iDigress with Troy Sandidge

In this powerful episode, we dive into a transformative approach to client relationships that will change the way you do business, going beyond the surface to tackle some of the most pressing challenges entrepreneurs face today — especially those who want to maintain high standards, protect their boundaries, and ensure they’re working with clients who truly value what they bring to the table.We explore the concept of making your clients audition for the privilege of working with you, much like contestants on American Idol. This isn’t about playing hard to get; it’s about setting clear boundaries, commanding confidence, and ensuring that the clients you take on are aligned with your values, vision, and the level of service you provide.In this episode, I discuss:Auditioning Your Clients: Just like in American Idol, not everyone makes it to the next round. I’ll teach you how to audition your clients, guiding you on principles to help them either self-eliminate or clearly identify themselves as strong potential candidates.Creating Demand Generation: Discover how to generate strong demand for your services, making clients eager to work with you. When done right, this approach flips the script, positioning you as the sought-after expert who clients are vying to work with.Combating Scope Creep: Learn how to protect your time and resources by setting firm boundaries from the start, ensuring that your projects stay within scope and that you're compensated fairly for any additional work.Setting Boundaries and Expectations as an Empath: As someone who genuinely cares about others (and I'm sure you do in your business), it can be challenging to enforce boundaries. I’ll share strategies to balance empathy with the necessity of maintaining your professional integrity.Commanding Confidence in the Discovery Phase: The initial discovery phase is crucial for establishing authority and setting the tone for the entire client relationship. I’ll guide you on how to exude confidence and control during this critical stage.Mastering Value-Based Pricing: Discover how to shift the focus from cost to value, ensuring that clients understand and appreciate the worth of your services. I’ll share techniques for implementing value-based pricing that aligns with the results you deliver, helping you command higher fees while maintaining client satisfaction.Maintaining High-Profit Margins: Learn strategies to keep your profit margins high without compromising on the quality of your work. We’ll discuss how to structure your offerings and negotiations to ensure you’re paid what you deserve, allowing you to focus on delivering excellence.Removing Objections with Confidence: Objections can derail a conversation and undermine the perceived value of your services. I’ll guide you on addressing and removing objections preemptively, creating an environment where clients see you as the essential bridge to achieving their goals. By removing the air out of the room, you’ll keep the focus on the vision and the transformative impact of working with you.Eliminating Budget Concerns: Learn how to remove budget from the equation by shifting the conversation to value. I’ll show you how to guide clients to see the worth of your services, allowing you to command the rates you deserve while keeping your profit margins high.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for elevating your business relationships, protecting your time and energy, and ensuring that the clients you work with are a perfect fit for your services. If you’re tired of chasing clients, compromising on rates, or dealing with constant scope creep, this episode is for you. Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

8/22/24 • 40:22

In this intimate and revealing episode, Dr. Frances Richards sits down with me for a deep, one-on-one conversation where I open up like never before. I get honest, vulnerable, and real about my journey as a BIPOC entrepreneur, sharing the challenges, struggles, and triumphs I’ve faced along the way. I reflect on the unique obstacles and victories that have shaped my path as a black man navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. This episode is one of the most candid and authentic moments I’ve shared, offering insights not just into my professional life but into the personal experiences that have defined me. Tune in for a powerful discussion on the realities of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the lessons I’ve learned that can inspire and guide others on their own journeys!And no this is just a snippet of the one-on-one interview, to listen to the full interview in its entirety, you can listen to my interview with Dr. Frances Richards' podcast here, Ep 409.Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

8/19/24 • 36:46

In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship with Sarah Chen-Spellings, a venture capitalist, strategist, and co-founder of Beyond the Billion. Join us as we explore the journey of building billion-dollar unicorns, where success is not just about having a great idea, but mastering the art of pitching, navigating the inevitable rejections, and persisting through the toughest challenges.Sarah shares her unique insights on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape. From her experience leading a global consortium investing over $1 Billion in women-founded companies to her work as a seasoned strategist and host of the "Billion Dollar Moves" podcast, Sarah offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, this episode is your masterclass on how to pitch, overcome rejection, and ultimately succeed in the billion-dollar game. Learn the critical strategies that differentiate those who thrive from those who fall short, and discover the mindset needed to turn risk into reward.In this episode, you'll discover:• The art of pitching: How to craft a compelling pitch that stands out in a crowded market.• Overcoming rejection: Proven strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities and building resilience.• Navigating risk: Insights on how to manage and mitigate the risks inherent in scaling a business to unicorn status.• The modern entrepreneur's mindset: What it takes to succeed in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving business environment.•  Entrepreneurial  diversity: Strategies for bringing more diverse entrepreneurs—women, Black, Latina, Asian, and others—to the table and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed in the billion-dollar game.• Sarah's personal journey: Lessons from her experience co-founding Beyond the Billion and her role in shaping the future of venture capital.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from one of the leading voices in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn how you can build your own billion-dollar unicorn! Connect With Sarah Chen-Spellings:•  Listen to the Billion Dollar Moves Podcast with Sarah Chen-Spellings•  Learn about Beyond The Billion's mission to catalyze capital for innovative, venture-backable women-funded companies •  Visit Sarah's website to see all of the things she has going on•  Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

8/15/24 • 54:45

What if everything you thought was fueling your business growth is actually holding you back? In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden flaws in your data that could be sabotaging your success. Discover how to fix these cracks, align your strategy, and build a powerful "brand orbit" that not only keeps you in business but propels you to new heights. This is the game-changer you've been waiting for – don't miss out!Beyond The Episode Gems:• Get Your FREE 3-Step Pitch Guide [Downloadable]• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Book Your Tickets For Content Marketing World, Use My Code "SANDIDGE100" For $100 Off Tickets!• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Please Give A Rating & Review For The iDigress Podcast: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy 

8/13/24 • 42:06

One of the BIGGEST mistakes most businesses make? They assume who they're speaking to is just like them.But that's furthest from the truth. Does it feel like anything you put out there just gets lost in the "multiverse" of people?No results? No growth? Nothing is connecting to your audience at the volume or pace you desire?We all have different life experiences, values, and priorities that influence our culture.We must connect to the multiverse of cultures of each and every person we hope to engage and buy from us.There are three baskets of culture: 1) World Culture 2) Local Culture and 3) Personal CultureThis episode will connect and highlight why understanding the three-tier layer culture of your audience  will make all the difference in how you grow, how fast you grow, and the most sustainable ways growth can be amplified by your community at large!Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

8/8/24 • 56:43

Peak ROI is different for everyone: every department, team, personnel, investor, stakeholder, and executive.Those that are impacted the most? Your marketing and sales teams. What's worse? Most aren't aligned on results to focus on.This is what's holding many businesses back from achieving peak performance across the board.Eliminate the "bad blood" between marketing and sales and help them align their goals, processes, and metrics, and watch what happens! Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

8/5/24 • 29:14

Every marketer knows the frustration of campaigns that don't convert.Sales teams grapple with cold leads that never warm up.Creators feel the sting of content that falls flat, and businesses watch potential customers slip away.These struggles are all too familiar, and the quest for the perfect tool or strategy seems never-ending.Imagine transforming your marketing, sales, and growth efforts tenfold without changing your strategy, tools, or team.The secret? It's not about doing more; it's about the words you choose.The right copy in your headlines, thumbnails, messaging, responses, and scripts can connect deeply with your audience and move mountains.Powerful, compelling copy isn't just an accessory to your marketing efforts—it's the engine that drives them, turning potential into performance and engagement into exponential growth.In this episode, we will explore the transformative power of the right words and how they can be the game-changer your business needs. Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Read HubSpot's State of Marketing 2024 Report Surveyed By 1,400+ Marketing Professionals• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

8/1/24 • 38:25

Is Ignoring Social Issues in Your Marketing, Sales, & Communication the Best Course of Action? Think Again!How do you navigate social media responsibly during racial conflicts, politics, social issues, hot topics as a business, leader, marketer, creator, social media or community manager?Many feel that what happens in the world doesn’t impact their content calendar, marketing campaign, sales outreach, message tone, or method of distribution whatsoever in regards to their audience.That is completely wrong and furthest from the truth.From George Floyd (2020) to Sonya Massey (presently navigating) to the presidential election (again) to massive layoffs to oppressed people impacted in numerous places around the world and beyond as the list goes on and on…Just staying in your bubble because maybe you don’t identify, relate, acknowledge, believe, or whatever the case may be and not adjusting or acknowledging anything in any way may seem like the best course of action. But is it?The people who buy from you, work for you, watch, read, or listen to your content, attend your events, invest in you, advocate for you, and give you attention may all be impacted by such things that may not necessarily relate directly to you on an individual level, company level, and so forth.We have to acknowledge that reality.And depending on things, make adjustments accordingly. Beyond The Episode Gems:• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

7/25/24 • 37:11

What are the steps to embracing DEIBA to build a better business, create more inclusive marketing campaigns, and engage in more equitable sales practices? This episode, with questions asked by Marc D. Hans, will cover the basics of how to begin the process of integrating DEIBA into your business, tech stack, marketing, sales, HR, messaging, culture, and more. Beyond The Episode Gems:• Watch my full interview on Marc D. Hans' Think Differently Podcast• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

7/22/24 • 42:45

Chatbots, Email, Social, Video, and Artificial Intelligence... oh my! We're back at it with a breakdown of another State of Marketing deep dive, Part 2.  Beyond The Episode Gems:• Download HubSpot's State Of Marketing Report for Free• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios • Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free• Listen To The 2024 State Of Marketing Episode Part One• Discover Kelly Mirabella's Chatbot Expertise• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

7/18/24 • 42:13

Whether you’re a marketer, event organizer, community leader, business executive, or content creator, the path to achieving your desired success comes down to cultivating ideal experiences. Without that, nothing can be built, established, or mobilized within the minds of people. What makes someone pay to come to an event? What makes someone watch or read content? What makes someone buy something, anything? An experience that drove curiosity! An experience that created a need or want. And an anticipated experience of the outcome after. But how do we harness that? Where do we start? This episode will break all of that down in a simple, understandable way, as taken from my live virtual keynote presentation.Beyond The Episode Gems:All Frameworks Covered Are From Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.comSee The Video Version Of This Live Keynote PresentationDownload HubSpot's State Of Marketing Report for FreeDiscover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Discount Off Riverside & Try For Free #####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

7/12/24 • 40:29

Let's drop some real tea on innovation, AI, and the state of marketing, old school iDigress style — fast-talking, high-energy, value gems dropping every other second. Let's go on the record and break down the good, the bad, and the reality of all of these things!Is the “perception of innovation” being personified as a “standard move” more than the actual act of innovation itself?Are brands really being innovative or merely copycats adding bedazzles on top to look different?What does embracing AI vs integrating AI within your business, offering, and operations actually look like?How do we navigate all of this in the creator economy, the rise of AI, the shift from third to first-party data, and so much more?This episode is jam-packed with answers, studies, observations, and expanded considerations of intentional thoughts to explore on all of this and more.  Beyond The Episode Gems:Download HubSpot's State Of Marketing Report for FreeDiscover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Discount Off Riverside & Try For Free #####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

6/18/24 • 31:58

Perception vs. perspective has either ended businesses before they got off the ground or saved businesses with a phenomenal pivot. Many entrepreneurs, startups, business leaders, marketers, and go-to-market specialists need to acknowledge that their perception of themselves, value, product, service, or interpretation of the marketplace can be flawed, narrow-minded, or completely inaccurate. To combat this, you must embrace gaining a better perspective by exploring other possibilities of the source of truth beyond what you see, know, can identify, or believe at times.The more value threads you create in the minds and literal usability of the consumer, the stronger the bonds, and the higher the probability of becoming a buyer, an advocate, a connection conductor, and part of an engaging community of support, referrals, and brand resonance. The question is, how do you create and maintain value threads effectively? Beyond The Episode Gems:Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet The New Book "Influencer Marketing"Get Discount Off Riverside & Try For Free  #####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

5/28/24 • 36:12

Entrepreneurship is hard. Everyone says that. But why? Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, speaker, or author, these levels and the tiers of achievement and success break most people! Seventy-five percent of those that try, don't make the cut. Just like in basketball, the odds are so small to make pro, why even try? Yet those who do make it knew the odds and pursued it anyway. And in the same way, we're all digital athletes trying to be great at something within our domain. Why? How? Can we actually do it? Can we become the Steph Curry, the Caitlin Clark, the LeBron James in the thing we do? Let's talk about it! Beyond The Episode Gems:Subscribe To My New Podcast Unfiltered GrowthLearn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBAGet Discount Off Riverside & Try For Free Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

5/9/24 • 63:21

Do you know the common threads between success and failure in business? It's nothing glorious. It's all about the basics!In this episode, I discuss the realities all successful people face and the fundamentals that lead to successful outcomes. I also share my journey and lessons learned as the keynote speaker for MarkeTech Conference 2024.From missing connecting flights, losing my luggage, and figuring out alternative travel to get there on time to deliver something great! So many things learned and affirmed through the experience and I'm happy to share with everyone! Beyond The Episode Gems:Subscribe To My New Podcast Unfiltered GrowthLearn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBAGet Discount Off Riverside & Try For Free Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

4/22/24 • 32:40

It's no secret that most people are terrible at selling.They struggle with rejection. They lack confidence. They fumble with clear communication.They don't know how to build the right systems, create the right messaging, and convey the right psychological cues to win.They're making a lot of noise, doing a lot of tasks, and staying very busy, but they aren't making any money to sustain themselves. They're doing a ton of marketing based on "best practices," but their sales pipeline is empty, and their revenue is nonexistent. Is this you? Is this your sales team? Is your business struggling to get the bag in any or all of these areas?This episode will provide you with an in-depth masterclass on the art and science of selling, referencing great insights from past episodes of the iDigress Podcast catalog and my book Strategize Up.Beyond The Episode Gems:Subscribe To My New Podcast Unfiltered GrowthLearn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBADiscover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

4/6/24 • 28:30

This is Part II of our MASTERCLASS episode series on the A.I. Revolution and practicality for marketers!You can go listen to A.I. Revolution Part I here.A.I. experts Susan and Scot Westwater continue to break down the history, evolutions, practical applications, and technology integrations that are possible through Artificial intelligence. From generative to pragmatic to voice marketing and beyond, we explore its depths in a way that is easy to understand. We even cover the intentionalism, integrity, and real-world reality of how A.I. is already and will be infused even more with our daily lives and how we can apply it to help grow our businesses in equitable ways.They define A.I. as using natural language conversations to allow interactions between humans and computers. Major topics include: avoiding A.I. hype and overpromises; the need for education on practical A.I. applications; guiding businesses through an A.I. strategy rooted in empathy; using A.I. ethically to aid humans, not replace them; industry-specific use cases; measuring the business impact of A.I.; and their upcoming book "Voice Marketing" designed to advance the field. With the right strategic foundation and reasonable expectations, A.I. technologies like voice assistants and chatbots offer exciting potential to streamline operations, engage audiences, and drive growth. However, A.I. should enhance human creativity and empathy, not seek to automate everything. With deliberate innovation and compassion, A.I. can be used responsibly to create positive change.P.S. This is only a snippet. Watch the full episode on YouTube to get all the gems from this conversation!And speaking of A.I. check out HubSpot's State of Marketing Report, which talks heavily about A.I. for marketers!Special Gift: If you tweet #AIRevolution with the link to either podcast or YouTube episode and tag @FindTroy, @ScotWestwater, and SusanWestwater (@SJW75), we will send you the ConversationalAI. Readiness Checklist for Marketers! You can also share and tag us on LinkedIn to get it!Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn More About Scot & Susan's Business: Pragmatic.DigitalConnect with Scot Westwater and Susan Westwater on LinkedInBuy Scot & Susan's Latest Book: "Voice Marketing"Learn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBADiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

3/25/24 • 28:42

Ready to join the A.I. Revolution?! And no this wasn't written by Chat GPT... but I digress..On this MASTERCLASS episode, I've brought in A.I. experts Susan and Scot Westwater to break down the history, evolutions, practical applications, and technology integrations that are possible through Artificial intelligence. From generative to pragmatic to voice marketing and beyond, we explore its depths in a way that is easy to understand. We even cover the intentionalism, integrity, and real-world reality of how A.I. is already and will be infused even more with our daily lives and how we can apply it to help grow our businesses in equitable ways.A.I. experts Susan and Scott Westwater provided an in-depth look at the current state of A.I. in marketing. They define A.I. as using natural language conversations to allow interactions between humans and computers. Major topics include: avoiding A.I. hype and overpromises; the need for education on practical A.I. applications; guiding businesses through an A.I. strategy rooted in empathy; using A.I. ethically to aid humans, not replace them; industry-specific use cases; measuring the business impact of A.I.; and their upcoming book "Voice Marketing" designed to advance the field. With the right strategic foundation and reasonable expectations, A.I. technologies like voice assistants and chatbots offer exciting potential to streamline operations, engage audiences, and drive growth. However, A.I. should enhance human creativity and empathy, not seek to automate everything. With deliberate innovation and compassion, A.I. can be used responsibly to create positive change.P.S. This is only a snippet. Watch the full episode on YouTube to get all the gems from this conversation!And speaking of A.I. check out HubSpot's State of Marketing Report, which talks heavily about A.I. for marketers!Special Gift: If you tweet #AIRevolution with the link to either podcast or YouTube episode and tag @FindTroy, @ScotWestwater, and SusanWestwater (@SJW75), we will send you the ConversationalAI. Readiness Checklist for Marketers! You can also share and tag us on LinkedIn to get it!Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn More About Scot & Susan's Business: Pragmatic.DigitalConnect with Scot Westwater and Susan Westwater on LinkedInBuy Scot & Susan's Latest Book: "Voice Marketing"Learn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBADiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

3/25/24 • 29:36

Which marketing type are you? Which marketing type should you be? Which marketer do you need as a business?On this episode we will break down the history, benefits, and differences between a Full Stack Marketer, a T-Shape Marketer, an I-Shape Marketer, and a V-Shape Marketer for students, marketers, businesses looking to hire or partner with a marketer, or just curious minds in general, can grasp and understand!  Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkRead HubSpot's State of Marketing 2024 Report Surveyed By 1,400+ Marketing ProfessionalsGrow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

3/20/24 • 26:24

This is our ONE HUNDRETH Episode! We made it iDigress Listeners!In 100 episodes we achieved all of these things:• Over Half a Million Downloads & Counting Across The Globe • Top 0.5% out of 2,854,953 Podcasts Globally {ListenNotes}• Top Solo-Hosted Marketing Podcast 2x {#1 - Zapier}• Top 100 Marketing Business Podcasts {Apple Podcasts}• Top 25 Digital Marketing Podcasts All Time {#15 - GoodPods}• Top 100 Social Media Podcasts All Time {#41 - GoodPods}• Top 100 Sales Podcasts All Time {#40 - GoodPods}• Top 80 Growth Marketing Podcast {Guru Conference}• Top 100 Tech Podcasts All Time {#64 - GoodPods}• Top 100 Black Business Podcasts• Top 100 Podcasts For New Entrepreneurs • Top 50 Small Black Business Podcasts• Top 50 Business Strategy PodcastsWe became part of the HubSpot Podcast Network, was runner-up in the 2022 Webby Awards for Creativity & Marketing Podcast Category, over 500 Five-Star reviews, we're coming close to 750,000 downloads as we pursue 1 Million, and even created a book from all of the episodes as well, Strategize Up.On this episode, I will share and reflect on my journey and what I've learned but also give my deepest gratitude to all of you!Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

3/13/24 • 26:09

Growth requires change. Change requires adaptation. But let's not forget that growth starts by sowing seeds.How you build a business of success requires an irresistible offer.The only way to create that offer, is by creating something valuable defined by the market, not by your own mind.This episode will cover how we approach our business like a farmer to reap a bountiful harvest. Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

1/31/24 • 29:16

It's a new year. It's a new season. But will you achieve new growth? This episode will break down the one thing preventing you from elevating your business to new levels.There are three questions you must ask in order to increase business productivity.In addition, you must analyze your C.U.P.  in order to scale.And lastly, we'll navigate the As to the Es for sustainability.Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

1/28/24 • 26:37

Do you know the difference between knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and insights?Can you articulate and demonstrate your value through these four disciplines to win business?This episode will extensively expound on the key differences and how to gain more of each to grow your business successfully.Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

1/1/24 • 29:58

Your conversation has gone according to plan. They absolutely loved your presentation, adored your team, aligned with your mission, and resonated with your purpose. They view you as an expert in your field and feel confident in what you can do. But then it all falls apart in a hurry the moment you give the price. Sounds familiar?Well, you aren't alone. 65% of salespeople state that price is the hardest part to navigate when closing.The trick here is to associate the investment equivalent of the price point to an experience worth paying for that gets results.Consumers know the value of the sales experience and the connection that can be made with a partner company. About 84% of business buyers say that experience is just as important as the product or service being sold, with around 67% willing to pay more for a great experience. These numbers underscore the importance of a positive sales process.This episode will help you understand the four components of a great pricing infrastructure that will help you go from start to finish, hopefully with a signed contract at the end.Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

12/29/23 • 22:13

Your marketing sucks... respectfully, maybe? But let's talk about the reasons it may be failing you and what you can do about it.Think of the "best practices" in marketing and business that you hold in high regard as foundational pieces to how you do marketing and business in the first place. When was the last time you actually evaluated them? Is that information relevant to where you are now and driving results home for you? What about the people, business, and resources you learn from and base many of your implementations, strategies, martech stack, and timelines on when both evaluating the market and your business? When was the last time you assessed the relevancy of those sources in today's modern era of marketing and business operations?Think of this episode as a mental questionnaire and checklist to reevaluate the core sources that influence how you look and do marketing. Hopefully, it sparks curiosity to explore and optimize it for better results and outcomes. Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn About My New Business Venture: S3M - Where We're Driving Inclusive Marketing & DEIB Integrations ForwardDiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

11/23/23 • 19:10

Need the A to Z simplified blueprint to activate growth or accelerate the scalability of your business? This masterclass episode is for you! With Benjamin Shaprio of the MarTech Podcast as the question conductor for this episode, we navigate a series of questions to help develop a mindset mapping and growth strategy, all while using my frameworks and methodologies to help you achieve sustainable and scalable growth.The formula for achieving scalability is "Automation + Activation = Accumulation."This masterclass episode is broken down into three sections that first define and expound on growth vs scaling and how we achieve both efficiently regardless of the type of business or industry you're in. Then we navigate to the four currencies to leverage to achieve growth and accelerate your scalability. Lastly, we discuss my 6 I's to a sustainable business and how it is a great tool in your arsenal to approach building a successful business holistically.Did you love this style of episode? Tag me on social media (@FindTroy) and let me know, and don't forget to send me questions to  answer  on the show or cover them in another masterclass episode. Want to hear more? You can listen to the full three episodes of my interview with Benjamin Shapiro on the MarTech Podcast:•  Part 1 - Growing vs Scaling•  Part 2 - Four Currencies Businesses Need To Scale•  Part 3 - The 6 I's To Sustainable Growth Beyond The Episode Gems:Discover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBook A Time To Hire Me To Help You Scale Your Business#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

11/6/23 • 29:53

Where do entrepreneurs go to be reborn? After a challenging year. After losing clients. After navigating a demanding marketplace or having to pivot. Everyone talks about coming out on the other side, but what do you do when you find yourself in the sunken place as an entrepreneur or business leader?Are you navigating losing a substantial amount of clients? Is your business not growing like you hoped it would after taking a big leap of faith and making a huge investment of time, money, and energy? Maybe you're navigating unemployment? Maybe personal struggles, mental anguish, burnout, or a life-altering situation has changed everything, and you're trying to establish a new foundation to build upon again.Well, if any of this feels relatable, this episode is for you. Let's navigate how to proceed together!Beyond The Episode Gems:Discover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy 

11/1/23 • 29:46

Why do many business leaders expect other people to just "understand" their value in the marketplace?You created an LLC. You bought a domain. You built a website. You posted on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.And you're just expecting folk to come running to you after you announced you exist as a business or provide a new service?I'm sorry to bring you back to reality, but that's a dream that typically won't come to pass out of the gate.Profitable businesses become profitable businesses from great leaders who can provide a clear understanding to others about the value of the business, the impact of the service, the why behind your existence, and where you can take others.Whether you're a solopreneur, a co-founder, an executive leader, a director, a manager, or somewhere in between, a business doesn't grow, survive, thrive, scale, and expand without high-quality leadership across the board to drive revenue, leverage effective marketing, produce concrete sales tactics, and cultivate great company culture.The question becomes, are you that leader? Can you be that leader? How do you be that leader? And what does that look like?This episode will expand on questions you must answer to know what type of leader you are and where you fit into your business. We will also explore the honest truth behind the key metrics to pursue to scale your business and the myths we debunk behind what many leaders need to stop focusing on because it's a waste of time, money, and resources.This episode is full of heart, energy, and a barrage of reality checks served with a side of truth. iDigress Exclusive: This is the first iDigress episode with a video recording counterpart on YouTube. If you watch the video on YouTube and guess one of the random pop-culture phrases throughout the episode correctly and share in the comments, you will have a chance to win a free virtual copy of my book, Strategize Up! I will also give the person or business that provides the best comment summarizing the episode on YouTube an exclusive 1:1 with me for an "Ask Me Anything" experience.Note: There will only be five winners awarded a virtual copy of my book and one winner for an exclusive 1:1. You must be subscribed to my YouTube channel and leave the appropriate comment for a chance to win.Beyond The Episode Gems:Discover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyGrow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy 

9/21/23 • 26:41

Many businesses let the fear of hearing "no" stop them from being aggressive in sales. They shouldn't. It's not about hearing "no" occasionally in the sales cycle when it's more about do you know whether or not the market is saying "no" to your offerings as a business? Is there demand and need? Do they understand? This is the part where many businesses create a false perception of their business value and demand in the market. In many ways, more businesses need to think like lawyers and position their efforts to maintain a high winning percentage.You must understand the facts and seek the truth in order to operate, market, and sell accordingly.Beyond The Episode Gems:Discover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Your Tickets for INBOUNDListen to Ep 85 of the Augmentors Podcast featuring me: Strategy Hacking with Troy SandidgeChris Orlob, CEO at PClub.io 3 Sales Lessons LinkedIn PostRead My Article on Social Media Pulse: AI-Powered Productivity Hacks for MarketersRead My Article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Get Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyGrow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Need a Growth-Focused Brand Consultancy? NoMiddle.com

8/14/23 • 29:51

Power. Peace. Profit.  — three things you must have to create a sustainable, successful and growing business.But to obtain these things, it comes down to your level of productivity through processes, systems, strategies, and infrastructure. And this is where most businesses fail to implement properly which ultimately leads to their downfall.In this episode, I'll dive into how I run a multimillion dollar agency all from my iPad while sharing key systems, tools, frameworks, and productivity hacks to manage it efficiently and effectively not just for the best optimization but also for maximum profits.Beyond The Episode Gems:Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformBuy My Book Strategize Up to Maximize the Growth & Profitability of Your BusinessGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Discover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Two Free Months of Agorapulse on me: Social.Agorapulse.com/FindTroyRead My Article on Social Media Pulse: AI-Powered Productivity Hacks for MarketersRead My Article on HubSpot's Marketing Blog : 3 Reasons So Many Business Strategies Fail (And How To Succeed)#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy on Twitter: Twitter.com/FindTroy

7/22/23 • 28:19