[2.01]  Introduction and Power of Leveraging 

• Mention of guest James Ziegler, an expert in the field.
• Discussing how leveraging relationships can elevate business success.
• Insights on producing high-value, sponsor-paid videos.
• Tony mentions that his extensive library of episodes is available on his website.
• Listeners can search by keywords like ‘marketing’ or guest names.
• Mention of his influence over 15,000 dealerships and hundreds of thousands of people.
• James Ziegler expresses his pleasure in joining the show and jokes about the long wait.
• Emphasis on the importance of leveraging relationships in business.
• James shares his early experiences in sales from childhood.
• Story about selling mistletoe as a child and making more money than his father.

[7:30] Journey to Success and Personal Drive

• James shares how he entered the car sales industry by necessity.
• Achieving significant success quickly and realizing the profitability of the field.
• James discusses his move to Atlanta and the decisions that propelled his career.
• Emphasis on the importance of seeking mentors and continuous learning.
• The resolve to be a sustained success and the determination to excel.
• Highlighting that no one is performing at their maximum potential.
• Within five years of moving to Atlanta, James became a millionaire.

[17.22] Leveraging Relationships and Setting Records with James Ziegler

• Offering help to podcasters on LinkedIn or YouTube, with a show boasting tens of millions of downloads.
• Recounting the early days in car sales, working 60-70 hours a week with little social life.
• Describing a significant car deal and the journey from car salesman to finance manager.
• Setting a world record as a finance manager and the importance of persuasion in sales.
• Emphasizing integrity in sales without lying, cheating, or deceiving.
• Discussing the power of leveraging relationships in business and the importance of networking.
• Leaving a high-paying job to start a consulting company with a 90-day success window.
• Achieving early success with Ford Motor Company, including contracts for training and consulting.
• Transitioning into conferences and seminars, leveraging sponsorships to cover costs and generate profit.

[29:00] Jim Ziegler’s Journey Through Adversity

• Jim Ziegler’s introduction to the internet battle plan.
• Diagnosis with stage four cancer.
• Cancellation of the planned February conference.
• Undergoing a nine-hour surgery and facing severe health challenges.
• COVID-19 pandemic hits right after his surgery.
• Jim’s transition to video work for his conferences.
• Collaboration with Vimeo and setting up a training platform.
• Recruitment of sponsors for the platform.
• Creation of ZieglerOnDemand.com for professional training.
• Pricing strategy involving charging sponsors instead of subscribers.
• Success with the sponsorship model, generating substantial revenue.
• Jim’s financial stability and motivation are driven by ego.
• Reflection on the intellectual depth behind his persona.

[44:22] Helping Others and Overcoming Financial Crisis

• Tony’s observation of Jim’s strong desire to help others.
• Personal anecdotes of people Jim has helped in their careers.
• Jim’s pride in elevating many individuals in the car business.
• Stories of Tracy Myers and Rusty Gentry’s success influenced by Jim.
• Emphasis on the importance of not being envious of others.
• Jim’s philosophy is to help competitors and the broader community.
• Example of offering help to Mark LaNave during General Motors’ crisis.
• Transition to discussing Jim’s biggest failure.
• Impact of the 2008 financial crash on Jim’s business.
• Building a company with 40 employees and significant revenue.
• Attempt to acquire U.S. rights to eCademy, the British version of Facebook.
• The drastic measures taken to save the company post-crash.