<![CDATA[Personal Development Interviews]]>136e583c-fffb-53f2-9fba-426167ff1db2Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:30:25 +0000Captivate.fmMark Asquith
Volume #1 features actionable interviews with John Lee Dumas, Guy Kawasaki, Rand Fishkin, Jeff Sanders, Bob Burg and Dragons' Den's Doug Richard along with multiple thought leaders, global business people and numerous NY Times / Amazon best-selling authors, Excellence Expected exists to help you live the life you want by dominating the problems that face every entrepreneur on their journey.

This isn't just another interview podcast, this is the straight-talking, accountable and actionable show that features one problem, one expert and multiple solutions every single episode.

Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel!]]>https://artwork.captivate.fm/c8170638-5ffb-42b0-9676-70ac2d9a6615/HGXOBVqkZQU1wdhPTE3Ms7WU.jpgPersonal Development InterviewsMark AsquithMark AsquithDefine, challenge and conquer the BIGGEST issues facing you as an early stage entrepreneur or founder. With powerful episodes from the world's finest business experts, each episode challenges one specific issue and provides detailed, actionable takeaways that you can implement immediately within your business. Volume #1 features actionable interviews with John Lee Dumas, Guy Kawasaki, Rand Fishkin, Jeff Sanders, Bob Burg and Dragons' Den's Doug Richard along with multiple thought leaders, global business people and numerous NY Times / Amazon best-selling authors, Excellence Expected exists to help you live the life you want by dominating the problems that face every entrepreneur on their journey. This isn't just another interview podcast, this is the straight-talking, accountable and actionable show that features one problem, one expert and multiple solutions every single episode. Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel!https://www.excellence-expected.comfalseserialhttps://feeds.captivate.fm/exexpersonaldev/nopodcastAn Update on the SeriesAn Update on the SeriesHey, Mark here with a quick update about this evergreen interview series and my other podcast, The Podcast Accelerator (https://www.markasquith.com/listen).

]]>Hey, Mark here with a quick update about this evergreen interview series and my other podcast, The Podcast Accelerator (https://www.markasquith.com/listen).

]]>a7dd353b-c816-4ba1-85fa-a3f36539506cMon, 29 Nov 2021 16:05:00 +000001:05falsetrailerHey, Mark here with a quick update about this evergreen interview series and my other podcast, The Podcast Accelerator (https://www.markasquith.com/listen).Mark Asquith, Rebel Base MediaBecome a Go-Giver with Bob BurgBecome a Go-Giver with Bob BurgHow would you define the entrepreneurial spirit? Would it be the ability to zone in on problems and provide solutions? Would it be the knack of finding exactly the right product that flies off the shelves as soon as it’s stocked? Or would it be a flair for marketing and salesmanship? Well, all of those…

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]]>How would you define the entrepreneurial spirit? Would it be the ability to zone in on problems and provide solutions? Would it be the knack of finding exactly the right product that flies off the shelves as soon as it’s stocked? Or would it be a flair for marketing and salesmanship? Well, all of those…

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]]>99219124-3e98-4cbb-9008-eb432353371dMon, 28 Mar 2016 12:50:28 +000030:58falsefullHow would you define the entrepreneurial spirit? Would it be the ability to zone in on problems and provide solutions? Would it be the knack of finding exactly the right product that flies off the shelves as soon as it’s stocked? Or would it be a flair for marketing and salesmanship? Well, all of those are part of it, but according to our guest on this episode of the number one small business podcast, Bob Burg, the entrepreneurial spirit is embodied by those who always strive to bring value to those around them. <br /> <br /> You can bring value to those around you as a small business owner, but owning your own business isn’t required to have the entrepreneurial spirit. Even if you are working for someone else, you can always strive to bring value to your employer. Working this way could create opportunities for you to become an ‘intrepreneur’, or someone who works to create opportunities for themselves at the same time as for their employer. This can be a great way to get started in business as it means you can focus on your own projects outside working hours without having to worry about how you’re going to cover your expenses. Starting to think of your own enterprise without cutting ties and risking it all is a much more comfortable way of doing things<br /> <br /> If you’re in business, then providing value for your clients can be the differentiator between you and your competitors. These days, technology has levelled the playing field for most products in terms of price and selection, so providing additional value that can help you stand out from the competition is a must. Bob’s five elements of value are excellence, consistency, attention, empathy and appreciation. If you can show these elements of value during all your client interactions, then you will soon have clients for life.<br /> <br /> Money is an echo of value! People spend their money where they feel they are getting value. <br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:<br /> <br /> Can a subtle shift in focus have a profound effect on my business?<br /> <br /> About Bob:<br /> <br /> Bob Burg is a world-renowned speaker, sales trainer and author. His books have sold more than a million copies and his most successful, The Go-Giver, has been translated into more than 20 languages.<br /> <br /> Bob has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and salespeople achieve their goals by adjusting their focus.<br /> <br /> Bob’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Learn from others. Cut down your learning curve by learning from other people. Read books, watch videos, listen to talks – always be a learner!<br /> * Focus on providing value to others. Don’t focus on the money. Of course, money’s important, but if you really want to make a lot of it, you should be focusing on providing value. By doing this and providing real value, clients will continue coming back to you again and again. Money is an echo of value!<br /> * Remember that people will do things for their own reasons. We shouldn’t focus on telling people about us and our business, but on listening to their needs and desires.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I define a system as simply the process for predictably achieving a goal based on a logical and specific set of how-to principles. The key is predictability.”<br /> * “Anyone can be entrepreneurial whether or not they’ve started their own business.”<br /> * “Many hugely successful entrepreneurs started their businesses part-time. They did it in a very comfortable way.”<br /> * “It’s about shifting one’s focus from getting to giving.”<br /> * “Money is an echo of value. The value must come first."<br /> <br /> Bob’s Links:<br /> <br /> * Bob’s Site (<a href="http://www.burg.com/">http://www.burg.com/</a>)<br /> * The Go-Giver Site (<a href="http://www.thegogiver.com/">http://www.thegogiver.com/</a>)<br /> * The Go-Giver – Bob Burg (<a href="http://goo.gl/EWW7HJ">http://goo.Mark AsquithDealing with Opportunity: The Simple Question that Will Make Every Business Decision EasierDealing with Opportunity: The Simple Question that Will Make Every Business Decision EasierWhen running a small business, it can be hard to say no to new opportunities that present themselves. Your friends and colleagues will always be introducing their latest ideas to you and deciding which ones are deserving of your time can be tough. Entrepreneurs are like magpies, dazzled by the latest shiny new object. We…

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]]>When running a small business, it can be hard to say no to new opportunities that present themselves. Your friends and colleagues will always be introducing their latest ideas to you and deciding which ones are deserving of your time can be tough. Entrepreneurs are like magpies, dazzled by the latest shiny new object. We…

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]]>a663e13f-00a4-4308-8f4c-07c5a2579511Mon, 14 Mar 2016 16:22:02 +000031:08falsefullWhen running a small business, it can be hard to say no to new opportunities that present themselves. Your friends and colleagues will always be introducing their latest ideas to you and deciding which ones are deserving of your time can be tough. Entrepreneurs are like magpies, dazzled by the latest shiny new object. We love to find innovative new ways of solving problems, useful products and the next big thing in services. And that’s all part of the fun of being an entrepreneur, but if we’re not careful, we can end up committing our time to too many projects and spreading ourselves too thinly.<br /> <br /> Formulating ideas are often the most exciting part of new businesses, those one sentence pitches that capture the imagination and set the cogs turning in our minds. However, this excitement can blind us from the reality of developing an idea into a business. Ideas, as exciting as they are, are cheap. It’s the execution that takes an idea and makes it a realistic business proposition. And execution can be difficult, time-consuming and costly and there are no guarantees that they’ll be any return on our efforts.<br /> <br /> We all want to find new opportunities and grow as entrepreneurs but taking on every new opportunity will dilute our attention, time and money. How, then, can we assess each new opportunity to see if it’s something that’s right for us at this moment in time? Well, I’ve found that if I’m really honest about my ultimate goal or goals in life and business, then by asking just one simple question, I can decide what’s right for me right now and what I need to pass on. Everyone’s ultimate goal is going to be different and remember this is an ultimate goal, not just a goal for the next year or even the next five years. This should be a goal for the next ten or twenty years. Maybe your ultimate goal is to run a business that lets you spend more time with your family. Maybe it’s to create a business that allows you to be location independent. Or maybe it’s to retire before you’re 50 years old. Whatever your ultimate goal is, you need to be certain of it and you need to keep it in mind when an opportunity arises.<br /> <br /> The question that you need to ask yourself about any new opportunity is this: By saying yes to this, am I going to get closer to or further away from my ultimate goal?<br /> <br /> By asking this question, we can validate new opportunities against ourselves and our long term goals. It helps us to say yes or no to things with some confidence and not just through arbitrary feelings. Whether we say yes or no, this question leaves us in a much better position that simply going with our gut. Perhaps we say yes because we think that the opportunity will take us closer to that ultimate goal. Great! And if we say no, we know that we are saying no because we’ve assessed the opportunity against what we want to achieve in the long term.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I better assess and deal with opportunities as they arise?<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Have a very clear plan where you want to be in 10-20 years and set your ultimate goal. What is your ultimate goal? You need to create stepping stones to that ultimate goal and you can’t do this without having a clear idea of what it is. Is it financial freedom? Is it to have the flexibility to spend more time with your family? Is it to be a billionaire? Everyone’s ultimate goal is going to be unique to them.<br /> * Never turn down the opportunity to listen to an idea. Don’t turn away opportunities because you feel too busy. Listen to pitches, get the facts and learn as much as you can. Let people tell you what they have in mind. Listening to an idea is in no way a commitment and you never know when you are going to come across the next opportunity that will take you closer to your ultimate goal.<br /> * Validate opportunities against yourself.Mark AsquithProductivity Optimisation – A Mindset, Not a TechniqueProductivity Optimisation – A Mindset, Not a TechniqueRunning a small business at the same time as looking after a family can place huge demands on your time. Add in a couple of hours a week (if you’re lucky!) for yourself and there really isn’t a great deal of time to deal with anything unexpected or urgent. If something like that occurs, something…

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]]>Running a small business at the same time as looking after a family can place huge demands on your time. Add in a couple of hours a week (if you’re lucky!) for yourself and there really isn’t a great deal of time to deal with anything unexpected or urgent. If something like that occurs, something…

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]]>9e80f555-f34e-4902-bcc0-49c64ee04a3aMon, 07 Mar 2016 21:01:03 +000025:20falsefullRunning a small business at the same time as looking after a family can place huge demands on your time. Add in a couple of hours a week (if you’re lucky!) for yourself and there really isn’t a great deal of time to deal with anything unexpected or urgent. If something like that occurs, something is going to get bumped and you’re going to be in trouble in one or more areas of your life. Productivity, therefore, is always on an entrepreneur’s mind. <br /> <br /> But are you thinking about productivity in the right way? Is productivity just a to-do list of activities to get done before 9 o’clock? Or is it something much deeper? On this solo episode of Excellence Expected, I’m going to take you through what I believe productivity to be and how I strive to be more productive every day in my own life.<br /> <br /> Actually, I don’t really like using the word ‘productivity’ as I feel that it gives people the idea that productivity is an end point, a destination. If you want to be able to run 10 miles, you have a defined goal in mind and once it’s been achieved you can move on to your next target. Job done! Productivity isn’t like that though. As you, your business and your life change, what it means to be productive will change too. Even if you’re doing the same things every day, there will always be ways in which you can improve your impact. There will always be new ways you can experiment with your working processes and time management. In my mind, productivity is a continuous process of development and, for me, ‘productivity optimization’ is a better way to think of it. It’s a deeper mind-set that you adopt not a series of quick and easy hacks!<br /> <br /> Seeing productivity as a process of optimization allows you to constantly break new ground in how you use your time effectively. It allows you to experiment, test out new ideas of how best to use your time, and win back some precious time for yourself.<br /> <br /> Giving yourself the time and space to test out new ways of doing things can be difficult, especially if you are working with other people who are frequently looking to you for guidance or support. On the journey of productivity optimization, you need to be a little ruthless with your time. Perhaps people come to you for help because they know that you will drop everything to help them out. Of course, we all want to help people, but you need to ask if their request can wait half an hour, an hour, or until this afternoon? More often than not, it can wait and by putting people off temporarily you will have created a buffer around yourself that will allow you to focus on your most important and urgent tasks. There are going to be times when you need to drop everything, but the vast majority of requests can be handled a little later.<br /> <br /> Productivity is a journey, not a destination and productivity optimization requires testing, tweaks and refinements every day to get the most from your time.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I manage to stay productive when there are so many demands on my time?<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Treat productivity as a journey, not a destination. People often treat productivity as something akin to a fitness goal, something that has defined parameters. Productivity is not a promised land that we reach, it is a process that continues every day. We should all be striving for continually productivity optimization. Measure and test new tweaks to find out what works and what doesn’t. Each day can be a step towards further optimization.<br /> * Don’t treat your different projects and work outlets as siloes. Put all of your work from your different projects into one pot and prioritize each of the tasks that you need to do based on their urgency and importance. By keeping everything together and not trying to split your time into different segments. This can not only make you more effective,Mark AsquithFocus Pocus – The Magic in a Customised Focus ProcessFocus Pocus – The Magic in a Customised Focus ProcessHow many things are you focusing on right now? If you’re anything like most other entrepreneurs, it is probably far too many and it still might not feel like it’s enough. This magpie syndrome that most of us have is both a gift and a curse. We’re idea machines, but it can be so tough…

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]]>How many things are you focusing on right now? If you’re anything like most other entrepreneurs, it is probably far too many and it still might not feel like it’s enough. This magpie syndrome that most of us have is both a gift and a curse. We’re idea machines, but it can be so tough…

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]]>18b20b00-a1ab-4506-bd3f-a492b2c4ce48Thu, 18 Feb 2016 09:21:24 +000032:57falsefullHow many things are you focusing on right now? If you’re anything like most other entrepreneurs, it is probably far too many and it still might not feel like it’s enough. This magpie syndrome that most of us have is both a gift and a curse. We’re idea machines, but it can be so tough keeping our minds on the task in hand. And if we’re focusing on so many different things, are we really focusing at all?<br /> <br /> We all want that laser-focus so we can get the most out of our businesses and achieve fulfilment in life. However, we often get caught up in what we feel that we should be doing and not what we actually want or need to do. What is it that you actually want from life? And how are you going to achieve it? You need to be a little bit ruthless with your time and cut out the things that you don’t feel are going to get you nearer to your goals. Remember, only you can define what those goals are.<br /> <br /> It’s a great idea to get hold of a notebook or use an app to keep track of the things that you want to achieve during each day. Twenty minutes spent planning your tasks in the morning could save you two hours over the course of your working day. Keeping a visual record of your tasks near you during the day is a fantastic way to overcome procrastination and get the most out of your time.<br /> <br /> Our guest on this episode of the number one small business podcast is the co-founder and CEO of Lemonly, John T Meyer. John has his own criteria for deciding if something deserves the required focus. Perhaps it will be different for you, but it’s something to consider as inspiration is a finite resource. We sometimes need to stop doing something to be able to focus on something else. John’s criteria for working out if a project will be fulfilling are:<br /> <br /> * 1) Am I learning from this process?<br /> * 2) Am I having fun?<br /> * 3) Do I enjoy working with these people?<br /> <br /> Which questions would apply to your goals?<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:<br /> <br /> How can I find the one thing to focus on?<br /> <br /> About John:<br /> <br /> John Meyer is the co-founder and CEO of Lemonly, an innovative visual marketing company that specializes in infographics and data visualization. They aim to make data more digestible for a wider audience and they have worked with a wide variety of clients including the NFL, Smithsonian Museum and The Grammys.<br /> <br /> John’s here with us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast to discuss focus and productivity, specifically how we can figure out what is most important to us and what we should be spending our time and energy on.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Find the 80/20 in your business. Pareto’s Law is a principle that illustrates the uneven balance between inputs and outputs. 80% of the results in your business could come from just 20% of the input. Applying this formula to your business and your life can be incredibly powerful. Grab a piece of paper and draw a T. On the left, write the activities that you do that you feel are a waste of time. On the right, write down the high value activities that you do. These are the activities that really make your business better or life more fulfilled, that really have an impact. You’re probably going to see a lot of rubbish on the left and a few nuggets of gold on the right. This visualization can help you identify what you should be focussing on to improve your life and your business.<br /> * 8 for the Day - Spend 20 minutes to save yourself 2 hours. If you spend 20 minutes planning your day, you could probably save 2 hours. You need to maximize your time as best you can. Try this out – In the morning, write down 8 things (6 professional and 2 personal) that you want to achieve that day. If you do this every day, you will see that your focus and productivity improve.<br /> * Determine your business’ unfair advantage.Mark AsquithBecome Deeply Effective with This Powerful Perception ShiftBecome Deeply Effective with This Powerful Perception ShiftRegardless of who you are or what you do, there are going to be times when you get stuck. It’s an inevitable part of life that everyone goes through from time to time. What’s not inevitable however, is getting unstuck. Some people just can’t get going again and others can’t even tell that they are…

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]]>Regardless of who you are or what you do, there are going to be times when you get stuck. It’s an inevitable part of life that everyone goes through from time to time. What’s not inevitable however, is getting unstuck. Some people just can’t get going again and others can’t even tell that they are…

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]]>5947e8b9-dd22-44e1-b7df-ce0d05b32ec9Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:50:46 +000030:16falsefullRegardless of who you are or what you do, there are going to be times when you get stuck. It’s an inevitable part of life that everyone goes through from time to time. What’s not inevitable however, is getting unstuck. Some people just can’t get going again and others can’t even tell that they are stuck in the first place. <br /> <br /> More often than not, the reasons that people get stuck in their personal or professional lives is down to the perceptions that they have of themselves and others. This is especially the case when it comes to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Am I good enough? How is their business doing? Are we on the right track? Many of these thought patterns come from a desire to succeed and are completely natural, but when they start to affect you negatively then you run the risk of getting stuck. Strategic thinking is extremely useful, ruminating on the same things again and again is not. What’s needed when you start to think like this is a shift in perception.<br /> <br /> Perhaps you’re thinking that that is easier said than done, and you’d be right. But our minds and thoughts can be rewired to perceive things in new and healthier ways more easily than you may have thought.<br /> <br /> Our guest on this episode of your favourite small business podcast is Emmanuel Wolfe who works a speaker, coach and podcaster. Emmanuel aims to help those who have been stuck change their perceptions of themselves and the situations they find themselves in. Manny’s going to discuss in more detail some powerful techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy and how these techniques can alter how you perceive things by changing the nature of your thoughts and your inner monologue. Changing your perceptions can even be as simple as taking action instead of ruminating, getting some vigorous exercise or connecting with your friends and family rather than hiding away.<br /> <br /> Remember, pessimists and optimists experience the same events, but different thought patterns determine their perceptions and feeling about these events. Not only are optimists healthier and calmer, but they are also more resilient in the face of adversity. Isn’t it time to get unstuck?<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:<br /> <br /> How can I get unstuck and shift my perception in order to become deeply effective?<br /> <br /> About Emmanuel:<br /> <br /> Emmanuel Wolfe is a podcaster, speaker, coach and author. He specializes in coaching people on how to become their optimal selves through a variety of techniques including the latest in motivational psychology, the latest neuroscience breakthroughs and good old fashioned hard work.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel is here with us on this episode of the number one small business podcast to discuss how we can change our perceptions of ourselves, our abilities and our pasts to get out of a rut and achieve a new level of excellence.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * We get caught up in analysis, it turns into analysis paralysis. In most cases, imperfect action is better than no action. If you’re stuck, it’s better to try some things that don’t work than to sit at home and ruminate. Try something, however small it is. Don’t confuse thinking about doing things with actually doing things as some entrepreneurs do.<br /> * It clears your head, elevates your mood and releases endorphins.<br /> * Connect with others. When you’re stuck, seek help from others. Talk to your friends and family. Reach out. Do something, exercise and reach out.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Your message doesn’t mean anything if nobody listens to it.”<br /> * “The perceptions are all wrong but we have the ability to rewire them.”<br /> * “Not even the paragons of a certain industry will work for everyone.”<br /> * “Do something, exercise and reach out!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel’s Links:<br /> <br /> Mark Asquith & Emmanuel (Manny) WolfeKickstart Your Business Growth with 3 Personal TweaksKickstart Your Business Growth with 3 Personal TweaksCreating a business is one thing, but growing a business is quite another. Very few of us are content with ticking along. We all want to experience as much growth as we can and we want to achieve it as quickly as possible. We’ll often try lots of different things to make this happen, but…

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]]>Creating a business is one thing, but growing a business is quite another. Very few of us are content with ticking along. We all want to experience as much growth as we can and we want to achieve it as quickly as possible. We’ll often try lots of different things to make this happen, but…

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]]>8c9034f0-a058-4a0b-aff6-95b090aac62aThu, 11 Feb 2016 11:05:32 +000029:35falsefullCreating a business is one thing, but growing a business is quite another. Very few of us are content with ticking along. We all want to experience as much growth as we can and we want to achieve it as quickly as possible. We’ll often try lots of different things to make this happen, but is the key to rapid growth more fundamental than we many of us think? <br /> <br /> Our guest on this episode of your favourite small business podcast is Jim Palmer, the Newsletter Guru. Jim’s experienced a lot of rapid growth across a number of different business ventures. The key to growth, according to Jim, is to focus on the fundamentals. And there is nothing more fundamental to running a business than the relationship you have with your customers.<br /> <br /> People get caught up in doing what they think they should be doing and they lose focus of what they actually should be doing. We think we should be using social media to promote the business, getting the website into tiptop shape or designing the perfect marketing materials. These things are all important but they should come after you have focused on, build and nurtured your client relationships. Without solid, genuine relationships with your clientele, you won’t be able to grow as quickly as you would like. New businesses come along every day and it’s those that see serving their customers as an honour that survive and thrive Those who see their customers as just numbers on a balance sheet, do not.<br /> <br /> If you can cultivate and look after a core customer base, then those customers will do a great deal of organic marketing on your behalf and bring in many new customers through word-of-mouth. People are much more likely to become your customer after listening to the recommendation of a trusted friend than after seeing an advert on social media.<br /> <br /> Jim’s advice is to take it back to basics. Remember, your customers have the power to fire everyone in your business, so serve every customer well and you could make them customers for life. This is the foundation on which rapid growth is built.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:<br /> <br /> How can I kickstart my business’s growth?<br /> <br /> About Jim:<br /> <br /> Jim is a marketing expert, business coach and the man known worldwide as the Newsletter Guru. Jim also produces a number of business related podcasts and web TV shows that aim to help entrepreneurs build their businesses using his unique brand of smart marketing and growth strategies.<br /> <br /> Jim has written several books on marketing, growth and client retention and he also speaks at conferences and networking events around the world.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Serve first. It’s always about serving your clients. Your customer has the power to fire everyone in your company, simply by deciding to do business elsewhere. It’s an honour to have customers and there is a reciprocal nature to your relationship with them.<br /> * Tell them what else. It’s your job to tell your customers what else you do, inform them and let them know how you can serve them.<br /> * Raise your prices. Far too many people don’t charge an appropriate amount based on the value they are receiving from the customers’ perspective.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Long-term, sustainable, profitable businesses are always built on powerful relationships.”<br /> * “You can’t force trust, you’ve got to keep serving and developing your relationships.”<br /> * “Authenticity means being who you are in an authentic way as it relates to business.”<br /> <br /> Jim’s Links:<br /> <br /> * Jim’s Site (<a href="http://www.getjimpalmer.com/">http://www.getjimpalmer.com/</a>)<br /> * Exclusive Excellence Expected Content (<a href="http://getjimpalmer.com/excellence">http://getjimpalmer.com/excellence</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * Challenged Issue<br /> Mark AsquithSecrets from The Dark Side of the WebSecrets from The Dark Side of the WebThe interconnected world of today has made living our lives and running our businesses a lot more straightforward. Keeping up with international clients, monitoring cash flow and sharing ideas with colleagues are just some of the business activities that can be handled at the touch of a button. However, as we become more connected, we…

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]]>The interconnected world of today has made living our lives and running our businesses a lot more straightforward. Keeping up with international clients, monitoring cash flow and sharing ideas with colleagues are just some of the business activities that can be handled at the touch of a button. However, as we become more connected, we…

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]]>0c156875-80c1-4363-a8ea-e315b68a0e2cMon, 01 Feb 2016 08:00:50 +000032:56falsefullThe interconnected world of today has made living our lives and running our businesses a lot more straightforward. Keeping up with international clients, monitoring cash flow and sharing ideas with colleagues are just some of the business activities that can be handled at the touch of a button. However, as we become more connected, we are also becoming more vulnerable.<br /> <br /> Protecting ourselves and our businesses needn’t take up too much of our time and can start with some basic steps. For example, how many times have you been to a café and connected to their open Wi-Fi without giving it a second thought? I know I’ve done that more times that I can remember. Connecting to an unencrypted, public Wi-Fi network is a potentially dangerous thing to do as an attacker within reception range of the router can insert themselves as a ‘man-in-the-middle’, receiving your data without you even noticing. E-mails, banking information, passwords and whatever else you have stored in your phone could be accessed using this method. If you’re using an unencrypted public Wi-Fi, don’t use your phone for anything sensitive. It’s much safer to use an encrypted network which is one requiring a password. If you can use a VPN (virtual private network) at the same time, then even better.<br /> <br /> Keeping the software on your personal computer and any other machines used for business is another simple and effective way to combat malicious attacks. Every time you receive a notification to update something, there is a good reason to do so. Usually patches and updates are a response to a vulnerability or exploit that has been found and could be used to gain access to a system. Malicious attackers target those who haven’t updated their software because they can use these vulnerabilities to gain access to their systems. So, next time you see a notification alerting you that it’s time to update, update!<br /> <br /> Another great way to keep things secure is to choose your passwords wisely. Hackers can use vast online dictionaries to brute force their way into systems and accounts. The entries in these dictionaries number into the hundreds of millions and sophisticated algorithms can go through them all in a matter of minutes. Therefore, however obscure your password, there is a good chance that part of it features in one of these dictionaries. The key then, is to use a password that couldn’t possibly feature in one. Gobbledegook, long strings of words joined together or memorable nonsense are all good ways to select a password. Use a service like Last Pass, and you’ll only need to regularly remember one password to access all your favourite sites.<br /> <br /> Joining us on this episode of Excellence Expected is network security expert Dr Kevin Curran of the University of Ulster. Kevin’s going to take us through some of the risks that we may overlook and what to do to keep safe online.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I keep myself and my small business safe online?<br /> <br /> About Kevin:<br /> <br /> Dr Kevin Curran is a Reader in Computer Science at the University of Ulster and the group leader for the Ambient Intelligence Research Group. During his academic career, Kevin has authored over 600 published works and become one of the world’s leading authorities on pervasive computing and internet security. His pioneering work has led to speaking and lecturing invitations from international conferences, overseas universities and research institutes. Kevin is also a regular contributor to the BBC and other major media outlets.<br /> <br /> He’s joining us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast to discuss some of the dangers facing those of us who conduct business online and what we can do to improve our internet security.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * If you didn’t go looking for it, do not install it!Mark AsquithCreating Emotional Resilience for Long Term SuccessCreating Emotional Resilience for Long Term SuccessIf you were asked to think of adjectives that best describe the experience of being a small business owner, what would come to mind? Easy? Peaceful? Relaxing? Not likely! Entrepreneurship is inextricably linked with stress, late nights and burnout. Of course, there’s a huge amount of positives that go with being your own boss and…

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]]>If you were asked to think of adjectives that best describe the experience of being a small business owner, what would come to mind? Easy? Peaceful? Relaxing? Not likely! Entrepreneurship is inextricably linked with stress, late nights and burnout. Of course, there’s a huge amount of positives that go with being your own boss and…

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]]>91b0e2cd-93ff-4140-86df-078388fb525dThu, 21 Jan 2016 08:01:11 +000054:10falsefullIf you were asked to think of adjectives that best describe the experience of being a small business owner, what would come to mind? Easy? Peaceful? Relaxing? Not likely! Entrepreneurship is inextricably linked with stress, late nights and burnout. Of course, there’s a huge amount of positives that go with being your own boss and most of us just accept these negative aspects as par for the course. Does it need to be this way though? Are we doing enough for ourselves and our wellbeing? Or are we stuck in this mind-set without the time, space and resources to discover a better way?<br /> <br /> When we’re not busy working for our clients, we’re working for our families and we always feel that there are not enough hours in the day. When we get a few minutes downtime, we can feel guilty if we do something for ourselves. We think we should be using that time to do some follow up with potential clients, help our partners at home or make sure that our employees are doing well. This, however, can be a recipe for disaster and the spectre of burnout always looms large in the entrepreneurial life.<br /> <br /> If you burnout, you will have caused yourself real damage and you’ll be no good to your family, clients or employees. Therefore, a long-term strategy is needed. Our guest on this episode of the number one small business podcast is Kathryn Lovewell and she is an expert when it comes to creating emotional resilience. Emotional resilience is needed when working in high pressure environments and being an entrepreneur is definitely up there with some of the toughest.<br /> <br /> Without emotional resilience, each knockback, late night and crisis can chip away at the body and mind. Over time this can lead to serious problems such as the aforementioned burnout. By using strategies to make yourself more resilient, you will be able to handle challenges, rise above problems and put events into perspective. This is not only great for yourself and your wellbeing but it will also have a huge impact on your effectiveness, productivity and leadership.<br /> <br /> Kathryn’s going to talk us through how we can create more emotional resilience and how this can have a positive impact on our lives and businesses.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I develop the emotional resilience needed for long-term success?<br /> <br /> About Kathryn:<br /> <br /> Kathryn Lovewell is an expert in the field of emotional resilience and using mindfulness to create wellbeing. She worked for many years in mainstream education and during that time found that she and her colleagues were all suffering from the stresses and strains of the job. Kathryn studied techniques to help her cope and now works with schools and teachers around the world to help educators build up emotional resilience which can have a fantastic benefit on physical and mental health, wellbeing and performance.<br /> <br /> Kathryn’s programmes, seminars, book and audio resources have helped thousands of people develop skills that have improved their lives in so many different ways. She’s joining us on this episode of Excellence Expected to talk through some of her experiences and how her techniques can be applied to those in the business world.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Take the oxygen first. Often, everything else comes before ourselves. The needs of family and clients are always at the forefront of our minds and it can be easy to forget about yourself. You need to take the time to focus on yourself and make sure that you are looking after yourself. How you do this will be unique to you and your circumstances. Looking after your mental, physical and spiritual health by dedicated some time each day to yourself will have a profound effect on how well you can perform at work and look after your family.<br /> <br /> <br /> * Create the weather. It’s all about having the attitude that will allow you to meet...Mark AsquithHappiness Before Success, and the Surprising Results!Happiness Before Success, and the Surprising Results!When most of us think of happiness, there are two words that often creep into our minds. ‘If’ and ‘when’. If I can achieve x% growth this year, I will be happy. When I reach x amount of clients, I will be happy. Amongst small business owners, happiness is always seen as a destination, somewhere…

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]]>When most of us think of happiness, there are two words that often creep into our minds. ‘If’ and ‘when’. If I can achieve x% growth this year, I will be happy. When I reach x amount of clients, I will be happy. Amongst small business owners, happiness is always seen as a destination, somewhere…

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]]>4e1d3aee-ce5a-41a1-9d15-eff90d33daf6Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:51:42 +000050:03falsefullWhen most of us think of happiness, there are two words that often creep into our minds. ‘If’ and ‘when’. If I can achieve x% growth this year, I will be happy. When I reach x amount of clients, I will be happy. Amongst small business owners, happiness is always seen as a destination, somewhere that we will reach when certain goals have been reached, or certain conditions have been satisfied. But how many times have you thought like that and nothing has changed after you’ve reached your goal? There’s always something new to be achieved, so where does it end?<br /> <br /> Well, it doesn’t. And that’s because we mix up happiness and achievement. Achievements are great because by setting ourselves goals, we strive to be better than we are now, but they are not the be all and end all of happiness. They certainly factor in how happy we are, but there is something more, something deeper to being truly happy.<br /> <br /> Happiness is, of course, experienced and measured differently by each person but as entrepreneurs in the same boat, we probably all have quite similar metrics. Revenue, growth, profit and so on. Our guest on this episode of the number one small business podcast is going to talk us through why most of us have this whole happiness thing back to front. Rather than achieving success in order to gain happiness, we should be making sure that we are happy in order to achieve success.<br /> <br /> Rather than burning ourselves out chasing success at work, we should be focusing on making ourselves happy and then there is a greater chance of achieving success. Think of it this way. If you are stressed out, tired, irritable and grouchy, are you going to be working at your very peak? How about if you’re relaxed, calm, content and focused? Now, that doesn’t mean that running a business will always be the most relaxing experience, but there are steps that any of us can take to enjoy a little more happiness. They don’t take up a great deal of time and the benefits to our lives and businesses can be huge.<br /> <br /> Frederika Roberts is joining us to discuss her work and how focusing on happiness before success can do wonders for us, our families and our businesses.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I make sure that I am focused on my happiness while running a small business?<br /> <br /> About Frederika:<br /> <br /> Frederika Roberts is an expert in happiness, a renowned public speaker and workshop leader, social media marketing specialist and author. As the Happiness Speaker, Frederika has shared her expertise with businesses, government organizations, schools and charities. Her seminars and workshops aim to help those in attendance become happier, more resilient and more successful at achieving their goals.<br /> <br /> Frederika is with us on this episode of Excellence Expected to share some of her experiences and wisdom on the topic of how small business owners can be happier, healthier and more productive.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Volunteer your time. Research shows that altruism is being selfishly selfless because helping others can have a great impact on your own life. Giving your time, when you don’t have so much of it, will give you an enormous sense of wellbeing and help those in need. Be nice, help people out and say yes to conversations and it will come back to you in many different ways.<br /> * Exercise and laugh. It’s really important to find ways to laugh even when you’re not in the mood. Check out laughter yoga on YouTube and you will get an abdominal and facial workout and you’ll release endorphins and reduce the amount of cortisol in your body. It will clear your mind and make you so much more productive. Exercise has the same effect and it doesn’t need to be a heavy workout at the gym. Even something like dancing around your living room can have an energizing effect on your body and mind.<br /> Mark AsquithThe Feminine Addiction Trap that is Killing your CareerThe Feminine Addiction Trap that is Killing your CareerAs much as we like to think that we’re in control of every aspect of our lives, most of us are prisoners to certain patterns of behaviour. Think about how often the same thoughts run through your mind and how hard we have to fight to overcome them. We fall into those patterns of behaviour…

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]]>As much as we like to think that we’re in control of every aspect of our lives, most of us are prisoners to certain patterns of behaviour. Think about how often the same thoughts run through your mind and how hard we have to fight to overcome them. We fall into those patterns of behaviour…

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]]>1c74651f-4d06-4a40-ab81-5f3ed9fae8cdThu, 31 Dec 2015 10:00:02 +000037:10falsefullAs much as we like to think that we’re in control of every aspect of our lives, most of us are prisoners to certain patterns of behaviour. Think about how often the same thoughts run through your mind and how hard we have to fight to overcome them. We fall into those patterns of behaviour and thinking because of both personal and societal reasons. They become almost addictive and very difficult to kick. These behavioural patterns can be particularly hard to overcome for small business owners as we often put more pressure on ourselves than most others. <br /> <br /> Joining us on this episode of Excellence Expected is Susie Heath who focuses on helping women avoid what she has termed the ‘Feminine Addiction Trap’. While Susie specializing in helping women, there is a great deal of insight and help that be applied to anyone who feels that they are being held back by their thoughts and behavioural patterns.<br /> <br /> Susie’s going to be speaking during this episode about ways in which you can change your behavioural patterns so that you are not hampering your own potential and efforts. Susie has identified the seven areas that many people struggle with. If you see anything that resonates with you and your patterns of behaviour, then you may be holding yourself back. The areas are:<br /> <br /> * Overs – The overs are behaviours when we are doing or feeling too much. For example, overworking, overindulging, overanalysing, overeating, overspending or over exercising. Engaging in any activity or behavioural pattern can lead you to being overwhelmed. You won’t get the best from yourself if that is the case. It can lead to burnout and take a toll on yourself and those around you.<br /> * Unders: Unders are behaviours characterized by negative feelings such low self-esteem, ‘why me?’ syndrome, self-sabotage, self-judgement, depression and so on. Not feeling good enough all the time can take a terrible toll on the psyche and isn’t conducive to personal or professional excellence.<br /> * Body Hatred: The anxiety of never looking good enough can make use hide and prevent us from putting ourselves out there where opportunities could be waiting. Love yourself and experience as much of the world as you can. The effect in your mental, physical and professional spheres will be profound. Remember, learning to love yourself is not a feeling, it’s a verb. It’s a doing thing.<br /> * Addicted to the Impossible: The impossible standards that we set ourselves can lead to fear of failure and even fear of success. We all want to be perfect and to prove how good we are but usually we are just trying to live up to other’s expectations or perceived expectations. Forget perfection and strive for excellence instead.<br /> * The Love Bug: Our personal relationships also be affected by this addiction trap. Some are happy flying solo, some are hit by the Disney effect and others prefer to be in their very own ‘Sex and the City’. These are archetypal behaviours though, so try and work out if they are indeed for you and if not, find out what is.<br /> * Virtual Living: Spending too much time online is something we’re all guilty of but getting too addicted to virtual living can cause us to miss out on life. We need to relearn how to have each other.<br /> * Mind the Gap: Often we feel like there is a gap within and many people try and fill it will different things such as alcohol, drugs, eating, caffeine, sugar or even thrill-seeking. Try and address what that gap is and take steps to try and fill it with something positive that will be a benefit to both yourself and your business.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I avoid the feminine addiction trap?<br /> <br /> About Susie:<br /> <br /> Susie Heath is a writer, speaker and executive coach. She is the author behind Dance Your Way to the Top and The Essence of Womanhood. She’s here with us on this episode of the number one...Mark AsquithStaying At the Top of Your Game in Todays Stressful World!Staying At the Top of Your Game in Todays Stressful World!The life of an entrepreneur or small business owner can be stressful for so many reasons. We’re often tired, pushed for time and thinking of the next task to be taken care of so it’s easy to overlook the negative effects that stress can have on our bodies, minds and relationships. What’s more, if you…

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]]>The life of an entrepreneur or small business owner can be stressful for so many reasons. We’re often tired, pushed for time and thinking of the next task to be taken care of so it’s easy to overlook the negative effects that stress can have on our bodies, minds and relationships. What’s more, if you…

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]]>21f426a8-1ee2-4b99-afa4-5b905fa8a263Thu, 24 Dec 2015 10:44:10 +000036:31falsefullThe life of an entrepreneur or small business owner can be stressful for so many reasons. We’re often tired, pushed for time and thinking of the next task to be taken care of so it’s easy to overlook the negative effects that stress can have on our bodies, minds and relationships. What’s more, if you are suffering from stress, then you are not going to be performing at your best at work and business can suffer as a result. <br /> <br /> In business, and in life, we’re often living in the future or the past. We plan how we want things to go and we agonize about things that we could have done differently. We’re often reactive when it would be more beneficial to be proactive. If we a have a mission, or purpose, we can start living purposefully and getting more out of life with less stress. Finding out what our mission is can be tricky, but the more that you make real relationships, the more that your purpose will be revealed. So, we need to open ourselves up to the world and let the world in. This can be hard for small business owners as it feels like we’re all alone fighting for success. As hard as it might be, the results can be astounding in both our personal and business lives.<br /> <br /> Another factor that is common in all entrepreneurs is perfectionism. On the surface, it seems like a noble goal in that we all want to be the best that we can be. But is perfection something that we can all attain? No and constantly pursuing this unattainable level can lead to more stress and more negative feelings. Perhaps a better way to frame the concept of constant improvement is ‘striving for excellence’. Excellence is always attainable and can always be improved upon. Perfection, on the other hand, can’t. This shift can remove a great deal of stress from your life.<br /> <br /> There are lots of ways in which a shift in thinking, or a small change in your routine or environment, can alleviate the stress that is so common amongst small business owners. There are lots of ways in which we can look deeper within ourselves to find the real root of a problem. With us on this episode of your number one small business podcast is Dr. David Kamnitzer who has a wealth of knowledge in this area and helps thousands of people with this and many other problems through his podcast.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I stay at the top of my game in today’s stressful world?<br /> <br /> About David:<br /> <br /> Dr David Kamnitzer is a podcaster, teacher, ontological coach and holistic doctor. Through his podcast, Dr David aims to empower listeners through in-depth conversations with guests who are involved with cutting-edge work in spirituality, healing and social transformation.<br /> <br /> Starting out as a chiropractor, Dr David soon realized that there were some persistent problems amongst his patients that wouldn’t respond to conventional treatment. It was then that he decided to blend the medical with the ontological and get to the root of his patients problems.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Discover and commit to living your unique purpose. Stop hiding away and forge real relationships in the world. Your purpose will then start to reveal itself to you. Living purposefully will help you get the most out of life.<br /> * Embrace excellence and release perfectionism. Always striving for perfection can be damaging to both your mental and physical health. Strive for excellence in everything you o instead.<br /> * Keep your energy field clear and balanced and buoyant. For example, go GMO free. Lots of factors affect the body’s energy and small changes to your environment or nutrition could have a big effect on how you feel and work.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Many people have heard a lot about purposeful living, but I find very few people are consistently doing it.”<br /> * “You have to get into the arena of life and...Mark Asquith & Dr. David Kamnitzer from Freeing the BodyLearning to Let GoLearning to Let GoAs small business owners, we like doing things our own way. That is, after all, why we chose to strike out for ourselves. Taking care of all aspects of the business is exciting and, in the early days, we very seldom have a choice. But as our businesses grow, we need to learn to let…

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]]>As small business owners, we like doing things our own way. That is, after all, why we chose to strike out for ourselves. Taking care of all aspects of the business is exciting and, in the early days, we very seldom have a choice. But as our businesses grow, we need to learn to let…

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]]>54767e55-db9f-4789-b877-df1fd56f29b3Mon, 14 Dec 2015 09:53:34 +000033:23falsefullAs small business owners, we like doing things our own way. That is, after all, why we chose to strike out for ourselves. Taking care of all aspects of the business is exciting and, in the early days, we very seldom have a choice. But as our businesses grow, we need to learn to let go of certain parts and bring in talented people who can help take our companies forward. <br /> <br /> We’ve spoken recently about ‘lone wolf syndrome’ and on this episode of Excellence Expected we’re going to discuss a related problem, that of ‘superhero syndrome’. Doing everything ourselves is great up to a point, but once a business grows large enough, or successful enough, there will come a time when we are no longer the best person to handle particular jobs within the business. How and when do we start to let go of the reins? That’s the issue we are going to define, challenge and conquer on this episode of the number one small business podcast.<br /> <br /> Very few of us are going to be complete experts on every facet of our businesses. Keeping everything under our own control can hamper growth so it’s important to identify when the time is right to hire an expert to make sure that the business keeps moving forward. When exactly is the right time? Well, joining us on this episode is Neil Crespin, who has personal experience of this exact topic. Neil is the founder and creative director of mcm Creative Group and during the early days of the business, he was looking after the vast majority of functions within his business.<br /> <br /> As he explains in the episode, however, there came a time when he no longer felt his skill-set was enough to help the business continue to grow. It was by hiring a managing director that Neil ensured that his business went from strength to strength. He’s with us to discuss what we need to do to get the ego out of the way, find the right people and make sure that our businesses continue on an upward trajectory.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast:<br /> <br /> How can I learn to let go?<br /> <br /> About Neil:<br /> <br /> Neil Crespin is the founder, owner and creative director of mcm Creative Group, an award-winning marketing communications agency. Since 2001, the agency has been providing innovative marketing and communications solutions for a wide variety of clients including John Lewis, Coca-Cola and HSBC. They bridge the gap between a creative concept agency and a technical production company.<br /> <br /> Neil’s joining us on this episode of Excellence Expected to share his thoughts and personal experience of the topic of when to let go of the reins and bring in talented people to help a business continue to grow.<br /> <br /> Neil’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Don’t just recruit people underneath you. If you can get beyond the emotional barrier of trying to be the best at everything, which is unrealistic and can hinder growth, hiring those who are better than you at certain things can work wonders for your business.<br /> * Understand what you aren’t good at and understand it quickly. Analyse what you are good at and which things are going well and identify which areas could be improved. You then will know what type of help you need to take your business to the next level.<br /> * Learn to demonstrate your ability to trust others. You need to show those that you have hired to help grow your business that they are trusted and valued. You are the glue that keeps everyone together and you must ensure that everybody is working toward achieving what you have set out to achieve.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “The business made the decision for me. I knew that I didn’t have the skillset to take the business through to the next stage.”<br /> * “Don’t just recruit people underneath you.”<br /> * “Identify the gaps in your skillsets and fill them quickly.”<br /> * “Look for people who are better at everything than you...Mark AsquithLonewolf Syndrome & How to Beat ItLonewolf Syndrome & How to Beat ItBuilding and growing a small business can be tough. Every aspect of day-to-day operations comes down to you. You need to be accountable for every decision you make, whether big or small and there often seems like there’s no one else you can turn to for advice. It can be a lonely road to walk…

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]]>Building and growing a small business can be tough. Every aspect of day-to-day operations comes down to you. You need to be accountable for every decision you make, whether big or small and there often seems like there’s no one else you can turn to for advice. It can be a lonely road to walk…

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]]>f2abe29b-d5ed-4330-9cb6-dd9bea2f9657Thu, 03 Dec 2015 10:24:50 +000034:54falsefullBuilding and growing a small business can be tough. Every aspect of day-to-day operations comes down to you. You need to be accountable for every decision you make, whether big or small and there often seems like there’s no one else you can turn to for advice. It can be a lonely road to walk but many of us take the risk because of the many positives that come with being a small business owner. The freedom to do things your way and the excitement of taking control can be exhilarating, but going out on your own can also lead to one of the most common problems experienced by entrepreneurs.<br /> <br /> This ‘lone wolf syndrome’ can start off quite naturally. In the early days, there’s often nobody working alongside you and so, of course, you handle everything yourself and rely on your own judgement. But as you walk further down that path, and the syndrome becomes more engrained, negative aspects can emerge. Perhaps when you take on staff you still like to keep your cards close to your chest. You may feel that people outside of your business are unable, or unwilling, to talk about issues that come up. You may become distant from your friends and family, you may become stressed and irritable or you may find that your sleep and health suffer as a result of your isolation.<br /> <br /> The buck stops here. If you want something doing right, you need to do it yourself. It’s easy to fall back on old maxims such as these, but is doing so really the best way to go about things? How can we avoid this ‘lone wolf syndrome’ and, if we’re already suffering from it, how can we change things?<br /> <br /> On this episode of your favourite small business podcast, we’re joined by Anthony Witt who has worked with many entrepreneurs to overcome this and many other problems. Anthony’s going to talk us through his perspective on this particular issue and what steps you can take to avoid it having too large an effect on your life and business.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How do I overcome lone wolf syndrome?<br /> <br /> About Anthony:<br /> <br /> Anthony Witt is an entrepreneur, business and life coach and the host of the excellent podcast, The Champion Entrepreneur. Anthony aims to give people the tools to live their lives with a pursuit of purpose in everything that they do.<br /> <br /> On this episode of the number one small business podcast, Anthony is going to talk us through his tips for avoiding one of the most common entrepreneurial ailments, lone wolf syndrome.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Get offline. To get out of lone wolf syndrome, meet with people in person. Join a mastermind group, attend a chamber of commerce meeting or introduce yourself to small business owners in your town.<br /> * Make a list of the people you want to involve in your life. Keep the list around so you can see it regularly. Get involved with people and let people get involved with you. Add value to their lives and let them add value to yours.<br /> * Set deadlines and make them public. It needs to be out there for the people you have developed relationships with. If they know your deadlines, these people will keep you accountable to your goals.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “You can’t get out of lone wolf syndrome without involving other people in your business and your life. We’re created to be social beings and we thrive in communities. When we’re put together we do so many amazing things.”<br /> * “It’s about getting other people involved in your life to help you move to the next level, to see where your blind spots are and to see where you are stuck.”<br /> * “In a mastermind group, you want people who are similar but that also different. The difference is so important. You need people who are different otherwise you won’t find each other’s blind spots. You want people who want to be challenged and who are going to look from different...Mark Asquith & Anthony Witt from the Champion EntrepreneurRise to Mastery with Cameron BensonRise to Mastery with Cameron BensonWe all want to be better, don’t we? We want to see improvements in ourselves and our businesses each and every day. It’s in the DNA of all entrepreneurs regardless of your industry or the scale of your business.  Nobody gets into business to stagnate or move backwards. Progress and growth are what it’s all…

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]]>We all want to be better, don’t we? We want to see improvements in ourselves and our businesses each and every day. It’s in the DNA of all entrepreneurs regardless of your industry or the scale of your business.  Nobody gets into business to stagnate or move backwards. Progress and growth are what it’s all…

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]]>2ffa53a0-23f3-46ee-b9d8-05ad5c31fa66Mon, 30 Nov 2015 08:50:55 +000036:57falsefullWe all want to be better, don’t we? We want to see improvements in ourselves and our businesses each and every day. It’s in the DNA of all entrepreneurs regardless of your industry or the scale of your business.  Nobody gets into business to stagnate or move backwards. Progress and growth are what it’s all about. Are we experiencing growth in the right areas though? And what are our metrics for measuring progress?<br /> <br /> We often let other areas of our lives slide when the pressure’s on in terms of our businesses. More often than not it comes down to the bottom line and, of course, that’s important but if the sacrifices you make for your business start negatively affecting different areas of your life, are they really worth making? To put it another way, are you living your life reactively or proactively? If you’re dropping things at the last minute to attend to some business crisis, you’re living reactively and you’re living your life by accident. If you choose to live proactively, you can design the lifestyle you want and take action to achieve it. If you don’t want to miss your children’s school play, you won’t. If you don’t want to miss a night out with your partner, you won’t. But, in order to do this, you need to admit that certain areas need a tweak and take the time to really lay out your design and how you will achieve it. It’s all about achieving mastery of your life.<br /> <br /> With us on this episode of the number one small business podcast is Cameron Benson from Rise to Mastery. He has coached thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners across America to a higher level of mastery of their own lives. Now, as Cameron mentions, this is not about becoming masterful overnight, it’s about making small, consistent improvements that will build into noticeable changes in your life.<br /> <br /> As well as identifying areas that need some work and taking steps towards improving them, we have to make sure that different areas of our lives are in balance. So, if business is booming but your friendships are suffering, the negative situation will soon start affecting your positive one. Keeping things in balance can help you get to where you want to be in terms of both business and your relationships with others.  This holistic approach can only be implemented successfully if you’re willing to take a breath, identify your current problems and make a clear plan to address them.  It’s easier said than done as we always seem to fall back onto the path of least resistance, but it doesn’t need to be an arduous task. It can be as little as ten minutes a day. The key in consistency.<br /> <br /> Cameron is going to lay out his philosophy and provide some great tips that can help you rise to mastery.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I rise to mastery?<br /> <br /> About Cameron:<br /> <br /> Cameron Benson is a serial entrepreneur, marketing consultant, business coach and podcaster. He started his first company at the age of 23 and has coach more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners across the United States.<br /> <br /> Cameron now hosts the Rise to Mastery podcast with his co-host, Kenny Cannon. During each episode, the guys interview an entrepreneur and find out how they took an aspect of their lives or businesses to the next level. The show offers practical advice for all of us out there who want to get the most out of life.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Make the decision that you’re going to rise to mastery. Regardless of how you feel, or the area of the life you want to change, you need to make a decision and follow through. Go for it!<br /> * Achieve consistency. Consistency is key. Don’t aim to do too much at once. Big changes are more easily derailed by everyday life. Take small steps every day and in a year’s time the area of your life or business that you have focused on will have been changed...Mark Asquith & Cameron BensonMastering the Art of Relationships with Jason TreuMastering the Art of Relationships with Jason TreuBuilding and maintaining valuable relationships is vitally important in life and business. We all want to make the best relationships with people that we can but it doesn’t always come naturally to us all. Some people are more talkative, some are more reserved. Some people are never off the phone and other prefer to communicate…

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]]>Building and maintaining valuable relationships is vitally important in life and business. We all want to make the best relationships with people that we can but it doesn’t always come naturally to us all. Some people are more talkative, some are more reserved. Some people are never off the phone and other prefer to communicate…

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]]>bcfe4381-e92d-40ff-bff6-8a1c6eb38cd1Thu, 12 Nov 2015 07:00:40 +000031:10falsefullBuilding and maintaining valuable relationships is vitally important in life and business. We all want to make the best relationships with people that we can but it doesn’t always come naturally to us all. Some people are more talkative, some are more reserved. Some people are never off the phone and other prefer to communicate by e-mail. The skill with which we develop relationships needn’t be the fixed attribute that we often think it is. As with almost everything else, we can work at improving it through practice and study.<br /> <br /> Relationships are indeed an art and fostering the right kind of relationships can do wonders not only for ourselves but also for our businesses. How can we make sure that we are creating the right kind of relationships in the most beneficial way? With us on this episode of the number one small business podcast is Jason Treu who is an expert in the art of relationships and knows how radically different peoples’ lives can become after they reconsider how they approach relationships.<br /> <br /> The traits that we currently have do not need to define us as people or small business owners for the rest of our lives. Working towards changing your relationships with those around you can have benefits far beyond the entrepreneurial. Taking time to introspect and focus on new ways of building relationships can even bring passion back into your life and work if you’ve noticed it fade.<br /> <br /> Jason is going to take us through some of his experiences as one of the world’s leading business and executive coaches. The methods and tools that he has developed have helped thousands of people around the world improve their lives and their businesses. <br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I master the art of relationships?<br /> <br /> About Jason:<br /> <br /> Jason Treu is a business and executive coach who has helped some of the world’s leading CEOs help develop their skills in building and maintaining valuable relationships. He is a regular contributor at The Good Men Project, Inspirationfeed, Under30 CEO, YourTango and KillerStartups. He is also the author of several bestsellers including Jump Start Your Social Life and Social Wealth.<br /> <br /> The tools and systems that Jason has created to unlock the potential within has helped thousands around the world to exceed their limits and achieve their goals while putting the passion back into their work and lives. The key to all of this is changing how people approach relationships.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Engage with people. Social and communication skills are learned behaviours and can be practiced and improved. Don’t worry about the outcomes, but get practicing. Part of it is doing some internal work and trying to identify your blind spots and what behavioural patterns you have that are no longer serving you.<br /> * Go to events where people want to talk. Go to charity events, art museums or community events where people are open to speaking and are there for the same reason. Going to talk to random strangers is less helpful as you don’t know why they are there or what’s going on in their lives. Events are great as everyone is on a level playing field and there for the same reasons.<br /> * Lead with giving and generosity. Rapport, likability and trust are the key things that you need to get follow up from new people or to build deeper relationships with people that you already know. The best question for building rapport is ‘What are you passionate about life?’ It gets to the emotional core of the person. Everyone in life is led by their emotions.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “People believe that we’re born with certain social, communication and emotional skillsets and they’re as good as they’re ever going to get. That couldn’t be further from the truth, they are all learned behaviours.”<br /> Mark AsquithOvercoming Small Business Loneliness & Entrepreneur IsolationOvercoming Small Business Loneliness & Entrepreneur IsolationWhen you’re a small business owner or solopreneur, it’s easy to become gradually isolated from those around you. You need to rely on yourself and make sure that everything gets completed on time. This can see you eating at your desk. Your friends don’t have the same worries as you and you don’t want to…

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]]>When you’re a small business owner or solopreneur, it’s easy to become gradually isolated from those around you. You need to rely on yourself and make sure that everything gets completed on time. This can see you eating at your desk. Your friends don’t have the same worries as you and you don’t want to…

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]]>19a4587d-fb3f-44ed-bc31-e7569e1fb1f4Thu, 05 Nov 2015 07:00:31 +000029:21falsefullWhen you’re a small business owner or solopreneur, it’s easy to become gradually isolated from those around you. You need to rely on yourself and make sure that everything gets completed on time. This can see you eating at your desk. Your friends don’t have the same worries as you and you don’t want to bore them, so there goes your drinks after work. Slowly but surely, these missed occasions add up and soon you may find yourself isolated. <br /> <br /> Isolation can take a serious toll on our health and relationships as we as cause us to lose perspective on our businesses.<br /> <br /> Does it really need to be this way, though? And what should we do if we’re feeling isolated from our friends and family because of our business commitments? Nicky Roche joins us on this episode of the number one small business podcast to share her experiences of this very common problem and how to change the situation.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I overcome small business isolation?<br /> <br /> About Nicky:<br /> <br /> Nicky Roche is an entrepreneur, consultant and podcaster. Her show, Small Business Drivers, aims to help small business owners around the world optimize their working processes and focus on the main drivers of their businesses and interactions with others. She is also aiming to create a worldwide community of likeminded individuals who can share their experiences and grow their businesses. Nicky believes that networking with people who are in the same boat can not only help stave off the feelings of isolation but can also bring positive gains to your business.<br /> <br /> Nicky is on this episode of the number one small business podcast to discuss the issue of small business isolation and how we can overcome it.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Dream big but define that dream. Take the time to define a vision of what you want and where you want to be. Having a clear, defined idea of what you want makes other decisions much easier.<br /> * Don’t be scared to share and learn from others. Intelligent people, confident in their own abilities, shouldn’t be afraid to share with others. Mutually beneficial relationships will help your business grow.<br /> * Bridge the knowledge gap one brick at a time. Don’t be overwhelmed at the start and learn as much as you can. How do you know what you can do if you put a ceiling on your abilities?<br /> <br />  <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “If we’d all just share our motivations, challenges and solutions, everybody could benefit from it.”<br /> * “People need to understand that adjusting the sails is expected. People need to learn to not be so hard on themselves and to remind themselves of the things that they have achieved.”<br /> * “Sometimes it’s about ensuring the people who are influencing your mind set and business decisions are the right people who are in your life at the time.”<br /> * “One of the drivers of business success is networking because life and business are team sports.”<br /> * “There’s an instant reward for networking. The people you associate with ask different questions and they see your business from a different perspective. They might spark something in your mind that you hadn’t thought about before.”<br /> * “I don’t think people realize how much expertise they have. Many entrepreneurs, through isolation, minimize their own expertise. In actual fact, they are experts in something already thanks to their business and they’re an expert in something that someone else isn’t.”<br /> * “Isolation creates a lack of perspective. If you let other people into your life, you regain that perspective. If those people don’t help you regain that perspective, then change the people you’re associating with.”<br /> <br /> Nicky’s Links:<br /> <br /> * Small Business Drivers (<a href="http://smallbusinessdrivers.com/">http://smallbusinessdrivers.Mark AsquithFrom Sleeping in My Car to Retiring at Age 30From Sleeping in My Car to Retiring at Age 30Everybody knows that the first twelve months of a new venture are always the hardest. Make it through that year and the chances of making it through the next year begin to look a little better. There’s so much on the line, from financial wellbeing to physical health. Nobody will look more tired than a…

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]]>Everybody knows that the first twelve months of a new venture are always the hardest. Make it through that year and the chances of making it through the next year begin to look a little better. There’s so much on the line, from financial wellbeing to physical health. Nobody will look more tired than a…

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]]>d895d6e8-44c6-4942-b261-d1477a4e44e5Mon, 02 Nov 2015 07:00:55 +000031:49falsefullEverybody knows that the first twelve months of a new venture are always the hardest. Make it through that year and the chances of making it through the next year begin to look a little better. There’s so much on the line, from financial wellbeing to physical health. Nobody will look more tired than a small business owner in their first year of business. <br /> <br /> But, the rewards of making it through that first year are potentially massive and that’s why we all take the plunge and become small business owners. Being your own boss, making all of the strategic decisions and providing a better life for your family are just a few of the reasons that we get started.<br /> <br /> As well as long hours of hard work, what else do we need to make it through some of the more challenging days during the first year? And what are some of the pitfalls that we should try and avoid?<br /> <br /> With us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast is the founder of Renters Warehouse, Brenton Hayden. Brenton is going to help us answer some of these questions and more. Brenton set up his business after seeing an opportunity that wasn’t being exploited by anyone in his area. He dropped the plans he had for his first business and focussed all his energy on his new idea. His business made it through that tricky first year and has gone from strength to strength picking up many industry awards along the way.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I get through my first year in business?<br /> <br /> About Brenton:<br /> <br /> Brenton Hayden is the founder, chairman of the board and former CEO of Renters Warehouse. The company provides property management services to those wishing to rent their property. Since beginning in Minnesota in 2007, the company has become one of the fastest-growing companies in America, with offices and franchises all over the USA. He set himself a target for retirement, and he has achieved it – at the ripe old age of 30!<br /> <br /> Brenton was, at one point, sleeping in his car and worrying about the next step to take for his future. How did he started with his business and make it through the first year? He’s here with us on this episode of Excellence Expected to share his experiences as well as three actionable tips that will help any small business owner who is currently dealing with this particularly challenging period.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Start with passion, a plan and power before you start a business. If you have passion and a plan and you feel like you can’t stopped then you have the ingredients to achieve your goal. If you don’t have them, then you need to keep looking for the right thing for you.<br /> * Ask questions, listen until it hurts and then be decisive. A true leader is a collaborative leader. They listen to those who agree, disagree and those who remain neutral. Information is power.<br /> * If you find the opportunity to do something awesome, you should do it yourself first and then hire someone to do it later. You need to become a passionate expert about your business. You need to learn every aspect of your business.<br /> <br />  <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Inspiration is a here thing, it’s a now thing, it goes away really fast, so when you’re inspire or depressed, you gotta use it because there’s usually a lot of passion hiding in both of those emotions.”<br /> * “You can have a really good plan, but you can’t think of everything.”<br /> * “I wrote down a plan, like a roadmap. A map can take you many different places, but at least you have a map. It’s going to make getting to your dreams or goals that much easier. The plan isn’t the endgame. The plan just makes it easier to get to the end of the road.”<br /> * “The number one obstacle in most peoples’ lives is that they don’t have a perfect plan. It’s the critical flaw and the reason most people don’t...Mark AsquithSuccess & Significance with Aaron WalkerSuccess & Significance with Aaron WalkerEvery small business owner out there wants to be successful. Nobody starts their own business and puts in hours of blood, sweat and tears to just do ‘OK’. We all want to do the very best we can for ourselves and our families. Success means different things to different people, of course, but entrepreneurs often…

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]]>Every small business owner out there wants to be successful. Nobody starts their own business and puts in hours of blood, sweat and tears to just do ‘OK’. We all want to do the very best we can for ourselves and our families. Success means different things to different people, of course, but entrepreneurs often…

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]]>436ffe4f-3c3b-4861-80a5-d489cfe80862Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:00:10 +000028:04falsefullEvery small business owner out there wants to be successful. Nobody starts their own business and puts in hours of blood, sweat and tears to just do ‘OK’. We all want to do the very best we can for ourselves and our families. Success means different things to different people, of course, but entrepreneurs often measure their success in pounds or dollars. Is this the best way to measure our successes? Or is there more to life than growing your business and making money?<br /> <br /> Joining me once again on Excellence Expected is Aaron Walker from View to the Top. Aaron has created a string of successful businesses throughout his 35 year entrepreneurial career but in recent years, he has also focussed on living a life of significance and sharing his wisdom with others. Significance, like success, is defined differently by each of us. What would a significant life look like to you? Perhaps you’ve never even considered it as chasing success often gets in the way of everything else. Well, don’t worry, because Aaron is going to talk us through some topics that can help us take the blinkers off for a moment and take in the bigger picture.<br /> <br /> It’s easy to get caught up in your work, especially if you have a small business. You feel that the best way to look after your family is to make as much money as possible. Is this really the best way to go about it though? As the old adage states, ‘nobody dies wishing they’d spent more time at the office’. Making time for family, friends and your community can lead to a more significant life.<br /> <br /> Aaron’s going to help us pause, honestly assess our current situations and make an action plan for achieving both success and significance in the future.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I live a successful and significant life?<br /> <br /> About Aaron:<br /> <br /> Aaron Walker is a serial entrepreneur with over 35 years’ experience of building and growing successful companies. He now works as a life coach and business mentor as well as being the driving force behind View from the Top. His site aims to share Aaron’s experience and wisdom and help businessmen live both a successful and significant life.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Take Aaron’s personal assessment. Be as honest as possible.<br /> * Find out what you really want. Work with your partner and identify what it is that you really want to do and work backwards from there. What do you want in 3 months, 5 years or 10 years from now?<br /> * Read Steps to a Productive Day. This document will help you work through your day in a regimented way.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “It’s not all about success, it’s also about significance.”<br /> * “What is success? You have to ask yourself these difficult questions.”<br /> * “In business, we strategize, but we also need to be helping people who can’t repay us.”<br /> * “Peoples’ attention spans are dropping and to actually listen to someone is becoming more of a lost art.”<br /> * “We do it backwards. We go out and make as much money as we can and then we go out a buy a house on which we can afford the payments. And we tie our total identity up with what we do and what we have. Then something catastrophic happens and you can’t afford the payments, so they take the house away and your personal identity’s gone. I teach guys not to tie their identity up with their tangible possessions or their positions. I help people discover who they really are.”<br /> * “People don’t want to expose themselves to this kind of scrutiny. They want a façade. Let’s just admit it, we’re all just a bunch of knuckleheads! We’re just trying to figure it out and go through life. We need help, we need people to help us with areas in our lives that are difficult.”<br /> * “People think they can work hard and then they can get a bigger house and a faster car and then they will be...Mark AsquithThe Entrepreneurs’ Roadmap to Creating Your Elusive First BookThe Entrepreneurs’ Roadmap to Creating Your Elusive First BookIt seems that, these days, everyone has an idea for a book. As small business owners, we’ve all accumulated a heck of a lot experience, both good and bad, and we want to share that with others. But next time someone talks to you about their book idea, dig a little deeper and find out…

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]]>It seems that, these days, everyone has an idea for a book. As small business owners, we’ve all accumulated a heck of a lot experience, both good and bad, and we want to share that with others. But next time someone talks to you about their book idea, dig a little deeper and find out…

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]]>53e469b4-7ec5-459f-b996-9d8247fce12fThu, 22 Oct 2015 06:00:00 +000031:00falsefullIt seems that, these days, everyone has an idea for a book. As small business owners, we’ve all accumulated a heck of a lot experience, both good and bad, and we want to share that with others. But next time someone talks to you about their book idea, dig a little deeper and find out where they’re at. The chances are they’ll be where you are with your idea: square one!<br /> <br /> Even though our minds are bursting with ideas that could give other people real value, it can be difficult to know where to start with a book. As well as this lack of clarity over where to start, there’s all the other distractions and time commitments that are part and parcel of life as an entrepreneur. If we’re really serious about writing a book, what can we do to overcome these initial hurdles?<br /> <br /> With us on this episode of Excellence Expected is award-winning entrepreneur, author and writing coach, Mindy Gibbins-Klein. Mindy knows from the personal experience of writing eight books the challenges involved in completing such a project. Not only that, but as the Book Midwife, she has helped hundreds of others realize their dreams. She’s guided many clients from initial idea to publication and she’s achieved fantastic results with her coaching programs.<br /> <br /> So, if you have a great idea for a book, this is an episode that you won’t want to miss. Mindy’s actionable tips can be put into practice today and you can take the first steps toward publishing your own book and sharing your ideas and experiences with the world.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can I write, publish and market my own book?<br /> <br /> About Mindy:<br /> <br /> Mindy Gibbins-Klein is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, thought leadership strategist and writing coach. Through her site, The Book Midwife, she’s helped hundreds of people get over the initial hurdles of writing their books and guided them all the way to publication.<br /> <br /> Mindy’s here with us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast to share her wisdom and experience. She’ll also leave us with three actionable tips that you will help give you the clarity needed to plan and write your first book.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Learn to push your thinking. Most people don’t put a lot of thought into things. People throw together blogs, social media posts and content with not much thought. Pushing your thinking means using rigorous thought processes to achieve something that is original, exciting or maybe even ground-breaking.<br /> * There is wisdom at the intersection of your knowledge, your passion and your clients’ needs. It’s about expressing your passion with your knowledge while considering the needs of your clients. If their needs are not considered, they won’t view your content as wisdom.<br /> * Get a plan together and get writing. E.A.L thought leaders are out there writing and publishing right now. Reach, Engagement, Authority and Longevity. Thought leaders are people who are doing all four things.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “There’s has to be enough passion around the subject to write a good book.”<br /> * “I needed to stop listening to so-called experts because what they say is just an opinion.”<br /> * “I think we coach and mentor people in the area of clarity. As that clarity improves and they get a better picture of what it is that they’re sharing, that builds confidence. The book starts to come together and that gives them a feeling of confidence. Clarity develops confidence.”<br /> * “A 90 day programme is the best thing for the book.”<br /> * “If you do things too quickly, they become just a snapshot of your thoughts.”<br /> * “Before you create any content, you should have a thought leadership strategy. Creators of good content are willing to include their passion.”<br /> <br /> Mindy’s Links:<br /> Small business podcast hostWhen The Going Gets Tough: You Grow, You ProsperWhen The Going Gets Tough: You Grow, You ProsperAdversity is a part of life and it’s something that we all have to deal with. As small business owners, it can sometimes feel like we are having to deal with more than our fair share. The pressure can often seem insurmountable and if we let it get on top of us, we can suffer…

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]]>Adversity is a part of life and it’s something that we all have to deal with. As small business owners, it can sometimes feel like we are having to deal with more than our fair share. The pressure can often seem insurmountable and if we let it get on top of us, we can suffer…

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]]>bc522509-663f-4807-9a22-fedd8db6b205Mon, 05 Oct 2015 04:00:00 +000031:14falsefullAdversity is a part of life and it’s something that we all have to deal with. As small business owners, it can sometimes feel like we are having to deal with more than our fair share. The pressure can often seem insurmountable and if we let it get on top of us, we can suffer in each area of our lives. <br /> <br /> Tough times, whether in our business or personal lives, are unavoidable. But there is always something to be learned from trying experiences. How, then, can we equip ourselves with the tools to make it through difficult periods while learning from them and improving ourselves.<br /> <br /> With us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast is Sheryl Jones, the CEO and founder of Rodcor Services, which provides care for children and adults with disabilities in the Dallas area. Sheryl has earned the title of Queen of Hearts from her clients thanks to her positive approach to others, business and life.<br /> <br /> Sheryl is going to be sharing her experiences with us and some actionable tips that we can implement to make the tough times a little easier to endure.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How do we get through tough times and use the experience to grow?<br /> <br /> About Sheryl:<br /> <br /> Sheryl Jones is the founder and CEO of Rodcor Services, a leading care provider for children and adults with disabilities. She has worked in the field of social work for over 25 years and has earned the nickname of Queen of Hearts from her clients, customers and friends thanks to her approach to helping others.<br /> <br /> Sheryl is here with us on your favourite small business podcast to talk about how we can not only get through the tough times, but also learn from them and become stronger as a result of the experience.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * In order to really learn, we need to accept the good and the bad. Acceptance is the key to your future.<br /> * Learn to Forgive. Don’t harbour any grudges or ill feeling towards others. It’s a waste of your time and energy. Move on with your life and remember that life should be joyous!<br /> * More action, less thinking. Of course do your due diligence, but we can get caught up thinking and researching. Actions drive people and businesses forward.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I was seeing a lot of stressed out teachers, a lot of stressed out doctors, a lot of people who were working from day to day but they absolutely hate what they’re doing. I just think there’s a better way to live your life.”<br /> * “Open minds attracts opportunities.”<br /> * “Everybody’s going to experience something bad in their life. If you’re not right now, then it’s going to come one day so you’re going to need some skills and tools to help your deal with difficult situations.”<br /> * “Stick to your plan but be flexible in your approach. You need to be able to change.”<br /> * “If you can avoid some of the mistakes that I’ve made, then your life is going to be so much better. It’s all about sharing and having love for people.”<br /> * “Just keep it moving! I’m willing to make the corrections and changes as I’m moving.”<br /> * “You can recover from anything, nothing has to bring you completely down. Everything is a lesson, you can learn from anything. I encourage people to take time and look at their lives and see where they stand out. If you love people and you think you should be working with others, get out there and work with others. ”<br /> * “If you expect great things, do great things. Become the person that you want to be.”<br /> <br /> Sheryl’s Links:<br /> <br /> * Sheryl’s Facebook: (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheryl.jones.908?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/sheryl.jones.908?fref=ts</a>)<br /> * Sheryl’s E-Mail: (<a href="mailto:sheryljones@rodcor.com">sheryljones@rodcor.com</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> Mark AsquithChris Brogan on Entrepreneurial Fitness Without the ExcusesChris Brogan on Entrepreneurial Fitness Without the ExcusesAs small business owners, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we’re too busy for certain activities. One of the first things to get dropped from the schedule is exercise. It seems like a time luxury that we can ill afford so we get our heart rates up by taking difficult phone calls and expend our…

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]]>As small business owners, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we’re too busy for certain activities. One of the first things to get dropped from the schedule is exercise. It seems like a time luxury that we can ill afford so we get our heart rates up by taking difficult phone calls and expend our…

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]]>09dc3ba9-7da3-403e-a519-686f7d6986ecMon, 21 Sep 2015 07:24:54 +000022:42falsefullAs small business owners, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we’re too busy for certain activities. One of the first things to get dropped from the schedule is exercise. It seems like a time luxury that we can ill afford so we get our heart rates up by taking difficult phone calls and expend our energy through all-nighters in the office.<br /> <br /> Are we really that busy though? And is exercise something that has no relation to how we run our businesses? With us on this episode of your favourite small business podcast is Chris Brogan who has built a media empire, written eight bestsellers and created one of the most popular business podcasts all while making time to keep his mind and body in check with regular exercise.<br /> <br /> A lot of people, especially small business owners, forget that one of the main benefits of regular exercise is the mental clarity that comes with it. We need that to be able to focus all of our concentration on tricky problems that we experience at work. Without exercise both our bodies and our minds can become lethargic, irritable and lacking in the spirit and vigour we need to succeed in life and business.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can we achieve focus, mental clarity and health benefits through exercise while running a small business?<br /> <br /> About Chris:<br /> <br /> Chris Brogan is a New York Times bestselling author, CEO of Owner Media Group, renowned public speaker and social media marketing guru. His books, sites and seminars have helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners around the world thrive in their industries. He spoken for or consulted with some global brands such as Microsoft, Google, Disney, Coca-Cola, Sony and Cisco.<br /> <br /> Chris is also the host of the hugely popular podcast, The Owner’s Mind. If that doesn’t sound busy enough, he’s also regularly in the gym. Chris is here with us on the number one small business podcast to discuss some of the benefits that small business owners can gain from regular exercise.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Allow no excuses. If you start letting excuses in for the gym, you’ll let excuses affect different areas of your life and business. Being disciplined at the gym is important as it’s a microcosm of life.<br /> * Revisit what you eat. Take a photo of everything that you eat or drink for a week and you’ll probably find what you need to change.<br /> * Get Lifting. Start off slow and don’t worry about the numbers. Just add 5 lbs a week to keep the resistance up. Learn proper form from a friend and focus with every rep.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Keeping a regimen in place has been really good for everything I do professionally because of everything that connects with it.”<br /> * “I have a lot more strength, a lot more clarity of mind and lot more endurance to go through a long day without feeling especially tired.”<br /> * “When people say that they can’t find time, what they’re really saying is that they’ve allocated that time to something else.”<br /> * “There’s no virtue in having gone to the gym but there there’s definitely sin in having not lived to my plan.”<br /> * “If you work to eliminate all excuses, all the time, you’ll find that there are a lot less reasons to not go to the gym.”<br /> <br /> Chris’ Links:<br /> <br /> * Chris’ Site (<a href="http://chrisbrogan.com/">http://chrisbrogan.com/</a>)<br /> * Chris’ Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/chrisbrogan">https://twitter.com/chrisbrogan</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 01:06 Challenged Issue<br /> * 01:34 Chris’ Introduction<br /> * 03:16 The Business Benefits of Exercise<br /> * 05:08 What’s the Best Workout?<br /> * 06:40 A Typical Routine<br /> * 08:33 Seeing a Project Through<br /> * 09:37 Nutrition<br /> * 12:19 Supplements<br /> Mark Asquith & Chris BroganSimon Biltcliffe: How to Achieve a Stress-free Life as CEO of a Successful BusinessSimon Biltcliffe: How to Achieve a Stress-free Life as CEO of a Successful BusinessWe often hear that businesses care about transparency, that they are investors in people and that their customers are number on. But once you get beyond the marketing and the clever copywriting, how many businesses have you experienced where this is actually the case? Our guest for this episode of the number one small business…

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]]>We often hear that businesses care about transparency, that they are investors in people and that their customers are number on. But once you get beyond the marketing and the clever copywriting, how many businesses have you experienced where this is actually the case? Our guest for this episode of the number one small business…

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]]>44072be0-5852-4500-b990-b833c73ae941Thu, 17 Sep 2015 07:00:45 +000040:23falsefullWe often hear that businesses care about transparency, that they are investors in people and that their customers are number on. But once you get beyond the marketing and the clever copywriting, how many businesses have you experienced where this is actually the case?<br /> <br /> Our guest for this episode of the number one small business podcast is Simon Biltcliffe, the managing director of Webmart. Listening to Simon’s laidback demeanour, you might not have guessed that he was the leader of a highly successfully and innovative business. Surely an MD or a CEO should be stressed out, knocking back coffees and chewing enough gum to give Sir Alex a run for his money? The difference between the stereotypical business leader and Simon is in how they choose to run their businesses.<br /> <br /> Simon has created an environment where staff are empowered to find the correct role for them, where profits are shared between team members and charities and where happiness can be measured in real-time.<br /> <br /> Simon’s here to give us the lowdown on how he got his people to buy in to this system and the benefits that a similar system could have for your small business.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast: <br /> <br /> How can you scale your business by empowering your staff, inverting your management structure and thinking about things a little differently?<br /> <br /> About Simon:<br /> <br /> Simon Biltcliffe is the MD and chief strategist of Webmart as well as being a renowned speaker and expert in creating value for his customers, suppliers and employees.<br /> <br /> Simon has grown a hugely successfully business while doing things a little bit differently. In this episode of your favourite small business podcast, he’s going to be sharing his experiences of inverted management structures and the benefits they could bring to your own small business.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Ask why you are in business. If you’re in business simply to make money for yourself, that’s fine but you can’t expect other people to be engaged with it. If that isn’t the reason, ask what is enough? What is enough for me? Decide what’s enough both for you personally and your organization.<br /> * Work out your parameters. What are the ethics of the business? What’s important to you beyond a successful business? How could you empower your team?<br /> * If people aren’t the right people for the business, you can’t have them on-board. A weight will be lifted from everyone. It’s rigorous, not ruthless.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “If a business doesn’t have that human dimension, it doesn’t resonate with anybody.”<br /> * “If you get an alignment that really means something to people, their family, the people around them and to the community. It you’re doing the right things for the right reason and delivering value to all. If you get that, you get alignment, you get motivation. You get all the stuff that you read books about. It comes as standard.”<br /> * “We all need a feeling of belonging, we all need a feeling of appreciation. There’s a vision and a moral basis for what you do. Those are the two things that you need.”<br /> * “Intellectual return, emotional return and financial return, in that order. Most companies go for ‘F’ first and ignore the rest.”<br /> * “People who really care are amazingly powerful in the marketplace.”<br /> * “Ideas are cheap, delivering them is really difficult.”<br /> * “Having a trusting, transparent business is simple. There are no contrasting views on things. We share all of the notes from our board meetings with everyone in the business the next day. We have live metrics up on the board. We measure happiness every day and we measure the happiness of our customers and suppliers.”<br /> * “This is an evolution, rather than a revolution. There’s still an awful lot of still that we know that we can improve...Mark AsquithI Successfully Started a Family and a Business Together – Here’s HowI Successfully Started a Family and a Business Together – Here’s HowIt’s the age-old question, isn’t it? How do you achieve a balance between your family life and running a small business or startup? There is, of course, no perfect work-life balance. Everyone’s situation is different and there are too many variables to take into account in each individual case. What works for one person will…

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]]>It’s the age-old question, isn’t it? How do you achieve a balance between your family life and running a small business or startup? There is, of course, no perfect work-life balance. Everyone’s situation is different and there are too many variables to take into account in each individual case. What works for one person will…

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]]>43e7d31c-e48d-4e8e-ad26-2c527a6f2fb8Mon, 07 Sep 2015 06:00:35 +000039:48falsefullIt’s the age-old question, isn’t it? How do you achieve a balance between your family life and running a small business or startup? There is, of course, no perfect work-life balance. Everyone’s situation is different and there are too many variables to take into account in each individual case. What works for one person will not work for everyone else. In this episode of the number one small business podcast, we’re going to dig down into this most challenging of conundrums. <br /> <br /> As small business owners, we’ll all have come across colleagues who have problems with this. An imbalance toward one thing or the other can create issues. If someone is too committed to the success of their business, it can create friction at home. Conversely, if the same person devotes too much time to their family, their business can suffer. Nobody wants either of these situations, so what’s the best way to make sure that both your business and family life are successful?<br /> <br /> In this episode, we’re going to speak to Adam Farah who is performing this balancing act right now. As well as recently welcoming a baby daughter into the world, Adam is also the founder of an innovative new on demand roadside assistance service, Cavalry. Adam’s here to talk to us about his experience and his tips for making sure that you can get the most out of your family life while running a small business or startup.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast<br /> <br /> How can you run a small business or startup with a family?<br /> <br /> About Adam<br /> <br /> Adam Farah formerly worked in the financial services industry but has recently taken the plunge into both family life and the world of startups. As well as being a father and husband, he is the founder of Cavalry, an on demand roadside assistance service. Adam came up with the idea when his pregnant fiancée was left waiting by one of the major recovery services. Since then, he’s devoted his time to creating a better way of connecting recovery operators and those in need of their services.<br /> <br /> In this episode of your favourite small business podcast, Adam’s going to be talking about his experiences as both a startup founder and a family man. He knows from experience what it’s like to balance your passion for business with the love and responsibility of family life.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips<br /> <br /> * Make sure you have a support network. Make sure that your partner, friends and family support your idea. Be honest with everyone.<br /> * Keep family and work separate. That’s not to say don’t talk to your family about your business, but think long and hard about the balance. When you’re at home with your family, make sure you give them your full attention. When you’re at work, give your business your full attention. Giving either only half your attention is detrimental. You need to be able to switch channels.<br /> * Get good at shortcuts. It’s a great idea to delegate tasks. Find services and freelancers to help you with menial or time-consuming tasks. If you find the right services, you’ll save time and money.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes<br /> <br /> * “On demand is more than a model for success, it’s a model for a brand new type of economy.”<br /> * “You need to keep your work and your family separate. You need to make sure you are in the right headspace before you tackle a startup or any new business.”<br /> * “I segregate my days, I look at the week ahead and categorise my activities. You need to make sure you have defined paths for the week and you need to make sure that you stick them.”<br /> * “It’s really a case of looking into the future, looking at where you want to be and making your to-do list and defining your path to reach that future.”<br /> * “It’s a case of making sure you can provide your family with a business that they can see working and once they see that they will dive in with both feet.Mark AsquithThe Roadmap to Success – Finding Your Dream CustomersThe Roadmap to Success – Finding Your Dream CustomersFreelancing offers us the chance to use our specialist skills and interests to succeed in business, but it can also be one of the toughest ways in which to be a small business owner. We’re relying on ourselves to handle every aspect of business from creating content and products to marketing and promotions. Finding clients…

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]]>Freelancing offers us the chance to use our specialist skills and interests to succeed in business, but it can also be one of the toughest ways in which to be a small business owner. We’re relying on ourselves to handle every aspect of business from creating content and products to marketing and promotions. Finding clients…

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]]>908d796d-27c0-4cd9-8fb2-8ed6b2925048Thu, 20 Aug 2015 06:00:00 +000035:11truefullFreelancing offers us the chance to use our specialist skills and interests to succeed in business, but it can also be one of the toughest ways in which to be a small business owner. We’re relying on ourselves to handle every aspect of business from creating content and products to marketing and promotions. Finding clients is one thing, but finding the best clients to work for, and build your small business around, is a whole other challenge. What’s the best way to zero in on these top clients?<br /> <br /> In this episode of your favourite small business podcast, we’re going to be speaking with illustrator and art-director, Ben Tallon. Since leaving university, Ben has built an incredibly successful freelance business and has worked with a wide range of prestigious clients in a number of disciplines. He is now internationally renowned for his work in the art, music, film, TV and print worlds. He’s been through the ups and downs of freelancing so his expertise and advice are certainly valuable to any of us looking to go down the freelancing route.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast<br /> <br /> How can we get the desired clients for our businesses?<br /> <br /> About Ben<br /> <br /> Ben is an illustrator and art-director who has worked with such illustrious clients as the BBC, WWE, The Premier League, Universal, The Guardian, Channel 4, The Rugby Football League, Arsenal F.C. and many more.<br /> <br /> He is also the author of Champagne and Wax Crayons: Riding the Madness of the Creative Industry, an honest look at the many ups and downs of working as a freelancer in the creative industries.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips<br /> <br /> * Don’t overlook the things you do for pleasure. Our hobbies and interests are important and you can always look for ways to incorporate them into your work.<br /> * Focussed promotions go a long way. If you want to work with a client, ask yourself what you can do that will make their life a little bit easier and then let them know. Take some time to personalize your approach.<br /> * Listen to everyone. Keep your mind open to advice and ideas from those around you. Everyone can offer a different perspective that you might not be able to see.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes<br /> <br /> * “There are some rare full-time positions for illustrators, but you tend to be a tool for someone else’s ideas and that’s not why I got into this business.”<br /> * “It’s sink or swim, to a degree. But, I realized what I could offer clients and I just knocked on doors to let them know that I existed.”<br /> * “To some creatives, the word ‘business’ can come across as salt to a slug, but I never felt that way. I knew that being a ‘one man band’ was how it was going to work for me.”<br /> * “After getting the first commission, I realized that I needed to use what I knew and things started to fall into place.”<br /> * “You have to trust that it’s going to happen because what else are you going to do?”<br /> * “It’s as much about what you turn down as what you take on.”<br /> * “When, and more importantly, how, to say no is an important lesson for everyone to learn.”<br /> * “You have to listen to people who surround you and are willing to give advice and share experiences.”<br /> * “Taking a genuine interest in people is the best marketing you can do.”<br /> * “You can reach out to pretty much anyone and as long as you are genuine and decent, people will want to get involved.”<br /> <br /> Ben’s Links<br /> <br /> * Twitter: (<a href="https://twitter.com/bentallon">https://twitter.com/bentallon</a>)<br /> * Website: (<a href="http://bentallon.com/">http://bentallon.com/</a>)<br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1TUEwOg">Champagne and Wax Crayons: Riding the Madness of the Creative Industry</a><br /> <br /> Key Timestamps<br /> <br /> * 00:35 Challenged Issue<br /> * 01:25 Ben’s Introduction<br /> Mark Asquith talks to illustrator Ben TallonAllied For Success with Emmy Winner Kare AndersonAllied For Success with Emmy Winner Kare AndersonWe live in an increasingly connected world and it’s never been easier for us to make contact with others around the globe. Whether you want to make new contacts in your industry or niche, or if you want make connections with people who work outside your own field, technology has revolutionised this process. However, the…

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]]>We live in an increasingly connected world and it’s never been easier for us to make contact with others around the globe. Whether you want to make new contacts in your industry or niche, or if you want make connections with people who work outside your own field, technology has revolutionised this process. However, the…

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]]>931984c8-6f55-4e98-a485-ff42c62850c9Mon, 10 Aug 2015 06:00:00 +000035:45falsefullWe live in an increasingly connected world and it’s never been easier for us to make contact with others around the globe. Whether you want to make new contacts in your industry or niche, or if you want make connections with people who work outside your own field, technology has revolutionised this process.<br /> <br /> However, the very systems that make this possible have also created a world in which we all seem permanently busy. We fire off hundreds of e-mails a week, take countless calls and scan through our social media accounts day and night. But, how much do we really listen to those around us? And how supportive of our friends and colleagues are we?<br /> <br /> For all of us, but especially entrepreneurs, it’s easy to switch off as others seek help with a problem. I think we’re all guilty of this to an extent, especially when we’re trying to manage our own businesses. We have too much for ourselves to worry about, without taking on the problems of others. Does this lead to long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships though?<br /> <br /> In this episode of the number one small business podcast, we’re speaking to former NBC and Wall Street Journal reporter Kare Anderson about how mutuality can help us forge relationships that will not only help our businesses but also improve our lives. Kare’s current area of expertise is connective behaviour and how it affects people and businesses. Her TED talk on this subject was hugely influential and she now covers this topic for Forbes and Huffington Post.<br /> <br /> Kare believes that mutuality can help build and improve relationships. Changing a contact into an ally is a powerful transition. And the more that we help our allies, the more support, opportunities and connections we will receive in return. The more allies we make in different niches, the bigger our web of connectivity grows. Finding a sweet spot of mutual interest is the first step to forging a lasting, mutually beneficially alliance.<br /> <br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast Episode: How can we forge relationships that help us navigate the increasingly complex aspects of living in a connected world?<br /> <br /> About Kare:<br /> <br /> Kare Anderson is an Emmy award-winning former NBC and Wall Street Journal reporter. She currently works as a columnist for Huffington Post and Forbes magazine with a focus on connective behaviour.<br /> <br /> Her TED talk, The Web of Humanity: Becoming an Opportunity Maker has been viewed more than a million times and her books have helped thousands of people around the world learn how to forge mutually beneficial relationships that create real benefits for their lives and businesses.<br /> <br /> Kare has also worked as a public speaker for a vast array of clients including Novartis, Salesforce and The Skoll Foundation.<br /> <br /> Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Find allies who are different from yourself but with whom you share a sweet spot of mutual interest. Reach out, learn about them and be there to provide ideas and support.<br /> * Be a favourite subject matter expert to a columnist or blogger in the world you seek to serve. Connect with them, cite them in your own work or offer up different perspectives on issues that they may be writing about. Pull them in by providing insight as opposed to pushing them away by demanding attention.<br /> * Be quoted more frequently. You can achieve this by using the AIR formula. A – Is your message Actionable? I – Is your message Interesting enough to warrant people’s attention. Is it a unique perspective or does it contain something startling that will grab their attention? R – Does your message have Relevance? Are you speaking directly to something that’s already on their mind? AIR – Actionable. Interesting. Relevant.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Listening is an act of love. Let people talk and find sweet spots of mutual interest.”<br /> Mark AsquithIt’s Your Time to Break Through, with Dorie ClarkIt’s Your Time to Break Through, with Dorie ClarkHaving a great idea is one thing, but getting it out there and making sure it’s being heard by the intended audience is quite another. The tools that have allowed us to spread our ideas more easily have also made it more difficult to be heard. We’re all exposed to a torrent of media on…

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]]>Having a great idea is one thing, but getting it out there and making sure it’s being heard by the intended audience is quite another. The tools that have allowed us to spread our ideas more easily have also made it more difficult to be heard. We’re all exposed to a torrent of media on…

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]]>1d2975ee-60a9-4aa1-9849-1b7b418bc7afThu, 30 Jul 2015 06:00:00 +000037:07falsefullHaving a great idea is one thing, but getting it out there and making sure it’s being heard by the intended audience is quite another. The tools that have allowed us to spread our ideas more easily have also made it more difficult to be heard. We’re all exposed to a torrent of media on a daily basis, so how can we stand out?<br /> <br /> We live in an increasingly noisy world and our attention is being demanded from every direction. Having a breakthrough idea is difficult enough, but these days, it’s only half the battle. How do successful entrepreneurs, thought leaders and community figureheads not only develop life-changing concepts, but communicate them effectively so that they’re not lost among the white noise of modern life?<br /> <br /> For her latest book, Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It Dorie has been speaking with some of the world’s foremost thought leaders on just this topic. In this episode, she will be sharing some of her valuable insights with us.<br /> <br /> She’s found that to be really influential in your professional sphere or particular industry, you don’t need to formulate an original idea or invent a new product. You can popularise an idea that has been overlooked or synthesise concepts to create something new, captivating and valuable for your audience.<br /> <br /> The second part of the conundrum of the breakthrough idea is creating a community of followers who will act as a ‘legion of ambassadors’ and help further promote it. This is something that can put people off for a number of reasons.<br /> <br /> Firstly, as mentioned before, everything in our lives is becoming faster and more convenient. So, the idea of spending a year, two years or five years creating a following for your idea can seem daunting. Secondly, we often look at successful people who are much further along a particular timeline from ourselves. The success that may have taken ten years to create appears effortless as we haven’t seen all of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into ensuring that success.<br /> <br /> This can discourage us from trying, but it should be remembered that all of these success stories started somewhere. Maybe in a year, two years or even ten years, you will look back on today as the day your success story began.<br /> <br /> About Dorie:<br /> <br /> Dorie is an author, marketing strategist, consultant and renowned public speaker. Her work has been featured in TIME, Harvard Business Review and Entrepreneur. She’s also the author of two ground-breaking books, <a href="http://amzn.to/1JEM0PT">Reinventing You</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/1JELWzF">Stand Out</a>, which have helped thousands of professionals around the world better identify and develop their unique brands and ideas as well as how to make them stand out.<br /> <br /> She is also an adjunct professor of Business Administration at Duke University, has taught at Emerson College, Tufts and Suffolk University and guest lectured at such esteemed institutions as Harvard Business School, NYU and MIT’s Sloan School of Management. She has worked as a consultant and speaker for clients as diverse as Yale University, Google, Morgan Stanley, the World Bank and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.<br /> <br /> In addition to that already hugely impressive CV, she’s also an award winning journalist, one of Forbes “25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch in 2015” and has appeared regularly on NPR, MSNBC and the BBC.<br /> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast Episode:<br /> In this small business podcast episode, we challenge the problem of how to find your breakthrough idea and how to build a loyal following around it.<br /> <br /> Dorie’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Use a niche strategy. Don’t attempt to stand out in too broad a field. Narrow it down and become an expert in a particular niche. This is a fantastic way to establish yourself quickly and...Mark AsquithYou Can Raise Great Kids AND Run a BusinessYou Can Raise Great Kids AND Run a BusinessWe all have heard the phrase: work/life balance. But in real life, it doesn’t work like that. You need to adjust the scales as necessary. Instead of balance, find harmony. How can you raise great kids when you are an entrepreneur or business owner? How do you know what you need to give to your family?…

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]]>We all have heard the phrase: work/life balance. But in real life, it doesn’t work like that. You need to adjust the scales as necessary. Instead of balance, find harmony. How can you raise great kids when you are an entrepreneur or business owner? How do you know what you need to give to your family?…

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]]>7132933a-6308-4910-a5de-1cafb3e2211fThu, 16 Jul 2015 06:00:00 +000034:53falsefullWe all have heard the phrase: work/life balance. But in real life, it doesn’t work like that. You need to adjust the scales as necessary. Instead of balance, find harmony.<br /> <br /> How can you raise great kids when you are an entrepreneur or business owner? How do you know what you need to give to your family?<br /> <br /> Treat your kids just as good and with as much time and respect as you do your clients! When you are so focused on work, you forget and neglect people in your life. We need to prioritize our relationships. We choose to have kids, so we have to set time aside for them. Time we spend with our kids needs to be quality time. We need to let them know we care and are there to listen to them. The time that you build with your child builds bonds and relationships. That time will pay dividends down the road.<br /> <br /> Be a role model. Show them that you have a purpose in life – at work and at home. Instill your values in your kids and that will help them when making decisions. You want your kids to grow up to be creative, innovative, as well as able to express themselves and make smart choices.<br /> <br /> Also, create a ritual of having a family meeting on a regular basis to identify your family values and mission. Then all family decisions are based on them. Put in the same effort you put into a business!<br /> <br /> Next, how can you give your employees a better life? More time at home? A positive work culture?<br /> <br /> * Create environments that are family friendly.<br /> * Create a mission statement and set of values that are family friendly.<br /> <br /> These efforts make better people and better employees!<br /> <br /> About Deborah:<br /> Deborah C. Owen is an author, speaker, and parent and life coach in Massachusetts. She also earned National Board Certification after many years as a public school library teacher. Combining her personal experience of raising three children to young adulthood, along with her years of working with teens in public schools, Deborah is now a parent coach.<br /> This role helps her have greater impact on the success and well-being of kids, by empowering their parents with effective parenting skills. Deborah is the Founder of <a href="http://YouCanRaiseGreatKids.com">YouCanRaiseGreatKids.com</a> and is available for coaching and speaking appointments. Her book is Social Media Fascination.<br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of how to raise great kids will running a business, as well as how to spend more time at home and build better relationships with your kids that will help you to be more effective at work.<br /> <br /> Deborah’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Manage your own emotions before helping your child calm down. Use the A to E method of calm parenting in the heat of the moment.<br /> A - Aware<br /> B - Breathe<br /> C - Calmly connect; go to ZEN place<br /> D - Discuss – Once calm, what was the trigger? “I notice that when…then you…”<br /> E - Empathize - “Yes, that sounds like it must be frustrating for you.” Or, “I understand that that might make someone upset.” Everyone wants to be heard!<br /> * Re-establish the relationship with your child based on better connection. Here's how to connect.<br /> - Don't offer advice or judgment; offer empathy and active listening!<br /> - Rather than focusing on outcomes, focus on process: “That sounds like it was hard. Was it a good test?”; “Where did you get stuck?”; “I loved how you really hustled on the field!”; “I know you have been working really hard at this.”; and “When were you most focused while you were preparing?”<br /> - When asked for advice, ask: “What have you already tried?” When have you faced a similar problem and solved it? What did you do then?” Brainstorm more solutions.<br /> * You are the “conductor.” Use the "3 Cs": Control (manage) your emotions; Connect with your kids; and Conduct your family from the...Mark AsquithIt’s All Gone Wrong – Now What?It’s All Gone Wrong – Now What?What do you do when things go wrong – when the sh*t hits the fan? How do you deal with it in a way that benefits your business? Everyone makes mistakes, but it's not about what went wrong, but about what you do as a result to improve. A working mentality and mindset is important.…

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]]>What do you do when things go wrong – when the sh*t hits the fan? How do you deal with it in a way that benefits your business? Everyone makes mistakes, but it's not about what went wrong, but about what you do as a result to improve. A working mentality and mindset is important.…

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]]>499be827-ab86-4252-bd97-bb4c4db9407bThu, 09 Jul 2015 06:00:48 +000034:25truefullWhat do you do when things go wrong - when the sh*t hits the fan? How do you deal with it in a way that benefits your business?<br /> <br /> Everyone makes mistakes, but it's not about what went wrong, but about what you do as a result to improve.<br /> <br /> A working mentality and mindset is important. Things can be going crazy and there is immense pressure, but if you deal with it properly through your demeanour and personality, you are on the right path.<br /> <br /> Ask yourself these questions:<br /> <br /> * Did I do that?<br /> * Is it my fault?<br /> * How do I fix it?<br /> <br /> It is tough to overcome the humility of making a mistake or trying to save face around others about your mess. If you are in a bad and foul mood because of a problem or mistake, don’t let everyone around you sense that frustration and anger. Don’t bring everyone down. Don’t make others feel bad because of your actions. Also, don’t pass the buck and blame someone else.<br /> <br /> Some ways to handle mistakes and what went wrong:<br /> <br /> * Evaluate what lead to the problem (identify what went wrong and when)<br /> * Write/document about it<br /> * Use someone as a soundboard<br /> * Ask for help if you need it<br /> * Give feedback in a constructive and well-mannered way.<br /> <br /> Take a breath and re-focus rather than following your first reaction, which is to react. You don’t necessarily need an instant fix. Once you take some time, solutions will come to your mind. Then you can change mountains to molehills.<br /> <br /> * Do something you enjoy<br /> * Take a walk<br /> * Do anything to lift that black cloud<br /> <br /> It is easy to forget about all the things that have been done well when you focus on what went wrong. You will look back at mistakes and problems only to realize they were not that bad after all!<br /> <br /> About Daniel:<br /> <br /> Daniel is the co-founder and technical director of DMSQD, a design and digital agency.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of what to do when the sh*t hits the fan – when everything goes wrong – and how to learn from that and recover while embracing humility.<br /> <br /> Daniel’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Remember what happened, but especially what you did afterwards, and importantly, how you felt.<br /> * No one gets it right the first time. Allow yourself to adapt and react to improve.<br /> * Right things, draw things out, or go skydiving - just get it out. This will give you clarity. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “We all make mistakes…in varying degrees of severity.”<br /> * “Things are going to go wrong. It’s inevitable.”<br /> * “Regardless of who did it, it’s fixing an issue going forwards.”<br /> * “Nobody else sees whatever is being this monumental problem that you have had.”<br /> * “It’s got to be about learning from what you’re doing.”<br /> * “Your first reaction is to react.”<br /> * “It’s getting over the fact that you do one wrong thing and that’s not the end of your life.”<br /> * “Nobody wants that black mark.”<br /> * “Nothing is perfect, and it never will be.”<br /> * “You don’t learn anything being a Peter Perfect.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * HACKSAW™ (<a href="http://www.hacksawstudio.com/">http://www.hacksawstudio.com/</a>)<br /> * Daniel Maw on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/daniel_maw">https://twitter.com/daniel_maw</a>)<br /> * Fancy Dan (<a href="http://www.fancy-dan.co.uk">http://www.fancy-dan.co.uk</a>) <br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Edward Townend (<a href="http://twitter.com/edwardtownend">http://twitter.com/edwardtownend</a>)<br /> * The Strangest Secret (<a href="http://amzn.to/1Co8mI8">http://amzn.to/1Co8mI8</a>)<br /> * Mark Asquith Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/MrAsquith">https://twitter.com/MrAsquith</a>)<br /> Mark AsquithThe Outside Edge with Robert KelseyThe Outside Edge with Robert KelseyThink back to your high school days. Remember the cool kids? Wonder what they are doing now? Well, cool can be a curse and often prevents people from taking a leap due to a fear of failure. However, the uncool people get on with their lives and inherit the Earth! Uncool people are often branded…

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]]>Think back to your high school days. Remember the cool kids? Wonder what they are doing now? Well, cool can be a curse and often prevents people from taking a leap due to a fear of failure. However, the uncool people get on with their lives and inherit the Earth! Uncool people are often branded…

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]]>ee4ecfb8-ea6d-4864-aa49-1fb64b3f1d94Mon, 22 Jun 2015 06:00:29 +000039:08falsefullThink back to your high school days. Remember the cool kids? Wonder what they are doing now? Well, cool can be a curse and often prevents people from taking a leap due to a fear of failure. However, the uncool people get on with their lives and inherit the Earth!<br /> <br /> Uncool people are often branded outsiders. They may feel like outsiders in their own peer group. They feel like they don’t belong – at work or with family and friends. This can be debilitating. Many outsiders fail due to various traits, including a lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, and distorted empathy (having empathy for the wrong people).<br /> <br /> Those who are told they are outsiders often deviate from a natural seed of talent and put up a wall to be what they think people want them to be. That reduces their chance for achievement. Basically, it is a defense mechanism. Also, they sometimes develop a “rock star” attitude that is disabling. Then, people just walk away from them.<br /> <br /> You need to be aware of these negative traits in order to retain that outside edge that helps you to succeed instead of fail.<br /> <br /> Many successful people are considered outsiders, but what traits give them the edge that helps them succeed when so many outsiders fail? Being creative, original thinkers, and having an entrepreneurial spirit. You can use those outsider traits to your advantage to be successful.<br /> <br /> Embrace being an outsider in a positive way. Find meaning in your life, focus on your goals, and keep moving forward.<br /> <br /> About Robert:<br /> <br /> Robert Kelsey is known for actionable advice and helping people in their day-to-day lives. His new book, The Outside Edge, helps those who feel like they are outsiders find their edge and explains how they can succeed in a world made by insiders.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of taking the outsider within you and making it successful.<br /> <br /> Robert’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Find meaning<br /> * Develop growth mindset<br /> * Progress toward goals <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “There is always going to be occasions where everybody feels like an outsider.”<br /> * “To be successful in life, you need to be an outsider. You need to think outside of the box. You need to think differently … Well, that’s all very true.”<br /> * “99.9 percent of outsiders all fail because they are outsiders. So how do you turn yourself into the.1 percent?”<br /> * “Wisdom does probably give you some confidence.”<br /> * “You’re slamming the door in people’s faces with your (rock star) attitude.”<br /> * “You’re almost rejecting society before, in your head, society rejects you.”<br /> * “What you are doing is you’re shutting the world out.”<br /> * “It’s a curse being cool.”<br /> * “I think it can completely disable your chance for achievement.”<br /> * “The older you get, the more pathetic it (being cool) looks.”<br /> * “You understand what drives bad behavior.”<br /> * “There’s an entrepreneurial revolution going on and that absolutely suits the outsider.”<br /> * “You can find meaning for your life.”<br /> * “There is something out there that will give your life meaning.”<br /> * “If you give your suffering meaning, it ceases to be suffering.”<br /> * “Half the time I feel frustrated about things. But I am frustrated about meaningful things.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Robert Kelsey (<a href="http://www.robert-kelsey.co.uk/">http://www.robert-kelsey.co.uk/</a>)<br /> * The Outside Edge (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Outside-Edge-Outsiders-Succeed-Insiders/dp/0857085751">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Outside-Edge-Outsiders-Succeed-Insiders/dp/0857085751</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * A guide to Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode24/">https://www.excellence-expected.Mark Asquith on self-confidenceBecome a Force for Growth with Justin Verrengia from Enlightened EntrepreneursBecome a Force for Growth with Justin Verrengia from Enlightened EntrepreneursMany people are so focused on just being able to pay their bills and get ahead in their business. But you must have the right mindset and be receptive to ideas/opportunities; you must be happy and not focus on fear – can you honestly say that describes your approach to doing business? Transform and shift your…

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]]>Many people are so focused on just being able to pay their bills and get ahead in their business. But you must have the right mindset and be receptive to ideas/opportunities; you must be happy and not focus on fear – can you honestly say that describes your approach to doing business? Transform and shift your…

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]]>8f36ce6f-c755-40f9-8767-ec9507baddfdThu, 11 Jun 2015 06:00:00 +000027:33falsefullMany people are so focused on just being able to pay their bills and get ahead in their business. But you must have the right mindset and be receptive to ideas/opportunities; you must be happy and not focus on fear – can you honestly say that describes your approach to doing business?<br /> <br /> Transform and shift your beliefs and everything will fall into place. It will manifest and attract what you want to achieve in your business. How do you do this? Freedom.<br /> <br /> You must have freedom in your life to achieve what you want. Here are a few tips:<br /> <br /> * Make sure what you are doing is for the right reasons. That will make you unstoppable to achieve whatever success looks like to you.<br /> * Believe in yourself and things will happen.<br /> * Get together with like-minded people. Participate in a collaborative space that offers a sense of community.<br /> * Take action to make things happen because you truly believe in what you are doing.<br /> * Create successful rituals and habits. You will see results fast in your business!<br /> * What are you grateful for? A lot of people neglect the true power of gratitude.<br /> * Help others. In return, that will help you. It’s called karma.<br /> <br /> Instead of being an entrepreneur, become a freedompreneur!<br /> <br /> About Justin:<br /> <br /> Within two years, Justin went from barely being able to pay his rent to creating a blossoming seven-figure business and becoming a successful speaker.<br /> <br /> He is known as a “Freedompreneur” and the “Hippie Jedi.”<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue: <br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of how to create a mindset to be successful - especially if you suffer from a poor self-image.<br /> <br /> Justin’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * 30-Day Mental Fast: Listen to inspiring audio, read personal development books, and unplug from regular news and media.<br /> * Think BIG! There is no limit to how big you can think.<br /> * Meditate every day. Let go of the negative and free your mind. There are so many reasons to meditate.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I represent freedom in three aspects/three elements of life (monetarily, spiritually, and mentally).”<br /> * “By creating freedom in your life, you create a story that people can connect and resonate with.”<br /> * “What changed everything for us is realizing the belief in our self – having a certainty aspect in your mind that this is going to happen.”<br /> * “All of this stuff (rank a blog post, make a Facebook ad, etc.) is cool to learn … but if you don’t have your foundation square … your house (business, happiness, etc.) will collapse.”<br /> * “As entrepreneurs, we’re all weird in our own unique ways that God made us.”<br /> * “When you are in a state of gratitude, that’s the type of energy that’s going to accelerate the law of attraction with what you actually want to attract in your life.”<br /> * “Once you get in that fear state of consciousness, it’s like kryptonite to Superman.”<br /> * “It all stems down to belief.”<br /> * “Belief is the #1 determining factor to your success.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Weird Entrepreneurs (<a href="http://weirdentrepreneurs.com/">http://weirdentrepreneurs.com/</a>)<br /> * Weird Entrepreneurs iTunes (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/weird-entrepreneurs-***inspiring/id958829608?mt=2&amp;ign-mpt=uo%3D4">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/weird-entrepreneurs-***inspiring/id958829608?mt=2&amp;ign-mpt=uo%3D4</a>)<br /> * Hippie Jedi (<a href="http://www.hippiejedi.com">hippiejedi.com</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/justinverrengia">https://www.facebook.com/justinverrengia</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Google (<a href="http://www.google.com">google.com</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com">facebook.com</a>)<br /> Mark Asquith and Justin Verrengia talk about small business growth and super-charging yours!When To Leave Your Own Small BusinessWhen To Leave Your Own Small BusinessWe all do jobs for the wrong reasons – you don’t want to let people down, perhaps you don’t know how to say ‘No’, and hey, doesn't everyone need cash in the bank? However, if you are unhappy and frustrated, stop what you are doing – even if it is your own business. Stick to your guns, follow your…

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]]>We all do jobs for the wrong reasons – you don’t want to let people down, perhaps you don’t know how to say ‘No’, and hey, doesn't everyone need cash in the bank? However, if you are unhappy and frustrated, stop what you are doing – even if it is your own business. Stick to your guns, follow your…

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]]>3dddf2ec-8574-4801-aa0d-d042e058fdd3Thu, 04 Jun 2015 06:00:00 +000029:42falsefullWe all do jobs for the wrong reasons – you don’t want to let people down, perhaps you don’t know how to say ‘No’, and hey, doesn't everyone need cash in the bank?<br /> <br /> However, if you are unhappy and frustrated, stop what you are doing – even if it is your own business. Stick to your guns, follow your dreams, and aim for your goals. Make sure you are going in the right direction!<br /> <br /> Even if your company is growing and generating money, you may be left feeling lost and realise it was not what you wanted. You may no longer have a passion for what you are doing. Owning a business can be overwhelming and stressful. It often means working twice as long and twice as hard for half the pay. Don’t go rushing into your own business. It can be a headache. You are constantly trying to get to the next level and find reliable people to work for your company. This is definitely not the dream of owning a business!<br /> <br /> It is a very difficult and hard decision to leave your business, but it could be the right answer. It can be a big relief to walk away - less stress, less work. You can focus on your trade and not have to worry about the rest.<br /> <br /> Build something that works for you. Build something that you enjoy and gives you the lifestyle you want. That is being an entrepreneur!<br /> <br /> About Daniel:<br /> <br /> Daniel comes from a small trade-based business. Then he set up his own business, only to become burnt out, end up really disliking what he was doing for himself and in the end, he simply left.<br /> <br /> As a result, he became more productive and profitable.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue: <br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of those of you who have a small business – does that mean you are an entrepreneur or did you just create a job for yourself? And you treating yourself and the business you are in with the respect that you and the job deserves?<br /> <br /> Daniel’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Put a value on your time. Then compare how long and how much it will cost to do a task to determine whether you should do it or if you should hire someone to do it.<br /> * Learn to tell your story in a way that you are not hard selling, but involving your customers.<br /> * Learn from the experience of others by investing in yourself. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Most of us at this level never really … we don’t even plan to have a business in the beginning.”<br /> * “Overnight, you realise … I am now a business owner.”<br /> * “It’s an overwhelming process that sneaks up on you.”<br /> * “They are not really reaping the rewards of being a business owner.”<br /> * “Be careful of what you wish for.”<br /> * “No one sets up in business to not be happy.”<br /> * “Get help early on and figure out the direction you want to go.”<br /> * “Years later, we look up and we’re surprised at where we end up.”<br /> * “Learning when to say ‘No’ is key.”<br /> * “Why are we even here?”<br /> * “You need this pride, you need to build a business, you need to build something – but you don’t.”<br /> * “There’s no real pride in being a small business owner.”<br /> * “I must do everything, and that is when people burn out.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Blog (<a href="http://www.danielericbowling.com">danielericbowling.com</a>)<br /> * Podcast (<a href="http://www.smartradesmen.com">smartradesmen.com</a>) <br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 0:37 Challenged issue<br /> * 1:07 Introduction and background of guest<br /> * 2:55 Realization of being a business owner<br /> * 3:43 Decision to leave your own company<br /> * 6:57 Transition from worker to business owner<br />...Mark Asquith talks about leaving your small business when things just aren't right.Growing Your Influence The Right Way For the Long Haul with Jared EasleyGrowing Your Influence The Right Way For the Long Haul with Jared EasleyThere's no doubt that when you have an idea and want to take it to the next level, you need buy in and people to support you. You need to be perceived as someone that people know, like, and trust. As you develop those three pillars – you become a person of influence. But are you…

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]]>There's no doubt that when you have an idea and want to take it to the next level, you need buy in and people to support you. You need to be perceived as someone that people know, like, and trust. As you develop those three pillars – you become a person of influence. But are you…

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]]>c0e6019b-7eab-47c2-addf-4bd63f8293c8Thu, 28 May 2015 06:00:00 +000030:39falsefullThere's no doubt that when you have an idea and want to take it to the next level, you need buy in and people to support you. You need to be perceived as someone that people know, like, and trust. As you develop those three pillars – you become a person of influence.<br /> <br /> But are you willing to be patient? Influence does not happen overnight. It takes times. You need to be consistent with the people you want to serve, connect with, and sell to – that will lead to success.<br /> <br /> There are several existing influencers. People are successful for a reason. It is wise to learn different models of success. However, do not do everything exactly like someone else. Then you are not being authentic – you are not being yourself.<br /> <br /> Instead, focus on growing your own influence. Focus on your own dreams and passions. Besides focusing on yourself, focus on the people you want to serve and help. Treat your followers like friends, not numbers.<br /> <br /> Create conversations with them to build influence. People will notice you, talk about you, and tell others about you. Some of those people can become your best allies.<br /> <br /> Find your own voice to achieve influence!<br /> <br /> About Jared:<br /> <br /> Jared is known as the Zig Ziglar of the podcasting world. Also, he is an author, podcaster, and co- founder of largest international podcasting conference called Podcast Movement.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of growing your influence and determining whether it is beneficial to follow someone influential and match what they are already doing.<br /> <br /> Jared’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Stop chasing influencers. Instead of focusing on someone else’s dream, focus on your own dreams and passions.<br /> * Collaboration is essential. Strategically align with other people.<br /> * Be the noticer. If you want to be noticed, you need to notice others. Express general interest in others. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I want to continue to do work that I enjoy and try to do it on my own terms.”<br /> * “How can you take the skills that you have and how can that translate into a contracted role where you have more flexibility with your time to build what you feel compelled and led to build on the side?”<br /> * “Influence does not happen right out of the gate. You have to earn it. You have to grow it.”<br /> * “Convenience is King.”<br /> * “Those who are diligent - prosper.”<br /> * “Grow your influence. And don’t focus so much time on what the big boys are doing.”<br /> * “Collaborating with other people increases the visibility of what you’re doing, and it increases the likelihood of success.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Podcast Movement (<a href="http://www.podcastmovement.com">podcastmovement.com</a>)<br /> * Starve the Doubts Podcast (<a href="http://www.starvethedoubts.com">starvethedoubts.com</a>) <br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Pat Flynn (<a href="http://patflynn.com/">http://patflynn.com/</a>)<br /> * Lewis Howes (<a href="http://lewishowes.com/">http://lewishowes.com/</a>)<br /> * John Lee Dumas (<a href="http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/">http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/</a>)<br /> * Michael Hyatt (<a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/">http://michaelhyatt.com/</a>)<br /> * Richard Branson (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Branson">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Branson</a>)<br /> * Twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com">twitter.com</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com">facebook.com</a>)<br /> * Tony Robbins (<a href="https://www.tonyrobbins.com/">https://www.tonyrobbins.com/</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>) <br /> <br /> Mark Asquith and Jared Easley on becoming an influencerIntrapreneur – The Evolution of the Young EntrepreneurIntrapreneur – The Evolution of the Young EntrepreneurTraditional routes into business are starting to fade. In the next 10 years, millennials will make up 75% of the workforce. What can millennials do to make themselves more employable in tomorrow’s business? They are going to play an important role in business! How do companies engage them and get them excited to work so…

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]]>Traditional routes into business are starting to fade. In the next 10 years, millennials will make up 75% of the workforce. What can millennials do to make themselves more employable in tomorrow’s business? They are going to play an important role in business! How do companies engage them and get them excited to work so…

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]]>b100da5b-3cc5-48fd-9659-c759e0b8b719Thu, 21 May 2015 06:00:00 +000039:23falsefullTraditional routes into business are starting to fade. In the next 10 years, millennials will make up 75% of the workforce. What can millennials do to make themselves more employable in tomorrow’s business? They are going to play an important role in business!<br /> <br /> How do companies engage them and get them excited to work so they stay at a company? Businesses now want intrapreneurs – entrepreneurs within a company.<br /> <br /> Many millennials don’t know what they want to do, but they know they want to do something fulfilling. They want more than just a job. Millennials want to achieve greatness. They are bold and ballsy. They are not satisfied with just being successful. They want something more.<br /> <br /> However, they need to build a plan that is going to take them there!<br /> <br /> About Peter:<br /> <br /> Peter works with young professionals and entrepreneurs to create plans of action to achieve greatness.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of how millennials can understand where they fit in and what they can do in the world of business.<br /> <br /> Peter’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Understand your value-add. Whose need does it meet? They are exchanging their time for dollars, and that does not work for millennials. Make sure your value-add meets a company’s needs.<br /> * Become an intrapreneur. Manage your brand and focus on the parts of your business: P = performance; A = accessible; R = reliability; T = testimonials; and S = scalability.<br /> * Uncover your purpose and passions, and then align them with your profession. This is the way to find fulfillment. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “This generation is the generation that’s now starting to become the leaders in business.”<br /> * “The world, frankly, is your oyster.”<br /> * “I had this vision that we, as human beings, are going to need to evolve pretty soon.”<br /> * “People want to achieve a little past success.”<br /> * “Technology is simply an enabler for passion.”<br /> * “We’re a generation that grew up with technology.”<br /> * “Life looks very different in our eyes than it does in yours.”<br /> * “That’s what the millennials are about – there are just no boundaries.”<br /> * “You have to manage your brand as a professional business.”<br /> * “Technology has become so infused in our culture. Become an intrapreneur – focus on your personal brand. You are now in business.”<br /> * “What lights your heart on fire?”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Powered Life (<a href="http://www.thepoweredlife.com">http://www.thepoweredlife.com</a>)<br /> * Peter Yobo International (<a href="http://peterfyobo.com/">http://peterfyobo.com/</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/peteryobo">facebook.com/peteryobo</a>)<br /> * Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/PeterYobo">https://twitter.com/PeterYobo</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Ryan Jenkins (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode17a/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode17a/</a>)<br /> * University of Southern California (<a href="http://www.usc.edu/">http://www.usc.edu/</a>)<br /> * WordPress (<a href="http://www.wordpress.com">wordpress.com</a>)<br /> * Alan Arlt (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode60">https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode60</a>)<br /> * LinkedIn (<a href="http://www.linkedin.com">linkedin.com</a>)<br /> * Daniel J. Lewis (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode42/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode42/</a>)<br /> * John Lee Dumas (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode42/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/episode42/</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> <br /> Mark Asquith talks to Peter YoboSelf-Publish Your Way to Success – Writing the One Book We All Have In UsSelf-Publish Your Way to Success – Writing the One Book We All Have In UsBooks have become the new business card. Books are something that people keep, they can use them, and they make people think of you! People are likely to throw away business cards, but not books. However, a lack of confidence, insecurities, doubts, and other factors keep people from writing books. Who’s gonna buy it? Who’s…

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]]>Books have become the new business card. Books are something that people keep, they can use them, and they make people think of you! People are likely to throw away business cards, but not books. However, a lack of confidence, insecurities, doubts, and other factors keep people from writing books. Who’s gonna buy it? Who’s…

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]]>01920faa-2571-4d3e-8f56-a28f23f296a8Thu, 07 May 2015 07:00:00 +000027:58falsefullBooks have become the new business card. Books are something that people keep, they can use them, and they make people think of you! People are likely to throw away business cards, but not books.<br /> <br /> However, a lack of confidence, insecurities, doubts, and other factors keep people from writing books. Who’s gonna buy it? Who’s going to listen to what I have to say?<br /> <br /> Writing and publishing a book can be a scary and intimidating process for most people. They may have the drive and ambition to write a book, but they don’t have a publishing formula to follow.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, the publishing industry is much easier these days. Plus, Chandler Bolt is here to help entrepreneurs with self-publishing books to build their business and increase business leads.<br /> <br /> Self-published books offer entrepreneurs a source of passive income. But they also serve as a powerful marketing and networking tools. They open so many doors and help you build a following for your business. By writing books and self-publishing them, you become known as an expert and grow your personal brand and business.<br /> <br /> Self-publishing is a lot easier than people think, and it allows you to be in a position of power if you do it well!<br /> <br /> About Chandler:<br /> <br /> Chandler is an entrepreneur and author of best-selling books. He first started businesses while still in high school. He enjoys the freedom of being an entrepreneur! The first book he wrote focused on productivity for entrepreneurs.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue: <br /> <br /> During this podcast, we challenge the issue of helping people gain exposure so they can grow their businesses quickly through authoring/self-publishing.<br /> <br /> Chandler’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Done is better than perfect: Don’t expect your first book to be your best and to be perfect. Just get a book done and make it available.<br /> * Be consistent: Spend time regularly writing and set a goal to write so much each day. Plug away!<br /> * Be accountable: Hold yourself accountable, but also get an accountability partner. They will help you keep on track!<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I’ve always kind of had this hunger for entrepreneurship.”<br /> * “I just kind of stumbled into writing my first book.”<br /> * “I really realized the power that books give you.”<br /> * “Drive tons of business and tons of leads to the business…through books.”<br /> * “Anyone can do this.”<br /> * “It’s (self-publishing) a way to prove yourself and then have more leverage with publishers.”<br /> * “This is a game changer. Now I have all these people coming to me, instead of me banging on their doors.”<br /> * “Most people have a book inside them.”<br /> * “The self-publishing route is so much more attractive.”<br /> * “The option of failure was not an option.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Self-Publishing School (<a href="http://www.self-publishingschool.com">self-publishingschool.com</a>)<br /> * Email: chandler@self-publishingschool.com<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * David Allen (<a href="http://gettingthingsdone.com/">http://gettingthingsdone.com/</a>)<br /> * Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com">amazon.com</a>)<br /> * Guy Kawasaki (<a href="http://guykawasaki.com/">http://guykawasaki.com/</a>)<br /> * Gary Vaynerchuck (<a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/">https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/</a>)<br /> * Justin Mares (<a href="http://justinmares.com/">http://justinmares.com/</a>)<br /> * Tim Ferriss (<a href="http://www.timothyferris.com/">http://www.timothyferris.com/</a>)<br /> * Huffington Post (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/</a><br /> * Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com">facebook.com</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.Mark Asquith & Chandler Bolt discuss the power of authoring a book for your small businessJust Start! Building Your Business On the Side with Brendan Hufford from Entrepreneurs and CoffeeJust Start! Building Your Business On the Side with Brendan Hufford from Entrepreneurs and CoffeeMost people have a sexy, romantic view of becoming an entrepreneur – quit your day job and be happy and live your dreams. Well, being an entrepreneur actually involves hard work, early mornings, tough days, etc. It is not for everyone. Sometimes you get hit hard and don’t get back up. Your business fails. Instead,…

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]]>Most people have a sexy, romantic view of becoming an entrepreneur – quit your day job and be happy and live your dreams. Well, being an entrepreneur actually involves hard work, early mornings, tough days, etc. It is not for everyone. Sometimes you get hit hard and don’t get back up. Your business fails. Instead,…

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]]>ad1e50b9-c70f-48a1-8032-1e0a9483e9e1Mon, 27 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +000038:11falsefullMost people have a sexy, romantic view of becoming an entrepreneur – quit your day job and be happy and live your dreams.<br /> <br /> Well, being an entrepreneur actually involves hard work, early mornings, tough days, etc. It is not for everyone. Sometimes you get hit hard and don’t get back up. Your business fails.<br /> <br /> Instead, you should have a side business. That offers more freedom, leverage, and insurance in case you lose your day job.<br /> <br /> A great way to grow your side business is to build an online community. This allows you to communicate and work with people all over the world. You can bring value, share passions, and inspire them.<br /> <br /> Who does your business serve? What are they interested in? What can you provide that people can benefit from? By offering value-added content via an online community, you are giving your business a voice and helping people. You are letting people know that you care about them and that they are important to you.<br /> <br /> Do not focus on return on investment (ROI). Just give and give and give. Find ways to be more valuable than other businesses. Don’t focus on success, but on value!<br /> <br /> Your online community should focus on the following:<br /> <br /> * Give people a place to talk: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, etc.<br /> * Give them something to talk about: Engage them with questions, tips, and other content. You will gain incredible feedback about product development and other areas of your business.<br /> <br /> Spend 20 percent generating valuable content, and 80 percent engaging with your online community. Now, get going and tweet away! <br /> <br /> About Brendan:<br /> <br /> Brendan has been an entrepreneur since the fourth grade! Entrepreneurship is just part of his nature.<br /> <br /> He has his own podcast series titled, “Entrepreneurs and Coffee.” The series focuses on talking shop, getting actionable advice, and asking questions.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge you to build on online community that drives your business forward and allows you to try new things to lead to greater sales, customer retention, and success.<br /> <br /> Brendan’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Learn people’s names and stories. Then invest in them and put value into their lives. Engage and help them whenever and wherever possible.<br /> * Become a media company. Use pictures, videos, and other media items that are empowering, entertaining, and educational to share with others.<br /> * Bring value beyond your brand. Help people with things that don’t matter. Ask about things that do not relate to your brand.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I am very much wired for this.”<br /> * “I don’t think being an entrepreneur is for everybody.”<br /> * “We’re more connected today than we were yesterday.”<br /> * “Online community can bring you a lot of things. I think it is incredibly valuable.”<br /> * “At the end of the day, we all want to feel valued.”<br /> * “You need to be talking to people.”<br /> * “That media that you create around your company is really valuable.”<br /> * “In the end, you’ll see a lot more sales, you’ll see a lot better business, and people are going to become repeat customers over time.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Brendan Hufford (<a href="http://brendanhufford.com/">http://brendanhufford.com/</a>)<br /> * The 10 (FREE!) Tools I Used To Start My Business and Grow it to $100k in Revenue (www.brendan hufford.com/ee)<br /> * Entrepreneurs and Coffee Podcasts (<a href="http://www.eandcoffee.com">http://www.eandcoffee.com</a>)<br /> * OK! Kimonos (<a href="http://www.okkimonos.com/">http://www.okkimonos.com/</a>)<br /> * Gi Reviews (<a href="http://www.gireviews.net">gireviews.net</a>)<br /> * <a href="http://hustleheart.co/" target="_blank">HustleHeart.Co</a><br /> <br /> Mark Asquith talks to Brendan Hufford about sidepreneurs and how to create a life you want on the side.SMASH Your Business Plateau NOW!SMASH Your Business Plateau NOW!Feel like you are in a rut? Is your business facing a plateau or roadblock? When you hit a plateau, how do you make progress and reach the next level? Symptoms of a plateau include being stressed out and anxious; not prioritising tasks but only dealing with urgent matters; having self-doubt and no one to…

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]]>Feel like you are in a rut? Is your business facing a plateau or roadblock? When you hit a plateau, how do you make progress and reach the next level? Symptoms of a plateau include being stressed out and anxious; not prioritising tasks but only dealing with urgent matters; having self-doubt and no one to…

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]]>b781b731-3fd9-4466-b00f-2227da74ebeaMon, 20 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +000028:19falsefullFeel like you are in a rut? Is your business facing a plateau or roadblock? When you hit a plateau, how do you make progress and reach the next level?<br /> <br /> Symptoms of a plateau include being stressed out and anxious; not prioritising tasks but only dealing with urgent matters; having self-doubt and no one to talk to; and you do too much rather than delegating work to others.<br /> <br /> These are all common symptoms that take you on a road to failure. Let go of your control and perfection issues.<br /> <br /> You will have to deal with internal (retiring employees) and external issues (technological advancements). There may be things missing in your business that you have to fill in. You will be challenged. How are you going to deal with these issues? Be agile, respond, think, plan, and react.<br /> <br /> Understand what you are trying to create. What is your definition of success? Think as big as possible!<br /> <br /> About David:<br /> <br /> David is president of TEND Strategic Partners and host of the business podcast series, Smashing the Plateau.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue: <br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of plateau. Get past that roadblock in your business and make progress!<br /> <br /> David’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Define success for yourself before doing anything else. Do you want achieve a specific market share in your niche? Do you want a healthy work/life balance? Determine what success means to you!<br /> * Create an action plan and determine how often you need to refine it. You always need to be planning, and you need to take action. Identify what needs to be done! Don’t let your action plan go out-of-date.<br /> * Implement, measure, learn, and improve. Follow this 4-step system using metrics to determine how things are going with your business. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Our emotions will really prevent us from overcoming roadblocks.”<br /> * “The stress really manifests itself in a really apparent way.”<br /> * “Understand that perfection is the enemy of the good.”<br /> * “Different people will have different measures of that success.”<br /> * “That action plan is your kind of…roadmap to that success.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * TEND Strategic Partners (<a href="http://www.tendstrategicpartners.com/">http://www.tendstrategicpartners.com/</a>)<br /> * Smashing the Plateau (<a href="http://www.smashingtheplateau.com">smashingtheplateau.com</a>)<br /> * LinkedIn (<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshrinercahn">linkedin.com/in/davidshrinercahn</a>)<br /> * Twitter (twitter.com/tendsp) <br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>) <br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 00:48 Challenged issue<br /> * 01:01 Guest introduction<br /> * 01:34 Guest’s background<br /> * 03:36 TEND system<br /> * 06:04 Symptoms of a plateau<br /> * 10:08 Culture of positivity<br /> * 13:55 Reasons for roadblocks<br /> * 17:15 Actionable tips<br /> * 26:16 Guest’s links<br /> <br /> Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself the more you WILL excel!Mark Asquith & David Shriner-Cahn of Smashing The Plateur help you overcome your small business rut3 Steps To Scaling Your Small Business Safely3 Steps To Scaling Your Small Business SafelyScaling your business is a nice problem to have, yet it is still a problem. Entrepreneurs get so focused on delivering one thing that they can’t see other options. They need to learn how to pivot their businesses. How can they grow into something more? When scaling a business, entrepreneurs need to measure results and…

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]]>Scaling your business is a nice problem to have, yet it is still a problem. Entrepreneurs get so focused on delivering one thing that they can’t see other options. They need to learn how to pivot their businesses. How can they grow into something more? When scaling a business, entrepreneurs need to measure results and…

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]]>9653e37e-87b2-456b-b1d6-e58823605975Thu, 16 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +000028:35falsefullScaling your business is a nice problem to have, yet it is still a problem.<br /> <br /> Entrepreneurs get so focused on delivering one thing that they can’t see other options. They need to learn how to pivot their businesses. How can they grow into something more?<br /> <br /> When scaling a business, entrepreneurs need to measure results and focus on what’s working and what’s not working. Listen to what the market is telling you. Continually review your systems and strategies.<br /> <br /> Also, practice smaller and slower progression in your business to make it sustainable. Ultimately, this is the right move to make.<br /> <br /> When scaling your business, make sure to maintain excellent customer service. Customers are aware when a business shifts direction. You want to consistently create a special experience and sense of place for your customers.<br /> <br /> About Katie:<br /> <br /> Katie started a bricks-and-mortar business specializing in sandwiches and craft beer. She took that business and scaled it up successfully using tried-and-tested methods.<br /> <br /> George Bowers Grocery is a walkable neighbourhood destination that serves food and other retail specialties.<br /> <br /> Katie wrote a book that focuses on various business pieces, including scale, systems, and strategies. It is titled, “Per-Money: Permaculture Thinking for Indie Biz Growth.”<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of scaling your business safely.<br /> <br /> Katie’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Look at your market, and pivot to fit your market. Focus on best sellers and listen to feedback!<br /> * Bigger is not always better! Instead, grow from within at a slow and steady pace. That protects your cash flow, and your sanity.<br /> * Systems and strategies should be interconnected. Build them so they support each other. How are your tactics interlocking? <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “What we started with vs. what we’ve become is a lot different. And it required that attention to scale.”<br /> * “Every piece of the puzzle needs to fit together and work for the other pieces of the puzzle.”<br /> * “Naturally, we’re a bit stubborn. We all have egos involved.”<br /> * “Rapid feedback is king.”<br /> * “Move into a direction that works.”<br /> * “When our customers come in the door, they know what to expect.”<br /> * “I’m pretty gung ho on Main Street businesses.”<br /> * “Indie businesses have such an awesome role to play as far as really creating ‘place’.”<br /> * “It’s true that you can buy almost anything online. But you can’t buy a sense of ‘place’.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Katie McCaskey (<a href="http://katiemccaskey.com/">http://katiemccaskey.com/</a>)<br /> * George Bowers Grocery (<a href="http://www.georgebowersgrocery.com/">http://www.georgebowersgrocery.com/</a>)<br /> * Twitter (twitter.com/katiemccaskey)<br /> * Per-Money: Permaculture Thinking for Indie Biz Growth (<a href="http://katiemccaskey.com/permie/">http://katiemccaskey.com/permie/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com">amazon.com</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 00:36 Introduction of guest<br /> * 01:41 Guest’s background<br /> * 02:48 Bricks-and-mortar businesses<br /> * 03:15 George Bowers side projects<br /> * 03:41 Permaculture<br /> * 05:02 Actionable tip #1<br /> * 05:31 Pivot your business<br /> * 07:25 Challenging of pivoting<br /> * 08:46 Actionable tip #2<br /> * 11:33 Systems and strategies<br /> * 12:45 Experience<br /> * 14:35 George Bowers personality<br /> * 16:50 Actionable tip #3<br /> * 20:18 Learning curves<br /> Mark Asquith discusses small business growth with Katie McCaskeyThe Route to Success Is Your Own – Education or Entrepreneurial Spirit?The Route to Success Is Your Own – Education or Entrepreneurial Spirit?To be successful in business, a university degree is not necessarily required! School is not for everyone, and entering the business world right away may be a better option. Get a job. Build your skills. Gain hands-on experience. Rather than taking the traditional route of going to university, it is education from another perspective. Getting…

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]]>To be successful in business, a university degree is not necessarily required! School is not for everyone, and entering the business world right away may be a better option. Get a job. Build your skills. Gain hands-on experience. Rather than taking the traditional route of going to university, it is education from another perspective. Getting…

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]]>3625d534-0e12-40de-bbff-7d59fef82a64Mon, 13 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +000029:11falsefullTo be successful in business, a university degree is not necessarily required! School is not for everyone, and entering the business world right away may be a better option.<br /> <br /> Get a job. Build your skills. Gain hands-on experience. Rather than taking the traditional route of going to university, it is education from another perspective.<br /> <br /> Getting a job at a young age will provide you with experience to call upon in the future. It offers guidance on how to approach and adapt to any situation. You will learn what it is like to be in the pressure cooker environment of the business world.<br /> <br /> Going to university is beneficial, as well. You gain valuable education and skills. However, by the time you are approaching 30 years of age, you have not had any serious experience with business decision making or understanding of risks and rewards. Also, you probably don’t know how to handle an office environment or how to interact with co-workers at all levels.<br /> <br /> What’s the best path for you to take? There is no right or wrong answer. Chose whatever best suits you!<br /> <br /> Education is key - whether you gain it at a university or a workplace. Don’t just stick with what you know. Challenge and better yourself. Be well-rounded: both personally and professionally.<br /> <br /> About Sam:<br /> <br /> Sam is a successful entrepreneur and the youngest externally appointed CEO in the United Kingdom.<br /> <br /> He runs a taxi company in London called Climate Cars, which uses hybrids and electric cars to drive people around.<br /> <br /> Sam decided not to go to university because that would have lobbied him with major debt. Instead, he chose to get a job and learn a skill. He picked up new skills with every job and role he took on. As a result, that helped him to land the job he has today.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the issue of whether a university education equals entrepreneurial success. You can succeed in business without a university degree.<br /> <br /> Sam’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Keep learning: Try to better yourself. There are so many resources available to continue your education and learn new skills. Keep your mind active!<br /> * Meet everyone that you possibly can. Interact with people. You can discover new things and make new connections.<br /> * Believe in yourself. Don’t have a fear of failure. Believe that you can do things. Keep trying until you succeed. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “It was a conscious decision not to go to university.”<br /> * “I’ve apparently transformed myself into a fairly rounded business person.”<br /> * “By not going to university and diving straight into the world of work, I think I gained experience at a much younger age than most would otherwise have done.”<br /> * “A lot of university students come out there with the skills but not necessarily the commercial attributes that they need to be able to dive into that (business) environment.”<br /> * “One of the main things that graduates tend to struggle with is being comfortable around senior management.”<br /> * “We’ve never lived in a more connected world. It’s a great time to be alive, and everything is at your fingertips online on the Internet.”<br /> * “Everyone you meet is an opportunity.”<br /> * “If you close the door on yourself, you will never go through it.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Climate Cars (<a href="https://www.climatecars.com/">https://www.climatecars.com/</a>)<br /> * LinkedIn (<a href="http://uk.linkedin.com/in/samuelcropper">http://uk.linkedin.com/in/samuelcropper</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * TED (<a href="http://www.ted.com/">http://www.ted.com/</a>)<br /> * Khan Academy (<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/">https://www.khanacademy.org/</a>)<br /> * Coursera (<a href="https://www.coursera.org/">https://www.coursera.Mark Asquith talks to successful startup entrepreneur Sam CropperSmall Business Success Through Gratitude – Why it’s Time to Change Your AttitudeSmall Business Success Through Gratitude – Why it’s Time to Change Your AttitudeGratitude is rarely spoken about and often overlooked in business. In business, be grateful for any opportunity that comes your way. Be grateful for getting a job interview, be grateful for finding new clients, be grateful for your staff of employees. Show gratitude in your voice and actions. You want to create a culture of…

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]]>Gratitude is rarely spoken about and often overlooked in business. In business, be grateful for any opportunity that comes your way. Be grateful for getting a job interview, be grateful for finding new clients, be grateful for your staff of employees. Show gratitude in your voice and actions. You want to create a culture of…

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]]>7327c7fe-fb33-4ac0-aa21-18122c4147faThu, 09 Apr 2015 06:00:00 +000029:15falsefullGratitude is rarely spoken about and often overlooked in business.<br /> <br /> In business, be grateful for any opportunity that comes your way. Be grateful for getting a job interview, be grateful for finding new clients, be grateful for your staff of employees. Show gratitude in your voice and actions. You want to create a culture of positivity in your business.<br /> <br /> However, maintain a balance and do not focus entirely on work. Otherwise, you will burn out or get into a rut. Be grateful for all kinds of things from family and friends to a parking space. From business opportunities to cheese curls and Yorkshire Tea.<br /> <br /> Start a gratitude journal. Document what you are grateful for: people, places, experience, things, feelings, and tangible items. You start to focus on being grateful and things you take for granted.<br /> <br /> We don’t always feel grateful for what we have, so get into the habit of being grateful. There are so many things that happen during the day, so there is for surely something to be grateful for each and every day. <br /> <br /> About Russ:<br /> <br /> Russ is based in New York City and works with more than 75 clients. As a business, life, and career coach, he helps so many people realize their dreams and passions through gratitude.<br /> <br /> He is the author of, “My Gratitude Journal,” in which he documented different expression of gratitude every day.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we are challenging you to be more gracious in your approach to business; and look at what that karma can bring to you and your enterprise.<br /> <br /> Russ’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Start a gratitude journal. Use whatever format you prefer – pen and paper, Word document, Excel spreadsheet, etc. Your life will be changed for the better!<br /> * Encourage and inspire others to document what they are grateful for every day.<br /> * Support Russ’s mission to change the world to become more grateful. Buy his books or contact him. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “When you open your mind and think of different things to be grateful for, the examples keep flowing like a bountiful river.”<br /> * “You become a lot more positive as a person.”<br /> * “Even though I was angry, I was able to find something to be grateful for.”<br /> * “My biggest thing with gratitude is grateful for things, people, places, experiences, feelings and intangible items.”<br /> * “In life, the more balanced you are, the more at peace you are.”<br /> * “When you start down this path, you will be amazed.”<br /> * “You can go out there and create situations to be grateful for.”<br /> * “Gratitude helps increase confidence.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Russ Terry Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RussTerryLifeCoach">https://www.facebook.com/RussTerryLifeCoach</a>)<br /> * Russ Terry (<a href="http://www.russterrylifecoach.com/">http://www.russterrylifecoach.com/</a>)<br /> * Amazon (<a href="http://amzn.to/1bYQB66">http://amzn.to/1bYQB66</a>)<br /> * Email (<a href="mailto:gratitude@russterrylifecoach.com">gratitude@russterrylifecoach.com</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Jacqueline Wales (<a href="http://www.thefearlessfactor.com/">http://www.thefearlessfactor.com/</a>)<br /> * Jacqueline Wales on Russ Terry Podcast (<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chixtalkradio/2012/12/11/the-russ-terry-show-live-your-best-life--be-fearless">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chixtalkradio/2012/12/11/the-russ-terry-show-live-your-best-life--be-fearless</a>)<br /> * Jim Rohn (<a href="http://www.jimrohn.com/">http://www.jimrohn.com/</a>)<br /> * Google (<a href="http://www.google.com">google.com</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> <br /> Mark Asquith delivers small business owners an insight to gratitude in business.REAL Innovation Demystified – Creativity with a Job to DoREAL Innovation Demystified – Creativity with a Job to DoInnovation is a word that most businesses use, but don’t really “get”. So, what is innovation? Well, according to Dominic Irvine – innovation is creativity with a job to do. But why innovate? Don’t stand still or you are going backwards. Innovation is a process that includes several steps. You need to continue to evolve,…

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]]>Innovation is a word that most businesses use, but don’t really “get”. So, what is innovation? Well, according to Dominic Irvine – innovation is creativity with a job to do. But why innovate? Don’t stand still or you are going backwards. Innovation is a process that includes several steps. You need to continue to evolve,…

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]]>267e6a04-66bc-4e3a-bb10-5fe87d3e69cbMon, 06 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +000035:06falsefullInnovation is a word that most businesses use, but don’t really “get”. So, what is innovation? Well, according to Dominic Irvine - innovation is creativity with a job to do.<br /> <br /> But why innovate? Don’t stand still or you are going backwards. Innovation is a process that includes several steps. You need to continue to evolve, improve, and develop. Otherwise, your business will eventually collapse.<br /> <br /> You need to innovate because you are in competition not only with other companies, but with the latest technology and devices. You can innovate around social media, marketing, finance, supply chain, etc. Think outside of the “product” box. Constant innovation includes figuring out what people want, not what they need.<br /> <br /> These days, people expect extra value and customer service - yet another reason to be innovative! You can even include customers by engaging them in the journey of product development. Make them a part of the creativity process. Then they have a much more vested interest in your company.<br /> <br /> Embrace innovation. Your customers benefit by getting a much better product. And you benefit as a business owner. It is a win for everyone!<br /> <br /> About Dominic:<br /> <br /> Dominic is a founding partner of Epiphanies LLP, a people development consult company that focuses on leadership, performance, and innovation.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the use of innovation. How can we integrate innovation and how can we move forward in our businesses by being innovative?<br /> <br /> Dominic’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Follow the Process: Start from the beginning through to the implementation phase. What can go wrong and when? Determine how to avoid failure and reach success.<br /> * Failure is a really important part of innovation. Learn from failure!<br /> * What if we couldn’t do it that way? As that question because it forces a different way of thinking to solve problems. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “We are about challenging the way people think.”<br /> * “If it doesn’t deliver change in business reports, doesn’t result in you doing something, it’s not innovation. It’s just creativity.”<br /> * “We don’t stand still. We are constantly evolving. We are constantly developing.”<br /> * “We often end up very, very focused on the product. But sometimes, it is what sits around the product that offers us the greatest opportunity for innovation.”<br /> * “What else can I do that’s going to drive value into my business?”<br /> * “We have to think about the whole world in which we engage with.”<br /> * “Bringing the customer into the process early is really vital.”<br /> * “Every single time we come across a new idea that comes aboard, there is a degree of resistance.”<br /> * “The hardest challenge you will face is escaping from the old ideas.”<br /> * “Innovation loves constraint.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Epiphanies LLP (<a href="http://epiphaniesllp.com/">http://epiphaniesllp.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * M&amp;S (<a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/">http://www.marksandspencer.com/</a>)<br /> * Royal Mail (<a href="http://www.royalmail.com/">http://www.royalmail.com/</a>)<br /> * Centrica (<a href="http://www.centrica.com/">http://www.centrica.com/</a>)<br /> * Tetra Pak (<a href="http://www.tetrapak.com/">http://www.tetrapak.com/</a>)<br /> * Apple Inc. (<a href="http://www.apple.com">apple.com</a>)<br /> * Harvard Business Review (<a href="https://hbr.org/">https://hbr.org/</a>)<br /> * Pat Flynn (<a href="http://patflynn.com/">http://patflynn.com/</a>)<br /> * Michael Hyatt (<a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/">http://michaelhyatt.com/</a>)<br /> * John Lee Dumas (<a href="http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/">http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/</a>)<br /> * Tim Ferriss (<a href="http://fourhourworkweek.Mark Asquith talks innovationOvercoming Imposter SyndromeOvercoming Imposter SyndromeEveryone has problems and struggles. No one is perfect. Yet, sometimes many people cannot overcome the imposter syndrome. They present this false confidence and bravado. They pretend to be someone they are not. We live in a world that is becoming so much more exposed due to social media and other outlets. You have an…

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]]>Everyone has problems and struggles. No one is perfect. Yet, sometimes many people cannot overcome the imposter syndrome. They present this false confidence and bravado. They pretend to be someone they are not. We live in a world that is becoming so much more exposed due to social media and other outlets. You have an…

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]]>1f2167c1-f8f6-4223-86af-52bad5d9624aMon, 30 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +000028:47falsefullEveryone has problems and struggles. No one is perfect. Yet, sometimes many people cannot overcome the imposter syndrome. They present this false confidence and bravado. They pretend to be someone they are not.<br /> <br /> We live in a world that is becoming so much more exposed due to social media and other outlets. You have an open window to people’s worlds and lives. Most people are putting their best foot forward on social media in order to keep up with a particular image. However, what’s online is not all rainbows and unicorns!<br /> <br /> You would never guess that someone who appears confident and self-assured is actually struggling. How can you and others use transparency to overcome imposter syndrome.<br /> <br /> You can use outlets like blogs and podcasts to call attention to and express brokenness. Rather than being an imposter, take the first step and do something.<br /> <br /> About April:<br /> <br /> April MacLean has dealt with many struggles. She experienced sexual and emotional abuse. Then she went into foster care and became pregnant when 15 years old.<br /> <br /> However, dance changed her life. She fell in love with it and got a degree in dance. She opened a studio just for adults to dance. It turns out that dance provided therapy that she and others were not able to get elsewhere.<br /> <br /> Also, April’s Messy Warrior brand was born out of interactions with people at the dance studio. They encouraged her to share and talk about her experiences and struggles. So she started blogging, writing a book, and so forth.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In this podcast, we challenge the old issue of imposter syndrome.<br /> <br /> April’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Start with the why: Why are you doing what you are doing? What are you offering to the world that makes you excited? Write down your answers. But don’t make it about you. Who are you trying to serve? Make it about them.<br /> * Focus: Read the book, The One Thing. You will discover what it means to really focus and manage your time. Dedicate yourself to only the work you can do, that matters the most, and has the most impact.<br /> * Educate yourself on personality styles. This will help you understand how different personalities work, how they communicate, how they need to be motivated, and how you can relate to them. Start having real conversations with people!<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Yes, I did overcome some obstacles. But, let’s talk about the fact that I’m still not a super hero.”<br /> * “I’m still just as much of a mess as the next person.”<br /> * “That was the consistent message that I was receiving; is that people were struggling with self-worth.”<br /> * “How scary it is to say. ‘Who am I to do something like that?’”<br /> * “The one person that is negative, is the only person you listen to.”<br /> * “You will never please everybody. It’s absolutely impossible.”<br /> * “People put their best selves on social media.”<br /> * “No one can do this like me. No one can talk in my voice. No one can walk in my shoes.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Messy Warrior (<a href="http://www.messywarrior.com">http://www.messywarrior.com</a>)<br /> * Room to Dance Studio (<a href="http://www.roomtodancestudio.com/">http://www.roomtodancestudio.com/#</a>!)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Marianne Williamson (<a href="http://www.marianne.com/">http://www.marianne.com/</a>)<br /> * Start With Why – Simon Sinek (<a href="https://www.startwithwhy.com">https://www.startwithwhy.com</a>)<br /> * The One Thing (<a href="http://the1thing.com/">http://the1thing.com/</a>)<br /> * Wired That Way (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wired-that-Way-Comprehensive-Personality/dp/0830738401">http://www.amazon.com/Wired-that-Way-Comprehensive-Personality/dp/0830738401</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your...Mark Asquith discusses personal development and how to overcome imposter syndrome in businessYour Reputation, Your CurrencyYour Reputation, Your CurrencyIn today’s world of social media, accountability, and transparency – being a brand means so much more than the products a business puts out. Brand or image is manufactured to create an impression in customers’ minds. A brand is something businesses can manage – their image, what you say and don’t, etc. However, reputation is…

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]]>In today’s world of social media, accountability, and transparency – being a brand means so much more than the products a business puts out. Brand or image is manufactured to create an impression in customers’ minds. A brand is something businesses can manage – their image, what you say and don’t, etc. However, reputation is…

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]]>236e333c-e4ab-4ee5-9cb2-7cf8a132984eThu, 19 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +000025:08falsefullIn today’s world of social media, accountability, and transparency - being a brand means so much more than the products a business puts out. Brand or image is manufactured to create an impression in customers’ minds.<br /> <br /> A brand is something businesses can manage – their image, what you say and don’t, etc. However, reputation is something that businesses can’t really manage – what is said behind their backs.<br /> <br /> All businesses need to consider, understand, and focus on their reputation. Therefore, reputation is far more important now than brand. As customers and employees, we demand that businesses behave properly. People can quickly identify when they are being duped or tricked by a business.<br /> <br /> Businesses should create a culture of service and value for both customers and employees. They have to combine all components – branding, reputation, staff, culture, and so on. Businesses need to think about all of the pieces and understand the “Big Picture.”<br /> <br /> Google, Apple and other businesses are known for their culture. Those are companies with reputations that make people want to work there – and where customers go for products and services!<br /> <br /> About Neil:<br /> <br /> Neil specializes in reputation management with some of the world’s biggest brands. He had a background in graphic design when he started getting requests about the importance of image for businesses – this is otherwise known as branding.<br /> <br /> However, in today’s world, branding has given way to something else – reputation! So now he helps organizations think about their reputation. He helps them understand the importance of reputation and to create strategies that build the best reputations possible – based on the truth.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> In a world built on reputation, what are you doing to make sure you stay on top of that?<br /> <br /> Neil’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Reputation: Sit back and think about reputation. How does it play a role? Why is it important?<br /> * Use Independent Resource: Find someone you trust who can go out and discover the truth about your organization.<br /> * Understand Timeframe: Building your reputation takes time, and you need to put in the necessary effort and time.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Brand has changed, in a lot of ways, into reputation.”<br /> * “Your reputation – can’t manage at all.”<br /> * “People are cynical about brand.”<br /> * “You can very, very quickly share your thoughts about an organization or brand.”<br /> * “The thing about reputation is that it has to be based on the truth.”<br /> * “It (reputation) affects the bottom line.”<br /> * “There is a very clear understanding of what they are in the business of doing, and how each and every one of them contributes to that – for a positive reason.”<br /> * “They want to work for those companies because they are cool!”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Neil Gaught &amp; Associates (<a href="http://neilgaught.com/">http://neilgaught.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Merrill Lynch (<a href="http://www.ml.com">ml.com</a>)<br /> * Google (<a href="http://www.google.com">google.com</a>)<br /> * Apple (<a href="http://www.apple.com">apple.com</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 00:28 Podcast introduction<br /> * 00:40 Challenged issue<br /> * 00:47 Guest introduction<br /> * 03:05 Difference between brand and reputation<br /> * 05:13 Reputation and truth<br /> * 06:32 Which companies need to consider reputation<br /> * 08:20 Reputation in the marketplace<br /> * 11:53 Culture of service and value<br /> * 15:14 Internal impact<br /> Mark Asquith delivers action on reputation managementHow to Scale Your Startup or Small Business for Uber Success with iCracked CEO & Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur AJ ForsytheHow to Scale Your Startup or Small Business for Uber Success with iCracked CEO & Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur AJ ForsytheWe live in a world of technology, and start-ups are so prominent. There are many different challenges, and things can scale very fast. Start-ups are very serious business. Here's how you can learn from one of the tech industry's brightest ventures and scale your business quickly, effectively and for longevity. Most of us have the notion that start-ups…

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]]>We live in a world of technology, and start-ups are so prominent. There are many different challenges, and things can scale very fast. Start-ups are very serious business. Here's how you can learn from one of the tech industry's brightest ventures and scale your business quickly, effectively and for longevity. Most of us have the notion that start-ups…

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]]>524f8868-5561-4c78-88ef-0d46f6beda44Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +000031:14falsefullWe live in a world of technology, and start-ups are so prominent. There are many different challenges, and things can scale very fast. Start-ups are very serious business. Here's how you can learn from one of the tech industry's brightest ventures and scale your business quickly, effectively and for longevity.<br /> <br /> Most of us have the notion that start-ups are wildly successful and make people millionaires. However, AJ says that is nothing farther from the truth. Instead, if you plan to create or participate in a start-up business, you will be working long hours, not making much money, and be stressed out.<br /> <br /> It is a wild ride with a tough learning curve. Yet, AJ finds it fulfilling. People involved with start-ups need to take risks, be prepared to absorb as much information as possible, be a part of everything, and have a willingness to learn. Go with your eyes wide open!<br /> <br /> AJ never envisioned the fast growth of his company. It took a lot of hard work and dedication. Also, there was a lot of fear of the unknown, in trepidation, and concern. What lies ahead? Are we making the right decision?<br /> <br /> But you can’t slow down and take time off if you want grow your business fast and be successful!<br /> <br /> About AJ:<br /> <br /> In 2010, AJ founded iCracked in his college dorm room out of necessity. He kept breaking and cracking his cell phones, so he would take them apart and fix them.<br /> <br /> iCracked offers on-demand repair and trade-in network services for iOS devices. Now, his company features more than 1,885 certified iTechs across the United States (and 11 other countries).<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> We challenged the issue of how to grow a young business extremely fast and more importantly, how to do it properly.<br /> <br /> AJ’s Actionable Tips: How to grow your business fast!<br /> <br /> * Hiring Employees: Is this the best person in the world for this job right now? Wait for the right person! And remove existing employees who are not right for the company.<br /> * Capital: Every company goes out of the business the same way. Scale each department according to revenue.<br /> * International/New Markets: What may work in one market wildly fails in another market. Make sure to change your business plan as needed.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I think one of the important things of being a founder is really putting yourself in the shoes (of your customers).”<br /> * “We’re servicing hundreds of thousands of customers a year, which was not even in our wildest dreams three years ago.”<br /> * “We’re kind of going down that dark, winding path of starting a company where we know 90 percent of the start-ups that we’re involved with will probably not be around in five years.”<br /> * “You are probably going to work harder than you ever have in your life.”<br /> * “You have incredibly high highs, but even lower lows where you start doubting yourself.”<br /> * “If you’re going to take money from people, make sure you research and know exactly who they are and what their expectations are.”<br /> * “Fail fast, move fast, and make sure your company doesn’t die while iterating and trying new things.”<br /> * “It’s just been a wild ride. I don’t think I’ve slept very much over the last three years.”<br /> * “You have to diversify quickly and you have to stop doing things that aren’t making sense very, very quickly.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * iCracked (<a href="http://www.icracked.com">icracked.com</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * WhatsApp (<a href="http://www.whatsapp.com/">http://www.whatsapp.com/</a>)<br /> * Uber (<a href="https://www.uber.com/">https://www.uber.com/</a>)<br /> * Instagram (<a href="http://www.instagram.com">instagram.com</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com">facebook.com</a>)<br /> * Y Combinator (<a href="http://www.ycombinator.Mark Asquith interviews tech startup talent AJ Forsythe about scaling your business globallyReach New Heights with Grit & Determination from Aaron WalkerReach New Heights with Grit & Determination from Aaron WalkerIn the past few years, many of us have experienced a slump and downtime in business. We have faced downsizing and the need to change and diversify. What can we do in the next few years to get back on track? Aaron Walker is a life and work coach who can help us thrive and…

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]]>In the past few years, many of us have experienced a slump and downtime in business. We have faced downsizing and the need to change and diversify. What can we do in the next few years to get back on track? Aaron Walker is a life and work coach who can help us thrive and…

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]]>b6244c33-bc93-4f5c-a14e-918444c1f461Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:00:00 +000028:21falsefullIn the past few years, many of us have experienced a slump and downtime in business. We have faced downsizing and the need to change and diversify. What can we do in the next few years to get back on track?<br /> <br /> Aaron Walker is a life and work coach who can help us thrive and feel more confident in our professional and personal lives. We just have to develop the grit and determination needed to be successful.<br /> <br /> We need to have a can-do attitude and fill our minds with powerful podcasts, books, etc. We need to watch and read valuable content that empowers, invigorates, and lifts us up.<br /> <br /> To be successful and significant at home and in business, we have to be well-rounded and not solely focused on making money. Money is important, but not the central focus. Family should come first and foremost. You get multiple opportunities to make money, but only one opportunity with your family.<br /> <br /> Life changes so quickly, make the best of it!<br /> <br /> About Aaron:<br /> <br /> Aaron started out in the pawn shop business. Then he went into the construction industry. Now he spends time coaching entrepreneurs and working with mastermind groups.<br /> <br /> He has a wealth of experience and has helped businesses achieve their wildest dreams!<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> Keep moving forward! Establish the grit and determination needed to reach heights that you never thought were possible – both professionally and personally. Discover what success means to you!<br /> <br /> Aaron’s Actionable Tips: How to achieve your measure of success!<br /> <br /> * Faith: Utilize your faith to get you centered and focused.<br /> * Reflect and Focus: If you want to do something, you can do it. Reflect on what you want to accomplish.<br /> * Build Relationships: Intentionally build relationships on a daily basis. They are vital to personal and professional success.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “It’s absolutely been a game changer for me…People that have unbiased opinions. Nothing to gain, nothing to lose. So they can offer the truth in every scenario and situation.”<br /> * “We’ve gone through the hard times. We’ve gone through the real tough state of affairs.”<br /> * “Can’t couldn’t do it. And could did it all.”<br /> * “You don’t go to bed at night and wake up the next day smarter.”<br /> * “Everything that glitters, and everything that sparkles and shines is not necessarily something we need to chase.”<br /> * “If they (podcast listeners) want to develop that grit and determination, fill yourself with information, get the knowledge, have the wisdom; and you’ll make much better choices going forward.”<br /> * “I’ve been an entrepreneur, literally, my entire life.”<br /> * “I haven’t been dependent on a paycheck my entire life.”<br /> * “Success is not necessarily defined in terms of dollars.”<br /> * “You can succeed at work, but if you don’t win at home, you are going to end up a loser.”<br /> * “Make sure you have your ladder leaning on the right wall.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Iron Sharpens Iron (<a href="http://www.ironsharpensiron.net/">http://www.ironsharpensiron.net/</a>)<br /> * View From the Top (<a href="http://www.viewfromthetop.com/">http://www.viewfromthetop.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Entrepreneur on Fire (<a href="http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/?s=aaron+walker&amp;posttype=podcast&amp;widget=advanced-search-widget-3">http://www.entrepreneuronfire.com/?s=aaron+walker&amp;posttype=podcast&amp;widget=advanced-search-widget-3</a>)<br /> * Dave Ramsey (<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/">http://www.daveramsey.com/home/</a>)<br /> * Dan Miller (<a href="http://www.48days.com/">http://www.48days.com/</a>)<br /> * Frist Foundation (<a href="http://fristfoundation.org/">http://fristfoundation.org/</a>)<br /> * INGRAM (<a href="http://www.ingramcontent.Mark Asquith discusses personal development and professional determination with Aaron WalkerGet UNStuck with Remy Chaussé – Co-Hosting Bonus ShowGet UNStuck with Remy Chaussé – Co-Hosting Bonus ShowAre you stuck in a rut? Get your head out of the sand! Get unstuck so you can move forward and past obstacles in your life and business. Mark Asquith and Rémy Chaussé each share three tips to help you get unstuck! Rémy’s Tips: Doubt always has a message about your own values. You have…

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]]>Are you stuck in a rut? Get your head out of the sand! Get unstuck so you can move forward and past obstacles in your life and business. Mark Asquith and Rémy Chaussé each share three tips to help you get unstuck! Rémy’s Tips: Doubt always has a message about your own values. You have…

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]]>aff4621e-13ea-4ffc-b905-342479d39435Mon, 23 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +000028:32falsefullAre you stuck in a rut? Get your head out of the sand! Get unstuck so you can move forward and past obstacles in your life and business. Mark Asquith and Rémy Chaussé each share three tips to help you get unstuck!<br /> <br /> Rémy’s Tips:<br /> <br /> * Doubt always has a message about your own values. You have questions and doubt - something’s not right. That’s a red flag! Are your doubts showing you a message about your own values?<br /> * When you are stuck, you already have the resources and assets you need – and often, those resources are your own values. Re-evaluate your environment and consider your resources and how you can use them to get out of your stuckness.<br /> * You already know what’s right for you. Don’t lose yourself. Who’s running your day-to-day actions? Are you leading your own life?<br /> <br /> Mark’s Tips:<br /> <br /> * Focus on what is most important to the business and to you, not just what interests you.<br /> * Remember the “why.” Take some time out. Reassess why you are doing what you are doing.<br /> * Be honest with yourself. Don’t focus on what others, such as competitors, are doing. Move past fear and judgment. Tread your own path!<br /> <br /> About Rémy:<br /> <br /> Rémy is a professional UNstuckologist! She got unstuck, and now she teaches others how to get unstuck. She created the UNstuck revolution.<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> What is your biggest challenge right now? Use the tips and advice provided in this podcast to resolve that challenge.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “Being stuck and doubt, the two seem to go hand in hand.”<br /> * “Don’t let the doubt set in. Dig deeper and look for the message.”<br /> * “Whatever tool you need to get out of your stuckness, is already there.”<br /> * “When you’re stuck, the real key is to remember your own assets.”<br /> * “The problem really isn’t there at all. It’s simply there to push you to develop a skill, to align your values, or to call on a resource you’ve forgotten you have.”<br /> * “It is so easy to take for granted what we have inside of our own minds.”<br /> * “They (clients) dishonored one of their values, and that’s the point when they became stuck.”<br /> * “If you aren’t leading your life, who is?”<br /> * “I had to get out of the rut that I found myself in.”<br /> * “There’s no such thing as an obstacle, only an opportunity to create.”<br /> * “There’s no shame in failure.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Rémy Chaussé (<a href="http://remychausse.com/">http://remychausse.com/</a>)<br /> * Get UNstuck E-course (<a href="http://getunstuckecourse.com/">http://getunstuckecourse.com/</a>)<br /> * The Get UNstuck Revolution (<a href="http://thegetunstuckrevolution.com/">http://thegetunstuckrevolution.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * Excellence Expected (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com">excellence-expected.com</a>)<br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact (<a href="https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/">https://www.excellence-expected.com/cwh/</a>)<br /> * Danielle LaPorte (<a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/">http://www.daniellelaporte.com/</a>)<br /> * Simon Sinek (<a href="http://www.startwithwhy.com">http://www.startwithwhy.com</a>)<br /> <br /> Key Timestamps:<br /> <br /> * 00:45 Introduction of podcast<br /> * 01:00 Podcast topic<br /> * 02:10 Guest introduction<br /> * 03:21 Rémy’s Tip 1<br /> * 07:25 Rémy’s Tip 2<br /> * 12:00 Rémy’s Tip 3<br /> * 18:12 Mark’s Tip 1<br /> * 21:21 Mark’s Tip 2<br /> * 24:38 Mark’s Tip 3<br /> <br /> Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself the more you WILL excel!Mark Asquith & Rémy Chausse discuss personal developmentMoney: God or Gift? Put Money in its Place with author Jamie MunsonMoney: God or Gift? Put Money in its Place with author Jamie MunsonWe are so competitive – we gotta keep up with our neighbours. We have to have the biggest house, the most expensive car, the best clothes, etc. It is envy and greed that drives many of us. We want to make as much money as possible.  But what do we sacrifice to make more money?…

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]]>We are so competitive – we gotta keep up with our neighbours. We have to have the biggest house, the most expensive car, the best clothes, etc. It is envy and greed that drives many of us. We want to make as much money as possible.  But what do we sacrifice to make more money?…

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]]>73a029df-b1e9-4158-a1ab-39b64465a826Thu, 19 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +000021:41falsefullWe are so competitive - we gotta keep up with our neighbours. We have to have the biggest house, the most expensive car, the best clothes, etc. It is envy and greed that drives many of us. We want to make as much money as possible. <br /> <br /> But what do we sacrifice to make more money? Our family. Our relationships. Is it worth it? Money – you can’t take it with you.<br /> <br /> Of course, money is something we all think about, and often worry about. However, if you take power away from money and put it in its proper place, money becomes a tool for you to enjoy your life and bless others.<br /> <br /> Jamie Munson believes money is either a God you worship or a gift from God. It is something not to be stressed about, but to steward and manage. Then we are freed up to help others. Enjoy it rather than freak out about it!<br /> <br /> He wrote the book, “Money: God or Gift,” which helps others deal with money from a business perspective. Invest in your employees’ emotional and financial well-being. If they are worried about money, that is going to run over into their work. Businesses need to take a more holistic approach - employees are human beings, too. Be generous and consider: how can I serve my customers and employees?<br /> <br /> About Jamie:<br /> <br /> Jamie is a pastor, co-president of a premium coffee company, and consultant who helps churches and businesses make the most of their God-given resources.<br /> <br /> He grew up in Montana and wanted to get rich quick. But that all changed when he was 19 and moved to Seattle. He became a Christian and wants to help others use their money as a tool. He helps business leaders manage, steward, and invest their resources in order to support their journey in doing great things!<br /> <br /> Challenged Issue:<br /> <br /> Do you think of money as your God? Or do you think of money as a gift from God? Use the tips provided in this podcast to learn how to use money as a tool to enhance your life and help others.<br /> <br /> Jamie’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Be honest about the power money has in your life. Write down your dreams and fears. Then, share them with others.<br /> * Find someone to bless. Find someone to give to and encourage.<br /> * It is more blessed to give than to receive! Pay it forward. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I’ve always had a heart for leaders, for entrepreneurs, for kind of high-growth organizations and being part of things where people have a strong vision and a bold vision.”<br /> * “You take the power away from money and harness it as a tool; it gives a lot more joy and satisfaction in your life and in your business.”<br /> * “Money is a powerful tool when we understand it and apply that correctly. You can do a lot of good with it.”<br /> * “Fear is such a prevalent problem.”<br /> * “Why not invest in their emotional and financial health as well as their business skills and development.”<br /> * “Rather than: What can I get out of this customer? it is, What can I give to this customer?; What can I give to my team?”<br /> * “People are a lot more important than money at the end of the day.”<br /> * “When you’re making decisions from a place of fear, you lose your creativity, you lose your passion, often, and you lose your heart for people.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Jamie Munson (<a href="http://www.jamiemunson.com">http://www.jamiemunson.com</a>)<br /> * Jamie Munson’s Book “Money: God or Gift” on Amazon (<a href="http://amzn.to/1FKmDMA">http://amzn.to/1FKmDMA</a>)<br /> * Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/jamiemunson">https://twitter.com/jamiemunson</a>)<br /> * Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamiemunson">https://www.facebook.com/jamiemunson</a>)<br /> * The Money Mission (<a href="http://themoneymission.com/">http://themoneymission.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your...Mark Asquith discusses small business and personal financial freedomSuccess is in the Leverage: Learn How to Succeed for YOU with Jason Hartman from the Creating Wealth podcastSuccess is in the Leverage: Learn How to Succeed for YOU with Jason Hartman from the Creating Wealth podcastLeverage – what does it mean? How do you leverage the different areas of your life? Leverage is defined as the power or ability to act or influence people, events, decisions, etc.; as well as the use of a small initial investment, credit or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to…

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]]>Leverage – what does it mean? How do you leverage the different areas of your life? Leverage is defined as the power or ability to act or influence people, events, decisions, etc.; as well as the use of a small initial investment, credit or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to…

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]]>5bda62a7-99d5-44eb-a133-be9e3521311cMon, 16 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +000035:57falsefullLeverage – what does it mean? How do you leverage the different areas of your life?<br /> <br /> Leverage is defined as the power or ability to act or influence people, events, decisions, etc.; as well as the use of a small initial investment, credit or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to one's investment.<br /> <br /> Jason Hartman knows all about leveraging and investing! He is real estate investor and podcaster who focuses on leveraging three main areas in his life. And he is willing to share his knowledge with you!<br /> <br /> He explains that there are three main areas that we need to focus on and leverage to enhance our lives:<br /> <br /> * Profession and Business: Leverage-friendly areas are being a thought leader and using Internet marketing (podcasting).<br /> * Personal Finances/Investments: Investing in the wealth of your life through real estate and other investments.<br /> * Biology/Physical Being: Take care of yourself. Keep track of your vitals. What happens to us when our vitals change? There’s an app for that – and the Apple Watch!<br /> <br /> It is important to leverage those three areas equally. Do not focus on one more than another. Just remember, you can make a lot of money, but you can’t take it with you when you go. Or, there is too much life at the end of money – so make sure you have enough money to enjoy your whole life!<br /> <br /> About Jason:<br /> <br /> Jason Hartman got his start in real estate as a teenager. He sold real estate, and then began investing in real estate.<br /> <br /> Now, he has 18 different companies and focuses on being a real estate investor, helping others invest in real estate, and podcasting. He started a podcast, and the rest is history.<br /> <br /> His company, Hartman Media Co., features podcasts on several different topics, including personal finance, investing, and economics.<br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “I was really craving a long-form method to teach people about real estate investing and podcasting was the perfect fit.”<br /> * “Entrepreneurs, however, have the biggest leverage opportunities.”<br /> * “We’ve got to be hitting on all three cylinders, if you will, so that everything works together at the same time.”<br /> * “Instead of just doing your job or instead of just running your business, think about what you know; and how you can take what you know and help other people and teach that to other people and develop more credibility for yourself.”<br /> * “We live in the information age. Information can be incredibly powerful.”<br /> * “You don’t lose anything. You know, you can give it away. Yet it doesn’t cost you anything to give it away … that is the power of information!”<br /> * “There are very powerful opportunities for us nowadays to get the word out about things that we’ve never had in the history of humanity.”<br /> * “There’s no gatekeeper anymore. If you are not taking advantage of this folks, you are missing out.”<br /> * “You can get your ideas to a public quickly and easily and for almost $0 cost.”<br /> * “No matter what the content is, someone next to you is doing the same thing. But they’re not doing it in your voice.”<br /> * “I like to call Wall Street the modern version of organized crime.”<br /> * “It’s an amazing time to be alive.”<br /> <br /> Guest Links:<br /> <br /> * Jason Hartman (<a href="http://www.jasonhartman.com/">http://www.jasonhartman.com/</a>)<br /> * Become the Brand of Choice (<a href="http://www.jasonhartman.com/become-the-brand-of-choice-make-your-name-a-powerful-brand-and-earn-millions/">http://www.jasonhartman.com/become-the-brand-of-choice-make-your-name-a-powerful-brand-and-earn-millions/</a>)<br /> * Hartman Media Company (<a href="http://hartmanmedia.com/">http://hartmanmedia.com/</a>)<br /> <br /> Resources:<br /> <br /> * KRLA (<a href="http://www.am870theanswer.com/">http://www.am870theanswer.Mark Asquith discusses leverage with real estate expert Jason HartmanDominate Your Day Before Breakfast with Jeff Sanders from The 5AM MiracleDominate Your Day Before Breakfast with Jeff Sanders from The 5AM MiracleJust too busy to exercise and live a healthy life? Are you too distracted because there is so much happening all the time? Take a step back. Ask yourself, “What am I doing, does this matter?” Gain perspective on the important things in life and develop a better use of your time.  A lot of…

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]]>Just too busy to exercise and live a healthy life? Are you too distracted because there is so much happening all the time? Take a step back. Ask yourself, “What am I doing, does this matter?” Gain perspective on the important things in life and develop a better use of your time.  A lot of…

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]]>16e844ab-01ce-4f22-a4e5-de3dda35be2fThu, 15 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +000023:54falsefullJust too busy to exercise and live a healthy life? Are you too distracted because there is so much happening all the time? Take a step back. Ask yourself, “What am I doing, does this matter?” Gain perspective on the important things in life and develop a better use of your time. <br /> <br /> A lot of people struggle with getting up in the morning and being productive. Why do I need to get up? Spin it around to make it an opportunity to do what you want. Jeff Sanders created the 5 a.m. Miracle structure to design an anchor habit and foundational way to start your day.<br /> <br /> “If you intentionally design this 5 a.m. time well, you can have a really fantastic rest of your day,” he says.<br /> <br /> People who are successful are intentional and have a very structured approach to their days. They have a plan, follow it, and focus on their health and wellness.<br /> About Jeff:<br /> Jeff Sanders’ journey began in college when he was trying to figure out how he wanted to live his life. While in college and then when he started working, he was overweight and decided he had to incorporate healthier habits. It was a back-and-forth struggle. But he started to exercise and even run marathons.<br /> <br /> He knew that he needed to find a consistent schedule. He knew he wanted to work out, so decided to wake up and do it really early in the morning – 5 a.m. when the sun comes up. He got up early one morning and went for a run and loved it. He had more energy the rest of the day and felt fantastic. He kept doing it over and over every day; 5 a.m. became the miracle time for him.<br /> <br /> Taking a few hours to exercise and do other things he wanted to do such as reading – doing things that mattered to him - gave him a strong foundation for the rest of the day.<br /> <br /> This led him to share his experiences through a blog, books, and podcast series. The 5 a.m. Miracle podcast focuses on personal development and fitness, as well as purpose of intentionality for your day.<br /> <br /> Sanders encourages listeners to get into the routine of waking up and making it a positive opportunity. “You shape it, you frame it, and say, ‘I am excited about this early morning because it is an opportunity because the things I want to do in my life can happen during that time’.”<br /> <br /> That 5 a.m. time is a golden opportunity to work on goals and generates a success mentality. You get something done early on and can take on what the rest of the day hands you. You feel so much better the rest of the day.<br /> <br /> The 5 a.m. Miracle structure offers both short-term and long-term outcomes:<br /> <br /> * Short-term: You feel so much better right away because you have control over your day. You can feel the impact of these changes immediately.<br /> * Long-term: You have a solid, consistent approach to your days and know what to expect. “Consistency over the long term to make sure you have all those long-term benefits.”<br /> <br /> The main benefit to the 5 a.m. Miracle structure is that if you wake up and utilize that time intelligently – you will have mental clarity, focus, and energy.<br /> <br /> And you don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. – you can wake up whenever you want to wake up. For example, if you get home from work at 5 a.m., you are not going to wake up at 5 a.m. Natural rhythms will work with your body, and you will feel better and get more done during the day.<br /> Jeff’s Actionable Tips:<br /> <br /> * Drink a lot of water: If you are hydrated, you will have more energy, feel more awake, etc. “Water is ridiculously powerful!”<br /> * Have an intentional plan for your day: How will the day flow? How can the day be more effective? Have a written plan and follow it.<br /> * Prioritize fitness: Exercising gives you energy and vigour. <br /> <br /> Top Quotes:<br /> <br /> * “How can I be the BEST version of myself?”<br /> * “I need to find a way that I can live my life day after...Mark Asquith discusses productivityA Guide to Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis with Robert Kelsey, Bestselling AuthorA Guide to Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis with Robert Kelsey, Bestselling AuthorRobert Kelsey is motivated by his own perceived failures. Something that actually, we all draw motivation from even if we aren’t aware of it. The author of 3 Amazon bestselling personal development books, Robert changed his life by beginning to understand why he measured himself so harshly and has made a successful literary career through helping entrepreneurs like…

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]]>Robert Kelsey is motivated by his own perceived failures. Something that actually, we all draw motivation from even if we aren’t aware of it. The author of 3 Amazon bestselling personal development books, Robert changed his life by beginning to understand why he measured himself so harshly and has made a successful literary career through helping entrepreneurs like…

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]]>a7f87610-3e39-471e-9c6b-8faa8705435eThu, 08 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +000051:48falsefullRobert Kelsey is motivated by his own perceived failures. Something that actually, we all draw motivation from even if we aren’t aware of it.<br /> <br /> The author of 3 Amazon bestselling personal development books, Robert changed his life by beginning to understand why he measured himself so harshly and has made a successful literary career through helping entrepreneurs like you do the same.<br /> <br /> This episode is a deep insight into the psychology that drives all of Robert’s decisions and during the episode you will learn:<br /> <br /> * The anatomy of a bad decision<br /> * The reasons we’re bad at making decisions<br /> * The effect second guessing and under confident decision making can have on all aspects of our lives<br /> * Is this a nature or nurture question: can we overcome this by understanding it?<br /> <br /> Furthermore, Robert shares is fantastic and ACTIONABLE tips for overcoming the decision making paralysis that, at times, stymies us all.<br /> <br /> Links to Robert’s work:<br /> <br /> * <a href="http://www.robert-kelsey.co.uk/">Robert-Kelsey.co.uk</a><br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1tKkCJg">What’s Stopping You? Why Smart People Don't Always Reach Their Potential and How You Can</a> by Robert Kelsey<br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1wVeqOw">What’s Stopping You Being More Confident?</a> by Robert Kelsey<br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1BM66VU">Get Things Done - What Stops Smart People From Achieving More and How You Can Change</a> by Robert Kelsey<br /> <br /> Robert’s new book “Outside Edge” hits stores and online outlets in March 2015.<br /> <br /> Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel!Mark Asquith and small business productivity author Robert Kelsey discuss personal development for decision makingCut The Crap with Brad Burton from 4Networking (4N)Cut The Crap with Brad Burton from 4Networking (4N)Brad Burton is the UK’s #1 motivational speaker, founder of the 4Networking organisation that holds over 5,000 events throughout the UK each year, and author of the highest rated and reviewed business books on Amazon. But it wasn’t always like that. Brad came from a working class background in the North of England and created his business…

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]]>Brad Burton is the UK’s #1 motivational speaker, founder of the 4Networking organisation that holds over 5,000 events throughout the UK each year, and author of the highest rated and reviewed business books on Amazon. But it wasn’t always like that. Brad came from a working class background in the North of England and created his business…

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]]>cf525cfa-a47a-4ffa-a67a-a27ed7e44824Mon, 05 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +000034:19truefullBrad Burton is the UK’s #1 motivational speaker, founder of the 4Networking organisation that holds over 5,000 events throughout the UK each year, and author of the highest rated and reviewed business books on Amazon.<br /> <br /> But it wasn’t always like that.<br /> <br /> Brad came from a working class background in the North of England and created his business at a time when he was £25,000 in debt. Crazy? No. Inspired? Yes.<br /> <br /> Brad has a true “Get Off Your Arse” mentality, so much so that it is the title of his first book, that has seen him rise from lacking motivation and self-belief, to spearheading a multi-million pound business - all in t-shirt and trainers.<br /> <br /> How? Honesty, transparency and being himself.<br /> <br /> During this interview, Brad shares his unique and charismatic advice on how you can cut the crap and get off YOUR ass to affect real, lasting and positive change in your life - learn how to deconstruct yourself and rebuild with Brad’s 4 actionable takeaways.<br /> <br /> Links mentioned in the show:<br /> <br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1wWYXmc">Get Off Your Arse</a> by Brad Burton<br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1AZ3rtB">Get Off Your Arse Too</a> by Brad Burton<br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1Adxa1Y">Life. Business.: Just Got Easier</a> by Brad Burton<br /> * <a href="http://www.bradburton.biz" target="_blank">BradBurton.biz</a> - Brad's own website<br /> * <a href="http://www.4networking.biz/">4Networking</a><br /> <br /> Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel!<br /> <br /> Image credit: <a href="http://www.jjacobphotography.co.uk">Jonathan Jacob</a>Mark Asquith and 4N founder Brad BurtonSurpass Your Wildest Goals By Leveraging Non-Traditional Thinking [Small Business Leadership]Surpass Your Wildest Goals By Leveraging Non-Traditional Thinking [Small Business Leadership]Keith Evans, founder of CidaCo, has made a career out of helping entrepreneurs excel. It's something he's passionate about, believes in and is truly accomplished in. What makes Keith so successful? His open mind and willingness to think differently. In a world of uncertainty, your business needs to remain agile, open minded and employ creative thinking in order to…

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]]>Keith Evans, founder of CidaCo, has made a career out of helping entrepreneurs excel. It's something he's passionate about, believes in and is truly accomplished in. What makes Keith so successful? His open mind and willingness to think differently. In a world of uncertainty, your business needs to remain agile, open minded and employ creative thinking in order to…

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]]>4d1132bd-af88-4536-a3a3-6b21a1608b15Thu, 01 Jan 2015 07:00:00 +000047:28falsefullKeith Evans, founder of <a href="http://www.cida.org">CidaCo</a>, has made a career out of helping entrepreneurs excel. It's something he's passionate about, believes in and is truly accomplished in.<br /> <br /> What makes Keith so successful?<br /> <br /> His open mind and willingness to think differently.<br /> <br /> In a world of uncertainty, your business needs to remain agile, open minded and employ creative thinking in order to allow it to grow, develop and surpass your expectations - but how can you break free of the traditional mindsets that we have all been conditioned to live within?<br /> <br /> During this insightful interview, Keith shares his actionable advice on how you can leverage a more open attitude in order to break down the walls that may be holding you back, thus allowing your business to truly achieve and SURPASS it's potential.<br /> <br /> What a start to 2015, this interview will energise you into taking positive action for yourself and your business.<br /> <br /> For a copy of the CidaCo Environmental Mapping Tool mentioned in this episode, <a href="mailto:info@cida.org">simply email Keith</a>!<br /> <br /> Don't forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel!Mark Asquith and creative innovation coach Keith Evans on how to think better and bigger as an entrepreneurCreate Your 2015 Personal Development Road Map, Thank You and Happy Christmas (Archive)Create Your 2015 Personal Development Road Map, Thank You and Happy Christmas (Archive)2014 closes out with a time to celebrate your successes and an opportunity to allow yourself to EXCEL in 2015. This is my message to you, a thank you and a challenge: create your 2015 roadmap and give yourself no choice BUT to succeed! Thank you so much for all of your loyal support through 2014, it’s my honour to…

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]]>2014 closes out with a time to celebrate your successes and an opportunity to allow yourself to EXCEL in 2015. This is my message to you, a thank you and a challenge: create your 2015 roadmap and give yourself no choice BUT to succeed! Thank you so much for all of your loyal support through 2014, it’s my honour to…

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]]>018accdd-f32b-4f25-9920-f57d34fb1c12Thu, 25 Dec 2014 07:05:29 +000012:09falsefull2014 closes out with a time to celebrate your successes and an opportunity to allow yourself to EXCEL in 2015.<br /> <br /> This is my message to you, a thank you and a challenge: create your 2015 roadmap and give yourself no choice BUT to succeed!<br /> <br /> Thank you so much for all of your loyal support through 2014, it’s my honour to be able to share value with you every single episode and here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2015 for you.<br /> <br /> Happy Christmas and don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel.Mark AsquithAgainst All Odds – Small Business Success After RebuttalAgainst All Odds – Small Business Success After RebuttalDavid Lewis set out with the goal of rebuilding a dwindling choir in his home country of Wales. What he actually achieved is a record breaking, over 6,000 member choir that tours the world; sells out the biggest venues across the globe and performs both with & for some of the most influential figures of our…

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]]>David Lewis set out with the goal of rebuilding a dwindling choir in his home country of Wales. What he actually achieved is a record breaking, over 6,000 member choir that tours the world; sells out the biggest venues across the globe and performs both with & for some of the most influential figures of our…

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]]>ee597942-6276-452d-a0bb-170d992ac540Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:00:15 +000032:07falsefullDavid Lewis set out with the goal of rebuilding a dwindling choir in his home country of Wales. What he actually achieved is a record breaking, over 6,000 member choir that tours the world; sells out the biggest venues across the globe and performs both with &amp; for some of the most influential figures of our time.<br /> <br /> How?<br /> <br /> Self belief and an open heart.<br /> <br /> David created <a href="http://www.youngvoices.co.uk/">Young Voices</a>, a youth choir that now performs across the world for some of the most influential people of our time. Throughout his journey, David admittedly made some mistakes; mistakes that he learned from and that allowed him to grow and flourish. By continuing to have an open heart and give everyone the time and respect that they deserve, David has crafted a path that has led him to working with Tom Jone, Shirley Bassey, Ben E. King and the amazing Maya Angelou.<br /> <br /> David is proof that no matter the scale of your goal, you can achieve it with some devout attention and a pragmatic approach to life; it’s a formula that we can all follow and a formula that echoes that of some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.<br /> <br /> If David can achieve goals AND break records doing so, what’s stopping you seizing your own life right now?<br /> <br /> Nothing, nothing at all.<br /> “Resources &amp; Reflections” – Even More Value, Even More Action From David Lewis's Episode…<br /> “Resources &amp; Reflections” is my follow up episode to help you take action and EXCEL!<br /> <br /> Publishing after each topical, expert interview, I share my own actionable advice along with resources &amp; recommendations to galvanise your thoughts into the will to take action.<br /> Listen to This Week’s “Resources &amp; Reflections”<br /> Each episode of “Resources &amp; Reflections” focusses solely on the topic in hand on the previous episode and is only available via your subscriptions feed – <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/excellence-expected-inspiratio%E2%80%A6">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://stitcher.com/podcast/excellence-expected">Stitcher</a> et al – or the player within each individual episode like this one:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * My reflections<br /> <br /> * If someone tells you something is too big, or too hard, it’s usually because THEY’RE scared. Don’t let that stop you, make sure you’ve done your due diligence and you have taken David’s advice of filling out the idea, testing measuring and repeating and if everything lines up, DO IT - don’t seek permission, just do it and the people who doubted you, forget them.<br /> <br /> <br /> * First resource<br /> <br /> * <a href="http://amzn.to/1JauLZz">The Business Idea Factory: A World-Class System for Creating Successful Business Ideas</a> by Andrii Sedniev - Why? Because it’s based on a tried and tested system and systems WORK!<br /> <br /> <br /> * Second resource<br /> <br /> * <a href="http://www.trello.com/">Trello.com</a> - Define, refine and develop your ideas with this superb online project software.<br /> <br /> <br /> * What’s YOUR action plan for this week?<br /> <br /> Don’t forget, the more you expect from yourself, the more you WILL excel.Mark AsquithFinally Understanding Your “Why” [Inspired by the Work of Simon Sinek]Finally Understanding Your “Why” [Inspired by the Work of Simon Sinek]Inspired by the marvellous work of Simon Sinek, this week successful financial entrepreneur  Bill Bottomley takes us on a journey from a career path with little fulfilment, to directorship of a thriving business that he passionately believes in. Episode 16 is an episode for all of us, an episode that helps us to reassess where we…

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]]>Inspired by the marvellous work of Simon Sinek, this week successful financial entrepreneur  Bill Bottomley takes us on a journey from a career path with little fulfilment, to directorship of a thriving business that he passionately believes in. Episode 16 is an episode for all of us, an episode that helps us to reassess where we…

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]]>ff00a2ae-ca06-4072-ad01-64612029b9c9Mon, 01 Dec 2014 07:00:46 +000042:11falsefullInspired by the marvellous work of Simon Sinek, this week successful financial entrepreneur  Bill Bottomley takes us on a journey from a career path with little fulfilment, to directorship of a thriving business that he passionately believes in.<br /> <br /> Episode 16 is an episode for all of us, an episode that helps us to reassess where we are and why we do exactly what we do. Throughout the episode Bill discusses the vital importance of:<br /> <br /> * Self belief<br /> * Belief in your "mission"<br /> * The positive impact that can have to your internal company culture<br /> * The positive effects it has on your customers and your bottom line<br /> * How this approach builds longevity into your business<br /> * The happiness that can be drawn personally from this kind of approach<br /> <br /> Bill is a firm believer in doing the 'right thing', with Lifetime's philanthropical efforts playing a huge role in that business' overall success. This all stems from Bill's solid belief in WHY he turns up to work every day and WHY he conducts himself the way he does.<br /> <br /> Links mentioned in the episode:<br /> <br /> * <a href="http://lifetime-fm.com">Lifetime Financial Management</a><br /> * <a href="https://www.startwithwhy.com">Simon Sinek - Start With Why</a><br /> <br /> It's an inspirational episode closed by the usual high quality actionable takeaways that will allow you to begin your own journey of discovery to reveal your true "why".<br /> <br /> Don't forget, the more you expect from yourself, the you will excel.Mark Asquith on the small business "why" and how to embrace it to deliver the best service to your customers and teamPt. 2 – Become the Ultimate Business Person Through SystemisationPt. 2 – Become the Ultimate Business Person Through SystemisationIn this continuation of my interview with Ben Beaumont from 48.3 Scaffold Design Ben dives into the famous Excellence Expected actionable takeaways section… Ben share his 3 simple steps to begin your journey to becoming the ultimate business person through systemisation. Ben shares expert insight and actionable tips covering: Overcoming the paralysis of starting – EVERYONE needs to…

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]]>In this continuation of my interview with Ben Beaumont from 48.3 Scaffold Design Ben dives into the famous Excellence Expected actionable takeaways section… Ben share his 3 simple steps to begin your journey to becoming the ultimate business person through systemisation. Ben shares expert insight and actionable tips covering: Overcoming the paralysis of starting – EVERYONE needs to…

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]]>f4527482-df9a-4c27-934b-3641f04d49bfTue, 25 Nov 2014 07:00:45 +000043:35falsefullIn this continuation of my interview with Ben Beaumont from <a href="http://www.483scaffolddesign.com" rel="nofollow">48.3 Scaffold Design</a> Ben dives into the famous Excellence Expected actionable takeaways section...<br /> <br /> Ben share his 3 simple steps to begin your journey to becoming the ultimate business person through systemisation.<br /> <br /> Ben shares expert insight and actionable tips covering:<br /> <br /> * Overcoming the paralysis of starting - EVERYONE needs to systemise. EVERYONE.<br /> * Identifying the pain points within your business that are stopping you excelling and how to systemise through these.<br /> * How to leverage the technology around us to shift the effort onto reliable tools &amp; resources.<br /> <br /> Ben is proof that systemisation leads to reward and an explosion in effective business practice.<br /> <br /> Why aren't you doing it?<br /> <br /> Don't forget: the more you expect from yourself, the more you will excel.Mark Asquith on creating small business systems to increase productivity and profitablityPt. 1 – Become the Ultimate Business Person Through SystemisationPt. 1 – Become the Ultimate Business Person Through SystemisationBen Beaumont is serious about success. Having set out only a few short years ago to transform the service expectations within the scaffold design industry, his business, 48.3 Scaffold Design has seen wild growth and admirable success. Ben's secret? He trusts his people and his systems. Ben began a journey to transform his business over the last 18 months through thorough and efficient systemisation…

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]]>Ben Beaumont is serious about success. Having set out only a few short years ago to transform the service expectations within the scaffold design industry, his business, 48.3 Scaffold Design has seen wild growth and admirable success. Ben's secret? He trusts his people and his systems. Ben began a journey to transform his business over the last 18 months through thorough and efficient systemisation…

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]]>61b68953-d710-4f75-864f-7de93d116b82Mon, 24 Nov 2014 07:00:35 +000023:44falsefullBen Beaumont is serious about success. Having set out only a few short years ago to transform the service expectations within the scaffold design industry, his business, <a href="http://www.483scaffolddesign.com" rel="nofollow">48.3 Scaffold Design</a> has seen wild growth and admirable success.<br /> <br /> Ben's secret?<br /> <br /> He trusts his people and his systems.<br /> <br /> Ben began a journey to transform his business over the last 18 months through thorough and efficient systemisation that has allowed his business to thrive and maintain it's impeccable customer service ethos even through a period of rapid growth.<br /> <br /> In part one of this interview I interview Ben, an old friend, and he shares some vital insights into how he came to realise what systemisation actually means, how it can be applied to any business and how he began going through a process of change that ultimately resulted in wild success and personal pride.<br /> <br /> Throughout this episode you will be taken on a journey to discover:<br /> <br /> * How to increase the time you have available<br /> * How to increase profitability by<br /> <br /> * Doing things quicker and more efficiently<br /> * Maintaining quality through consistent process<br /> * Enabling the person with the lowest possible skillet to carry out the function (by using the system)<br /> <br /> * Person on lowest wage executing the task<br /> * More serious staff or skilled staff freed to concentrate on more complex or higher income generating tasks.<br /> * Most valuable if less dependency on you or one key team member<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * How to create a culture of embodiment of your ethos, mission &amp; values in your team<br /> * How to introduce systems and processes to allow others to do carry out the tasks you shouldn't be doing<br /> * How to empower your team to do their job with right support<br /> * How to begin working "on" not "in" your business.<br /> <br /> This is an empowering episode full of ACTION, it will help you shape your business over the next few years and allow you to achieve what YOU want to achieve.<br /> <br /> Remember, the more you expect from yourself, the more you will excel.Mark Asquith discusses creating small business systems & processesVision, Fear & Agility: 3 Vital Lessons Every Small Business Owner Must LearnVision, Fear & Agility: 3 Vital Lessons Every Small Business Owner Must LearnEvery business owner, every entrepreneur is on a journey of self discovery. For most entrepreneurs and business owners, there is someone there to accompany them on that path. Today I talk about 3 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my time starting up and building a business, welcoming one of my partners on that…

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]]>Every business owner, every entrepreneur is on a journey of self discovery. For most entrepreneurs and business owners, there is someone there to accompany them on that path. Today I talk about 3 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my time starting up and building a business, welcoming one of my partners on that…

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]]>91bad1e7-5671-44b5-aad8-c9065fb56b27Mon, 17 Nov 2014 07:00:29 +000046:35falsefullEvery business owner, every entrepreneur is on a journey of self discovery.<br /> <br /> For most entrepreneurs and business owners, there is someone there to accompany them on that path. Today I talk about 3 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my time starting up and building a business, welcoming one of my partners on that journey to deliver those lessons: Mr. Donald Gent.<br /> <br /> Donald is a highly successful business person, having started his career in the heady days of 1960s London, before building a property portfolio and establishing the global design &amp; digital agency DMSQD with myself and 3 other friends.<br /> <br /> Since I met Donald in late 2008, I've had the privilege of calling him a friend and being able to call upon him as a fine, patient and generous mentor. Without Donald, I doubt I you would even be listening to this show.<br /> <br /> This episode is packed full of insights and actionable takeaways, delving deep into the lessons we have learned together since we started. Myself and Donald chart some of the most challenging times we’ve faced in business and some of the hard decisions we’ve had to make.<br /> <br /> Links featured in this episode:<br /> <br /> *  <a href="http://twitter.com/roystondon">@RoystonDon</a> - Donald Gent on Twitter<br /> <br /> I’d LOVE to hear your stories and allow you to share your lessons from your own business journey - the comments are waiting folks!<br /> <br /> Don’t forget: the more you expect from yourself, the more you will excel.Mark Asquith on startup lessonsThe Perfect Work Life Balance, Here’s How!The Perfect Work Life Balance, Here’s How!Katie Portman has an enviable position as a happy mother and a successful PR and journalistic professional who has successfully managed to strike the perfect balance between her working life and the life she wants to live. But, it seems it didn’t come easy and this episode focusses on Katie’s journey to that perfect balance…

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]]>Katie Portman has an enviable position as a happy mother and a successful PR and journalistic professional who has successfully managed to strike the perfect balance between her working life and the life she wants to live. But, it seems it didn’t come easy and this episode focusses on Katie’s journey to that perfect balance…

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]]>bbb95211-9a7d-4830-99e0-4b52cdedf9c8Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:00:00 +000059:40falsefullKatie Portman has an enviable position as a happy mother and a successful PR and journalistic professional who has successfully managed to strike the perfect balance between her working life and the life she wants to live.<br /> <br /> But, it seems it didn’t come easy and this episode focusses on Katie’s journey to that perfect balance and along the way she shares her top tips on how you can begin to balance your life better, starting today!<br /> During the episode, Katie shares her inspirational and actionable insights that will help you to:<br /> <br /> * Learn how to find family time whilst keeping your clients happy<br /> * Prepare for a life change and how to incorporate that into your business including:<br /> <br /> * Preparing clients<br /> * Managing their expectations<br /> * When to say "no"<br /> * How to ensure you can "come back" when the time is right for you<br /> <br /> <br /> * Create boundaries between the most important aspects of your life<br /> * Ensure that clients understand these boundaries and come to respect your resolve in sticking to them<br /> * Find your perfect work / life balance - remember this is unique to you, only you can create it and only you can change it today!<br /> <br /> Links mentioned in this episode:<br /> <br /> * "<a href="http://amzn.to/1pRbMpT">Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? How to drive your career and create a remarkable future</a>" by Seth Godin<br /> * "<a href="http://amzn.to/1uK7ZTb" target="_blank">Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Happier Life</a>" by Adrianna Huffington<br /> * <a href="http://www.poutinginheels.com" target="_blank">PoutingInHeels.com</a><br /> * <a href="http://twitter.com/KateLPortman" target="_blank">@KateLPortman</a><br /> <br /> How do you balance your working life with your ‘real’ life? Let me know in the comments and let’s share how we can all improve!<br /> <br /> Don't forget: the more you expect from yourself, the more you will excel.Mark Asquith discusses work life balance and how to become more productive with less hours spent workingFrom Burnout to BroadcastFrom Burnout to BroadcastWelcome to Excellence Expected. Episode 1 is my opportunity to thank you for picking up the show and beginning this journey with me. During the episode I talk about how I bounced back from a business catastrophe to become founder of a rapidly growing design & digital agency, whilst also discussing how that rapid growth…

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]]>Welcome to Excellence Expected. Episode 1 is my opportunity to thank you for picking up the show and beginning this journey with me. During the episode I talk about how I bounced back from a business catastrophe to become founder of a rapidly growing design & digital agency, whilst also discussing how that rapid growth…

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]]>10fe3159-36e3-46a6-9ab8-8e3c6f14cc35Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:00:00 +000029:36falsefullWelcome to Excellence Expected.<br /> <br /> Episode 1 is my opportunity to thank you for picking up the show and beginning this journey with me.<br /> <br /> During the episode I talk about how I bounced back from a business catastrophe to become founder of a rapidly growing design &amp; digital agency, whilst also discussing how that rapid growth and the challenges it brought, caused me to burn out only two years ago.<br /> <br /> I take this opportunity to talk about what you can expect from each episode of Excellence Expected and the value that you, as a business owner or entrepreneur, can draw from the podcast.<br /> <br /> I also introduce my <a href="#">free eBook "The Essential 14 Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your Impact"</a>, which is my blueprint and work-through template that will show you how to create more time every single day, become instantly more effective in your business and create the time to enjoy the things that matter to you.<br /> <br /> Excellence Expected is a podcast for business owners, by business owners, with each and every episode adding value to your busy business life.<br /> <br /> Let's learn, share and grow together; don't forget: the more you expect from yourself, the more you will excel.Mark Asquith talks personal development