DREAM THINK DO I Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

Last week I started a series where I'm putting the spotlight on some of my heroes: These are people that have inspired and helped me and I can't wait to introduce them to you. To continue the series today, we're going to talk about one of the biggest fears in the world: The fear of public speaking! Listen To The Podcast: We’re going after it with a long-time friend and a long-time hero, Felicia Slattery. Felicia is a award-winning professional speaker. She's works one-on-one with experts, entrepreneurs, CEOs, celebrities…  to help them to connect with people on a human level from the stage and from online, as well as, build relationships that last. Right from the start of my business, Felicia welcomed me as a peer and helped set me up for success.  She is someone you can listen to and count on. She’s the real deal. Whether you want to be a professional speaker or just be more effective in any speaking scenario, Felicia Slattery will share GREAT strategies that you can apply that will enable you to DREAM THINK DO. Felicia, welcome to "Dream.Think.Do." Wow. Thanks, Mitch. I'm so excited to be here. It's a long time coming. I want to back up. You're one of my heroes. I literally, I mean that. I think I've shared this story with you, but if not, you were the Emcee at one of the first events that I got to speak at as a professional speaker. Do you remember that years and years ago? It was like 400 years ago. I do remember that. It was fantastic. Yeah. Well, I don’t know if I’ve told you this story before, but my business was just getting started. We'd gone through some setbacks at the time as well. I remember checking in at the hotel hoping that no one from the conference was going to be there because I was a little worried about my credit card clearing! I was there. I was passionate about the message I was going to give it. It was a Big Dream Gathering, kind of at the first time we were ever really doing it in a conference setting. But there was that imposter syndrome thing creeping up on me, all of those fears, all those doubts of should I really be here? Should people really listen to me? Do I belong here? As you Emceed, you just controlled the room. Right from the start, you welcomed me as a peer. You set me up for so much success. You warmed that audience up. They were on the edge of their seats. We had a great time. Then the next day, you got up and you actually spoke about my talk and said, "Guys, listen. He's going places. You should listen to him.”  I'm getting a little misty as I tell this, but that message mattered to me so much. It spoke to my heart and that gave me juice for years to come. I just so appreciated how took control of the room. You cared about us. You set me up for success, but those comments you said the next day. It went deep in my heart. You're a long time hero of mine. Aw, you just gave me chills. I'm so happy. Honestly, that's one of the things that as a speaker, we just never know who we're impacting with our words. I had no way of knowing. I don't think you came up to me right afterwards. I don't know that you told me that then, but I'll tell you - Just hearing years later, for you to remember some seemingly just normal thing that I would say at an event because I'm boosting up the speakers. That's part of my job, but also, I don't say anything that I don't also believe. Of course, I meant every word, but it was like I barely would even remember saying that. But I do remember your presentation? Yes, because you were amazing. Thank you. I just want to tell you DREAM THINK DO-ers, this is a person you can listen to. You can probably already tell, she does an incredible job in front of an audience, speaks to thousands of people. She’s the real deal. I say all of that because I just want to jump right into her wisdom here. We're going to go after this. I know you work with all sorts of different types of folks.

Today I'm starting a series where I'm focusing on some of my heroes: People who may or may not be a household name, but they certainly deserve to be. These are people that have inspired me and I can't wait to introduce them to you. Listen To The Podcast: Today, we are talking with Ben Stein, an award-winning teacher and golf coach here in MY town… Des Moines, Iowa. Ben has been a social studies teacher for 16 years. He now teaches at the junior high he attended as a teenager. How cool is that? He has had a huge impact on countless young people, including my two boys. And that's one of the reasons why I wanted to have him on. Ben has an incredible talent for making history live. When he was their teacher, our boys would come home charged up because Mr. Stein had told a great story and got the class talking about it.  As a result, we’d have marathon dinner table conversation. When you look at our history, when you dig into stories of grit, of determination, of collaboration, of healing, of heart, of sticktoitiveness… we can know more of where we came from and who we are. Ben truly wants to help these kids to dream, to think, to do. So let's get to it. Mr. Stein, Ben Stein, welcome to Dream. Think. Do! Thank you for having me. You and I have been friends for years now, but there's a part of me that still wants to call you Mr. Stein, in homage of you being a teacher, and a great one at that. You are too kind. I’m teaching at the school where I grew up, so I have the problem that I still want to call some of my co-workers who were teachers I had by, “Mr., Ms or Mrs.” I love it. We're going to get to some specific stories from history because I think we need to know more about our history right now. Dream. Think Doers are from all around the world. We have listeners from all over Europe, all over Africa - everywhere. So I will say this is a little bit more tip of the hat to U.S. history, but I think these stories are inspiring because they speak to that human spirit.  To grit. We're going to get to that in just a second, but we're going to start with Ben’s story. Did you always want to be a social studies teacher? Is that what you wanted to do or is this something that you found? You know, originally I wanted to play golf. I found out very quickly that I wasn't good enough, so I got my degree in English and then - what do you do with a degree in English? I was going into education to become a teacher, and it was shortly after 9/11. I realized how important it is for us to know who we are. And, as my good friend Oprah tells me - you don't know where you're going unless you know where you are. And as I'm learning more and more of these stories from history, it inspires me to share that with my students, to let them know who they are as Americans and what that means to prepare for the future. That's awesome. One of the things I appreciate is the sort of Socratic method you use in teaching. My boys would come home and mention that you'd share a story but then say, ‘Tim, what do you think of this?’ You would get them talking.  Our boys were fired up because they were engaged. Well, you know, there's a quote in my room which is the theme for the class. It's by Mark Twain, and goes: “History doesn't repeat. It rhymes.” So I start off class with a two minute current event on anything going on and we'll discuss it. It's funny how we can relate that to the same things that were going on 200 years ago, only. It's slightly different. I think that engages the kids because when you're talking about the current events around the world today and then relay that back to the 1700s, I think that's easier for kids to understand. Yeah, absolutely. I'm with you. Let’s dig into it. What are three stories from history that all Americans should know but probably don't? What were some of the stories that come to mind for you? Well George Washington of course comes to mind. To me,

Welcome to Dream. Think. Do. It’s great to be back – we’ve been on hiatus for a couple of weeks making a few changes...and I think you’ll like what we’ve done with the place! Listen To The Podcast: I’ll start off with some exciting news — that actually you are a major part of. We've been digging into the numbers and I discovered we’re in the top five percent of all podcasts! How cool is that? And it’s because of YOU! I know you really do believe in helping people to dream bigger, think better, and do more...do more of the stuff they were put on the planet to do. So thanks for sharing my podcast with your friends and colleagues and spreading the word! I’m grateful for you. I'm grateful that you're listening in today. I'm grateful that you're part of the Dream. Think. Do. movement...and together… we're making an impact by reaching people around the world. I couldn't do it without you. So for today...I'm going to share a term with you and its impact on me, but I'm also going to share some strategies with you that have helped me in big, big ways. I was recently listing to an audiobook from one of my favorite authors, Shawn Achor. It’s called BIG POTENTIAL - a great book with some really good psychological insight. One term that really struck me is what Shawn calls “Posttraumatic Growth”.  PTG basically boils down to A POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGE EXPERIENCED AS THE RESULT OF ADVERSITY leading to a higher level of functioning. Post-traumatic growth is not about returning to the same life as it was previously experienced before a period of traumatic suffering. Rather, it is about undergoing significant life changing psychological shifts in thinking and relating to the world in a way that contributes to a deep personal process of change. This concept of learning from challenging circumstances isn't necessarily a new idea. In fact, it's interesting — I wasn't preparing for this episode...I was just doing my morning rituals yesterday and was having some quiet time. I was enjoying a cup of coffee, reading, and praying. I was journaling and had picked up where I had left off in the Bible, the New Testament, in the book of Romans. You might be familiar with it, but there I was...I wasn't doing research for the episode. I was just doing my morning thing and I kind of picked up where I had been reading before, but then I came across Romans chapter five specifically. And it said we can rejoice to when we run into problems and trials for we know that they help us to develop endurance — and endurance develops strength of character — and the character strengthens our confidence, hope, and salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Now that was written a couple thousand years ago. And here, Paul, is basically talking about Posttraumatic growth — a new term to describe something that's obviously been around for centuries, if not since the beginning of time, right? Because we all have challenges, some of us more than others, but it's one of those things that sometimes we're in the thick of it and it can be extra challenging sometimes. I don't know about you, but some seasons in life just seem straight up, more challenging than others. There are those seasons, maybe short, maybe long. And then sometimes...everything's clicking. It seems easy. You can almost coast and everything is smooth sailing. But I have to admit, and I'm guessing since you're a Dream. Think. Doer...you'll get this...because sometimes if I experience  an easy stretch for too long, I almost wonder, “Am I really pushing myself?” Because when we go after dreams, when we go after things that we want to do or experience or achieve, whether we're stretching at work, whether we're stretching at home, whether we're stretching ourselves in relationships, if we're pushing for a dream, if we're going after it to make things happen, there are going to be rough spots, right?

This week, Mitch does a Deep Dive and talks about time he spent with an Equine Therapist.  The experience taught him a lot about what it means to be in the moment, fully present and peaceful.  Plus, Mitch shares a simple but powerful strategy that will help you to take a breath in the middle of a busy day and feel more peace so you can be at your best… and not miss the important moments in life. Listen To The Podcast: Seems like everyone’s feeling stressed out and anxious lately.   Maybe you’ve got a freakishly full schedule… maybe you’ve got a co-worker that’s being a jackweed… or maybe you get twisted up in knots as you think about the future.   STUFF.  It can pile up.  It can get in the way.  It can zap our ability to be at peace, be in the moment, be at our best and really enjoy life. Recently, I spent some time with a horse (& an equine therapist).  It taught me a LOT. I talk about it in this episode.  Plus, I offer up a 5-minute strategy you can use to be fully present and in the moment… even in the middle of those crazy-busy days! Plus, I share a story (captured in the video below) that will stick with me the rest of my days. PLUS… I NEED YOU: That’s right.  I want your input! After this episode, we’re taking a two week hiatus.  During our downtime, I’d LOVE to hear from you and get your thoughts on what YOU want to hear more of.  Who have been some of your favorite interviews and what have been some of your favorite topics so far? What subjects would you like me to dig into next?  Who would you like me to interview? Leave a comment below and let me know more of what YOU want! I talk about this more in the episode too.  So listen in and let me know! In the meantime, keep bringing your awesome, Mitch

Mitch talks with Phil Singleton about the new rules for Search Engine Optimization.  Phil co-wrote the bestselling book, “SEO for Growth: The Ultimate Guide for Marketers, Web Designers and Entrepreneurs,” with John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing.  It’s an Amazon bestseller and has been listed as a top marketing book by Mashable, Oracle and The Huffington Post. They talk about Phil’s top strategies for maximizing SEO in a world where search engines are are constantly changing the unwritten rules and algorithms.   Listen To The Podcast: I wanted to have Phil Singleton on Dream Think Do for multiple reasons. First off… Mashable and the Huffington Post say his book on SEO is a “MUST READ!”  His success stories and strategies have been featured on MSNBC and in Entrepreneur and Forbes.   Plus, I love the fact that he is still in the trenches daily helping clients with his own digital marketing agency based in Kansas City.  So, in our conversation… you’ll hear Phil offer specific steps and helpful tips for maximizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  Especially as most people are pulling their hair out trying to figure out Google’s ever-changing algorithms… Phil provides real-world and concrete concepts to help you grow your brand, increase traffic to your site and spread the word about your big idea, business or movement! So yes… SEO is one reason why I wanted to have him on DTD. But Phil also has had an interesting life journey involving some wandering, some traveling and some stumbling onto a passion which blossomed into an incredible career.  His journey took him through the Asia for over 10 years including Taipei and Taiwan, with stints in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Yup… he’s got a fascinating story.  And some great strategies. In the interview, we talk SEO strategies first. But then we talk about life… and how wandering a bit led him to his dream career. I think you’ll dig it.  If you do… please share it. Oh and also, please comment.  Let me know what stood out to you from Phil’s SEO tips and from his journey.  I’d love to hear what stuck with you! I can’t wait to hear from you. Mitch   Here’s Phil’s info too. Websites: http://kcwebdesigner.com/ https://seoforgrowth.com http://kcseopro.com/   Social Media Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/seokansascity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipmsingleton Twitter Personal: https://twitter.com/kcseopros Twitter Business: https://twitter.com/seoforgrowth

This week, Mitch Matthews interviews Dr. John Izzo about his newest book, ‘The Purpose Revolution.’  Izzo is a successful entrepreneur and leader, but he’s best known for being a trend spotter. In their conversation, they dig into the key trend that will impact the way we lead, market, train and retain employees, customers and clients.  Plus, if you truly understand it and harness its power, you can apply this important concept to the way you live your life too! Listen To The Podcast: Dr. John Izzo has been a pioneer on creating successful businesses. He has spoken to over one million people, advised over 500 companies, authored six bestselling books and helped some of the world’s most admired companies. But he’s probably best known for his ability to spot trends. When Izzo pinpoints an emerging trend… people listen.   His client list includes companies like... IBM, Qantas, the Mayo Clinic, Verizon, Westjet, Microsoft and McDonalds.  Plus, he’s been featured in Fast Company and the New York Times and CNN. In his newest book called “The Purpose Revolution,” Dr. Izzo speaks to a rising class of people worldwide who he’s convinced will shape the future of business.  He believes this isn’t about nationality, income, race or gender. He believes this is a class of people who aspire to have a good life while doing good. It’s a really interesting conversation.   I hope you dig it. And hey… leave a comment on what stood out to you!  I’d love to hear from you. Where are YOU seeing this trend play out?  Why do you think it’s important? Let me know. Also, be sure to grab your copy of Dr. Izzo’s book by clicking here.

James Whittaker | Think and Grow Rich for 2018 Mitch interviews successful author and entrepreneur, James Whittaker.  With Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ principles in mind, James interviewed successful entrepreneurs, thought-leaders and athletes like: Grant Cardone (property magnate), Barbara Corcoran (VC and star of ‘Shark Tank’) Rob Dyrdek (Skateboarder and millionaire business mogul), Warren Moon (first African-American quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame), Ocean Ramsey (global shark conservationist) and many others.  Whittaker and his team took their findings and created ‘Think and Grow Rich The Legacy’ - A feature-length docudrama and new book. Mitch talked with him about what he’s learned and how to apply these powerful concepts… today. Listen To The Podcast: I love James Whittaker’s story.   He loved Napoleon Hill’s classic book, ‘Think and Grow Rich.’ That’s not a big surprise.  This book has sold well over 100 million copies and has been a world-wide phenomenon. But James and his team decided it was time to update this classic and make it more accessible and applicable for our era. Armed with Hill’s principles, James interviewed successful entrepreneurs, thought-leaders and athletes from around the globe.   He talked with people like: Grant Cardone (property magnate) Barbara Corcoran (VC and star of ‘Shark Tank’) Rob Dyrdek (Skateboarder and millionaire business mogul) Warren Moon (First African-American quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame) Ocean Ramsey (Global shark conservationist) Bob Proctor (Best selling author and success coach) Plus, he and his team dug in even deeper into the stories behind Napoleon's original interviewees.   Their findings are fascinating, powerful and refreshingly simple! James wrote a book about what he found out.  Plus he became Executive Producer for a feature-length film called, “Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy.” In our interview, we talk about: Why people fail (and 3 keys to avoid failing) The biggest surprises from his interviews What makes some people achieve more (and do it consistently) How YOU can take an idea and create a book and movie The principle James says changed his life for the better… and how it uses it daily It’s a fascinating conversation.   Listen in.  You’ll be glad you did. To find out more about the film, go here: tgrmovie.com Go grab the book, go here: Amazon link | Barnes & Noble link Also, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what stood out to you.  Was it a story? A strategy? That awesome accent? What was it. Let me know.  I can’t wait to hear from you. Thanks.

Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh | Super Connector! - Stop networking. Do this instead. Mitch Matthews interviews Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh, co-authors of the new book, “Super Connector – Stop networking and start building business relationships that matter.” Scott Gerber is CEO of The Community Company… an organization that builds and manages professional communities for media companies and global brands. Ryan is the co-founder and COO of The Community Company. He also co-founded Brazen Careerist… a career-management site for high achieving young professionals and ambitious college students. They’ve had tremendous success in a short period and they credit their networks for that. In the interview, they cover specific strategies for building great business relationships that make the difference. Listen To The Podcast: Today I interview Scott Gerber & Ryan Paugh, the co-authors of the new book: “Super Connector - Stop networking and start building business relationships that matter.”   Both authors are successful entrepreneurs and executives. They both come from humble backgrounds and they have built successful businesses and impressive personal networks.  Now, they’re sharing how they did it. One of the things that makes this book so unique is Scott and Ryan are very different people.  One bold and brazen.  One quieter and introspective.  One extroverted.  One introverted.   So their strategies for expanding your connections and influence are helpful whether you love to network… or if you throw up just a little when you think about “networking opportunities.” Scott Gerber is CEO of The Community Company… an organization that builds and manages professional communities for media companies and global brands. He is the co-founder of YEC, an invitation-only organization for successful young entrepreneurs, and Forbes Councils, a collective of invitation-only organizations for world-class executives.  He’s also special advisor to Forbes Media, and author of the book Never Get a “Real” Job. Ryan is the co-founder and COO of The Community Company.  He first co-founded Brazen Careerist… a career-management site for high achieving young professionals and ambitious college students.  He then went on to co-found YEC with Scott.  YEC’s members now generate billions of dollars in revenue and have created tens of thousands of jobs. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER: One of the things I’ve learned from interviewing 200+ successful people over the years is that almost all of them point to their network being at the center of their success.  Friends who encourage them.  Business relationships who help get them in the door.  Advocates who help to seal the deal.  Fans who help them spread the word.   Your network matters.  Solid connections help us to reach our potential.  Great relationships make life richer. That’s why I’m excited for you to hear this interview.   I think you’ll dig it.   WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU? Leave a comment and let me know what story or strategy stood out to you.  What’s something you’re going to try?  I can’t wait to hear from YOU!   GRAB THE BOOK: Again, the book is called: Click here to grab a copy: “Super Connector - Stop networking and start building business relationships that matter.” Let me know what you think!   Keep bringing your awesome, Mitch

Robert Klinck Protect Your Dream & Ideas! Mitch interviews Robert "Bobby" Klinck about the intellectual property laws that exist to protect your big dreams and big ideas. Bobby is an I.P. attorney and Harvard Law graduate. He’s focused on helping entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators harness and protect their intellectual property. They also talk about how technology and social media are changing IP law and the things you need to know to protect your ideas and also stay within the law too! Listen in to be inspired and equipped. Listen To The Podcast: This week, I talk to Robert "Bobby" Klinck. He’s an intellectual property attorney who graduated from Harvard Law. Bobby’s dad was a small business owner, so he’s always had a heart for helping big thinkers and innovators harness and protect their ideas and dreams.   In our conversation, we dive into some of the biggest questions people have about how the law works and key strategies YOU can use right away to keep your ideas (and dreams) safe.  We also talk about how technology and social media are changing the legal landscape and the things you need to know on that front too! We also talk about how to stay within the law when it comes to sharing other people’s ideas too!   His down to earth style and his real world approach were really refreshing! If you’ve ever wondered about how to protect your ideas AND stay within the law as you do… listen in. I think you’ll dig it. And hey… leave a comment and let me know what stood out to you.  Plus, let me know what questions you still have.  We’d love to keep this conversation going and I know Bobby is all about getting you the answers you need! Mitch Bobby’s Contact Info: Website: www.youronlinegenius.com Social Media Links: https://twitter.com/BobbyKlinck https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertklinck https://www.facebook.com/youronlinegenius

The Scholarship System Check out Jocelyn’s Free Scholarship System Webinar   Jocelyn Pearson was a B-student in high school but she paid for 100% of her college with scholarships.  The scholarships weren’t awarded due to financial need either.  She earned them by figuring out a system for finding, applying for and winning scholarships.  Now, she teaches others how to earn scholarships and graduate from college with zero debt.  It’s not easy.  You have to work at it.  But her system has helped students and families around the country.  In this episode, we talk about her journey and some specific strategies to help you get started!   Listen To The Podcast:   Jocelyn Pearson was a B-student in high school.   Her parents made just enough money so she didn’t qualify for financial aid.  They wanted to help her pay for school, but since she had 5 siblings… they couldn’t. She had a decision to make.  She could take out student loans and go into debt.  Or… she could try to get scholarships.  She went with option B.  BIG time. Even though she was a student with no standout sports or academic achievements… she went after scholarships like. It. was. her. job. Af first… she had no luck.  But then she started to figure things out.  And it paid off. After four years of school (and a semester abroad) she graduated with ZERO debt.     Check out Jocelyn’s Free Scholarship System Webinar     What’s even better is her story didn’t stop there.  She started to teach her friends her “system” and it worked for them too!  Now, Jocelyn is teaching parents and students around the country how to go after scholarships no matter whether they’re academic or sports superstars or not! In this insightful episode of DREAM THINK DO… I talk with Jocelyn about her journey (which is really inspiring)!!  But we also dig into some of the specific steps within her “Scholarship System!” If you’re a student getting ready for college, you’re in college now, OR… you’re a parent or a friend of a current or future college student… you’re going to want to listen to this powerful conversation! Plus, if you can think of someone who needs some help and encouragement on this front… please share it with them! And hey… leave a comment on the part of Jocelyn’s story and/or the strategy that stood out to you!  I can’t wait to hear from you.