In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk reconnects with Marc Mawhinney, a lifelong entrepreneur who has been helping coaches get more clients since 2014 and hosts the Natural Born Coaches Podcast with over 900 episodes.
Marc reveals his remarkable consistency strategy of sending daily emails for over 8 years without missing a single day, explaining why most entrepreneurs fail at email marketing by putting all their effort into one weekly email that gets lost in busy inboxes. He breaks down his systematic approach to content creation, including batching emails three weeks in advance and repurposing content across multiple platforms to cut through the noise of the online space.
The conversation covers Marc's evolution from real estate to coaching, his innovative flat-fee joint venture model that has generated consistent revenue streams, and his philosophy on handling criticism and building resilience in business. Marc shares his three critical questions every entrepreneur must answer for guaranteed success: who do you help, how do you help them, and where do you find them. He also discusses the retirement of his 92-month Secret Coach Club newsletter, creative business ideas from golf ball diving to pizza box innovations, and his approach to building authentic relationships rather than high-pressure sales tactics.
Throughout the episode, Marc emphasizes the compound effect of small daily actions over sporadic bursts of effort, providing practical frameworks for sustainable business growth that service business owners can apply to build lasting customer relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
02:33 Marc's journey from real estate to coaching since 2014
06:47 The power of daily email consistency (8+ years without missing a day)
09:28 Why repetition works: The Guy Kawasaki Facebook experiment
11:11 Navigating social media algorithms and engagement challenges
12:05 The three questions for guaranteed business success
16:45 Secret Coach Club: 92 months of newsletter publishing
19:53 Flat-fee joint venture model and partnership strategies
22:58 Community building: The Coaching Jungle VIP program
24:40 Creative business ideas and thinking outside the box
30:15 Golf ball diving business and insurance strategies
34:16 The Alter Ego Effect and performance psychology
39:49 Final advice on authenticity and avoiding online BS
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Kasim Aslam, serial entrepreneur who built and sold Solutions Eight (the world's #1 ranked Google Ads agency) for eight figures to a SoftBanc-backed company.
Kasim reveals why most service business owners struggle with hiring and retention, sharing his counterintuitive approach that peak performers care more about growth than compensation once financially satisfied. He walks through his proven 7-step hiring system that has helped him build six multimillion-dollar businesses, including how to create job postings that attract top talent, implement "flytraps" to filter thousands of applicants down to the best candidates, and run trial projects that reveal true performance before making hiring decisions.
Kasim introduces his "Black Box Delegation" framework for managing high performers without micromanaging, explaining why the traditional approach of trying to "retain" top talent is backwards, instead focusing on creating a flywheel that benefits from peak performers while they're with you.
The conversation also covers the emerging field of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and how local service businesses can leverage authority-based content strategies. Throughout the episode, Kasim emphasizes treating employees as "miracles" rather than commodities, sharing real examples from his agency where individual employees managed 40% of revenue and became millionaires through equity partnerships.
Get Kasim's Free Hiring Book: https://thehirebook.com/#section-IHYOSLuNCP
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
02:24 Kasim's background: From $100M Google Ads agency to serial entrepreneur
04:17 The power of collecting books as "traps for future learning"
07:17 Why service business owners struggle with hiring and delegation
12:45 The Pareto Principle in hiring: Finding your 20% peak performers
18:30 Why peak performers choose growth over compensation
22:15 The flywheel approach to top talent retention
25:19 Step 1-2: Mindset shift and creating irresistible job postings
27:19 Step 3: Distribution strategy for maximum applicant flow
29:08 Step 4-5: Flytraps and trial projects to filter candidates
35:00 Step 6: Interview techniques that prevent future complaints
37:09 Step 7: Onboarding for peak performance from day one
40:45 The Black Box Delegation framework
44:49 Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for local service businesses
48:33 Final thoughts and resources
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk walks through the complete playbook for rapidly scaling a junk removal business, using his own success story with Integrity Junk Removal as the foundation.
Starting from zero in May 2021, Lewis and his partner Ryan grew their Fredericton, New Brunswick-based business to $15,000 per month within just four months, serving a population of only 80,000 people. Lewis breaks down his proven strategies across website optimization, Google Business Profile mastery, community engagement through Facebook groups, and his signature "FEAST method" for leveraging local restaurant partnerships in giveaway campaigns.
The episode covers advanced SEO tactics including backlink building through local directories, charity partnerships, and discount programs, while emphasizing the critical importance of customer retention through systematic follow-up campaigns. Lewis demonstrates live examples of Reddit marketing, local directory submissions, and provides actionable scripts for cold outreach to restaurants and media outlets.
This comprehensive guide provides everything needed for both beginners and established junk removal operators looking to dominate their local markets through organic growth strategies.
00:00 Welcome and introduction
01:55 The Integrity Junk Removal success story overview
04:47 Lewis's background in construction and digital marketing
17:01 Website fundamentals and Google Search Console walkthrough
37:46 Facebook profile optimization for business growth
44:24 Community group engagement and posting strategies
52:02 The FEAST method: Restaurant partnership giveaways
01:03:24 Backlink building strategies and local directories
01:06:28 Live Reddit marketing demonstration
01:22:16 Charity partnerships and community sponsorships
01:27:19 PR strategies and podcast guesting opportunities
01:31:08 Customer retention and follow-up systems
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this throwback episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, who has built a remarkable home service empire spanning 15 states with 350 employees and is on pace to hit $300 million in revenue.
Tommy shares his unconventional journey from starting with limited capital in 2007 to developing a billion-dollar vision, emphasizing that recruiting is the foundation of any successful home service business. He reveals his systematic approach to building company culture, demonstrating how A1's Indeed page with 154 five-star reviews and comprehensive Glassdoor presence attracts top talent by selling the company rather than just posting job requirements.
The conversation covers Tommy's essential KPIs (average ticket, conversion rate, booking rate, and cost per acquisition), his philosophy of turning employees into recruiters and lead generators, and his strategic approach to affiliate marketing partnerships. Tommy discusses his extensive reading habits, the importance of delayed gratification, and his plans for becoming a consolidator in the home service industry.
He emphasizes the critical role of systems, processes, and treating employees as internal customers, sharing real examples of how proper training and culture can turn upset customers into raving fans and generate significant revenue through employee-driven lead generation.
00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome
01:01 Meet Tommy Mello: A1 Garage Door Service founder
03:16 Key catalysts and growth milestones in Tommy's journey
08:49 Recruiting strategies: Why hiring is everything
15:30 Live demonstration of A1's Indeed and Glassdoor presence
22:41 Tommy's extensive book collection and learning philosophy
31:10 Building lasting customer relationships and experiences
33:13 Daily KPI reviews and data-driven decision making
35:22 The billion-dollar vision: From dream to written plan
37:32 Strategic acquisitions and platform company building
47:44 Lead generation strategies and Google's dominance
57:15 Final advice: Getting out of your comfort zone
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Darcy Cudmore, founder of RepuLinks, a boutique digital PR and SEO agency that has secured over 5,000 organic backlinks for clients since launch.
Darcy, a journalism graduate turned PR expert, reveals his proven strategies for landing high-authority backlinks from major publications like Forbes, USA Today, and CBS News without buying links. He demonstrates the Featured.com platform live, showing exactly how home service companies can pitch journalists and secure valuable media coverage.
The conversation covers both reactive PR strategies (responding to journalist queries) and proactive campaigns, with specific tactics for plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, and other home service businesses.
Darcy emphasizes the importance of creativity and persistence in 2025's competitive PR landscape, sharing real client success stories including a $10,000 sale directly attributed to CBS News coverage.
This episode provides actionable insights for any home service business looking to build authority, improve SEO rankings, and gain credible media mentions through organic link building strategies.
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
05:44 Creative PR strategies for home service companies
11:56 Live demonstration of Featured.com platform
16:45 Client success story: CBS News coverage leads to $10,000 sale
18:47 Home service opportunities on Featured.com
23:15 Proactive PR campaigns and finding story angles
25:51 Building media lists and finding journalists
32:15 Final advice and connecting with Darcy
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Kevin Hess, founder of Survivor Junk Removal and former standout team member at 1-800-GOT-JUNK. Kevin shares how he helped grow a franchise location from $800K to $9 million in revenue by transforming from a manager into a leader and developing his entire team as leaders.
He reveals the critical difference between managing processes and leading people, explaining how empowering employees to run morning huddles and setting ambitious goals created an "army of leaders" that achieved franchise of the year and #1 ranking out of 175 locations.
Kevin breaks down his proven customer experience strategy that achieves a 95-96% onsite conversion rate, including welcome calls, strategic call-aheads that plant seeds for additional work, offering coffee runs, and building genuine relationships before discussing pricing. He explains his effort-based KPIs focused on residential average job size and shares the three key customer value drivers: time, space, and effort.
The episode concludes with insights from his leadership books and resources available through The Junk Evolution, emphasizing the importance of putting ego aside and focusing on relationship-building over transactional interactions.
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
00:36 Meet Kevin Hess: From Cancer Survivor to Business Leader
02:14 Kevin's Journey with 1-800-GOT-JUNK
03:13 The Power of Leadership and Team Development
06:15 Setting and Achieving High Goals
12:43 The Importance of KPIs in Business
20:22 Customer Experience: From Booking to Job Completion
25:37 Building Customer Relationships in Home Services
26:25 Examples of Rapport Building
27:59 Understanding Customer Needs
30:52 Keys to Customer Value: Time, Space, and Effort
33:05 Tools of the Trade
34:16 Earning Five-Star Reviews
35:49 The Importance of Clear Communication
39:07 Dream Collaborations and Networking
41:46 Avoiding Transactional Interactions
44:23 Books and Resources for Home Services
49:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Phil Risher, founder of Phlash Consulting, who shares the exact blueprint he used to scale a home service business from $3M to $5M in under two years.
Phil reveals how the original company achieved $3M in revenue with just 36 Google reviews by leveraging 100 B2B referral partners instead of relying on traditional marketing.
He breaks down his complete B2B partnership system step-by-step: finding complementary services, cold outreach sequences, lunch-and-learn presentations with technicians, QR code referral systems and B2B email newsletters that gamify the referral process.
Phil also covers lead management strategies that unlocked $100K in additional revenue for one client, AI-powered content creation using call transcripts and why cohesive content calendars outperform scattered marketing efforts.
From his early days paying off $30K in student debt on a $48K salary to building a marketing agency with 15 team members, Phil demonstrates how data-driven strategies combined with relationship-building create sustainable business growth that attracts private equity buyers.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:28 Phil's Early Career and Financial Hustle
03:51 Transition to Digital Marketing and Blogging
05:40 Corporate Experience and Starting Flash Consulting
14:24 Scaling Flash Consulting and Service Offerings
17:18 The B2B Partnership System That Changes Everything
24:20 Step-by-Step Cold Outreach for B2B Partners
24:37 Lunch-and-Learn Strategy with Technician Teams
25:29 QR Code Referral Systems and Follow-up Process
26:03 B2B Email Newsletters and Gamification Tactics
27:15 Lead Management Systems That Unlock Revenue
29:44 Three-Touch-Point Communication Strategy
31:34 Using AI for Content Creation and Call Transcripts
41:59 Content Calendars and SEO Strategy
49:06 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this solo episode, host Lewis Vandervalk discusses how business owners can secure a prominent place in search results as AI transforms how people find local companies. With Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, and other AI tools now scanning the internet for signs that people are talking about your business, the old approach no longer works.
Lewis shares four specific strategies: getting detailed reviews that mention what you did and how you did it, engaging actively in community groups through participation and giveaways, leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok as searchable SEO tools, and utilizing Reddit for local visibility since Reddit posts are dominating search results.
He also covers implementing schema markup as a bonus strategy. Lewis offers a gift card incentive for the first five listeners who take action on the Reddit strategy.
The episode emphasizes that this isn't about manipulating search engines, but about documenting great work consistently so AI and search engines can serve you up when people need your services.
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
00:42 Why being "talked about" matters more than ever
01:34 Strategy #1: Get reviews that include specifics
04:37 Strategy #2: Community engagement and giveaway tactics
08:58 Strategy #3: Using social media as an SEO tool
11:48 Strategy #4: Reddit strategy for local businesses (gift card offer)
16:50 Bonus Tip: Schema markup implementation
20:42 Conclusion and call to action
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Zac Garside, President of Prolific Brand Design. They dive deep into the hunter mindset, creative marketing strategies and the biggest mistakes contractors make when trying to stand out.
Zac shares actionable insights on boosting email deliverability, crafting captivating campaigns that actually get replies, and building long-term relationships with your list. They also discuss how CSRs can make or break your marketing ROI and introduce the concept of emblematic touchpoints… the small, memorable “WOW” moments that define your brand.
This episode goes beyond tactics, challenging business owners to stop copying “best practices” and start creating marketing that’s personal, bold, and unforgettable.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
02:58 The Importance of CSRs in Home Services
05:45 Creating a Wow Experience
13:45 Effective Email Marketing Strategies
18:16 The Pitfalls of Cold Emailing
33:50 The Flexibility of Email Marketing
34:49 Optimal Email Frequency
35:09 The Importance of Consistency and Quality
39:57 Emblematic Touchpoints in Marketing
49:54 The Value of Personal Touch in Business
52:18 The Role of AI in Marketing
01:04:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes Chris Scoville, founder and CEO of Improvifi, to break down what they’d do to launch a home service business from scratch.
Using a fictional brand called “Generator King”, Lewis and Chris brainstorm creative marketing strategies, branding tactics and referral-based growth plans that any local service business owner can use.
They discuss the importance of standing out in a saturated market, the power of partnerships and physical branding, and how to build a referral flywheel that attracts long-term customers.
From custom-wrapped porta-potties to co-branded trucks and authentic relationship-building, this episode delivers real-world advice with a creative twist, perfect for any trades-based entrepreneur looking to grow smarter and faster.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:35 Chris Scoville’s Background and Business Growth
02:59 Building a Team with Purpose
04:52 Scaling and Overcoming Challenges
08:26 Creating the “Generator King” Blueprint
28:02 Referral Strategies and Networking
31:13 Colorful Dumpsters and Porta-Potties
32:20 Branding and Partnerships in Dumpster Rentals
34:21 The Importance of Differentiation in Marketing
37:12 How to Build a Brand That Gets Noticed
49:11 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
What if every job you completed quietly brought in 3, 4, even 5 more without running ads or chasing cold leads?
In this free training, Marketing Without Rules host Lewis Vandervalk reveals the exact local marketing strategy that service pros are using to multiply their jobs using trust, visibility, and smart systems.
This week's episode is a special encore replay episode of a workshop Lewis hosted in June of 2025.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to get happy customers to post about you in community Facebook groups (without being pushy)
Why signs, short videos, and reviews on multiple platforms still outperform fancy digital strategies
How to revive your old customer list with one simple text
A step-by-step formula to turn every job site into a local referral machine
This isn't marketing theory. It's what smart home service businesses are doing right now to 5X their leads without extra spend or a marketing team.
Whether you're a contractor, home service pro, or local business owner, this training gives you a real-world system to grow fast using the jobs you're already doing.
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Mitch Smedley, owner of Smedley Plumbing and co-founder of Trade Wins, to unpack the real story behind what it takes to grow a trades business and why most owners stay stuck in the field longer than they should.
From turning a plumbing van into a go-kart and strapping a 12-foot skeleton to a service vehicle… to hiring a full-time videographer and creating content that actually brings in leads. Mitch shares the bold (and sometimes bizarre) tactics that helped him break free from the daily grind and turn his company into a brand.
But it’s not all about stunts and social media. This episode pulls back the curtain on the hidden roadblocks that stop most trades businesses from scaling like lack of systems, fear of delegation and trying to "market like everyone else."
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Trade Wins, where Mitch helps other trades business owners build operations that don’t rely on the owner doing everything. Whether you're a plumber, roofer, or any local service pro trying to build something that lasts, this episode will challenge what you think it takes to grow.
00:00 Intro and Guest Welcome
01:57 Mitch Smedley's Unique Approach to Social Media
04:49 Creative Marketing Tactics That Actually Work
06:43 The ‘Fix Pipes and Pet Dogs’ Brand Strategy
11:36 Plumbing Problems, Innovation, and Customer Experience 13:34 Personal Branding & Community Credibility
29:29 How Mitch Got Started in Plumbing
34:40 AI and What It Means for the Trades
39:01 Wild Marketing Stunts That Worked
41:52 The Skeleton Van Campaign
44:02 YouTube as a Lead Machine
50:01 Thinking Differently About Marketing
57:17 Tradewinds Consulting for Trades Pros
01:09:57 Google Reviews and Reputation Growth
01:15:21 Why Playing Small Isn’t Safe Anymore
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Joseph Hughes from Contractor Dynamics to unpack the real reason most contractors fail at marketing and what to do instead. Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, the conversation unpacks Joseph’s journey from struggling entrepreneur to a highly sought-after marketing educator in the roofing space.
Joseph reveals how his early failures shaped his approach, the power of mentorship, and the disciplined daily routine that fuels his consistency. Together, they break down the common traps contractors fall into… like chasing quick-hit leads without building a brand.
Topics include the difference between marketing and lead generation, how to use video content effectively, and the tactical steps behind becoming 'Five Mile Famous.' Joseph also shares why extreme ownership, testing, and clear messaging are critical for any contractor looking to build a business that lasts.
00:00 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules
00:29 Introducing Joseph Hughes and Contractor Dynamics
00:54 Joseph's Journey: From Struggles to Success
04:11 The Importance of Consistency and Discipline
04:33 Joseph's Daily Routine for Success
07:49 The Evening Routine: Winding Down
12:01 Extreme Ownership in Business
14:57 Marketing vs. Lead Generation
20:02 Becoming Five Mile Famous
27:14 Tactical Marketing Tips for Roofing Companies
27:26 The Power of Video Content
29:29 Boosting vs. Targeted Ads
30:32 Effective Marketing Strategies and Testing
36:40 Getting Started with Video Production
43:29 Consistency and Clarity in Marketing
46:14 Common Marketing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
50:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Adam Sand, roofing entrepreneur and founder of Roofing Business Partner to unpack what it really takes to build a service business that grows without depending on you.
Adam shares his journey from being an operator in a roofing company to founding the Roofing Business Partner, a consulting firm focused on helping roofing companies streamline operations and implement CRM systems. They dive into how he balances business and family life, why data-driven decisions matter and how to create SEO content that actually converts.
You’ll also hear about the future of business systems including AI, smart contracts, and Adam’s plan to consolidate roofing companies through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to boost valuations and long-term equity.
If you're serious about systemizing and scaling your service business, this episode delivers the blueprint.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts
00:42 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules
01:07 Meet Adam Sand: Entrepreneur and Consultant
02:33 The Importance of Data and Parenting Insights
06:15 Balancing Business and Family Life
09:00 Work-Life Balance: Myth or Reality?
11:12 Rapid Fire Questions and Business Insights
17:31 Webinar Strategy and Execution
23:34 Setting Deadlines and Empowering Teams
23:53 The Evolution of SEO and AI's Impact
26:10 AI in Home Services: A Personal Experience
27:23 Interactive Tools and AI Integration
29:18 Future of AI and Home Services
38:45 Consolidation in the Roofing Market
46:44 Content Creation Strategies
50:13 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk is joined by Chris Weir, the founder of Spartan Junk Removal, one of Maryland’s fastest-growing junk removal companies. Chris shares his unique journey from summer jobs in junk removal to building a purpose-driven business rooted in strong core values and community connections.
They dive into the real-world challenges of running a local service business, including team leadership, hiring with intention, and building systems that actually stick. Chris talks about how understanding contracts through his legal background helped him avoid costly mistakes, and why staying consistent with local marketing strategies like yard signs, reviews, and community sponsorships has been a game-changer for growth.
This episode is packed with insights on how to lead with integrity, create a standout brand that builds trust, and implement marketing strategies that keep your business top-of-mind year-round.
00:00 Introduction to Core Values
00:44 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules
01:08 Meet Chris Weir: Founder of Spartan Junk Removal
02:02 Chris Weir's Journey into Junk Removal
06:17 Core Values and Team Leadership
10:04 Three Critical Characteristics and Actions
18:48 Branding and Marketing Insights
23:42 Understanding the 7-11-4 Rule
25:16 The Power of Consistent Marketing
26:23 Effective Use of Yard Signs
27:43 Targeting the Right Demographics
29:22 The Importance of Customer Reviews
30:57 Innovative Marketing Strategies
39:41 Leadership and Employee Development
42:59 Navigating Business Challenges
46:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes back Barry Hartman, co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, (a $6 million+ junk removal company) and founder of Bolt Accelerator.
They discuss the concept of 'vivid vision' in both personal and professional realms, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining future goals. Barry shares his journey of crafting a vivid vision, the iterations over nine years, and how this has led to sustainable business growth. They also dive into the crucial aspects of tracking marketing metrics, including the significance of knowing your cost per lead, sales conversion rates and gross profit per campaign.
Barry highlights how this data-driven approach has allowed his business to make informed decisions, optimize marketing efforts, and ultimately achieve financial freedom and community impact. The episode concludes with advice on adopting a default-to-action mindset to drive business success.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:39 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules
01:05 Guest Introduction: Barry Hartman
02:48 Diving into Vivid Vision
04:06 Implementing Vivid Vision in Business
11:07 Personal and Team Growth through Vivid Vision
17:18 Tracking Marketing KPIs
22:25 Taking Action Over Analysis
22:52 Tracking Key Metrics in Business
24:45 Identifying Sales and Marketing Issues
25:58 Reviewing and Adjusting Campaigns
29:20 Importance of Early Data Tracking
35:20 Fitness and Business Balance
39:26 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk engages in an enlightening conversation with Dan Platta, a blue collar dude who actually makes bookkeeping exciting. The discussion kicks off with Dan sharing his recent experience of being hacked on Facebook and the chaos that ensued. (don’t click sketchy links in messenger, people)
Dan explains the critical importance of bookkeeping for businesses, emphasizing that good financial data helps companies make better decisions and ultimately more money. The duo explores how Dan accidentally ventured into the bookkeeping business after an extensive career in the corporate world and running/acquiring multiple home service businesses.
They discuss the value of having industry-specific bookkeeping services over regional ones and highlight the essential metrics that businesses should focus on, particularly client attrition.
Dan shares practical insights into the nuances of bookkeeping, common mistakes business owners make, and the importance of communications and regular check-ins with clients. He also offers valuable advice on setting prices and managing business finances effectively. Dan's passion for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing adds a personal touch to this dynamic discussion, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs aiming to streamline their financial operations.
00:00 Introduction and Facebook Hack Story
00:12 The Importance of Bookkeeping
00:58 Marketing Without Rules: Show Introduction
01:27 Meet Daniel: The Bookkeeping Expert
04:17 The Role of Bookkeeping in Business
08:44 Daniel's Journey into Bookkeeping
11:26 Building and Managing Service Businesses
20:34 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
24:03 Understanding Acquisition Costs and ROI
25:33 The Importance of Client Attrition
26:42 Effective Communication Strategies
27:49 Setting Expectations with Clients
38:32 The Value of Industry-Specific Bookkeeping
40:18 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid
43:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Chris Chisholm, Marketing Director of Allied Junk Partners (comprised of Fire Dogs, Joseph's Junk Removal, Lug Away, and Junk Bear)
Chris shares his journey from being a fireman to starting a junk removal business and eventually moving into marketing. He discusses the importance of building a strong brand, the efficacy of grassroots marketing efforts like yard signs and postcards, and the impact of consistent email marketing.
Chris also delves into AI's transformative role in the marketing landscape and highlights the significance of adapting to new technologies and market conditions.
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules
00:27 Meet Chris Chisholm: From Fireman to Marketing Director
01:20 The Birth of a Junk Removal Business
02:17 Balancing Firefighting and Entrepreneurship
05:15 The Turning Point: Acquisition and Growth
08:49 The Role of Marketing in Business Success
14:42 Email Marketing Strategies
18:09 The Importance of Customer Information
24:23 Staggering Truck Schedules for Efficiency
24:47 Importance of Time and Customer Service
26:03 Community Engagement and Marketing Tactics
27:07 Managing Multiple Brands and Data Points
27:40 Branding Strategies and Cost Management
29:34 Challenges of Managing Different Locations
31:27 Tactical Brand Building and TV Advertising
40:52 AI's Impact on Marketing and Operations
44:19 Future of AI and Human Interaction
50:16 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Al Levi, known as the Seven Power Contractor. Al shares his expertise on simplifying and systematizing contracting businesses using a robust seven-part framework. These 'seven powers' include planning, operating, financial, marketing, sales, staffing, and leadership. By implementing these principles, contractors can turn their chaotic operations into smoothly running and profitable ventures (that they don’t dread showing up to every day). Al also touches on his personal journey from running a family business to becoming a top industry consultant who has helped countless contractors across North America and Australia. The episode dives deep into topics like the foundation of a solid business model, meeting structures, the “guru pig” syndrome, and understanding financial essentials. Al underscores the value of putting systems in place before scaling marketing efforts, offering listeners actionable steps to streamline their businesses and achieve significant growth.00:00 Introduction to Seven Power Contractor00:57 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules01:24 Al Levi's Journey and Impact02:11 The Story Behind 'Do What Al Says'07:24 The Seven Powers Framework18:30 Planning Power Explained24:17 The Importance of Budgeting25:11 Understanding Financials and Gross Profit27:50 The Value of Meetings28:52 Implementing Effective Meeting Guidelines33:29 The Visionary and Integrator Dynamic34:41 The Role of Standards and Accountability38:26 Empowering Your Team42:12 Marketing Essentials45:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk chats with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at Live Switch, about innovative strategies to grow home service businesses.
James reveals how leveraging Live Switch for virtual estimates can save time, increase closing rates, and extend service areas without needing to drive to every job site. He shares personal anecdotes from his days as a painting and power washing business owner and emphasizes the importance of integrating QR codes into marketing efforts. Additionally, James stresses the significance of networking through platforms like LinkedIn to build business connections and drive growth.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for home service business owners looking to differentiate themselves in the market.
Special Offer: If you want to try LiveSwitch for your business, you can use the coupon code Lewis10 (or LEWIS10) for 10% off.
Plus, it’s backed by a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee — so there’s no risk to giving it a try!
Check it out here: https://www.liveswitch.com/
00:00 Introduction to the Hunter Mentality
00:29 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules
01:04 Meet James Hatfield: From Painting to Technology
01:53 The Importance of Recurring Revenue
03:22 Innovative Marketing Tactics for Home Services
05:59 Leveraging Technology for Customer Engagement
09:05 Revolutionizing 911 Calls and Home Services
10:45 The Power of QR Codes in Home Services
12:02 Live Demo: Instant Video Calls
20:07 Marketing Your Video Call Feature
23:11 Amazon and TikTok's Impact on Home Services
23:25 Secret Shopping Home Services Live on Stage
23:46 The Importance of Answering Calls
25:27 Success Stories with Live Switch
28:08 The Power of Purpose-Built Tools
29:35 Out of the Box Marketing Ideas
38:29 Networking: The Key to Business Growth
43:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!
