The Trading Post podcast explores how to leverage AI tools like Perplexity to transform business networking follow-ups and stand out from competitors who rarely capitalize on their business card collections. We demonstrate a systematic approach to turn networking connections into meaningful business relationships through strategic AI utilization.

• Using Perplexity AI to research businesses from collected business cards
• Creating personalized follow-up emails with AI that match your authentic speaking tone
• Building custom AI personas to streamline repetitive business explanations
• How AI is changing SEO and potentially reducing direct website traffic
• Strategies for using AI in cold email campaigns while avoiding spam flags
• Challenges of geographic coverage when networking across multiple metropolitan areas
• Using LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other tools to target businesses by location

Whatever you do, be good or be good at it.

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform, always rocking the cowboy hat. The track is protected under U.S. Copyright rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

The podcast downloads quadrupled after experimenting with posting twice weekly, proving that consistency is key to building an audience. Finding the right recording environment is crucial for maintaining authenticity and quality.

• Car recording provides surprisingly good acoustics with all the soft surfaces absorbing sound
• Holding off on podcast marketing during early experimental phase allows freedom to try different approaches
• The vision of a "mobile trading post" concept aligns with modernizing traditional trading practices
• Content creation takes substantial time investment with slow returns - video editing requires 15-60 minutes per finished minute
• 38-42 of the top 50 podcasts don't incorporate video components
• 23 minutes is the optimal podcast length according to Buzzsprout, aligning with average commute times
• AI helps with podcast planning and structure, but authentic human voices remain essential for connection

Whatever you do, be good or be good at it.

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform, always rocking the cowboy hat. The track is protected under U.S. Copyright rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Networking remains vital for small businesses even in the digital age, with many entrepreneurs overlooking the power of face-to-face connections that lead to genuine business relationships. Trader Stu shares his comprehensive checklist of networking opportunities that business owners should consider, from traditional organizations to digital platforms and organic encounters.

• Chambers of Commerce offer professional development, guest speakers, and valuable subgroups like Preferred Client Network
• Business Network International (BNI) provides structured weekly meetings but works best for cash-based businesses
• SCORE and entrepreneur organizations connect business owners with experienced mentors at no cost
• LinkedIn offers broad reach while Alignable provides more localized networking focused on specific geographic areas
• Organic networking through everyday interactions often yields better results than formal events
• Alternative networking models like "Networking with Kids" accommodate entrepreneurs with family responsibilities
• Personal branding helps you stand out at networking events and creates conversation starters
• Consistent follow-up transforms business card exchanges into meaningful relationships

Get out there, try something new, get on a platform, attend a local event, and whatever you do, be good or be good at it.

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform, always rocking the cowboy hat. The track is protected under U.S. Copyright rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

The Trading Post podcast explores how Jeff Bezos's Amazon business principles can be applied to successful podcasting strategies. Drawing parallels between Bezos's customer obsession approach and podcast audience engagement, this episode reveals how consistency, patience, and innovation drive growth in both realms.

• Comparing the evolution of SEO to the rising importance of podcasting for business promotion
• Amazon's "customer obsession" philosophy and how it translates to treating podcast listeners
• The critical importance of consistency in publishing schedule for sustainable podcast growth
• Why audio podcasting works better than video for reaching busy B2B audiences
• How trade associations function as business growth tools through bartering and networking
• Testing different podcast formats, including a seasonal approach to content organization
• Recognizing podcasting as a long-term investment with indirect business benefits beyond direct monetization
• Using podcasts to explain complex business concepts like barter and trade associations

Be sure to subscribe, leave feedback if you can, and join us next time as we continue exploring innovative business promotion strategies.

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform, always rocking the cowboy hat. The track is protected under U.S. Copyright rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

Survive the Apocalypse in Get Prepped! Game | GET PREPPED!

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

Podcasting success isn't measured in downloads alone but in consistency, authenticity, and passion for your subject matter. The journey of building an audience requires patience and realistic expectations about growth.

• Don't get discouraged by low download numbers when starting out
• Comparing yourself to established podcasters like Joe Rogan is unrealistic as they started with existing audiences
• Current podcast statistics show approximately 4.5 million indexed podcasts globally
• Consistency matters more than perfection - don't over-edit your content
• For B2B podcasting, there's a significant market opportunity due to lack of current, relevant content
• Aim for quality content over perfect production - authenticity connects better than polished perfection
• Batch recording (doing multiple episodes in one session) can help maintain consistency
• As AI content increases across platforms, genuine human connection through podcasting becomes more valuable

Be good or be good at it!

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

I accidentally created a solution for parent entrepreneurs struggling to balance networking events with family responsibilities by launching a family-friendly business networking group. The experience revealed how many business owners need ways to grow professionally without sacrificing precious time with their children.

• Found that traditional networking events force parents to choose between business growth and family time
• Created "Networking with Kids" events at Jungle Java with another Alignable Ambassador Dr. Mary from Susie Q's Kids
• Strategically scheduled from 4-6pm following school pickup times
• Provides contained environment where kids can play while parents network
• Saw immediate success with natural connections forming among both parents and children
• Planning expansion to additional venues and potentially multiple monthly events
• Available through Alignable, Meetup, and Eventbrite for interested participants

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, join us at Jungle Java on Hall Road in Clinton Township from 4-6pm on the first Thursday of every month. Parents and kids of all ages are welcome!

RSVP for the next event!

https://www.alignable.com/groups/alignable-alliance-of-metro-detroit-mi/events/networking-with-kids-may-2025?_faid=16503&cpd=1

https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-qwiaqsgd/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/networking-with-kids-tickets-1317605566719?aff=oddtdtcreator

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.

This original jingle is a Western/Cowboy-inspired piece, reflecting Trader Stu’s signature style—always rocking the cowboy hat. Set in the key of D minor, the track blends rodeo whistles with a country-like guitar riff.

The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.

For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
📧 durracellmusic@gmail.com
🌐 www.durracell.com

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

Trader Stu introduces an innovative advertising opportunity through PressXToPlayGames, a company developing a survival video game called "Get Prepped" that sells ad space within the virtual environment. The gaming industry represents a massive untapped advertising market three times larger than movies and music combined, with the average gamer being a homeowner in their mid-30s.

• In-game advertising costs $25,000 for the entire game lifespan (typically 5-10 years)
• Video games have 250 million gamers in North America with average age of 34-36
• No ad blockers or skip buttons exist in video games, ensuring ad visibility
• Businesses appear as "strongholds" or safe houses within the apocalyptic game setting
• Cost comparison shows gaming ads are cheaper than Google pay-per-click ($20,000/year)
• Players can virtually sample products before purchasing them in real life
• Gaming industry has 3.24 billion users globally, exceeding YouTube's projected 2.85 billion
• Trader Stu will appear as a character in the game at his Trading Post

Check out PressXToPlayGames on Alignable if you're interested in placing your business in the game world.

Press X 2 Play Games - Detroit, MI - Alignable

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.

Networking goes beyond mere exchanges of business cards; authentic connections can make all the difference. This episode discusses the value of in-person networking and contrasts it with online platforms.

• Importance of real-life interactions over online connections
• A unique roundtable format at networking events enhances engagement
• Alignable, LinkedIn, My Collective Network, BNI: Exploring effective networking platforms

The thoughts and views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of Metro Trading Association. Although the host is an employee of Metro Trading, this podcast is intended to educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of professional trading, regardless of their location. Additionally, the host reviews various pieces of camping gear due to the association of trade, barter, and prepping.

Support the show

Looking to grow your business? Visit www.metrotrading.com and click “Join MTA” in the top right corner.