The Trading Post

We talk through a real business card bingo mixer and what it reveals about where networking is thriving and where tech is making things weird. We break down why physical cards still win in the room, how we use QR codes to drive podcast marketing, and the follow-up system that turns contacts into real business. 
• business card bingo as a forced way to meet 14 people 
• digital business cards creating phone fumbling ...

What can the Michigan Renaissance Festival teach us about growing a business and keeping more cash in the bank?

After attending Media Night with my family, I saw a real-life example of how a strong business ecosystem works: vendors, food, entertainment, artisans, operations, marketing, and more—all creating value together.

In this episode, I break down how that same concept applies to a B2B barter network like Metro Trading Ass...

We share quick updates on how we’re growing a B2B barter community through local media, networking, and The Trading Post Podcast instead of leaning on SEO. Then we get honest about outbound lead gen, why Apollo.io isn’t fitting our small business targets, and why we may need to go back to door knocking and phone calls across a huge Metro Detroit territory.

• Upcoming appearance on Fireside Chat TV and where to ...

We break down the biggest small business marketing trends for 2026 and the practical ways we can use AI, automation, local SEO, and short form video without hiring a big team. We also explain how Metro Trading Association lets us test modern marketing with trade dollars instead of draining cash.
• AI-driven personalization that increases engagement and repeat business
• using trade dollars to get AI consulting, automation set...

I’m trying to stop the endless cycle of hiring, training, and turnover by leaning into AI-driven outreach instead of adding another sales rep. I walk through what I’m testing with Apollo.io, what went wrong on my first run, and how I’m rebuilding my lead list and email sequence to reach real local decision makers. 
• why staffing flakiness makes owners do every job at once 
• choosing automation ov...

We share a real-world update on shifting from trying to hire sales reps to testing an AI agent for cold outreach and sales prospecting. We walk through what we have set up so far, what is already working, and what still feels messy as we try to scale follow-up without sounding like a robot. 
• why hiring sales reps stalls when applicants ghost interviews 
• using Apollo AI to run consistent cold email sequences ...

We’re trying to hire outside sales reps across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, and the “nobody wants to work” problem hits different when you’re the one posting the job. We lay out what cold calling looks like right now, why job boards feel like pay-to-play, and why we’re testing AI agents to keep MetroTrade growing for our members. 
• why we’re hiring and why we can’t cover ...

A water main break turns into a real-time stress test for local small businesses and a reminder that community awareness can reveal trade opportunities. I also share how I’m changing my sales approach with 1099 reps and AI tools so Metro Trading Association can grow without relying on endless cold calling. 
• local state of emergency and how outages hit revenue, staff income, and inventory loss 
• why a barter...

We share a real-time update on how we’re changing our marketing plan and why we’re building a sales force instead of trying to do everything ourselves. We break down how interns and 1099 outside sales reps can help grow a B2B trade exchange across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
• shifting away from relying on SEO and leaning into podcast-driven marketing
• hiring 1099 contract outside sales reps because we...

We talk through how small businesses can barter to grow, market, and protect cash when costs like gas rise fast. We also share a real example of trading for local TV exposure and why relationships and networking still beat fancy tactics. 
• using trade dollars to scale without spending cash 
• trading for local TV features to build brand recognition 
• why barter feels “old school” and how it is ...

Discover the sales and marketing strategies that actually drive career growth. In this episode, we break down the proven frameworks, mindsets, and practical tactics that top performers use to sell smarter, market with clarity, and build long‑term momentum. You’ll learn why obsession outperforms ideas, how to design a role around your energy, and why consistency beats chasing viral moments.

We cover actionable strategies across...

We explore how buying products on trade and selling for cash turns a neighborhood coffee roaster into a mini marketplace with strong margins and steady foot traffic. We share the Deer Camp story, compare it with big-brand marketing, and map out how local vendors can plug in fast.

• buying on trade, selling for cash as a cashflow lever
• Deer Camp’s curated local goods and café experience
• how trade associations ...

We share a simple system to turn a focused podcast into a self-sustaining flywheel for trust, leads, and reach. From choosing one core job to repurposing, micro CTAs, and meaningful metrics, we lay out a path that avoids burnout and builds momentum.

• choosing one clear purpose for the show
• structuring episodes around a single listener problem
• guiding action with light, helpful CTAs
• repurposing each episode in...

We track how global turbulence flows straight to main street and turn it into a clear playbook for small businesses. From supply chain fragility to AI leverage and selective consumer demand, we map risks, spot signals, and share steps to move faster with less stress.

• geoeconomic confrontation shaping rules and routes
• small business optimism vs hazy outlook
• AI adoption as a speed and scale lever
• retail reboun...

We break down how to use a podcast as a focused marketing tool by picking one goal, delivering value first, and guiding listeners with clear, helpful CTAs. Along the way, we talk audio quality, repurposing, titles that win search, and building a simple flywheel from episode to offer.

• choosing one primary outcome for your show
• structuring value-first episodes around specific problems
• using micro CTAs that help wit...

We explore how a messy backyard garden, township rules, and a few hard winters pushed us from lone-wolf prepping toward a service-first vision: a practical “ministry of prepping” that blends safety, community, and real skills. Strawberries, wood stoves, and one pastor’s nudge turn setbacks into a plan to help families and veterans build something resilient together.

• shifting from SEO to podcasting as a bu...

We share a fast, practical way to turn post-holiday overstock into real value using barter, consignment, and smart capacity planning. A 3D printing maker, a nonprofit partner, and a trade network show how to avoid clearance losses and keep cash in the bank.

• converting unsold holiday stock into trade value
• using consignment to move kiosk surplus
• leveraging 3D printing for prototypes and rare parts
• timing trad...

We examine how deepfakes blur reality, why detectors can’t guarantee truth, and what proof still matters when anyone can clone a voice. Then we map a practical winter reset: less automation, more in‑person trust, and using podcasting as a bridge to real‑world networks.

• deepfake tools outpacing detection
• proof of life through liveness and gestures
• winter as a reset for honest metrics
• pitfalls of AI‑writ...

We lay out a simple path to turn a small garden into a resilience engine for home and business, using low-input systems and smart barter to protect cash flow. Global shocks set the stage, but the focus stays local with practical steps that work without constant power or spend.

• just-in-time risks and why buffers matter
• choosing low-input methods like no-till and wicking beds
• what to grow for profit and trade beyon...