Marc Mawhinney has a passion for entrepreneurship, having started a number of businesses in his life and growing one to 100 employees. Marc is now on a mission to help coaches build stronger businesses! After becoming a coach, he saw the struggles that coaches face while trying to build a successful business, and decided to do something about it! He launched “Natural Born Coaches”, a daily podcast where he interviews successful coaches to share their advice with listeners, and he has created a number of innovative programs to help coaches get more clients and less stress, including his 6-week “Seize Your Niche” program!
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Marc begins his day with the "Seinfeld Strategy" -- do what you need to do every single day and don't break the streak. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand
How do you define success?
Marc uses Bob Dylan's definition -- success is waking up in the morning, going to bed at night, and getting to do everything you want in between.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Marc tries to stay out of his head and takes action -- and Marc tells the reasons why here.
What makes as "A player" an "A player"?
An "A player" is on the ball -- you can't haul them across the finish line.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can we build an audience?
- Choose something that you're good at
- Don't give away everything
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Hire a coach
- Get a mentor
- Stick with what you're good at
How best to connect with Marc:
- Website: www.naturalborncoaches.com
Shelley Davidescu is a business mentor for health and wellness coaches and the founder of Clean Forks. Professionally trained in mental health, Shelley helps health and wellness coaches master their online business. Shelley teaches how to build trusting relationships with their audiences through powerful message and sharing vulnerable parts of their story to authentically attract more dream clients in a magnetic way. Shelley has been featured in Huffington Post, Mind Body Green, Elite Daily, and Fit Life TV.
Secret – timesaving technique
Shelley loves to batch -- block out specific activities and only do that thing in those specific time. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Take care of yourself first -- Shelley gets up and goes for a walk before starting her work and then dives into mindset work.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Shelley was 20 minutes into a huge webinar and the audio was broken the whole time -- and Shelley tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"If you are in business -- you are in the people business."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Exist in your fear and harness it."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have a system for connecting with my audience before launching a product.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Systematize how you will connect with people.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Focus on people, not products
- Share your own story
- Stay connected to a tribe that really gets you and supports you
How best to connect with Shelley:
- Website: www.cleanforks.com
- Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/930890123655960
Mitch Stephen is a nationally known real estate entrepreneur, trainer, and consultant who has purchased over 1,300 houses in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. He is also the author of two books, “Failing Forward to Financial Freedom” and “200+ Ways to Find Bargain Properties.” Mitch is a high school graduate who never stopped learning from books, seminars, and webinars, a graduate of "La Calle U" (which means “The Street" in Spanish), and a fine example of what “on-the-job-training” can produce in a person. Mitch now teaches others how to become financially independent and invest for more than just the typical lump-sum check.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Mitch has the systems in place so that he can spend the first hour of his day in bed answering emails -- and then his day begins. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
"Action overcomes fear."
How do you define success?
Success is a business that relatively recession proof.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Mitch believes that financial freedom isn't tied to wealth -- and Mitch tells the reasons why here.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can we become better mentors?
- Don't make excuses -- find the right deal
How can we build an audience?
- Talk to someone else who has already built the platform you want
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Never -- ever -- stop your education
How best to connect with Mitch:
Stacy Tuschl is a speaker, business coach, and the owner of The Academy of Performing Arts in Wisconsin. She is the author of “Is Your Business Worth Saving” where she reveals proven strategies for pulling entrepreneurs out of a rut and launching them toward business success. She is the host of the brilliant podcast Business Rescue Road Map, which became the #1 podcast in iTunes New & Noteworthy just 48-hours after launch!
What is your show structure?
Business Rescue Road Map airs three episodes a week -- interviews with high-achieving entrepreneurs on Monday and Wednesday and a solocast on Friday. Stacy loves the mix, especially since she gets to learn answers to questions like whether or not work-life balance exists.
Collection, Engagement, Conversion -- how do these tie into the success of your podcast?
- Collection is the opt-in -- you have to provide something so valuable that people can't believe you're giving it away for free
- Engagement -- you have to stand out when everyone is doing the same thing
- Conversion -- if your free stuff is great, they'll be ready and waiting to hand you their money
What impact has your podcast had on your business?
- The relationships I'm building -- I get free mentorship from people who charge a lot for consulting
- The opportunities -- guest appearances on other podcasts, affiliate opportunities, etc.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful at podcasting
People are listening to your show -- you need to understand that people are there for your opinion and not just your guests -- so have a real conversation.
What was your biggest obstacle -- or challenge?
Launching is a challenge -- so you need to have a great strategy and support team around you.
How many hours a week do you spend on podcasts?
I spend only my Wednesdays on podcasts by batching them. And even though I air two episodes a week -- I record three episodes a week so I can build inventory.
What was your biggest unexpected surprise?
Even though the podcast didn't exist at that point -- I was able to get some amazing people to be my initial guests. Don't sell yourself short because people will look into you.
How best to connect with Stacy:
- Website: StacyTuschl.com
- Free invite email: stacytuschl.com/onwardnation
- New podcast: businessrescueroadmap.com
Richard Sheridan, author of "Joy, Inc.", has never shied from challenges or opportunities. Rich’s focus has always been on technology, his passion is process, and teamwork with the goal of Joy.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Rich's day starts with coffee, has breakfast, and checks his email -- keep yourself connected to the world. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
"Everyone wants to work on something bigger than themselves."
How do you define success?
Success is service to others.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Rich believes you lose creativity, innovation, imagination, and invention when you motivate with fear -- and Rich tells the reasons why here.
What makes as "A player" an "A player"?
Rich doesn't believe in the "A Player" mindset -- he believes in great teammates that put others first.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Define joy -- who's life do you want to make better?
How best to connect with Rich:
- Website: www.menloinnovations.com
- Twitter: @menloprez
- Email: rsheridan@menloinnovations.com
- Book: "Joy, Inc."
Jim McCabe is Vice President and General Manager for SUCCESS. With 25-years experience in the media industry, Jim has seen the industry change from traditional print to early digital adoption, and finally, print and digital integration, and has successfully led major publications through these challenges. Before joining SUCCESS in 2014, Jim’s leadership as a partner at LongBoard Media, executive vice president of PC Mag, and publisher of Fast Company and Worth magazine earned him a reputation as a champion for leading print publications into the digital age.
Secret – timesaving technique
Jim writes down a list of priorities -- continuously evaluate what needs to be done. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Work on your relationships -- Jim connects with everyone on his team every day.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Focus -- determine with your team what you want to accomplish, where you want to go, and a clear path on getting there."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"It's more important to include people than exclude people."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems should business owners put into place sooner?
I would put in personal development systems -- people value other people that are trying to get better.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Be committed to the purpose
- Have courage
- Be flexible
How best to connect with Jim:
- Website: www.success.com
- Email: editor@success.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SUCCESSmagazine
- Twitter: @successmagazine
- Podcast: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/success-insider/id1091005446?mt=2
Rosalie Chamberlain specializes in maximizing talent and productivity within organizations. Her mission is helping organizations become inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and to help individuals become their best authentic self to lead effective careers and lives. She is a nationally recognized consultant, facilitator, coach, and speaker in the areas of diversity and inclusion strategy, multicultural competency, leadership development, and talent management, with expertise in managing and leveraging diverse talent. She is the author of Conscious Leadership in the Workplace: A Guidebook to Making a Difference One Person at a Time; and has been quoted in numerous national and legal publications, as well as The New York Times.
Secret – timesaving technique
Rosalie schedules everything on her calendar -- block out your schedule. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
It is all about self-awareness -- Rosalie pauses, thinks, and is intentional about her actions.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Rosalie was kind of lonely after moving to Denver -- and Rosalie tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Self-awareness -- we cannot get to where we want to go if we don't know where we are."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Purpose is concerned with every task that you do."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had gotten assistance sooner.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Be collaborative -- we need the diversity of ideas.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would have integrity and authenticity.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
Look fear in the face, acknowledge it fully, and take it apart. Use this FEAR acronym:
- Fight or flight
- Exclude
- Avoidance
- Respond
How best to connect with Rosalie:
- Website: rosaliechamberlainconsulting.com
- Email: rosalie@rosaliechamberlainconsulting.com
- Twitter: @RosalieChamberl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosalie.p.chamberlain
Good Morning Onward Nation…I’m Stephen Woessner. During today’s solocast…I am going to dig really deep — get personal — and share a story that will push my comfort zone quite a bit — but — the lesson in teamwork is powerful and that is why I want to share it with you, Onward Nation.
And so for this solocast — I am following the advice of many of our Onward Nation guests — when you feel that anxiety bubbling up — when you feel anxious about a topic — about a problem — about a situation in your business — you are likely headed in the right direction.
Don’t run from it — instead — run toward it.
Don’t let your fear overpower you — run toward the situation, Onward Nation — and you will likely be running toward your destiny.
You see…your destiny is really big, impressive, and if God were to reveal it to you all at once…it would likely frighten the living daylights out of you…without the context of how you will also grow along the way in order to get there.
So today, I am going to share a story about a situation that caused me to grow — it pushed me like I had never been pushed before — and I grew as a result.
And then nothing I have faced ever since has even come close to being anywhere close to as difficult of a challenge.
Nothing, Onward Nation. Because of this one day…I feel prepared to tackle any challenge — but not going at it alone.
No…this is not lone wolf story — this is not a story about individual heroism — or some sort of self-aggrandizing.
No, this is a story about teamwork and what happens when you and your team decide to follow what my good friend and mentor, Don Yaeger discusses in his newly released book, “Great Teams”…when he illustrates in detail how great teams win in critical situations.
I had the privilege of interviewing Don for a third time recently — and — we aired Episode 282 yesterday so he could take us deep inside his latest book, “Great Teams — the 16 things high performing organizations do differently.”
And Don’s principle of how Great Teams win in critical situations was so inspiring to me that I wanted to share how I have seen this personally play out and hopefully this story will have value to you — despite how it is pushing my comfort zone to share this with you.
To take you deep inside this principle of Great Teams — I am going to take you back to the summer of 1990…June 17, 1990, to be exact.
Don Yaeger has been as our incredible guest in Episodes 2 and 160. He is also one of Stephen Woessner’s (host of Onward Nation) most influential mentors -- and someone who keeps him on the straight and narrow both professionally and in life. Don is the author of over two dozen books, a 9-time New York Times bestselling author (soon to be 10) a highly sought after, nationally acclaimed professional speaker, and one of the world’s leading authorities on what makes the great teams great -- and -- how to put their proven practices into application inside any organization -- to propel a team to new levels of achievement.
Why did you write "Great Teams"?
Don was challenged to study this topic -- and he talks all about going on the road and talking to all the great team leaders in the episode.
What was the process like?
Don talks about defining what a great team is -- and -- choosing who to study.
What are the parallels from Great Sports Teams and Great Business Teams?
It's your team that is going to make or break your business.
What are the four essential pillars teams use to create the right culture?
- Target purpose
- Effective management
- Activating efficiency
- Mutual direction
How are Great Teams able to stay relevant?
- Talent comes and goes -- Great Teams focus on culture.
- The grit -- and the glue
Why is leadership the core of the Great Team?
Leadership has to inspire others -- trust allows you the opportunity to do something special.
How best to connect with Don:
Geoffrey Colon works at the intersection of marketing, tech, and popular culture. Data punk, DJ, podcaster, and author of the book Disruptive Marketing, Geoffrey is a communications designer at Microsoft, where he leads a team of disruptive marketers to develop creative and analytical strategies for the company’s search advertising business. Previously he was vice president of digital strategy at Ogilvy & Mather, digital communities supervisor at 360i, and social media specialist at Bond Strategy and Influence. He has written for The Futurist, Advertising Age, and Fast Company, and been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Billboard Magazine, Advertising Age, Los Angeles Times, and on NPR.
Secret – timesaving technique
Geoffrey believes in having periods of the day away from technology -- we aren't designed to be around them all the time. ONWARD!
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Soft skills -- they come with time and learning."
How best to connect with Geoffrey:
- Website: geoffreycolon.net
- Twitter: @djgeoffe
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreycolon
Lori Jones is the President and CEO of Avocet Communications and brings top retail, consumer product, business-to-business and nonprofit organizations knowledge and experience in all aspects of integrated marketing to clients. Her experience with Fortune 500 brands and entrepreneurial start-ups, enables her to contribute a keen understanding of the intricacies today’s businesses. Lori is also the host of the brilliant podcast, Integrate and Ignite, recently launched on iTunes and soaring up the charts. You may also remember Lori and the wisdom she shared during episode 130 of Onward Nation. If you haven’t listened to, studied, and applied all that Lori shared during our first interview…we highly encourage you to add episode 130 to your list of vital priorities.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Lori gets up at about 4 AM, gets some of the things off of her desk that she was not able to complete the previous day, does some heavy thinking for the day, and wakes up her children -- cherish the important moments. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
"Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon." - Paul Brandt
How do you define success?
There are personal, business, and mentorship forms of success -- and Lori shares how she defines the three kinds in the episode.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Lori reflects on pros and cons of a situation with pen and paper and then takes 24 hours to think about it -- and Lori tells the reasons why here.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Work on a personal brand to differentiate yourself from the competition
- Develop a brand manifesto
How best to connect with Lori:
- Twitter: @LoriJones
- Email: lori@avocetcommunications.com
Aaron Anastasi is a serial entrepreneur with online businesses such as Superior Songwriting Method, Singing Success, and the internationally recognized, Superior Singing Method, an online singing lesson program that grosses seven-figures annually. Aaron has the #1 singing / life lesson channel on YouTube and has over 11.5 million organic views and over 130 thousand subscribers total on his three channels. Aaron is also a prominent success coach for clients in industry-leading roles, ranging from film directors to marine biologists to TEDx speakers. His new book, The Voice of Your Dreams, was released in April 2016 and reached Amazon's top 100 best sellers within the first week of release.
Secret – timesaving technique
Aaron starts his day with meditation -- go over examples that refute the lies you tell yourself. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Give yourself time to refresh throughout the day -- Aaron goes into his walk-in closet to renew his mindset.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Aaron launched a product to zero customers -- and Aaron tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Commitment and tenacity."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"You can be 30 years old with a degree or you can be 30 years old without a degree."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had an assistant sooner.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Keep your vision front and center and rehearse it every day.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Ask yourself how you can contribute the most
- Find and hone your voice
- Get a coach
How best to connect with Aaron:
- Website: thevoiceofyourdreams.com
- Twitter: @AaronAnastasi
- Instagram: @AaronAnastasi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/aaronanastasi
Stephen is the CEO of Predictive ROI and the host of the Onward Nation podcast. He is the author of two bestselling books, speaker, trainer, and his digital marketing insights have been featured in SUCCESS, Entrepreneur, The Washington Post, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and other media.
Good Morning Onward Nation…I’m Stephen Woessner. I hope you are having a wonderful week — a week filled with new opportunities in your business, new relationships personally and professionally, and yes, I even hope you have experienced some challenges along your path this week, too.
Why?
Because it is through the challenges that you are given the opportunity — the blessing — to grow, to make changes, and to learn. It is through the challenges — even the fiercest of obstacles that try to impede you on your path — that is when you are truly tested – and success is right at your doorstep.
You will grow the most, Onward Nation, when you are pushed to your limits — when you are…stress-tested. When I think about my darkest times as a business owner — or — when I think back to how when I was in the Air Force and situations sometimes went from bad to worse while I was working on a nuclear missile silo in South Dakota — I never quit — but more importantly — I looked at those challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and oftentimes improve the system.
But part of being able to push through the challenges and achieve success as has more to do with our mindset than external factors. It is your belief system – what you believe you can do that will largely determine if you succeed or fail.
Your belief system – Onward Nation – is a complex interwoven network of inputs – your experiences – the people you spend the most time with – and so on. But there is one voice you hear and listen to most often – and this voice is the one that has the greatest amount of influence over your belief system.
And that one voice is yours Onward Nation. You speak to you more often throughout the day – consciously or unconsciously – than anyone else.
Your voice is the one that helps create beliefs, destroy previously held beliefs, and sets the trajectory of your life.
So it matters how you talk to yourself every day, Onward Nation.
And let's dive in.
Ford Saeks is the president & CEO of Prime Concepts Group. Ford’s extensive background in the business world and the Internet provides his clients with a unique advantage. His practical marketing approach and proven strategies have been applied across a wide range of industries and applications. He has successfully founded 10 companies, received three U.S. Patents, sold millions in sales, and is the genius behind many successful ventures. He has helped thousands of people improve results, monetize their websites, leverage social media, and expand market share. He is an entrepreneur in every sense.
Secret – timesaving technique
Ford uses Act to block time -- use a CRM that fits you to save yourself time. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
What you focus on you attract -- Ford starts every day with positive messages.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Ford marketed an event for a year and only sold 65 tickets -- and Ford tells the whole story here.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Create a "dream board" of what you want to do, have, and become
- Create a success library
- Only surround yourself with quality people
- Make sure you take time for yourself
How best to connect with Ford:
- Text "superpower" to 33444 for a special bonus
- Website: www.primeconcepts.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/primeconcepts
Nicole Walters quit her 6-figure, 9 to 5 corporate job LIVE in front of 10,000 people on Periscope...and six months later...she built a million dollar business while teaching others how to monetize their passions. Monetize Thyself™ Nicole is creating a transformative lifestyle brand that offers online training courses, consulting, mentorship, networking, and a full suite of resources to help everyday people -- brands -- and leaders -- realize their full potential.
Secret – timesaving technique
Nicole uses the tool Wunderlist -- use the tools that exist to make your life easier. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Talk to your audience -- Nicole starts her day with social media.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Nicole scrapped her product and redid it before launching -- and Nicole tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Listen to your audience -- and -- be responsive."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"You don't need to listen to everything -- listen to what speaks to you."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had ran surveys right from the beginning.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
You need to use multivariate beta testing within your team.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
If you're having trouble selling something:
- Fix how you're selling something
- Fix what you're selling
How best to connect with Nicole:
- Website: www.nicolewalters.tv
- Twitter: @NapturalNicole
Coach Jim Johnson developed winning high-school basketball teams for 30 years, taking over three losing varsity programs and turning them into winners in short periods of time. Of his 428 career victories, one in particular will surely never be duplicated. On February 15, 2006, Coach Johnson made the kind-hearted gesture of inserting his autistic manager, Jason McElwain, now known to the world as J-Mac, into Greece Athena High School’s final home game, which the Trojans won 79-43. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including six three-point baskets, to become an instant national celebrity. Since that night in February, Coach Johnson has made a number of radio and television appearances, including the Oprah Winfrey and Jim Rome shows to tell this incredible story. Coach Johnson has retired from teaching and is now a professional speaker focusing on teamwork, goal setting leading by example.
Secret – timesaving technique
Jim studies success and leadership -- you have to make life a study. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Have a specific morning routine -- Jim starts his day off with a nutritious breakfast and then takes the time to pray, writes down his 17 goals, reads, exercises, and listens to educational and inspirational audio.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Jim had anarchy amongst the parents of his basketball team -- and Jim tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Know what you're all about -- and master the art of sales."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"You have to live your life with integrity."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had systems for leading to new opportunities following speaking engagements.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Be clear on your mission and vision -- and then attract those are passionate about your vision.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would believe in the same values that you do.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Be clear on what you're all about
- Come up with routines and disciplines that you can do on a daily basis
- Continue to grow as a person
How best to connect with Jim:
- Website: coachjimjohnson.com
A recent speech from Jim:
Kelly Hatfield is co-founder of Enginuity Advantage based in Everett, Washington. She has been in the recruiting and HR field for 20-years and loves serving others. Kelly and her business partner have built three successful companies with the purpose of helping others succeed and delivering remarkable results. Kelly and her team strategically align themselves as “The Partner of Choice” with clients and strive to be the first place clients call when they are looking for extraordinary service, quality, and reliability. The result outcome has been an outstanding referral network that has built and continues to build their companies. h3>Secret – timesaving technique Kelly plans tomorrow today -- you can't sleepwalk through your day. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Appreciate what you have -- Kelly starts her day with gratitude.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Kelly's most challenging time was the first two years of her business -- and Kelly tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Be really, really open-minded."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Anything you set your mind to, you will be successful at."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have implemented our onboarding system sooner.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Start with the end in mind -- and start with your vision.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would focus on building relationships -- not the sale.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Know your why
- Be clear about your vision and direction
- Focus on sales and marketing
How best to connect with Kelly:
- Email: kelly@enginuityadvantage.com
Stephen is the CEO of Predictive ROI and the host of the Onward Nation podcast. He is the author of two bestselling books, speaker, trainer, and his digital marketing insights have been featured in SUCCESS, Entrepreneur, The Washington Post, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and other media.
Good Morning Onward Nation…I’m Stephen Woessner. And thank you for taking the time to be here this morning…and for all the support, the encouragement, and the notes letting us know how we can improve and deliver even more value.
I appreciate the feedback so very much.
Each week — we receive virtual high fives, thumbs up, posts on Facebook, Tweets, LinkedIn messages, and emails letting us know how much Onward Nation means to you as well as the value delivered by the incredible transparent lessons learned shared by our rock star guests.
I want you to know that my team and I are deeply committed to our mission and purpose of sharing practical and tactical insights you need in order to think, act, and achieve like today’s top business owners — so you can move your business onward to that next level.
So thank you, again, Onward Nation — it is an honor to be here with you — just 2 days after July 4th — a day for us to remember how fortunate and blessed we are to live in a free country — where we can chart our own course — where we can be a business owner if we choose to be — and where we can create the life of our dreams…if we just have the grit, the persistence, the tenacity, and the courage to do so.
Thank you also for helping us celebrate our recent 1-year anniversary. Episode 258 on June 15th with Wendy Keller as our great guest marked 12 full months of Onward Nation…and what started as our mission to help business owners here in the United States…quickly spread globally.
In fact, two of our early guests, Afraa Zammam in Episode 9 and Albrecht Behmel in Episode 12— both business owners from Germany — started our international expansion, which has grown steadily to the point that our episodes are listened to in 91 countries around the world. 91!
So thank you, Onward Nation — thank you for everything.
It is hard for me to express just how much these last 12-months have meant to my team and me. To be able to see our hard work provide so much value is rewarding.
And…it is especially rewarding to me because I know the backstory…the story of how Onward Nation almost never happened.
This dream of ours almost never got off the ground.
The concept of Onward Nation could have vanished before it ever started — if — I would have let FEAR cheat us out of our full potential.
So for today’s solocast, I am going to take you deep behind the green curtain of Onward Nation — and — deep behind my personal green curtain by sharing Onward Nation’s startup story — it is a story about fear, about procrastination, perseverance, and then success — but — FEAR could have derailed Onward Nation from launching or from becoming a top-ranked business podcasts that it is today.
Stephen Christopher is the founder of Seequs Marketing Technologies, a web marketing firm designed to help business owners achieve results they never thought possible. Before starting Seequs, Stephen started and ran several other award-winning businesses. One of which was a mortgage company from 2004 to 2008. With the crash of the mortgage industry in 2008, he learned what it’s like to go from profitable to over $100,000 in debt overnight. From this failure, he learned more about business than any school or program could ever teach. Since then he has become an avid student of personal and business development and his number one focus is helping businesses thrive.
Secret – timesaving technique
Stephen uses a daily tracker that tracks his 3 big daily wins, his daily "aha's," and his daily accomplishments -- the power of forward progress is amazing. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Be very deliberate with where you spend your time -- Stephen monitors his minutes.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Stephen's partners weren't working as hard as him -- and Stephen tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Be persistent -- don't let anything get in your way."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"We have the power to choose to focus on the positive instead of the negative."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have painted a clear vision and had a niche focus for my business.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Know your why
- Remember that fear is fake
How best to connect with Stephen:
- Email: stephen@seequs.com
- Website: bizrevolution.com
- Stephen's Daily Success Tracker
Greg Kaplan is a college application strategist and author of Earning Admission: Real Strategies for Getting into Highly Selective Colleges. Greg focuses on empowering families to develop their children’s high-value skills, interests, and passions and market the value they would bring to colleges. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and UC Irvine School of Law, where he received almost a full tuition scholarship.
Secret – timesaving technique
Greg writes down today the tasks he needs to accomplish tomorrow -- go to bed with a plan. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Take the time to invest in your health and happiness -- Greg works out early every morning.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Greg didn't launch well and considered backing out -- and Greg tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Be flexible and understand the changing market."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Cash flow is key."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had reached out for more support.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Never lose sight of the forest through the trees -- keep the big picture in mind.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would have perspective that I don't have.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Be flexible and open-minded about collaboration and outsourcing
How best to connect with Greg:
- Website: www.earningadmission.com
- Twitter: @Greg_Earn_Admsn