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
Lee Caraher started Double Forte in 2002 as a new kind of communications firm designed to provide the best service in the business. Previously Executive Vice President at Weber Shandwick, president and founder of Red Whistle, and Vice President of SEGA, Lee has managed multiple offices and hundreds of people of all ages and was named in the 40 under 40 by PRWEEK Magazine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medieval history -- which she finds useful every day. She lives with her husband and two sons on the San Francisco Peninsula.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Lee gets up, doesn't look at email, goes for a walk, listens to a podcast, showers, dresses, and is off to work -- master your calendar, don't let your calendar master you. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
Focus is your friend.
How do you define success?
Success is delivering on currency -- and currency isn't just money.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Lee has two provisions in place in her contracts -- and Lee tells the reasons why here.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Don't try to do it by yourself
- Figure out a side gig
How best to connect with Lee:
- Website: www.leecaraher.com
- Twitter: @LeeCaraher
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1
Swen Nater didn’t make his high school basketball team and didn’t start one college game. Yet, Onward Nation…he made it to the NBA. But Swen didn’t just make it to professional basketball; he excelled. His INCREDIBLE STORY, from being born in the Netherlands and rising the NBA, is a must hear — and that is why I invited Swen to be here this morning. After his playing career, Swen went on to become an executive at a Fortune 500 company, has authored six books, and is now a highly sought after speaker.
Secret – timesaving technique
Swen uses the same tactics in life that he did when rebounding in the NBA -- it's how you face change that's important. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
You've got to work hard to be the best you can be -- Swen gets up at 4 AM and reads.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Swen was horribly abused as a kid -- and Swen tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
You haven't taught until they've learned."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Great teachers have high expectations."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Make the effort to become the best you're capable of
How best to connect with Swen:
- Website: www.swennater.com
Nathan Jamail has either been setting sales records or training others on how to do so for more than two decades. Nathan has produced top performing sales teams in business sales, direct consumer sales, indirect sales, as well as distribution and marketing for several Fortune 100 companies. Today, he is the president of Jamail Development Group where he trains, coaches, and mentors sales professionals and leaders in many industries. His latest book “The Leadership Playbook”, is ideal for all leaders in any capacity- teaching successful coaching principals. He is known as an invincible sales leader, with the ability to take the lowest producing areas of the country and build exemplary business teams. His coaching and programs implement strong positive belief systems and creates winning environments within organizations cultivating the highest levels of success. His coaching and training programs have helped organizations increase their productivity up to and over 300%.
Secret – timesaving technique
Nathan gets up 30 minutes earlier than he likes to -- use this extra time to get your mind right. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Commit to "The Big 3" -- Nathan writes down the big three things he needs to get done tomorrow.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Nathan ran out of all of his savings in just 30 days -- and Nathan tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"You've got to be able to coach people."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Practice your skill."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- You've got to be willing to go for broke
- There is no work that's out of bounds
- There's no such thing as life and work balance -- be present
How best to connect with Nathan:
- Website: nathanjamail.com
Craig Haworth is passionate youth sports coach, a husband, a father of three, and a believer that coaches can change the self-esteem and future of the young people we coach. He believes in his passion so much that he started Winning Youth Coaching in 2014 to share coaching successes and lessons with other parent coaches who share this passion of the impact, responsibility, and fun of positive coaching. He is also the host of a successful podcast where he interviews great coaches from around the country, writes a blog, and shares expert resources. Craig has also co-founded a mastermind of like-minded entrepreneurs in the youth sports space, called the Sportepreneurs.
Secret – timesaving technique
Craig is deliberate about scheduling out when he checks email and social media -- get the "time vampires" off your bus. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Make sure you're learning as much as possible -- Craig listens to audio books and podcasts.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Craig launched to crickets -- and Craig tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Define who your customer is and understand their needs."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Have a clear vision of where you're going."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have reset my mindset -- I would have chosen to be confident.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Sell a product before you build it.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would realize my vision -- and it's up to me to communicate that vision effectively.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- You have to have the passion
- Be ready to not make money for two years
How best to connect with Craig:
- Website: www.winningyouthcoaching.com
- Website: www.winningyouthcoaching.com/onwardnation
Alan Becker is the CEO and Founder of Retirement Solutions Group, Inc., and founder of RSG Investments, Inc., a leader in the world of financial security for pre-retirees and retirees. With over 18 years of helping his clients learn to plan with purpose, Alan utilizes his proprietary financial tools in addition to the best available industry services.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Alan begins his day by thinking in the shower, spending time with his family, and working on his physical and mental health -- make sure the beginning of the day prepares you for the day ahead . ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
If it's not good enough for family, it's not good enough for clients.
How do you define success?
Success is how you impact others people lives.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Alan believes that you have to invest in yourself -- and Alan tells the reasons why here.
What makes as "A player" an "A player"?
An "A player" has to go to work, put in the time, and be willing to do what others won't.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can we become better mentors?
- Lead by example
- Be open to others opinions
How can we build an audience?
- Figure out what your brand represents and always put that foot forward
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Drop your ego -- there's no I in team
- Trust your team
- Take a chance
How best to connect with Alan:
- Website: rsgusa.net
- Email: planning@rsgusa.net
Craig Ballantyne is a productivity and success transformation coach from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the author of The Perfect Day Formula: How to Own the Day and Control Your Life. He’s been a contributor to Men's Health Magazine since 2000. On his own journey to success, Craig had to overcome crippling anxiety attacks, and he beat them with his 5 Pillars of Transformation. Today, Craig shows men and women how to use the 5 Pillars to lose 10 to 75 pounds, get a raise, make more money, find the love of their life, and overcome any obstacle in the way of success.
Secret – timesaving technique
Craig utilizes the "brain dump" to get his ideas down on paper -- success today started last night. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Wake up 15 minutes early -- Craig gets up early and uses that time to think about his #1 priority.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Craig had crippling anxiety attacks -- and Craig tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"You need the skill of saying no."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"You can't out give the universe."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have put in the system of getting up right away in the morning and writing.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Come in, be prepared, and focus on your #1 priority.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would leverage great content.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Pick your one bullet -- you can't do 19 things at once
- Take a 100-year approach for your business -- do what you'll be proud of
How best to connect with Craig:
- Website: www.earlytorise.com
- Website: www.craigballantyne.com
Jodi Flynn left a successful career in the financial industry to help business leaders who are experiencing self-doubt and overwhelm in order to overcome stress, get organized, and create the business and the life they’ve dreamt. Jodi is also the host of the brilliant podcast, Women Taking the Lead, where she inspires women to overcome self-doubt and lead with confidence, integrity, and a sense of humor.
What do you do in the first 60 minutes of your day?
Jodi begins her day by checking her phone, and after that she puts it away and stretches, meditates, exercises, and gets going -- go forth into the day calm and relaxed. ONWARD!
Favorite quote or lesson?
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." -- Helen Keller
How do you define success?
Success means being financially secure and doing meaningful work.
What strategy do you use to combat fear?
Jodi believes you shouldn't suppress the fear -- and Jodi tells the reasons why here.
What makes as "A player" an "A player"?
An "A player" is someone who is in the right culture -- they're working for a team aligned in their vision.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can we become better mentors?
- It can't be about you -- find out what your protege wants
- Listen from a place of curiosity
How can business owners reach that elusive next level?
- Reach out to the people you admire and try to work with them or their coach
- Delegate some of the day-to-day
How best to connect with Jodi:
- Website: womentakingthelead.com/
Nicole is a true leader, risk-taker, and entrepreneur. She grew up in a family-owned business, which taught Nicole what it took to be a leader. She worked her way up to president of ROC Communications, an automotive electronics retailer with $5 million in annual sales. During her tenure, the company grew from a one-location, $1 million a year company with 10 employees to a multi-location, $5 million a year company with 60 employees. Fast forward to today — and after several successful ventures — Nicole is now the owner of Break the Ice Media. A boutique marketing and communications firm with a focus on food, wine, travel, and hospitality. Nicole and her team specialize in collaborations that leverage resources of multiple partners for the creation of successful marketing programs in the travel and hospitality industry. Nicole and her team think of these programs as coop-etition where partners cooperate with their competition to create a program that is larger than one they can execute alone.
Secret – timesaving technique
Nicole lists out the top five things she needs to get done each day -- even if the tasks are small -- you need to list them out to stay focused. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Remember to breathe -- Nicole uses deep breathing techniques to unclutter her mind.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Nicole had to step away from the business and hire an employee she couldn't afford when her daughter got sick -- and Nicole tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"You just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Change the words you tell yourself."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have understood my finances.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Collaboration.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would be dedicated to themselves.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Be decisive
- Be strategic
- Trust your instincts
How best to connect with Nicole:
- Website: breaktheicemedia.com
- Email: nicole@breaktheicemedia.com
David Blackston founded the Blackston Financial Group in 1998 and is also a Certified Estate Planner®, Certified Senior Advisor®, Investment Advisor Representative, and a Licensed Insurance Agent. He has over 40 years of experience in the financial industry and is one of the authors of the recently published book, "Have You Ever Been Bitten by an Elephant? The Definitive Guide for Retiring Well." David's unique approach to financial planning includes investment advisory services, tax forecasting, and estate planning — all working together to provide a comprehensive plan for clients. His methods include safe money, risk money, and how these two competing worlds can be brought together to provide a worry-free lifestyle.
Secret – timesaving technique
David has mentors that keep him in check -- if you don't have a mentor, get one. ONWARD!
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
David felt that he wasn't worthy of mentors -- and David tells the whole story here.
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Be the exception."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Believe in yourself
- Get a mentor
How best to connect with David:
- Website: blackstonfinancialgroup.com
- Phone: (888)319-5656
- Website: david.blackston@blackstonfinancialgroup.com
Charles Kirkland is the founder of the Media Buyer Association and has deep expertise in paid online traffic. He was frustrated with his limited ability to help more than a few coaching students at a time and angry that the business owners he could not reach were being lead down a path by hucksters. So he set out to change the situation by created a paid traffic community that would allow him to interact with thousands of business owners, share his expert knowledge, save others from seeing their businesses die slowly from lack of quality traffic.
Secret – timesaving technique
Charles gets plenty of sleep, exercise, and water -- staying up until you fall over while hyped up on caffeine is not the answer. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Don't waste effort planning what you want to wear -- Charles lays out his clothes every evening before bed.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Charles had Google close his ad accounts -- and Charles tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"The ability to learn new skills quickly."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"You need to do one thing really, really, really good."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have put in systems that could be repeatable by someone else.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Always optimize.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Believe in yourself
- Just keep going
How best to connect with Charles:
- Website: mediabuyerassociation.com
Paul Kirch is the host of BOSS Academy Radio…and BOSS stands for Business Ownership Success Strategies. BOSS is an interactive talk show focused on providing entrepreneurs and business owners real strategies to help them grow their business. Paul is a sales leader and entrepreneur with more than 26 years of practical experience that he leverages for commentary, interview interaction and thought leadership. Paul’s unique perspective stems from a lengthy career in sales, marketing, research, leadership, and business growth — and that’s what it takes to succeed in business today.
Secret – timesaving technique
Paul focuses on his "why" when planning out his day -- build your schedule around your "why." ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Morning rituals are extremely critical -- Paul meditates and stays away from technology for the first 15 minutes every morning.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Paul has experienced a number of times where his personal life hindered his ability to do business -- and Paul tells the whole story here.
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Always be a resource to your clients, prospects, and anyone you run into."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- If you want to do it, start sooner than later
- Create your own personal board of directors
How best to connect with Paul:
- Website: www.bossacademy.com
- Email: info@bossacademy.com
- Twitter: @yourbossacademy
Wendy Keller is an award-winning former journalist, a respected literary agent, an author, speaker and acclaimed book marketing consultant. She got her first job as a newspaper reporter as a 16-year-old college freshman. Since then, Wendy worked for PR Newswire; the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain; as managing editor of Dateline magazine.
Favorite quote or lesson?
Stay in the present moment -- and -- look at the situation from the other person's perspective.
How do you define success?
Success is freedom -- Wendy craves the ability to set her own tasks.
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
How can we become better mentors?
- Ask questions
- Listen for the answers
- Trust your instincts
How can we build an audience?
- Build a Facebook public figure page
- Utilize "giver's gain" -- write an eBook, create an MP3, create an instructional video, etc.
How best to connect with Wendy:
- Book: "Ultimate Guide to Platform Building"
- Business website: www.kellermedia.com/
- Email: help@kellermedia.com
Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is the best-selling author of seven books, and she has written or co-written a total of 13 books. She coaches and trains business professionals on how to write and publish a book, AND how to use that book as leverage to increase their visibility, open doors for speaking engagements, grow their brand and business, and much more. Suzanne has also helped over a hundred business professionals get published by bringing together the collaborative efforts of experts in various fields that contribute to one book on a specific topic. Suzanne has had tremendous success with this model.
Secret – timesaving technique
Suzanne knows what she's doing by the time she gets to her desk -- always plan tomorrow today. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Live your life with positivity -- Suzanne believes that anything is possible.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Suzanne lost about $100,000 overnight -- and Suzanne tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"If you can focus on one thing at a time -- you will achieve success a lot faster."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Sales is all about giving someone an opportunity -- and if they don't want it -- just move on to someone else."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have created detailed, weekly checklists.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
30-30-30 -- reach out to 30 people every day -- respond to those who want to work with you within 30 minutes -- and look at your notes from the past week for 30 minutes.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Focus on one niche
- You're going to fail -- pick yourself up
- Work long hours
How best to connect with Suzanne:
- Website: prominencepublishing.com
Glenn Edley is the founder and CEO of Spike, a digital agency that specializes in email marketing and are experts in monetizing a database. Spike works with businesses that range from retail to real estate, baby clothing to health stores, insurance, recruitment and energy providers. Glenn and his team use the insights gained from email campaigns and business data to help companies send “Email With Purpose.” Glenn has always been passionate about helping business owners send better email because he believes having consistent and clear communication with your clients and customers is the best way to stay top of mind, sell stuff, and keep your customers.
Secret – timesaving technique
Glenn does the things that drive his business forward -- you need to actually know what your vital priorities truly are. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Meditate with purpose -- Glenn uses breathing techniques to meditate.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Glenn business halved overnight -- and Glenn tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Grow future leaders in your business."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Nothing happens without a sale."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have started personal development programs for my teams sooner.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Clarity and consistency.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would listen to our clients and be great executors.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Have a database and focus on growing it
- Document your processes
- Find a mentor
How best to connect with Glenn:
- Website: spikehq.com
- Google "Glenn Edley"
Roger Whitney believes that retirement is not about managing money. Instead, retirement is about managing time. He is a certified financial planner and focused on helping people like walking the journey toward and into retirement. Roger is known as the Retirement Answer Man. Too many people sacrifice the life they have to make sure they are OK tomorrow. Roger is on a mission to change that. He wants to help change the concept of retirement and to help clients dream, plan, and live out their lives focused on the things they care about most.
Secret – timesaving technique
Roger practices "box-breathing" and journals every evening before bed -- be as intentional as possible each day. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Keep yourself the right frame of mind -- Roger uses a specific affirmation every day.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Roger scrapped it all and started over -- and Roger tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Have lots of little conversations."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Retirement doesn't mean that you disengage from work that is meaningful -- it just means that you do it on your own terms."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had project management systems.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Give your 80% every day -- don't fall into the trap of burnout.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would be great communicators that could anticipate my needs.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Go build relationships
- Create solutions that make people's lives easier
- Do it consistently
How best to connect with Roger:
- Podcast: The Retirement Answer Man
- Website: rogerwhitney.com
Lyle Martin is a successful healthcare entrepreneur and corporate executive with 20+ years developing and leading teams in all operational and business functions. After 17-years in various commercial functions with AstraZeneca and Allergan, Lyle entered into the startup world by leading the go-to-market strategy and launch for two early-stage medical device companies. In July 2015, he founded Springboard Equity, a premier alternative investment marketplace dedicated exclusively to the healthcare industry with the mission of bringing capital to early-stage companies, while giving investors access to top deal-flow.
Secret – timesaving technique
Lyle begins each week by writing down his three goals for each week -- make sure your daily activities fit your goals for the week. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Make communication a key part of your business -- Lyle has a daily routine of meeting with his core team members.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Lyle had to put his business on hold for six weeks after launch -- and Lyle tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"You have to have the ability and openness to adapt and maybe even completely pivot and change your business model."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Hire smart people and get out of the way."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have gotten to market as soon as possible.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
You have to have a customer centric attitude.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would be innovative.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Focus on the main thing
- Hire smartly
- Never give up
How best to connect with Lyle:
- Email: lyle@springboardequity.com
Laura Leigh Clarke was formally trained in theoretical physics. Today, she's made it her mission to integrate spirituality, information theory, and quantum physics to help her clients and those around her realize possibilities beyond their comprehension. Her clients have found the ability to increase their income, 10X their lives, build wealth, and overcome their own internal barriers to creating the life they want. Laura is also a mastermind leader, business coach, digital nomad, martial artist, and the author of Wire Yourself for Wealth, Founder of ProsperityQM, and Creator of (VIRTUALLY) EVERYTHING STORY - the first of its kind online conference for screenwriters, novelists, and storytellers.
Secret – timesaving technique
Laura doesn't open her email until well into her afternoon -- you need to avoid what she calls "decision-making fatigue." ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Take the time you need to get into the right place -- Laura regularly takes head space for herself.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Laura hired the wrong people -- and Laura tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Understand at the deepest level the stories that you're telling yourself -- these govern what you allow yourself to achieve."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"What if people want to work with you because of who you are -- not in spite of it?"
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had a really good hiring system.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Choose the one thing every day that's going to move the needle.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would understand what their role in the company's narrative is.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- No one thing is going to make or break your business
- Every great story has conflict -- but you get to choose how to deal with it
- Focus on writing the story of your life/business -- stop trying to rewrite failure
How best to connect with Laura:
- Conference website: virtually.everythingstory.org/OnwardNation_interviews
Kellie Hill is a bestselling author and television personality, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, founder of The Right Plan, and former International Radio Talk Show Host of Eat Well to Live Well with Kellie Hill. Battling back from near death, medical experts worldwide were astonished she was able to achieve miraculous results in a short time frame. Kellie now devotes her life and work to helping others find their optimal health and lose weight using only whole foods - no cans, boxes, or supplements. She has been helping others transform their lives quickly and simply, not just here in the United States, but across the globe.
Secret – timesaving technique
Kellie makes priority lists every day -- focus on your top 3-5 priorities every day. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Don't get sidetracked online -- Kellie doesn't have a homepage other than Google.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Kellie had a heart attack -- and Kellie tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Focus and organization."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have passed off my weaknesses and focused on my strengths.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
Focus -- and make sure your entire team can focus.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would be great at customer service.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Surround yourself with the best people
- Have great systems in place that don't rely on the business owner
How best to connect with Kellie:
- Website: therightplan.com
Dr. Glenn Livingston is a psychologist and marketing consultant who's companies have sold more than $30,000,000 to Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, American Express, Citibank, Colgate-Palmolive, Whirlpool, Ford Motor Company, Lipton, Panasonic, Novartis, Nextel, and more. He's built and sold a 21 person online advertising company, co-founded a coach training and certification organization, and his latest incarnation rests on a lifetime of study into the nature of overeating. Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via work with his own patients AND a self-funded research program with more than 40,000 participants. Most important, however, was his own personal journey out of obesity and food prison to a normal, healthy weight and a much more lighthearted relationship with food.
Secret – timesaving technique
Glenn goes back to sleep if he wakes up tired -- do what you need to do to take care of your body, mind, and soul. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Get things done -- Glenn works really to make sure there's not a ton that has to get done every day so that he can work on what he wants to work on.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Glenn learned that the bottom is a lot further down than you think it is -- and Glenn tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Reality, testing, and research."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"If your marketing isn't working -- break it in pieces."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have started hiring and delegating sooner.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Figure out the most important keyword in your business
- Fail fast -- fail often -- fail cheap
How best to connect with Glenn:
- Website: freemarketingaudios.com
- Website: makethembuy.com
Michael Hauge has been one of Hollywood’s top script consultants, story experts, and speakers for more than 30 years. He coaches screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, professional speakers, internet marketers and corporate leaders, helping transform their stories and their audiences using the principles and methods of Hollywood’s most successful movies. Michael is the author of “Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds” and the new 20th Anniversary Edition of his classic book Writing Screenplays That Sell. He has consulted on films starring – among many others - Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts and Morgan Freeman, and has presented lectures and workshops to more than 70,000 participants worldwide. According to Will Smith, “No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.”
What does transformation in storytelling mean?
Transformation comes through the hero's inner journey -- it's what's going on inside the hero -- it's going from living in fear to living courageously.
How does transformation happen to the storyteller?
The transformation happens to the hero when they are vulnerable enough to face their fears -- when you're willing to dig into your own fears when telling a story -- you're going to be forced to change along with the hero.
Why is the question "why?" so important in storytelling?
Fear is rooted in the belief system -- beliefs are always logical but they're never true.
How best to connect with Michael:
Steve Jermanok left his job as a broker in Manhattan and booked a year-long ticket to the South Pacific in the summer of 1990. Upon his return, he would write his first article, “Dining with Descendants of Cannibals in Fiji”, for The Miami Herald. He is now considered one of the most prolific travel writers in North America, having explored more than 90 countries, and written over 1,500 articles on a range of subjects, from food to art to adventure. He has worked as a columnist for National Geographic Adventure, contributing editor for Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, guest editor for The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, and writes regularly for The Boston Globe, Men’s Journal, and Yankee Magazine. In May 2012, Steve and his wife Lisa launched ActiveTravels, a new type of travel agency where your travel advisors have more than likely been to that one country that entices you. ActiveTravels has booked over 1,000 trips to all corners of the globe.
Secret – timesaving technique
Steve is a master list-maker -- write down your most important tasks and then accomplish those tasks. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
Constantly work on content creation -- Steve blogs about a travel topic every morning and promotes it on his social media.
Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience
Steve lost at least 15 editors when travel journalism hit a sorry decline -- and Steve tells the whole story here.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"Embrace all forms of marketing."
Most influential lesson learned from a mentor
"Enjoy the ride."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had an excellent support staff.
What one strategy or “recipe” would compound into big wins for business owners?
It's all about the numbers -- have a year-end sales goal.
How to exceed expectations and add the most value?
An individual would have excellent communication skills.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Have the patience to plan out your business
- Persevere through all the naysayers
- Once the business is up and running; promote, promote, promote
How best to connect with Steve:
- Phone: (617)614-9877
- Email: steve@activetravels.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 joining me for this week’s solocast.
I enjoy every solocast — and I especially enjoyed the solocasts the last several weeks. They have been so special because of the opportunity to open up and share a deeply personal story about one of my most influential mentors, my grandfather…and the impact he had on my life…and how one of those lessons was to never ever quit.
No matter what the odds — no matter the circumstances — no matter who believes in you, or doesn’t — no matter what — you keep pushing forward to pursue your version of total happiness.
My grandfather Peter Maronitis did that…when he came to this country, he couldn’t speak the language, he had no money, no social circle, no rich friends, he couldn’t go on to Kickstarter and raise funds for the restaurant he dreamed that he would open.
Nope.
But what did he do? He got to work…and saved his money…learned English, perfected his talents and skills in the kitchen, and six years after coming to the United States he had saved enough money to launch his dream. Six years, Onward Nation. Six.
A remarkable man — a humble man — who quietly did remarkable things.
How? Because he never ever quit.
And then last week, to be able to continue the momentum by sharing the story of Sylvester Stallone — how he was broker than broke — so broke that he didn’t have anything to eat — he couldn’t heat his New York City apartment so he had to go to the public library to find a warm seat — and so broke that he was forced to sell his dog, his best friend in the whole world, for $25 so he could buy some food.
That’s broke, Onward Nation.
And yet, despite it all — despite being rejected over 1,500 times — and despite being told that he looked funny, talked funny, and that he would never amount to anything — despite all of it…he didn’t quit.
He kept pushing forward — he met the conflict head on — transformed as a result of the conflict — and then became one of Hollywood’s most successful actors.
Because he refused to quit. Love that story.
So for today’s solocast lesson — I am going to continue that momentum — in what — on the surface, may seem like a strange way to do so.
Because today…I am going to share with you what is, in my opinion, one of the biggest, most expensive money draining mistakes that business owners make. And the mistake is made because they quit too soon. They don’t push for answers…they don’t do the depth of research they should…they assume someone on their team took care of it already…or they use the excuse of, “Ugh, Stephen, I don’t need to know how to do that…I have people on my team who can do that.”
In other words…they quit.
So what is the money draining mistake we are going to confront this morning? It’s search engine optimization, Onward Nation.
Jason Hartman is the host of 20 podcasts with over 3,000 episodes where he shares powerful strategies for business, investing, and living the good life. He is a genuine self-made multimillionaire and serial entrepreneur who has started 21 businesses in the investing, financing, real estate development, and tech spaces. He has owned properties in 11 states, had hundreds of tenants, and been involved in thousands of real estate transactions. Jason has visited 79 countries, enjoys adventure, fitness, and lifelong learning.
Secret – timesaving technique
Jason sorts his priorities into three groups -- understand your A, B, & C priorities. ONWARD!
Daily habit that contributes to success
"Keep the main thing the main thing" -- Jason applies this key Stephen Covey principle.
Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful
"You need management skills and business scaling skills."
Final Round – “Breaking Down the Recipe for Success”
What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?
I would have had web-based systems to help run the business.
What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?
- Have faith in yourself and your idea
- Be willing to accept feedback from the marketplace
How best to connect with Jason:
- Website: www.jasonhartman.com
- Website: hartmanmedia.com
- Twitter: @JasonHartmanROI