Real Business Connections

How AI Changes Your Customers w/ Mark Schaefer (LST #143)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #143 with Mark Schaefer.AI is evolving every day, and it is getting incredibly close to producing human-like responses. As this happens, the big question becomes: will the most human companies still win?In this episode, Ben is joined by Mark Schaefer, author, marketing thought leader, and a fourth time guest on the podcast. Mark also has a new book titled How AI Changes Your Customers. Together, they dive into the intersection of AI and humanity in business and unpack a critical question for our times: does the most human company still win even as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated?Whether you want to stand out against the rising tide of AI or find new ways to blend technology with real human connection, this episode offers nuggets of wisdom to help your brand move to the next level. Grab a notebook and pen and tune in.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:31] Human first companies[04:56] Tactical empathy[05:45] Strategic awkwardness[10:19] Creativity and art in businesses[17:15] AI in a decade[18:01] The Diaper Business blog[20:00] Offsite versus onsite marketing[23:08] AI as a decision marker vs overrides[26:46] Creating override in decision making[30:24] Transcendent content[35:39] Brand culture[39:05] AI relationships[45:03] Get Mark’s bookAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Your-Customers-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0FQ67TBHF [47:19] Creative ways to use AIKey Takeaways: • "In the future, the most human company might be a blend of real people and AI."~Mark Schaefer [02:51]• "AI is not empathetic. It gives the illusion of empathy." ~Mark Schaefer [03:46]• "Behind these AI interactions is a business plan."~Mark Schaefer [05:01]• "The real human value comes down to vulnerability and shared experiences." ~Mark Schaefer [08:35]• What's missing in the business voice today is this human connection, friendliness, accessibility, and vulnerability. ~Dr. Philip Kotler [12:01]• "There's no such thing as a weakness.There's just an overdone strength." ~Mark Schaefer [40:16]• You've got to bring the thunder every time. In everything that you do, double down on the quality. It's really the only way to win in this noisy world.~Mark Schaefer [51:52]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. Marketing Rebellion2. Belonging to the BrandKeep In Touch with Mark Schaefer:Website: https://businessesgrow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkSchaefer —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

This Corporate VP Quit to Build an 8-Figure Business w/ Eric Winegard (RBC #152)

Rochester Business Connections Episode #152 with Eric Winegard.Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lemHfNQRwbAIs it too late for you to transition from corporate to entrepreneurship? Eric Winegard believes it’s never too late. He walked away from corporate life as a top-producing Vice President and took a leap into entrepreneurship. Together with his wife, Eric has built Rare Blue Moon Marketing into an eight-figure business heading toward nine figures.In this episode, Eric Winegard joins Ben Albert on the show to share nuggets of wisdom on how we can create successful businesses no matter where we are. Eric advocates for starting marketing efforts by first understanding social media platforms and creating content that resonates with your audience. He also emphasizes the power of networking and shares how we can use AI to generate unlimited leads.Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Grab a notebook and pen, Eric has some powerful notes for you to take home.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:22] Timing[02:22] The competitive Eric[04:37] The exit from corporate[08:21] Entrepreneurship mindset[10:23] Entrepreneurship takeaways[11:28] Services: addition vs subtraction[17:14] Limitless leads[24:02] Learn about Eric’s AIrunday.ai[24:35] Inception of Rare Blue Moon Marketing[32:50] Working with your partner[40:55] Business owner marketing[50:53] Support Eric WinegardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericwinegardofficial/Website: https://rarebluemoon.io/eric-alexis-winegard/[52:27] Sales tipKey Takeaways: • People will tell you that the best producers don't always make the best managers, but a lot of times you can learn so much from them. ~Eric Winegard [03:46]• “There's a lot to learn in business. It's not just sales.” ~ Eric Winegard [09:51]• I think in a way AI is going to be a blessing because the birth rate is so low, the people to service these low-level jobs aren’t even going to be there. ~ Eric Winegard [15:23]• “No business relationship is built without trust, and trust is built through conversation.” ~Ben Albert [21:53]• “I can't stress enough how many people don't take this step because they're just insecure about what other people are going to say.” ~Eric Winegard [45:25]• “People do business with the best people.” ~ Eric Winegard [53:40]Keep In Touch with Eric Winegard:Website: https://rarebluemoon.io/eric-alexis-winegard/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-winegard-93892717/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericwinegardofficial/ —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –RBC is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

"It Can REGROW BODY PARTS?!" w/ Danielle (LST #142)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #142 with Danielle Fette.If you cut part of your finger and it fell to the floor, what do you think would be the best way to fix it? Have it sewn back? That’s the traditional approach medicine would take. Danielle Fette and her company have invented a technology that gives your body instructions to regrow the missing part of your finger. With this technology, sewing a body part back is no longer necessary.In this episode, Danielle Fette joins Ben Albert to discuss the revolution Fettech is bringing to the healthcare industry. Danielle and her husband, Clay Fette, are the co-founders of the company.Danielle tells Ben about surviving a plane fire in July 2025, becoming ‘the wound girl,’ and how she and her husband are transforming the healthcare industry through their companies, among other fascinating stories.Tune in for an in-depth conversation. During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:39] July 2025[08:53] Reaction to trauma[09:37] Victim mentality[11:13] Dwelling versus moving on too fast[12:43] Latest trend[13:35] The power couple[17:34] Divide and conquer[24:00] Support Danielle FetteWebsite: https://www.fettech.com/ [26:55] Changing lives[29:22] Is Fettech hiring?[34:06] How Danielle became the wound girl[38:58] What’s next for Danielle?[44:38] Connect with Danielle FetteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.fette/ Key Takeaways: • I try not to forget when I go through hard times, because then it makes me appreciate the good times, but I don't let it define me. ~Danielle Fette [09:10]• “If things were good all the time, I don't know how great we'd be at growing and evolving. There'd be no reason to.”~Danielle Fette [14:29]• Scarring is a beautiful thing. It's basically saying, "Hey, cells, let's quickly put a patch there so there's no further injury or an infection that happens in the body.” ~Danielle Fette [20:27]• We all want to feel good in life, but unless you get in tune with your health, notice when something feels off, and speak up for yourself, you're going to get screwed in healthcare. ~Maria Menounos [24:36]• You have to work with people you're able to communicate with and you respect, whether you see eye to eye or not. ~Danielle Fette [32:17]• “My motto is, we're all going to be patients one day. Treat people the way you want to be treated.” ~Danielle Fette [37:58]Keep In Touch with Danielle Fette:Website: https://www.fettech.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.fette/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielle-fette —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Ask Me Anything w/ Stan Phelps at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #29)

Real Talk with GrowGetters Episode #29 with Stan Phelps.Most businesses lose their edge by imitating competitors instead of embracing their uniqueness. One powerful way to stand out is to do less of what everyone else does and focus on what truly sets your brand apart, creating a lasting impact.In this exclusive ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode from the Growgetters ONLY Inner Circle, we are thrilled to have Stan Phelps, a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, marketing strategist, customer experience expert and author of the Goldfish Series of books.Stan dives into the concept of Lagniappe, the idea of giving a little extra that leaves a lasting impression. Moreover, he shares the strategies he uses to ensure that the lessons from his talks continue to resonate with audiences long after the talks are over.As the conversation unfolds, he explains how to use Sampling in business effectively. He also explores the Purple Goldfish concept and how to ensure your unique offering aligns with the needs and desires of your ideal client.Finally, he breaks down what makes workshops successful and the common mistakes to avoid. He also shares insights from Pink Goldfish on embracing and owning your unique qualities.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Introduction[01:15] Free community: weallgrowtogether.com[01:46] Join the GrowGetters community: https://growgettersonly.com/[06:31] What is Lagniappe?[14:34] Lasting Lessons[20:41] Sampling[22:41] Purple Goldfish[26:24] Connecting with Clients[36:20] Workshops[44:11] Embrace Your Uniqueness[49:36] Connect with Stan• Website: https://stanphelps.com/Lagniappe/Key Takeaways: • Referral clients stay longer as customers and spend up to twice as much over their lifetime compared to non-referral clients. ~Stan Phelps [19:28]• On average, people who are already working with you know only 30% of your total capabilities. ~Stan Phelps [20:21]• Sampling is the idea of giving your customers additional taste and letting them try out an additional capability. ~Stan Phelps [20:41]• If you’re not pissing some people off, you’re probably not relevant to many. ~Stan Phelps [23:13]• Take care of the customers you have, and they will bring you the clients and valuable customers you want. ~Stan Phelps [29:25]• One way to stand out is by doing less of what everyone else does. ~Stan Phelps [45:58]• You begin to achieve success when you focus and become known for something. ~Stan Phelps [46:35]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. The Goldfish Series: https://stanphelps.com/books/Keep In Touch with Stan Phelps:Website: https://stanphelps.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanphelps/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/PurpleGoldfishBooksTwitter: https://twitter.com/StanPhelpsPG—Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–GrowGetters ONLY is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

The Speaker Coach: “Stage Fright KILLS Potential” w/ Jesse Cruz (RBC #151)

Rochester Business Connections Episode #151 with Jesse Cruz.Have you ever experienced stage fright? That sudden wave of panic just before you face an audience, when your heart races and your mind goes blank. It can make even the most prepared person doubt themselves, yet it’s not a sign of weakness.Today, Jesse Cruz shares tips on how we can deal with stage fright. Jesse Cruz is an internationally recognized, award winning speaker, best selling author, and coach specializing in speaker development. He is also the founder and CEO of Merge Worldwide.One powerful lesson Jesse shared came straight from his military experience: “Mission First.” This principle isn’t just for the battlefield; clarity on your mission and the people you’re serving is the foundation for success, both in business and when stepping up as a speaker. Keeping your mission in mind ensures that every decision and action moves you and your audience forward.According to Jesse, your phone should be your stage. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have; it’s a great starting point. You can go live on any of your social media platforms, for instance, once a week. Always look at it like a stage and never forget to put your audience at the center of your talk. Jesse also shares actionable tips on how to choose a topic and manage being on a physical stage.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:29] Communication leadership in the military[02:37] Keynote speaking[05:53] Knowing your audience[07:32] Signature talks[11:21] On the spot workshop[13:44] How Jesse got into communication[15:42] Rejection[18:24] Finding your tribe[22:50] Playing small[26:11] Don’t mute your voice[26:58] Criticism[30:32] Your phone, your stage[33:18] Getting on a physical stage[38:54] Connect with Jesse CruzFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/jesse.cruz.5/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cruz-133714164/ [41:58] Partner with Jesse[42:58] Choosing a topicKey Takeaways: • I believe if you want to go faster, you hire a master that can help you and has already walked the path that you've been on. ~Jesse Cruz [04:34] • Sometimes speakers get on stage, and they want to make the talk all about themselves, and it's not really helping. ~Jesse Cruz [04:52] • “Not every stage opportunity is your opportunity.” ~Jesse Cruz [07:48] • When someone's building out a signature talk, they want to focus on the universal principles that most humanity can agree upon. ~Jesse Cruz [09:44] • “Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.” ~Jesse Cruz [27:51] • The people who are actually very successful, their criticism does not come from a place of envy or hatred. If they were to give you criticism, it's constructive criticism. ~Jesse Cruz [28:14] • “When you are building a business, don't listen to the people closest to you. Listen to the people closest to your goal.” ~Jesse Cruz [28:55] • “You actually have a stage in your pocket everywhere you go, because you have a phone.” ~Jesse Cruz [30:49] • “You don't have to have this crazy inspiring story to have a great message to share.” ~Ben Albert [40:46] • “Painful lessons usually turn into profitable lessons.” ~Jesse Cruz [43:59]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. Erica Mallett Episode: https://realbusinessconnections.com/podcast/ericamallett/ Keep In Touch with Jesse Cruz:Website: https://mergeworldwide.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.cruz.5 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-cruz-133714164 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessecruzspeaks/ —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –RBC is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/