Luddite No More: Susan & Scot Westwater on Voice Search, AI, and Building Better Brands
Voice Search & AI: Insights from Susan & Scot Westwater on Building Brands and Boosting Inbound Marketing
In this episode, Mark & Cynthia take on the role of the inquisitive luddite, exploring the realms of Voice Marketing, AI-powered content creation, and their profound impact on businesses.
️ Join us for captivating conversations with our expert guests:
- Susan & Scot Westwater of Pragmatic.Digital: Discover the future of marketing with voice search technology and conversational AI. Susan and Scot unveil insights from their new book on Voice Marketing, shedding light on how businesses can leverage these innovative tools to engage customers and stay ahead of the curve.
- Vivek Gargav of Caldere Associates: Explore the power of AI in content marketing as Vivek shares his remarkable success story. Learn how he harnessed ChatGPT and other AI tools to achieve a remarkable 400% ROI over just six months. Vivek’s experience provides actionable takeaways for businesses aiming to boost their content strategy’s effectiveness.
- Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses: Susan and Scot share invaluable insights into using AI tools like Bard and Google My Business. Learn how even small businesses with shoestring budgets can create a competitive advantage by harnessing AI’s capabilities. Uncover strategies that can propel your business forward in an increasingly digital world.
Key Takeaways
- Voice Search Optimization for Small Businesses:
- Optimize Google My Business profiles to answer customer questions and enhance discoverability.
- Examples include local pest control businesses increasing inbound calls exponentially by refining their listings.
- Conversational AI for Brand Building:
- Leverage tools like ChatGPT and Bard to analyze content and identify top-of-funnel opportunities.
- Generate content based on high-impact keywords and customer FAQs to drive traffic and engagement.
- Democratizing AI for Practical Use:
- Voice technology is increasingly accessible, aiding not only businesses but also underserved populations like the elderly or those with disabilities.
- Real-time translation and hands-free search are becoming standard, enhancing customer experiences globally.
- Business Applications of AI and Voice:
- Generative AI tools can personalize marketing, improve sales strategies, and automate tasks such as content generation and analytics.
- Voice interfaces are evolving from simple commands to rich conversational experiences, enabling better engagement.
In This Episode
- 0:00 – Introduction: Mark Mondo sets the stage with his “luddite” perspective and introduces guests Susan & Scot Westwater and Vivek Gargav.
- 5:15 – Voice Technology’s Evolution: Susan & Scot share their journey into conversational AI and its transformative potential for businesses.
- 15:30 – Practical Use Cases: Examples of businesses succeeding with voice search and AI, including local optimization strategies.
- 30:00 – AI-Driven Content Strategies: Vivek explains how ChatGPT can be used for content analysis and strategy development.
- 45:00 – The Future of Voice Technology: Discussions on accessibility, inclusivity, and the role of voice in customer engagement.
- 55:00 – Closing Thoughts & Resources: Final tips for small businesses and upcoming speaking events.
Guest Bio
Vivek Gargav is the marketing director at Caldere Associates in Reading, England. As a Zoho certified expert, he enjoys working with SMEs to enhance their customer relationship management using Zoho CRM, Zoho Social, Zoho Campaigns, and Zoho Analytics. He’s our goto expert at MondoCRM when comes to learning anything about AI.
Susan Westwater advises the world’s most innovative brands that want to capitalize on the incredible opportunity Voice and conversational AI represent. Combining the strategic marketing and brand knowledge she gained from 25+ years at top tier agencies such as Leo Burnett and working in corporate, Susan helps clients expand their brands into conversational experiences to solve marketing and customer experience problems. Susan has presented and authored a number of talks, workshops, articles, research papers, and books focused on the role Voice, conversational AI, and other emerging technologies like the metaverse, play in marketing and business strategy. She is an organizer of the Women in Voice Chicago Chapter, Ambassador of the Open Voice Network, an instructor at the AI Academy for Marketers. Susan is co-author of Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Voice Experiences(which was a #1 Release on Amazon) and is a co-author of Voice Marketing (just released!)
Scot Westwater is the Co-Founder of Pragmatic Digital, a consultancy that partners with brands and their agencies to develop and implement conversational AI strategies that deliver tangible results. With expertise spanning various sectors, the Pragmatic team creates tailored solutions that cater to clients’ needs. Scot works closely with restaurant, retail, entertainment, and healthcare organizations to improve their marketing, customer experience, and operational efficiency. He leverages his 24+ years of design, UX, and digital strategy to create compelling conversational experiences for clients.
Scot co-wrote Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Voice Experiences with his wife, Susan, and is preparing to launch a new book, Voice Marketing, in September 2023. He has been a featured speaker at industry events such as SEM Rush World Marketing Day, Project Voice, VOICE Global, and VOICE22, and he enjoys giving guest lectures for master-level marketing and HCI classes. Scot also serves as an Ambassador for the Open Voice Network and as an instructor for the Marketing AI Institute.
Additional Resources
- Pragmatic Digital: https://www.pragmatic.digital
- Google My Business Guide: Google My Business Help
- ChatGPT by OpenAI: https://openai.com/chatgpt
- Bard by Google: https://bard.google.com
- Voice and AI Conference Info: Voice & AI Conference
- Caldere: https://www.caldere.com.
Harmonizing Passions: From Teaching to Performing in the World of Music with Tina Pappademos
From Stage to Studio: Tina Pappademos’ Journey in Music and Teaching
Cynthia & I interview Tina Pappademos, a versatile freelance singer, piano teacher, and certified yoga instructor. In this episode, Tina shares her path from teaching in public schools to performing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and finding innovative ways to thrive during the pandemic. With insights on managing rejection, navigating auditions, and balancing multiple passions, Tina’s story offers valuable lessons for performers, educators, and dreamers alike. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt wisdom!
Key Takeaways
- Entrepreneurial Parallels in Music: Musicians must market themselves, manage rejection, and diversify income streams, similar to entrepreneurs.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The importance of staying grounded, learning from rejection, and adapting to challenges like the pandemic.
- Lifelong Learning: Continual growth and practice are crucial for musicians and entrepreneurs alike.
- Technology’s Dual Role: While it opens opportunities (e.g., remote teaching), it also disrupts traditional methods (e.g., Auto-Tune).
- Networking is Vital: Strong connections in the music industry can lead to opportunities and stability.
In This Episode
- 00:00 - Introduction - Host introduces the theme and explains the focus on musicians as entrepreneurs.
- 03:00 - Introduction of Guests - Cynthia and Tina discuss how and why they became musicians.
- 06:30 - Cynthia’s Musical Journey - Cynthia shares her experiences transitioning from speech pathology to a career in classical music and nonprofit administration.
- 15:00 - The Audition Process & Rejection in Music - Discussion on how auditions compare to sales calls and the emotional toll of rejection in the music industry.
- 25:00 - Tina’s Musical and Teaching Journey - Tina recounts her background, from her Greek heritage to teaching and performing in various settings.
- 40:00 - COVID’s Impact on Musicians - Exploration of how the pandemic reshaped teaching and performing, with insights on technology’s role.
- 50:00 - Advice for Aspiring Musicians - Guests share pearls of wisdom for young musicians and the importance of lifelong learning.
- 57:00 - Closing Remarks and Resources - Wrap-up with details on how to access the show and where to listen to the podcast.
Guest Bio
Tina Pappademos is a freelance singer, accomplished piano teacher, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for blending artistry, education, and mindfulness. With experience performing in renowned ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Grant Park Chorus, she combines technical expertise with emotional insight. A dedicated educator, Tina mentors aspiring musicians by integrating mindfulness into her teaching, fostering both technical growth and personal well-being. Her journey highlights resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to creativity.
Additional Resources
- Mentions:
- Mario Lanza’s Music: Wikipedia
- Renee Fleming: Official Website
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus: CSO Chorus
- Lyric Opera of Chicago: Lyric Opera
From Frustration to Freedom: The Path to Success in Commercial Real Estate with Matthew Mondo
Follow Matt's story as he turned his career around in four years after realizing he was banging his head against the wall selling MSP (Managed Service Provider) services.
In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman host a two-part series finale on commercial real estate, featuring insightful stories from Matthew Mondo and Conor Mackin. They discuss their unconventional journeys into the field, from overcoming corporate frustrations to building thriving careers in commercial real estate. The conversation highlights the grit, relationship-building, and entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed, while sharing practical advice for aspiring agents and entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- Corporate Frustration: How dissatisfaction with rigid corporate structures drove Matt and Conor to seek entrepreneurial freedom.
- Skills for Success: Communication, resilience, and the ability to build trust are key to thriving in commercial real estate.
- The Role of Mentors: How brokers like Jeremiah Baron guided their paths with hands-on advice and support.
- Entrepreneurial Freedom: The advantages of owning your career path and working directly with clients.
- Turning Relationships into Results: Stories of building long-term client trust and creating multimillion-dollar deals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction and Underwriter Support: Mark introduces guest Vivek Gargav and the topic of using AI for marketing.
- 05:00 – Vivek's Career Transition: Vivek discusses his journey from microbiologist to marketer and how he navigated various challenges.
- 12:00 – The Power of AI: Vivek explains how AI tools, especially ChatGPT, revolutionized his approach to content creation.
- 20:00 – Using AI to Create SEO Content: Vivek describes leveraging AI for writing SEO-optimized articles and content marketing strategies.
- 30:00 – AI’s Role in Business Pivot: How AI helped Vivek pivot his company’s focus, saving time and resources.
- 40:00 – Concrete Results from AI: Vivek shares the direct business results from using AI, including increased leads and improved content marketing efficiency.
Guest Bio
Matthew Mondo is an accomplished commercial real estate broker with over a decade of experience in property management and IT services. Since 2019, Matthew has specialized in commercial real estate in the Treasure Coast and South Florida region, earning recognition as a top performer. Before entering real estate, Matthew spent 10 years in IT support and managed service provider (MSP) sales, where he honed his client-focused approach and problem-solving skills. Today, he combines his technical expertise and industry knowledge to deliver exceptional service to clients, helping them achieve their property goals.
CoStar Awards
Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease
Q4 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q2 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease
Additional Resources
From Donuts to Deals: Unconventional Success in Commercial Real Estate with Conor Mackin
Discover how Conor Mackin transformed his life from serving donuts to closing deals in commercial real estate within two years, proving that resilience and putting a support team together can lead to extraordinary success.
In this episode, Mark and Cynthia interview Conor Mackin, a rising star in commercial real estate. Conor shares his inspiring journey from working at Dunkin’ Donuts and overcoming personal challenges to becoming a successful commercial real estate agent. He provides a candid look at the determination, mindset shifts, and relationship-building skills required to succeed in the competitive commercial real estate world. Conor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the support systems that help people transform their lives.
Key Takeaways
- The Journey from Struggles to Success: How Conor transitioned from battling personal challenges to thriving in commercial real estate.
- Lessons in Resilience: The importance of grit and adaptability in navigating setbacks and failures.
- Relationship Building: Why forming strong connections is essential in the real estate industry.
- Navigating Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as a stepping stone to success.
- Support Systems: The role of mentors, colleagues, and a strong community in achieving personal and professional goals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces Conor Mackin and sets the stage for the discussion.
- 05:00 – Early Career and Challenges: Conor recounts his journey from Dunkin' Donuts to starting his real estate career.
- 15:00 – Overcoming Addiction: How Conor’s personal struggles shaped his resilience and drive for success.
- 25:00 – Breaking into Real Estate: The steps Conor took to enter the commercial real estate industry without prior experience.
- 35:00 – Handling Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as part of the process and stayed motivated.
- 45:00 – The Power of Collaboration: Working with colleagues and building a strong network to close deals.
- 55:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Conor’s tips on staying focused, maintaining a positive mindset, and leveraging support systems.
Guest Bio
Conor Mackin is a leading commercial sales and leasing agent with Jeremiah Baron & Company Commercial Real Estate, serving the Treasure Coast of Florida since 2021. Specializing in retail and industrial properties, Conor has earned recognition as a CoStar Power Broker, receiving awards for Top Retail Leasing and Top Industrial Leasing Broker. Known for his strong relationship-building skills and commitment to client success, Conor is dedicated to helping businesses find the perfect spaces to grow and thrive while upholding the highest professional standards.
Additional Resources
Owning a Franchise: Lessons on Building a Business and Community with Maureen Twohy
If you want own a gym franchise, listen to Maureen's story before you put up that down payment.
In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman interview Maureen Tuohy, owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling Illinois, about her journey from personal trainer to franchise owner. We explore the benefits and challenges of owning a franchise, from startup costs and employee management to navigating the pandemic and fostering a strong community. Maureen shares practical insights and personal stories, offering inspiration for anyone considering franchising as a business model.
Key Takeaways
- Why Franchising? Maureen explains her choice of the 9Round franchise for its affordability and strong support system.
- Startup Challenges: Balancing significant upfront investment, training, and adapting to franchise requirements.
- Employee Management: Tips for finding, training, and retaining dedicated staff members.
- Navigating the Pandemic: Overcoming unprecedented challenges with the help of government loans, community support, and creative solutions.
- Building a Community: How 9Round fosters a sense of belonging among members while supporting their fitness goals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces the topic of franchising and welcomes Maureen Tuohy.
- 05:00 – Why Franchising? Maureen shares her reasons for choosing the 9Round Kickboxing franchise over other business models.
- 15:00 – Startup Investment: The costs and sacrifices involved in launching a franchise.
- 25:00 – Employee Retention: Strategies for building a loyal and flexible team.
- 35:00 – Overcoming the Pandemic: How Maureen kept her business afloat during COVID-19 through innovative solutions and community support.
- 45:00 – Marketing Tips for Franchisees: The importance of grassroots marketing and leveraging digital tools like social media.
- 55:00 – The Value of Community: Building a supportive environment for both members and staff.
Guest Bio
Since 2017, Maureen Tuohy lives her dream as the owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling, Illinois. Along the way, she’s built amazing teams, connected with incredible customers, and turned many of those connections into lifelong friendships. Now, Maureen spends her days helping people reach their fitness goals and creating a welcoming, empowering community.