When you approach people it’s important to connect as a peer instead of a fan because you have amazing talents too. It’s this mindset shift that can help you create more meaningful connections. When you connect with people from a place of heart and curiosity, the conversation flows more naturally.

Laura Roeder talks about how she started her business by building websites and moved into social media. Each step led to her building software to help entrepreneurs improve connections on social media.

I also loved her answer to my secret of happiness question. I like how she broke down the decision process behind how she tries to add happiness to her life on a daily basis.

The best quote from the interview was:

Click to Tweet – “Approach people as a peer instead of a fan.” – @lkr

“We’re usually off base with what the customer really wants because they look for different details.” – Laura Roeder

“I’ve given up with being strategic (about networking). I’m going to hang out with people I like and are interesting to hang out with.” – Laura Roeder

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In this interview you’ll learn:

1. Why you can’t stress out about every decision you need to make as you build your business.
2. Understanding the importance of connecting with your customer’s needs.
3. Putting the focus on selling yourself vs. selling your product.
4. Vision vs. action.
5. Why being too strategic when building your network can hurt your business.
6. The most important element to being a great boss/manager.
7. What to look for when hiring a new employee.

You can also check out Laura’s website and follow her on Twitter. You’ll be glad you did.

What was your favorite takeaway? (Just let us know in the comment section.)

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The most important thing you can do as a business is to include stories that resonate with your customers.

The more you can communicate why you are trying to help people the easier it is to create a relationship. That’s where a powerful story can make all the difference. Customers can see themselves in the story and understand why your product is worth their time and money.

Mike explains how to paint a picture that allows customers to see how you can create success through their eyes. It all starts with showing people how things could work versus telling them how you can help them.

The best quote from the interview was:

“All you ever need to do (to create a connection) is to put things in terms that resonates with them (customers).” – Mike Pacchione

If you liked this podcast subscribe via iTunes.

In this interview you’ll learn:

1. The power of story.
2. Why the audience is the hero and how to use this in your business.
3. How to include stories that make people laugh in your presentations.
4. The importance of using conversational tones on your websites that feel comfortable instead of stiff and boring.
5. How to give people ideas they can remember.

You can also check out Mike’s Twitter handle and Duarte, the company where he teaches people how to unlock their great stories.

What was your favorite takeaway? (Just let us know in the comment section.)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download