Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to share a fantastic conversation with my friend, Andrew Biernat. Andrew is a podcast host and project manager at StoryBuilders, where he helps individuals create impactful content like books, courses, and keynote speeches. Our conversation was packed with valuable advice for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build their personal brand. Andrew talked about his journey from sales to personal training and eventually finding his niche in publishing. We discussed the powerful role of having a book in creating business opportunities and how intellectual property like courses, workshops, and speaking engagements can significantly boost your career. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: - **Books as Business Catalysts:** Andrew strongly believes that having a book can open doors in any industry. It can serve as more than just a sale item but as a lead magnet or credibility builder. - **Creating Scalable Products:** Beyond books, intellectual assets such as courses and workshops can extend your expertise and generate additional revenue streams. - **Audience Building is Crucial:** Whether it’s through email marketing, social media, or podcasting, consistently serving your audience is key to long-term growth and success. - **Understanding Purpose:** It’s essential to understand why you’re writing a book and its intended function. It could be for sales at live events, as a lead magnet, or enhancing your credibility. - **Leverage Your Intellectual Property:** Develop a framework or unique methodology that can be used in consulting, workshops, and other content formats, maximizing the utility of your original ideas. Andrew also shared some inspiring success stories, including that of Scott Grace, an insurance agent turned agency owner, who mastered the art of community involvement to drive business success. Be sure to connect with Andrew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjbiernat/ StoryBuilders Website: https://storybuilders.com/story Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

On this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had a powerful conversation with Paul Childers, a business owner who specializes in helping other businesses secure smart loans without risking personal assets.  Paul took his extensive knowledge from his background in the automotive industry and commercial leases to really see what’s possible for businesses to leverage better business practices in their financial practices by leveraging business credit. No more funding your business via your personal credit cards! Here are a few of our take-a-ways: - **Separation of Personal and Business Finances:** Paul emphasizes the importance of structuring your business as an LLC or corporation and keeping your finances separate. This not only protects your personal assets but also helps in building a stronger credit profile for your business. - **Building Business Credit Despite Personal Credit Hurdles:** Paul reassures that even with poor personal credit or past financial difficulties like bankruptcy or a felony, it's still possible to build strong business credit independently. - **DUNS Number Importance:** We dive into the value of obtaining a DUNS number from Duns and Bradstreet. This free service is a crucial step towards establishing your business as credible in the eyes of business bureaus, enabling more funding opportunities. - **EIN for Business Credit:** Understanding the role of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is key. While business credit is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be a game-changer depending on your business goals. - **Choosing the Right Business Credit Card:** Not all business credit cards report to personal credit bureaus. It's essential to ask the right questions before choosing a card to ensure it serves your business needs without impacting your personal credit score.  Paul and I also explored how solopreneurs can effectively use business credit to finance equipment, property, and separate their personal and business expenses. Through practical advice and years of experience, Paul shared invaluable ways to transition from using personal credit to fully leveraging business credit. If you want to stop treating your business like a hobby and get it in order, listen in. This show will give you many great tips on how to step up your business and leverage credit like a pro! Be sure to connect with Paul and to see if he can help you create a line of business credit that keeps your personal assets in check, visit his website at: https://blueskybizsolutions.com/

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I'm so thrilled to share this conversation with Camille Diaz, a coach, financial professional, connector, podcaster, author, and speaker who is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs find happiness, harmony, and financial security. Camille and I met recently via our Success Champions Network and hit it off like ago old friends right out of the game. During our chat, we talked about those struggles that every entrepreneur faces when it comes to overwhelm and dealing with burnout, Our goal is to offer practical strategies to streamline your efforts and drive real growth in your business. I think we hit the mark really well and Camille shared a tond of great stuff that she’s using with her own clients to help them revive away from being a “zombiepreneur”, as she calls it. Here are a couple of highlights from our conversation: - **"Just in Time" Training**: Camille and I discuss the importance of focusing on learning and training that is directly applicable to your current stage of business. This approach prevents overwhelm from signing up for multiple courses and programs, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters. - **Calendar Management for Productivity**: I share my personal experience with using a calendar to drive productivity and reference Napoleon Hill's concept of "drifting" from "Outwitting the Devil." Camille emphasizes that filling your calendar with priority tasks grants freedom and flexibility, reducing mental overload. - **Avoiding Burnout**: Both Camille and I stress the importance of taking time off to rejuvenate and prevent burnout. Camille suggests carving out a full day free from work and distractions, which can significantly enhance productivity and creativity. - **The Power of Accountability**: Camille highlights the benefit of finding an accountability partner or group to stay on track with your goals. Different methods work for different personalities, so it's essential to customize your approach. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to optimize your time, enhance productivity, and maintain a balance between work and personal life. Camille’s insights will resonate with anyone looking to avoid the pitfalls of burnout and the overwhelm of too many business options. Connect with Camille: To connect with Camille and explore more of her work, visit her podcast "The Real Deal with Camille." Additionally, she offers valuable tips for entrepreneurs and a free master class available on her website at https://camillediaz.com/masterclass Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more of your casual connections into clients? Watch the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sara Schroeder, a dynamic business lifestyle coach who brings positivity and sunshine to everyone she meets. Our conversation was packed with practical tips and strategies for managing our day-to-day lives, maintaining focus, and building meaningful relationships. Sara and I went deep into the critical aspects of time management and maintaining focus. We shared experiences and strategies that help us navigate our busy lives and stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. Sara's approach to identify what excites her and scheduling personal time at the start of the day is a game-changer for setting the right mindset. We also explored the importance of single-tasking and prioritizing challenges to avoid burnout. **Key Takeaways:** Start Your Day with Excitement Sara advises us to kick off the morning by pinpointing what gets us excited to get out of bed. Prioritize scheduling personal time first in your calendar to create a positive tone for the rest of the day. Single-tasking for Success: Sara emphasizes focusing on one task at a time and simplifying our workload. This strategy not only boosts productivity but also helps reduce feelings of overwhelm. Not Everything is an Emergency: We discussed the importance of not responding to every text and email immediately. Sara highlights that unless it's dire, not everything requires instant attention, which can help manage stress and expectations. Mindful Social Media Use: Both Sara and I encourage setting specific times for social media engagement to avoid distractions and the so-called "rabbit holes." This intentional approach keeps us focused on our priorities. Blocking Similar Tasks: I shared my strategy of grouping similar tasks together for efficiency. Whether it's writing or other focused work, using time blocks helps maintain the same mindset and increases productivity. Sara also opens up about her journey from teaching to coaching and working with diverse clients, ranging from lawyers to business owners. She provides valuable support for accountability, self-trust, and purposeful action, all while emphasizing the power of morning mindsets and discipline. Remember to connect with Sara Schroeder via LinkedIn. Don't miss out on her weekly "Winning Friday" live sessions, where she boosts morale and confidence. https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraschroedercoaching/ Ready to discover how you turn more of your casual connections into clients? Sign up for the free training at https://followuprockstar.com/

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Debi Potter, a dear friend and inspiring entrepreneur who has been a pioneer in the field of canine nutrition for over two decades. Debi turned a personal tragedy into a thriving business, Snake River Bakery, a company renowned for its fresh, healthy dog treats made from human consumable ingredients. Twenty-three years ago, Debi embarked on her journey into canine nutrition after losing her first dog to stomach cancer. This profound loss ignited her quest to understand how to improve dogs' diets. Her dedication led her to create Snake River Bakery, where she produces freshly baked dog treats from locally sourced ingredients. She offers distinctive flavors such as salmon, pumpkin spice, carob mint, and honey ginger, each designed with health benefits in mind. Throughout our conversation, we talked about the intricacies of starting and running a pet food business, from addressing regulatory hurdles to ensuring the highest quality ingredients. Debi’s story is a testament to passion and perseverance, as she expands her business and continues to educate pet owners on the importance of healthy nutrition for their furry friends. ### Key Takeaways: - **Dedication to Freshness and Quality:** Debi's treats are made fresh to order, utilizing only human consumable ingredients like wild-caught US-sourced fish and locally grown produce. This ensures maximum nutritional value and safety. - **Rigorous Standards and Compliance:** Debi has navigated and complied with stringent FDA and AAFCO regulations, underscoring her commitment to providing a safe, high-quality product. - **Consumer Education:** Debi emphasizes the importance of understanding pet treat ingredients. She advises pet owners to choose treats with fewer than five, pronounceable ingredients sourced from the US and warns against harmful additives like titanium dioxide. - **Creative Expansion:** In addition to treats, Debi now offers recipes for food toppers on her website, blending convenience with high nutritional standards. It was also wonderful to reflect on our long-standing friendship and to acknowledge the mutual support that has played a significant role in our respective journeys. Connect with Debi at https://www.snakeriverbakery.com

Welcome to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! This week, I sat down with Lori Saitz, founder and CEO of ZenRabbit, to talk about the power of personal development in the workplace.  Lori and I discussed how bringing tools and techniques to manage thoughts can elevate productivity and profitability within a business. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about creating a healthier, more engaged, and innovative environment for employees. We also discussed the importance of fostering an environment where communication flows freely, and team members feel empowered to propose alternative solutions without fear. Encouraging curiosity and the exploration of ideas leads to greater creativity and innovation.  Being solution-focused and learning from mistakes are also crucial aspects of effective leadership, vital for guiding and managing teams. Lori highlighted the significance of starting each day with a few moments of meditation or gratitude. This practice can transform an entrepreneur's chaotic lifestyle into a more peaceful and productive one. Key Takeaways: - Bringing personal development into the workplace can significantly boost employee engagement, creativity, and innovation. - Fostering a safe environment for open communication and idea-sharing is essential for building strong teams. - Encouraging curiosity and learning from mistakes are crucial for leadership and team success. - Meditating and practicing gratitude daily can lead to a more balanced and peaceful life, especially for entrepreneurs. - Taking time off to recharge is beneficial for sustained productivity and mental well-being. Towards the end, Lori also shared a bit about her podcast, "Fine is a 4 Letter Word," where she shares the stories of those who appear to "have it all" but face internal struggles, offering hope and guidance to listeners. Stay connected with Lori via her website at: http://zenrabbit.com

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Doug Mitchell, a seasoned expert in building and scaling sales teams. Doug has over a decade of experience in this field, generating $35,000,000 in sales commissions over the past 13 years. As the host of the Building Great Sales Teams podcast, he brings invaluable knowledge to our conversation, especially for those looking to refine and supercharge their sales processes. We had a great chat about the importance of using sales scripts effectively—not as a crutch to read from during sales presentations, but as a training and assessment tool. He also discussed the role of a well-crafted sales deck in staying on track and delivering powerful presentations. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their sales approach, whether you're a solopreneur or running a large sales team. ### Key Takeaways: - **Sales Scripting for Training:** Doug emphasizes that a sales script should be used primarily for training and evaluating the sales presentation rather than being read during the actual presentation. This helps to ensure that salespeople are consistently improving. - **Sales Deck as a Visual Guide:** He suggests using a sales deck—which includes a cover page, qualification page, presentation, pricing, and closing page—as a visual form to guide the presentation. This helps to keep the presenter on track without sounding robotic. - **Post-Presentation Evaluation:** Doug also suggested referencing the sales script again after the presentation to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. Constant refinement is key to long-term success. - **AI Tools for Analysis:** We also talked about the use of AI tools like Fathom AI for analyzing sales conversations and improving conversion rates. These tools are incredibly valuable for understanding where you might be losing potential clients. - **Power of Building Relationships:** Doug shares his experiences on the significance of social media engagement and building relationships at events, which can lead to successful sales. He emphasizes the long-term value of relationship-based sales over transactional interactions. Throughout our conversation, Doug also highlighted the vital role of in-person events and networking in fostering creativity and learning across different industries. The energy and ideas exchanged during these events are irreplaceable, even with the convenience of virtual platforms. ### Connect with Doug Mitchell: Be sure to connect with Doug on his website: http://salesprogrambuilder.com

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of bringing in one of my best friends, the Brownie Queen herself Katarina Alshaier. She is the entrepreneurial force behind Devour Sweets, an online brownie boutique based in Miami. Our conversation led to a deep dive into Katarina's evolution from a local brownie vendor to a nationwide sensation, showing just how powerful networking, innovation, and unwavering dedication to quality service truly are the keys to creating success. Katarina's journey highlighted the impact of adapting to challenges as she pivoted her business strategy in the face of the pandemic. Her shift to virtual networking and catering to the demands of gluten-free and vegan customers showcased her entrepreneurial mindset under pressure. One key takeaway from our discussion with Kat is the importance of starting small and remaining consistent in both business development and networking efforts. Through her experience catering for Daymond John from Shark Tank, Katarina underscored the significance of building relationships & seizing opportunities. Her journey serves as a testament to the rewards of dedication and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurial endeavors. To connect with Katarina and explore her amazing brownies, check out her website at  https://devoursweets.us/.

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Chad King, the Vice President of Ayoka Systems, a local software development firm. Chad shared his thoughts on building successful businesses around key functional aspects and the importance of effective communication in problem-solving. **Key Takeaways:** - Effective communication is crucial in addressing concerns and enhancing collaboration within business processes. - Understanding the difference between what businesses want and what they actually need can lead to tailored solutions that drive growth and success. - Evaluating available solutions before opting for custom software development can help businesses make more informed decisions and maximize resources. - Prioritizing active solicitation of feedback and involving all team members in decision-making processes fosters a culture of engagement and satisfaction. - Implementing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach allows for incremental improvements based on actual usage and feedback, leading to more effective solutions. Chad King's expertise in developing customized software solutions for mid-enterprise level organizations was evident as he shared practical strategies for leveraging technology to optimize business operations. His passion for helping local businesses implement automated solutions to drive growth was truly inspiring. Connect with Chad and learn more about Ayoka Systems at https://ayokasystems.com and https://rentmysoftware.com

Kenny Lange, a leader in nonprofit and purpose-driven businesses, shares insights on aligning vision with goals, eliminating chaos in growth, and focusing on strengths in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of structured frameworks, organizational charts, and embracing possibilities for business success.