The Trading Post podcast unlocks the secret formula to transforming business cards into profitable relationships using a simple, measurable strategy that works at any networking event.

• Approach networking events with the "40 card challenge" - emptying your left pocket of business cards while filling your right pocket with prospects
• Most people fail at networking because they collect cards but never follow up properly
• Calculating your true ROI helps determine which events are worth your time investment
• Simple equation: (deal value) ÷ (hours invested including prep/event/follow-up) = your hourly ROI
• Memorable elevator pitches like "We'll put the seat down" for plumbers create instant connections
• Use a permanent marker to note conversation topics on the back of collected cards
• Follow up within 24-48 hours with personalized emails referencing specific conversations
• Digital alternatives like LinkedIn connections and NFC cards are changing networking dynamics
• The key to networking success is viewing it as an investment with measurable returns

Email your networking success stories to be featured in a future episode.

Send us a text

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

We dive into the reality of using LinkedIn for lead generation and why audio content might be making a surprising comeback while video content becomes less effective for busy professionals.

• LinkedIn claims 80% of B2B leads originate there, but regional businesses may find better results on local platforms like Alignable
• AI-powered prospecting shows 30% higher conversion rates when properly implemented
• Video content gets higher engagement but requires significant time investment for both creators and viewers
• Audio-only content is experiencing a resurgence as people seek to reduce screen time
• Business forecasting parallels the recent tsunami prediction – preparation matters, but overreacting to hype wastes resources
• Consistency trumps production quality in podcasting – create 100 episodes before expecting significant results

Check out Michigan Renaissance Festival starting August 16th and join our in-person networking group on the first Thursday of each month called Networking with Kids – find us on Eventbrite, Alignable, and Meetup

Send us a text

The Michigan Renaissance Festival
Experience the Michigan Renaissance Festival, where history and fantasy collide!

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.

We reflect on the journey of podcasting and content creation, comparing it to gardening where growth happens invisibly at first but eventually blossoms with patience and persistence.

• Recently reached milestone of 25 podcast episodes
• Importance of properly crediting sources in podcast content
• Growth in podcasting takes time, just like plants need weeks to emerge from soil
• Most "overnight successes" like Joe Rogan actually had years of brand-building first
• Much of viral internet content uses fake engagement from click farms
• Creating content with purpose is more sustainable than chasing algorithm rewards
• Episodes can gain traction months later when keywords become relevant

Keep planting your seeds and recording your episodes.

From Article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/plant-seeds-even-you-dont-see-growth-yet-gary-jones-dkcle

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links—including our LinkedIn, MetroTrading.com, and Michigan Renaissance Festival info—at:
https://linktr.ee/traderstu

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

© 2025 The Trading Post Podcast. All rights reserved.