Cold Email Tactics That Actually Work & The 3-Year Strategy That Changed Everything Marc McDougall has been running his freelance web design business for 13 years, specializing in conversion optimization and full-service work for software companies. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on the marketing strategies that have kept his pipeline full for over a decade. In this episode, you'll discover: Why paid discovery projects became Marc's game-changer for landing five-figure contracts The unconventional cold email approach that gets 50% reply rates (yes, really) How to use video outreach without spending hours per prospect The brutal truth about growing on YouTube: commit to weekly uploads for a very long time Common landing page mistakes that are killing your conversion rates Why asking "why?" repeatedly sets you apart from desperate competitors The power of lowering activation energy on your calls-to-action How Marc closed $105,000 in client work from YouTube (and the mistake he made afterward) Marc shares raw, honest insights about the entrepreneurial journey—from the "pit of despair" when nothing seems to work, to the systems and mindset shifts that create sustainable success. Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or small business trying to generate leads, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement immediately. You can learn more about Marc and his business at https://marcmcdougall.com.  Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

Decode Your Clients: The Psychology Behind Every Sale with Stefani Havel Are you losing sales because you're not speaking your client's language? In this episode, sales strategist Stefani Havel reveals the psychology-based framework that transformed her 25-year corporate career and now helps entrepreneurs close more deals with confidence. Stefani breaks down the DISC behavior model—a proven methodology that identifies four distinct buyer personalities—and shows you exactly how to adapt your pitch, presentation, and follow-up to resonate with each type. You'll discover why some prospects want you to skip the small talk while others need relationship-building, and how to spot these cues within the first few minutes of any conversation. In This Episode: ✓ The four buyer personality types and how to identify them instantly ✓ Why "I need to think about it" really means you missed something crucial ✓ How Stefani helped a moving company owner stop losing bids to cheaper competitors ✓ The biggest mistake salespeople make (hint: it's about listening, not talking) ✓ How to adapt your sales style without feeling inauthentic ✓ Practical tips for presenting to mixed audiences and teams ✓ Building a referral-based business through strategic networking ✓ Transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship at any age You can learn more about Stefani and her business at bettercallstefani.com. Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

Russ Perry went from closing a dying creative agency to building Design Pickle—an eight-figure subscription design service working with 10,000-15,000 projects monthly. But his path to success wasn't about being more creative or doing flashy work. It was about focusing on the boring, repetitive design tasks nobody else wanted to systematize. In this episode, Russ reveals: Why figuring out the parts of the business that were working the best and not stressing him out led to going all in on a model that made all the difference. The positioning strategy that differentiated Design Pickle without changing the actual service How he built a custom platform managing 300-500 designers across the globe His framework for making better decisions when you only have 50-50 odds Why knowing your exit strategy NOW makes daily operations exponentially easier The one investment that's driven all his success (hint: it's probably not what you think) Whether you're drowning in client work, struggling to scale, or just looking for a fresh perspective on building a profitable business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately. If you’d like to learn how Russ built his empire, he lays out the framework in his new book and you can get that for free by following his instructions in the episode! You can learn more about Russ and his business at  RussPerry.co and DesignPickle.com. Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

Strategy + Audacity: Building a Brand That Positions You as an Expert Asia Dore didn't set out to become a brand strategist. She started as a photographer, but quickly realized her clients had no idea how to articulate their brands when she asked them to explain it for a photo shoot. That discovery led her down a path that resulted in her signature "Strategy Audacity Method" - a framework that combines strategic brand building with authentic, audacious self-expression.   In this candid conversation, Asia reveals:   ✓ The five pillars of her Strategy Audacity Method (Vision, Catalyst, Client, Soul, Message) ✓ Why most entrepreneurs build brands that are either too rigid or too scattered ✓ How she pivoted from photography to strategy (and why it felt like abandoning her identity) ✓ The difference between being a service provider and being a thought leader ✓ Why buying other people's marketing courses doesn’t always work for your business ✓ Her surprising discovery that podcast guesting outperforms social media for her ✓ Why the foundational brand work must come before tactics and implementation ✓ How she charges $2,500 for a half-day Brand Cohesion Lab session   Asia also discusses the importance of self-development over business tactics, why having a professional website still matters and the power of simplicity in marketing (she's literally pen and paper level, with an iPad screen that feels like paper being her biggest tech win).   You can learn more about Asia and her business at asiadore.com. Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

From Hand-Planting to Profitable: Building a 6-Acre Garlic Empire Jana Yockey didn't inherit a farm - she and her husband built Garlic Gods from scratch in Idaho, proving that profitable farming doesn't require massive acreage. Starting with just 14 acres from her retiring father and zero experience in garlic cultivation, they've created a certified seed garlic business that ships nationwide. In this candid conversation, Jana reveals: How they generate $20,000-$25,000 profit potential per half-acre Why white rot disease can destroy farmland for 20-50 years The real labor costs of small-scale farming (spoiler: it's intense) How COVID-19 unexpectedly boosted their online sales Why most garlic farmers choose to stay small despite demand The inspection and certification requirements for seed garlic Practical advice for anyone considering specialty crop farming Jana also shares the unglamorous reality of curing garlic in their teenager's bedroom, hiring 20+ people for harvest, and why working with your spouse on an isolated farm requires special skills. You can learn more about Jana and their business at garlicgods.com. Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, special offers, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes, as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

From Fine Art to High-Ticket Campaigns for Million-Dollar Companies: The Power of Premium Direct Mail Marketing Ever wondered how to cut through the noise and actually reach high-level decision makers? This week I'm talking with Abby Hosta, a young entrepreneur who's flipped the script on cold outreach. While everyone else is sending automated emails, she's creating hand-painted direct mail campaigns that have million-dollar companies lining up on her waiting list. In this episode, we dive into:  ✓ Why "junk mail" is her secret weapon for landing premium clients  ✓ The psychology behind getting executives to actually open your mail and getting people to remember your outreach ✓ How she turned being young into her biggest marketing advantage  ✓ Why the human touch beats AI in building real business relationships  ✓ Her "Purple Cow" strategy for standing out in oversaturated markets ✓ Why she focuses on solving the "most painful problems possible" If you're tired of your outreach getting ignored, this episode will completely change how you think about connecting with your dream clients. You can learn more about Abby and her business at https://www.abbys-artz.com/.  Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com. Sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get updates about upcoming episodes and guests, insights and breakdowns from previous episodes as well as marketing and business tips you can apply to your own business: https://bizgrowmojo.com/newsletter/.

Transform Your Business Into a Sellable Asset: Exit Planning Strategies with Dan Mirgon, CEPA   Ever wondered why 82% of small businesses that go to market don't actually sell? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dan Mirgon, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor with over 40 years of experience who has started and run five companies, consulted with 300+ businesses, and knows exactly what it takes to build a sellable business.   Dan breaks down the critical difference between businesses that sell and those that don't, revealing why most baby boomer business owners are emotionally ready to exit but mathematically nowhere near prepared. He shares insights on the five pillars of intangible capital that buyers actually look for: financials, customer base, staff quality, leadership structure, and organizational culture.   Key Topics Covered: ✅ Why 82% of businesses fail to sell and how to avoid that fate ✅ The difference between being emotionally ready vs. actually ready to sell ✅ How to differentiate yourself in a noisy marketplace (the "Purple Cow" strategy) ✅ The smart side vs. healthy side of business operations ✅ Real-world valuation methods using actual market data, not projections ✅ The three phases of business ownership: Startup/Survival, Significance, and Sale   Whether you're years away from selling or just want to build a more valuable business, Dan's practical strategies will help you think like a CEO instead of a busy manager and position your company as an asset worth buying.   About the Guest: Dan Mirgon is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor who specializes in business and financial strategy for companies with $500K to $5M in revenue. With credentials in estate planning, financial management, and decades of hands-on business experience, Dan helps business owners prepare for successful exits years in advance.   You can learn more about Dan and his business at https://mirgonconsulting.com/.   Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com

In this episode of BizGrowMojo, I sit down with fitness expert Sedrek Childress, founder of Ledr Nutrition and Fitness in Orlando. With over 20 years in the fitness industry and a track record of helping everyone from everyday families to Olympians, Sedrek shares how he’s helping clients lose weight, improve health, and even reduce prescriptions using his customized “Body Blueprint” system. We talk about his journey from electrical engineering and music production (including a Latin Grammy nomination!) into the wellness world, the turning point that made him pivot from personal training to nutrition, and the systems he’s built to scale his business. You’ll hear: ✅ How customized labs and nutrition plans are transforming client results   ✅ Why passion and persistence matter more than fads or quick fixes ✅ The role of faith, discipline, and mentorship in Sedrek’s business growth ✅ How he uses tools like Facebook, social proof, and live events to attract clients ✅ The mindset shift that separates hobbyists from true entrepreneurs Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking better health, Sedrek’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, strategy, and purpose-driven growth. You can learn more about Sedrek and business at Ledr.company.site. Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com.

What happens when a clothing designer and entrepreneur discovers that the missing piece of the business puzzle is the law?   In this episode of BizGrowMojo, I sit down with attorney and business advisor Kim Reeves. Kim combines her MBA, business consulting background, and legal expertise to help business owners get set up, grow, and protect themselves from costly mistakes.   We dive into:   How Kim pivoted from clothing design to law and built a career that blends both business and legal strategy.   ✅ The expensive lessons she’s seen from poorly written contracts—and how to avoid them ✅ Why litigation is almost never the smartest first move for a business owner ✅ How she uses flat-fee pricing, referrals, and smart systems to scale her practice ✅ The freedoms and responsibilities that come with being both a lawyer and an entrepreneur   Her surprising take on AI in the legal world—from contract drafting to analysis—and why it’s a great tool, but never the full solution.   Whether you’re just starting out, running an established business, or considering law as a second career, Kim’s insights on contracts, risk, and the business of law will help you think differently about protecting what you’re building.   You can learn more about Kim and her business at https://www.hopkinsroden.com.   Learn more about becoming a guest, sponsoring episodes and where else you can listen at BizGrowMojo.com.

Your business can’t outgrow your health.   If you burn out, your business slows down with you. In this episode of BizGrowMojo, Dr. George Grant — a wellness expert with decades of experience and over 40,000 clients worldwide — shares his proven framework for staying sharp, energized, and productive for the long haul.   In this episode of BizGrowMojo, he reveals his 7 L’s for longevity, why so many health problems can be avoided with the right lifestyle changes, and how a simple 10-minute daily habit could transform your health.   You’ll also hear: ✅ The surprising technology behind his “voice scans” — and how they can spot health issues before symptoms appear ✅ His method for attracting 19,000+ LinkedIn followers without ads or premium tools ✅ Why loving what you do could literally add years to your life   Imagine being 75 years old, full of energy, still helping people every single day — and having no plans to slow down. That’s Dr. George Grant.   You can learn more about Dr. Grant at https://academyofwellness.com.   For more information, transcripts or to listen to the full episode on other platforms BizGrowMojo.com

How do you franchise something most people have never even seen before? Ron Silberstein isn’t chasing trends — he’s creating one. In this week’s BizGrowMojo, I talk with Ron Silberstein — CPA, franchise veteran, and co-founder of Bud’s Place — a new franchise concept bringing social cannabis lounges to market.   Ron’s story isn’t just about cannabis. It’s about… ✅ How he built a career helping franchises grow (and what makes franchise accounting different) ✅ The marketing play that kept his firm growing even after losing major clients overnight ✅ Why referral networks can make selling almost effortless ✅ What it takes to break ground in a brand-new industry — and who’s the perfect fit to run one of these lounges   This is part business, part marketing, part “how to create an opportunity where none existed before.    Whether you’re curious about breaking into a new market, learning from decades of professional service success, or seeing how to turn an idea into an industry… this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.   You can learn more about Ron and Buds Place at https://budsplacefranchising.com/   Listen to the episode on: https://bizgrowmojo.com/

From Betting It All to Building a Brand – Kat Sterling’s Entrepreneurial JourneyIn this episode of BizGrowMojo, I sit down with Kat Sterling, the unstoppable founder of Nuspira Coffee. Kat shares how she went from the comfort (and limits) of working for someone else to risking it all — selling possessions, seeking funding, and building a business from the ground up.We dive into:- The moment she decided to go all-in on her dream.- Why she believes networking is the lifeblood of business growth.- Lessons from securing investors and navigating partnerships.- The importance of building a solid business plan before you start- Her philosophy on “seasons” in business and why owning your season beats working in someone else’s.- The upcoming shift in her business model from network marketing to affiliate marketing.Kat’s story is raw, inspiring, and packed with practical advice for anyone ready to take control of their own season and build something they believe in.You can learn more about Kat and her business at: https://www.nuspira.com/

BizGrowMojo Episide 1 with Karl Sjoberg. Karl Sjoberg is a Voice Over artist who's figured out how to make an impressive income and lifestyle around his craft. Karl built his voice over business up part time while he worked a full time job until he realized he was making way more than his job provided him so he made the jump to go all in. He also does coaching for those interested in getting into the business. Want to learn how to pay the mortgage in an hour while you drink coffee & then take the rest of the day to go fishing? You'll want to watch this episode. You can learn more about Karl and his voice over services at https://www.karlsjobergvo.com.

Welcome to the Biz Grow Mojo Podcast where we get into real talk about business ownership, growth, marketing, learning lessons and advice with real business owners.