DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

In this episode of the DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast, Mitch Matthews talks with David Covey, co-author of the new book Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success. David talks about some of the most common traps that we fall into as well as innovative ways to get out. You're going to want to listen to his insights on outsmarting traps. Plus, since he's the son of Stephen R. Covey you'll also hear about what it was like to "grow up Covey." Listen To The Podcast: Success isn't accidental. It takes a lot of hard work to achieve your goals. Yet all of us, no matter how successful, can sometimes get bogged down and caught in traps. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could recognize the traps before they happened so we could avoid them in the first place? That's exactly what my guest on today's episode, David Covey, talks about in his new book. He shares a few traps that can trip us up and how we can evade them. He also reveals the trap that remains one of his biggest challenges. Tune in to be inspired about how to navigate and sidestep common traps that all of us face as we pursue our goals. You'll walk away with some practical advice that will help you stay on the path to DREAM bigger, THINK better and DO more. In this episode, you will… Hear about how David's formative early years prepared him for his current success Learn which trap catches people by surprise the most Gain insight into why distractions can slow us down from achieving goals Hear about a fun idea that can help you get out and stay out of debt Episode Resources Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success SMCOV The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People MitchMatthews.com/itunes DREAM. THINK. DO.

Mitch Matthews does a deep dive on how to start and run a successful Mastermind Group with The 5 C's of Effective Masterminds. He answers listener questions on who you should invite, how to get started, how to run an effective meeting and when to stop. Listen in and then start your own Mastermind Group! Listen To The Podcast: Benjamin Franklin swore by his. Thomas Edison too. Napoleon Hill was credited with coining the phrase but the concept has been around since before Socrates. Mastermind groups. The idea is simple. A core group of people who meet on a regular basis with the singular goal of helping and pushing each other to achieve more. This concept is the secret behind countless successful people from many industries. The question is: How can you tap into secret and start up your own mastermind group? That's exactly what I dig into with this week's DREAM THINK DO episode. I take specific questions from DREAM THINK DO-ers from around the world and I walk you through the "5 C's of Effective Mastermind Groups." These are the practical and powerful step-by-step concepts that have helped my own Mastermind group thrive for 10 years! I want you to have them! We'll talk about: Who you should invite How to get started How to run an effective meeting How to create a supportive environment When to quit (this is important too!) I think you'll dig it If you've ever wanted to achieve more in life… but you felt stuck. The Mastermind Group might be the secret sauce you've needed! So let's get you the ingredients to make it work! After you've listened… let me know what stood out to you. And… let me know if you still have questions on the subject. I'd love to hear from YOU! Leave a comment below and I'll get back to you. Keep bringing your awesome. Mitch

In this episode of the DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast, Mitch Matthews talks with Laura Lynn, creator of the Breezy and Brazen lifestyle blog. She writes about fashion, food, travel, and all things Nashville. She's also released a new book called Lifestyle Blogging Basics: A How-To for Investing in Yourself, Working with Brands, and Cultivating a Community Around Your Blog, which is full of great practical blogging tips. You won't want to miss this episode as we talk about how she learned to become a successful blogger. Listen To The Podcast: How do start a blog? Sure, you can just begin by writing one...but what if you want to build a successful blog or you're REALLY stuck on where to get started? Laura Lynn, my guest on today's episode, shares her inspirational story on writing a blog during college before she really understood what blogging was about. She talks about how pursuing something she loved has allowed her to build a life around writing about things she's passionate about, such as traveling, food, fashion and exploring Nashville. She's also just released a new book, which gives readers specific "how-to" instructions to create a successful blog. So listen to our conversation for best practices on how to build a blog from the ground up or take your current blog to the next level. In this episode, you will… Gain specific strategies for starting a blog Understand the importance of having "content buckets" for success Learn about coming up with a name for your blog Hear about why timing is crucial when using social media Learn how to grow a community around your blog What's something Laura said that stood out to you? And/or… what's a question YOU have about blogging and building an audience? Comment below. I'd love to hear from YOU! Keep bringing your awesome! Mitch Episode Resources Check out Laura's blog: Breezy and Brazen Check out Laura's book: Lifestyle Blogging Basics: A How-To for Investing in Yourself, Working with Brands, and Cultivating a Community Around Your Blog Listen to previous episodes of the DREAM THINK DO podcast on itunes: DreamThinkDo.com.

In this episode of the DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast, Mitch talks with Sam Griffin, Executive Director of Creative Services for Garden & Gun Magazine. Plus, over his career, he's worked with brands such as Cosmopolitan, New York Fashion Week, Oprah Magazine, Town and Country. Sam had to push through fear to achieve numerous dream jobs. In this interview, we talk about how he did it. Listen To The Podcast: What are you most afraid of? Public speaking? (That's a BIG one!) Fear of failing? Maybe your fears are so deep… you're not even sure what they are. BUT you know they're holding you back. Some of us through circumstances have legitimate fears, but many of us don't have ANY good or logical reason for our fears. My guest today, Sam Griffin, understands that all too well. Plagued by fears since childhood, he later moved to New York City where for 13 years, he led Harper's Bazaar, Bon Appétit, and House & Garden Magazine. Then he spent 2 years running his own consulting firm and working with brands, such as Cosmopolitan, New York Fashion Week, Oprah Magazine, and Town & Country Magazine. I'll bet that you are probably dying to hear how Sam got the guts to follow his passion...from the midwest all the way to NYC! Sam is no stranger to success and will be spending 2 weeks in Sweden to film a documentary, all the while doing some cool stuff like traveling to an ice hotel...and guess how he's getting there? (Hint: think lots of snow and fur!) In this episode, you will… Hear about Sam's latest and really fun project in Sweden Learn why storytelling is so important when working with brands Gain insight into how you can beat fear Understand why life isn't like high school... Hear about the new Dream Boost Advisory Team (D'BAT) and the exciting opportunity for YOU Episode Resources Garden & Gun Magazine Dream Boost Advisory Team (D'BAT) MitchMatthews.com/itunes DREAM. THINK. DO.

In this episode of the DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast, Mitch Matthews interviews Jake Kloberdanz, CEO, and Co-Founder of ONEHOPE. They talk about starting a cause-based business with your friends, how to find your "sweet spot" and how to look at fear in a new way. Listen To The Podcast: Isn't it interesting how sometimes one phone call can completely change the direction of our lives? Sometimes it's a path we've been wanting to follow but just hadn't started...maybe the timing wasn't right or we lacked courage. That's what happened to Jake Kloberdanz, my guest on today's episode of DREAM THINK DO… One phone call changed everything. When Jake was only 23 years old, he got together with some friends and founded ONEHOPE, a cause-centric company. That was 10 years ago and he hasn't looked back. Since then he's garnered recognition from Bloomberg's Businessweek Top 25 Under 25, Wine Enthusiast's Top 40 Under 40, and by Ernst & Young as their Young Entrepreneur of the Year. I invited Jake to talk about the inspiration behind ONEHOPE and how he and his friends have built such a successful cause-centric business. You won't want to miss this exciting conversation about finding the cross-section of things you love to do and turning it into a business, and the role of respect in building lasting business relationships. In this episode, you will… Learn about business curveballs that you won't learn in a business book Get advice about whether to start a business with your friends Hear about challenges specific to running a cause-centric business Learn why fear can actually be a good motivator Understand how to build a profitable business that celebrates and serves at the same time Episode Resources Act Today One Hope Wine Cause Entrepreneur One Hope Wine Discount for DTD listeners MitchMatthews.com/itunes DREAM. THINK. DO.

Mitch Matthews offers a proven 4-step process for navigating tough conversations. After listening, you'll be able to prepare for the interaction, engage with confidence, clarify the problem and the solution as well as deliver results. Listen To The Podcast: It happens to all of us. Whether it's navigating a stressful situation with a co-worker, dealing with a challenging client, clarifying things with a roommate or addressing hurt feelings with a family member… difficult conversations happen to all of us. So… are you ready? In this DREAM THINK DO episode, I give you a four-step process. (click here) It will help you to navigate tough conversations… and do it with more confidence and peace of mind too! (Plus, I offer an embarrassing story that reinforces I need these strategies too!) I've trained thousands of people on these concepts. They've told me this stuff works in the real world. Listen in and learn the strategies you need so you're ready for "that" conversation! Then… leave a comment on which concept stands out to you. What are you going to try differently the next time you navigate a tough conversation? I'd love to hear from YOU! Keep bringing your awesome, Mitch Here's the show notes from this week: Summary Having a difficult conversation at work or with family is tough. Period. Yet, Mitch Matthews gives out a valuable tool to help: a simple 4 step process that can empower you to handle these difficult conversations with more confidence and skill. He's trained hundreds of leaders to use this process. At the same time, Mitch candidly reveals that he needs to learn this process on a daily basis, just like the rest of us. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Deep dive day: Strategies for handling difficult conversations. [04:02] Use this cheat sheet: Difficult Convos: Engaging, Clarifying, and Delivering. [05:21] What about navigating difficult conversations? [07:51] I've trained hundreds if not thousands of leaders to use this 4 step process. [09:40] The 4 step process for navigating difficult conversations. [10:22] Keeping combat mentality the enemy. [15:23] How do I stay out of fight or flight mode? [17:50] Step 1: Preparing to engage. [22:45] Steps 2 - 4: How Mitch's business partner David used the 4 step process to successfully navigate a tense conversation. [34:08] Pick one step at a time to work on. [36:11] These strategies can help in any difficult conversation you're having. [38:10] Share this episode with someone who might need it and go to itunes and leave a review. Deep Dive with Mitch Matthews: Strategies for Navigating Difficult Conversations Deep dive day: Strategies for handling difficult conversations This is a big topic that Mitch gets questions for all the time. He also invites podcast listeners to send him more ideas: "If you have a subject you'd like to hear about then hit me up on Twitter at @mitchmatthews or shoot me an email direct: mitch@mitchmatthews.com. I love hearing from you." This is an important topic to discuss because "[n]avigating our work, navigating family...there's just times where we have to step into difficult conversations. And if we have some tools that equip us to do that, that give us more confidence to do that, then we can handle that a whole lot better." Mitch covers this subject again because after the recent podcast interview with Matt Bodnar on negotiation strategies, it brought up the need to learn about specific strategies to help navigate difficult conversations. What about navigating difficult conversations? Mitch acknowledges that sometimes pursuing bigger dreams, thinking better or doing more can make other people uncomfortable: "Maybe it stretches you, or changes things with your schedule or your priorities and you have to navigate some difficult conversations." Growth involves risk at times,

Mitch talks with Matt Bodnar about the fine art of negotiation. Matt is a partner at the investment firm, "Fresh Hospitality." Bodnar joined them after several years at Goldman Sachs. Since coming on board, Matt has sourced and lead the firm's investment in several restaurants (100+) and vertical farming startups. Listen To The Podcast: Let's do some word association. What do you think of when I say the word, "negotiation" Many think of words like... pressure, coercion and/or manipulation. But my DREAM THINK DO podcast guest Matt Bodnar thinks differently. When you talk about negotiating with Matt, he brings up words like curiosity, understanding and win/win. This approach has made all the difference for Matt. And… it's made him very good at the art of negotiation. So much so that he was named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and the National Restaurant Association called him a "Rising Restaurateur Star." Matt is a partner at the investment firm, "Fresh Hospitality." Bodnar joined them after several years at Goldman Sachs. Since coming on board, Matt has sourced and lead the firm's investment in several restaurants (100+) and vertical farming startups. He's also the co-founder of Fresh Capital, which focuses on commercial real estate investing and development for restaurants. During our conversation, Matt shares his simple, powerful and immediately applicable strategies for negotiation. You'll be able to apply these concepts whether you're putting together a big sale, an important contract… or just trying to navigate next steps with a team member. Listen in… and learn the recipe of effective negotiation. Plus, comment below and let us know which concepts stood out to you! I'd love to hear from you! Keep bringing your awesome. Mitch Here's the show notes from this week: Summary Nothing much would happen in the world without the art of negotiation. When most people think of negotiation, they think about opposition, coercion, and manipulation. When Matt Bodnar considers negotiation, he thinks about curiosity, understanding, and a win/win. He's the man to ask, because that's what he does for a living, and he does it so well. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Backstory on Bodnar. [02:51] What does Bodnar's average workday look like? [06:23] No more 14-hour days behind a desk. [07:55] Operating principles for successful negotiations. [13:50] Pre-qualification and why it is important. [24:15] Leveraging, and the willingness to walk away. [30:35] Curiosity, active listening, and seeking to understand the other party. [32:02] Playing hardball doesn't come easy to everyone. [33:45] Two powerful tools borrowed from The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss helped Bodnar to let go of the people-pleasing notion. [35:36] Parting words of wisdom for someone on the cusp of a big negotiation. [37:08] Check out Bodnar's Podcast, The Science of Success, here: iTunes The Science of Success. Matt Bodnar: The Art of Negotiation Bodnar's Backstory After several years at Goldman Sachs, Matt Bodnar moved to the investment firm Fresh Hospitality in 2011. Now a partner, he says his focus is on deal-making, structuring transactions, and strategy. He was named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and the National Restaurant Association called him a "Rising Restaurateur Star". Restaurant Hospitality Magazine tagged him as a "Strategy Pro". Bodnar is also the co-founder of Fresh Capital, and their focus is commercial real estate investing and development. Putting the Daily Grind Behind "I consider myself fundamentally an investor," says Bodnar, who helps to source and lead investments in restaurants and businesses. What does an average work day look like? It turns out there is no typical work day. Every day can be very different, but most of his activity involves "sourcing new investment opportunities, and meeting new people.

Mitch interviews Neighbors Apparel Founder - Tessa Reeves. In the interview, they discuss how Tessa had thought she scored her dream job in New York City. But in a short time, she figured out it was a bad fit and she had to start all over. So through a series of experiments, she was able to uncover a career that she was passionate about. And to Tessa's surprise… it was right in her backyard. Listen To The Podcast: What happens when the job you think will be your dream job… turns out to be a bad fit? That's what happened with my DREAM THINK DO podcast guest, Tessa Reeves. She scored her dream position with Vogue Magazine in New York City. But within weeks, she started to realize that it wasn't what she thought. So… she quit. She started over. She started from scratch to find a "great fit" career. After a series of intentional experiments… she found it. Surprisingly… it was in her own backyard. Here's a video interview with Tessa too from when we brought the BIG Dream Gathering to Kent State University: If you've ever found yourself in a "bad fit" job, you're going to want to hear Tessa's story. Plus, you're going to want to hear the specific steps she took to launch a career she now loves. Enjoy and interview and be sure to comment below on something that stood out to you from Tessa's story. I'd love to hear from YOU! Mitch TESSA's CONTACT INFO: WEBSITE: http://www.neighborsapparel.com Here are the show notes from today's DREAM THINK DO Episode: Summary Sometimes that great job or career you always imagined is truly perfect. For someone else, that is. Not for you. When that happens, do you keep trying, hoping that one day you will settle into this awkward, new space, or do you go in search of something that fits not only your creative heart, but your spirit as well? Tessa Reeves found herself in this situation and decided to pivot and find meaningful work that encompassed all of who she is. This Kent State grad shares the story of moving from her parents' Akron, Ohio home to New York City for a glamorous job at Vogue Magazine, and moving back home to find that her perfect fit was unexpectedly right in her own backyard. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Reeves' backstory. [04:03] What happened at Vogue Magazine? [07:02] That gut feeling that won't go away. [11:00] Wearing different hats and trying to find a good fit. [16:25] Running away from a fashion career, but not fast enough. [19:05] Reeves is in over her head, but Neighbors Apparel begins to take shape. [21:50] Everything's a learning curve when you are new to management. [24:20] Business forced Reeves to be courageous, and she earned confidence with each step. [28:01] Words of wisdom for someone just starting out. [30:41] New ideas and plans for expansion. [36:16] Contact Information for Tessa Reeves and Neighbors Apparel. Tessa Reeves: Finding Fulfillment, Meaning, and Passion New York City Dreaming Tessa Reeves has always been a big dreamer, and one of her longest-held dreams was to work in the New York City fashion industry. Before she even finished her final year at college, she landed an internship with Vogue Magazine and moved from Akron to New York City. The first week, everything was new and she felt both nervous and excited. But after a couple of weeks, everything seemed mundane. No one seemed enthusiastic about what they were doing, and they worked excessively long hours. Reeves began to see it as working for materialism and celebrity, with no substance behind it. "What am I really doing here, or giving my life to," she asked herself, "if this is the kind of career I'm starting?" Certain she was in the wrong place, within three weeks Reeves resigned, and returned home to Akron. What's Next? "Everyone in my life was cheering me on from afar, and I was apprehensive to tell people that I quit.

Mitch interviews Robert Dickie, author of Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career. If you've had the inkling that there might be a change on the horizon for you and your career, you're going to want to listen to this interview. My guest on the DREAM THINK DO podcast is Robert Dickie. We talk about his newest book, "Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career." You know I LOVE this subject… and we dive deep into specific strategies you can use to get clear and find more of the work that you were created to do. Listen To The Podcast: Robert Dickie was a decorated Air Force officer and a successful executive, but then he found himself in a "bad fit" job. He needed to change. He needed to be intentional about it. He started to experiment. That lead him to work that is fulfilling, rewarding and profitable. Over the past few years, Robert has started to teach others these strategies and people have benefited from them too. They have used them to redesign their careers and/or find entirely new ones that we're a better fit! So, I wanted to bring him on the show so we could share some of these concepts with you! If you've been thinking that you might need a change... listen in for some real world strategies that will help! Plus, I'd love to hear from you! What's a story or a strategy that stands out to you? Leave a comment and let me know. In the meantime, keep bringing your awesome, Mitch IMPORTANT LINKS: Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career Robert's website: http://robertdickie.com/ Here are the show notes... Summary You can't underestimate the importance of not just settling for a job, but finding your best and most fulfilling work. Robert Dickie, author of Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career had a career that was anything but linear. He was a decorated air force officer, an executive for hire, and now, with Crown Financial Ministries, he helps people in over one hundred countries. Time-Stamped Show Notes [03:22] Introduction of Robert Dickie and his book, Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career. [05:02] Discussing Career Pivots, how he has used them, and how you can use them too. [10:05] Why facing your fears and adding new skills are crucial to your success. [15:40] Examining the Four Career Quadrants, from Dickie's latest book. [22:10] Crafting your plan, and who can help. [28:09] How to approach your boss for a win/win situation where you will both benefit. [37:15] Strategies to reinvent yourself and take advantage of the newest high-growth industries. [44:30] What that gnawing feeling in your gut really is, and how to cure it. [47:07] Reach out to Robert Dickie, read his blog, and pick up a copy of his latest book. Robert Dickie and the Reinvented Career A Non-Linear Career In his newest book, Love Your Work: 4 Practical Ways You Can Pivot to Your Best Career, Robert Dickie explores how you can find your best and most fulfilling work. He was a decorated Air Force officer, an executive for hire, author, coach, mentor, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. Now, with Crown Financial Ministries, he is privileged to help people in over one hundred countries around the world. Dickie is married and lives with his wife, six children, and two dogs in Knoxville, Tennessee. Two Signs That It Is Time for a Pivot in Your Career Dickie has implemented pivots on his career path. The first was when he terminated a successful military career. In late 2000, he left his job as CEO in Flint, Michigan. He felt stagnant in his career, and knew he had to take a radical leap. In that pivot, he launched a start-up, and people thought he was crazy for leaving such a successful career. But others who had gone before him helped him craft a plan of intentional design which ...

Recognized social media and branding expert, Drew McLellan talks with Mitch Matthews about the secrets of growing your influence, audience, and impact. One of the most common questions we hear from DREAM THINK DO Listeners is: "I've got an important message. How can I reach more people and have more of an impact?" Today… if you want to influence people, grow your audience and make more of an impact… you need to understand social media. On this episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch interviews Drew McLellan about this very topic! Listen To The Podcast: McLellan has been on AdAge's Top 150 list since it started and The Wall Street Journal calls him one of the "top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read." During their conversation, Mitch and Drew talk about: Advice for growing your audience whether you're starting with 1 or 100,000 followers How to attract followers to your website and give them a reason to stay The key thing to avoid if you want to grow your influence Tips that any entrepreneur can use to create useful content. Whether you have a product, service, book or big idea… you can learn from Drew and his practical strategies and start to apply them immediately! Which of his ideas stood out to you? Leave a comment. We'd love to hear from YOU! HERE's some show notes from today's show. Enjoy ------------- Summary One of the top requests Mitch Matthews receives is for information on social media for entrepreneurs. Everyone with a website, product, or blog needs to know how best to use it to reach their target market. Recognized expert Drew McLellan of The McLellan Marketing Group and The Agency Management Institute has some advice on this topic. Starting his network blog in 2006, McLellan has been on AdAge's Top 150 list ever since, while The Wall Street Journal calls him one of the "top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read." Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] Introduction to social media for entrepreneurs and expert, Drew McLellan. [06:07] McLellan discusses the pleasure of spending time with the people and things that matter the most. [11:01] Advice for growing an audience on social media. [18:45] Is social media an appropriate place to share your political opinions? [22:55] How to attract followers to your website and give them a reason to stay. [28:09] If you are desperate for a sale, your followers will sense that. Play hard to get and they will want you even more. [35:08] Tips that any entrepreneur can use to create useful content. [42:10] Don't undervalue your ideas; people need the information you have. Drew McLellan and the Art of Leveraging Social Media One of the most-asked questions from entrepreneurs is, How can I use social media to enhance my customer base? Drew McLellan, who has been in advertising for more than twenty-five years, founded The McLellan Marketing Group in 1995, and also operates The Agency Management Institute, offering management training, consulting, and peer networking to his clients. In addition to his own network blog, he writes for Entrepreneur Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, Business Week, and others. The Wall Street Journal lists him as one of the "top ten bloggers every entrepreneur should read." The Spoils of Hard Work McLellan works with agencies and clients across the country. He has worked long hours and devoted himself to growing his businesses. As a result, he says it is wonderful "getting to do what you love, serving the people that you love, in places that you love. It doesn't get any better than that. But, I'm fifty-four years old," McLellan says. "This didn't happen overnight." He has a twenty-three-year-old daughter working on her Master's degree, and they set goals to visit a different continent together every year. He was able to free up the time to care for his mother,