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Have you ever wondered what simple changes could dramatically transform your life? In this concise but powerful solo episode, I'm cutting straight to the heart of what truly matters. While Martin was away at a wedding, I couldn't resist sharing three fundamental principles that have consistently elevated my personal and professional growth journey.

First, let's talk about who you're letting speak into your life. Beyond the common wisdom that "you're the average of the five people you spend time with," I focus on a critical distinction: it's about who influences your thinking and decisions. As I recently told my own children, "I'd rather have four quarters than a hundred pennies." Quality trumps quantity every time when it comes to relationships, and your inner circle directly determines your trajectory. Are your closest connections pulling you up or dragging you down? This single factor could completely change your year.

The second principle is something millionaires consistently emphasize: reading books. Why spend 15 years learning something through trial and error when you could absorb someone's lifetime of knowledge in hours? Books compress decades of wisdom into digestible insights that immediately improve your thinking and decision-making. Meanwhile, patience—my third principle—remains my personal work-in-progress but has saved me countless times from rushed, regrettable decisions. I share a current real-estate situation where feeling pressured nearly led to a premature commitment. Remember: everything unfolds in God's timing, and patience isn't passive waiting—it's finding something purposeful to do meanwhile.

If you've found value in these insights, the most meaningful way to support the show is simply by rating it wherever you listen to podcasts. This helps more people discover these conversations who might benefit from them. I genuinely appreciate our growing community and those reaching out to connect. Until next time, remember that transforming your life doesn't require complicated systems—just intentional choices about who influences you, what knowledge you consume, and how you approach timing.

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The foundation of every successful business isn't just strategy or capital—it's leadership that sets the tone, creates vision, and empowers others to excel. In this enlightening conversation, we unpack the true essence of leadership from a Christian business owner's perspective.

Leadership isn't about position but about influence. As we explore the pivotal role of authentic leadership, we share a powerful revelation: your team's ceiling will never rise higher than your own leadership capacity. This means continually investing in your growth while simultaneously pouring into those you lead. We share stories from a recent industry conference that demonstrated how crucial it is to stand firm in your values, even when you're the only ones doing so.

The fear of hiring often keeps business owners trapped in low-value tasks when they should be focusing on activities that significantly move the needle forward. We discuss practical strategies for overcoming this fear, including the importance of transparent communication that helps your team understand the context behind your decisions. When team members grasp the "why" behind your vision, they transform from direction-followers to passionate advocates.

One particularly striking moment in our conversation revolves around cultural alignment in hiring. We share how simply presenting your mission, vision, and core values upfront can save countless hours and headaches by identifying team members who truly fit your company culture. Small indicators like punctuality for interviews often reveal character traits that will significantly impact performance.

For entrepreneurs at any stage, we offer tangible advice: make your goals measurable, put them somewhere visible, speak life into your business daily, and find accountability partners who will hold you to your commitments. These practices create the foundation for achievement and growth, both for you and your team.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Visit thekingdomgrind.com to learn about our upcoming community featuring weekly trainings, live demonstrations, and accountability. Text us directly through your podcast app with any questions about growing your business with purpose and integrity.

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The entrepreneurial journey often feels like a high-wire balancing act. You're juggling business demands, financial pressures, and family relationships – all while trying to maintain your sanity and spiritual health. But what happens when these priorities clash?

In this deeply authentic conversation, we tackle one of the most common struggles faced by business owners: finding harmony between family obligations and entrepreneurial ambitions. We share personal experiences of times when work took precedence over relationships, and the practical strategies we've developed to reestablish healthy priorities. You'll discover why scheduling family time with the same intentionality as business meetings can transform both areas of your life.

Beyond time management, we explore the biblical framework for business success that applies regardless of your faith background. These universal principles operate like gravity – they work whether you acknowledge them or not. Through the story of a widow in financial crisis who received divine business instructions, we illustrate how God's provision often comes through our active participation rather than passive waiting.

Perhaps most surprisingly, we unpack why understanding customer pain points dramatically outperforms focusing on product features. Using the example of a car salesman enthusiastically describing leather seats while missing the fundamental requirement for eight passenger seats, we demonstrate why deeply understanding customer needs transforms business effectiveness. People make purchasing decisions based on pain relief far more often than pleasure or convenience.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building an enterprise that creates lasting impact while honoring your most important relationships. Subscribe now and join our community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are committed to building businesses that matter.

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The gap between what we say we want and what we actually do might be the single biggest obstacle to achieving our dreams. In this thought-provoking conversation, we tackle the paradox of desiring success while making choices that undermine it.

We begin by examining how many people (especially younger generations) express desires for greater success while simultaneously prioritizing activities that don't advance their goals. This contradiction reveals a fundamental truth: our actions, not our words, reveal our true priorities. The biblical principle "by their fruit, you'll know them" reminds us that results, not intentions, ultimately define our journey.

The conversation turns to a powerful reframing of Ecclesiastes' teaching that "time and chance happen to us all." Rather than being about luck, this wisdom reveals that time represents preparation, while chance represents opportunity. When preparation meets opportunity, breakthrough happens. Like David facing Goliath, those who appear "lucky" have actually prepared themselves to recognize and walk through doors when they open.

Risk-taking emerges as another crucial element of achievement. Whether opening a new business location or changing careers, stepping beyond comfort zones creates potential for greater rewards. We discuss how faith provides the foundation for risk-taking, allowing us to move forward despite uncertainty.

Perhaps most importantly, we challenge the common fear of failure that prevents action. Each failure provides essential lessons that prepare you for eventual success. Just as a baby falls countless times before walking confidently, embracing failure as growth transforms our approach to challenges.

The episode concludes with practical wisdom: have a plan. Goals without strategic roadmaps remain wishes. Like navigating without GPS, wandering without direction wastes precious time and energy. When you find yourself off course, sometimes the wisest move is simply to reset and return to fundamentals.

Ready to align your actions with your aspirations? This conversation might be exactly what you need to hear today. Subscribe for more insights on turning dreams into achievements through practical wisdom and spiritual guidance.

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Martin joins The Grind Podcast as the newest co-host, bringing profound insights that bridge faith, business, and personal growth. Dillon welcomes this dynamic addition, promising weekly conversations packed with value and perspective.

Their inaugural conversation dives deep into gratitude as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Through a fresh examination of the Prodigal Son parable, Martin reveals how both sons struggled with gratitude in different ways. The younger son gained appreciation through hardship, while the elder son—despite his loyalty—couldn't celebrate his brother's return. This duality perfectly illustrates how gratitude functions as a lens that transforms our perception, actions, and ultimately, what we attract into our lives.

When applied to business, gratitude becomes a game-changer. Rather than fixating on limitations, acknowledging the incredible opportunities available to build and create opens doors to innovation and growth. Martin and Dillon explore the biblical foundation for creativity, noting that as image-bearers of a Creator God, humans are designed to "bring the unseen into the seen." This divine design pattern empowers entrepreneurs to mine, refine, and build with purpose.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as they discuss vibration and energy from a Christian perspective, distinguishing between new age concepts and biblical principles of power. Martin shares a compelling metaphor about a broken device that wouldn't charge because the switch wasn't turned on—illustrating how believers must not only be connected to their power source but actively engage with it. Through powerful examples, including Jesus clearing a room before performing a miracle, they demonstrate why creating the right environment is essential for breakthrough.

For leaders feeling isolated in their journey, Martin offers transformative advice: remember your "why." When your purpose extends beyond personal gain to impact others meaningfully, you'll find strength to persevere through challenges. As he powerfully concludes, "The work you may not see working for you is working on you"—the most valuable development happens during the process, not just in the outcome.

Ready to transform your approach to leadership, faith, and business? Subscribe now and join us weekly as we deliver conversations that challenge, inspire, and equip you to build with greater purpose and impact.

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🔥 This episode is a powerful reminder that the path to purpose is rarely easy—but always worth it.

In this inspiring conversation, Coach Martin sits down with Dillon Smith to unpack a deeply personal and transformational journey of faith, failure, and finding purpose through entrepreneurship.

From launching a car wash business as a teen to facing homelessness with six children, Dillon’s story is nothing short of raw and real. But in the middle of brokenness, he heard a clear call from God:
 “You’re not stepping into what I’ve called you to do.”

That divine moment shifted everything. What started as a prayer over three days in a small salon suite quickly turned into a thriving business. Within 30 days, Dillon and his wife Crystal were earning more than they ever had—and God’s hand of acceleration didn’t stop there.

💡 From a single chair to a full-service salon...
 💡 From struggle to strategy...
 💡 From surviving to scaling a successful marketing agency rooted in purpose...

Coach Martin dives into the mindset shifts it takes to leave the "desert" and step into your promised land. This episode is a wake-up call for every entrepreneur stuck waiting for perfect conditions.

"God can’t move a parked car. You may never feel ready—but that doesn’t mean you’re not called."

If you've been waiting for a sign to step out in faith, this is it.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged to trust the process, move with purpose, and build what God has placed on your heart.

#TheGrindPodcast #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #PurposeOverProfit #KingdomBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #MelahMarketing

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🔥 This might be the most important reminder you hear all week... 🔥

As entrepreneurs and business owners, we’re constantly grinding—chasing goals, handling clients, building teams, and putting out fires. But in the middle of it all, it’s easy to forget what really matters most: our families, our relationships, and the moments we’ll never get back.

In today’s heartfelt episode of The Grind, I’m sharing what’s been weighing on my heart this past week. From business meetings to deep reflections on life, I was reminded just how precious time truly is—and how important it is to be present with the people who matter most.

In this episode:

✅ How the constant hustle can blind us from what’s most important
✅ Why being busy doesn’t always mean being productive
✅ Real talk about parenting, marriage, and not giving your family the leftovers
✅ The importance of intentionality in your time and energy
✅ Why success in business means nothing if you’re absent at home

Whether you’re in a season of growth, burnout, or just trying to keep up—it’s time to pause, reevaluate, and make sure you’re not sacrificing the irreplaceable in pursuit of the temporary.

🎧 Listen now and be reminded that the grind is important—but the people you love are priceless.

#TheGrindPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #FaithAndFamily #WorkLifeBalance #IntentionalLiving

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🚀 What if the key to growing your business was as simple as what you put on your plate? 🚀

Welcome back to The Grind! It’s Day 29 of my journey to scaling a $1M marketing agency, and this week, I had a major realization—your health directly impacts your success in business.

Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve been so focused on building my company that I forgot about taking care of myself. Fast food, long hours, and little to no exercise—it all started to catch up. But after meeting with a dietitian, I’ve realized that fueling my body properly is just as important as fueling my business.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✅ Why diet and health are critical for entrepreneurs – How eating right improves mental clarity & productivity
✅ The importance of small, achievable goals – Why drastic changes fail & how to make sustainable progress
✅ How to optimize energy levels for long workdays – Simple shifts that help you stay sharp & focused
✅ Balancing family, business, and health – My approach to healthier grocery shopping & meal planning
✅ Why investing in yourself is just as important as investing in your business

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone grinding every day, this episode is a wake-up call: Your body is your most important asset. Without energy, focus, and clarity, your business (and life) will suffer.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how I’m making small, sustainable changes that will have a massive impact on both my health and my business.

💬 What’s one small health habit you’re working on? Let’s talk about it!

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🔥 Every business owner faces struggles—but how you respond determines your success. 🔥

In this episode of The Grind, I’m opening up about some of the hardest challenges my wife and I have faced on our journey—from being homeless in 2020 to waking up one morning with our bank account drained to zero due to a financial mix-up. These moments could have broken us. Instead, they built us.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✅ The reality of business struggles & setbacks – Why tough seasons are unavoidable
✅ How to push forward when everything feels like it’s falling apart
✅ Why consistency is the key to overcoming obstacles & staying on track
✅ The role of faith & mindset in navigating hard times
✅ Turning adversity into opportunity—how struggles prepare you for success

The truth is, every setback is a setup for something greater. No matter what challenges you’re facing in business or in life, you’re still standing for a reason—you have a purpose, and your breakthrough is on the other side of perseverance.

If you’re struggling right now, this episode is for you. Stay the course, keep showing up, and trust that your best days are ahead.

🎧 Tune in and let’s build something great together. 💪

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🚀 Day 21 of The Grind, and we’re hitting our stride! 🚀

This week has been non-stop—from landing new client meetings with a vitamin drip bar and a water company to diving into the practical steps of starting and growing a business. But here’s the real kicker: too many people are waiting for perfect instead of taking action—and that stops today.

In This Episode:

✅ Exciting Client News: Second meeting with a potential SEO client and a new opportunity with a water company!
✅ Why Overthinking is Killing Your Business: How to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start taking action.
✅ The 3 Pillars of Getting Clients: My go-to formula for SEO, paid ads, and social media that works for any service-based business.
✅ Real Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: What you need to know about DBAs, LLCs, filing taxes, and getting your business legit.
✅ How to Make Educated Guesses: You won’t always have all the answers—here’s how to move forward anyway.

I’m keeping it real and raw, sharing the true process of building a $1M/year marketing agency from the ground up. If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines and ready to get in the game, this episode is for you.

💬 What’s holding you back from starting your business? Shoot me your questions, and let’s talk!

🔥 Tune in, follow the grind, and let’s build something great together. #TheGrindPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingAgency

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🔥 Day 14 of My $1M Marketing Agency Journey!

Two weeks in, and things are already moving fast! In this episode, I’m sharing the latest updates on my journey to building a $1M/year marketing agency—the wins, challenges, and big plans ahead.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

✅ New Client Potential: We had a promising meeting with a potential SEO client, with a follow-up scheduled for March 10th.
✅ Scaling with Strategy: We've brought on a contractor for email marketing, launching campaigns to drive new leads.
✅ Building the Team: For now, we’re working with contractors, but as cash flow increases, we’re planning to bring on in-house talent.
✅ Big Vision: Our goal is to lease a warehouse space where we can build content creation sets for podcasts, videos, and photo shoots.
✅ Beyond Marketing: I also share our 18-month goal of opening a second hair salon location in Temecula, California.

This journey is all about the real, raw process of building a business from the ground up. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to help you along your own path.

Tune in, follow the grind, and let’s build something great together!

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🔥 One full week in, and we’re making moves! Welcome to Day 8 of my journey to building a $1M marketing agency. It’s been a packed week, and in this episode, I’m sharing some major updates, lessons, and next steps as I push forward in this journey.

In This Episode:

✅ Melah Marketing’s website is LIVE! 🎉 (melahmarketing.com)
✅ New referral program launched! – Earn 50% of the first month's payment for bringing in a client
✅ Lessons from a leadership conference that are helping me grow my business
✅ The power of networking & making connections at BNI
✅ Pushing through discomfort & staying consistent in business

The journey isn’t easy, and some days, I don’t feel like showing up—but consistency is everything. I’m committed to sharing the real, unfiltered process of growing a business from the ground up.

💬 What’s been your biggest business challenge lately? Let’s talk—DM me or reach out!

🚀 The grind doesn’t stop—let’s build something great together! #EntrepreneurLife #TheGrindPodcast #MarketingAgency

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It’s 8:40 PM, and I just wrapped up a 12+ hour workday in Orange County. This episode is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a 7-figure business—the long hours, the tough client conversations, the constant problem-solving, and the relentless grind to keep pushing forward.

In This Episode:

✅ A full day in my life running a marketing agency – from client meetings to content creation
✅ Why staying healthy & mentally strong is crucial while scaling a business
✅ How to navigate difficult client conversations and why they’re necessary for growth
✅ Balancing content, rebranding, and launching a new website
✅ Why I’m documenting every step of this journey

Most entrepreneurs only show you the highlight reel—but I’m here to share the real grind. The hard days, the late nights, and what it actually takes to grow a business from the ground up.

If you’re building a business or thinking about starting one, this is the podcast for you. Hit follow, join the journey, and let’s scale together.

💬 Let’s Connect:
📲 Instagram – @thedillonsmith
📲 TikTok – @thedillonsmithshow
📲 Follow Melah Marketing: Instagram | TikTok

🚀 Follow the journey—this is just the beginning. #EntrepreneurLife #TheGrindPodcast #MarketingAgency

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This is Day 1 of my journey to building a $1M/year marketing agency—and I’m bringing you along for the ride. Right now, I’m starting with 5 clients and making $7,297/month ($87,564/year), but the goal is to scale this business to seven figures.

In this episode, I dive into:
🔥 Why I started this journey and what inspired me
🔥 My backstory—how I went from being homeless to owning a successful salon
🔥 My current business setup, revenue, and team structure
🔥 The challenges ahead and my plan to scale this to $1M
🔥 Why I’m documenting this journey in real-time

This is not a highlight reel—this is the real, raw process of building a business from the ground up. If you’re an entrepreneur, agency owner, or someone chasing big goals, this is for you.

🔔 Subscribe and follow along—this is just the beginning.

Book Suggestion: 

High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way

#EntrepreneurJourney #MarketingAgency #TheGrindPodcast

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