Real Business Connections

Learn Speak Teach Episode #159 with Pia Silva.Scaling does not have to mean hiring a team, building a big agency, or burning yourself out trying to serve everyone.In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Pia Silva, entrepreneur, author of Badass Your Brand and Scale Solo, host of The No BS Agency Podcast, and founder of No BS Mastery.Pia helps expert-led service providers build profitable businesses that stay small on purpose. Her approach challenges the common “scale or fail” advice and gives consultants, strategists, designers, coaches, and agency owners a simpler path to more profit, more freedom, and less BS.In this conversation, Pia breaks down how to scale solo without burning out, why your clients probably do not want your proposal either, and how to get paid before you ever pitch the full project. She also explains her Lead Product Method, why premium clients want speed and clarity, and how to compete when AI is free and fast.Ben and Pia also workshop real examples around podcast production, retainers, recurring revenue, authority content, and how service providers can package their expertise into clear, high-value offers.If you sell your expertise and want a business that gives you more freedom instead of more complexity, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps:[00:00] Trailer and Intro[01:12] Why everyone keeps talking about Pia[02:59] What makes Pia Silva different[03:37] More impact with less energy[05:08] Can you scale solo and still have big impact?[07:28] Ben’s story about impact through business[09:29] What Scale Solo is really about[10:53] The 50-25-25 rule[13:05] Why experts struggle to charge[18:43] Replacing free calls with a lead product[22:54] Why clients don’t want proposals[24:13] The problem with retainers[27:16] Thinking annually like a CEO[30:21] Can you have recurring revenue and scale solo?[32:44] Compressing projects into two days[36:20] Scale Solo and intensive delivery[38:01] How AI changes expert services[40:38] Trust, authority, and AI noise[44:17] Why relationships still win[48:25] Where to find Pia’s bookKey Takeaways:  • You can scale solo, but the business has to be designed around profit, freedom, and fewer moving pieces. ~Pia Silva• “You must make all of the revenue you need in maximum 50% of your working hours or less.” ~Pia Silva• Experts often struggle to charge for what feels easy to them, but clients are paying for the process, confidence, leadership, and clarity behind the work. ~Pia Silva• A lead product builds trust before the pitch because the client pays for the strategy instead of receiving a free proposal they may not value. ~Pia Silva• “When we think monthly, we’re thinking like employees. And when we think annually, we’re thinking like CEOs.” ~Pia Silva• AI can speed up expert services, but premium clients still pay for discernment, curation, confidence, and human strategy. ~Pia SilvaKeep In Touch with Pia Silva:Website: https://www.piasilva.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pialovesyourbizFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/badassyourbrand/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-silva-86b2723/Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3GYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pialovesyourbiz/videosPeople Mentioned and Other Resources:Scale Solo Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3GNo BS Mastery: https://www.piasilva.com/Badass Your Brand: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3GThe No BS Agency Podcast: https://www.piasilva.com/—Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Real Talk with GrowGetters Episode #32 with John David Mann.Success is often chased through achievement, status, and outcomes. But what if real fulfillment comes from contribution, creativity, and who we become along the way?In this exclusive “Ask Me Anything” episode from the GrowGetters ONLY Inner Circle, we’re joined by John David Mann — co-author of The Go-Giver, master storyteller, and one of the most respected voices in modern business writing.John shares the philosophy behind his work, exploring how generosity, service, and intention create deeper impact than transactional success. He discusses the discipline of creativity, the responsibility of storytellers, and the mindset required to produce meaningful work that stands the test of time.The conversation also dives into purpose-driven leadership, becoming valuable instead of chasing value, and why the most influential ideas come from alignment rather than ambition alone.If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or leader who wants your work to matter, this conversation will stay with you.People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. The Go-Giver (and other books by John David Mann):https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP1Y50/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=557dc7c0-ecf4-426b-8128-5a88a5e73442&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_aa&ccs_id=fb40da27-a1b9-45d2-a4c2-2c58cf3c9d10 Keep In Touch with John David Mann:Website: https://johndavidmann.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndavidmann/—Join GrowGetters ONLYInner-Circle: https://growgettersonly.com/Community: https://weallgrowtogether.com/Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–GrowGetters ONLY is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #149 with Dr. Indre Viskontas.We are all musical creatures, and musical elements exist in everything we participate in. Just as music shapes our experiences, it also influences creativity, guiding how we think, problem-solve, and bring ideas to life.Joining us on the show is Dr. Indre Viskontas, a cognitive neuroscientist, creativity expert, Opera Singer, and science communicator. She’s also the host of Inquiring Minds podcast and author of How Music Can Make You Better.In this episode, Dr. Indre Viskontas explores whether creating music is instinctive or something we learn. Moreover, she discusses the impact of AI and digital tools on music-making and the reasons why people are drawn to create music.Dr. Indre Viskontas also discusses the importance of embracing the struggle, showing how it applies not just to music but to entrepreneurship and life in general. Listeners will also discover the common traits of creative people and the factors that influence creativity.Finally, Dr. Indre Viskontas shares details about her LinkedIn Learning course, Building Creative Thinking from the Brain Up, which provides practical strategies to strengthen your own creative potential.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer [06:35] Creating Music[13:39] AI & Digital Tools[18:35] Why Make Music[29:51] Embrace the Struggle[34:49] Creativity[42:24] LinkedIn Learning Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/building-creative-thinking-from-the-brain-up [47:12] Website: https://www.tsfnc.org/[56:28] Connect with Dr. Indre Viskontas• Website: https://www.indreviskontas.com/ • Podcast: https://inquiring.show/ Key Takeaways:  • Children born in resource-poor environments tend to have higher cortisol levels for the rest of their lives because they are conditioned to see life as stressful and to react constantly. ~Dr. Indre Viskontas [07:40]• “Music is our first language.” ~Dr. Indre Viskontas [12:39]• The difference between amateur creatives and executors is the ability to stay comfortable in the struggle. ~Dr. Indre Viskontas [29:51]• Creative people are open to new experiences. ~Dr. Indre Viskontas [35:00]• External motivators kill creativity. ~Dr. Indre Viskontas [40:03]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. Peter Gabriel2. LinkedIn Learning Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/building-creative-thinking-from-the-brain-up3. How Music Can Make You Better: https://www.amazon.com/How-Music-Can-Make-Better/dp/1452171920Keep In Touch with Dr. Indre Viskontas:Website: https://www.indreviskontas.com/Podcast: https://inquiring.show/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/DrIndreViskontas/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indre-viskontas/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drindredirects—Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #148 with Scott Rouse. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YdNN7JzeP3UUnderstanding how to read body language can give you a powerful edge in business, especially when pitching ideas or negotiating deals. By reading nonverbal cues and conveying confidence through your own gestures, you can build trust, influence decisions, and communicate more effectively.In this insightful episode, Ben Albert sits down with Scott Rouse, a behavior analyst, body language expert, and one of the four members of The Behavior Panel, a YouTube platform with over 1.1 million subscribers and more than 212 million views.Scott discusses how body movements influence the tone and delivery of your voice and offers practical tips for public speaking. Moreover, he takes listeners behind the scenes of interrogation rooms, revealing the real tactics and techniques used.The conversation goes further into intuition, exploring whether it’s innate or a skill you can develop. Scott also shares a simple tip on how to use eye contact to spot when someone is lying.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[05:09] Pitching[12:30] Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YdNN7JzeP3U [12:40] Body Movement & Tone[13:48] Public Speaking Secrets[22:01] Interrogation room[24:15] Interrogation Techniques[36:15] Intuition[42:34] Connect with Scott Rouse• Behavior X: https://www.youtube.com/c/scottrouse• The Behavior Panel: https://www.youtube.com/c/thebehaviorpanel• Body Language Tactics Course: https://body-language-tactics.mykajabi.com/body-language-tactics-landing[43:48] Integration tip Key Takeaways:  • When you feel better, you sound better and stay more on point because your mind is focused. ~Scott Rouse [13:12]• When speaking to a large audience, treat the entire group as if it were one person. This makes your talk feel conversational. ~Scott Rouse [13:56]• People like people who are like them and who are genuine, not putting on an act. ~Scott Rouse [20:38]• When someone is lying to you, they often maintain eye contact. Their brain wonders, ‘Do they believe me?’ If not, they add qualifiers to convince you. ~Scott Rouse [44:02]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. 48 Hours: https://www.youtube.com/user/48hours2. The Female Brain: https://bit.ly/49PeBshKeep In Touch with Scott Rouse:Website: https://www.scottrouse.com/Twitter: https://x.com/ScottRouse3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottrouse3/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottRouse4YouTube (Behavior X): https://www.youtube.com/c/scottrouseYouTube (The Behavior Panel): https://www.youtube.com/c/thebehaviorpanel

Learn Speak Teach Episode #146 with Jenn Drummond.Everyone is on a climb, pursuing their own mountain, whether it is a personal goal, a career milestone, or a life challenge. The journey can be tough, but by finding joy in the incremental progress we make and treating ourselves with kindness along the way, we gain the strength to keep moving forward and achieve more than we ever imagined.Jenn Drummond is a testament to this. She is a world record mountaineer, a performance mentor, and the first and only woman to climb the second-highest summit on every continent. She is also the host of the Seek Your Summit podcast and the founder of The Summit Series, a live weekly experience for high performers looking to climb higher in every area of life.In this episode, Jenn shares her journey, including a near-death experience that became a turning point in her life and the behind-the-scenes of her mountain climbing adventures. She also opens up about why she returned to climbing after losing a teammate to an avalanche, and how finding joy in incremental progress has kept her moving forward.You’ll also hear about Jenn’s favorite mountains, the vision behind The Summit Series, her upcoming climbs, and how she builds a team that supports her goals.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer [01:32] Near-Death Experience[05:06] Mountain Climbing[16:08] Most Difficult Climb[23:54] Back to Climbing[28:24] Joy in Progress[31:57] Favourite Mountain[32:46] Connect with Jenn• Website: https://jenndrummond.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-drummond/[33:46] The Summit Series• Website: https://jenndrummond.com/summit[37:12] Upcoming Mountain Climb[39:14] Building a team[44:49] Closing remarksKey Takeaways:  • “Accountability is love.” ~Jenn Drummond [09:01]• “The bigger the goal, the more people you need on your side to help make it happen.” ~Jenn Drummond [15:41]• Loving growth means appreciating every step of progress. ~Jenn Drummond [28:40]• “Being kind to yourself makes you stronger.” ~Jenn Drummond [44:51]Keep In Touch with Jenn Drummond:Website: https://jenndrummond.com/Podcast: https://jenndrummond.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-drummond/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejenndrummondYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenndrummondInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenndrummondFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenndrummondutahX: https://x.com/thejenndrummond—Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to engage your audience and drive meaningful results. By understanding the strategies, tools, and techniques behind successful emails, you can turn your email list into a powerful growth engine for your business.Today’s exclusive “Ask Me Anything” episode from the GrowGetters Only community features Liz Wilcox, famously known as the “Fresh Princess of Email.” Liz shares her journey to becoming the “Fresh Princess of Email” and the unique strategies that set her apart in the world of email marketing.Liz also discusses how to use video effectively in email marketing, the power of the PS (postscript), and how to craft emails that capture attention and keep readers engaged. Additionally, she shares practical tips for making every email you send truly valuable to your audience.Beyond writing great emails, Liz discusses open and click rates, boosting engagement, and building an email list that people actually read and respond to.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Introduction[00:46] Community: weallgrowtogether.com[02:28] Fresh Princess of Email[04:01] Email Strategy[08:26] Video in Email Marketing[14:40] Artificial intelligence (AI)[16:12] The Power of the PS[21:02] Emails that get read[27:42] Value [37:15] Open & Click Rates[47:13] Email List[53:58] Connect with Liz Wilcox• Website: https://lizwilcox.com/•  Email Marketing Membership: https://benalbertfylc315--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/ Key Takeaways:  • Instead of storytelling in emails, share personal updates with your audience. ~Liz Wilcox [05:49]• Emails should never exceed 400 words. ~Liz Wilcox [21:03]• Email is the most effective way to make money through marketing. ~Liz Wilcox [21:55]• Email metrics are never entirely accurate due to technological glitches. ~Liz Wilcox [38:18]• The best way to boost your open and click rates is to ensure your welcome sequence engages people. ~Liz Wilcox [39:33]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. Kit: https://kit.com/2. Website: https://lizwilcox.com/?affiliate=benalbertfylc3153. Email Marketing Membership: https://benalbertfylc315--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/4. The Power of the PS: https://lizwilcox.com/episode-38-the-power-of-the-ps/5. Boosting Open & Click Rates: https://lizwilcox.com/episode-34-boosting-open-and-click-rates/6. 7 Reasons You Hate Email and Why to Ignore It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE0mprUg2D07. 7 Complaints About Email: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Nn4imuLxc&t=1s8. 7 Different Ways to Use AI in Email: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aIySNDCWpo9. AI Podcast Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jWlx8l_kVE&t=182s10. Funnels in 2025 and Beyond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqqFUJz2MAM&t=26s11. Opens and Clicks Deep Dive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHSvbjJb1U0&t=1026s12. Extra Email Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I6I4jhvYdMKeep In Touch with Liz Wilcox:Website: https://lizwilcox.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelizwilcox/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelizwilcoxFacebook: https://facebook.com/groups/emailmarketingwithlizFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/emailmarketingwithliz—Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/–GrowGetters ONLY is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #143 with Mark Schaefer.AI is evolving every day, and it is getting incredibly close to producing human-like responses. As this happens, the big question becomes: will the most human companies still win?In this episode, Ben is joined by Mark Schaefer, author, marketing thought leader, and a fourth time guest on the podcast. Mark also has a new book titled How AI Changes Your Customers. Together, they dive into the intersection of AI and humanity in business and unpack a critical question for our times: does the most human company still win even as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated?Whether you want to stand out against the rising tide of AI or find new ways to blend technology with real human connection, this episode offers nuggets of wisdom to help your brand move to the next level. Grab a notebook and pen and tune in.During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:31] Human first companies[04:56] Tactical empathy[05:45] Strategic awkwardness[10:19] Creativity and art in businesses[17:15] AI in a decade[18:01] The Diaper Business blog[20:00] Offsite versus onsite marketing[23:08] AI as a decision marker vs overrides[26:46] Creating override in decision making[30:24] Transcendent content[35:39] Brand culture[39:05] AI relationships[45:03] Get Mark’s bookAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Your-Customers-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0FQ67TBHF  [47:19] Creative ways to use AIKey Takeaways:  • "In the future, the most human company might be a blend of real people and AI."~Mark Schaefer [02:51]• "AI is not empathetic. It gives the illusion of empathy." ~Mark Schaefer [03:46]• "Behind these AI interactions is a business plan."~Mark Schaefer [05:01]• "The real human value comes down to vulnerability and shared experiences." ~Mark Schaefer [08:35]• What's missing in the business voice today is this human connection, friendliness, accessibility, and vulnerability. ~Dr. Philip Kotler [12:01]• "There's no such thing as a weakness.There's just an overdone strength." ~Mark Schaefer [40:16]• You've got to bring the thunder every time. In everything that you do, double down on the quality. It's really the only way to win in this noisy world.~Mark Schaefer [51:52]People Mentioned and Other Resources:1. Marketing Rebellion2. Belonging to the BrandKeep In Touch with Mark Schaefer:Website:  https://businessesgrow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkSchaefer —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #142 with Danielle Fette.If you cut part of your finger and it fell to the floor, what do you think would be the best way to fix it? Have it sewn back? That’s the traditional approach medicine would take. Danielle Fette and her company have invented a technology that gives your body instructions to regrow the missing part of your finger. With this technology, sewing a body part back is no longer necessary.In this episode, Danielle Fette joins Ben Albert to discuss the revolution Fettech is bringing to the healthcare industry. Danielle and her husband, Clay Fette, are the co-founders of the company.Danielle tells Ben about surviving a plane fire in July 2025, becoming ‘the wound girl,’ and how she and her husband are transforming the healthcare industry through their companies, among other fascinating stories.Tune in for an in-depth conversation. During this episode, you will learn about:[00:00] Trailer[01:39] July 2025[08:53] Reaction to trauma[09:37] Victim mentality[11:13] Dwelling versus moving on too fast[12:43] Latest trend[13:35] The power couple[17:34] Divide and conquer[24:00] Support Danielle FetteWebsite: https://www.fettech.com/  [26:55] Changing lives[29:22] Is Fettech hiring?[34:06] How Danielle became the wound girl[38:58] What’s next for Danielle?[44:38] Connect with Danielle FetteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.fette/  Key Takeaways:  • I try not to forget when I go through hard times, because then it makes me appreciate the good times, but I don't let it define me. ~Danielle Fette [09:10]• “If things were good all the time, I don't know how great we'd be at growing and evolving. There'd be no reason to.”~Danielle Fette [14:29]• Scarring is a beautiful thing. It's basically saying, "Hey, cells, let's quickly put a patch there so there's no further injury or an infection that happens in the body.” ~Danielle Fette [20:27]• We all want to feel good in life, but unless you get in tune with your health, notice when something feels off, and speak up for yourself, you're going to get screwed in healthcare. ~Maria Menounos [24:36]• You have to work with people you're able to communicate with and you respect, whether you see eye to eye or not. ~Danielle Fette [32:17]• “My motto is, we're all going to be patients one day. Treat people the way you want to be treated.” ~Danielle Fette [37:58]Keep In Touch with Danielle Fette:Website: https://www.fettech.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.fette/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielle-fette —Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnectionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ –LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/