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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.

Thank you to our sponsor:

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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.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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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/

Thank you to our sponsor:

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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.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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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.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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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.

Thank you to Our Sponsor: 

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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/.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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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.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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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:

Thank you to our sponsor:

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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

Thank you to our sponsor: 

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Learn How to Sell Your Expertise Featuring Caitlin Doemner

Caitlin Cogan Doemner is the founder & CEO of VirtualCoachingSales.com and ecstaticsales.com. After studying at Oxford University and getting her MBA from Biola University, Caitlin Doemner launched a sales management company which generated over $11M in new revenue for its clients in 8 years.

She has published multiple books, including “The Unseen Sales Machine” and “Sell with Heart.” After realizing that the coaching industry needed more transparency, she launched BookofExperts.com — a referral network and a media company that gives transformational leaders (like coaches and consultants) more visibility and consistent referrals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use an ongoing process to sell one promise to one person.

Caitlin and I discuss:

  • How to sell without explicitly stating that you are selling something [02:35]
  • How she built her company and made the shift to entrepreneurship [03:04]
  • How she recovered from a tragic event [04:11]
  • What the key secret is to successful selling [06:30]
  • How to approach selling as an act of love and service [07:59]
  • How the sales team can effectively collaborate with consultants and coaches [14:44]
  • At what stage in business consultants and coaches require assistance [17:07]
  • Why prioritizing revenue over profit is not the right approach in business [20:43]
  • What her personal experience is as a member of a community [21:36]

Learn more about Caitlin at https://ecstaticsales.com/

Thank you to our sponsor:

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How to Ditch Hourly Billing Featuring Jonathan Stark

Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can make more money without working more hours.

Jonathan and I discuss the following topics:

  • How did he become focused on ending the hourly billing model? [01:38]
  • How long did it take for Jonathan to see the changes in his income? [05:32]
  • How did he discover value-based fees? [05:48]
  • What reasons did Jonathan come up with to go solo? [07:47]
  • Who is his target audience for his teaching model? [10:34]
  • What is needed for a mindset shift? [11:39]
  • How to ensure that price will dictate costs? [11:52]
  • What did his mindset shift in providing value first? [15:26]
  • What does it take to make a shift and start your own business? [17:35]
  • How does community become a game changer for him? [20:02]
  • What is his definition of community? [22:47]

Learn more about Jonathan Stark at http://valuepricingbootcamp.com/.

Thank you to our sponsor:

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How to Productize Your Services Featuring Wayne Pelletier

After 25 years as a creative professional, Wayne Pelletier founded Resonant Pixel Company just three years ago.

The business experienced some early rapid growth, but it wasn’t the business Wayne wanted.

He has since transitioned the company into productized services, helping small businesses leverage the Squarespace platform to go from having an informational brochure-ware website to a transactional growth engine.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can create consistency and financial stability in a creative business where your competitors typically sell projects.

Wayne and I discuss:

  • How he went from unemployment to getting his business started [02:03]
  • Why Wayne focuses on the Squarespace platform [05:17]
  • Working in your business vs. working on your business [06:24]
  • Learning how to hire [09:29]
  • How to delegate and get great results for clients [13:30]
  • Wayne’s experience with community [21:24]

Learn more about Wayne at https://resonantpixel.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynepelletier/.

Thank you to our sponsor:

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How to Scale an Expertise-Based Business Featuring Jason Van Orden

Jason Van Orden helps consultants and coaches turn their expertise into online courses and group programs so they can help more people and generate more income.

Jason’s mission is to help visionaries with impactful ideas to connect with the people they serve best and the problems they can most uniquely solve.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can exceed your previous employment income by connecting with the people you can serve best and provide outcomes that they desire.

Jason and I discuss:

  • Why he focuses on working with consultants and coaches [01:41]
  • Strategies for increasing income quickly [02:58]
  • How to overcome your lack of self-confidence while having conversations with clients [10:26]
  • How to exceed your corporate income substantially [14:52]
  • The benefits of collaborating in a community leadership role [21:15]

Learn more about Jason at https://jasonvanorden.com/

Thank you to our sponsor:

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How to Make the Last Quarter of Your Career Your Best Quarter Featuring Scott Couchenour

Scott A. Couchenour’s professional life of 30 years as a corporate COO and then CEO ended abruptly. He had to close the family business forever.

Scott found his way out.

Today, he works primarily with Executive Leaders and Business Owners in their 40’s-50’s to tame the chaos, design their next adventure, and then implement that journey through an iterative, cyclical coaching methodology.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can prepare for an epic 4th quarter of your career and finish strong.

Scott and I discuss:

  • His abrupt career pivot [02:13]
  • Nurturing pre-client relationships [07:48]
  • Serving vs. selling [12:01]
  • Active listening to be a resource for clients [15:24]
  • Mistakes that didn’t produce clients [16:44]
  • How to find the best resource to help you through a career transition [18:57]
  • The feeling of being controlled by circumstances or other people’s decisions [22:53]

Learn more about Scott at https://www.servingstrong.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcouchenour. Get in touch with Scott at coach@servingstrong.com.

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How to Get More Clients When You Hate Selling Featuring Reuben Swartz

Reuben Swartz is the founder of Mimiran, where his experience as a sales and marketing consultant for the Fortune 500, who struggled with his own sales and marketing efforts, led him to create the fun “anti-CRM” for independent consultants who love serving clients but hate “selling.” He’s also the host and chief nerd on the Sales for Nerds podcast.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can have great conversations in an organized way and increase new business.

Reuben and I discuss:

  • How Reuben ended up creating a CRM [02:41]
  • Why independent consultants need their own CRM [04:27]
  • How consultants can overcome their dislike of selling [06:21]
  • How to create a system for having consistent, meaningful conversations [08:38]
  • Connecting with other like-minded business owners in community [16:48]

Learn more about Reuben at www.mimiran.com, www.mimiran.com/stp, and www.salesfornerds.io.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

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From F100 C-Suite to Owner and CEO Featuring Janice Burg-Levi

Janice Burg-Levi is a former Business & Marketing Executive with a diverse background in financial services, global telecommunications, media, and technology.

She has spent her career leading business strategy and marketing at companies such as AT&T, Avaya, Unisys, Accenture, and KPMG, and now is the owner and CEO of Intracoastal Marketing and Strategy Group, LLC.

She is also the host of a national podcast called It’s Great Business.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how a career-leading business strategy and marketing for global companies empower the success of a new CEO in her own business.

Janice and I discuss:

  • Her career, relationships, and community [02:39]
  • How community led to Janice’s podcast [08:28]
  • What caused Janice to start her own business [11:18]
  • The hidden cost of not having a marketing plan [15:16]
  • Business transformation you can achieve with effective marketing [17:31]

Learn more about Janice at https://intracoastalmarketingstrategy.com and get in touch with Janice at janice@intracoastalmarketingstrategy.com.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

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How to Live Your Values in a Career Transition Featuring Emmy Petersson

Emmy Petersson is a certified coach who has worked with people in transitions that involve career changes and/or changes in their country of residence since 2013.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlock what’s next in your career to find flow, fulfillment and connect with your values in your work.

Emmy and I discuss:

  • What led Emmy to start her business [01:47]
  • Developing your niche [05:37]
  • How to restart your career when you feel stuck [07:17]
  • How to make a major transition and increase your income [15:51]
  • Community experiences [20:47]

Learn more about Emmy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmy-petersson-career-coach/, and https://www.thebridgecoaching.com.au/.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

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How to Build a Successful Coaching Business Featuring Porschia Parker-Griffin

Porschia Parker-Griffin is CEO of Fly High Coaching.

She and her team of coaches and resume writers have helped thousands of clients with their career, leadership, and business goals. She is a Professional Certified Coach, a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Master Practitioner, and holds a Hogan Assessments Certification.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can build a successful coaching business and stand out in your marketplace.

Porschia and I discuss:

  • How she made the transition from employment into her own business [01:57]
  • How Porschia found the support she needed to grow her business [08:38]
  • Getting the right support when you aren’t hitting your business objectives [10:33]
  • The importance of an exit strategy [11:20]
  • Positive surprises that turned out to be game changers [13:57]
  • The importance of listening to your clients [17:35]
  • Why communities are vital to your business growth [19:50]

Porschia also has experience as a Director and Business Consultant in the financial industry, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in potential hiding in their companies.

She has been recognized as a Career Expert by LinkedIn and hosts the Career 101 Podcast.

Learn more about Porschia at http://www.fly-highcoaching.com/.

Access the free Kick-Start Your Success Course at http://www.fly-highcoaching.com/kss.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

How to Harness the Incredible Power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Featuring Tim

Tim Miner, an AI Strategist and Consultant, is President of By The People Technologies, as System Integrator for AI and Salesforce.

Tim is an experienced executive who has held leadership roles at Salesforce, IBM, and Tact.ai. He currently directs By The People Technologies LLC, helping clients achieve digital transformation through innovative AI-based solutions.

As a consultant, Tim understands the need for organizations to set achievable goals for successful AI integration.

He is also a Visiting Professor at Pratt Institute, teaching how to build AI into Design Thinking. With ChatGPT, Tim empowers management teams to leverage AI and stay ahead in their industry.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to revolutionize your strategy, creativity and efficiency using the new and emerging tools of artificial intelligence.

Tim and I discuss:

  • What led Tim to learn how to use AI [02:43]
  • How AI is posing threats and creating opportunities for corporate refugees [03:29]
  • How to use AI for efficiency, strategy and creativity [05:23]
  • Treating AI like a junior associate [14:46]
  • Finding unexpected opportunities with AI [17:06]
  • Using AI to enhance your interaction with community [19:33]

Learn more about Tim at https://bythepeople.tech

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Working Women: Overcome Adversity, Fear and Self-Doubt Featuring Gayle Keller

Gayle Keller is a former Microsoft sales executive who spent the last 20+ years in tech and felt called to smash the plateau by contributing to close the gender gap in the S.T.E.A.M. fields after seeing firsthand the gender biases that still exist in the workplace (coupled with the births of her two toddler daughters).

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to overcome adversity, fear, and self-doubt, especially if you are a woman.

Gayle and I discuss:

  • Why Gayle went solo [02:21]
  • Taking risks [09:06]
  • Backtracking [10:26]
  • Moving forward with courage and confidences [12:41]
  • Relationships and community [16:12]

Gayle empowers women–and girls in S.T.E.A.M.–to take calculated risks and follow their dreams through her five-pillar methodology highlighted in her international bestselling book Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: Triumphant Tales for Working Women to Overcome Adversity, Fear, and Self-Doubt.

Learn more about Gayle at https://gaylekeller.org.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Fix Your Dry Sales Pipeline Featuring Stephen Woessner

Stephen Woessner is the founder and CEO of Predictive ROI (PROI), a digital marketing agency, and the host of Onward Nation and Sell With Authority Podcasts. Since the advent of the commercial Internet, Stephen has collected tens of thousands of data points that have given him the ability to identify what he calls the “8 Money Draining Mistakes” and the “8 Money Making Opportunities.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn you can increase revenues online consistently and repeatedly.

Stephen and I discuss:

  • Why you need to have a purpose for your podcast [00:38]
  • The concept of a platform to grow your business revenue [00:57]
  • The link between content creation and business development [03:34]
  • How he uses a podcast to help other businesses [05:34]
  • Relating dry sales to 8 kinds of mistakes [10:02]
  • How to identify your target audience when you’re a corporate refugee [12:43]
  • Stephen’s experience in communities [18:10]

Learn more about Stephen at

www.predictiveroi.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwoessner/

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

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