TRA Episodes
EPISODE 168
Behind the Scenes: Building a Book from a Podcast
Have you ever wondered if you could write a compelling book that resonates with your audience? Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? In this episode, host Alastair McDermott shares his unique approach to turning his podcast, “The AI-Powered Thought Leader,” into a valuable book on the same topic. Alastair reveals his process, from […]
EPISODE 167
Thought Leadership and AI: Maintaining Authenticity and Credibility
In this episode of The Recognised Authority podcast, Alastair examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world of thought leadership. Alastair shares insights from his conversations with renowned thought leaders, including Mark Schaefer, Jonathan Stark, Debbie Jenkins, and Erin Austin. The episode explores the complex balance between leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity […]
EPISODE 166
From 6 to 7 Figures Consultancy Revenue Growth with Danilo Kreimer
Are you a consultant struggling to break through the six-figure revenue ceiling? You’re not alone. Many consultants face a myriad of challenges when trying to scale their business from six to seven figures. In this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair McDermott is joined by Danilo Kreimer, founder of the Boutique Consulting Club, […]
EPISODE 165
The Marketing Secret You’ve Been Missing
I was asked for the”secrets” I have for marketing. The biggest secret is this: *drum roll* Vertical specialization *Jedi Wave* “this is the secret you’ve been looking for” Really? Yes, really. Based on metric fscktonnes of research (that’s the technical term) I conducted, and reading the research of others, I believe that positioning your business […]
EPISODE 164
Thought Leadership Beyond the Book
Amazon is now limiting authors to a mere THREE (3!) new book uploads per DAY to curb the influx of AI-generated content flooding the market. This highlights the existential threat AI poses to thought leaders and authority builders in an age where artificial intelligence can seemingly replicate any form of content. Will AI devalue the […]
EPISODE 163
What is the Future of Thought Leadership?
How does an aspiring thought leader worried about staying authentic and credible in the age of AI? As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly sophisticated, the question arises: can we leverage these powerful technologies without compromising our unique insights and personal touch? In this fascinating episode of The AI-Powered Thought Leader podcast, host Alastair McDermott dives […]
EPISODE 162
Crafting a Blueprint to Showcase Your Expertise
Do you struggle to command premium fees or attract your ideal clients? If so, you’re not alone. Many experts remain invisible, despite their wealth of knowledge and experience. In this special episode, of The Recognized Authority podcast I’m sharing my appearance on The Selling Show with David Newman, where we discuss the challenges of commanding […]
EPISODE 161
How to Create a Sales Process – Without Becoming “Salesy” with Jeff C. West
Are you struggling to connect with prospects without coming across as salesy? Do you want to build real trust and add value instead of being seen as just another pushy sales rep? Join sales expert Jeff C. West on The Recognized Authority podcast with host Alastair McDermott to unlock the secrets to effortlessly grabbing any […]
EPISODE 160
How to Craft an Irresistible Offer with Jason Van Orden
Are you struggling to get clients to say “yes” to your offers? Do you pour time and energy into creating programs, services and products only to get crickets in response? Crafting compelling offers that speak directly to your ideal client’s biggest needs and desired outcomes is crucial to business growth and making sales. In this […]
EPISODE 159
How to Implement an Authority Strategy with Alastair McDermott
Are you tired of relying solely on word-of-mouth and referrals to drive your business? Do you dream of commanding premium fees and attracting better clients? The secret is to establish yourself as a recognized authority in your field. But how do you actually achieve this? In this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair […]
EPISODE 158
How to Transform Your Website into a Lead Generation Machine with Alastair McDermott
Are you a consultant struggling to generate leads from your website? Does your site feel more like an online brochure than a lead gen machine? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott outlines the key differences between passive “trust-building” websites and more active, inbound marketing-focused sites designed specifically for lead generation. Tune […]
EPISODE 157
How to Create Your Body of Work with Pamela Slim
Are you struggling to gain visibility and be seen as an authority in your field? Do you feel like you have important knowledge and expertise to share, but you’re not sure how to package it up into a compelling narrative that attracts your ideal audience? In this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair […]
EPISODE 156
10 Essential Elements of a Successful Website for Experts & Consultants
Are you a consultant struggling to convert website visitors into new clients? Do you want your website to better showcase your expertise? Tune into this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, where host Alastair McDermott shares his website research on over 1000 consultants, and reveals the 10 essential elements you need for a high-trust website […]
EPISODE 155
How a Distinct Brand Voice Sets You Apart as a Thought Leader with Carol Cox
Are you struggling to make your voice stand out in a crowded marketplace? Do you feel invisible, even if you offer incredible value through your expertise? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, brand strategist Carol Cox shares her proven system to craft a magnetic brand voice that positions you as an authority and thought […]
EPISODE 154
Building Authority vs a Personal Brand with Karley Cunningham
Are you struggling to differentiate your consulting business in a competitive market? Wondering how to turn your brand promise into reality so prospects see you as the authority? On this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair McDermott interviews branding expert Karley Cunningham from Big Bold Brand on the differences between building a personal […]
EPISODE 153
How To Reinvent Your Consulting Business
Have you ever faced an unexpected disruption that turned your business upside down? That’s exactly what happened to consultant Diane S. Hopkins when the COVID pandemic caused many of her healthcare clients to freeze projects indefinitely. So how did she manage to pivot not just once, but several times over a 3 year period to […]
EPISODE 152
Behind the Scenes 2023 and Planning for 2024
In this episode, I give you a quick whistlestop tour of what worked and what didn’t for me in 2023, and lay out my plans for the business in 2024. I discuss the journey of this podcast, The Recognized Authority, which has shown steady growth across 152 episodes. I also touch on my shift to […]
EPISODE 151
Podcast Case Study: Planning a Niche Show with Conor Duffy
Are you struggling to identify the right niche and audience for your podcast? Do you need clarity on who you should be targeting and what topics to cover? This episode of The Recognized Authority tackles a real case study, walking through the podcast planning process from initial idea to execution. Join host Alastair McDermott as […]
EPISODE 150
How to Build Authority and Generate Leads Through Conversations with Alastair McDermott
Want to work work with Alastair? Visit rec.nz/call Are you an expert consultant struggling to attract your ideal clients? Do you pour time and money into marketing that fails to deliver results? The truth is that stale, one-way marketing no longer works to fuel real business growth. In this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, […]
EPISODE 149
How to Launch Your First Digital Product with Rene Morozowich
Are you struggling to launch your first digital product? Not sure how to validate your ideas or what type of offering to create? Tune into this insightful interview between host Alastair McDermott of The Recognized Authority podcast and digital product expert Rene Morozowich as they dive into the most effective strategies and step-by-step process for […]
EPISODE 148
How to Win Clients Without Selling with David Newman
Are you an expert who hates selling? Do you struggle to attract high-paying clients without being pushy or salesy? In this episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair McDermott interviews expert consultant and author David Newman about his unique approach to winning new business. Tune in as David shares: His “helping call” framework for […]
EPISODE 147
How to Build a Million-Dollar Authority-Based Business with Mindi Zissman
Are you struggling to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your niche? Do you wonder how specialists become famous industry authorities that attract premium clients? Tune in to this value-packed interview on The Recognized Authority podcast between host Alastair McDermott and featured guest Mindi Zissman, an accomplished ghostwriter and content strategist who built a […]
EPISODE 146
How to Build Authority with YouTube with Salma Jafri
Are you looking to build your personal brand, authority and influence as a consultant, coach or expert? Wondering how to leverage YouTube to attract more of your ideal clients? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott interviews YouTube strategist and coach Salma Jafri on how to grow your impact and income with YouTube. […]
EPISODE 145
Man vs Machine: Where Should We Draw the Line with AI Writing Tools?
Are you worried that using AI writing tools means you didn’t actually write your own content? Where exactly should we draw the ethical line when leveraging artificial intelligence for content creation? In this thought-provoking episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair McDermott debates these tricky questions with returning guest Joe Casabona, expert podcaster and […]
EPISODE 144
How to Build Authority Through Public Speaking with Lucy Bloom
Have you ever struggled to engage an audience with your message or expertise? On this week’s episode of The Recognized Authority podcast, host Alastair McDermott interviews Lucy Bloom, an award-winning international speaker and consultant. Lucy shares her journey from an advertising executive with no public speaking experience to highly sought-after keynote speaker at major conferences. […]
EPISODE 143
How to Grow Your List To 50,000 Subscribers with Brennan Dunn
Tired of working every hour delivering custom services on hourly rates? Wish your subscribers felt more valued and engaged? Renowned online entrepreneur Brennan Dunn joins host Alastair McDermott to share his journey from agency work to selling digital products. After building a successful consultancy, Brennan yearned for something scalable. He took a leap of faith, […]
EPISODE 142
Authority Bootcamp: Kick-start your Journey to Authority
In this episode, I introduce you to Authority Bootcamp, a 4-week program starting on November 9th, designed to help experts build authority in their field. I break down the weekly agenda from refining your positioning and LinkedIn profile to practical content and video creation. The bootcamp emphasizes real content creation during live sessions, eliminating the […]
EPISODE 141
Why Your Solution-Focused Content Doesn’t Motivate
We all want more recognition for our expertise. But the path to becoming a recognized authority is not always clear. In this episode, I reflect openly on an oversight in my own authority-building journey: not focusing enough on the pain points and problems that my audience and ideal clients are experiencing. This is a topic […]
EPISODE 140
How to Craft Crystal Clear Messaging with Steven Lewis
In this power-packed episode, master copywriter Steven Lewis reveals the hidden science behind crafting crystal-clear messaging that compels action. Drawing on decades of experience, Steven dives deep into the psychology of communication, sharing little-known tips for breakthrough marketing. You’ll learn why most website copy fails to connect, the crucial difference between addressing needs versus wants, […]
EPISODE 139
Leveraging AI in Expert Businesses
I’m excited to share a re-post of an interview I recently did on the unbillable hours podcast with Flo & Ash. We had a fascinating discussion about the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT in content creation and marketing. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover when and how to effectively utilize large language models […]
EPISODE 138
Not a Fad: Why AI is Important for YOU
AI is transforming how experts like you work. But many resist adopting AI tools out of legitimate fears. In this episode, Alastair McDermott argues that AI is here to stay and offers practical tips on how you can harness it to increase your productivity and impact. Alastair shares examples of how he already uses AI […]
EPISODE 137
How to Stand out in a Crowded Marketplace
Do you feel like just another face in the crowd? In today’s crowded marketplace blending in can spell disaster if you want to attract ideal clients and increase your impact. You need to learn how to differentiate yourself and become the only choice. In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott interviews branding […]
EPISODE 136
Unpacking My Marketing Funnel and Content Strategy with Alastair McDermott
Ever wonder how to build a marketing funnel with content that generates leads and sales? In this behind the scenes episode of The Recognized Authority, I’m unveiling some of the the inner workings of my content marketing funnel and strategy that have been instrumental in building authority and reaching my audience. In this episode, I […]
EPISODE 135
How Constant Online Accessibility is Burning You Out with Jimmy Burroughes
Are you feeling the strain of burnout? Can’t remember the last time you felt genuinely rested? In this episode of “The Recognized Authority”, Alastair McDermott hosts burnout expert, Jimmy Burroughes, to discuss the challenging terrain of burnout. From the pressure of working long hours to the pitfalls of constant online availability, they explore the many […]
EPISODE 134
The Go-Giver Approach to Authenticity & Authority with Bob Burg
Can you build authority and trust by just being yourself? Legendary sales trainer and author Bob Burg joins host Alastair McDermott on Episode 134 of The Recognized Authority to discuss how to build authority and influence through authenticity and generosity. They explore the difference between moral and positional authority, and why character and consistency are […]
Episode 133
Behind the Scenes with AI: How to Enhance not Replace Human Creativity
Have you ever wondered how you can use AI to turbocharge your content creation? In episode 133 of The Recognized Authority, your host Alastair McDermott takes you behind the scenes to reveal how AI can be harnessed to enhance (but not replace) human creativity. Get ready to dive into Alastair’s real-world experiments, insights, and practical […]
EPISODE 132
Why Your Lead Magnets Aren’t Working and How to Fix It
We all know lead magnets are supposed to build your email list. But what if simply collecting emails is the wrong goal entirely? In this turnaround episode, Alastair McDermott is the guest on The Recognized Authority, with special guest-host Al McBride asking the questions. Alastair shares how most people get lead magnets wrong – they […]
EPISODE 131
How NOT to Screw UpYour Business Podcast – with Douglas Burdett
Ever wondered how to elevate your business podcast to world-record levels? Today’s episode is a special one: a cross-post of my recent appearance on The Marketing Book Podcast, hosted by Douglas Burdett. We dive into key insights from my book, “33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast.” Learn how to plan your show, […]
EPISODE 130
[Coaching Call] How to Structure A New Livestream for Maximum Impact
Do you have a livestream or podcast, but struggle to get traction? Or have you been dreaming about starting one, but feel overwhelmed by the technical hurdles? This conversation is for you. On this practical episode of The Recognized Authority, Brendan McAdams sits in the coaching chair with host and content strategy coach Alastair McDermott. […]
EPISODE 129
Time Management to Drive Profitability and Growth with Irma Parone
Is Your Problem-Solving Actually Solving Problems? Many business leaders, including myself, have battled with ineffective decision-making processes. In this episode of The Recognized Authority, author Irma Parone joins host Alastair McDermott and shares her eight-step model to tackle business challenges head-on. We candidly discuss the ripple effect of our choices, from the often-underestimated consequences of […]
EPISODE 128
How to Elevate Your Brand with Bite-Sized Video
In a world where social media is king, creating great content that represents your brand and that actually brings in leads feels like an uphill battle. Time constraints, unclear messaging, and the constant pressure to create new content and stand out leads to confusion and frustration. But what if there was an easier way? In […]
Episode 127
The Art of Long-term Content Strategy with Dan Holt
Ever felt the tug-of-war between short-term gains and long-term goals in your marketing? In this episode of The Recognized Authority your host Alastair McDermott chats with the Dan Holt about the essentials of content strategy. Highlights include: 🎯 Strategic Foundations: Why a clear brand strategy is non-negotiable before any channel activity ⚖️ The Delicate Balance: […]
EPISODE 126
How I Produce Quality Content in Just 2-4 Hours a Week
In this week’s episode of The Recognized Authority, I share how I create high-quality content in just 2-4 hours of my time per week. My focus is on producing quality content that resonates with my target audience on social media. I dedicate time blocks for content creation and leverage strategies like repurposing, delegation, automation, and […]
EPISODE 125
How to Create Effective Thought Leadership Content with Florian Heinrichs
Are you struggling to make an impact with your content? Do you feel like you’re stuck at the starting blocks? There is an intricate blend of art and science behind effective content creation. In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott speaks with Florian Heinrichs about the significance of content generation for consultants […]
EPISODE 124
How to Nail Marketing the Simple Way with Camille Moore
Discover how to do simple but effective marketing on this episode of The Recognized Authority Podcast with our guest, Camille Moore. Camille and Alastair discuss the fundamental principles of marketing, understanding your audience, creating a persistent presence, and providing educational content, all wrapped in an authentic persona. They discuss the importance of microscripts, storytelling, and […]
EPISODE 123
Mastering Your Mindset: How to Survive Extreme Challenges with Damian Browne
In the often lonely journey of running a business, mastering your mindset and self-talk is critical. In this episode of The Recognized Authority we explore this connection between mindset, self-talk, and success in challenging circumstances with extreme adventurer and former professional rugby player Damian Browne. Host Alastair McDermott and Damian discuss the transition from professional […]
EPISODE 122
Craft a Compelling Podcast That Hooks Your Audience (and Makes You Money) [Coaching Session]
Discover the secrets to planning and launching a compelling podcast or livestream show in this enlightening episode of The Recognized Authority. Host Alastair McDermott, a business coach and marketing strategist, invites back Nina Froriep, video marketing expert and founder of Clockwise Productions. Nina shares her goals for starting a new podcast or livestream show – […]
Episode 121
Maximizing Revenue with Expert Video and Podcast Content with Sheryl Plouffe
Can experts monetize content? Can they do it when they don’t have a large audience? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair speaks with Sheryl Plouffe, host of the Cash in On Camera podcast, and founder of Scalable Business Accelerator. They discuss realistic and effective approaches to monetize content through strategic relationships, turning them […]
EPISODE 120
Six Essential Steps to Drive Sales and Leads with Louise McDonnell
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott chats with award-winning social media trainer and strategist, Louise McDonnell. Louise outlines a six-step strategy to enhance sales and lead generation, giving us an actionable roadmap to success. Alastair and Louise also discuss the importance of planning, website and social media optimization, captivating content creation, audience […]
EPISODE 119
How to Get High-Ticket B2B Consulting Clients Using LinkedIn with Kathleen Celmins
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott chats with Kathleen Celmins about LinkedIn outreach, and why experts often don’t get paid a premium. Kathleen shares her strategy for LinkedIn outreach and gives a walkthrough detailing specifically how she does it. You’ll also learn why experts often struggle to receive fair compensation and Kathleen […]
EPISODE 118
How to Achieve Flow State and Master Productivity with Alistair McBride
What does “flow” mean, and does it really improve productivity? Alastair McDermott and Alistair McBride discuss flow state and deep work in episode 118 of The Recognized Authority. They discuss practical tips for optimizing your morning routine and tackling high-value tasks for maximum impact. Explore the cost of context switching and the importance of uninterrupted […]
EPISODE 117
Introducing Authority Accelerator
Introducing “Authority Accelerator” In this episode of The Recognized Authority, your host Alastair McDermott shares an unexpected change in plans. He also takes the opportunity to share details on a new service offering: Authority Accelerator. Recently, Alastair has been sharing 60-second video snippets on a daily basis. You may have seen these short vertical videos, […]
EPISODE 116
How to Plan Your Podcast with Alastair McDermott
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott talks about the critical elements that can ensure podcast success. He offers a wealth of wisdom gained through his own experiences. This episode is a special excerpt from Alastair’s audiobook, “33 Ways Not To Screw Up Your Business Podcast”. Alastair explores the vital aspects of planning […]
EPISODE 115
Increasing Productivity and Wealth Through Integrity with Anmol Singh
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott speaks with Trader/Investor & Author, Anmol Singh about Increasing Productivity and Wealth Through Integrity.
Episode 114
Mastering the Art of Consistent Video Content Creation
Are you thinking about creating video content, but feeling hesitant? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott looks at how video can transform your business and personal brand, as well as the importance of video for inbound marketing. Alastair talks about some of the fears and challenges that can cause friction for […]
EPISODE 113
The Key to Creating Successful Content with John Lee Dumas
Are you considering starting a podcast or struggling to grow your existing show? In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair McDermott interviews podcasting legend John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire. They discuss the essential factors for standing out in the saturated content landscape and the importance of delivering real value to your audience. […]
EPISODE 112
The Hidden Costs of Sticking to Old LinkedIn Habits with Irene Koehler
Discover how to maximize your LinkedIn presence and enhance your personal brand on this episode of The Recognized Authority. Host Alastair McDermott chats with “LinkedIn Whisperer” Irene Koehler as she shares her insights on building authority, visibility, and profitability. They discuss “old LinkedIn habits” you must avoid, how the platform has evolved beyond its job-hunting […]
EPISODE 111
How to Build Trust & Attract Your Dream Clients Through Video with Alex Sheridan
In this three-part mini-series of The Recognized Authority, we’re focusing on the importance of video. We look at how you can make better videos, how to earn the click, what you need to do to crush it on YouTube, and how to make videos that work great on LinkedIn. In part three of the series, […]
EPISODE 110
How To Crush YouTube with Cyan Cooper
In this three-part mini-series of The Recognized Authority, we’re focusing on the importance of video. We’ll look at how you can make better videos, how to earn the click, what you need to do to crush it on YouTube, and how to make videos that work great on LinkedIn. In part two of the series, […]
EPISODE 109
How to Make Better Content in 2023 with Jake Thomas
In this three-part mini-series of The Recognized Authority, we’re focusing on the importance of video. We’ll look at how you can make better videos, how to earn the click, what you need to do to crush it on YouTube, and how to make videos that work great on LinkedIn. In part one of the series, […]
EPISODE 108
The Art of Positioning From Indistinguishable to Instantly Recognizable with Rebecca Gunter
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, host Alastair McDermott is joined by Rebecca Gunter, a passionate advocate for marketing badassery and branding that defies convention. Through her expertise in strategy, creative copywriting, and positioning, Rebecca empowers businesses to create a magnetic, unforgettable presence. Discover how embracing your unique identity can make your brand stand […]
EPISODE 107
Mediocre or Magnificent? What You Need to Know About ChatGPT with Frank Prendergast
In this episode, Alastair McDermott and Frank Prendergast talk about the importance of understanding what Chat GPT can do and how to use it properly.
EPISODE 106
How to Guarantee Success with Cam F. Awesome
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, Alastair speaks with Cam F. Awesome, a professional speaker and one of the most successful boxers in US boxing history. They discuss how Cam’s background in boxing has helped him develop a unique perspective on overcoming adversity, using humour to engage audiences, and the overlap between performing in […]
EPISODE 105
The One Marketing Strategy You Can’t Afford to Ignore with Mark Schaefer
The rise of AI-generated content means that personal branding is more important than ever. But how do you create a brand that truly resonates with your audience? On this episode of The Recognized Authority, Mark Schaefer and Alastair McDermott share their insights on the power of personal branding and community building in marketing. Discover how […]
EPISODE 104
The Psychological Edge of Negotiation with Alistair McBride
In this episode of “The Recognized Authority,” host Alastair McDermott sits down with guest Alistair McBride to talk about the psychological edge of negotiation. They discuss what it means to make a deal that’s palatable to both sides, and what separates the best negotiators from the rest. Alistair McBride shares his thoughts on the concept […]
Episode 103
How to Promote Your Book with Anne Janzer
So you’ve written a book and now you’re looking for ways to get it out into the world. Promoting a book can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ll help simplify the process. In this week’s episode of The Recognized Authority, we dive into book promotion with six-time author and book marketing expert, Anne Janzer. Anne […]
EPISODE 102
How to Rock LinkedIn with Richard van der Blom
In this episode of The Recognized Authority, join host Alastair McDermott, and his guest Richard van der Blom, as they discuss how to “rock LinkedIn”! Starting with a deep-dive on Richard’s LinkedIn strategy, which allows him to be omnipresent on the platform, they discuss how to grow your network, and connect effectively with your target […]
Episode 101
How to Stop Perfectionism from Curbing Your Content with Alastair McDermott
In Episode 101, host Alastair McDermott tells what listeners can expect in season 2 of The Recognized Authority podcast, including how he is working to stop perfectionism from hampering his content creation. He gives a sneak peak at his new book, 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast, which is now available on […]
EPISODE 100
Episode 100: Ten Tips for Building Authority
Episode 100 of The Recognized Authority This is a special episode to mark the end of Season 1 of the show. In this episode, your host Alastair McDermott shares behind-the-scenes details from the podcast. He also shares his Top Ten Tips on Building Authority, based on the conversations he has had with guests and other […]
EPISODE 99
Winning Clients with Podcasting with Adam Schaeuble
Sharing your knowledge, and building relationships with industry leaders. Podcasting is one of the most effective, and efficient, ways to build authority. But like any channel, the devil is in the detail – you have a lot of strategic decisions to make around format, content, audience and promotion. In this episode, Adam Schaeuble and Alastair […]
EPISODE 98
Leveraging LinkedIn Video with Alicia Henderson
We know that video content is engaging, builds trust, and is a fantastic way to demonstrate subject matter expertise. Video even has substantial advantages in the social media algorithms. And despite all that, most of us are still procrastinating over creating video. Why is that, and how can we change it? In this episode, Alicia […]
EPISODE 97
Mindset, Confidence & Marketing Yourself with Anthea Armar
Building your authority means publishing — that horribly clichéd phrase “putting yourself out there”. For many people, that feels like you are exposing yourself to criticism, possibly even ridicule. But part of building authority and trust is just that, the willingness to take that risk and share even in the face of potential criticism. So […]
EPISODE 96
How to Get Booked on Podcasts with Dustin Riechmann
Guesting on other people’s podcasts is one of the quickest & most effective ways to build your authority and connect with a new audience. If you’re interested in learning how to get booked on podcasts, then we have a masterclass in podcast guesting for you here! In this episode, Dustin Riechmann and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 95
Getting Clients When You Hate Selling with Leah Neaderthal
Selling is the single most important part of any business. It’s the lifeblood as it leads directly to revenue and cashflow. But sales is a challenge for everyone, especially for experts who are introverts and hate the thoughts of being seen as pushy and “salesy”. It feels incredibly difficult to sell yourself and your services […]
EPISODE 94
Creating Sales Funnels That Convert with Marianna Carlini
The funnel is the backbone of sales, both online and offline. It can be very easy to get overwhelmed by technology and options when setting up your sales and marketing funnels, but fundamentally they can be quite simple. In this episode, Marianna Carlini and Alastair McDermott discuss how to create a simple but effective sales […]
EPISODE 93
How to Build a Successful Personal Brand with Elizabeth Harr
“Building a personal brand” is often used as a euphemism for “building authority”. But is it really the same thing? What does it mean when we say we are building a personal brand? In this episode, Elizabeth Harr and Alastair McDermott discuss what a successful personal brand looks like, the 4 key elements of a […]
EPISODE 92
Building a Business Through Collaboration with Justin Breen
Building a business is time-consuming, and as business owners we often feel the pressure of “hustle culture”. Is it possible to be successful without sacrificing quality time with your family? In this episode, Justin Breen and Alastair McDermott discuss the power of networking at a high level, how to find the right partners, and how […]
EPISODE 91
How to Deal with Scarcity Mindset with Alastair McDermott
How to Deal with Scarcity Mindset The “R-word”, is starting to appear more often in my social network timelines, and has come up in conversations I’ve had with my coaching clients recently. Recession is a real fear. But that fear can have a toll on our brains, a real cost. The scarcity mindset can impair […]
EPISODE 90
Grow Your Business on LinkedIn with Krista Mollion
LinkedIn is a vitally important social network for most of us in the B2B space. All the stats show that engagement on LinkedIn is growing rapidly: our clients and prospective clients are spending more time there, more content is being published, more events being attended, and more business conversations are happening. But that also means […]
Episode 89
Group Coaching Testimonial – Authority Labs
This is a call with a member of the Authority Labs group coaching program. I spoke with Rene Morozowich, one of the members of Authority Labs, and I asked her about her experience being part of the group to give you a flavour of what it’s all about, and walk you through some of the […]
EPISODE 88
How to Create Bingeworthy Content with Tracy Hazzard
As consumers, we love to binge on content. Netflix discovered this a few years ago and started releasing entire seasons of TV shows in one go. Podcasters know this because we get messages from listeners saying things like “Hey, I found your show at the weekend and just listened to 35 episodes”. (It’s astonishing, but […]
EPISODE 87
How to Repurpose & Distribute Your Content with Justin Simon
Creating & publishing content is time consuming. And yet it’s an essential step in building authority. But if our target audience never sees our content, all that time and effort goes to waste. How can we ensure our audience sees our content? In this episode, Justin Simon and Alastair McDermott discuss content transformation, why & […]
Episode 86
Aligning Values and Business with Jeff Large
Values are what we stand for, the principles or philosophy we live by. But for many businesses, their values don’t mean a whole lot. In this episode, Jeff Large and Alastair McDermott get into the weeds on business values, discussing why they’re important, how they can help you build a good foundation for success, and […]
EPISODE 85
Creating a Signature Talk with Carol Cox
If you’re like most consultants & experts, you can spend significant amounts of time creating new presentations, editing slides and documents. Yet often your hard work goes to waste when you decide not to use them. There is a better way. In this episode, Carol Cox and Alastair McDermott discuss why you should create a […]
EPISODE 84
Creating a Category of One with Louise Courville
It can be exhausting to be a self-employed consultant. Often you’re working more hours than you did when you worked your last corporate job. You are hustling to complete client work, fill your sales pipeline, and create content that meaningfully differentiates you from your competition. In this episode, Louise Courville and Alastair McDermott discuss what […]
EPISODE 83
How to Create a Podcast that becomes a Client-Attracting Magnet! [Coaching Call]
Do you ever feel lost when it comes to creating content that builds your authority? Like you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks? In this revealing coaching session, Alastair McDermott helps his client Judson Rollins develop a clear content strategy across platforms. You’ll hear Judson’s frustrations as he tries to choose […]
EPISODE 82
Business Innovation with Monique Mills
One of the best parts of running your own expertise-based business is that you get to choose the business model & strategy that you use. But with so many options available it can be hard to figure out the best way for you. In this episode, Monique Mills and Alastair McDermott discuss how to start […]
Episode 81
How to Differentiate Your Consulting Services with Austin L. Church
The consulting marketplace is very crowded. Standing out from the crowd is essential if you want to avoid being lumped in with other providers, being seen as a commodity. But how can you differentiate when you are offering similar services? In this episode, Austin L. Church and Alastair McDermott discuss how to position & package […]
EPISODE 80
Radical Authenticity with Gill Moakes
What does it mean to be radically authentic? In this episode, Gill Moakes and Alastair McDermott discuss how radical authenticity can help you stand out in business, how to figure out the captivating part of who you are, and how to share that with others. They also discuss how to be intentional about what you […]
Episode 79
Creating Demand with Chris Walker
Demand generation is the new buzzword in marketing, challenging the status quo. But is demand generation really different, and is it superior to lead generation? In this episode, Chris Walker and Alastair McDermott discuss why demand generation is important, how it is fundamentally different from other approaches to marketing, and how you can implement demand […]
Episode 78
Get Noticed Through Effective Communication with Jim James
Creating and publishing content is essential to getting visibility and building authority. But content creation can be hugely time consuming, from writing initial outlines and drafts to actually writing long form content, or recording, re-recording and editing! Is there a way to work smarter, not harder? In this episode, Jaclyn Schiff and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 77
Content Creation: Work Smarter Not Harder with Jaclyn Schiff
Creating and publishing content is essential to getting visibility and building authority. But content creation can be hugely time consuming, from writing initial outlines and drafts to actually writing long form content, or recording, re-recording and editing! Is there a way to work smarter, not harder? In this episode, Jaclyn Schiff and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 76
How to Develop Your Point of View
Point of view is something that can distinguish you from the crowd. It’s important, perhaps even essential, in building your authority and personal brand. It’s also one of those concepts in marketing that is frustratingly hard to define: it seems to incorporate perspective, tone, voice, positioning, branding, and – above all – opinions. Regardless of […]
EPISODE 75
How to Grow a Newsletter with Dylan Redekop
If you’ve done any research on marketing your consulting business, you’ll almost certainly have come across the advice to start an email newsletter or list. It’s a relationship with your audience that you own directly, without the interposition of a third party platform. You’ll often hear the phrase “don’t build on rented ground” in relation […]
EPISODE 74
Performing at the Highest Level with Joe Jacobi
In this episode, I speak with Olympic gold medalist Joe Jacobi about performance in sport and business. This conversation takes a slightly different road from other episodes, as we talk about the relationship between success and identity, why energy is crucial for performance & capacity, and the importance of connecting with nature. We also go […]
EPISODE 73
Building Authority with Podcasting with Megan Dougherty
Creating and publishing content is a cornerstone of the authority building process. Audio podcasts are one of the options we have to do just that, and there are many choices we can make around podcasting that will impact on how much it helps us build authority. In this episode, Megan Dougherty and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 72
Stress-free Consulting Proposals with Reuben Swartz
Proposals are an essential part of winning business, but writing a consulting proposal is often a hugely time-consuming and frustrating process. In this episode, Reuben Swartz and Alastair McDermott discuss how to create a stress-free consulting proposal, what elements are essential in the proposal document, and why presenting the proposal is such an important part […]
EPISODE 71
Write a Thought Leadership Book in 30 Days
Books have long been associated with authority and thought leadership. “He wrote the book on it”, “She wrote the book on it” – that’s how we describe a true expert in a field. “Consultant, author and speaker” is the byline for many thought leaders, and even the word “author” is the major part of authority. […]
EPISODE 70
Bonus Episode: Becoming a Recognized Authority
Bonus Episode: Becoming a Recognized Authority – Alastair McDermott with Tamara Howard To celebrate reaching 70 episodes, I have a special bonus episode for you! I was recently on Tamara Howard’s podcast The Better Way to Strategic Marketing where we had a conversation about authority and specialization. Tamara is a super interviewer, and she has graciously […]
EPISODE 69
How to Be a Key Person of Influence with Chris Do
A key person of influence is someone who is able to separate themselves from the market, to command the lion’s share of attention, and is able to charge a price premium. They are one of the few names mentioned whenever it’s connected to a particular subject. In this episode, Chris Do and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 68
Sell Expertise, Not Your Hands with Kevin C. Whelan
We often start out working on execution, implementing projects for clients after they’ve decided on strategy. Our former guest David C. Baker talks about this as “working with your hands”. But we can have more impact, be more profitable, and enjoy our work more if we can shift back a step to the strategy phase, […]
EPISODE 67
Specialization Case Study – ReeJade Richmond
Even just contemplating niching down your business can feel absolutely terrifying. That’s why I think it’s so important to hear from people who have done it successfully, and learn about the massive rewards that they are seeing. In this bonus episode, ReeJade Richmond and Alastair McDermott discuss how ReeJade niched down her consulting business to focus […]
EPISODE 66
Creating Your Content Marketing Strategy with Heather Chavin
As independent consultants, our approach to publishing content is often haphazard and inconsistent: the topic depending on what issues are top of mind, and the schedule based on our client workload. One way to ameliorate that is to create a content marketing plan: some guiderails to help us stay on track. In this episode,Heather Chavin […]
EPISODE 65
Building Your Podcast Funnel with Jonathan Baillie Strong
Podcasting is a hot topic, and you heard before on this show and others why you should consider both guesting on podcasts, and even starting your own podcast. But where to start? In this episode, Jonathan Baillie Strong and Alastair McDermott discuss how to approach podcasting as an authority building platform. They talk about different […]
EPISODE 64
How to Make More Time for Your Consulting Business with Faheem Moosa
If you’re a consultant who wants to build authority, you need to do that through content creation. That involves writing and speaking. Publishing words, videos, or podcasts. Every consultant who walks this path hits the same problem: lack of time. How do you find the time to deliver high pressure client projects, create content, and […]
EPISODE 63
Building Your Audience with Dan Sanchez
Effective marketing is difficult to get right, and independents like us have a lot to juggle when marketing ourselves. Hubspot says that the biggest determinant of effective marketing is your audience. If we’re not properly targeting our ideal clients, we might as well not be marketing at all.” In this episode, Dan Sanchez and Alastair […]
EPISODE 62
Confessions of a Million Dollar Consultant with Alan Weiss
Growing a consulting business to seven figures seems an impossible goal for many independent consultants, but it is possible, and my guest today is the Million Dollar Consultant himself, Dr. Alan Weiss. Alan is a polarizing character, probably the most polarizing figure in the consulting industry. During this conversation I ask him about his provocative […]
EPISODE 61
The Compound Effect of Content with A. Lee Judge
Everyone is talking about how we should create more content. Write more blog posts, write more LinkedIn articles, start a podcast, do more video on social. But when we actually start creating this content it seems to be hugely time consuming for very little return on our efforts. In this episode, A. Lee Judge and […]
EPISODE 60
You Don’t Need to Be Unique to Stand Out with Belinda Weaver
“Embrace what makes you different” “Stand out from the crowd” “Have a distinct point of view” “Find your ‘Blue Ocean'” Everyone is telling us that we need to show how unique we are, how we are different from our competitors. Is that really what we need to do? In this episode, Belinda Weaver and Alastair […]
EPISODE 59
Earning and Holding Attention with Ian Brodie
Attention is a currency, something we all spend on those who entertain us, and those who help solve our problems. In a cluttered, noise-filled world, getting your ideal client’s attention focused on your content is difficult, creating content that will hold their attention even more so. In this episode, Ian Brodie and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
EPISODE 58
Don’t Overthink Your Content with Teodora Pirciu
We know that creating and publishing content is a key part of building your authority – you’ve heard it from many guests on this podcast. But yet it’s still difficult to find the time to create that content. And even after we create it, we still need to deal with our perfectionism and other fears […]
EPISODE 57
Bland Content and Burnout with Craig Burgess
Special bonus episode: Bland Content and Burnout with Craig Burgess This is a special bonus episode of the podcast, and it’s very different from our usual interview episodes. It’s a behind the scenes look at an impromptu conversation between Craig Burgess and I. This is the first time I ever spoke to Craig and […]
Episode 56
How to Build Your Personal Brand with Mark Schaefer
Building a personal brand is advice we hear a lot, but it’s not always clear what that means, why it’s important, or whether it’s something we can approach in a deliberate way. In this episode, Mark Schaefer and Alastair McDermott discuss why personal branding is overtaking corporate branding, the four key steps to building your […]
EPISODE 55
How to Create Your Product Ladder with Chris Lema
As consultants, we often think about having a single core offer – usually a high ticket offering. But it’s not always a good fit for a lot of our potential clients, and there are some clients who are willing to pay more to get more. So how should we approach creating a product or services […]
EPISODE 54
Making Video Marketing Easier with Nina Froriep
Video is the medium of choice for many, and the social platforms encourage and even incentivize us to upload videos directly. But so many consultants and experts are reticent to use video for marketing. Video seems complex, expensive and time consuming to produce, and requires “a particular set of skills”… or does it? In this […]
EPISODE 53
Developing a Unique Point of View with Tom Critchlow
As experts, we hear the advice that we should have a distinct – maybe even unique – point of view that comes through in our work, when we speak, and when we write. But what does it mean to have a point of view? Do you need to sound like Alan Weiss or Gary Vee […]
Episode 52
How To Build A Strategic Narrative with Guillaume Wiatr
Storytelling has been the topic du jour in marketing over the past couple of years. We all know we should use stories more in business, but what does that actually mean from a practical standpoint? In this episode, Guillaume Wiatr and Alastair McDermott discuss a practical approach to using stories in business, the seven elements […]
EPISODE 51
The New Publishing World with Melissa G. Wilson
Book publishing has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. Traditional publishing no longer has a monopoly on distribution, and authors can thrive independently. Hybrid publishing models are springing up. What does it all mean for experts who write a book? In this episode, Melissa G. Wilson and Alastair McDermott discuss the new world […]
Episode 50
How Content Can Save Your Business with Marcus Sheridan
Writing articles for your website or social media is hugely time consuming, and it’s so difficult to find the time when you’re already working long hours on client projects. But you need to make the time. Here’s why. In this episode, bestselling author & renowned speaker Marcus Sheridan and Alastair McDermott discuss how writing articles, […]
Episode 49
Running a Consulting Business with Molly Angel
The business of independent consulting can be challenging, no more so than for a change management consultant in the healthcare industry in the midst of a pandemic! In this episode, Molly Angel and Alastair McDermott discuss what it’s like to run consulting projects in challenging times. Molly shares why she hired a business coach for […]
Episode 48
Research and the Journey to Authority with Alastair McDermott
Last week, David C. Baker talked about the importance of research. In this week’s solo episode, Alastair McDermott speaks about how research fits in with the Journey to Authority, and explains the Authority Maturity Model. If you are interested in growing your expert business and becoming an authority, this is for you. On Thursday Alastair […]
Episode 47
The Business of Consulting with David C. Baker
Running a consulting business can be exhausting. How can we make consulting easier to sell, easier to price, and easier to predict? In this episode, David C. Baker and Alastair McDermott discuss the business of consulting, including why research is crucial in positioning and standing out from your competitors, how to deal with the fears […]
Episode 46
Using Case Studies to Build Trust with Kate the Case Study Copywriter
Selling consulting services is often selling the invisible and intangible. How can we better demonstrate the value of our services to prospective clients? In this episode, Kate The Case Study Copywriter and Alastair McDermott discuss how case studies can help convert your prospective buyers. They can learn how you have helped businesses like theirs to […]
Episode 45
Accelerating Revenue Growth with Killer Positioning with Emily Omier
How do you give yourself the maximum chance of winning your ideal clients? What are the characteristics of clients that you are uniquely able to help? How do you know if your messaging is right? In this episode, Emily Omier and Alastair McDermott discuss the differences between strategy, positioning and messaging, how to get more […]
Episode 44
Marketing is for Morons – and What You Should Do Instead with Michael F. Schein
For consultants, traditional marketing can often feel like an inappropriate tool for the job. In fact, sometimes it even feels like we’re screaming into the void. But what’s the alternative? In this episode, Michael F. Schein and Alastair McDermott discuss how to use hype to grab attention, create curiosity, and build a tribe of like-minded […]
Episode 43
Why Positioning Is Crucial to Your Business with Shannyn Lee
As a consultant, it can often be difficult to be seen as meaningfully different from your competitors. Every consulting firm has – or claims to have! – smart people, great methodologies and tools, and every website talks about how they can solve complex business problems in a variety of industries. So how can you stand […]
Episode 42
The Journey to Authority with Alastair McDermott and Philip Morgan
In this episode reposted from Philip Morgan’s The Self-Made Expert Podcast, Alastair and Philip discuss what the journey to authority looks like, why you should cultivate expertise, and how publishing develops your thinking. They also discuss when authority matters, how you know if you have authority, and the importance of specialization in building authority.
Episode 41
Using LinkedIn for Lead Generation with Louise Brogan
LinkedIn can be a fantastic source of leads for consultants, but there’s a lot of noise on the platform, especially since the start of the pandemic. In this episode, Louise Brogan and Alastair McDermott discuss how to do lead generation on LinkedIn without spamming people or burning yourself out. They also discuss Louise’s specialization journey […]
Episode 40
Choosing the Right Business Model for You with Chris Williams
When we first start our consulting business, very often we come in with a specific idea of how it’s going to look, what our services are going to be, and how we’re going to sell them. But the great advantage of being independent is the ability to change the rules, to choose a business model […]
Episode 39
How to Grow Your Consulting Business – Alastair McDermott and Alisa Meredith
There are different stages to growing a consulting business: the strategies you adopt when you’re getting established can be different to those you use to scale later. Several weeks ago I attended a marketing conference called The Uprising, an event run by Mark Schaefer. I spoke with many of the attendees and speakers. One of […]
Episode 38
How to Position, Monetize & Sell Your Expertise with Rochelle Moulton
The path to authority is one route to creating leverage and value beyond simply billing for your time. Authority allows you to work with clients who energize and inspire you, it allows you to stop pitching and instead have sales conversations with pre-sold clients and buyers. In this episode, Rochelle Moulton and Alastair McDermott discuss […]
Episode 37
How to Charge More by Niching Down with Geraldine Carter
There is a direct connection between niching down and earning more money. In this episode, Geraldine Carter and Alastair McDermott discuss positioning and specialization. Geraldine outlines the direct connection between your specialized positioning and your ability to command higher fees. They also discuss pricing new service lines, and how consultants tend to undercharge significantly.
Episode 36
How to Increase Your Reach with Podcasting with Joe Casabona
Podcasts are rapidly growing in popularity in the B2C and B2B worlds with Joe Rogan and Spotify leading the drive. There’s a lot of advice about podcasting available online, but much of it is missing an important nuance that applies to experts and consultants who are on the path to authority. In this episode, Joe […]
Episode 35
How to Write a Successful Book with Anne Janzer
Most consultants have been told “you should write a book” at some point. But easy as that is to say, where do you start? In this episode, Anne Janzer and Alastair McDermott discuss how to start writing your book, why writer’s block isn’t quite what people think it is, and how to think about success […]
Episode 34
How Quality Audio Makes You Sound Smarter with Norbert Schwarz
As authorities and experts in our specialist areas, we want our prospective clients to see us as competent, intelligent experts. But many of us are self-sabotaging and creating the perception of being less competent, less intelligent, having less expertise. In this episode, Norbert Schwarz and Alastair McDermott discuss how audio and video quality exerts a […]
Episode 33
How to Be Heard in a World of Noise with Carmel Finnan
The world is getting louder, more chaotic and it becomes difficult to hear your own voice amidst the noise around us. In this episode, Dr. Carmel Finnan and Alastair McDermott discuss the importance of storytelling in communication, and how it helps in building your brand. They also discuss how listening can play a major part […]
Episode 32
How to Do Value Based Pricing with Ron Baker
“You should raise your prices” is advice you’ll frequently hear on this podcast and elsewhere. But it’s not that easy to implement. In this episode, Ron Baker and Alastair McDermott discuss why pricing by the hour is a bad option, and why value pricing is better for the provider and for the client. They cover […]
Episode 31
How Plants Were the First Marketers with Leo York
Marketing and branding are often conflated: the distinction can feel more like semantics. But there’s a very real and easy to understand difference. In this episode, Leo York and I discuss the primitive origins of marketing, how plants were the first marketers, and how and why color choice impacts how we think about brands. We […]
Episode 30
How to Run a Successful Consulting Business with Michael Zipursky
Being an independent consultant can sometimes be a tough gig – but there are things you can do to make life easier for yourself! In this episode Michael Zipursky and Alastair McDermott discuss how to run a successful consulting business, including details on how to niche, how to increase capacity, and why you should raise […]
Episode 29
How to Tell If Your Brand Is in Adolescence with Evelyn Starr
After an initial growth period of several years, it’s quite common for a business to hit an inflection point where they start to level off or even start to struggle. In this episode Evelyn Starr and Alastair McDermott discuss how this happens and what you can do about it. Evelyn uses the analogy of teen […]
Episode 28
How to Create Great Thought Leadership with Andrew Rogerson
What does it mean to be a thought leader? What is thought leadership content, and how is it created? In this episode Andrew Rogerson and Alastair McDermott walk through the actionable steps that you can take to create thought leadership content, from the strategic overview to research, writing the content and then repurposing it in […]
Episode 27
How to Create the Perfect Podcast Pitch with Mai-kee Tsang
Guesting on podcasts is a fantastic way to get your message in front of a new audience and build your authority. But the majority of pitches received by podcast hosts are terrible! In this episode Mai-kee Tsang and Alastair McDermott discuss why most podcast pitches are bad, how podcast guesting is such a fantastic opportunity, […]
Episode 26
How to Stand Out As a Consultant with Luk Smeyers
Consultants are not in the business of selling methodologies – you’re in the business of solving a client’s problem. You need to be laser focused on your client and on solving their problem. In this episode Luk Smeyers and Alastair McDermott discuss why consultants say that they don’t have time to do marketing, and how […]
Episode 25
How to Make PR (and Your Words) Work for You with Kate Warwick
The world of journalism and PR can feel nebulous to experts and consultants who don’t interface with that world. But it can be a fantastic way to reach new clients and build relationships. In this episode Kate Warwick and Alastair McDermott discuss how to develop your messaging and positioning to take advantage of PR. They […]
Episode 24
Improving Your Salescraft with Brendan McAdams
Most consultants love their work – but they don’t love selling their work. In this episode, Brendan McAdams and Alastair McDermott discuss how to qualify your prospective clients so that you can sell more effectively. We discussed the fundamental principles of sales that are often overlooked, and get into the psychology of why someone might […]
Episode 23
How to Write Useful Books with Rob Fitzpatrick
Many consultants consider writing a book. It can be an invaluable marketing tool that can generate new business, demonstrate your expertise, and position you as the authority in your field. But from a business perspective, most books are a failure. In this episode Rob Fitzpatrick and Alastair McDermott discuss how to ensure your book is […]
Episode 22
Behind the Scenes: The Rebrand with Alastair McDermott
This one is a little bit different – it’s a behind the scenes look at the rebrand that we did recently for the podcast where we rebranded from Marketing for Consultants to The Recognized Authority. This episode is a conversation with my friend – and former business partner – Alistair McBride. We wanted to dig […]
Episode 21
How to Grow a Consulting Firm into a Business Empire with Peep Laja
Growing a consulting business is not easy, turning it into a business empire is a formidable challenge. In this episode, Peep Laja and Alastair McDermott discuss how Peep grew his SEO consulting firm by niching down and creating high value content. They also discuss how every company is becoming a media company for their niche. […]
Episode 20
The Final Episode of Marketing for Consultants
The Final Episode with Alastair McDermott Marketing for Consultants will soon be no more! In this short episode you’ll learn why it’s going away, and what’s going to happen next! We hope you’ll stick around for the next stage of the journey! Alastair & Aiko.
Episode 19
How to Productize Consulting Services with Alzay Calhoun
As a consultant, bespoke projects can sometimes get overwhelming as you have to customize the project specification and the delivery for every new project and client. In this episode Alzay Calhoun and Alastair McDermott discuss how to productize your consulting services to leverage your time and maximise profits. They also discuss how Alzay has used […]
Episode 18
How to Create the Best Buyer Personas with Adrienne Barnes
There’s a thousand different articles and voices telling us how to create buyer personas, or ideal customer avatars, or ICAs, or one of a dozen other names. Often the recommendations of how to use these personas are contradictory. In this episode, Adrienne Barnes and Alastair McDermott discuss how to create a buyer persona that’s actually […]
Episode 17
How to Scale Your Consulting Business with Brad Farris
When you’re trying to grow your consulting firm, there are a couple of inflection points you can hit that are difficult to push past. In this episode, Brad Farris and Alastair McDermott discuss how Brad now uses his extensive experience of buying agencies and creative firms to help owners to scale up without wanting to […]
Episode 16
How to Leverage Your Expertise with Intellectual Property with Erin Austin
It’s not always obvious what intellectual property assets you have, or their value to you as a business. It could be a signature methodology, an audit process, or something as simple as document templates. In this episode, Erin Austin and Alastair McDermott discuss how intellectual property can play a vital role in your business. They […]
Episode 15
Transparency Report: Behind the Scenes Numbers!
Bonus Episode! Transparency Report: Behind the Scenes Numbers Normally I do interviews, but today I’m doing a solo recording sharing what I call a transparency update. If you’re open to it, think that it’s good idea to share some numbers from your business. It can be good for accountability, it can be good to be […]
Episode 14
Win More Clients by Working With Your Competitors with Dana Lindahl
It can be difficult to reach out and connect with new people on LinkedIn without coming across like a spammer. In this episode, Dana Lindahl and Alastair McDermott discuss how to use LinkedIn to win more clients through outbound and inbound lead generation. They also discuss how working with your competitors can be a positive, […]
Episode 13
Partnering to Reduce Risk & Do More Exciting Work with Frank Hannigan
Winning large projects as a solo consultant can be difficult. Partnering up with trusted peers allows you to pitch for bigger projects, smooth out the “feast or famine” rollercoaster, and allows you to brainstorm ideas. In this episode, Frank Hannigan and Alastair McDermott discuss how to get clients, do successful inbound marketing and have fun […]
Episode 12
Bringing Joy Into Your Marketing with M. Shannon Hernandez
Marketing isn’t often thought of as a joyful activity – in fact, it’s usually quite the opposite, being thought of as stressful, ineffective, or even worse in the minds of some consultants. In this episode, M. Shannon Hernandez and Alastair McDermott discuss how to approach marketing in a joyful way that makes it less of […]
Episode 11
Growing an Advisory Business to Six Figures in Just Two Years with Paddy Delaney
The world of financial advice is dominated by large financial institutions in Ireland. Yet one independent financial advisor stands out as a trusted source of information. In this episode of you’ll hear Paddy Delaney tell me how he used his podcast to grow his financial advisory business to six figures in 2 years..
Episode 10
How to Stand the F*ck Out with Louis Grenier
[Explicit Language Warning] How can you stand out from the crowd when you are offering the same services as a thousand other consultants? Radical differentiation is the answer. In this episode you’ll hear Louis Grenier describe the steps you need to follow to Stand The F*ck Out.
Episode 9
Three Keys to Building Your Authority with Rochelle Moulton
Building your authority as an independent consultant is key to your success, getting inbound clients, and being able to charge higher fees. In this episode you’ll hear Rochelle Moulton share a framework to build your authority.
Episode 8
How to Be a Seven Figure Consultant with Douglas Squirrel
People use the word “remarkable” quite often in conversation, but I think we don’t give much thought to the literal meaning. Douglas Squirrel has done just that, and made it a deliberate part of growing his solo consulting business to over $1MM in revenue. In this episode we talk about how he built a reputation […]
Episode 7
How to Find Your Strategic Beachhead with Philip Morgan
Deciding how to specialize your business, and then actually implementing that decision are the two phases of specialization. In this episode, Philip Morgan and Alastair McDermott discuss the transition from generalist to specialized, and when specialization is less important. They also discuss when to use brand marketing rather than direct response marketing techniques. Explicit Language […]
Episode 6
How Vertical Specialization Allows You to Punch Above Your Weight with Wolfram Moritz
You sometimes hear David vs Goliath stories in business, so when Wolfram Moritz told me how his 7-person firm beat a competitor with over 200,000 employees I wasn’t shocked but I had to know more about how they differentiated their firm. In this episode, Wolfram and Alastair discuss vertical specialization and how to become the […]
Episode 5
How to Specialize: from Web Generalist to Industry Specialist with Sara Dunn
Sometimes it takes a shock to the system to realize you need to change something about your business. In this episode, Sara Dunn tells us about experiencing that shock and how it motivated her to find her niche. She speaks with Alastair about the importance of specialization.
Episode 4
How to Build a Successful Consulting Business with Richard Newton
It can be difficult to figure out how to find your first clients and sell to them at the right price. In this episode of The Recognized Authority you’ll hear Richard Newton share his insights on how to run a successful consulting business, how to find clients, and why he has published 13 books and […]
Episode 3
Time Management for Superheroes with Heather Steele
As a business owner, simply getting things done can be difficult, but getting things done successfully while also care-giving is remarkable. In this episode, you’ll hear from Heather and Alastair as they discuss how “superheroes” manage their time.
Episode 2
How to Become The Recognized Authority with Jonathan Stark
Becoming an expert in your field takes a lot of work and effort. But if you want to be recognized as an authority, you need to do more. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jonathan and Alastair as they discuss how to become that recognized authority.
Episode 1
Niching Down Your Consulting Business with Alastair McDermott
If you’re an expert, the vast majority of marketing advice you see online is simply not relevant for your business. It’s aimed at businesses that sell to consumers, tech companies that have budgets to burn, or small mom-and-pop retailers. And you know that the advice that works for them simply will not work for you. […]
Episode 0
The Recognized Authority Podcast Trailer
How to Make $1 Million per Year as a Solo Consultant: The Recognized Authority Podcast Trailer “Episode 0”. This is a trailer for the upcoming The Recognized Authority Podcast, coming in 2021. In this trailer I play some clips from the show, including one guest describing how he has grown his solo consulting business to […]
