[Top Giver Series] Mastermind Magic and Marketing Secrets With Joe Polish of Genius Network

Joe Polish is the Founder of Genius Network, an exclusive group of renowned and successful entrepreneurs. He is an established marketer and has helped thousands of businesses, from large corporations to small family-owned companies, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.

Additionally, Joe is the Founder and President of Piranha Marketing and the host of three top-rated business and marketing podcasts, including I Love Marketing. He is also a passionate philanthropist and the Founder of Genius Recovery, which works to change the global conversation around addiction and recovery.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[04:23] Joe Polish discusses the origin and evolution of Genius Network
[06:38] The biggest marketing mistake entrepreneurs often make
[07:13] How entrepreneurs sabotage high-level business relationships
[08:47] Why storytelling is the backbone of effective marketing
[10:15] Joe shares challenges he’s overcome
[10:53] The inspiration behind founding Genius Recovery
[13:25] The core principles of direct response marketing and copywriting

In this episode…

Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out in a crowded market, build authentic relationships, and create a lasting impact without burning out. Despite working harder, they often miss out on strategic opportunities that come from real connection and clarity in communication. So, how can business leaders market smarter, not harder, while also growing meaningful networks and purpose-driven success?

Marketing expert and entrepreneur Joe Polish shares many insights for solving these issues through relationship-first strategies, direct response marketing, and storytelling. He emphasizes the danger of chasing profits over purpose and encourages listeners to shift their focus toward giving and creating value. He outlines practical tips such as mastering the fundamentals of storytelling, avoiding transactional relationships, and investing in personal development through books, mentors, and masterminds. Joe also shares lessons from his journey, including how addiction recovery and resilience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network, about building relationships that drive business success. Joe explores how giving without expectation builds trust, the role of direct response marketing, and how storytelling can transform your business. He also discusses overcoming adversity, top book recommendations, and the importance of meaningful follow-up.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Special Mention(s):

Related episode(s):

Quotable Moments:

“Relationships need nurturing. Like plants, you don’t water them, they die. Simple as that.”
“If you’re not solving a real problem or creating something meaningful, you’re just spinning your wheels.”
“Marketing saved my life. It wasn’t just about making money — it was about learning connection.”
“Great copy doesn’t just sell, it connects. It tells a story, builds trust, and creates a relationship.”
“Life rewards those who genuinely give without expecting something in return. It’s about creating value and trust.”

Action Steps:

Shift from transactional to relational networking: Focus on giving without expecting anything in return to build genuine, lasting relationships that foster trust and deeper opportunities.
Master storytelling in your marketing: Use emotionally resonant stories to connect with your audience in a way that inspires lasting action.
Invest in personal growth resources: Read impactful books and engage with growth-minded peers and mentors to expand your mindset and skills.
Avoid chasing profits over purpose: Build your business around solving real problems to create meaningful impact and long-term sustainability.
Follow up to strengthen connections: Reaching out after meetings keeps you top of mind and turns initial conversations into lasting relationships.

Sponsor for this episode

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Episode Transcript

Intro: 00:00

You are listening to Inspired Insider with your host, Dr. Jeremy Weisz.

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 00:22

Dr. Jeremy Weisz here founder of inspiredinsider.com where I talk with inspirational entrepreneurs and leaders. Today is no different. I have Joe Polish of Genius Network actually is Joe Polish’s video clone that we’ll be talking to before we formally introduce Joe. A couple episodes people should check out of the podcast. Some fan favorites.

Was the founder of Pipedrive, one of the founders of Pipedrive, and he talked about some crazy things that happened early on in the journey. I remember when I interviewed them, they were 10,000 customers now that over 100,000 customers, also the co-founder of Pixar, That was another great one. And he talked about some amazing Steve Jobs stories. George Lucas stories. One of my favorites is with Chris Voss.

He wrote Never Split the Difference. He’s actually a part of and spoken at Genius Network. So check out the one I did with Chris Voss. Fantastic book. That and many more.

And before I formally introduce Joe, this episode is brought to you by Rise25 the Rise25. We help businesses give to and connect to their dream relationships and partnerships. We do that in two ways. Number one, we’re an easy button for a company to launch and run a podcast. We do the strategy, the accountability, and the full execution and production.

Number two, we’re an easy button for companies gifting. We make gifting staying top of mind to your clients, partners and prospects simple and seamless and affordable. Some companies even send gifts to their staff from a culture perspective. So all you have to do is give us a list of the people that you want to follow up with and keep in touch with. We do everything else from the gift selection to the card to the branding and everything’s in your branding.

So we kind of call ourselves the magic elves that run in the background to make it stress-free for those companies. They can build amazing relationships. You know, for me, the number one thing in my life, you know, is relationships. I’m always looking at ways and how I can give to my best relationships. And I’ve found no better way over the past decade to profile the people and the companies I most admire, and profile them on my podcast and share with the world what they’re working on.

Number two, send sweet, delicious treats in the mail to them. So if you’ve thought about podcasting or gifting, do it. If you have questions, go to rise25.com or email us at [email protected]. I’m excited to introduce Joe Polish. Joe Polish is an entrepreneur, marketing maverick, a founder of Genius Network.

Genius Network is one of the most elite mastermind groups for high-level entrepreneurs. He’s the connector of connectors, and he’s really known for turning deep wisdom and creativity and powerful business breakthroughs. Joe has helped build thousands of businesses and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. He’s been featured in major publications like Inc, Fortune, Forbes, and hosts top-ranked marketing and business podcasts such as I Love Marketing and Ten-x Talk, and really dedicated to charitable causes as well, including Genius Recovery and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. So get ready for the conversation with one of the most well-connected and insightful minds in business, marketing, and much more with Joe Polish.

Since Joe is one of the most well-connected people on the planet, this is and he’s a true giver. This is part of the Top Giver series. All right. And you’ll see. We’ll mention some of these other episodes here with Brian Kurtz on this specific episode.

Brian Kurtz Tony Greg Meyer of Ship offers Joe Weldon, whose I met through Joe and Genius Network as well. Joey Coleman and many more. But really, we’re going to talk to Joe today. So let’s start the call. As it’s connecting I’m going to pull up Genius Network.

And here we are with some of Joe’s books. Joe, tell us about Genius Network and how it works.

Joe Polish: 04:23

Genius Network has been around for years. I started it as a way to bring together the sharpest, most innovative entrepreneurs in the world. It’s evolved into this powerhouse of connections, ideas and strategies that help people grow their businesses and their lives. It’s not just a group, it’s a movement. And it’s been going strong for over a decade now.

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 04:44

I’d love to hear some of your favorite books. I know that, you know you wrote some books. I actually own this the average Joe’s Marketing book. And what’s in it for them? What are your favorite books?

Joe Polish: 05:00

Man, I got a ton of favorites. I mean, Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins is a classic. It’s like the Bible for marketers. Then there’s The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. That book will kick your ass into gear if you’re stuck in resistance.

And hey, since you mentioned it, what’s in it for them? That’s my own book, and it’s all about building real, meaningful connections. If you don’t have it yet, grab a copy of what’s in it for them. It’s a game changer. What about you?

Any books that have rocked your world?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 05:28

Yeah, I mentioned one. Chris Voss Never Split The Difference at the very beginning of this episode, which is great. I know he’s a really integral part of Genius Network. I’d love to hear your mentors. Who are some of the mentors you learn from in business and marketing?

Joe Polish: 05:45

Man, I’ve been lucky to learn from some of the best. Dan Sullivan for one. He’s been a huge influence on me. His thinking around entrepreneurial freedom and strategic thinking is next level. Then there’s Richard Branson.

I mean, the guy’s a legend. I’ve had the chance to connect with him, and his approach to business in life is just inspiring. And of course, Chris Voss. He’s not just a genius network faculty member, but his book Never Split the Difference, is a masterclass in negotiation. These guys have all shaped how I think and operate in business and marketing.

Who’s been a big influence on you?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 06:18

Yeah, I mentioned with The Giver series I did with Brian Kurtz. He’s been a big influence on me. Joey Coleman We have Ian Garlic also. There’s so many out there. I’d love to hear from you.

What’s the biggest marketing mistake you see entrepreneurs making?

Joe Polish: 06:38

Entrepreneurs, man, they’re the ones out there solving problems and creating value. I’ve always said entrepreneurs transform bad news into good news. They see opportunities where others see roadblocks. But here’s the thing some entrepreneurs make the mistake of chasing profits over purpose. That’s a big one.

If you’re not solving a real problem or creating something meaningful, you’re just spinning your wheels. What’s the biggest problem you’re solving right now?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 07:03

Talk about relationships and what are some of the mistakes you see people making when building high-level relationships in business.

Joe Polish: 07:13

Relationships and business? Man, they’re everything. But here’s where people screw it up. They make it transactional. They’re always thinking, what can I get?

Instead of what can I give? That’s the fastest way to kill trust. Another big mistake not following up. You meet someone, have a great conversation, and then nothing. Relationships need nurturing.

Like plants. You don’t water them, they die. Simple as that. So who’s someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 07:40

What are some takeaways from your books that people have enjoyed? It could be from Life Gives to The Giver or The Average Joe’s Marketing Book, or what’s in it for them? Some of the takeaways from your books.

Joe Polish: 07:55

Look, the big takeaway from Life Gives to the Giver is simple life rewards those who genuinely give without expecting something in return. It’s about creating value, building trust and focusing on relationships that matter. Now, the average Joe’s Marketing book is packed with practical, no BS strategies for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses without wasting time or money. And what’s in it for them? It’s all about building meaningful, authentic connections while protecting yourself from takers and narcissists.

If you’re serious about relationships and success. Grab a copy of What’s in it for them. It’s a game changer. Which one resonates most with you right now?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 08:34

Yeah, I like them all. But what role? I know you talk about storytelling and how important storytelling is. What role does storytelling you find play in marketing?

Joe Polish: 08:47

Storytelling is the backbone of marketing. It’s how you connect with people on a human level. Facts and figures. They’re fine, but stories are what stick. They create emotion, and emotion drives action.

When you tell a story, you’re not just selling a product or service. You’re selling a vision, a solution, a transformation. That’s why I always say, if you want to be great at marketing, you got to master the art of storytelling. What’s the story you’re telling in your business right now?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 09:12

Who are some of the people you have learned from, either personally or in books about how to master storytelling?

Joe Polish: 09:22

Storytelling, man, it’s the secret sauce. I’ve learned a ton from people like Joel Weldon, who’s been coaching speakers for over 46 years. He’s all about crafting stories that grab attention and make people think. This is for me. And then there’s Cameron Harold, who talks about creating a vivid vision to align your story with your goals.

That’s a game changer for entrepreneurs. Plus, I always say marketing is storytelling. It’s not just about selling. It’s about creating a narrative that attracts the right people and repels the wrong ones. If you want to dive deeper into this, my book, What’s In It for Them?

Is packed with insights on building authentic connections through storytelling. You can grab it at. What’s in it for them? What’s the story you’re telling in your business right now?

Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 10:06

So I’d love to hear about some challenges. What are some of the tough times and challenges you’ve had to overcome in your journey?

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