What’s your million?

A million anything can be impressive—or insignificant—depending on the context.A million breaths keep us alive for a little over a month.A million stars is barely a fraction of our galaxy.Elon Musk's net worth is $400 billion which is 400 thousand millions.

A million can mean everything or nothing, depending on how you look at it.

For me, surpassing one million downloads felt impossible—until it wasn’t.

In this episode, I dive into what chasing your million really means:

• The parallel between success and sacrifice: are we willing to endure what it takes to achieve the big goals we dream about?

• Why consistency matters more than perfection—starting and showing up creates more opportunities for success than stopping or never starting at all.

• How what feels small today can snowball into something vast if you just keep going.

The truth is, whatever your million represents—whether it’s a business, a dream, or a vision—it’s going to demand something from you. Success always runs parallel with suffering, discomfort, and hard choices. The question is: are you willing to do the work and make the sacrifices to get there?

A million downloads didn’t happen because I planned it perfectly—it happened because I started. 

I kept going. I stayed in motion.

If you’re chasing your own version of a million, remember this: starting matters. Staying consistent matters. It puts you in the game and gives you a shot at something bigger than you ever thought possible.

What’s your million?

And are you willing to chase it?

Press play. Let’s talk about it.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

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Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Change is hard, but the truth is—when you resist it, you’re making a choice.

An even harsher truth? Staying in your comfort zone is the reason your business isn’t growing. You’re stuck because you keep doing the same things, expecting different results. That’s the definition of insanity—and it’s killing your growth.

And keep in mind, "staying in your comfort zone" can manifest in ways you might not even realize. Micromanaging. Refusing to delegate. Needing total control. Waiting for perfection before taking action. Even creating chaos to sabotage your own progress. Believe it or not, you could be your own biggest obstacle.

Here’s the reality: Over 50% of businesses fail because they refuse to adapt, change, or face the hard truths about their strategies. Are you ready to stop blaming the market, the economy, or your competition? The real obstacle is you.

It’s time to ditch the excuses, make the changes, and start taking action. Growth isn’t easy, but neither is staying stagnant. If you’re serious about scaling your business, this is your wake-up call. Step out of the comfort zone. Embrace the chaos. Make bold moves. 

Growth doesn’t happen where it’s safe, it happens when you face the uncomfortable truth and take action.

In this episode of iDigress, we dive deep into the uncomfortable reality of why many entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives stay stuck. We’ll explore the powerful concept of "what you’re not changing, you’re choosing" and unpack how resistance to change often stems from fear, comfort, or denial.

• Why clarity is the first step to escaping chaos.

• The dangers of staying in your comfort zone.

• How to recognize when it’s time to pivot.

•  Why embracing change (quickly) is necessary for business success.

• How to stop being a "control freak" and get out of the way of growth.

• Why successful execution requires humility and adaptability.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In this episode, we explore the three critical distinctions for driving revenue growth: what you see, what the market thinks, and what your ICP believes. We break down how aligning your perception with the market's reality and your ideal customer’s needs is key to unlocking growth. You’ll learn why it's not enough to just launch a business, create content, or set goals. It's about understanding how your positioning fits into the bigger picture. We dive into practical steps to help you rethink your strategy, adjust your messaging, and position yourself for sustainable success.

Key Points:

• Perception: Understand how what you see might be clouding your judgment and holding back your business growth.

• Positioning: Learn how to adjust your brand's message to match what the market truly thinks and values.

• Profit through Clarity: Focus on what your ICP (ideal client profile) believes and how meeting their needs will drive profitability.

• Bridging the Gap: Discover how to align your personal intentions with real-world actions that lead to results.

• Actionable Strategies: Gain a clearer path to drive meaningful change in your marketing, positioning, and growth approach.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In the final part of our Resonance in Marketing Masterclass series, we explore the key strategies that help brands create unshakable brand loyalty. This episode breaks down how personalization, emotional connections, and strong communities are the cornerstones of marketing success in today’s world. We’ll explore:

• How personalization creates deeper, more meaningful relationships with your customers.

• The role of emotional engagement in building long-lasting loyalty and advocacy.

• Why fostering and nurturing communities around your brand is the ultimate way to cultivate trust and drive growth.

Through real-world examples, actionable insights, and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for brands looking to build loyalty that stands the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, you’ll discover powerful strategies to connect with your audience on a deeper level and turn customers into lifelong advocates.

Previous Episodes In This Masterclass Series:

•  Listen To Resonance In Marketing Masterclass Part 1

•  Listen To Resonance In Marketing Masterclass Part 2

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, it’s not about how loud you are—it’s about how deeply you resonate.

In this episode, we explore building meaningful connections through relationship-driven marketing, focusing on:

• Emotional connection > Grabbing attention.

• Why trust, loyalty, and community advocacy matter more than one-time conversions.

• The role of storytelling in creating authentic, long-lasting connections with your audience.

• Empathy-driven marketing: understanding your customers' needs and emotions to foster brand loyalty.

• Tapping into the power of personalized experiences to resonate on a deeper level.

• How niche marketing and community-building create stronger advocacy than broad messaging.

• How to evoke emotion and create lasting memories to resonate deeply.

• Relationship-driven marketing tactics you can apply across social media, content, email, and more to engage meaningfully.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In a world of endless noise, the brands that stand out are the ones that resonate, not the ones that shout.

In this episode, we break down how resonance plays in marketing along with:

•  Resonance vs Volume in marketing.

•  Emotional connection > Simply Exposure.

•  The Psychology of Resonance: tapping into customer emotions, needs, and values.

•  Appealing to Emotions and Creating Memories (Limbic System) > Appealing to Logic (Neocortex)

•  LTV > One-Time Conversions.

•  How to create trust currency, brand loyalty, and community advocacy.

•  The importance of relationship-driven marketing and communication tactics.

•  How to apply this to social media, content, email, copy, and other media on various platforms.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In this powerful episode, we dive into a transformative approach to client relationships that will change the way you do business, going beyond the surface to tackle some of the most pressing challenges entrepreneurs face today — especially those who want to maintain high standards, protect their boundaries, and ensure they’re working with clients who truly value what they bring to the table.

We explore the concept of making your clients audition for the privilege of working with you, much like contestants on American Idol. This isn’t about playing hard to get; it’s about setting clear boundaries, commanding confidence, and ensuring that the clients you take on are aligned with your values, vision, and the level of service you provide.

In this episode, I discuss:

Auditioning Your Clients: Just like in American Idol, not everyone makes it to the next round. I’ll teach you how to audition your clients, guiding you on principles to help them either self-eliminate or clearly identify themselves as strong potential candidates.

Creating Demand Generation: Discover how to generate strong demand for your services, making clients eager to work with you. When done right, this approach flips the script, positioning you as the sought-after expert who clients are vying to work with.

Combating Scope Creep: Learn how to protect your time and resources by setting firm boundaries from the start, ensuring that your projects stay within scope and that you're compensated fairly for any additional work.

Setting Boundaries and Expectations as an Empath: As someone who genuinely cares about others (and I'm sure you do in your business), it can be challenging to enforce boundaries. I’ll share strategies to balance empathy with the necessity of maintaining your professional integrity.

Commanding Confidence in the Discovery Phase: The initial discovery phase is crucial for establishing authority and setting the tone for the entire client relationship. I’ll guide you on how to exude confidence and control during this critical stage.

Mastering Value-Based Pricing: Discover how to shift the focus from cost to value, ensuring that clients understand and appreciate the worth of your services. I’ll share techniques for implementing value-based pricing that aligns with the results you deliver, helping you command higher fees while maintaining client satisfaction.

Maintaining High-Profit Margins: Learn strategies to keep your profit margins high without compromising on the quality of your work. We’ll discuss how to structure your offerings and negotiations to ensure you’re paid what you deserve, allowing you to focus on delivering excellence.

Removing Objections with Confidence: Objections can derail a conversation and undermine the perceived value of your services. I’ll guide you on addressing and removing objections preemptively, creating an environment where clients see you as the essential bridge to achieving their goals. By removing the air out of the room, you’ll keep the focus on the vision and the transformative impact of working with you.

Eliminating Budget Concerns: Learn how to remove budget from the equation by shifting the conversation to value. I’ll show you how to guide clients to see the worth of your services, allowing you to command the rates you deserve while keeping your profit margins high.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for elevating your business relationships, protecting your time and energy, and ensuring that the clients you work with are a perfect fit for your services. If you’re tired of chasing clients, compromising on rates, or dealing with constant scope creep, this episode is for you.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program

• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios 

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

In this intimate and revealing episode, Dr. Frances Richards sits down with me for a deep, one-on-one conversation where I open up like never before. I get honest, vulnerable, and real about my journey as a BIPOC entrepreneur, sharing the challenges, struggles, and triumphs I’ve faced along the way. 

I reflect on the unique obstacles and victories that have shaped my path as a black man navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. 

This episode is one of the most candid and authentic moments I’ve shared, offering insights not just into my professional life but into the personal experiences that have defined me. 

Tune in for a powerful discussion on the realities of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the lessons I’ve learned that can inspire and guide others on their own journeys!

And no this is just a snippet of the one-on-one interview, to listen to the full interview in its entirety, you can listen to my interview with Dr. Frances Richards' podcast here, Ep 409.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program

• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios 

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship with Sarah Chen-Spellings, a venture capitalist, strategist, and co-founder of Beyond the Billion. Join us as we explore the journey of building billion-dollar unicorns, where success is not just about having a great idea, but mastering the art of pitching, navigating the inevitable rejections, and persisting through the toughest challenges.

Sarah shares her unique insights on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape. From her experience leading a global consortium investing over $1 Billion in women-founded companies to her work as a seasoned strategist and host of the "Billion Dollar Moves" podcast, Sarah offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.

Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, this episode is your masterclass on how to pitch, overcome rejection, and ultimately succeed in the billion-dollar game. Learn the critical strategies that differentiate those who thrive from those who fall short, and discover the mindset needed to turn risk into reward.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The art of pitching: How to craft a compelling pitch that stands out in a crowded market.

• Overcoming rejection: Proven strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities and building resilience.

• Navigating risk: Insights on how to manage and mitigate the risks inherent in scaling a business to unicorn status.

• The modern entrepreneur's mindset: What it takes to succeed in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving business environment.

•  Entrepreneurial  diversity: Strategies for bringing more diverse entrepreneurs—women, Black, Latina, Asian, and others—to the table and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed in the billion-dollar game.

• Sarah's personal journey: Lessons from her experience co-founding Beyond the Billion and her role in shaping the future of venture capital.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from one of the leading voices in venture capital and entrepreneurship. 

Tune in to learn how you can build your own billion-dollar unicorn!

Connect With Sarah Chen-Spellings:

•  Listen to the Billion Dollar Moves Podcast with Sarah Chen-Spellings

•  Learn about Beyond The Billion's mission to catalyze capital for innovative, venture-backable women-funded companies 

•  Visit chen.com/">Sarah's website to see all of the things she has going on

•  Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program

• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios 

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

What if everything you thought was fueling your business growth is actually holding you back? In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden flaws in your data that could be sabotaging your success. Discover how to fix these cracks, align your strategy, and build a powerful "brand orbit" that not only keeps you in business but propels you to new heights. This is the game-changer you've been waiting for – don't miss out!

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Get Your FREE 3-Step Pitch Guide [Downloadable]

• Learn More Starting Your Own Business With Amazon's Delivery Service Program

• Start Creating Exceptional Sites & Business Solutions Using Wix Studios 

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Book Your Tickets For Content Marketing World, Use My Code "SANDIDGE100" For $100 Off Tickets!

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Please Give A Rating & Review For The iDigress Podcast: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy