929 Strategies is a government affairs consulting company committed to helping businesses pursue opportunities by overcoming challenges through providing public policy advice, so you can protect and grow your business. 

After serving decades in the public sector, Melissa wanted to continue to move Oklahoma in a positive direction by helping businesses. Listen as she walks us through: 

• How you can attract better people for your open positions—tapping into a workforce that has been disrupted
• How federal funds are being used to impact the trajectory of our state
• How to help legislators understand your business's bottom line—insider advice for the entrepreneurial community on engaging in public policy solutions
• And much more

Chet Holmes built a system of 12 core competencies to double your sales, wrote “The Ultimate Sales Machine” and worked with Fortune 500 companies throughout the world. When he passed away in 2012, his daughter Amanda took the reins of the company. 

We talk to her about adapting her father’s legacy for today, and what “The Ultimate Sales Machine” looks like in 2021, as well as: 

• More businesses were started during the COVID pandemic than ever before—how can your business cut through the clutter (and reach buyers)
• How to overcome the number one issue small businesses are facing today 
• The shrinking gap between marketing and sales (where you should focus your efforts NOW)
• And much more

The entrepreneurial drive grabbed a hold of Bob when he was just 13, leading him to start a neighborhood newspaper that he sold door to door. Bob says, “There was something in me that made me look for what businesses I could start.” 

Since that time, Bob’s career has had many twists and turns, but at the heart of it has always been his desire to serve his community and help others succeed which led him to latest venture, Second Half Events, Inc. Second Half Events’ focus is on everything for the 50+ generation. We’ll talk to him about the upcoming Second Half Expo, as well as:

• The 5 pain points of people 50+
• The top 2 concerns for those over 50
• 3 questions to help you find your next step
• How to leave a lasting legacy
• And more

We chat about the hardship of losing employment in order to launch her own business, as well as:

• The pivotal moment that inspired her to pursue the study of plants
• The development of a health and wellness line
• Pursuing FDA approval through clinical trials
• Her journey from prototyping products in her kitchen to production
• And more

Camilo says, “This is my way of giving back. Now that I'm in a position where I have this privilege, I wanted to do something that makes a difference in people's lives and helps them become more comfortable with money.”

We chat about his innate drive to overcome poverty and create financial freedom, as well as:

• The mission of Finance Twins
• The number one stressor for Americans
• The key to freedom as an entrepreneur
• Advantages of beginning a new business endeavor when you’re over 50
• And more

We chat about the transition of ownership, as well as:

• Food manufacturing regulations
• Previous introductions to production automation
• Woody Candy’s commitment to handmade quality
• The changes Brian would have made if he had the opportunity to do it all over again
• And more

John says, “Society places a tremendous premium on business ownership, so I think in many cases, we get a bit addicted to that sense of fulfillment that comes with running a company, even though in many cases we’ve stopped feeling the freedom.”

We chat about Built to Sell, as well as:

• The importance of taking risks in business
• Becoming risk-averse when you are spearheading your business
• Always considering the next chapter
• Buying and selling with private equity groups 
• And more

We chat about her self-made start, as well as: 

• Her entrepreneurial spirit and early applications of business consulting
• Considering who you serve as a small business 
• Finding the right business support for continued expansion
• The number one thing small businesses should be focusing on right now
• ROI > ROE
• And more 

They share the heart and soul of the company vision, as well as:

• Combining their powers to tell clients’ stories
• Translating the discipline of great attitude and effort from athletics to business
• Guidance of faith through their business, learning from stories, and telling stories
• Being mindful of who surrounds us during the inevitable business obstacles 
• And more

“We know that companies that focus on freedom from the business owner perspective, and that is freedom of time and freedom financially, business owners that are successfully doing that not only have a healthier lifestyle, they have a healthier business. And, that business is typically worth more money than their competition.”

This week’s episode is all about emerging from COVID fatigue, as well as:

• What the challenges of 2020 revealed in our businesses
• Evaluating your current mental and physical health
• The real risk of burnout and failure in small business
• Deciding who you want to surround yourself with in the future
• Skilled engagement of social media
• And more

“This current moment in time is giving us the opportunity to revisit everything we have been doing, to tweak and reinvent. We have come to realize very quickly, that we need to be very open minded, entrepreneurial, and innovative. And we initiate that dialogue with our customers to make sure that when we come back out on the other side, we're not exactly the same as we were before,” says Peter. 

We chat about his leadership journey with Hyatt, as well as:

• Cultivating meaningful connection with your team

• The keys to providing a memorable Customer Experience

• Overcoming Coronavirus challenges

• The future of the hospitality industry

• And more

Resilient and hardworking from the start, Arthur witnessed the caring company culture at the heart of Chick-fil-a and became determined to learn how to be involved. He shares how the company carefully evolved by continuously identifying new ways to serve customers and create lasting, memorable experiences that have made Chick-fil-a the household name we know today.

We discuss the wisdom gained over three decades of solving problems, as well as: 

• Opening a small store at 22 years old

• Surprising advantages to starting at a low volume location

• The difference between $20,000 in sales per month vs. $20,000 per day

• Faceplant moments - Getting sued and seeking advice from mentors about lawsuits

• The origins of the most efficient drive-throughs in fast food and implementing the famous phrase “It’s my pleasure”

• And more

Matt says, “From the start, I knew the tribe that I wanted to serve, and that's entrepreneurs. So, my whole objective was to figure out how to insert myself into that tribe. I knew that there was a path on the legal front for entrepreneurs and I knew there was a path for starting your own law firm, so it seemed like the marriage of those two is what intrigued me and allowed me to get into this ecosystem.”

We chat about Matt’s love for the law, as well as:

• His decision to work with other entrepreneurs and building his practice around that tribe

• His process for launching new businesses

• Common stumbling blocks for new entrepreneurs

• Honing in on your own lane

• And more

“Things weren’t always easy during those first 10 years. It was stressful, but then it started to cash flow. When things start to cash flow, it's a different play. It was good to see— you kind of plant that seed for something tomorrow”, says Bill.

We chat about the importance of sales to every business owner, as well as:

• How Bill started on his entrepreneurial path

• Learning to overcome objections in sales

• Planting the seeds for cash flow

• His experience with selling his business and post-sale regret

• And more

“This has been the hardest professional year of my life. That being said, I say that with gratitude, because through this time, we've been working with our clients, actively engaged to keep them in business, make sure that we assisted them in applying for their PPP loans, making sure they were doing the right things with employees, and taking advantage of all the things that the government had provided during 2020,” says Chuck.

We chat about Wedel Rahill & Associates, as well as:

• The current status of PPP loans

• The potential for tax changes in 2021

• What we should be focusing on in terms of bookkeeping before the end of 2020

• The spike in new business filings during quarantine

• Winning the tax game by controlling your income

• And more

Kevin vividly remembers writing his first software program in early 1985, which is what started him on his entrepreneurial journey, and looks back fondly on the roots that got him going. 

We’ll chat with Kevin about what his self-employed life has taught him, as well as… 

• The best advice he’s ever received

• What he would change if he could do it all over again

• Why he feels confident in uncomfortable situations

• The biggest takeaways from his time in Congress

• And more

“Do your homework, make sure that you know what you're getting into, then go for it; don't be afraid that it's going to be a grind. There will be successes and there will be failures, you'll love it and you'll hate it, you'll have sleepless nights sometimes, but in the end, as long as you don't quit, you just grind through it, it'll be worth all the hard work,” says Jason.

We chat about Jason’s entrepreneurial journey, as well as:

• Learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable

• The importance of surrounding yourself with the right network

• Lessons learned from previous entrepreneurial endeavors

• Leading by example

• And more

“There are different types of job knowledge that you need to be an entrepreneur. For instance, I know I know how to install a roof and how to sell a roof, but what I didn't understand was the completely different job description of owning a company where you have employees, you have subcontractors, you have taxes, you have office staff, weekly payroll, and all these other things that have nothing to do with contracting a roof or installing roof. It's a completely different skill set and I had to OJT that rapidly,” says James.

We chat about James’ start in business, as well as:

• His journey from employee to entrepreneur

• Developing collaborative business relationships

• Creating additional revenue streams through diversification

• Working outside your comfort zone

• And more

On this week’s Over 50 Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down to discuss my takeaways from my experience as a podcaster so far and answer some common questions. To help me do that, I’m joined by my good friend, Steve Gordon, of The Unstoppable CEO. Steve actually produces this show for me, in addition to hosting a show of his own, so I thought he might be the ideal  candidate to help me talk about this platform.

We chat a little about my role with Epic Business Advisory, as well as: 

• My journey as a podcaster

• What I’ve learned from the amazing list of guests I’ve been able to speak with

• The business opportunities that have opened up through the show

• Building relationships and providing value to your network

• And more

In addition to his career in technology, Stan is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the US Military, where he served as an intelligence analyst for the USAF, an artillery officer, and Assistant CIO for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in business management from Southern Nazarene University and currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, with his wife of 38 years.

We chat about his transition from the military to entrepreneurship, as well as:

• The values he has carried forward through three businesses

• How NvYA Technology helps its clients benefit from technology through increased connectivity

• What business owners may not be thinking about with regards to evolving technology

• Building companies of value

• And more

Can you guess which way he went?

Decades later he’s still loving what he does as an entrepreneur, author, speaker, avid runner and running coach to some of the country’s top athletes.

Along the way, he learned life lessons and business strategies that could help you through tough times or to make big decisions.

At the core of everything he does is something his mother taught him early in life. He shares that success secret, as well as…

• How fear creates freedom – and what you can do to harness that power

• The real source of breakthroughs and growth
   
• Life lessons he learned in his family’s pawnshop 

• The most important part of any business – it’s not the product or service
   
• And more

“When you're just looking out at the online world and thinking, I've got an idea, or even if you don't have an idea, you just know you want to do something, that's where I am. I help you look at the entire landscape and figure out what it is that you want, which platform you'd really like to be on, and then how to find that community and create content for that platform. That’s what I do with Ready Entrepreneur,” says Case.

We chat about how she defines lifestyle freedom, as well as:

• Setting realistic expectations around starting your own business

• Viewing business owners and entrepreneurs as problem solvers

• Scaling your business as a solo entrepreneur

• Her new book, Recast

• And more

Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph, also a former agent, joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq which went on to be featured by ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015. Michele also holds a Master’s degree in contemporary Arab studies from Georgetown University. Today, she is a keynote speaker, a trainer, an author, and an international security consultant.

We chat about Michele’s journey to joining the CIA and her ultimate decision to leave active service, as well as:

• Her transition to entrepreneurship

• Working with companies operating in the Middle East

• Her book, Breaking Cover

• Her definition of freedom

• And more

His purpose is to help people reach their full potential through his consulting, speaking, best-selling books, and other work he does through his company, Purpose Unlimited.

He says if you don’t have a purpose in your work, your business… even your life… your only motivation is reward and punishment. That’s not sustainable and leads to unhappiness.

Jim says having a purpose-driven business can completely change your mindset, leadership skills, hiring, and other aspects of the business. 

We get into details on that, as well as what to do if you feel unfulfilled in your current line of work. Tune in to find out…

• The biggest lie told about motivation

• The 4 criteria for identifying your true purpose

• Why most mission statements are worthless 

• The first question you must ask yourself if you want to change your life

• And more

“Wanting to be perfect, or waiting for perfection, is a big Achilles heel with so many business owners. It doesn't mean you don't want to do things right and cautiously, but so many don't start because they're waiting for perfect. Somebody doesn’t start because they're waiting for something to happen. They're waiting for the right time. The only right time is today. I'm not saying you shouldn't wait, but those who are waiting to start their first podcast— your voice is never going to be good enough. You're waiting to start your first blog— the first blog post is going to suck, guarantee it,” says Ramon.

We chat about Ramon’s entrepreneurial journey, as well as:

• His first steps during the inception of a business

• Building a brand

• What entrepreneurial freedom really looks like

• The importance of content frequency, and the process of curating content

• Making the decision to extract yourself from your business

• And more

Andrea, Co-founder of the Courage Crafters speaking team and co-author of the book Go for No!, notes that failure is associated with negativity, feelings of rejection… and that emotional component of failure can have a tremendous – and often unseen – impact on your path to success. Even hearing something as simple as “No” during a sales conversation can be paralyzing.

But, says Andrea, it shouldn’t be. In fact, “no” can lead to opportunity on many levels. We get into detail on that, including…

• The biggest myth about success and failure

• How to speak your prospect’s “language” – and why it’s vital

• Why should you increase your failures - exponentially

• The danger of assuming you know how much your prospect wants to spend

• And more

“Business owners, they start off looking for freedom, but then they most often find that’s anything but what they actually get. They end up getting trapped into this business, and they get it off the ground and burn the candle at both ends, but there has to be a point at which that changes. You can't just stay trapped in that business forever and a few key things need to happen for that to happen,” says David.

We chat about Davids’s biggest takeaways after achieving freedom, as well as:

• Leaning into the uncomfortable as an entrepreneur

• Systemizing your small business

• How he came to work directly with Michael Gerber

• His latest book, Systemology

• And more

You have to automate processes, delegate tasks, and more – so that your business can grow, and you have the freedom to do what you enjoy. 

It’s time to get your time back, says Brandon, and he shows a methodical way to get things off your plate. The sooner you realize you are replaceable – and why that’s a good thing – the sooner your business’s transformation can begin.

We get into all this in detail, including…

• Leveraging technology for efficient delegation 

• A more effective way to train new employees

• How to figure out the biggest bottleneck in your business

• The absolute first task you should delegate

• And more

“There’s a lot of opportunity with startups happening and a lot of innovation in various sectors enabled by technology in different forms. But there’s not enough organized capital investing in it. So you’re really seeing a supply and demand mismatch.”

Through his work at recently launched VC firm Cortado Ventures, he seeks to invest in the top tech startups in the region, in industries like energy, fintech, insurtech, aerospace, and more. He’s looking for technology that’s solving problems in the marketplace and has a use case in Oklahoma.

He talks about that in detail and also explains his experiences as founder and president of Oklahoma City-based Antioch Energy, community and business leader, and Air Force captain led him to develop a series of best practices related to entrepreneurship, business development, mergers and acquisitions, seeking funding for new ventures, and more.

Tune in to find out…

• How his military experience shaped his leadership strategy

• Key factors he looks for in companies when investing venture capital

• The difference of small business versus venture investment

• What technology will allow the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve

• And more

But, says time management coach Elizabeth Saunders, that’s a recipe for overload and burnout… and will make you less successful in the long run.

Where you invest your time is just as important as where you invest your money, notes Elizabeth. It impacts your productivity, relationships, success, and profitability, not to mention physical and mental health, and more.

Elizabeth recommends starting with the hours you want to work… then molding your business to fit.

We dig deep into that topic, as well as…

• How to train clients and employees to respect your time

• 3 strategies for not letting stress and crises get the better of you
   
• Creating the perfect to-do list

• A unique way to keep your energy up throughout the workday

• And more

LinkedIn was critical to this strategy, but not in the way you expect. 

We also talk about why he chose the payroll services niche and the “natural” strategic partnership that’s opened up a whole new target market, as well as…

• How he uses a CRM for more effective networking 

• The danger of vendor monopoly control – and what he’s doing to change the game

• Why he uses personal goals to set business goals

• The role of HR in company culture

• And more

In 2008, Sean led an investor group that purchased 110 year old Regent Bank out of Nowata, Oklahoma. Since then, he's taken that bank and expanded it to Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Springfield, Missouri and now Bartlesville, growing from 72 million in assets to over 700 million, making it one of America's fastest-growing banks.

We chat about Sean’s entrepreneurial journey, as well as:

• What has stuck with him about his career in banking

• His role as the Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development

• Attracting new businesses to Oklahoma

• Working remotely

• And more

A key part of that process is making sure your disabled child is taken care of after you’re gone. And in Ellyn’s experience, not dealing with that now can have severe consequences. 

Trusts, wills, guardianships, powers of attorney, and more are in Ellyn’s toolbox. But a huge part of the job is helping families navigate tough conversations amongst themselves and with relatives.

Tune in to get more details, including…

• Government benefits that are available for special needs kids

• The biggest mistakes parents make in this type of planning

• A must-have insurance for small business owners

• A tax-free savings account the government can’t touch

• And more

Matthew started his own boutique law firm because he has a true entrepreneurial spirit, which is something he brings to the table when working with clients. One of his guiding principles is that business is about more than money. And he’s always got his eye on the future, making sure to stay ahead of the curve on behalf of his clients for new opportunities and potential threats.

We talk about that, as well as…

• Solving one of the major pitfalls of cryptocurrencies

• The most important part of being in business – it’s not the money

• How cryptocurrencies fit into financial planning today (most people are missing something HUGE)

• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with estate planning

• What is the blockchain, what are cryptocurrencies, and what’s the difference between them

Rod started his journey in the field by working for a tax lawyer over high school summer breaks and throughout college, and he quickly came to fall in love with tax. This unique opportunity gave Rod a competitive advantage when he finished law school and started practicing. 

Rod’s story is just incredible, and he has a lot of value to offer. Join us as we chat with Rod about his entrepreneurial journey, as well as…

• How Rod has scaled to 2 offices and over 120 employees.

• What Rod has learned through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship

• How a business partner changed Rod’s business for the better

• Rod’s tips for avoiding the owner’s trap

• The advice Rod has for aspiring and new entrepreneurs

• And more

“Okay, I need to actually start from the foundations of psychology, influence persuasion, networking, relationship maintenance. I need to break down what successful people in this area are doing, and have been doing for decades, and that's what I need to start teaching and learning,” says Jordan.

We chat about Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey, as well as:

• The importance of building your network

• The transition from Wall St to podcasting

• Early roadblocks and self-sabotage

• The Six Minute Networking Program

• And more

He knows that banks can impact communities and spur entrepreneurship. And as a corporate leader, he learned how to rally teams to work together to achieve company goals. 

He says relationships between bankers and entrepreneurs are key to business success, with bankers acting as advocates and advisors. 

We talk about that in depth, as well as…

• The role of big banks vs. community banks for small businesses

• How to avoid “losing touch” with customers as organizations grow 

• The 5+ traits of a successful small business 

• The biggest change in banking in the last 20 years

• And more

It might seem counter intuitive, but by following that rule of focusing how you can give value to others, your business will be more profitable.

You do that by listening to your prospect… understanding what they need, want, and desire… and then matching the benefits of your product or service that hit those marks. Bob says that’s the only way to get the sale. 

We get into the nitty-gritty on how to do that, including…

• A strategy for pivoting your business in the current crisis

• Why money is an “echo” of value – and what that means in practical terms 

• The dangers of selling on price

• How to avoid becoming a commodity 

• And more

Eric started his entrepreneurial journey by selling newspapers in Ohio— which is where he learned, through his go-kart, about his love for efficiency and operations at a young age. And, he says, the rest is history. 

We’ll chat with Eric about his experiences as an entrepreneur thus far, including his first “apprenticeship” in advertising, as well as… 

• The low-income, high sales commission job in advertising (and what he had to sacrifice for the experience)

• Why you can’t be in it for the money

• How to find new opportunities and pivot in the face of an unsteady industry

• The successes and challenges of entrepreneurship

• And more

• How Jonathan and Jeff pivoted the distillery to produce hand sanitizer.
• The challenge of going from 4000-5000 cases of liquor per year to 4000-5000 cases of hand sanitizer per week.
• The surprising results they're seeing now.
• How their team has come together to rise to the moment.
• How they're supporting first responders across Oklahoma.

Tune in now...

-Rick

“And as long as my intentions are right, and I understand my customer's needs, then anything can kind of be overcome,” says Gary while reflecting on how he faced the challenges of starting a business. 

We’ll chat with Gary about what it was like to start a business, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them, as well as…

• The difference between working for a corporation and working for yourself

• How to overcome the occasional loneliness of entrepreneurship

• Gary’s favorite business book

• How Gary scaled his business

• The 2 big things Gary has learned through entrepreneurship

• What sets Black Optical apart

• And more

• When first signs of economic struggle hit Norman.
• How Sereta is pivoting Yellow Dog Coffee Company to meet shifting demand.
• Why being in close contact with your bank is critical right now.
• How to stay in touch with your customers in difficult times.
• How to grapple with the big unknowns in business right now.

Tune in now...

-Rick

But it was well worth it. Turner and Son Homes went from three referrals per quarter to 26 to 30 per month. That’s in a very niche market that saw the emergence of 17 new competitors while she was developing her system, which she uses as Director of Sales and Marketing for Turner. These days she also helps clients set up their own personalized prospecting systems as part of her consulting and coaching practice.

She says one of the most important things business owners must understand is that everybody in an organization is in sales in some way. We talk about what that means in practical terms, as well as…

• The most important role you have as a business owner

• How to identify effective salespeople in the hiring process

• What you must realize about self-worth and achievement

• Why successful sales isn’t about selling

• And more

• How starting her business as a "recession baby" prepared Deemah for dealing with what's happening today.
• The secret to getting through to the other side of this...
• Why you should turn off the news.
• Gracefully "releasing" people from your life when they're dragging you down.
• How Deemah is dealing with the #1 challenge she (and all of us) is facing right now.

Tune in now...

-Rick

1. Life 2.0: How People Across America Are Transforming Their Lives By Finding The Where Of Their Happiness (2004)
2. The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success (2014)
3. Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience In A World Obsessed With Early Achievement (2019)

You’re in for an absolutely fantastic interview as we chat with Rich about his inspiration for his books, early achievement, as well as…

• The late bloomer approach

• Sharing what you’re really passionate about

• Rich’s “faceplant” moment

• How blanket societal pressures on kids can do more harm than good 

• Why some businesses won't feel the impact of the current crisis for months.
• The challenge of decision-making while we're in the current fog.
• How to be nimble right now, to follow the new opportunities.
• Ways to test new offers right now.
• How to stay sane and focused in the midst of chaos.

Tune in now...

-Rick

“So I just at some point said, I have to create this process where I can walk in and kind of one sales call, say, here's what I'm going to do. Here's what you're going to do, here are the results we hope to get and here's what it costs,’ says John on the origins of Duct Tape Marketing. 

We’ll chat with John about what he may change if he had to start over, why he chose to go into marketing, and…

• What he’s grateful for

• The advice he’d give aspiring and new entrepreneurs

• How he defines freedom, and

• The benefits of meditation for entrepreneurs

• The practicalities of trying to keep your business viable during the lockdown.
• The critical need for personal estate planning (and having all the right documents in case you get seriously ill).
• The importance of setting up your business continuity documents so your business carries on, even if you or a partner becomes ill.
• The strange balance between optimistically looking towards the boom that will come after this crisis and the fear of facing the dramatic loss of business right now.
• The new opportunities and innovations that are emerging (even now) to change how you do business for the better. 

Tune in now...

“I didn’t want to hurt a veteran, I wanted to help a veteran,” said Chad Watts as he was brainstorming his business. In order to do so, Chad and Branden decided to focus on rekindling the comradery veterans were once accustomed to in the service...with extraordinary results. 

We chat with Chad and Branden about their mission, their business model, their biggest hurdles, and...

• Onboarding new vendors and helping them launch

• How having systems in place make growth easier

• The biggest challenges they’re continuing to overcome, and

• Their goal to reduce suicide rates among veterans

• Why you need to find a group of entrepreneurs to talk with right now.
• Why entrepreneurs are the most equipped people to handle the chaos of the current situation.
• How you and I, as entrepreneurs, will lead society out of this challenge.

Tune in now...Cory’s ideas will help you process what’s happening today and begin to chart your bigger future starting tomorrow.

-Rick

It’s been a rollercoaster. So he was ready for retirement. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s not working. 

In fact, he’s developing a new business model to take advantage of an ongoing industry trend promoted by a particular automotive-minded billionaire.

We explore that, as well as…

• Differentiating your business in a commodity industry
• Key differences between cash flow and profit that many businesspeople don’t understand 
• The biggest mistakes business owners make when borrowing money
• The importance of downtime in any career
• And more

I sat down with Matt Tipton of WhyHR to discuss HR considerations and the help and resources available to you during this crisis.

Then, I had a conversation with Eric Weisgarber of The AMG Team to discuss what you should be doing in terms of sales and marketing to keep the revenue machine going right now.

This is the first of a series of bonus episodes we'll be publishing over the next several weeks.

Listen now...

She says digital offers clear benefits for companies of every size, in every industry… even businesses that say that they’re not “set up” for digital.

The truth is, says Deedra, that your audience is online – constantly and in many different sites, apps, and services. 

She works with her clients to find out where their prospects and customers hang out online and then creates a customized marketing plan to reach them there.

Of course, that’s just the start. We talk about what comes next, as well as…

• The #1 digital marketing tactic she recommends to every business
• An “old school” strategy she still relies on
• How much you should be spending on marketing
• The 5+ advantages of digital marketing has over traditional advertising
• And more

He explains how he factors that “no regrets” thinking into future plans for the business, and how it’s guided decision-making over the years, especially during tough times.

He also talks about how the company survived a four-month stretch with almost no customers early on, the challenges of expanding a business in a recession, and more. Building material supply businesses have a high rate of failure, and Jim explains how they’ve been able to not just survive... but thrive.

Tune in to find out…

• Ways to “take advantage” of an economic downturn (you’re not expecting this)
• The lessons he learned decades ago as a house flipper that he still uses today
• When ignoring the best advice of others… is the right thing to do
• How he’s preparing now for his exit from the company – even though it’s years away
• And more

The world has changed dramatically in a very short time. Like you, I’m working to understand it, adapt, and find the way forward.

At the end of the day, that’s all there really is--a way forward.

Today’s episode of the podcast is a little bit different. I’m joined by my friend Steve Gordon, host of The Unstoppable CEO™ podcast to discuss what we’re doing right now to keep moving forward, and what we’re advising our clients to do.

In challenging times you learn a lot about yourself and about other people. Character is revealed, for better or worse.

Things will be different, but that’s not something to fear, it’s something to embrace. Change brings opportunity. It’s up to each of us to find it and adapt. 

Today, Steve and I discuss where to focus your thinking and actions so you find the new opportunities.

I’d love to hear what you’re doing to move forward, in spite of the circumstances of the day. 

Hit reply...and let me know, or just say “hi.”

Mary Beth started her journey in entrepreneurship by coming up against obstacles, reflecting, and pivoting. Then, she moved along to a 21-foot cowboy on Route 66?…?

We talk about mistakes you can make when starting off and how to overcome hardships, as well as…

• Not thinking about what other people think
• Not caring about what you have no control over
• Following it through and making it happen
• The incredible things you can accomplish when you persistently act on your passion and drive

One of Deemah’s guiding principles is to not do business like other construction companies, at least those that give the industry a bad name. Their processes are geared towards enhancing the customer experience.

We talk about how her start-up business managed to compete with much larger competitors in the early days and what she does to land those high-profile clients, as well as…

• Creating a support system when you start a business
• The importance of communication – with who, about what, and how often
• Why she sometimes “bosses” her clients around – and they love her for it
• What you can learn from Bill Gates and Steve Jobs about success
• And more

When faced with that situation, Jared Toay made big changes in his new business and how he approached life… even what he ate.

The result was a successful new venture and a new, more fulfilling lifestyle. He talks about that journey, how to spot opportunity in your own life, and tips entrepreneurs in any situation can use to be successful without sacrifice.

• How his sense of mission influences his decisions
• Why helping people doesn’t mean you can’t make money
• The biggest myths of healthy eating and exercise
• What he says is vital to continued business growth
• How food journaling for two weeks can change your life 

Human resources done right, says Matt, can actually be a vital asset to keeping your employees productive and your business profitable. He talks about the true goal of HR, how to instill a sense of “mission” in your team, as well as what it takes to grow a professional services business in this day and age. 

Tune in to find out…

• The most common misconceptions about hiring good employees
• What small businesses need to know about HR
• The biggest obstacle to good boss/employee relations
• How HR practices inform your company culture  
• The vital importance of knowing why you do what you do

Today, we chat with Jerry Reed— the owner and operator of RECO Enterprises since 1983. Jerry is also a real estate developer and investor with over 100 new buildings in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Jerry is backed by strong credentials and maintains a history of on-time, on-budget projects completed to the highest standard of quality.

We’ll chat with Jerry about his biggest business challenges and what he would do differently if he had to start all over, as well as…

• The biggest changes in the business since starting out in 1983
• How to deal with the self-doubt that comes hand in hand with entrepreneurship
• The transition that happens when you add to your team and your role shifts
• The enormous impact that a supportive group of like-minded individuals can have on your entrepreneurial journey

Today, Ketch Design Centre in Oklahoma City is the go-to place for commercial and residential window treatments, upholstery, fine fabrics, and even wallpaper. They provide custom interior design work for a variety of clients, and how they’ve grown is a great lesson for any industry.

They have a commitment to getting it right and excellent customer service in every project they do. And that, says Ronnie, is what’s set them apart and allowed to stay relevant when you can buy just about everything online– except expertise and experience.

We talk about that, as well as…

• How he’s built a team that can do “anything” 
• The challenges of providing custom work for a variety of clients – and how to overcome them    
• Why being “perfect” has led to more profits 
• A unique way to deal with customer “mistakes”
• And more

Referrals – and word-of-mouth marketing – can be one of the most powerful levers for your business’s growth, says digital marketing consultant and author Daniel Lemin.

But too many businesses don’t pay enough attention to this channel, especially as people trust “traditional” marketing and advertising less and less.

Daniel shares his recommendations for harnessing word of mouth – online and offline – in a way that can radically transform how your business reaches customers and compel rapid growth as a result.

We dive deep into that topic, including...

• Why offline word of mouth is still more important than you think
• Finding and taking advantage of your business’s “talk triggers”
• The reason going viral can backfire – or at least not pay off the way you think
• The one thing you need to make your customers refer you to others
• How a little bit of empathy can alter the big picture of your business

So they created a very specialized business that either restores– or as they call it, “rescues” – old wood windows or reproduces them. They’ve come a long way since their startup days, learning secrets about effective hiring, monitoring their financials, and expanding in scope and geographic reach. 

Tune in to get all the details about their unique business, including…

• How they train their workforce in century-old techniques – and what they teach you about hiring practices
• What they outsource and what they don’t with online marketing efforts
• The biggest lessons they learned as they transitioned from service company to manufacturer
• Why they made key – but tough – HR changes early on to ensure sustainable growth  
• And more

I challenge you to look at your long-term vision and determine what must you do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to get closer to it. 

Only with a real plan can you truly experience sustainable and significant business growth.

Another element of success: focusing on what you want… not what other people expect. 

Tune in for more details, including…

• How your daily habits can impact your success
• The importance of knowing like-minded entrepreneurs – and where to find them
• Figuring out what you must do in the next 90 days – and why it’s critical
• Why you should be helping other people get what they want
• And more

It’s a business he kind of fell into… after finding the industry appealing. A great example of how you never know where the next opportunity will come your way. 

Matt talks about his startup journey – there are plenty of lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry. Plus, he reveals how he creates a customer experience that keeps them coming back – and referring him to others.

Tune in to find out…

• The key to transition from solo-preneur to CEO and manager of a team
• The strategy he uses to find the right employees for the right roles in his business
• What he does to set himself apart from the competition in a crowded market
• How he’s avoided becoming a commodity to his clients
• A pragmatic approach to scaleability

One of the things he credits for his rapid rise is a focus on productivity, personal development, and moving past destructive behaviors (even those that didn’t appear that harmful on the surface).

Tony, creator of P90X, among other best-selling fitness programs, shares some of the strategies he used, both on a personal level as well as in his business dealings, to get where he is today. He also shares some simple diet and exercise tips that can boost your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Tune in to find out…

• The role of productivity in getting in shape – and business success
• Why P90X is a bestseller 16 years later – and the takeaway for your biz
• How to know when it’s time to pivot your business goals
• Finding your success “tipping point”
• What you can learn from differences of opinion
• And more

This married couple were lucky enough to be able to match their shared major passion in life with profits too when they opened what has become one of the country’s top-rating running specialty stores, Red Coyote Running and Fitness.

Their startup period was full of long hours of learning the ropes. But now they’ve been able to step back a bit from the day-to-day so they can raise their kids, something they could only do after taking certain steps. 

We get into detail on that, as well as…

• Why they chose Oklahoma City for their store (this could influence your location)
• The hardest part of running a business – and how they’ve overcome it
• What they’ve done to attract their ideal customers (and it’s not who you think it is)
• The importance of their brand – how they came up with it and why it’s boosted their business in surprising ways 
• The impact that being a part of a professional think tank can have on business development

That’s Sereta Wilson, who spent 16 years in the telecom industry before starting her own business. 

Annie’s Ruff House has been voted Norman, Oklahoma’s best pet boarding facility for many years running. And they also have a doggy day care and an indoor dog park.

She chose this niche because it was an unmet need in the market. That was the first thing she did right. She also kept startup costs low. We talk about the early days, how she keeps the business thriving, and more.

Tune in to find out…

• The marketing strategy she uses that costs no money
• What she learned over the years that compelled her to tweak the business in key ways
• The numbers she tracks to gauge the health of the business – and make better decisions
• Why you should always negotiate your lease (it paid off for Sereta in a big way)
• And more

Mike Michalowicz says it doesn’t have to be that way. Not when you focus on fixing the most dangerous potential trap in your business. It’s something that could see you making a ton of money… but not taking home much – if any – of it at the end of the day.

If you’ve discovered that you’re not experiencing the freedom you thought your business would give you, check out what Mike has to say on that because… he’s been there.

He talks about how he came out the other side much stronger, as well as…

• The dangers of the “pump and dump” mentality in the startup world
• How to balance your books more realistically than you are now
• Why you need to stop listening to your CPA
• What you should do now to prepare for the next economic downturn
• How the philosophy and mentality of Profit First can be a game changer for your business

Mike works with dentists and oral surgeons. But the lessons he shares will apply to any professional services-based business, especially those seeking to grow or expand into multiple locations. 

He uses systems and proven processes that help owners see where they need improvement (whether in marketing, staffing, and more) to maximize profitability. The end result: helping the owner reach their financial and personal goals, which is what having your own business is all about, right?

With his background as a CPA and Chartered Global Management Accountant, Mike is able to glean unique insights from financial statements and other metrics to figure out where a business can do better.

We get into all the details, including…

• How to identify mistakes and fraud that are costing you thousands
• The type of relationship you should have with any consultant or advisor
• Using the power of automation the right way
• Why the simplest advice is often the most powerful
• Why being master of a trade or service isn’t enough...business acumen is essential

Not only is the food, atmosphere, and staff top notch, but this world-famous institution can teach you a lot about success in business in terms of management, customer service, branding, the startup phase, and more. Because it’s much, much more than just an eatery these days.

CEO Stan Clark, who co-founded Eskimo Joe’s more than 44 years ago, says his goal from day one was to give customers a great experience – in every interaction. And that’s what guides every decision to this day.

Listen in to discover…

• Strategies for “pivoting” when your business model has to change
• How a new law almost shut the business down for good early on=
• Why they’ve stayed true to their hometown and not expanded 
• The benefits – and joys – of creating a community-based business  
• The impact thoughtful branding can have on your business

Mark Gunkel says you need business building, management, and operations strategies… a passion for being “in charge.” And these are skills and you can pick up when you’re still an employee.

Mark shares his strategies for managing his team, staying productive, and more.

Tune in to find out...

• The regular escapes he uses to avoid burnout
• Vital money management tips for entrepreneurs
• Why you should give your employees “extra” time off
• Overcoming the challenges that come with selling a commodity
• The impact of continually evaluating and reevaluating your business goals 

But selling the business isn’t straightforward. And you should be preparing now to make sure you have a sell-able enterprise for years down the road. Author, speaker, and consultant John Warrillow has created a system that has helped thousands of business owners build value, enough so that they’ve been able to statistically boost the value by up to 71%.

As John says, you only get one shot at selling your life’s work, so you better make it count. He shares how to do just that, including…

• Why you shouldn’t rush to sell your business – even if you have a ready buyer
• The many dangers of proprietary deals
• How buyers can gain instant leverage in an M&A deal
• The question from a potential buyer you should never answer
• And more

Founder of The Brown Group – a one-stop shop for all things residential and commercial real estate – Toby says a focus on the realities of a potential investment allow him to remove whim and emotion from his decisions.

It wasn’t always like this. In his early days as an investor he wasn’t as disciplined… and it got him into trouble at times. But, he says, it was all a valuable learning experience.

Toby talks about his investing philosophy, including…

• The most important metric to watch when buying rental property
• How he’s using delegation to take his company to the next level
• The people to watch out for once you start having success
• The importance of formal education… and its limits
• And more

Dockit is at full capacity now – and Lauran only works about five hours a week on this venture. 

But it was tough growing the business early on as she struggled with attracting potential “tenants.” She changed her target market… and that’s when things took off.

We talk about what she did to tweak her approach, as well as…

• The books she turned to for help when times were tough
• How she has found purpose in her work - and its impact on her business
• The two things she would do differently if starting her venture today
• Her plans for expansion – and why the franchise model might work
• Her pursuit of time as the most precious currency

Bruce Sanchez is the owner and brewmaster of Twisted Spike Brewing Company, which has the largest taproom in Oklahoma City. Like many in the industry, Bruce started as a home brewer – award-winning, in fact. But when he got into business, he discovered there was a lot more to it than making a tasty brew.

You don’t have to brew beer to learn a lot from Bruce about marketing, branding, sales, product creation, and more. Not to mention how to bootstrap a small business to take advantage of a booming market… while setting yourself apart from the competition.

Tune in to find out…

• One of the biggest elements in the success of a craft brewery – that’s true for other industries too
• How getting out of your comfort zone can change your career trajectory
• What he learned as an engineer that still influences him to this day
• Why being in OKC is such a key part of the business
• The difference a good support system can have on your entrepreneurial journey

This platform facilitates viewers from around the world watching other people play video games, cooking, or doing any number of other activities. If that doesn’t make sense to you, you’re probably not among the one million people watching three million different channels running right now. (It’s a huge audience for businesses and brands.)

But that’s today. In his early days, Bill was a would-be rock star trying to make it in San Francisco during the Dot.Com Era. We get into that, as well as…

• The marketing lessons learned from live streaming
• Turning hustle and creativity into a paycheck 
• The biggest lesson he learned from the DOT.BOMB
• How to set yourself apart and make real connections on LinkedIn
• And more invaluable insights regarding the constantly expanding opportunity in the world of technology

It also allowed her to appeal to the millennial work ethic and attract valuable and effective employees of that generation who need a flexible schedule. Millennials aren’t lazy, says Simone, they just have different values and want something different from work and life.

By appealing to that sentiment she’s grown her firm to where it is today and given herself freedom as a result.

We talk about that process, as well as…

• Why results matter - not the hours you put in each day
• How to avoid having your specialized service become a commodity
• The best way to give your employees confidence
• What motivates millennials and how to create mutually-beneficial working relationships
• Tips for creating a system and allowing yourself to grow with your business

We talk about some of the applications he spearheaded in those days, how he’s built entire companies based on his innovations, and why his business philosophy has remained steadfast up until today.

Russ worked tirelessly to build his businesses,. but not at the expense of his family. He shares how he maintained that work-life balance and became a fixture of his small-town community… while still traveling the country regularly to meet with clients.

Tune in to find out…

• Why he’s never defined himself by his work
• The fulfillment he’s found outside tech
• A huge business management failure to avoid
• The quickest path from idea to execution… and what comes next
• Much more invaluable tips and information regarding expanding and leading your own personal entrepreneurial lifestyle

But Matt has found ways that the average person can harness these same concepts to build life-changing wealth. That’s what he did through real estate – not as an agent, by the way – as well as multiple businesses that make money while he sleeps.

You can’t go through that process alone. Matt reveals the people you need to hire – and those mentors you should be learning from – that’ll take your business to the next level.

Listen in to discover…

• How to avoid being “enslaved” by entrepreneurship
• The right way to delegate important tasks that most people don’t do 
• Getting on the “right” side of the table in a real estate deal
• Overcoming the biggest startup obstacle in a new business
• And more

That’s the spirit that allowed Talcott Franklin to spearhead mortgage- backed securities litigation during the financial crisis… and has him blazing new trails with his law firm into new areas.

His guiding principle is to use the law to create a better world with less injustice for vulnerable members of our society. And you won’t have to sacrifice income or quality of life to do it.

He shares how to run a business that you love and still be profitable. You’ll have time for family and your own interests. It’s the ultimate freedom, says Talcott.

Listen in to find out…

• What true freedom looks like
• How to avoid a life of unfulfilled dreams 
• Why a college degree is all it’s cracked up to be 
• When you’ll know it’s time to pursue your passion
• More educated tips that will help you achieve your goals and experience true freedom

In the Over 50 Entrepreneur podcast, Rick shares how to build a business in a way that will allow you to sell it at a profit. Not only that – you’ll have fun along the way listening to the stories of fellow business owners who are on that path, as well as the struggles they are facing.

In this premier episode, Rick shares his business philosophy, including…

• What the most profitable businesses understand about their clients
• How to have fun in your business – and still be profitable
• Why you must create a business that doesn’t need you
• Something you can do now to achieve more freedom in your business
• And more