Hey Folks, it's Kyle Ancelin back with another episode of Fractional Firepower. This time, I'm chatting with Monte Clark, CEO of Brand Managers and a pro in video and social media marketing. We dive into why video is exploding on LinkedIn, ditching those vanity metrics like views and likes for real relationships and trust-building. Monte shares his evolution from text posts to viral videos, tips on authenticity over AI-generated fluff, and how to hook your audience fast without looking unprofessional. If you're an entrepreneur wondering how to leverage video for genuine connections and business growth, don't miss this—it's packed with actionable strategies. Subscribe, like, and let's power up your marketing game!
Guest Introduction:Joining me today is Monte Clark, CEO of Brand Managers and a true expert in video and social media marketing. With 30 years in the game, Monte's mastered using LinkedIn to build real relationships, not just chase likes. He's got killer insights on why video is key for authenticity and standing out. Great to have you, Monte!
Key Takeaways:• Video on LinkedIn isn't about vanity metrics like views—focus on building trust and likability so prospects feel like they know you before the first call.• Start with your audience in mind: Who do you want watching, and why? Deliver value right away with a strong hook to stop the scroll.• Avoid bad content pitfalls—invest in decent lighting, sound, and editing; think professional like a networking event, not casual car selfies.• Script and rehearse for polish, but keep it authentic; respond like you're chatting over coffee to avoid sounding robotic.• AI-generated posts are everywhere and easy to spot—video cuts through the noise because it's undeniably you, fostering real connections over generic fluff.• Practice filler words and delivery; over time, it gets natural, and the payoff in client relationships is huge.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:00 Guest Introduction1:20 Why Commit to Video Marketing Strategy4:30 Evolution from Text to Video on LinkedIn7:30 Vanity Metrics vs Real Relationships9:30 Power of Video for Trust and Likability11:30 Barriers to Video and Professionalism13:25 Tips for Getting Started with Video16:30 Audience Focus and Hooks19:30 Mistakes to Avoid in Video Content22:15 Scripting and Rehearsing for Authenticity25:50 Filler Words and Natural Delivery28:15 What Grabs Attention on LinkedIn31:50 AI vs Authentic Video Content35:30 Human Need for Relational Content36:30 Closing
Keywords:Kyle Ancelin, Monte Clark, Fractional Firepower Podcast, video marketing, LinkedIn strategy, vanity metrics, authentic content, AI generated posts, professional video tips, business relationships, social media marketing, LinkedIn algorithm, video hooks, Brand Managers

Hey everyone, it's Kyle Ancelin here on the Fractional Firepower Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Rob Lothian, founder and CEO of Lothian Industries, to dive deep into the world of business partnerships. With over 20 years in developing entertainment venues, Rob shares how he turned a sudden insurance crisis that nearly cost him $1 million in deals into a stronger alliance with SPI Global. We talk transparency with clients, managing emotions during pivots, vetting partners, and ensuring mutual value. If you're an entrepreneur navigating partnerships, building trust, or scaling your business through collaborations, this one's packed with real-world advice. Hit play, subscribe, and let's fire up your growth!
Guest Introduction:Today, I've got Rob Lothian with me, the founder and CEO of Lothian Industries. With more than 20 years of crafting custom entertainment venues, Rob partners with developers and investors to create high-margin attractions that wow. He's navigated some tough pivots in his career, and his insights on partnerships are gold for any business owner looking to collaborate effectively. Welcome, Rob!
Key Takeaways:• Partnerships are key because you can't be an expert at everything—find folks who complement your strengths and make things run smoother.• When a partnership falls apart, like Rob's insurance nightmare that put $1M at risk, stay transparent with clients and pivot decisively without panic.• Vet partners thoroughly: Check their track record, North American experience, and insurance—don't assume longevity means they're a fit.• Structure deals with clear contracts, worst-case scenarios in mind, and balanced value so everyone's winning.• Say no to bad fits—whether clients or partners—to protect cash flow and focus on opportunities that align.• Build long-term relationships with grace; Rob's amicable split led to lead exchanges worth more than what he lost.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:20 Guest Introduction2:00 Why Partnerships Matter in Business3:30 Key Partner Spotlight: SPI Global4:40 Pivoting After a Partnership Crisis8:30 Navigating Client Conversations During Change11:30 Managing Emotions and Decisiveness13:25 Vetting New Partners Effectively15:10 Handling Relationship with Exiting Partners17:50 Long-Term Benefits of Graceful Exits19:30 Perspective and Value in Challenges21:15 Being a Great Partner Yourself23:10 Structuring Partnerships and Contracts25:50 Top Lessons from Working with Partners28:15 Control Challenges and Saying No31:50 Keeping Business Running Through Losses35:30 Clear Expectations Upfront39:30 Leadership and Staff in Partnerships41:20 Closing
Keywords:Kyle Ancelin, Rob Lothian, Fractional Firepower Podcast, business partnerships, entertainment venues, SPI Global, partnership pivot, insurance crisis, transparent communication, vetting partners, mutual value, cash flow management, entrepreneur advice, collaboration strategies, Lothian Industries

Hey everyone, it's Kyle Ancelin here on the Fractional Firepower Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Rob Lothian, founder and CEO of Lothian Industries, to dive deep into the world of business partnerships. With over 20 years in developing entertainment venues, Rob shares how he turned a sudden insurance crisis that nearly cost him $1 million in deals into a stronger alliance with SPI Global. We talk transparency with clients, managing emotions during pivots, vetting partners, and ensuring mutual value. If you're an entrepreneur navigating partnerships, building trust, or scaling your business through collaborations, this one's packed with real-world advice. Hit play, subscribe, and let's fire up your growth!
Guest Introduction:Today, I've got Rob Lothian with me, the founder and CEO of Lothian Industries. With more than 20 years of crafting custom entertainment venues, Rob partners with developers and investors to create high-margin attractions that wow. He's navigated some tough pivots in his career, and his insights on partnerships are gold for any business owner looking to collaborate effectively. Welcome, Rob!
Key Takeaways:• Partnerships are key because you can't be an expert at everything—find folks who complement your strengths and make things run smoother.• When a partnership falls apart, like Rob's insurance nightmare that put $1M at risk, stay transparent with clients and pivot decisively without panic.• Vet partners thoroughly: Check their track record, North American experience, and insurance—don't assume longevity means they're a fit.• Structure deals with clear contracts, worst-case scenarios in mind, and balanced value so everyone's winning.• Say no to bad fits—whether clients or partners—to protect cash flow and focus on opportunities that align.• Build long-term relationships with grace; Rob's amicable split led to lead exchanges worth more than what he lost.
Chapter Markers:0:00 Intro0:20 Guest Introduction2:00 Why Partnerships Matter in Business3:30 Key Partner Spotlight: SPI Global4:40 Pivoting After a Partnership Crisis8:30 Navigating Client Conversations During Change11:30 Managing Emotions and Decisiveness13:25 Vetting New Partners Effectively15:10 Handling Relationship with Exiting Partners17:50 Long-Term Benefits of Graceful Exits19:30 Perspective and Value in Challenges21:15 Being a Great Partner Yourself23:10 Structuring Partnerships and Contracts25:50 Top Lessons from Working with Partners28:15 Control Challenges and Saying No31:50 Keeping Business Running Through Losses35:30 Clear Expectations Upfront39:30 Leadership and Staff in Partnerships41:20 Closing
Keywords:Kyle Ancelin, Rob Lothian, Fractional Firepower Podcast, business partnerships, entertainment venues, SPI Global, partnership pivot, insurance crisis, transparent communication, vetting partners, mutual value, cash flow management, entrepreneur advice, collaboration strategies, Lothian Industries