Steve Beecham is an author, speaker, and business owner. He owns Home Town Mortgage. He discusses his business experience, referral marketing strategies, and speaking career to provide insights for entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

– Referral-based businesses thrive on deep relationships; join multiple organizations to expand your network
– Provide value and “wow” experiences to generate reciprocity and increase referrals
– Speaking careers require consistent effort in marketing and building an audience
– Diversifying business interests can lead to new opportunities and growth

Topics

Steve Beecham’s Business Background

– 30+ years in the mortgage industry
– Owns boutique mortgage company with son and small team
– Survived the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to writing and speaking
– Published 4 books on becoming a community’s “go-to” person

Referral Marketing Strategies

– Focus on making people aware of your business existence
– Paint vivid pictures of what you’re looking for when asking for referrals
– Join multiple organizations (e.g., Rotary, Chamber of Commerce) to build deep relationships
– Aim for one new deal per month from each organization joined
– Leverage social media: “kidnap” friends on Facebook to expand network

Creating “Wow” Experiences

– Go beyond good service to create memorable experiences
– Explore clients’ personal interests/needs beyond your service
– “Wow” experiences double referral rates from 10% to 20-25%
– Example: Helping a client’s son find a job in an unrelated field

Speaking Career Development

– Wrote his first book during the 2008 financial crisis, leading to speaking opportunities
– Started with free 20-minute speeches at local Rotary clubs
– Expanded to paid speaking engagements through connections (e.g., Edward Jones)
– Treat speaking as a business: market yourself, build an audience
– Leverage social media and existing network for speaking opportunities

Business Diversification

– Invested in painting and HVAC businesses using marketing expertise
– Exploring hard money loans for house flippers
– Advice: Buy and hold properties for long-term wealth-building

Rob Downey, founder of ⁠Simply Be Found⁠, discusses his company and experience in the digital marketing industry. He discusses how Simply Be Found helps small businesses with listing management, social media marketing, and AI-powered SEO. Rob shares his background, including previously selling companies to venture capital groups and working in the franchise industry.

Rob explains why small businesses should not just focus on a Google My Business profile, but instead get listed across a wide network of 500+ directories, voice assistants, and search engines. He outlines the benefits of this approach and how Simply Be Found’s $39/month service handles the listing management.

Rob discusses how Simply Be Found’s social media platform uses AI to generate unique, personalized content for each business, avoiding the generic, spammy content that often results from franchises or agencies repurposing the same posts. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and relevance.

Rob explains how Simply Be Found’s AI-driven SEO service helps businesses optimize their websites, even for those on platforms like Wix or WordPress, without requiring direct access. The service integrates with Google Analytics and Search Console to make data-driven improvements.
Rob shares how Simply Be Found had to pivot its platform-based business model after realizing it was not being used as intended. He discusses the importance of being adaptable and making tough decisions to stay ahead of technological changes, even if it means letting go of a product you’ve invested in.

Rob’s key advice is to take risks and believe in yourself, while also recognizing that making money is easier than keeping it. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating risk based on market opportunity and the ability to reach that market organically.

Cole Flanders on “The Family Table” series, discussing parenting and family life.

Key Takeaways

– Cole emphasizes intentional parenting, focusing on instilling concepts rather than just rules
– The Flanders family prioritizes Sabbath-keeping as a key tradition to pass down
– Cole balances demanding work as a Chick-fil-A operator with intentional family time
– Parenting resources like Paul David Tripp have significantly shaped their approach

Topics

Cole’s Family Background

– Married to Alicia for 9+ years
– Two children: 4.5-year-old daughter Hazel and 17-month-old son Alden
– Cole views his role as head of household, aiming to model Christ-like love

Family Traditions and Bonding

– Sunday morning “muffin makers” tradition with daughter
– Intentional about creating special moments, like chasing/playing after watering flowers
– Prioritize Sabbath-keeping on Sundays for family time and rest

Parenting Philosophy

– Focus on teaching concepts rather than just rules (e.g. respecting authority vs. specific “don’t do X”)
– Strive for consistency in parenting approach, even during vacations
– Openly discuss and admit parental mistakes/sins to children
– The ultimate goal is children’s relationship with Christ, not just worldly success

Work-Life Balance

– Navigated challenges during the Chick-fil-A leadership program while starting a family
– Intentionally chose home close to new store (1/3 mile) to maximize family time
– Recognize the intense time demands of the new store, but plan strategically as a couple

Parenting Resources

– Paul David Tripp’s materials are highly influential
– Impactful video on long-term parenting goals (mission field vs. “successful” life)

Advice for New Parents

– Remember children ultimately belong to God, not parents
– Admit weaknesses/mistakes to children, modeling need for Jesus

Next Steps

– Cole to open new Chick-fil-A store in December
– Continue intentional family time during the demanding store opening period
– Maintain Sabbath-keeping tradition in a new location

Interview with Joe Morgan on his entrepreneurial journey and business insights for Market Mavericks. He operates multiple businesses with a specialty in technology and patents.

Key Takeaways

– Joe emphasizes the importance of business plans, even for experienced entrepreneurs
– Intellectual property and patents can be lucrative opportunities, often overlooked by many
– Maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing family is crucial for long-term success
– Networking and never saying no to meetings can lead to significant opportunities

Topics

Current Business Overview

– Joe currently runs three interrelated companies
– Focus on intellectual property and technology innovation
– Aims to find more efficient ways to deliver products/services while maintaining quality and margins

First Business Venture

– Started in television production, buying a working facility through an SBA loan
– Ran the production business for about 15 years before transitioning

Intellectual Property and Innovation

– Holds over 30 patents
– Developed prepaid cellular technology (now AT&T Go Phone)
– Advises looking at existing tools/processes differently to find patentable improvements

Common Entrepreneurial Mistakes

– Focusing solely on core skills while neglecting other business aspects (e.g. HR, bookkeeping)
– Neglecting receivables and cash flow management
– Not creating a comprehensive business plan before starting

Business Plan Importance

– Forces entrepreneurs to think through potential problems and expansion plans
– Helps in budgeting and understanding the true costs of running a business
– Can be crucial for securing funding or selling the business (e.g. Joe’s $10 million sale to AT&T)

Staying Ahead in Business

– Attend industry conventions and trade shows (e.g. CES) to spot trends
– Focus on understanding where technology and market demands are heading
– Recap and analyze information gathered daily during events

Networking and Mentorship

– Never say no to a meeting, even if inconvenient
– Build relationships that can lead to future opportunities
– Seek to learn from accomplished individuals in business

Work-Life Balance

– Schedule family time like business appointments
– Recognize the importance of personal well-being for business success
– Use faith (specifically mentioned the Bible) as a guiding principle in business

Former NFL Pro Bowl player Ovie Mughelli shares about his career journey, leadership lessons, and current work in healthcare advocacy.

Key Takeaways

– Ovie’s journey from underdog to NFL Pro Bowl fullback exemplifies perseverance and striving for excellence
– Leadership lessons learned from NFL teammates/coaches: lead by example, hold others accountable, be authentic
– Post-NFL, Ovie advocates for health equity through wellness programs for companies
– Key advice: Cultivate and maintain genuine relationships with 20-30 key people in your network

Ovie’s Path to the NFL

– Nigerian immigrant parents expected him to become a doctor/lawyer/engineer
– Only black player at private high school, faced doubts about ability
– Walked on at Wake Forest, switched from tailback to fullback
– Drafted by Baltimore Ravens in the 4th round, became highest-paid fullback with Atlanta Falcons

Leadership Lessons from the NFL

– Learned from Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez
– Matt Ryan demanded respect through actions and held teammates accountable
– Authentic leadership is crucial – players can detect insincerity
– Great leaders adapt their style to different individuals on the team

Pro Bowl Experience

– Made Pro Bowl in 2010 after a focused effort to prove his worth
– Had to advocate for himself and have others highlight his contributions
– Former coach Brian Billick, now a commentator, showcased Ovie’s skills
– Emotional moment when agent called to say he made the Pro Bowl

Post-NFL Career

– Worked in sports media/broadcasting initially after retiring
– Now advocates for health equity through corporate wellness programs
– Company: Nowlonness Consulting – helps businesses offer employee wellness benefits

Career Transition Advice

– Cultivate 20-30 key relationships and maintain them genuinely
– Use a CRM to track contacts and set reminders to check in regularly
– Don’t only reach out when you need something from people
– Strong relationships often matter more than skills when changing careers