The Trading Post

I’m trying to stop the endless cycle of hiring, training, and turnover by leaning into AI-driven outreach instead of adding another sales rep. I walk through what I’m testing with Apollo.io, what went wrong on my first run, and how I’m rebuilding my lead list and email sequence to reach real local decision makers.  • why staffing flakiness makes owners do every job at once  • choosing automation o...

We share a real-world update on shifting from trying to hire sales reps to testing an AI agent for cold outreach and sales prospecting. We walk through what we have set up so far, what is already working, and what still feels messy as we try to scale follow-up without sounding like a robot.  • why hiring sales reps stalls when applicants ghost interviews  • using Apollo AI to run consistent cold e...

We’re trying to hire outside sales reps across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, and the “nobody wants to work” problem hits different when you’re the one posting the job. We lay out what cold calling looks like right now, why job boards feel like pay-to-play, and why we’re testing AI agents to keep MetroTrade growing for our members.  • why we’re hiring and why we can’t cover every city ours...

A water main break turns into a real-time stress test for local small businesses and a reminder that community awareness can reveal trade opportunities. I also share how I’m changing my sales approach with 1099 reps and AI tools so Metro Trading Association can grow without relying on endless cold calling.  • local state of emergency and how outages hit revenue, staff income, and inventory loss  •...

We share a real-time update on how we’re changing our marketing plan and why we’re building a sales force instead of trying to do everything ourselves. We break down how interns and 1099 outside sales reps can help grow a B2B trade exchange across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. • shifting away from relying on SEO and leaning into podcast-driven marketing • hiring 1099 contract outside sale...

We talk through how small businesses can barter to grow, market, and protect cash when costs like gas rise fast. We also share a real example of trading for local TV exposure and why relationships and networking still beat fancy tactics.  • using trade dollars to scale without spending cash  • trading for local TV features to build brand recognition  • why barter feels “old school” and how it is r...

Discover the sales and marketing strategies that actually drive career growth. In this episode, we break down the proven frameworks, mindsets, and practical tactics that top performers use to sell smarter, market with clarity, and build long‑term momentum. You’ll learn why obsession outperforms ideas, how to design a role around your energy, and why consistency beats chasing viral moments. We cove...

We explore how buying products on trade and selling for cash turns a neighborhood coffee roaster into a mini marketplace with strong margins and steady foot traffic. We share the Deer Camp story, compare it with big-brand marketing, and map out how local vendors can plug in fast. • buying on trade, selling for cash as a cashflow lever • Deer Camp’s curated local goods and café experience • how tra...

We share a simple system to turn a focused podcast into a self-sustaining flywheel for trust, leads, and reach. From choosing one core job to repurposing, micro CTAs, and meaningful metrics, we lay out a path that avoids burnout and builds momentum. • choosing one clear purpose for the show • structuring episodes around a single listener problem • guiding action with light, helpful CTAs • repurpos...

We track how global turbulence flows straight to main street and turn it into a clear playbook for small businesses. From supply chain fragility to AI leverage and selective consumer demand, we map risks, spot signals, and share steps to move faster with less stress. • geoeconomic confrontation shaping rules and routes • small business optimism vs hazy outlook • AI adoption as a speed and scale le...

We break down how to use a podcast as a focused marketing tool by picking one goal, delivering value first, and guiding listeners with clear, helpful CTAs. Along the way, we talk audio quality, repurposing, titles that win search, and building a simple flywheel from episode to offer. • choosing one primary outcome for your show • structuring value-first episodes around specific problems • using mi...

We explore how a messy backyard garden, township rules, and a few hard winters pushed us from lone-wolf prepping toward a service-first vision: a practical “ministry of prepping” that blends safety, community, and real skills. Strawberries, wood stoves, and one pastor’s nudge turn setbacks into a plan to help families and veterans build something resilient together. • shifting from SEO to podcasti...

We share a fast, practical way to turn post-holiday overstock into real value using barter, consignment, and smart capacity planning. A 3D printing maker, a nonprofit partner, and a trade network show how to avoid clearance losses and keep cash in the bank. • converting unsold holiday stock into trade value • using consignment to move kiosk surplus • leveraging 3D printing for prototypes and rare...

We examine how deepfakes blur reality, why detectors can’t guarantee truth, and what proof still matters when anyone can clone a voice. Then we map a practical winter reset: less automation, more in‑person trust, and using podcasting as a bridge to real‑world networks. • deepfake tools outpacing detection • proof of life through liveness and gestures • winter as a reset for honest metrics • pitfal...

We lay out a simple path to turn a small garden into a resilience engine for home and business, using low-input systems and smart barter to protect cash flow. Global shocks set the stage, but the focus stays local with practical steps that work without constant power or spend. • just-in-time risks and why buffers matter • choosing low-input methods like no-till and wicking beds • what to grow for...

We launch season four by reframing prepping as a competitive edge for entrepreneurs and B2B operators. Real stories from Ukraine, Lebanon and Afghanistan reveal how continuity plans, barter networks and remote-first systems turn crises into growth. • sponsors and NPC Game tie-in with Get Prepped • prepping as a business strategy, not fear • conflict zone case studies with measurable growth • logis...

We share how a simple, audio-only podcast outpaced SEO, educated prospects on B2B trade, and opened doors to sponsors and even a video game cameo. The workflow stays light, the topics align with real searches, and distribution meets listeners where they already network. • origin story of Trader Stew and early businesses • why podcasting over SEO for educating prospects • how trade credits and fees...

We share why a substitute teaching plan got scrapped and why we doubled down on B2B trade. We unpack the empty lunch rush, tipping fatigue, and how restaurants use vouchers and breakage to turn quiet hours into revenue. • credit-hour roadblock ends sub teaching plan • recommitment to trading network and podcast marketing • signs of recession and local gym closure • fading lunch rush and shifting d...

We push into the hard edges of SNAP: who it helps, who it misses, and how incentives shape what ends up on the table. From $292 to $975, from whole loins to rice and beans, we test frugal tools, rant about fast food EBT, and ask for real stories from the field. • why discomfort can drive progress and comfort can stall it • how SNAP amounts compare to real grocery costs • eating well on less using...

We share what worked and what didn’t while prepping and hosting a trade show, plus why we shipped a flawed audio episode to keep momentum. We dig into pay-per-appointment cold calling, LinkedIn access risks, and how to scale outreach without burning trust. • choosing cadence over perfect audio to keep growth • trade show highlights and why paying for setup wins • real-world barter value from fridg...

We explain why sponsoring niche podcasters and YouTubers beats mass ads for small businesses and local services. We share pricing ranges, performance tactics like affiliate links, and how authenticity drives trust and conversion. • housekeeping, health update, and sponsorship changes • local referrals and side projects including game trailer and indoor media billboards • limited-time free ad scree...

After a brief hiatus due to illness, I return to discuss my career pivot and new entrepreneurial plans. I'm scaling back my work at Metro Trading Association to pursue substitute teaching and explore starting a cottage food business. • Transitioning to part-time work at MTA due to changing economic landscape • Starting substitute teaching as a stable career option amidst AI advancements • Pla...

Sustainability means more than recycling—sometimes it's about getting creative and maximizing what you already have, whether it's grilling equipment or business resources. • The dilemma of repairing versus replacing a Weber kettle with rusted vents • How spending $126 on repairs proved better than $1,800 on a new gravity smoker • Preserving valuable accessories, knowledge, and muscle mem...

Trader Stu reveals how business barter creates opportunities for new customers and partnerships while sharing his journey using podcasting instead of SEO to market his business. He discusses innovative marketing strategies and shares exciting local events happening at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. • Using barter as a powerful business growth tool that isn't taught in business schools • P...

We unlock the secrets of business-to-business trade through powerful networking strategies and explore using podcasts as a marketing tool instead of relying solely on SEO. • Working from home while dealing with family health challenges demonstrates today's business flexibility • Renaissance Festival sponsorship provides free tickets in exchange for podcast promotions • New partnership with an...