Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice

Most people rush into building a personal brand — and end up stuck with views, likes, and no real business to show for it. In this episode, Marian Esanu breaks down why personal branding should come after you’ve built something real, not before. From fake authority and imposter syndrome to why most creators can’t convert attention into sales, this conversation challenges the way entrepreneurs think about visibility, credibility, and long-term value. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “build your brand” before you’re ready — this episode will change how you approach it. Key Topics Covered • Why starting a personal brand too early can hurt your credibility •The difference between being an expert vs an enthusiast •Why views and followers don’t matter if you can’t convert them into revenue •How real businesses create authentic, scalable personal brands •The danger of building a brand that can’t be sold or exited •How to research competitors instead of reinventing the wheel •Why paid traffic + organic content beats chasing virality •Turning content into an actual business asset Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs building (or thinking about building) a personal brand Creators struggling to monetize their audience Business owners tired of “fake guru” branding advice Anyone who wants authority without pretending to be an expert Subscribe to Right About Now! Keep listening and subscribe to our newsletter at RyanIsRight.com Follow @ ryanalford on all social media Keep up with Marian Esanu • Personal Branding Ninja • Momentum Podcast

Most businesses are obsessed with one question:“How do I spend $1 to make $5?” According to Jon Davids, that mindset is exactly what’s holding brands back. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with the CEO of Influicity and author of Marketing Superpowers to unpack why the future belongs to brands that build movements, not just marketing funnels. John shares how he learned to capture attention before social media existed, why most influencers are broke despite large followings, and how brands can create demand that doesn’t rely on algorithms or ad platforms. In This Episode, We Cover Why paid ads alone are unsustainable long-term The difference between building an audience and building a movement How community connects content to commerce Why “Minimum Viable Concept” beats “Minimum Viable Product” How to own customer demand instead of renting it What brands must do today to stay relevant in the next 10–20 years If you want to stop chasing customers and start attracting them, this conversation will completely change how you think about marketing. 🎧 Listen now and discover your true marketing superpower.

Why do most podcasts stall long before they reach real scale? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Tom Webster, one of the most respected voices in podcasting and author of The Audience Is Listening, to unpack the uncomfortable truths behind podcast growth. With nearly 30 years in audio research and media strategy, Tom explains why: Promotion won’t save a show that lacks clarity Editing for flow is the secret weapon of top podcasts Many creators build for themselves — not their audience Asking the wrong listener questions leads to bad decisions Podcasting is far from “on the way down” — and why the data proves it This conversation is a masterclass in podcast strategy, audience psychology, and long-term content thinking. Whether you’re launching a show, stuck at a download ceiling, or building branded content, this episode will help you stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real listener loyalty. 📘 Learn more about Tom’s book: The Audience Is Listening🎙 Explore industry research at Sounds Profitable📲 Subscribe for weekly insights on business, media, and growth

Luxury isn’t accidental—it’s engineered. On this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Dr. Deepak Dugar, one of the world’s most respected surgeons and the architect behind one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive medical brands. Dr. Dugar shares how he built a global reputation by going all-in on a single niche, refusing to compete with mediocrity, and designing a business that prioritizes quality over volume—in clients, hiring, and brand positioning. This conversation goes far beyond medicine. It’s a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to: Stand out in hyper-competitive markets Build premium brands with demand built in Create exclusivity without paid advertising Hire elite performers and avoid energy vampires You’ll Learn: Why “riches in the niches” is more than a cliché How luxury brands intentionally repel the wrong customers The difference between good revenue and bad revenue Why elite operators pick their competition carefully How to build a brand that attracts the world’s best clients Connect with Dr. Deepak Dugar Instagram: Deepakdugarmd Website: www.Scarlessnose.com 🎧 If you want to build something elite—not average—this episode is a must listen.

Taxes are the single biggest expense most Americans will ever face—and yet almost no one is taught how they really work. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Mark J. Kohler, renowned Main Street tax attorney, to break down how the tax code is designed to reward certain behaviors—and how everyday entrepreneurs can legally take advantage of it. This conversation covers: Why side hustles unlock powerful tax advantages How small business owners can dramatically reduce their effective tax rate The difference between delegating taxes and leading your tax strategy Why depreciation, real estate, and alternative investments matter How wealthy individuals think differently about money and taxes Why the tax code incentivizes entrepreneurship, housing, and investment Mark explains that the tax system isn’t broken—it’s behavior-based. Those who understand the rules use them to build wealth, while everyone else overpays out of fear or ignorance. If you’re a business owner, investor, or building a side hustle, this episode will change how you think about money—and what you keep. Guest:Mark J. Kohler – Tax Attorney & EntrepreneurWebsite: markjkohler.com