether you’re trying to sharpen your sales skills, lead with more empathy, or make the most out of new tech, these conversations will give you something practical to take away.

AI Marketing Tip of the Week: Let AI take some of the weight off your shoulders.

By automating routine tasks like customer outreach and refining how you target your audience, you can focus on what really matters—building connections that last. Our guests share how they’re making AI work for them without overcomplicating things.

Here’s this week's recap...

Episode 92

How to Build a Sales Process that Converts with Benjamin Brown

Benjamin Brown , a former Marine and expert sales coach, took his experiences from the battlefield to the boardroom. From humble beginnings on a farm to becoming a seasoned sales strategist, Benjamin has honed his ability to teach others how to succeed in sales by leveraging work ethic, mentorship, and disciplined practice.

Key Takeaways:

• You Can't Do It Alone: Every successful entrepreneur has a mentor. Find yours early and learn from their experiences.
• Sales is Simple, Not Easy: The basics of sales are straightforward, but mastering them requires practice, confidence, and resilience against rejection.
• Emotional Connection is Key: Understanding the emotional triggers behind a purchase is crucial. Whether B2B or B2C, people buy based on how they feel about you and your product.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Book: “The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy
• Person to Follow: Mark Cuban for insights on entrepreneurship and sales.
• Technology: Use a CRM tool to track and improve your sales process.

You won't want to miss it! Check out the full episode HERE.

Episode 93

Can You Turn Your Passion into a 7-Figure Business? | Lucie Ptasznik

Lucie Ptasznik grew up in Detroit with a relentless love for horses. Despite the odds, she transformed her passion into a seven-figure business, buying, training, and selling horses across the country. Lucie didn’t stop there—she also built one of Michigan’s largest public trail-riding companies, all while sharing her learnings with others.

Key Takeaways:

• Fail Forward: Lucie got bucked off more horses than she can count, but she learned from every fall. Success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about growing from it.
• Believe in Your Dreams: Set audacious goals that both excite and terrify you. Belief is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.
• Work on Your Business, Not Just in It: As a solopreneur, Lucie did it all, but her business truly thrived when she learned to delegate and lead effectively.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Books: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber
• People to Follow: Dr. Wayne Dyer – his teachings on mindset played a crucial role in Lucie’s success.
• Tech: Excel mastery – as Lucie demonstrated, even spreadsheets can be a part of your journey to entrepreneurship.

Turn your dreams into reality! Check out the full episode HERE. 

Episode 94

DON’T Settle for Less in Executive Search with Lance Osborne

Lance Osborne , founder of Osborne Financial Search , has over four decades of experience in recruitment and entrepreneurship. From his beginnings in the Canadian Navy to building a premier financial search firm, Lance shares his hard-earned lessons on leadership, decision-making, and the value of persistence.

Key Takeaways:

• Be Honest with Yourself and Your Team: Lance learned that being a hard-ass wasn't helping his leadership. He made a conscious effort to change, which improved team dynamics and business outcomes.
• Persistence Pays Off: Having weathered multiple recessions, Lance emphasizes the importance of keeping your head down and pushing through tough times.
• Get All the Information, Then Decide: Lance's biggest regret was not seeking advice early in his career. Now, he advises getting as much input as possible but making your own informed decisions.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Book: "Get it Right the First Time: The Owner and Manager's Guide to Hiring a CFO" by Lance Osborne.
• Process Mindset: Embrace a structured approach to recruitment, much like you would with any other critical business process.

Don't miss out - check out the full episode HERE! 

Episode 95

Is AI the Future of Recruitment? | Shahrukh Zahir (Part 2)

Shahrukh Zahir , CEO of RightFit Advisors , is revolutionizing the recruitment industry with a unique blend of AI and human capital strategies. With a career spanning multiple ventures, including his latest acquisition of futuremug , Shahrukh is focused on aligning the right personalities with the right companies and making the recruitment process more efficient and effective.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace AI for Human Capital: Shahrukh’s success lies in using AI as a tool that genuinely enhances the recruitment process by focusing on tasks and the scope of work rather than just keywords.
• Pivot and Grow: Don’t hesitate to take on new ventures if they complement your existing business. Shahrukh’s acquisition of Future Mug is a strategic move that expands his service offerings and broadens his impact.
• Prioritize Work-Life Balance: As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to balance professional and personal life. Shahrukh emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, being proactive, and avoiding burnout to maintain long-term success.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Book: "Never Split the Difference" by Christopher Voss – A must-read for honing negotiation skills.
• Technology: Check out Saint Inbox to manage email overwhelm—Shahrukh's recommendation to save hours each week.
• People to Follow: Connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn like Shahrukh and follow insights from Georgia Tech and Emory University experts.

Hear more about Shahrukh's insights and how he's balancing multiple ventures - check out the full episode HERE! 

Next up on Never Been Promoted...

• Harnessing AI for Authentic Content Creation with Chuck Aikens
• Weston Bergmann on Launching Startups with BetaBlox

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