Marketing feels like that a lot of the time. To me, it feels like a slot machine. You pour in time, money, and whatever creativity you’ve got left after a long day—and out comes… nothing. Someone’s winning. It’s just not you.

This is a control issue.  And when I bump up against something I can’t control – like customers choosing me and purchasing my offer, I shift my attention to anything that I CAN control like my behaviors and my actions.  

Success Behaviors: The Backbone of Your Daily Marketing Routine

I call these success behaviors.  These are simple actions I can take that will ultimately lead to success.  

It’s behavior. You either sent the email or didn’t. Followed up or didn’t. Created something valuable—or let the day get away from you.

And it’s this focus on success behaviors that will make all the difference for you.  What are simple things you can do that are controllable, that don’t take a long time, and that don’t cost you any money.  

This is where things click.

The 17-Minute Daily Marketing Routine

This isn’t a template. It’s a rhythm. A repeatable process that you can personalize—but not skip.

Here’s your daily breakdown:

Minute 1–5: Connect

I love starting the day by building relationships.  I mean you can’t go wrong with that.  This is something you can do over coffee.  When it comes to reaching out and scheduling phone conversations or meetings, have a calendar link at the ready and use this time to share that link and schedule a conversation. 

• Reach out to one person you want to build a relationship with.
• Comment on a LinkedIn post, send a quick DM, follow up on an email.
• Don’t pitch. Just engage. Keep it real.
  

Why it works: Relationships create revenue. Conversations lead to connections, referrals, collaborations, and sales. No tool can replace showing up like a human.

Minute 6–10: Share

Remember the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world”? If you want engagement, you have to engage first.  So, take the next step in your relationship building process and engage with the people you want to engage with YOU.  

• Post something that shows your thinking. It can be as simple as a 2-sentence insight. It just needs to be you. 
• Visit the profiles of customers or prospects with whom you want to build relationships and engage with their content.  Ask a question, make a comment, share a tip.  
• Don’t invest in any tools just yet.  Build the habit manually first so that you know exactly how you want it to go.
  

AI tip: Ask ChatGPT to summarize a recent conversation into a post idea. Use it to brainstorm or repurpose old emails.

Why it works: People don’t remember what you offer. They remember how you make them feel. Sharing builds familiarity. And familiarity builds trust.

Minute 11–15: Invite

Now that you’ve done some relationship building and engaging, you can focus on sharing your offer.  This is where your CRM or sales pipeline will come in really handy.  Head over to the segment of people with whom you’ve already built relationships and with whom you’be been engaging with for a little while.  If you’ve had at least three “gives” with this person, you are now free to finally ask for something. 

• Find folks who you think will be good referrers for you.  Did they become friends or are they partners, or influencers.  See if you have an opportunity to refer to them or for them to refer you. 
• Link to a free resource. Mention a product. Include a PS in an email.
  

Why it works: If you don’t remind people how you help, they forget. Selling isn’t shouting—it’s serving. Every day is a chance to invite someone in.

Minute 16–17: Capture

Take the time to work on a tactic to build your lead gen pipeline. 

• Add new contacts to your CRM. Tag by interest or outcome.
• Note what they asked about. What they want. What might help them next.
  

Tool tip: Use Nimble as your simple CRM. It’s clean, affordable, and lets you track conversations without drowning in data.

Why it works: This is your net. People slip through the cracks when you rely on memory. A basic system keeps relationships alive.

Marketing Tools That Keep You Sane (And Visible)

Forget the fancy funnel. You need a way to follow up. To do all this, I use Zoho One, the lowest-cost, highest-value business operating system.

Zoho One - The Operating System for Small Business

Imagine a world where all your business tools play nicely together (cue angelic choir). Whether it’s handling your finances, projects, or marketing, Zoho One keeps everything seamless and oh-so-simple. Plus, the price? A fraction of what you'd pay for piecing together different apps. Talk about a BARGAIN!

If you’re ready to take the leap from surviving to thriving, Zoho One is your trusty steed. Let’s ride into the sunset of efficiency, my friends. Click that button and get ready to supercharge your hustle!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Here’s a no-frills stack for solo business owners:

• Zoho Bigin: Light CRM to track convos, leads, and touchpoints.
• Zoho Campaigns: Email workflows (set up a Welcome → Segment → Newsletter system).
• AI (ChatGPT or Gemini): Brainstorm, rephrase, or generate quick content ideas when you’re stuck.
  

Set up 3 core email workflows:

1. Welcome sequence: 3–4 emails to warm up a new subscriber
2. Segment by interest: Tag people based on what they clicked or downloaded
3. Ongoing newsletter or updates: Keep it light, useful, and regular

Simple setup = serious staying power.

The Payoff: You Stop Starting Over

This habit doesn’t go viral. It goes deep.

You stop overthinking. You stop ghosting your audience. You stop feeling like you’re constantly behind. Instead, you show up every day—for 17 focused minutes. You make space for visibility, for connection, for opportunity.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—on repeat.

Ready to Try It?

Here’s your challenge:
Try the 17-minute habit for the next 5 weekdays.

Each day:

• Make one connection
• Share one insight
• Mention one offer
• Capture one new lead or relationship

No more slot machine marketing. This is how real brands are built.

FAQ: The 17-Minute Marketing Routine

1. Can 17 minutes really make a difference?

Absolutely—if you’re doing the right things. This routine focuses on behaviors that build momentum: making a connection, sharing value, inviting engagement, and tracking relationships. Small actions, done consistently, stack up fast.

2. What if I miss a day?

Then you start again tomorrow. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about rhythm. Life will get messy. The win is in coming back to the routine. No guilt. Just reset and keep going.

3. Do I have to use all the tools you mentioned?

Nope. Use what you have. A spreadsheet and your inbox are great places to start. The tools are there to make your life easier—not to overwhelm you. When you’re ready, consider tools like Zoho Bigin or Nimble to streamline things.

4. What should I post if I don’t know what to say?

Start with real conversations. Use client questions, insights from a recent meeting, or something you learned the hard way. Keep it human and helpful. Tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can help you shape and simplify your message.

5. How do I know if this is actually working?

Don’t look for viral moments—look for real engagement. Are people replying to your emails? Are you having more conversations? Are your offers getting clicks or interest? That’s what progress looks like.

How to Research Your Target Market Fast (And Why It Matters)

Understanding how to research your target market is the superpower behind every thriving business. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, market research is foundational for crafting offers, marketing messages, and sales strategies that work. Yet, most solopreneurs and small business owners put it off because it feels expensive, time-consuming, and complicated.

Good news: You don’t need fancy surveys, pricey software, or a Ph.D. in statistics. You just need 17 minutes and a coffee.

Ready to channel your inner marketing psychic? Here’s how to research your target market.

1. Dive Into Reddit and Quora

Why It Works

Reddit and Quora are goldmines of real, unfiltered customer conversations. Think of them as free focus groups you can tap into anytime.

How to Do It

• Go to Reddit and search for subreddits related to your niche
• Visit Quora and look for questions your ideal customers are asking
• Read through popular threads and note recurring problems, desires, and frustrations

What to Look For

• Complaints and frustrations
• “If only there was…” statements
• Common myths or misunderstandings

Pro Tip

Use Gummy Search – an awesome AI tool that will search millions of Reddit groups and conversations and analyze them for you. 

Time Needed: 10 minutes

2. Analyze Amazon Book Reviews

Why It Works

Books on Amazon are reviewed by people who care deeply about the topic—making their feedback a window into your customers’ minds.

How to Do It

• Search for top-selling books in your niche
• Skim the 3-star reviews (they’re often the most honest)
• Look for patterns in complaints, unmet needs, or “I wish this had more of…”
  

What to Look For

• Features readers wish the book had included
• Language that describes pain points vividly
• Gaps in information that your product or service could solve

Pro Tip

Pay close attention to the “critical reviews” section—you’ll find direct language you can reuse in your marketing.

Time Needed: 5 minutes

3. Monitor Social Media Conversations

Why It Works

Social media is where people talk casually—and candidly—about what they love, hate, and wish existed.

How to Do It

• Search industry-specific hashtags on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn
• Use free tools like “Google Alerts”
• Read comment sections, not just posts
  

What to Look For

• Trending frustrations or demands
• Common questions that aren’t getting good answers
• Influencers shaping conversations in your space

Google Alerts lets you track mentions of your brand, competitors, or key topics across the web in real-time and delivers a digest straight to your inbox. BuzzSumo helps you track social media conversations by setting up real-time alerts for keywords, brands, or competitors and shows you which topics are getting the most shares, likes, and comments, helping you spot trends and key influencers.

Pro Tip

Set up a free Google Alert for your main keywords so you never miss trending conversations. I also love to use BuzzSumo to track what’s trending and find influencers to watch.

Time Needed: 5 minutes

4. Engage with Facebook Groups

Why It Works

Facebook groups are packed with your potential customers, talking about their needs, challenges, and experiences.

How to Do It

• Join 2-3 groups where your ideal customers hang out
• Watch the questions people are asking
• Take notes on language, frustrations, and “if only” statements
  

What to Look For

• Repeated problems or themes
• Unanswered questions
• Emotional language people use around problems

Pro Tip

Contribute to conversations first before posting your own questions—build trust, and your market research will be richer.

Time Needed: 10 minutes

Helpful DIYMarketers Resource: How to Build Relationships Online

5. Use Google Trends to Spot Market Shifts

Why It Works

Google Trends shows you what the world is searching for in real-time—perfect for staying ahead of customer desires.

How to Do It

• Go to Google Trends
• Type in your main product, service, or problem your customer faces
• Compare different terms to see what’s rising in popularity
  

What to Look For

• Seasonal spikes in interest
• New, fast-rising search terms
• Declining interest in old trends

Pro Tip

Look at “Related Queries” at the bottom of results to find hidden topics and questions you hadn’t considered.

Time Needed: 5 minutes

Read More: How to Find Trending Topics

Why These Strategies Work (Backed by Data)

According to a LocaliQ Small Business Report, one of the top challenges for small businesses is identifying target audiences. And yet, 66% of small businesses spend less than $1,000 per year on marketing—which means traditional research methods are often out of reach.

The strategies on how to research your target market listed above are DIY-friendly, cost nothing, and can give you high-value insights instantly. Using them even once a week can make your marketing sharper, your offers better, and your messaging magnetic.

Fix It Session

$150.00

Send me one thing you’re stuck on in your business — a page, funnel, or offer. I’ll review it and send you a short video with clear feedback and next steps. No pressure, just a simple, actionable fix to get you unstuck.

Schedule Now

FAQs About How to Research Your Target Market

How often should I research my target market?

At least once a month. Markets shift fast, and staying in touch with customer conversations keeps you relevant.

Can I really do this without spending any money?

Yes. Every tool and method listed here is free. You can upgrade to paid tools later if you want, but it’s not necessary to start.

What if my audience isn’t active on Reddit or Facebook?

Every industry has “watering holes.” If it’s not Reddit or Facebook, it might be Slack communities, Discord servers, LinkedIn groups, or niche forums.

How do I turn this research into action?

Use what you find to create better headlines, social posts, lead magnets, and offers. Speak your customers’ language—because they already told you what they want.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when researching their target market?

Overcomplicating it. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Quick, regular research beats expensive, once-a-year surveys every time.

What if I do research but still feel unclear about my audience?

It happens. Try narrowing your focus even more. Look for patterns and themes, not perfect answers.

How do I know if my research is actually helping my marketing?

Watch your engagement rates. If more people are clicking, commenting, and converting, your research is working.

Should I change my marketing if my research shows a new trend?

Yes, but do it smartly. Test small adjustments first before doing a full pivot to make sure the trend is a fit.

Well, I just deleted more than 2,500 emails from my lists—and I’m really pissed about it. Over the past year, I thought I had cracked the code. I had built what I believed was the perfect and engaged email list filled with my target audience. I experimented with every kind of lead magnet you can think of: ebooks, quizzes, webinars, summits—you name it. But the results were always disappointing.

Some of these tactics barely moved the needle. Others brought in a ton of leads, but they weren’t buyers—they were freebie-seekers. So when I went through my list recently and cleared out everyone who hadn’t opened or clicked in months, it felt like I was cutting off a piece of myself. I deleted 2,500 contacts. People I never really connected with. It felt like failure.

And here’s the kicker: I teach this stuff. I help other small businesses figure out their marketing. So it got me thinking—what’s really going on with lead generation today? Clearly, the old playbook doesn’t work like it used to.

That’s what this article is about. I’m going to walk you through a better, smarter, more strategic way to think about generating leads. Yes, we’ll talk about process. Yes, we’ll talk about marketing strategy. But more than anything, we’re going to rethink everything you’ve been told about lead magnets.

This process is going to flip the script. It’s not about working harder—it’s about thinking deeper. 80% of the work is in the thinking, and only 20% is in the doing. Let’s dive in.

Why Lead Magnets Are Failing Us

After deleting 2,500 inactive contacts from my email list, I couldn’t help but ask—how did we get here? If I, someone who lives and breathes marketing strategy, ended up with a bloated list full of disengaged leads, what does that say about the tactics we’re all being told to use?

For years, we’ve been sold on the lead magnet formula: solve a small problem, give away something for free, and watch the money roll in. But if you’re like me—and I suspect you are—you’ve probably discovered that this method doesn’t deliver like it used to. That’s because it’s no longer just about grabbing attention; it’s about earning it with precision.

We need a shift. A smarter approach. A strategy that doesn’t just chase leads but attracts the right ones, and turns them into real business. That starts with moving away from one-off freebies and toward building an integrated lead generation system. A system based on strategy, not guesswork.

This article is going to unpack what that system looks like, how to audit what you’re already doing, and most importantly, how to move forward with intention and clarity. But if you’ve followed that advice and still find yourself with a disengaged list, few conversions, and a general sense of “what the hell am I doing wrong?”—you’re not alone.

The truth is, most lead magnets fail because they’re built on outdated assumptions. The market has changed. Consumers have changed. And it’s time we stopped chasing leads like it’s 2012.

What every business actually needs is not just a lead magnet, but a lead generation system. This article unpacks what that means, why it works, and how to build one based on strategy—not superstition.

The Problem with Traditional Lead Magnets

The traditional approach to lead magnets is simple:

• Identify a specific problem your audience has
• Create a downloadable resource to solve it
• Offer it in exchange for an email address
• Nurture them into becoming a customer
  

Sounds great in theory. But here’s the problem: it rarely works in practice.

Why?

• People are overwhelmed with freebies
• Most opt-ins don’t solve meaningful problems
• Lead magnets attract information hoarders, not buyers
• Email lists grow, but conversions don’t
  

This isn’t just a conversion issue—it’s a misalignment of intent. The format doesn’t match where your audience is in their journey. And worse, it doesn’t lead them anywhere specific.

What You Actually Need: A Lead Generation System

A lead magnet is a tactic. A lead generation system is a strategy.

The system doesn’t start with “what kind of freebie should I make?” It starts with questions like:

• What’s my business goal?
• Who is the customer I want to attract?
• Where are they in their decision-making journey?
• What action do I want them to take next?
  

When you reframe lead generation this way, the “magnet” becomes just one part of a larger mechanism—what we call a lead mechanism.

From Freebie to Framework: Reimagining the Role of Your Lead Magnet

At this point, you might be realizing that what you’ve built isn’t a system—it’s a one-off. Maybe you created a lead magnet that you were proud of, but it didn’t convert. Or maybe it brought in people who never bought anything. That’s not a failure of effort—it’s a failure of structure.

Here’s the shift: instead of thinking of your lead magnet as the centerpiece of your strategy, start thinking of it as one tool in a larger system designed to attract, qualify, and convert the right people.

Before we can optimize what you’ve got—or start from scratch—we need to zoom out and evaluate how your existing lead magnet fits into your overall strategy. That’s where the Lead Mechanism Audit comes in.

The Lead Mechanism Audit

Use this 5-point audit to evaluate whether your lead magnet is actually part of a system—or just a standalone giveaway.

1. Does it align with a business goal?

• Wrong: “I need more leads.”
• Right: “I want to generate 10 qualified demo calls from consultants earning $100K+ who need help with sales funnels.”
  

Your lead generation system must be tied to an outcome. Otherwise, you’re building a funnel with no destination.

2. Does it match the intent of your ideal customer?

• Wrong: Free checklist for everyone
• Right: Pricing calculator for those ready to buy
  

It’s not about format—it’s about relevance. Lead magnets should meet people where they are and help them take the next step.

3. Does it start a conversation or trigger a next step?

• Wrong: Opt-in > Email list > Silence
• Right: Opt-in > Custom report > Call to action
  

Your magnet should drive action, not just collect information. Every interaction should be a step closer to conversion.

4. Does it filter out the wrong people?

• Wrong: Broad resource anyone could use
• Right: Specific tool that only your best-fit customer finds useful
  

Lead generation is about quality, not quantity. The best magnets repel bad leads as much as they attract good ones.

5. Does it have a feedback loop?

• Wrong: Launch and hope
• Right: Track opt-in rate, email engagement, conversion metrics
  

Good marketers test and optimize. Your lead gen system should evolve based on data.

Your Website Is Your Best Sales Rep

Before someone talks to you, they’ve already made up their mind.

According to research from Gartner, buyers complete 57% to 70% of the decision-making process before ever reaching out to a vendor. That means your potential customers are checking you out silently—scrolling your homepage, clicking through your services, reading testimonials, and silently deciding if you’re legit, trustworthy, and worth their time.

And if your website isn’t doing the heavy lifting, you’re losing sales.

Think of your website as your highest-ROI sales rep. Unlike a human rep, it works 24/7. It doesn’t take breaks, it doesn’t miss follow-ups, and it doesn’t get tired. But it needs to be trained—and that means intentionally designed.

A high-performing, sales-centered website should:

• Make your offer crystal clear within the first 5 seconds
• Educate visitors about how you solve real problems
• Build trust through testimonials, case studies, and results
• Segment traffic by buyer intent (curious vs. ready-to-buy)
• Offer a compelling next step (book a call, buy, or subscribe)
  

If you hate selling, this is good news. Done right, your website can do most of the trust-building and filtering for you. But it has to be part of your lead generation system, not just an afterthought or placeholder.

It’s not just about getting traffic—it’s about converting attention into action.

Real-World Examples of 24/7 Sales-Centered Websites

Here are five small businesses that are using their websites to attract, qualify, and convert leads with clarity and strategy. These examples demonstrate how a well-placed lead magnet and thoughtful design can drive results—day or night.

The Budget Mom – Quiz and more

• Website: thebudgetmom.com
• Lead Magnet: Quiz
• Why It Works: It’s interactive, customized and personal

This site has tons of ways to grab your attention.  Want a personalized quiz, she’s got that.  Maybe you want to join a facebook group, she’s got that.  Want to take a course?  Yep, she’s got that too.  

Why so many opt in options?  She’s getting amazing interest information from her website visitors.  Whatever you decided to click on, download, or join has tagged you in her email list so that you can get customized emails with customized offers. 

Minimalist Baker – Free E-book with Recipes

• Website: minimalistbaker.com
  
• Lead Magnet: Downloadable plant-based recipe e-book.

• Why It Works: It fits seamlessly with the brand’s core content and draws in the exact right audience.
  

The Sales Evangelist – LinkedIn Prospecting Course

• Website: thesalesevangelist.com
  
• Lead Magnet: LinkedIn Prospecting Course

• Why It Works: Highly actionable and relevant to the audience’s immediate business needs.
  

These businesses aren’t just handing out free stuff—they’re strategically aligning their lead magnets with their offers, audiences, and buying journeys. And so can you.

Before someone talks to you, they’ve already made up their mind.

According to research from Gartner, buyers complete 57% to 70% of the decision-making process before ever reaching out to a vendor. That means your potential customers are checking you out silently—scrolling your homepage, clicking through your services, reading testimonials, and silently deciding if you’re legit, trustworthy, and worth their time.

And if your website isn’t doing the heavy lifting, you’re losing sales.

Think of your website as your highest-ROI sales rep. Unlike a human rep, it works 24/7. It doesn’t take breaks, it doesn’t miss follow-ups, and it doesn’t get tired. But it needs to be trained—and that means intentionally designed.

A high-performing, sales-centered website should:

• Make your offer crystal clear within the first 5 seconds
• Educate visitors about how you solve real problems
• Build trust through testimonials, case studies, and results
• Segment traffic by buyer intent (curious vs. ready-to-buy)
• Offer a compelling next step (book a call, buy, or subscribe)
  

If you hate selling, this is good news. Done right, your website can do most of the trust-building and filtering for you. But it has to be part of your lead generation system, not just an afterthought or placeholder.

It’s not just about getting traffic—it’s about converting attention into action.

Small business owners often think their website is just an online brochure. But in reality, it should be your highest-ROI sales rep.

Your website should:

• Educate and qualify leads
• Show proof and testimonials
• Offer clear next steps
• Guide the visitor from interest to action
  

This is especially important for business owners who hate selling. Your website should do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Rethinking the Role of Free

One of the biggest assumptions in marketing is that free always works best. But studies show otherwise:

• Paid lead magnets often convert better downstream
• Buyers who make even a small purchase are more likely to buy again
• Free offers attract volume, but not necessarily value
  

The key is intent. A $7 tool may bring in fewer leads, but they’ll be higher quality and closer to buying.

Here’s an example of a small business just like yours that ran this lead gen strategy all the way to the bank.

Growbo – Ultimate Swipe File for Business Sales Funnels

• Website: Growbo
  
• Tripwire Offer: A comprehensive swipe file designed to help businesses create high-converting sales funnels.
  
• Price Point: $9
  
• Why It Works: This offer provides immediate, actionable value, helping businesses enhance their marketing efforts. It’s a low-risk investment that leads to higher-value services.
  
• Results: Generated over $12,000 in direct revenue, with additional upsells following the initial purchase.

Bringing It All Together

By now, you understand that your website should function as a 24/7 sales rep—and that your lead magnet, if you’re going to have one, needs to do more than just collect emails. It needs to be embedded within a larger, intentional system that filters, qualifies, and moves people toward a real next step.

And yes, that can feel overwhelming. But the fix doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, here’s your one, simple action step:

Look at your current lead magnet. Ask: what’s the next step I want someone to take after they download it—and does my website clearly guide them there?

If the answer is no, that’s your starting point. Align your lead magnet with your business goal and make sure it connects directly to your website’s next action. That one change can completely shift how your lead generation works.

Need Help? Let’s Fix It Together

Still stuck on what to fix or how to improve your lead generation system? I offer a 1-on-1 Fix-It Session where we look at your website, your lead magnet, and your marketing flow—and solve the exact issue that’s blocking results.

No fluff. No vague advice. Just a focused, 45-minute session for $150 to get real clarity and direction.

Fix It Session

$150.00

Send me one thing you’re stuck on in your business — a page, funnel, or offer. I’ll review it and send you a short video with clear feedback and next steps. No pressure, just a simple, actionable fix to get you unstuck.

Schedule Now

Lead generation isn’t about chasing trends or mimicking what’s popular. It’s about building a system that reliably attracts and qualifies the right people for your business.

Start by throwing out the idea that you “need a lead magnet.” Instead, design a process that:

1. Aligns with a real business goal
2. Matches your customer’s intent
3. Guides them to a next step
4. Filters out the wrong people
5. Gives you data to iterate
   

Once you start thinking like a strategist instead of a tactician, everything changes. And your lead generation finally starts to work like science.

You’re posting on social. You’re writing emails. Maybe even running ads. And yet… the customers aren’t rolling in like you hoped.

If you’re feeling that way, you’re not broken—but your process might be.

Here’s the real talk: Marketing without customer research is like building a house without a blueprint. You’re sweating buckets, but you’re not creating anything sturdy.

Today, I’m going to show you the easiest, $0 research hack to find out what customers really want—and how you can use it to finally make marketing feel simple, strategic, and wildly effective.

Why Most Marketing Misses the Mark (And It’s Not Your Fault)

Most small business owners jump straight into tactics:

• “I need more Instagram posts.”
• “I should try a TikTok ad.”
• “Maybe an email blast will help.”

And this is completely normal and natural because entrepreneurs and small business owners are optimistic and action driven.

But without customer research first, every marketing move feels random. Not only that, but you’re stressing yourself out guessing when you could simply do what your customers want.

If you’ve ever:

• Spent hours making content that didn’t get engagement
• Launched a product only to hear crickets
• Wondered “what am I even supposed to SAY?”

…then you’ve bumped headfirst into the real issue: You’re trying to sell without knowing what your customers really want.

Learning how to find out what customers really want is the first step to building real relationships—and real results.

The $0 Research Hack: Five Conversations That Reveal What Customers Really Want

Ready for it? Here it is:

Have five genuine, curiosity-driven conversations.

No sales pitches. No awkwardness. Just listening.

“I’m working on [your product/service idea]. Would you mind answering 3 quick questions?”

That’s it.

Why This Works (And the Stats to Prove It)

• 88% of buyers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services (Salesforce).
• 72% of consumers will only engage with personalized messaging (SmarterHQ).
• Businesses that prioritize customer research grow 2-3x faster than those that don’t (HubSpot).

When you take time to listen first, you naturally:

• Craft marketing messages that feel like a personal conversation.
• Build irresistible offers customers already want.
• Create a brand that feels warm, trustworthy, and unforgettable.

How to Find Out What Customers Really Want (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify 5 People

Find 5 real people who could be your ideal customers:

• Past clients
• Social media followers
• Facebook group participants
• LinkedIn connections

Pro Tip: You don’t need 100 interviews—five good ones can transform your marketing.

Step 2: Ask These 3 Game-Changing Questions

1. “What’s your biggest frustration with [problem you solve]?”
2. “What have you already tried to fix it?”
3. “If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect solution look like?”

Pro Tip: Capture EXACTLY what they say—their words are your marketing gold.

Step 3: Just Listen (No Selling Allowed)

Your only job? Be wildly curious.

Imagine you’re sitting with a friend over coffee. No pitching. No “selling yourself.”

You’re simply learning how to find out what customers really want—directly from the source.

Pro Tip: How to put yourself into a “Curious Mindset”: The easiest way to put yourself into a “curious mindset” is to imagine that you are a camera and simply be the observer. I like to imagine myself floating above the situation and really watching and listening “for” what the person is saying. The idea is to go beyond hearing and move toward understanding. Once you notice something, jot it down so that you can go back and ask clarifying questions.

How to Get Over the Fear of Talking to Customers

If the idea of reaching out to customers makes your stomach turn, you are not alone.

Many entrepreneurs fear they’ll sound pushy, awkward, or even worse—hear something they don’t want to hear. It’s normal. And here’s the secret: Talking to customers isn’t about selling—it’s about listening.

Mindset Shifts That Help

• You’re gathering insights, not pitching. Customers love being asked for their opinions.
• You’re validating your ideas, not asking for approval. This gives you clarity and confidence.
• You’re making friends, not making sales. Relationships come first—sales come later.

How to Make It Feel Easier

• Frame it as a favor. “Could I ask you 3 quick questions? It would really help me.”
• Focus on learning. Pretend you’re a curious journalist, not a salesperson.
• Remember the big picture. Every conversation saves you time, money, and frustration later.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to start perfect. You just have to start.

Once you have your first real conversation, you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid to begin with.

Real-World Example: How This $0 Research Saved Me $5,000

Before using this method, I wasted $5,000 building a “perfect” course nobody actually wanted.

When I finally did five simple conversations, I found out:

• My audience cared about a completely different pain point.
• They wanted faster, easier, cheaper solutions.
• They used different words than I was using.

Once I listened, I launched a new offer that sold out—fast.

Knowing how to find out what customers really want turned my marketing from “hope and pray” into “plan and profit.”

FAQs: How to Find Out What Customers Really Want

What if I don’t know who to ask?

Start with friends, colleagues, or social media contacts—anyone close to your target audience. In fact, this is a great first step. Start with your friendliest audience and have exploratory conversations. These conversations will help you come up with the best questions for your customer conversations.

What if I’m nervous about reaching out?

Remember—you’re asking for advice, not selling anything. People love giving advice. You are going to be nervous. After all, this might be something you’ve never done before. This is why it’s a great idea to start with friendly people to get some practice.

Can I do this through email or DMs?

Absolutely. A quick message, a short call, or a voice note can work wonders. Use this method to get in touch with your insiders. Then, after you’ve had a few conversations, you can start sending DMs to folks you don’t know very well.

Here’s what happened to me.

There I was, living my best email life; getting solid email open rates — 20%, often more — and then overnight, they tanked. Then I ran a campaign and got 6% open rates in a campaign. Hmm, maybe it’s a fluke. But no. A couple days after the campaign, Zoho Campaigns reached out to me to tell me that something was wrong. I was confused.

I did everything “right”: my email platform was legit, I had SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set up. But my emails were still landing in spam.

Turns out, there’s more to staying in the inbox than flipping a few DNS switches. If your open rates have dropped below 10%, there’s a good chance you’re in Gmail jail.

Let me show you how to get out.

Been there. Lived it. Fixed it. And now I’m here to help you avoid email jail.

First, What Is Gmail Jail?

Gmail jail is when your emails get flagged as spam or land in the Promotions tab instead of your customer’s main inbox. Even though you’re not a spammer, Gmail treats you like one because of invisible technical problems with your domain setup.

You don’t even know it’s happening until your open rates drop to single digits.  

Here’s a timeline of when these regulations went into effect. 

Up until 2024, email providers were pretty lenient.  They kept encouraging everyone to make these changes and everyone did.  But Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft (probably 99% of all email) weren’t being rigorous about it – until, as I learned in April 2025. 

Why Is This Happening To You?

You’re sending from your own domain—that’s good. But here’s what nobody told you: it’s not enough to have SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set up. They also need to be aligned with your domain and email headers.

Wait. What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

Think of your email like a handwritten letter:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is your return address. It tells Gmail which servers are allowed to send emails for your domain.
  
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is your signature. It proves the email wasn’t tampered with along the way.
  
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance) is your house rules. It tells Gmail what to do if SPF or DKIM don’t match up.

And What’s Alignment?

This is the part that tripped me up—and probably you too. Even if SPF and DKIM are “passing,” Gmail wants the domain in the email header (what your reader sees in the “From” address) to match the domain in your SPF and DKIM setup.

In my case? My email said “from @diymarketers.com,” but my email platform was sending it from Zoho’s bounce address, which used a domain like zcsend.net. Boom. Gmail said, “That doesn’t match” and off to spam it went.

How to Know If You’re in Trouble

Every email marketing tool will guide you through this spf, DKIM, and DMARC process.  When you’ve added the correct records, you’ll see something like the image here – everything looks verified and good. 

I thought I was good.  Everything was verified and my email results were looking good.  But here’s what I didn’t know – until I sent an email campaign and out of the blue – my open rate plummeted to below 10%.

As soon as I saw that, I was concerned and I went back to check to see if maybe something broke.  But everything looked fine.  I honestly didn’t know what to do. 

So I reached out to Zoho Campaigns support and they told me to check my Google Postmaster tools – and this is where I saw a problem.

Use Google Postmaster Tools (FREE!)

Here’s how to get the truth about how Gmail sees your domain:

1. Go to Google Postmaster Tools
   
2. Log in with the same Gmail address you use for your business
   
3. Add and verify your domain (you’ll add a TXT record to your DNS)
   
4. Check the following tabs:
   
   • Spam Rate (should be under 0.1%)
     
   • Domain Reputation (you want “High”)
     
   • Authentication (check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC)
     

If anything says “Needs Work” or “Fail,” you’re in Gmail jail.

How to Fix It (Like I Did)

Here’s what I did to get out—and what you should do, too.

I went to ChatGPT.  I’m petrified of messing around with this kind of stuff and honestly didn’t know what to do. 

The first paragraph is my prompt and then I went into Google Postmaster Tools and pasted in the text from the postmaster tools dashboard. 

And this is what ChatGPT said – it basically translated all that technical speak into plain English so that I can understand what the problem is. 

OK – so now I knew what the problem was. But how do I fix it?

This is where ChatGPT really came through.  I won’t take you through the whole chat (it’s long) but this was a game-changer for me. 

Here’s a cleaned up and summarized version. 

Step 1: Fix Your SPF Record

Go to your DNS (likely through your domain registrar or web host). Find your SPF record.

Example SPF that includes Zoho:

v=spf1 include:zoho.com include:zcsend.net -all

Make sure it includes every platform you send emails from (like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Zoho, etc.).

Step 2: Fix Your DKIM

Your platform (like Zoho Campaigns or Mailchimp) should give you a DKIM record to paste into your DNS. Make sure the domain in the d= tag matches your actual sending domain (diymarketers.com, not zcsend.net).

Step 3: Align Your Return-Path (a.k.a. Bounce Address)

Most ESPs (Email Service Providers) send bounces from their own domain. You need to set up a custom bounce domain like bounce.yourcompany.com and point it to their servers.

In Zoho, this means:

• Go to Domain Authentication
  
• Add a custom return path
  
• Add the CNAME record they give you to your DNS
  

Here are similar help files for the most popular email systems:

• Mail Chimp Custom Return Path
• Active Campaigns Custom Return Path

Once you’ve set this up.  You want to make sure that it’s working and that it’s applied to your emails. 

The best way to do this is to create a test list in your email marketing system that only includes your email.

Then send a test email directly to that list (that only includes you)

Once you receive the email, click on “show original” – in Gmail – 

Don’t freak out – the email will open in another tab and look like this:

You’re simply going to use the “find” function and search for “d=yourdomain”.  You can see that I did that here and it was there.  Whew.

Once this is done. Give your email a rest. Postmaster Tools needs about 24 hours to process. Come back the next day and then go to Google Postmaster Tools.  You should see this:

With all the tech cleaned up – you now need to go and clean your email list. 

Step 4: Clean Your List

Inactive or cold subscribers hurt your sender score. Here’s how to clean up:

1. Export your entire list.
   
2. Sort by “last opened” or “last clicked.”
   
3. Tag contacts like this:
   
   • Engaged: Opened/clicked in last 30 days
     
   • Warming up: Opened in last 31–90 days
     
   • Cold: No opens/clicks in 90+ days
     
4. Delete or suppress everyone in the cold group (or run a re-engagement campaign first).
   

Tools like MailerLite, ActiveCampaign, and ConvertKit make this easy to do inside the platform.

Step 5: Rebuild Trust With Gmail

Just because you’ve cleaned everything up, doesn’t mean that you can start sending thousands of emails.  You need to re-introduce yourself to Google. 

To do that, you want to start sending emails to your MOST ENGAGED people and ask them to reply back to you.  And then, you reply to them. This is showing Google that you have a real relationship with your list. 

• Send only to your Engaged segment for 2–3 sends
  
• Use personal, plain-text style emails
  
• Avoid spammy phrases (“Act now!” “Limited time only!”)
  
• Ask people to reply — replies help build sender credibility
  
• Use segmentation to test subject lines and improve engagement gradually
  

How to Create Smaller Segments in Your List

Segmentation is your best friend. Here’s how to do it without any fancy tech skills:

1. Go to your email platform and filter contacts by last activity.
   
2. Create the following segments:
   
   • Recent Openers: Opened email in the past 30 days
     
   • Clickers: Clicked on any link in last 30–60 days
     
   • Dormant: No opens/clicks in 90+ days
     
3. Create tags like Hot, Warm, Cold and use these for sending smart, targeted campaigns
   

Focus on your Hot and Warm lists. Avoid sending mass emails to Cold unless you’re doing a specific re-engagement campaign.

Your Domain = Your Reputation

If your email is you@yourcompany.com, you own that domain’s reputation. Mess it up, and it doesn’t matter what tool you use—Gmail won’t deliver your messages.

You wouldn’t leave your credit card info lying around. Don’t leave your domain unprotected, either.

Email Deliverability Checklist

If you’re not getting the open rates you expect, use this checklist to systematically troubleshoot and fix your email deliverability. These steps are tailored for non-technical small business owners using platforms like Zoho, Mailchimp, or ConvertKit.

Step 1: Confirm Gmail Is Flagging You

• Go to Google Postmaster Tools and log in.
  
• Add your domain and verify it using a TXT record through your DNS settings.
  
• Check the “Authentication” tab. If it says “Needs Work” next to SPF or DKIM, you’re not properly authenticated.
  
• Also look at “Spam Rate” and “Domain Reputation”—if they’re bad, Gmail is limiting your inbox reach.
  

Step 2: SPF Record

• Log into your DNS manager (this might be GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Bluehost, etc.).
  
• Look for your current SPF record. It starts with v=spf1.
  
• Add includes for every tool you send from (like include:zoho.com). Example:
  

v=spf1 include:zoho.com include:mailgun.org ~all

• Use MXToolbox SPF checker to confirm it’s valid.
  

Step 3: DKIM

• In your email platform (like Zoho Campaigns), go to the domain authentication section.
  
• Copy the DKIM TXT record they provide.
  
• Paste it into your DNS exactly as shown, and save.
  
• Make sure the domain in the d= field matches your “From” domain. If you’re sending from you@yourcompany.com, the DKIM should also come from yourcompany.com, not your ESP.
  

Step 4: Set Up Custom Return Path (Bounce Domain)

• In Zoho: Go to Deliverability > Custom Return Path
  
• Add a new hostname like bounce.yourcompany.com
  
• Add the CNAME record provided by Zoho to your DNS settings
  
• Screenshot: Zoho Custom Return Path Setup
  

Step 5: Clean Your List

• Export your subscriber list to a spreadsheet.
  
• In your email tool, tag subscribers by engagement:
  
  • Engaged = opened/clicked in last 30 days
    
  • Warming = last activity 31–90 days ago
    
  • Cold = no opens/clicks in 90+ days
    
• Delete or suppress cold subscribers (or run a one-time reactivation campaign)
  
• Screenshot: ActiveCampaign List Cleanup Tool
  

Step 6: Send Smart

• Only email your “Engaged” and “Warming” segments while reputation recovers
  
• Use short, plain-text style messages that look personal
  
• Avoid images, multiple links, or spammy words (free, limited offer, etc.)
  
• Ask a direct question in the email and invite replies—replies build sender reputation fast
  
• Monitor open rates and use Postmaster Tools every week to check improvements
  

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

• Having SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is NOT enough. They need to be aligned.
  
• Use Google Postmaster Tools to check your domain reputation.
  
• Set up a custom return-path domain.
  
• Clean your list and segment it.
  
• Only send to engaged contacts.
  

Final Word

If you’re seeing low opens or getting ghosted by Gmail users, it’s not you. It’s your domain setup.

Fixing this isn’t glamorous. But it’s critical. You could be sitting on the best email content in the world, and Gmail would still hide it if your domain’s not trusted.

Take the time to lock it down. Your future campaigns (and your revenue) depend on it.

Next Steps:

• Run your domain through Google Postmaster Tools.
• Fix any SPF/DKIM/DMARC issues and align them with your sending domain.
• Set up a custom bounce domain with your ESP.
• Clean and segment your list: tag engaged, warming, and cold contacts.
• Send only to your engaged and warming lists while rebuilding trust.
• Watch your open rates and domain reputation weekly — and keep optimizing!

You’ve got this — and now, Gmail knows it too.

If you’re seeing low opens or getting ghosted by Gmail users, it’s not you. It’s your domain setup.

Fixing this isn’t glamorous. But it’s critical. You could be sitting on the best email content in the world, and Gmail would still hide it if your domain’s not trusted.

Take the time to lock it down. Your future campaigns (and your revenue) depend on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I already set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC — but my emails are still going to spam?

It’s not just about having those records — it’s about making sure they’re aligned with your domain. Gmail checks if your email is coming from the same domain that’s listed in your SPF and DKIM settings. If you’re sending from you@yourcompany.com but your return-path or signature says something else (like your email provider’s default domain), Gmail gets suspicious. Use Google Postmaster Tools to verify alignment.

How do I know if I’m using the wrong return-path or bounce domain?

Most ESPs (like Zoho, Mailchimp, ConvertKit) default to using their own domain for bounces unless you override it. You can check this by viewing the email header of a test message sent to your Gmail. Look at the “Return-Path” — if it ends in something like @zcsend.net or @mailgun.org, it’s not aligned. Fix this by setting up a custom return-path domain.

How often should I clean or segment my email list?

At minimum, review your list every 30–60 days. Remove or pause sending to anyone who hasn’t opened or clicked in 90+ days. Use tags like “Engaged,” “Warming,” and “Cold” so you can send only to the people most likely to open. Engagement = inbox placement.

Can I still recover my domain reputation if Gmail already flagged me?

Yes! You’ll need to stop sending to cold subscribers immediately. Stick to your most engaged list for at least 2–4 campaigns. Keep things conversational, plain-text, and highly relevant. You’ll start to see your open rates and reputation improve with each send — but it may take a few weeks.

What’s the fastest way to check if Gmail trusts my domain?

Go to Google Postmaster Tools, verify your domain, and check the Domain Reputation and Authentication tabs. If either one says “Low” or “Needs Work,” you have issues to fix — and this article shows you how.

And in a world where algorithms change weekly and ad budgets are getting slashed, this is the smartest, most affordable marketing move you can make.

Your funnel didn’t fail — your relationships just stalled

Let’s clear the air: funnels aren’t dead. But the traditional “cold lead → nurture → convert” model assumes you have time and money to pour into automation, content, and paid traffic. And when you don’t? You’re left spinning your wheels.

Relationships bypass all that. They collapse the funnel. A referral from a trusted friend skips the awareness stage and drops someone right into your inbox saying, “I’ve heard great things about you. Can we talk?”

That’s not marketing. That’s magic. But it’s not random — it’s repeatable.

Everyone is trying to be discoverable. You should be unforgettable

Think about the last person who referred a client to you. Was it because of your Instagram posts? Or because you had a great conversation at a networking event six months ago?

Here’s what works in a low-budget, high-trust world:

• People who remember your name when someone asks, “Know anyone who does X?”
• People who feel like they know you even if you only exchanged a few DMs
• People who say, “Oh yeah, she’s the go-to for that” because you’ve stayed top of mind

And that kind of staying power isn’t built with ads. It’s built with touchpoints.

No funnel? No problem. Here’s what to build instead

Let’s talk relationship loops. They’re the new funnel. They go like this:

Connect → Engage → Add value → Stay visible → Ask → Reciprocate → Repeat

You don’t need landing pages for this. You need a system (or a habit) for talking to people. Yes, talking — in your inbox, on LinkedIn, over voice notes. The same way business was done before everyone had a landing page.

Here’s how to turn those loops into revenue:

1. Make your warm list your priority

Skip the cold outreach. Pull out your phone or your email and make a list of 10–20 people who already like and trust you — past clients, referral partners, peers, collaborators.

Then reach out. Not to pitch. Just to reconnect:

• “Saw this article and thought of you.”
• “Hey, how’s Q2 shaping up for you?”
• “We haven’t talked in forever — want to catch up?”

No pressure. No ask. Start the conversation.

2. Be the person who makes it easy to refer you

Want more referrals? Make yourself unforgettable — and referable:

• Use the same language every time you describe what you do
• Make it crystal clear who your ideal client is
• Have a short and punchy “here’s how I help” sentence people can repeat

Here’s mine: “I help small business owners market smarter on less than $17 a day — no fluff, no funnels, just straight talk and smart tools.”

If someone can’t repeat what you do, they won’t refer you.

3. Build public friendships online

Social media isn’t about broadcasting. It’s about breadcrumbing. When you comment thoughtfully on someone’s post or share their win, you’re building social capital.

And guess what? Everyone watching sees you as generous, helpful, and credible — without you saying a word about what you sell.

Pick 5 people in your niche and show up in their comments daily for a week. You’ll be shocked at how quickly your visibility grows.

4. Ask better questions

Instead of “How are you?” ask:

• “What are you focused on this quarter?”
• “What kind of clients are you looking for right now?”
• “What’s something you’re excited about that I can support?”

These open the door to meaningful conversations — the kind that turn into collaborations, referrals, and sales.

5. Reciprocate like it’s your job

Want people to promote you? Promote them first. Share their work. Comment on their stuff. Refer them. Be the person who helps without keeping score — because those are the people others fight to support.

This doesn’t mean giving away your time. It means being a relationship investor, not a transaction chaser.

You don’t need better marketing. You need better habits

Let’s stop acting like visibility is the result of a perfect content calendar or a fancy funnel.

It’s the result of being remembered.

So if your audience is quiet right now — if no one’s clicking, liking, or buying — ask yourself:

• Who haven’t I talked to in a while?
• Who have I helped recently?
• Who could I reconnect with today?

Then go do it. No fancy CRM needed. No 10-step automation. Just a real message to a real person.

Your action plan: Relationship loops in under 30 minutes a day

Here’s how to build your own anti-funnel in 30 minutes a day — no budget required:

Daily (10–15 minutes):

• Comment on 3 posts from people in your space
• Reply to 2 stories or tweets with genuine interest
• Send 1 message to a warm contact saying hi

Weekly (1–2 hours):

• Book 1 virtual coffee chat
• Refer someone in your network to a potential lead
• Share someone else’s content with your audience

Monthly:

• Host a mini virtual meetup or co-create a piece of content with a peer
• Write a “who do you know that…” email and send it to your list

Final Word: Relationships won’t scale, but they compound

Will this get you 10,000 followers overnight? Nope. But it might get you 3 new clients this month. And a referral that turns into your biggest retainer yet. And a collaborator who becomes your business BFF.

Funnels are fine. Ads are fine. But if you’re short on time, short on money, and long on grit — relationships will take you further, faster, and for free.

So what’s your next move?

Pick one person you haven’t talked to in a while.

Send the message.

And let the new funnel begin.

Every couple years, everything goes to hell—and your marketing system takes the hit.

Sales stall. Campaigns flop. Ads burn cash like wildfire. What worked before stops working, and suddenly you’re staring down a blank content calendar with a pit in your stomach and a pile of receipts in your hand.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the part no one tells you: disruptions aren’t the exception—they’re the rule. And if you’re still building your marketing strategy like you live in a stable world, you’re setting yourself up for a breakdown.

It’s time to shift from reactive to resilient. From winging it to wiring it. From chasing hacks to designing systems.

Let’s talk about how to disruption-proof your marketing with two nerdy-sounding concepts that will change your business life: systems thinking and Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA).

Trust me—this is way more useful than it sounds.

Everyone’s Chasing Tactics While the Real Problem Is the System

Most business owners are duct-taping together strategies like it’s a marketing emergency room: one Facebook ad here, a webinar there, a discount code on Fridays, and a prayer to the algorithm gods. It’s like a thousand points of marketing that lead nowhere. 

But when a disruption hits—like a pandemic, a market crash, a supply shortage, or your favorite VA disappearing—your system collapses. Why? Because you didn’t have one.

It’s like trying to fix a leaky faucet without realizing the whole water main is cracked.

You’re Already a Systems Thinker (You Just Don’t Know It Yet)

What is Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking is the ability to look at your business like a machine with many moving parts. Instead of blaming one broken piece, you look at how everything interacts. Marketing isn’t one tactic—it’s a network of activities. Marketing is a process.  Marketing is a system.

The Weather Analogy

You already think in systems when you check the weather. If you live in Cleveland, you know not to put your snow boots away in March. Because you’ve observed the system: sun today, snow tomorrow, chaos always.

Same with business.

You live in an economic climate. You operate in a customer system. Your ads, leads, sales—they’re all part of a weather pattern. If you don’t understand how that system works, you’ll keep running outside in shorts during a snowstorm.

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Here’s What Systems Thinkers Do Differently

System thinkers understand the universal law that EVERYTHING is connected.  We live in a global economy that operates like a mobile art installation; each piece is connected to another piece, as soon as you pull on one, the others start to move around. 

Because it’s all connected, you need to understand the if/then relationships in your business and your marketing. 

They identify patterns, not just problems.

Assuming you know the of/then relationships to different aspects of your business and your marketing, you’ll have magical X-ray vision to identify patterns. 

For example, you need to know that we are a consumer driven economy.  That means that as a small business, dependent on lead generation and new customers who can afford to and want to buy your stuff, you’ll want to track the Consumer Confidence Index (from the Conference Board).  They come out with a new report every month.

If consumer confidence falls, that means that your customers are less likely to buy what you are selling because they are afraid to let go of money.  They are afraid that the money they currently have may be better used on what they perceive as necessities rather than what they perceive as luxuries.  In other words, if you sell something perceived as a “want” rather than a “need” – you can expect your sales to go down. 

What does this look like in terms of marketing?

1. Your traffic will drop because people aren’t searching for what you’re selling.
2. Email opt ins are down
3. Engagement is down
4. Conversions are down

Heck – everything is down. 

Does that mean you should do MORE of these things? Does that mean you should start posting on Instagram rather than LinkedIn? Not necessarily.

Using this example of only looking at consumer confidence, you might start looking at repositioning your product or service as a necessity rather than a luxury. 

I’m over simplifying here, but I think you get the point. When you look at an entire system, you have to look at ALL the moving parts and how that might affect your business – and not just jump into doing random things.

This is almost like going to a foreign country where they don’t speak English and just speaker louder and more slowly.  

They anticipate lag time.

Everything on this plane of existence has a lag time.  In some systems – like pouring a glass of water, the lag time is almost immediate.  In most systems, however, the lag time can be much longer – sometimes YEARS. 

In sales and marketing, we talk about the selling cycle.  That’s the time it takes from someone recognizing they need or want your product, to researching, to finding options, to choosing an option, and finally purchasing the product.  

Purchasing toothpaste has a short lag time.  Purchasing a million dollar piece of equipment has a much longer lag time. 

As an entrepreneur, this means that you have to understand what the lag time is for every part of your business.  That means that if you KNOW something is coming, you need to plan ahead to deal with that lag time. 

The lesson here is not to give up too early. Don’t expect microwave results. Systems thinkers understand delay is built-in. Think: cruise ship, not kayak.

They account for domino effects.

When you make a change in one part of your business—like cutting ad spend—it doesn’t stop there. That decision ripples through your entire marketing system. 

You might save money this month, but fewer ads mean fewer leads, fewer leads mean fewer conversions, and suddenly, you’re short on revenue next quarter. 

This is the domino effect in action: one seemingly smart move topples multiple parts of your system. And if you’re not aware of what’s connected, you’ll face a series of unintended consequences that feel like random chaos—but are completely predictable if you’re looking at the full system. 

Systems thinkers expect unintended consequences. They don’t just ask “What happens now?” They ask “What happens next… and after that?”

Design with disruption in mind.

You don’t scramble when chaos hits—you expect it. That’s what it means to build with disruption in mind. You assume things will go sideways at some point—because they always do. A tech breakdown, a supply chain issue, a sudden pivot in the market—it’s not a matter of if, it’s when.

So instead of creating brittle plans with single points of failure, you design your marketing system to bend, not break. You leave room for course correction. You create campaigns that can shift if one channel underperforms. You spread out your acquisition so you’re not dependent on one platform.

And here’s the key: you document your systems. When your VA gets sick or your ad account gets suspended, you’re not stuck starting from scratch. You’ve built in redundancy—processes someone else can follow, assets you can repurpose, backups ready to deploy.

This isn’t being paranoid. It’s strategic. 

You’re not planning for if disruption happens. You’re planning because it will.. 

Disruptions—whether it’s a tech breakdown, team turnover, or a sudden drop in demand—aren’t surprises to a systems thinker. They’re part of the landscape. So instead of rigid, single-point solutions, design systems with slack, redundancy, and options. That means leaving room in the calendar for course correction. It means building customer acquisition through multiple channels, not just one. And it means documenting processes so someone else can step in when the unexpected happens. 

Enter: FMEA, the Tool to Murphy-Proof Your Marketing

Back in my corporate days, we used a tool called FMEA—Failure Modes Effects Analysis. Sounds intimidating. It’s not.

It’s just Murphy’s Law, documented: “If something can go wrong, it will.”  In other words, it’s the process (or system) you use to “Murphy Proof” your business. 

FMEA says: Let’s list the things that could go wrong, rank how bad and how likely they are, and make a plan to fix or prevent them.

How to Murphy Proof Your Marketing

Step 1: List Potential Failure Points

Ask yourself:

• What if ad costs spike?
  
• What if your CRM crashes?
  
• What if people stop buying your offer?
  

Step 2: Score Each One

Rate on:

• Severity – How bad would it be? (1–10)
  
• Occurrence – How likely is it? (1–10)
  
• Detection – How easily could you spot it coming? (1–10)
  

Multiply the scores together: Risk Priority Number (RPN) = S × O × D

Higher RPN = more urgent to fix.

Step 3: Build a Solution Around It

Now create a safety net:

• Launch a pre-waitlist to validate demand.
  
• Add a backup CRM tool.
  
• Repurpose high-performing content instead of burning time on trendy tactics.
  

When you think this way, you stop being a firefighter and become a system architect.

Case Study: The Bakery That Beat the Crash

When a local bakery hit an economic downturn, they didn’t panic—they ran an FMEA.

Failure Mode: People stop buying pastries.
Effect: Sales drop, rent goes unpaid.
RPN: Very high.

Their Fixes:

• Built a loyalty program to retain regulars
  
• Launched subscription boxes to stabilize cash flow
  
• Partnered with local coffee shops to sell more volume
  

They didn’t just survive—they grew. That’s systems thinking in action.

The Five Invisible Forces That Wreck Marketing

1. Feedback Loops

Your marketing isn’t a series of isolated events. It’s a chain reaction. One skipped step sets off another, and before you know it, your whole system is out of alignment.

Let’s say you stop emailing your list for a few weeks. No big deal, right? Until your engagement tanks. That drop freaks you out, so you rush out a flash sale. But it flops—your audience has gone cold. Now you’re thinking, “Email is dead.”

But email isn’t dead. Your system is.

This is what a broken feedback loop looks like. And the real issue is that most entrepreneurs don’t realize which actions trigger which outcomes.

Fix: Reverse-engineer the sequence. Look at the last time something flopped and ask, “What happened right before that? And before that?” Then fix the first domino. Consistency in your inputs (like content or email) leads to reliability in your outputs (like sales).

2. Delays

Marketing takes time. Most people quit before the momentum kicks in. My friend Mike Michalowicz calls this the “grass ceiling”.  Every bit of marketing is like planting a seed.  You water the seed regularly and it’s germinating and growing.  But all of this is invisible to you because it’s happening underground (where seeds like to be).

Too many people stop watering too soon.  And just when the seed is ready to breakthrough and thrive and bear fruit – you quit watering. 

Again, the process of growing something is a system.  You don’t plant a seed and get an orange tree.  That system takes years. 

Fix: Build time into your expectations. Set lagging metrics to track.

3. Unintended Consequences

Every decision you make in your marketing system creates a ripple. And sometimes, what looks like a win in the short term can backfire hard in the long term. For example, you slash prices to spark quick sales. It works—revenue bumps. But suddenly, customers stop buying at full price. Your premium brand image starts to slip. Competitors copy your pricing strategy, and now you’re trapped in a race to the bottom.

This is the unintended consequence of a quick fix. It’s what happens when you focus on the symptom instead of the system.

Fix: Slow down and pressure-test your decisions. Ask: What does this action reinforce? What expectations am I setting with my audience? Who might this alienate? Then, look two or three moves ahead. Play out the second- and third-order effects of every tactic. Because in a system, nothing happens in

4. Low Detection

Most small businesses don’t realize something’s broken until it’s too late. One day, everything seems fine. The next, revenue has tanked, leads have dried up, and your calendar is suddenly empty.

The problem isn’t the failure itself—it’s that you didn’t see it coming. That’s low detection. And it’s a major blind spot in a fragile system.

Often, there are signals long before the revenue dip: email open rates start slipping, traffic starts slowing, conversion rates tick down. But if you’re not tracking the right metrics—or you’re only checking them once a month—you’ll miss the early warning signs.

Fix: Create a simple dashboard with the key metrics that matter most to your business. Monitor them weekly. Know what “normal” looks like so you can quickly spot the weird. Bonus tip: set threshold alerts—if open rates fall below X% or site traffic drops by Y%, it triggers a check-in.

These “leading indicators” don’t have to be fancy.  They could be something simple like tracking how many quote requests you get daily.  If you see that number going down, you can predict that a crash is coming and look at it before it becomres a problem. 

Think of it like installing smoke detectors in your house. They don’t stop the fire, but they give you time to act before everything burns.

5. Lack of Collaboration

You don’t know everything. Your team, your customers, your peers have insight.

Fix: Talk to people. Regularly. Ask them what’s breaking.

Build a Marketing System That Bends, Not Breaks

How to Start Today:

• Map your system: List your top marketing activities and how they connect.
  
• Run an FMEA: Choose 3 important areas. Identify what could go wrong.
  
• Score and prioritize: Use Severity, Occurrence, Detection.
  
• Design fixes: Add safeguards, backups, or new processes.
  
• Review quarterly: Systems evolve. So should your plan.
  

Stay Curious, Not Panicked

Chaos gives you data. Every disruption shows you what’s weak. Learn from it.

Bottom Line: Stop Chasing Stability. Start Building Systems.

Stability is temporary. Disruption is the default.

But if you stop building marketing on duct tape and start building on systems—you’ll build a business that adapts, evolves, and thrives, even when things fall apart.

Now, go Murphy-Proof your marketing. Tighten your system. And build a marketing machine that lasts.

I’m not talking about a wishful thinking strategy. I’m talking about a simple, doable machine you can run on autopilot. And the best part? It doesn’t require a big team, a big budget, or even a love of selling. It just requires a system—and one ridiculously easy CRM called Nimble.

Can you use other CRMs, sure you can. But when you use Nimble for referrals, you’re going to open up a whole new world of sales success.

Let’s get into it.

Referrals Aren’t Random—They’re a Revenue Engine

If you hate selling, referral marketing is your best friend. Why? Because someone else does the selling for you.

You already know that word of mouth is powerful. But here’s the kicker: most people don’t systematize it. They cross their fingers and hope it happens. And when it does, they treat it like found money instead of what it really is—your most efficient path to cash.

Referrals close faster. They trust you more. They complain less. And when done right, they say “yes” 8 out of 10 times.

You don’t need 10,000 followers or an email list that rivals a rock star’s fanbase. You need relationships. Real ones. Managed smartly. And that’s where Nimble comes in.

Why Most People Don’t Follow Up (And How to Fix It)

Let’s be honest. We all mean to follow up. But we don’t.

Not because we’re flaky. It’s because we haven’t made it part of our daily rhythm. We don’t have a simple system. We don’t have a nudge to say, “Hey, check in with Sarah—she could be a great referrer.”

Here’s where Nimble flips the script.

Nimble for Referrals: The CRM Built for Humans, Not Sales Robots

Most CRMs are designed for sales teams. They’re clunky, complex, and feel like you need a PhD in pipeline management just to send an email.

Nimble is different. It’s the only CRM that was built to help small business owners, solopreneurs, and consultants build better relationships, not just track deals. Think of it as your digital Rolodex on steroids—but way smarter and much better looking.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer for referral marketing.

Step 1: Build Your Referral Rolodex

First things first—download the Nimble Chrome Extension. Then, head over to LinkedIn or your inbox and start adding people to your contact list.

Who should you add?

Use the 3-Point Power Network:

• Insiders: Your inner circle. Think clients, friends, superfans.
• Partners: People who sell to the same audience, but don’t compete.
• Influencers: Experts who can vouch for you and amplify your message.

Here’s a peek at my personal Nimble contact tab.  You’ll notice that I’ve decided to use the “Lead Type” field to tag my referral contacts. 

You can customize this field to match how you manage or track your contacts in your business.

Because Nimble’s strength is in creating and building relationships, I’ve decided to use the Lead Type field to classify these relationships.  You can see that in addition to referral relationships, I have relationships with agencies, as well as general prospects.  You’ll have to customize yours to match your business.

Tag them in Nimble so you can easily segment your referral network later. Use tags like “Referral Insider,” “Partner Contact,” or “Influencer Ally.”

Nimble does an amazing job with tagging and segments – and that’s what makes it one of my favorite tools.

Tags and segments are the unsung heroes of Nimble—and once you start using them strategically, everything just clicks. Tags are your go-to tool for categorizing both contacts and activities. Think of tags like digital sticky notes. You can tag contacts as “Referral Insider,” “Event Lead,” “Podcast Guest,” or even “VIP Clients.” Same goes for activities—tag follow-ups, meetings, or email tasks with custom labels so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s like building your own behind-the-scenes filing system that works exactly how your brain does.

Now, if tags are your custom labels, segments are your smart lists. Nimble’s segmentation feature lets you search across multiple data fields—tags, location, job title, last contacted, you name it—and create dynamic groups. These segments update automatically as contacts meet your criteria. Want a live list of people you haven’t followed up with in 60 days? Done. Need a segment of partners in Chicago who opened your last email? Easy. Segments make it effortless to manage who gets what message and when, without needing to rebuild lists every time you launch a new campaign.

Pro Tip: Start with 200 people. Research shows that’s the number most of us can realistically stay in touch with.

Step 2: Create Your Referral Guideline

Your referral guideline is your business’s dating profile.

It should include:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Who your ideal client is
• What problem you solve
• What makes you referable

Need help crafting it? Use my Referral Guideline Creator to knock it out in 2 minutes flat.

This document isn’t for your clients—it’s for your referral partners. It’s the cheat sheet that makes it easy for others to recommend you with confidence.

Step 3: Schedule the Touchpoints

You don’t need to meet every week. But you do need to show up regularly.

That’s where Nimble’s “Stay in Touch” feature comes in. Set follow-up cadences—weekly, monthly, quarterly—and Nimble will remind you when it’s time to reconnect. It even flags contacts you’re falling out of touch with.

Use it to:

• Send a quick check-in email
• Book a coffee chat (real or virtual)
• Share an update or ask for one
• Refer someone to them first

This isn’t about asking for favors. It’s about showing up as a connector and collaborator.

The Magic of Nimble Email Sequences

This is where Nimble absolutely shines—email sequences that are as human as you are.

You’ve got two powerful ways to use Nimble for outreach:

• Option 1: Group Messages via Your Email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) These are gold. You send personalized emails in bulk, but each recipient sees the message as if it was sent just to them. It keeps your email in your inbox, looks totally 1:1, and boosts response rates.

In the image above, you can see that these group messages went out through my personal email server and to the recipient it looks like I sent it just to them.  Did I say I loved this?  There’s nothing more personal than receiving an individual email – but that you sent in bulk. 

• Option 2: Email Marketing Engine Want to go bigger? This is your tool. You can send to a larger list using Nimble’s email marketing server, complete with open/click tracking. And it keeps your main inbox clutter-free.
  
  

Here’s how to turn this into your secret follow-up machine:

Create a 12-Month Referral Sequence

Nimble has already created a bunch of templates (that they have successfully used over the years) that you can start with an customize based on your specific use case.

Don’t overthink it. Keep it light and valuable. Here’s a simple sequence framework:

• Month 1: “Here’s what I’m working on. What about you?”
• Month 2: Share a blog post, podcast, or helpful tip.
• Month 3: Invite them to a Zoom coffee.
• Repeat with variations for 9 more months.

Here’s what my referral sequence looks like.  You can see that I’ve got several messages that are going out just about a month apart.

You can create this sequence using Nimble’s Email Marketing feature, and track:

• Who opened your email
• Who clicked a link
• Who replied

You can see that out of 13 sent, only about 5 replied.  This will help me refine my referral network and remove the folks who don’t want to stay in touch and build relationships with the folks who do.

As someone who has done this manually, I can tell you this this is a game-changer. Because the name of the referral game is to build a productive referral network – and that is all about quality relationships.

Why Nimble’s Reporting and Analytics Matter

Here’s where Nimble seals the deal: you don’t just guess if your referral marketing is working—you know.

Nimble offers detailed analytics that track:

• Email opens, clicks, and replies for every campaign
• Engagement activity by contact (so you know who’s hot and who’s cold)
• Workflow progress to see where leads get stuck
• Sequence performance to measure the ROI of your email outreach

You can even track your referral interactions—who referred whom, what follow-up happened, and what business resulted. It’s like having a report card for your referral engine.

Why is this essential? Because what gets measured gets managed. If you want your referral system to grow and perform like a real marketing channel, you need data. Not feelings.

With Nimble, you’re not flying blind. You’re flying with radar.

Want to level it up?

Automate Everything with Web Forms, Workflows & Sequences

Don’t even get me started with this one.  Do you know WHY referrals are a happy accident? Because we meet awesome people.  We might even have these great meetings and conversations and you think “I will remember this” – and then you don’t.

Life happens, other projects come up and then you’re meeting with someone and you think – “Wait – I know someone you should talk to” – but then you don’t remember the details and the opportunity passes. 

THIS is why you have to set up these automated work flow.  You meet someone.  You think – “I want to stay in touch with them” you add them to the workflow.

Here’s another way you can use automation:

Use Nimble’s Web Forms to collect new referral partner leads. When someone fills out the form:

• They get added to your Nimble contacts
• They get added to a Workflow (your internal lead tracker)
• They get enrolled into your 12-month Email Sequence

This is what systematized follow-up looks like. It’s scalable, trackable, and delightfully low maintenance.

You can:

• Set up Stages like “New Referral Lead,” “Engaged Contact,” “Active Referrer”
• Trigger tasks or internal notifications as people move stages
• Use sequence analytics to see what’s working

Recap: Your 5-Minute Referral System Setup

Let’s boil it down:

1. Get Nimble (and the Chrome Extension)
2. Import your contacts from LinkedIn and Gmail
3. Tag them as Insiders, Partners, Influencers
4. Write your Referral Guideline
5. Create your email sequence and “stay in touch” schedule
6. Use Web Forms + Workflows to automate follow-up
7. Track everything with Nimble’s built-in reporting tools

That’s it.

You don’t need a sales funnel. You don’t need ads. You don’t even need a big list. You need a system that builds and nurtures real relationships.

And if 8 out of 10 people say “yes” when someone they trust refers you?

That’s not a happy accident. That’s smart marketing.

So what are you waiting for? Go build your referral machine—with Nimble riding shotgun.

Top AI Books Picks

• Best Overall: AI for Small Business: From Marketing and Sales to HR and Operations – $0.00 
• Best Value: The AI Entrepreneur: How to Make Money with AI – $13.99 
• Best for Beginners: AI in Business: A Winning Guide to How Any Business Can Easily Boost Profits – $0.00 
• Best for Automation: AI BUSINESS ESSENTIALS: THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO AUTOMATING PROCESSES – $0.00 
• Best for Data Management: Mastering the Data Paradox: Key to Winning in the AI Age – $17.09 
• Best for Advanced Concepts: The Ultimate Generative AI Guidebook: How Anyone Can Master Advanced AI Concepts – $19.99 

Why These Books Matter

I selected these books based on their practical relevance, reader reviews, and the depth of insights they provide into the world of AI. Each book offers unique perspectives and strategies that can help entrepreneurs like us harness the power of AI effectively.

AI for Small Business

This book is like having a friendly guide to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of artificial intelligence. Phil Pallen breaks down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for small business owners like us to understand how to leverage AI in our daily operations. Whether it’s automating tasks, improving customer service, or making smarter decisions, this book provides practical strategies that can be implemented right away. Plus, with real-world examples and case studies, it feels like you’re learning from a friend who’s been there and done that. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to boost their business this Spring.

What People Say

Readers are raving about how accessible and practical this book is. Many have shared their success stories after implementing the strategies, noting significant improvements in productivity and business processes.

As a solopreneur, I’ve dabbled with AI before but never imagined it could become such a powerful asset for a business like mine. After just four days with this book, I’ve already made major improvements and implemented systems I thought were out of reach without an assistant. The first thing I did was have it analyze the sales pages on my website—game-changing. – Laura Bonicelli

Why You’ll Love This Book

• Simplifies AI concepts for easy understanding
• Provides actionable strategies for immediate implementation
• Includes real-world examples and case studies
• Helps automate tasks and improve efficiency

Who Should Read This?

Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this book has something for everyone.

Current Price: $0.00

Rating: 5 (Total: 22+)

The AI Entrepreneur

This book is like having a personal coach for your AI business dreams. Malick Alexandre Sarr lays out a clear, step-by-step guide to transforming your AI idea into a profitable venture in just 90 days. It’s packed with practical advice that feels relatable and doable, making it perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of AI entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a newbie or have some experience, this book offers insights that can be applied right away. I found it to be a casual yet comprehensive read that I’d recommend to anyone eager to get their AI game on this Spring.

What People Say

Readers are thrilled with how actionable and insightful this book is. Many have shared their success stories after following the strategies, noting significant improvements in their approach to AI entrepreneurship.

This book is amazing! It lays out exactly how to build an AI business in 90 days. The book provides clear and actionable steps to move quickly and efficiently. I especially loved the ‘Additional Materials’ section that includes AI business ideas, tools, a business plan, and pitch deck examples! This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to start an AI business. – Ross Carter

This book is packed with great stories and practical advice for anyone looking to dive into the world of AI entrepreneurship. The standout feature is the 90-day plan to launch and market your first AI product. The author is refreshingly honest about the challenges of the 90-day timeline, but from my experience, it’s possible to create simple tools quickly. Overall, it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to build, fund, market, and scale their AI business. – Scott at Eternaloak

Why You’ll Find This Book Useful

• Step-by-step guide to launching an AI business
• Includes a 90-day action plan for quick implementation
• Offers real-world examples and additional resources
• Focuses on minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities

Who Will Benefit from This Book?

Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to harness the power of AI. Whether you’re just starting out or already have an idea, this book provides the tools and insights needed to turn your vision into reality.

Current Price: $13.99

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 54+)

AI in Business: A Winning Guide

This book is like a friendly guide through the sometimes overwhelming world of artificial intelligence in business. Written by Sebastian Forbes, it breaks down complex concepts into digestible bits, making it perfect for anyone looking to boost their business with AI. I found it to be a practical resource that’s not just theoretical; it’s filled with real-world examples that show how AI can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this book feels like a helpful companion on your journey to integrating AI into your business strategy.

What People Say

Readers appreciate how accessible and informative this book is. Many have shared that it not only boosted their understanding of AI but also inspired them to implement AI strategies in their own businesses.

I just finished reading ‘AI in Business’ by Sebastian Forbes, and it’s excellent. If you’re interested in how AI is transforming the business world, this book is perfect. Forbes explains complex AI concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and valuable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The book is rich with real-world examples and case studies, demonstrating how AI can drive innovation, efficiency, and strategic decision-making. – Rebecca

As someone who’s not super tech-savvy, I was worried AI would be over my head, but this book broke it down in a way that made sense. I run a small business and have been curious about how AI could help. After reading this, I feel more confident about incorporating AI tools to improve efficiency and keep up with the competition. – Myra L Johnson

Why This Book is a Must-Read

• Demystifies AI concepts for practical use
• Offers real-world examples from various industries
• Provides strategies for overcoming common challenges
• Includes actionable guides for integrating AI into your business

Who Will Love This Book?

Perfect for business owners and entrepreneurs eager to leverage AI for growth. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer experiences or automate tasks, this book provides the insights you need to get started.

Current Price: $0.00

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 44+)

AI Business Essentials: Your 30-Day Guide

This book is like having a personal coach for integrating AI into your business. Lisa Whall lays out a clear, step-by-step approach that makes the daunting world of AI feel approachable and actionable. I love how it’s packed with practical advice that you can start using right away, whether you’re a tech whiz or just getting your feet wet. The 30-day roadmap is especially handy for busy entrepreneurs like us who want to see results without getting bogged down in jargon. If you’re looking to streamline your operations and boost profits, this guide is a must-have.

What People Say

Readers rave about how accessible and practical this book is. Many have shared that it not only boosted their understanding of AI but also inspired them to implement AI strategies in their own businesses, leading to real improvements in efficiency and profitability.

AI Business Essentials is a must-read for anyone looking to leverage AI without technical expertise. The book breaks down complex concepts into straightforward, actionable steps, making automation accessible to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries. What stood out most was the practical approach—there’s no fluff or unnecessary jargon. Each chapter guides you through real-world business applications, showing exactly how to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost productivity.  – TJP

It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to integrate AI into their business without feeling overwhelmed. The book does an amazing job of breaking down what can seem like a complicated topic into simple, step-by-step strategies. Lisa really gets that not everyone is a tech wizard, so she avoids heavy jargon and instead focuses on practical ways to use AI tools to improve efficiency and cut costs. – Paul S

Why You’ll Love This Book

• Simplifies AI concepts for everyday use
• Includes a practical 30-day action plan
• Offers real-world case studies to illustrate success
• No coding skills required to implement strategies

Who Should Read This?

Ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners eager to harness AI for growth. Whether you’re looking to automate tasks or enhance customer interactions, this book provides the insights you need to get started on your AI journey.

Current Price: $0.00

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 24+)

Mastering the Data Paradox: Key to Winning in the AI Age

This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of data in the age of AI. Nitin Seth does an incredible job of breaking down the intricacies of data management while making it relatable and easy to understand. I appreciate how he combines theory with practical insights, making it a perfect read for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. Whether you’re trying to leverage data for your business or simply want to understand its impact on our daily lives, this book is a must-have. Plus, it’s packed with real-world examples that make the concepts stick. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone eager to unlock the potential of data.

What People Say

Readers are loving how this book makes the complex world of data feel approachable. Many have shared that it not only boosted their understanding of data management but also inspired them to implement strategies that lead to tangible improvements in their businesses.

“Mastering the Data Paradox” is an outstanding guide for anyone looking to excel in the ever-evolving world of data management and analytics. Nitin Seth has a talent for breaking down complex data concepts and presenting them in an accessible and engaging way. The inclusion of case studies and real-life examples makes the theoretical aspects much easier to grasp and, more importantly, directly applicable to day-to-day work. – Ismail Shaikh

The world is moving at an incredible pace. It’s an extraordinary time when two phenomenal trends are taking place simultaneously. Nitin Seth’s “Mastering the Data Paradox” called it exactly right for the junction of these trends with data at the core and full opportunities this brought along. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its very practical approach: it does not limit itself to theoretical perceptions but allows actionable strategies to resonate with real examples. – PS

Why This Book Stands Out

• Demystifies complex data concepts
• Offers actionable strategies for real-world application
• Includes insightful case studies
• Addresses the paradox of data abundance and clarity

Who Will Benefit from This Book?

Perfect for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to harness the power of data in their decision-making processes. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing strategies, this book provides the insights you need to thrive in the digital age.

Current Price: $17.09

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 481+)

The Ultimate Generative AI Guidebook

This guidebook is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of generative AI without feeling overwhelmed. Jordan Blake does a remarkable job of breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest. Whether you’re a complete newbie or someone with a bit of tech savvy, this book offers practical insights that can be applied in everyday situations. I found it particularly helpful for understanding how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency in my own projects. If you’re curious about AI and want to explore its potential, this book is definitely worth checking out.

What People Say

Readers appreciate how this book makes generative AI accessible and engaging. Many have noted that it not only enhances their understanding of AI but also inspires them to apply these concepts in their own work, making the learning process enjoyable.

This work will be an invaluable source for becoming an AI expert in the gen AI space and to leverage generative AI for my automated AI agency business. I’m learning the strengths and weaknesses between GANs and transformers and LLMs. Also, how they can work together. This author is correct that education in gen AI is essential for thriving in our world today.- Andy Wolf

The Ultimate Generative AI Guidebook is useful for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. It reassures readers that mastering AI does not require a degree or years of study. Instead, it offers a step-by-step approach to understanding and applying generative AI in real-world scenarios.- Marty Crossland

Why You Should Read This Book

• Simplifies complex AI concepts
• Offers practical applications for everyday use
• Encourages ethical AI practices
• Provides a step-by-step learning approach

Who Will Love This Book?

Ideal for entrepreneurs and anyone looking to integrate AI into their business strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing knowledge, this guidebook provides the insights you need to navigate the AI landscape confidently.

Current Price: $19.99

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 56+)

FAQ

What makes ‘Get Your AI Game On: 6 Books Every Entrepreneur Needs This Spring a must-read for entrepreneurs?

Well, let me tell you, if you’re an entrepreneur and you haven’t dived into the world of AI yet, you’re missing out on the best thing since sliced bread—or at least since the invention of the coffee machine! This collection of books is like a treasure map leading you to the goldmine of AI knowledge. Each book is packed with practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies that can help you not just survive but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Plus, who doesn’t want to impress their friends with their newfound AI wisdom? Trust me, your business will thank you!

I’m not a tech wizard. Will these books still be helpful for me?

Absolutely! I promise you don’t need to be a tech genius to understand these books. They’re written in a way that even my grandma could grasp the concepts—and she still thinks a ‘cloud’ is just something in the sky! The authors break down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to follow along. So, whether you’re a solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find practical tips that you can implement without needing a PhD in computer science. Just grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get learning!

How can I practically apply the knowledge from these books to my business?

Great question! Think of these books as your personal AI toolkit. Each one offers actionable steps and real-life examples that you can adapt to your own business. Start by identifying the areas in your operations that could use a little AI magic—maybe it’s automating customer service or optimizing your marketing strategies. Then, pick a book that focuses on that area and dive in! I recommend taking notes and even creating a mini-action plan as you read. Before you know it, you’ll be implementing AI solutions like a pro, and your business will be running smoother than a well-oiled machine. Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so take it one step at a time!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these six books are essential reads for any entrepreneur looking to leverage AI in their business. They provide not only theoretical knowledge but also practical applications that can lead to real results. By investing time in these resources, I believe we can all enhance our understanding of AI and its potential to transform our businesses. So, this Spring, let’s get our AI game on and take our entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

With the right lead gen tools, you can automate the boring stuff, attract high-quality prospects, and maybe even free up enough time to enjoy a coffee while it’s still hot. In this post, I’ll break down four ridiculously effective tools that make finding leads feel less like digging for gold and more like setting up a vending machine that spits out potential customers. Let’s go.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Kanbox – $49
• Best Value: Subpage – $59
• Best for Forms: FormDesigner – $59
• Best for Presentations: SlideFill – $29

How We Chose These Tools

When choosing the right lead generation tool, consider factors such as ease of use, integration capabilities, pricing, and customer support. You want tools that not only fit your budget but also enhance your workflow without adding unnecessary complexity.

Kanbox

Kanbox is your go-to tool for turning your LinkedIn account into a lead generation powerhouse. If you’re tired of juggling multiple tools for scraping, email finding, and managing your network, Kanbox combines all these features into one neat package. Imagine importing leads from LinkedIn searches, posts, and events, all while keeping your data clean and organized. Plus, with its Smart Inbox, you can manage your connections like a pro. It’s perfect for marketing agencies, recruiters, and sales managers looking to streamline their lead generation process.

What People Say

Users appreciate how Kanbox simplifies their lead generation efforts, especially for LinkedIn. Many have noted its effectiveness in extracting leads and managing connections, making it a favorite among solopreneurs.

Why You’ll Love Kanbox

• All-in-one LinkedIn scraping and management tool
• Organize your network effortlessly
• GDPR-compliant for peace of mind

Long-Term Cost Benefits

With a one-time payment of $49, you get lifetime access to Kanbox, which can save you from the monthly fees of multiple tools. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about lead generation.

Current Price: $49

Rating: 4.56 (Total: 96+)

Subpage

Subpage is like having a personal assistant for your lead generation needs. It simplifies the process of creating stunning landing pages that not only look great but also capture leads effortlessly. Imagine whipping up an interactive lead magnet in minutes, without needing a degree in web design. Whether you’re a content creator or a solopreneur, Subpage makes it easy to engage your audience and grow your email list. Plus, with its AI-powered features, you can focus on what really matters—connecting with your audience.

What People Say

Users rave about how quickly they can create lead magnets and the intuitive design of Subpage. Many have highlighted its ability to integrate various features, making it a versatile tool for lead generation.

I generated my first lead magnet in just minutes. The page builder is really fast and functional. The user experience is very good, and you quickly know how the platform works. I can now create interactive ebooks and integrate chat options for direct user interaction – GCG

Why You’ll Love Subpage

• Create interactive lead magnets in minutes
• Easy integration with chat and email tools
• User-friendly interface that anyone can master

Long-Term Cost Benefits

For just $59, you get lifetime access to Subpage, which can save you from the ongoing costs of hiring web developers or using multiple tools. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about building their online presence.

Current Price: $59

Rating: 5 (Total: 5+)

FormDesigner

FormDesigner is your go-to tool for whipping up web forms without needing a tech degree. Whether you’re creating a simple survey or a complex booking form, this platform makes it a breeze with its drag-and-drop interface. You can customize your forms to fit your brand, and the best part? You don’t need to hire a designer or programmer to get it done. It’s perfect for solopreneurs who want to save time and look professional while doing it. Plus, with 90 premade templates, you can hit the ground running for both everyday tasks and special projects.

What People Say

Users appreciate how intuitive FormDesigner is, with many noting that they can create complex forms without any coding skills. The ability to embed forms directly onto websites is a game-changer for many solopreneurs.

We have created a quote tool on our website from FormDesigner and it is working wonders. The final quote involves conditions based on answers, and this was very easy to set up and understand, even for somebody like me with basic automation knowledge.

Why You’ll Love FormDesigner

• User-friendly drag-and-drop form builder
• 90 premade templates for quick setup
• Integrates seamlessly with your favorite tools

Long-Term Cost Benefits

At just $59 for lifetime access, FormDesigner can save you from ongoing subscription fees for multiple tools. It’s a smart investment that pays off by streamlining your lead generation process and reducing the need for external help.

Current Price: $59

Rating: 4.85 (Total: 27+)

SlideFill

SlideFill is like having a personal assistant for your presentations, but without the awkward small talk. If you’re tired of manually entering data from your CRM or Google Sheets into your slides, this tool is a game-changer. It allows you to create data-driven presentations effortlessly by linking Google Slides with Google Sheets. Just set up your spreadsheet with the info you need, and let SlideFill do the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for solopreneurs who want to save time and create polished presentations without the hassle. Whether you’re prepping for a big pitch or just need to whip up a quick report, SlideFill has your back.

What People Say

Users rave about how SlideFill streamlines their workflow, especially those who juggle multiple projects. The ability to create presentations from data in a spreadsheet is a standout feature that many find invaluable.

SlideFill has been a revelation, completely transforming how I create lesson plans. By simply setting up a spreadsheet with the relevant information and creating a template in Google Slides with placeholder tags, SlideFill automatically generates polished, data-driven slides.

Why You’ll Love SlideFill

• Automatically generate presentations from data in Google Sheets
• Save hours on content creation
• User-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with existing tools

Long-Term Cost Benefits

At just $29 for lifetime access, SlideFill can save you from ongoing subscription fees for other presentation tools. It’s a smart investment that not only boosts your productivity but also enhances the quality of your presentations.

Current Price: $29

Rating: 5 (Total: 7+)

FAQ

Why should I invest in lead generation tools when I can just wing it?

Ah, the classic ‘wing it’ strategy! While it might work for your karaoke nights, in the business world, it’s like trying to catch fish with your bare hands. Lead generation tools are your fishing nets, helping you scoop up potential clients while you sit back and sip your coffee. Plus, with tools like Kanbox and Subpage, you can automate your outreach and create stunning lead magnets without breaking a sweat. So, unless you enjoy the thrill of uncertainty, investing in these tools is a no-brainer!

I’m not tech-savvy. Will these tools make me feel like I’m trying to decipher hieroglyphics?

Fear not, brave solopreneur! These tools are designed with you in mind, not rocket scientists. With user-friendly interfaces and plenty of tutorials, you’ll feel like a tech wizard in no time. Kanbox lets you scrape leads from LinkedIn with just a few clicks, and Subpage helps you create lead magnets faster than you can say ’email capture.’ So, put away that ancient scroll of tech jargon; you’re about to become the master of your lead generation domain!

What if I buy a tool and it turns out to be a total flop?

Ah, the fear of buyer’s remorse! It’s like ordering a mystery dish at a restaurant and praying it’s not a plate of boiled socks. But here’s the good news: most of these tools come with money-back guarantees or trial periods. So, you can test the waters before diving in headfirst. Plus, with glowing reviews from users who’ve turned their lead generation woes into triumphs, you’re more likely to find a tool that feels like a match made in marketing heaven. Just remember, if it feels like a flop, you can always return it and keep searching for your perfect lead gen soulmate!

Wrapping Up

In the end, being a solopreneur doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. With tools like Kanbox, Subpage, FormDesigner, and SlideFill, you can enhance your lead generation efforts and connect with potential clients more effectively. Each of these tools offers unique features that cater to different aspects of lead generation, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your needs. So, why not give them a try and see how they can help you feel a little less solo in your entrepreneurial journey?

Product	Image	Rating	Highlights	Pros	Cons	Price
Kanbox		4.6/5 (96 reviews)	LinkedIn scraping, email finding, automation, CRM	All-in-one tool for LinkedIn lead gen, great support	No automation in the LTD plan, buggy on Mac	$49
Subpage		5/5 (5 reviews)	Interactive lead magnets, customizable gating	Easy to use, great for lead generation	Some features still in progress	$59
FormDesigner		4.4/5 (27 reviews)	Web form builder, surveys, quizzes	User-friendly, great for various forms	Limited integrations, some bugs	$59
SlideFill		5/5 (7 reviews)	Data-driven presentations, Google Sheets integration	Saves time, great for presentations	Needs better file organization	$29