Shows
Informed Decisions: Leadership Conversations and Q&A with Randall Craig (Video)Business Growth Coaching: Worth it? Or Waste of Time? Part 1 of 2Today, it seems everyone is a coach. So in this session, we are calling out the “coaching industry”… on its proliferation, value, and fees.
We see cheap coaches aplenty, and then there are also exceptionally expensive ones –but are they effective? Let’s put Randall in the hotseat and explore the differences in approach and value, and how clients can get the best from their coaching relationship.
2025-03-0441 minInformed Decisions: Leadership Conversations and Q&A with Randall Craig (Video)Powerful Leadership Retreats Part 1 of 3Today we are talking about leadership retreats. “The offsite.” “The team-building getaway.” Whatever your organization calls it, it is a HUGE investment of time and money – the planning, the coordination – not to mention time away from work.
In theory, they are a tremendous opportunity to generate alignment and motivate your team, but why are some retreats transformational, yet others yield no significant impact?
To talk about this gap is hall of fame business speaker Randall Craig who has presented at countless retreats as speaker, and has participated in countless others in his leadership roles.
2025-01-0732 minInformed Decisions: Leadership Conversations and Q&A with Randall Craig (Video)What Can You do in December for a More Successful Q1?As you close up Q4, are there specific things that you can do to ramp up business growth for next year? Are you open to new ideas that can make the difference between real success? And are there important market changes that you can capitalize on moving forward?
Join Randall Craig as he shares specific business growth activities that you can put into place now, that will make a difference in the coming year. (And also a few that you might want to ditch.)
2024-11-2641 min
Just A NumberBeating Leukemia, Breaking Barriers, and Building a Broadway Dream : Randall Craig’s Inspiring JourneyIn this episode of Just A Number, we explore the extraordinary life of Randall Craig—a man who’s done it all, from building businesses to beating leukemia and even creating a musical while in recovery. A Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame member and serial entrepreneur, Randall faced a devastating leukemia diagnosis that changed everything.But instead of letting the diagnosis stop him, Randall found purpose and creativity, turning his hospital room into a studio. He shares how he drew on inner strength, resilience, and a desire to make the most of every moment. Join us as Rand...2024-11-031h 02
Mastery Fractional CFO's "Punchy" PodcastAn Interview with Randall Craig, CEO of Braintrust Professional Institute Welcome to another episode of Mastery Fractional CFO's Punchy Podcast, where we dive into the journeys of diverse business owners and explore the challenges and triumphs of their enterprises. In this episode, we were joined by Randall Craig, CEO of Braintrust Professional Institute, a business growth advisor, marketing strategist, and thought leader. Visit https://www.braintrustprofessionalinstitute.com/ for more information on Braintrust Professional Institute, as well as linkedin.com/in/randallcraig for getting in touch with Randall. As well, visit https://www.masteryfcfo.com/ for more information on Mastery Fractional CFO Services and what they can do for your business. We've...2024-10-1736 min
Discover Fresh PerspectivesCreativity in the Face of Challenge: Randall Craig’s Inspirational Musical QuestSend us a textToday I'm incredibly excited to have a very special guest, Randall Craig joining me in conversation. Randall is not only a Hall-of-Fame business speaker and a prolific creator of business content, but also a passionate musician who has recently delved into the world of Broadway-style musicals. In 2017, Randall was diagnosed with leukemia, a challenging moment that instead of slowing him down, propelled him to an extraordinary undertaking—writing a musical during his recovery from a bone marrow transplant. Check out his musical's website at www.WhoIsEsther.com. And more on Randall and his serv...2024-10-1435 min
Eye On A.I.#205 Randall Degges: The Biggest Risks of AI-Generated Code (What Developers Need to Know!)This episode is sponsored by Bloomreach. Bloomreach is a cloud-based e-commerce experience platform and B2B service specializing in marketing automation, product discovery, and content management systems. Check out Bloomreach: https://www.bloomreach.com Explore Loomi AI: https://www.bloomreach.com/en/products/loomi Other Bloomreach products: https://www.bloomreach.com/en/products In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, we sit down with Randall Degges, Head of Developer Relations and Security at Snyk, to uncover the impact of AI on cy...2024-08-2853 min
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, the NEW Jones.Show PodcastCraig Carnelia KNOWS Creativity, Music, Broadway, Wordplay, Working & Maximizing SolitudeThe extraordinary Craig Carnelia has had four shows produced on Broadway. Working with composer Marvin Hamlisch, he wrote the lyrics for “Sweet Smell of Success,” with book by John Guare, and “Imaginary Friends” with Nora Ephron. As both composer and lyricist, Craig wrote the score for “Is There Life After High School” and contributed songs to “Working.” Off-Broadway, he wrote the score for “Three Postcards at Playwrights Horizons,” with book by Craig Lucas, and contributed to the review “Diamonds,” directed by Hal Prince. Regionally, he wrote the score for “Poster Boy” at Williamstown Theatre Festival. Awards include two Tony Award n...2024-02-0159 min
Behind the Yellow Line: A Chicago Cubs PodcastEpisode 128: Randall Isn't Deleting Any Counsell TweetsRandall and Jeremy convene to discuss the day's shocking and unexpected news, as the Cubs hire Craig Counsell as their newest manager, and subsequently part ways with former manager David Ross. How did it come about? What does it imply for the offseason ahead? Will Randall get over it?2023-11-071h 02
Unfazed Under Fire PodcastLeading with Heart Series: Providing profound insights and practical application to enhance your leadership impact with Guest Randall DoizakiEver wonder where a lifetime of leadership experience can take you? Randall Doisaki, seasoned law enforcement coach with a robust history in the US Marines and law enforcement leadership, joins me, David Craig Utz, for an insightful conversation you won't want to miss. We journey together through Randall's rich career, from his time in the Marines to his current role in law enforcement, uncovering compelling tales and sharing invaluable wisdom along the way. Navigating through the impactful influences of my own multicultural upbringing, we uncover how my unique blend of Japanese Buddhism and Italian Catholicism has shaped R...2023-10-261h 01
GrumpyOZRetro - Australian vintage computing and retrogaming podcastGrumpyOZRetro Ep#003 25 August 2023 - Randall CrookIn this episode, we catch up with Randall Crook, a vintage computing enthusiast whose interest in the hobby was born from his love of electronics. He has one of the more interesting collections we’ve heard about, and he’s a brilliant storyteller. Check out his website.
There's the usual guff and grump, including Tony’s near-theft experience involving an abandoned computer in a garage, and Craig scoring the vintage computer bargain of 2023 (so far).
Don't forget you can hit us up at grumpyozretro.com if you've got something to say...2023-08-251h 08
Strategy + ActionEp84 Randall Craig - How to Show Up as a Thought Leader (and not just an expert)Today on the show, Strategy + Action = Developing Trust and True Thought Leadership to Grow Your Business
Get ready for an extraordinary episode of Strategy + Action with our incredible guest, Randall Craig, alongside your dynamic host, Jason Croft!
Randall Craig is a master at transforming organizations, particularly the big players in today's business landscape. He's here to share his wisdom, experience, and groundbreaking insights.
🚀 Our conversation kicks off with a captivating exploration of thought leadership. We're not just talking about being an expert; Randall takes us...2023-07-1145 min
In Search Of ExcellenceCraig Newmark: Reinventing the Peer to Peer Transaction (Founder of Craigslist) | E59My guest today is Craig Newmark – the Founder of the incredibly successful internet marketplace, Craigslist! Craigslist serves 700 cities in 70 countries and has 250 million users a month. In 2018, only four years after formation, Craigslist reached $1 billion in revenue. During the last eight years, Craig Newmark has been one of our country's most active and generous philanthropist. During that time, he has given away more than $200 million. In 2022 alone, he gave away $81 million, which made him the 24th most generous philanthropist in the United States that year. (01:50) Craig's parentsGrowing up...2023-05-021h 19
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Decision to RebrandTo rebrand or not to rebrand? Not a question to be taken lightly, but it has been asked – or considered – by just about every CEO and every marketer at one point or another.
First, a quick definition of brand: it’s not the logo, or the name. The brand is the intrinsic quality of what you and the organization represent. It is how your organization interacts at each touchpoint. The question is whether your brand is truly aligned with the values you aspire to.
In this podcast, I share five reasons when rebranding makes sense... and fo...2023-01-3103 min
The Business Power Hour with Deb KrierRandall CraigRandall Craig is a serial entrepreneur, who coaches CEOs on scaling their businesses, and he leads the Braintrust Professional Institute. He is the author of eight books, 600+ articles, and has helped over 100 organizations scale their businesses, build capacity, and address their most pressing challenges. Randall has earned an FCMC, CFA, MBA, CSP, and a Black Belt in Karate. Randall is also a Hall of Fame business speaker.2023-01-091h 00
Experience Leadership - The Small Business PodcastLeveraging the Trust Curve to make your Marketing Much More Effective with Randall CraigGetting Past the 4P Marketing Framework to One that Works
with Randall Craig
Too often, entrepreneurs make their marketing decisions based on what they’ve learned eons ago - and as a result spend too much time and money with not the best results
🛎 In this episode
CEO Whisperer, Randall Craig uncovers a very simple and practical way to plan your marketing... or fix your marketing problems - building and leveraging your message through the Trust Curve.
ABOUT RANDALL
Randall is a serial entrepreneur, coaches CEOs on scaling their business, and leads the Braintrust Professional Instit...2022-11-2837 min
Crème De La Crime PodcastBONUS - What happened to Craig Dowell, Joey Hoag, & Billy Hoag?The Lost Boys of Hannibal, Missouri:
Craig Dowell, Joey Hoag, and Billy Hoag were last seen on May 10, 1967 in Hannibal, Missouri.
Craig Dowell is a Caucasian male and was 14 years old at the time of his disappearance. The clothing he was last known to be wearing, along with his height and weight is unknown.
Joey Hoag is a Caucasian male and was 13 years old at the time of his disappearance. He was last seen wearing a t-shirt and jeans – and his height and weight is...2022-11-1928 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeCold Calls No Longer So ColdThe essence of just about any job – or any type of business development – is reaching out to connect with other people. Yet one obstacle typically gets in the way: making that very first call. It shouldn’t be an obstacle, but it is uncomfortable. And we tend to avoid activities that make us feel a bit uncomfortable.
2022-11-1503 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeProfessional IntensityAn athlete’s training schedule holds an important lesson for those looking to develop a successful career.
2022-11-0801 minExperience Leadership - The Small Business PodcastImportant Things You Need to Know About Leveraging Marketing Automation with Randall CraigLeveraging automation to help you build your business
with Randall Craig
When prospects say 'no,' many are really saying 'not yet!'. But how do you stay on their radar until they are ready to buy, or consider your offer?
🛎 In this episode
Serial entrepreneur and hall-of-fame speaker, Randall Craig puts a spotlight on one of the most powerful, yet least understood marketing techniques out there. Marketing automation.
ABOUT RANDALL
Randall is a serial entrepreneur, coaches CEOs on scaling their business, and leads the Braintrust Professional Institute. He shares his unique perspective through his eight...2022-11-0845 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeSix Tests for Testing TrendsHow often have you read a prediction, statement, or about a trend, and began to wonder if it were true? Sadly, with so many instant experts, pundits, and self-serving gurus, it is sometimes difficult to tell fact from fake news. In this podcast, Randall reviews six tests that can help you improve your signal-to-noise ratio.
2022-11-0103 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Good Old DaysHave you ever spent time with some colleagues talking about the good old days? Perhaps wishing that someone you worked with was still part of the team? Or maybe wishing that the old bonus plan was still in place?
2022-10-2501 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeNo Digital Dial ToneFor many of us, Social Media has become ubiquitous: we couldn’t imagine a day without Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. or TikTok. For many companies, Social Media is at the core of their marketing strategies.
But what if the plug was pulled?
2022-10-1803 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Power of DiversityThe term diversity has become associated with the human rights movement, and lives in the same space with terms such as enforcement, quotas, and affirmative action. Despite these seemingly negative terms, there is a powerful case for organizations to adopt a positive and proactive approach to diversity.
2022-10-1102 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Toughest QuestionWith millions of pages written on the subject, presumably there is an answer for every Digital Strategy question that comes up. Unfortunately, this is not the case – and it’s not Google’s fault.
2022-10-0402 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeGoal CultureDo you look for shortcuts in order to more efficiently reach your goals? Do you feel jealous when others achieve before you do? If so, it’s not surprising: you’ve been programmed that way. Many organizations set annual goals for their employees; they follow-up with annual evaluations. Compensation is tied directly to achievement… and the cycle continues. You’ve been programmed.
2022-09-2701 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeA Motivating Call to ActionHave you ever been in a situation where someone has used a word that seemed wrong? Or maybe out-of-place, suboptimal, or or ill-considered? Each of these three words means something slightly different, and each tugs a slightly different emotional chord, although in this case, they are all negative.
2022-09-2002 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeCutting Through the Digital ClutterHow much spam do you get in your email box each day? Probably too much. How many Social Media “updates” do you read each day? Probably too many. And how relevant are they? Not.
2022-09-1305 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeFit and SharpMost successful executives are bombarded with emails, voicemails, text messages, Social Media messages, and a queue of people looking for feedback or approval. With their attention so divided, how much time do they have to be creative, do their own analysis, or even digest the big picture?
2022-09-0602 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeContent at the Intersection of RelevanceHow often do you read a blog post or listen to a podcast that was just not relevant? Or from the content creator's perspective, how do you make sure that your content is relevant, makes a difference, and achieves its objectives?
2022-08-3003 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThink DifferentHave you ever been in a situation where you answered someone’s question, and you’re sure that they didn’t “get” your answer? Or have you tried to explain an issue to a work colleague – and all you get is a blank stare?
2022-08-2303 min
The Gravel Ride. A cycling podcastWhat makes a great wheelset with Randall Jacobs of LōgōsIn this episode, Craig has Randall back in the guest chair to explore wheel design and development along with the philosophy and design principles behind Lōgōs and its new Omnium wheel collection. From engagement systems and materials to profile design and assembly and everything in between, this episode will leave you with a broad understanding of the wheel landscape and equip you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about your next set of wheels regardless of brand. Episode sponsor: Hammerhead Karoo 2 (use promo code: thegravelride for a free heart rate monitor) ...2022-08-1655 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeWhen Sharing is NOT a Good IdeaIf you have spent any time on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (and now, sadly, LinkedIn), you may have been the victim of over-sharing. You are subjected to pointless, and often narcissistic postings, often from people and organizations that should know better.
While the impact on you is wasted time, the posters often don’t consider the brand impact of their actions: Every posting, comment, picture, or video, tugs the brand in one direction or another.
2022-08-1603 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeFrom Social Strategy to Successful SalesWith all of the wheel-spinning and effort spent on social media, wouldn’t it be nice to actually use it to grow sales? Not improve awareness, develop the brand, help with marketing, or “continue the conversation”. But actually sell.
2022-08-0902 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeWhat Can We Learn from Project Managers?Project managers the world over build Gantt charts, PERT charts, Work Breakdown Structures. They focus on delivering on-time, on-budget. No matter your role, is there something that can be learned from the profession of project management?
2022-08-0203 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeGenerating ROI: The other 93%How do you determine the ROI on your marketing and sales investments?
Unfortunately, most marketers focus on the conversion rate - say 5%. But this is a fundamental error: what about the other 95 per cent that haven't converted? What can be done about them?
2022-07-2604 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeMarketing: Gutless and SpinelessGutless and spineless…and afraid of the marketplace of ideas. These are not exactly the attributes that most organizations (or people) aspire to. Yet most have a Social Media strategy that conveys precisely that.
2022-07-1903 min
The Frankie Boyer ShowRandall Craig, Aggie Blum Thompson, Ellen Cullen of YourFutureHealth.comRandall Craig -- Digital Business Experthttps://www.randallcraig.comTwitter: @randallcraigRandall Craig is author of eight books, including The Everything Guide to Starting an Online Business and best-seller Personal Balance Sheet. Randall has founded several successful start-ups, held a long-time position at a 'big-four' consulting firm, and was a public company executive. He is currently CEO of consulting firm Pinetree Advisors. He is a CFA, MBA, FCMC, CSP, and has a Black Belt in Karate. https://www.randallcraig.com/Aggie Blum Thompsonhttps://aggieblumthompson.comAggie Blum Thompson, author of All...2022-07-1339 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeA New Take on Market ResearchYou invest in events, send out emails, educate, and send invoices. But how well do you really know your target audience?
Beyond the basic demographics, perhaps not as well as you might think...
2022-07-1203 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeContent Creation and Idea SeedingHave you ever spent time staring at your blank screen, wondering what your next blog post should be about, then staring at the clock, stressing about the looming deadline. While it’s tempting to think of this problem as writer’s block, it is really a question of process gone wrong. (Or rather, gone missing.)
2022-07-0506 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeHow Journalists Improve Reader EngagementWhat is the one lesson that appears in every newspaper article, every magazine article, and for that matter, every bestselling book? Journalists and editors realize that they have to work exceptionally hard to get people to actually read what they write. And unless you actually do so, their work has no value – so they have become experts on “hooking” you in. Here’s how they do it.
2022-06-2804 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeAudience AssumptionsMy recent trip to India has once again sensitized me to an assumption that writers and speakers too often make: that everyone understands what you mean to say.
This is absolutely not the case. Test yourself – what do the following three words mean? Flyover, Subway, and Removalist.
2022-06-2102 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeBuilding Your Personal InfluenceGovernments use regulation to influence how we each make decisions, either through tax policy or laws. Business uses money to change our behavior, either through commission plans, bonuses, or advertising. But how do we, as individuals, change the attitudes and behavior of those around us?
2022-06-1403 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeDigital Efficiency and Findability: Anchors and OutpostsWhere do you call your social home? Likely it includes LinkedIn and Facebook. Perhaps YouTube and Twitter. But what about Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok? Or, the 500+ other social networks that exist?
The significant challenge of social media is that you don’t know who is looking for you (or your services), nor where. What you do know is that if your target users can’t find you on these 500+ sites, then a potentially important opportunity will be lost.
But who has the resources to maintain a presence on 500+ sites, let alone 50? (Or ten?)
Enter th...2022-06-0703 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeExpert-writers, and Writer-expertsWhile the internet has changed the world of publishing fundamentally, the world of writing has been fundamentally shifted as well.
Consider the vastly different groups who are actually doing the writing: Professional writers, and Subject Matter Experts...
2022-05-3106 min
The Video Presenter ShowCheap, Smart, or Trusted: Growing Your Business with Video | Randall CraigHow do you compete: Price, Expertise, or Trust?Are you a Commodity, Academic, Golfer, or Star? How do you grow your business with video?Today, we talk about Cheap, Smart, or Trusted: Growing your business with videoWhen it comes to business and competition, we can agree that it's not about us - it is about how we can solve their problem. That being said, it is important that we are clear with our service offer to our market. Additionally, trust is big when it comes to our business. Trust is...2022-05-2625 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeContent Delivery Magic BulletIs your content really that effective? Do they grab the reader, listener, or viewer, and convince them to continue? And is there a magic bullet that can immediately make this so?
Too often, content is an outgrowth of “stream of consciousness” thinking, and rarely hits the mark. Adding strategyand structure can make a vast improvement.
2022-05-2404 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeExiting the Bubble: Unfinding Your TribeDo you actively seek out different opinions than your own, or unwittingly reinforce your personal world-view by only consuming “agreeable” content? While we may think we do the former – who doesn’t have a self image of being open-minded – too often we live in a bubble.
2022-05-1703 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeConsistency Builds TrustHow often have you struggled to show up on time for a meeting, only to be kept waiting as others stumbled in 5-10-15 minutes later? Or have you ever tuned in to your favorite TV show, only to find that it was “rescheduled” for some other time? Or travelled to a faraway store, but finding it had closed an hour early and you couldn’t get in.
Research shows that by far, the two most important determinants of service quality are responsiveness and reliability...
2022-05-1002 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeEight Disruptive Business ModelsDo you see your website, CRM, social media, and other digital initiatives as a way to improve service levels, market your organization, or be a central part of your thought leadership strategy? While important, at best these are merely tactics: too often the bigger opportunity of digital transformation is ignored. This isn’t surprising, as digital initiatives are often driven from marketing or IT, not from the board or the CEO.
2022-05-0304 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeAvoiding Tech Project Failures - Part twoHave you ever had a problem – or a disastrous – project in your organization? When this happens, it is often “clear” that the problem is with the consultants hired to help, and sadly, this is often true. But is some of the fault also with your organization?
2022-04-2604 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeAvoiding Tech Project Failures - Part OneHas your organization invested in a “game-changing” software project, only to discover that the promised benefits never really materialize? Or that the implementation was so flawed that the system is regarded as a financial and operating disaster?
Sadly, this happens far more than it should… but must this always be the case?
2022-04-1905 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeBrand Values: Reporter or Columnist?Would you rather be a reporter, or a columnist?
Reporters have a great combination of investigative skills, communication skills, moxy, and pluck. Columnists are made from the same raw material, but they get paid far more. Why?
2022-04-1203 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeCreative Time and PlaceHow can you be your most creative? Google the topic and you will find millions of pages with an answer. Some will say you are “born” with it. Others will say it is a matter of following a process. And others will claim it is a matter of using a secret sauce formula, which, when applied, will help you create the new and the beautiful...
2022-04-0501 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeCheap, Smart, and TrustedToo often, the signals we send through digital channels (web, social, email, etc) are so focused on transactions – which often mean price – or so focused on expertise – which means content – but very little is focused on trust. Pretend to be a client: when they interact with you online, will they see you as cheap, smart, or trusted?
2022-03-2902 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeConsuming Content and Scanning VideoUnlike the written word, it is almost impossible to scan a video and get any value from it. At best, a video scan helps a user find their place: at worst, it is an exercise in frustration. But does it have to be such a low-value experience? Is there a way to impregnate your video with value, knowing full well that the user might merely be a scanner?
2022-03-2204 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeTwo Ears and One MouthDid you ever wonder how children can so quickly learn new things? And ever hear the expression “Children should be seen, and not heard”? Maybe there is a connection between these two concepts that can help us be better leaders.
2022-03-1502 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeMaking a Difference: What's your 365?What professional activity have you purposely decided to do over a multiyear time-frame, continuously? Perhaps attending monthly trade association meetings? Completing an advanced degree or certification? Or perhaps writing a thoughtful blog?
The concept of 365 is equally applicable at the organizational level: what is the stake in the ground – and the associated initiatives that support it – that your organization is known for?
2022-03-0802 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeToday Marketing or Tomorrow MarketingWhile the increasing speed of change is not new, how we market around it is. Today, marketers have two key responsibilities: the ‘today’ marketing of today’s products and services, and the ‘today’ discovery of tomorrow’s products and services. Unfortunately, because of the very real pressure to drive current quarter sales, most marketers focus exclusively on the today. Tomorrow is someone else’s problem.
2022-03-0104 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeMoney Now or Money LaterWhere do you spend your organization’s budget? Should it be on communications, or on training? Should it be on infrastructure, or on people? Inside the organization, or to partners?
While these may all be good questions, there is merit on reframing it – especially when it comes to questions around growth.
2022-02-2202 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeBuilding your Marketing StackMost marketers think of themselves as builders. Their work grows the organization, grows market share, grows the portfolio of products and services. A bit more tactically, the marketer builds page views, conversions, and social engagement; underlying all of these activities, the marketer builds trust, and builds relationships.
But is there merit in growing marketing itself? Not the ad spend or departmental head count, but the number of simultaneous marketing initiatives that the organization can successfully run?
2022-02-1504 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeChoosing your Marketing VoiceHave you ever considered why some of your content resonates, and some seems just a bit off? Too often emails – especially ones that form part of a marketing automation sequence – fail because of one thing: voice.
2022-02-0802 min
The Gravel Ride. A cycling podcastCraig Calfee Part 2: Gravel Industry PioneerIn this part two of our conversation with bike industry pioneer Craig Calfee, he and Randall do a deep dive into the merits of suspension on gravel and road bikes before jumping into e-bike conversions, variable head angles, regenerative braking, an E-motorcycle project Craig is involved with in Africa, ideas for the ultimate mass-produced frame, and the challenges and opportunities of localized assembly and production. Calfee Designs Website Join The Ridership Support the Podcast Automated transcription, please excuse the typos: Craig Calfee Part 2 [00:00:00] Randal R. Jacobs: Welcome to the gravel ride po...2022-02-011h 04
So Here’s Your ChallengeBlog and Podcast IntentionsWith so many people and organizations getting on the blogging and podcasting bus, it seems that blogging must be very important. But why? Deciding on a strategy helps clarify the underlying purpose of the content itself, and provides focus to the creative process.
2022-02-0104 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Host - Networking techniqueWho do you prefer being – the host or the guest?
When you are asked to be a guest at an event, it is a validation of your skills, experience, and your importance. Of course, being a guest has it’s obligations: if the invitation is a personal one, you often will bring a small gift. If it’s professional, you are expected to contribute your professional attention to the purpose of the event.
2022-01-2502 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeSkip the Market ResearchAt its core, the rationale for market research is to help make better decisions. Market research can discover, validate, and reduce risk. It can improve ROI, improve management confidence, and expose competitive threat. And it can also be the worst thing that an organization can do.
Even when done perfectly, traditional market research – both qualitative (focus groups, interviews, etc) and quantitative (surveys) – has one inherent flaw: it takes time.
2022-01-1806 min
The Gravel Ride. A cycling podcastCraig Calfee - Bicycle Industry pioneerThis week Randall sits down with bicycle industry pioneer, Craig Calfee. Craig has been an industry leader for decades with his work on the Calfee brand and many other collaborations throughout the industry. You cannot find someone more knowledgable about carbon (or bamboo) as a material. Calfee Designs Website Join The Ridership Support the Podcast Automated Transcription, please excuse the typos: Craig Calfee Randall [00:00:00] [00:00:04] Randall: Welcome to the gravel ride podcast. I'm your host Randall Jacobs and our guest today is Craig Calfee. Craig is the founder of...2022-01-121h 10
So Here’s Your ChallengeTrust: Earning the Right to AskToday, we see digital marketing techniques (such as “squeeze-pages”) that also presume too much: How many sites have you seen that exhort the reader to “Sign up for our promotional newsletter, and we’ll give you a free ebook.”
Unfortunately, this approach is completely backwards: the marketer is asking for something – your contact details – without earning the right to do so. Even worse, they are trying to bribe you (the so-called ethical bribe) to participate! If the goal is to build trust, the “transaction” must be completely different: First give, then get.
2022-01-1104 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeSocial Media: Buy or RentWhat do houses, cars, and Social Media all have in common? For one thing, they all share a primary question: Buy or Rent. Buy a house, or look for a rental? Buy a car, or lease it? And should we rent our Social Media, or build our own?
Most leaders don’t even think about this last question, because they don’t consider that Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube (and in fact, every Social Media site) is rented space.
2022-01-0402 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeRe-looking at the rush to digitalDoes the trend to digital mean that traditional communications are effectively… dead? That all of your traditional communication tools (newsletters, magazines, brochures, booklets, etc) are destined for the trash heap?
One only needs to look at the sorry plight of the newspaper business to see that the future doesn’t look rosy. The world has changed.
2021-12-2805 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeUnpacking Relationship Marketing: The 4 R'sHave you ever felt that each year, there is yet another set of marketing buzzwords that you need to learn? Service marketing, value marketing, values-based marketing, content marketing, Social Media marketing, and the list goes on. What these terms all have in common is the connection between your organization and its target prospects: the relationship.
While much has already been written about relationship marketing, sometimes unpacking the term in a different way will yield some different (and valuable) insights. Consider, the four Rs of Growth: Recruitment, Retention, Referral, and Recovery.
2021-12-2104 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeSocial Attention SpanHow long is your attention span? How long is the attention span of your clients, colleagues, or kids? The conventional wisdom is that it is very short – 30 seconds – the length of a typical TV commercial. Supposedly, the attention span of a Gen-Xer is even shorter.
Thankfully, both of these urban legends are wrong – very wrong. The attention span is highly variable, but is dependent on two key factors, both of which are under your control.
2021-12-1402 min
What Matters: ConversationsWhat Matters Conversations with Karen RandallHow can psychosynthesis inform our unfolding in life and work?Karen Randall is a Transition Life Coach, Creative Arts Facilitator, and Director of Coaching Internships and Supervision at Synthesis Center San Francisco. She has walked many paths in her life and work. In this episode of What Matters, Conversations, Craig Behenna talks to Karen about her path to psychosynthesis and the importance of her work as a coach. Karen also discusses the importance of sports coaching in her life and as an unexpected path to life coaching, sharing her insights into the world o...2021-12-081h 01
So Here’s Your ChallengeImproving Marketing Data QualityThere is an eerie parallel between marketing automation today, and desktop publishing in the mid-late 1980’s. Back then, the newfound ability to choose between so many fonts/sizes/styles gave the writer incredible power when it came to formatting and layout. Some of what was produced was brilliant – but most was a disaster. Today, marketers have been given similar superpowers: some superpowers are being used brilliantly, and some… not so much so. (And some marketers don’t even know what these marketing automation superpowers actually are.)
2021-12-0704 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeToo many domain names?In the olden days, domain names were easy. Take your brand, add dot com and you’re done. Those of us who didn’t want to fight the squatters also registered the dot net and dot org versions. But with 100's of domains available, how many is too many?
2021-11-3001 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeIdentity Theft and Email SpoofingThe biggest risk in email fraud isn’t clumsy emails of this nature, but when a hacker gets access to your email account, and actually sends their requests directly from the account itself.
2021-11-2304 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeFinding Digital Opportunity in a smaller and faster worldThe world is changing: it’s getting smaller. Ironically though, the smaller it gets, the more choice there seems to be.
So much choice means that we need to know what we are looking for, and why, before we begin our expedition of discovery.
2021-11-1603 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeFrameworks: Focus on the QuestionWhenever there is uncertainty, we look for answers. We investigate alternatives, and then choose a course of action. Often, however, we are unsatisfied with the results, or have a sinking feeling that we’ve missed a key piece of information along the way.
2021-11-0902 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeTransformational ThinkingThere is absolutely nothing wrong with incremental improvement: in fact, it should be part of the day-to-day processes. But when there is an inflection point – new year, new strategy, new staff in the role, new senior leadership, etc – it is a shame to squander the opportunity to make substantive, and possibly transformational, improvements.
2021-11-0203 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Sharpest Point - Part twoHave you ever listened to a presentation, and felt the signal-to-noise ratio could have been improved? Or have you ever delivered a critical presentation, and felt that you could have done better… but you were not precisely sure how?
Too often we add debris into our presentations. These are those filler words, unrelated sidebars, and administrative notes that we unwittingly slip in. They get in the way: debris obscures your point, distracts the listener, and extends the amount of time required to deliver your message.
2021-10-2602 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeThe Sharpest Point - Part oneMost first impressions are formed within the first 10 seconds of conversation. Most hiring managers will take only 20-40 seconds to screen a resume. Most prospects will tune out a sales presentations in the same amount of time. What is the key to forming that first great impression?
2021-10-1903 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeLearning from the RestEver hear the expression Learn from the Best? This is great when it comes to a coach or consultant, but a more powerful concept is Learning from the Rest.
Each day, we interact with our workmates, friends, and sometimes even the youngest of children. Each of these folks has something unique that they can give us, if only we paid close enough attention.
2021-10-1202 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeObjectivity or the Information BubbleThe internet is squeezing out traditional journalism. Something is gained, but something is also being lost. No guarantee of accuracy. No editing. No guarantee of independence. No oversight. While it is true that the wisdom of the crowd will expose the most egregious errors (and bias), there is no guarantee that what is being read is reporting, or merely opinion masquerading as reporting, or even propaganda pretending to be reporting.
2021-10-0504 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeBrand Building - Strong on the InsideHow much does your organization spend on your brand? Usually, this question yields answers in the following spending categories: research, logo design, collateral production, messaging, and ads. And maybe content, Social Media, and a few other things.
While all of these are important, this list is missing the two fundamental delivery mechanisms of the brand itself: people, and the online user experience.
2021-09-2103 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeNurture Marketing - No or Not Yet?Have you ever put in a proposal, or answered an enquiry about your products or services, and then waited patiently for their answer about the next step? If they found you via referral, or through your content, then they likely value your expertise, but perhaps the timing may not be right: when they say no, they may really mean not yet.
2021-09-1406 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeTrusted Advisor and Thought LeadershipIs there a gap between how you perceive yourself, and the reality that others see? Too often, we use self-descriptive marketing terms so much that we convince ourselves of their truth. And what are the biggest culprits? Here are two: Thought Leader and Trusted Advisor.
2021-07-2003 min
So Here’s Your ChallengeMarketing Lessons from McDonald's and Five GuysMarketers can learn an important lesson from fast food menus, and particularly, the vastly different strategies of McDonald’s and Five Guys.
2021-07-2004 min
HimprovementDeveloping Your Work Ethic and Building Confidence with Jake CraigOne of the ways that we can develop the traits necessary for success is through physical fitness. The discipline, work ethic, and consistency needed to get results in the gym can directly carry over to anything ranging from school to your career. In this episode of Himprovement, Jake Craig, a self-improvement author and live streamer, talked about this in depth while also giving tips for how to develop confidence with his R.E.P. Process. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/kfQaS8E8Pj4Check out Jake's work here: wlo.link/@ilc--- Send in a v...2021-06-2859 min
Your Intended Message44 Randall Craig, Costs, Risk & Caveats of Social MediaIs your business wasting time & money on social media?
Randall Craig explores the value, risk and role of social media in your marketing campaign.
Maybe your business should NOT be on social media!
We explore these questions and issues:
How much can you trust social media?
Are you clear on the trust and privacy violations?
Are you transparent and honest with your clients?
Randall Craig is one of Canada's internet pioneers: He put the Toronto Star Online, The Globe and Mail's GlobeInvestor, Workopolis, and over 100 o...2021-05-2735 minThe Frankie Boyer ShowRandall Craig, Author Of Eight BooksFirst is Randall Craig, Author of eight books, including The Everything Guide to Starting an Online Business, Digital Transformation for Associations, the Online PR and Social Media series, and best-seller Personal Balance Sheet. https://www.expertclick.com/19-3025Then it's Randy Rolfe a wife and mother who left the practice of law to focus on family and health and who has now helped many thousands of parents with parent-child communication, marriage issues, child nutrition, work-life balance, homeschooling, relationships with grown children, healthy weight loss, natural living, environmental health, grief and healing, energy medicine, paleo diet, addiction recovery, personality...2021-05-0439 minYour Intended Message35 Randall Craig, Digital Strategy & Thought LeadershipHow does Digital Strategy fit with Thought Leadership?
Randall Craig addresses these questions and more...
How might you recognize thought leadership?
What's the difference between thought leadership and expertise?
What are the 10 tests to measure the degree of thought leadership?
Learn more about Randall Craig and his services to support your digital strategy at his website
https://www.randallcraig.com/
Randall Craig is an internet pioneer who led the digital strategies for several major market newspapers, consulting firms, and financial institutions since 1994. He has helped over...2021-03-2540 min
The Gravel Ride. A cycling podcastIn the dirt Episode 2 with Craig and RandallIn the Dirt covers the latest news and commentary from the gravel cycling community. This week we discuss the impending name change for DK and some of the voices we should be listening too. Followed by a discussion about the exploding field of gravel bike bags to optimize your ride. Each week we conclude with 'can't let it go' where Randall and Craig talk about what they can't let go of gravel cycling or otherwise. Alexandera Houchin's thoughtful article on The Radavist. A must-read. 2020-06-3031 min
Let’s Talk Recovery HoustonRandall CraigRandall Craig shares his experience, strength, and hope. 2020-06-1543 min
HatRadio!: Just a Jewish guy, trying with friends, to figure out what the hell is going on!Episode 48 - Randall Craig Wrote a Musical from his Hospital Bed. Life! L'chaim!EPISODE 48 HATRADIO!
Randall Craig was diagnosed with the ‘bad’ type of leukemia. His friends moved a digital piano into his room... and so he started writing a musical - a modern take on the story of Esther. The first song Randall wrote was in his hospital bed right after chemo. His message is, ‘we can all be an Esther’ - courageous with the ability to change the world. His mind is sharp. He is incredibly excited about life with an inimitable spirit; the type God or man cannot keep down. Listen for the ‘Peanut butter’ story. He wakes up every day and with gusto says, ...2019-12-1300 min