Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels  

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.  

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast  

[00:01:43] Many would consider Stacie’s challenges with a chronic illness unsurmountable. Instead, she leans into her talent as a writer to push past challenges and find new opportunities to expand and serve her clients. Facing her challenges opened the door to her, becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur!

[00:05:24] Six months after a severe car accident and growing frustrated with a career in human resources, Stacie’s side hustle became your main hustle. Battling seizures, chronic illness, anger, and frustration, plus mental illness became fuel for entrepreneurial ambitions. Grabbing her credit card and faith in herself, Stacie built a new website for her freelance writing service.

[00:10:23] Build on your foundation when starting a business. A background in HR meant offering job-seeking consulting and writing services that eventually led to more significant projects. Now, Stacie helps would-be authors pen their first book.

[00:15:04] The journey of a solopreneur can become overwhelming where self-care takes a backseat to client needs. Learning to pay attention to your body’s warning signs, individual triggers and knowing when to stop working is critical to self-survival and solopreneurship. When you fail to do so, you also fail to make money.

[00:20:04] Finding a healthy balance between work and self-care is one battle of business ownership. The other is dealing with misconceptions that strike against your authentic self. How does an introvert find comfort with communicating consistently to attract, earn, and retain business while dealing with multiple personality types?

[00:25:01] A leap of faith to become a solopreneur takes courage. When doing so, go into it, knowing that you will make mistakes and recover from them if you are willing to learn. Those moments help you to become a better entrepreneur. They also teach you to be authentic with yourself about how you manage things personally that will manifest professionally, which clients can see and respond to that will hurt or help your business. 

[00:27:55] Stacie is a disabled businesswoman who continues to build a business despite my disabilities learning lessons from things achieved and mistakes made along the way.  

Having tenacity and a love for what you do helps you continue the race.

Connect with Stacie Kiselman  

You can also follow and get in touch with Stacie Kiselman personally through her LinkedIn. Learn about how Stacie’s practice at http://sikemployment.com/.  

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!   

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

A Business is Only as Strong as Its Most Precious Asset - YOU!

Looking for something different? Well, this podcast is for you! In this episode of The Solopreneur Journey, Psychotherapist Aprile Andelle unpacks the signs and solutions for dealing with the pandemic to maintain good mental health. We talk about how she offers help via her online practice, the physical effects of becoming mentally overwhelmed and how Aprile, as a mental health expert keeps herself well and equipped to support her patients.

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels  

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.  

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast  

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to become larger companies' business owners.  

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs. Plus, those who have scaled their business and featured guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing, and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence).  

One of the show's strongest offerings is its ability to cover a broad spectrum of industries with people worldwide in a way that appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.  

Where All Things Begin 

[00:01:26] Aprile offers breakthrough counseling through her practice with online therapy that reaches people around the globe, a concept that garnered greater attention due to the pandemic and people having to self-quarantine. She credits her Caribbean vibe of having a calmer nature or as those of Jamaican heritage say, “everything irie,” partial for her natural easy demeanor that is critical when providing therapy.

[00:06:00] Quiet in her nature, an observant and good listener who is introspective are the most important assets of what became the basis of being a good therapist. A path Aprile pursued after years in the entertainment industry dealing with various personalities and studying international business. These became vital to trailblazing a solopreneur virtual therapy practice fed by a love for technology.

[00:15:40]  “I love to be that witness” while walking along the journey of helping people battle depression, anxiety and other challenges  while guiding them to breakthroughs that maintain their mental wellbeing is the sweet spot of Aprile’s online therapy practice. Also, helping to shake the stigma of therapy to help people embrace the fact that everyone needs help and doing what is necessary to get to a better place makes good, practical sense for becoming your best self, a critical need when running a business. 

[00:20:30] Do therapist need to take a break? The combination of the pandemic and the #BlackLivesMatter protests became taxing in a therapy practice that exploded due to the additional strains on individuals’ mental wellbeing. Knowing when and how to pivot showed up for Aprile in several forms that included tending to her own physical and mental wellbeing.

[00:24:30] The strain and stress of running a business sometimes causes entrepreneurs to ignore physical symptoms that manifest due to mental tensions. In an environment where the coronavirus is rampant testing every person’s wellbeing, paying close attention to body signals for clear indicators of help like changes in your skin and hair, can catch problems early.

[00:30:14] Adversity is a norm of life. Learning to find the good side of challenges and chase the opportunities is how Psychotherapist Aprile maintains her mental wellness. Looking forward, shake the fearing of having to stop because it provides time to  reassess equips you to refocus, reenergize and strategize for the future.    

Connect with Aprile Andelle  

You can also follow and get in touch with Joann Tolbert Yancy personally through her LinkedIn.  

Learn about how Aprile’s practice at https://aprileandelle.com.  

Listen to the podcast Do I Need Therapy

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!   

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

Looking for something different? Well, this podcast is for you! In this episode of Solopreneur Journey, Joann Tolbert-Yancy has an incredible reputation as a motivational speaker of using her resounding voice and incredible humor to unlock doors many thoughts were forever shut. The owner of Jotoski Consulting has built a speaking career on belief in self and faith that had her in need of motivation while battling cancer; yet, still finding a way to motivate others. Her path to success has been organic and a natural love for making people laugh, learn and walking away knowing and feeling different. 

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels 

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis. 

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast 

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to become larger companies' business owners.  

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs. Plus, those who have scaled their business and featured guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing, and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence).  

One of the show's strongest offerings is its ability to cover a broad spectrum of industries with people worldwide in a way that appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey. 

Where All Things Begin

[00:04:00] A chance meeting at the former African American Women, on Tour Conference leaves a memory about Motivational Speaker Joann Tolbert Yancy in that

people always walk away feeling motivated. Getting to a place of creating that experience for people comes from reading the energy in the room with a goal to accomplish two things: make people laugh so they are open to learning and ensure they walk away with at least one thing that motivates them.

[00:07:26] Knowing what you want to do is one thing. Knowing how to do it is another. Joann found inspiration in discovering her voice by listening to the resounding words of  Barbara Jordan, the first black. woman elected to the United States Congress. That experience plus solid advice from a colleague on the “butterflies in the stomach” keep you grounded made for the beginning of a remarkable speaking career.

[00:15:59] ‘But what happens when the stage lights flicker? Years of traveling global speaking and motivating professionals at tradeshows, conferences, women’s event would be met by the battle of the big C -cancer. How do you motivate others when you need motivation?   

[00:20:23] Speaking is an art where all the rewards and revenues are generated by one person. Surviving peaks and valleys in business means having multiple streams of income where Joann maintains a healthy revenue stream through her books and consulting services when not on the stage motivating others. Key to sustaining in business is knowing your market and your worth.

[00:26:05] The question often asked is how to build a successful speaking business? Plan, know your terms, negotiate to win, and always deliver quality so people learn to trust you and value your work . 

[[00:32:52] When your gift is to motivate others, knowing how to refresh your well is critical. Leverage your circle and understanding through all things walking in your purpose brings the greatest joy. 

[00:35:35] Know your platform, understand your audience, and practice daily affirmation that centers on “I AM.” Key for solopreneurs is never underestimating the power of collaboration and building relationships.

[00:40:24] As founder of Divas United, Joann brings women together from around the United States to refocus and reaffirm their greatness. 

Connect with Joann Tolbert Yancy

You can also follow and get in touch with Joann Tolbert Yancy personally through her LinkedIn. 

Learn about how Joann’s speaking career at http://www.joanntolbertyancy.com.

Get tapped into Joann’s women’s group Divas United

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!  

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-.forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

Looking for something different? Well, this podcast is definitely for you! In this episode of Solopreneur Journey, Adrienne Edge proves that a woman can have it all. Learning to trust the journey that temporarily halted her budding business and shifted her career revealed a new part of a journey that formed ProFIT. Now, her love for adventure in the kitchen has awakened a health and nutrition enterprise that links her strong faith with a family brand focused on fitness and financial wellness. 

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels 

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis. 

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast 

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to become larger companies' business owners.  

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs. Plus, those who have scaled their business and featured guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing, and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence).  

One of the show's strongest offerings is its ability to cover a broad spectrum of industries with people worldwide in a way that appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey. 

Where All Things Begin

[00:04:03] Every solopreneur's journey is unique. For Adrienne, connecting at the Tenacious Woman Conference turned into a new career opportunity to strike outside the box of her traditional career path. "For Jewel to see something in me and give me a chance at something that I knew existed…and to give me that chance was huge for me".

[00:08:15] How does a woman, mother, and wife balance career with her husband's dreams? Despite finding success in her job, Adrienne faced a familiar feeling that strikes so many that asks, "are you walking in your calling?" Then came the launch of an organic baby food business that eventually evolved into kids cooking classes. And, amid a growing baby food business and consulting career, her trajectory would be altered by a move to South Carolina to follow her husband's dream that would define how the family uses their name to have faith while living on the "Edge."

[00:11:00] "The next step may be the floor is there, maybe it's not" is how this solopreneur described her journey and learning to pivot.

[00:14:57] Sometimes, entrepreneurship finds you, or you find it. Creating an organic baby food business turned nutrition and healthy living business rooted in Christian principles was unplanned. Adrienne says the call to entrepreneurship chased her down. Great job opportunities would come, and then they would go leaving space to utilize hidden skills learned from her grandparents and a realization that the hodgepodge of God-given talent would not go wasted.

[00:24:40] A love for cooking and a passion for providing nutritional food for her children would open the door to creating a plant-based regiment to address some health risks and allergies in the family. That journey has formed ProFIT Family Wellness that has a dual focus on fitness and financial wellness.  

[00:28:18] Leveraging the family's name, Edge, and including the kids is part of the family's Facebook-branded presence, where live food preparations and tastings occur. The use of social media to capture organic conversations draw listeners who want to connect through real-time experiences. Help families and kids eat well, move more, and be fit for life through food and fitness classes that affirm a need to trust God even when you live on the Edge.

[00:43:52] Trusting the journey, having faith, and not feeling like her role as wife and mother left her dreams deferred is how Adrienne found a way to have it all at different intervals in her life. Listen to her journey can be heard on the podcast VedgeOut.Food, Faith and a Family Built on the "Edge"

Connect with Adrienne Edge

You can also follow and get in touch with Adrienne Edge personally through her LinkedIn. 

Learn about food, nutrition and attend fitness classes with details on Facebook.

A certified Revelation Wellness Trainer, catch Adrienne online at http://www.profitfamilywellness.com/

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!  

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

• Don't focus on the business; focus on yourself.
• Don't say I'm going to start a company. Say I'm going to build my passion.
• Become the leading expert in a field that no one thinks is important  
• 
  

So says Elliott Masie, a professed geek, and architect of the term "E-learning" who operates The Learning CONSORTIUM at the Masie Center. It is the only fully dedicated research center, and networking organization focused on e-Learning and learning/technology research. He constructed one of the most successful conferences at Walt Disney that started with a passion for technology, how to use it, and connect people to learn ways to improve their skills. But having passion does not make a successful entrepreneur that starts as a solopreneur then grows to produce shows on Broadway and coin a term that would forever change an industry. Let's dig in. 

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels  

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.  

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast  

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to become larger companies' business owners.  

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs. Plus, those who have scaled their business and featured guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing, and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence).  

One of the show's strongest offerings is its ability to cover a broad spectrum of industries with people worldwide in a way that appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.  

Show Snapshots

[00:02:39] "Technology is like climate. You know, it's different around the world," is how Elliot Massie describes it while sharing that it will continue to become widely available in third world nations and beyond because the desire for knowledge "makes people hungry and thirsty and curious."

[00:06:27] Opportunities continue to be ripe in how technology can be leveraged even in third world countries like Rwanda, where things are even more advanced because using your phone to buy goods is the norm. It is these times of opportunities that keep Masie, a self-professed geek, intrigued and successful. What is Elliot's secret: "Don't focus on the business, focus on yourself." His passion drove him to seek answers to understand how to use technology to learn, teach things to get smarter, and grow the skills. These factors became the beginning of an E-learning enterprise.

[00:10:49] A solopreneur in his early 20s with an understanding that business grows when you grow your passion and that leads to building a company. The additional building block came in the form of advice from a college friend turned business partner. Learn to become the lead expert in a field that nobody knows is important, yet set the trajectory for a long career in learning and development.

[00:13:51] A love of technology and using it to teach people things in the learning area led to seminars and conferences that gathered learning professionals from around the world. Studying the competition and adding a unique component like world-class entertainment created a niche for the Masie Center's Learning Consortium that pairs learning, technology, and innovation. And, after 47 years in business, the advice of letting your passion lead you remains the driving factor that feeds a love for using technology to bring people together.  

[00:18:03] Known as the architect of the term "e-learning," navigating the ebb and flow of business where boredom of facilitating seminars and running conferences at one point meant selling and then re-purchasing the company. Staying the course of success mirrored paying attention to what the industry and customers desire to run the business organically is key and remain true.

[00:21:44] But how do you get people to buy into your concept, your passion? It's all about the story – not money! The better you become at telling a story that interests people, the more they listen. This opened the door to collaborative partnerships where Masie began his journey by teaching people at the YWC in exchange for a participant list. Use the currency that you have at your disposal.

[00:25:09] Building and sustaining a business means learning to be scrappy, and having a willingness to do things your competitor could never dream about doing. Recalling business icons like Steve Jobs, who did not have money when they began; instead, a significant and the guts to figure how best to use it become a formula that gets results.

[00:28:38] And, where do guts come from? Your tribe. The components found in your DNA and the stories of your roots and heritage are the Building of where you authentically come from, form the pillars and drivers that will allow you to build the business and sustain it.  

[00:37:39] Growing a business also means finding people the complement the areas in which you are not strong. Also, knowing how to price your goods and services can be challenging until you come to understand not to "let your definition be what you charge, have your definition be by what you contribute" Listen for a great example.

[00:46:08] Masie built a reputation for hosting the largest conference at Walt Disney after making strategic decisions about what he wanted to achieve and how that would allow him to remain faithful to his work style. Good partnerships and connections, innovative conference design, and opening the checkbook to attract notable speakers helped build a strong reputation. This formula produces a quality product that made the brand contagious for learning professionals and corporate sponsors. 

[00:49:16] Excelling in business requires acts that protect your reputation because "people are buying your skill, and they're buying your code of life, your code of conduct." Longevity is found in good ethics and giving back.

[00:52:14] From gathering the brightest minds in the learning and development industry to producing Broadway shows and mentoring others, Masie says one of his most significant contributions is possessing the ability ask good questions, not have good answers.

Connect with Elliott Masie Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM @ The MASIE Center  

You can also follow and get in touch with Elliott Masie personally through her LinkedIn.  

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!  

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

Looking for something different? Well, this podcast is definitely for you! In this episode of Solopreneur Journey, we profile Gerry McCants, one of the building blocks of the infamous Black Pages and BlackExpo.

Gerry shares his story of entering the world of entrepreneurship when a cultural shift was on the horizon as he and his business partner expanded the market for Black businesses. His advocacy for the development and expansion of economic opportunities continues in his role as a diversity and inclusion consultant for municipalities and private industries, highly-engaged agitator within civic organizations, and former Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Greensboro, NC. His journey reflects the ebb and flow of entrepreneurial success and boasts the innovative art of how to pivot. 

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels 

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities amid a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis. 

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast 

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to become larger companies' business owners.  

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs. Plus, those who have scaled their business and featured guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing, and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence).  

One of the show's strongest offerings is its ability to cover a broad spectrum of industries with people worldwide in a way that appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey. 

[00:03:00] In the southeastern part of Virginia birthed the dream and determination to start a business that began with sleeping in parking lots while crisscrossing southern states to sell the dream of promoting Black businesses. From that came an office space, a partnership, and a 20-year ride of business success.  

[00:06:12] Experiencing the cultural differences between Blacks and Whites in the South that exclude Black from participating in the mainstream economy sparked the fire for a lifetime commitment to Black business development. McCants believed then and now that Black people are intelligent, industrious, creative people who "have so much to offer." 

[00:13:00] The path to entrepreneurship can sometimes be unconventional. For Gerry, he could see the discipline, focus, and talent required to build and sell a product as the foundation of success. He went from managing a team of salespeople to launching his own company as he says there was just something about the Black Pages, and it something "I was meant to do and destined to do." McCants said It's in my DNA. One of my staff said you love black people. I said, yes, I do." 

[00:17:06] Sometimes, your business lays the foundation for your life's work. Black Pages did that as Gerry would cast his entrepreneurial net to advocate for a real understanding of diversity and inclusion and what it means. Businesses must know how to value their service when to contribute. The difference between the two so their talents will not be taken for granted and resources used without them receiving compensation. 

[00:27:35] How do you grow a business or move in a different direction when your business partnership reaches a point when you have opposing objectives?  

[00:33:30] Switching gears can bring new opportunities. For McCants, consulting on the power of creating a Black Ecosystem that would create private and government partnerships, provide access to capital and opportunities was a natural next step. It is the power of knowing you have options and learning to leverage them. 

[00:38:13] It was not a Harvard education, a wealthy family, and special programs that opened and kept doors open for McCants. So, what was it? "I can connect the dots and create relationships." The value of how to live in and build a village, navigate in the many lanes of a diverse Black community, coupled with a great HBCU (Historically Black College and University) experience, were building blocks for a lifelong commitment to Black business development. Now what? 

[00:44:03] Civic engagement is the compliment of successful business development. McCants dedicates time to his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, the Greensboro Business League, and is co-founder of the International Civil Rights Museum in Greens in Greensboro, North Carolina. The work continues to advocate for equity for Black-owned businesses and increased economic development.  

[00:48:37] Individual commitment to the business is the beginning. Personal commitment to one's community must be even larger by McCants' standard. He believes the Black business community must work harder, collaborate and do business with each other to sustain itself.  

[00:50:30] And in all things, balance and a solid perspective are necessary. Achieving that means knowing how to manage what drives your passion and having a realistic grasp of the dreams that you chase as an entrepreneur. Learn the value of having peace and enjoyment of life because "sometimes we forget that while we're so busy trying to beat the clock, the clock isn't going nowhere. Stop trying to beat the clock".  

Connect with Gerry at McCants, LLC 

You can also follow and get in touch with Gerry McCants personally through her LinkedIn. 

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey!  

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.  

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs, or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify, and Stitcher.  

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm that specializes in executive coaching, cultural competency, and develop leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities in the midst of a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin’ it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to becoming business owners of larger companies.

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs and those who have scaled their business featured as guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence). 

One of the shows strongest offerings is its ability to cover a wide spectrum of industries with people around the globe in a way the appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.

Making Her Own Path

[04:13]  With opportunities scarce due to a big recession and Julie King armed with her university degree she was told she “could be a secretary at an insurance company.” Despite things being tough, she refused to be limited. “I thought, I'm not going to accept no opportunity, I'm going to make my own opportunity.”.

The 2 million business build-up

[05:26] From college student to wife and then mother with a strong desire to build to chase an entrepreneurial dream came Canada One magazine that grew to have 2 million people visiting the website annually. And then, a love for technology opens the door to breakthrough opportunities to create data driven portals for a new customer base.

When to Pivot

[07:11] Every business has peaks and valleys that are planned and others that are unforeseen. So, how do you know when to pivot and adjust your business model? Julie says “the market tells you.”

Learn the Lessons of the Past

[08:12] Even industry giants like Kodak and Fujifilm face the difficulty of how to listen to the marketplace and make strategic moves that maintains stability and yet, make room for growth. Julie shares the example of how Kodak made the first digital camera but wasn’t ready to let go of film, leaving space for Fujifilm to enter the market digital. You must recognize when (to adjust your business model) to meet your customers’ demand.

The Path to Business Growth

[16:23] Finding success comes with self-analysis, pursing your passion to find happiness and knowing how to use your strengths. And, wherever your weaknesses exist, fill that gap with someone who can help. 

[37:55] The ability to scale a business requires having a solid understanding of your organization’s  infrastructure to establish the critical components to grow, scale and evolve.

Steering the Helm

[47:23] Running a business can come with different challenges when you are a woman. But it also opens the door to create opportunities for others. Paying it forward has translated to opening the doors to interns and new hirers who add value to the business and represent authentic interest in hiring quality, not just quantity.

[51:37] Achieving greatness or finding success is relative to each person and looks different through each person’s lens. “Success is more important, because it's your own journey and you define the rules, and you don't get trapped by what society tells you to be.”

Connect with Julie King and Biz-Zone Internet Group

If you want to know more about Biz-Zone Internet Group Inc., visit their website t https://www.bizzone.com/about/team/index.html .

You can also connect with Julie on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and background.

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show. 

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Apple, Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify and Stitcher.

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm that specializes in executive coaching, cultural competency, and develop leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities in the midst of a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin’ it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to becoming business owners of larger companies.

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs and those who have scaled their business featured as guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence). 

One of the shows strongest offerings is its ability to cover a wide spectrum of industries with people around the globe in a way the appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.

Choosing a Business Focused on the Minority Communities

In this episode of The Solopreneur Journey podcast, we had the opportunity to speak to Tyrone Taborn, CEO and Publisher of Career Communications Group, Inc (CCG). He shares his journey to build a communications enterprise focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) achievements by women and people of color.  

5:17

When going into the business, Tyrone's primary mission was not to make a living or bring wealth but to make a difference.

7:06

If people of color are given opportunities, found opportunities, and fought for them, change is possible.

8:09

CCG's first project was a newspaper at Cornell University. The company developed the largest group of magazines aimed at individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Later on, they added two of the world's largest conferences, aimed at minority and underrepresented professionals. All of these pieces were about creating hope and dreams and showing what was possible—and letting people know that you could write your narrative.

12:09

Helping Black communities with diverse challenges extended to CCG providing support in Jamaica 10 years ago to provide computers in the post office to help bridge the digital divide.

Scaling a Business in the Niche Market of STEM

13:13

You can go into business with the concept of making a livelihood and earning great money. Or you can look at life differently and see a need because people have been ignored and undervalued. You know you can do something different, and out of that can come some unbelievable opportunities.

20:51

We need a lot of competition because the need is so great. Everyone is encouraged to get into this area because there's more than enough business to go around. We need all the competition of good people to make a real attempt and create change.

27:11

When the black engineer conference started almost 35 years ago, five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were accredited in engineering. Since that time, we now have 15. We're a long way from where we should be. But we're also a long way from where we were. Progress is every day.

Pivoting During the Pandemic

26:47

It is about embracing digital and work with the understanding that what is most important is the content. Then, determine how do you take content, reposition content, and put it back out there.

27:52

The biggest challenge right now for CCG is finding a way to increase our digital footprint. Although we had always utilized a digital platform before other people did, what's happening now is that everybody's catching up with the technology. So CCG has to scale up and make sure the technology we use gives convenience and easier navigation.

Creating the strategy and adding layers to help build the business

31:00

It's easy to get into business, but it's hard to stay in business, and nothing's guaranteed. CCG continues to live by its core values. Number one is to respect its team members and their contributions.

32:19

Have integrity. Do not cheat on your products. Do not cheat on your services.

40:48

If you're not looking at partners and bringing other people in, then you're doing yourself a bit of a disservice.

42:30

CCG added corporate partners, educators, and people who have extreme needs. They reacted to their needs and what is needed in that marketplace.

43:09

Always think of expanding every area, every opportunity that you see out there. If you do that, you're going to grow.

 Key Quotes

16:02-16:12

• "There's always a crisis. Life is a crisis. The only difference is, what crisis are you focusing on today?"

17:09-17:20

• "If you look at the world, and you think you're going to get through this without any kind of struggle, any kind of crisis in the world, you do not grow at all."

22:36-22:43

• "We lose sight of what our real goal is when we look at what our neighbor has."

50:55-51:12

• "Join every group that you can. Build that network. The more people know you, the more you will have an opportunity to grow your business and not be a solo entrepreneur, but be that social entrepreneur."

52:49-53:49

• "If you truly believe every person matters, then you treat every person that way."

Connect with Tyrone and CCG

If you want to know more about CCG, visit their website at https://intouch.ccgmag.com/.

You can also connect with Tyrone on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and background.

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show. 

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Apple, Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify and Stitcher.

Looking for something different? Well, this podcast is definitely for you! In this episode of Solopreneur Journey, we are joining the upcoming Nov 8, 2020 National STEM Day celebration. The acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and we Lisa Jones, founder of EyeMail Inc sharing her groundbreaking technology.  

In 2004, with a vision to make her own path, Lisa took her concept and began to make it a reality. Through relationships, networking, and determination, Lisa has developed multiple, patent-pending technologies within the digital video-in-email marketing space. The goal of EyeMail is to improve interpersonal connections in our global community though engaging email experiences.

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm that specializes in executive coaching, cultural competency, and develop leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. The book talks about how to find opportunities in the midst of a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin’ it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to becoming business owners of larger companies.

You will glean lessons from everyday solopreneurs and those who have scaled their business featured as guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence). 

One of the shows strongest offerings is its ability to cover a wide spectrum of industries with people around the globe in a way the appeals to our audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.

Fulfilling Your Life’s Greatest Potential

4:02

Lisa started as a corporate executive for  the  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) but always knew there was something more within her that she wanted to explore, to live her life's greatest potential. But it didn't materialize or to show up until something major happened in my life.

Giving Email Personality

7:20

What if we could bring email to life? What if we could have a personality so that when you open it, you are immediately engaged with video, visuals, and things like that. And so, with that, Lisa started the journey of EyeMail.

Corporate Executive to CEO

10:43

Lisa stayed in corporate America as an executive for several years, and she worked every single day on EyeMail. After working her 9 to 5, she would on EyeMail until 3 am every single day for years. And then the moment came, time to transition to a full time CEO.

Knowing the Value of Your Customer

12:10

You need to understand that your business is there to serve the customer. It's not about your product. It's not about you. It's about how can you service your target customer.

Growing to Support Non-profit Organizations

20:05

EyeMail is looking at pivoting in multiple areas. As a global company, they now service non-profit organizations, where they are partnering with the Make A Wish Foundation, and that's where they grant wishes for critically ill children.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

29:18

For Solopreneurs, focus on your goal and mission every single day and just make it happen. Every day is not going to be sunshine and rainbows but it's about just staying that course no matter what!

31:56

Always listen for new opportunities to contribute and to grow. And to learn even in the darkness, or even by yourself. And always stay focused. Focus on your dream every single day, even without the structure. Take the ideas out of your head or thought process, put it on paper, so at least you could look at it every day. When you write it down, it's more concrete.

32:34

Understand that you as one person have so much power.

36:34

As an entrepreneur, celebrate your small and your large successes. A success could be anything that you determine it to be.

40:07

Expand your network. Sign up for some events amid COVID of this situation. Expand your knowledge base, note of people that are in those zoom sessions, and reach out to them take a chance to reach out you have nothing to lose and all to gain.

Lisa Key Quotes:

8:43-8:52

“Entrepreneurship was another channel for me to grow. And so, I think entrepreneurship found me and it was just part of my DNA of me to just explore it further”

18:53:19:02

“You got to pace yourself to know that it's okay. That the small and the big steps count every single day and to just take one step forward as you can.”

28:56-29:10

“In the darkness of it all as a solopreneur and building your brand, we need things to smile about to laugh about, to share and to grow.”

Connect with Lisa at EyeMail

Want to know more of EyeMail’s services and products? Visit their website at http://www.eyemailinc.com/ and bring your email to life.

You can also follow and get in touch with Lisa Jones personally through her LinkedIn.

EyeMail Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show. 

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Listen to us on Amazon Music, Deezer, Gaana, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Podchaser, Radio Public, Saavan, Spotify and Stitcher.

Today, our Guest Rudi Page, is the truest example of a solopreneur who knew early in his career that working for others was not his calling. As all great entrepreneurs do, he coupled his years working for others with a passion for creating his own way forward to design a consulting business rooted in strategic global partnerships.

Today's Guest: A Bit About Rudi Page.

Rudi Page has pioneered the mastery of implementation for over 30 years through experiential learning and reflection across the private, public, community, faith, and Diaspora sectors. He is an award-winning consultant from the United Kingdom who developed the Diaspora Delivery System and is the co-founder of Caribbean Diaspora Health System.

He co-ordinates "Circle of Knowledge," a unique network that connects people with poly skills and is a serial entrepreneur collaborating on projects with strategic partners across multiple industries.

Brief Background of Host of The Solopreneur Journey Podcast, Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels

[0:27 – 0:58]

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm that specializes in executive coaching, cultural competency, and develop leaders. She is also the author of four books, with her latest becoming a bestseller, Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. This book talks about how to find opportunities in the midst of a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin’ it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to becoming business owners of larger companies.

You will glean lessons everyday solopreneurs and those who have scaled their business featured as guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence). One of the shows strongest offerings is its ability to cover a wide spectrum of industries with people around the globe in a way the appeals to its audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.

Surviving the Windrush Generation

[00:04:25] "To will the ends is to will the means," is how Rudi describes the determination to succeed born out of parents linked by their Caribbean heritage and being a part of the harsh Windrush generation who were rejected by UK society. Facing legal abject discrimination planted the seed for his entrepreneurial journey because "in a society like that it either defines you or reduces you."

 Entrepreneurial Mindset Means Pushing Past the Unknown

[00:05:08]

Rudi discusses his thoughts on building business alliances in Ghana, Singapore, the Caribbean, and beyond as looking beyond the distance, different cultures, and language to remain determined "to reach the goals set for me."

Growing from the Black, Caribbean Market to South Africa

[00:12:56] Rudi shares how he leveraged his international development experience as a consultant and years in South African to bolster opportunities that pulled on his transferrable skills to cultivate new business opportunities

Technology and Partnerships that Grow Business 

[00:16:21] For Rudi, technology was his greatest challenge as a solopreneur. But he realizes technology has no gatekeeper and opens doors to unchartered waters. He expresses the value of embracing technology and cultivating partnerships, as he has done to create content, pool resources, and share revenues across his business ventures.

How Rudi and Collaborative Business Partners Sustain During the Pandemic

[00:22:40] 

Learning to make a shift in mindset to embrace online technology as a substitute for in-person connection while challenging, has allowed for new ways to broaden client relationships and reach new clients. 

Rudi says the ability to increase accessibility and collaborate has strengthened interacted and improved sales.

Rudi's Social Networks: 

Instagram: @rudipage

Twitter: @rudiglobal

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are blazing new pathways in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show. 

To learn more about resources for Solopreneurs, sponsorship of our special programs or to become a guest, visit us at www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net.

She LOVES learning, starting and launching new creative projects, and being involved in multiple things at a time. It’s been both her blessing and a curse. She is a brand and communications strategist who helps entrepreneurs design and launch powerful online and offline marketing strategies and tactics.

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast Host Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels 

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing the best in you. She is also a bestselling author of four books, with her latest release, Three Sides of Every Crisis. This book talks about how to find opportunities during a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs growing their businesses into larger companies. 

You will glean lessons every day from solopreneurs and those who guests who pay it forward by sharing their success stories—solopreneur journey.

Today's Show with Annmarie Cross

Do you want to know how to strengthen your online presence and how to use your career experience to pivot toward business ownership? Brand Strategist Annmarie Cross gives you those answers today.

 How Crisis Breeds Creativity and Co-dependency 

[00:01:09] I think the crisis has put us to the test on the things that we say. And I believe every difficult situation like this really forces you to pull out your creativity and innovation. So you will see some great things come to the surface because of it.

[00:02:01] Exactly. Exactly. Let's put greyed aside so much resource around the world, around the planet for everyone. Let's truth and support. It's so true.

[00:02:13] When I wrote a book about this crisis, and I was saying we are closer together than we are apart because what we're realizing is collaboration is critical because we've become so intermingled, so interlocked, and our ability to go further [00:02:30.00] and advance where we want to be…means you've got to have some sense of co-dependency.

[00:04:52]. There's some exciting things ahead. And I love the way that you were talking about collaborating and sharing and co-dependency…(not) disempowering co-dependency if you will.

The Road to Entrepreneurship

[00:05:47] And it's interesting you mention that. So, tell me, did entrepreneurship find you, or did you find it?

 [00:05:54] Great question. I think a bit of both. It was nurtured, and I think it was part of my nature.

Willingness to Change Before Things Are Broken

[00:11:54] Some people think of change like it's a six-letter cuss word saying if it's not broken…we don't have to fix it, but sometimes it's a matter of doing it better. For example, we all can identify with this. You remember when we made phone calls when we were younger, and we would push the button, and some of us would stick our finger in a hole and make a call, you know, that was fine. Do you remember the first bag phone?  

[00:13:02] And it was one of those phones that you kind of had to hold it to me. They were really big, and I had to carry around like a backpack or something like that. I just look at it every now and again, he'd let me borrow his car, and I'd sit with this mobile phone, you know? That's right. It was so funny, I tell you.

[00:13:25] And then, you know, from that came the little tiny things that now fit in the palms of our hands. So it wasn't a matter in that case where something was broken or something necessarily needed to be fixed. But it was about introducing something new, something cutting edge. And it has changed the way we're able to connect across this globe.

 Dealing with Business Startup Misconceptions

[00:14:08] And one of them is, you know, build it and they will come. 

Recognizing that when you cast a vision, that vision is just not going to happen overnight..

[00:14:55] Often, it's in those waiting periods that you're building the strength, you're [00:15:00.00] building the character, you're building the key foundations is going to support you in building that business.

Where Annmarie Excels – Personal Branding

[00:19:04] I'm supporting people is something that really draws on that career experience. And (helping them) really understanding their unique personal brand, their distinguishable aspects of themselves, that when they bring that out in a message and in content and the things that they share, that really positions them as a trusted authority in their field.

[00:17:57] So many more businesses are online, which is great. But it also means that we need to re-evaluate messaging and positioning how we really honing into that nature.

 Using Online Tools to Expand Reach – What Not To Do?

 [00:19:07] You know, people often come to me because they want to start a podcast as a way to overcome a challenge that they're not getting enough reach, and they're not getting enough clients. And when we take a step back and look at the message, the message is not even working in how they're sharing it online anyway. So, I say to people, there's no point [00:19:30.00] starting a podcast because it's only going to amplify the message that you're sharing already. And if it's not working now, it's not going to work on a podcast.

 Surviving As A Solopreneur

[00:21:33] When I when I wrote the other book (Growing Solopreneur Businesses Through Collaboration).. and how it's so critical to have to collaborate, that's the only way you're going to make it as a solopreneur.

Making a Pivot After Losing a Job to Starting a Business

[00:22:28] What's the one thing you would give advice to a solid partner to do when they are trying to pivot from perhaps losing their job?

[00:22:46] Thinking or assuming that we need to have all of the things in place, all of the things, a website, you know, business card, all of those things. [00:23:16] Well, guess what? I would rather see someone build a solid business, do it slowly, and you can do that. So don't think you need a website. Don't think you need this, this and this. You don't at all. What I would do is start with what you know. There may be a specific area that you've excelled in your career. It's a real strength of yours. So what you need to start to do is research and find people, individuals, organizations, other businesses that might be the spot with your close community and identify where the greatest need is and how you can support them.

[00:23:59] And guess what? Start supporting people. Start putting together some ways that you can help them. And then what you're doing is you're starting to create some success stories.

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are killin' it in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels with business icons and industry tycoons who pay-it-forward to share their solopreneur start and how found great success.

What Makes Us Different?

We are all about learning to Build Beyond Just Business so when you join our Solopreneur Movement tap into:

• On-demand Courses designed to accelerate your knowledge
• Books on how to Build, Grow and Sustain your business
• Opportunities to win Seed Money for your business
• Attend our Solopreneur Symposium coming in 2021
• Advertise on The Solopreneur Journey podcast or our sister program Tenacious Woman Living Globally
• Participate in a Business Building Masterclass
• Get Coaching from Leadership Expert and Bestselling Author Jewel Daniels

Solopreneurs are the fastest-growing, most agile entrepreneurs on the planet! Visit us at: www.TheSolopreneurJourney.net. Subscribe so you can begin to tap into what you need to achieve your phenomenal goals.

In this episode, I share the airwaves with Jaquan Newsome of BeFitnomenal. He is a young entrepreneur who took his kinesiology degree and turned it into an opportunity to change his family's negative health patterns. Then, he took it up a level to help professionals get and stay fit. Check out what Jaquan learned from his first entrepreneurial venture and how he is remaining steady during this pandemic.

Today's Guest: A Bit About Jaquan Newsome

Jaquan is a fitness coach with ten years of experience, passionate about health, and how to help people be healthier by designing customized health plans. He is the host of "Hustle Health Podcast," where he talks about mental health, physical health, and financial health and gives advice about reaching it.

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast Host Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels 

[0:27 – 0:58]

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching, cultural competency, and developing the best in you. She is also a bestselling author of four books, with her latest release, Three Sides of Every Crisis. This book talks about how to find opportunities during a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize, and take action to #kickthecrisis.

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

[1:00 – 1:38]

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin' it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs growing their businesses into larger companies. 

You will glean lessons every day from solopreneurs and those who guests who pay it forward by sharing their success stories—solopreneur journey.

Jaquan's pivot during COVID 19 environment.

[8:07 – 8:57]

He shares how the COVID 19 environment challenged him to pivot from in-person fitness classes to deliver online health and physical maintenance for his clients. The sweetest part became the realization of a goal fulfilled due to the crisis.

From Crisis to New Business Opportunities.

[9:10 – 9:37]

Jaquan finds a gem with launching his YouTube channel that moved from no subscribers to over 2,000, learning the value of reaching out online. 

Creating a Model for Family Entrepreneurship. 

[11:06 – 11:20]

The first entrepreneur in his family, Jaquan, has helped his relatives change their thinking and open their eyes to explore possible business ventures.

The Challenge and Triumph of Being a Solopreneur. 

[12:00 – 12:47]

Jaquan says it's cool getting to see your abilities, resilience, and what you are capable of doing. Yet, long hours and trying to do it all yourself is not good. "That's not how you scale up, that's not how you have a successful business," he said. Once you get to a certain point, you know always try to look to delegate and always look for support because you can't do everything by yourself. Even if you can, you're going to go a lot slower than you if you have some help." 

The parallel between growing a business and becoming fit. 

[ 19:09 – 21:09 ]

In the beginning, things are difficult, but you find strength when you keep at it, getting better and stronger over time.

Defining success versus greatness

[ 22:58 – 29:40 ]

In his words, "The way we live shouldn't be just for us. People should look at our lives and be somewhat inspired to make a change, which makes the world a better place. I want to make an impact." 

Jaquan's Social Networks: 

•  Instagram: @befitnomenal
• Podcast Instagram: @hustlehealthpodcast
• Youtube: Youtube.com/c/BeFitnomenal

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to everyday single-shingle stories, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are killin' it in business! Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels with business icons and industry tycoons who pay-it-forward to share their solopreneur start and how found great success.

I love the company's opening statement, "Name one entrepreneur who's succeeded alone. We'll wait." It explains that entrepreneurs need each other to flourish, which is the basis for the mentor's network of like-minded individuals and vital resources to help you achieve your goals. 

Here David explains how he found a way to help entrepreneurs across the globe connect in ways that accelerate their business and bring him joy.

[0:27-0:58]

Brief Background of Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniel (Host of Solopreneur Podcast)

Jewel Daniels is the head of Daniels Communications Global, a leadership development firm that specializes in executive coaching, cultural competency, and develop the best in you. She is also a bestselling author of four books, with her latest release, Three Sides of Every Crisis. This book talks about how to find opportunities in the midst of a crisis by learning to adjust your perspective so you can pivot, strategize and take action to #kickthecrisis.

[1:00-1:38]

About The Solopreneur Journey Podcast

The Solopreneur Journey Podcast reaches out solo entrepreneurs, single-shingle, one-person enterprises who are just starting their business or killin’ it in business. The show is ripe with information for those transitioning from careers to become entrepreneurs and growing to becoming business owners of larger companies.

You will glean lessons everyday solopreneurs and those who have scaled their business featured as guests who pay it forward to share leadership lessons, the power of collaboration, how to price your goods and services, negotiation, marketing and practicing excellent EQ (emotional intelligence). One of the shows strongest offerings is its ability to cover a wide spectrum of industries with people around the globe in a way the appeals to its audience by meeting people where they are along their solopreneur journey.

[08:53-09:47]

In this episode of Solopreneur Podcast, David Wagstaff founder of Chief Dream Maker of EPRENZ. Their mission is to make a meaningful difference to 100,000 entrepreneurs by May 2024 and as of this writing, they already have 88,000 members in the group.

They want to make a difference regardless of someone's ability to pay. Regardless of where they sit around the globe.

Who David Has Helped through Eprenz

[18:45-19:08]

David has a client from India who started attending their open group. David and his team helped him with his personal income in a way of cleaning up his resume, making it professional looking that will help him get a job that will pay five or ten times what he’s earning. They are also setting him up as a freelancer to do engineering design, given his background mechanical design.

[19:37-19:51]

The foundational piece they’ve been working on is building the LinkedIn Profile, resume, freelance websites, all of those things. Then the other piece is to help him paint the journey of where he’s going.

Biggest Misconception and Lessons Learned about Running a Business

[22:06-22:18]

When you start out as an entrepreneur, you get really clear on your own personal limitations, those things you can do well. But there are so many different things you need to be good at too.

[23:04-23:13]

The importance of teams come in. Whether they're employees or contractors, or just advisors that are helping you.

[23:29-23:48]

Running a business is about collaboration. It's about strengthening your emotional intelligence skills, so that you understand not just you, and how you respond to things, but you have this level of sensitivity and empathy for the people who you're dealing with.

[33:13-33:35]

Being a solopreneur gives you a real opportunity to talk to your customers every single day, and have that feedback. You have to opportunity to see what's happening right away. And if there's something that isn't going right, you can get on top of it right away and talk to the customer.

View on Competitors

[40:35-40:49]

When you are an entrepreneur, make sure you are understanding who your competitors are. And it’s important to answer your question “how do we view our business?” But most importantly, look at what is it that your customers want? By having an abundance outlook, you will see that competitors can provide great content, and you can also provide great content. And if you’re innovative, you may be able to do it in different ways than they do it.

How to Stay on Top of People’s Minds

[40:55-41:15]

The most important thing is to continue to try to deliver value for them. Getting behind their dreams and aspirations. It’s not what we want to deliver to them, it's what is it that they can use to help them achieve their dreams.

Building the Circle of Accountability

[46:31-46:39]

You want to be with people who care about you, and are there purely for your best interest. They have to be willing to be honest with you.

Business Book Mentioned in this podcast:

Three Sides of Every Crisis: Strategies to Sustain Business, Manage Your Career and Take Care of You. Also available on Amazon.

To get to know more about David Wagstaff and his team, visit his website at https://eprenz.com/ and connect with him on his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwagstaff/.

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are killin' it in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show. 

Retired U.S. Army officer Jean Turner shares her history of transitioning from her full-time job as a combat nurse to launch her multimedia company. Her story shows how she learned to weave her passion for health, nutrition, and ministry with leadership skills perfected in the military to build a business, Spirit of a Warrior Enterprises. 

Jean is the author of several journals and books to include His Story, Her Story, God's Glory. It is a personal account of how she beat a malignant tumor in 2018, faced cardiac arrest, and live to run a 5k race told through the lens of Jean and her husband. 

Jean's story represents the peaks and valleys of The Solopreneur Journey that tests your will, skill, and capacity to survive when faced with grave adversity like this pandemic. She did it, and so can you!

Press play and listen to this amazing story where health challenges were not a barrier to success. 

Who's Jean Turner:

Jean is a retired U.S. Army officer and owner of the Spirit of a Warrior Enterprises, her multimedia company. She is also the author of several books including "His Story, Her Story, God's Glory" where she talks about how she beat a malignant tumor in 2018, faced cardiac arrest, and lived to run a 5k race, everything told through the lens of Jean and her husband.

Jean’s Social Networks:

Website | www.Spiritofawarrior.life

What you will hear:

• 5:00 Jean talks about how entrepreneurship found her.
• 6:53 The power of when you 'Plant the seed in your business’.
• 10:04 Jean talks about her first big project and how it happened.
• 12:59 Jean's health challenges and how her testimony resulted in the book, "His Story, Her Story, God’ s Glory" she co-authored with her husband.
• 14:30 What it means for Jean to have her husband to support her in her solopreneur journey and their projects together.
• 16:33 Jean's peaks and valleys of her solopreneur journey.
• 20:36 How Jean works with her team. How they help her deliver of God's gifts and talents.
• 22:30 What encourages Jean to not give up.
• 29:42 What was Jean's biggest misconception about running a business.
• 37:47 How she tackles the greatest challenges of running a business.
• 45:07 Jean shares her position about using the revenue to start a business.
• 47:48 Jean's podcast and where to listen to it.
• 51:12 The relationships as the new currency businesses: the importance of them.
• 56:36 Where to find Jean.

We keep it real on The Solopreneur Journey! 

Listen to stories of everyday single-shingle, owners of one-person enterprises who are new entrants, and those who are killin' it in business!  Tune in each week with Ex-pat Entrepreneur Jewel Daniels to hear from business icons and industry tycoons who started as solopreneurs to find great success and are willing to pay-it-forward on our show.