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The AI-Driven Search Shift Every Business Owner Needs to See

Are you still playing by old-school rules in a rapidly evolving AI-driven SEO landscape? Chris Long, Co-Founder of Nectiv, reveals how AI and search are converging, and what business owners need to do now to stay ahead. In this episode, we dive into how AI is reshaping SEO, from fan-out queries to the importance of owning content across multiple ecosystems like YouTube, Reddit, and beyond. Discover how long tail queries and tactical on-page tweaks are essential for getting AI systems to recommend your brand. Chris shares real-world tips on leveraging tools like Claude Code and custom workflows to supercharge your data analysis and content strategy, even without a developer background. You'll learn: * Why AI-driven mentions are the new SEO gold rush and how to actively earn them. * How to craft content that AI loves, including concise, snippet-friendly formats at the top of your pages. * The upcoming Google AI mode and what it means for search results, site traffic, and digital advertising. * How reputation management and digital PR influence your AI footprint and what to do about it. * Practical tactics for integrating AI into your workflows. You can't afford to ignore how AI is changing search. Those who understand and adapt now will dominate the next wave of digital discovery and those who don’t risk falling behind in a game where code, content, and AI reputation are king. Perfect for growth marketers, SEOs, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to leverage AI for competitive advantage, this conversation will leave you inspired and armed with actionable strategies. Chris Long is a recognized SEO and AI expert, leading innovative discovery strategies at Nectiv and sharing insights with the world on LinkedIn and major industry stages. If you want to future-proof your brand’s visibility, tune into this episode! Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Long and His Journey 15:06 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 19:34 Leveraging AI Tools for SEO 31:12 Strategies for Earning AI Mentions 33:28 On-Page Optimization Techniques 36:54 Leveraging Data for Content Strategy 39:56 Navigating AI Risks and Best Practices 44:13 Chris’s Favorite AI Tools and Their Impact 49:05 Future Predictions for AI in Search Show Notes * * Connect with Chris Long on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-long-marketing/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-long-marketing/]. * * Learn more about Nectiv by visiting https://nectivdigital.com/ [https://nectivdigital.com/].  * * Check out the Rand Fishkin and Mike King webinar to learn more about how to optimize for AI visibility at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOjda22Zatw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOjda22Zatw]. * * Subscribe to the Please Advise newsletter at pleaseadvise.io [http://pleaseadvise.io] to get the SEO/AEO/tips growth marketers need to read about. * * Connect with Chris Vendilli on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/]. * Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/ [https://www.vendilli.com/].

Business Leaders Are Missing Their Biggest Growth Opportunity

Most organizations overlook one of their biggest growth opportunities: leveraging AI to automate the mundane and amplify their sales and marketing impact. In this episode, James Hinkson, Head of Partnerships and RevOps at AskElephant, reveals how cutting-edge AI tools are transforming revenue operations, saving hours, boosting accuracy, and even improving close rates, all without replacing the human touch. Discover how AskElephant automates everything from CRM updates and follow-up emails to deep analysis of calls and customer signals. James shares concrete use cases including pipeline forecasting that's accurate within a few thousand dollars, sales coaching based on call patterns, and content analysis that surfaces the questions your customers are really asking.  You'll learn why AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for teams looking to stay competitive and scale fast in today's fast-moving market. We break down practical steps for adopting AI, starting with identifying your core role and automating everything else, freeing you up to do what you do best: sell, lead, and grow. James emphasizes that even in traditionally hands-on industries like manufacturing or field sales, simple AI-driven solutions are doubling efficiency and enabling remote work in environments previously considered incompatible with voice recording and analysis. This episode is essential for sales leaders, revenue operators, and entrepreneurs who want to harness AI's power today. If you're tired of manual data entry, guesswork in forecasting, and catch-all content strategies, James’ insights will inspire you to plug into these tools and unlock exponential growth. Whether you're a SaaS company or an industrial business, the future of revenue is AI-driven, and it starts now. Plus, hear how the integration with HubSpot maximizes data accuracy and streamlines workflows, turning AI into your strategic partner across sales, marketing, and service teams. Perfect for anyone eager to future-proof their sales engine, optimize operations, and turn AI into your secret weapon. Tune in and discover how these advanced tools are making sales faster, smarter, and more scalable than ever before. Plus, be sure to listen closely for an exclusive AskElephant offer. Episode Chapters 00:00 James Hinkson's Journey and Background 08:30 Leveraging AI in Business Operations 17:01 The Broader Impact of AskElephant on RevOps 31:35 Real-World Use Cases of AskElephant 36:51 Future of AI in Sales and Customer Interaction Show Notes Book an AskElephant demo at https://vdg.fyi/askelephant [https://vdg.fyi/askelephant]. Connect with James on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hinkson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hinkson/]. Learn more about AskElephant by visiting https://www.askelephant.ai/ [https://www.askelephant.ai/]. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/].  Connect with Micah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-van-rijs-99b69812a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-van-rijs-99b69812a//]. Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/ [https://www.vendilli.com/].

The Blueprint for Turning Ambition Into Action

Most entrepreneurs are unknowingly sabotaging their own success with vague goals and unchecked assumptions. Scott Ward uncovers the hidden barriers to achieving your biggest ambitions and reveals a proven system to crush them. If you're tired of setting goals that go nowhere and want to turn your vision into tangible results, this episode is the first step. Scott, founder of HabitStack, shares his 17-year journey from software developer to leadership coach, revealing how his philosophy degree and love for people fueled his approach to habit formation and strategic execution. You’ll discover how he built a software platform that combines accountability and coaching, transforming the way entrepreneurs lead their teams and implement plans without the overwhelm or paralysis. We break down actionable insights, including the importance of specificity in goal setting, the critical role of pre-mortems for identifying weak spots before they derail your progress, and the simple habit of bullet-point planning to prevent unforced errors. Scott shares why most setbacks are rooted in communication gaps and overconfidence, highlighting easy techniques to catch mistakes early and course-correct with humility. This episode sheds light on strategic projects versus vague revenue targets, empowering leaders to think about meaningful initiatives. You'll learn how to balance autonomy with accountability, the art of precise follow-up, and why a routine “accounting” of progress will make or break your results. Don’t let the fear of failure or micromanagement hold you back; instead, leverage the science-backed strategies Scott reveals to build high-performing teams and achieve more, faster. If you're a founder, manager, or entrepreneur ready to stop winging it and start executing like a pro, this episode will reshape your approach to leadership, goal-setting, and business growth. Perfect for those aiming to turn intention into action and build a culture of accountability. Episode Chapters 00:00 From Philosophy to Software Development 06:05 The Journey to Coaching and Consulting 09:27 Understanding Goal Setting and Execution 16:21 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership 25:32 Balancing Autonomy and Accountability 32:20 Common Mistakes in Goal Setting 39:42 More About HabitStack Show Notes Connect with Scott on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottevansward/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottevansward/]. Learn more about HabitStack by visiting https://habitstack.com/ [https://habitstack.com/]. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/]. Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/ [https://www.vendilli.com/].

Why CEOs Are Joining Peer Groups (And What They're Getting)

Unlock the secrets behind one of the most impactful leadership frameworks in business: Vistage. In this compelling episode, Dick Singer, a Master Chair with over 23 years of experience, reveals how peer advisory groups transform business leaders’ lives through candid conversations, strategic questioning, and intense issue processing. Discover the key to breaking through isolation at the top and learn how a Socratic approach helps leaders redefine problems, uncover hidden opportunities, and develop strategic clarity they never knew was possible. Dick shares incredible stories from a 30-year broadcasting career to owning radio stations, navigating near-bankruptcy, and ultimately finding a new purpose as a Vistage Chair. You'll hear firsthand how he leveraged twenty-three years of refinement to become a master at facilitating growth, accountability, and honest dialogue among CEOs, CFOs, and emerging leaders. We break down core topics such as the Socratic questioning technique, the importance of confidentiality, and the role of a well-trained chair in elevating group dynamics. Gain insights into how these powerful tools help members tackle everything from communication hurdles to succession planning, saving them from costly missteps and lost opportunities.If you've ever wondered how to lead more effectively, foster innovative ideas, or create a culture of honesty and growth within your organization, this episode is your blueprint. Dick emphasizes that the real power of Vistage lies in shared wisdom, emotional courage, and disciplined issue processing, skills that can revolutionize decision-making and leadership mindset for business owners and executives alike. More than just a peer group, Vistage acts as an advisory board, providing a confidential space to explore the toughest challenges. Whether you’re a CEO of a $5 million or $300 million company, or an emerging leader ready to step into your full potential, this conversation will inspire you to harness the collective intelligence of your peers. Episode Chapters 00:10 Introduction of Dick Singer 01:25 A Look Into Dick’s Career Journey 17:36 Discovering a New World: The Shift to Vistage 25:33 The Socratic Method of Coaching 35:13 AI and the Future of Leadership 38:28 Dick’s Philosophy on Growth Show Notes * Connect with Dick on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicksinger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicksinger/] or email him at dicksinger85@gmail.com [dicksinger85@gmail.com]. * Learn more about Vistage at https://www.vistage.com/ [https://www.vistage.com/]. * Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/]. * Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/ [https://www.vendilli.com/].

How He Found a Gap in the Internet and Built a Brand

Most entrepreneurs discover their passion through unexpected life experiences and Adam Kunes is no exception. From a college voyage that broadened his worldview to launching multiple businesses, his journey exemplifies relentless curiosity and adaptability. Now, as the founder of Dad Day, he's carving out a vital space for modern dads craving authenticity, humor and community. It’s digital storytelling with heart. What sets Adam apart? His ability to turn everyday moments into compelling content, whether it's chasing his kids or sharing truths about fatherhood that resonate beyond clichés. In this episode, you'll discover how his diverse ventures, from a VHS-to-DVD startup to an adventure travel brand, shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and unearthed the core principles that keep his content fresh and engaging. We break down: * How a global semester at sea sparked lifelong lessons on perspective and resilience * The secret sauce behind building a highly engaged, loyal community around Dad Day * The role of authenticity and storytelling in cutting through the noise of today's saturated digital landscape * Practical workflows and AI tricks that enable a one-man show to produce quality content three times a week * Why building genuine relationships and responding to your community drives long-term success This episode is essential for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of modern marketing or for creators seeking sustainable ways to produce meaningful content. Adam shares candid insights on balancing creator chaos with authenticity, leveraging AI effectively, and cultivating community, and these lessons apply whether you're a solo founder, marketer or parent passionate about sharing your story. If you're looking for inspiration to turn everyday life into impactful content or to deepen your understanding of authentic brand storytelling, this episode is your playbook. Perfect for growth marketers, entrepreneurs and busy parents alike, tune in to learn how Adam’s unique approach can help you find your voice and connect with your audience on a human level. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Kunes and His Journey 05:58 From VHS to DVD: The Start of a Business 11:45 The Hustle and Copywriting Skills Development 14:30 Launching and Growing Please Advise 17:22 The Birth of Dad Day: Filling a Gap for Dads 22:55 Using AI in Content Creation 25:39 Authenticity in Marketing and Community Engagement Show Notes * Connect with Adam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkunes/. * Learn more about, and subscribe to, Dad Day at https://www.dadday.co/ [https://www.dadday.co/]. * Get your own Dad Hat at https://www.dadday.co/products/dad-hat/ [https://www.dadday.co/products/dad-hat/] * Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vendilli/]. * Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/ [https://www.vendilli.com/]. * Check out, and subscribe to, Please Advise at https://pleaseadvise.io/ [https://pleaseadvise.io/].