More than a Few Words

#1098 Train Your Brain | Elizabeth Louis

Do you ever find yourself lying awake, thinking of all the things you need to do tomorrow? Elizabeth Louis, neuropsychology expert and mindset coach, has a solution. In this conversation  she breaks down why planning your day the night before is a game-changer, especially for high achievers who can’t seem to switch off.  Along the way she shares practical tools to stay focused, adapt to change, and, yes, finally get some good sleep.
Here are a few of her best tips:
Plan Your Day Before Bed: Instead of running through tomorrow’s to-dos as your head hits the pillow, jot down three to five tasks before you leave work. Not only does this clear your mind, but it primes your brain for a more relaxed, productive morning.
Tap Into “Sensory-Based Thinking”: The brain’s quick, sensory-based thinking mode is four times faster than verbal reasoning. Planning ahead helps shift tasks into that mode, so your brain’s already working on solutions while you sleep.
Be Adaptable: When your day goes sideways (as it does!), don’t let it throw you. Be flexible, remember a rigid schedule can leave us spinning, while a looser grip lets us stay nimble and calm.
Celebrate Small Wins: Think of your goals like mile markers on a road trip. Instead of stressing over the full journey, celebrate hitting each marker, keeping up momentum and making the whole experience more enjoyable.
Catch Your “Thinking Traps”: Ever notice that you tend to expect the worst? Many of us have mental patterns that pull us down the same rabbit holes day after day. Elizabeth’s advice? Recognize them, greet them like familiar visitors, and then get on with the work that matters.
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About Elizabeth Louis
She Helps High-Achievers Transform Their Psychology & Business To Generate Impact & Income in Less than 6 Weeks.  She works as an Executive Performance Coach and have two graduate degrees in psychology. She is a professional coach and therapist specializing in performance/sports psychology, positive psychology, CBT, and Neuropsychotherapy.
Elizabeth is an executive performance coach for corporate powerhouses and innovation-driven entrepreneurs across the globe. I have spent the last 7-years studying and working with high-performers to help them make the impossible possible.

#1097 AI and Sales | Robert Downey

Sitting down with Robert Downey, CEO of Simply Be Found, I discovered a new way of looking at AI—not just as a marketing tool, but as a powerful sales ally. We dove into how AI can help small businesses boost their local SEO, streamline social media efforts, and make the most of website content.
Robert’s insights on AI’s role in digital marketing made me think back to the early days of the internet. Back then, businesses were just dipping their toes into the online world, figuring out how it all worked. Now, though, it feels like the pressure’s really on. With AI reshaping the entire landscape, companies have to keep up with these changes—or risk getting left behind.
Key Takeaways:
Make AI Your Sales Partner: AI can enhance sales strategies, from drafting follow-up emails to refining content for better lead generation. But Robert emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement for genuine interaction.
The SEO Pixel Advantage: Robert's SEO pixel is a game-changer, tracking real-time user behavior on your site and making instant updates to improve SEO. It’s like having a 24/7 SEO expert refining your content and making it work harder for you.
Website Revival: Far from being outdated, websites are central again as primary sources of business data for AI. Effective SEO, social media, and even local listings all feed off the information your website provides.
AI with a Human Touch: While AI can generate content, it still needs a human eye to review, adjust, and make it authentic. Robert likens AI to a calculator—it’s only as good as the input and oversight you provide.
Stay Engaged: AI isn’t set-and-forget. For best results, businesses should stay engaged with AI tools, guiding them to meet specific goals and adjusting output to maintain a personalized touch.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT ROBERT
Robert Downey is the co-founder of Simply Be Found, a leading platform that helps small businesses improve their local SEO and online visibility. With nearly three decades of experience, Robert has led over 1,000 successful marketing campaigns and developed more than 5,000 websites. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, he has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the digital landscape. Robert's passion lies in helping local businesses grow by connecting them with their communities, and his innovative strategies have transformed the way companies approach local marketing and SEO
 
https://SimplyBeFound.com
https://youtube.com/@simplybefound

#1096 LinkedIn Images & Video

Some of the content that's doing really well on LinkedIn right now are the multi image posts putting together two or three related images and putting that in your feed like a carousel or just a collage really grabs the attention because it's different than the single images that everyone else is putting out there. Those multiple images allow you to tell a more complete story.
The second thing that is dominating LinkedIn right now is video. Video, video. The beautiful thing is that you do not need to create video just for LinkedIn. You can use the same shorts that you're putting on YouTube and TikTok and Facebook and share them. On LinkedIn to create that brand exposure and deliver your message. 
 
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#1095 Make AI Your Friend | Kendra Corman

I had so much fun welcoming back Kendra Corman back to the show.  An accomplished marketing strategist whose insights are as practical as they are powerful. Kendra’s worked with everyone from small businesses to global brands like Jeep, bringing her marketing expertise to a range of clients. Today, we dug into the ever-evolving world of AI and how it can be a real game-changer for social media and email marketing.
Now, if you know me, you know my relationship with AI is complicated. I love the possibilities, but I’m a bit wary of giving up too much control, especially when it comes to my voice. But Kendra shared some great tips and tricks to get the best of both worlds—leveraging AI to streamline content creation while keeping it uniquely “you.”  
Training AI in Your Voice: Start by “teaching” AI how you sound. Share real content, like podcast transcripts to help AI learn your unique tone. The result? Content that’s in your voice, whether you’re crafting a LinkedIn post, a Facebook update, or an email newsletter.
Setting Boundaries with Words: Create a “do not use” list for words or phrases that feel off-brand. In fact, she shares my distaste for terms like “maximize” and “utilize,” which can make marketing feel pretentious. Providing AI with these specifics helps produce content that stays true to your brand’s personality.
Tailoring Content for Each Platform: Just as you would guide a new employee, give AI instructions to adjust tone and style depending on the platform. That way, each post feels like it fits naturally in its environment—LinkedIn reads more professional, while Facebook is a bit more casual.
Refining AI Prompts Over Time: One word can dramatically alter AI’s output. For example, the term “conversational” yields a friendlier tone than “informal,” which sometimes comes across as overly relaxed. As you work with AI, make notes of these little discoveries, as they’ll save time and improve content quality down the road.
Final Editing is Essential: AI can be a great partner for draft creation, but it’s not quite ready to go live on its own. Adding that last layer of polish ensures your content sounds natural and true to your voice.
If this conversation has peaked your interest be sure to check out Kendra’s book, Mastering AI in Marketing Communications, which  goes even deeper, offering practical prompting tips for anyone looking to harness AI effectively without losing that human touch.
 
What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW
 
 
 
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#1094 Recession Proof Your Business | Matt Nettleton

If you've been around business as long as I have—or even half as long—you know the cycles are inevitable. There are highs, there are lows, and the real question is: how prepared are you for the downturns? That’s the heart of this conversation from my archive, with  than Matt Nettleton, a sales powerhouse and founder of DTB Sandler Training. Matt’s seen it all, from both the trenches and the boardroom, and he knows exactly how to help salespeople elevate their game. In fact, he’s the reason my own business took off years ago when he was my sales coach.
Here are just a few of the key points from our conversation: 
 
Maximize Your CRM: A CRM only helps if it’s used effectively. Make sure it’s tracking meaningful data and guiding your sales efforts—not just sitting idle.
Follow a Consistent Sales Process: Having a structured sales process moves prospects predictably from strangers to loyal clients. Don’t rely on luck; create repeatable steps for success.
Refine Your Story: Your story should resonate with your ideal clients. Know why customers choose you and use that narrative to build stronger, lasting relationships.
Prepare for Business Cycles: Sales isn’t immune to economic cycles. Anticipate downturns and use the right tools (CRM, process, and story) to protect your business when the market gets tough.
Know Your Target Audience: Understand your “elephants” and “squirrels.” Don’t chase big clients without the right resources, and don’t over-invest in smaller ones. Tailor your approach to fit each customer’s scale.
 
 

#1093 Bad Prospects Make Terrible Customers .

If you are like me, you work hard to get a prospect. There's marketing to get them interested and usually a series of conversations and proposal before you close the sale. So when you have an interested prospect, it is hard to let go, but sometimes you should.
Years ago I was approached by the marketing manager at a fairly large company looking to outsource some of their work to a smaller firm, like mine.
He was very impressed with his credentials and the fact that he had this big company behind him. Right from the beginning of our conversation he began to throw the weight of his company around. He was arrogant and quite honestly, a bit rude. I started out being polite, trying to overlook his rudeness. After a few minutes, however, my internal alarm began to sound. I realized our communication was not going to improve if we worked together.
The warning bells rang louder and louder in my head. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like his arrogance or his attitude or his unrealistic expectations that I would drop everything, and jump as high as I could whenever he called.
I agonized for a bit because I never like to turn a prospect away. But I remembered I went into business for myself so I could spend time doing work I enjoyed and with people I liked and respected. In the end, I sent him a nice note, thanking him and telling him there wasn't a good fit.
What I wanted to say was it was his approach, not the project that sent me running in the other direction. But I didn’t. He had been behaving like that for a long time, and he wasn’t going to change. I didn’t want to invest my time attempting to teach him a better way. It is like someone who eats with his hands on the first date. He isn’t going to be using silverware after the wedding.
So I lost a sale, but I wasn’t sad. I knew if I didn’t like him during the sales process when we were both putting our best foot forward, I would really dislike him as we began to work together. I didn't mind walking away from a bad fit because I knew there is always another prospect and another opportunity.
What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

1092 Simple Facebook Advertising Tips | Carol Kabaale

I had a chance to sit down with Facebook ad expert Carol Kabaale to demystify Meta's advertising platform. Whether you’re a social media newbie or someone who’s been burned by past ad campaigns, Carol offers practical advice on how to navigate the Meta algorithm and create ads that actually work. As an advocate for women entrepreneurs, Carol breaks it down step by step, making Facebook ads less intimidating and more accessible for business owners at any level.
Start with What’s Already WorkingCarol’s first piece of advice is simple: look at your best-performing organic content and turn it into an ad. Whether it's a reel, carousel, or post, your winning content is likely already sitting on your page. Why reinvent the wheel when you can put a small budget behind what’s proven to resonate?
Pay to Play: Why It’s Worth ItMeta platforms are no longer a free-for-all when it comes to organic reach. Even a small budget—think as little as $5—can make a significant difference. It's about getting more eyes on your content without spending hours creating posts that no one will see.
Tackle Business Manager with a PlanIf the Facebook Business Manager gives you a headache (like it does Lorraine!), Carol encourages taking it slow. Focus on one simple campaign, and start with a clear goal—whether it’s gaining leads or building your email list. Meta actually wants you to succeed, and their system offers plenty of tutorials and support along the way.
Target the Right PeopleWhen it comes to audience targeting, start with the people you already enjoy working with. Let Meta’s algorithm expand from there. It’s not about creating rigid, specific categories; it’s about giving Meta a direction and letting the algorithm do some of the heavy lifting.
Reels and Engagement StrategiesReels can be powerful tools for growing your page or even generating leads. Use a "soft ask" approach, like inviting viewers to comment on the reel to receive a free resource via DM. This way, you're engaging people in a low-pressure conversation that can lead to bigger actions later.
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#1091 Mentorship | Kate Bradley Chernis

In this episode from the archive, the topic is mentors, how to find one and how to be one. Why? Because even if we think that we're running our business' completely on our own it helps to have people to turn to for advice and information.
That is why I loved chatting with Kate Bradley Chernis,  about the transformative role of mentors in business. Kate’s journey—from rock-and-roll DJ to brand-building expert—has been guided by powerful mentorship insights that helped her stay true to herself while creating a company that maximizes social engagement. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:
A Safe Space to Fail
One of the most valuable aspects of mentorship is having a supportive environment where it’s safe to make mistakes. She emphasizes that true growth only happens when you’re allowed to fail and learn from it, and mentors play a crucial role in creating that space.
Embracing Authenticity
Kate’s mentors taught her the importance of showing up as her real self. Early in her career, she tried to fit into a “corporate” mold that didn’t resonate with her, only to realize that being genuine was far more effective. This lesson helped her shed pretenses and build authentic connections.
Constructive Criticism with Purpose
As a mentor, you need to deliver feedback that focuses on outcomes, not negativity.  Learning to approach critique as a tool for growth, helps team members develop without discouragement. 
Diverse Mentorship
Seeking mentors from various backgrounds, genders, and experiences. Rather than limiting yourself to similar-minded people, value guidance from those who challenge your perspective and expand your view.
 

#1090 LinkedIn Newsletter

Are you taking advantage of the LinkedIn newsletter tool? If not, you're missing a huge opportunity. Sure, you've been creating newsletters for years and you have your audience. But there are people you are connected to on LinkedIn who will never subscribe to your newsletter.
By taking that same content and moving it to this platform, you have an opportunity to deliver your message to a much wider audience, connecting and engaging with an entirely different group of people.
When you are using the LinkedIn newsletter tool your newsletter is delivered from LinkedIn. So you have that umbrella of a much larger organization backing and supporting your content.  In a way they are endorsing your message.
If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/
 
 

#1089 | From the Archive | Authenticity with Sasha Willis

In this conversation from my archive, I discussed the power of authenticity with Sasha Willis.  In all her ventures, Sasha’s authenticity shines, proving that showing up as yourself is the key to a resonant, successful brand. Here’s what she had to share on making authenticity your superpower:
Consistency Across PlatformsSasha emphasizes that being your authentic self is not just simpler; it’s more sustainable. Whether it’s your website, social media, or face-to-face interactions, showing up consistently helps people know, like, and trust you—three essential ingredients for turning followers into customers.
Professionalism RedefinedAuthenticity doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism. For Sasha, it’s all about treating people with respect. How you present yourself—whether you’re rocking colorful hair or keeping it classic—doesn’t undermine your expertise or professionalism.
The “Like-Know-Trust” FactorSasha builds on this principle, noting that authenticity is central to creating genuine connections. She advises against hopping on trends that don’t feel right or portraying a persona for “likes.” Showing up as yourself keeps engagement and consistency natural, rather than forced.
Social Media Isn’t EverythingWhile social media is essential, it’s only part of the picture. Sasha underscores the value of extending your brand to all touchpoints, like adding personal values and beliefs to your website or showcasing your real-world interests. It’s this holistic approach that makes your brand a relatable, trusted experience everywhere people find you. 
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