Accelerate Your Business Growth

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with Michael Greenberg, the CEO of Third Brain Auto. Michael is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in digital apps, automation, and AI, helping businesses unlock explosive growth. In this episode, we delve deep into the ROI of implementing AI and automation in business operations, exploring key areas where substantial value can be created. Michael shares a comprehensive framework for digital operations, reveals overlooked opportunities for AI-enhanced growth, and provides actionable insights on how to start implementing these technologies effectively. Whether you’re curious about improving customer support, generating more content, or enhancing workflow consistency, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you drive your business forward. So, stay tuned and get ready to accelerate your business growth with insights from Michael Greenberg. If you a

Welcome back to another illuminating episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have the pleasure of speaking with Mickie Kennedy, the founder of eReleases. For over 25 years, Mickie has been a champion for small businesses, authors, and startups, helping them boost their visibility and credibility through top-tier press release distribution. Mickie is also the author of "The Beginner's Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases" and has a wealth of knowledge to share from his extensive experience in media and PR. Take advantage of Mickie’s free masterclass. In this episode, Mickie unpacks the essentials of what makes a press release effective and why it's a critical tool for businesses of all sizes. He offers invaluable insights into crafting compelling quotes, understanding journalists' needs, and tells inspiring success stories—such as how one well-crafted release raised $10 million to help restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you're wondering how to

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today, we have a special guest, Laura Watson, founder and lead business coach at Venture Coaching International in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of counseling and coaching experience, Laura has mastered the art of bridging complex theories into practical, actionable strategies. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional mastery in the business environment. Laura shares her insights on how to remain rational and responsive in emotionally triggering situations, a vital skill for both personal and professional growth. Prepare to learn effective techniques to manage your reactions, enhance communication, and foster a more productive work atmosphere. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be Curious. Accelerate Your Busine

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have the pleasure of welcoming back a phenomenal guest, Chrissy Myers. Chrissy is the CEO of AUI and Clarity HR and the author of "Reluctantly Resilient." As a third-generation business owner, she is revolutionizing the complexities of benefits and HR for small to medium-sized businesses, while also championing social responsibility through impactful community programs. In this episode, Chrissy shares the most significant changes in HR this year, crucial advice for new business owners, the necessity of an employee handbook, and much more. She also delves into tricky topics like non-compete agreements and salary transparency. Plus, Chrissy gives us a heartfelt look into her book, "Reluctantly Resilient," detailing her journey through personal and professional challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation is packed with invaluable insights. Stay tuned! If you ar

Welcome back to Accelerate Your Business Growth! In today's episode, we're diving into the crucial realm of cybersecurity with our esteemed guest, Jonathan Steele. Jonathan is the founder of Steele Fortress, a top-tier cybersecurity and privacy firm, and a family law attorney based in Chicago. With a wealth of experience in both the legal and tech worlds, Jonathan specializes in helping small businesses protect their data, ensure privacy, and navigate complex legal landscapes. Recognized by Illinois super lawyers and leading lawyers, he combines technological expertise with legal know-how to provide robust strategies that safeguard business assets against evolving cyber threats and privacy regulations. Join us as we explore the most common cybersecurity dangers facing small businesses today, practical steps to mitigate these risks, and the invaluable role that customer trust plays in cybersecurity. Jonathan also shares affordable tools and resources to enhance your business's protection, and insights on shif

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we're diving into the world of digital marketing strategy and analytics with our expert guest, Phillippa Gamse. With over 25 years of experience and nearly 500 clients under her belt, Phillippa specializes in translating complex analytics data into actionable business strategies. In this episode, we'll explore the power of personalized customer service, the intricacies of online advertising, and how to make the most of tools like Google Analytics 4. Phillippa will share insights on selecting the right analytics tools, understanding key metrics, and balancing privacy concerns in the digital age. Whether you're a business owner or marketing executive, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you harness the power of analytics and drive your business growth. Tune in and discover how to turn numbers into knowledge and data into decisions! Grab a copy of 42 Rules for a Web Presence That Wins. If you a

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a truly insightful conversation lined up for you. Joining us is Charles Rose, a transformational executive coach with over 25 years of experience helping founders and business leaders achieve holistic success. After selling his own company for eight figures, Charles recognized that personal issues were hindering his ability to fully enjoy his accomplishments. Now, through his coaching, he ensures that business owners are aligned in all aspects of their lives to be their most effective selves. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of holistic success, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for managing stress in high-pressure environments. Charles shares invaluable insights on building a supportive team, the role of mindfulness in leadership, and actionable advice for maintaining balance between personal well-being and professional demands. Get ready for a conversat

Welcome back to Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig. Today, we have an incredible guest, Scott Mautz. Scott is the founder and CEO of Profound Performance and a former Procter & Gamble executive. He's also the author of the transformative book, "The Mentally Strong Leader." In this episode, Scott dives deep into the concept of mental strength and why he believes it is the leadership superpower of our times. We explore the six core mental muscles that are crucial for building mental strength and discuss practical tools for developing these muscles. Whether it's fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, or maintaining a positive mindset, Scott provides invaluable insights and actionable strategies. Plus, Scott shares a special gift for our listeners: a 60-page PDF that includes the mental strength questionnaire and prompts to maximize your journey in becoming a mentally strong leader. Get ready to learn how to harness mental strength to lead more effectively at work

Welcome back to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we're diving into the complexities and opportunities of remote work with our guest, Shane Spraggs. Shane is a seasoned expert in operational efficiency, leveraging lean agile methodologies, and has an impressive track record with companies like Acromedia, Disney Interactive, and Minga. He's currently a partner at Virtira and coauthor of "The Power of Remote." In this episode, Shane delves into the foundational elements crucial for building successful remote teams, including the importance of intentionality, proactive communication, and fostering a sense of relatedness among team members. He also offers insightful strategies for leaders on how to effectively manage and communicate with their remote teams, touching on essential practices like one-on-one meetings and setting clear, measurable goals that align with the company's mission. If you're struggling with remote team dynamics or looking to enhance your business operations, you wo

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! Today, host Diane Helbig sits down with Colin Hirdman, a seasoned entrepreneur who started his first company just a week after graduating college. Colin co-founded Monkey Island Ventures with his two best friends, named after a childhood playground, and is now focused on his latest venture, Rainmaker. Through Rainmaker, Colin helps founders and sales teams enhance their LinkedIn network, generate leads, and boost sales using what he calls the "authentic engine." In this episode, Colin dives deep into his LinkedIn philosophy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and education over pure sales tactics. He also shares insightful strategies on building and targeting the right audience, leveraging LinkedIn events, and using Sales Navigator effectively. Additionally, Colin discusses some innovative campaign types that have yielded significant results, including the powerful potential of LinkedIn live streams. Whether you're a LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today, we're diving deep into the essence of creating a culture of excellence within your organization. Our esteemed guest, Jeff Standridge, is a seasoned expert in innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational transformation, and leadership. With a wealth of experience across five continents and a best-selling author of three books, including The Innovator’s Field Guide. Jeff has been instrumental in transforming numerous companies with his world-class presentations, training programs, and workshops. In this episode, Jeff unpacks the critical elements that define a company's culture and the astonishing impact a positive culture can have on revenue, profit, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. He outlines a framework of six essential elements for fostering a culture of excellence: strong leadership, clarity and focus, engaged and committed teammates, empowering communication, 100% accountability,

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a truly enlightening conversation in store for you. We're joined by Jeff Lenning, a CPA, Microsoft Excel MVP, and certified trainer, who is here to dive deep into the incredible power of Excel. As the founder of Excel University, Jeff's mission is to help professionals around the globe unlock Excel's full potential and enhance their productivity. In this episode, we explore how small businesses can harness the efficiency-boosting features of Excel, from Power Query and Power Pivot to the invaluable pivot tables. We also delve into the role of AI in understanding and maximizing Excel's capabilities, common mistakes users make, and the importance of automation tools beyond Excel. Whether you're an Excel newbie or a seasoned user, Jeff's insights will inspire you to rethink how you use this indispensable tool. Get ready to accelerate your efficiency and productivity as we uncover the hidden gems of Excel

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a special guest, David Avrin. David is a renowned customer experience speaker and consultant, and the author of Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With, and he's here to share some invaluable insights on how businesses can enhance their customer service and retention strategies. In this episode, we delve into the importance of offering options and choices to customers for a superior experience. David explains why making it easy for customers to do business with you is crucial, and how resolving issues efficiently can prevent frustration and improve customer satisfaction. We also discuss the all-too-common challenges faced by customer service agents, including high attrition rates, scripted responses, and the difficulty of reaching an actual person for support. We touch on the limitations of AI and chatbots in understanding customer concerns and the frustration of being transferred between multiple rep

Welcome back to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we’re diving into the world of content creation with Jon Clemence, a professional editor and writer who runs his own editing and writing agency. Jon specializes in helping businesses enhance their expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness through their digital content. In this episode, Jon shares his expert insights on the current landscape of content creation, the do’s and don’ts of using AI, and practical tips on how to make your blog posts stand out. He also offers actionable advice on updating old content, optimizing it for SEO, and the best tools and resources to use. Whether you’re just starting out with a blog or looking to refine your content strategy, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you grow your business. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Alw

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth!" I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a phenomenal guest lined up for you—Jim Kraus, the president of the Buyer Persona Institute (BPI) and a renowned authority on buyer personas and buying insights. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in helping thousands of marketers develop strategies and messaging that drive leads, improve conversion rates, and increase sales. Recently, he released the second edition of his book on buyer personas, and we're thrilled to dive into this topic with him. In this episode, Jim will break down what buyer personas truly are, how they can be used effectively in marketing and sales, and the invaluable insights they can bring to your business. He'll also share practical advice on how to gather this vital information and use it to better understand and influence your prospective buyers. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are

Welcome to another enriching episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." Today, our host Diane Helbig sits down with the insightful Carly Pepin, an international speaker and consultant specializing in human behavior. Carly brings a wealth of knowledge on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness in leadership. In this episode, she underscores the critical balance between positivity and addressing challenges to prepare for the future, transforming past experiences into valuable lessons, and understanding the crucial role vision plays in leadership. Carly also delves into the art of aligning personal and business goals to create win-win scenarios, the significance of placing employees in suitable roles, and the surprising sources of inspiration that can fuel innovation. By the end of this conversation, you'll gain fresh perspectives on personal growth, the balancing act of self-care, and the undeniable value of pursuing a purpose-driven life. If you are a small business owner or salesper

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we explore the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. Today, we're thrilled to have John Warner with us. John is a visionary and a serial innovator whose experience spans startups, academic centers, non-profits, and even a government agency. He's also the author of a newly published book, The Intelligence Tsunami, on thriving in the age of AI. In this episode, John shares his insights on how AI is transforming our world, both creating value and introducing disruptions. We dive into practical ways small business owners can harness AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance their operations. John also discusses the importance of staying ahead of technological changes and how AI can be used creatively across various business functions, from marketing to customer service. Join us as we explore the exciting yet challenging world of AI and discover how to turn potential disruptions into oppo

Welcome back to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a special guest, Kerry Barrett. Kerry is an Emmy-winning anchor, host, and on-camera expert who overcame a paralyzing fear of public speaking to build a multi-decade career in broadcast journalism with top media institutions like NBC, ABC, and Fox TV. Now, she dedicates her expertise to helping business owners, executives, and lawyers break through their mindset barriers and refine their on-camera delivery and speaking skills. In this episode, we dive deep into the reasons why so many people fear public speaking and discuss the critical importance of effective communication across all aspects of our lives. Kerry shares her valuable insights on the common mistakes people make, the concept of a performance mindset, and the differences between public speaking and speaking on camera. She also offers practical tips for improving your speaking skills, including a "30 days and 30 seconds" challenge that

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." Today, Diane Helbig sits down with Danielle Harris, a seasoned marketing and messaging consultant from Metro Detroit. Danielle has over a decade of experience in the marketing sector and specializes in helping coaches and service providers attract their ideal clients through the power of storytelling. In this episode, Danielle delves into the oft-overlooked potency of personal narratives in business, and explains why sharing your unique story can be a game-changer for your brand. She offers actionable insights on how to integrate your background, values, and personality into your business messaging, while also balancing vulnerability and promotional content. Additionally, Danielle provides practical tips for customer research and how to leverage client stories to enhance your marketing efforts. Be sure to connect with Danielle through her website or on LinkedIn. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with get

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! In today's episode, host Diane Helbig sits down with Erin Marcus, the dynamic founder and CEO of Conquer Your Business, an international company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve financial and emotional freedom. With Erin's extensive background as a corporate executive, combined with her MBA education and street-smart upbringing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Join Diane and Erin as they delve into the critical aspects of mindset and strategy in business. Erin shares her compelling journey and valuable lessons on overcoming fear and roadblocks, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and responding to our emotional and physical reactions. Through fascinating analogies, including her experiences with her reactive dog, Erin explains how to manage and recover from setbacks more effectively. This conversation promises to offer practical advice on making intentional choices and navigatin