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Episode 118 – Ivan Mana: Turning Marketing Mistakes into Sustainable Online Success

Call The Damn Leads

Release Date: 11/20/2025

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What happens when one small automation error wipes out 20,000 leads overnight? Most people would quit. But this week’s guest, Ivan Mana, turned that nightmare scenario into fuel for building a smarter, more sustainable online marketing business.

Ivan shares how he went from working at a bank to becoming a ClickBank Platinum Award-winning affiliate marketer, and how his journey taught him that the real key to success isn’t just running ads—it’s about building strong systems, leveraging free channels, and creating funnels that actually maximize every opportunity.

If you’ve ever struggled with email lists, traffic, or just trying to turn clicks into cash, this episode will give you a roadmap to doing it right.

 

 

🔥 Episode Highlights

  • The day Ivan lost 80% of his email list – and the lessons he learned about focusing on engaged leads.

  • From skeptic to success – the three “nudges” that finally pulled him into affiliate marketing.

  • The truth about paid ads – why creativity, copywriting, and psychology matter just as much as the tech.

  • Why sustainable products win long-term – the power of SaaS tools and recurring revenue streams.

  • The real ROI of time – how Ivan shifted from chasing quick wins to building lasting systems.

  • Funnels explained – lead magnets, upsells, downsells, bump offers, and why you’re leaving money on the table without them.

  • Free traffic strategies – why posting consistently on social media, YouTube, and blogs is more effective than most paid ads.

  • The mindset shift – why selling isn’t “pushy” when you’re offering real solutions.

 

 

💡 Key Takeaways

  • A smaller, engaged list will always beat a giant, unresponsive one.

  • Sustainable products (like SaaS tools) create long-term recurring revenue.

  • Paid ads are a last resort—start with free content, guest posts, and organic reach.

  • Funnels with upsells and downsells dramatically increase average order value.

  • ROI isn’t just money—it’s the return on your time, energy, and focus.

  • Don’t be afraid to sell—if your product solves a problem, sharing it helps people.

  • Consistency wins: one post a day on your platform of choice can snowball into massive reach.

 

 

🔗 How to Connect with Ivan Mana

📺 YouTube: Ivan Mana – 700+ free videos on affiliate and online marketing strategies.
🌐 Website: IvanMana.com – grab Ivan’s free 7-Day Marketing Starter Plan.

 

 

📣 Call to Action

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels with ads, losing leads, or struggling to figure out funnels, this episode is for you. Ivan breaks it down step by step—what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to build a business that keeps paying long after the first click.

Know someone who’s trying to figure out online marketing but keeps making mistakes? Share this episode with them—it might just save them thousands of dollars and years of frustration.

And if you’ve got a wild sales or marketing story of your own, I’d love to feature you. Pitch your story at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.

 

 

📣 Call to Action

Call The Damn Leads


“By sales professionals, for sales professionals.” Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.

Expect a wild mix of:

  • Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire

  • Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game

  • Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life

  • Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields

Whether you’re in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don’t miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at
👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

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