Dr. Robert J. Smith Produces Video Series on Influence and Persuasion

Kivo Daily Staff on February 5, 2024

By: Sidney Falco

As esteemed CEO of Smith Profits, Smith Comics, and Robert J. Smith Productions Companies, Dr. Robert J. Smith is a renowned expert in eliciting the essence of brands using factual storytelling. His proven philosophy, backed by extensive field experience, aims at maximizing sales through intricate strategies that are rooted in reality. As he traverses the country enlightening businesses about his potent and effective techniques, a recurrent query has been, “What changes can we make right away to gain the biggest impact?”

This query has allowed Dr. Smith to bring into the limelight the concept of “Small Bigs”, a coinage by the celebrated author of “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion,” Dr. Robert Cialdini. His universally applicable Principles of Influence and Persuasion have helped millions of readers across the globe to do business as effectively as possible. Smith’s understanding and application of “Small Bigs” have augmented his strategies and brought invaluable additional solutions to the table for businesses striving for progress.

To elucidate the potential of “Small Bigs” and how they can be seamlessly integrated into business models for instant enhancement, Dr. Smith has embarked on the production of a professional video series. This series will provide practical applications for immediate use of “Small Bigs” and how they are pivotal in amplifying Influence and Persuasion, thus, achieving business objectives. Smith has been able to raise millions of dollars for charities nationwide with effective use of these principles as well.

Small Bigs offer a trove of solutions spanning different sectors. They hold the key to rectifying common persuasion mistakes swiftly, inducing liking, unity, social proof, authority, scarcity, reciprocity, and achieving a 100% increase in reaching agreement through consistency. These proven principles increase online conversions, referrals, sales units, sales volume, revenues, and profits. “Small Bigs” also leverage the principle of unity for deepening client and staff loyalty and the principle of consistency for more result-oriented meetings.

The power of authority, used wisely, enables one to gain approvals for budget requests, increase conversions, and establish legitimacy in a product’s scarcity during its launch. This combined with the use of social proof can yield more upsells, induce agreement – even when you’re in the minority, and boost your charity’s donations as well. The use of consistency in team management enhances team efficacy and applying true scarcity can balloon sales by over 500%.

Both Dr. Cialdini and Dr. Smith bring to the table real examples of proven successes and provide strategies that professionals and companies can emulate for similar results. As Tim Ferriss aptly puts, “I think it is extremely important to understand human behavior or behavior modification before you focus on technology…You can spend a lot of time jumping from one tool to another without developing any core skill. So, I would really encourage people to study books like Influence by Robert Cialdini…so you get a fundamental set of principles that you can apply online, offline, to different tools, to direct copy, to complex sales in big organizations. That is number one.”

To instigate a transformation into a more prosperous enterprise, organizations should invest in understanding these insights. Dr. Smith not only offers these insights but proves success by providing exclusive consulting services aimed at increasing effectiveness.

Eager companies can delve into Dr. Smith’s expert insights through his websites, check out his impactful contributions on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Find out about his upcoming productions on IMDb and follow him on Twitter for his latest updates. Dr. Smith’s upcoming video series is not only a promising opportunity for businesses to soar but also a beacon that perpetuates the importance of understanding the fundamentals and how tweaking them sensitively can cause an enormous positive shift in their progress toward prosperity.

Dr. Smith provides additional insights on Dr. Cialdini’s “Small Bigs” as well as other business topics in his regular columns with Forbes as a member of the Forbes Business Council.

Published By: Aize Perez

Navigating the Future: David Estrada on Technology, Change, and Balance

Kivo Daily Staff on February 5, 2024

David Estrada, born on March 28, 1968, in Vallejo, California, is an influential figure in the tech and legal realms, particularly known for his work with autonomous vehicles and emerging technologies. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the UC Berkeley School of Law (class of 1993), Estrada has been a pivotal player in shaping the legal landscape of the tech industry.

Estrada’s career is marked by significant contributions to several high-profile companies. He was the second attorney at YouTube in 2006, playing a crucial role in its integration with Apple, making YouTube the only non-Apple app on the original iPhone. His tenure at Google X was noteworthy for his work in developing the first state-level autonomous vehicle regulations in Nevada, Florida, and California. As a Chief Legal and Policy Officer at Nuro Inc. since 2019, Estrada has been a vocal advocate for autonomous vehicles, asserting the position that vehicles used for goods delivery, like those of Nuro’s, do not require traditional safety features like steering wheels or seat belts.

Estrada’s expertise extends beyond autonomous vehicles. He was instrumental in the early days of the rideshare industry at Lyft in 2014, where he built the government relations team and helped forge state laws for the industry. His work at Kitty Hawk Corporation alongside Sebastian Thrun, where they launched the Flyer, a one-person VTOL aircraft, highlights his involvement in innovative transportation solutions. Additionally, Estrada has contributed significantly to Bird Rides Inc., helping establish the e-scooter-sharing company in Los Angeles and expanding it globally.

Beyond his professional achievements, Estrada is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, notably contributing to the Berkeley Law Opportunity Program. He is also an avid mountain biker and enjoys international travel, especially to Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting his interest in the Spanish language.

Married to Gina Estrada, the couple is blessed with three children. Estrada’s life philosophy revolves around making positive societal changes, acknowledging the challenges of disrupting the status quo and striving for small, measurable successes. He emphasizes the importance of public trust and coalition-building in achieving social progress, particularly in the field of transportation technology.

David Estrada’s journey from a humble beginning in Vallejo to a significant figure in the tech world is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and vision in leveraging technology to address societal challenges.

In Conversation with David Estrada: Insights on Technological Innovations and Societal Impact

Thank you for joining us, David. Your work in technology and law, especially around autonomous vehicles, has been groundbreaking. Can you share your perspective on how technology can address societal issues?

Absolutely. At its core, technology should be about improving society and solving problems that we face every day. For instance, consider American roadways – they’re not only dangerous but also inefficient. Every year, we see too many fatalities, time wasted in traffic, and environmental damage from combustion engines. Technologies like electric autonomous vehicles are not just innovations; they are solutions to these deep-rooted societal problems. My focus has always been on how we can use our skills and capabilities to make a positive change.

Change often meets resistance. How do you navigate the challenges that come with disrupting the status quo?

That’s a great question. Change does indeed upset the current balance. There are always entrenched interests who benefit from the way things are. The key is to acknowledge these realities and work towards solutions that consider these trade-offs. For instance, when we introduced new transportation modes at Bird, we quickly learned that partnering with cities and developing new rules was essential. It’s all about building public trust and creating standards that everyone can agree on.

Speaking of public trust, how important is it in the context of introducing new technologies?

It’s vital. Public trust is the foundation of any significant societal change. You can’t just introduce a new technology and expect people to embrace it. You need to build coalitions and work with various stakeholders to create a common understanding and standards. This is the foundation for what I call a ‘social license’ to operate.

Your career has spanned a range of innovative companies and projects. What drives your selection of projects or companies to work with?

I’m drawn to companies and founders who are not just chasing the next big thing but are genuinely trying to solve real problems. For instance, in the realm of transportation, I look for those bringing new systems or technologies that can evolve our challenges in the shortest time. It’s about identifying small wins and measurable successes along the way to the ultimate goal.

How do you reflect on your contributions and achievements?

I believe it’s about the journey, not just the destination. It’s fulfilling to see that I’m contributing to change over time. Even if the specific project or company I’m involved with doesn’t end up being the ultimate winner, knowing that my contributions have helped lay the foundation for future success is satisfying. And importantly, it includes learning from mistakes, which is a crucial part of growth and development.

Lastly, how do you balance your professional life with personal well-being?

That’s a crucial aspect of life that many overlook. Professional achievements are important, but they aren’t everything. True satisfaction comes from balancing career goals with real friendships, family, and community life. It’s about being human and experiencing love, fun, and laughter with friends and family. Ultimately, our lives are more about these human connections than just pointing at our achievements.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Technology in Societal Improvement: David Estrada emphasizes the importance of using technology to address and solve critical societal issues, such as safety and inefficiency in American roadways. He highlights the potential of innovations like electric autonomous vehicles not just as technological advancements but as crucial solutions to longstanding societal problems.
Building Public Trust Through Collaboration and Standards: Estrada underlines the significance of public trust when introducing new technologies. He advocates for building coalitions and working with various stakeholders, including cities and regulatory bodies, to create standards and expectations. This approach, which he refers to as creating a ‘social license,’ is vital for the successful integration of new technologies into society.
Balancing Professional Success with Personal Fulfillment: Estrada stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between professional achievements and personal well-being. He believes that true satisfaction and well-being come not just from professional accomplishments but also from nurturing real human connections, friendships, and family relationships. This holistic approach to life underscores the value of personal fulfillment alongside career success.

Published by: Martin De Juan

John Mateyko, APMA®, WMCP™, RICP® on Emerging Trends in the Labor Market

Kivo Daily Staff on February 5, 2024

By: John Mateyko

The past several years have been a period of considerable change for many businesses in the United States, spurred by the pandemic, societal shifts, and evolving state and local laws.

These challenges have left many businesses in my network wanting a crystal ball–and understandably so! While we can’t quite give you that, we do want to proactively share a few trends we’ve seeing currently within the employment landscape.

Pay Transparency Laws and Expectations: As you may know, pay transparency laws require employers to reveal salary ranges for jobs up front, either in job postings or upon candidate inquiry. These laws and regulations are gaining momentum, with over a quarter of U.S. workers now residing in areas with some form of pay transparency laws.

What’s more, some employers in states without such regulations seem to be adopting the practice. Ultimately, there are business pros and cons for doing so without it being required or for adding more detail than is required.

On the con side, adding salary ranges can lead to dissatisfaction among current employees if the salary range for an open position is higher than the salary of existing employees with similar positions. It can also make the employer’s position in salary negotiations weaker, given that the candidate knows exactly how much the company is willing to pay.

That said, some studies suggest this kind of transparency enhances employee retention, and employers may be limiting their talent pool if they don’t include salary ranges. In fact, 55% of workers and 64% of Gen-Z job-seekers won’t even apply to a job if it doesn’t have a range, according to a recent Joblist survey.

Remote vs. In-Office – A Tug Of War: With the brunt of the pandemic fully in the rearview, many businesses are grappling with how to balance a workforce that has grown used to remote work with leadership concerns about team-building, collaboration, and efficiency.

Some employers have threaded this needle by pivoting to a hybrid schedule, with approximately 30% of the workforce now working part-time from the office.

Yet, while most companies still seem to prioritize some form of in-office experience, office utilization has dropped to roughly 50% of pre-pandemic levels in major U.S. cities, likely in part because there are less people in the office at once.

Given this, I do have some clients who have opted for a smaller space, sometimes at a lower cost–or sometimes simply in a better location with more attractive features that incentivize working from the office.

Benefits and Perks: On the note of incentivizing employees to return to the office, in-office perks like free lunch have become increasingly popular among some of my clients. And benefits in general have been a strong, cost-effective way for employers to differentiate themselves amid a continued labor shortage and increased job seeker expectations.

Mental health care support in particular has become an incredibly important benefit among workers, with eight out of ten job-seekers looking for a workplace that prioritizes mental health. An expanded interpretation of family leave (to include adoptive parents, fathers, and foster parents) is also becoming the norm.

About John Mateyko

John Mateyko is a seasoned financial advisor with a remarkable career spanning over twenty years. He resides in the beautiful town of Serenbe, Georgia, where he serves as the Managing Partner at IDEX Financial, an organization he himself founded in 2010. His primary role involves creating sustainable retirement income plans, with the goal of leveraging his extensive experience and proficiency to help clients achieve their financial goals.

John’s journey into the finance sector began after completing his business studies at Augustana College. This academic foundation paved the way for a prosperous career where he held significant roles at respected firms such as Morgan Stanley, Atlas Securities, US Bank, and JP Morgan Chase. Throughout his professional path, John Mateyko has consistently been lauded for his excellent portfolio management skills.

His unwavering commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the numerous prestigious certifications he holds. As a Fiduciary Financial Planner, John is dedicated to prioritizing his clients’ needs. His credentials as a Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA) highlight his in-depth knowledge and ongoing commitment to learning. Currently, John is pursuing the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification from the renowned Yale School of Management, illustrating his steadfast dedication to professional growth.

About IDEX Financial

Established in 2010 as a boutique investment firm in Chicago, Illinois, IDEX Financial expanded to the Atlanta, Georgia market in 2018 and relocated to Serenbe, Georgia in 2020. In his role at IDEX, John guides clients through the nuances of retirement planning. Recognizing the unique financial circumstances of each client, he employs a tailored approach to devise strategies that aim to coincide with their specific needs. John’s goal is to provide insightful guidance and foster a sense of security with his ultimate aim to enable his clients to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Away from his professional duties, John cherishes his family and community. His family proudly contributes to the Serenbe community. Located in rural Georgia, Serenbe is a tranquil sanctuary that encourages wellness, a sense of community, and an appreciation for nature, offering scenic trails for residents and visitors to indulge in the area’s natural splendors.

In conclusion, John Mateyko is not just a successful financial advisor, but also a dedicated family man and a valued member of the Serenbe community. With his expertise, commitment to continued education, and personalized approach, John is devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of his clients and the community he calls home.

To learn more about John Mateyko, check out Crunchbase, Linkedin, and website.

Karen Patton Brings Life to Her Community and Edge to the Industry With Peach Out Power Yoga

Kivo Daily Staff on February 5, 2024

In this day and age, yoga proves to be more than a pastime or physical activity. Aside from being a great way to move the body, it also serves as an effective tool for relieving stress and alleviating tension. For this and many other reasons, Karen Patton decided to become a certified yoga instructor after many years of being a practitioner. She decided before her training was even complete, that she wanted to share her arsenal of ideas with the world, and bring together the perfect mix of talented and unique instructors, and open her own studio. She knew that there was so much opportunity to offer the benefits of yoga to the community, but she also knew there was an enormous opportunity to offer it in a way nobody else had.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Karen Patton graduated from the University of Arizona and set out to pursue her dreams in Southern California. She spent her post-college years working her way up the corporate ladder in the apparel industry, and eventually got married, had kids, and gave up the career she had built, to be a stay-at-home mom. During those years she struggled with her identity and looked for ways to keep busy outside of momming, by volunteering at her kids’ schools, coaching cheer, or being a room mom. As the kids got older and more self-sufficient, she started to want to do more and eventually decided it was time to embark on a new adventure.

Karen received her yoga certification in March 2018 and opened her studio, Peach Out Power Yoga, in August of 2018, at age 47. Her staff now consists of thirteen experienced and talented instructors and a killer community. “I absolutely love what I do. I’m not your typical yoga teacher. I march to the beat of my own drum by taking risks and having fun. Above anything else, I’m always a hundred percent myself,” she said.

Determined to make her mark in the community, Karen Patton harnesses her inner leader and sheds light on the multiple facets of what she thinks a yoga studio should be. This visionary, proving to be different from other instructors, decided to do things her way and has definitely put her own twist on the craft. By integrating some of her unique ideas, she has definitely inspired other teachers to have fun and not take teaching yoga so seriously. She encourages new teachers to be themselves, to focus on authenticity, and celebrate their individuality. At the end of the day, yoga should be all about being free with oneself and being happy with the person you are, and your clients will respond to you.

As a yoga teacher, Karen is definitely known for breaking the rules, and her class attendees are always prepared for surprises. A new and unexpected flow, a crazy contest during class, a fun playlist theme, or a choreographed dance, you never really know what you’re going to get, but you can almost guarantee that some part of the class will certainly be entertaining. During the pandemic last summer, Karen was one of the first (possibly THE first) studios to offer socially-distanced outdoor yoga classes. These classes were full of smiling yogis who were so happy to have a safe place to exercise and even socialize, 10 feet apart.

Besides being a pretty remarkable instructor, Karen has become a voice of leadership and empowerment without making any effort to be in that role. She has turned heads and raised eyebrows with her bold and confident moves, and she has managed to do it in a pretty likable way. Although the yoga industry is saturated with established authorities, this natural-born leader refuses to be dictated by norms and standards and isn’t intimidated by those who have been around the block much longer than her. In fact, she hardly knows who most of them are. She encourages new teachers to stay in their lane, and not get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing. “You can draw strength and success from your own uniqueness, and should never sacrifice who you are because of what others are doing or how they are doing it.” No book or training is going to teach you to be authentically you. People want to see and hear YOU.”

In the coming years, Karen intends to stay committed to the growth of her studio, and possibly more?? Although she wouldn’t reveal any details, we are fairly sure one yoga studio isn’t the end of the road for this entrepreneur. Although she is turning 50 in June, you’d never know it looking at her, and she has as much energy and determination as any 30-year-old. If we had to bet, this dynamic and business savvy yogi is going to find more and more ways to inspire other yoga teachers and studio owners to follow her lead and revolutionize the entire yoga industry one day at a time.

Learn more about Karen Patton and Peach Out Power Yoga by visiting their website.

Rising Australian Stylist Ivanna Fontana: Lighting Up LA’s Fashion Scene

Kivo Daily Staff on February 5, 2024

Ivanna Fontana, an Australian native juggling roles as a stylist and creative director, has undeniably made a name for herself in Hollywood’s glamorous fashion landscape. Given her demonstrated penchant for remarkable creativity and an innate ability to merge unique style aesthetics, her meteoric rise to LA’s fashion echelons is nothing short of inspiring.

A remarkable occurrence in Ivanna’s journey took place in the hectic days leading to LA Fashion Week. Here, Ivanna met the renowned African celebrity designer, Claude Kameni. Their initial meeting burst into a splendid creative collaboration when Kameni oversaw Fontana’s impressive repertoire and realized she could bring the vivacity he desired for his runway show. Short on time, Ivanna forged forward and within four to five days, she intricately produced the entire show. It was a demanding firewalk, but as Ivanna put it, they “made it happen.”

Rising Australian Stylist Ivanna Fontana Lighting Up LA's Fashion Scene

Photo Courtesy: Chase Hanssen / @chasehanssen

Successful execution of a fashion show, particularly on short notice, requires an immense degree of planning, organizational skill, and leadership prowess. As she handled the show, Ivanna demonstrated a deftness for models casting, fittings, coordinating hair and makeup, and even figuring out the music. Chance meetings in the fashion world often trigger phenomenal partnerships – a favorite anecdote of Ivanna’s recent achievements was presented in her collaboration with Yvonne Orji’s PR agency on a hit Netflix show, Insecure.

Having seized momentum from the LA Fashion week, Ivanna’s approach to fashion has been marked by unprecedented ambition and an indomitable spirit, evidenced by her readiness to embrace what was on the horizon. Not only did Ivanna manage to take the LA Fashion Week by storm, but her journey also skyrocketed towards even grander stages of the New York Fashion Week and Australia Fashion Week in February and April, respectively. Emboldened, Ivanna is seizing these opportunities with fierce determination to continue producing Claude Kameni’s runway shows, presenting stunning narratives through clothes, models, and aesthetics.

Beyond the towering facades of fashion houses and red carpets, Ivanna’s influence extends to the NBA seasons. A considerable portion of her clientele includes athletes, impressing upon them the importance of maintaining a personal brand and the power of optically compelling narratives ensued by suave fashion choices. Ivanna’s influence also graces the skateboarder scene through trusted collaborations with professional skateboarders such as Kyle Walker.

Unsurprisingly, Ivanna’s diverse craft doesn’t limit her to one industry. Ever entrepreneurial, Ivanna believes that regardless of one’s field, aesthetic presentation goes a long way. It is her deeply-held conviction that “everyone needs styling.” Ivanna opines, “No matter what field you’re in, it pays to look good!”

Rising Australian Stylist Ivanna Fontana Lighting Up LA's Fashion Scene_3

Photo Courtesy: Chase Hanssen / @chasehanssen

Eloquently expressing her vision, she says, “My vision is to continually promote diversity and align with different style aesthetics, giving creatives the inspiration and confidence to bring their own visions to life.” It is this very vision and her determination to inclusively elevate style narratives that have positioned Ivanna Fontana as a linchpin in the fashion institution.

In addition to that, Ivanna’s journey from Australian dreams to Hollywood glam can be followed through her social media handles and websites. Her followers await her next maneuver with bated breath, certain that wherever she ventures, she will keep infusing the fashion world with her unique brand of creativity and audacity. After all, Ivanna’s name continues to symbolize unapologetic distinctiveness and the power of diversity. For Ivanna Fontana, it is not just about looking good, it is about ensuring individuality and inclusion do not merely walk the runway but rule it.

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Dr. Robert J. Smith Produces Video Series on Influence and Persuasion

Navigating the Future: David Estrada on Technology, Change, and Balance

In Conversation with David Estrada: Insights on Technological Innovations and Societal Impact

Thank you for joining us, David. Your work in technology and law, especially around autonomous vehicles, has been groundbreaking. Can you share your perspective on how technology can address societal issues?

Change often meets resistance. How do you navigate the challenges that come with disrupting the status quo?

Speaking of public trust, how important is it in the context of introducing new technologies?

Your career has spanned a range of innovative companies and projects. What drives your selection of projects or companies to work with?

How do you reflect on your contributions and achievements?

Lastly, how do you balance your professional life with personal well-being?

Key Takeaways

John Mateyko, APMA®, WMCP™, RICP® on Emerging Trends in the Labor Market

About John Mateyko

About IDEX Financial

Karen Patton Brings Life to Her Community and Edge to the Industry With Peach Out Power Yoga

Rising Australian Stylist Ivanna Fontana: Lighting Up LA’s Fashion Scene

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