Business Brain Food

We’ve gone pretty out there this week on BBF as we welcome Business Futurist, Craig Rispin onto the show. Craig is a world expert on how advances in technology can affect business – he is basically using technology as his corporate crystal ball! He’s worked as a future consultant for some of the biggest companies in the world, like Toyota, IBM, Symantec, Kimberly Clark etc. And he even likes to do drone racing in his spare time… a futuristic sport if ever there was one!

In a far-reaching discussion with Ben, he shared with us some of his tips on how to stay ahead of the game:

** The development of technology is actually predictable – it is possible to find out what is in progress.

** It’s a great time to be an SME. With technology growing at an ever-increasing rate, SMEs are better positioned than large corporates to embrace the change.

** Semi-autonomous vehicles are set to be our next “watershed moment” like the Iphone was.

** As a business owner you should identify these watershed moments and see how you can gain some business as a result of it. It is not just about working with the innovative product itself… how about the many links in the supply chain?

** Make yourself part of a network. When it comes to staying ahead in business, there is real safety in numbers.

The wider point is that managing AdWords is all about fine tuning. There is a big element of trial and error here, so it’s important you stay on top of what is working for you and what isn’t. Be ruthless with the campaigns that are struggling – don’t just wait around for them to come good. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

** Why ignoring innovation was the main reason for the demise of Kodak

** The rapid rise of Tesla Motors

** How the world of commerce is currently changing

** The trend of robotics

** The 8 technologies that will impact SMEs in the near future

** How colossal computing can help your business

** The potential of co-working

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

** Craig’s website: http://www.futuretrendsgroup.com

** Craig’s Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/craigrispin

** Elon Musk books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=elon+musk

** Elon Musk interview @ Code Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsixsRI-Sz4

** Other book recommendations:

** https://www.amazon.com.au/Abundance-Future-Better-Than-Think-ebook/dp/B005FLOGMM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1465261052&sr=1-1&keywords=abundance+the+future+is+better+than+you+think

** https://www.amazon.com.au/Bold-Create-Wealth-Impact-World-ebook/dp/B00LD1RZGM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1465261138&sr=1-1&keywords=bold

** https://www.amazon.com.au/Exponential-Organizations-organizations-better-cheaper-ebook/dp/B00OO8ZGC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1465261164&sr=1-1&keywords=exponential+organisations

** Abundance Is Our Future TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_diamandis_abundance_is_our_future

** Ben’s free business coaching consultation: http://www.businessassessment.com.au

** Sponsor the show: ben@maxmyprofit.com.au, put in subject line “interested in sponsoring BBF”

** Ben’s Daily Business Tips podcast: http://www.dbtpodcast.com

** Facebook: facebook.com/businessbrainfood

** Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood

** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell

** ActionCOACH: http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes

** ActionCOACH: http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher

  As Craig says, “if we don’t remake ourselves every few years, we’re going backwards”. Listen to Craig today and find out how your business can keep pushing the boundaries. Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day. Cheers, Ben Fewtrell (02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF095_Know_First_Be_First_and_Profit_First_with_Craig_Rispin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

Greg Cassar is fast becoming a legend of the BBF podcast… we like him so much that we’ve invited him back for the third time! As one of Australia’s leading marketing coaches, there’s simply no one better at describing the technicalities of marketing in simple terms. This week we major on the world of Google AdWords, and how to use it best to get your business featured on google in order to generate leads.

Here are some of the best snippets:

** Remember the power of advertising on a search engine V advertising anywhere else. When someone types something in to google, they already want something.

** Google only charges you as the client when someone clicks the ad.

** Don’t forget Google Places For Business. You don’t need to pay for the right to appear on their map.

** Although the Google AdWords interface is user-friendly, you’re probably best using a professional for your campaigns in the first instance.

** Make sure any advert drives people to a focused page. A common mistake people make is to create a campaign ad for something specific that merely drives the traffic to a generic home page.

** Google prefers one page to be about one thing – always remember this.

** Track your activity! All of the tracking codes are there as part of the service – make sure you utilize them.

  The wider point is that managing AdWords is all about fine tuning. There is a big element of trial and error here, so it’s important you stay on top of what is working for you and what isn’t. Be ruthless with the campaigns that are struggling – don’t just wait around for them to come good. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

** How to get results from an agency

** How to appear on the google map

** The “relevance + direct response” equation

** “Buying intent key words”

** The potential consequences of using landing page templates

** The importance of call tracking

** The “authority” of a site

** Cost per acquisition versus cost per click

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

** This week’s sponsors, Bartercard are offering an interest-free line of credit of 10,000 AUD with a bonus 500 AUD. Visit: bartercard.com.au/actioncoach for an exclusive offer for Business Brain Food listeners

** Greg’s article on “How to do keyword research with google’s keyword planner” (http://com.au/google/keyword-planner/)

** Greg’s site (http://www.collective.com.au)

** Greg’s new podcast (http://www.salesforprofit.com)

** Sponsor the show: ben@maxmyprofit.com.au, put in subject line “interested in sponsoring BBF”

** Ben’s Daily Business Tips podcast (http://www.dbtpodcast.com)

** Facebook (facebook.com/businessbrainfood)

** Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood)

** Twitter (https://twitter.com/bfewtrell)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher)

  As Greg reminded us, the cliché goes “google knows more about you than your partner”, so make sure you take heed of his marketing advice and get up to speed with it! Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day. Cheers, Ben Fewtrell (02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF094_How_to_Turn_Google_AdWords_Into_a_Cash_Spewing_Machine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We’re all trying to make money in our businesses, but do we really know how to handle the money? Joan Sotkin explains to us some of the emotional pitfalls related to the process of making money, and what you can do to avoid them. Joan is the author of the hugely popular book “Build Your Money Muscles” and hosts The Prosperity Show podcasts which is now over 200+ episodes old. We know firsthand just what an achievement that is!

Joan is all about an holistic approach to business, having learnt from her own bankruptcy, and also from her inability to cope with financial success. She’s had a long and spiritual journey which began the day she asked herself “why do my brothers have what they want, and I don’t?” Read on for some of the spiritual nuggets that have helped Joan succeed in business and in life outside of it:

** Our emotions are our decisions. Emotions are our bridge from our internal world and the world around us.

** Meditation is a great tool to help find your own good judgment.

** The emotional habits that we learn through childhood can often hold us back. Don’t underestimate the quality of your heart-felt judgment.

** Money doesn’t take care of itself – you have to take care of it.

The main message to understand is that any amount of money means something emotionally. Whether it’s high or low, more than enough or not enough, there is an emotional reaction to it. Once you understand what that emotional reaction means you can find ways to change it for the better, or keep repeating the good feeling. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

** The emotion around money

** How shame can affect financial judgment

** How “touch” affects our everyday life

** “The identity factor”

** How to handle suddenly coming in to money

** The difference between feeling emotions and burying emotions

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

** This week’s sponsors, Bartercard are offering an interest-free line of credit of 10,000 AUD with a bonus 500 AUD. Visit: bartercard.com.au/actioncoach for an exclusive offer for Business Brain Food listeners.

** Joan’s site: (http://prosperityplace.com/)

** Joan’s course: The Financial Freedom Formula (https://www.udemy.com/financial-freedom-formula/)

** Rode Videomic Me - directional microphone for ipad/iphones (http://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicme)

** Videoshop app for editing video (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.videoshop.app)

** Youtube Uploader (http://download.cnet.com/Youtube-Video-Splitter-Uploader/3000-2194_4-75000404.html)

** Sponsor the show: ben@maxmyprofit.com.au, put in subject line “interested in sponsoring BBF”

** Ben’s Daily Business Tips podcast (http://www.dbtpodcast.com)

** Facebook (facebook.com/businessbrainfood)

** Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood)

** Twitter (https://twitter.com/bfewtrell)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher)

  It’s really important that you judge success in more lateral terms than money earned or money lost. Listen to the show for a load of shortcuts that will tell you how. Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day. Cheers, Ben Fewtrell (02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF093_Improve_Your_Relationship_with_Money_with_Joan_Sotkin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

We all want a better world, right? Our guest this week will explain just how easy it is for us to use our simple day-to-day business as a path towards a better world. And what’s more, we will discuss the enhanced power of connection that a giving company has with its customers, and just how valuable this can be.

The man with the plan this week is Paul Dunn; a world-renowned business guru, known as “The Wizard of Wow”. It’s certainly the first time we’ve had someone on the show who’s given four Tedx talks – this man is certainly worth listening to. What’s more, he’s one of the reasons we’re here at all, because he actually helped found Actioncoach alongside our good mate Brad Sugars. Nowadays, Paul fronts up B1G1 (Buy One Give One) which is a system to enable SMEs and their customers to help good causes with every single transaction. Paul is all about connection, so below are a few of the key points he made about how to connect with people in business:

** It’s not about getting a ‘wow’, it’s about getting an ‘oh’. Remember that a shock is not necessarily a good way of connecting.

** An estimated 2.5bn emails are sent per second, so we need to think long and hard about how we can make a stronger connection than the competition.

** Consider doing things a little bit differently in order for people to feel compelled to make a connection with you, i.e. setting appointments at unusual times like “3:50”.

** People do not have as much time to delve into the detail of business concepts as they used to, so a few small touches in the delivery could make all the difference.

** Because of the volume of competition out there, building trust has never been more important, and one surefire way of doing that is by showing that your company is conscientious.

  As Paul says, “there has never been a time like this” in the world of commerce. On the one hand that means that competition has never been more fierce, but on the other hand it means that the technology is there to enable businesses and their customers to give something back, and all parties to increase their connections with each other. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

** How to build moments of connection

** Examples of how B1G1 can enable businesses to give something back

** The concept of Behavioural Economics

** “The love triangle”

** How to use “why” as an attractive business proposition

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

** Paul’s site: (http://www.b1g1.com)

** Book VIP tickets for an event in Sydney with Paul on June 15th (http://www. http://actioncoachanz.com/vip-event)

** Ben’s Daily Business Tips podcast (http://www.dbtpodcast.com)

** Facebook (facebook.com/businessbrainfood)

** Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood)

** Twitter (https://twitter.com/bfewtrell)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher)

  Pauls’ concept really is something that is changing the world, so have a listen to understand just how you can be a part of it, and how this can enhance your connections with your customers. Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day. Cheers, Ben Fewtrell (02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF092_The_Power_of_Small_with_Paul_Dunn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

It’s always great to get one of our previous guests back on the show to give us a chance to get into even more detail. Alex Pirouz is something of a Linkedin legend, so in this episode we’ve asked him for his advice on how to use Linkedin to court the media.

Alex did his own survey and found out that 94.5% of journalists in the publications he analysed were on Linkedin, so if you want a tool to connect you to the media, look no further. Below are some of Alex’s top tips for using Linkedin to connect with the media:

** You are who google says you are, and a Linkedin profile is a fundamental part of that.

** In your Linkedin profile, think about the possible objections that a potential collaborator may have, and try and answer those.

** Don’t automatically accept every bit of coverage that is offered to you – make sure it is relevant to whatever brand image you want to project.

** When trying to connect with someone on Linkedin, always make the effort to write a customized message.

** Don’t just connect with anyone – it’s always worth checking just how active somebody is, for example.

** At the beginning of your media strategy, create a top 3 publications hit list, and then do a Linkedin search for each relevant reporter.

  Never forget the concept of “adding value” when doing any of the above. It’s an obvious statement, but it’s true. Just like out in the real world, you’re more likely to get something out of people on Linkedin if you build a rapport with them and make it look like you can bring something to their table, so don’t just go steaming in with a pitch asking for coverage. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:

** The credibility of association

** The kind of challenges that journalists face, and how you could solve them

** “The moment of truth”

** How to weed out dodgy Linkedin profiles

** Which journalists will be the most effective for you

  Resources mentioned in this episode:

** My Podcast Review (http://www.mypodcastreview.com)

** Alex’s site (http://www.linkfluencer.com)

** Help A Reporter (http://www.helpareporter.com)

** Source Bottle (http://www.sourcebottle.com.au)

** Free, no-obligation business coaching chat with a member of Ben’s team: (http://actioncoachanz.com/free-business-coaching-session)

** Ben’s Daily Business Tips podcast (http://www.dbtpodcast.com)

** Facebook (facebook.com/businessbrainfood)

** Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood)

** Twitter (https://twitter.com/bfewtrell)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes)

** ActionCOACH (http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher)

  Linkedin can often be more effective and significantly less expensive than hiring a PR firm to court the media on your behalf. Alex’s simple advice will tell you all you need to know to get started. Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day. Cheers, Ben Fewtrell (02) 9111 5000

Direct download: BBF091_How_To_Get_More_Media_Coverage_Using_LinkedIn_With_Alex_Pirouz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm AEDT

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