Enroll Now
 
The Story of BenefitsDNA Oct 17, 2023

When I finished recording this episode, I sat in complete silence because I had to fully process the stories that Justin Leader shared with me.

When your mission and vision are so powerful that you can bring people to tears, you know you're having an impact.

Check out the full conversation.

Continue...
Last year, I made a decision. 😬 Oct 10, 2023

At the time, it was a huge risk.

I made the decision while staring at El Capitan (in Yosemite) with my wife.

For those of you who aren't aware, a climber named Alex Honnold free-soloed the mountain, meaning he climbed without any ropes.

He was asked why in the world he would do such a thing, and he s...

Continue...
Wanna build a story right now? Answer this question… Oct 09, 2023

What is a secret you kept from people for way too long? 

Here, I’ll go first. Almost everything that I start, I have an inferiority complex with. It took me hundreds of talks before I felt comfortable speaking, it took me writing an article every week for 2 years to feel comfortable writing, and it ...

Continue...
 
All of the dead bodies were clutching their tools. Oct 06, 2023

“Tool subduction” not only kills a climber's chance at reaching the top of the mountain, but it could also destroy your business.

You could be too focused on the “tools” and not on the right strategy.

“Lack of strategic clarity leads to tactical frustration.”

-Don Schmincke

If you’re working you...

Continue...
Why Some Leaders Suffer | Stories With Traction Podcast Oct 06, 2023

SHOW NOTES:

SUMMARY: In this episode, Don Schmincke and Matt Zaun talk about why a lack of strategic clarity leads to tactical frustration.

DON SCHMINCKE BIO: For over 35 years, Don and his team have consulted and trained executives in North America, South America, Europe, and India. Additionally, the...

Continue...
Just a dozen days ‘til I speak at the Charlotte Motor Speedway! Oct 05, 2023

My 9-year-old son Elliot told me to buy some NASCAR stuff to get mentally prepared.

I’ll be doing 3 strategic storytelling workshops there!

If my audiences apply what I share, they’ll speed up their…

Sales
Growth 
and Impact

Can’t wait for these talks!

T-minus 12 days. 🏁🏎😎

P.S. my son also took this pict...

Continue...
Don't tell people about all the great work you're doing. Oct 04, 2023

First they laugh. 

Then they can’t believe it. 

Then they deny that they doubted you in the first place. 

Success zips a lot of mouths.  🤐

Don't tell people about all the great work you're doing.  Show them. 

Continue...
Scroll-stopping... Oct 04, 2023

...easy-to-read... 

…and scannable...

This is the content that LinkedIn loves.

Writing outstanding content is not even close to enough; you MUST optimize your posts to stand out.

Here are 7 tips to create scroll-stopping, scannable, and easy-to-read content on LinkedIn...

1) Use simple words

2) Write sho...

Continue...
HAVING ANOTHER BABY! Oct 03, 2023

Creating this baby took work.

You all laugh, but it takes a lot of energy.

Oh, we’re not having another kid.

I'm talking about my new strategic storytelling course.

It's been my baby for the last couple of months.

My wife told me to focus on it. She said lots of people are missing out on the storytell...

Continue...
I remember several years ago hitting rock bottom. Oct 02, 2023

I took a significant financial risk and lost, putting my family in a very difficult position. 

The night it all came crashing down, I sat on my couch crying since I knew how tough the road ahead would be. 

My wife sat down next to me and said, “you need to keep going. I want you to keep pursuing you...

Continue...
Today is Jimmy Carter’s 99th Birthday! Oct 01, 2023

He's the longest-living President in U.S. history. Recently, I was speaking in Atlanta and had the chance to check out his Presidential Library.

Many of you know how much I enjoy going to Presidential Libraries, regardless of which party the person represented.

So far, I’ve been to LBJ, Ronald Reaga...

Continue...
My 5-year-old has an issue. 👇 Sep 30, 2023

He can't stand “bad guys” in movies.

Freaks him out.

But aren't we all allergic to adversity?

In the moment, we want it to be easy. 

That doesn't make a great story, though, does it?

Next time you have a difficult client that you figure out how to deliver for, you need to capture the story.

You can use ...

Continue...
“People will judge you by how you look, speak, and write, so...” Sep 30, 2023

➡️ Make sure you know how to dress for the situation

➡️ You know how to speak to connect

➡️ You write short, clear, and for impact

...that's what my Father told me when I was growing up.

When I went into business, my Dad’s words came rushing back.

Simple. True. Impactful.

Don't overcomplicate it.


Have a...

Continue...
3 quarters through the year with the Stories With Traction Podcast! Sep 29, 2023

I’ve learned so much from the stories and insights of my guests. 

 

Check out the episodes so far…


𝗝𝗮𝗻

Jan 6 - Part 1 | Six Figure Sales Secrets with Marcus A. Chan 

Jan 13 - Part 2 | Six Figure Sales Secrets with Marcus A. Chan

Jan 20 - Be Intentional With Your Giving with Dan Koval

Jan 27 - Part 1 ...

Continue...
Strategic Networking | Stories With Traction Podcast Sep 29, 2023

EPISODES MENTIONED IN INTRO:

Stories of Leadership
How to Get Involved in Politics
How to Build a Legacy
How Hobbies Make You More Creative

SHOW NOTES:

SUMMARY:
In this episode, Terence Farrell and Matt Zaun discuss how to have intentionality and strategy behind networking.

TERENCE FARRELL BIO: Terence ...

Continue...
Share more stories Sep 28, 2023

Matt, what stories do I tell to connect with my clients?” 

Matt, how much time do I need to focus on this?” 

Matt, I already have some stories; why should I work on new ones?” 

*that last one is my favorite. 

As if I'm going to say, “yeah, just keep sharing the same story your company has shared ...

Continue...
Lessen your chance of heart disease through shopping? Sep 27, 2023

Years ago, Meyer Friedman (a cardiologist) recommended something to his highly stressed patients who were at greater risk of developing heart disease.

He told them to take the longest line at the grocery store to practice inner peace.

Sounds simple, huh?

A peaceful mindset comes with practice.

I’m seei...

Continue...
Sex causes twice as many accidents. Sep 27, 2023

Ok, now that I have your attention👇

In the U.S., there are approximately one million car accidents and 200 deaths each year because vehicles collide with deer.

During mating season, known as “the rut,” deer are twice as likely to get hit by a car.

Why is this?

During the rut, deer are more focused on ...

Continue...
It's been a wild ride so far this year. Sep 26, 2023

I've worked my guts out for my clients. More miles flown and driven than I’d care to admit.

I've decided to get off the road for 2 weeks and spend time with family. My travel schedule will pick back up mid-Oct.

In the meantime, check out some cool spots so far this year...

-Miami, Florida
-Montour, Id...

Continue...
Can You Hold an Audience’s Attention? Sep 25, 2023

You probably don’t know who Max Martin is (without Googling). Don’t worry. Over the years, I’ve talked to hundreds of people about Max Martin, and I’ve never come across anyone who knows who he is. Although, if I were to ask you if you know who Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Celine Dio...

Continue...
I've learned to appreciate when my Linkedin content bombs 💣... Sep 25, 2023

1. It keeps my ego in check 

2. It teaches me what people don't resonate with

3. It gives me the opportunity to do better

We all want our content to be engaging, but sometimes it's not. 

This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's a great learning opportunity. 


What's the #1 takeaway for you when your po...

Continue...
Chick-fil-A served me a burger. 🍔 Sep 24, 2023

It was one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had, too.

“Wait, what?!” you say. I thought this was the company that says, Eat Mor Chikin?!”

Yup. Well, they used to serve burgers, and the one that started it all (in Hapeville, GA), still does.

Here’s what's wild about this to me: they served burgers ...

Continue...
In order for YOU to stand out in today's world (filled with noise), YOU will need to share a ton of content. Sep 23, 2023

Here's what I promise YOU...


👉 Not everyone will relate with what YOU share

👉 YOU will offend people; it's inevitable

👉 YOU will question if you should continue to share your ideas


Here is my encouragement to YOU, do NOT stop posting content just because some people don't like what YOU post.

In the last ...

Continue...
“Matt, how do you come up with stuff to post on LinkedIn?” 👇 Sep 23, 2023

Best way to start is your...

...clients’ questions.

I take the questions I'm asked and connect them to 3 “S’s”...

1️⃣  𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 I have that relate to the questions

2️⃣  𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 I've learned over the years that connect to the questions

3️⃣  𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲...strategically highlight other authorities' work that ...

Continue...