Ambitious Entrepreneur Show

Join Carrie West as she sits down with Annemarie Cross to explore the power of personal stories—no matter how small—and their ability to inspire hope and connection. Carrie reflects on the importance of moving away from fear-driven headlines and finding platforms that celebrate uplifting news. Annemarie shares her remarkable journey, from being a curious child adopted from a nunnery to becoming a passionate podcaster. She opens up about pivotal moments, including a life-changing accident that shifted her career and shaped her path. This conversation highlights the power of sharing stories, the courage it takes to open up, and the growth that comes from connecting with others. If you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur ready to unlock the potential of your own story, this episode is packed with strategies to fuel your personal and professional growth. Here are key takeaways: Impact Beyond Circumstances: Your origin story holds unique experiences that can inspire others. Each of us has faced challenge

Welcome to the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! I’m Annemarie Cross, and today, I’m sharing five essential strategies to help your business stand out and thrive in 2025. In an ever-changing business landscape, creating a stellar customer experience is no longer optional—it’s a must. Every interaction, from first contact to ongoing support, needs to leave your clients feeling valued and understood. These strategies will ensure your business becomes the trusted choice when your ideal client is ready to take the next step We’ll look at how to move away from the outdated "numbers game" mentality, the importance of robust CRM systems to streamline your processes, and how to nurture potential clients through longer buying cycles. I’ll also discuss how to build trust and credibility in a world where skepticism is on the rise and how segmenting your audience can help you craft messaging that speaks directly to their needs. Drawing from my own experience, I’ll share practical tips, proven tools, and insights into the s

What if the key to unlocking your business’s next big breakthrough wasn’t a new strategy or tool—but your own personal story? Let’s learn how sharing your journey can elevate your brand, build trust, and create opportunities you never imagined. Our guest, Melanie Horsham, is an independent publisher and book marketing strategist who’s made it her mission to help people harness the impact of their stories. Melanie’s career is nothing short of fascinating—starting in Hollywood with celebrity PR, moving into journalism and radio news, and eventually designing and manufacturing breastfeeding clothing. Her journey wasn’t without its struggles, including the tough decision to close her business after a disappointing marketing experience. But those challenges fueled her passion for helping others share their stories through books. In this conversation, you’ll learn why your story is one of the most valuable assets you have, how publishing a book can elevate your brand, and the surprising ways it builds trust and cre

Originally featured on The Christian Entrepreneurs Podcast, I’m excited to share this episode here on the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show too! Karen Crowell and I dive deep into the intersection of faith and business, exploring how to overcome burnout, stay motivated, and care for your well-being. I hope these insights and practical strategies inspire and encourage you to thrive in your business while staying true to your values. Here are the key takeaways for this episode: Spiritual and Emotional Resilience: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. Health and Productivity: We discussed the importance of addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Faith and Community: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. RESOURCES:   Continue the discussion over at ht

Now that 2025 is here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the challenges, milestones, and lessons that shaped the past year. 2024 has been full of challenges, milestones, and lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. In this month’s episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, I’m thrilled to sit down with my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Karen Crowell, for a heartfelt conversation we’ve titled "2024 Reflection Successes." Karen and I share the highs and lows of the year—everything from juggling health and business to celebrating personal wins like launching group coaching programs and exploring new passions. We open up about the obstacles we’ve faced and the lessons we’ve learned, hoping to inspire and empower you as you plan for the year ahead. I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities that 2025 holds. It’s a fresh start, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way with practical strategies, meaningful insights, and the resources you need to thrive. Join us for thi

Welcome to the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! I’m your host, Annemarie Cross, and in today’s episode, I’m sharing a very personal update. I recently took a break from podcasting after life threw us a serious curveball—my husband’s health took a turn, leading us on an unexpected journey of discovery. We learned that his health issues were linked to mercury toxicity from dental fillings, and we began exploring naturopathy for detox and overall wellness. But that wasn’t all. Along the way, I discovered that I, too, suffer from EMF sensitivity, which sparked a deeper interest in herbal medicine. I’ve even started growing my own herbal remedies and launched a new brand called Restore Rophe, dedicated to creating natural products for healing. In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of our holistic health journey, share the launch of my new business ventures, and discuss how we’re helping coaches and consultants increase their visibility and attract more clients. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek at the Indust

Welcome to another episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! Joining me is Tom Schwab, a podcast interview marketing expert and the founder of Interview Valet. Together, we’ll highlight the unique strengths introverts bring to podcasting, the benefits of meaningful conversations versus high-pressure sales tactics, and the importance of authenticity and personal connection in today’s world. Tom will shed light on why traditional sales funnels often miss the mark and how building genuine relationships and a solid reputation can be more effective. We’ll also discuss the fantastic networking opportunities that podcasting provides for introverts, offering a way to forge deep connections without the stress of conventional networking events. Whether you’re an introverted marketer looking to make meaningful connections or seeking new ways to build your business, this episode is a must-listen! Don’t miss out on practical tips, resources, and expert advice to help you thrive on your entrepreneurial journey! Here are

What’s the real POWER of an origin story? Storytelling in business isn't just about telling what happened but creating a story that connects with people on an emotional level. As entrepreneurs, we can use storytelling to create powerful stories that do more than just share what the business does—they let people see and feel the business's culture and values. This is especially important today when there are so many businesses out there and standing out is more difficult. Today, we have a compelling conversation lined up with life coach Carrie West, who utilizes her extensive background in the entertainment industry to enhance personal and business storytelling. Carrie, who is also the author of the forthcoming "Memoir of an Ordinary Person and the Stories That Changed Her Life," shares her expert insights on the transformative power of origin stories for both personal development and business success. She shares how these narratives emotionally motivate us, and their crucial role in connecting with investors,

Do you feel disconnected from your current brand? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to make a more significant impact in your industry? This episode will equip you with the clarity and confidence needed to rebrand successfully and authentically. Today, we had the incredible Jackie Bebenroth, a renowned expert in the field of branding, clearly distinguishes the nuances of brand concepts and strategies, making them accessible and understandable. Jackie shared her expert insights on rebranding with confidence and clarity. We explored why entrepreneurs rebrand, uncovering the blind spots in their brand strategy, and the critical role of brand identity in business and personal success. She explained why understanding customer values outweighs emulating competitors, especially for established brands looking for authenticity. This discussion is a goldmine for entrepreneurs eager to understand the nuances of rebranding and to ensure their brand resonates deeply with their target market. Brand transformation isn't ju

This week, we are joined by the incredible Cheri Toledo. With 44 years of educational insight and a passion for kingdom life coaching, Cheri shares her expertise in creating impactful signature programs that don’t just educate—they transform. In this episode, we dive deep into crucial concepts for every coaching entrepreneur. We unravel how clarity acts as the backbone of effective coaching, preventing the common pitfalls of comparison and misalignment with your core values. Discover the transformational power of coaching programs that build upon successive layers, leading clients to profound breakthroughs and success. Cheri outlines her program's essentials: clarity, content, and cash flow, guiding you to meet the ever-evolving needs of your clients. Additionally, we discuss the buzz around the upcoming **"From Invisible to Influential Trusted Authority"** roundtable. If you’re looking to shape your signature program into a magnet for your ideal clients, this is where you need to invest your time. Remember,

Are you ready to transform your "whoops" moments into "wow" successes? In the latest episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, we delve into the surprising power of accidental successes in business. I'm going to share some incredible stories of accidental successes that have transformed businesses and discuss the importance of embracing these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. I’ll share some personal experiences where spontaneous ideas and perceived mistakes led to valuable business insights and growth - from launching a Women in Leadership podcast out of personal struggle to gaining clients in just three episodes. These happy accidents, they're not just flukes; they're your teaching tools, your story, your brand. We'll about authenticity, vulnerability, and the magic of embracing your imperfections to build unshakable trust with your audience. Remember, acknowledging these moments is key to your entrepreneurial narrative. Now, let’s get ready to turn those accidental successes into strategi

Are you struggling to scale your business through digital marketing? Want to know the secret sauce to boosting your revenue and brand visibility with confidence? This week on the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, we sat down with Dmitri Smirnov, the marketing mastermind behind Big Life Marketing, to unlock the strategies that can take your business to the next level. In this episode, he'll debunk marketing myths and equip you with actionable tools. We'll uncover the surprising secret to crafting powerful ads (hint: it's not just data!), discover why organic content is the unsung hero of paid advertising, and learn how to strategically test your ads without burning through your budget. Dmitri will also share the key metrics to track for long-term success, and guide you through crafting unique brand stories that resonate with your ideal audience, transforming them into loyal fans, not just another click. Get ready to ditch the generic ads and learn how to tailor your message for maximum impact. Tune in and discover

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by tech and the rapid pace of digital innovation, this is the episode for you. Joining us is Shane Mishler, the COO of SD Tech, who brings his tech savviness and industry experience to the table. In this episode, titled "Leveraging Technology and Relationships for Business Growth," Shane will share his insights on the transformative power of AI and how it streamlines email management for professionals across the board. Get ready for a deep dive into how the right tech choices and partnerships can supercharge your business operations and growth. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing enterprise, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you stay ahead of the curve. Here are 3 Key Takeaways from this episode:  Discover how AI, particularly chat GPT, is revolutionizing email management, saving you precious time, and helping you focus on what really matters Learn the nuances of employing technology such as CRM systems to maintain and nurture customer re

Are you ready to transform your "whoops" moments into "wow" successes? In the latest episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, we delve into the surprising power of accidental successes in business. I'm going to share some incredible stories of accidental successes that have transformed businesses and discuss the importance of embracing these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. I’ll share some personal experiences where spontaneous ideas and perceived mistakes led to valuable business insights and growth - from launching a Women in Leadership podcast out of personal struggle to gaining clients in just three episodes. These happy accidents, they're not just flukes; they're your teaching tools, your story, your brand. We'll about authenticity, vulnerability, and the magic of embracing your imperfections to build unshakable trust with your audience. Remember, acknowledging these moments is key to your entrepreneurial narrative. Now, let’s get ready to turn those accidental successes into strategi

Are you struggling to align your sales and marketing teams?  In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brady Jensen, the founder of Aggregate Insights, who is an expert in aligning sales and marketing. Brady shares his journey from sales and marketing to founding Aggregate Insights and offers valuable insights into the crucial need for sales and marketing alignment. Discover how involving buyers in your market research can transform your strategy, the pitfalls of relying solely on customer feedback, the limitations of AI in understanding ideal clients, and the crucial role of authentic storytelling. This episode will equip you with practical strategies to bring your sales and marketing teams onto the same page and propel your business forward. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation filled with actionable advice and valuable resources. Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:  Insights on getting Sales & Marketing on the same page  Why primary market insights matter  W

Are you ready to make 2024 your best year yet?   In the latest episode of the Women in Leadership Podcast, Annemarie Cross and special guest Karen Crowell shared 6 mindset and practical shifts to help you level up this year. These strategies are designed to help you overcome challenges, set and achieve your goals, and elevate your success, no matter what industry you're in.   Here are 3 Key Takeaways from this episode: 

In this week's episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, we dive into the profound impact of repeated exposure to information after a mindset shift or practical implementation. I will highlight how revisiting previously heard information can lead to new insights and layers of intention for business growth. In this episode, I will reflect on the importance of trust in building relationships with potential clients and brands. Additionally, the episode highlights the significance of authenticity and connection for clients, emphasizing the role of core values in attracting and retaining clients. Annemarie underlines the importance of trust and relationships as the greatest assets in business and provides valuable insights on how to cultivate these essential elements. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and strategies for growing your business through lead generation and building trust with potential clients. Happy listening and here's to your continued success! Here are 3 Key Takeaways from her l

In our recent episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming Lisa Sweeney to the show. Lisa shared invaluable insights into the importance of having trusted authorities on your team, the significance of opt-ins, and the impact of lead magnets on conversion rates.  We delved into the world of content creation, discussing the preferred methods of content consumption for your ideal client, the importance of offering content in multiple formats, and the value of authentic conversations to connect with your audience.  Lisa and I also had a thought-provoking conversation about the immense power of storytelling and the need for authenticity in building trust with your clients. We discussed the customer journey, the importance of responsiveness, and the significance of having a clear message, strong opt-in resources, and effective email sequences along with suitable technology to support your business momentum.  Additionally, Lisa shed light on the upcoming 5-day challenge where we will be sharing key components to help y

It's an exciting time at the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show as we gear up for an incredible year of growth, influence, and collaboration. In our latest episode, Annemarie Cross shares her strategic plan for 2024, offering invaluable insight into how she continues to elevate her business and make a lasting impact in the industry.  With a focus on excellence and enhanced learning experiences for her clients, Annemarie has developed an electronic workbook and online check-in journals to support her clients' learning and accountability. Her dedication to excellence extends to the upcoming events she's promoting, including a livestream with the CEO of Business in Heels on January 16th, and a 5-day intensive from January 22nd to 26th. These events will cover essential topics such as marketing strategies, understanding the customer journey, and leveraging podcasts for visibility and client growth.  The PodcastingWithPurpose.com/Community is where the excitement continues, with new and engaging activities planned throug

Annemarie Cross engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bryan Alston, the esteemed founder of BrandCastle Growth Partners. Together, they unravel the complexities of leveraging data analysis and AI for effective marketing strategies. Throughout the episode, Bryan delves into the intricacies of using Pictory and text-to-video tools to create compelling marketing content. He emphasizes the critical role of understanding customer needs and leveraging AI tools for in-depth customer analysis. Bryan also shares a compelling case study of successfully repositioning a product to meet the unmet needs of a niche customer base. Moreover, he expounds on the significance of using AI to unearth profound insights into customer lifestyles and preferences. Prepare yourself for an insightful exploration of how data-driven marketing can lay the foundation for consumer brands to thrive, both in the digital realm and in physical establishments. This episode is a deep dive into the world of marketing strategies, offering