The Cliff Ravenscraft Show — Where Strategy Meets Soul

In this episode, I share an insightful response to a question presented in a recent session of my Next Level Coaching program. A participant asked for advice on how to handle it when others don't understand, and perhaps even question or doubt the unique vision you have for your business or entrepreneurial ventures. I open up about my own experience with my mastermind group questioning my decision to leave Podcast Answer Man behind and pursue my current coaching and mindset work. I emphasize the importance of being your own number one cheerleader, and how seeking encouragement within yourself through journaling, prayer, and meditation is crucial. I also discuss the role of a supportive spouse, if married, and the value of having a peer group that believes in you, even if they provide constructive feedback. Navigating the motivations behind others' doubts is key - some may fear your success or feel threatened by your ambition. Ultimately, I share that if you can't be talked out of your vision, even by your closest advisors, it's a testament to how vital that vision is for your future. Your number one cheerleader must be you. Takeaways and Action Items: Consider others' feedback carefully, evaluating it for new perspectives and potential pitfalls you might have overlooked. If, after reflection, you still believe your vision is worth the inherent risks, others' skepticism will likely strengthen your commitment to your desired outcome. You must be your own best cheerleader and source of encouragement. If married, foster a supportive partnership with your spouse. Surround yourself with a peer group that believes in you and your vision. Understand the motivations behind others' doubts and feedback. An unbelievable offer related to the Next Level Coaching Program If you're on an entrepreneurial journey and looking to take it to the next level, I want to hear from you. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and share a short (3 paragraph or less) summary of where you're at. I have an unbelievable offer for my Next Level Coaching program that I believe could be a game-changer for your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity - reach out today!  

In this episode, I reveal the complete 11-step formula I recommend for building an online business. This valuable content—which people have paid thousands of dollars to receive in my in-person workshops—is now being shared with a wider audience. I start by sharing my own entrepreneurial journey, which began with launching a podcast as a hobby. Over time, I discovered a desire to turn my passion for content creation into a full-time business. However, I quickly realized that most people attempting to create an online business were failing because they started by creating content without first laying the necessary groundwork. Instead of following a strategic sequence, they jumped straight into content creation. As a result, I developed an 11-step formula for building a successful online business: Determine your destination - What do you want your life and business to look like? Identify where you already add value - What are your gifts, talents, and areas of expertise? Determine your ideal customer - Who has the money, problems, and willingness to pay for your solutions? Learn about your ideal customers' problems - Conduct research to deeply understand their struggles. Determine your products and services - Align your offerings with your customers' needs. Create a value proposition statement - Clearly communicate who you are and how you help. Validate your business model - Get paid customers before creating content. Create Content - Create environments for people to discover who you are and what you have to offer. Attract Your Ideal Customer - AKA Grow Your Audience Market your products and services - Develop your sales and marketing skills. Test new products and services - Continuously innovate and improve. I'm offering you free access to the $2,000 "Building an Online Business" course I've taught in-person. All you need to do is email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and share a bit about your entrepreneurial journey and aspirations. If you take me up on this offer and complete the course, I'll also invite you to be my guest for two free sessions of my Next Level Coaching Program, where I can answer your questions and provide personalized guidance. Don't hesitate - email me today and let's get you on the path to entrepreneurial success!

In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of finding something you love so much that you'd be willing to do it all day for free. I share my personal journey, from the early days of discovering podcasting as a hobby while working in insurance, to the point where my passion became my profession. I also explore the concept of hyper-fixation—how it has driven my success and the importance of balancing that intense focus with self-care and other responsibilities. This episode is packed with insights and reflections that can help you evaluate your own passions and how they can lead to incredible opportunities if nurtured properly. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Cliff’s Notes On Amateur Radio = http://NotesOnRadio.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesOnRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesonradio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesonradio Next Level Coaching Program Are you ready to take your passion and turn it into a thriving business? Join my Next Level Coaching Program where I guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of building an online business, step by step. For a limited time, you can join two of our group coaching sessions as my guest, completely free, with no obligation to continue. If you’re interested, email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with "Next Level Coaching Program" in the subject line.  

Discover the secret to massive success through Mastermind groups. Hear how one powerful principle transformed a business from $11,000 to over $750,000 in just five years. Learn about the 'invisible force' formed when like-minded individuals collaborate. Delve into overcoming limiting beliefs around money while unlocking collective intelligence to tackle challenges. Sharing personal insights, the host emphasizes the importance of your peer group in realizing untapped potential. This is your guide to turning knowledge into extraordinary results!

In this episode, I speak into the dilemma many people face when considering leaving the security of a day job to pursue full-time self-employment as a freelancer, coach, or consultant. I share my own experiences and insights on navigating the perceived inherent lack of predictability in self-employment, and how to address the concerns of a spouse who may be more comfortable with the stability of a traditional job. Key Takeaways: I advise that many clients wait until your self-employed business is consistently generating the equal amount of income that you earn from the day job before leaving your day job, in order to provide that sense of financial security for your family. I share strategies I've used to manage cash flow and create a sense of financial predictability, such as my "Options, Not Obligations" (ONO) account. I emphasize the importance of having faith, trust, and expectancy in your ability to create opportunities and generate income as a self-employed individual. I discuss how my reputation, visibility, and relationships built over decades have provided me with an "unlimited number of opportunities" that would not be available in a traditional job. I share recent experiences of fluctuations in my business revenue due to changes in my paid in full pricing incentives, marketing, and client-serving approaches, and how I'm rebooting my routines to adapt. If you're struggling with the decision to leave your day job and pursue self-employment, or if you're already self-employed and navigating the perceived inherent unpredictability, I hope this episode provides you with valuable insights and encouragement. Remember, the path to fulfillment and financial security may not be linear, but with faith, trust, and adaptability, the possibilities are endless. Next Level Mastermind I invite listeners to click here apply for my Next Level Mastermind program for established self-employed business owners. Group Coaching Program for Early Stage Entrepreneurs I also have a group coaching program for early-stage entrepreneurs. Please email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com to ask for more details.  

Explore 19 core beliefs essential for entrepreneurial success, emphasizing the power of mindset and personal growth. Discover how confidence, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning can transform your journey. Hear about the speaker's transition from insurance agent to self-employed entrepreneur, balancing challenges while building a side income. The importance of community, resilience, and a healthy work-life balance is highlighted, encouraging listeners to reflect on their beliefs and strive for breakthroughs.

In this episode, I dive into the reality of post-vacation blues and why it's particularly challenging for us solopreneurs. Returning from a well-deserved break can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to derail your momentum. I share my personal experiences and proven strategies to help you ease back into your routine with renewed focus and energy. From understanding the symptoms to preparing ahead and prioritizing self-care, you'll discover practical tips to transform post-vacation funk into an opportunity for growth and clarity. Join me as we tackle the transition together and turn those blues into a boost for your entrepreneurial journey!   Please Email Me: I'd love to hear what you think! Please share any insights that you took away from this episode. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. Next Level Mastermind As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning. By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful. Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info. New Group Coaching Program for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs! Are you an early-stage entrepreneur or an aspiring one? If so, I have some exciting news for you! I am launching a brand new group coaching program starting on January 9. This weekly, 90-minute session is designed to teach you everything you need to know about building a successful and profitable online business. Here's what you can expect from this program: Weekly 90-Minute Sessions: Each session will cover essential elements of building an online business. I will share all the valuable insights and strategies I have learned over the years. Access to Exclusive Course: You will get access to my existing "Building an Online Business" course, along with all-new content created during our sessions. Direct Interaction and Q&A: Every session includes a direct Q&A segment where you can ask me anything related to your business journey. Ongoing Support: Whether you're just starting or already running an online business but not yet hitting the $10,000/month income mark, this program is for you. Recorded Sessions: Can't make it to a live session? No problem! Every session will be recorded and uploaded to a dedicated archive. You'll receive an email notification with a summary and timestamps, so you can easily find and revisit the topics that interest you most. This program will provide you with incredible access to mentorship, coaching, and the support you need to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Interested? Here's How to Join: Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Online Coaching Program For Business Owners". Let me know you heard about this offer, and I'll get back to you with more details and answer any questions you might have. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business and achieve your goals. Take action now and secure your spot in this transformative coaching program.

In this episode, I dive deep into the often overlooked yet incredibly powerful concept of rest and its profound impact on entrepreneurial productivity. I share personal stories of my journey through burnout, how redefining rest transformed my life, and wisdom that supports the necessity of both work and rest for a fulfilling life. Listen now to learn why rest is not a luxury, but an essential productivity hack that can unlock your creative potential and drive your business to new heights. You will discover practical ways to integrate rest into your routine and how doing so can lead to greater clarity, creativity, and overall success in your entrepreneurial endeavors. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: "Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" by Alex Su Jung Kim, Michael Pang "How to Relax" by Thich Nhat Hanh "Upgrade Your Peer Group" podcast: UpgradeYourPeerGroup.com “Train With Cliff Audio Journal Podcast”: TrainWithCliff.com Please Email Me: I'd love to hear what you think! Please share any insights that you took away from this episode. Also, any feedback on how the episode was structured would be super helpful. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. Next Level Mastermind As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning. By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful. Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info. New Group Coaching Program for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs! Are you an early-stage entrepreneur or an aspiring one? If so, I have some exciting news for you! I am launching a brand new group coaching program starting on January 9. This weekly, 90-minute session is designed to teach you everything you need to know about building a successful and profitable online business. Here's what you can expect from this program: Weekly 90-Minute Sessions: Each session will cover essential elements of building an online business. I will share all the valuable insights and strategies I have learned over the years. Access to Exclusive Course: You will get access to my existing "Building an Online Business" course, along with all-new content created during our sessions. Direct Interaction and Q&A: Every session includes a direct Q&A segment where you can ask me anything related to your business journey. Ongoing Support: Whether you're just starting or already running an online business but not yet hitting the $10,000/month income mark, this program is for you. Recorded Sessions: Can't make it to a live session? No problem! Every session will be recorded and uploaded to a dedicated archive. You'll receive an email notification with a summary and timestamps, so you can easily find and revisit the topics that interest you most. This program will provide you with incredible access to mentorship, coaching, and the support you need to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Interested? Here's How to Join: Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Online Coaching Program For Business Owners". Let me know you heard about this offer, and I'll get back to you with more details and answer any questions you might have. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business and achieve your goals. Take action now and secure your spot in this transformative coaching program.  

Have you ever felt the magic of something you love slowly slipping away? In this episode, I share how my experiment with creating a video version of this podcast was diminishing the magic of my beloved audio-first approach to creating podcast content. Tune in to this in-depth exploration of the potential value of creating a video version of an audio-only podcast. I share the highs, lows, and the pivotal decision that brought the spark back to my content creation journey. Summary: I recount my recent journey of returning to a consistent weekly production schedule. With a desire to maximize my reach, I decided to create a live-streamed video version of my podcast. Despite my extensive experience with live streaming and video production, I soon realized that my current approach was introducing more challenges than benefits. I share my history with live streaming, from early audio live shows via SkypeCast to video streaming on Ustream, and the transition back to audio-only content, until just recently. I discuss the technical hurdles and time demands that came with producing high-quality video content, and how these challenges led me to reconsider my approach. After recounting my recent explorations and the lessons I've learned, I offer recommendations for those considering adding a video version to their audio-first podcast. Join me on this evolving journey as I deliver valuable insights to help you weigh the pros and cons of creating a video version while preserving the essence of your audio-first podcasting approach.   Join My New Group Coaching Program for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs! Are you an early-stage entrepreneur or an aspiring one? If so, I have some exciting news for you! I am launching a brand new group coaching program starting on January 9. This weekly, 90-minute session is designed to teach you everything you need to know about building a successful and profitable online business. Here's what you can expect from this program: Weekly 90-Minute Sessions: Each session will cover essential elements of building an online business. I will share all the valuable insights and strategies I have learned over the years. Access to Exclusive Course: You will get access to my existing "Building an Online Business" course, along with all-new content created during our sessions. Direct Interaction and Q&A: Every session includes a direct Q&A segment where you can ask me anything related to your business journey. Ongoing Support: Whether you're just starting or already running an online business but not yet hitting the $10,000/month income mark, this program is for you. Recorded Sessions: Can't make it to a live session? No problem! Every session will be recorded and uploaded to a dedicated archive. You'll receive an email notification with a summary and timestamps, so you can easily find and revisit the topics that interest you most. This program will provide you with incredible access to mentorship, coaching, and the support you need to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Interested? Here's How to Join: Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Online Coaching Program For Business Owners". Let me know you heard about this offer, and I'll get back to you with more details and answer any questions you might have. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business and achieve your goals. Take action now and secure your spot in this transformative coaching program. Until next time, I encourage you to take everything you do to the next level. Cliff Ravenscraft  

I’ve been observing an alarming trend. Many people are prematurely quitting their day jobs, having fallen for the myth of overnight success. In this episode, I will discuss the myth of overnight success and its negative impact on the wellbeing of those who believe in it. I will introduce three questions to consider before quitting your day job and four essential business foundations to establish beforehand. Additionally, I will provide three suggestions for those who may have prematurely left their day jobs. Next Level Mastermind As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning. By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful. Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.   Outline for this episode Central Theme(s) Let’s put an end to the Myth of The Overnight Success. Let’s stop the trend of people quitting their day jobs prematurely. Three Questions To Ask Before You Quit Day Job Do I have a track record of meeting the needs of a community of people? Are people telling other people about the important work that I am doing in the world? Are people coming to me and asking me for help with an offer to pay for that help? Four Key Foundations For A Thriving Business Financial Stability A Proven and sustainable business model. (Validated Products/Services) Significant Savings (Min 9-12 months runway) Revenue Consistency A regular and sufficient income from the business. An understanding of the true timeline for building a profitable business. Mindset Development An ability to manage emotions, unmet expectations and significant risk. Skill Development A commitment to developing necessary entrepreneurial skills. (Time Management, Pricing, Sales, Marketing, Software, etc.) Three Recommendations For Those Who Have Quit The Day Job Prematurely Review The Financial Health of the Business Evaluate current financial situation. Discover and document any potential financial gaps. Identify alternative income sources if necessary. Strengthen Business Foundations Focus on building a consistent client base. Refine products/services to meet market demand. Your Product/Service should MEET DEMAND, not try to create it. Mindset and Continued Learning Invest in your growth in the area of mindset and emotional state management. Consistently expand your professional skill development. (Especially in the areas of sales and marketing)