Visionary Ventures with Special Guest, Duane Hixon

Rethinking customer service in the modern era

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540873/fan_mail/new] Rethinking Customer Service in the Modern Era Growing a business isn't just about spending marketing dollars to acquire new customers—it’s about what happens after they walk through the door. In today’s hyper-connected world, consumers have higher expectations and zero patience for being treated like just another number in the system. In this episode, Jeremy and Nick dive deep into why modern businesses need to completely rethink their approach to customer service. Using real-world examples—from frustrating bank encounters and online shopping fails to the gold standards set by companies like Chick-fil-A and Costco—they explore why customer support is actually your most powerful retention tool. They break down what this means for business owners and leaders: * The One-Strike Rule: Why 52% of consumers will completely abandon a brand and switch to a competitor after just a single bad experience. * Smart Automation vs. The Human Touch: How to seamlessly blend frontline AI and chatbots with actual human empathy so your customers don't get stuck in an infuriating infinite loop. * Hyper-Personalization: The danger of making clients repeat their story to multiple reps and how to make them feel genuinely valued instead. * The Growth Engine: How to transform your customer service department from an annoying overhead expense into a powerful driver for referrals and revenue. * Lifetime Value (LTV): Why signing the contract or making the sale isn't the finish line, but the start of a long-term relationship. This is a candid conversation about the costly, completely preventable mistakes companies make every day and how you can stand out in your industry by simply treating people right. You spend the time and money to win them over—now learn how to keep them. Your Brand, Your Back Yard with Jeremy & Nick

The Agentic Shift-Business in the AI Era

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540873/fan_mail/new] The Agentic Shift – Business in the AI Era Running a business today feels like everything is moving faster than you can plan for. Markets change, tools evolve, and what worked yesterday doesn’t always work tomorrow. In this episode, Jeremy and Nick talk about how AI is changing the way business actually runs. Not in theory—but in real, practical ways. From simple tools that save hours of work to new “agentic AI” systems that can plan, think, and complete tasks on their own, this shift is already happening inside everyday businesses. They break down what this means for business owners: *  How AI can help you work faster and smarter  *  Why ignoring it could slow your growth  *  How small actions today can give you a big advantage tomorrow  *  And how to use these tools without needing to be “techy”  This is a real conversation about opportunity, fear, and the future of work and how entrepreneurs can stay ahead instead of getting left behind. You can’t stop the shift but you can use it to your advantage. Your Brand, Your Back Yard with Jeremy & Nick

Thrive despite economic uncertainties

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540873/fan_mail/new] Running a business isn’t always smooth. Just when things feel under control, the economy shifts, challenges hit, and plans change. It can feel like you’re doing everything right and still getting pushed off track. In this episode, we talk about how to stay steady and keep growing no matter what’s happening around you. From mindset and adaptability to smart marketing and managing your money, we share real, practical insights from our own experiences what’s worked for us, and what hasn’t. We also dive into why consistency matters, why you shouldn’t stop marketing when things slow down, and how being prepared can make all the difference when uncertainty shows up. This is a real conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep moving forward even when things get tough. You can’t control everything but you can control how you respond. Your Brand, Your Back Yard with Jeremy & Nick

Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540873/fan_mail/new] Life doesn’t always go as planned—but in the setbacks, the struggles, and the unexpected turns, resilience is built. Tune in as we share honest conversations with special guest MJ Carroll on how he persevered.  This episode is about resilience, grit, and the courage to keep going when everything says quit. If you’ve ever faced adversity and fought your way forward, you’re in the right place. Setbacks happen. Strength is a choice. Life will test you—but it doesn’t get to define you.   Your Brand, Your Back Yard with Jeremy & Nick

Unforeseen Business Expenses

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2540873/fan_mail/new] Starting a business can be unpredictable, and unforeseen expenses are a reality for many new entrepreneurs.  However, being proactive about potential challenges and solid financial practices can help you stay on track and ensure your startup survives and thrives in its early stages. This episode covers some key points: Initial setup costs, equipment, supplies, insurance expenses, legal advisors, marketing and branding. The key is to prepare, while remaining adaptability to changing circumstances.  Thank you for tuning in! Cheers ~ Jeremy & Nick Your Brand, Your Back Yard with Jeremy & Nick