Essential Engine

09/30/2026

Can AI answer questions in your voice? What would it need to know about you first?

Tom Hegna built a personal AI playbook using his writing, research, presentations, and videos. It can explain his reasoning, provide supporting references, and find relevant moments from his video library.

For financial advisors, it’s an example of how years of original content can become a useful, searchable resource.

Hear how Tom’s personal AI works in the full Marketing MindFuel episode: https://bit.ly/3TdTg6r

09/16/2026

Could one calendar reminder help you maintain a relationship you haven't thought about lately?

Bjorn Piltingsrud keeps birthdays for people in his circle in his planner. One morning, that reminder prompted him to text someone he hadn't seen much in the previous few years.

There was no business pitch. He wished him a happy birthday, asked about his family and son, and suggested getting together.

The response surprised Bjorn because the recipient hadn't expected him to remember.

Technology created the reminder. Bjorn still had to make the contact personal.

Do you keep birthdays or other meaningful client milestones in your calendar?

View and share the episode for more ways to make digital communication feel more personal. https://youtu.be/7jPQJyjs76c

09/02/2026

When business gets busy, marketing is usually the first thing people stop doing.

Ironically, it's often the habit that helped grow the business in the first place.

Whether you're building a business or trying to stay consistent with your marketing, long-term progress usually comes from the small actions you're willing to repeat every day.

Many people spend their time looking for the next strategy or breakthrough, but lasting growth is often built through routines that become part of your daily standard. Those habits may not produce immediate results, but over time they create momentum that's difficult to replace.

In this clip from Marketing MindFuel, Andrew Saksa shares several of the daily habits that help him stay focused, continue improving, and approach both business and marketing with greater consistency.

Which habit has made the biggest difference in your business?

08/14/2026

How quickly do people decide whether they trust you?

Whether it's your first email, LinkedIn post, or client meeting, first impressions happen in seconds.

That's why every interaction counts.

Watch the full episode of Marketing MindFuel for practical ideas to create stronger first impressions and build trust. https://youtu.be/8b_v8rVZ_XM

08/05/2026

07/31/2026

Have you ever stopped too soon, only to realize you were closer than you thought?

That’s the lesson behind one of the stories Andrew Saksa shares in this episode of Marketing MindFuel.

Building a business, creating a marketing rhythm, and staying visible with clients can all feel slow at first. You try something. It doesn’t work the way you hoped. You adjust. You wonder if it’s worth continuing.

But the people who build lasting momentum usually aren’t the ones chasing one quick win. They’re the ones who keep learning, keep refining, and keep showing up.

Relationship marketing works the same way. One campaign may not change everything, but consistent communication can build trust, strengthen client relationships, and keep you top of mind over time.

Listen to the full episode, then share it with another business owner who could benefit from these lessons. https://bit.ly/3TeL3yB

07/30/2026

Can a conversation about your dog or your favorite team lead to better business relationships?

It might sound surprising, but those personal moments often create the strongest connections.

People already know what you do. What they don't always know is who you are. Sharing appropriate parts of your life helps clients relate to you, making future conversations feel more natural and building trust over time.

In this clip from Marketing MindFuel, Bjorn explains why personal connection isn't separate from relationship marketing. It's often where meaningful client conversations begin.

Watch the clip, then listen to the full episode for more ideas on staying top of mind and building stronger client relationships.

https://bit.ly/4xrV0HN

07/28/2026

We never miss an issue of Essential Living 🙌🏻

07/28/2026

The Marketing MindFuel podcast is officially OUT NOW!

Join Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa as they break down how relationship-driven professionals can grow through trust, authority, and authentic connection instead of transactional marketing tactics.

In this first conversation, they explore:
• Why trust is the #1 asset in business
• How professionals stay relevant in changing industries
• The importance of relationship-centric marketing
• What long-term visibility actually looks like

Don’t wait any longer to start building stronger relationships and stronger business growth.

Listen Now: https://bit.ly/4vWvPMj

To learn more about Essential Engine and Five Star Professional, visit:
https://bit.ly/4yKgjWh
https://bit.ly/45uzUMA

07/27/2026

Why do so many great professionals struggle to stay relevant and visible in crowded industries?

That’s one of the biggest conversations behind the Marketing MindFuel podcast.

In this new show, Bjorn Piltingsrud and Andrew Saksa will break down how relationship-driven professionals can grow through trust, authority, and consistent connection instead of transactional marketing.

These conversations are designed to help advisors, lenders, attorneys, and other professionals strengthen relationships, stay top of mind, and drive meaningful business growth.

We want to hear from you.

What’s one topic you’d like to hear us break down on the show? ⬇️