http://www.assaultmarketing.com/

Assault Marketing, Sacramento, CA (2026)

02/25/2026

The "Battle-Tested" Balance: AI vs. Emotional Intelligence

In thirty-plus years of building businesses and working with over 100 different industries, I’ve seen more than a few "magic bullets" come and go. In 2026 the world is obsessed with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s the shiny new tool in everyone’s shed. Serious entrepreneurs you know that any tool is only as good as the hand wielding it hence the phrase “If your only tool is a hammer, everything then needs to be a nail.” To win in the "Golden Age" of business everyone needs have to understand the interplay between the cold, hard efficiency of AI and the raw, human power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

The Power of the Machine: Artificial Intelligence - AI is fundamentally about systems, scale, and speed. I focus on training, coaching and installing systems that produce consistent, predictable results, and AI is the ultimate system-builder. It possesses the unique ability to crunch massive amounts of data and find "hidden profits" in your customer database faster than any human ever could. By removing the "Reactive Business Owner" trap, AI automates the mundane tasks that keep you stuck in the weeds, finally allowing you to focus on being a Fourth Stage Entrepreneur. Most importantly, AI offers a level of predictability that humans cannot match because it doesn't have "bad days" or mood swings; it follows the logic you provide 24/7 without fatigue.

The Power of the Person: Emotional Intelligence - You can have the best AI-driven funnel in the world, but if you don't understand why your customer buys, you’re just shouting into a void. EQ is the "secret sauce" of the battle-tested strategist. Business is - and always will be - about people, and EQ is what allows you to truly empathize with a client's fears, frustrations, and desires. If you define your niche as B to B or Business To Business it pays to keep in mind that no business has ever bought anything… It’s always a person writing the check. While AI handles the logic, EQ handles influence and leadership. You simply cannot "prompt" an employee into being genuinely motivated; that requires a leader who can read a room and inspire a team. AI is binary, but life is lived in the gray areas, and EQ provides the "gut feeling" necessary to know exactly when to push a sale or when to offer a hand.

The Future: The Strategic Integration - The future doesn't belong to the person with the fastest AI, nor does it belong to the person who ignores technology in favor of "old school" networking. It belongs to the Strategic Entrepreneur who integrates both. While AI increases your volume and streamlines your operations, EQ is what increases your margins and builds long-term brand loyalty. Anyone hiding behind AI because you’re afraid to talk to your customers, you will eventually fail. Conversely, if you’re ignoring AI because you’re "old school," you’re leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table. The future of your business depends on using AI to handle the mechanics while you use your EQ to handle the meaning. Use the machine to find the opportunity, but use your humanity to capture the heart of the customer.

I’m privileged to help high-achievers turn their momentum into massive results. My clients are already in motion—they're taking action and getting wins, but they're hungry for more. They know that to make a greater impact, they need a clear plan and aren't afraid to ask for help to get it. When you have a solid strategy and you play full out, the word "yes" becomes your new normal. You're not just taking action, you're dominating. Your results speak for themselves, and you're tired of anything less than what you know you're capable of. If you're ready to create a winning plan and consistently hear "yes," let's talk. Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

01/06/2026

In sales, the natural instinct following a lost sale is to retreat, regroup, and pivot immediately to the next lead. Most salespeople view a "no" as a door slamming shut - a failure to be purged.

10/22/2025

Anell Has The Heart Of A Servant

I met a client at an In-N-Out for a coaching session. I tend to arrive a couple of minutes early to get a booth and finish my preparation. This is a weekly client meeting and we almost always meet at the In-N-Out near the Tucson Mall. I wait to order until my client arrives out of common courtesy. Less than 90 seconds after sitting down a fresh glass of ice water with a straw protector was placed in front of me. I did not request an ice water, it was simply anticipated and provided.

Anell was working the lobby and she wanted to be sure I was well provided for. She did this quietly and without a single request being made. Maybe she was trained to provide this and if that’s the case good for her for following the training. Personally, I think it’s deeper than training. Anell has the heart of a servant. As Sergio and I watched her work the lobby it’s pretty clear. I can tell you she made us and many others smile.

I marvel at places like In-N-Out, Costco, Southwest Airlines and Chik-Fil-A. They hire the right people, they train them and they get out of their way and they let them represent and be the face of the company. When you are dealing with them, they are the entire company. Many years ago I was introduced to the Snyder family who own the company. Back then the company was more profitable than McDonalds Corporation. Anell was surprised when I asked for her picture. Anell is doing something simple in an elegant manner and it matters! Bravo!

I’m privileged to help high-achievers turn their momentum into massive results. My clients are already in motion—they're taking action and getting wins, but they're hungry for more. They know that to make a greater impact, they need a clear plan and aren't afraid to ask for help to get it. When you have a solid strategy and you play full out, the word "yes" becomes your new normal. You're not just taking action, you're dominating. Your results speak for themselves, and you're tired of anything less than what you know you're capable of. If you're ready to create a winning plan and consistently hear "yes," let's talk. Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

10/02/2025

How Will You Invest The Next 92 Days?

As hard as it is to believe, there are only 92 days remaining in 2025. 92 days comes down to just 2208 hours and when you deduct sleeping and Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the number of both days and hours remaining to hit your goals for the years may not seem like enough to get things done that you need to do. I met with an Account Executive today who is concerned about the absence of time and the coming business slowdown and he has some serious concerns. My follow up question was about the coming business slowdown and the evidence he as and he heard about that from the financial predicters on Facebook. I explained Facebook is an unreliable source for anything.

Are you going to let time slip away Or are you finally going to follow through on everything you said you were going to do? The unvarnished truth is that time won’t slow down for you. You either show up now, or end the year with the same unacceptable results you started the year with. Which one will it be? Never forget that time is the ultimate non-renewable resource. How will you define the next 92 days?

I’m privileged to help high-achievers turn their momentum into massive results. My clients are already in motion—they're taking action and getting wins, but they're hungry for more. They know that to make a greater impact, they need a clear plan and aren't afraid to ask for help to get it. When you have a solid strategy and you play full out, the word "yes" becomes your new normal. You're not just taking action, you're dominating. Your results speak for themselves, and you're tired of anything less than what you know you're capable of. If you're ready to create a winning plan and consistently hear "yes," let's talk. Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

08/26/2025

Incredible Words Of Wisdom From A Poet

Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi was a poet who lived in the 13th Century. In my opinion, one of the more insightful things he said was “what you seek is seeking you” suggesting that the thing you are looking for is actively looking for you as well. Another well-known quote from Rumi is “The wound is the place where light enters you” and he is speaking to the transformative power of pain and vulnerability.

My personal favorite quote from Rumi is “Yesterday I was clever and I wanted to change the world… Today I am wise and I want to change myself.” We only have a finite level of control on any other person including our children. We teach them the lessons and they apply them in their own way. Even Warren Buffett tells us to take very little credit for the success of our children and to take very little blame. I agree.

Real change starts from within. It’s not always about big leaps, it’s about staying disciplined to the promises you made to yourself and others. Doing what you said you’d do, even when it’s uncomfortable.

That’s how we build self-confidence. That confidence shines and becomes light others can follow. That’s when the ripple effect starts. That’s how we actually start to change the world. Keep showing up for YOU. That’s where the power is.

I’m privileged to help high-achievers turn their momentum into massive results. My clients are already in motion—they're taking action and getting wins, but they're hungry for more. They know that to make a greater impact, they need a clear plan and aren't afraid to ask for help to get it. When you have a solid strategy and you play full out, the word "yes" becomes your new normal. You're not just taking action, you're dominating. Your results speak for themselves, and you're tired of anything less than what you know you're capable of. If you're ready to create a winning plan and consistently hear "yes," let's talk. Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

08/25/2025

What Is The Starting Point Of Your Professional Life?

Many people spend the majority of their adult life following a clear set of rules for success. They wait their turn, they are polite, they go by prevailing thought they are compliant and above all they follow the rules. Ask yourself why Henry Ford invented the automobile? If Form would have asked the majority of the population, they would have said that what they really wanted as faster horses. Steve Jobs really didn't have anyone to ask about the need for the Apple Computer, so he invented it anyway. Neither Ford or Jobs was willing to wait their turn, they weren't polite, they didn't follow the rules of the day, and both ignored all prevailing thought.

I learned this early in my life and while I haven't always applied this in a perfect manner I have applied it in the manner that seemed to be appropriate given the situation. If you stay in your Comfort Zone that's where you will fail. You will fail in your comfort zone. Success is not a comfortable procedure... It is a very uncomfortable thing to attempt. You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable if you want to be successful.

People look at how often Michael Jordan succeeded, and forget how frequently he failed. A short list includes:
• Missed over 9,000 shots.
• Lost almost 300 games in his career.
• 26 missed game-winning shots.
• Early NBA playoff losses, including being swept in two series.

These are just some examples of how Jordan used failure and discomfort as a stepping-stone to success. Jordan demonstrated a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, and a refusal to be defined by setbacks.

I help high-achievers turn their momentum into massive results. My clients are already in motion—they're taking action and getting wins, but they're hungry for more. They know that to make a greater impact, they need a clear plan and aren't afraid to ask for help to get it. When you have a solid strategy and you play full out, the word "yes" becomes your new normal. You're not just taking action, you're dominating. Your results speak for themselves, and you're tired of anything less than what you know you're capable of. If you're ready to create a winning plan and consistently hear "yes," let's talk. Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

07/29/2025

Seven Sure Fire Steps To Stay Broke

- Take all the free cheese there is in the mousetrap. Free is typically worth what you pay for it.
- Tell yourself daily how broke you are. Garbage In = Garbage Out!
- Hang around people whose lives are empty and desolate. -Negative minds think alike.
- Never have expectations of success. You think you can or think you can't
- Become obsessed with getting a deal with the lowest possible price. Wearing fake designer clothing is expensive. Aren't you worth the real thing?
- Think that rich people are mean and evil. Rich people pay the most in tax and employ the most people. Ever have a poor person hire you?
- Never question anything you've been told about money. Money is fluid and tends to go where it is appreciated.

Being poor is a condition ... Being broke is a state of mind. If you are choosing to be broke maybe it's time to choose differently. Let's work on it together. Schedule time for a quick conversation and let's make some progress! https://calendly.com/stevenclauson

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren't afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word "YES" more than ever. Only if you are one of the few willing to take action, do what's required and play full out are you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word "YES" are winners on the playing field because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

07/17/2025

What If It Turns Out Better Than You Expected?

At least at some level, it's human nature to at least consider the ramifications of any action or perceived risk. Taking a drive on a wet highway, starting a business, going to the doctor for some routine tests or asking that person out along with many other things. What happens if it doesn't work out? For me a better question has always been what is the worst that could happen and can I live with that? A couple of personal examples from my life that involved some risk with enormous return include meeting a recent widow on November 27, 2010 at an On The Border in Elk Grove, California for a one hour date and after spending over five hours in the restaurant and being asked to leave so they could go home I decided that night I was going to marry her... we recently celebrated 11 years of marriage or when I was 30 years old my childhood friend Charlie told me I was stupid for taking the time and spending the money to go to Chiropractic College because I was too old. Both worked out pretty well for me.

This is a glass half full question from my side of the desk. Wayne Gretzky said you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Winners like Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan are examples of what can happen. Things can always go wrong and may not work out according to your grand scheme and they could also turn into a beautiful miracle that changes your life. The next time you're overthinking or have doubts in your mind ask yourself what if it does work out? What if things turn out better than you could have imagined? They just might. They did for me and it could happen for you. There may be set backs, reasons to quit and there will be some work along the way. I got some help. Now I get to help other people with their dreams and what ifs. Not sure what work needs to be done? Let's work on it together. Schedule time for a quick conversation and let's make some progress! https://calendly.com/stevenclauson

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren't afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word "YES" more than ever. Only if you are one of the few willing to take action, do what's required and play full out are you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word "YES" are winners on the playing field because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

06/27/2025

Before you win, everyone will ask why you're working so hard. After you win, everyone will remind you how lucky you got.

06/03/2025

I may get some heat for this but nothing I can’t handle. When my son was 16 and earned his first taste of freedom, including the freedom to drive, I set some rules.

04/14/2025

“Not Tough Enough For This Place” Tommy Norris, Landman

Taylor Sheridan’s show Landman is worth watching in my opinion. The show contains large quantities of adult language and the show is blunt, honest, politically incorrect, there is smoking, violence, minimal nudity and a great story line. In a world where 95% of the shows being streamed are unwatchable, I cannot suggest this one highly enough.

Tommy Norris is played by Billy Bob Thornton and his son Cooper is played by Jacob Lofland. Cooper wants to work in the oil fields in Midland, Texas and Cooper is the product of a helicopter parent in the form of his mother. As life in the oil fields hits Cooper upside the head, he is initially incapable of existing in this environment and after some failures he is able to learn the lessons he needs to exist in this environment. As we all know, worthwhile lessons come at a price. Any lesson worth learning and the ones that stick with you come at a price.

In 2025, a lot of people aren’t tough enough for the world we are living in. I have personally been in some extremely tough places. I was initially lost when my beautiful nine-day old daughter died. My sadness was rapidly replaced with the reality of having a two-year-old son and a grief-stricken wife who still needed support and to move on. I didn’t seek sympathy then. While uncomfortable at the time, I wouldn’t trade the lessons learned for anything. As a result, I survived and went on to thrive. Resilience to events is an incredible skill to learn. In the words of Winston Churchill “This too shall pass.” I kept moving forward and some days were better than others. I have been fortunate to have earned the trust of other and have helped them move past these events as well.

I visited the grave of General Norman Schwarzkopf at The Military Academy at West Point to pay my respects and thank him personally for something he said in an interview. I don’t know the exact quote but he said he’d rather have troops under his command marching in the wrong direction rather than standing still. He said it was easier to correct course when in motion than it was start in motion. After my bankruptcy I knew that as long as I kept moving there was something I could do. If you are standing still or are unsure what to do next let’s explore why and what to do next.

My name is Steven Clauson. I coach people who want help getting where they want to be. The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact. They aren't afraid to ask for help. How can I help you? What actions are you taking? Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack. Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word "YES" more than ever. Only if you are one of the few willing to take action, do what's required and play full out are you likely to hear the word yes more often. People hearing the word "YES" are winners on the playing field because they play full out and dominate. For these people results matter. Tired of results less than you know you can produce? Call me at 916-230-0176 or visit www.assaultmarketing.com

Assault Marketing

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