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In this episode, I sit down with Matt Lakajev — sales strategist, lead gen expert, and creator of Seven Figure Creators—to dismantle the myths about content, branding, and cold outreach. Matt reveals why most creators are stuck posting into the void, and how a tiny, targeted LinkedIn presence can outperform big audiences.

We break down the real math of monetizing a service business online—and how to turn every post, profile visit, and DM into an effortless sales system that scales.

Timestamps:

(00:05) - The Power of a Small Following on LinkedIn

(03:02) - Transitioning from Cold Outreach to Warm Leads

(16:16) - Setting Up an Effective Email Outreach Strategy

(20:02) - Effective Communication in Sales

(26:54) - Effective Call Structuring for Sales

(35:23) - Lead Generation as a Business Priority

(37:27) - Generating Leads: Strategies for Small Businesses

(45:35) - Sales Process and Event Strategy

(49:55) - Pricing Strategies for Success

(55:54) - Sales Strategies and Early Challenges in Business

Check out today's guest, Matt Lakajev:

Matt's LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mattlakajev

Matt's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewlakajev

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/

Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo

Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

Clubhouse:

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In this episode, I sit down with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, writer, and brand strategist—to dive deep into the real meaning of personal branding in the age of digital identity. From dismantling societal boxes to embracing your law of least effort, Jodie shares how she built influence without following anyone else’s template.

We explore how true branding is about meaning, impact, and integrity—not vanity metrics—and how creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs can scale their presence by stacking their unique strengths.

Timestamps:

(00:06) – Embracing Authenticity

(00:30) – Understanding Personal Branding

(08:37) – The Value of Personal Branding

(16:00) – Breaking Free from the Box

(22:05) – Exploring Personal Identity and Societal Expectations

(27:35) – Finding Your Creative Stack

(35:16) – The Intersection of Personal Growth and Community

(41:41) – Exploring the Intersection of Passion and Profit

(47:39) – Embracing Mistaken Identity

(54:02) – Embracing AI for Fitness and Performance

(59:06) – Finding Your Personal Brand

(01:01:50) – The Journey of Self-Discovery

Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:

Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/

Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/

Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdo

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo

Zaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

Clubhouse:

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We’re back with part two of my conversation with Brendan Kane, and this time, we’re putting formats into action. We go deep into what the social media algorithms actually care about (hint: it’s not boosting or shadowbanning), why going viral isn't the goal—but meaningful impact is—and how to make even the “boring” stuff relatable and widely viewed. Brendan unpacks practical examples from real estate to insurance to dentistry, and we workshop my own man-on-the-street concept live on the podcast. We also explore the psychology behind pricing, personal branding, and how your unique personality traits can shape your content strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow an audience while staying authentic, or how to deal with the pressure of content performance, this episode delivers straight talk with plenty of “aha” moments.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(03:40) - Shadowbans & algorithm myths

(05:27) - What virality really means

(07:19) - How niche creators can reach wider audiences

(10:49) - Formats for “boring” businesses

(12:14) - Mindset shift for viral potential

(14:50) - Man-on-the-street brainstorm

(17:04) - What can go wrong with live formats

(20:45) - Dialogue demo & emotional tension

(23:25) - Should you delete non-performers?

(25:14) - Faceless content vs personal connection

(32:25) - Brendan’s personal brand & communication style

Check out today's guest, Brendan Kane:

Brendan's Website: https://brendanjkane.com/

Brendan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJamesKane/

Brendan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendankane/?hl=en

Brendan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrendanKane/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/

Twitter:

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In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Kane—strategist, speaker, and author of Hook Point—to talk about what really drives social media success. Spoiler alert: it's not hacks, trends, or frequency. Brendan breaks down why storytelling beats every algorithm trick in the book and how creators can find sustainable, repeatable success by understanding proven content formats. We dive deep into the five steps to virality, what most people get wrong about content creation, and why shifting from passive to active consumption can transform your strategy. Brendan also unpacks what formats are, why they unlock creativity (not restrict it), and how even a single tweak in your delivery can massively shift performance. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels online, this conversation will help you realign your approach and focus on what actually works.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:02) - Why storytelling matters

(03:26) - Algorithms favor great stories

(06:01) - Five-step social media success formula

(08:57) - The role of content formats

(12:10) - Format vs. trend: the big shift

(15:23) - How to find your winning format

(18:12) - What makes a video go viral

(21:40) - Creating ideas within formats

(25:00) - Real example: Tanner’s bag deconstructions

(28:34) - Monetizing without selling

(31:15) - ROI = size of your vision

(33:50) - Why consistency and time matter

(36:28) - One video at a time

(38:45) - Learning through reflection

(40:55) - Final thoughts and teaser for Part 2

Check out today's guest, Brendan Kane:

Brendan's Website: https://brendanjkane.com/

Brendan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJamesKane/

Brendan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendankane/?hl=en

Brendan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrendanKane/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign

Instagram:

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/TTdgZ9R6HykpPaEh6

In this gripping Part 2 episode, Chris Do goes deep with Simon Squibb on the business model that powers his viral mission of giving away money to strangers. But this isn’t charity—it’s strategy. Simon unpacks how he built a profitable, self-sustaining content engine that funds dreams, spreads hope, and disrupts the traditional education system.

From revenue breakdowns across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and brand deals to his "infinite giving" philosophy, Simon shows that you can do good and make money—at scale. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and a behind-the-scenes look at how generosity can become a business advantage.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Why Simon’s mission seems crazy—but works

(01:30) - Giving strangers cash on the street… how? why?

(03:00) - The psychology behind belief, opportunity, and self-worth

(04:00) - Why school failed him—and how he’s replacing it

(06:00) - “Fun-education”: content that teaches people to start with $0

(08:30) - You don’t need money to start a business—here’s proof

(10:00) - How Simon’s videos spark action worldwide

(12:00) - Giving without expectation vs. manipulation

(14:00) - The business of giving: profitable, scalable, repeatable

(16:00) - Acting like you have no money (even when you do)

(18:00) - The flaw in traditional charities—and how Simon avoids it

(20:00) - Core belief = business engine: fixing education, freeing people

(23:00) - Real estate example: using purpose for competitive advantage

(26:00) - Content model = exposure, not just cash

(28:00) - Pattern-interrupting the system: why Simon talks to strangers

(31:00) - Charity vs. marketing: what’s the real difference?

(33:00) - The 3-stage revenue system: YouTube, brand deals, products

(36:00) - Affiliate deals, subscription models, and ethical monetization

(38:00) - New brands: Dream Brew coffee + Purposeful Clothing

(41:00) - Revenue transparency: breakdowns from YouTube & TikTok

(44:00) - Why exposure > money—and how every view funds dreams

(47:00) - What’s next: scaling impact without losing soul

Check out today's guest, Simon Squibb:

Simon's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonsquibb

Simon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonsquibb/?hl=en

Simon's Website: https://simonsquibb.com/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website:

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In this raw and deeply emotional episode, Simon Squibb sits down with Chris Do to unpack the moment he won a $1 million prize—and why it brought him to tears. From sleeping on the streets at 15 to selling a company to PwC, Simon reveals the powerful story of loss, hustle, purpose, and rebuilding from nothing. He challenges what we think we know about money, success, and charity—and makes a compelling case for why anyone, anywhere, can start a business.

This isn’t just a business interview—it’s a masterclass in emotional resilience, reinvention, and the psychology behind purpose-driven work. Whether you're broke, burned out, or just looking for a reason to keep going, Simon’s story will make you believe in possibilities again.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - The dream spark: How Simon helps people start with nothing

(01:30) - The serendipitous $1M moment at the 1 Billion Followers Summit

(03:00) - Why Simon cried on stage (and what people misunderstood)

(06:30) - Childhood trauma: Being kicked out at 15 after his father's death

(09:00) - Billy Elliot, judgment, and the underdog narrative that made him weep

(12:00) - Small-town England to global entrepreneur: Breaking out of expectations

(14:30) - The family divide: estrangement, identity, and redefining connection

(16:00) - Why selling his business felt like another kind of loss

(20:00) - Dealing with hate: tribal psychology and toxic social media reactions

(23:30) - Purpose vs. profit: Why helping for free is Simon’s real power move

(25:00) - From homeless to hustler: how a messy garden became his first business

(29:00) - Scaling with no resources—and becoming the first customer himself

(34:00) - Selling his agency to PwC and losing his “fluid” identity

(40:00) - Depression post-success: What happens when you no longer “need”

(44:30) - Purpose as survival: Why not needing money can leave you lost

(49:00) - Giving without expectation—Simon’s philosophy on modern generosity

(52:00) - Why building a business to help others is the future of entrepreneurship

Check out today's guest, Simon Squibb:

Simon's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonsquibb

Simon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonsquibb/?hl=en

Simon's Website: https://simonsquibb.com/

Check out The Futur:

Website: https://www.thefutur.com/

Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/

Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/

Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere

Check out Chris Do:

Website: