Never Been Promoted: Raw Stories of Resilience and Reinvention

Feeling like you’re constantly grinding but not getting anywhere? This week’s podcast lineup brings five raw, no-nonsense stories of resilience and hard-earned lessons that you can actually use.

Marketing Tip of the Week: Focus on building real connections, not just pushing a sale.

Every guest hammered home the same point—authenticity beats flashy gimmicks. Whether you're building a personal brand, marketing your business, or networking, the takeaway is simple: show up, be real, and build relationships that last. It’s not about quick wins—it’s about playing the long game.

Here’s your recap for the week…

Episode 105

Is Your Website Designed to Attract High-Paying Customers? | Jeffro Fulkerson

Jeffro Fulkerson, the founder of FroBro Web Technologies , shares his entrepreneurial journey from a side hustle to a full-service digital marketing agency. With a background in programming, Jeffro’s unique approach combines tech-savvy solutions with a creative, results-driven mentality. He’s not just building websites that look good—he’s transforming them into valuable business assets.

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage your skillset: Jeffro’s experience as a programmer allowed him to differentiate his agency by offering fast, secure, and highly functional websites that go beyond aesthetics.
• Entrepreneurship requires patience and adaptability: Jeffro learned to evolve his business based on client feedback and market needs, stressing the importance of continuously refining services.
• Focus on results, not vanity: Jeffro emphasizes that clients want customers, not just a pretty website. He built his business around delivering tangible value, helping clients grow their revenue through effective digital strategies.

Expert Recommendations:

• Book: "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries (mentioned as a foundational resource for understanding how to pivot and adapt).
• People to follow: Alex Hormozi (highlighted for his insights on business scaling and operations).

Learn more about Jeffro’s strategies for building a profitable digital agency! Check out the full episode HERE. 

Episode 106

Shortcuts to Mastering LinkedIn Personal Branding with Joshua Lee

Meet Joshua B. Lee , the "Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn," who has spent over two decades building 16 companies and redefining personal branding in the digital age. With a mission to humanize marketing and create authentic relationships, Joshua’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and ultimately, success.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneur vs. Business Owner: Joshua draws a distinction between being an entrepreneur and a business owner with an entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurs are hands-on, hustling 24/7, but burnout is inevitable if you don’t step back and trust others to run parts of your business.
• Personal Branding is Everything: He emphasizes the importance of humanizing your brand. According to Joshua, people buy from people, not companies, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn is essential in building advocates, not just clients.
• Reset and Realignment: Joshua’s life reset—shutting down his companies, moving back in with his parents, and starting fresh—was pivotal. His key message: Success isn't about money but impact, and finding balance is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Expert Recommendations:

• Book: Balance is Bullshit by Joshua Lee
• Person to Follow: Tony Robbins – for insights on personal development
• Platform: LinkedIn – Maximize your reach through personal branding

Dive deeper into Joshua's insights! Check out the full episode HERE. 

Episode 107

Unbelievable Journey: From Struggling with Self-Esteem to Running a Million-Dollar Company with Margo Jordan

Margo Jordan , founder and CEO of Enrichly , shares her inspiring journey from struggling with self-esteem as a child to building a company focused on boosting self-esteem in children worldwide. After growing up in Milwaukee and facing personal challenges, Margo joined the military, which sparked her confidence. She went on to graduate at the top of her class in finance, entered investment banking, but soon realized her true calling was addressing the self-esteem issues she faced as a child.

Key Takeaways:

• Passion is great, but obsession is key: Margo emphasizes the importance of being obsessed with your mission, not just passionate about it. Passion fades, but obsession drives real change.
• You teach best what you need most: Margo’s journey highlights how her struggles with self-esteem led her to create a platform that has helped over 200,000 kids improve their self-confidence.
• Don’t be afraid to cut ties: As an entrepreneur, Margo had to distance herself from people, even family, who didn’t support her vision. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who elevate you.

Expert Recommendations:

• Techstars Program: Mentioned as a crucial part of Margo’s entrepreneurial journey.
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: A foundational concept in self-esteem development, frequently referenced by Margo.

Take a peak into the future of mental health for children - check out the full episode HERE! 

Episode 108

Secrets to Thriving in the Music Industry with Carter Fox

Carter Fox, MBA is a musician turned marketing consultant, who combines his two passions to help others succeed. From playing gigs at 15 to managing jazz groups, Carter’s entrepreneurial journey is as diverse as his talents. He’s worked with companies like Disc Makers and helped artists build their brands, all while releasing his own music. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone balancing creative passion with business success.

Key Takeaways:

• Niche is powerful: Carter’s success with his single “Eclipse” proves that focusing on a specific audience can drive results. His instrumental piece, timed with a lunar event, garnered millions of streams by resonating with a niche market.
• Consistency pays off: Even as a touring musician and marketer, Carter juggled full-time work and independent projects, leading to a thriving career in both fields.
• Word-of-mouth is gold: While social media is vital, Carter emphasizes the power of personal connections and networking to grow your business.

Expert Recommendations:

• Book: Music Business Basics: How to Effectively Release and Promote Your Music as an Independent Artist by Carter Fox.
• Person to follow: OddKidOut (featured in Rocket League, Season 7).
• Technology: Spotify Editorial Playlists for exposure and sync licensing opportunities (Crucial Music, ThatPitch).

Dive deeper and check out Carter's full episode HERE! 

Episode 109

What’s Your Networking Follow-Up Strategy? | Adam Marx

Adam Marx , the founder of The Zero to One Networker, knows how to master the art of networking and building lasting relationships. As a speaker and consultant, Adam specializes in helping startups and corporate-level companies maintain and scale their networks beyond introductions.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking goes beyond events: True networking opportunities don’t always happen at formal events. Look for low-pressure environments like concerts, weddings, or casual outings where organic conversations can flourish without the pressure of business.
• Consistency over milestones: Just like working out, networking is about developing habits, not chasing quick wins. Building meaningful connections takes time, and consistent efforts will yield long-term benefits.
• Value-driven networking: Offer value before asking for anything in return. Show up for others and participate in their initiatives, and you’ll create an on-ramp for deeper, more meaningful connections.

Expert recommendations:

• CRM Tools: Adam mentions how using a CRM might work for some to maintain networks, but stresses consistency over tools.
• The Hatchery: Keep an eye on Emory University’s in-house incubator program, a valuable resource for networking and entrepreneurial growth.

Dive deeper into how to network like a pro. Check out the full episode HERE! 

Coming Up Next on Never Been Promoted… 

• The Future of Aquaculture with John Nicholas
• Building and Scaling Remote Development Teams with Matt Watson
• Creating Sustainable Personal Growth with Jerry Scarlato
• Human-Centered Leadership for Exponential Success with Traycee Mayer
• Mastering Cash Flow and Financial Freedom with Ryan Page, CPA

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