In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Ameet Khabra, the founder of HopSkip Media, a leading digital advertising agency. Ameet shares her inspiring journey of breaking into the digital marketing world at just 19 and building an agency that has managed over $4.3 million in ad spend.Ameet discusses how she transitioned from running an event planning company to becoming a Google Ads expert, eventually founding HopSkip Media. She recounts her early days managing up to 68 accounts solo and navigating the complexities of Google Ads, including trips to Silicon Valley to collaborate with Google itself. Along the way, she developed a reputation for simplifying paid advertising strategies and delivering exceptional results for her clients.This episode dives into Ameet’s unique approach to client retention, her insights on the evolving landscape of PPC (pay-per-click) advertising, and her thoughts on how AI and automation are shaping the future of digital marketing. Whether you're a business owner looking to optimize your ad spend or a marketer eager to stay ahead of industry trends, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and expert insights.Key Discussion Points:Building an ad agency from scratch: Ameet’s journey from freelancing to managing millions in ad spend.The importance of tracking conversions: Why businesses must avoid "blind" advertising.Negative keywords and their role in optimizing ad performance.Why Google Ads isn’t “set it and forget it”: The critical need for daily monitoring.How Ameet's team balances automation with human oversight in PPC campaigns.The challenges and opportunities presented by AI in digital advertising.Differences between Google Ads and Meta Ads: Choosing the right platform for your business.Common mistakes businesses make when running ads—and how to avoid them.Why communication is key in client-agency relationships.The future of PPC: Insights into upcoming trends like Performance Max and Search Max.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Consulting Spotlight for weekly insights from industry leaders! Visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to join our bi-weekly newsletter featuring exclusive data, trends, and expert interviews straight to your inbox every Monday and Friday. Stay ahead in your consulting career with actionable strategies you can trust.

In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Lorrie Thomas Ross, founder and CEO of Web Marketing Therapy, to explore her transformative journey from luxury retail sales to becoming a renowned marketing therapist. Lorrie shares how her early career in sales at Saks Fifth Avenue unexpectedly led her into the fast-paced world of internet marketing during the dot-com boom. She discusses the evolution of her business, from its inception to becoming a trusted partner for intentional leaders seeking clarity and results in their marketing strategies.Lorrie delves into the art and science of marketing, emphasizing the importance of aligning branding with values and purpose. She explains how her firm’s unique approach—focused on credibility, usability, visibility, sellability, and scalability—has helped clients achieve remarkable results, including doubling revenues and creating sustainable growth strategies. With nearly two decades of experience, Lorrie also highlights the role of personal branding, digital PR, and AI in today’s marketing landscape.Whether you're a solopreneur or part of a large organization, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your marketing efforts while staying true to your brand's mission.Key Discussion Points:Transitioning from luxury retail to digital marketing during the dot-com boomFounding Web Marketing Therapy and creating a values-driven agencyThe five-factor framework for marketing success: credibility, usability, visibility, sellability, scalabilityThe importance of personal branding and thought leadership in modern marketingHow AI is reshaping search and content strategiesCommon mistakes businesses make when hiring marketing professionalsThe role of long-term investment in advertising and programmatic channelsReal-life client success stories: from rebranding to doubling revenueBalancing creativity with analytics for effective campaignsTips for identifying the right marketing partner for your businessStay Connected: Subscribe to Consulting Spotlight for weekly insights from industry leaders. Visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to join our bi-weekly newsletter featuring actionable data, trends, and expert interviews. Stay ahead in your consulting career with exclusive resources delivered straight to your inbox.

 In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Marla Ballard, CEO of U2 Shine, a pioneer in quantum personal development. Marla shares her transformative journey from navigating personal trauma to becoming a top-performing entrepreneur and leader in the field of quantum coaching.Raised on a Kentucky farm and later facing immense challenges as a military spouse, Marla reveals how she rebuilt her life after her husband’s injury in Iraq. She started a wellness business, became a top producer in her field, and eventually discovered the power of quantum personal development. This led her to work with U2 Shine founder Victoria Rader, where she not only healed but also unlocked new levels of personal and professional success. Today, Marla leads U2 Shine’s team of 17 coaches, serving clients globally with innovative programs that blend energy work, universal laws, and practical strategies.Marla explains how quantum personal development helps individuals align their energy with their goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and achieve holistic success. From expanding mental faculties to leveraging gratitude and universal laws, she shares actionable insights for anyone looking to unlock their potential. Whether you’re a business leader or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, empowerment, and transformation.Key Discussion Points:Understanding quantum personal development: blending energy work with practical strategiesOvercoming limiting beliefs using universal laws and energy alignmentMarla’s journey from trauma to becoming CEO of U2 ShineThe role of gratitude in achieving goals and manifesting successHow U2 Shine’s Abundant Me program helps clients expand mental facultiesCustomizing coaching for diverse client needs across industriesThe importance of aligning personal energy with professional aspirationsPractical tools like the Empower Me app for daily empowermentInsights into working with veterans and small business ownersThe impact of healing trauma on unlocking leadership potentialStay Connected: Subscribe to Consulting Spotlight for weekly insights into consulting careers and strategies. Visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to join our bi-weekly newsletter featuring exclusive data, trends, and interviews. Stay ahead in your consulting journey with actionable advice delivered straight to your inbox!

In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Derek Hales, founder of NAPLAB, a groundbreaking platform for data-driven mattress testing and reviews. From his humble beginnings testing mattresses in his one-bedroom apartment to building a thriving business that has tested over 420 mattresses, Derek shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey.Derek recounts how a personal need for an affordable, high-quality mattress led him to create a website that quickly gained traction and evolved into a full-fledged business. With a focus on objective, quantifiable data, NAPLAB has transformed the way consumers shop for mattresses by providing transparent, unbiased reviews. Derek also highlights the critical role of his wife, who leveraged her expertise in mathematics to develop advanced tools and processes that power NAPLAB's operations.Throughout the conversation, Derek delves into the evolution of the mattress industry, from the rise of direct-to-consumer brands to advancements in materials and manufacturing. He also offers practical advice for consumers navigating the overwhelming world of mattress shopping and explains how NAPLAB's data-driven approach simplifies the decision-making process.Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or a consumer curious about what goes into finding the perfect mattress, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Key Discussion Points:Launching NAPLAB: From weekend hobby to thriving businessTesting over 420 mattresses: How Derek built a data-driven review systemThe rise of direct-to-consumer mattresses: A $15 billion industry transformationKey factors in choosing a mattress: Firmness, price, and materialsScaling operations: Leveraging automation and tools like WordPress and Google SheetsThe role of data: How objective metrics ensure unbiased reviewsManufacturing insights: Behind-the-scenes at U.S.-based factoriesThe importance of branding in a competitive marketLessons from transitioning from corporate SEO to entrepreneurshipHow AI and automation are shaping e-commerce businessesStay Connected Subscribe to Consulting Spotlight for weekly insights from industry leaders! Visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to stay updated. Our newsletter delivers actionable tips and exclusive content straight to your inbox every week. Don't miss out—join our community today!

In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, we sit down with Nicole Whittle, Vice President of Operations at Outforce AI, a groundbreaking B2B marketplace that connects clients with over 80,000 vetted agencies worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience in software technology consulting, Nicole has been at the forefront of innovation in industries such as insurance, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.Nicole shares her journey from traditional consulting to leading operations at Outforce AI, where she helps businesses find the perfect teams for their projects through a rigorous 10-step vetting process. She discusses the challenges organizations face when scaling technology solutions and how Outforce AI’s unique approach ensures success by matching clients with teams that align not just on technical expertise but also on culture and communication styles.Throughout the conversation, Nicole highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making, how her team leverages GenAI to enhance processes, and why creating “wow moments” for clients is integral to their mission. Whether you're a startup looking to scale or an enterprise seeking innovation, Nicole’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you approach team-building and project execution.Key Discussion Points:Discovering Nicole’s career path from consulting to VP at Outforce AIHow Outforce AI’s marketplace connects clients with 80,000 vetted agenciesThe 10-step process that ensures clients find the right team in just 15 daysThe role of culture and communication in building successful partnershipsReal-world examples of transformation before and after working with Outforce AIHow GenAI tools are revolutionizing software development and operationsWhy data-driven insights are critical for aligning operations with business strategyOvercoming internal resistance to technological changeThe balance between innovation and execution in scaling businessesKey industries driving growth at Outforce AI: fintech, health tech, agritech, and morePractical advice for companies navigating digital transformationStay Connected: Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to our weekly newsletter at softwareoasis.com/subscribe. Get exclusive insights, actionable strategies, and updates from industry leaders like Nicole Whittle. Our newsletter is sent every week and is packed with valuable content to help you grow your business.