In The Trenches Tom Morkes | business, marketing, writing, and publishing

Damon Burton is a remarkable figure who, nearly two decades ago, outsmarted a billion-dollar company by outranking their website on Google. This victory was just the beginning for Damon, who went on to author a best-selling SEO book and establish “SEO National”, an international search engine marketing firm that boasts clients like NBA teams and businesses featured on Inc 5000 and Shark Tank.

In today's episode, we talk about dealing with the challenges of rapid growth and evolving team dynamics, as Damon unveils how to maintain quality and intentionality in an age where AI threatens to over-simplify the complexities of SEO.

In this broadcast, Damon Burton and I talk about:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Damon Burton, the start of his entrepreneurial journey 

[00:07:08] Benefits and risks with Damon’s slow and steady approach to building and growing his business 

[00:11:20] How detailed documentation and SOPs can simplify the hiring process, and what questions Damon uses in the hiring process

[00:14:30] What the transition from design to SEO looked like, and an interesting story that helped prompt that change

[00:20:13] What Damon’s day-to-day with his agency looks like now, and how he hired people for critical roles to be able to lessen his own workload

[00:28:36] How to maintain quality control while giving more autonomy to employees 

[00:32:30] Damon’s thoughts on the role of AI and where it can be integrated in regards to SEO

[00:39:49] Damon’s plans for the future with even more freedom and quality family time 

[00:43:32] Where to get in touch with Damon Burton and how to get his free book about SEO

Relevant Links:

damonburton.com

Free SEO Book

Damon Burton's LinkedIn

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Did you enjoy today's broadcast of In The Trenches? Please click here to leave an honest rating and review on iTunes. Your review helps me spread the word of this podcast, which allows me to line up amazing guests and continue to produce this podcast ad-free. Thanks so much in advance for your support.

Danny Flood is a vibrant individual whose life experience spans a range of diverse chapters, all encapsulating an adventurous spirit and a penchant for non-traditional living. About eight years ago, you would have found him in the bustling city of Bangkok, living a life many only dream of. A pioneer in the realm of location independence, Flood was immersing himself in the digital nomad lifestyle, long before it gained mainstream recognition.
 
As a young man, Danny was no stranger to structure and discipline, having served in the military – an experience that shaped him in many ways. Following his service, he sought to expand his horizons and attended the Art Institute, where he earned a degree in advertising. This conventional path, which typically leads to a corporate career, didn’t quite align with Danny's ambitions.
 
Facing what he called a quarter-life depression, Flood was confronted with the daunting prospect of 40 years tethered to an office desk, a future that seemed an ill fit for his free spirit. It was this period of introspection that propelled him to break free from the expected and carve a path outside the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. In the time since our last conversation with Danny, his unwavering zeal for living on his own terms is still apparent. Danny Flood remains a true embodiment of the adventurous soul, an inspiration to those looking to live life unconstrained by geographical or societal expectations.
 
In this episode, we will unpack the toolkit of modern entrepreneurs. Today's conversation spans the gamut from automating social media engagement to validating business ideas using organic methods. Plus, if you're quick, there might just be a discount code waiting for those eager to sign up for Danny's membership—reach out, and you might snag that opportunity!
 
In this broadcast, Danny Flood and I talk about (timestamps):
[00:00:00] Introduction to Danny Flood, his beginnings, and how he got into growth hacking
[00:04:19] Danny’s experience with growth hacking on Appsumo 
[00:08:40] How he launched a co-living space for remote workers and entrepreneurs in Greece
[00:12:00] What tools he used to recreate a similar retreat in Nepal and market it to reach as many people as possible 
[00:15:12] How he uses Facebook groups as free marketing for efficient lead generation
[00:18:10] Benefits of traveling and working remotely 
[00:24:09] Danny’s tips for travel hacking and saving money while traveling 
[00:27:35] How he used AI to build out a site for digital nomads
[00:32:01] How to use AI to create more freedom in work and life
[00:39:32] Danny’s recommendations playing with AI and building useful knowledge and skill
[00:42:39] Where to get in touch with Danny Flood and his gift for listeners of In the Trenches
 
Relevant Links:
The School Of Growth Hacking
23 The Coolest Free AI Tools for Content Creation 
AppSumo
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How You Can Support In The Trenches

Did you enjoy today's broadcast of In The Trenches? Please click here to leave an honest rating and review on iTunes. Your review helps me spread the word of this podcast, which allows me to line up amazing guests and continue to produce this podcast ad-free. Thanks so much in advance for your support.

Noah Kagan is the founder of AppSumo, dubbed the premier software deal site for solopreneurs, and 8 other million-dollar businesses. He is an entrepreneur with a keen eye for unique business angles and the innate ability to transform the ordinary into extraordinary revenue streams. In his book “Million Dollar Weekend”, Kagan brought to light the company's behind-the-scenes strategies. 
These insightful revelations cemented Kagan's reputation as an innovative storyteller in the digital marketplace. His approach is laced with a no-nonsense attitude, challenging others to look within and extract their unique selling points. 
Noah's story exemplifies how, with the right perspective, even the commonplace elements of a business can be repackaged into bestsellers, encouraging entrepreneurs to reexamine the overlooked facets of their operations for hidden gems of opportunity.

In this broadcast, Noah Kagan and I talk about (timestamps):

[00:00:00] Introduction to Noah Kagan and his book “Million Dollar Weekend”

[00:03:37] Thoughts on dealing with self-doubt and finding pride in your work.

[00:06:20] How he has implemented his “Now not How” approach in his own company, as well as used it to help others find success in their business ventures. 

[00:10:42] Noah’s advice to entrepreneurs who are unsure where to focus their energy.

[00:16:50] How to create excitement in your business by making boring tasks interesting.

[00:18:31] Advice on not letting incomplete projects weigh you down and living the life you want to live.

[00:20:17] How small and achievable goals lead to successful outcomes.

Relevant Links:

Noah Kagan's Website

Noah Kagan's LinkedIn

Get the Latest Broadcasts of In The Trenches on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:

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How You Can Support In The Trenches

Did you enjoy today's broadcast of In The Trenches? Please click here to leave an honest rating and review on iTunes. Your review helps me spread the word of this podcast, which allows me to line up amazing guests and continue to produce this podcast ad-free. Thanks so much in advance for your support.

Robbie Samuels is an accomplished networking expert who has dedicated over a decade to teaching people the art of networking at conferences and events. After years of balancing his day job with speaking engagements, Robbie took the bold step of quitting his job to focus on networking full-time. This led him to create his own podcast, "On the Schmooze," which he has been hosting since its launch in 2016.

In 2017, Robbie released his first book, which focused on networking events and became a valuable resource for professionals seeking to build meaningful connections. His expertise and contributions didn't stop there - Robbie ran a successful group coaching program, authored articles for Harvard Business Review, and was even invited to give a TEDx talk.

Everything seemed to be falling into place for Robbie, however, just two months after his TEDx talk was published in January 2020, the pandemic struck, and the world shifted. Suddenly, networking became a challenge as everyone found themselves confined to their homes.

Despite the unforeseen circumstances, Robbie's passion for networking remained unwavering. He adapted to the new virtual landscape and continued to share his insights and strategies online, helping individuals navigate the world of remote networking. Robbie's story is a testament to his resilience and determination to empower others, proving that even in the face of adversity, networking remains a crucial skill for personal and professional growth.

In this broadcast, Robbie Samuels and I talk about (timestamps):

[00:00:00] Introduction to Robbie Samuels 

[00:02:33] How he got to the belief that 10k a month is easy to earn, and how he is helping other people to achieve the same.

[00:08:29] Benefits of learning new things and teaching others while being only a few steps ahead.

[00:13:05] How to quickly adapt and experiment through unpredictable situations to align with the needs of clients.

[00:17:22] Discussing AI tools and their potential for value.

[00:19:47] How to generate interest and convert it into sustained following and deeper connections.

[00:29:01] Why embracing online engagement in small niches can lead to new ideas and opportunities.

[00:32:45] Robbie’s tips for leading Zoom calls and increasing engagement.

[00:37:09] Discussing online and in-person event planning - what are some mistakes people make and how Robbie helps solve them. 

[00:46:33] Where to get in touch with Robbie Samuels.

Relevant Links:

Robbie Samuels's Website

Robbie's Podcast ''On the Schmooze''

LinkedIn

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Jane Duncan Rogers is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and award-winning Life and Death coach. She is passionate about creating a world where dying, death, and grief are considered a natural, normal, and nourishing part of the conversation, with end-of-life plans becoming as commonplace as birth plans. 
In today's conversation, we dive into Jane's journey from a self-published book to a thriving 6-figure business. We explore her experiences in the longevity space, her personal memoir, "Gifted by Grief," and the birth of her company, Before I Go Solutions. Jane shares her insights on end of life planning, the importance of leaving a legacy, and the training she offers for individuals interested in becoming end of life plan facilitators.
I hope you enjoy today's conversation, and if you do, please share this interview with others, and leave a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever else you're listening to this.
[00:00:00] Introduction to Jane Duncan Rogers and the story of how she wrote and published her book “Gifted by Grief”.
[00:03:58] How her passion project educating people on end of life planning became her company “Before I Go Solutions”.
[00:08:04] On developing her legacy through courses, facilitator training, workbooks etc.
[00:11:12] Who is Jane’s clientele and how she defined the market for her business?
[00:16:03] Jane talks about what the End of Life Program is like and some of the unexpected planning and decision-making people might not know about.
[00:21:21] Jane talks about the future of the end of life market, as well as her plans for the future, both in business and writing.
[00:25:57] Where to get in touch with Jane Duncan Rogers - to learn more, get her books or work with her.
Relevant Links:

beforeigosolutions.com

Get the Latest Broadcasts of In The Trenches on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:

Subscribe to In The Trenches on iTunes

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How You Can Support In The Trenches

Did you enjoy today's broadcast of In The Trenches? Please click here to leave an honest rating and review on iTunes. Your review helps me spread the word of this podcast, which allows me to line up amazing guests and continue to produce this podcast ad-free. Thanks so much in advance for your support.

Nicholas Todd Bullock (NT Bullock) is the founder of Sequential Pictures. He is a filmmaker who discovered his passion for creating videos long before the advent of YouTube. In the mid-90s, he got hold of his father's camcorder and fell in love with capturing moments on camera. Despite the limitations of the time, like the absence of editing software like Final Cut Pro or access to free training and tutorials (again -- this was pre-YouTube), Bullock persevered. He worked multiple jobs to save up for a computer and a video capture card, recorded tons of skits and short films with his friends, and eventually published his work online -- and went viral with one of his first parodies published on youtube: "STAR WARS: A Lost Hope".
Since then, he's filmed and produced dozens of short films, parodies, and skits, as well as feature films.
In today's conversation, Todd shares his 'origin story', how he got started in film, what inspired him to create and publish these skits and parodies, what the reception has been, including the ups and downs of being a creator in a world that tends to hammer those who are inventive (including, in my words, YouTube's crazy and unfair copyright "standards", shadowbanning, and more).
We also talk about Todd's recent near-death experience (including multiple trips to the ER, 17 days in the hospital, and losing weight till he weighed only 89 pounds), how this has impacted his career, and how he's rebounding (including what's coming next from him).
As an aside, if you feel compelled to support Todd, you can find a gofundme for his health challenges here, and hopefully, I've inspired him to set up a Patreon account, which may be live in the near future. 
I hope you enjoy today's conversation, and if you do, please share this interview with others, and leave a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever else you're listening to this.
In this broadcast, NT Bullock and I talk about (timestamps):
[00:00:00] Intro to the filmmaker NT Bullock 
[00:08:39] NT Bullock's journey, early online success, and learning process.
[00:17:17] How learning and adapting online facilitates the creative process.
[00:20:57] The challenges with measuring or projecting the time to complete a project (and why NT Bullock focuses on "getting the job done" instead of hitting specific 'metrics')
[00:27:35] The early days, the struggle to monetize content, and how he found success.
[00:39:33] How NT Bullock got started with paid film gigs (including car commercials), how he financed his movies, and why he prefers making shorts over feature length films.
[00:46:32] Why NT Bullock doesn't use Pateon (but should!) 
[00:53:06] YouTube's unfair copyright policies and why they limit revenue and visibility.
[00:57:58] The challenges of making and selling creative projects (or the pain of commercializing art)
[01:11:41] Redubs, the Dune film, and what inspires NT Bullock's art.
[01:15:43] Health struggles, his near-death experience, business setbacks, and the uncertain future. 
[01:24:03] Wrap up and what's coming next