Digital Marketing Masters Podcast

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with returning guest Aaron Ryan—author, voice actor, musician, and now 35-book veteran—to dig into the turbulent crossroads of creative work and AI. We talk candidly about toxicity and gatekeeping in the voiceover community, why Aaron stepped back from coaching, and how that decision unleashed a surge of creativity across fiction and music. We dive deep into AI’s disruptive impact on voice acting, translation, and publishing; the ethics and legal gray areas around voice cloning and training data; and the real-world risks surrounding impersonation scams, spammy book “marketing,” and parasocial AI relationships. Aaron shares insights from his latest releases, including The Phoenix Experiment and the ever-expanding Dissonance series, while I offer updates on my new book, Will AI Take My Job Too, and the whirlwind pace of AI developments creators must navigate. It’s a frank conversation about protecting creators, using AI responsibly, and finding the line between innovation and exploitation. We also explore practical ways authors can focus on their craft—hiring help, building communities on platforms like BlueSky, and embracing tools that amplify (not replace) human creativity. From fair use debates to the future of royalties and open-source models, this episode is a reality check and a roadmap for storytellers working in the age of intelligent machines. (00:01) Welcome back and guest intro: author-voice actor Aaron Ryan (00:46) From tetralogy to hexology: expanding the Dissonance series (01:16) Reunions, life updates, and catching up (03:07) Career snapshot: voice acting full-time and leaving coaching (04:10) Toxic gatekeeping vs. quality bars in voice over (06:25) AI’s impact on voice acting and licensing your voice (08:11) Voice cloning risks, misuse, and legal gray areas (10:14) AI lawsuits, fair use debates, and training data (16:05) Derivative works, royalties, and who gets paid (18:31) Music royalty realities and quoting lyrics in books (19:29) Runaway AI progress and superintelligence concerns (23:20) Fiction mirrors fears: Phoenix Experiment and AGI Next (25:47) Scammers targeting authors and creators (29:49) Fighting spam with AI and ethical gray zones (33:24) Automation abuse, impersonation scams, and loneliness (38:08) Open-source AI vs. safety tools; hopes for human-made work (39:40) Let creators create: hiring marketers and using AI well (41:02) Where to find Aaron’s books and communities (41:43) Wrap-up and playful outro banter https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/273 https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt Rouse Hook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing Canada Market your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot

In this engaging episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes Nathan Fletcher, also known as Uncle Nene from Uncle Nay Nay's Nerdcast. They dive into the world of creative work and the challenges of marketing it in today's digital landscape. Nathan shares his journey from a career in marketing and production to starting his own podcast focused on science fiction and fantasy. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the struggles of self-promotion, and the evolving role of AI in creative processes. Matt and Nathan explore the intersection of creativity and technology, discussing how AI can assist in content creation and distribution. They share insights on leveraging AI tools for research, idea generation, and even creating visual content. The episode also delves into the potential of AI to revolutionize media operations and the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Whether you're a creative professional or just curious about the future of digital marketing, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-changing landscape. (00:00) Introduction to the Episode (00:29) Nathan Fletcher's Background and Career (01:49) The Reality of Marketing Creative Work (03:54) Starting a Podcast: Uncle Nene's Nerdcast (05:00) Challenges in the Creative Industry (09:55) The Importance of Iteration in Creativity (13:48) Distribution Challenges for Creatives (15:20) Advice for Marketing Creative Work (20:39) Podcasting as a Marketing Tool (26:04) Automation and AI in Creative Processes (33:59) Exploring Different Mediums for Storytelling (39:01) AI's Impact on Media and Content Creation (46:52) The Future of AI in Media Operations (50:00) The Shift in Media Asset Management https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters https://www.youtube.com/@UncleNayNaysNerdcast/videos Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt Rouse Hook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing Canada Market your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt Rouse Hook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing Canada Market your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes science fiction author Tom Easton to discuss the intersection of AI and science fiction. Tom shares his background as a retired science professor and his journey into writing science fiction since the 1970s. The conversation delves into the upcoming anthology "Tales of Galactic Pest Control," featuring Matt's own story, and explores the intriguing theme of AI's role in society, touching on topics like AI hallucinations, the impact of AI on jobs, and the potential need for universal basic income. Matt and Tom engage in a lively discussion about the evolution of AI technology, its implications for the future, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI training on existing works. They also reflect on the potential societal changes AI could bring, such as shifts in identity and the role of education. The episode concludes with insights into the creative process behind the anthology and the Kickstarter campaign supporting it, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the science fiction community. Tales of Galactic Pest Control: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/galactic-pests/tales-of-galactic-pest-controla-sci-fi-and-fantasy-anthology?ref=mattrouse Amazin Stories: https://amazingstories.com/ matthewrouse.com HookDM SMBAutopilot https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters (00:19) Introduction to the Episode (01:00) Meet Tom Easton: Science Fiction Writer (02:09) AI in Science Fiction and Reality (05:05) Challenges and Opportunities of AI Research (09:18) Copyright and AI: A Legal Perspective (11:45) The Future of Jobs and Universal Basic Income (18:09) AI's Impact on Vocational Training and Education (26:10) Galactic Pest Control Anthology (31:09) AI's Potential for Greater Good (37:31) Exponential Growth of AI Technology (43:02) Closing Remarks and Future Prospects

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse is joined by Kate vanderVoort, founder and CEO of Social Mediology and the AI Success Lab, to discuss the integration of AI into business practices. Kate shares her insights on how companies can transition from having no AI involvement to effectively incorporating AI into their operations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's implications and the need for businesses to develop a human-centered, responsible approach to AI adoption. The conversation highlights the challenges companies face in navigating the rapid advancements in AI technology and the necessity of creating a supportive culture for AI integration. Kate and Matt delve into practical strategies for businesses to start their AI journey, including conducting AI business audits and fostering AI champions within organizations. They discuss the significance of leadership involvement in AI training and policy development, and how small to medium-sized businesses are often more agile in adopting AI solutions. The episode also touches on the importance of addressing employee concerns about AI, such as job security, and the potential for AI to streamline operations and save time. Listeners are encouraged to consider the strategic implementation of AI to enhance productivity and innovation within their companies. Sponsored by SMB Autopilot, your local marketing on autopilot. https://aisuccesslab.com/strategy Kate in Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevandervoort-social-mediology/ Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/ https://matthewrouse.com Hook Digital Marketing: Canada USA

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rose, despite battling a lost voice, welcomes IP attorney and AI consultant Corinne Koger to discuss the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and intellectual property law in the United States. They delve into the nuances of copyright, patents, and trademarks, emphasizing the importance of human contribution in AI-generated content and the evolving legal landscape. Corinne shares insights on how businesses can protect their intellectual property and the significance of having clear policies regarding AI use. The conversation also touches on the practical applications of AI in content creation and the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and AI-generated content. Matt and Corinne explore the challenges of verifying AI-generated information and the importance of maintaining authenticity in digital content. They also discuss the implications of AI in various industries, including legal, marketing, and creative fields, highlighting the need for businesses to stay informed and proactive in managing their intellectual property rights.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes Marv Paul, a technology enthusiast and host of the podcast "Is This the New Internet?". The discussion delves into the concept of a new Internet, exploring how blockchain technology could revolutionize the way we interact online. Marv shares his insights on the evolution of the Internet from a stationary experience to a mobile one, and the implications of privacy and personal data in this digital age. The conversation touches on the potential for blockchain to enable a more private, user-controlled Internet, where individuals can manage their own data and privacy. Matt and Marv also discuss the challenges and opportunities of adopting blockchain technology, including the need for user-friendly interfaces and the importance of community in the crypto space. They explore the idea of decentralization, where users can have more control over their digital identities and interactions. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of the Internet, emphasizing the potential for individuals to build and shape their own online experiences using emerging technologies. Marv encourages listeners to embrace these tools and consider how they can contribute to the evolving digital landscape. Marv Paul Hook Digital Marketing Hook DM Canada SMB Autopilot MatthewRouse.com https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/267 https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters (00:22) Introduction to the New Internet (01:19) The Evolution of Internet Connectivity (03:18) Building a Better Internet (07:24) The Importance of In-Person Connections (16:20) Blockchain and Personal Data Control (23:41) Challenges of Blockchain Adoption (34:07) Community and the Future of Web3 (46:44) The Role of AI and Blockchain in the New Internet

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dan Friker about the future of work and the impact of AI on various industries. Dan shares insights from his experience on the career advisory board for the College of Science and Engineering and discusses the implications of rising technologies on the workforce, from blue-collar to white-collar jobs. The discussion delves into how AI is transforming HR practices, including job descriptions, candidate selection, and interview processes, and the challenges of bias and efficiency in these systems. Dan and Matt explore the global landscape, highlighting examples from countries like Japan and India, where digital literacy and AI adoption are advancing rapidly. They discuss the paradox of efficiency and success in AI-driven recruitment and the potential for AI to revolutionize staffing models in industries like healthcare and agriculture. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in the workplace, emphasizing the need for workers to adapt to new tools and technologies to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Dan Friker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-friker/ Matt Rouse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/ (00:31) Introduction to the Future of Work (01:05) Dan Fricker's Background and Passion (02:12) AI's Impact on HR and Staffing (05:04) Efficiency and Success Paradox in AI Hiring (12:41) Bias and Challenges in AI Recruitment (26:00) Blind Spots in Staffing and HR (34:13) Future of Work and AI's Role https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters

In this episode of the Digital Marketing Masters podcast, host Matt Rouse welcomes Ethan Holland, an expert in AI and digital transformation. Ethan's AI News: https://ethanbholland.com/category/this-week-in-ai/ AI Local Marketing for SMBs: https://smbautopilot.ai https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters (00:00:02) Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:01:09) Ethan Holland's Career Journey (00:02:11) AI and Its Impact on Marketing (00:04:32) AI's Role in Marketing Strategy (00:06:21) SEO and AI: The Future of Search (00:12:01) AI's Impact on the Workforce (00:18:01) The Future of AI and AGI (00:31:10) AI in Video and Image Creation (00:45:18) AI's Influence on Social Media (01:01:18) The Future of AI: Blind Spots and Opportunities They discuss Ethan's extensive background in legacy media and his passion for AI, highlighting his blog that tracks AI developments with over 21,800 organized links. The conversation delves into the (now) release of GPT 4.5 and the potential of GPT 5, exploring how AI tools might evolve from tactical aids to strategic decision-makers in marketing. Ethan shares insights into the future of work, suggesting that while AI might disrupt certain industries, it could also augment human capabilities, particularly in creative and strategic roles. They discuss the potential for AI to level the playing field by providing expertise across various domains, but also the challenges of widespread adoption and the risk of job displacement. The discussion shifts to the impact of AI on social media and content creation, pondering whether AI-generated content could overshadow human creativity. They explore the implications of AI in video and image generation, with Ethan highlighting advancements in image-to-video technology and the potential for AI to transform media production. Matt and Ethan also touch on the societal implications of AI, including the concept of universal basic income as a response to potential job losses. They consider the global distribution of AI technology and the importance of ensuring access to AI tools across different regions. Finally, they discuss the future of AI in customer service and the potential for AI to enhance user experiences by providing efficient and personalized interactions. Ethan emphasizes the importance of embracing AI's multimodal capabilities, suggesting that vision and audio integration will be key to future developments.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse explores the revolutionary concept of software on-demand, powered by AI. He discusses how this technology is transforming the way businesses operate by allowing them to generate custom software instantly, tailored to specific needs without the hassle of traditional software subscriptions. The episode outlines ten ways software on demand is changing the business landscape, including improved data security, real-time optimization, and the ability to adapt swiftly to new challenges. Matt emphasizes the competitive edge businesses can gain by utilizing AI to solve problems on the fly and create new revenue opportunities. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their approach to software and consider the potential of AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Matt concludes by reiterating the transformative power of software on demand and its role in the future of work. (00:16) AI Revolutionizing Business (01:09) Software on Demand Explained (02:45) Transforming Work with AI Tools (06:42) Customizing Software for Business Needs (09:12) Competitive Edge and Adaptation (12:19) Revenue Opportunities and Software Updates https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/264 https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters Hook Digital Marketing: https://hookdm.com https://hookdm.ca Want Matt as a speaker or guest? https://matthewrouse.com SMB Autopilot: https://SMBAutopilot.ai Sim Theory: https://simtheory.ai

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rose welcomes Paul Summerville, co-author of "Reclaiming Populism: How Economic Fairness Can Win Back Disenchanted Voters." Paul shares insights from his book, co-written with Eric Protzer, exploring the impact of economic fairness on political landscapes and voter disenchantment. The discussion delves into Paul's personal journey from academia to finance, highlighting how societal structures in countries like Canada provided opportunities that shaped his career. Paul explains the research behind the book, focusing on the correlation between low social mobility and susceptibility to radical populism in countries like the UK and the US. He emphasizes the importance of economic fairness as a solution to reclaim disenchanted voters, advocating for policies that promote equal opportunity and fair outcomes. The conversation also touches on the role of social media and misinformation in amplifying populist sentiments, and the challenges of addressing these issues in high-income countries. Matt and Paul discuss the potential of AI and technological advancements to reshape economies, stressing the need for political systems to adapt and prioritize economic fairness. As they explore the future of work and the impact of AI, Paul and Matt consider the necessity of universal basic income to support those displaced by technological changes. They highlight the importance of embracing innovation and understanding the rapid pace of technological evolution. Throughout the episode, Paul shares anecdotes from his political experiences and insights into how societies can navigate the challenges posed by economic and technological disruptions. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of storytelling and communication in addressing complex societal issues. Reclaiming Populism: How Economic Fairness Can Win Back Disenchanted Voters https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Populism-Economic-Fairness-Disenchanted/dp/1509548114 Hook Digital Marketing https://hookdm.com https://hookdm.ca Kanji Accelerator https://kanjiaccelerator.com

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes Corbett Drummy from Light Tricks to discuss the intersection of AI and digital marketing. Corbett, co-founder and former CEO of Popular Pays, shares his journey with Light Tricks, known for popular apps like Facetune, and their new AI video product, LTX Studio. The conversation delves into the innovative use of AI in content creation, highlighting how tools like Facetune are used for AI-generated images and localized landing pages to boost marketing efforts. Corbett and Matt explore the democratization of content creation through AI, emphasizing how small to medium-sized businesses can leverage these tools to enhance their marketing strategies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents, particularly in maintaining character consistency in video models and the rapid pace of AI advancements. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of social media platforms, the potential for AI-generated content to revolutionize advertising, and the importance of focusing on practical use cases for AI technology. Corbett shares insights into the development of LTX Studio, a tool designed for storyboarding and pre-visualizing video content, and the broader implications of AI in content creation. As the episode wraps up, Matt and Corbett reflect on the future of AI in marketing and content creation, considering the potential for new platforms and the ongoing evolution of digital media. Corbett invites listeners to explore Light Tricks' suite of products and connect with him on social media for further discussions.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes Jay Malone, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience. Jay shares his journey from being a business owner who traded time for money to creating a sustainable business model that leverages digital products. He discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from active consulting to developing toolkits that clients could purchase and use independently. This shift not only helped him manage burnout but also streamlined his marketing and sales funnel, proving his expertise in a more scalable way. Jay explains how he packaged his consulting frameworks into products, allowing clients to access his expertise without his direct involvement. This approach not only generated passive income but also served as a marketing tool, leading to more significant consulting opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of proving expertise and automating parts of the lead generation process to focus on high-value clients. Matt and Jay discuss the common challenges faced by coaches and consultants in moving away from hourly work, including the fear of giving away too much value and the lack of guidance on creating scalable products. Jay shares insights on how to identify and package services into products that can be sold at higher volumes, thus freeing up time for more lucrative projects. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in business, with Jay highlighting its use as a thought partner and a tool for systematizing and automating tasks. He shares his vision of creating tools that help business owners generate ideas for productized offers without needing to master AI prompts. Listeners are encouraged to visit Jay's website, profitladder.net, for more resources and to subscribe to his newsletter for ongoing strategies and insights. https://matthewrouse.com https://hookdm.com https://hookdm.ca

In this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, host Matt Rouse welcomes Dan Wood to discuss the intricacies and common pitfalls of Google Ads for small and medium-sized business owners. They dive into the challenges many businesses face with Google Ads, often finding themselves spending money without seeing returns. Dan shares his expertise in troubleshooting and optimizing ad accounts, starting with the crucial step of setting up conversion tracking correctly. He explains how conversion tracking helps Google Ads understand valuable actions taken by visitors, which is essential for optimizing ad performance. Matt and Dan also explore the importance of proper location targeting in Google Ads. They discuss how businesses can waste money by targeting the wrong geographical areas and provide insights on how to set up location targeting effectively. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the difference between targeting people "in or interested in" a location versus those "recently in" a location. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of having a robust follow-up process once leads are generated. Dan shares real-life examples of businesses losing potential customers due to poor lead management and the lack of a systematic approach to handling inquiries. They discuss the decay of lead value over time and the necessity of quick responses to maximize conversion rates. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI in lead management and customer interaction, highlighting the potential for AI agents to streamline processes and improve customer service. Matt and Dan agree on the importance of having a well-defined process for managing leads and continuously optimizing it to enhance business performance.

Matt shares his experience using capabilities of Google's Notebook LM to generate a podcast episode based on his book, "PEERtainment," in just minutes. The generated podcast delves into his book's insights on the evolving landscape of social media and content creation, emphasizing the shift towards "PEERtainment"—professional quality content created by everyday people. And you won't believe it wasn't written by human hands. The hosts discuss the democratization of media and how creators no longer need millions of followers to make an impact. They highlight the importance of audience retention, watch time, and session time in the new content world, offering practical tips on how to hook viewers and keep them engaged. The episode also covers the role of AI in content creation, suggesting that AI can enhance rather than replace human creativity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique voice and connect authentically with their audience. Matt provides actionable advice for content creators, including knowing your audience, leveraging curiosity, comedy, and connection, and using AI tools to expand reach. The episode concludes with a reminder that consistency and authenticity are key to success in the purtainment era.

Welcome to episode 258 of the Digital Marketing Masters podcast with your host, Matt Rouse. In this episode, we are joined by Aaron Ryan, a celebrated voice actor and author of The Dissonance Quadrilogy. We dive into Aaron's extensive career in voice acting, which began in 1993, and discuss how the rapid advancements in AI technology are impacting the industry. Aaron shares his insights on the commoditization of voice-over work, the challenges posed by AI-generated voices, and his transition to becoming a full-time author. Aaron talks about the emotional nuances and unique qualities that human voice actors bring to their work, which #AI still struggles to replicate. We also explore the ethical and creative implications of AI in the arts, including writing and music. Aaron emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique talents and adapting to industry changes while staying true to one's creative passions. We also touch on the practical aspects of self-publishing, the challenges of marketing books in a saturated market, and the importance of maintaining creative control. Aaron shares his rapid publishing timeline and the passion that drives his storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, author, or just curious about the intersection of AI and creativity, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into the future of creative industries in the age of AI. ** Aaron knows we use a digital voiceover when talking about my book at the end of the show. Don't call me out, it's both ironic and designed to show the future we are moving to while most are unaware. Go read "Will AI Take My Job?" Available on Amazon. Dissonance Quadrilogy by Aaron Ryan Hook Digital Marketing (00:03) Introduction and Guest Overview (00:46) Impact of AI on Voice Acting (04:22) Challenges in the Voice Over Industry (10:35) AI in Creative Fields (20:38) Adapting to Industry Changes (28:12) Writing and Publishing Books (39:28) Music and AI (44:06) Closing Remarks https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/the-dissonance-quadrilogy-aaron-ryans-voice-acting-authorship-in-an-ai-world-258

Welcome back to the Digital Marketing Masters podcast! In this episode, host Matt Rouse is joined by returning guest James Hipkin, author of "Journey to Success: Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners." James shares his insights on the importance of marketing strategy and how small business owners can navigate the overwhelming world of digital marketing. James discusses the principles of marketing that have stood the test of time and how they are still relevant today. He emphasizes the need for a clear strategy to cut through the noise and be relevant to what customers need. The conversation touches on the importance of website performance, clear messaging, and the pitfalls of focusing too much on aesthetics without a solid strategy. Matt and James also delve into the use of AI in marketing, sharing practical examples of how AI can assist in creating effective marketing strategies and content. They discuss the benefits of using AI tools to generate customer avatars, journey maps, and even color palettes for websites. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of AI in marketing and how small business owners can leverage these tools to stay competitive. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with practical tips and strategies for improving your digital marketing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner just starting out, there's something valuable for everyone in this conversation. Red8 Interactive with James Hipkin. Matt Rouse, Hook Digital Marketing, and SMB Autopilot: https://hookdm.com https://hookdm.ca

The episode features an interview with Will Smith, a video game streamer, discussing his journey into streaming, challenges faced, and strategies for success. Will shares insights on consistency, streaming platforms, content repurposing, and ad placement on YouTube. He also talks about his favorite games and upcoming releases. Will's Got Games Hook Digital Marketing Matt Rouse

In this episode, we delve into a fascinating conversation between Matt Raus and Vincent Valentine, exploring the intersection of AI, technology, and the future of creative industries. Vincent sheds light on innovative projects such as Cognitive AI and Art AI, offering valuable insights into the transformative power of AI in shaping the realms of music, movies, and language translation. Our discussion navigates through the latest advancements in AI technology, touching on topics like voice generation, character mapping, and the creation of multilingual content. Join us as we uncover the potential impact of AI on various creative domains and envision a future where artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in shaping artistic expressions and communication. https://art.ai https://girlfriend.ai/ https://matthewrouse.com/ "Will AI Take My Job?" The book. Available on Amazon.

The episode discusses the importance of referrals in business and how to systemize and automate the process to generate more referrals. The conversation emphasizes the value of trust, networking, and creating strong relationships with referral partners. Strategies for building referral networks and the impact of referrals on business growth are highlighted throughout the episode. https://ravingreferrals.com/brandonbarnum/ https://matthewrouse.com (00:18) Introduction to the episode with host Matt Rouse and guest Brandon Farnham, CEO of hoa.com. (01:00) Discussion on the sources of referrals and the lack of a consistent referral plan in businesses. (02:03) Importance of investing in the referral process and the higher likelihood of hiring from referrals. (03:47) Accelerating the trust process through referrals and the impact of trust on business relationships. (05:17) Creating trust through referral partnerships and cross-marketing strategies. (07:03) Differentiating networking from creating a referral partner blueprint for effective partnerships. (08:51) Importance of documenting plans for accountability and commitment in referral partnerships. (11:27) Marketing ethics and the importance of serving people rather than coercing them in business interactions. https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters

In this episode, host Matt Rouse interviews Ben Albert about his journey in starting a successful podcast and business in his hometown of Rochester, New York. Ben shares his story of being let go from his corporate job and how he used his skills and local connections to build a thriving podcast and marketing business. They discuss the importance of hyper-localization and adding value to a small audience, as well as the benefits of podcasting for networking and client acquisition. Show Links Ben's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-business-connections/id1537115928 Hook Digital Marketing "Will AI Take My Job?" book. (00:49) Ben's podcast and how he got started (04:27) Monetizing a podcast through service-based business (06:24) Finding an audience and clients in a local or niche market (09:49) The importance of adding value and building relationships (19:54) The long-term commitment and benefits of podcasting (23:50) The potential of AI-generated content and its impact on marketing https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/ben-alberts-strategy-for-growth-253 https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-masters