The Self-Employed Life

I have been receiving coaching for 25 years, and I can honestly say that the coaching I received from today’s guest has been the most powerful and life-changing I have ever received. Today I’m speaking with Paul Cuneo, the creator of the Hero's Journey Odyssey Experience. Paul's insights into the Hero's Journey and its application to personal and professional growth have reshaped my understanding of authenticity and identity. Through our conversation, we explore the transformative nature of this storytelling tradition, delving into the merging of conscious and unconscious minds, the physical and visceral aspects of the journey, and the role of the ego in forming identity. Join us in this profound conversation about personal growth, authenticity, and the interconnectedness of life.   Paul Cuneo is the creator of the Hero's Journey Odyssey Experience and the creative behind PaulWrites.media. Through the HJOE, Paul helps clients move through personal and professional transition and reinvention by mapping their lives onto the Hero's Journey and pulling back the curtain on the identity transformation they're going through. Through this process, his clients learn to trust and respond to their intuition and instincts, embrace their fears, and find the answers to those seemingly intractable problems that life, career, and relationships present to us.    And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Paul Cuneo, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – PaulWrites.media Email Paul: paul@paulwrites.media Paul Cuneo on LinkedIn (in/paul-cuneo) Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

It's impossible to run your own business and try to do big things in life without feeling discouraged at times. Maybe you're feeling that way now, as it appears many people are. Here are some inspiring and practical tips I offer my coaching clients on how to fight off feelings of discouragement. Contact Jeffrey – Take the Self-Doubt Survey   Website Books  Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  Valuable resources to help you – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

If you're aspiring to build a community for your business, join me and Andy Guttormsen, co-founder and CRO at Circle, as we delve into the latest trends in community building.  Andy sheds light on the shift from one-to-many experiences to connecting individuals within an audience, emphasizing the importance of fostering community alongside content creation. We discuss success metrics, signature gatherings, and the vital role of engagement in creating vibrant and supportive ecosystems. Listen to this conversation for strategies that can transform your approach to community building and shape the future of your business.   Andy Guttormsen is the Co-Founder and CRO at Circle. He was on the founding team at Teachable ($250m exit), and went on to co-founded Circle in 2020. Circle is now the world’s leading community platform for creators and businesses with customers like Adobe, Webflow, Brendon Burchard, Pat Flynn, Modern Fertility, Harvard Alumni, and 9,500+ others.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Andy Guttormsen, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – Circle.so Andy Guttormsen on LinkedIn (in/andrewguttormsen) Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

In business, we don't want to searchable or even to just stand out. We want to be chosen. That's what puts money in the bank. However, it is harder than ever to be chosen. Find out why, what you can do about it and why it's actually a good thing. Contact Jeffrey – Take the Self-Doubt Survey   Website  Books   Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  Valuable resources to help you – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

In over 900 episodes spanning nine and a half years, we've covered an array of topics, but there's one conversation we've never explored—owning a franchise. In this episode, I speak to Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, about the unconventional world of franchising. We discuss the financial aspects, covering the typical investment range, franchise fees, and startup costs, shedding light on the diverse opportunities within this sector. Jon shares insights on marketing, royalty fees, and funding options, emphasizing the tangible benefits provided by franchisors. It's a unique way to be self-employed with countless opportunities!   Jon is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, a top .1% franchise consultant, and the bestselling author of ‘Non-Food Franchising’. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand Franchisee in helping his clients select their franchise investments. Jon is a frequent contributor on franchising for publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Bloomberg.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Jon Ostenson, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – FranBridgeConsulting.com Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership by Jon Ostenson Jon Ostenson on LinkedIn (in/jonostenson) Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

Customer service is one of the most talked about topics in business. But as small business owners, we are held to a higher standard if we want to stand out. In this episode I share a strategy to create an unbreakable bond level of service where your customers will feel so seen, heard, and understood that they would never leave your business. Contact Jeffrey – Take the Self-Doubt Survey  Self-Employed Newsletter  Website Books   Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  Valuable resources to help you – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

I’ve always said that clarity is something everyone needs, and yet it is the hardest thing to sell, because, ironically, its outcomes and benefits aren't always immediately clear. In today’s episode, I chat with Jim Vaselopulos about the pivotal role of clarity in business success, exploring how it enables us to work smarter, not harder. Jim, a seasoned business advisor and author, shares actionable insights on overcoming common challenges by focusing on clarity as a guiding principle. We delve into the symptoms of a lack of clarity, the importance of addressing root causes, and practical strategies for achieving clarity in both business and life.   Jim Vaselopulos is a C-level business advisor with a proven record as a leader, strategist, rainmaker, and new business development expert. With a reputation for principled leadership, strategic vision, and effective execution, Jim has built successful new enterprises, turned around underperforming organizations, and had several exits. As the founder of Rafti Advisors, LLC, Jim helps early-stage companies get off on the right foot, growth-stage companies push through plateaus, and mature organizations with strategic shifts and complex challenges. Jim teaches sales and professional development, is a frequent speaker on leadership and innovation, and volunteers regularly with veterans groups and business incubators.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Jim Vaselopulos, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – BusinessWisdom.com Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve More by Jim Vaselopulos Jim Vaselopulos on LinkedIn (in/jimvaselopulos) Jim Vaselopulos on Instagram (@biz.wisdom) Jim Vaselopulos on Twitter/X (@jim_vas) Business Wisdom Playlist on YouTube Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

I'm going to pose a question to you, but before you respond, I want you to consider your answer carefully – your answer to this question may be different today than it would have been a few years ago. The question: what does success mean to you? Today, I ask this question to Regina Lawless, seasoned guide for high-achieving women seeking purpose beyond their paycheck. As Regina recounts her journey of redefining success following the sudden loss of her husband, we explore the impact of grief, stress, and burnout. Regina’s insights on the importance of self-care and fully embracing joy are essential for those navigating the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and well-being.   Regina Lawless helps high-achieving Black women find purpose beyond their paycheck in order to experience more bliss in their lives and sustainable success at work and at home. Before starting Bossy & Blissful, a community for Black women executives and business owners, Regina served as the head of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Instagram. Regina has worked with Fortune 500 companies across various industries, including Target, Intel and Micron Technology. She holds a master’s degree in organizational development and lives in the Bay Area with her partner and teenage son. Her first book, Do You, will be published by Greenleaf Book Group, in partnership with Fast Company, February 2024.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Regina Lawless, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – ReginaLawless.com Do You: A Journey of Success, Loss, and Learning to Live a More MeaningFULL Life by Reginal Lawless Regina Lawless on LinkedIn (in/reginalawless) Regina Lawless on Instagram (@regina.lawless) Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

I love to share a good story and this is a story I have never shared in a big scale public way. The story offers two great, easy, and actionable business ideas that you can apply right away to kickstart your business growth. Contact Jeffrey – Take the Self-Doubt Survey Self-Employed Newsletter Website Books  Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  Valuable resources to help you – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Coach, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to announce that "The Self-Employed Life," the book inspired by this podcast, is now available as a video book by LIT Videobooks. Joining me is Ronak Sheth, the CEO and founder of LIT Videobooks, who explains their platform's innovative approach—turning bestselling business books into engaging video books under an hour. We dive into the challenges of condensing content, the success criteria for author partnerships, and insights from a year of operation, highlighting the efficiency and accessibility of the video book format. Discover the transformative potential of video books for self-employed individuals with an all-access subscription to LIT Videobooks.   Ronak Sheth is the CEO/Founder of LIT Videobooks, a learning & development platform loved by consumers and enterprises, where you can watch bestselling business books in under 1 hour with our engaging, documentary-like “videobook” format. LIT has partnered with 45+ renowned authors including Jeffrey Shaw, Kim Scott, Liz Wiseman & Dr. Robert Cialdini, and releases new videobooks every month. LIT is on a mission to make reading as entertaining as watching a movie.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.   Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.   Ronak Sheth, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact – LITVideobooks.com Ronak Sheth on LinkedIn (in/ronakbsheth) LIT Videobooks on YouTube (@litvideobooks) Head here for an exclusive offer for listeners of The Self-Employed Life   Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you –   ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.