Episodit
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Last month, the world lost a great man, John Ruhlin. John unexpectedly passed away and for the first time ever, I want to share a replay of an interview I did with John a while back. His message of giftology is so important to us personally and in our businesses and I know John would want us to keep sharing his message with others to make a greater impact on the world. Please feel free to share today’s episode with others to help continue John’s legacy.
In this episode, John tells his fascinating story and talks about how he created Gift.ology. He explained how he developed an understanding of giving personal gifts and shared his best marketing and sales referral tools. He also discusses why you should focus on your inner circle and why he wrote the book Gift.ology.
We hope you enjoy listening to today's enlightening conversation with John Ruhlin!
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Books mentioned:
Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Client Retention by John Ruhlin
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Save Your Asks: Evolve Your Networking Currencies. Grow Your Influence. Triple Your Business by Chris Tuff
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We are excited to have another meeting and events industry icon joining us as our guest for this show.
Jeff Gold is a partner and senior sales manager at Event Service Group and the MPI President for South Florida. He is with us today to share his inspiring story of resilience, grit, and success within the industry.
Stay tuned to learn from all the wisdom Jeff has gained throughout his impressive career journey.
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The Event Services Group
On LinkedIn
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Puuttuva jakso?
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We are delighted to have Paul Van Deventer, the President and CEO of MPI, with us on the show today.
As the leader of the largest association in our industry, Paul has been implementing many industry changes. Join us for a fascinating conversation where we explore the role of the MPI association and discuss the evolving workforce, the various challenges within the industry, and the impact of AI.
Career Journey
Paul was the youngest of four boys in a family that valued faith, education, and hard work. He was more inclined to stretch boundaries than any of his pragmatic brothers. His career followed a somewhat unplanned path after graduating from college. Then, he landed a sales role at 3M, a company known for its excellent training program. Over the years, his career evolved from sales to marketing roles across various industries, including a pivotal stint at American Express, where he gained significant experience and earned an MBA. His career took an unexpected turn when MPI approached him for his current role despite him having no prior experience in non-profits or associations. What began as a three-year plan to gain a CEO title turned into a passionate 13-year journey in an industry he has come to love.
The Importance of Associations for Career Development
Associations offer a vital network of peers, opportunities for business growth, and even personal connections that can shape career trajectories. The learning opportunities and professional networks fostered by associations like MPI are invaluable for career advancement, as those associations are crucial for ongoing career development and learning, especially in industries where professionals often lack internal company resources for training. Many members describe MPI as their career home and credit it with helping them achieve their current positions.
Challenges and Opportunities in Workforce Development
Workforce development is the number one issue in the industry today. It faces a twofold challenge- training the many new employees who have entered the field since the pandemic and attracting new talent to sustain growth. Current efforts focus on creating a comprehensive external marketing plan to highlight the diverse career paths available within the industry. The goal is to shift the perception that hospitality is merely a means to fund other career paths and instead showcase it as a rewarding career option with varied opportunities, from creative roles to management positions.
Expanding and Diversifying the Talent Pipeline
Significant opportunities for diversifying the workforce exist through reaching out to historically overlooked communities. The hospitality industry offers a unique career path where individuals can advance to high levels without having any advanced degrees. By promoting the diverse opportunities within the industry, which range from trades to professional roles, and intentionally reaching out, those in the industry can attract a broader and more diverse talent pool, ensuring its continued growth and sustainability for the future.
Embracing AI in Business
Looking at the impact of AI on business, Paul feels that while AI offers powerful tools for understanding clients and optimizing sales, it will not replace the essential human element in interactions. The ability to connect face-to-face remains irreplaceable and might become even more crucial in the future in an AI-driven world.
Generational Shifts in Technology Adoption
Paul has become aware of a fascinating trend. Contrary to most common assumptions, older generations, particularly Boomers, are more likely than millennials to adopt new technologies like AI without resistance. The recent eye-opening Freeman study revealed that millennials tend to question and challenge the use of any new tools before embracing them.
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MPI
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We are excited to welcome Heather Hansen O'Neill as our guest for today. She is an internationally recognized speaker and behavior expert who has delivered two TEDx talks and authored three books.
Heather thrives on adventure. She joins us today to discuss life and adventures, her program, The Element of Adventure, and dive into what it means to have vision, focus, and discipline.
If you enjoy nature, helping others, seeking adventure, and are looking to transform your approach to business, you will love this engaging conversation with Heather Hansen O'Neill. Stay tuned for more!
Early Life and Discipline
Heather’s professional journey began long before she started her business over 25 years ago. She became a professional dancer at the age of 13. She had to juggle her education and passion for dance while also working to help her parents pay for her dance classes. The rigorous lifestyle instilled resilience in her, along with a work ethic that later translated into business success, as it taught her invaluable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and pushing beyond her comfort zone.
The Impact of Dance on Business
Heather credits much of her business acumen to her background in dance. It required discipline for her to excel as a dancer. She had to endure long hours of practice, handle rejection, and maintain focus, contributing to her success in sales and entrepreneurship. Even after a career-ending injury, she continued to find ways to incorporate her passion for dance into her life, which she believes makes her do a lot better at everything else she does.
Transition to Business and Speaking
Her transition from dance to business came through sales, a field she entered while putting herself through college. After a client encouraged her to do it, Heather combined her sales experience and love for helping others to start a business. She initially focused on sales and customer service training, later expanding her career into coaching and becoming a keynote speaker. Her journey into speaking was gradual, driven by her desire to connect with and inspire audiences.
Embracing Vulnerability in Speaking
One of the most valuable lessons Heather learned as a speaker was the importance of vulnerability. Her performance background initially made her strive for perfection in her presentations, which created a barrier between her and her audience. Over time, she realized that being open about her mistakes and failures allowed her to connect more deeply with others, making her a more effective speaker.
The Adventure Mindset
Heather believes in embracing her adventure mindset, which challenges beliefs, assumptions, and judgments, to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential. She is an adventure junkie, so she incorporates her love for pushing boundaries into her speaking engagements. She uses her experiences of jumping out of airplanes, flying on a trapeze, and swimming with sharks to teach others about expanding their comfort zones.
Humanity and Leadership
Heather emphasizes the importance of caring for humanity in leadership. She believes that in the modern world, where isolation and polarization are prevalent, leaders have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact by genuinely caring for their people and communities. Her framework, which draws from the elements of nature, helps leaders assess and optimize their teams, ultimately driving both personal and organizational growth.
Tips for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, Heather stresses the importance of staying connected to the passion that drove them to start their businesses. She encourages them to focus on transforming their businesses while transforming how they do business by embracing innovation, seeking diverse perspectives, and always keeping humanity at the core of their actions.
BIO:
Heather Hansen O’Neill is an international keynote speaker, behavioral expert, 3x author, and adventure junkie. She is also a 2x TEDx speaker, host of the popular podcast From Fear to Fire, and creator of L-FOCUS (Leadership For Our Children’s Ultimate Success). Heather’s signature model, The Elements of Adventure, is the powerful framework she utilizes to empower leaders, ignite results, and change the world…one adventure at a time.
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LinkedIn
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 232 - Overcoming Fears: Pamela Schuller's Journey with Tourette Syndrome - Comedy and Embracing Differences
Pamela Schuller is truly a remarkable woman! Several weeks ago, she did a keynote presentation at the MPI World Education Conference in Louisville, where she told her incredible story of having Tourette syndrome, barking unexpectedly, and how she reframed her life, ending up as a keynote speaker.
Today, she joins us on the show to share her touching, inspiring, and amusing journey. Stay tuned for more!
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LinkedIn
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Today, we are thrilled to welcome a distinguished leader in our industry as our guest on the show.
Marsha Flanagan, the newly appointed President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, has had an extraordinary career. She joins us to share her professional journey, provide insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, discuss workforce trends, and explore the future of work.
Stay tuned for her captivating story and valuable perspectives.
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IAEE.com
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I am delighted to welcome Conner Young, co-founder of Kairo, one of the fastest-growing acquisition companies in the US, as my guest on the show today.
I often talk with business owners who want to know about selling, merging, or acquiring a business. So Conner joins us today to dive into the steps to take when preparing a business for sale, the process of selling a business, and the key factors buyers consider when purchasing a company. We also explore how to manage a business while dealing with a challenging health problem.
Stay tuned for Conner's valuable insights on those subjects.
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Kairo Data
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 229: Predictable Profits in an Unpredictable World: A Conversation with Charles Gaudet
Have you ever wondered how to elevate your business from seven to eight figures and beyond?
We are diving into that very challenge today with a successful business entrepreneur and coach known for his impressive track record in guiding companies to unforeseen new heights.
Join us for an insightful conversation with the remarkable Charles Gaudet, the Founder and CEO of Predictable Profits. You will learn how to scale your business, effectively integrate AI into your strategy, and manage those overwhelming moments.
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On the Predictable Profits website
LinkedIn
Books Mentioned
THE PREDICTABLE PROFITS PLAYBOOK: The 7 and 8-Figure CEOs’ Guide to Generating Consistent and Sustainable Growth
The Beyond 7- Figures Podcast
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We are thrilled to have two super successful entrepreneurs joining us on the show today.
Jay Weintraub is the CEO of Connectiv Holdings, and Greg Topalian is the Chairman of Clarion Events North America. Jay and Greg are two of the most sought-after self-starters within the events industry. They are with us today to share their incredible stories and achievements and tell us about the new organization they have co-founded with several others, called the Events Venture Group.
Stay tuned for more!
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Connect with Jay Weintraub
Connectiv Holdings
Jay Weintraub on LinkedIn
Connect with Greg Topalian
Clarion Events North America
On LinkedIn
The Events Venture Group
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 227 - Bridging Generations: GenZ's Influence on the Meetings Industry with Taylor Smith
We are all familiar with the various generations, like the Boomers, Gen Xs, Millennials, and Gen Zs. By 2030, Gen Zs will constitute 30% of the workforce.
Today, we are delighted to have Taylor Smith joining us to share her perspective on how generational shifts will shape our future workforce.
Taylor is a journalist and content developer for the Meetings Today Magazine who recently delivered an outstanding presentation at the MPI Modification Conference with Michael Owen. As a Gen Z, she has a unique view of how these generational changes will influence our workforce. Stay tuned for her insights and recommendations for working effectively with Gen Zs.
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Email Taylor: [email protected]
Meetings Today
Taylor’s Column on Meetings Today
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 226: Mastering the Art of Pricing: How to Charge What You're Worth with Casey Brown
How do you determine the pricing for the services your business provides?
Today, we are thrilled to have Casey Brown, the Founder and President of Boost Pricing, joining us to shed light on that topic.
Casey, an accomplished entrepreneur and professional speaker in Corporate America, has delivered a TEDx talk viewed over 5 million times. Stay tuned as she shares her valuable insights on effective pricing strategies.
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YouTube
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 225: Unlocking Resilience: How Justin Schenck Transformed Adversity into Opportunity
We are thrilled to have Justin Schenck on the show with us today.
Justin is the Founder of PodBrand.io. He is also the creator of the Growth Now Summit LIVE! Conference and host of the top-rated podcast, the Growth Now Movement. He was named a Top 8 Podcaster and chosen as an Icon of Influence in the new media space.
Justin has a generous heart. He joins us today to share his fascinating journey and tell some encouraging stories of how he overcame difficulties and achieved success.
Stay tuned for this inspiring discussion with Justin Schenck. It is one conversation you certainly will not want to miss!
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Connect with Justin Schenck
On Instagram
LinkedIn
Get tickets for the Growth Now Summit Live
PodBrand.io
The Growth Now Movement Podcast
Books Mentioned:
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 224: AI-Powered Productivity: Transforming the Meetings & Events Industry with Mitch Mitchem
We are thrilled to welcome Mitch Mitchem, the Founder and CEO of Hive Interactive, as our guest today.
Mitch excels in making AI tools accessible and practical for businesses and is also a renowned speaker. If you are curious about applying AI in your business, Mitch is the person to advise you, as he is very concrete and human-centric in his approach.
Stay tuned as Mitch shares his journey and explains how he helps companies leverage AI.
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AHumanHive.com
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Did you know that asking the right questions can significantly enhance your understanding of your meeting attendees and clients and the challenges they face?
Today, Eric focuses on formulating insightful queries to uncover the specific difficulties your clients and attendees encounter in their business lives, enabling you to position yourself better as a strategic partner and offer them more assistance.
Stay tuned for Eric’s insights and expert advice.
Better Positioning Through Effective Questioning
Positioning yourself more effectively through questioning involves asking insightful, strategic questions beyond logistics alone. Inquiring about your clients' core challenges, goals, and desired outcomes will allow you to demonstrate a deeper level of engagement and expertise, shifting your role from a service provider to a strategic partner. So, instead of asking only basic questions about numbers and logistics, delve into the broader context of their industry challenges and objectives. That will help you tailor solutions aligned with their needs and will help establish you as someone invested in their success.
Real-Life Example: Insurance Company Incentive Trip
Eric shares an example from his book, Meeting at C-Level, to illustrate the power of asking the right questions. An insurance company wanted an incentive trip to New York. Instead of just taking the order, Eric spent five minutes asking about their challenges and learned they had three generations working together and a mix of long-term and new employees. So he created a program to address those challenges, including a unique music studio experience that brought all the different generations together, helping them to create lasting memories.
Surprise and Engagement in Zimbabwe
Another example Eric shares is about a media company with a military veteran commercial director. Eric organized a surprise helicopter ride over Victoria Falls instead of the expected drop-off in the bush, creating a truly memorable experience. He also took a group photo during a rafting trip and sent it to attendees a month later, reminding them of the experience and creating a lasting connection.
The Impact of Asking the Right Questions
Eric explains that asking the right questions will give you a deeper understanding of your clients, their challenges, and their goals. It positions you as a strategic partner and allows you to plan more efficiently and create meaningful experiences, leading to more fulfilling business relationships and greater client satisfaction.
Conclusion
By asking the right questions, you can set yourself apart from your competition, understand your clients better, and create more impactful and memorable experiences. That positions you as a strategic partner and helps you build stronger, more satisfying business relationships.
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Meeting at C-Level: An Executive's Guide for Driving Strategy and Helping the Rest of Us Figure Out What the Boss Wants by Eric Rozenberg
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We are thrilled to have Dr. Heather Denniston, a trained chiropractor, executive coach, international wellness and resilience speaker, and the Founder of WellFit and Fed, joining us today.
In this episode, Heather explores the connection between personal well-being and business success, sharing valuable strategies for enhancing individual and organizational performance.
Stay tuned for Heather’s illuminating insights on achieving lasting personal and professional excellence.
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WELLFit and Fed
On LinkedIn
Books Mentioned:
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
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Today, Eric shares invaluable insights on delegation and personal development, both crucial areas of concern for business owners within our industry aiming to grow their enterprises and refine their management skills.
Join us as Eric dives into these two essential aspects, offering practical advice on delegating tasks efficiently and investing in your personal growth for sustained business success.
The Benefits of Delegation
Eric recounts how handling every project on his own in his early business days led to burnout and stagnation and hindered the scalability of his business. After hiring help, he saw how all his daily tasks could get done successfully without his constant involvement. That shift allowed him more time to focus on his strengths and strategic activities.
Mindset
Eric advises business owners to change their mindsets regarding delegation. He firmly believes that even if others only perform the necessary tasks at 80% of their capability, it will still meet all the customer requirements, allowing the owner more time to spend on higher-value tasks.
Lifelong Learning
Eric believes continuous learning is crucial for business owners to stay relevant in a dynamic business environment. He highlights the importance of continually learning by sharing a story from his academic days, where a professor explained that graduating was just the beginning of lifelong learning.
Investing in Personal Development
Eric has noticed how many individuals in the meetings and events industry neglect their personal development. He believes that may be partly due to the culture of receiving free services and opportunities within the industry. He points out that investing in their personal growth through ongoing learning and development will allow business owners to remain adaptable and innovative in an ever-evolving business market.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Educational Programs
Eric encourages business owners to proactively invest in personal growth through coaching, mentoring, and educational programs. By dedicating time and resources to their personal development, they can better adapt to future challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
Eric encourages all business owners to embrace the principles of delegation and personal development, as they can significantly improve their business operations and personal lives.
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We are delighted to have Shlomi Ashkenazi joining us today to dive into the risks and ethical considerations surrounding AI.
Shlomi is the CEO of BookingMaster and is also involved with EventMagix and Emakin. In 2022, Congress Magazine awarded him The Most Influential Meeting Innovator of the Year, and in 2023, he received an Eventex award for being one of the 50 most influential event technology professionals.
Shlomi is incredible when it comes to AI-generated content. If you watch this episode on YouTube, you will see some of the mindblowing things he can do.
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BookingMaster
EventMagix
Emakin
Book Mentioned:
Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday
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We are thrilled to welcome Alisa Cohn as our guest today.
Alisa is a rock star in her field! She is a top executive coach known for her work with senior leaders in major organizations. She wrote From Start-up to Grown-Up, a book packed with practical tips for business growth and leadership development, and she has also done a TEDx talk.
Alisa exemplifies the caliber of top-tier executive coaches companies rely on to cultivate talent and effective leadership strategies. We truly appreciate having her here today to share her insights and experiences.
Stay tuned to learn from Alisa’s expertise in fostering talent and driving organizational success.
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Connect with Alisa Cohn
On her website
Download Alisa’s 5 Scripts for Delicate Conversations
Podcast: From Startup To Grown Up
Buy a copy of Alisa’s Book, From Start-Up to Grown-Up
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 218 – Mastering HR: Recruiting and Leading Effectively with Vicky Brown
We are delighted to have Vicky Brown joining us today.
Vicky is the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises. She is an HR expert with many years of experience and was formerly an opera singer. She has enjoyed a fantastic career in the HR field, and she joins us today to dive into effective team building and explore tactical considerations for payroll management and legal compliance. She also shares key obstacles to anticipate and speaks about her experience as an opera singer.
Stay tuned for Vicky's wealth of HR knowledge and expertise.
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On LinkedIn
Idomeneo Enterprises
Vicky’s Gift for Listeners: The Ultimate HR Workflow Guide
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The Business of Meetings – Episode 217 - Inside the Mind of an FBI Negotiator: Chris Voss on Mastering Negotiations from Hostages to Boardrooms
We are delighted and honored to welcome the legendary FBI negotiator, Chris Voss, as our guest today.
Chris was the head of the hostage negotiations at the FBI, and he significantly changed their negotiation style. He has taught at various business schools and founded the Black Swan Group. He is also an author, having written Never Split the Difference, The Full Fee Agent, and more recently, Empathy and Understanding in Business.
Join us to hear Chris’s fascinating story and to get his advice and actionable tips to implement in your life and business.
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Connect with Chris Voss
On LinkedIn
The Black Swan Group website
Books by Chris Voss:
Never Split the Difference
The Full Fee Agent
Empathy and Understanding In Business
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