Every week on Marketing Made Simple, you'll get practical tips to make your marketing easy and make it work!
…
continue reading
Ever wish financial advisor marketing was easier? Tired of experimenting without results? Craving simple strategies that actually work? Press play and take notes – we’re about to level up how you market your financial services. Hey there! We’re Kendra and Taylor 👋… two marketing professionals with decades of real-life experience sharing proven strategies from two (very!) different perspectives. Taylor, as an advisor who tripled his revenue in the last three years, and Kendra, as an agency ow ...
…
continue reading
This LinkedIn-focused podcast is dedicated to giving entrepreneurs, business coaches, those with high-ticket offerings, and online business owners quick, easy, and effective tips on how to grow their business, brand, and bank accounts using LinkedIn. If Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are getting you engagement but not sales for your business, it's time to consider leveraging the top social media platform for converted sales and organic engagement: LinkedIn!
…
continue reading
Small business growth expert Shanna Goodman presents the Home Pros Marketing Made Simple podcast to help you attract clients to your pro organizing or residential cleaning service as simply and effectively as possible. After more than 16 years helping service-based small business owners strategically grow, Shanna knows how to guide you into developing a sustainable business model AND help you put the most effective strategies into place. Raised by entrepreneurs, Shanna is a voracious reader ...
…
continue reading
1
Trading Yacht Life For The Video Life
32:49
32:49
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
32:49
Austin-born-and-bred, Shelby Ring traded landlocked life for boat life as a yacht chef in the BVIs. It turns out she was more into filming fish than cooking them. She swapped a chef knife for a camera and started raking in cash for those "highlight videos" the fancy yachts couldn't get enough of. Fast forward to 2013, she swapped sailboat life for …
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: How To Build A Digital Marketing Funnel From Scratch (Joe Eck)
42:35
42:35
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
42:35
Are you struggling to build an effective marketing funnel for your virtual financial planning practice? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Joe Eck asks us to help him create a digital marketing strategy to attract pre-retirees in his local area. From optimizing his website to improving his content creation process, we provide act…
…
continue reading
1
#184: Talkin’ Shop—How Clear Messaging Unlocks Growth for Complex Tech Brands
35:41
35:41
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
35:41
Tech companies often struggle with the same challenge—making their complex solutions simple to understand. When customers can’t grasp how a product solves their problem, even the most innovative ideas can fall flat. How do you balance clarity and sophistication to attract buyers without sacrificing the technical depth that sets you apart? In this e…
…
continue reading
1
Why You Need To Do A Monthly LinkedIn Live Event
14:54
14:54
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
14:54
Have you been thinking about going live on LinkedIn but need a little push? Here’s why a monthly LinkedIn Live event could be the game-changer your business needs! 🏆 🌟 1. Gather Your Target Audience in One Place: Imagine bringing your ideal clients, industry peers, and potential collaborators into one virtual room! A monthly LinkedIn Live event is …
…
continue reading
1
Think You're Late to AI? Here's Why You're Actually Right on Time!
24:08
24:08
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
24:08
Feeling overwhelmed by AI? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the biggest myth in AI adoption and reveal why your measured approach might be your greatest advantage. KEY POINTS: Why the "AI panic" isn't helping anyone Real talk about where most businesses ACTUALLY are in their AI journey Practical steps to start implementing AI (without t…
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: Finding The Right Marketing Channel For Your Niche (Andrew McFadden)
34:04
34:04
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:04
How do you grow an email list for your financial advisory practice? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Andrew McFadden seeks guidance on expanding his email marketing efforts. We dive deep into Andrew's niche of young physicians, his current marketing strategies, and explore whether email is truly the best next step for his pract…
…
continue reading
1
#183: Talkin’ Shop—The Counterintuitive Way to Thrive in Crowded Industries
34:10
34:10
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:10
In competitive industries, it’s all too easy for great businesses to fade into the background. When everyone is saying the same thing, customers have a hard time sussing out who can actually help them. That's why the real challenge isn’t just being good at what you do—it’s making sure people know you’re the best choice for solving their specific pr…
…
continue reading
1
Your Sales Potential with my LinkedIn Polls In Groups Strategy
13:09
13:09
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
13:09
Are you looking to enhance your LinkedIn engagement and connect with industry peers? Let me share my effective 3-1-1 strategy: 1️⃣ Join 3 Industry-Specific Groups: Dive into communities that align with your professional interests. Engaging with the right groups can open doors to valuable discussions and networking opportunities. 2️⃣ Conduct 1 Marke…
…
continue reading
1
How To Overcome Procrastination
30:04
30:04
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
30:04
Chris Abdey is a Procrastination Coach with over 20 years of experience, specializing in helping individuals conquer procrastination and boost productivity. As the creator of the Balance Blueprint program and host of the Procrastinator’s Pitstop podcast, Chris empowers clients to master time management, focus, and personal growth. Connect with Chri…
…
continue reading
1
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Marketing Help
39:50
39:50
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
39:50
Are you considering hiring marketing help for your financial advisory firm but unsure where to start? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of marketing assistance for advisors, helping you navigate the decision-making process with confidence. Key questions we answer include: ► Signs it's time to hire marketing help (and when to hold off) ► …
…
continue reading
1
#182: Talkin’ Shop—Why Your Nonprofit's Message Isn’t Connecting (And How to Fix It)
45:09
45:09
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
45:09
Nonprofit leaders work hard and care deeply, but sometimes their message isn’t clear enough to get people excited and involved. The stories are powerful, and the mission is strong, but the message can get lost. It’s a frustrating reality for nearly every marketer involved in the nonprofit sector. So how do you communicate your vision in a way that …
…
continue reading
1
Should You Have LinkedIn Premium for Your Company Page ?
12:41
12:41
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
12:41
Are you ready to attract and convert more clients across LinkedIn? My latest episode dives into the powerful features of LinkedIn Company Page premium subscriptions and whether they’re worth the investment for your business presence on the platform.🔑 Key Benefits of LinkedIn Company Page Premium:Custom Call to Action: Display a tailored call to act…
…
continue reading
1
How To Lead Like Ted Lasso
34:31
34:31
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:31
Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio are the co-authors of Lead It Like Lasso. From colleagues to co-founders, Nick and Marnie built a leadership framework that helped them start, scale, and sell their software company in three years (all with the spirit of Ted Lasso). And then they wrote the book on it ;) Connect with Marnie and Nick here: https://ww…
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: How To Focus Your Marketing Efforts For Better Results (Ryan Furlong)
42:15
42:15
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
42:15
Are you struggling to find your niche and grow your financial advisory practice? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Ryan Furlong joins us to troubleshoot his marketing strategy. We dive deep into refining his ideal client avatar, choosing the right social media platform, and creating a compelling personal brand separate from his …
…
continue reading
1
#181: Talkin' Shop—The Power of Being Your Authentic Self in Coaching (And Why Buzzwords Just Get in the Way)
33:18
33:18
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
33:18
The coaching world is booming, but with thousands of new coaches and consultants entering the industry, it’s becoming a more crowded space. If you're looking to make an impact, the question quickly becomes: How do I get noticed? Many coaches get caught in a cycle of trying to copy what others are doing, hoping it will work for them, but it usually …
…
continue reading
1
How To Generate Leads On LinkedIn
14:11
14:11
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
14:11
Are you tapping into all the hidden opportunities LinkedIn offers to generate leads and sales? In this episode, we’ll explore three powerful yet underutilized strategies to grow your business on LinkedIn. Discover how to..... Leverage Push Notifications: These can be a game-changer when used strategically. Learn how to craft compelling messages tha…
…
continue reading
1
Why Is Transforming "Self-Identity" Vital For Your Success
34:41
34:41
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:41
Jim Fortin is the host of top top-ranked Transform Your Life From The Inside Out Podcast, which is in the iTunes Top 100 in both the educational and personal development categories. He’s an international leading expert in subconscious personal transformation and has been featured as a speaker alongside 100s of fellow industry leaders as well as bei…
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: How To Turn LinkedIn Success Into Client Growth (Joe Marshall)
41:42
41:42
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
41:42
Is your marketing strategy too reliant on a single channel? How can you maximize your LinkedIn success? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Joe Marshall joins us to discuss diversifying his marketing efforts beyond LinkedIn. We explore how to leverage his existing success on the platform and create a more robust marketing funnel. …
…
continue reading
1
#180: Talkin' Shop—Simple Tricks to Own the Top Spot in Local Search Results
32:45
32:45
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
32:45
If customers in your town are searching online for what you offer but can’t find you, you’re missing a huge opportunity. It’s like having a storefront without a sign. Local business owners know they need to show up in search results, but SEO can sound like rocket science—complex, overwhelming, and honestly, not what you signed up for. But what if t…
…
continue reading
1
LinkedIn Company Pages Hacks and Updates
23:13
23:13
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
23:13
In today’s digital landscape, establishing a strong online presence is essential for business success. Here are three compelling benefits of having a LinkedIn Company Page: 1️⃣ Brand Visibility with Your Logo: A LinkedIn Company Page lets you showcase your logo on your LinkedIn profile. This connection enhances your brand recognition and creates a …
…
continue reading
1
Why Every Business Should Leverage Quizzes and Assessments
36:00
36:00
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
36:00
Maxwell Nee is the Chief Revenue Officer of Scoreapp, a Quiz Marketing Platform with 6,000 paying clients. He's also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, bodybuilder & dancer. He’s been featured in TV, Radio, Forbes, Singapore’s The Business Times & The Australian Business Review. Find out more about Max and Scoreapp here: https://www.facebook.com/g…
…
continue reading
1
Marketing Funnel Basics: What Every Advisor Needs to Know
1:04:00
1:04:00
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
1:04:00
Are your marketing funnels failing to turn leads into clients? In this episode, we break down the basics of creating a simple, effective marketing funnel for your financial advisory firm. From understanding each stage of the funnel—to pinpointing why your current funnel may not be delivering results, we guide you through essential strategies for fi…
…
continue reading
1
#179: Talkin' Shop—How to Leverage Your Unique Edge Without Confusing Your Customers
26:49
26:49
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
26:49
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, but let’s be real—it’s easy to screw it up. You know your product or service is great, but your customers aren’t noticing. Why? Because you’re either blending in with everyone else or confusing your audience with messaging that’s unclear. It’s a tough balance: if you’re too creative, people don’t get it. If…
…
continue reading
1
The Easiest Way To Skyrocket Your Engagement on LinkedIn
12:45
12:45
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
12:45
Are you ready to take your LinkedIn game to the next level? Listen in on my newest episode entitled, "The Easiest Way To Skyrocket Your Engagement on LinkedIn." In this episode, I'll reveal a simple yet powerful strategy that can transform how you connect with your audience. The easiest way to boost your engagement is to engage back with those who …
…
continue reading
1
Using Innovation and Perseverance To Grow Your Business
33:38
33:38
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
33:38
About Luke Peters: Luke Peters is an accomplished entrepreneur and the former CEO of NewAir, a company he founded in 2001 and grew from a garage startup to a thriving business with over $600 million in cumulative sales. His journey began in Fountain Valley, California, where he learned the value of hard work while working in his family’s donut shop…
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: How to Get Prospects To Act Without Being Pushy (Ben Galloway)
34:19
34:19
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:19
Are you struggling to convert qualified prospects into clients? Wondering how to create urgency without being pushy? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Ben Galloway joins us to troubleshoot his sales process and marketing strategy. We dive deep into defining his ideal client, crafting compelling content, and following up effectiv…
…
continue reading
1
#178: How to Work with Your ADHD to Boost Focus and Productivity
36:05
36:05
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
36:05
Traditional productivity advice often assumes a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but for many people —especially those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits—that approach can actually slow you down. You may even feel ashamed of your inability to focus or stay organized, but the real problem might be that the traditional methods weren’t design…
…
continue reading
1
When to Block and Delete A Connection On LinkedIn
15:42
15:42
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
15:42
🚫 Navigating Connections on LinkedIn: When to Block and Delete 🚫 LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building professional relationships, but not every connection is positive. In this episode, I discuss key situations when it’s time to block and delete a connection to protect your professional space and mental well-being. 🔍 Here are three red flags…
…
continue reading
1
How To Empower Yourself Today
26:58
26:58
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
26:58
About Mark: Mark is a software engineer turned entrepreneur, teacher, speaker, podcaster, and amateur bodybuilder. He's obsessed with understanding the habits of successful people. "I'm Mark, a former software engineer turned successful business and mindset coach based in Austin, Texas. With a passion for helping others achieve their goals, I've gu…
…
continue reading
1
What Is "Note" Investing?
24:25
24:25
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
24:25
Nathan Turner is known across the US as the “Canadian Note Guy”. Having run several businesses, including fix and flip real estate, he discovered mortgage notes and the opportunity that they provide in the US in 2009 and has since become a leader in the industry in the private investment sector. He is the President of Earnest Inc. and manager of th…
…
continue reading
1
Advice Line: Referrals vs. Digital Marketing For Doubling AUM (Paul Sydlansky)
42:06
42:06
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
42:06
How do you double your firm's size in five years? Is it through digital marketing or client referrals? In this LIVE "Advice Line" episode, financial advisor Paul Sydlansky joins us to discuss supercharging his firm's growth. With 95-100 clients and $75 million in AUM after 8 years, Paul wants to take his marketing to the next level. We dive deep in…
…
continue reading
1
How To Run YouTube Ads That Convert
27:50
27:50
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
27:50
Aleric is a YouTube Ads Expert & the Founder of AdOutreach. Over the last 8 Years, Aleric has taught thousands of Entrepreneurs & Business Owners how to Grow & Scale their business using laser-targeted YouTube Ads. Collectively, Aleric has helped his clients generate over $300 Million in sales from YouTube Ads & scaled his own business to over 8 Fi…
…
continue reading
1
#177: Why “Both-And” Thinking is the Future of Leadership
35:42
35:42
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
35:42
Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! -- Leading a business means constantly being pulled between competing demands…
…
continue reading
1
From Blueprint to Reality: Innovative Solutions in Community Design
28:18
28:18
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
28:18
About Joshua Sanabria and "Engage": I completed my Masters in Architecture from Andrews University in Michigan in 2014. Since then, I’ve worked with corporate architecture, marketing, and even a drone company. In 2018 I branched out to start GoArchitect as an architecture book publishing company. As with many startups, the original plan quickly cha…
…
continue reading
1
The Future Of LinkedIn: Here Are My Bold Predictions
16:47
16:47
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
16:47
With all the changes to LinkedIn from the "video only feed", to the discontinuing of the "LinkedIn Top Community Voice Program", it has a lot of people asking me, "What is the future of LinkedIn?"It's a great question that has many answers and opinions. For me, I see 3 things unfolding that could be a predictor of what is to come with LinkedIn in 2…
…
continue reading
1
How To Be The Best Sales Leader You Can Be
31:10
31:10
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
31:10
My team and I are committed to empowering partnerships & ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) to grow their revenue with applications built on the Microsoft Cloud. If you... 👉 Want to reach new customers by using the Microsoft partner ecosystem, sales support, and go-to-market resources 👉 Want to go to market faster, and reach more customers 👉 Want …
…
continue reading
1
How AI Prompts Can Grow Your Business
27:54
27:54
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
27:54
Ashley Gross is the Founder and CEO of the Prompt Community, an AI strategist, and educator dedicated to democratizing AI access for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on practical applications, she empowers entrepreneurs to leverage AI for growth and innovation. Connect with Ashley and the Prompt Community here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashl…
…
continue reading
1
Why Overthinking Will Ruin Your Marketing With Carl Richards
55:09
55:09
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
55:09
Are you struggling with marketing your financial advisory practice? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the options and unsure where to focus your efforts? In this episode, the one and only Carl Richards joins us to share his unique perspective on ethical and effective marketing for financial advisors. From overcoming failure to finding your authentic v…
…
continue reading
1
#176: Ian Cron—What Does Your Enneagram Reveal About Your Marketing Style?
36:33
36:33
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
36:33
What does the Enneagram have to do with marketing? A lot more than you might think! Your Enneagram type shows how you process information, make decisions, and approach creativity. From perfectionism to overthinking, these innate tendencies directly impact your marketing approach. If you’ve had trouble connecting with your audience or executing a wi…
…
continue reading
1
How To Grow, Scale, and Multiply Your Business
27:47
27:47
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
27:47
Neil is the Co-Founder of Multiplier, a marketing agency that specializes in helping companies achieve substantial revenue growth. They have generated $300M+ in revenue for renowned brands like Mindvalley, Catcha Group, Jordan Peterson, Coaching.com, and many others. Before starting Multiplier, Neil was the Head of Subscription at Mindvalley, where…
…
continue reading
1
Create a 6-7 Figure Real Estate Lending Business with No Licensing Requirements
34:06
34:06
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:06
Garrett Keillor is the CEO and founder of Lenders Academy as well as a managing partner of Keillor Capital, a Hard Money and Private Equity Lender based in Southern California. Keillor Capital has directed over a billion in debt transactions across residential transactions. Learn more about Garrett and the Lenders Academy here: https://www.linkedin…
…
continue reading
1
A Bittersweet Update on LinkedIn Collaborative Articles
14:48
14:48
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
14:48
With a heavy heart, I share some news about changes to LinkedIn's collaborative articles. Since their launch, these articles have brought our community together, allowing us to share insights and learn from one another. However, in response to feedback, LinkedIn is making significant changes that will affect how we engage with these valuable resour…
…
continue reading
1
The Power Of Outsourcing Parts Of Your Business
30:17
30:17
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
30:17
About Dan and his company Talently: 🇿🇦 Unlock World-class Talent from South Africa 🇿🇦Finding top-tier talent for your sales, marketing, support, or finance departments is a huge time suck and challenge.At Talently, we've redefined talent acquisition with our meticulous 5-step interview process, ensuring we unearth the cream of the crop, the top 2% …
…
continue reading
1
How To Showcase Yourself As An Expert On LinkedIn
34:42
34:42
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
34:42
In today's episode, we’ll be breaking down the essential steps to position yourself as a leader, build trust, and ultimately unlock your business’s full potential. First, let’s talk about what business authority means. It’s more than just being recognized, it's about being trusted as a go-to resource in your field. This trust is what sets you apart…
…
continue reading
1
5 Marketing Improvements To 3x Revenue In Three Years
47:28
47:28
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
47:28
In this episode, financial advisor and co-host Taylor Schulte shares the journey of growing his firm from $400,000 to over $1 million in revenue in three years through podcasting and SEO. From getting clear on his ideal client to building systems and processes, Taylor reveals the 5 key improvements he made that led to his success. We dive deep into…
…
continue reading
1
How A Marketing Strategy Can Skyrocket Your Business
26:24
26:24
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
26:24
Meet Sarah Noel Block, your Marketing Strategist friend. Sarah has rocked the content world for 16 years. She's supported big shots like apartments.com and Prudential, but her heart lies with small teams. As the creator of the StrategicSpark Workshop, the StrategicStory, and Tiny Marketing Framework, she's a master at helping tiny teams achieve big…
…
continue reading
1
#175: The Financial Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
36:24
36:24
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
36:24
Money stresses us out. Whether you're a small business owner or just trying to manage personal finances, it can feel like you’re always juggling competing priorities. Should you be saving more? Investing in your business? Can you even afford to? Add in the weight of societal pressures, and it’s easy to see why 73% of Americans rank finances as thei…
…
continue reading
1
Revenue Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
27:06
27:06
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
27:06
Stephen Blackburn & Stephen Johnson started their journey into online business as a way to fund their music career but as fate would have it, they ended up discovering a new talent they possessed…MARKETING. They went on to scale their first E-commerce business from 0 to $209k in just 7 months, which was followed by a list of other successful online…
…
continue reading
1
LinkedIn's Best Kept Secret
17:19
17:19
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
17:19
LinkedIn's Best Kept Secret? LinkedIn Newsletters! Unlock the power of LinkedIn Newsletters and discover how this hidden gem can elevate your professional presence! In this episode, we’ll explore the ins and outs of LinkedIn Newsletters, including: 🔍 What Are LinkedIn Newsletters? Learn about this unique feature that allows you to share valuable co…
…
continue reading
1
How To Automate Your Investing Strategy
25:34
25:34
Прослушать позже
Прослушать позже
Списки
Нравится
Нравится
25:34
About Logan Weaver: I aspire to be the most consistent person in the room. Highly motivated first-time founder with a deep interest in learning how technologies work and finding ways to improve them. I am a strong believer that nothing great is ever built alone, and am passionate about consistently evolving as a leader and team member in order to f…
…
continue reading