Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Business Growth & Entrepreneur Stories

Robert Plank

Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank is a daily business podcast for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants, agency owners, coaches, authors, speakers, and expert-led service businesses that want real growth without hype. Each episode features candid interviews with founders, marketers, creators, authors, and business owners who share the stories, systems, mistakes, and breakthroughs behind their success. You’ll hear practical ideas on business growth strategy, marketing strategy, authority building, podcasting, SEO, email marketing, social media, LinkedIn, lead generation, AI for business, automation, delegation, SOPs, productivity, leadership, and building predictable revenue without burning out. If you want to simplify your marketing, amplify your message, systemize your success, and become more confident about getting your business noticed, Marketer of the Day gives you daily insights and entrepreneur stories you can use to grow smarter.

  1. 2h ago

    1689: AI Productivity and Real Estate Investing with Poojitha Dontu

    AI is moving at a thousand miles an hour, but using it well takes more than chasing every new tool. Product leader and real estate investor Poojitha Dontu shares how she uses AI to save time while protecting privacy and keeping human relationships at the center. She explains why people should think carefully before sharing personal or financial details with AI tools. She also uses scheduled AI agents to triage email, organize contacts, and remind her to follow up. Her advice is to give AI useful context about your priorities and working style, while staying thoughtful about what you disclose. If you want to improve AI productivity without handing over your judgment or your human connections, this conversation offers a grounded place to start. Poojitha’s approach to real estate investing starts with a basic need: people will always need a place to live. She sees rental properties as a way to build long-term family wealth and access potential tax advantages alongside W-2 income. Investing in properties far from home has also taught her that the right local team matters. Reliable people on the ground can help handle repairs, damage, and the daily work of managing rentals. She shares how self-education and continued learning have shaped her journey as an investor. For anyone weighing real estate as a path to wealth, her experience highlights both the opportunity and the work behind it. https://youtu.be/n7tLFptq11I?si=8VRJ6LzCJtX4bFbi Her story also spans India, Canada, and the United States, and shows how moving across cultures shaped her empathy and sense of identity. She encourages people to be confident in who they are instead of forcing themselves to fit in. At home, she makes screen-free family dinners a priority and wants her children to understand work, money, and the choices ahead of them. When asked what she would change about her past, she says she would change nothing because every experience helped her grow. Her guiding message is simple: “Always be yourself,” keep learning, and stay close to the people who matter. Listen for practical lessons on AI, real estate investing, time management, family wealth, and building a life that still feels human. Quotes: “Embrace AI, learn it in a way that creates productivity and comfort for you. But be cautious about the safety aspects.” “People will always need housing, whether AI evolves or shifts the job market in the future.” “Always be yourself. Share your experiences with others because that adds so much color to everybody’s journey.” Contact Details: Explore Smarter Real Estate Investments with Havenstead Equity Connect with Poojitha Dontu and Discover Her Professional Insights on LinkedIn Follow Poojitha Dontu on Instagram for Inspiring Insights and Fresh Updates Schedule a meeting with Poojitha Dontu and Start a Meaningful Conversation

  2. 3d ago

    1688: Marriage Habits for Lasting Passion with Dr. Evan Money

    Can a great marriage be built through small daily habits instead of big romantic gestures? Dr. Evan Money, author of Marriage of Greatness, says lasting connection starts with honest self-improvement, not trying to fix your spouse. He shares why he and his wife aim to live the same way in private as they do on stage, making authenticity and integrity part of their message. His core idea is simple: mediocrity can happen by default, but growth takes a choice. Rather than entering a partner’s “room of improvement” uninvited, he urges couples to focus on their own habits and actions. That shift can create more trust, less blame, and a stronger foundation for a healthy marriage. Evan calls one of his 3 Rs “romance hygiene”: the small, steady acts that keep affection and intimacy alive. He compares these habits to brushing your teeth, because consistency matters more than occasional bursts of effort. He also explains why marriage is an art, not a formula, and why couples need to learn each other’s needs and love-language “dialects.” For him, doing the dishes became an act of service that helped him connect with his wife once he changed how he viewed the chore. Instead of treating everyday responsibilities as a burden, couples can look for ways to bring care and joy into them. This practical marriage advice invites partners to build closeness through thoughtful actions, not hype or grand promises. https://youtu.be/MaOpcQFl-l4?si=S0eVULf7V9CWnnAE The conversation also tackles a tough question: should spouses put their relationship before their children? Evan shares his view while emphasizing harmony, speaking a partner’s love language, and taking responsibility instead of relying on arguments alone. His other two Rs are “room of improvement” and “responsibility,” which he defines as the ability to respond rather than react. That pause can help people leave blame behind, learn from a difficult relationship, and choose what they do next. Evan says life and marriage are always moving either upward or downward, shaped by the habits we practice each day. Explore his book, podcast, and marriage retreats at MarriageOfGreatness.com for more ideas on building connection and growing together. Quotes: “Your marriage is either getting better right now or it's getting worse. There is no static.”  “Mediocrity happens by default, greatness happens by decision.”   “Great marriages aren’t built on hype. They’re built on habits.” Contact Details: Build a Stronger, Happier Marriage: Discover the path to greatness at Marriage of Greatness Transform your Financial Future and Build Lasting Wealth with Dr. Evan Money Connect with Dr. Evan Money on LinkedIn for Insights on Wealth, Success, and Personal Growth Follow Dr. Evan Money on Facebook for Inspiration on Wealth, Success, and Living your Best Life Watch Dr. Evan Money’s Inspiring Videos on Vimeo Follow Marriage of Greatness on Instagram for Daily Inspiration to Strengthen your Relationship Listen to the Marriage of Greatness Podcast for Insights to Build a Stronger, Happier Marriage Marriage of Greatness on Amazon

  3. 6d ago

    1687: Leadership Succession Without Division with Gilbert Chestnut

    A leadership succession can shake an entire organization, not just the person leaving or the person stepping in. In this episode, leadership expert Gilbert Chestnut explains why succession is a leadership decision, while the transition is an organizational experience everyone must live through. His book, Serving the Successor: A Leadership Guide for Navigating Transition with Grace and Integrity, offers guidance for leaders and teams facing unexpected change. When the person expected to lead is passed over, disappointment can spread through coworkers and weaken trust. Chestnut shares how leaders can respond with grace, protect relationships, and keep the mission moving. This is a practical look at what leadership really means when the title goes to someone else. Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience, Gilbert shares lessons from faith-based organizations and the business world. He reflects on being passed over for a role and choosing to redeem the moment instead of letting disappointment define him. He explains that influence does not disappear when a title or promotion goes to someone else. Leaders and team members can disagree without creating division, as long as they handle conflict with respect and stay focused on the mission. He also reframes empathy: understanding someone means looking beyond their current reaction to the experiences that shaped it. That deeper view can help organizations rebuild trust and uncover potential that might otherwise be missed. https://youtu.be/AwJcBKipP4o?si=cJBqscyibj3KfbMt The conversation explores how successors, senior leaders, and overlooked candidates can help an organization move forward through change. Gilbert urges people to process disappointment carefully, since well-meant sympathy can reopen the wound. Instead of feeding resentment, a person can use their influence to strengthen unity and support improvement. He shares how GC Consultation helps individuals and organizations build sustained, effective leadership through workshops, team building, and leadership development. Gilbert is also developing the POUR concept to help identify and develop hidden potential. If your team is facing leadership succession, this episode offers clear ideas for navigating the transition with integrity, stronger relationships, and lasting impact. Quotes: “Succession is a leadership decision, but the transition is an organizational experience because you may not have anything to do with the decision, but you live it.”  “Influence is not always accompanied by a title. I may not get the title, but my influence, my level of influence, is not diminished within that organization.”  “You never stop being a leader. You’re always looking for opportunities to improve, to develop, and then the biggest part of that is sharing what you learn with others.”  Contact Details: Unlock your Leadership Potential. Connect with Gilbert Today at GCConsultant.org Want to Connect, Collaborate, or Explore New Opportunities? Connect with Gilbert on LinkedIn Follow Gilbert Chestnut on Facebook for More Insights and Updates Discover More from Gilbert Chestnut: Follow Him on Instagram The Leadership Stride: Perspective Process Potential on Amazon Serving the Successor: A Leadership Guide for Navigating Transition with Grace and Integrity on Amazon The Leadership Stride: Perspective Process Potential on Amazon

  4. Oct 26

    1686: Human-Centered AI Leadership with Dr. Anthony Simmons

    Artificial intelligence can produce more information than a team can use, but more output does not automatically mean better decisions. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, retired U.S. Navy captain and leadership coach Dr. Anthony Simmons explains why human judgment must remain at the center of AI-supported work. Drawing on more than 25 years of military service across 65 countries, he shares lessons from leadership, research, and technology experimentation. His core message is simple: AI is an enhancer, not a replacement for human creativity, context, and responsibility. Without clear goals and thoughtful inputs, teams risk getting overwhelmed by irrelevant or unreliable outputs. Simmons shows how leaders can shape AI use around practical outcomes instead of treating it as a one-stop solution. The discussion explores how to frame a problem, define what information matters, and keep people involved in interpreting the results. Dr. Anthony Simmons describes leadership as both a human art and a technological science, with people providing the meaning that data alone cannot supply. He also warns that unchecked reliance on AI can encourage shortcuts and weaken ethical judgment. As technology accelerates decision-making, leaders still need to monitor information flow and avoid human saturation. The conversation connects these challenges to emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and social intelligence. Dr. Anthony Simmons argues that these people skills are increasingly important alongside technical competence and IQ. https://youtu.be/cXgpS3dXbmU?si=ddGgULv_rAtz235M Dr. Anthony Simmons also discusses desire, vision, determination, dedication, discipline, and discovery as part of his approach to human excellence. His “common act” calls on people to appreciate, communicate, and build trust with one another. He explains that his purpose is to help people look inward, recognize their strengths, and develop their potential through meaningful human connection. Listeners will hear why clear, concise prompts and a defined goal can make AI more useful and reduce information overload. Dr. Anthony Simmons shares resources for learning more through Sixth Gear Consulting, his coaching platforms, and the Apex Performance Podcast. He closes with his guiding quote: “Success is an open book test if you study history.” Quotes: “AI is a multiplier. It’s an enhancer. It’s not an enabler. An enabler is the human.”  “You gather the information with artificial intelligence, you analyze artificial intelligence, but you make sense of it with the human being.”   “Technology can oversaturate you if you have more information at your disposal than you can make use of.”   Contact Details: Discover Sixth Gear Consulting Today: Start Your Leadership Journey Elevate Your Game: Tune In to the Apex Performance Podcast Today Join a Community of High-Achieving Leaders: Visit SimmonsCoachingLove.com Today Ready to Become a More Impactful Leader? Connect with Dr. Anthony Simmons on LinkedIn Unlock your Peak Potential: Listen to Apex Performance on Apple Podcasts Level Up your Mindset and Reach your Apex: Listen to Apex Performance on Spotify Championing Organization Wellness on Amazon

  5. Oct 23

    1685: Biotech Startup Success with Dr. Kevin J. Scanlon

    Turning scientific discoveries into successful businesses takes more than technical expertise; it requires translating complex ideas into value that customers, partners, and investors can understand. In this episode, biotech entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Kevin J. Scanlon discusses how AI can help researchers work with vast amounts of information and explore possibilities in areas such as drug discovery. He also emphasizes that AI is most useful when people ask thoughtful questions, evaluate its output, and bring their own expertise to the process. As information accelerates, staying focused and analytical is essential to avoid distractions and identify what matters. Scanlon revisits the discovery of penicillin to show how years of preparation helped Fleming recognize the significance of an unexpected observation. The story offers a powerful reminder that breakthroughs often depend on curiosity, experience, and persistence not chance alone. For Scanlon, character is central to building a strong team and a successful company. He values people who are motivated, hardworking, open to criticism, and committed to learning. Because no founder can manage every part of a company, entrepreneurs need skilled teammates they can trust, from scientists and marketers to operations leaders. Scanlon shares how his relationship with Dr. Eric Finzi grew from academic advising into years of mentorship as Finzi developed a company. Their example shows that asking for guidance is most effective when entrepreneurs think critically, apply what they learn, and return with better questions. Mentors can offer experience and direction, but curiosity and follow-through help entrepreneurs make their own decisions. https://youtu.be/P0-Kwoe_6EQ?si=nA-mQczuQoS_V-w0 Moving from science to entrepreneurship also means learning business fundamentals, especially financial projections, company evaluation, and how investors assess a venture. Scanlon explains that investors pay attention to whether a CEO listens, understands the business, builds a capable team, and responds thoughtfully to questions. He encourages entrepreneurs to ask why investors raise particular questions so they can better understand the risks and expectations behind funding decisions. His book, The Hybrid Entrepreneur, offers a framework for evaluating and starting companies, including assessing the product, team, business model, and exit plan. Scanlon stresses that building a business takes time and that finding the right mentor or investor is a matter of fit. Guided by Peter Drucker’s emphasis on asking the right questions, this episode offers practical insight for scientists seeking to turn research into a viable business. Quotes: “You have to be selective, and you have to be analytical in interpreting the data or asking the right questions.”  “A good quality of an entrepreneur is that they can listen, they can understand what the information is, they can analyze it, and they can get more information.”   “You can be focused and you can have it organized, but you can also go down the wrong path, so keeping that balance is very critical.” Contact Details: Looking For answers you Can Trust? Discover Reliable DNA Testing with International Biosciences Connect with Dr. Kevin J. Scanlon on LinkedIn for Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Insights The Hybrid Entrepreneur on Amazon

  6. Oct 22

    1684: Fundraising Strategies That Inspire Donors with John Lepp

    Fundraising works best when donors can feel the difference their generosity makes. John Lepp, a fundraising strategist, author, and creative leader with more than 25 years of experience, explains why donor psychology and emotion matter in campaigns. He says charities can create meaningful moments by showing donors what their gifts make possible, rather than focusing only on the organization’s work. Because people often feel before they analyze, values-driven storytelling can help turn attention into action. John also notes that charitable giving has stagnated or declined over the past generation, making stronger donor connections increasingly important. This episode explores practical ways to make fundraising more human, memorable, and effective. Direct mail remains an underused channel, and John says the envelope has only seconds to earn a recipient’s attention. From the outside message to the letter and response device, each part should carry a consistent emotional thread and make giving simple. Rather than relying on a handwritten-looking envelope as a trick, fundraisers should build familiarity and deliver on the promise inside. Audience targeting matters too: John recommends focusing appeals on the right donors and segmenting lists strategically, while continuing to grow future audiences. He also cautions that AI can multiply marketing content, even though people’s capacity to consume it has not kept pace. Used thoughtfully as a sounding board or a way to solve problems, AI can support creative work without replacing care, judgment, and human connection. https://youtu.be/C1kPvH5Z1WU?si=Fh4oWRJMTmkPuCBG For a practical creativity exercise, John suggests defining the problem, the offer, and the story before choosing who, or what should tell it. Writing an appeal from an unexpected perspective, such as Santa Claus or even a bag, can loosen rigid thinking and reveal fresh storytelling possibilities. He encourages fundraisers to experiment, stay connected to their craft, and have the courage to try ideas that may feel unconventional. John’s new YourGivingTree.org is envisioned as a digital publishing platform for fundraising resources and thought leadership, with transparency about AI use. Through Agents of Good, he and his team help charities strengthen annual and individual giving across channels, including direct mail. His closing reminder, illustrated by a pie baked slowly at a lower temperature, is that lasting donor relationships and meaningful results take time. Quotes: “Charities have an opportunity to give donors massive releases of dopamine because at the end of the day, giving feels good. It feels great.”  “The more it’s rooted in values and emotions, the more successful it’s going to be.”   “You don’t have to be this square professional entity. No one wants a relationship with a boring professional, heavily branded anything, especially not a charity.” Contact Details: Ready to Inspire Donors and Boost Fundraising? Visit Agents of Good to Get Started Discover Fundraising Insights and Creative Ideas to Inspire Giving: Visit YourGivingTree.org Discover Smarter Fundraising Ideas with John Lepp Connect with John Lepp on LinkedIn for Fundraising Insights and Creative Inspiration Get Fresh Fundraising Insights and Donor Engagement Ideas from John Lepp on X Explore Fundraising Ideas and Donor-Focused Inspiration with John Lepp on Instagram Follow John Lepp on TikTok for Fundraising Tips and Inspiration

  7. Oct 21

    1683: Paid Social Video Production for Brands with Maddi Clarke

    Branded content has to fit the platforms where audiences actually watch, and social media demands a different approach than traditional television advertising. In this episode, Maddi Clarke, founder and executive producer of Los Angeles-based Yada Yada Studio, explains how her team creates commercials and creative assets for paid digital media. Working with brands and agencies across categories from American Express and Mastercard to Gap and Lululemon, Yada Yada helps turn marketing goals into social-first video and photo production. Clarke’s career began as a production assistant and truck driver in New York City before taking her through reality TV, commercial production, freelance producing, and agency producing. Her background in finance and marketing helped her connect creative ideas with audience strategy, budgets, and the work required to bring a campaign to life. After seeing media investment shift from broadcast toward mobile and paid social, she founded Yada Yada in April 2024 to meet the need for production built specifically for digital platforms. Maddi explains why social campaigns call for platform-aware creativity including the right visual format, hook, and audience fit instead of simply repurposing a television spot. She describes how brand strategy, creative development, and production come together, from understanding where an audience spends time to shaping an idea around the available budget. The process can mean scaling back ambitious concepts while preserving the campaign’s central goal. Maddi also shares the entrepreneurial challenge of balancing client work with consistent sales activity amid the feast-or-famine cycle of production. After becoming deeply immersed in busy projects and letting business development slip, she learned to protect time for sales and build a dependable bench of freelance talent. These practices help the studio manage growth, adapt to changing workloads, and keep projects moving while serving clients. https://youtu.be/IfTcSXIlw5s?si=vl48PY_Vyu0GgV2A Team-building is another central theme, with Maddi drawing on trusted relationships and recommendations developed throughout her career. She looks for people who are hardworking, adaptable, collaborative, and open to constructive questions, while inviting them to improve the studio’s systems. Using freelance projects to assess fit gives both sides a chance to learn how they work together before making a longer-term commitment. Maddi defines Yada Yada’s promise through three pillars: speed, quality, and trust, which the team strives to deliver together rather than choosing only two. She connects that consistency to strong client relationships, noting that recurring clients account for about 90% of the studio’s current business. For agency creatives, producers, and brands seeking social video or photo production, this episode offers practical insights on building campaigns and teams that perform, and a simple reminder from Maddi: ask, because the worst answer may be no. Quotes: “Our job is to basically react and respond to that and fix it before somebody else finds out who’s gonna get mad. So that’s my whole job: putting out fires.”  “Ninety percent of our business now is recurring business from clients who had a great experience and they come back.”  “Why would you hire a production company that is making TV spots when you really need a production company who understands social?” Contact Details:  Bring your Brand’s Boldest Ideas to Life with Yada Yada Studio Discover Maddi Clarke’s Creative Work and Bring your Brand’s Story to Life Connect with Maddi Clarke on LinkedIn for Creative Insights and Video Production Updates Follow Maddi Clarke on Instagram for Creative Inspiration

  8. Oct 20

    1682: Moving Company Costs and Hiring Tips with Yuriy Margolin

    Moving can look like a simple trip from point A to point B, but professional moves involve labor, insurance, packing, regulations, and delivery logistics. In this episode, Yuriy Margolin, owner of MovingSalesProfessionals.com and host of Let’s Talk Moving, shares more than 23 years of moving-industry experience. After beginning his sales career at 17, Yuriy built a specialized call center in 2018 to help moving companies improve sales and serve customers professionally. He explains why he enjoys teaching sales teams and helping businesses strengthen their approach to sales. His advice is useful for consumers planning a move as well as owners looking to grow a moving company. The discussion shows how informed decisions, realistic expectations, and qualified professionals can make a move go more smoothly. Yuriy breaks down what moving costs cover and why unusually low quotes deserve scrutiny. Professional movers bring equipment, trained labor, and accountability, while a DIY or day-labor option may leave customers managing truck rental, damage risks, and other responsibilities themselves. For long-distance moves, delivery timing can be affected by driver schedules, route conditions, shared truck space, access limitations, and required stops, so delivery windows should be understood as estimates. He explains that moving blankets help prevent scratches, but fragile items such as glass, dishes, and TVs need appropriate protection. The episode also explores the difference between brokers and carriers, DOT/FMCSA verification through Company Snapshot, and researching reviews across multiple sources. Yuriy discusses limited liability coverage, full-value protection, deductibles, packing requirements, and why reimbursement may reflect an item’s current value rather than its original purchase price. https://youtu.be/HoIuRrDCAE0?si=CjTeQDuDwBwBM5vW Beyond consumer moving advice, Yuriy shares lessons for moving-company owners who outsource sales. He cautions against micromanaging sales representatives and urges owners to allow an adjustment period while maintaining clear standards and choosing reputable clients. On marketing, he advocates consistent social media and podcast content to build awareness and attract organic leads, contrasting them with increasingly costly, less-exclusive third-party leads. He also highlights distinctive video content that can help a local company stay top of mind when someone needs a mover. To close, Yuriy offers a sales lesson: don’t assume people will say no, and bring humor into the interaction. Listen for practical guidance on moving company sales, choosing a mover, avoiding surprises, and building trust through education and consistent marketing. Quotes: “If the delivery window sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the cost for the move sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”  “Companies need to care about their brand. If you don’t care about what it is that you’re putting out in the world, what are you really doing?”  “Don’t assume that people are going to say no to you, and always have a little bit of humor to go along with it." Contact Details: Turn More Moving Leads Into Booked Jobs: Get Started Today! Boost your Moving Business with Sales Tips from Let’s Talk Moving on Apple Podcasts! Connect with Yuriy Margolin on LinkedIn to Explore His Professional Experience and Insights! Explore Expert Insights on Let’s Talk Moving on Spotify! Get Sales Tips and Moving Industry Insights on the Moving Sales Professionals YouTube Channel

4.9
out of 5
161 Ratings

About

Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank is a daily business podcast for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants, agency owners, coaches, authors, speakers, and expert-led service businesses that want real growth without hype. Each episode features candid interviews with founders, marketers, creators, authors, and business owners who share the stories, systems, mistakes, and breakthroughs behind their success. You’ll hear practical ideas on business growth strategy, marketing strategy, authority building, podcasting, SEO, email marketing, social media, LinkedIn, lead generation, AI for business, automation, delegation, SOPs, productivity, leadership, and building predictable revenue without burning out. If you want to simplify your marketing, amplify your message, systemize your success, and become more confident about getting your business noticed, Marketer of the Day gives you daily insights and entrepreneur stories you can use to grow smarter.