Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)

Julie Solomon didn’t just see entrepreneurs struggling with Instagram marketing; she lived the frustration herself. Despite growing an audience, her revenue stalled until she invested $25K in high-level mentorship and uncovered the real drivers of social media growth. Within nine months, she scaled from $250K to $1.3M and now shares her strategy with other creator entrepreneurs. In this episode, Julie reveals how to build a magnetic Instagram brand, boost engagement, and convert followers into paying customers regardless of your audience size. In this episode, Hala and Julie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:52) Redefining Visibility in Influencer Marketing (07:53) The Importance of Value-Driven Content (12:38) Foundations for Magnetic Instagram Branding (19:05) Building a Profitable Instagram Ecosystem (26:19) Automating Instagram Sales and Messaging (35:46) Monetizing Small Audiences on Social Media (48:07) Marketing Tips for Boosting Engagement (52:05) Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Mastermind (59:23) Manifestation Practices for Entrepreneurs’ Success Julie Solomon is a brand strategist, bestselling author, and host of the Woman of Influence podcast, where she helps entrepreneurs grow their visibility and monetize their influence. A trusted voice for aspiring influencers and established creatives, she is known for her expertise in content creation, social media strategy, and personal branding. Julie has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider, and was named one of the top 100 leaders in influence marketing by Influence Co. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/design and use code PROFITING Intuit QuickBooks - Bring your money and your books together in one platform at QuickBooks.com/money  Resources Mentioned: Julie’s Website: juliesolomon.net  Julie’s Instagram: instagram.com/julssolomon  Julie’s Podcast, Woman of Influence: bit.ly/WOI-apple  Julie’s Book, Get What You Want: bit.ly/GWUWant  Julie’s Program, The Revenue Growth Lab: juliesolomon.net/profiting   Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, SEO, E-commerce, LinkedIn, Digital Marketing, Content Creator, Storytelling, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Communication, Video Marketing, Social Proof, Marketing Trends, Digital Trends, Content Marketing, Online Marketing, Marketing Podcast  

Brock Johnson was passionate about social media and surrounded by influencers, yet it took nearly a decade of consistent content creation before he finally went viral on Instagram. Through years of trial and error, he cracked the code for organic growth on the platform. In this episode, Brock shares his blueprint for Instagram success, breaking down how the algorithm works and debunking common myths. He also reveals the secret to creating high-performing content that will take your social media to the next level. In this episode, Hala and Brock will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:25) Instagram’s Algorithm in 2025 (08:23) From NFL Dreams to Entrepreneurship (14:53) The Hidden Path to Social Media Growth (20:52) Effective Instagram Growth Strategies (31:21) Overcoming the Unending Hustle for Followers (35:38) How to Monetize with a Small Following (37:47) Diversifying Revenue Streams as a Content Creator (39:54) The Attract–Nurture–Convert Content Framework (45:17) The Formula for High-Performing Instagram Stories (50:10) Content Creation Hacks That Work Brock Johnson is an Instagram growth coach, entrepreneur, and content creator, known for helping individuals and businesses succeed on social media. With nearly a million followers, he has mastered content marketing and monetization, regardless of audience size. In 2023, Brock began consulting for Meta on Instagram features and creator tools. He co-hosts the Build Your Tribe podcast and co-founded InstaClubHub, a top Instagram coaching membership with tens of thousands of members. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Quo - Get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/PROFITING  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  Merit Beauty - Go to meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host Resources Mentioned: Brock’s Instagram: instagram.com/brock11johnson  YAP E291 with GaryVee: youngandprofiting.co/E291  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, SEO, E-commerce, LinkedIn, Digital Marketing, Storytelling, Advertising, Communication, Video Marketing, Social Proof, Marketing Trends, Influencer Marketing, Marketing Tips, Digital Trends, Online Marketing, Marketing podcast

Now on Spotify Video! Most people have been using AI for decades, but only a few understand how to leverage it. After more than 40 years in the field, Stephen Wolfram has seen how breakthroughs like ChatGPT seem to emerge out of nowhere, and he believes the real power isn’t the technology itself, but learning how to think in a way machines can work with. In this episode of the AI Vault series, Stephen breaks down how artificial intelligence truly works, what the future of automation will look like,  and why mastering computational thinking is the next critical skill for entrepreneurs and innovators. In this episode, Hala and Stephen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:31) His Early Fascination With Science and AI (05:52) How Artificial Intelligence Began (14:18) The Foundations of Computational Thinking (21:31) The Role of Computational Thinking in AI (25:52) How ChatGPT and Neural Networks Work (33:45) Can AI Develop Real Consciousness? (39:23) How AI Will Transform the Future of Work (45:27) Will AI in Action Surpass Human Intelligence? Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, mathematician, theoretical physicist, and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. He created Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, and the Wolfram Language, and is widely recognized for his pioneering work in computation and complex systems. A MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient, Stephen has authored several influential books, including What Is ChatGPT Doing? Today, he stands as one of the leading voices shaping global understanding of AI and computational thinking. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/design and use code PROFITING Intuit QuickBooks - Bring your money and your books together in one platform at QuickBooks.com/money  Resources Mentioned: Stephen's Book, What Is ChatGPT Doing?: bit.ly/-ChatGPT  Stephen’s Website: stephenwolfram.com  Stephen's Book, A New Kind of Science: bit.ly/NKScience  Stephen's Book, An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language: bit.ly/WolframL  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, AI Marketing, Prompt, AI in Business, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs, AI Podcast 

Now on Spotify video! Starting a business is brutally hard, and Kevin O’Leary is a living example of that truth. Despite early failures, he went on to build and sell The Learning Company for $4.2 billion in one of the most competitive tech markets in history. As an investor in over 50 companies, he can spot true entrepreneurs from a mile away and knows exactly what it takes to stay in the game. In this episode, Kevin exposes the harsh realities of entrepreneurship and shares the essential traits, skills, and strategies that separate successful founders from those who fail. In this episode, Hala and Kevin will discuss: (00:00) His Early Life and Path to Entrepreneurship (06:04) Kevin’s Rules for Scaling Beyond $5M (14:05) Lessons From a $4.2B Business Exit (22:37) Transitioning From Operator to Investor (27:42) Managing the Highs and Lows in Business (32:32) What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur? (36:51) Rating the Traits of True Entrepreneurs (46:29) High-Performance Habits for Entrepreneurs (01:01:16) The Power of Creator Entrepreneurship Kevin O’Leary is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and television personality, best known as “Mr. Wonderful” on ABC’s Shark Tank. He co-founded and built The Learning Company, which was later sold for $4.2 billion, making it one of the largest tech exits of its time. Kevin is also the Chairman of O’Leary Ventures, as well as a bestselling author, global speaker, and advocate for entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Northwest Registered Agent - Build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes at northwestregisteredagent.com/paidyap Framer - Publish beautiful and production-ready websites. Go to Framer.com/design and use code PROFITING Intuit QuickBooks - Bring your money and your books together in one platform at QuickBooks.com/money  Resources Mentioned: Kevin's Website: kevinoleary.com   Kevin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinolearyshark   Kevin's Instagram: instagram.com/kevinolearytv/?hl=en    Kevin's YouTube: youtube.com/channel  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Side Hustle, Startup, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

After being laid off, Michelle Tillis Lederman landed a new job in just three days, thanks to her mindset of intentional relationship-building, not luck. That experience inspired her to create the “Connector’s Advantage,” a framework for building authentic connections that drive faster and better results. In this episode, Michelle reveals how organizations struggling with team building can foster genuine human connection, especially in remote or hybrid workplaces. She also breaks down the seven mindsets of “connectors” alongside practical networking strategies that really pay off. In this episode, Hala and Michelle will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Why Connection Is the New Superpower (06:31) How to Evolve From Networker to Super Connector (11:15) How Openness Builds Trust and Connection (20:44) Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Skill (24:25) The Power of Vision and Intentional Connection (30:24) How to Ask for What You Want (44:26) Networking Tactics to Add Real Value (48:37) Staying Connected in a Hybrid Workplace Michelle Tillis Lederman is a nationally recognized expert in workplace communication, networking, and leadership. She is a keynote speaker, author, corporate trainer, and the CEO and founder of Executive Essentials, a company that provides customized communication and leadership programs. Her book, The Connector’s Advantage, teaches how building strong relationships leads to faster, easier, and better results in both business and life. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Quo - Get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/PROFITING  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  Merit Beauty - Go to meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Resources Mentioned: Michelle’s Book, The Connector’s Advantage: bit.ly/ConnectAdvantag  Michelle’s Book, The 11 Laws of Likability: bit.ly/LawsofLikability  Michelle’s Website: michelletillislederman.com Michelle’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/communicationexpertspeaker  Michelle’s Instagram: instagram.com/mtlederman  Michelle’s YouTube: youtube.com/user/michellelederman  YAP E165 with Daniel Goleman: youngandprofiting.co/EI  YAP E194 with Michelle Lederman: youngandprofiting.co/GrowUrNetwork  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, Time Management, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Leadership Skills, Strategic Planning