Welcome to Corporate Caffeine, where we have the pleasure of hosting Darlisa Diltz!  She is the amazing visionary behind the North Texas Entrepreneur Education and Training Center. This remarkable organization holds immense significance as it serves as the epicenter of dreams, aiding aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in acquiring the practical insight required to achieve remarkable success. It's truly awe-inspiring how they empower individuals on their journey to make a big impact. Darlisa's personal journey is truly captivating and beautiful. It is a story of following her passion, recognizing opportunities, and uplifting others as she climbed the entrepreneurship ladder. This remarkable woman and all the incredible work she does for fellow entrepreneurs will undoubtedly leave you inspired. Prepare to be amazed by her story and all the positive impact she brings to the entrepreneurial community. So without further ado, let's dive into our conversation with the incredible Darlisa Diltz.

Have you ever wished you could talk to your 19-year-old self? Well, we captured a moment in time for one of our boys. This was so much for us. We'd love to hear what you would have asked or what this brought to mind for you.

Welcome to Corporate Caffeine! Dacia and Kyle had the pleasure of hosting Jeremy Julian, the Chief Revenue Officer at Custom Business Solutions (CBS). CBS specializes in restaurant technology, so get ready to hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about what it takes for various brands to become your favorite go-to dining options. But that's not all—Jeremy brings a unique perspective to the business world, with his remarkable ability to combine love and honesty in his interactions with people.   In this episode, Jeremy fearlessly opens up about his personal journey, sharing the highs and lows of balancing family life with his passion for the business. Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation as we delve into Jeremy's experiences navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business world.   We guarantee you'll have a blast listening to this episode! Don't forget to like & subscribe!

Don't miss out on our latest edition of Corporate Caffeine with our guest, Heath Stanley! As a Chief Security Officer and new entrepreneur, he has an incredible story to share about his transition from finance to cyber security. Join Dacia & Kyle as they dive into his experience of growing someone else's business versus being on his own entrepreneurial journey. And the best part? Heath is hilarious, so it's bound to be a fun conversation.    On today's episode, we talk about: Exploring cyber security as a languageDumpster diving for private information… for educational purposes onlyPrepare for a breach and make the impact smallReading cybersecurity guidelines and setting up a real plan of actionHow much are your customer records really worth?Why do you truly need cybersecurity?How hard it is to ask for help when running a business The potential of losing a friend and business partner If you are interested in cybersecurity, boots and you have a solid sense of humor, tune in now and go down the cyber world rabbit hole with Heath Stanley!   Want to catch more great content?  Make sure to subscribe to the channel below!   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgXlDwcoR-hvWJYB9fpXUHg/

Aaaand that’s a wrap! On today’s episode and our final episode of 2022, we dive into Marketing Trends of 2023 with Dacia and special guest Daisy McCarty. With the ever-changing scope of Marketing, what can we expect to see in the next year? From LinkedIn Influencers to figuring out the value of using AI to enhance your efforts, we are ready to take on the new challenges we may face. If you’re a B2B marketer who is ready to learn the next steps and get ahead of the game this episode is for you!   Tune in now! On today's episode we talk about: Which trends actually need to be followed?How do you decide what marketing efforts will actually make a difference?How to optimize your current leads listHow to unlock creativity with clientsWhat is buyer’s remorse and how to get over itPeople don’t buy products & services, they buy solutionsThe importance of videoWhat’s the role AI should play in marketing?Should you be including texting in your marketing?The rise of B2B influencersWhy impressions are back

If you are a business leader or entrepreneur and plan to sell your business eventually, you should build it up to the highest value possible.   You may think because you have a really strong business model and have documented your financial processes and profitability, the value of your business is clear. However, this is not necessarily the case.   That’s what we are going to dive into in today’s episode of Corporate Caffeine. We will cover the hidden risks and valuations often missed in business and how to grow your revenue's quality for a positive valuation.   We also cover: - Why are some businesses given a high valuation? - Why you ought to be building a company of excellence - focus ruthlessly on revenue generation - Evaluating the Quality of Your Revenue - How to find the true value of a company - Is your business replicable? - Getting predictable growth - Brand equity also helps you recruit top talent - Benchmarks for Sales Conversion - Focusing on the Right Kind of Value - How to bulletproof your future business   Need more Corporate Caffeine? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and give us a positive rating!

Understanding how long it takes to launch a new initiative and get results from your marketing is essential.   The unfortunate truth is that things will always be ten times more than you think, whether it's ten times more money, time, or attention.   While it doesn't matter if it's three or ten times more, understanding that concept in your marketing is key. You're going to put things forward, there's going to be things you didn't know about before, and you're going to have to figure them out.   So the topic for today's episode is how to plan ahead for this properly and ensure positive results.    We will discuss: - Progress Over Perfection - Go make your mistakes; get it out there! - People will rethink their decisions, try not do that. - Growing Revenue and Sales - Different tactics have different points of impact. - Awareness of the Client's Problem - Lead Gen is Not a Magic Wand - Be Practical - Look At the Total Journey   Want to fuel up on more Corporate Caffeine? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and check out our YouTube Channel!

On today’s episode of Corporate Caffeine, we welcome Paul Boyd, the CEO of Force Scaling. His understanding of “That Pie in the Sky” idea of scaling-- which every business owner wants to achieve is not so easy when you're actually in the trenches, is unmatched!   Paul is well known for taking a marvelously simple and practical approach to achieving stunning scalability for businesses and has a ridiculous track record. He also recognizes that there's an intensely emotional side to the business journey; he always holds space for the owner to find their joy and their own personal potential in addition to the business's potential.   This conversation is honest and takes us through the mind of business owners,  what it means to them to be at “their best” and the ways in which they serve their team.    Tune in now!   On today's episode we talk about: Paul’s early career and what moved him to become a scaling genius.The importance of seeking a mentorThe qualities of a good leaderThe most common problems for small businessesFavorite parts of running a businessDon’t cheat the sales modelKnowing yourself vs Knowing your employeesWhy saying “No.” is so importantConflict in the workplace is okayTransforming 5,000 lives by 2030

Today I'm diving back into the topic of recession planning, but here's the thing: In reality, this whole planning series and recession planning are no different.    It doesn't matter if you're just not worried about recession or if you are. The things that we're talking about are fundamentally critical to growing, scaling, succeeding, building resilience, and building joy.   So! Let's dive into this topic of alignment and what it has to do with resiliency.    We will discuss: - Alignment is about value - A fundamental shift in the value proposition - Think about how the market is prioritizing now - You also have to understand what your customer's trigger is - Prioritizing existing clients - Customer-centricity and team-centricity - You also need to shift this perspective inward - Give people permission to re-prioritize their tactics - The best way to be trustworthy is to be clear about what you're trusted with   Want to dive deeper into marketing in a recession? Talk directly to a marketing expert here: https://www.themarketingblender.com/contact-us/

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where our to-do lists are so long that we have a tendency to get stuff done and never do the follow-up.   This means we miss this huge question: How do we actually optimize something? This could be around digital marketing, building your team, or helping them develop.   This could be around a personal project that you have. How do you actually optimize?    Today I'm going to break down a few ways to think about this, and I hope to encourage you to go back and get more out of what you're already doing.   This is all about good stewardship. We have been entrusted with resources: people, mental capacity, financial points of view, relationships, and more.   We also discuss: - Where should we optimize first? - What's working, and what isn't?  - Building an ecosystem - Is your message right? - Your budget alignment - Getting more out of people - Are there new or alternative ways to do things? - Optimizing Your Time - Being intentional with your calendar.   Want to connect directly with a marketing expert? Reach out here! https://www.themarketingblender.com/contact-us/

On today’s episode of Corporate Caffeine, we welcome David Phelps the founder of Freedom Founders. David's family went through a very traumatic experience several years ago and it caused him to question what success is. These experiences helped him change his reality and found an organization that would change the financial trajectory of other professionals. His methods are rule-bending and his energy is unmatched!  On today's episode we talk about: What is success?Being a young entrepreneurShould we get rid of Student Debt?👀Leaning on other people as you continue to growSudden life changesExit Strategies: Planning too early is never a bad thingApprenticeships are important Without further ado, let’s jump right into the mind of David Phelps.

Some people think we will soon be in a recession, forcing all businesses to figure out how to market in a recession. Some believe we are there already, while others think we still have some time.   Honestly? From the perspective of marketing in a recession and learning how to market in a recession, it's irrelevant.    Change will always be part of this crazy world. But, here's the good news: Anytime there is change, there is an opportunity to prepare to be the best version of yourself and business.   That’s why today’s topic is focused on Preparing and Prioritizing in a Recession. Today, we will dive deep into this topic today and discuss:   - Values you need to hold onto - How to prepare for a recession - The importance of customer relationships - Prioritizing customers - Changing priorities - Late-stage business deals and sales cycles - Prioritizing the ‘easy’ - How to make the right cuts   Curious about how to market in a recession?  Schedule a time to talk with a marketing expert HERE: https://bit.ly/3xhEgWM

Whether you think it's here already or coming soon, it's important to talk about a core truth. We may be heading into a recession, and it may be here already. That means every business has to prepare to market in a recession.    That’s why the focus of today’s podcast is on Marketing in a Recession: How to Plan Ahead It’s unacceptable to constantly be caught off guard as a business leader today.   You will have to get firmly anchored in how you'll navigate the future. At Marketing Blender, we don't believe in a lot of talk. We get into the actionable piece of what you need to do, which means you need a full context.   So today, we will dive deep into this topic today and discuss: - Looking ahead to 2023 - Managing the economy - Finding both sides of the coin - Checking your mindset - How to focus on the future - Why taking a step back is so important - How recessions can reveal marketing opportunity - Navigating the unpredictable - Never panicking   Curious about how to market in a pandemic? Schedule a time to talk with a marketing expert HERE: https://bit.ly/3xhEgWM

What does it look like when curiosity helps you live a rich, exciting and successful life?   On today’s episode of Corporate Caffeine, Dacia and Kyle welcome Jenny Sivie to the table. She is a consummate professional with an amazing sales, marketing and engineering background.    She's been able to carve out a successful career in corporate America but is not defined by her “roles”. Instead, she has learned to follow her curiosity to drive amazing value in her professional career and her personal life.   From a physics degree to sales and marketing to making fun science Tik-Toks, Jenny has climbed her way to the top by staying curious and always looking to the future.   In this episode we discuss: Podcasting before it was popular.Why Jenny chose physicsThe Intro to the Trans-Am!Jenny Geeks Out the BlogVirtual Reality and all other technologiesRock climbing as real-life problem solvingBeing a proactive problem solverThe Impact of the Trans-AmThe dark side of technologyTechnology and the YouthsThe power of social media   Let's dive in with Jenny Sivie!   Jenny's Blog: Jenny Geeks Out The Future is Faster Than You Think

Marketing and sales teams should be two sides of the same coin, both of their jobs are to grow the business. But if that’s true, why is it so common for a company’s marketing and sales teams to be disconnected and distrustful of each other?    On today’s episode of Corporate Caffeine, we are talking Sales and Marketing Alignment. We've brought in Joe English and Chris Goade of 360 Consulting. Their resumes and the sales leadership achievements that they've been able to drive in their careers are remarkable! Then on the marketing side we have Dacia Coffey and Daisy McCarty talking about marketing strategy and how we align to drive sales performance.   We talked about: The importance of integrating sales and marketingThe ways in which COVID has changed the ways marketers interact with clientsBuyer journeySales Leads v. FollowersStand out issues: Sales team underperformingProtecting businesses from their founders“Telling the Founder their baby is ugly…”Investing in the right marketing strategy Actually knowing and understanding your ideal customer profileHow to coach your clientsEquality v. Equity This conversation will make you think very differently about how you're structuring your growth and what you need to do in the long term. Let's just go ahead and dive right in to How to Build Marketing and Sales Alignment!

Tim Barry, CEO of Sandler Training and Executive Coach. Tim found himself with a job before he was legally able to. The plot thickens when he was busted and then decided to go into business for himself! He sold the company he started as a teen and now he’s a master sales trainer. There is a ton of psychology behind what he does and why he’s so good at helping other people be successful.    On this episode we take a deep dive into the psychology of sales and marketing as well as understanding work life balance. To what extent do you go to be successful and where does this leave you in the end? We talked about: “Gettin’ shit done.”Not allowing the world’s negativity to get to you.IR Theory : Identity v. RoleThe Chicago Bears *side-eye*Ways of learning: Visual, Auditory, KinestheticGRATITUDEThe Importance of Journaling: Work life balanceThe importance of understanding salesSales and Marketing going hand in handOvercoming challenges as a business ownerGoal Setting: Knowing where you want to go and measuring your progress   Resources: The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined https://www.amazon.com/Better-Angels-Our-Nature-Violence/dp/0143122010   Penzu App https://penzu.com/app/login

What does it take to be a successful, serial entrepreneur? What should your response be to failure? How do you get over your initial failures and finally succeed?    We dive deep into these questions on this episode of Corporate Caffeine with Michael Romines. We explore what it means to be ‘for your people’ as well as the hardships in the business world that your people should never know.    Michael is a serial entrepreneur and a family businessman. He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice with plans to become a Texas DPS State Trooper, however, plans changed when he became the Purchasing Expeditor for a cable company in East Texas. He decided that if he was going to work hard, he would work for himself, thus beginning his journey as a visionary entrepreneur. He has helped his family open 8 successful businesses all of which stand on the principles of brutal honesty and respect.    If you’re a serial entrepreneur with a knack for opportunity and innovation or you’re just interested in Michael Romine’s story, tune in now to take a trip through the “Ro-mind”!   We talk about: Serial entrepreneurship Career expectations and changesTraveling more and working lessNot being afraid to try new things and failThe hardships of being a business owner  Leading with brutal honesty and respectThe joys and complications of running a family businessAlways being better. Be willing to learn.Treating your people with respectThe importance of mentorshipPutting your pride aside. Sharing the spotlight. The importance of making a difference as a business owner.

Selling in the B2B space means having both unique challenges and opportunities.    There is no such thing as an impulse B2B purchase, but your customer’s purchases are still based on EMOTION. Learning to tap into that emotion as a way to guide your sales process can totally revolutionize your business.    That’s our focus today as Dacia goes through a TON of sales techniques for winning more business in B2B industries. She’ll focus on how to shorten your sales cycle, grow faster, and truly serve your potential customers in a positive way.    She also discusses:  - Dacia’s book has launched!  - Why are sales techniques important to marketing?  - Always focus on why someone is buying (emotion) - How to do pain mirroring  - Don’t rely on sales superstars, build good systems - The importance of highlighting the quantifiable value in worksheets - What you think about your solution doesn’t matter!  - The customer defines your value - How to sell on social media  - Use transformation stories instead of case studies - Learn to take the lead on sales processes  - Show, don’t tell - Don’t underestimate specificity  - Clearly define your marketing qualified lead is and their sales cycle - How to align your sales and marketing efforts - How to address client fears - When to address pricing    Books mentioned:  Lean Selling by Robert J Pryor https://amzn.to/3KGV3qb   The Lost Art of Closing by Anthony Iannarino  https://amzn.to/3KMH6aa   Interested in free marketing tools for your business? Check out some of our resources below! https://www.themarketingblender.com/resources/

Every small business and startup wants massive growth. But without effective planning, they will find it’s harder to get out of to-dos and daily tasks than they might have realized.    That’s why we brought on Tim Woodward, chair member of Convene and certified executive coach, to talk to us about the challenge of scaling a business and some tips for how to do that effectively.    Tim talks to us about the importance of being surrounded by like-minded people, common growth challenges of small businesses, and how to overcome them.    We also discuss:  - Tim’s background in leadership - The benefits of joining up with other business owners - The problem of working in the business vs on the business - Scaling your business - Chasing after your calling  - Getting meaning from work - The 3 keys of a good job - The impact of the Great Resignation  - What it takes to be succesful - How to grow your business in a Godly way - Tim’s secret upcoming project - The 6 lies people believe about work - Working for the greater good Interested in free marketing tools for your business? Check out some of our resources below! https://www.themarketingblender.com/resources/

Developing and retaining talented employees has been a massive focus for most companies during ‘The Great Resignation’. Finding the right person for the job, developing their skills, and keeping them around long-term is a challenge almost every business faces.   That’s why in today’s episode, we talk with the founder and CEO of HR Catalyst, Mark Mitford. Mark has worked for multiple world-class organizations to help them build processes and systems that not only develop talent, but retain it as well.   In this episode, we discuss: - What’s changed in hiring in the last 2 years? - How to lead company culture - The 5 points needed for growth - How job mobility has forced change in the workplace - Are you organized enough for real growth? - Some of the most important leadership lessons are learned in Kindergarten - Solving the hiring and retention problem - Is there ever a perfect way to hire someone? - How to build your business into something that works - Is The Great Resignation really that bad? - Working remote vs working in person - The biggest challenge to creating culture - How Mark follows his own advice   Interested in free marketing tools for your business? Check out some of our resources below! https://www.themarketingblender.com/resources/