Voices - Episode 7: Elizabeth Riley

Elizabeth Riley is one of the most well connected people I know.  She knows how to network; she knows people; and she knows what it takes to run a small business.  Elizabeth and her husband Michael own the West Carrollton based business, Insignia Signs.

In a time and place where the business climate is difficult at best, Elizabeth’s business is enjoying continued growth, largely due to her hard work as a sales professional and her husband’s expertise in the sign business.

In this episode of Voices, I speak with Elizabeth about her secrets for running a successful small business, her involvement in the community, some of trends in her industry, and her outlook on the future of Dayton and the Miami Valley.

Elizabeth and Michael are a great example to two young people who are making things happen in the community.  They prove everyday that “hustle” is a valid and effective strategy for growth.   Thanks to Elizabeth for taking the time to do the podcast.   It was a pleasure.

Voices Episode 6 - Jason Hillard

How far would you go to help a friend?  Would you be willing to have one of your organs removed to save them?  No, this is not an intro to a party game about difficult questions, this is a real question - one that was posed to Daytonian Jason Hillard.  Listen as I speak to Jason, who is about to donate one of his kidney’s to a friend in need.

I found out about Jason’s act of incredible kindness a few weeks ago, when he sent me an email to let me know that he would be closing down his office for a few weeks as a result of the surgery.  He then went on to explain why, and provided some prelimiary details about the pending operation.  I was floored that he was going to actually do something so kind, and I asked him if he might like to do a podcast to share his story with the rest of the world.  Thankfully he said yes.

On Friday, July 25th, 2008 - just a few days prior to his surgery, Jason and I sat down at his home in Dayton’s Oregon District for a conversation.  For me, it was so inspiring to sit across from this guy, a guy I know pretty well, and see him calmly describe this amazing act of generosity as if it were just another day.  Literally, he told me that he was more nervous about recording a podcast than about the surgery.  He really is an amazing guy.

I encourage you to listen to this podcast, and share Jason’s inspiring story with others you know.  For anyone who needs to restore their belief in the goodness of mankind, look no further than Jason.  Oh, by the way, when he recovers he and his wife, Ann Charles Watts, who is in charge of Habitat for Humanity in the Region, are hoping to become foster parents.  They serve as an example to us all of how to be Servant Leaders.  I am honored to know them.

If you would like to help Jason and his family or just offer some words of support, contact me and I will forward along his information to you.

Voices: Episode 5 - Kate Early

In this episode I sit down for a chat with fellow board member and chair of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, Kate Early. Kate is a dynamic leader, an active member of the Dayton community, and oh… by the way… she is also a practicing attorney with Dayton based law firm Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer.  Kate is a native of Beavercreek, and a member of the Dayton Creative Class initiative.

Listen in as we discuss some of the legal implications of emerging technology, especially as it pertains to marketing.  We also talk at length about the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, the upcoming mud volleyball event, the need for volunteers, committee, and board members, and other topics.

Thanks to Kate for taking the time to chat.

Podcast: VOICES

Voices Episode 4: Jimmy Vee and Travis Miller

Gravitational Marketing: It Ain’t heavy, It’s Just My Podcast.

Yesterday, May 20th, 2008, I had the opportunity to spend an hour talking to Jimmy Vee and Travis Miller - authors of the newly released book Gravitational Marketing. Jimmy and Travis found me through the Physics of Marketing posts series, and thought that it tied in well with their book. Thus, they asked if I would be interested in hosting a podcast to talk about Gravitational Marketing. I jumped at the chance, and I am glad I chose to do so. The experience was wonderful. I got to read a great new book. I learned more about smart ways to attract new customers. And, I made a new connection with a couple really smart, interesting, and all around great people.

About the book…

Gravitational Marketing is an easy read, and well worth the price. I knocked it out in under 2 hours, and must say that I picked up dozens of great ideas. The first half of the book is a discussion of Gravitational Marketing as a philosophy. They look at common misconceptions people have about marketing and attracting customers. Here are some key takeaways from the first half of the book.

• There are 3 key rings that create successful marketing. Market, Message, and Media. For marketing campaigns to be successful these elements must work together.
• The process of gravitational marketing is broken down into 4 key components - Gravitate, Captivate, Invigorate, Motivate
• To be worthy of attraction, or sensational, a business should be: interested, unique, fun, visible, credible, and spreadable
• Become an expert at something
• People buy because of a perceived high return on investment, emotional benefits, or believability, not because of chance, price, or advertising
• great marketing, effective marketing that yields results, does not have to be expensive and does not require an ad agency

So, if the first half of the book is the “What and Why” portion of the program, the second half is “How to” part. Jimmy and Travis offer 36 easy techniques to attract customers. From direct mail to radio, social networks, to networking, presentations to print, these guys cover the bases of what it takes to bring in the business. There are dozens of links to various vendors and industry experts and real world example of tips and tool that you can immediately put to use.
Please take a listen to the podcast, and let me know your thoughts. I would encourage you to check out Travis and Jimmy’s web site, and pick up a copy of Gravitational Marketing.

Here is a link to the podcast Voices Episode 4

Voices Episode 3 - Rod Sommer

One of the sharpest practitioners of marketing I know is Rod Sommer, a partner with LJB Inc - an architectural, engineering, consulting firm headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Rod has a no nonsense approach to marketing. He defines his philosophy as attraction based marketing. He combines an open mind about technology and its potential with a critical eye on the goal of facilitating growth through person to person contact. Rod believes that while the tools have changed over time, the fundamental principles that drive sales remain consistent. People buy from people they trust, respect, and like. Technology should serve to further this as opposed to “getting in the way.” Rod also runs the sales organization for LJB, and he has a very unique approach to sales. No salespeople. How is that for innovative? Rod also serves as the chair for LJB University, the firm’s employee development and continuing education organization. Rod talks about why employee development is so critical, especially to his business. Additionally, Rod discusses his love for public broadcasting, Marshall Goldsmith, the daily commute, UD, and personal productivity. If you are a salesperson, marketer, or are involved in business to business services in any way, take 20 minutes and listen to what Rod has to say. I know I learned a lot from listening to him, and I bet that you will too. Thanks to Rod Sommer for taking the time to speak to me. I hope you enjoy this latest edition of voices - recorded entirely on my new MacBook Pro, which cut the process down by 80%. To say I am a convert would be an enormous understatement.

LJB Inc - Innovative Facility and Infrastructure Design

Voices: Episode 2 - David Esrati

The name of the podcast is Voices, and frankly there are not many people I know more vocal than David Esrati. David, never at a loss for words, sat down to speak with me about what makes Dayton great,

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Voices: Episode 1 - Steven L. Johnson, PhD

I am happy to introduce a new project entitled “Voices.” This will be an ongoing series of interviews with interesting people I know - some better than others. In doing so, I hope to provide a range of perspectives on the world. I plan on asking a few questions, and letting someone else do the talking. This will be delivered in an ongoing series of podcasts that I will produce. The project has just gotten started, and already I am having a tremendous amount of fun.

Episode 1 is an interview with the President of Sinclair Community College, Steven L. Johnson, PhD. Read more