• MWR #26 - The New Playbook for Home Service Sales in 2025 with James Hatfield
    Apr 29 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk chats with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at Live Switch, about innovative strategies to grow home service businesses.


    James reveals how leveraging Live Switch for virtual estimates can save time, increase closing rates, and extend service areas without needing to drive to every job site. He shares personal anecdotes from his days as a painting and power washing business owner and emphasizes the importance of integrating QR codes into marketing efforts. Additionally, James stresses the significance of networking through platforms like LinkedIn to build business connections and drive growth.


    This episode is packed with actionable insights for home service business owners looking to differentiate themselves in the market.


    Special Offer: If you want to try LiveSwitch for your business, you can use the coupon code Lewis10 (or LEWIS10) for 10% off.


    Plus, it’s backed by a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee — so there’s no risk to giving it a try!


    Check it out here: https://www.liveswitch.com/


    00:00 Introduction to the Hunter Mentality

    00:29 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules

    01:04 Meet James Hatfield: From Painting to Technology

    01:53 The Importance of Recurring Revenue

    03:22 Innovative Marketing Tactics for Home Services

    05:59 Leveraging Technology for Customer Engagement

    09:05 Revolutionizing 911 Calls and Home Services

    10:45 The Power of QR Codes in Home Services

    12:02 Live Demo: Instant Video Calls

    20:07 Marketing Your Video Call Feature

    23:11 Amazon and TikTok's Impact on Home Services

    23:25 Secret Shopping Home Services Live on Stage

    23:46 The Importance of Answering Calls

    25:27 Success Stories with Live Switch

    28:08 The Power of Purpose-Built Tools

    29:35 Out of the Box Marketing Ideas

    38:29 Networking: The Key to Business Growth

    43:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    44 mins
  • MWR #25 - The Secret to Getting Off the Truck & Scaling Fast with Brandon Vaughn
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes Brandon Vaughn, a Guinness World Record holder and renowned entrepreneur, who has scaled multiple service businesses and inspired over 20,000 business owners.


    They discuss Brandon's unique approach to differentiating his businesses through exceptional customer experiences and innovative marketing strategies. They delve into Brandon's treadmill journey towards better health, his initial business ventures, and the process of acquiring and scaling his father's business.


    Brandon shares invaluable insights on hiring top talent, focusing on proactive recruiting, and creating a compelling employer brand. He also highlights the importance of systems and processes in breaking free from the owner-operator cycle.


    The episode concludes with Brandon's best ROI marketing campaign and a teaser about his Guinness World Record achievement.


    00:00 Introduction and Unique Selling Points

    00:54 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules

    01:14 Meet Brandon Vaughn

    02:13 Brandon's Treadmill Journey

    03:17 Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey

    04:58 Wise Coatings: A Case Study

    07:24 The Elephant Adoption Initiative

    12:20 Breaking the Owner-Operator Cycle

    15:35 The Importance of Systems

    20:00 Recruiting as a Marketing Problem

    21:23 Inspiring Your Employees

    23:17 Recruiting Talent Everywhere

    25:17 The Power of Employee Referrals

    27:23 Effective Job Ads and Outreach

    33:04 Always Be Hiring

    36:53 Guinness World Record Achievement

    38:11 Best Marketing Campaign Ever

    42:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    43 mins
  • MWR #24 - The Simplest Way to Get Customers Talking About You with Matt Plapp
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Matt Plapp, the CEO of America's Best Restaurants, to discuss innovative and out-of-the-box marketing strategies.


    The conversation covers a wide range of topics such as the importance of creating entertaining content on social media, retention strategies for businesses, and the concept of 'aim and expect' versus 'hope and pray' in marketing. Matt shares anecdotes from his journey, including how he became known as 'the orange guy' and his unique tactics like using a money bucket at conferences to attract attention.


    They also dive into practical advice for home service companies and restaurants to retain customers and increase sales. This episode is filled with actionable insights and creative tips to help any business owner enhance their marketing efforts.


    00:00 Introduction and Conference Anecdote

    00:24 Marketing Strategies and Tactics

    01:23 Welcome to Marketing Without Rules

    01:47 Interview with Matt Platt Begins

    02:36 The Origin of the Orange Branding

    06:15 Early Internet Marketing Adventures

    13:41 Transition to Restaurant Marketing

    15:18 Innovative Marketing Tactics

    21:22 America's Best Restaurants Journey

    23:21 The Birth of a Media Company

    23:49 Scaling Up: From Idea to Execution

    24:16 The Evolution of the A BR Roadshow

    24:49 Connecting Marketing and Media

    26:02 The Power of Social Media and Mobile Devices

    28:43 Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

    35:20 The Importance of Consistency and Content Creation

    38:45 Attract, Build, Retain: A Marketing Philosophy

    42:35 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    46 mins
  • MRW #23 - How Local Businesses Can Use AI to Work Smarter with Jonathan Mast
    Apr 16 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules', host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes seasoned AI consultant and digital strategist Jonathan Mast. Jonathan discusses how AI has revolutionized his ability to hyperfocus and achieve more, which led him to create 'White Beard Strategies.'


    He shares his journey of leveraging AI to amplify his brand, grow his business, and build a community of 400,000 entrepreneurs learning about AI. Jonathan provides insightful tips on using AI-driven tools to streamline operations, enhance customer communication, and improve marketing efforts for home service business owners. He also addresses common misconceptions about AI, emphasizing its role as a collaborator rather than a replacement.


    Throughout the episode, Jonathan highlights the importance of consistency in content creation and offers practical advice for integrating AI into various business processes.


    00:00 Introduction to AI and Hyperfocus

    00:20 Building a Personal Brand

    01:13 Marketing Without Rules: Show Introduction

    01:33 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Mast

    02:23 The Origin of White Beard Strategies

    03:19 Growing an AI Community

    05:10 Branding and Business Growth

    08:20 Leveraging AI in Home Services

    12:51 AI for Sales Call Analysis

    15:42 Creating Custom GPTs for Your Business

    20:56 The Impact of AI on the Labor Market

    25:17 Daily AI Tools and Recommendations

    25:43 AI Tools for Entrepreneurs

    26:02 Avoiding Overpriced AI Tools

    26:35 Maximizing Chat GPT Efficiency

    27:58 Tactical Marketing with AI

    28:58 Creating Effective Social Media Content

    31:36 Consistency in Content Creation

    35:33 Personalizing AI Outputs

    41:16 Addressing AI Biases

    42:19 Exploring AI for Imagery

    43:59 Final Thoughts and Resources


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    46 mins
  • MRW #22 - Why Home Service Businesses Need a Podcast with Sebastian Rusk
    Apr 15 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with seasoned keynote speaker, comedian, author, and digital storyteller Sebastian Rusk.


    With over 15 years of experience in building online communities and founding the Podcast Launch Lab in 2016, Sebastian shares his insights on how podcasting can be a powerful tool for business growth and networking.


    The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of starting a podcast, the importance of professional assistance, and real-life examples of how podcasts have opened doors for new business opportunities. Sebastian also discusses his journey into comedy as a way to overcome personal fears and improve his public speaking skills.


    The episode offers valuable advice for home service business owners on how to use podcasts to engage with ideal clients and power partners, ultimately leading to improved business relationships and growth.


    00:00 The Power of Podcasting for Business Growth

    00:56 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    01:18 Meet Sebastian Rusk: Keynote Speaker and Podcast Expert

    02:06 The Ultimate Networking Tool: Why Podcasts Matter

    05:34 Networking Success Stories: From Gary Vaynerchuk to Industry Giants

    09:13 Tips for Successful Podcasting and Overcoming Challenges

    13:33 Starting Your Own Podcast: Steps and Strategies

    15:53 Using Podcasts in Your Sales Process

    16:46 The Struggles of Starting a Podcast Alone

    17:03 The Importance of Podcast Editing

    17:45 The Debate: To Start or Not to Start a Podcast

    18:07 Exploring the World of Comedy

    18:48 Overcoming the Fear of Comedy

    19:40 The Art of Crafting a Comedy Set

    21:27 Favorite Comedians and Inspirations

    23:54 The Journey of Personal and Professional Growth

    24:12 Investing in Yourself: The Apex Experience

    24:35 Joining Dan Martell's Coaching Program

    27:57 The Power of Networking and Masterminds

    29:13 Final Thoughts and How to Connect


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    30 mins
  • MWR #20 - The $1 a Day Method for Growing Service Businesses with Dennis Yu
    Apr 10 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules,' host Lewis Vandervalk welcomes social media and advertising expert Dennis Yu to discuss the innovative 'Dollar-A-Day' marketing strategy.


    Sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, this insightful conversation explores how home service businesses can leverage simple one-minute videos and minimal advertising budgets to significantly boost their online presence and engagement.


    Dennis shares actionable tips on creating compelling content, utilizing AI tools, and strategically boosting posts to enhance visibility and drive traffic. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and authenticity in connecting with the local community, as well as the benefits of consistently testing and optimizing content.


    The discussion also includes practical examples, behind-the-scenes insights, and proven techniques to help businesses scale their marketing efforts effectively.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:25 Guest Introduction: Dennis Yu

    00:51 Travel Tales and Insights

    01:55 The Dollar a Day Strategy

    02:20 Creating Effective Content

    03:21 Real-World Examples and Case Studies

    04:26 The Power of Social Media Algorithms

    06:28 Boosting Content for Maximum Reach

    09:19 Engaging with Customers Through Stories

    14:19 The Importance of Authenticity in Marketing

    20:49 Boosting vs. Running Ads

    25:12 Live Case Study: PJ's Junk Removal Business

    27:22 Introduction to Sono Junk Removal

    27:38 Community Engagement and Local Celebrity

    28:03 Website and SEO Insights

    29:54 Boosting Posts and Social Media Strategy

    31:28 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

    34:56 Engagement and Algorithm Signals

    42:22 Content Creation and Repurposing

    44:36 Final Tips and Conclusion


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    52 mins
  • MWR #21 - The Genius Donut Marketing Trick That’s Fueling Furniture Store Referrals with Dan Beals
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, hosted by Lewis Vandervalk and sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, Lewis sits down with Dan, the owner of Dan's Holloway. Dan shares unique marketing strategies for his junk removal business—most notably, his consistent weekend donut deliveries to local furniture stores to nurture relationships and build a powerful referral network.


    He breaks down the importance of business specialization, focusing exclusively on furniture removal to streamline operations, train staff efficiently, and improve service quality. The conversation also dives into Dan's commitment to recycling and donation, including how he repurposes salvaged materials into memorable marketing items like custom leather coasters.


    Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes the power of consistency and persistence in marketing—whether through social media content, customer touchpoints, or grassroots community engagement. The episode wraps with practical advice for new entrepreneurs on building strong systems and leveraging low-cost, high-impact strategies to gain traction.


    00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

    00:28 Meet Dan: The Junk Removal Innovator

    01:08 The Donut Delivery Strategy

    01:53 Introducing Dan Mani: The Marketing Mannequin

    03:03 Building Furniture Store Connections

    04:42 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing

    05:04 Dan's Journey from Furniture Sales to Junk Removal

    11:50 Specializing in Furniture Removal

    22:59 The Junk Removal Industry Landscape

    23:50 The Power of Specialization

    24:09 Furniture Turnover and Employee Retention

    25:57 The Benefits and Costs of Donating

    26:49 Recycling and Repurposing Strategies

    29:52 The Importance of Systems and Consistency

    33:10 Marketing and Social Media Strategies

    37:09 Starting a Business with No Money

    40:17 Consistency and Persistence in Business

    42:21 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    43 mins
  • MWR #19 - The Easiest Way to Boost Your Local Rankings with James Yacoubian
    Apr 2 2025

    In this episode of 'Marketing Without Rules', host Lewis Vandervalk speaks with James, the creator of the YacDaddy app that turns job site photos into cash through an innovative approach to content marketing. The show, sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, delves into how James transitioned from running a marketing agency to developing the YacDaddy app, which automates the process of creating SEO-optimized content and social media posts based on real job data.


    James discusses how the app leverages APIs to gather data from various platforms like company CAM and CRM systems to generate high-quality, user-generated content. The episode also touches on the importance of documenting over creating content, using customer interactions and job data to produce valuable posts.


    James highlights upcoming features, including automated review responses and FAQs derived from call transcriptions. The conversation offers invaluable insights for business owners looking to streamline their content marketing efforts through automation.


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:08 James' Journey into Marketing

    01:39 The Birth of Yak Daddy App

    03:07 From Manual to Automated Systems

    06:00 YacDaddy App Features and Benefits

    07:37 Why YacDaddy? The Story Behind the Name

    09:20 Developing the YacDaddy App

    13:05 Content Creation Strategies for Businesses

    18:56 AI Integration in YacDaddy App

    22:12 Future of YacDaddy and Content Engine Marketing

    26:14 The Future of Content Engine Marketing

    26:28 Live Demo: Showcasing Client Results

    27:12 Automated Content Creation for SEO

    31:37 Addressing AI Concerns in Content Creation

    33:14 Expanding Content Types and User-Generated Content

    39:23 The Power of Video Content

    41:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions you need help with!

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    46 mins