This is the Way Podcast

How to Craft Irresistible Offers that 10X Your Pipeline | EP 91

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter
Help us get to 10,000 subscribes.
Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael
Connect with Jay - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymelone
Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes
Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
In this power-packed episode of This is the Way Podcast, we’re joined by Jay Melone—founder of the “Wedge Offers” framework, a business strategist who’s helping B2B consultants attract dream clients, increase monthly revenue, and become the go-to expert in their niche. Jay built a 35-person consultancy—only to find himself drowning in work and disconnected from what truly mattered. But instead of burning out, he reinvented the way consultants grow and sell by developing a scalable, simplified system that builds authority and automates client acquisition. Now, he’s sharing how Wedge Offers are changing the game for consultants and service-based businesses in 2025 and beyond.
🔹 Creator of the Wedge Offers Framework
🔹 Built & scaled a 35-person consultancy
🔹 Expert in client acquisition & offer positioning
🔹 Helping B2B consultants simplify, scale & thrive
🔹 Real strategies to escape the freelancer trap and own your niche
Whether you're a coach, consultant, freelancer, or agency owner—this episode will unlock the mindset, models, and messaging needed to stop chasing leads and start attracting them on autopilot.
🎧 Tune in now for behind-the-scenes strategies and expert business clarity with Jay Melone!
Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Jay - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymelone Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ In this power-packed episode of This is the Way Podcast, we’re joined by Jay Melone—founder of the “Wedge Offers” framework, a business strategist who’s helping B2B consultants attract dream clients, increase monthly revenue, and become the go-to expert in their niche. Jay built a 35-person consultancy—only to find himself drowning in work and disconnected from what truly mattered. But instead of burning out, he reinvented the way consultants grow and sell by developing a scalable, simplified system that builds authority and automates client acquisition. Now, he’s sharing how Wedge Offers are changing the game for consultants and service-based businesses in 2025 and beyond. 🔹 Creator of the Wedge Offers Framework 🔹 Built & scaled a 35-person consultancy 🔹 Expert in client acquisition & offer positioning 🔹 Helping B2B consultants simplify, scale & thrive 🔹 Real strategies to escape the freelancer trap and own your niche Whether you're a coach, consultant, freelancer, or agency owner—this episode will unlock the mindset, models, and messaging needed to stop chasing leads and start attracting them on autopilot. 🎧 Tune in now for behind-the-scenes strategies and expert business clarity with Jay Melone!
#ConsultingSuccess #B2BOffers #JayMelone #ServiceBusinessTips #WedgeOffers #PodcastInterview #BusinessBurnout #AgencyOwnerLife #SalesWithoutSelling #entrepreneurjourney
 
[00:00] Intro
[01:33] Jay’s Journey So Far
[10:21] Common Business Challenges
[18:38] Jay’s Unique Approach
[21:02] Creating Offers for Clients
[29:43] Why Your Offer is Just a Product
[32:00] Future of Sales & Positioning
[39:36] How AI is Shaping Business
[50:50] Skills You Need in Consulting

How to WIN on LinkedIn in 2025 | AI & Content Strategies with Lara Acosta | EP 90

Repost below Linkedin post and subscribe to this podcast to enter for a chance to win a FREE 1:1 session with Lara who will help you take your Linkedin game to the next level. Winner announced on Linkedin on April 11.
Linkedin post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/artinnazarian_i-caught-up-with-lara-acosta-over-dinner-activity-7313576628494770176-zU7O?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGYG6YBGjKoV_OU09RpUiQvCAG0LAI-wGA
 
In this special episode of This is the Way Podcast, we’re joined by Lara Acosta — an entrepreneur, LinkedIn personal branding expert, and a Forbes-featured strategist helping individuals grow their online presence and build profitable businesses.
Lara has empowered 700+ professionals to craft compelling personal brands that drive impact and income. With features in Forbes, Kajabi, and Semrush, she has solidified her position as a LinkedIn thought leader, helping entrepreneurs leverage content to create authority, attract clients, and scale their businesses.
From AI-powered content strategies to unlocking LinkedIn's algorithm for growth, Lara shares her expert insights on how to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or business professional, this episode is packed with high-value tips and actionable strategies to elevate your LinkedIn game.
🔹 Featured on Forbes, Kajabi & Semrush
🔹 Helped 700+ professionals build personal brands
🔹 Entrepreneur scaling businesses through LinkedIn
🔹 AI-driven content strategies for brand growth
🔹 Proven LinkedIn strategies for visibility & engagement
Get ready for an eye-opening and insightful conversation with Lara Acosta as we explore LinkedIn success, AI content strategies, and how to turn engagement into business opportunities.
Connect with Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/
Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter
Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Lara Acosta built a personal brand that attracts clients
The best LinkedIn content strategies for 2025
How AI is transforming content creation & LinkedIn growth
The biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn
How to create AI-generated content that feels authentic
The best way to convert LinkedIn engagement into customers
LinkedIn vs. YouTube – which platform is better for personal branding?
How books, AI, and social media will shape the next generation

How AI Took His LinkedIn to 50K+ Followers in 1 Year | EP 89

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Charlie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/ Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/In this special episode of This is the way Podcast, we’re joined by Charlie Hills — a LinkedIn growth strategist and a pioneer in AI-powered content creation. Charlie has quickly emerged as a go-to expert for professionals and creators looking to scale their LinkedIn presence using smart, efficient content systems. In under a year, he built a following of over 50,000 and generated more than 9 million impressions — all by harnessing the power of AI to supercharge his content strategy. From high-performing newsletters and engaging carousels to eye-catching posts and visuals, Charlie is redefining what’s possible with AI-driven personal branding. He’s here to share the strategies, tools, and mindset behind his explosive LinkedIn growth — and how you can do it too.
✨ Grew 50K+ followers on LinkedIn in under a year
✨ 9M+ impressions using AI-powered content
✨ Expert in LinkedIn newsletters, carousels & visual storytelling
✨ Helps professionals scale content with ease and impact
✨ Breaking down complex AI tools into practical growth hacks
Get ready for an insightful, actionable, and inspiring conversation with Charlie Hills — as we dive into LinkedIn growth, content strategy, and the future of AI in personal branding.
 
📌 What You’ll Learn: How Charlie Hills used AI to grow his LinkedIn to 50K+ followers in under a year His exact content creation strategy using AI tools The biggest mistakes people make using AI for content How to write better posts, comments, carousels & newsletters with AI Tools Charlie uses daily to save time & boost performance How to analyze content performance & improve consistently The role of consistency vs. quality in content growth Secrets behind what content type works best (text vs video vs images) Tips to schedule content effectively without burnout Powerful advice for beginners and creators struggling to grow.
[00:00] Intro
[02:30] How AI is helping individuals create content
[09:30] Common mistakes people make using AI
[11:55] Charlie’s content creation strategy [
22:55] Favorite tools and apps used
[35:45] Best-performing content types and analysis [
36:50] Image vs. text vs. video content – what works better?
[45:40] Advice for aspiring LinkedIn creators
#LinkedInGrowth #AIContentCreation #CharlieHills #ContentWithAI #LinkedInMarketing #AIForCreators #ContentStrategy #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #LinkedInInfluencer #GrowWithAI #SocialMediaGrowth #ContentCreationJourney

Mistakes That Are Killing Your Growth on YouTube in 2025 | EP 88

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter
Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael
Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes
Connect with Andrew @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrandrewmurdoch/
Andrew's Youtube Business Accelerator - https://www.skool.com/youtube-business-accelerator/about
Learn more at ytera.com
Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
In this special episode of This is the way Podcast, we welcome Andrew Murdoch — a visionary YouTube Business Strategist and the driving force behind helping brands scale their impact through powerful video content. As the founder of a leading YouTube marketing agency, Andrew and his team specialize in crafting compelling educational content and data-driven strategies that elevate businesses in the health, wealth, and lifestyle industries. With a focus on value-driven storytelling and platform optimization, Andrew empowers brands to connect with their audience and grow their presence authentically.
From video strategy to production and channel management, Andrew’s holistic approach helps businesses transform their YouTube channels into high-impact marketing assets—while freeing up their time to focus on what they do best.
📌 What You’ll Learn: YouTube Content Strategy That Works How to Pick the Right Niche Secrets to Structuring High-Impact Videos Long-form vs Short-form: What’s Better? How ChatGPT is Changing Content Creation Podcasting + YouTube = Growth Opportunity Avoiding Common Mistakes on YouTube
#YouTubegrowth #contentstrategy #YouTubemarketing #andrewmurdoch #priyankashindepodcast #longformcontent #shortformvideos #ChatGPTForYouTube #podcastmarketing #videocontenttips #contentcreationstrategy #YouTubeTips2025 #HowToGrowOnYouTube #nicheselection #videomarketing

AI Agents, Automation & The Future of Business (Must-Know Insights) | EP 87

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter
Help us get to 10,000 subscribes.
Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael
Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes
Connect with Grant @https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hushek/
Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
What if you could reclaim 20+ hours a week without sacrificing business growth? The secret isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter! 
In this episode, we sit down with Grant Hushek, founder of GrantBot, a workflow automation agency that helps businesses streamline operations, boost productivity, and unlock massive growth with AI and automation.
Grant shares insights on: ✅ The 4 key areas every business should automate ✅ How to avoid the #1 mistake that kills automation projects ✅ The no-code tools (Zapier, Make, Airtable) he swears by ✅ How AI is revolutionizing workflow automation
#Automation #AI #BusinessGrowth #Productivity #WorkflowAutomation #Entrepreneurship #scaleyourbusiness
Chapters [00:00] Intro [05:54] The Importance of Process Before Automation [15:09] The Role of AI in Automation [17:57] Chaining AI Prompts for Enhanced Automation [20:58] The Future of AI Agents in Business [28:10] Enhancing Content Quality with AI Tools [33:05] Building Effective Workflows with Automation [44:40] Rethinking SaaS: Results as a Service [45:21] Innovating with a Beginner's Mindset

How to CRUSH Google ads in 2025 (without wasting $$$) | EP 86

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter
Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael S
ubscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes
Connect with John @https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1/
Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
🔗 Learn more about Stub Group: stubgroup.com
Most businesses lose money on Google Ads because they get it wrong. Don't be one of them! In this episode, John Horn, CEO of Stub Group, reveals the biggest mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them. Learn how to optimize your ad spend, target the right audience, and ensure your ads actually convert. Whether you're a small business or a growing startup, these insights will help you win with Google Ads.
Hashtags: #GoogleAds #AdSpending #MarketingTips #Entrepreneur #PPC #PaidAdvertising #StartupGrowth #BusinessTips #ROI
Chapters [00:00] Intro [10:12] Common Pitfalls [15:19] Aligning Ad Strategy with Business Goals [22:37] The Importance of Targeted Advertising [23:21] DIY Advertising Tools for Beginners [30:06] Budgeting for Google Ads [31:25]Understanding Google Ads and YouTube [32:58] Key Metrics for Success [35:37] Caution in Advertising [40:10] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs [41:37] Leadership Lessons Learned [43:24] Valuable Resources for Growth

Branding for Startups - How-to Guide from Former Disney Executive | Ep 85

Sign up to the podcast newsletter and get insights from each episode sent to your inbox. https://thevelocitylabs.com/this-is-the-way-newsletter Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to  @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael  Subscribe to the shorts channel  @FounderBytes  Connect with Eze @https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezequielabramzon/
Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
Ezequiel Abramzon is the founder of LALO, a strategic brand consultancy helping startups and entrepreneurs achieve clarity and momentum. With over 22 years at The Walt Disney Company, Ezequiel led digital innovation, creative direction, and brand strategy across global markets, building multi-million-dollar businesses in digital, entertainment, and technology.
After leaving corporate life, he dedicated himself to mentoring and advising founders, developing the Epicenter™ methodology—a framework that puts customers at the heart of the brand and the brand at the heart of the business. Passionate about storytelling, branding, and long-term strategy, Ezequiel now works with early-stage startups to craft compelling brand identities that drive real impact.
What do Disney, startups, and personal branding have in common? Ezequiel Abramzon shares his experience leading at Disney for 22 years and how he applies those lessons to help startups succeed. Perfect for founders seeking clarity and a competitive edge.
Books recommended during the episode
https://a.co/d/4pFQkNw
https://a.co/d/8DNg24M
 
Chapters [00:00] Intro [02:07] From Disney to Entrepreneurship [12:06] Building Teams for Success [14:30] Working with Startups [17:36] Branding Lessons from Disney [20:48] Branding for Early Stage Startups [23:46] Common Mistakes in Startup Branding [27:15] The Role of Personal Branding in Startups [35:10] Finding Clarity in Brand Strategy [49:34] Advice for Early-Stage Founders

3 Common Bottlenecks Killing Your Business (And How to Fix Them!) | EP 84

Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to  @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael  Subscribe to the shorts channel  @FounderBytes  Connect with Laurent @https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentnotin/ Laurent’s Website → https://www.laurentnotin.com/ Book free 1:1 with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
90% of startups fail. The reason? It's NOT cash flow, competition, or market downturns—it’s YOU. Entrepreneurs unknowingly become their own bottleneck. Today, we sit down with Laurent Notin, a business coach who specializes in helping founders break through the invisible barriers that keep them stuck. We cover: -The 3 most common bottlenecks entrepreneurs face - Why mindset is the #1 business growth factor - How to delegate and scale without losing control.
About Our Guest: Laurent Notin is a business coach who helps entrepreneurs scale by identifying and overcoming their own limitations. With 20+ years of experience in running businesses and coaching founders, he specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential.
About Our Guest: Laurent Notin is a business coach who helps entrepreneurs scale by identifying and overcoming their own limitations. With 20+ years of experience in running businesses and coaching founders, he specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential.
Chapters [00:00] Intro [02:47] Laurent's Journey [11:15] Identifying Common Bottlenecks in Business [20:56] Mindset Matters [34:19] The Pursuit of Freedom Over Financial Success [37:40] The Role of Accountability [43:36] Advice for Early Stage Founders

You're Already an Entrepreneur – Here's Why | EP 83

Help us get to 10,000 subscribes.
Subscribe to  @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 
Subscribe to the shorts channel  @FounderBytes 
Connect with Sid @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohasseb/
Book free 1:1 coaching with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
Anabasis Academy - https://sidmohasseb.graphy.com/
Think entrepreneurship is only for tech founders and CEOs? Think again! Sid Mohasseb joins us to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur and why YOU already have what it takes to succeed.
Sid Mohasseb is a serial entrepreneur, venture investor, bestselling author, and professor at USC. Known as The Entrepreneur Philosopher, Sid has built, scaled, and successfully exited multiple companies while mentoring countless entrepreneurs. With expertise spanning business strategy, innovation, and venture investing, he helps leaders navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and unlock their full potential. He is the founder of Anabasis Academy, a platform designed to empower individuals with the mindset and tools to achieve their next best version.
What You'll Learn:
-Why entrepreneurship isn’t about starting a business
-The simple mindset shift that changes everything
-How to stop letting fear and risk hold you back
-The surprising truth about achieving your goals
-Watch now and unlock your entrepreneurial potential!
#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessTips #Success #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #LifeHacks #StartupGrind

LinkedIn Sales Masterclass: From Lead Gen to Closing Big Deals with Matt Lakajev | EP 82

Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to  @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 
Subscribe to the shorts channel  @FounderBytes 
Connect with Matt @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlakajev/
Book free 1:1 coaching with Artin - https://calendly.com/thisisthewayshow/1-1-with-artin
Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/
Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/
Matt Lakajev is the founder of Seven Figure Creators, a program dedicated to helping professionals leverage LinkedIn to generate six- and seven-figure incomes. As an expert in personal branding, sales, and content strategy, Matt has helped countless entrepreneurs and business leaders turn LinkedIn into a powerful tool for scaling their businesses and achieving financial success. With a deep understanding of how to build authentic connections and craft impactful messaging, Matt empowers his clients to stand out in the crowded digital marketplace and create sustainable, high-revenue business models.
If you’ve been stuck on LinkedIn with little to no results, this is your episode! Matt Lakajev reveals his blueprint for scaling businesses from scratch to $1.95M a year using LinkedIn. Learn his tips on DM strategies, qualifying leads, and scaling through targeted offer campaigns.
Chapters
[00:00] Intro
[05:49] The Power of Direct Messaging
[09:01]The Role of Marketing in Sales
[18:00] Crafting Effective Offers
[25:24] Effective Email Outreach Strategies
[32:23] Crafting Compelling Offer Documents
[49:51] Navigating LinkedIn for Lead Generation
[56:54] Understanding Personality Types in Sales
[01:07:36] The Role of Software in Sales Processes
[01:14:23] Mastering the First Call
[01:19:36] Handling Objections Like a Pro
[01:27:03]Applying Sales Principles Across Platforms
[01:30:05] Building Trust Equity in Sales