Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed | Passion to Profit Stories

Junaid Ahmed

Welcome to “Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed – Passion to Profit Stories,” where we explore the journeys of creators turning hobbies into thriving ventures. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, our in-depth conversations uncover strategies, insights, and success roadmaps from entrepreneurs, artisans, entertainers, and visionaries worldwide. 🎙 Want to be a guest? Send a message to Junaid on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Check out my book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

  1. E743B - James Hipkin - How to Build a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business

    8 HR AGO

    E743B - James Hipkin - How to Build a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business

    Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into the world of digital marketing for small businesses with our special guest, James Hipkin. James brings a wealth of experience from working with major brands like Apple and Visa, and now he’s on a mission to empower small business owners to drive real growth. In this episode, we uncover the biggest mistakes businesses make in digital marketing, why having a clear strategy is essential, and how to use measurement and data to make smarter decisions. James also shares how AI-powered tools can help you truly understand your customers, and why your website should be the hub of all your marketing efforts. Plus, we explore the power of authentic storytelling and practical, cost-effective tools you can use right now. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your marketing game, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started! Where to reach Our Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inn8ly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inn8ly/ Twitter: Inn8ly – https://twitter.com/inn8ly Inn8ly: https://inn8ly.com/ James: https://twitter.com/jhipkin Linkedin: Inn8ly – https://www.linkedin.com/company/inn8ly/ James – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshipkin/3 Hacks to take away Develop a Clear Digital Marketing Strategy: Small businesses often make the mistake of jumping into marketing without a well-defined strategy. Understanding your target customer and their journey is essential to creating relevant content and achieving real results. Measure What Matters: Objective tracking and measurement, such as using UTM codes and focusing on significant KPIs, are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and making informed decisions. Leverage AI and Authentic Storytelling: AI-powered tools can help small businesses create accurate customer avatars and journey maps, while authentic, natural imagery and storytelling build trust and engagement with your audience. Connect with our Host Junaid Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories? Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

    26 min
  2. E743A - James Hipkin - How to Master Digital Marketing and Build Lasting Customer Relationships for Small Businesses

    1 DAY AGO

    E743A - James Hipkin - How to Master Digital Marketing and Build Lasting Customer Relationships for Small Businesses

    Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! Today, we’re joined by James Hipkin, a marketing veteran with over 40 years of experience helping businesses connect meaningfully with their customers. From leading global initiatives for brands like Apple, Visa, and Toyota, to empowering small and medium-sized businesses with AI-driven marketing tools and website solutions, James brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, you’ll hear how James transitioned from the world of rock and roll to ROI, the lessons he learned working with some of the world’s biggest brands, and how those principles can help your business thrive. We’ll dive into the importance of owning your digital assets, building customer loyalty, and crafting the right message for the right audience at the right time. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, get ready for actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you master digital marketing. Let’s get started!Where to reach Our Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inn8ly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inn8ly/ Twitter: Inn8ly – https://twitter.com/inn8ly Inn8ly: https://inn8ly.com/ James: https://twitter.com/jhipkin Linkedin: Inn8ly – https://www.linkedin.com/company/inn8ly/ James – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshipkin/3 Hacks to take away Leverage Big Brand Strategies for Small Businesses: Principles like “the right message to the right person at the right time” and understanding your best customers can be applied to businesses of any size to drive real results. Own Your Digital Assets: Relying solely on social media or third-party platforms is risky—owning your website and email list ensures you maintain control over your customer relationships and business continuity. Focus on Solving Real Problems and Building Loyalty: Small business owners should deeply understand their customers’ true needs, provide solutions that address those needs, and prioritize building long-term loyalty for sustainable growth. Connect with our Host Junaid Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories? Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

    26 min
  3. E742 - Mark J Carter - How to Turn Your Podcast Into a Powerful Networking Tool

    2 DAYS AGO

    E742 - Mark J Carter - How to Turn Your Podcast Into a Powerful Networking Tool

    Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving into the world of podcasting—not just as a platform for sharing stories, but as a powerful networking gold mine. Joining us is Mark Jake Carter, a veteran interviewer with over 25 years of experience and more than 100 podcast episodes under his belt. Mark’s passion lies in uncovering actionable insights for personal and professional growth, and today he’s sharing his secrets on how you can leverage podcasting to build meaningful connections and grow your network. From booking high-profile guests to structuring interviews that create lasting relationships, Mark reveals the strategies that have helped him—and can help you—turn your podcast into a networking superpower. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and inspiration to help you take your podcast and your network to the next level. Let’s jump in! Where to reach Our Guest https://www.markjcarter.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjcarter/ https://www.facebook.com/mjcarter3 Hacks to take away Podcasting is a powerful networking tool: By focusing on building genuine relationships and leveraging your existing network, you can use your podcast to connect with thought leaders and open up new business opportunities. Structure interviews to foster connection: Conduct prep calls, ask open-ended “how” and “why” questions, and aim to create a story arc in each episode to build rapport with guests and provide value to your audience. Consistency and curiosity are essential: The biggest mistake new podcasters make is giving up too soon. Staying curious, committing to the long haul, and being willing to learn from each episode are key to podcasting success. Connect with our Host Junaid Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories? Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

    30 min
  4. E741B - Kay Wilkes - How to Craft Engaging Podcast Conversations That Inspire Curiosity and Connection

    3 DAYS AGO

    E741B - Kay Wilkes - How to Craft Engaging Podcast Conversations That Inspire Curiosity and Connection

    Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re joined by the inspiring Kay Wilkes, creator of the “Pondering Thoughts” podcast—a hub for curious minds. In this episode, Kay shares her journey to rediscovering her passion, launching her podcast, and the secrets behind crafting conversations that truly stand out. We dive into her unique approach to making guests feel comfortable, the importance of curiosity, and how she keeps her content thought-provoking yet accessible for all ages. Plus, Kay reveals her favorite TV shows, childhood dreams, and even what board game best represents her personality! Whether you’re a podcaster, a fan of great conversations, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt stories. So get ready to be curious, be inspired, and join us as we explore the art of meaningful content with Kay Wilkes. Let’s jump in! Where to reach Our Guest https://www.instagram.com/ponderingthoughtspodcast/3 Hacks to take away Structure conversations around curiosity and research: Kay emphasizes the importance of following personal curiosity, researching topics and guests, and outlining episodes to create engaging and thought-provoking podcast content. Make guests feel comfortable and prepared: Building rapport before recording, finding common ground, and providing guests with information ahead of time helps create a relaxed environment where guests can open up and share deeply. Focus on meaningful, accessible content: Kay intentionally avoids polarizing topics, aiming to produce content that is thought-provoking yet suitable for a wide audience, encouraging listeners to be curious and continuously expand their knowledge.

    21 min
  5. E741A - Kay Wilkes - How to Break Through Fear and Launch the Podcast You've Always Wanted

    4 DAYS AGO

    E741A - Kay Wilkes - How to Break Through Fear and Launch the Podcast You've Always Wanted

    Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies, where passion meets purpose and ordinary people share extraordinary stories. I'm your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we're diving into a journey of rediscovery and courage. Meet Kay Wilkes - a storyteller who refused to let her dreams collect dust. From teenage TV co-host to teacher, and now the passionate host of Pondering Thoughts Podcast, Kay's story is a testament to the power of never giving up on your true calling. We'll explore her winding path through television, radio, and media, uncovering the moments of doubt, the leap of faith, and the incredible community that helped her reignite her creative spark. Whether you're feeling stuck, dreaming of a different path, or simply need a dose of inspiration, Kay's story will remind you that it's never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire. So buckle up, get ready to be inspired, and let's dive into Kay Wilkes' remarkable journey of passion, persistence, and podcasting.Where to reach Our Guest https://www.instagram.com/ponderingthoughtspodcast/3 Hacks to take away 1. Embrace Your Passion Despite Detours Kay's journey demonstrates that career paths aren't linear. Despite working in teaching, fitness, and HR, she never lost her passion for media and ultimately returned to storytelling through podcasting in 2023. 2. Overcome Imposter Syndrome by Being Authentic Kay conquered her internal challenges by embracing her true self and remembering her sister's advice: "Your tribe will find you." She learned that nervousness and imposter syndrome are signs of growth, not barriers. 3. Do It Afraid and Live Without Regrets Inspired by her uncle's wisdom about not wanting to live with "used to" statements, Kay took the leap into podcasting. Her key message is to pursue your dreams courageously, even when you're uncertain, because the biggest risk is never trying.

    15 min
  6. 25 JUL

    E740 - Solo Episode - How to Turn Personal Stories into Meaningful Service, Scale Your Impact with Purpose, and Transform Challenges into Rocket Fuel for Others

    What if your greatest leverage isn't talent, timing, or capital, but the way you choose to show up for others? What if real scale is less about follower counts and more about meaningful, sustainable rituals that energize you year after year? In today's episode, we're diving deep into the power of service, systems, and purpose. I've spoken with five incredible experts who've discovered that true impact comes from stepping off the hero pedestal and empowering those around you. From a communication scientist who can distill complex ideas into sticky sentences, to a podcasting veteran who publishes daily without burnout, to an AI technologist engineering kindness into apps - they all landed on the same profound insight: service creates significance, systems create scale, and purpose supplies the fuel. We'll explore three transformative questions that can reshape how you approach your work, your relationships, and your mission. Get ready to challenge your assumptions, unlock new perspectives, and discover how your personal story can become rocket fuel for meaningful change.Grab a notebook, tune in, and let's dive into Episode 740 of Hacks and Hobbies.3 Hacks to take away Service Creates Significance: Step off the hero pedestal and focus on empowering your audience. Instead of showcasing your own brilliance, become a mentor who provides shareable, accessible insights that truly help others. Systems Enable Sustainable Impact: Develop repeatable workflows and automation that free your brain and allow you to consistently deliver value. Authenticity is the content, but automation is the container that makes long-term success possible. Personal Pain Can Be Transformed into Purpose: Your personal challenges, weird obsessions, or childhood experiences aren't baggage - they're potential rocket fuel. By reframing your unique story as a mission to solve problems for others, you can create meaningful and scalable impact.

    12 min
  7. E739B - Mike Kim - How to Merge Kindness with Technology and Create a Movement for Good

    24 JUL

    E739B - Mike Kim - How to Merge Kindness with Technology and Create a Movement for Good

    Welcome back to Hacks and Hobbies, where we explore extraordinary stories of innovation and purpose. Today, we're diving deep with Mike Kim, a visionary who's transforming the way we think about kindness and technology. Mike isn't just creating another app - he's building a movement. Imagine a digital platform that gamifies kindness, rewards compassion, and connects people in meaningful ways. His company, Some Neat Place, is reimagining how technology can bring out the best in humanity. From his early dreams of being a marine biologist to developing a groundbreaking concept that's part Pokemon Go, part Boy Scouts for adults, Mike's journey is anything but ordinary. We'll explore how augmented reality, intentional design, and a genuine passion for human connection can create real-world impact. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover how one person's vision can spark a global movement of kindness. This isn't just a tech story - it's a human story about transformation, empathy, and the power of believing we can make a difference. Stay tuned for an incredible conversation that might just change the way you see technology, community, and your own potential for kindness.Where to reach Our Guest IG : @someneatplace3 Hacks to take away Gamifying Kindness: Mike Kim developed a concept to create a digital platform that measures and rewards kindness, similar to Pokemon Go, but focused on personal growth and community building. The goal is to track and encourage empathy, listening skills, and paying it forward. Technology as a Catalyst for Connection: The approach emphasizes using technology (like AR) not as an end in itself, but as a means to connect people in real life. Mike stresses the importance of being intentional about technology use and focusing on the impact rather than the technology itself. Intentionality and Purpose: Throughout the conversation, Mike repeatedly emphasizes the importance of having clear intentions behind actions. Whether in business, technology, or personal growth, the key is to be purposeful and driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, rather than seeking superficial recognition or rewards.

    19 min
  8. E739A - Mike Kim - How to Transform Personal Trauma into a Mission of Kindness: Leveraging Technology for Human Connection

    23 JUL

    E739A - Mike Kim - How to Transform Personal Trauma into a Mission of Kindness: Leveraging Technology for Human Connection

    Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies, where we dive deep into the inspiring stories of individuals who transform personal challenges into powerful missions. Today, we're exploring a remarkable journey of resilience, technology, and kindness with Mike Kim, founder of Some Need Place. Mike's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to turn complex trauma into a force for good. From experiencing childhood bullying and family struggles to navigating personal losses, including his mother's recent passing, Mike has channeled his pain into a profound mission of spreading kindness in the digital age. Through his work with Some Need Place and Smobbler, a Metaverse for good company, Mike is pioneering innovative ways to use technology as a catalyst for human connection. He's building platforms that not only share powerful stories but also create real-world impact, proving that kindness can be both a personal healing journey and a transformative social movement. Get ready to be inspired by Mike Kim's incredible story of turning adversity into an opportunity to make the world a kinder, more connected place. Stay tuned.Where to reach our Guest IG : @someneatplace3 Hacks to take away Personal Trauma as a Catalyst for Change: Mike's experiences with childhood bullying, family struggles, and significant personal losses (including his mother's battle with cancer) became the driving force behind his mission to spread kindness and create meaningful technological solutions. Technology as a Tool for Connection: Mike emphasizes using technology, particularly through platforms like Some Need Place and Smobbler, as a catalyst for real-life human connections, rather than as a replacement for genuine interactions. Intentional Technology Use: The core message is about being mindful of how we use technology, understanding that every moment spent on digital platforms is a moment taken away from real-life relationships and experiences. The goal is to leverage tech to enhance human kindness and connection, not diminish it.

    18 min

About

Welcome to “Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed – Passion to Profit Stories,” where we explore the journeys of creators turning hobbies into thriving ventures. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, our in-depth conversations uncover strategies, insights, and success roadmaps from entrepreneurs, artisans, entertainers, and visionaries worldwide. 🎙 Want to be a guest? Send a message to Junaid on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies 📖 Check out my book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com 🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

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