Welcome to the Business Advisor Podcast, the go-to show for accountants, bookkeepers and CFOs tired of the grind of client work and eager to step into the role of a business advisor. This podcast is designed for those looking to increase their income and impact by transforming businesses and lives. Each week, we bring you practical, workshop-style episodes, insightful conversations, and a good dose of humor to equip you with the confidence, clarity, and cash flow strategies you need. So, hit ...
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Now is the time of the Pioneering Practice! Best selling author and marketing expert Amanda C. Watts shares her book 'The Pioneering Practice' as an audiobook. Described as 'The number 1 authority in marketing for accounting firms in the world' Amanda's insights will transform the way you market your accounting practice. LEARN HOW TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES AND NOT GET LEFT BEHIND. There is becoming a strong divide in the accounting industry. There are accounting practices that are pioneering th ...
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** Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks ** Host David Barr Kirtley, author of the book Save Me Plz and Other Stories, talks geek culture with guests such as Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Richard Dawkins, Simon Pegg, Bill Nye, Margaret Atwood, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy has appeared on recommended podcast lists from NPR, The Guardian, Wired, The A.V. Club, BBC America, CBC Radio, WVXU, io9, Omni, The St ...
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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London)
1:26:36
1:26:36
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1:26:36Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action
10:12
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10:12In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our c…
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This week's episode dives into how vanity metrics—likes, follows, and views—can mislead business owners into feeling successful while draining their energy and stalling growth. As someone who’s coached countless advisors, I’ve seen how chasing these empty metrics leads to burnout, not revenue. The truth? Real success isn’t about viral content; it’s…
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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine)
1:08:55
1:08:55
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1:08:55Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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85. From 'Who Am I to Offer That?' to Advisory Confidence
17:11
17:11
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17:11In this week's episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of building a thriving business—mindset. I share how transforming your thinking can lead to exponential growth in ways no strategy or tool ever could. Drawing from my own experiences and those of others, I explore how shift…
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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha)
2:24:07
2:24:07
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2:24:07Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…
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84. Stop Being The Bottleneck (And Delegate With Confidence)
16:20
16:20
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16:20In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I delve into the challenges of delegation faced by many accounting and bookkeeping business owners. As someone who has been there, I understand the struggle to let go while maintaining high standards. In this episode, I explore why it's so hard to delegate and provide actionable solutions to overcome…
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83. 14 Costly Mistakes Accountants Make When Shifting to Advisory
18:29
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18:29Welcome to another episode of the Business Advisor podcast! today we’re diving into the 14 biggest mistakes accountants make when transitioning from compliance work to business advisory. This shift can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also fraught with challenges. Many accountants struggle because they’re still thinking like a compliance firm, not…
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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
2:39:59
2:39:59
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2:39:59Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…
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82. 4 Hidden Leaks Stealing Your Profit And How to Fix Them Today
21:23
21:23
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21:23In this week episode, I discuss the silent killer of profits—money leakage—and how it affects businesses, including accountants and bookkeepers. Leakage isn't just about small expenses or unnecessary subscriptions; it’s about hidden inefficiencies, poor systems, and a lack of financial clarity that drains profits monthly. Many business owners think…
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Welcome back to another episode of the Business Advisor Podcast!, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that many of you might be overlooking—finding your tone of voice in content marketing. We all know content marketing is essential. You understand the importance of writing blog posts, posting on LinkedIn, and even creating videos. But when it’…
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80. What You Need To Put On Your Website To Get Clients (Full breakdown)
14:02
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14:02In this episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, I dive into transforming your website into an authority site that positions you as the go-to business advisor. I discuss how to move beyond a mere list of services and focus on addressing client pain points directly. Your website should guide visitors through a journey that makes them feel understood…
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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera)
1:48:40
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1:48:40Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the short story collection The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways…
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79. Three Steps To Sell Advisory Successfully
11:24
11:24
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11:24Welcome back to another episode of the Business Advisor Podcast! This week we’re diving into something I’ve been noticing a lot lately, why so many advisors and consultants aren’t making the money they should be. It’s not because they lack skills, experience, or education. Nope. The real issue? They’re running their advisory business like service p…
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78. The Key To Higher Profits And Less Stress
11:55
11:55
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11:55In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive into a topic that challenges many business owners: how big should your team be when scaling a business? I share my personal journey and explain why a small, mighty team of two can outperform larger teams. Many assume that growth requires adding more staff, but I argue that focusing on fewer, h…
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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna)
1:37:16
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1:37:16Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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77. Turn Prospects Into Clients With a Strong Brochure
10:58
10:58
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10:58In today’s episode, I dive into the power of a well-structured brochure and how it can completely change the way you market and sell your services. Many service-based businesses either don’t have a brochure or have one that doesn’t work effectively because it’s just a list of services and prices. A brochure should guide potential clients toward mak…
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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
1:27:33
1:27:33
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1:27:33James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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76. Being Commercially Smart And Increasing Profits
13:42
13:42
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13:42Today we explore how productising your advisory services can turn your expertise into a "commercially smart" asset. I share the success story of Elise, an accountant who transformed her firm by productizing her advisory services with fixed-fee packages. This led to predictable income, stronger client relationships, and easier sales. You can elimina…
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Most advisors, accountants, and consultants are stuck in the time-for-money trap, limiting their income and impact. The solution? Productising your expertise. In this episode, I break down how to turn your knowledge into a structured, scalable offer that creates leverage, generates more revenue, and gives you back control of your time. If you’ve ev…
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74. The Hard Truth About Success (And Why It’s In Your Control)
10:44
10:44
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10:44Ever feel like your business is stuck? The truth is, success isn’t about external factors. It’s about how we show up. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts that separate struggling advisors from thriving ones. If you’re ready to take control and start seeing real results, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Take Ownership, Take Control…
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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville
1:51:20
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1:51:20Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over…
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73. Social Media Marketing Is Dead. What Should You Do Instead?
17:50
17:50
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17:50Think social media is the only way to grow your business? Think again. In this episode, Amanda C. Watts shares how she built her business using offline strategies; networking, speaking, writing, and personal outreach. Learn how to establish authority, gain high-value clients, and create long-term business growth without relying solely on social med…
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72. Breaking Free from Hourly Consulting: Cindy Vindasius’ Path to Scalable Advisory
24:13
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24:13Today, Amanda C. Watts sits down with Business Advisor Academy client Cindy Vindasius, founder of Vindasius Advisory, to discuss her transformative journey from high-level consulting to creating a scalable advisory business. Cindy shares how she struggled with articulating her expertise in a way that resonated with her ideal clients and how Amanda’…
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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
1:58:04
1:58:04
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1:58:04Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…
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71. The Competitive Ladder™ – How to Win in Advisory
22:12
22:12
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22:12Think your biggest competition is the accountant down the road? Think again. In today’s episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, Amanda C. Watts introduces The Competitive Ladder™ - a game-changing framework that reveals the hidden competitors stealing your high-value clients. From business coaches to AI software, marketers, and beyond, we uncover …
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70. 27 Strategies To Make More Money As An Advisor Or Consultant
19:13
19:13
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19:13Amanda C. Watts explores how good advisors and consultants can transform into great ones and significantly increase their income and impact. Whether you're facing a growth plateau, hesitant to invest strategically, or struggling with the fear of the unknown, Amanda provides 27 actionable strategies to break through barriers and take your business t…
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69. How To Sell Advisory & Consulting Like A Premium Brand
19:02
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19:02Let’s unpack the secrets to selling advisory and consulting services like a premium brand. Advisors and consultants often struggle with landing high-value clients, avoiding price wars, and standing out in a crowded market. Amanda reveals the core problems - selling advice instead of outcomes, blending in rather than standing out, and failing to pos…
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68. Why High-Value Clients Aren’t Choosing You (And How to Fix It)
12:39
12:39
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12:39If you’re struggling to land high-value clients, this episode is your roadmap to success. Amanda C. Watts breaks down the 5 reasons why premium clients might not be choosing your firm and offers actionable strategies to transform your business. From refining your messaging to mastering enrollment conversations, discover how to attract the clients w…
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67. The Psychology of High-End Sales: Why People Buy
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17:30In 2025's first episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, Amanda C. Watts dives into the psychology of high-end sales. Learn why business owners are willing to invest $1K–$5K+ per month in advisory services and how you can position yourself as their vital partner and essential to their success. Key Takeaways: Understand the "Why" Behind High-End Sal…
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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night
1:05:22
1:05:22
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1:05:22Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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In the final episode of 2024, Amanda C. Watts reflects on a transformative year for accountants and service professionals. She discusses the journey from overworked practitioners to empowered, confident business advisors who are creating both financial success and personal freedom. Sharing highlights and achievements, Amanda celebrates the communit…
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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty)
58:45
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58:45J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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65. Your Secret Weapon for Business Success
18:12
18:12
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18:12In this episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, Amanda C. Watts dives into the transformative power of audacity in business. Audacity - often described as guts, spunk, or boldness - is the secret ingredient that sets top business advisors apart from the rest. Drawing on personal experiences, client success stories, and her VITAL Operating System f…
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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
1:57:08
1:57:08
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1:57:08Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs…
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64. The Power of Internal Transformation: Where Real Impact Begins
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12:37In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked aspect of business success: your own internal transformation. By focusing on personal growth and development, you can unlock your full potential, and create a thriving practice and lasting impact. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and limiting bel…
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It is all too easy to feel invisible in the world, even when you're an expert in your field. In this episode, we'll explore the Value Visibility Framework, a proven approach to break through the noise, be seen, and attract your ideal clients and team members. Key Takeaways The Importance of Visibility: Your business advisory expertise and value nee…
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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
1:32:12
1:32:12
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1:32:12James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…
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62. How To Attract & Keep The Best Clients And Team
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17:37In today's fragile and competitive business landscape, trust is more important than ever. In this episode, we explore the three pillars of trust: Personal Trust, Product Trust, and Company Trust. By building trust in these areas, you can establish strong relationships with your clients, increase customer loyalty, and drive business growth. Key Take…
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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon
1:56:51
1:56:51
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1:56:51Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreo…
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61. Why You Must Be A VITAL Brand In 2025
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18:32In this episode, we explore the VITAL framework, a powerful tool developed by Amanda C. Watts for building a thriving business. The VITAL acronym stands for Value, Impact, Trust, Agility, and Lucrative. In this episode, we'll delve into each of these components and explore how you can apply them to your business, life and beyond. Key Takeaways: The…
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60. But What If I Fail (And Other Excuses Keeping You Small)
21:53
21:53
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21:53In this episode, we delve into the common fears and doubts that hold many financial professionals back from transitioning to advisory services. We'll discuss the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and the power of consistent action in overcoming obstacles. Key Takeaways: Failure Is Inevitable: Every successful advisor ha…
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59. Why Selling Transformation Beats Selling Services
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18:13In this episode, Amanda explores the importance of marketing for business advisors, and advisory services. Discover how clearly defining your ideal client, understanding their needs, and communicating your value proposition can lead to more effective marketing and attract high-value clients Key Takeaways: Define Your Ideal Client: Clearly identify …
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580. The New Mexico Mafia (with Melinda M. Snodgrass)
1:23:59
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1:23:59Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/ge…
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58. What To Do When A Prospect Says No To Your Proposal
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12:55In this episode, we explore how to handle rejection in the world of business advisory. Leads don’t always turn into clients, and that can be hard. But, it also presents you with a great opportunity. Discover strategies for understanding the reasons behind rejection, responding gracefully, and using rejections for growth. Key Takeaways: Understand t…
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When developing your business advisory skills and practice, 80% of success is showing up consistently, even when facing challenges. Discover how the simple act of showing up can create opportunities and build a strong foundation for your business. Key Takeaways: Consistency is Key:Showing up consistently, even when it's difficult, is essential for …
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579. The Future of Demographic Collapse (with Malcolm Collins)
1:17:54
1:17:54
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1:17:54Malcolm Collins, co-host of the Based Camp podcast, joins us to discuss future scenarios involving demographic collapse, genetic engineering, and AI. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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56. Attracting Platinum Clients Who Crave Your Strategic Advice
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19:39In this episode, we explore the concept of Platinum Clients and how to attract them to your advisory practice. Discover the key characteristics of Platinum Clients, the strategies to identify and attract them, and the importance of delivering exceptional value to retain these high-value clients. Key Takeaways: Define Platinum Clients: Understand th…
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55. Visionaries and Integrators: Unlocking Your Advisory Style
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23:12In this episode, we explore the two distinct roles within business advisory: Visionaries and Integrators. Discover how understanding and leveraging your own strengths, or partnering with those who complement your skills, can create a powerful and successful advisory practice. Key Takeaways: Understand Your Role: Identify whether you're a Visionary …
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578. Terminator Zero Season 1 Review (with Daniel H. Wilson, Zach Chapman)
1:24:50
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1:24:50Daniel H. Wilson and Zach Chapman join us to discuss the Netflix series Terminator Zero, an animated spinoff of the classic films Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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