Posts by David Shriner-Cahn
Learn How To Use Your Experiences To Build A Successful Business And Become Influential Featuring Michael Levin
New York Times bestselling author and ghostwriter Michael Levin is a prolific ghostwriter, having written, edited, published, or consulted on more than 1,000 books. Levin’s own books have been published by Simon & Schuster, Random House, Penguin, and a variety of other top publishers. He has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, LA Times, Boston Globe, and many other top outlets. His ghostwriting clients include Boeing and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar (he edited Zig’s last book), NFL legend Pat Summerall, and countless other leaders in business, sports, broadcasting, real estate, finance, insurance, and many other fields.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness your skills and experiences to build a successful business and become an influential voice in your field.
Michael and I discuss:
- Michael’s transition from corporate law to entrepreneurship [00:01:40]
- The realities of starting a business and the importance of sales [00:07:48]
- Overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship and self-promotion [00:09:10]
- How to embrace and manage the inevitable changes and pivots [00:13:41]
- Strategies for networking and finding like-minded individuals [00:20:08]
- The role of content creation in establishing thought leadership [00:27:10]
Learn more about Michael at www.michaellevinwrites.com.
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How to Convert Software Development Skills into Successful Business Models Featuring Troy Larson
Troy has over 40 years of software development and technical management experience, including five years at Amazon as a Solutions Architect.
In 2022, Troy founded The Unique VA Experience, a Filipino-based coaching company that has trained nearly 300 VAs, providing opportunities for Filipinos who are looking to change careers and for stay-at-home parents looking to enter the workforce.
In 2023, Troy launched The Developer’s CEO Newsletter, building on his 40 years of experience, focused on the unique challenges faced by software developers who are running a small business or looking to start their own business.
In today’s episode, you will discover the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Unique VA Experience, and his 2023 launch of The Developer CEO Newsletter.
Troy and I discuss:
- The journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship [00:01:05]
- The motivation behind The Unique VA Experience [00:02:10]
- The significance of the “Unique” aspect in his business [00:03:40]
- Offering a distinct, hands-on program for VAs [00:04:35]
- How The Unique VA Experience evolved against expectations [00:06:05]
- Utilizing community for entrepreneurial success [00:08:00]
- The unexpected wisdom gained from community interactions [00:09:40]
- The role of OKRs in fostering accountability within communities [00:11:50]
- The simple yet effective implementation of OKRs [00:18:15]
- Navigating the trials and learning from failures in business [00:20:25]
For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of virtual assistance or to tap into Troy’s rich repository of knowledge, visit www.troylarson.com. Troy also offers resources on hiring a VA and has made his developer-centric newsletter available for those intrigued by the intersection of software development and business leadership.
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How to Navigate From Corporate to Coaching Through Life’s Adversity Featuring Rebecca Babcock
Rebecca Babcock, Founder of Rebecca Babcock Coaching and The Babcock Method™, has conquered a great deal! As a chronic illness warrior, a nine-year sobriety champion, a resilient divorcee, and a highly effective corporate leader, she has navigated both triumphs and setbacks throughout her over 20 years of corporate experience. Now, she has chosen to embrace her true calling: empowering others to discover their purpose and passion, regardless of life’s unpredictable twists and turns.
In today’s compelling episode of Smashing the Plateau, Rebecca reveals the raw and transformative journey that led her from a high-flying career in corporate America to a profound coaching practice. After navigating the rollercoaster of life’s ‘lifey’ moments, Rebecca now empowers others to steer their own ship, even through the roughest seas of adversity.
Rebecca and I discuss:
- Her transition from corporate leadership to life coaching [00:00:20]
- Embracing life’s unpredictability while pursuing passion and purpose [00:01:07]
- The paradox of seeming success and the underlying feeling of ‘meh’ [00:04:30]
- The fallacy of the elusive ‘playbook’ of life and the freedom in admitting imperfections [00:05:30]
- Her holistic approach to increasing life satisfaction and finding joy in authenticity [00:11:00]
Rebecca’s poignant insights and her own experiences illustrate that sometimes the most inspiring stories come from the most unexpected places.
Learn more about Rebecca and her journey at https://calendly.com/rbc-coaching/rebecca-babcock-coaching-clarity-call-whatsapp
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How to Embrace Femininity and Triumph Over Burnout Featuring April Roberts
April Roberts assists Gen X women in attaining greater abundance, love, spirituality, and alignment by embracing their femininity. As a high-achieving former attorney and financial advisor with degrees from Vanderbilt and Notre Dame, April comprehends the societal pressures that frequently result in burnout among women. She is the host of the Vixen Voice podcast, where she shares the narratives of Gen X women who have cast aside the conventional definition of success to follow their genuine passions.
In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, we dive into April’s transformation from a high-powered legal professional to a devoted entrepreneur and mentor for women forging new paths in life.
April and I discuss:
- April’s pivot from law to entrepreneurship and her insights on societal expectations for women [00:50]
- The intellectual fulfillment and soul-level dissatisfaction April experienced in her former roles [01:15]
- Identifying the call to engage in work that truly resonates with the spirit [04:25]
- April’s foray into financial advising and the unique entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family [06:40]
- Responding to intuitive nudges and the third-time charm that redefined April’s career direction [09:10]
- Launching Vixen Gathering amidst the pandemic and the journey to double its recurring revenue [10:20]
- The five pillars of Vixen Gathering and the specific challenges Gen X women entrepreneurs face, especially around money mindset [15:10]
- The enriching community experience in group settings that April facilitates, fostering growth and accountability [20:40]
April Roberts extends her impact through her podcast, the Vixen Voice, a platform where she highlights stories of Gen X women who have broken free from the traditional mold to follow their heartfelt desires.
To learn more about April’s work and to connect with her, access the Vixen Core Values Worksheet Download at: https://www.vixengathering.com/core-values-worksheet.
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How To Transform Career Lows Into Entrepreneurial Success Featuring Suzy Rosenstein
Suzy Rosenstein is a master certified life coach and host of the popular podcast for midlife women, Women in the Middle®. Utilizing her upbeat approach to the highs and lows of aging and navigating life over 50, Suzy helps you gain clarity on what you truly desire, reigniting your excitement for life.
In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how Suzy turned a career-low into a triumphant journey into entrepreneurship, inspiring others along the way.
Suzy and I discuss:
- How being laid off became a catalyst for change [00:02:50]
- The role of creativity in Suzy’s entrepreneurial journey [00:03:45]
- Confronting fears and societal expectations in midlife [00:09:00]
- Embracing technology and lifelong learning [00:12:40]
- Assisting women in midlife to avoid regrets and find clarity [00:15:14]
- The benefits of group coaching and community support [00:21:16]
- Understanding the ‘why’ behind your life’s direction [00:26:07]
Learn more about Suzy on her website at www.suzyrosenstein.com and get the free Get Unstuck Midlife Podcast Bundle at www.freepodcastbundle.com.
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How Conscious Choices, Inner Work, And Community Forge New Paths In Life’s Latter Half Featuring Paul Ward And Sandy Demarest
Dr. Paul Ward is a leadership and life coach, often referred to as the Consciousness Whisperer. He is the President of 2Young2Retire, LLC, a company that specializes in coaching, consulting, and training.
Paul is the author of “The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership” and the coauthor of “Midlife, New Life,” which is set to be published in January.
An adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix online, Paul has dedicated more than thirty years to consulting for organizations across Europe and the Americas. He splits his time between West Palm Beach, Florida, and Portsmouth, England.
Paul Ward and Sandy Demarest are reshaping the concept of midlife through their co-authored book, Midlife New Life, and their professional coaching efforts. They bring a wealth of experience to those navigating life’s transitions, offering strategies to embrace change with purpose and intention.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, we’ll explore the conscious choices that can redefine one’s journey during the second half of life and the importance of inner work and community in forging a new path.
Paul, Sandy, and I discuss:
- The inspiration behind Midlife New Life and the story of its creation [00:04:00]
- Sandy’s journey from career development to co-author [00:05:50]
- The significance of midlife as a stage, not an age, and its broad appeal [00:08:05]
- Addressing unexpected challenges and the importance of planning [00:09:10]
- The concept of working for fulfillment versus working for a living [00:10:36]
- Strategies for corporate refugees turning to entrepreneurship [00:12:40]
- The role of mindset and support in navigating career transitions [00:14:25]
- Consciously exploring possibilities before a crisis strikes [00:16:00]
- Leveraging strengths for personal and professional growth [00:24:45]
Learn more about Paul and Sandy and their work: Midlife New Life Book: midlifenewlife.net
Paul Ward’s Contact: http://2young2retire.com/ and https://drpaulward.com/
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How To Stand Out And Draw The Right Crowd With Digital Marketing Featuring Tina Cheesley
Tina Cheesley runs a marketing agency that specializes in messaging for websites plus email marketing to help clients stand out from the crowd and attract the right people.
In this episode, discover the key steps and strategies that Tina has used to carve out a niche for her business and to guide others on the path to marketing success.
Tina and I discuss:
- Her professional journey from the print industry to online marketing and the dynamics of working with her husband [00:52]
- The importance of breaking down the transition from corporate to consulting into manageable steps [06:10]
- Starting off with the right digital footprint, such as a landing page, and the role of networking in business development [10:14]
- How to choose a consulting specialization that aligns with your passions and the impact you want to make [14:10]
- The entrepreneurial mindset, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the significance of goal setting [16:34]
- The blend of flexibility and structure in entrepreneurship, and how it shapes personal and professional life [18:05]
- The benefits of being part of a community and engaging in mastermind groups [19:47]
For more insights into effective digital marketing and to get a hold of a useful toolkit for kick-starting your marketing journey, visit Tina’s website at https://flow-online.co.uk/get-more-leads-toolkit/.
Tina also welcomes strategy calls for those who have attempted to apply her methods and are looking for further assistance.
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Learn To Manage Consulting Finances For Future Success Confidently Featuring Erica Goode
Erica Goode has been a Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. She runs a virtual accounting firm that provides coaches and consultants with bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO services, and she also hosts the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast. She’s a former Director of Finance at a Fortune 50 company and began her career as an auditor at a Big Four public accounting firm. Erica is also a mother of two and the wife of a fellow CPA. She lives with her family in the mountains of Idaho.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Erica will discuss the unique financial challenges that come with running a consulting or coaching business and how to navigate them confidently for a successful financial future.
Erica and I discuss:
- The common fears and misunderstandings about small business finance [00:00:00]
- Leaving a corporate career for entrepreneurship [00:03:30]
- Starting a business from scratch [00:04:10]
- The journey to specializing in coaching and consulting [00:06:35]
- The benefits of having a niche [00:12:59]
- Financial challenges and cash flow management in consulting [00:16:35]
- Retirement savings and benefits for entrepreneurs [00:19:55]
- The importance of community for entrepreneurs [00:22:15]
- Continuous learning in finance [00:24:35]
Learn more about Erica at https://www.ericagoode.com, https://www.ericagoode.com/newsletter-signup, and listen to her insights on the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast.
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Learn How To Review Quarterly Growth, Affirm Values, And Plan Ahead Featuring John Neral
John Neral is a certified professional coach who assists mid-career professionals who feel stuck, undervalued, and underutilized to show up and find a job they love or to love the job they have. John is the host of “The Mid-Career GPS Podcast” and the author of “SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career” and “Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What’s Next.” He resides just outside of Washington, D.C., with his spouse and their rescue cat, “Amy Farrah Meowler.”
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to pause at the end of each quarter and assess your business progress, reaffirming foundational values, and deciding your next steps for growth.
John and I discuss:
- The significance of pausing and reviewing business progress [00:00:00]
- The shift in mid-career professionals’ attitudes since the pandemic [00:04:00]
- How to find what you want in your next job or career move [00:09:00]
- The importance of defining fit, function, finance, and future in your career [00:07:00]
- How to handle job offers that don’t fully meet your criteria [00:16:00]
- Why you should consider self-employment and building your personal board of directors [00:19:00]
- John’s entrepreneurial journey and the introduction of digital products [00:22:00]
- The power of being a community member and leader [00:25:00]
Learn more about John at www.johnneral.com and connect with him on LinkedIn. Listen to the Mid Career GPS podcast for more insights.
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How To Generate Revenue With Online Marketing Featuring Ahsan Karim
Ahsan Karim is a business strategist and founder of Light Vision Group. His company helps businesses generate more revenue with online marketing.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ahsan shares his insightful journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. With a focus on helping businesses amplify their online presence, Ahsan highlights the importance of community, coaching, and strategic online marketing for entrepreneurs.
Ahsan and I discuss:
- Making the pivot from it to business coaching [00:02:52]
- The first entrepreneurial steps and valuing exchanges [00:04:33]
- Building light vision group and mastering digital marketing [00:08:08]
- Identifying the ideal client for online success [00:09:40]
- Expanding reach: local success stories to global visions [00:12:28]
- Unique global insights through personal journey and connections [00:13:26]
- Creating collaborative and customized coaching curriculums [00:16:15]
- The power of community in entrepreneurship [00:18:56]
- Upcoming projects to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence [00:21:10]
Learn more about Ahsan at https://lightvisiongroup.com/.
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How To Build Your Own Strategy For Launching And Scaling Exponential Business Growth Featuring Geoffrey Kent
Geoffrey Kent is an esteemed educator, coach, entrepreneur, and the brain behind Think Big with Geoffrey Kent. With an impressive entrepreneurial trajectory spanning over half a century, Geoffrey has crafted a robust methodology that empowers entrepreneurs to devise their personalized strategies to initiate, responsibly escalate, and successfully exit their businesses. Geoffrey, a Wharton School of Business MBA holder with a focus on Entrepreneurial Management, has also shared his expertise at Lincoln University and carried out more than 20 entrepreneurial initiatives in the past five decades.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Geoffrey Kent built his entrepreneurial university online and share his insights on creating generational wealth.
Geoffrey and David discuss:
- Geoffrey’s journey to entrepreneurship and the creation of his course [00:17:55]
- The importance of narrating your course and turning it into a book [00:23:45]
- The platform Geoffrey made to teach entrepreneurs online [00:23:55]
- Geoffrey’s focus on Alignable as a platform for teaching [00:24:10]
- The creation of Entrepreneur University on Alignable [00:24:20]
- The unconventional approach of Entrepreneur University on Alignable [00:24:45]
- How to get more information about Geoffrey’s work [00:25:00]
- Geoffrey’s presence on various platforms for disseminating daily content [00:25:25]
Learn more about Geoffrey at www.thinkbigwithgeoffreykent.com, and search “Think Big with Geoffrey Kent” on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Quora, Alignable, and YouTube.
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How To Integrate Ai With Human Connection For Effective Communication Featuring Jürgen Strauss
Dr. Jürgen Strauss, the founder of Innovabiz, is globally celebrated as a human-centered podcasting coach. He guides high achievers in leveraging podcasting for business growth. Having produced over 590 InnovaBuzz Podcast episodes, his expertise resides at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and marketing.
He utilizes his years of experience in both the corporate and small business sectors to cultivate deep connections, thus broadening the professional networks of high-impact individuals. He expertly integrates generative AI, such as ChatGPT, with human connection to enhance effective communication. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a passionate photographer, speaker, and cyclist.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to pivot according to your audience’s needs, the significance of asking the right questions, and how to utilize AI tools for more human-like interactions.
Jürgen and I discuss:
- The importance of audience understanding and quick adaptation [00:13:50]
- How Jurgen pivoted his business approach [00:14:00]
- Jurgen’s methods of understanding the market [00:14:30]
- The art of asking meaningful questions [00:14:40]
- The concept of assistance versus help [00:15:00]
- How to identify gaps and contribute effectively [00:15:30]
- Jurgen’s dream for Flywheel Nation [00:19:10]
- The benefits of being in a community [00:20:00]
- Jurgen’s definition of community [00:21:40]
- The application of ChatGPT in business [00:22:10]
- How to leverage AI tools for human connection [00:23:35]
Learn more about Jurgen at www.innovabiz.co and more about his community at www.innovabiz.co/flywheel.
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How To Make Work More Productive, Valuable, Meaningful, And Impactful Featuring Thomas Bertels
Thomas Bertels is a management consultant and business transformation expert. He has more than 25 years’ experience helping companies across a range of industries, from start-ups to Fortune 5, transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking.
He has written several books and numerous articles on work design, process improvement, business transformation, and organizational learning. His latest book is ‘Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love’ ( Greenleaf Book Group). He is also the host of the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.
In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful.
Thomas and I discuss:
- Thomas’s journey in consulting and his transformation towards innovative work design [00:17]
- How the evolution of publishing affected his process of authoring “Fixing Work” [02:25]
- The prevalent challenges of being a thought leader in today’s ever-evolving landscape [06:01]
- A deep-dive into the emerging models of consulting, focusing on productization and a client-focused approach [09:31]
- The principles and practical components of his work design framework [12:02]
- The significance and role of community in consulting [18:10]
Learn more about Thomas Bertels at:
- Homepage www.purpose.works
- Book Site www.fixing-work.com
- Newsletter purposeworks.substack.com
- Diagnostic www.mymojo.works
- Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcast
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpose-works-consulting/
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How To Make Critical Decisions and Understand The Importance Of Inner Resourcefulness Featuring Namita Purohit
Namita Purohit left a promising career at Microsoft and embarked on her journey as an entrepreneur, fueled by her deep-rooted belief in Eastern Wisdom. She champions the idea of cultivating inner resourcefulness and emphasizes the importance of community in both personal and professional development.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make critical decisions, understand the importance of inner resourcefulness, and the crucial role communities play in our lives.
Namita and I discuss:
- Namita’s transition from Microsoft to entrepreneurship [00:12:29]
- The significance of decision-making and freedom [00:14:53]
- The concept of inner resourcefulness [00:20:35]
- Valuing personal pleasure and priorities over societal pressure [00:19:30]
- The role of communities in our lives [00:26:40]
- Namita’s coaching brand EASE, focusing on emotional awareness, spirituality, and excellence [00:27:30]
Learn more about Namita at https://www.namitapurohit.com
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The Importance of Structure and Accountability in Establishing And Growing Your Own Business Featuring Sara Murray
Sara Murray is an advisor, consultant, and speaker working with leaders and sales teams to unlock the untapped potential in their prospecting and business development efforts.
With a focus on construction, real estate, hospitality, design, and technology industries, Sara empowers professionals to enhance their communication skills, approach prospecting creatively, and effectively address business needs rather than simply push products.
As the host of the popular podcast “Prospecting on Purpose,” Sara provides a valuable platform for discussions on prospecting, sales, business strategies, and mindset, leaving listeners with tangible takeaways and increased confidence.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll learn about the importance of structure and accountability in establishing and growing your own business. Sara offers practical advice and tangible methods for achieving your sales goals and creating a successful business model.
Sara and I discuss:
- The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship [02:04]
- The process of establishing structure in your business [04:15]
- Decision-making in terms of which business model to pursue [07:51]
- The role of workshops in growing a business [10:37]
- Practical ways of developing business sales [14:12]
- The benefits of using a podcast as a resource [16:19]
- Navigating challenges in entrepreneurship [20:41]
- Strategies for personal and business growth [23:14]
- Resource availability and how to get in touch with Sara [25:55]
Learn more about Sara at connect.saramurray.com and follow her on LinkedIn. You can also access her podcast, Prospecting on Purpose, on YouTube and all significant platforms where podcasts are available.
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How To Balance Life And Work While Increasing Productivity And Achieving Business Success Featuring Marcey Rader
Marcey Rader believes health powers productivity. As the founder of RaderCo, she helps corporate refugees banish burnout through practical tools and sustainable habits.
Marcey is a multi-certified health and productivity expert, a digital wellness practitioner, three-time author, has spoken on five continents, and is part of the 1% of speakers worldwide with the distinguished Certified Speaking Professional® designation.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Marcey shares her wealth of knowledge on how to bring balance into your life and work while skyrocketing your productivity and achieving success in your business.
Marcey and I discuss:
- How Marcey transitioned from being the primary earner in her family to becoming an entrepreneur [02:15]
- The importance of a coach and a mastermind group in her business journey [04:22]
- Dealing with the corporate mindset and the challenges it presents when starting your own business [09:02]
- Techniques for placing value on your services [14:11]
- Marcey’s insights on the importance of a carefully curated group in leadership roles [19:30]
Learn more about Marcey www.helloraderco.com and www.marceyrader.com.
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Learn About Marketing And Sales Techniques For Deliverable Results Featuring Lois Creamer
Lois Creamer works with speakers, consultants, and experts who want to book more business, make more money and fully monetize their message.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about marketing and sales techniques for deliverable results, the significance of leveraging relationships and databases for revenue, the advantages of self-publication, and the joy of leading a successful membership community.
Lois and I discuss:
- Lois’s journey in developing her sales skills and the importance of selling one’s unique expertise [02:30]
- The uniqueness of each person’s expertise delivery and how to leverage others’ expertise [06:10]
- The value of databases as a strategic business asset and why it’s essential to take it seriously [09:17]
- Lois’s self-publication journey and reasons for choosing self-publication over traditional publishing [13:21]
- The joy, value, and structure of Lois’s membership community [26:05]
Learn more about Lois Creamer at bookmorebusiness.com. Sign up for her blog and receive a free eBook on how to sell a speech.
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How To Build A Successful Online Business, Find The Right Niche, And Grow Your Digital Entrepreneurship Journey With Smart Actionable Steps Featuring Scott Brenner
Scott Brenner is a seasoned digital entrepreneur and the strategic brain behind Online Business From Scratch, a business that guides aspiring entrepreneurs to launch successful online businesses. Brenner, who has decades of online business and technical experience, firmly believes in imparting actionable strategies for the fruition of those ideas.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a successful online business, find the right niche, and grow your digital entrepreneurship journey with smart actionable steps.
Scott and David discuss:
- What led Scott Brenner to become an entrepreneur [00:02:48]
- How Scott found his niche in online business coaching [00:06:32]
- The relevance of building a profitable business model [00:08:11]
- Why choosing the right audience is crucial in entrepreneurship [00:09:21]
- The significance of validating business ideas [00:12:15]
- How Scott delivers value to his clients [00:14:02]
- Navigating the entrepreneurial journey with communities [00:17:01]
- Scott’s approach to creating interactive business courses [00:19:45]
- Scott’s free ebook and a special offer for Smashing the Plateau audience [00:23:32]
Learn more about Scott at https://14steps.online/.
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How to Be Viewed on Linkedin as a Resource Providing High-Quality, Consistent Ideas to Your Audience Featuring Annie Franceschi
Annie Franceschi is a leading branding expert, professional speaker, and founder of Greatest Story Creative. After working for Disney and becoming a “branding super sleuth”, she is now devoted to helping savvy entrepreneurs tell their story.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how leaving your corporate career and focusing on what you’re best at can result in significant business growth.
Annie and David discuss:
- Annie’s journey from a corporate career at Disney to becoming an entrepreneur [02:13]
- How Annie found her niche in business branding [05:46]
- The benefits of having repeatable processes in your business [08:34]
- The importance of support from like-minded entrepreneurs [11:12]
- The significance of running a well-focused business instead of trying to be all things to all people [14:40]
- Advice for those wanting to venture into entrepreneurship [16:39]
- A closer look at what Annie does for her clients now [21:54]
Learn more about Annie at www.greateststorycreative.com.
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How To Harness The Power Of Community To Take Your Business To The Next Level Featuring Mindy Iannelli
Mindy Iannelli is the Chief Focus Architect of Complete Online Presence, an organization that helps people build their online businesses. Mindy is an expert in creating courses and communities designed to help entrepreneurs become more productive and reach their goals.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness the power of community to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and reach new heights in your business.
Mindy and I discuss:
- How Mindy transitioned from web development to building a community [00:13:25]
- The importance of being open to unexpected opportunities [00:14:05]
- Mindy’s experience as a community member and leader [00:14:02]
- The kinds of problems community can solve [00:17:35]
- How someone else’s post motivated Mindy to take action [00:18:39]
- Mindy’s definition of community [00:19:30]
- The ultimate dream for Mindy’s community [00:20:30]
- Where to get in touch with Mindy and learn more about her community [00:20:43]
Learn more about Mindy at https://completeonlinepresence.com/succeed-with-ease-membership/
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How to avoid the loneliness of going solo featuring Robin Wycherley
Robin Wycherly is the CEO of Optimize Your Design Business, a company that caters to corporate clients and high-level customers. Robin is also an accomplished interior designer and a business coach, leveraging years of experience in building a small but effective company.
In today’s episode, you will learn how to avoid the loneliness of going solo.
Robin and David discuss:
- Robin’s evolution as an entrepreneur and the shift to coaching [00:13:35]
- The importance of having a clear vision and identifying a niche [00:13:45]
- The value of setting up processes and checklists from day one [00:14:00]
- The significance of systematizing your business process and delegating tasks [00:14:50]
- The struggle designers experience with delegating tasks [00:15:10]
- How online communities can provide a supportive environment for solopreneurs [00:18:30]
- The use of a basic spreadsheet to provide a quick visual insight into your business [00:22:04]
Learn more about Robin and his work at optimizeyourdesignbusiness.com. You can download Robin’s spreadsheet dashboard at optimizeyourdesignbusiness.com/free.
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The Business of Community Featuring Tatiana Figueiredo
Tatiana is a community business strategist, teacher, and founder of The Business of Community, a learning organization helping community founders scale values-driven community businesses. Before focusing exclusively on supporting community founders, Tatiana worked in international sales, marketing, product management, and growing her own community business to 2000+ members.
She believes our childhood experiences with connection and belonging play a major part in the communities and businesses we build. Part of her job is helping community founders unlock those experiences and leverage them to build stronger communities.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Tatiana founded the Business of Community and what makes community a unique aspect of how a business can succeed.
Tatiana and David discuss:
- How Tatiana’s varied background led her to building communities [00:02:35]
- The challenges and rewards of creating a community-led business [00:14:30]
- The unexpected decision to become an entrepreneur [00:14:40]
- The shift from working in a startup to venturing out on her own [00:15:15]
- The transition from in-person community to online during the pandemic [00:17:30]
- The elements that make community-building fun and rewarding [00:17:10]
- The evolution of Tatiana’s business, from consulting to creating a community [00:18:35]
- The tension and balance between building community and running a business [00:20:40]
- How to incorporate ‘community vibes’ into standard business operations [00:22:30]
Learn more about Tatiana, her work, and The Business of Community at https://businessofcommunity.co
Thank you to our sponsor:
When You Give Yourself Permission Featuring Michal Stawicki
Michal Stawicki, nicknamed Mr. Consistency, is a bestselling author in the personal development field(19 books, over 85,000 copies sold), business coach, and founder of the book advertising agency Resurrecting Books.
He is obsessed with changing the world through daily habits, starting with his own habits and his world. Michal preaches and practices consistent daily action. He believes this is the means to achieve success in any area of life, from parenting to business.
In today’s episode, you will learn what happens when you give yourself permission to start something new.
Michal and David discuss:
- Michal’s transition from a lifelong employee to an entrepreneur [00:05:00]
- The power of consistent daily action in achieving success [00:10:10]
- The challenges and rewards of managing a team and oneself in entrepreneurship [00:15:10]
- The importance of adapting online lessons to one’s specific situation [00:20:15]
- The role of community and collaboration in business success, as exemplified by Michal’s experiences [00:25:35]
Learn more about Michal at his personal blog, Expand Beyond Yourself, and his business website ResurrectingBooks.
Thank you to our sponsor:
How to Make Career Fulfillment a Career Reality Featuring Alicia Ramsdell
Alicia Ramsdell is the Founder & CEO of Mindful Career Path. She started this organization with the intention of making career fulfillment a career reality for her clients.
Since then she inspires Corporate Partners and individuals through career development conversations. Most recently, she inspired her audience sharing her message on the TEDx stage.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make career fulfillment a career reality.
Alicia and I discuss:
- About her career journey [01:42]
- What is the correlation between mindfulness and career fulfillment [04:35]
- Why is she in her business [06:10]
- How did she navigate unexpected transitions [12:40]
- How to be true to the values and teachings [14:34]
- How to be authentic in yourself [17:53]
- What is the primary problem she solve for her ideal clients [18:22]
- What are the benefits of being in a community [23:55]
Learn more about Alicia:
- Visit her page at www.mindfulcareerpath.com
- Listen to her TedX talk: “It’s not whether we achieve our goals, but whether we dared to try”
- Check out her highly-rated children’s book: “The One and Only Incredible ME!”
Thank you to our sponsor:
Learn Techniques You Can Use to Ask Friends, Colleagues and Mentors for Help Even When it Feels Difficult to Do So Featuring Ethan Chazin
Ethan is a performance improvement coach and change management consultant. His unique value proposition is, he specialize in working with clients to improve their people’s performance, productivity, and profitability through training, coaching, and culture consulting.
In todays’ episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn techniques you can use to ask friends, colleagues and mentors for help even when it feels difficult to do so.
Ethan and I discuss:
- Ethan’s experience becoming a corporate refugee [00:24]
- How our self-worth reflects what we share with others [01:55]
- 4-5 relationships that are key to your success [06:12]
- Asking for help is not so easy [10:07]
- Techniques to ask for help when it feels hard to do [12:05]
- Relationships in a community [18:49]
Learn more about Ethan at https://thechazingroup.com or get in touch with Ethan at ethan@thechazingroup.com.
Thank you to our sponsor: