• MRW #22 - Why Home Service Businesses Need a Podcast with Sebastian Rusk
    Apr 15 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with seasoned keynote speaker, comedian, author, and digital storyteller Sebastian Rusk.


    With over 15 years of experience in building online communities and founding the Podcast Launch Lab in 2016, Sebastian shares his insights on how podcasting can be a powerful tool for business growth and networking.


    The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of starting a podcast, the importance of professional assistance, and real-life examples of how podcasts have opened doors for new business opportunities. Sebastian also discusses his journey into comedy as a way to overcome personal fears and improve his public speaking skills.


    The episode offers valuable advice for home service business owners on how to use podcasts to engage with ideal clients and power partners, ultimately leading to improved business relationships and growth.


    00:00 The Power of Podcasting for Business Growth

    00:56 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    01:18 Meet Sebastian Rusk: Keynote Speaker and Podcast Expert

    02:06 The Ultimate Networking Tool: Why Podcasts Matter

    05:34 Networking Success Stories: From Gary Vaynerchuk to Industry Giants

    09:13 Tips for Successful Podcasting and Overcoming Challenges

    13:33 Starting Your Own Podcast: Steps and Strategies

    15:53 Using Podcasts in Your Sales Process

    16:46 The Struggles of Starting a Podcast Alone

    17:03 The Importance of Podcast Editing

    17:45 The Debate: To Start or Not to Start a Podcast

    18:07 Exploring the World of Comedy

    18:48 Overcoming the Fear of Comedy

    19:40 The Art of Crafting a Comedy Set

    21:27 Favorite Comedians and Inspirations

    23:54 The Journey of Personal and Professional Growth

    24:12 Investing in Yourself: The Apex Experience

    24:35 Joining Dan Martell's Coaching Program

    27:57 The Power of Networking and Masterminds

    29:13 Final Thoughts and How to Connect


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    30 mins
  • MWR #21 - The Genius Donut Marketing Trick That’s Fueling Furniture Store Referrals with Dan Beals
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk and sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, Lewis sits down with Dan, the owner of Dan's Holloway. Dan shares unique marketing strategies for his junk removal business—most notably, his consistent weekend donut deliveries to local furniture stores to nurture relationships and build a powerful referral network.


    He breaks down the importance of business specialization, focusing exclusively on furniture removal to streamline operations, train staff efficiently, and improve service quality. The conversation also dives into Dan's commitment to recycling and donation, including how he repurposes salvaged materials into memorable marketing items like custom leather coasters.


    Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes the power of consistency and persistence in marketing—whether through social media content, customer touchpoints, or grassroots community engagement. The episode wraps with practical advice for new entrepreneurs on building strong systems and leveraging low-cost, high-impact strategies to gain traction.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:28 Meet Dan: The Junk Removal Innovator

    01:08 The Donut Delivery Strategy

    01:53 Introducing Dan Mani: The Marketing Mannequin

    03:03 Building Furniture Store Connections

    04:42 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing

    05:04 Dan's Journey from Furniture Sales to Junk Removal

    11:50 Specializing in Furniture Removal

    22:59 The Junk Removal Industry Landscape

    23:50 The Power of Specialization

    24:09 Furniture Turnover and Employee Retention

    25:57 The Benefits and Costs of Donating

    26:49 Recycling and Repurposing Strategies

    29:52 The Importance of Systems and Consistency

    33:10 Marketing and Social Media Strategies

    37:09 Starting a Business with No Money

    40:17 Consistency and Persistence in Business

    42:21 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    43 mins
  • MWR #20 - The $1 a Day Method for Growing Service Businesses with Dennis Yu
    Apr 8 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes social media and advertising expert Dennis Yu to discuss the innovative 'Dollar-A-Day' marketing strategy.


    Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, this insightful conversation explores how home service businesses can leverage simple one-minute videos and minimal advertising budgets to significantly boost their online presence and engagement.


    Dennis shares actionable tips on creating compelling content, utilizing AI tools, and strategically boosting posts to enhance visibility and drive traffic. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and authenticity in connecting with the local community, as well as the benefits of consistently testing and optimizing content.


    The discussion also includes practical examples, behind-the-scenes insights, and proven techniques to help businesses scale their marketing efforts effectively.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:25 Guest Introduction: Dennis Yu

    00:51 Travel Tales and Insights

    01:55 The Dollar a Day Strategy

    02:20 Creating Effective Content

    03:21 Real-World Examples and Case Studies

    04:26 The Power of Social Media Algorithms

    06:28 Boosting Content for Maximum Reach

    09:19 Engaging with Customers Through Stories

    14:19 The Importance of Authenticity in Marketing

    20:49 Boosting vs. Running Ads

    25:12 Live Case Study: PJ's Junk Removal Business

    27:22 Introduction to Sono Junk Removal

    27:38 Community Engagement and Local Celebrity

    28:03 Website and SEO Insights

    29:54 Boosting Posts and Social Media Strategy

    31:28 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

    34:56 Engagement and Algorithm Signals

    42:22 Content Creation and Repurposing

    44:36 Final Tips and Conclusion


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    52 mins
  • MWR #19 - The Easiest Way to Boost Your Local Rankings with James Yacoubian
    Apr 2 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules', host Lewis Vandervalk speaks with James, the creator of the YacDaddy app that turns job site photos into cash through an innovative approach to content marketing. The show, sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, delves into how James transitioned from running a marketing agency to developing the YacDaddy app, which automates the process of creating SEO-optimized content and social media posts based on real job data.


    James discusses how the app leverages APIs to gather data from various platforms like company CAM and CRM systems to generate high-quality, user-generated content. The episode also touches on the importance of documenting over creating content, using customer interactions and job data to produce valuable posts.


    James highlights upcoming features, including automated review responses and FAQs derived from call transcriptions. The conversation offers invaluable insights for business owners looking to streamline their content marketing efforts through automation.


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:08 James' Journey into Marketing

    01:39 The Birth of Yak Daddy App

    03:07 From Manual to Automated Systems

    06:00 YacDaddy App Features and Benefits

    07:37 Why YacDaddy? The Story Behind the Name

    09:20 Developing the YacDaddy App

    13:05 Content Creation Strategies for Businesses

    18:56 AI Integration in YacDaddy App

    22:12 Future of YacDaddy and Content Engine Marketing

    26:14 The Future of Content Engine Marketing

    26:28 Live Demo: Showcasing Client Results

    27:12 Automated Content Creation for SEO

    31:37 Addressing AI Concerns in Content Creation

    33:14 Expanding Content Types and User-Generated Content

    39:23 The Power of Video Content

    41:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    46 mins
  • MWR #19 - Marketing a Local Business Without a Big Budget with Dallin Huso
    Apr 1 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk chats with Dallin Huso, the founder of a seven-figure pool cleaning business in Arizona. Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, the show delves into Dallin's journey from hating college to creating a thriving home service company with no prior experience.


    The conversation highlights Dallan's strategies for rapid business growth, including the vital role of power partners, effective hiring processes, and leveraging social media to create genuine connections with customers. Dallin shares practical advice on various organic marketing tactics such as networking events, leveraging email lists, and creating engaging content.


    Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. Dallin also touches on how his passion has shifted towards mentoring other business owners to help them overcome obstacles and achieve similar success.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:29 Guest Introduction: Dallin Huso's Journey

    01:21 Starting a Business: Challenges and Strategies

    03:38 Hiring and Training: Lessons Learned

    09:22 Power Partners: Building Strategic Relationships

    18:32 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

    25:09 Overcoming Initial Challenges in Business Growth

    25:52 Foundations of a Successful Business

    27:07 Lessons Learned from Burnout

    28:00 The Importance of Work-Life Balance

    28:22 Helping Others Scale Their Businesses

    31:03 Effective Marketing Strategies for New Businesses

    38:13 Leveraging Community and Partnerships

    47:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    49 mins
  • MWR #17 How to Scale, Sell, and Dominate Any Industry with Lance Bachman
    Mar 25 2025

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Louis Vander V talks with high-energy entrepreneur and business leader Lance Bachman, renowned for his 'build it to sell IT' philosophy.


    Lance has successfully founded, scaled, and sold several businesses across various industries, generating over a hundred million dollars. The discussion delves into Lance's approach to marketing, the importance of leadership, systems, and processes, and his effective business strategies. Lance also shares insights on the significance of brand building, the role of P&Ls in business success, and his partnership-focused model with LB Capital.


    Additionally, the episode addresses the analogies between personal and business marketing, the mindset needed for business growth, and the future of the roofing industry.


    Lance’s real-world experiences and actionable advice highlight his belief in hard work, sacrifice, and the constant pursuit of improvement.


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:30 Guest Introduction: Lance Bachman

    01:21 Icebreaker and Casual Banter

    01:44 Diving into Business Insights

    01:59 Marketing as a Core Business Function

    02:43 The Importance of Personal Branding

    03:49 Challenges in Digital Marketing

    09:35 Leadership and Business Growth

    12:36 Mindset and Continuous Learning

    21:36 Practical Steps for Business Success

    25:18 Introduction to Marketing Strategies

    25:34 Scaling and Selling a Digital Marketing Agency

    28:13 Leadership and Team Training

    32:29 Revolutionizing the Roofing Industry

    37:00 The Importance of P&L in Business

    41:22 Building a Strong Brand

    48:25 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    50 mins
  • MWR #16 - The Future of SEO with Steven Schneider
    Mar 18 2025

    In this engaging episode of 'Marketing Without Rules' hosted by Lewis Vandervalk, we explore the creative world of SEO and content marketing with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO.


    The discussion highlights Steven's journey from his initial business ventures to co-founding Trio SEO, a blog writing agency specializing in driving high-intent organic traffic for B2B brands. Steven shares valuable insights into the nuances of creating effective SEO content, emphasizing the importance of conversational writing, internal linking, user experience, and the evolving role of AI.


    He also delves into the significance of transparency in pricing and how top, middle, and bottom funnel strategies can transform content into a powerful conversion tool.


    The episode concludes with practical advice on starting, maintaining, and scaling SEO efforts using calculated, long-term strategies while keeping the end user's experience at the forefront.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:26 Meet Stephen Schneider: CEO of Trio SEO

    01:11 Stephen's Journey to Trio SEO

    02:10 The Power of LinkedIn Networking

    03:51 Forming a Partnership with Connor and Nate

    11:28 Building Trio SEO: Systems and Operations

    14:48 SEO Content Strategies and Myths

    17:56 The Role of AI in Content Creation

    20:49 Top, Middle, and Bottom Funnel Content

    23:11 Creative Backlinking Strategies

    24:54 Creating Content for Lead Generation

    25:28 The Power of Internal Linking

    27:25 Organizing Content with Hub and Spoke

    31:03 Enhancing User Experience and CRO

    32:02 E-A-T Signals and Author Bios

    36:23 SEO Strategies for Service Pages

    40:11 The Importance of Pricing Transparency

    42:46 The Future of SEO with AI

    45:46 Consistency and Patience in SEO

    46:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    49 mins
  • MWR #15 - Why Most Branding Sucks (And How to Fix It) with Dan Antonelli
    Mar 11 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk interviews Dan Antonelli, the founder and CEO of Kick Charge Creative, a branding agency specializing in home service businesses.


    Dan, with over 25 years of experience and more than 2,000 logos and brand identities to his name, shares his journey from manual lettering to becoming an authority in branding. He discusses the importance of a strong brand in business success, using examples from clients like Grasshopper Heating and Tommy Mello.


    Dan explains the principles of creating effective truck wraps, the notion of being 'Five Mile Famous,' and offers practical advice for small businesses on building a powerful brand even with limited budgets.


    The conversation also dives into how digital marketing companies can achieve better results with a strong brand foundation. Throughout the episode, Dan provides valuable insights and invites listeners to reach out with any branding questions, emphasizing the impact of a well-designed brand on profitability and community trust.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:28 Meet Dan Antonelli: Branding Expert

    01:37 The Origins of Kick Charge Creative

    02:53 The Journey of Building a Branding Empire

    10:31 Impactful Rebranding Success Stories

    16:49 The Power of a Strong Brand

    24:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Branding

    26:45 Kick Charge: The Name and Philosophy

    28:45 The Importance of Personal Branding in Business

    29:42 Establishing Trust and Community Presence

    30:16 The Role of Social Media in Building Trust

    31:05 The Impact of a Strong Brand Identity

    32:44 Critical Analysis of Business Names and Logos

    36:42 Five Mile Famous: Building Local Recognition

    47:15 Effective Advertising Strategies on a Budget

    49:07 The Power of Vehicle Branding

    54:32 Final Thoughts and Q&A


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    58 mins