The Business of You with Rachel Gogos

Hosted by Rachel Gogos

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Jun 2026

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Welcome to The Business of You Podcast, where we explore how to build a brand that truly reflects who you are and amplifies your influence in the digital world. Hosted by Rachel Gogos, this podcast brings you insightful conversations with humble entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts who have built highly profitable businesses. Each episode delves into their journeys, sharing the strategies, challenges, and lessons that led them to create the businesses that make a massive impact. Whether you're just beginning to amplify your online presence or you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your brand, this podcast will give you the practical tools and inspiration you need to take your business to the next level. From personal branding and online presence to leadership and marketing strategies, we cover it all. To learn more about each episode, and the resources mentioned, check out: https://thebrandid.com/the-business-of-you-podcast/

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June 16, 2026Episode 27537 min

275 | Why Most Business Owners Are Overpaying the IRS with Peter Holtz

Most entrepreneurs don't realize how much money they're losing through poor tax strategy. The problem isn't always revenue. It's what happens after the money comes in. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Peter Holtz, founder of one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the country. With experience spanning Big 4 accounting, CFO leadership, and building a $10M-plus firm from the ground up, Peter shares why traditional accounting models are failing entrepreneurs and what founders should be doing instead. Peter explains how proactive tax planning, financial organization, and smarter business structures can dramatically improve profitability and help business owners build real long-term wealth. He also breaks down how entrepreneurs can legally reduce their tax burden, improve financial clarity, and turn accounting into one of the highest ROI investments in their business. Why Reactive Accounting Is Costing Founders Thousands Peter explains that most accountants operate as "box fillers," focused only on filing returns instead of helping business owners strategically reduce taxes year-round. He shares why accuracy, organization, and the right business structure are foundational to keeping more of what you earn. From separating business and personal expenses to optimizing entity structure, small changes can create a massive financial impact. Peter also dives into overlooked strategies many entrepreneurs miss, including the Augusta Rule, paying children through the business, vehicle deductions, and structuring travel expenses correctly. Building Wealth Through Financial Clarity Beyond taxes, this conversation explores the deeper connection between financial awareness and leadership. Peter reflects on building his firm from a small operation into an Inc. 5000 company by embracing cloud accounting, systems, and long-term thinking early. He also shares why he believes entrepreneurs are modern-day pioneers and why supporting business owners is central to his mission. Rachel and Peter also discuss personal branding, scaling a service-based business, and the evolution of authority in today's digital landscape. Enjoy this episode with Peter Holtz… Soundbytes 17:53–18:14 "The Augusta Rule lets you rent out your house at fair market value. You have to determine fair market value. You've got to create a lease between yourself and your business, and there's a lot of details you have to live with. But it could easily be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 in tax-free income, depending on how you use it." 20:39–21:04 "I've said, you know, you should pay your kids, and I've heard, 'Well, we talked to our tax preparer, and they said it's a red flag.' It's not. I've been around for 40 years. I've been through audits. I've helped people that have come to me to get help with audits. The tax law is very clear that any child above age 7 can be paid a reasonable wage to help you in your business." Quotes "Most entrepreneurs are overpaying in taxes because no one ever showed them a better strategy." "A CPA should not be a cost center. They should be one of the highest ROI partners in your business." "When you don't commingle business and personal expenses, you're already telling the IRS you're organized." "The ultimate resource you can never get more of is time." "There's not a business problem that I can't solve anymore because after a while, you understand how businesses really work." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.peterholtzcpa.com/ Free Resource and Consultation: https://go.peterholtzcpa.com/rachel Connect with Peter Holtz on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/peterholtzcpa Follow Peter Holtz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterholtzcpa Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

June 9, 2026Episode 27438 min

274 | What Burnout Is Really Costing Your Business with Dr. Anna Cabeca

What happens when the drive that helped you build your success becomes the very thing that pushes you toward burnout? Many entrepreneurs pride themselves on powering through exhaustion, stress, and overwhelm. But eventually, the body sends signals that can no longer be ignored. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Dr. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified OB/GYN, bestselling author, hormone expert, and founder of a thriving wellness company. Dr. Anna shares how personal loss, infertility, burnout, and financial hardship led her to completely rethink health, performance, and what lasting success really looks like. In this episode, she breaks down how leaders can protect their energy, improve resilience, and build a healthier foundation for both life and business. When Success Comes at the Expense of Health Dr. Anna's entrepreneurial journey wasn't born from a business plan. It was born from necessity.\ After losing her mother, experiencing infertility and early menopause, navigating divorce, and eventually reaching severe burnout, she found herself forced to step away from the medical practice she had spent years building. The emotional and financial consequences were significant, but so was the lesson. Rather than accepting the limitations she was told to live with, Dr. Anna began exploring functional medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches to health. Her own transformation became the catalyst for helping others do the same. What started as solutions for her patients eventually evolved into bestselling books, educational programs, and a seven-figure wellness brand built around solving real problems and sharing authentic stories. Why Energy is the Ultimate Asset One of the most powerful themes in this conversation is the connection between health and performance. Dr. Anna explains how chronic stress, elevated cortisol, inflammation, and insulin resistance can affect everything from decision-making and focus to mood, resilience, and long-term health. While many people focus solely on hormones, she argues that true wellbeing requires a broader approach. She also introduces the concept of increasing oxytocin, the hormone associated with connection, trust, and wellbeing, as a practical strategy for managing stress and supporting overall performance. Enjoy this episode with Dr. Anna Cabeca… Soundbytes 29:11–29:40 "You can't out-supplement a bad diet. So, it's these lifestyle pieces. So when I think about what are some of the things we do to improve our health? It's starting with — I don't like to talk about stress management — increasing oxytocin. That is the antidote to stress. So, gratitude practice. Positive terminology. Being kind to yourself. Being kind to others." 36:39–37:49 "I was over 240 pounds. I had terrible weight loss, and that was at 39 years old. Everyday I think, OK, I can walk towards health, or I can walk towards disease." Quotes "Your mess becomes your message." "It takes more than hormones to fix the hormones." "Workaholism is an addiction like anything else." "We have it within us to be empowered and to create solutions and serve others." "I want to be a safe place where people feel seen and heard and empowered and inspired that their life can be better." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://dranna.com 10-Day Breeze Through Menopause Program: https://dranna.com/tribe Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drannacabeca Follow Dr. Anna Cabeca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAnnaCabeca Follow Dr. Anna Cabeca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

June 2, 2026Episode 27332 min

273 | The Simpler Way to Start a Nonprofit with Christian LeFer

Starting a nonprofit can feel inspiring until the paperwork, confusion, and red tape slow everything down. In this episode, Rachel Gogos sits down with Christian LeFer, founder and CEO of Instant Nonprofit, to talk about how mission-driven founders can move from idea to 501(c)(3) without getting buried in complexity. Christian has helped thousands of changemakers launch and grow nonprofit organizations by removing the legal, administrative, and operational barriers that often keep great ideas from moving forward. In this conversation, he shares how simplicity creates momentum, why fundraising is really about inviting people into a bigger mission, and how automation, AI, and authentic human connection can help nonprofits scale with more ease and impact. Why Simplicity Creates Momentum Christian's early experience in fundraising changed the way he viewed nonprofit work. He stopped seeing fundraising as "asking for money" and started seeing it as an invitation for people to be part of something meaningful. That perspective shaped Instant Nonprofit. Instead of making founders navigate complexity on their own, Christian built a process designed to remove friction and make starting a nonprofit feel more approachable. He also shares an important lesson from an early software failure: technology alone doesn't solve the problem. The process has to work first. By simplifying the customer experience before layering in automation, Instant Nonprofit was able to scale while still delivering personalized support. Building Human-Centered Brands in the Age of AI As AI and automation continue to reshape business, Christian believes authenticity will become even more valuable. Rachel and Christian talk about why people want real stories, transparency, and human connection from the organizations they support. They also explore how team members can build trust by showing personality, sharing experiences, and genuinely caring about the customer experience. The episode also looks at the future of philanthropy, including the growing number of entrepreneurs and families using nonprofits and foundations to connect financial success with legacy, purpose, and long-term impact. Enjoy this episode with Christian LeFer… Soundbytes 04:58–05:23 "Once I flipped around that way I looked at fundraising and that way I looked at what was that exchange for something, I wasn't selling them a product. I was just giving them a good feeling. But, the good feeling is actually — to recall the old MasterCard commercial — the good feeling is what's priceless, right? Inviting someone to feel like they have a bigger part of life by giving them an opportunity to do something they can't do." 21:39–21:46 "People just want a real experience, and they want to deal with real people. They don't want to buy from companies. They want to buy from people." Quotes "You're really inviting people to a bigger life. You're adding to their life; you're not taking away." "What automation allows us to do is allow our humans to be most human." "Anything short of somebody snapping their fingers and wishing the nonprofit into existence is still an obstacle for the customer." "People don't want polished perfection anymore. They want real people and real experiences." "There's nothing wrong with doing well while doing good." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://instantnonprofit.com Start-Up Kit: https://instantnonprofit.com/podcast Connect with Christian LeFer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianlefer/ Follow Instant Nonprofit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instantnonprofit Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

May 26, 2026Episode 27232 min

272 | Building an Iconic Business with Advertising Legend Jon Bond

What does it really take to build a business people don't just notice, but remember? In this episode, Rachel sits down with Jon Bond, co-founder of Kirshenbaum Bond and a pioneer in modern advertising, to talk about the mindset, risks, culture, and reinvention behind building one of the most influential independent agencies of its time. Jon shares what it took to grow from a scrappy startup into an iconic agency, why culture became one of their greatest advantages, and what founders today can learn from the way his team challenged norms, trusted their instincts, and evolved at every stage of growth. From finding your "tip of the spear" to building a culture people actually feel, Jon breaks down what separates brands that blend in from businesses that leave a lasting mark. Why Culture is Your Greatest Competitive Advantage At Kirshenbaum Bond, culture was one of the greatest drivers of the agency's success. It was lived, felt, and instantly recognizable. You either "got it," or you didn't. That sense of belonging created something rare: an environment where creativity could thrive because people felt accepted as they were. No split between "work self" and "real self." The result was a magnetic energy that attracted bold thinkers, fueled innovation, and built loyalty that lasted decades, even long after the agency itself evolved. Jon challenges the idea that culture can be engineered through documentation. Instead, he emphasizes that real culture starts with founders: how they show up, what they tolerate, and the energy they create. When done right, it becomes the heartbeat of the business and a powerful driver of growth. The Power of Focus, Reinvention, and the "Tip of the Spear" In a world where everyone claims to do everything, Jon makes one thing clear: the businesses that win are the ones that own a specific edge. He calls this the "tip of the spear," the one thing you do better than anyone else that opens the door. Once trust is built, everything else can follow. But without that sharp point of differentiation, you blend into the noise. Growth, however, doesn't stop there. Jon compares scaling a business to climbing levels in baseball. Each stage requires new skills, new thinking, and a willingness to reinvent. What worked before won't always get you to the next level. That mindset carries into today's landscape, where AI is reshaping the rules. While knowledge is becoming commoditized, Jon emphasizes that talent, the innate ability to think differently, create, and connect emotionally, will always be the edge. The future belongs to those who can combine human creativity with technological power. Enjoy this episode with Jon Bond… Soundbytes 06:01–06:40 "What made us really successful was a bunch of things. Most people, they were much older than us when they started an agency. They were like, 'This is how you do it, and I'm going to do that.' Right? We started an agency going, 'We don't know anything. We'll listen and ask everyone.' So if there was something we didn't know, that's what we would do. So we were actually — even though people thought we were egomaniacs — we were actually more humble. We knew what we didn't know, let me put it that way. And so then we could evolve with the world. And these other people were kind of stuck at a moment in time. We passed by all of them." 22:26–22:44 "So I always say to people, you have to find the tip of the spear. What's the thing that will get you in the door — that they have to have — that you do better than anyone else. And then the funniest thing is if you do that, and you're really good at that, they give you a bunch of other things, because they trust you." Quotes "If you have to write your core values, you don't have them." "Knowledge can be learned. Talent is the edge." "The future creative team is human plus machine." "Culture isn't what you say — it's what people feel." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://bondworld.ai Connect with Jon Bond on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbond57 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonbond57 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonbond57 X: https://x.com/jonbond57 Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

May 19, 2026Episode 27134 min

271 | How to Charge More Without Losing Clients with Linda Hunt

Ever been told "that's too expensive" and felt your confidence drop instantly? It's one of the most triggering moments in business — and one of the most misunderstood. Linda Hunt, the founder of SumSolutions, reframes this entirely: price objections aren't rejection — they're data. When a client pushes back, it usually means one thing — they don't fully understand the transformation you provide. And instead of reacting emotionally, the most powerful move is to get curious. Linda is the author of The Money Conversation. With a background in accounting and finance, she helps service-based entrepreneurs rebuild their pricing, systems, and client communication in ways that support both profitability and well-being. Linda brings a unique blend of financial strategy, mindset, and operational structure to help founders move from reactive money habits to intentional financial leadership. Join us as we hear Linda break down how to shift from underpricing and overdelivering to building a business rooted in clarity, confidence, and aligned value. Clarity Builds Confidence (On Both Sides) One of Linda's most practical strategies is shifting from selling tasks to selling transformation. Instead of listing what you do, you guide clients from their current pain point to their desired outcome. When clients clearly see that journey, trust builds, and price resistance decreases. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a process you can rely on. Whether it's a baseline offer, evaluation, or structured onboarding experience, having a defined pathway not only builds client trust — it strengthens your own confidence in the sales conversation. Hold the Standard, Not the Sale Perhaps the most powerful takeaway: not every client is meant to work with you. Linda shares how holding your standards — even when it means walking away — protects the integrity of your business. When you lower your standards to close a deal, you compromise your ability to deliver your best work. And that always costs more in the long run. True pricing power comes from knowing your value, communicating it clearly, and staying grounded — even when it's uncomfortable. Enjoy this episode with Linda Hunt… Soundbytes 06:59–07:24 "I knew I wasn't charging enough, and that was attracting misaligned clients. And I knew that's what I had to change, and that scared me. I'm not going to lie to you. It scared me. Right? So, what I did is, I wrote out a script of what I was going to say, and I kept rehearsing it, because I had to raise my rates." 25:26–25:39 "What I talked about there was, I started at the pain point, and I went to the transformation. And that's really what you want to expand upon and be able to talk about that like you're talking about the weather." Quotes "Pricing isn't math. Pricing is about energetics." "Our mind shouts, but our heart whispers." "If you're charging below your minimum aligned price, you're paying your clients to work for them." "Your services are a standard. If you compromise that standard, you compromise your results." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.sumsolutions.com Connect with Linda Hunt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaahunt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumsolutionsllc Email: linda.hunt@sumsolutions.com Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

May 12, 2026Episode 27033 min

270 | Why More Human Brands Are Winning Right Now with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri

What if the reason your marketing isn't working… isn't your strategy — but how it feels? Online spaces today are flooded with automation, AI-generated content, and constant noise, but people are craving something different: connection. And yet, many brands are still focused on volume over meaning — pushing out more content instead of authentic stories. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Deanna Dolecki, president of Blue Duck Agency, and Ashley Ruggeri, the agency's senior marketing leader, to unpack what's actually working in today's marketing landscape — and why the future belongs to brands that sound more human, not more polished. With decades of combined experience across acquisition, retention, and integrated marketing, Deanna and Ashley bring both strategic depth and real-world perspective. From subscription-based growth to multi-channel campaigns, they've seen firsthand what separates brands that convert from those that get ignored. In this episode, Deanna and Ashley break down how to build a marketing engine that drives growth and trust. Why Storytelling Is the New Competitive Edge For a while, marketing became a numbers game — more touchpoints, more channels, more output. But somewhere along the way, brands lost the plot: the human on the other side. Deanna and Ashley share how storytelling is making a powerful comeback — not as a "nice to have," but as a core business strategy. Today's audiences don't just want to know what you do — they want to understand who you are and why it matters. This shift is especially important in a world where AI can generate endless content. When everything starts to sound the same, authenticity becomes the differentiator. Imperfection, speed, and personality aren't liabilities — they're assets. The takeaway? If your content feels too polished, it might be costing you trust. The brands that win are the ones willing to show up as real, relatable, and human. Growth Comes From Reaching the Right People, Not Just More People While storytelling builds connection, strategy is what drives results — and that's where Blue Duck excels. Deanna and Ashley pull back the curtain on their approach to customer acquisition, especially in subscription and membership-based businesses. From highly targeted email acquisition to multi-channel integration, their focus is clear: reach the right people, not just more people. They emphasize that success isn't about chasing every new channel — it's about understanding your audience deeply and building campaigns around that insight. Clean data, intentional targeting, and thoughtful execution make the difference between noise and conversion. They also address the role of AI, calling it what it truly is: a powerful tool, but not a replacement for strategic thinking. The brands that rely solely on automation risk losing the nuance and creativity that drive meaningful engagement. Enjoy this episode with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri… Soundbytes 13:09–13:26 "I still think, for me, AI — we're scratching the surface — the vanity things you can do, in terms of quick copywriting or getting a brainstorm going. But I still think we need some time before we get full scale on the AI capabilities." 16:44–17:00 "The thing that we forget sometimes as marketers is that the people we're talking to have other things going on. They have real lives. They're doing a million things a day. So, it's not enough to just hit them with 25 touch points. You need to get them invested in who you are." Quotes "Perfect content isn't the goal anymore — real content is." "You want a partner who's willing to say no, not just take your money." "AI can support the work, but it can't replace the thinking behind it." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://blueduckagency.com/ Connect with Deanna Dolecki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-dolecki-45b2482/ Connect with Ashely Ruggeri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ruggeri/ Email: ashley@blueduckagency.com Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

May 5, 2026Episode 26940 min

269 | What Actually Moves a Customer to Buy with Paul Ross

So many high performers in sales hit a ceiling where working harder no longer produces better results. It's frustrating, confusing, and often leads to self-doubt. But what if the issue isn't you — it's how your prospects think, decide, and respond in today's world? In this episode, we explore a radically different approach to sales — one rooted in psychology, emotional intelligence, and subconscious influence. Paul Ross is a master sales trainer, speaker, and creator of The Subconscious Sales Advantage. With more than 30 years of experience studying influence, communication, and human behavior, Paul has helped top-performing sales professionals break through plateaus and achieve exponential growth by aligning with how people actually make decisions. In this episode, Paul breaks down how to stop pushing harder, start influencing smarter, and transform the way you sell. Why You're Not Selling a Product — You're Selling Decisions One of the biggest mindset shifts Paul introduces is this: you're never actually selling your product or service — you're selling decisions and the feelings behind those decisions. In today's fast-paced, distraction-heavy world, prospects struggle to focus and trust themselves. This means traditional sales tactics — scripts, rapport-building exercises, and pressure-based closing — are becoming less effective. Instead, success comes from helping people feel confident in their decision-making process. Paul explains that high performers often plateau because they keep applying outdated methods to a changed audience. The key isn't doing more — it's doing differently. By understanding how attention, trust, and emotional safety influence decisions, you can create conversations that naturally lead to action. The Power of State, Language, and Subconscious Influence Beyond strategy, Paul emphasizes the importance of how you show up. Emotional regulation, grounded presence, and mental clarity aren't just "nice to have" — they directly impact your ability to influence. Through techniques like breath control, quieting internal dialogue, and intentional language patterns, you can create a sense of safety and leadership in every interaction. This shifts the dynamic from trying to "convince" someone to guiding them toward clarity. Paul also introduces the concept of using artful confusion — strategically disrupting habitual thought patterns — to reduce resistance and open the door to new perspectives. When done correctly, this allows prospects to arrive at decisions that feel like their own, increasing trust and commitment. Enjoy this episode with Paul Ross… Soundbytes 03:31–03:39 "You're never really selling your product or service. Here's a truth bomb — the first one. You're always selling decisions and good feelings about decisions." 08:40–08:53 "Know, like, and trust is no longer enough. It's necessary, but it's not sufficient. Now, you've got to get the prospects to trust themselves that they can make a great decision — and you've got to do it fast." Quotes "Stop blaming yourself. Your prospects have changed — and your strategy needs to evolve." "When you help someone expand their thinking, you're not just selling — you're transforming how they see what's possible." "Clarity creates confidence, and confidence creates action." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.speakerpaulross.com/ Offer for The Business of You Listeners: https://sellwithsuggestion.com/thebusinessofyou Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

April 28, 2026Episode 26828 min

268 | What Actually Builds a Premium Brand with Jamie Sanborn

Could the "boring" parts of your business actually be your biggest competitive advantage? In industries built on appearance and experience, it's easy to focus on what people see. But the brands that truly last are built on what people don't see — systems, standards, and an unwavering commitment to doing things right. In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a premium brand in a highly competitive and regulated industry — and why trust is the foundation of everything. Jamie Sanborn is the founder of One Eleven RX, a luxury, physician-led medical aesthetics brand rooted in clinical integrity and elevated client experience. With a background as a registered nurse and former operations leader for a high-volume hospital clinic, Jamie brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and operational discipline to her business. In this episode, Jamie breaks down how she built a seven-figure brand from the ground up with a nod to substance over style. From Side Hustle to Seven-Figure Brand Jamie's journey didn't start with a big launch or outside funding. It started with a simple goal: earn a little extra income. While working as a nurse, she launched a spray-tan business on the side. But her clinical background quickly gave her an edge. She saw an opportunity to bring medical aesthetics into her offering, starting with Botox and then expanding one service at a time. There was no overnight success. No massive leap. Just steady, intentional growth. She took one class, saved her money, added one service, and kept building. That disciplined, step-by-step approach is what ultimately led to a thriving, seven-figure business. Why Systems and Standards Matter More Than Aesthetics While the brand feels elevated and luxurious on the surface, Jamie is clear — the real differentiator is what happens behind the scenes. Her experience in hospital operations shaped how she integrated structure, compliance, and systems into the core of her business. From training protocols to treatment plans, everything is documented, repeatable, and by design. And that rigor shows up in the client experience — because when systems are strong, trust becomes nearly automatic. Enjoy this episode with Jamie Sanborn… Soundbytes 05:37–06:01 "I just started building. It was one thing at a time, one service at a time. I look at it now, and I listen to other founders who had all these plans, and they raised capital. And it was not like that for me. It was very much like, let me take one class. Let me save my money. Let me take another class. Let me save my money. Let me put down a deposit for a space, and it really just went like that — one thing after the next — until we built a seven-figure business." 17:34–17:57 "I think the biggest thing — I had a new esthetician in the last couple years — and I think one thing I noticed is that sometimes people come into the industry and think they're just going to set their hours and they'll fill. You can do that; it's just not going to happen as quickly. So it's really just being prepared to do some things that maybe you didn't expect to do, and being flexible doing things in the short term that most other people will never do to give you results in the long term that you want." Quotes "I say no probably more than I say yes — and that's how I protect my brand." "It's not a one-and-done — it's a plan over time." "If you break trust once, you don't just lose a client — you lose your reputation." "I realized I had become very neutral — and that doesn't attract anyone." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://oneelevenrx.com Email: jamie@oneelevenrx.com Connect with Jamie Sanborn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-sanborn-b6a22a7a Connect with Jamie Sanborn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.injx Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

April 21, 2026Episode 26738 min

267 | How to Build a Business Clients Come Back To with Shannon Stone

Ever think about how much trust shapes your marketing? In today's digital world, attention is fleeting and trust is harder to earn than ever. Building a brand that lasts takes more than visibility. It takes consistency, integrity, and a clear point of view. In this episode, we explore what it takes to build long-term success in a competitive industry and how to turn your values into a brand that drives growth. Shannon Stone is an associate broker and co-founder of Stone Sisters Real Estate, a boutique brokerage based in Kelowna, British Columbia. With more than 20 years in the industry, she has helped build one of the most trusted real estate brands in the region. In this episode, Shannon shares how she and her sister built a high-performing, values-driven business and what business owners can learn from it. From Chaos to Systems That Scale In the early days, Shannon and her sister were moving fast, closing deals, growing quickly, and saying yes to everything. But behind the scenes, there were no systems, no structure, and no long-term plan. That changed after a pivotal moment forced them to step back and rethink how they operated. Instead of continuing to run reactively, they began documenting every process, from client communication to listing workflows, and turned instinct into repeatable systems. That shift didn't just create efficiency. It created consistency. And consistency is one of the clearest ways to build trust at scale. Today, every agent who joins their brokerage follows a proven roadmap, helping ensure the same high-quality experience across the board. Building a Brand Rooted in Trust and Identity For Shannon, a brand is never just a logo. It's how people experience you. From the beginning, she and her sister were clear about the values they wanted to represent: integrity, trust, clarity, and excellence. Over time, those values became closely associated with their name and the experience clients could expect. Even their signature all-white outfits at industry events reflect that clarity and consistency, but the real differentiator isn't visual. It's experiential. Their business is built on long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. With 70% of their business coming from repeat and referral clients, they've shown that when trust is the foundation, growth follows. Enjoy this episode with Shannon Stone… Soundbytes 09:48–10:08 "To me, a brand isn't just a logo. Yes, it's great to have a logo, and it's great to have those things. You need to have that to support your brand. But at the end of the day, your brand is you and what you stand for, and who you are. We were intentional from the very beginning as to who we are. We have high integrity. The biggest thing for us is building trust." 14:53–15:05 "Someone that just doesn't align with what you have, your values, and the direction everybody else sees will bring the whole bus and slow the whole bus down. So it's important from the very beginning to set that up." Quotes "We don't want to just sell you one house and move on — we want a long-term relationship." "There is always opportunity — you just have to evolve to meet it." "I always look at every situation and ask, 'What's the good in this?'" Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://stonesisters.com Email: shannon@stonesisters.com Connect with Shannon Stone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-stone-prec-68724b24b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsstone Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

April 14, 2026Episode 26633 min

266 | The Hidden Risk Costing Your Business Thousands with Marc Racette

What if your business is losing money in ways you haven't even noticed? For many founders and leaders, financial strategy gets pushed into the background — handed off to banks, accountants, or internal teams. But in today's volatile global economy, small oversights can quietly chip away at profitability. In this episode, Marc Racette, founder and CEO of PulseFX, shares how he helps companies manage financial risk, protect their margins, and make smarter decisions in an unpredictable global market. He breaks down why foreign exchange deserves more attention, how uncertainty affects growth, and what leaders can do to stay ahead of it. Why Financial Strategy Can't Be an Afterthought Foreign exchange is one of the most overlooked areas in business, yet it can have a major impact on profitability. Marc explains that many companies unknowingly lose 2–3% on international transactions by relying on default banking systems. Over time, those losses add up, especially for growing companies operating across multiple markets. The bigger shift is strategic. Leaders who understand how global events, policy changes, and market movements affect their business are better positioned to protect margins and make stronger decisions. How Smart Leaders Manage Risk and Scale Globally In today's environment, uncertainty is constant. Tariffs, political shifts, and market volatility are creating hesitation for many businesses. Marc shares that the strongest leaders focus on risk mitigation alongside growth. Tools like forward contracts can create predictability and help protect margins when markets move. He also highlights the value of relationships and strategic partnerships. The most effective leaders do not navigate uncertainty alone — they build networks that help them make smarter, faster decisions. Enjoy this episode with Marc Racette… Soundbytes 08:36–09:00 "There definitely is a lot of knowledge that you can put into forecasting, and that can make or break profit margins for a lot of businesses — especially for small- to medium-sized businesses that might be launching a new product or a new service for the first time, and they want to keep profit margins low just so they stay competitive and really get their name and presence out there." 25:55–22:06 "I'm definitely a huge believer in building a personal brand. It goes far beyond even business, to say the least." Quotes "Foreign exchange isn't just a cost — it's a strategic risk." "It's not about predicting the market. It's about being prepared for it." "The leaders who win today are the ones thinking long-term." "Your network can be one of your greatest growth assets." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.pulsefx.com/ Connect with Marc Racette on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcracette Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/