Real Business Connections

Ben Albert

REAL Conversations w/ REAL business leaders making a REAL difference in our world!!!! Yes, we’re a marketing podcast. We dive into social selling, content marketing, networking, and LinkedIn, but we’re so much more. We’re about the habits, mindsets, and strategies that create true growth, connection, and fulfillment. Host Ben Albert chats with everyone from world-famous marketers, entrepreneurs, and sales geniuses to behavior scientists, wellness experts, and even near-death experience survivors. Each guest brings raw stories and insights, bridging real business success with personal growth. His role? To pull out the best nibbles of wisdom, packing decades of experience into minutes for you, the listener. Yes, we get actionable. However, we also look at the story behind the story. This podcast is a deep dive into struggle, failure, frustration, and how to develop true resilience that actually leads to success. We tackle important topics such as: • Why networking matters in business • Proven ways to increase revenue • Building real connections in business • Content marketing for maximum visibility • Using LinkedIn for social selling success • Self-development goals for entrepreneurs • How human behavior shapes success • Mastering the art of persuasion • Tips to crush your business goals • Confidence in public speaking • How to ask the right questions • Creating an unforgettable brand • Storytelling that builds belonging • Habits for resilience in business • What is real success? Real Business Connections: on a mission to actually move the needle on 1 million lives, one conversation at a time! Show Key: LST= LEARN SPEAK TEACH ROC: ROCHESTER(NY) BUSINESS CONNECTIONS FMF: FIFTEEN MINUTE FRIDAY HIT: REAL HITS Bite: BEN'S BITES GG: Real Talk w/ GrowGetters AB²C Lunch Break Live - LinkedIn Panel Live Stream

  1. The Bravery Effect w/ Jill Schulman (LST #154)

    6D AGO

    The Bravery Effect w/ Jill Schulman (LST #154)

    Learn Speak Teach Episode #154 with Jill Schulman. Bravery isn’t being fearless. Bravery is taking a step forward in the presence of fear. When you do the hard thing scared, you build confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of pride in who you are becoming. Today, we are thrilled to have Jill Schulman on the show, a former United States Marine, positive psychology expert, speaker, and author of The Bravery Effect. In this episode, Jill shares the science behind bravery, stress, confidence, failure, and resilience. She explains why action comes before confidence, why avoiding fear can shrink your life, and how doing hard things can actually make you happier. The episode also explores brave communication, asking for help, building a brave tribe, and why leaders, parents, and teams should support people in meeting high standards instead of removing every challenge. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:25] Why Jill Intimidates Ben [02:56] Becoming a Marine [03:31] The Navy SEAL Confidence Course [05:46] Bravery Is Not Fearlessness [06:47] What Failure Really Teaches You [09:03] After Action Reports [10:26] Is Stress Actually Bad for You? [14:45] Building Your Bravery Muscle [18:41] Bravery and Happiness [19:04] Experiential Avoidance [21:26] Feeding the Brave Wolf [22:34] You Have the Power to Change Your Life [24:53] Manifesting Requires Action [26:39] Attack the Hill [28:44] Action Precedes Confidence [30:18] Curating a Brave Tribe [33:19] Today’s Soft World [37:49] Redefining a Me Day [40:06] Helping People Meet the Standard [43:15] Brave Communication [45:26] Nice vs. Kind [46:26] The Bravery Effect [48:20] Bravery Workouts [49:37] Do Things Scared Key Takeaways:   • Bravery is not being fearless. Bravery is taking a step forward in the presence of fear. ~Jill Schulman • When you are scared and do it anyway, you become more confident. ~Jill Schulman • Failures are stepping stones to success. ~Jill Schulman • Your mindset on stress is predictive of how you respond to stress. ~Jill Schulman • Anyone can build their bravery muscle. ~Jill Schulman • Each time you avoid something you fear, you give the fear more power. ~Jill Schulman • You have the power to change your life, but it will require bravery. ~Jill Schulman • Action precedes confidence. ~Jill Schulman • Bravery is contagious. ~Jill Schulman • A me day means keeping promises to yourself. ~Jill Schulman • Asking for help is a source of strength and it will make you stronger. ~Jill Schulman • Nice guys may finish last, but kind guys finish first. ~Ben Albert • Courageous is kind. ~Jill Schulman Keep In Touch with Jill Schulman: Website: https://www.jillschulman.com/ Book: The Bravery Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Bravery-Effect-Teaching-Conquering-Achieving/dp/B0F2BBPR35  Additional Resources: Free Bravery Assessment: https://www.jillschulman.com/ Free Brave Action Guide: https://www.jillschulman.com/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

    52 min
  2. Ask Me Anything w/ Nick Hutchison at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #33)

    MAY 4

    Ask Me Anything w/ Nick Hutchison at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #33)

    Real Talk with GrowGetters Episode #33 featuring Nick Hutchison. Reading a book is easy. Applying it is rare. Building a life and business around what you learn? That’s where transformation happens. In this exclusive “Ask Me Anything” session from the GrowGetters ONLY Inner Circle, we’re joined by Nick Hutchison — founder of BookThinkers, host of BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books, and author of Rise of the Reader. Nick shares practical strategies for turning reading into real-world results, explaining why consumption without implementation is just another form of procrastination. He breaks down how to retain more from books, create systems for applying what you learn, and build powerful relationships with authors and thought leaders. The conversation also explores timeless vs. trendy ideas, building community through shared learning, hosting transformational live events, and why deep focus is becoming a competitive advantage in a distracted world. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or lifelong learner who wants ideas to translate into action, this session is packed with practical wisdom. People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. Rise of the Reader by Nick Hutchison https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Reader-Strategies-Mastering-Applying-ebook/dp/B0CGXZ5WJ9?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 2. BookThinkers Live Event (2026) https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2026 Keep In Touch with Nick Hutchison: Nick’s Company: https://www.bookthinkers.com/ Instagram (BookThinkers): https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/nicklovesbooks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bookthinkers/ — Join GrowGetters ONLY: Inner-Circle: https://growgettersonly.com/ Community: https://weallgrowtogether.com/ Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: 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/

    56 min
  3. How to Create What You Can, Not What You Should w/ Vinnie Potestivo (LST #153)

    APR 27

    How to Create What You Can, Not What You Should w/ Vinnie Potestivo (LST #153)

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8QwCwGjDn-I Learn Speak Teach Episode #153 with Vinnie Potestivo. What does it really take to get discovered, build a personal brand, and create content that lasts? In this episode, Vinnie Potestivo shares why creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders need to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start making what they can with what they already have. Today, we are thrilled to have Vinnie Potestivo on the show, an Emmy Award-winning media advisor, talent development and media strategist, and the host of I Have A Podcast. Vinnie is widely known for helping executives, founders, and creatives grow and monetize their personal brands, and for launching talent, shows, and media properties that have shaped modern pop culture. As a network executive at MTV from 1998 to 2007, Vinnie helped discover talent and develop original programming behind shows and franchises including Punk’d, The Osbournes, TRL, 8th & Ocean, Wild ’N Out, and The Challenge. Through his work at VPE and beyond, he has continued helping clients develop, launch, distribute, and amplify original content across platforms, especially in podcasting. In this episode, Vinnie shares stories from his early days editing with two VCRs, building his career at MTV, and learning what really makes content timeless. The conversation also explores podcast guesting, audience-building, creative resilience, and why documenting your life can often be more powerful than trying to manufacture perfect content. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:25] Creativity as a Survival Skill [02:28] Editing with Two VCRs [05:14] Create First, Edit Later [06:18] Why Documenting Works [10:17] What Makes Content Timeless [13:46] The Osbournes and Building Hit Shows [18:11] Punk’d, Jersey Shore, and Media Evolution [26:37] How to Start Building a Brand [30:40] Why Podcast Guesting Matters [34:44] Using a Podcast to Declare Who You Are [36:39] Finding Your Voice in Public [41:18] Why Human Beats Perfect [51:10] The Why Ladder [53:28] Create What You Can, Not What You Should [58:28] What Vinnie Gets to Do Next [59:14] Launching Networks, Not Just Shows Key Takeaways:   • Being a creative is a survival skill. ~Vinnie Potestivo • The audience makes content timeless. The content doesn’t make it a great series. ~Vinnie Potestivo • Any podcast that has me is my podcast. ~Vinnie Potestivo • I use my podcast as a way to declare who I am. ~Vinnie Potestivo • The hardest thing about being a guest is listening. It’s not speaking actually. ~Vinnie Potestivo • I’ll niche down and refine the message, but I will never niche down and refine the person. ~Vinnie Potestivo • Just don’t let there not being an audience prevent you from creating the thing that you’re capable of creating right now. ~Vinnie Potestivo • Create what you can, not what you should. ~Vinnie Potestivo • Different questions will get you different answers. ~Vinnie Potestivo • It’s the person that might be stumbling, bumbling over the question that the listener trusts more than the sweet-talking guy with the gel in their hair. ~Ben Albert Keep In Touch with Vinnie Potestivo: Website: https://www.vpe.tv/ Podcast: https://www.ihaveapodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinniepotestivo Email: vinnie@vpetalent.com Podmatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/vinniepotestivo  Additional Resources: I Have A Podcast: https://www.ihaveapodcast.com/ Vinnie’s Creator Hub: https://vpe.tv/hub Podcast Amplification Tool: https://vpe.tv/quuu How To Stand Out: https://vpe.tv/fascinate  — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

    1h 1m
  4. How to Master Your Energy and Step Into Visible Leadership w/ Anniston Riekstins (LST #152)

    APR 20

    How to Master Your Energy and Step Into Visible Leadership w/ Anniston Riekstins (LST #152)

    Learn Speak Teach Episode #152 with Anniston Riekstins. Mastering your energy is the bridge to greater peace, calm, presence, creativity, and success. As you become more intentional with your energy, you gain clarity, move with purpose, and attract opportunities and clients that truly align with who you are. Today, we are thrilled to have Anniston Riekstins on the show, a transformational mentor for women, master numerologist, best-selling author of The Universe Is Hiring, and founder and host of The Anniston Riekstins Show. In this episode, Anniston shares the warning signs that indicate you need to master your energy. Moreover, she highlights the benefits of regulating your energy and provides practical tips to get started. The episode also explores the fascinating world of numerology and its role in understanding your life path. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer  [01:55] Mastering Your Energy [07:54] Warning Signs [10:00] Benefits [19:27] Attracting Ideal Clients [29:31] Numerology [46:49] Learn more Life Path Workshop: Your Prosperity Code - https://youtu.be/AEGXPuMLSpI 2026 Energetic Forecast: https://youtu.be/P63YC8Okiwg Life Path Quiz: Uncover the Hidden Patterns Shaping Your Life - https://www.annistonriekstins.com/discover-whats-keeping-you-hidden-quiz [49:00] Current Focus [59:55] Connect with Anniston  • Website: https://www.annistonriekstins.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annistonblairriekstins/ • Podcast: https://www.annistonriekstins.com/podcasts/the-anniston-riekstins-show Key Takeaways:   • Stress scatters our thoughts, reduces our efficiency, and causes us to waste time, making it harder to complete tasks quickly and effectively. ~Anniston Riekstins [03:46] • You can never fully master your energy because it is constantly evolving. ~Anniston Riekstins [05:23] • Mastering your energy is the bridge to greater peace, calm, presence, and success. ~Anniston Riekstins [10:02] • Everything is a reflection. When you make internal shifts, you begin to see those changes reflected externally. ~Anniston Riekstins [29:03] • Success rewards speed. ~Ben Albert [41:06] • We cannot create change or solve problems with the same energy that created them. ~Anniston Riekstins [52:05] • The most powerful person in the room is the one who is most regulated.” ~Anniston Riekstins [55:54] Keep In Touch with Anniston Riekstins: Website: https://www.annistonriekstins.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/anniston.blair.9# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annistonblairriekstins/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniston-blair-riekstins-a33766349/ Additional Resources: Life Path Workshop: Your Prosperity Code - https://youtu.be/AEGXPuMLSpI 2026 Energetic Forecast: https://youtu.be/P63YC8Okiwg Life Path Quiz: Uncover the Hidden Patterns Shaping Your Life - https://www.annistonriekstins.com/discover-whats-keeping-you-hidden-quiz — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

    1h 2m
  5. The Presence-Centered Path for Business Leaders w/ Christian F Johnson (LST #151)

    APR 13

    The Presence-Centered Path for Business Leaders w/ Christian F Johnson (LST #151)

    Learn Speak Teach Episode #151 with Christian F Johnson.   In a world full of distractions and pressure, staying aligned with purpose can feel impossible. However, embracing the Presence-Centered Path helps you regain clarity, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best every day. In this episode, Ben Albert speaks with Christian F Johnson, a Presence-Centered Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Author who helps high-achieving leaders lead from divine alignment rather than performance. Through his signature framework, The Presence-Centered Path™, he guides leaders to destroy distractions, align with God, and fortify their focus to lead with peace, purpose, and power. Christian shares the secrets behind his powerful MC performances and offers practical tips on mastering public speaking. He explains how leaders and speakers can show up authentically and connect deeply with their audience. Christian also introduces the R.I.N.S.E. Method, a 5-step spiritual recalibration system that helps high-achieving leaders realign when stress and distractions take over. Additionally, he discusses how to live authentically and cultivate a net positive life that balances success with purpose. Lastly, Christian shares his personal journey to finding God and offers practical guidance on choosing the right mentor or coach. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer  [01:58] Secrets of MCing [07:19] Public Speaking [09:16] R.I.N.S.E [13:55] Being Your Authentic Self [17:18] Connect with Christian • Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchristianfjohnson/ [18:30] Net Positive Life [28:00] Finding God [37:37] Choosing a Coach [44:14] Support Christian • Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ • Book: https://www.amazon.com/When-Youre-Speaking-Still-Silent/dp/B0F6YQ8NSW Key Takeaways:   • In public speaking, we must embody what we are speaking from. ~Christian F. Johnson [12:57] • “You have to be you; everybody else is taken.” ~Christian F Johnson [15:07] • You already have everything you need to succeed; we just sometimes need external things to remind us of what we already have. ~Christian F Johnson [16:29] • “Spend time loving over hating.” ~Christian F Johnson [35:08] • Healing is just applying love to the places that are hurting. ~Ben Albert [35:27] • “You don’t need a new voice; you just need to return to your authentic voice.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:29] • “What you feed will live, and what you starve will die.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:58] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. When You’re Speaking, But Still Silent: https://amzn.to/4rfJ7kI 2. Kingdom Legacy House Church: https://klh.life Keep In Touch with Christian F Johnson: Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchristianfjohnson/ Email: info@iamchristianfjohnson.com — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

    51 min
  6. Ask Me Anything w/ John David Mann at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #32)

    APR 6

    Ask Me Anything w/ John David Mann at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #32)

    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 ONLY Inner-Circle: https://growgettersonly.com/ Community: https://weallgrowtogether.com/ Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: 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/

    58 min
  7. Memory Hacks For Entrepreneurs w/ Tansel Ali (LST #150)

    MAR 30

    Memory Hacks For Entrepreneurs w/ Tansel Ali (LST #150)

    Learn Speak Teach Episode #150 with Tansel Ali. Being an entrepreneur demands focus, sharp thinking, and the ability to remember what matters most. However, our brains prioritize certain information and can become overloaded, causing us to forget important things. So how can we train our memory to effortlessly recall even the smallest but most important details, like names and numbers? Find out in this episode featuring Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion, international bestselling author, and memory mentor. In this episode, Tansel dives into how our brains really work and why we forget things. Moreover, he shares practical tips for improving memory, including the techniques he uses when training his clients. Tansel explores whether memory champions are born or made, showing that anyone can train their brain to achieve remarkable focus and recall. You’ll also discover simple ways to boost your memory, including a quick 5-minute daily brain workout, and learn why consistency is king in memory training. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer  [03:03] Why We Forget [05:38] Improve Your Memory [15:22] Becoming a Memory Champion [19:27] Brain Training [21:47] Website: https://tanselali.com/ [24:36] 5-Minute Brain Workout [38:50] Consistency is king [41:30] Memory League • Website: https://memoryleague.com/ [47:10] Connect with Tansel Ali • Website: https://tanselali.com/  Key Takeaways:   • The reason why we forget is that our brain prioritizes certain information and sometimes becomes overloaded. ~Tansel Ali [03:03] • You can train your brain to increase its encoding speed, allowing you to memorize and retain more information. ~Tansel Ali [13:42] • Our brain cannot distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t. ~Tansel Ali [25:18] • “If you do something consistently, you will naturally improve.” ~Tansel Ali [38:56] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. Memory League: https://memoryleague.com/ Keep In Touch with Tansel Ali: Website: https://tanselali.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanselali/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tansel.a.l.i/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TanselAliMemory — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

    54 min
5
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

REAL Conversations w/ REAL business leaders making a REAL difference in our world!!!! Yes, we’re a marketing podcast. We dive into social selling, content marketing, networking, and LinkedIn, but we’re so much more. We’re about the habits, mindsets, and strategies that create true growth, connection, and fulfillment. Host Ben Albert chats with everyone from world-famous marketers, entrepreneurs, and sales geniuses to behavior scientists, wellness experts, and even near-death experience survivors. Each guest brings raw stories and insights, bridging real business success with personal growth. His role? To pull out the best nibbles of wisdom, packing decades of experience into minutes for you, the listener. Yes, we get actionable. However, we also look at the story behind the story. This podcast is a deep dive into struggle, failure, frustration, and how to develop true resilience that actually leads to success. We tackle important topics such as: • Why networking matters in business • Proven ways to increase revenue • Building real connections in business • Content marketing for maximum visibility • Using LinkedIn for social selling success • Self-development goals for entrepreneurs • How human behavior shapes success • Mastering the art of persuasion • Tips to crush your business goals • Confidence in public speaking • How to ask the right questions • Creating an unforgettable brand • Storytelling that builds belonging • Habits for resilience in business • What is real success? Real Business Connections: on a mission to actually move the needle on 1 million lives, one conversation at a time! Show Key: LST= LEARN SPEAK TEACH ROC: ROCHESTER(NY) BUSINESS CONNECTIONS FMF: FIFTEEN MINUTE FRIDAY HIT: REAL HITS Bite: BEN'S BITES GG: Real Talk w/ GrowGetters AB²C Lunch Break Live - LinkedIn Panel Live Stream