Making Conversations Count: Honest, relatable conversations with business leaders – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I, Wendy Harris, am talking to magician, comedian, TV presenter and now marketing agency owner, Ben Hanlin to discuss authenticity in marketing.

Ben discusses how he transitioned from performing arts to co-founding a digital marketing agency during the pandemic.

His unique selling point is his authenticity, which he brings into the agency's mission to create engaging content and be 'client obsessed'.

We discuss effective digital marketing strategy, focusing on providing value to the audience, ensuring authenticity, and giving more than selling.

We also touch on strategies for content idea generation and execution, particularly using our favourite channel, LinkedIn.

And just what do we mean when we say Elton John beats the Arctic Monkeys in a battle of the bands?...

01:13 Transition from Magic to Marketing

03:20 The Importance of Understanding Your Audience

08:15 Strategies for Successful Storytelling in Digital Marketing

14:21 The Role of Authenticity and Consistency in Content Creation

21:26 The conversation that counts

21:43 Finding Purpose in Your Work

https://makingconversationscount.com/they-ask-you-answer-marcus-sheridan/

https://makingconversationscount.com/brynne-tillman/

https://makingconversationscount.com/resource-niraj/

https://makingconversationscount.com/using-lazy-marketing-with-al-tepper/

Mentioned in this episode:

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How important is it for businesses to have a unique selling proposition (USP)?

In the world of business, standing out from the competition is crucial.

But what truly sets you apart?

In the latest episode of the Making Conversations Count podcast, business communication coach and sales trainer Wendy Harris delves into the concept of unique offerings and how they can make all the difference.

She's joined by guest David Christian from Clearsight Strategies, and they explore the intricacies of identifying and leveraging your unique selling proposition (USP) to create meaningful conversations.

Your USP is not just about being different from competitors; it's about finding your unique perceived benefit.

It's critical to understand what your customers truly care about and how they see your business.

In this episode we're discussing the importance of analysing features and benefits, as well as understanding how to align them with your customers' needs.

Discover how honing in on your USP can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level!

Customers should be at the heart of your USP.

By shifting your mindset from merely selling a product or service to actively listening to your customers, you can discover what they truly need.

This section emphasizes the importance of prioritising the customer experience and continuously striving to make a positive difference in their lives.

Understand how a customer-centric approach can help you create a stronger, more authentic USP.

"And it may be the perceived benefit that your product or service brings. It may be the attitude of you and your staff. . ..."

• David Christian, Making Conversations Count - October 2023 

00:00:27 Wendy and David explore discovering your USP. 00:04:06 Connecting people for peer learning, sharing experiences. 00:07:51 Better product perception through environmental consciousness. 00:11:51 Business owners doubt themselves compared to others. 00:13:41 Clarity is key in helping small businesses. 00:17:04 Busy life. Reflect. Work on happiness. 00:20:03 A listener email from Vanessa!

"So setting your sights is important, right? And again, most people are just reactionary. They are not asking those questions of themselves. Cuz that means you have to like, turn off the TV and sit with it, right? " - Brandon Neely, Making Conversations Count - January 2023 

In an area with expensive internet? Here's a lower bandwidth version for you

Ahh, financial planning!

The process of creating a strategy to manage one's financial resources in order to achieve specific financial goals.

It can be a minefield if you don't get the right advice.

We've already had one financial expert on here giving some advice, but given the time of year, and amidst a recession, we figured we'd give you a fresher refresher.

Budgeting, saving, investing, insuring, and planning for retirement. Just some of the headache inducing financial considerations we need to be making to secure our futures.

And that's before we even touch on investment management, and moving around our various securities and assets, stocks, bonds, and real estate.

So that's why we need to take the lead on getting the best financial advice. And for this episode, that's coming from Brandon Neely.

You'll learn...

• The STILL method
• Robert Downey Junior’s Rolex
• All the wealth in the world
• Brandon’s conversation that counted

Brandon's Link Wealth Wisdom website:

https://www.wealthwisdomfp.com/

What IS Making Conversations Count?

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here:

https://makingconversationscount.com/episodes/

Listen to Making Conversations Count

On your mobile device? Hear the conversations in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here:

https://makingconversationscount.studio/listen

(Low on data? Listen to a lower quality version here)

Carrying on the conversation is important, especially when it comes to trench leadership.

In this bonus episode, Wendy Harris and producer Neal Veglio chat about the most recent episode of "Making Conversations Count" with Simon Kardynal.

They break it down and discuss some of the key 'takeaways' contained within the conversation.

Simon shared his insights about how leadership in the military has evolved from its early years in the trenches, and we wanted to continue that conversation here.

Among the topics discussed:

Not committing fully to goals.

How there is always a better way when it comes to applying your leadership to a situation - even with negativity or gossip.

How Wendy's own leadership has been inspired by the episode.

"Just because you handled something one way with a particular person, one time, doesn't mean that it's going to work the next time.."

Simon Kardynal, Making Conversations Count (February 2022)

In the latest episode of "Making Conversations Count," leadership expert Simon Kardynal joins us to discuss trench leadership and how the rules have changed in the internet age.

He explains that leadership is now more about conversations, and less about barking orders in the trenches.

He also shares his top tips for any business that uses leadership in its day to day operations.

Hint - he believes there's a greater need for having a 'why' established.

Finally, we learn his way of handling gossip and infighting.

You'll learn:

• How each person you're demonstrating leadership to might need a different approach.
• How to stop gossip.
• The importance of clearly explaining the why as well as the what!
• Why the Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz movie "Knight and Day" contains an important message.
• How the internet era has changed how people want to be led and why it's important to consider that.
• Why barking orders doesn't work.

More about Simon:

Simon is a Canadian who currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario. 

He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for a little over 26 years, starting as an infantryman, then becoming an aircraft structures technician (think autobody for airplanes) and eventually becoming an institutional leader when he was promoted into the trade of aircraft maintenance superintendent.

Simon has completed many formal leadership military training courses, and in 2021, he completed a Master of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University where he found his desire to want to help emerging leaders create strong foundations as they embarked on their leadership journeys.

Simon retired from the Canadian Armed Forces so that he could follow his passions of being a private pilot, riding his motorcycle, running, and being the host of his leadership-themed podcast, Trench Leadership: A Podcast From the Front.

Simon on Social Media:

Trench Leadership Web-site: www.trenchleadership.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Trench-Leadership-A-Podcast-from-the-Front-10027091202630

Instagram: trench_leadership

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ3DKPuh_ipqJqyeR0vv46Q

Twitter: @TrenchLeadersh1

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts here!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-conversations-count-honest-relatable-conversations/id1536429483?mt=2&ls=1

Follow the show on Spotify, here!

"The truth is some platforms are gonna work better for you than others..."

Lorraine Ball, Making Conversations Count (February 2022)

Are you running your digital toolkit effectively? 

Do you even know what that is?

When you're working with clients, and building relationships, you'll probably need a good digital toolkit in order to be efficient.

As a highly experienced telemarketing trainer and expert, host Wendy Harris knows all about using conversations and relationships to move a deal forward.

She literally teaches this stuff on a daily basis.

But knowing how to do something, and knowing what tools to have in your digital toolbox to get the job done, can make all the difference! 

This is a very insightful conversation with a lot of "aha!" moments regarding the use of different social media channels including Facebook and Linkedin.

And Wendy does love a good natter about Linkedin, her social platform of choice.

She always loves to discover newer and better ways to help pass on her knowledge, and help tomorrow's great conversationalists!

You'll learn:

• How it's important to go where your audience is, not where people tell you to be! 
• The nuances of each of the various platforms
• Lorraine's advice for businesses that have stayed in the traditional networking lane!
• How you can use the telephone in conjunction with a digital toolbox for the most effective CRM possible!
• Understanding the algorithm 'carrot-and-stick' method that platforms like Pinterest have been using to entice you into 'pay per click'
• Overcoming procrastination by working smarter with your content like newsletters and podcasts!

More about Lorraine:

After spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion helping small business owners succeed

Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and host of the marketing podcast, More than a Few Words, brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.

As the founder of the Digital Toolbox Club, she helps business owners use internet marketing to grow.  And in her  spare time, she loves to travel, and take photos.  You can see her photos at lorraineball.com

More about the Digital Toolbox

Digital Toolbox is an online marketing community for business owners.  Filled with tools, tips, training programs, and real-time discussions you will find the answers to all your digital marketing questions. 

So, if you are interested in taking a do-it-yourself approach to digital marketing or you simply want to be knowledgeable enough to ask the right questions before hiring a professional, become a member today. 

Lorraine on Social Media:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/

Twitter: lorraineball

Facebook - The Digital Toolbox

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lorrainefball/

Pinterest

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

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"(As a sales person) you've got to be over and above, more helpful, more encouraging, more for the customer, more for the client, than anyone else they get to meet in their life..."

Gary Outrageous, Making Conversations Count (January 2022)

As a highly experienced telemarketing trainer and expert, host Wendy Harris was all fired up by the opportunity to learn from this guest's perspective.

Not just because she already knew him from her work with him in the past when educating about "the ways of sales"!

But really it's the fact that Gary is a master of the gentle approach to sales.

After all, what better way to help her clients than to get another perspective and method that's proven and that she can pass on to her very own conversationalists-in-training?!

Doesn't everyone want to be able to have more effective conversations when they're generating business leads?

Gary Outrageous is the business hypnotist in question and he has learned how to take lessons from different practitioners and apply them in his own way.

The sales hypnosis aspect of what he does is gentle - using people's own comfort and awareness in any given situation to help them feel at ease when buying.

You'll learn:

• How to use sales hypnosis to encourage trust from your clients, rather than objections
• Why NLP is only scratching at the surface of business conversation
• How disruption can actually be quite gentle
• That "Making Conversations Count" host and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris has a 'tell'
• How you can get a client to smile when you've 'closed' them on a deal
• Why Gary likes F.U.D.-ing

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts here!

Follow the show on Spotify, here!

You are following the show on socials, right?

Only there will you see sneaky peaky teasers of the upcoming episodes, as well as updates and news on the show! 

Here are the links just in case you need them:

Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube 

"The journey is much more about the buyer now, than it is about the brand owner..."

Barnaby Wynter, Making Conversations Count (January 2022)

This episode is all about using buckets for sales conversions – what they are, how to measure them and how to increase their effectiveness.

We chat with Barnaby Wynter about the advantages of using a bucket approach to conversions, rather than a funnel, and why it might be a great option for your brand or business.

But we're not only Making Conversations about buckets Count!

This episode is packed full of useful general business and profit building advice that will help you stay productive and boost your business every day.

You'll learn:

• How to use value propositioning, including behaviour, benefits, and brand equity
• The attributes of time-management
• Why you need to do continuation measurement as well as testing
• Using the 'harvest' method for keeping your business financed and in profitability
• How to target your prospects and increase conversions rather than using the 'spray and pray' tactic for volume lead generation.

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts here!

Follow the show on Spotify, here!

You are following the show on socials, right?

Only there will you see sneaky peaky teasers of the upcoming episodes, as well as updates and news on the show! 

Here are the links just in case you need them:

Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube Instagram

Strapped for data? You can hear a lower-bandwidth version of the episode here.

Naked link:

...

"The younger generations coming through will be more open to hearing and talking about this. They'll be better educated than we are..."

Bev Thorogood, Making Conversations Count (January 2022)

This episode of "Making Conversations Count" is creating awareness of menopause for men and the impact they feel from it too.

Men also experience the journey alongside the women in their lives. We get into how men could easily be impacted by it, even if their wife isn't the one suffering!

Bev Thorogood is an expert on the subject of menopause and perimenopause having suffered through it herself.

She's used her experience and some additional research to write a short practical guide to the challenges of suffering through menopause which is bolstered by research from the British Menopause Society.

Bev makes it clear she thinks we need to 'start conversations' in schools, and suggests how that would definitely help women in general.

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts here!

Follow the show on Spotify, here!

You are following the show on socials, right?

Only there will you see sneaky peaky teasers of the upcoming episodes, as well as updates and news on the show! 

Here are the links just in case you need them:

Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube Instagram

Strapped for data? You can hear a lower-bandwidth version of the episode here.

Naked link:

...

"If you are making a judgment just based on my name, then that's a problem more about you than me. That's not my issue or my burden to carry....."

Sope Agbelusi, Making Conversations Count (January 2022)

We're Making Conversations about inclusion Count!

"If you are making a judgment just based on my name, then that's a problem more about you than me. That's not my issue or my burden to carry."

Sope Agbelusi tells us the story of his name, and the challenges he's endured just for using it, from a young age.

And he's still hugely aware of bias that's happening all around him, all the time.

He's learned to embrace his name and appreciate its uniqueness, as well as the identity of those that share it.

In this, the latest of our most powerful conversations, he's appealing to all of us to do our own bit to recognise our own bias.

Have a listen to learn:

• How Sope handled his name as a young boy
• What his name means in his Nigerian origins
• How all of us have a bias and what we can do to correct that
• Bias isn't just about names or colour - it can impact in many other ways including gender
• How Tchaikovsky managed something many don't!
• The importance of intention
• The strategies for inclusion
• The conversation that counted

Want to carry on the conversation with Sope? Sope's website - https://mindsetshift.co.uk

Email Sope: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

"Making Conversations Count" is a podcast from WAG Associates founder and telemarketing trainer Wendy Harris.

Missed our previous episodes?

You can catch up with any of the other guests we've been making conversations count with, here.

On your mobile device? Hear them in your favourite platform (Apple or Spotify etc) here.

Once you've listened, remember to leave us a review! 

NEVER MISS AN EPISODE AGAIN!!

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts here!

Follow the show on Spotify, here!

You are following the show on socials, right?

Only there will you see sneaky peaky teasers of the upcoming episodes, as well as updates and news on the show! 

Here are the links just in case you need them:

Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube Instagram

Strapped for data? You can hear...