In this episode of Brainfluence, host Roger Dooley welcomes back Matt Dixon, founding partner of DCM Insights and co-author of the bestselling "The Challenger Sale." Dixon shares insights from his latest book, The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently, which is rooted in groundbreaking research on how top professionals win and grow client relationships in the increasingly competitive world of professional services. Dixon unpacks the five distinct profiles that partners in fields like law, accounting, and consulting tend to fall into, with a particular focus on the "Activator"—a proactive, well-networked rainmaker who brings new ideas to clients and promotes deep collaboration within firms.

Dixon explains that while only about 15–20% of partners naturally exhibit strong activator traits, everyone can learn to adopt key behaviors that set activators apart: maintaining a regular business development cadence, building broad and deep networks, and proactively creating value for clients. He reveals that the biggest client complaint isn’t over-contact; instead, it’s wishing they heard more from their trusted advisors with fresh insights and opportunities. The conversation offers practical takeaways for both leaders and individuals in professional services who want to move beyond waiting for the phone to ring and instead, become indispensable partners in their clients’ success.

The Activator Advantage on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3FjUSED

Connect with Matt:
Website - https://www.dcminsights.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewxdixon/

Show notes, audio, text, links - https://www.rogerdooley.com/activator-advantage-matt-dixon/

Connect with Roger:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/
https://twitter.com/rogerdooley
https://www.threads.net/@rogerdooley
https://www.facebook.com/roger.dooley
https://www.instagram.com/rogerdooley/

Roger’s Stuff:
Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com
Neuromarketing: https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog
Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/

About Matt Dixon:
Matt Dixon is an acclaimed business researcher and author best known for co-writing "The Challenger Sale," published in 2011. After the book’s release, he spent years traveling internationally to share its groundbreaking B2B sales insights with teams across the globe. Early in his journey—around 2012 or 2013—Dixon was invited to present his research to one of the world’s top strategy consulting firms, marking the start of his influential role in shaping sales practices for leading professional organizations.

Brainfluence host Roger Dooley sits down with marketing thought leader and bestselling author Mark Schaefer, who returns to the show with insights from his latest book, Audacious. Mark shares his unique approach to writing—how each of his books is inspired by real problems facing marketers—and discusses the existential challenges and opportunities posed by AI-driven marketing. Discover how both brands and individuals can stand out in an age of overwhelming content, why out-humaning AI is the key to survival, and what it means to be “audacious” in a world often dominated by the dull and predictable. From tangible examples, like the unforgettable fiberglass pig in a barbecue joint and Liquid Death’s disruptive branding, to innovative uses of AI and QR codes, Mark offers practical strategies for earning attention, regardless of budget. He also tackles the importance of organizational culture, the role of fear in stifling creativity, and the critical connection between personal branding and professional audacity. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or just hungry for the latest thinking on breaking through the noise, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice you won’t want to miss.

Audacious on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4k55iqp

Connect with Mark: 
Website - https://businessesgrow.com/
X - https://x.com/markwschaefer
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer

Show notes, audio, text, links - https://www.rogerdooley.com/audacious-mark-schaefer/

Connect with Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooley/ 

Website: https://www.rogerdooley.com

Mark W. Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and bestselling author of ten books. With over 30 years of experience in global sales, PR, and marketing, he serves as the Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions and holds faculty positions at Rutgers University and the University of Tennessee. Known for insightful and practical books like Audacious, which addresses navigating the AI world, and KNOWN, considered the world's number one book on personal branding, his work is used as textbooks at over 70 universities and translated into 15 languages. Schaefer's blog {grow} is hailed as one of the top marketing blogs in the world, and he is the founder and co-host of The Marketing Companion, one of the top 10 marketing podcasts. He consults for diverse clients from successful start-ups to global brands. His work often focuses on helping marketers rise above the noise by emphasizing humanity and finding ways to stand out in the digital age and amidst the rise of AI.