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Welcome back to another great episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

At the end of the day, people want to partner with people, not your product or your pitch. The best way to show up as a person - serving people! Marlon Gordon is a perfect example. Marlon is the Founder and CEO of the NxtGen Network, a creative marketing agency built on relationships; passionate about telling stories and empowering others through innovation. Marlon is passionate about partnering with some of the biggest names in the industry to impact Child Nutrition and Hospitality. He is also co-creator/co-host of the LINQ’D UP podcast. Marlon has found success and impacts others as a visionary, a team builder, and is man fueled by a faith.

What an incredible heart this man has. Tune in now and learn all about building high-ticket relationships all while solving a problem and serving people.

Building High-Ticket Relationships While Serving People:

[00:01 – 09:48] Opening Segment 

• I welcome Marlon Gordon to the show
• • How we met 
  • Bio 
• Marlon shares his background and being field by faith
• • Learning to let go of control 
  • Learning on the job 
  • Being called to be a communicator 
  • Meeting Tommy Walker

[09:49 – 16:12] Take the Leap of Faith

• Marlon talks about stepping out and making a leap of faith 
• • Building relationships through the learning process
• The importance of taking care of your soul on the job 
• • Find solid mentors
• Marlon’s biggest pitch 
• • First Taste TV
  • Pitching an idea to big names like Kellogg’s
  • Connecting child nutrition with the feel of The Food Network
  • Solving the pain point COVID brought 

[16:13  – 29:05] Building High-Ticket Relationships While Serving People 

• Marlon’s first hand tips on relationship building 
  • Prepare and do your research 
  • Be professional and personable 
• Moving through high spaces as a minority  
  • Marlon’s background as a 1st gen Jamaican American 
  • Learning about minority struggles secondhand 
• Marlon shares about leaving corporate to start his own business
  • Serving people not stockholders 
  • “I do things my own way, not the corporate way”
  • Starting as a side gig 
• how to drive revenue as an independent
  • People buy people 
  • The process of building partnerships

• Book your free consultation at: The Kas Company

[29:06  – 48:16] How to Build Culture and Values

• A look inside the inner workings of NxtGen
• • The timeline
  • The difference between the company Innovators and Network
• Marlon talks about how to lead others 
• • Hire people who fit your company culture 
  • Build your company’s culture 
  • The importance of accountability 
  • Get rid of ‘parking lot’ talk
• Balancing building a brand with your life 
• • Learning to focus on the goal 
• Getting back to the main thing - serving people 
• • Figuring out what can serve people that is fun for us
  • Getting manufacturers their ROI
  • Making creative content that solves problems 
• Marlon talks about his non-profit NxtGen Cares
• • Taking medical professional to Jamaica 
  • Teaching trades to people in tough spots
  • Helping with consultation and equipment 
  • Staying grounded in gratitude

  [48:17 – 54:23] Random Round

• Favorite loophole/wealth creation strategy?
• • Short term and long term goals
  • A digital currency connected to Child Nutrition
• Negative stereotype of minorities that needs to end?
• • Thinking minorities can’t be intellectual 
• Advice for people trying to sell with authenticity 
• • Only sell what you believe in 
  • Get used to the word ‘no’ 
• Final words 

Tweetable Quotes:

“I just knew that I had to surround myself with people that are more experienced, that are wiser than me, who are smarter than me, people that are gonna look out for me and people that are going to keep me in check.” - Marlon Gordon

“People buy people not products… Being able to show that you're a person, but you know your business - I mean, that's gonna give you a head start.” - Marlon Gordon

“A loss doesn't have to be a loss, a loss can be a lesson. If you're not losing, then you're not learning.” - Marlon Gordon

Resources Mentioned: 

• LINQ’D UP Podcast
• First Taste TV

Reach out to Marlon on Instagram or reach out to marlon@nxtgen.com. Be sure to visit https://nxtgennetwork.com/ and become part of the NxtGen family. 

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!