Mindset, Marketing, & Money with Dean Seddon

Ep 100: How to get your first 10 clients on LinkedIn

Struggling to find your first ten clients on LinkedIn? You’re not alone. Many solopreneurs and small business owners get stuck in a cycle of overcomplicating their approach, thinking they need a fancy website or a massive following to succeed. This can lead to frustration and burnout.

Imagine feeling confident in your ability to connect with the right people without endless hours wasted on ineffective strategies. The stress of not knowing where your next client will come from can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel defeated when you're bombarded with others’ seemingly effortless success stories on social media.

Join me on this special 100th episode where I break down a simple, effective strategy to help you land your first ten clients on LinkedIn. You’ll learn how to target the right audience, understand their pain points, and craft a compelling offer that speaks directly to their needs. Say goodbye to unnecessary complications and hello to a straightforward plan that works. Listen now and take the first step towards building a thriving client base!

Ep 99: Cut through the noise with personal branding

I'm thrilled to bring you this episode, where we cut through all the noise and get real about what personal branding truly means in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of personal branding, this episode is packed with insights, truths, and practical advice that will transform how you think about your personal brand.

We’ve all seen it: the endless diagrams, the celebrity-like projections, and the constant pressure to put on a show. But let’s face it, personal branding has become a bit of a circus. People are tying themselves in knots trying to figure out what it means and how to make it work for them. That's why I’m here to demystify personal branding and give you the tools to create a brand that is genuinely you.

In this episode, we dive into the essence of personal branding. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not or chasing likes and follows. It’s about creating a character that reflects your true self—your expertise, your stories, and your unique perspective on the world. Think of it as crafting your very own Indiana Jones character, complete with your quirks, values, and backstory. You don’t need to reveal everything, just enough to connect with people and build trust.

Trust, my friends, is the currency of the future. In an era where everything is fakeable—followers, reviews, even success—building genuine trust through your personal brand is more critical than ever. It’s about being consistently present and authentic so people know who you are and what you stand for when they need your expertise.

We also explore the idea of typecasting yourself in your industry. Just like Liam Neeson found his niche with action-packed roles, you can find your sweet spot by focusing on solving one key problem for your audience. This doesn’t mean limiting yourself but rather creating a strong, memorable brand that people immediately associate with a particular need or expertise.

Building a personal brand isn’t about overnight success. It’s a journey, a compounding process that grows and evolves over time. I’ll share how you can document your progress, celebrate your milestones, and keep pushing forward even when it feels like you’re not making much headway. Remember, personal branding is about the long game.

Throughout this episode, we’ll discuss how to balance authenticity with professionalism, how to project the right image without losing yourself in the process, and how to stay consistent in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever.

So, if you’re ready to step up your personal branding game and create a brand that’s not just seen but truly felt, hit that play button. Let’s embark on this adventure together and unlock the power of personal branding.

And hey, if you find value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with others who might benefit from a fresh take on personal branding. 

Ep 98: Making Learning Stick in a World of Forgetting

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we welcome Jeremy Campbell of Black Isle Group, an expert in learning and development, to dissect why most training programs are failing your business. Discover the startling truth behind why so much of what we learn is forgotten within days, and why traditional training methods might be doing more harm than good.

Ever wondered why the vast majority of online courses have a completion rate of just 6%? Or why employees return from workshops bursting with enthusiasm, only to slip back into old habits within weeks? Jeremy pulls back the curtain on these issues, revealing that the real challenge begins after the workshop ends. It’s not about ticking a box or having the best content; it’s about embedding that knowledge into daily practice.

In this candid conversation, Jeremy shares his journey from HR director to founder of Black Isle Group, driven by a passion to make learning truly impactful. Learn why behavioral change is so tough, how our brains are wired against it, and the small, incremental steps that can lead to lasting improvement. Jeremy also introduces the concept of 'nudges'—small actions that can significantly enhance retention and application of new skills.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a team leader, or someone passionate about personal development, this episode is packed with insights. Jeremy's experience and practical advice will help you transform training from a mere formality into a powerful tool for real change.

Ep 97: Opportunities are hiding in time-wasting activity

In this episode, I reflect on a transformative trip to the US, where stepping away from my daily routine allowed me to see things from a fresh perspective. I hope that by sharing my experiences, you too can find inspiration and seize the unexpected opportunities that lie around you.

Let’s set the stage. About ten days ago, there was a global IT glitch that disrupted planes, hotels, trains, and major businesses. This chaos was triggered by an error from the cybersecurity company Crowdstrike. I was at the airport during the meltdown, capturing the growing queues and posting the footage on TikTok and Twitter. Within hours, my videos went viral, garnering around 200,000 views on TikTok and 80,000 on Twitter. Suddenly, I was in high demand for TV interviews, reporting live for ITV, BBC, and Sky News. This frenzy showed me how hungry people are for real-time updates during global events.

From this unexpected burst of online fame, a company even wanted to buy the rights to my footage. It was a surreal experience, and as I jetted off to the US for a series of workshops, I couldn’t help but reflect on the vast sea of opportunities surrounding us daily. Often, we let the doom and gloom of news and social media convince us that opportunities are scarce, but in reality, they are abundant.

As a business owner, you might feel overwhelmed by the notion that there’s a lack of opportunities due to economic challenges. However, the truth is, there are countless opportunities at our fingertips. The key is to recognize and seize them. For instance, I've had scenarios where seemingly insignificant meetings turned into life-changing deals. One coffee meeting, which I almost skipped due to skepticism and past disappointments, led to a project pitch and eventually the biggest deal of my career. This experience taught me that opportunities don’t always come neatly packaged.

I've been active on social media for nearly 20 years, posting across various platforms. Recently, someone reached out to me for a meeting after seeing my Twitter posts. Initially, I was hesitant due to the long drive and my past encounters with time-wasters. However, I took the plunge, and although the initial meeting seemed fruitless, it eventually led to a significant project pitch. This was a stark reminder that we must remain open to possibilities, even if they don’t immediately seem promising.

One major takeaway from my travels and experiences is the importance of building relationships and personal branding. Being visible and nurturing connections can unlock opportunities that no business plan can predict. Often, we miss these chances because we are too focused on our to-do lists and productivity.

For instance, filming a TikTok video at the airport led to my footage being featured on major news outlets. This wasn’t planned or expected, but being in the right place at the right time and sharing my experience created a significant opportunity. It’s crucial to be present and aware, allowing room for these unplanned moments.

In summary, as solopreneurs or small business owners, it’s essential to invest time in building relationships and your personal brand. While not every interaction will lead to immediate success, these efforts create a foundation for significant opportunities down the line. Reflect on your approach: are you allowing space for relationship-building and personal branding, or are you too consumed by daily tasks? The unexpected opportunities are often disguised as time-wasters. By staying open and proactive, you can turn these moments into game-changing opportunities. So, take a step back, build those connections, and stay present in the moment – you never know what incredible opportunity might come your way next.

Ep 96: Why Reasonable People Fail on Social Media: The Brutal Truth You Need to Hear

In today's episode, I dive into why reasonable, experienced people struggle on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and beyond. We'll explore the uncomfortable truth that self-promotion is necessary, why boldness beats modesty, and how embracing controversy—without losing your integrity—is crucial. I’ll share personal experiences and actionable insights to help you find and voice your strong opinions, integrate your multiple personas, and build that essential core audience who will value your depth and substance.

Tune in to discover how you can effectively navigate the social media landscape, stand out without compromising your values, and ultimately succeed by being unapologetically yourself. If you’ve ever felt sidelined by the noise, this episode is your guide to breaking through.

Join me as we unravel the secrets to mastering the art of self-promotion and making your expertise shine in a crowded digital space. Don't miss out—your breakthrough starts here.

Ep 95: Don't mess up your LinkedIn profile with guest, Greg Coe

In this recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Greg Coe, an experienced IT professional and LinkedIn coach. We delved into the nuances of optimizing your LinkedIn profile to stand out in today's competitive job market. Greg, with his extensive background in IT and his side gig with Getlinked.Pro, shared invaluable insights on how to leverage LinkedIn for personal branding and career advancement.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of a well-crafted LinkedIn profile. Greg emphasized that having a professional headshot, an engaging background photo, and a headline that not only states your current role but also hints at your future ambitions are crucial. These elements are your first impression and can significantly impact a recruiter's decision to delve deeper into your profile.

Greg also highlighted the significance of showcasing your achievements succinctly. Instead of writing long paragraphs, he advised using bullet points to list your accomplishments, starting with quantifiable results. This method captures attention and provides a clear picture of your capabilities and successes. For example, stating "229% of quota in sales" immediately draws attention and indicates your performance level.

We also discussed the value of recommendations. Greg strongly recommends collecting LinkedIn recommendations as social proof of your skills and work ethic. These testimonials can be repurposed in your CV, adding another layer of credibility. He shared a powerful anecdote about how a well-timed recommendation from a mutual connection helped him secure a job, underscoring the impact of this strategy.

In terms of standing out in a crowded market, Greg mentioned the importance of aligning your profile with the keywords and skills relevant to the jobs you're targeting. Recruiters often use LinkedIn like a search engine, filtering profiles based on specific skills. Ensuring these keywords are prominent in your profile can make you easier to find and more attractive to potential employers.

Finally, we touched on the proactive use of LinkedIn. Engaging with content, sharing industry insights, and being an advocate for your current employer can all reflect positively on you. This activity demonstrates your enthusiasm and thought leadership, traits highly valued by hiring managers.

For anyone looking to refine their LinkedIn profile, Greg's advice is gold. Whether you're actively seeking a new job or just looking to advance your career, optimizing your LinkedIn profile can make a significant difference. If you need personalized guidance, Greg is available through his website, getlinked.pro.

Ep 94: LinkedIn is cringey but a BIG opportunity

Are you ready to dive into the wild, wacky world of LinkedIn cringe? In this episode, I'm going to explore the peculiar quirks that make LinkedIn both fascinating and, at times, utterly cringeworthy. I'll pull no punches as I dissect the most outrageous posts and trends, from business owners oversharing personal moments to the bizarre stunts people pull for a bit of virtual fame.

We’ll uncover why some LinkedIn users think it’s a brilliant idea to post wedding photos with B2B marketing tips or share selfies from the toilet to highlight their non-stop work ethic. I'll delve into the psychology behind these posts, the dopamine rush of going viral, and the harsh reality that fame doesn’t always translate to fortune.

If you've ever rolled your eyes at a LinkedIn post or felt second-hand embarrassment for someone else's attempt to go viral, this episode is for you. I’ll offer my candid take on how to navigate LinkedIn’s cringe landscape without losing your credibility or dignity. Tune in for a blend of humour, hard truths, and practical advice on maintaining your professional reputation in the social media jungle.

🔊 Listen now and learn how to keep your LinkedIn game strong without resorting to cringe-worthy tactics!

Ep 93: My Top 10 LinkedIn Questions

Join me in this episode as I dive into the most frequently asked questions about LinkedIn, providing actionable insights and busting common myths. Here's what we'll cover in this episode:

1. Where do I start on LinkedIn?
2. What should I post about?
3. Should I post personal content on LinkedIn?
4. How should I outreach to people?
5. Do I need Premium or Sales Navigator?
6. Should I use hashtags on my posts?
7. How do I increase my social selling index?
8. Should I put links in my posts?
9. Do I need a company page?
10. How do I get more engagement and visibility?

If you're new to the podcast, hit that follow button and subscribe for more tips on selling through social media, especially LinkedIn. 

Ep 92: Lessons from running Steven Bartlett's social media - Holly Hayes

Holly Hayes worked alongside Steven Bartlett to create, post and manage his social channels. In this episode, Dean talks to Holly and peels back the secrets and insights from running his accounts and the key learnings from Instagram, Tik Tok, LinkedIn and everywhere else.

 

EP 91: How to get the attention of your ideal clients.