Better Human Business Podcast

What is Guerrilla Marketing?

Guerrilla marketing is all about leveraging unconventional, low-cost, and creative tactics to promote your product or service. It’s the art of standing out in a saturated market without breaking the bank. A classic example of guerrilla tactics success is the Blair Witch Project. The film’s marketers created a compelling backstory with fake police reports and news stories that blurred the lines between fiction and reality, massively boosting its visibility and intrigue.

Applying Guerrilla Tactics to Your Business

So, how can you apply guerrilla tactics to your business? It’s about thinking outside the standard sales funnels and processes. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Personalize Your Approach: Reach out personally to people who engage with your content. A like or comment on social media can be the start of a personal interaction that might lead to a deeper business relationship.
2. Create Exclusive Experiences: Offer something unique to your leads that they can’t get anywhere else. This could be in the form of personalized videos, special content, or direct interactions that make them feel valued.
3. Go Beyond Automation: While automated marketing funnels are efficient, they lack a personal touch. Identify engaged prospects and reach out personally to convert interest into sales.

Why Try Harder With Guerrilla Marketing?

In today’s skeptical market, showing that you’re genuinely invested in your customers can set you apart. Guerrilla marketing isn’t just about being different; it’s about being more human and accessible. By focusing on creative, cost-effective strategies, you can enhance your marketing efforts and connect more deeply with your audience.

Implementing Guerrilla Marketing

To start, focus on these key areas:

• Attention to Individual Interactions: Show that you care about each prospect or customer by personalizing your interactions.
• Exclusivity and Personal Engagement: Make your leads feel special with exclusive offers or personalized communications.
• Skip Impersonal Funnels: Use direct interactions to build relationships and foster trust.

Embracing guerrilla tactics requires more effort and creativity, but the potential rewards in customer loyalty and brand differentiation are immense. As you experiment with these tactics, you’ll find that stepping outside the conventional paths can lead to substantial growth and success.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to effective marketing and guerrilla marketing strategies.
• [00:01:30] Deep dive into the definition and examples of guerrilla marketing.
• [00:03:00] Practical tips for applying guerrilla marketing tactics in your business.
• [00:04:30] The importance of personal touch in marketing and its impact on conversion.
• [00:06:00] Conclusion and encouragement to think outside the box and try harder with your marketing efforts.

Understanding Yourself and Your Career Path

Firstly, knowing yourself and your interactions with other employees is imperative. Before joining the military, I was warned by my parents about my issues with authority based on their deep knowledge of my personality. This personal trait made me question authority and inefficiency, which sometimes made my military career challenging. However, this same trait has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey, where autonomy and efficiency are prized.

For those like me who cherish independence and struggle under restrictive leadership, entrepreneurship might seem like the perfect escape. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean entrepreneurship is for everyone. It’s about finding the right environment where you can thrive, whether that’s a structured corporate setting or a flexible small business.

The Entrepreneurial Appeal and Its Realities

The allure of entrepreneurship often lies in the perceived freedom and control over one’s destiny it promises. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that being an entrepreneur is not devoid of risks. It involves a significant mental and financial toll that can affect all areas of your life. The responsibility of making every decision can be daunting and not suited for everyone.

Conversely, being a W2 employee provides a different kind of security and structure. Some individuals thrive in more predictable environments where the boundaries between work and personal life are clear. The ability to ‘shut off’ after work and enjoy personal time without the lingering stress of business responsibilities can be a significant advantage.

What Does It Mean for You?

Deciding between entrepreneurship and employment isn’t about choosing a superior path but finding the right fit for your personality, career goals, and life aspirations. Here’s what you should consider:

• Know Your Environment: Whether you prefer the dynamic hustle of startup culture or the steady pace of corporate life can determine your suitability for either path.
• Assess the Risk: Understand the level of risk you are willing to take. While entrepreneurship offers high rewards, it also comes with high risks.
• Consider Your Long-term Goals: What do you want from your life and career? Clarity on this can guide whether you choose to be an entrepreneur or an employee.

Embracing Your Choice

Ultimately, both paths offer distinct advantages and challenges. The key is to make an informed choice based on a deep understanding of your personal and professional needs. Whether you choose to be an entrepreneur or a W2 employee, the goal should always be to find fulfillment and happiness in your work.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the dilemma between being a W2 employee and an entrepreneur.
• [00:01:30] Personal anecdotes and insights on personality alignment with career paths.
• [00:03:00] Analyzing the entrepreneurial appeal versus the structured employee pathway.
• [00:05:00] Guidelines on how to choose the right path based on individual preferences and risk tolerance.
• [00:07:00] Closing thoughts on embracing your career choice with confidence.

Embracing AI in Business

Initially, I dabbled in AI-driven tools out of curiosity, but they have since become integral to my business strategy. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about augmenting and enhancing human capabilities in ways that were previously unimaginable.

1. AI-Enhanced Content Creation

My primary use of AI revolves around content creation. As someone who has shifted from writing to more audio and video content, finding time for traditional writing became challenging. Here’s where AI steps in—not to replace the human touch, but to complement it. For instance, after recording a podcast or video, I often want to disseminate the same ideas across different platforms, like Instagram or a newsletter. Instead of writing from scratch, I utilize AI to transform my spoken words into written content that retains my voice and essence.

AI does not just transcribe; it adapts and refines. I feed it a rough transcript of my thoughts and specify the tone and audience. The result? A well-crafted piece that feels personal and professional. This approach allows me to maintain a hands-on role in content creation, ensuring quality and authenticity.

2. AI in Data Analysis

The second key area where AI has proven invaluable is data analysis. With AI, I can upload business data—no matter how scattered—and ask complex questions that previously would have taken hours of manual effort to answer. AI helps me uncover insights about customer behaviors, spending patterns, and more, streamlining the decision-making process.

Why AI Matters in Modern Business

Incorporating AI into business practices isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about staying ahead. AI allows businesses to operate more efficiently and creatively, ensuring they remain competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. It’s not about letting AI take over; it’s about leveraging AI to enhance what you’re already doing well.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to AI in business
• [00:01:30] AI’s capabilities in creating visuals and videos
• [00:02:30] Utilizing AI for enhancing content creation
• [00:03:30] AI’s role in streamlining newsletter production
• [00:04:30] Recording ideas for content using AI
• [00:05:30] AI’s utility in producing engaging content
• [00:06:30] Data analysis enhancements through AI
• [00:07:30] Real-world applications of AI in data management
• [00:08:30] Summary of AI’s current and potential impact

The Inevitability of Competition

Throughout my career, both with Garage Gym Athlete and my current venture, PT Biz, I’ve seen various forms of competition. It started innocuously with similar businesses popping up and escalated to more direct imitations, including others duplicating our online presence down to the very funnels and ads we created. Dealing with competition in such direct forms has been a significant aspect of my entrepreneurial journey.

Dealing with Imitation

The first time you notice your business being copied can be unsettling. For me, it was a sign that we were on the right path. Copying is the sincerest form of flattery, right? It indicates that others see value in your work enough to emulate it. This perspective shift is essential; seeing imitation as an acknowledgment of your market leadership helps maintain focus on what truly matters—innovation and growth.

Embrace Your Unique Brand Identity

The core of effectively dealing with competition lies in solidifying your brand’s unique identity. This is especially pivotal in today’s market where personal branding and business are intertwined. People connect with stories, personalities, and values. Ensuring that your brand reflects a unique aspect of you can differentiate your offerings, even if the services are similar to others. By focusing on these unique qualities, you are effectively dealing with competition by making it irrelevant to your core audience.

My Strategic Response to Competition

1. Legal Considerations:
If the imitation crosses legal boundaries, such as copyright infringement, considering legal action is valid. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs against the potential distractions from your business goals.

2. Focus on Innovation:
Rather than dwelling on competitors, I focus my energy on innovation. New products, services, and marketing strategies keep the business evolving and growing, outpacing those who might still be learning how to mimic past ideas.

3. Enhancing Customer Experience:
No competitor can replicate the unique interactions and experiences that you provide to your customers. By enhancing these areas, you fortify customer loyalty, which is far more potent than surface-level similarities that competitors might offer.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:30] Introduction to the challenges of dealing with competition.
• [01:00] Experiences with competitors and copycats in the online space.
• [02:00] Legal actions and their role in handling direct copies.
• [03:00] Importance of brand identity in differentiating from competitors.
• [04:00] Strategies for focusing on innovation over competition.
• [05:00] Leveraging unique selling propositions to enhance customer loyalty.
• [06:00] Final thoughts on maintaining focus and pushing through competition.

The Evolution of Event Planning in My Business Journey

The Evolution of Event Planning in My Business Journey Over the years, my company PT Biz has hosted numerous mastermind events across various cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, and more. From humble beginnings in a partner’s practice to orchestrating gatherings for 300 attendees, the journey has taught me the invaluable principle of “Who Not How.” In the early days, I personally took on the monumental task of organizing these events—from securing venues to handling the A/V setup. The first few were manageable, even if a bit chaotic, as we hosted around 100 participants. However, it quickly became evident that as the scale increased, so did the complexity and the demand on my time and attention. Embracing the “Who Not How” philosophy was crucial as I learned to delegate and focus on my strengths.

Lesson One: Long-Range Planning is Crucial

One major realization was the importance of long-range planning. My natural inclination towards immediate business needs often left event planning on the backburner until it was nearly too late. For events of this magnitude, we’re talking about securing venues and making logistical decisions one to two years in advance!

Lesson Two: Delegate to Elevate

The second and perhaps more significant lesson was recognizing what I’m not good at and finding someone who excels in those areas. Event planning involves countless details that go beyond the core of what I wanted to focus on: delivering value to attendees. This realization led me to embrace the concept of “Who Not How,” a principle every entrepreneur should explore.

Finding the ‘Who’ to Handle the ‘How’

We eventually brought on board a professional event planner, someone whose prowess in meticulous planning and passion for detail ensured that every event went smoothly. This not only elevated the quality of each event but also freed me up to engage more meaningfully with participants—focusing on delivering value rather than fretting over logistics.

Apply “Who Not How” in Your Business

For fellow entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: identify areas where you’re stretching too thin or where your skills do not align with the tasks at hand. Recognize when it’s time to delegate, and invest in finding the right ‘Who’ to handle the ‘How.’ This approach isn’t just about easing your workload; it’s about optimizing your business’s performance and enhancing the customer experience.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re handling tasks that detract from your core business or customer experience, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Embrace the philosophy of hiring talent that complements your weaknesses. This not only bolsters your business’s efficiency but also ensures that every aspect, no matter how small, is executed to the highest standard.

Remember, growing a successful business isn’t just about hard work; it’s about smart work—knowing when to take the reins and when to hand them over. So, as we continue to navigate the complexities of business, let’s keep learning, adapting, and striving not just to do more, but to do better.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the episode’s theme
• [00:01:00] Recapping early event planning experiences
• [00:02:00] Transition from hands-on event planning to strategic delegation
• [00:03:00] Insights on long-range planning and its necessity
• [00:04:00] Hiring a professional event planner and its impact
• [00:05:00] Discussing the “Who Not How” principle
• [00:06:00] Practical advice for applying this principle in your own business
• [00:07:00] Closing thoughts on business growth and operational efficiency