Episodes

  • [Ep#415] Transforming Lives Through Sharing Your Origin & Other Stories

    [Ep#415] Transforming Lives Through Sharing Your Origin & Other Stories
    Feb 6 2025
    Join Carrie West as she sits down with Annemarie Cross to explore the power of personal stories—no matter how small—and their ability to inspire hope and connection. Carrie reflects on the importance of moving away from fear-driven headlines and finding platforms that celebrate uplifting news. Annemarie shares her remarkable journey, from being a curious child adopted from a nunnery to becoming a passionate podcaster. She opens up about pivotal moments, including a life-changing accident that shifted her career and shaped her path. This conversation highlights the power of sharing stories, the courage it takes to open up, and the growth that comes from connecting with others. If you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur ready to unlock the potential of your own story, this episode is packed with strategies to fuel your personal and professional growth. Here are key takeaways: Impact Beyond Circumstances: Your origin story holds unique experiences that can inspire others. Each of us has faced challenges that have shaped who we are today. Sharing these challenges not only fosters connection but can provide hope and guidance to someone navigating similar paths. Curiosity as a Driving Force: Embrace the passion to learn and grow. My curiosity from an early age led me to the podcasting world, a space where I continue to learn from others' stories, experiences, and insights. Stay curious; it's a portal to discovering opportunities and sparking innovation. Fail Forward to Succeed: Transform your failures into stepping stones. My greatest business failure turned into a learning experience, paving the way for new ventures and the opportunity to empower others with the lessons learned. Let your setbacks fuel future success. Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Additional Resources: 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and/or book a time to chat. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Linkedin Instagram Facebook To staying ambitious, Annemarie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • [Ep#414] Five Essential Business Strategies to Thrive in 2025

    [Ep#414] Five Essential Business Strategies to Thrive in 2025
    Jan 25 2025
    Welcome to the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! I’m Annemarie Cross, and today, I’m sharing five essential strategies to help your business stand out and thrive in 2025. In an ever-changing business landscape, creating a stellar customer experience is no longer optional—it’s a must. Every interaction, from first contact to ongoing support, needs to leave your clients feeling valued and understood. These strategies will ensure your business becomes the trusted choice when your ideal client is ready to take the next step We’ll look at how to move away from the outdated "numbers game" mentality, the importance of robust CRM systems to streamline your processes, and how to nurture potential clients through longer buying cycles. I’ll also discuss how to build trust and credibility in a world where skepticism is on the rise and how segmenting your audience can help you craft messaging that speaks directly to their needs. Drawing from my own experience, I’ll share practical tips, proven tools, and insights into the systems I use in my business. Whether it’s creating meaningful customer touchpoints, preparing for podcast appearances, or building stronger connections with your audience, these strategies will equip you to achieve sustainable success in the year ahead. Let’s get started on building a business that thrives in 2025! Here are key takeaways: It’s No Longer Just a Numbers Game: Consumers want to feel valued, not just counted. Shift your mindset to view each person as an individual and ensure every single touch point in your communication strategy shows empathy and value. Your ideal clients will thank you by becoming loyal followers and customers. Brace for a Longer Customer Buying Cycle: With longer buying cycles, it's essential to have a robust CRM system in place to nurture potential clients effectively. Consider tools like ITL Technologies to manage your customer relationships and marketing initiatives seamlessly. Overcome Growing Skepticism: In an increasingly skeptical market, trustworthiness and authenticity are your best allies. Be transparent in your communications and ensure your content reflects your unique expertise. AI can support you, but it can't replace your personal touch. Develop a Robust Communications Strategy: Stay top of mind with your audience by integrating diverse communication tactics. Segment your audience to tailor your messages specifically to their needs and interests. Regular newsletters, masterclasses, and community engagement can help maintain strong connections. Build an Unforgettable Brand: Your brand should be unique and uncopyable. Define your brand personality and characteristics that make you stand out. Showcase your distinct qualities and stories to become the choice for your dream client. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Continue the conversation about this podcast episode over on our Community! Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Additional Resources: 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and/or book a time to chat. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Linkedin Instagram Facebook To staying ambitious, Annemarie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • [Ep#413] How Sharing Your Story Can Lead to a Successful Business

    [Ep#413] How Sharing Your Story Can Lead to a Successful Business
    Jan 16 2025
    What if the key to unlocking your business’s next big breakthrough wasn’t a new strategy or tool—but your own personal story? Let’s learn how sharing your journey can elevate your brand, build trust, and create opportunities you never imagined. Our guest, Melanie Horsham, is an independent publisher and book marketing strategist who’s made it her mission to help people harness the impact of their stories. Melanie’s career is nothing short of fascinating—starting in Hollywood with celebrity PR, moving into journalism and radio news, and eventually designing and manufacturing breastfeeding clothing. Her journey wasn’t without its struggles, including the tough decision to close her business after a disappointing marketing experience. But those challenges fueled her passion for helping others share their stories through books. In this conversation, you’ll learn why your story is one of the most valuable assets you have, how publishing a book can elevate your brand, and the surprising ways it builds trust and credibility. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional, Melanie’s insights will inspire you to embrace your narrative and turn it into a powerful tool for success. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters or how to use it to grow your business, you’re about to find out. Let’s welcome Melanie Horsham and explore how your story can make a lasting impact! Here are three key takeaways to enhance your storytelling in business: Authenticity Over Polished Content: Consumers are increasingly skeptical of overproduced marketing. Trust is built on authenticity and genuine connections, as revealed by Edelman's research. Conversations Trump Funnels: When it comes to high-ticket sales and services, personal conversations and relationships are far more effective than traditional funnels and automated systems. Introverts as Networking Pros: Podcasts offer a powerful platform for introverts to network, allowing for meaningful one-on-one conversations without the overwhelm of traditional networking events. RESOURCES: Continue the conversation over on our Community! Book in for an Authority Audit 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/Roundtable Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Annemarie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • [Ep#412] Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health for Christian Entrepreneurs

    [Ep#412] Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health for Christian Entrepreneurs
    Jan 10 2025
    Originally featured on The Christian Entrepreneurs Podcast, I’m excited to share this episode here on the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show too! Karen Crowell and I dive deep into the intersection of faith and business, exploring how to overcome burnout, stay motivated, and care for your well-being. I hope these insights and practical strategies inspire and encourage you to thrive in your business while staying true to your values. Here are the key takeaways for this episode: Spiritual and Emotional Resilience: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. Health and Productivity: We discussed the importance of addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Faith and Community: We shared personal experiences and strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience, especially when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by current global events. RESOURCES: Continue the discussion over at https://www.facebook.com/DestinyStrategies Join our Community over on www.AmbitiousEntrepreneurNetwork.com/Community and access free training to help you be positioned in the right way so you can go from Invisible to Influential Trusted Authority – THE choice. Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • [Ep#411] 2024 Success & Setbacks: Annemarie Cross & Karen Crowell Reflect

    [Ep#411] 2024 Success & Setbacks: Annemarie Cross & Karen Crowell Reflect
    Jan 3 2025
    Now that 2025 is here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the challenges, milestones, and lessons that shaped the past year. 2024 has been full of challenges, milestones, and lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. In this month’s episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, I’m thrilled to sit down with my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Karen Crowell, for a heartfelt conversation we’ve titled "2024 Reflection Successes." Karen and I share the highs and lows of the year—everything from juggling health and business to celebrating personal wins like launching group coaching programs and exploring new passions. We open up about the obstacles we’ve faced and the lessons we’ve learned, hoping to inspire and empower you as you plan for the year ahead. I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities that 2025 holds. It’s a fresh start, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way with practical strategies, meaningful insights, and the resources you need to thrive. Join us for this episode—it’s the perfect chance to pause, reflect, and refuel. Let’s make 2025 a year filled with growth, success, and purpose together. Here are three key takeaways to enhance your storytelling in business: The Balancing Act: Their challenges, from navigating illness to finding harmony between home life and business. Health & Productivity: Tips on integrating wellness into your entrepreneurial journey. Financial Wisdom: Strategies for fostering fiscal clarity and reducing stress through profit-first principles. RESOURCES: Continue the conversation over on our Community! Book in for an Authority Audit 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/Roundtable Enjoy This Podcast?If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Annemarie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • [Ep#410] The Importance of Rest & Self-Care to Heal and Restore

    [Ep#410] The Importance of Rest & Self-Care to Heal and Restore
    Dec 26 2024
    Welcome to the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! I’m your host, Annemarie Cross, and in today’s episode, I’m sharing a very personal update. I recently took a break from podcasting after life threw us a serious curveball—my husband’s health took a turn, leading us on an unexpected journey of discovery. We learned that his health issues were linked to mercury toxicity from dental fillings, and we began exploring naturopathy for detox and overall wellness. But that wasn’t all. Along the way, I discovered that I, too, suffer from EMF sensitivity, which sparked a deeper interest in herbal medicine. I’ve even started growing my own herbal remedies and launched a new brand called Restore Rophe, dedicated to creating natural products for healing. In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of our holistic health journey, share the launch of my new business ventures, and discuss how we’re helping coaches and consultants increase their visibility and attract more clients. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek at the Industry Thought Leader Technologies launching in 2025—a game-changer for streamlining business operations. So, grab a cup of tea and join me as I explore the power of a unique, authentic message, the importance of self-care, and how blending natural remedies with professional expertise can truly make a difference in our lives and businesses. It’s all happening right here on the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show!! Here are 3 Key Takeaways from her latest episode: Holistic Health and Wellness: Our family's battle with mercury toxicity led me to delve deep into herbal medicine and holistic remedies. I've even started my own garden and launched a brand of herbal teas called "Restore Rophe." Emphasizing the healing properties of nature aligns closely with my Christian beliefs, and I urge everyone to consult open-minded health professionals for a balanced approach to wellness. Empowering Entrepreneurs with Technology: I've partnered with a U.S.-based business to create Industry Thought Leader Technologies, an all-in-one platform for coaches and consultants. This robust system includes CRM, automated emails, a calendar system, and more, aimed at helping businesses scale efficiently and effectively. Stay tuned for the full launch in 2025 Visibility and Authority: For those feeling underrecognized despite their expertise, I've developed free training and resources to help you build a unique, memorable brand and nurture podcast listeners into leads. Our aim is to position you as a trusted authority in your industry. Learn more and join our community at ambitiousentrepreneurnetwork.com/community. RESOURCES: PodcastingWithPurpose Community Invisible to Influential Trusted Authority with a Podcast 5-Day Live Intensive Enjoy This Podcast?If you enjoyed today's episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • [Ep#409] Why Quality Over Quantity Matters for Introverted Marketers

    [Ep#409] Why Quality Over Quantity Matters for Introverted Marketers
    Sep 12 2024
    Welcome to another episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show! Joining me is Tom Schwab, a podcast interview marketing expert and the founder of Interview Valet. Together, we’ll highlight the unique strengths introverts bring to podcasting, the benefits of meaningful conversations versus high-pressure sales tactics, and the importance of authenticity and personal connection in today’s world. Tom will shed light on why traditional sales funnels often miss the mark and how building genuine relationships and a solid reputation can be more effective. We’ll also discuss the fantastic networking opportunities that podcasting provides for introverts, offering a way to forge deep connections without the stress of conventional networking events. Whether you’re an introverted marketer looking to make meaningful connections or seeking new ways to build your business, this episode is a must-listen! Don’t miss out on practical tips, resources, and expert advice to help you thrive on your entrepreneurial journey! Here are three key takeaways to enhance your storytelling in business: Authenticity Over Polished Content: Consumers are increasingly skeptical of overproduced marketing. Trust is built on authenticity and genuine connections, as revealed by Edelman's research. Conversations Trump Funnels: When it comes to high-ticket sales and services, personal conversations and relationships are far more effective than traditional funnels and automated systems. Introverts as Networking Pros: Podcasts offer a powerful platform for introverts to network, allowing for meaningful one-on-one conversations without the overwhelm of traditional networking events. RESOURCES: Continue the conversation over on our Community! Book in for an Authority Audit 5 Pillars to Build Visibility, Generate Leads and Enrol Clients with Ease Quiz Are You Ready to Launch Your Coaching Business Podcast? Take the Quiz www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/Roundtable Jump straight to these golden nuggets: 05:54 Podcasting is about deep, meaningful conversations for introverts. 08:16 Funnel promises are misleading; conversations build connections. 12:50 People prefer authentic, less polished content overproduced material. 15:35 Authenticity crucial in post-AI world. FTC monitoring. 18:23 Competence, relevance, authenticity, expertise, and building trusted authority. 20:30 Algorithms consider sentiment and share of voice. 25:41 Targeting podcast listeners ensures relevant, engaged audience. 29:48 Podcast interview marketing boosts recognition and SEO. 30:56 Podcasting is beneficial for introverts' networking. Enjoy This Podcast? If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Annemarie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • [Ep#408] Debunking Buzzwords & Finding True Fulfillment

    [Ep#408] Debunking Buzzwords & Finding True Fulfillment
    May 9 2024
    What’s the real POWER of an origin story? Storytelling in business isn't just about telling what happened but creating a story that connects with people on an emotional level. As entrepreneurs, we can use storytelling to create powerful stories that do more than just share what the business does—they let people see and feel the business's culture and values. This is especially important today when there are so many businesses out there and standing out is more difficult. Today, we have a compelling conversation lined up with life coach Carrie West, who utilizes her extensive background in the entertainment industry to enhance personal and business storytelling. Carrie, who is also the author of the forthcoming "Memoir of an Ordinary Person and the Stories That Changed Her Life," shares her expert insights on the transformative power of origin stories for both personal development and business success. She shares how these narratives emotionally motivate us, and their crucial role in connecting with investors, attracting customers, and influencing corporate culture. This episode reminds us that in business, personal stories that connect with people on an emotional level are crucial for building lasting relationships and inspiring others. Here are three key takeaways to enhance your storytelling in business: Rebuild & Engage: Transform and rebuild your business’s origin story to engage your audience effectively. Find compelling elements in your story that intrigue and connect on a personal level. Authentic Delivery: Focus on honest and authentic communication when sharing your story. Avoid overly polished narratives that may seem rehearsed. Authenticity creates trust and builds a deeper connection with your audience. Embrace Imperfections: Don't shy away from admitting communication flaws; instead, partner with someone who complements your storytelling style. Realness in your approach can significantly attract and retain interest from investors and customers alike. Enjoy This Podcast?If you enjoyed today's episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: Company website Instagram Facebook Join our Community of Change Makers Twitter Linkedin To staying ambitious, Annemarie The post [Ep#408] Debunking Buzzwords & Finding True Fulfillment on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins