Close The Deal

Podcast

More leads.   More Sales.  Right here. Right now.

Close The Deal Podcast

two men and title copy I search explained and the end of SEO as you know it
By ewell smith October 6, 2025
Learn how AI is changing search and what Google really trusts now. SEO expert Lonnie Jones reveals how to protect your rankings and stand out in 2025.
two men ai or d ie title
By ewell smith September 29, 2025
Discover how Henry Hayes of Disrupt Ready helps sales pros embrace AI to work smarter, serve better, and stay ahead in the fast-changing world of sales.
By ewell smith September 22, 2025
Proven Strategies to Turn Objections Into Opportunities With Lisa Laird Objections aren’t roadblocks! They’re invitations to prove your value. In this episode, sales trainer Lisa Laird breaks down the top five objections every salesperson faces and shows how to transform them into opportunities that close deals. Lisa Laird's Top 15 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes: “You’re great at what you do - but I’m also very good at what I do. You have to let me do my job to solve the problems you hired me for.” “I didn’t realize how good I was until I had to be.” “Sales wasn’t easy - sales was the answer.” “When you’re confident, it flows. And it’s contagious - people want to hear more.” “The one that’s most prepared wins.” “You have 30 seconds to earn another 30 seconds.” “If you don’t show confidence and you don’t show you’re busy, they’ll feel like they’re your guinea pig - and that’s scary.” “Know the industries, know the timing. If you go in at the wrong time, they’ll remember you negatively.” “When you listen long enough, people will sell themselves.” “Just know what you’re saying no to — because a 15-minute meeting could change everything.” “In networking, set the standard from the beginning — we’re here for business, not just coffee.” “It’s not my clients’ job to build my business. It’s my job.” “You can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations. If you’re not getting referrals back, address it head-on.” “If someone tells you it’s not a good time, keep following up — it often takes seven touches to land the appointment.” “Don’t pay your bills on luck — pay them on results.”
image of two guys and the text change or die and lessons form my mentor
By ewell smith September 17, 2025
Seafood leader Harlon Pierce shares lessons on change, crisis recovery, pricing, and mentorship in the 100th Close The Deal Podcast with Ewell Smith

Closers,

We're talking with sales and marketing pros to help you drive more leads and close more deals.  Here's our latest episode with Russell Richardson -  hit play >


(Russel's show notes and mindset quotes)


Closers,

We're talking with sales and marketing pros to help you drive leads and close more deals.


Here's our latest show with Russell Richardson - hit play>

Close The Deal Podcast

 (Show Notes With Sales & Marketing Mindset Quotes)


Close The Deal Podcast

 (Show Notes With Sale & Marketing Mindset Quotes)


two men and title copy I search explained and the end of SEO as you know it
By ewell smith October 6, 2025
Learn how AI is changing search and what Google really trusts now. SEO expert Lonnie Jones reveals how to protect your rankings and stand out in 2025.
two men ai or d ie title
By ewell smith September 29, 2025
Discover how Henry Hayes of Disrupt Ready helps sales pros embrace AI to work smarter, serve better, and stay ahead in the fast-changing world of sales.
By ewell smith September 22, 2025
Proven Strategies to Turn Objections Into Opportunities With Lisa Laird Objections aren’t roadblocks! They’re invitations to prove your value. In this episode, sales trainer Lisa Laird breaks down the top five objections every salesperson faces and shows how to transform them into opportunities that close deals. Lisa Laird's Top 15 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes: “You’re great at what you do - but I’m also very good at what I do. You have to let me do my job to solve the problems you hired me for.” “I didn’t realize how good I was until I had to be.” “Sales wasn’t easy - sales was the answer.” “When you’re confident, it flows. And it’s contagious - people want to hear more.” “The one that’s most prepared wins.” “You have 30 seconds to earn another 30 seconds.” “If you don’t show confidence and you don’t show you’re busy, they’ll feel like they’re your guinea pig - and that’s scary.” “Know the industries, know the timing. If you go in at the wrong time, they’ll remember you negatively.” “When you listen long enough, people will sell themselves.” “Just know what you’re saying no to — because a 15-minute meeting could change everything.” “In networking, set the standard from the beginning — we’re here for business, not just coffee.” “It’s not my clients’ job to build my business. It’s my job.” “You can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations. If you’re not getting referrals back, address it head-on.” “If someone tells you it’s not a good time, keep following up — it often takes seven touches to land the appointment.” “Don’t pay your bills on luck — pay them on results.”

Close The Deal Podcast (Early Episodes 1 - 100)

Close The Deal Podcast originally started by interviewing entrepreneurs and franchisors:

image of two guys and the text change or die and lessons form my mentor
By ewell smith September 17, 2025
Seafood leader Harlon Pierce shares lessons on change, crisis recovery, pricing, and mentorship in the 100th Close The Deal Podcast with Ewell Smith
To men standing n ether side of the tite win your cm
By ewell smith September 3, 2025
Discover how to protect your property and win insurance claims with expert strategies from Forefront 360 founder Jonathan Frazier. Be storm-ready this season.
Close the Deal Podcast Franchise Profits edition featuring Painter1 mentor Keith and franchisees Mik
By ewell smith August 27, 2025
Discover how Painter1’s mentorship, large territories, marketing, software, equity stake, and community help franchisees launch faster, scale smarter, and succeed
two guys and the title refuse the ripoff
By ewell smith July 19, 2025
Tiger Adjusters fights back when insurance companies fail you. Learn how this franchise helps homeowners - and how you can even be part of it.
man with arms cross - text saying sateen lives -
By ewell smith June 25, 2025
Discover how Zach Butler is transforming teen driver’s ed with Jungle Driving franchise, a fun, effective, and life-saving franchise opportunity.
grit and groomer is the title...man sitting down with silver hair and beard
By ewell smith June 4, 2025
Discover why investing in the Diesel Barbershop franchise is a bold move- scalable, in-demand, and built for hands-on owners in the booming grooming market. Shayne Brown breaks it down...
two men and title copy I search explained and the end of SEO as you know it
By ewell smith October 6, 2025
Learn how AI is changing search and what Google really trusts now. SEO expert Lonnie Jones reveals how to protect your rankings and stand out in 2025.
two men ai or d ie title
By ewell smith September 29, 2025
Discover how Henry Hayes of Disrupt Ready helps sales pros embrace AI to work smarter, serve better, and stay ahead in the fast-changing world of sales.
By ewell smith September 22, 2025
Proven Strategies to Turn Objections Into Opportunities With Lisa Laird Objections aren’t roadblocks! They’re invitations to prove your value. In this episode, sales trainer Lisa Laird breaks down the top five objections every salesperson faces and shows how to transform them into opportunities that close deals. Lisa Laird's Top 15 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes: “You’re great at what you do - but I’m also very good at what I do. You have to let me do my job to solve the problems you hired me for.” “I didn’t realize how good I was until I had to be.” “Sales wasn’t easy - sales was the answer.” “When you’re confident, it flows. And it’s contagious - people want to hear more.” “The one that’s most prepared wins.” “You have 30 seconds to earn another 30 seconds.” “If you don’t show confidence and you don’t show you’re busy, they’ll feel like they’re your guinea pig - and that’s scary.” “Know the industries, know the timing. If you go in at the wrong time, they’ll remember you negatively.” “When you listen long enough, people will sell themselves.” “Just know what you’re saying no to — because a 15-minute meeting could change everything.” “In networking, set the standard from the beginning — we’re here for business, not just coffee.” “It’s not my clients’ job to build my business. It’s my job.” “You can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations. If you’re not getting referrals back, address it head-on.” “If someone tells you it’s not a good time, keep following up — it often takes seven touches to land the appointment.” “Don’t pay your bills on luck — pay them on results.”

Close The Deal Podcast (Early Episodes 1 - 100)


Close The Deal Podcast originally started by interviewing entrepreneurs and franchisors:

image of two guys and the text change or die and lessons form my mentor
By ewell smith September 17, 2025
Seafood leader Harlon Pierce shares lessons on change, crisis recovery, pricing, and mentorship in the 100th Close The Deal Podcast with Ewell Smith
To men standing n ether side of the tite win your cm
By ewell smith September 3, 2025
Discover how to protect your property and win insurance claims with expert strategies from Forefront 360 founder Jonathan Frazier. Be storm-ready this season.


Close The Deal Podcast
From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap
Explore real conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset behind successful business ownership.

Grab Your Free Copy →

book cover with the words your first franchise roadmap

Close The Deal Podcast   (Mindset Episodes)


man standing next to title of podcast
By ewell smith June 6, 2025
Julio Melara, CEO of Baton Rouge Business Report, sets the stage talking mindset going into 2025.

Close The Deal Podcast

From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap 
Explore real conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset behind successful business ownership.

Considering your first franchise, get your free copy




Close The Deal Podcast  - Mindset Episodes

man standing next to title of podcast
By ewell smith June 6, 2025
Julio Melara, CEO of Baton Rouge Business Report, sets the stage talking mindset going into 2025.
woman sitting yoga style and words calm your chaos
By ewell smith May 23, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Discover how daily meditation helps regulate your nervous system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety—backed by neuroscience and real-life experience.
believe in you text next to man speaking - chris widener
By ewell smith April 2, 2025
Chris Widener shares how belief, mentorship, and faith helped him rise from adversity to success—with lessons on leadership, purpose, and revival.
the words peace, purpose, process with a guy standing holding a microphone
By ewell smith February 18, 2025
Learn how to develop a force multiplier mindset, master self-awareness, and lead with purpose. Eric Thompson shares insights on personal growth, leadership, and success.
female speaker Dr Kate Lund talks about building resilience
By ewell smith February 13, 2025
Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist and resilience expert, shares insights on managing stress, balancing career and parenting, and building a strong mindset for success. Learn practical strategies to stay grounded and thrive in today's fast-paced world.
ladyin image with arms folded
By ewell smith December 17, 2024
Meridith Powell, Chair of the National Speakers Association, shares proven strategies from her new book Thrive to help leaders turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage.

Notable Guests Who’ve Closed the Deal

Close The Deal Podcast - early guests...

Close The Deal Podcast was originally called the Absolutely Mindset Podcast. The first 9 episodes were a trial run talking with disrupters reshaping the marketplace closing more deals. Now, hence our new name, we laser focus on sales, marketing and mindset to help you close more deals.

Stephanie

Stuckey

CEO of Stuckey's - LinkedIn savvy story teller leveraging nostalgia and brand marketing. Per Stephanie, "The driving principle of marketing is to be authentic."

Derek

Gaunte

Former DC Hostage Negotiator - Shares his #1 skill from hostage negotiations to help you close more deals. Per Derek, "Labeling is a clear way to let the other person know you're dialed into the conversation."  

Jesse

Cole

CEO - Savannah Bananas - Fans first mentality. He out sells MLB every day all day long.  Now a 500,000+  waitlist with a stadium that only holds 4,000. Per Jesse, "If it's normal, do the exact opposite!"

Julio

Melara

CEO - Baton Rouge Business Report- From courier to a 28 year old motivational speaker opening for Zig Zigler to CEO of his own media empire. Per Julio, "You've got to work on your mental aspect every single day."

Close The Deal FAQ

  • What topics does the Close The Deal Podcast cover?

    We explore sales, marketing, and mindset - the three pillars of success behind every deal. Each episode helps listeners apply proven strategies from top entrepreneurs.

  • How to be a guest on the Close The Deal Podcast?

    Close The Deal .Com Podcast Guests


    I love talking with entrepreneurs, franchisors, CEOs, authors, mindset experts, etc.... All things #marketing  #sales #self-improvement #health #absolutelymindset #mindset to close the deal!


    If you offer a product or service that solves a real problem for anyone who wants to sell more and impact lives for the better, you may be a fit. 


    Having a free gift or offering a discount as  bonus for our  listeners helps us bring additional value to the show.  


    Let us know 

    1. What is your topic.

    2. What is your background that makes you an expert on that topic.

    3. Do you have a free offer or discount you can make for the guests at the end of the show?

    4. Have you interviewed on other shows/media? If so, please share.


    To see if you're a fit, click here. 




  • How to sponsor the Close The Deal Podcast?

    Close The Deal  Podcast Sponsorships



    We welcome products or services that speak to our sales, marketing and entrepreneurial community.  


    Click here to see if your product or service is a good fit.




  • Where can I tune in?

    Close The Deal Podcast is on all the major players:

    • Youtube
    • Apple
    • Google
    • Spotify
    • iHeartRadio
    • Pandora
    • Amazon Music

    ...to name just a few. 


    You can also listen to the show on the CloseTheDeal. Com Show Notes Pages we set up for each guest.






  • Who is Ewell Smith?

    Ewell is a seasoned franchise and marketing leader who’s helped rebuild industries, launch national campaigns, and mentor entrepreneurs through franchising and business development. 


    Marketied over $25 billion in seafood sales - here's his story and the how and why that made that possible...

  • Your First Franchise - Do you coach?

    Yes, 


    Outside of hosting the Close The Deal Podcast, Ewell Smith  is a franchise coach,  author of Your FIrst Franchise Roadmap and Host of Your First Franchise Podast 


    Start Your FIrst Franchise journey here →