Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Curious about what makes a truly exceptional leader? Join us as Amanda Love, a leadership expert with two decades of retail experience, shares her captivating journey from high school cheer captain to a mentor at the world's largest retailer. Amanda delves into the traits and skills that define great leadership, with a strong emphasis on curiosity and the will to succeed. Her passion for empowering others to find fulfillment in their professional lives is palpable, and her fresh perspective on the skill versus will concept is invaluable for anyone aspiring to harness their leadership potential.Amanda opens up about her battle with self-doubt and the limiting beliefs that once held her back. She candidly discusses the importance of self-confidence and the drive to influence others, regardless of one's job title or current situation. By shedding labels and embracing a strong support system, including therapy, she transformed her mindset and achieved success. Amanda’s candid account of her journey from self-doubt to self-belief is both inspiring and a vital lesson for future leaders.We also explore the necessity of lifelong learning and accountability in both personal and professional development. Amanda stresses the importance of self-awareness, working with therapists or coaches, and maintaining a curious mindset. Structured programs with guided steps and built-in accountability are key to ensuring progress. With a focus on uncovering hidden strengths within perceived weaknesses, Amanda shares her method of vision generation and goal planning. This episode wraps up with Amanda’s insights on transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the autonomy it brings, and her commitment to supporting women through the Empowered Leadership Circle on Facebook. Don't miss this chance to ignite your leadership journey!ABOUT AMANDAAmanda Love is a “hardscrabble, southern lady” who earned her leadership stripes through high-level strategy and execution at the world’s largest retailer and through learning & development. Uniquely skilled as a leadership mentor, her success has been defined by her commitment to shaping the next generation of business professionals.Over the course of Amanda’s 20-year retail career, she has empowered individuals to reach new heights in their own professional journeys. Her tenacious focus on leadership, coupled with effective team management, has resulted in her successfully designing and executing programs that have empowered individuals and teams to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of today's workforce.LINKS & RESOURCESJoin The Empowered Leadership Circle on FacebookConnect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Imagine you're witnessing the breathtaking transformation of a New England fall for the first time, because Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur's own Laura Chaves did just that, drawing remarkable parallels between the changing seasons and the art of adaptability in entrepreneurship. Broadcasting from the campus of Bentley University during our team's Q4 retreat, we explore how altering our surroundings and pace can invigorate our business strategies and personal growth. Laura's insights into embracing change offer a refreshing perspective on staying dynamic in our entrepreneurial endeavors.Picture yourself in a secluded cabin, enveloped by silence and darkness, finding clarity in the absence of distraction. That’s exactly what we experienced and discussed, contemplating how such environments can foster personal growth and creativity. Stepping away from the usual noise allowed us to rejuvenate our approach to business challenges, such as refining automation processes. The profound impact of in-person collaboration, something that virtual interactions often lack, became evident in sparking fresh ideas and energy.As we reflect on this year's journey, we embrace the unique energy that each season brings to our projects. From the charm of New England's fall to the community-driven values discovered on our travels, we delve into the essence of intentional living and strategic business planning.

Unleash the potential of your brand with an unexpected twist on entrepreneurship. Imagine wearing your business like a badge of honor—literally. This Action Saturday, join our host, Brian Lofrumento, as he reveals how a simple investment in swag can transform your entrepreneurial journey. You'll discover why adorning your logo on everything from laptop stickers to t-shirts isn't just about aesthetics; it's a bold declaration that shouts your business's presence to the world. Through Brian's personal narrative, you'll see how tangible merchandise can boost your confidence, spark conversations, and turn holiday gifting into a strategic brand-building opportunity.

What happens when personal tragedy turns into entrepreneurial triumph? Join us for an insightful conversation with Michelle Henriksen, a trailblazing HR leader who transformed her life's setbacks into a thriving business. After experiencing the loss of her husband and a job layoff, Michelle harnessed her resilience and launched her own agency, honoring her husband's entrepreneurial legacy. Discover the deep personal significance behind her company's name and logo, and hear how she navigated these life changes to build a successful venture from the ground up.Michelle dives into the critical aspects of building a robust HR infrastructure, emphasizing the need for consistent policies and systems to support employee growth and career progression. Her extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions reveals the importance of collaboration within HR teams to seamlessly integrate new companies and harmonize roles and compensation. Michelle's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the intricate balance of managing people issues during organizational transitions.Uncover the less glamorous yet essential side of entrepreneurship as Michelle shares her journey from consultant to business owner. From dealing with billing and logistics to strategic networking, learn how she established her credibility and showcased her expertise through collaborations with major HR organizations. Michelle's story highlights the importance of nurturing professional and personal relationships, leaving us with key advice: become an expert in something and believe in yourself. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that could propel your own entrepreneurial journey.ABOUT MICHELLEMichelle Henriksen is a dynamic HR leader with 25+ years of global HR experience, advising clients in all aspects of the employee lifecycle with the goal of maximizing efficiencies, leveraging technology, and promoting equitable and consistent employee policies and practices. As a strategic partner to human resources professionals and executive leadership teams, she has assisted organizations in raising performance levels by understanding and mitigating people issues associated with mergers and acquisitions, right-sizing organizations through restructuring/turnaround events, and advising on human resources practices, statutory requirements, and culture when expanding operations internationally. She has spent her career working in both industry and professional services at Accenture, Zulkie Partners, Huron Consulting Group, Walgreens USA, Grant Thornton, and FGMK. In 2022, she founded HG4 Advisory.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with Steve Pugh, a remarkable entrepreneur who transitioned from a 25-year corporate career to launching thriving businesses like Versus Sports Simulator and River City Towns. Steve's journey from a software engineer to a director of software engineering at a financial institution paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures. Learn how his foresight and passion for innovation enabled him to retire early and focus full-time on scaling his companies, blending corporate acumen with startup agility. Steve's story is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the pursuit of passive income.Dive deep into the essential skills for building a SaaS product from scratch, guided by Steve's extensive software development experience. He shares invaluable insights on balancing perfectionism with rapid product release, the importance of early marketing efforts, and the significant role continuous learning plays in staying ahead of technology trends. Discover practical advice on implementing the YAGNI principle, just-in-time learning, and the realities of generating passive income. Steve's journey from developing a successful iPhone app to leading his tech company is a masterclass in software development and business strategy.Explore the revolutionary impact of AI and machine learning in modern sports simulation, as Steve sheds light on the historical context and contemporary applications of these technologies. Understand the advantages of having a broad skill set in executive leadership and decision-making. Additionally, learn about Steve's efforts with Pathways to Success, designed to mentor young entrepreneurs and guide them in making informed career choices. This episode is filled with Steve's wisdom on business growth, scalability, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions in both business and life. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a true industry leader.ABOUT STEVESteve Pugh dedicated over 25 years of his career to a financial institution, where he initially worked as a software engineer before transitioning into leadership roles that matched his passion for guiding people. About a decade ago, Steve recognized the limits of his corporate trajectory and aspired for something different. With an eye toward future independence, he ventured into entrepreneurship by starting his own businesses. Despite initial uncertainties about their success, these ventures flourished, allowing Steve to retire early. Throughout his journey, Steve observed the common challenge of securing funding faced by many startup principals and CEOs, which only fueled his entrepreneurial drive and contributed to his holistic understanding of the business landscape.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Versus Sports Simulator’s WebsiteConnect with Steve on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of being discovered online with Denise Millet, the "Findability Queen." Discover how Denise transitioned from a systems consultant to a trailblazing entrepreneur, dedicated to ensuring your business shines on the internet. Denise shares invaluable insights on search marketing essentials, making your content search engine-friendly, and the significance of well-crafted titles and descriptions. Plus, get a sneak peek into her transformative book "Be Findable" and the workshops she offers to help you elevate your online presence.Ever wondered how to balance creating fresh content while optimizing it for search engines? Denise breaks it down, emphasizing the power of AI in boosting productivity without sidelining the human touch. Learn how consistency in content delivery, whether through blogs, podcasts, or videos, is key to engaging your audience. Denise stresses the importance of updating existing content for better SEO performance and creating content that not only showcases your expertise but also builds trust and resonates with potential clients.Stay ahead of the game by mastering SEO strategies for business success. Denise walks us through the evolution of SEO, warning against outdated tactics like keyword stuffing and advocating for genuine value through high-quality content. Learn actionable steps to enhance findability, such as effective keyword usage, and discover practical advice from Denise’s fun, interactive scavenger hunt designed to improve your understanding of your audience's language. Don’t miss the resources available on her website to support your SEO journey, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs at any stage.ABOUT DENISEDenise Millet is the Findability Queen. She is a Search Marketing Consultant, Tech Simplifier, Trainer, Author, and Roving Reporter for the weekly livestream Good Morning Entrepreneurs. She’s on a mission to make sure the content you create for your business is included in search results when your potential clients look for you online. Denise’s book, Be Findable. If they can’t find you, they can’t do business with you, her Simple Ways to Make Yourself Findable workshop, and her Virtual Scavenger Hunt event are some of the ways she is working toward her mission.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Denise’s WebsiteConnect with Denise on LinkedIn

THIS PODCAST HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY AI.What you're about to hear is our first 100% generated and hosted by AI podcast episode. When we say 100%, we mean it. There were NO prompts given for the creation of this episode, and instead an AI language model was only supplied with the full text of Brian Lofrumento's book, Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur. From there, the language model came up with a deep dive of some of the lessons, stories, strategies, and insights from the book that launched the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur movement, including the launch of this podcast.We repeat – there was ZERO prompting involved, so everything you're about to hear is AI formulating its own narrative from our host Brian's real life entrepreneurial lessons and experiences.This episode will not only give you a fully transparent and up-to-date picture of the current state of AI, but also will reveal entrepreneurial lessons, insights, and examples from Brian's book.And... if you want to get a free paperback copy of Brian's book, simply leave a rating and review for our show on Apple Podcasts, screenshot it, and email Brian directly at hello[-at-]imetbrian.com.

Could a simple FAQ section be the game-changer you've been missing on your business website? Join our host, Brian Lofrumento, on this Action Saturday episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast as we explore why every entrepreneur needs a well-crafted FAQ section on their website. As a company that sees countless pitches and visits numerous websites, we can confidently say that a clear and concise FAQ section is often the key to standing out in a sea of buzzwords and vague promises. We’ll dive into the practical steps for crafting these vital questions by leveraging the power of AI and getting unexpected insights from family and friends, even if they aren’t your typical customers.

What does it take to transform from a disinterested student into a pioneering brand builder? Join us as we uncover Jared Langston's incredible journey in brand creation and entrepreneurship. Jared, with over two decades of experience, takes us through his early struggles with traditional education and the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for creativity. From purchasing a screen printing company at a young age to co-founding a successful agency and launching his own ventures like the non-alcoholic beer brand, Good Liar, Jared’s story is a masterclass in hard work and perseverance.Curious about the art of naming a brand? Jared shares the behind-the-scenes process of selecting a memorable and impactful name, using his venture "Good Liar" as a case study. We dive into the nuanced strategies and challenges involved, from ensuring trademark availability to capturing audience appeal. Whether you're naming a new product or rebranding an existing one, the insights from this episode will equip you with the tools to create a strong brand foundation.The journey doesn't stop at naming; Jared elaborates on the intricate process of building emotional connections with consumers. We discuss iconic brands like Harley-Davidson and Apple, shedding light on the "why" behind their loyal followings. Additionally, we explore the balance between personal and business branding, offering valuable examples from industry leaders like Tony Robbins and Elon Musk. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration, tailored for entrepreneurs eager to elevate their branding game.ABOUT JAREDJared Langston is a disruptive brand builder, entrepreneur, and creative with over 20 years of experience. He loves using hand-crafted techniques, thoughtful processes, and immersive experiences to build meaningful, memorable, and timeless brands. Recently, he launched his own non-alcoholic beer brand, Good Liar.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Good Liar’s WebsiteVisit Dry Dept’s WebsiteConnect with Jared on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success with Nick Goson, the visionary leader behind G4Coastal. In this episode, Nick shares his remarkable journey and innovative strategies that are revolutionizing the legal services and online marketing sectors. You'll hear firsthand how his commitment to honesty and excellence has driven the success of G4Coastal by aggregating the best providers to ensure top-notch service and reliability across various industries.Ever wondered how AI is reshaping the legal industry? Nick breaks it down with compelling comparisons, like the efficiency difference between a Prius and an electric pickup truck. He delves into the cost-saving benefits and competitive advantages of adopting AI and generative AI in law firms, emphasizing the transformative power of these technologies beyond mere automation. The discussion extends to personalized marketing, illustrating the necessity of a clear and targeted online presence to stand out in a competitive market.Finally, Nick offers invaluable insights into the importance of passion and purpose in business. From effective time management to putting the customer first, he reveals how these principles can turn proactive initiatives into financial success. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration, highlighting how investing in yourself can enhance both your personal and professional life, leading to a more fulfilling and effective entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable advice and motivational stories sure to inspire any entrepreneur.ABOUT NICKNick Goson is the leader of G4Coastal, a company specializing in eDiscovery, Legal Managed Services, and Online Marketing solutions. With nearly 20 years in the legal and marketing industries, Nick has driven G4Coastal to the forefront of its field by focusing on innovation, quality control, and client-first service. G4Coastal serves a diverse clientele, including law firms, corporations, and government agencies, by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to excellence. Beyond business, Nick and his family are dedicated to giving back, providing food, clothing, and holiday support to families in need.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit G4Coastal’s WebsiteConnect with Nick on LinkedIn