In this episode of The Get Shit Done Experience, John Morris dives deep into the inspiring journey of Alan Stern, an expert in DIY marketing and personal branding. Alan shares his path from a struggling DJ to a successful car salesman and eventually a sought-after speaker and marketing strategist. He emphasizes the importance of humor, education, value, and trust (the HEAT method) in building a personal brand and marketing strategy. The discussion includes practical tips on utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for effective marketing, creating engaging content, and leveraging networking to generate leads. Alan's insights offer valuable guidance for solopreneurs and salespeople looking to scale their businesses and enhance their personal brands.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• From DJ to Marketing Pro: Alan Stern’s journey proves that with hustle and adaptability, you can pivot your way to success—no matter where you start.
• The HEAT Method: Build a magnetic personal brand using Humor, Education, Adding Value, and Trust—the four pillars of powerful connection.
• DIY Marketing Wins: You don’t need a massive team—Alan shows how solopreneurs can make a big impact using smart, scrappy strategies.
• AI Is Your Marketing Wingman: Tools like ChatGPT can save time, boost creativity, and help craft content that actually converts.
• Content That Clicks: Consistency + authenticity = engagement. Share stories, be human, and always deliver value.
• Network to Net Worth: Real relationships matter—leveraging your network can open doors, create leads, and build long-term success.
• Built for the Bold: This episode is a goldmine for solopreneurs, salespeople, and brand-builders ready to level up their marketing game.

QUOTES

• “When you introduce something of value to somebody, they associate that value with you.”
• “Free value creates goodwill. Goodwill builds trust. Trust drives business.
• “You’re not just selling a service—you’re becoming someone people want to talk about.”
• “The person who connects others becomes unforgettable in the best way.”
• “You’re creating advocates and fans who might never buy from you—but they’ll still sell for you.”
• “The content has to be fun, funny, and human—not just clever.”
• “Humor shows you’re human. Education shows you’re smart. Value shows you care. That’s how you earn trust.”

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message.

Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward.

Take the first step today.

Explore what we have to offer:

Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/
Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com
Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty Design: https://20twentydesign.com/

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a consultation, and let’s start creating success together!

Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together!

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Synergy
01:41:28 Building Goodwill and Networkinh
01:42:36 Relatability Through Hobbie
01:43:00 Leveraging Personal Interests for Busines
01:44:05 Creating Advocates and Fans
01:44:56 The Power of Trust and Review
01:46:04 Collaboration and Content Creation
01:47:04 The Importance of Consistency
01:47:45 The Paradox of Connectivity
01:48:23 AI and the Future
01:48:40 Advice for Solopreneurs

In this episode of The Get Shit Done Experience podcast, John Morris welcomes Nick Verzillo, Director of Sales for GSD Technologies, and Jason Hoffman, IT Director at GSD Technologies. The discussion centers around the critical aspects of managed IT services, the importance of proper communication, and the pitfalls of choosing IT partners based on price alone. Jason shares his background in the military and how it shaped his career.

Together, Nick and Jason explain their strategic approach to IT management, emphasizing client-centric service, proactive maintenance, and how their values and methods align closely with the visionary goals of GSD’s founder, Tim Ward. The episode highlights the dangers of outsourcing IT service desks to foreign countries and stresses the importance of having a reliable, local IT partner. It serves as a comprehensive guide to anyone looking to understand the intricacies of managing IT for business growth and reliability.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Strategic IT Leadership: Nick Verzillo and Jason Hoffman break down how GSD Technologies approaches managed IT with a client-first mindset and proactive support.
• Experience-Driven Insight: Jason shares how his military background shaped his disciplined, mission-focused approach to IT management.
• Beyond the Bottom Line: The team warns against choosing IT partners solely based on price—highlighting the long-term value of reliability, expertise, and alignment with company goals.
• Local Matters: Outsourcing IT service desks overseas may save costs, but it often sacrifices quality and communication. The episode makes a strong case for partnering with trusted, local providers.
• Aligned with Vision: Their methods reflect the broader vision of GSD founder Tim Ward—prioritizing innovation, responsiveness, and real results for clients.

QUOTES

• "We don't have to pretend like, 'Yeah, this is gonna make you succeed, you're gonna get so much more profit if we do this.' No, we get to just propose things that we believe in and we can do."
• "We're a great option. We're not the only option, but we are an absolutely fantastic option. But we’re certainly not gonna beg for anyone's business."
• "The value of money becomes less important when you start to look at the value of character... Are they going to be there for you when you call at 3:00 AM?"
• "If you're making your decisions based on price, I would really reevaluate that. Especially when it comes down to your most critical decisions."
• "We want long-term partnerships that we can watch their business grow as they watch our business grow. And together, we can get shit done."

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message.

Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward.

Take the first step today.

Explore what we have to offer:
Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/
Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com/
Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty Design: https://20twentydesign.com/

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a consultation, and let’s start creating success together!

Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together!

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction
02:09 Welcoming Nick Verzillo and Jason Hoffman
03:59 Jason Hoffman's Military Background
10:59 The Importance of Communication and Training
17:40 Challenges in IT and Cybersecurity
43:32 The Pressure of Sales
43:59 Proposing Solutions to Clients
44:32 The Importance of Proper Support
46:05 Client Retention and Challenges
48:31 The Role of Communication
49:18 GSD's Service Philosophy
50:13 The Reality of Outsourcing
53:18 The Value of Local Support
01:06:14 Building a Strong Team
01:09:30 The Vision for Growth
01:17:23 Why We Do It
01:20:59 Final Thoughts and Call to Action