Business

Those of us who sit on yonder side of the millennial generations’ spectrum have a bone to pick with today’s social media vernacular. See, we think of “influencers” not as brand-pushing, emoji-loving, selfie-sporting social celebrities, but as teachers, community leaders, free thinkers, and the men and women who truly shape society; the people who make waves offline, instead of in front of a virtual audience. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook offer a tantalizing promise for users of all ages around the world: a welcoming place for self-expression, meaningful engagement, and a sense of community. And it’s been fascinating to watch. Influencer marketing has grown to a billion dollar industry, transcending ages, interests, and industries. But increasingly, social media has become a dumping ground for sponsored posts and advertising, and social media users are quick to call influencers and brands out when they see a lack of authenticity. Every day, social media users are subjected to an unending stream of influencers peddling their wares with the same aesthetic. If it isn’t someone selling a yoga mat with a sunrise beach yoga pose, it’s someone with a tastefully-framed shot of avocado toast, or a too-perfect gym selfie. We’re not here to bash your favorite follow. And perhaps it isn’t the idea of “influencers” that we have a problem with; it’s who we’ve elected to serve the role. The false prophets putting out the same, tired content, hoping we won’t notice the superficial lack of authenticity. By design, “influencers” draw their audience in by creating content that people can connect with. Teachers, Coaches, and thought leaders are professionals at creating connections for their students, clients and communities, and can do it across a range of learning areas and platforms. These are the real influencers who inspire others with innovative ideas and help guide them toward their own realized success. The individuals who promote education and wisdom above sales and aesthetics, impacts above followers, and lasting, substantial value. These are the folks we’re ready to promote at The Success Finder. The true influencers.

But increasingly, social media has become a dumping ground for sponsored posts and advertising, and social media users are quick to call influencers and brands out when they see a lack of authenticity. 

Are you an influencer?

Will the real Influencers please stand up?

Now that we have seemingly dodged the supply chain bullet, conversations are ongoing about what the ILA (International Longshoreman’s Association, aka The Union) is demanding. They wanted a 77% increase in pay?!?!?!? Who the f*ck do these guys think they are?!?!? 77%. Seems like a lot, and it is. It is a common perspective that Longshoremen are some of the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the world. That might be the case for some of these guys and gals, but only some of them. Let me also start this by stating that I am NOT a fan of Unions as a whole. I think there is some shaky shit going on with many of them, and I have some of it firsthand. I also see where a voice fighting for its members can be a very good thing. But here is where an interesting life lesson begins: one that involves the difference between Perception and Perspective… and an even more valuable lesson in marketing and sales. In our perception, asking for a 77% increase in pay is almost unthinkable. However, a broader perspective makes this seem request relatively reasonable, if not a little late to the party. Here are the numbers… The average Heavy Crane operator makes $20.00/hr. TWENTY DOLLARS an hour. When we put that into perspective, the entry-level pay for a burger flipper at In-N-Out Burger is $23.00 per hour. In some states, the minimum wage for certain industries, such as hospitality workers and hotel maids, is $18.00/hr. So, now that we put that into perspective, doesn’t it seem like a person responsible for a multi-million dollar piece of equipment being asked to move billions of dollars of goods, equipment, grain, oil, automobiles, and any other part of our massive import appetite is being reasonable by asking for a raise to $35.40/hr.?When you compare what the crane operator is being asked to do and measure the value of their responsibilities… and, more so, measure the value of their absence, does paying someone $35.40 per hour, or $73,642.00 [er year is reasonable if still not a bit low for the position? How is someone supposed to attract and keep quality employees when they can make much more money doing something much easier, less risky, and critical to our nation's economy? I think you get the point. We all see things through our own eyes, filtered with our own set of data, understanding and biases. That is our perception. When we get a single piece of information, all our experiences and understandings to date will see a 77% increase in pay and ask, WTF? However, when we pull back and look at things from a different and more elevated perspective, our opinion and understanding take on a new view of the matter. There is a debate format called Lincoln-Douglas. It is a competitive one-on-one debate that focuses on logic, ethics, and philosophy. It is the standard format of For vs. Against. To master perspective, one must be able to argue convincingly from both podiums.&nbsp; Gaining a full understanding, of where the other person is coming from, and even argue their side is the beginning of a level of empathy that will carry you through life and your career with great impact and success. In my Mastermind named Thursday Night Boardroom we go deep into a topic we call ValYOU. ValYOU is defined as being able to articulate the needs, desires, challenges, fears, and aspirations of the other person. Not better than they can to you, but better than they can to THEMSELVES. ValYOU is the ultimate perspective, empathy, and understanding. It is what the world's most productive, profitable, and enduring brands have been doing since the beginning of time. The ultimate practice is to grasp the difference between perception and perspective and then use it to gain a greater understanding of the situation, our clients, constituents, and ourselves. There is a place where you can practice this skill. It is called Thursday Night Boardroom and it is located right here in the Success Finder.

Events like the port strike can make us react without thinking about them too carefully. Let's have a look at the strike through another lens.

Decoding the Port Strike

The Port Strike… Are They Really Asking for That?

I’m just going to say it: If your business still isn’t using social media, I’m seriously worried for you.&nbsp; The days of hiding behind a static website or boring email blasts are dead.&nbsp; TikTok, Instagram, and X are no longer just places to post cute pictures or “network”—they’re full-on search engines, and your business isn’t even in the game. People aren’t Googling first anymore—they’re heading straight to these platforms for reviews, tutorials, and recommendations. &nbsp;Forget trying to go viral—if your content isn’t optimized for these searches, you’re basically invisible.&nbsp; Time to wake up.&nbsp; <h2>Why Social Media is Becoming a Search Engine</h2> TikTok recently integrated Google search results into their platform—yes, Google, the biggest search engine in the world, now plays a role in TikTok searches. <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_3186b65e4711572d00b180c146ad25b71726614421188.webp"> So if people are already scrolling on social media, why would they bother leaving the platform to look something up elsewhere?&nbsp; They won’t. And that’s exactly the point. What does that mean for your marketing?&nbsp; Simple: your content now needs to do more than just entertain. It needs to inform, answer questions, and solve problems. Think about what your audience is searching for—and then deliver content that gets them straight to the solution. <h2>Social SEO Is the New Frontier</h2> <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_abac6639958033b893554ab3575842531726614527150.webp"> You’ve been hearing it everywhere, right?&nbsp; Keywords, SEO, optimization… but now it’s not just for websites. Social media platforms are becoming the new frontier of search engine optimization, or what some are calling Social SEO. People are literally using TikTok like a search engine to ask how-to questions, find product reviews, or get the scoop on a trending topic. Instagram is no different.&nbsp; Users are typing into the search bar expecting to find posts and Reels that directly address their queries. So, how do you get in on this?&nbsp; Start thinking about the questions your audience is asking —and answer them in your content.&nbsp; If you’re selling a product, your TikTok shouldn’t just show the product—it should show people how to use it, why it’s better than the competition, and real results. If your content isn’t answering those burning questions, guess what? Someone else’s content will be the first thing users find when they search. <h2>This Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s a Shift</h2> This isn’t a temporary trend. It’s a fundamental shift in how social platforms work, and it’s reshaping the digital advertising world. And with Google Chrome planning to phase out third-party cookies by the end of 2025, businesses need to start relying on platforms’ internal search functions more than ever.&nbsp; Retargeting with cookies is becoming a thing of the past, which means first-party data and on-platform engagement are the keys to surviving this shift. Social media is not just about getting likes or views anymore—it’s about creating content that answers questions and ranking for those searches inside the platforms.&nbsp; That’s the game now. <h2>My Spin: Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment</h2> <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_e4fbccccc38aa75e9c21a33b4aa4bc591726614581957.webp"> Here’s the deal: stop sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect strategy. You don’t need to go viral; you need to be discoverable. Make sure every piece of content is working its ass off to answer a question or solve a problem for your audience. If you’re waiting for the stars to align, someone else is getting discovered while you’re still thinking about it. Use tools like video ads and on-platform engagement lists (aka my “invisible lead” strategy). These strategies ensure you’re building audiences right where it counts—on the platform itself, where people are *already* searching. Because if you’re still relying on old-school tactics like pixel tracking, that ship is sinking fast. <h2>What You Should Do Now</h2> So, what should your next move be? <h3>1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/86jvUs0tyHE?si=u6QFyI2_b9fPQzs_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Create Content That Solves Problems:</a> </h3><h3> </h3>People are searching on TikTok and Instagram the way they used to on Google. If you’re not showing up with useful answers, you’re missing the boat. <h3>2. Optimize for Keywords: </h3> Just like you would on a website, make sure you’re using keywords in your captions, descriptions, and hashtags. The right keywords are your new best friend in social SEO. <h3>3. Leverage First-Party Data: </h3> With third-party cookies going away, you need to collect your own data from the interactions people are having with your content. Build those on-platform engagement lists and retarget those warm leads who are already interested in what you’re offering. <h2>The Bottom Line</h2> Social media platforms are no longer just for sharing what’s going on in your life. They’re where people are asking questions and looking for solutions. And if you’re not optimizing your content to be found when they search, you’re leaving money on the table. Want to know how I help my clients stay ahead of this shift? Watch this <a href="https://youtu.be/-h1VgKbYA-c?si=Vx8t15mQUPufxJu_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FREE TRAINING</a> and I’ll show you how to make sure your content gets found in this new social search engine world.

Social media is a search engine now, and if you haven't mastered it yet, you're behind. Here's how to gain the edge in 2025. 

Social Media Search in 2025

Social Media Search Is the Future: Tips for Ranking on TikTok and IG

Honestly, there's way too much advice out there. That goes double for business owners looking to get ahead. Looking at the dizzying supply of entrepreneur books on the market, how are you supposed to know which ones are worth picking up? And, more importantly, which ones will actually apply to you? Look no further. We've compiled a list of bestselling books filled with advice you can act on today. Each one is written by a business owner with a proven track record, so you know you're getting the best insights the entrepreneurial world has to offer. The only question is, which one are you picking up first? <h2>Bumpers, Nic Peterson</h2> Nic Peterson wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bumpers-Framework-Personal-Abundance-Productivity-ebook/dp/B09XTGX4L9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H5ZYHC8GZAP9&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.13JUGKsLEBV9ZEsKG7JEsc9bWrRwGF9F4cY7Wh725Js.1HEUrfmYwwVXNjn3-42r8OwJzOWyvCtFtAwt4sH93E0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=bumpers+nic+peterson&amp;qid=1723687626&amp;sprefix=bumpers+nic%2Caps%2C102&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bumpers</a> to help high achievers avoid the pitfalls, guilt, and mistakes that plague entrepreneurs and, well, humans in general. Packed with actionable, proven advice and game plans, Bumpers is designed to help readers get more done and enjoy every step. <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_0991ed9a9a927ae6fab59064472451c41723688737703.png"> <h2>Super Duper Profitable Ads, Laurel Portié</h2> If you’re sick of $97 courses full of shaky advice, pick up <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Super-Duper-Profitable-Ads-Consulting-ebook/dp/B0CNJ84X28/ref=sr_1_1?crid=122RY91MPXK3F&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g7YQhwdbDBNLzihE7pViTjulMoRxvmfDJFeA7Q9jC-PGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.DQLH-vjbaFyNSOk_YSO8uEgyQ_RtWnWeIWfNN_W8etI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=super+duper+profitable+ads+laurel+portie&amp;qid=1723687689&amp;sprefix=super+duper+prof%2Caps%2C106&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Super Duper Profitable Ads</a>: Swipe My $5 Video Ads Playbook That Grew My Consulting Business To 7+Figures. Here, Laurel Portié lays out her playbook for profitable, optimized marketing that draws major engagement. Skip the fluff and learn how to run compelling ads that cost less than your last Starbucks order.&nbsp; <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_5bc027812591aa26de24197a6d915d921723688891712.png"> <h2>What's in It for Them? Joe Polish</h2> Much of the entrepreneurship advice on the market today glosses over one key component: real, meaningful connection. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Them-Networking-Principles-Helping/dp/B0BJY26XHS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B577TPOJGCC0&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aD4M1P1526hrIwopYMTJeM_ZDsuPnOaVko1I2jnXJjqT7608HcBupfbR-4tCPuac_KUQLLcDR5xIZ6R7cZdo-rs9QreycZ-NKG87JSWDPcA.V2wLkh74PpRmxbn9jt8gSSxCuP-ZOfXOFPlNZ0sTrRg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=what%27s+in+it+for+them+joe+polish&amp;qid=1723687785&amp;sprefix=what%27s+in+it+for+them%2Caps%2C101&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What's in It for Them?</a> Joe Polish, commonly known as “the most connected person on the planet,” shares his insights on building strong rapport, reducing suffering in the people around you, building your own character, and much more. Learn to thrive in business without sacrificing your relationships.&nbsp; <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_b3b27c8d2d169f2e0b5d5115c99580cb1723688981091.png"> <h2>Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It, Chris Voss</h2> Take world-class negotiation strategies to the boardroom with principles and tactics from Chris Voss, the FBI’s top international kidnapping negotiator. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-audiobook/dp/B01COR1GM2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KBCKCH1RM38L&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Enx5y5juG_T2t9uGoZpEhGOrhWYAtIcdQFXLG8TwaFTTDixdQdxBCaTPF4gfeP3LoMuTycWeR5rf_oq7pdhishyk5BJNEj26x7yanJlff3s.A8PrC2zWMNBRTqkC4uueg4Kuo10xrK1SMWRWUH5ysJc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=never+split+the+difference+chris+voss&amp;qid=1723687847&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=never+spli%2Caudible%2C101&amp;sr=1-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Never Split the Difference</a>: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It arms you with the tools and strategies you need to navigate all the negotiations we face in everyday life, from business discussions to buying a home to problem-solving with your partner.&nbsp; <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_b691c23d43e81c2c3f3cbe43c32e379e1723689052360.png"> <h2>Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World, Gary Vaynerchuk</h2> The world of online content, marketing, and sales evolves and grows by the day. So, how can you possibly stand out? In his latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/B0CLMGLCGN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24DYRFQ28IY11&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Sd0lybnhYT4_9holFLqumGC-gvHGKR7FXK360lNfju6A4HVV8l7ijg9RjeEOY3ahE-Qz9kX0UuzrD2-VUDNYtR3VdAKHG6rSC5dntPIePoFvMoFbbTSWpj0-agc0qEB0iA5jWszITp0GoOWRnnkrm-w75QEGuy0nRavWxWnJwa1i_xs7pkxmw3ZrT8QvZUh6._lwAqkVoWD6aT0EQv1GftoXfhq_KxMIM_n8evZibL_o&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=day+trading+attention&amp;qid=1723687994&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=day+trading+attention%2Caudible%2C93&amp;sr=1-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Day Trading Attention</a>: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World, Gary Vaynerchuk highlights the one defining feature successful creators, brands, and businesses share: storytelling. Specifically, storytelling online and in social media arenas. Leverage Vaynerchuk’s experience and advice to produce powerful content and boost your sales.&nbsp; <img src="https://successfinder-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/success_finder_7ab27efee216ad6ca3f7388a745b87411723689217568.png">

Stock your reading list with game-changing advice from the highest performers in business.

The Best Entrepreneur Books of 2024

Top Entrepreneur Books to Fast-track Your Success

There are three primary Cash Now Strategies I deploy to 1) create more cash now and 2) systematically and methodically improve return on ads and/or organic efforts. * The Oasis of Stability in a Sea on Uncertainty * The 9 word email * The “Voss” This video/audio breaks down the concept of “From the Tail” and the first of the three; The Oasis. Please be sure to watch the video above when you get a chance so you can see how and why it’s deployed the way it is. The Oasis Use this when the acquisition process is has been validated &amp; the prospects problem has shifted from the initial problem to frustration with the process of getting help solving it. <a href="https://guardianpodcast.com/podcast/mbd/episode/cash-now-strategies-from-the-tail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Check out the podcast</a>

Three primary Cash Now Strategies I deploy to create more cash now and improve return on ads and/or organic efforts.

Cash Now Strategies - “From the Tail”

Ready for another deep dive on how Laurel grew her business to over 3 million in PROFIT?If you love it, please share it and be sure to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheLaurelShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow me and subscribe on YouTube</a> to get the rest, they won’t all be posted as newsletters here.What’s discussed?<ul><li>The importance in achieving sustainable business growth</li><li>Why this strategy has stood the test of time even as the landscape changes</li><li>The most important concept I learned from two of my mentors</li><li>The three rules or sins to avoid at all costs</li></ul><a href="https://guardianmarketing.substack.com/p/30-days-30-principles-that-built" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out the full article</a>

A deep dive on how Laurel Portie grew my business to over 3 million in PROFIT?

30 Days, 30 Principles That Built My 7-Figure Business

In today's article I'm going to reveal a unique 5 step process for getting everything you want in life, by modeling a 5 Step Process for How to Sell 10k+ Self-Published Books in a Year without using social media. I'm actually breaking down into detail a 5 Step Process from another article (the source is being kept private for what I hope will be obvious reasons). Don't worry, If you've no interest in selling a self-published book, I guarantee there's some really useful stuff in here for you still. And, Spoiler alert ... You're gonna want to stick through to the end for the real GOLD. <a href="https://knowledge.guardianacademy.io/p/5-steps-to-success" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out the full article</a>.

I'm going to reveal a unique 5 step process for getting everything you want in life.

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