In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, about his journey from college student to SEO expert and entrepreneur. Steven shares how he stumbled into the SEO world while in college, inspired by a friend making significant side income from Amazon affiliate websites. He explains how he and his partners built a portfolio of 40 blogs, scaled their content production to over 300 articles per month, and eventually turned it into a seven-figure business through smart SEO strategies and website flipping.

Steven discusses how the SEO landscape has evolved, becoming more competitive and focused on quality content. He introduces the "hub and spoke" strategy, which involves creating interconnected content around specific topics to build authority and improve rankings. He emphasizes the importance of targeting bottom-of-funnel keywords to drive high-intent traffic and explains how nurturing leads over time with strategic content can convert visitors into clients.

Steven also touches on the rise of AI in content creation and why his agency still prioritizes human-written content to avoid penalties from Google. He shares common mistakes businesses make with SEO, including neglecting their websites and underestimating the long-term commitment required for SEO success. His insights provide practical strategies for companies looking to leverage SEO for lead generation, long-term business growth, and digital authority.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Mike Abramowitz, co-founder of the Better Than Rich Show, about his journey from direct sales to becoming a business coach helping entrepreneurs create leverage in their businesses. Mike shares his story, starting with his early career selling Cutco while in college, the challenges he faced during the 2008 financial crisis, and his eventual pivot to helping business owners buy back their time through systems and delegation. He discusses the key mindset shifts that led to his success, particularly the importance of simplifying processes and letting go of control. Mike introduces his Time Rich Six framework, which includes setting boundaries, creating communication guidelines, and implementing systems to foster predictability and scalability. He also shares his experience with building a team of virtual assistants and transitioning his business to the virtual space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike's insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations, scale their businesses, and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Carl Grant III, author of How to Live the Abundant Life, about his career in business development and the strategies that have led to his success in professional services. Carl shares his journey from working in economic development to becoming a super connector in firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cooley LLP. He discusses the evolution of business development in professional services, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships and providing value to others. Carl highlights how connecting clients with capital sources and opportunities has been key to driving growth. He also touches on the importance of follow-up, the need for dedicated business development leadership, and the role of a Chief Revenue Officer in professional services firms. Carl's insights offer practical advice for leaders looking to scale service-based businesses, particularly through relationship-building and disciplined sales practices. Lastly, he shares the inspiration behind his book, focusing on how the principles that drive success in business can also lead to a fulfilling personal life.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Jeff Pedowitz, CEO and Founder of The Pedowitz Group, about the challenges and strategies for scaling service businesses. Jeff shares his journey from working in his family’s restaurant franchise business to becoming a leader in sales and marketing technology. He discusses the evolution of B2B marketing, highlighting the shift from being seen as a creative function to a key driver of revenue. Jeff emphasizes the importance of aligning sales and marketing processes with customer needs, moving beyond traditional sales funnels, and leveraging AI to enhance growth. He also touches on the complexities of scaling service-based businesses, the critical role of investing in talent and systems, and the challenges founders face when transitioning from hands-on roles to strategic leadership. Throughout the conversation, Jeff offers practical insights on how companies can navigate these hurdles and scale sustainably.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Chad Prinkey, CEO and Founder of Well Built Consulting, about the unique challenges and opportunities within the construction industry. Chad shares his journey from working in his brother's contracting business to becoming a consultant specializing in sales training for construction companies. He discusses the importance of breaking free from industry norms, such as competing solely on price, and instead, focusing on building relationships and delivering value. Chad also touches on the complexities of scaling a construction business, the importance of organic growth, and the role of strategic acquisitions. Throughout the conversation, he offers insights into how construction companies can navigate market shifts and achieve long-term success.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt sits down with Keith Rosen, Chief Evolution Officer and Executive Sales Coach at Profit Builders, to discuss the shifting dynamics of the sales industry in a post-pandemic world. Keith highlights the growing importance of coaching over outdated sales training methods, emphasizing the need for sales leaders to build deeper, more personal connections with clients. As technology and AI reshape buyer behavior, Keith argues that these tools should enhance—not replace—the human touch in sales. He also provides valuable strategies for managers to align sales processes with modern expectations, fostering better team buy-in and long-term customer relationships.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt engages with Alan McLaren, Co-Founder of STRATA Originals, to explore the powerful impact of personal branding on executive leadership. With over 30 years of experience in digital marketing and public relations, Alan shares his insights on how CEOs and executive leaders can strategically build and leverage their personal brands to enhance their professional reputation and drive business success. He delves into the importance of authenticity and consistency in personal branding, especially in today’s complex digital landscape, and provides actionable strategies for defining a brand identity that resonates with both internal and external audiences. Alan also discusses the evolving role of thought leadership and the critical distinction between thought leadership and personal branding.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt interviews Louis Gump, author of "The Inside Innovator." Louis shares his career journey and insights on intrapreneurship—driving innovation within larger organizations. He discusses the importance of curiosity, action orientation, and risk tolerance for successful intrapreneurs. Louis also offers practical advice on fostering innovation through establishing goals, assigning accountability, and creating incentive plans. Listeners will learn how to build support for intrapreneurial initiatives and leverage company resources for sustained growth.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Greg Nutter, a seasoned management consultant and author, to share his expertise on driving revenue growth in service-based businesses. Greg discusses strategies, programs, and tools to enhance sales performance and expand market reach, drawing from over thirty-five years of experience working with diverse companies globally. Tune in to gain actionable insights and unlock the keys to sustainable growth in your service business.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Emma Tessler, founder of 95 Media, to discuss digital marketing and how to scale businesses effectively. Emma shares her journey from interior design to social media marketing, highlighting the evolution of social media platforms over the past decade.

They dive into the importance of understanding your target audience and creating content that resonates with them. Emma emphasizes the need for authenticity and storytelling in content creation, especially through video content. She explains how social media platforms have evolved and offers insights into the types of content that perform best on each platform.

Additionally, Emma discusses the significance of having a holistic marketing strategy beyond social media, including email marketing, podcasting, and public speaking engagements. She advises companies to leverage experts in the field to develop effective strategies and stay competitive in the evolving landscape of social media marketing. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into building a successful social media presence and navigating the dynamic world of digital marketing.

In this episode of Scaling Up Services, host Bruce Eckfeldt welcomes Stacie Sussman, Chief Revenue Officer at Rev Up Advisory, to discuss the critical elements of sales and revenue growth. Stacie shares insights from her extensive experience in sales and revenue management, highlighting the importance of aligning vision with execution for sustainable growth. She emphasizes the need to move away from outdated sales tactics and adopt a more strategic, data-driven approach. Stacie also delves into the significance of customer success in driving revenue and the role of technology in streamlining sales processes. She outlines the steps companies can take to implement a more strategic selling system, emphasizing the importance of executive alignment, data-backed decision-making, and ongoing training and enablement. To learn more about Stacie and Rev Up Advisory, listeners can connect with her via email or LinkedIn, or visit the Rev Up Advisory website.

Discover the world of B2B sales with Michael Walford-Grant, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in technology sales. Learn about the founding of MDWG Consulting Ltd, his firm assisting foreign-based companies entering the UK market. Explore Michael's expertise in improving sales effectiveness and implementing best practices, as showcased in his acclaimed book 'Sales Unplugged.' Uncover his diverse interests, from crossword puzzles to consultancy. Tune in for invaluable insights from this esteemed London-based expert.

Melina Palmer, a globally celebrated keynote speaker, empowers companies to enhance customer engagement and employee buy-in by harnessing the principles of behavioral economics. As the CEO of The Brainy Business, she provides behavioral economics training and consulting services to businesses worldwide.

Ethan Bull is a co-founder of ProAssisting, a next-generation remote, fractional executive assistance firm for business owners and C-suite executives. With a background in hospitality and an expert in the EA space, Ethan has held a variety of senior positions, including Director of Administrative Services and senior EA to the president and CEO at Rochester Regional Health.

Robert Glaesel is a Danish Entrepreneur living in Delray Beach, Florida, building the US side of his company 24Slides.com. He is a dedicated family man and father of 4 boys + a big dog. He is constantly trying to find the right balance between fulfilling his purpose as a family man and a dedicated entrepreneur trying to build businesses that people love to work in.

Ken Jacobs is the principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, which helps empower public relations and communications agency owners, CEOs, and senior leaders achieve and surpass their organizational, career, and personal goals by becoming more inspiring, inspired, and effective leaders. It does so via leadership coaching.

Janet Falk is a Communications professional with more than 30 years’ experience in-house, as a consultant and at public relations agencies. As Chief Strategist of Falk Communications and Research, www.JanetLFalk.com, she manages pro-active media outreach and has secured placement of executives and events in local, national and international print and broadcast media.

Kevin Perlmutter is Chief Strategist & Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution - a brand strategy & neuromarketing consultancy.  He loves working with CMO’s, Brand and Business Leaders who have set out to make people’s lives better, and who yearn for more people to understand and desire their brand.

Gregg Lederman is a professional speaker, executive coach, and New York Times best-selling author. Over the past 20 years, Gregg has worked with tens of thousands of business leaders and managers to implement performance-driven leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience solutions.

David is a Senior Executive with over 20 years of experience in the sales and delivery of Business Strategy and Information Technology programs in a wide variety of industries including Energy, Life Sciences, and Consumer Goods. His strong entrepreneurial, leadership, and program delivery skills lend to an exceptional ability to build, motivate, and lead top-performing teams to surpass expected outcomes. He has managed dozens of global projects across North America, Europe, and Asia.