Custom Manufacturing Industry podcast is an entrepreneurship and motivational podcast on all platforms, hosted by Aaron Clippinger. Being CEO of multiple companies including the signage industry and the software industry, Aaron has over 20 years of consulting and business management. His software has grown internationally and with over a billion dollars annually going through the software. Using his Accounting degree, Aaron will be talking about his organizational ways to get things done. Hi ...
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
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The Converge Podcast, hosted by Dane Sanders, explores the tension between creating meaningful things and finding innovative ways to profit from what you've made.
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If you consider yourself to be a creative type, you probably find that it’s easy to have great ideas for things you’d love to try or projects you want to do in the future, but you struggle to actually make things happen. Even if you organize yourself and your time pretty well, the fact is everyday life has a way of creeping in from all sides and crowding out a good chunk of our plans. That’s why Tiago Forte has developed the idea of a second brain, a revolutionary idea that makes it possible to really unleash creative potential in a transformative way. Your second brain is a place outside of your head to store and organize your ideas and plans so you can effectively implement them at a later date. And when we understand the creative process and its natural cycles, we can utilize it in a way that causes us to be more effective with what we’re trying to accomplish. Tiago uses the acronym CODE (capture, organize, distill, express) to describe the creative process, which he says comes in two phases. Phase one (capture, organize) is the divergent phase and must happen first. This is when we gather all our information and consider all possibilities. We expand and gather. Phase two (distill, express) is convergent, and can only be done when phase one is complete. This is when the whole cloud of ideas and information is organized and given a shape and a plan. We also discuss the difference between the infinite and finite areas of life, namely, areas vs projects. How can we tell when something has an end, and when it is ongoing? The key to success is realizing that a full life should have both. After you’ve listened to this conversation, I encourage you to read Tiago’s book, Building a Second Brain. You will be inspired to capture all the input that life throws your way and turn into something that works for you and your business. HIGHLIGHTS [4:51] We tend to think of people as either artistic or analytical, right-brained or left-brained. But realistically, life requires us to be both. [6:36] Tiago describes how he found his creative medium, which is to find practical solutions to the challenges of life. [11:10] A second brain is a place to store ideas that you want to revisit and/or implement in the future. [17:04] Tiago’s acronym for the creative process: CODE: Capture, Organize, Distill and Express. [26:55] The first half of CODE is divergence, expanding possibilities and increasing scope. The second half, Distill and Express are convergent. [28:53] PARA: Projects, Areas, Resources and Archives. How do we organize all the notes and information we’ve collected so we can find them again? [30:43] Projects end, Areas don’t. Areas are aspects of life that are ongoing. There are different rules for both. [36:47] Why it should matter to people to build a second brain.…
1 Makoto and Ty Fujimura on Navigating the Tension Between Creativity and Commerce 1:06:47
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedMako’s paintings have been described as a rebellion against the speed of the internet and an antidote to time. In fact, the New York Times refers to his work as a form of “Slow Art”. Rather than using conventional paint, Mako uses various pulverized minerals, applied layer by layer to create huge finished works that can only truly be seen and appreciated when the viewer is able to slow down and observe the painting for longer periods of time. It can take over 10 minutes to begin to see the multi-dimensional qualities of one of Mako’s works. He takes inspiration from both traditional Japanese and contemporary American art. Although Mako’s art is intrinsically full of beauty and joy, it explores the themes of trauma, brokenness and healing. He and Ty both have the experience of having lived in New York City during 9/11 and its aftermath, and also of building a ground zero teahouse that served as an exhibit gallery for local artist to share their expressions of grief and loss as the city healed from tragedy. But how do we translate this into dollars? Where does capitalism fit in when we’re talking about art, meaning, personal expression and communication? This is where the conversation gets interesting! I’m so glad to be able to have Mako and Ty together in the same conversion, because they represent two different manifestations of this idea. Since Ty is in the business of helping people monetize their creativity, and as a creative person himself, he has lots of insight into this area. In fact, while Ty and his father seem to be opposites in many ways, it’s interesting to see how they actually think alike when we’re talking about values and what’s important in life. I hope this episode inspires you to take another look at what it means to be creative, and maybe to even get a fresh perspective on the world with all its different angles and dimensions. Links You can explore the work of Makoto Fujimura here . Learn more about Ty and his work here and here . Timeline [2:31] Mako introduces us to the concept of pulverized minerals in his form of slow art. [3:49] The mulit-dimensional aspect of Mako’s paintings is best seen in person when you can view them from all angles and take time with them. [6:25] Mako’s paintings are an homage to American expressionism as well as ancient Japanese artistic traditions. [11:06] Mako describes the experience of straddling two different cultures simultaneously, and how living in New York City affected him and his work. [14:36] Ty shares his experience of growing up in the city and now raising children there. He and Mako talk about their 9/11 teahouse collaborative art project. [21:04] Mako’s work explores themes of trauma, brokenness, and life and death. [23:35] Art as therapy and communication [30:00] There is no need to push yourself to create during trauma. Sometimes it’s okay to do nothing. But you can wait and hope for transcendence and rebirth. [33:50] Creativity is not trivial just because it doesn’t always translate into business. Your creativity is something that people need. [40:23] How does creativity fit into the model of capitalism? Mako talks about the ‘gift economy’. [44:03] Creating a transaction around a work of art shows the value of that work. Decentralizing art only hurts the middle man, not the artist or the consumer. [47:00] Ty explains why he created Cantilever, and how it functions as an operating system for running a creative business. [52:20] Technology as an artistic medium [56:33] Ty and Mako discuss what they have learned from each other, and how the so-called ‘unproductive’ moments in life are what contribute to creativity. [1:03:45] The assumption of scarcity vs. the assumption of abundance.…
1 Gerald Leonard on High Performance Workplace Cultures 37:51
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedGerald Leonard has had a diverse career filled with creative pursuits and technical education. The magic happened when Gerald was able to draw a throughline from the success of small jazz ensembles to the success of tech teams and businesses. It all came down to knowing how and when to lead. When you’ve played for years or spent that time developing your IT skills, you become an expert. While those skills are absolutely necessary for success in your chosen field, you also need an understanding of how your role must adapt. On a team, each person is an expert in their niche, but it’s only by coming together and supporting each other that the team can achieve its goals. Putting together the various pieces of the success puzzle and creating powerful teams combines creativity, neuroscience, culture, and, of course, a little jazzy improvisation. Finding your way there can help you truly live your life “in the zone.” If you’d like to learn more about these concepts, Gerald Leonards’ books Workplace Jazz and Culture is the Base cover these topics in more detail. Timeline: [4:08] Gerald details the eclectic road of specialties he’s walked and explored throughout his life. [6:58] Choosing between pursuing a life on the road and being with his kids allowed him to slow down. But it was all meant to be and came back around later on. [7:50] Balancing local concerts and starting a career in IT as a consultant showcased his natural talent for project organization and a mastery for adaptation. [10:50] IT teams were changing and getting smaller. Gerald saw the similarities between playing with a small ensemble and working with concentrated tech teams. [13:00] Culture and talent, incorporating not only the players on the stage but the audience, are the keys to succeeding at initiative changes. [15:15] Gerald discusses the framework for his book, Culture is the Base . [18:12] Leadership and collaboration are all about trust- trusting yourself, the process, and each other. Building that trust and establishing common ground is essential to creating strong teams. [24:24] Being in the zone and learning to be in that flow state with a group of others. It’s about synchronizing with your team and melding those brainwaves. [26:53] Gerald elaborates on whole brain integration and how it relates to coming together and finding that synchronistic groove. Outside of music, where it can naturally occur, there is a way to practice whole brain integration. [30:05] How Gerald’s faith interacts with his daily routine and path toward success. [33:20] Gerald talks about finding your purpose and direction. Consider what you want your mark to be and how you want your life celebrated in your old age.…
Today’s conversation with Tim Arnold explores the gray areas that organization leaders encounter when faced with questions that don’t have black and white answers. We seem to be conditioned from an early age to see life in terms of either/or, right and wrong, good and evil, especially when it comes to problem solving. And there’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, it’s an incredibly useful tool for leaders to have. But what about the gray areas? What if polarizing the issue only makes it worse? How do we navigate questions of fairness, values, and creating win-win outcomes? Dane and Tim discuss how to balance some of these values that often feel paradoxical. Should we lean towards greater responsibility, or more freedom? The answer can be both. Tim shares his own experience with learning to balance the need for stability within a company with his own inner drive to be constantly changing things. With a both/and mindset, he is able to successfully maintain both these seemingly conflicting values. Tim has over two decades experience running a for profit business and a homeless shelter, and he has learned a lot about how to manage the complexity of tensions that arise within organizations. Currently he works as a speaker and author, helping others learn the tools for leadership success. His latest book is Lead With AND: The Secret to Resilience and Results in a Polarized World . You can learn more about Tim by visiting Lead With AND [2:17] Tim tells us his background and what led him to write his book. [5:42] How it can be a benefit to shift from either/or to both/and thinking when it comes to solving complex problems. [8:34] Tim gives a real-world example of an organization finding the balance between freedom and responsibility in order to successfully live out its values. [12:53] Does this kind of thinking come more naturally to certain personality types or people of a certain age or maturity level? [15:51] Young children see in terms of black and white, good and bad. The ability to navigate the gray areas is something we learn to grow into. [17:45] Most leader personality types tend to do the either/or thing by nature, so they need to learn both/and thinking as a second language. [20:24] Tim introduces his assessment tool that helps people successfully identify tensions and gives insight as to how to manage them, available at leadwithand.com [21:59] Ignoring both/and thinking is like insisting to only inhale without ever exhaling. You’ll suffocate.…
1 Amit Gupta on Optimism in a Pessimist's World 36:27
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAmit Gupta is an entrepreneur, writer, and serial optimist. He’s also a personal friend of Dane’s, and in this episode, Dane and Amit discuss the past, the present, and - with Amit’s own brand of optimistic clarity - the future. Amit is, in his own words a “relatively successful entrepreneur”, though we would argue his success is more than relative. Among other various startups, he is the founder of Photojojo, an online photography store which he sold in 2014 after recovering from an aggressive form of leukemia. From there, he began exploring his creative side as a science fiction author, which is what inspired him to develop his most recent project with fellow writer and business partner, James. Sudowrite is an AI writing tool that Amit and James invented to help writers get real-time feedback and suggestions. His hope is that not only will their program help people overcome writers’ block, it can also help solve some of the issues of isolation that writers experience. You can learn more about Amit and Sudowrite here: sudowrite.com amitgupta.com jamesyu.org [2:57]Amit tells a bit about his history as a tech entrepreneur, from playing around with HTML in college to his first startup and working as an intern with Seth Godin. [5:08]Amit tells a story about a traumatic event that happened to him with some friends on the train tracks, which Dane says shows not only Amit’s resilience, but also that he hasn’t led a charmed life of the entrepreneur destined for success.. [8:07]In 2011, Amit was unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, throwing him into a whirlwind of treatment and recovery, and subsequently began a national campaign for stem cell donation awareness. [12:44]“Suffering is never an inevitability, it’s a universal human experience. But those who suffer and respond to suffering, in a way that somehow transcends the suffering is the kind of person that I want to learn from.” [14:02] After his recovery, Amit changed the course he had been on and began to write science fiction, to pursue a passion for imagining a world made possible by technology. [15:39] “The fiction that we're deluged with is so often dystopian. And it really concerns me that if we are just seeing the imaginations of our most creative people being devoted to how terrible the future could be, we're not going to be able to dream other ways that could be wonderful.” [20:13] Amit shares some of the ways that getting sick changed his perspective and choices in life, and how he struggles to remember what the things are that really matter. [22:21] The book Replay by Ken Grimwood is a reminder of the universal possibilities that exist for each of us in this life. [24:10] Amit introduces us to his newest creation, Sudowrite, an AI-based creative writing tool. [29:00] Dane admits to gushing when it comes to how cool Sudowrite is, and how much it could change the landscape for writers and open up new possibilities. [32:14] Amet shares his thoughts on where he thinks the future is going.…
Jaz Ampaw-Farr is no stranger to feeling like an outsider. In this podcast, Jaz shares her personal story from her earliest days as a girl who seemingly had no name, to where she is now as a wife and mother, successful businesswoman, and survivor. Jaz’s keystone message is that you need to believe that you belong. It’s a feeling that we can cultivate, what she calls a habit. This habit/feeling has little to do with data or evidence, although those can sometimes intersect with our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. It’s about relying on your internal story, what you know to be true about yourself. Jaz’s story of finding and sharing her name is a powerful example to listeners of finding your own truth to stand on, and owning it, transcending identity or external labels. Ultimately, Jaz Ampaw-Farr helps us challenge the idea that says, “People like me don’t do things like that.” TIMELINE [2:04] Jaz shares one of her “Impostor Syndrome” stories. [6:22] There are two buckets: evidence and data in one, and thoughts and feelings in the other. [7:08] It becomes a habit to think you don’t belong, and from there the thought can become a feeling. [9:39] Dane shares the story of Dan Allender to illustrate how it’s possible to shift perspective from being a victim to owning your story [12:21] Jaz recounts an awkward moment that resulted in her being put on the spot to tell the story of the origin of her name. [26:23] Jaz continues telling the story of her name, and how she met her husband, Al. [32:27] Jaz’s story comes full-circle back to the first incident mentioned, while weaving in the meaning of “jazz” as being the music produced by the suffering and hope of enslaved people. [36:24] Jaz recaps her message, “Your one job is to stand on the truth about yourself when it comes to who you are and where you belong. People want to pull you one way or another, but it’s your story. Your one job is to believe that you belong.”…
1 Focusmate Founder Taylor Jacobson on Distraction Free Productivity 35:07
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFocusmate is all about distraction-free productivity. As a creative entrepreneur, you often get pulled away from your work because of the other things you need to do to keep your business running. Taylor founded the company on the principle that working with others and being “held accountable” for your productivity leads to improved work. And it took off. As the company’s popularity rose, Taylor found himself in the same position as his clients. Today, we talk about the rise of Focusmate and what it really takes to prioritize properly. Check out more at https://www.focusmate.com/ and create a free account to get a taste of enhanced productivity thanks to a “live” co-worker. You can also find him on LinkedIn on Twitter. TIMELINE: [1:20] The history of caring about humans and creating better lives for everyone- of “getting out of our own way.” [6:25] Something to offer in a world with need. Productivity is more than just tools and techniques. It’s filling in the gaps with a human connection and understanding our differences. [10:15] We want to look at the tools and duplicate them, but life is messier than that. [11:45] Working in a corporate environment showed Taylor that lacking support meant a lack of performance. It informed his ideals of coming together to be better humans. [14:47] Focusmate came from perseverance and luck. It connects the focus comradery that the service offers. [19:27] While the press and interest have certainly gone up, Taylor thinks of it as a welcoming party for those discovering the benefits of Focusmate. Creating a great remote experience is crucial now more than ever. [22:40] COVID has opened up a window to vulnerability, and it’s stripped away a lot of norms and status quos. [25:05] Mental health and remote work have an interesting relationship. The challenge of learning these new life skills, especially through a pandemic, is something that we’re all dealing with. [28:16] Understanding where you work best is crucial. How do you respond to working remotely? It can be a huge struggle for some, and it’s important to know what works for you and ask for it. [31:20] Now is when employers must make a paradigm shift. We need to shake things up. We’ve never had more permission to do so than now…
1 Kirsten Moorefield on Patterns for Thriving 43:22
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedCloverleaf uses popular assessments to create a slow drip of insights that can significantly change how you approach your career. No one thinks and communicates the same way. By understanding your audience and team members on a deeper level, you can be a better manager, enterprise leader, and coach. Kirsten talks about how recognizing different people’s strengths can build a foundation of understanding. By leaning into your strengths and confronting your weaknesses at work, you can create lasting benefits that stretch beyond your office and help you be a better you. As a leader, it’s about building the patterns and rhythms to help your team do what they excel at and be unleashed to do their best work. Check out more at https://cloverleaf.me/ and create a free account to see more about partnering with those around you. TIMELINE: [2:14] What do you want from life and business? Finding what you’re good at, what you’re wired for, can help you succeed and work collaboratively with those around you. [5:55] Digital coaching nudges can help practically by creating a team dashboard that customizes insights based on who you’re working with and their unique traits. [9:41] A new workplace superpower that transforms life outside the office. You can change your team for the better without pursuing outside resources or changing the members by understanding your strengths and weaknesses. [12:41] You can bang yourself against the wall of productivity based on other people’s expectations. Still, you won’t perform or be your best until you stop fighting how you’re wired and learn how to work with it, not against it. [14:05] When pursuing an entrepreneurial career, fill your team with people who can balance your weaknesses with their strengths. [17:30] Teams with psychological safety, where mistakes are something to grow from, are the most successful. It’s the growth mindset. [19:40] Daily, recognize how you might assume something about others’ thinking. [21:06] Balancing instruction versus providing wiggle room is crucial to Kirsten’s success as a manager and leader. Taking breaks to journal allows her to take a moment where the pressure is off, and ideas can freely flow. [26:27] Assuming the person in front of you means the best, wants to learn, and can bring something to the table is putting the best foot forward. Every person has value. [28:49] The Ocean Accelerator taught Kirsten and her partner to raise institutional capital with intelligent, experienced investors who can improve her company in ways that aren’t just about the money. [32:24] Her current influential voices include her co-founder, and they’ve worked together to improve where they let go of the reigns a bit and let their people shine. [36:06] Culture is about more than lunches. It’s the relationships and being proud of the work.…
1 Jerzy Gregorek on Hard Choices for an Easy Life 48:06
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJerzy lives by his own philosophy, and that is “Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.” It’s a simple, easily applicable mantra to for all of us to live by. As somewhat of a Renaissance Man in his post Olympic life, Jerzy dabbles in a lot of different areas to truly embrace his philosophy on life. His passion is infectious and you can’t help but be inspired by his message, his story and his constant pursuit of becoming better. His interests and knowledge range from elite fitness coaching, to writing poetry and Greek philosophy. Jerzy joins the podcast to reflect on how constantly challenging ourselves to find success by making hard choices, leads to a better, easier life. Timeline 13:15 What really shapes us? Challenges and “hard choices”. 20:15 What is the timeline for excellence? What commitment do we need to make to achieve excellence? There’s no instant fix. 28:00 The importance of aspirational figures to help guide us through the hard choices. Who do we look for when we want to grow? 34:00 Here we discuss how you can show what you are, not just say it. 35:00 What is measurable goal setting? Make challenges, but challenges that are doable! 43:45 What is being “life flexible” and why it is important? How does an athletic quality apply to life too?…
1 Corbett Barr on Creating a Career for Your Lifestyle 36:20
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedCorbett Barr’s career spanned from helping Fortune 500 companies to becoming an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley to life-changing events in Mexico that changed his life. For Barr, pursuing a new career in the internet world is about audience-first, genuine connection, and creation. From blogging, Barr found a way to represent himself online, without social media and bosses dictating how and where he should promote his work. So much of the world has changed since the invention of the web. With assets mostly digital, reinventing yourself and creating the right type of audience and brand is easier and quicker than ever. Authentic presentation and a carefully crafted web presence can show an audience who you are and why to offer their support. Check out more at https://corbettbarr.com or https://fizzle.co/ . TIMELINE: [06:10] Barr discusses life vs. career & how you can create a job that works around your life [09:45] Overcoming the challenges of audience-first entrepreneurship. Communication is key. You’ll know you have a market for your product and can change things before release. Gives you momentum. [16:08] Finding your voice through media. [19:38] Barr introduces Fizzle, a training library for entrepreneurs. [22:00] The reset in 2021- Barr talks about digital baggage and relearning the world of the internet in the modern day by creating some distance from social media. [26:33] How independent creation and action can work differently and own the relationship with your customer rather than big organizations relying on ads.…
Greg McKeown joins to discuss the idea that pursuing less actually produces more– or put simply, “Essentialism”. He outlines the framework of this philosophy with the tenets, “Explore, Eliminate, Execute”, and dives into how they can positively affect your personal, spiritual, and vocational life. Listen to the whole interview with Greg McKeown for a deep dive into the life-changing philosophy of Essentialism on this episode of Converge. You'll also get a sneak peak into McKweon's book Effortless. https://gregmckeown.com/…
The Meaning of Work Before the time of remote jobs, work was two things: the place you go, and the things you do. When working remote grew in popularity, Sam saw a need for meeting those individuals want for inspiration and community. The issue with this was that what works for some doesn't work for others. For some, a coffee shop environment is the perfect setting, but sometimes, there is a need for something quieter or calmer. Local Influences One reason that Deskpass is different from all other coworking companies or environments is that their spaces are run by local members. For instance, in Breckenridge CO, the space may be more Colorado themed whereas in downtown Chicago, a space may be more industry specific such as finance or law. The differences in the spaces create variety that matches what the member needs in that day or moment. Additionally, this variety creates an environment that is a melting pot of people. It creates a community of people working just as hard as you are, but every person there is different with different ideas and different perspectives. Not many other working environments are as adaptable as coworking spaces are. Timeline: [02:09] What is Deskpass? What is coworking? [04:16] The meaning of the word work. [05:22] "...and what I see is your relationship to your office and your workplace changing from a place I go every day to an ecosystem." [05:47] The need for work environments that meet you where you are with what you need. [6:16] How can humans better gain work-life balance? What role does coworking play in this? [06:48] People use Deskpass and coworking places as a way to be less lonely. [08:02] The benefits of variety of workspace with the flexibility that the variety offers. [09:43] Deskpass coworking environments are run by members of the local community. [10:18] "You don't have to commit; you can get what you're looking for when you need it." [10:39] You can go from sitting at home alone to a room full of interesting people who are already connected to you in a way [12:06] With the Deskpass membership, it is able to match the mood you're in that day. [12:31] You don't have to interact with somebody, but just being in an environment that inspires them by being surrounded by people who are working just as hard as them. [13:20] It is not just about avoiding a negative of loneliness, but also moving towards a positive of inspiration. [17:15] Giving yourself flexibility of work environments and locations when you need it is where most productivity is earned. [22:16] Having ownership over there you spend your day. [23:04] Asking if the five-year lease on a building makes sense for you and your business. [26:55] How to use Deskpass's free membership trial.…
1 Chris Ronzio on Investing in the Systems of Your Business 31:27
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedTime Many entrepreneurs always find themselves plugged in with no way to disconnect. For some, they want to look at their business and say I owned this business not work for it. For others, they simply want more freedom within their work at their business. No matter which category you fall into, Trainual can help you make the best use of your time within business. What does Trainual do? The step between you doing something yourself and delegating it to someone else to grow your business is being able to document, write down, and provide the instructions of what you do. Trainual is a system that helps you do this with adaptability to your type of business and what your business does. You may be saying that you don't know how to do this or that you don't have time, but the invested time now will save you time and grow your business long term. Is everything that you're doing now truly the best use of your time? Do you and your employees daily tasks align with your respective job descriptions? Do you find yourself constantly putting out fires without being able to even identify why these problems happen? Investing into your systems can be influential in saving time for yourself and growing your business. If you are interested in learning more, you can find information at https://trainual.com/ or by searching @ChrisRonzio on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Timeline: [02:38] "Build your business around your life instead of your life around your business. " [04:14] "Could I detach and treat the business like a business I own instead of one I work at?" [04:40] What does Trainual solve for business owners? [05:01] The step between you doing it yourself and delegating it to someone else to grow your business. [06:16] The business actually operates on rules you've put into place [08:35] The traditional objections companies give to investing into their systems. [10:11] How the idea of working on your business not for your business and how it does/doesn't relate. [10:56] It is a strategic initiative that can give you the freedom that you crave. [12:52] What is the best use of your time? How can you bring the most value to your company? [13:01] For someone constantly in firefighting mode and reactive mode, what can you do to evaluate this issue? [13:26] You have to identify a starting point to be able to make progress. [15:14] An easy way to identify and define your responsibilities. [17:15] Ask yourself what of these responsibilities do I actually need to be doing? What can be delegated? [18:38] What an informal outline of responsibilities does. [23:55] The process and importance of enrolling more than just the leader. [25:01] Outline reason for analyzing your systems. [26:31] Start with what will give you the biggest ROI. [30:02] It is about building a structure around your foundations that already exist.…
1 Ryan Callaghan on Buying Businesses and Investing in People 37:03
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedMission When it comes to finding your mission as a business, it is more than just what you're delivering. It involves finding something that is bigger than what you're delivering. Your mission needs to be something that motivates people, makes them feel good about what they're doing, and realize the bigger picture of their role in your business. For having a mission driven organization, it starts with the executive level commitment that expands to all employees and then further outside of the company itself. Do you and your employees know your mission statement? The Bottom Line For Ryan, there are two types of bottom lines. There is the traditional one of being profitable at the end of the day, and then there is the double bottom line. In the double bottom line, the earnings function beyond increasing net income and roll into accomplishing a worthy cause. Ryan wanted to work in such a way that he was able to do good while also doing well in business. When buying businesses, they looked at measuring not just profit but also impact. One obstacle they faced was making it clear to potential sellers that they are not just a private equity firm, but that they are here for the long haul. Cojourn strives to continue the legacy that already exists in the company. Oil Stop is one of their biggest examples of how this process looks for them when it comes to buying and keeping a company. The Long Game Ryan advises playing the long game in all aspects. In business, it can be so easy to make short-term decisions without applying or having a long-term vision. Without that long-term vision, there is no patience to see where the company will go when the mission of your bran is truly bought into by all employees. Timeline: [01:25] Investing for the long haul. [01:35] Ryan and his business partner, Nick Parisi, shared an interest in improving on companies so that they can exist well beyond the current generation of leaders. [03:38] "... felt like that was not to the fulfillment of who I was or what I was meant to do." [04:11] Captivated by the idea of corporate giving and trying to figure out a way you could do good while you do well. [05:16] The process and experiences of Ryan stepping out for the first time as an entrepreneur at almost 40. [06:03] The traditional bottom line and the double bottom line. [06:44] What if we measured not just profit but impact? [09:55] Searching for both meaning and entrepreneurialism. [10:55] How can business make the world a better place? [12:53] When buying a business, a goal is to continue the legacy and what has already been started. [14:31] When buying or selling a business, how do you build trust? [15:54] Lead with listening and come in with humility. [17:03] The process of Cojourn buying Oil Stop. [19:18] The importance of starting a conversations. [20:14] Business requires more than a good first impression. It goes into creating a longer view. [22:27] There will be obstacles along the way. [22:50] 1. What is a mission driven organization? 2. What is proof of a mission driven organization? [26:17] Coordinated effort around a particular kind of mission. [26:50] Having a mission driven organization starts with an executive level commitment that then expands to the brand as a whole. [29:44] Do you and your employees know your mission statement? [33:12] None of it is easy, but every bit of it is critical. [33:18] Mission of helping create enduring success for people who have sacrificed so much. [34:40] The importance of the long game in business. [35:08] 1. Taking care of your people and finding people that are a fit. [35:23] 2. Find your mission. [36:07] 3. Talk about your mission continuously.…
1 Jeremie Kubicek on Calling People Up in Leadership 33:23
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedTension Between Challenge and Support Jeremie discusses with us how there is a time when you need challenge, but there is also a time when you need support. As a leader and an individual, it can be hard finding that balance point between the two. When you find it, you're able to create an intentional transfer of knowledge, wisdom, and skills. In there, you have to find the balance between served and leading to be able to both challenge and support others. The Five Circles of Influence The fives circles of influence are ourself, family, team, organization, and community. To be successful in these areas, you have to start with yourself. It looks like beginning to audit and evaluate your choices. Something as simple as choosing water over soda can be a step towards creating the you you want to be. Before you can move past yourself to others, you have to examine how others see your interactions with them. Do they know that you're for them, did they see that you're against them, or do they believe that you're for yourself? Intentional Living Most of the world lives accidentally. They make choices without evaluating what the outcome is to more than just themselves. Sometimes, you have to look at a situation and do unto someone else what they would want done to themselves. The way Jeremie explains that is through sharing about a coach who talks with his players. Sure, the coach doesn't want or need a hug in that situation, but that doesn't mean that the player doesn't. Being intentional can look like evaluating the situation in a way that makes others see that you are for them and for their success. As a leader, it looks like leading but serving at the same time through intentional actions.…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Jeff Goins on Finding your Story amongst Order and Chaos 38:09
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFeeling Alive Living and being alive is more than just existing. The two ways to die are not really living or by killing yourself taking too many risks. There is a balance to living in the tension point between order and chaos. When you feel alive, that is when you find freedom. Freedom is the actual experience of being alive and being untethered by concepts of reality. The path to freedom is to realize that there is something inside you advocating for freedom. It is your story. Addiction to Intensity For years, Jeff created chaos whenever he got too comfortable. For him, the ability to calm the chaos gave him control over his life. He felt an addiction to intensity in going from extreme order to extreme disorder. The way that Jeff overcame this was by seeking healthy ways to create memorable and meaningful experiences rather than deliberately creating chaos. Leaving the Familiar Jeff left the familiar whenever he started his adventure of building a personal brand around himself and his ideas. He categorizes an adventure as doing something different from normal actions or processes. When you leave the familiar, you go into the unknown to discover something about yourself. There are many depictions of this in movies, but it occurs within our lives as well. Every time you try something different you are experiencing a moment to learn something new about yourself. The Gift of Your Story The gift is the thing that you learn or acquire as a result of struggle. The thing is, the gift is not for you. It is for those around you. The gift is a way to share and impart knowledge upon your community. Through sharing your story, you are able to share the transformation that occurred within your life. Timeline: [03:42] Jeff spent about 7 years telling other people's stories and ideas until realized he had a story of his own. [04:46] Finding a means by which you not only tell success stories but also hard stories with struggles. [05:42] The characteristics of a good story. [06:17] Jeff's tendency to create chaos. se e[07:36] The experience of being alive. [08:00] Seeking healthy ways to create meaningful and memorable experiences because stories are just our recollection of those experiences. [08:15] Everyday goal of living. [08:48] When you can walk through life and actually perceive things, you're awake, you're alive, and you're there." [09:11] When stories do their job, they help us make sense of the story we're living in right now. [09:51] How do you stay awake and present in the midst of the narrative in which we are living? [10:02] All humans crave a sense of liveliness. [10:22] "The experience of feeling alive is freedom." [13:13] What is the point of life? [17:17] The two ways to die. [17:45] Experience all that there is to experience. [19:25] How do you live in the tension points between order and chaos? [20:04] Addiction to Intensity and the aftermath of the intensity, [21:37] Leaving the familiar. [26:22] When we are isolated from community, what must we ask ourselves? [27:32] You have to choose to leave comfort. It is a choice. [27:41] Chaos is newness. [29:22] "An adventure is just anytime you do something other than what you've normally done." [29:56] The gift that comes from our experiences. [30:53] What do we do with the gift? [35:38] Path to freedom. [38:26] Find a way to experience life free from all your thoughts around it. [39:07] "My thoughts about reality are not reality."…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Grant Baldwin on How to Become the Speaker You’ve Always Wanted to be 38:51
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Start of Speaking When it comes to speaking, the only thing between you and to chance to share your voice is learning how the industry works. Grant spent a lot of time questioning and following speakers to acquire the knowledge that he then applied to his life. Do not disqualify yourself before even starting the process. There is a big misconception that to be a speaker, you need an energetic, external, and charismatic personality. Through his years of speaking, Grant has seen that that is not true. There are many succesful speakers, like him, that have more internal personalities. Don’t believe in the misconception of there being a one size fits all description of a successful speaker. I found my voice, now what? As a full-time speaker, Grant often hears the same questions from those standing where he stood a few years ago: 1. How do I find gigs? 2. How much should I charge when I find a gig? 3. How does the speaking world even work? No matter if you want to speak just a bit on the side or if you want to become a full time speaker, those questions are important to answer. In his book, he explains how to demystify what it takes to get someone to not only want you to come speak, but also to pay you for your time. Their book lays out a five step framework to finding and booking gigs. The acronym SPEAK is an easier way to remember their process for this. Evaluating Yourself as an Individual There comes a time when you must decide what kind of speaker you want to become. Grant advises to focus on one thing, and by doing so, you become an expert on that topic. Through that, you get the ability to charge a premium on the thing at which you’re really good. Many speakers try to become all things to all people, but that makes it to where you can become mediocre at all things instead of amazing at one thing. One way that Grant personally pursued this was by acknowledging that he was a great speaker, but that did not make him a great author. Through this notion, he was able to successfully collaborate with Jeff Goins. Evaluating Your Speaking When it comes to evaluating a speech, there are three important factors to consider: you the speaker, the audience, and the environment. As the speaker, you must ask yourself if you did your part in being prepared or if you went through the motions. Being prepared or not prepared can play a large role in the success of a speech. Ultimately, if the audience is not ready to receive your speech, no amount of preparation can resolve that issue. The environment also plays a huge role in the success of a speech. For instance, the power going out can definitely impact what occurs. If you are interested in learning more, take Grant’s free marketing course at grantbaldwin.com . His book, The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building your Platform, is also available on Amazon. Timeline: [01:29] Do you ever wonder if your voice could be heard? [02:23] Building a platform where professional speaking is part of what you are able to do. [02:31] Grant gives advice on more than just being a professional speaker, but also includes becoming better at pitching ideas. [04:22] The timeline of granting learning how to become a speaker. [04:47] How Grant evaluated moving past wanting to speak more by questioning how to find gigs, decide what to speak about, and how much to charge. [05:32] Once a professional speaker, what Grant heard from listeners. [06:23] “Speaking is a great way to build a business, and a great way to make an impact. [07:10] Are you wondering how to figure out your voice? [09:26] The process of Jeff Goins and Grant Baldwin joining together for the purpose of writing a book. [11:11] Just because you have one skill set does not mean that you have all other skill sets. [12:18] Ask yourself, “How can I collaborate?” [14:26] The importance of different personality types in speaking. [16:32] There is not a one size fits all description of a successful speaker. [16:55] A common mistake speakers make. [18:23] Becoming a steakhouse over a buffet. [20:25] The big challenge for entrepreneurs: making a decision [21:37] Why making a choice can actually make your life simpler. [24:17] Overcoming a “swing and a miss” in speaking. [26:31] Unexpected moment of success for Grant in a moment of adversity. [27:13] The roles of the speaker, audience, and environment [29:06] Accepting that as a speaker, sometimes thing are just out of your control. [32:59] "Speaking is about inviting people to have an opportunity to be able to stand and deliver in any given moment. [34:01] The audience wants you, the speaker, to succeed. [34:32] “Speaking is a shared experience with you and the audience. [36:28] Speaking is more than just the finished process, it also entails falling in love with the craft of speaking.…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Andy Mauer on Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health and Business 29:39
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedYour Story Each of us has a story to share that starts at birth and goes into this very moment. Both consciously and unconsciously, we push parts of our stories aside. We do this because we find them either uncomfortable, painful, or so overwhelming that we cannot deal with them in that moment. Andy’s background in trauma and abuse helps him to help people understand why their trauma is causing this push. People are often afraid of looking back simply because they are scared of what they will find. Pouring into and being excited about work is a vulnerable process when trauma is present within our lives, and that is something Andy has researched and studied. Psychological Safety Psychological safety is when team members feel safe to take risks and to be vulnerable with one another. This doesn’t mean that the workplace needs to be nice, but instead it means being willing to take risks with a sense of curiosity and empathy rather than judgement. Without that feeling of safety, there is less openness in the workplace impeding open development. The workplace is not set up to fully deal with people’s emotional issues, but there are some ways that a business can be more effective in facilitating a community that respects mental health. One way is through developing a culture that recognizes that healthy people produce healthy companies. Businesses need to pour into both the emotional and mental healthy of employees to help employees perform to the best of their abilities. Trauma When trauma presents itself, disconnection from ourselves, others, and our work can occur. Andy touches on why this is important to note and how it can impede our progress in business. When we have unresolved trauma our ability to communicate what we think and feel is greatly limited. Then, when we do experience emotions we do not want to feel, it can be easy to push them down. The problem with that is it turns to burnout which turns to depression. Unresolved trauma can cause the part of our brain that deals with making choices, balancing emotions, being focused, and communication to deactivate. When this occurs, we cannot perform well in business. In the Workplace Not all business fosters an environment that values mental health, and so one question discussed is "What do you do in a culture that does not support you?". One thing that Andy suggest is acknowledging that you are not an asset to be leveraged and your worth is not in how you perform. Practicing mindfulness is about observing your emotions and observing your depression, anxiety, and when you are critical of yourself. This can be difficult in a toxic work environment. If you are interested in more tips and tricks for guidance on these stations, reach out to Andy Mauer. Timeline [03:32] Background of Andy and how he transitioned his business out of a clinical setting. [05:10] Charity Mauer and he experiences in the business field. [06:32] The larger the gap between personal brand and mental health, the more people will lose time with themselves. When that time is lost, people start to develop rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout. [06:44] The high need for a polished image in this business. [07:00] The fear that drives creatives causes them to be constantly be running towards or away from from something. [08:05] 95% of our behavior is subconscious. Why does this matter? [08:33] Your story is a combination of thoughts, memories, feelings, and relationships from birth to now. [10:38] Psychological safety in the workplace. [11:20] What is the number one thing that drives success in teams in business? [12:51] Active disengagement. [13:18] Why do people find themselves at work and anting to do a good job yet disengaged? [13:55] External factors vs internal factors in engagement. [15:11] Why people are afraid to make progress in business. [16:14] Trauma is about disconnection from ourselves, others, and our work. [16:27] “Trauma is an event or series of events that happen to use that we perceive as emotionally or physically harmful.” [19:37] The outcome of pushing emotions down. [20:32] How does trauma impact our performance or productivity? [21:26] Unresolved trauma can limit our ability to communicate what we think and feel. [22:25] As a business owner, why does my mental health and the mental health of my employees matter? [25:47] Separating your sense of worth from your productivity. [26:58] Practicing mindfulness. [27:43] Importance of being with a company that supports where you want to be emotionally.…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Josh Kaufman on Creatively Navigating Entrepreneurship 42:16
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedBackground Josh is a full time researcher and author who started off at a big company analyzing if their online advertising was actually working. His research developed into putting together a strategy of determining what works for the company when it comes to things of the advertising nature. Josh’s job eventually changed to advising entrepreneurs and small businesses primarily during their early stages. Early Stages of Entrepreneurship For an entrepreneur, Josh says that the early stages of development are most important in that during this time, you are an explorer and adventurer. This time period entails feeling lost and alone looking for the your path or hydra. All of the information you find during this time can be used to determine your next step. One thing that is needing is also practical wisdom which is learning to act and do things in a way that gets you good results but is also practical, grounded, and impacts your life in a meaningful way. Each of us must ask four questions: What do I want? 2. Why do I want it? 3. How am I going about getting it? 4. Is there a more straightforward and less stressful way to do it? Josh analyzes these questions through looking at not just complex ideas but particular purposes or ends. He asks himself, “How are people approaching it?” and “Is that approach constructive or not?” As a researcher, these questions form the basis for what he studies and how he applies the answers through his writings and advising. How to Fight a Hydra How To Fight a Hydra is about a protagonist attempting to defeat a monster and also survive the experience. This concept can be parallel into the same demons all entrepreneurs face when it comes to starting a business or chasing an idea. In his book, the protagonist does not just face a single stage victory, but multiple of varying levels of size and impact. One of the biggest things Josh mentions is how to get from knowing nothing about something you want to do to being good at it to then getting the result the you want. The next thing to look at it is being able to do all of these things quickly and with as little frustration as possible. Each of these concepts are analyzed through the story of the protagonist in his book. Timeline [02:50] Josh’s work experiences and their influences on him today. [05:02] What is the best, most effective, most useful way to think about a particular area of life? [06:30] 1. How are people approaching this subject? 2. Is that approach constructive or not? [09:30] Going from knowing nothing to achieving your goals. [10:22] His research and writing is more than complex ideas. [10:50] Practical Wisdom [11:09] The four questions every entrepreneur must ask. [13:18] Influential authors on Josh are those that have written "how to think about ____” books rather than solely entertainment books. [16:25] Why is it important to know the “bugs” in our thinking processes? [16:41] The three kinds of books out there are entertainment, how-to, and worldview. [20:30] What is an active barrier we must each individually overcome? [21:00] You won’t know if something will or will not work until you do it. [21:32] Factors that influence the success of something. [25:27] Why are Josh’s writing based in behavioral and cognitive psychology? [27:11] The protagonist in How to Fight a Hydra had multi-level victories. [27:27] Experiences can change you. [30:04] What is the most important time for an entrepreneur? [30:54] Why am I feeling lost in this stage of starting a new business or chasing a goal? [34:55] The importance of the ability to discern what opportunities are good for you. [38:04] Differentiating between the different types of entertainments and their influences upon you. [39:38] The easiest way to free up time in your life. [40:00] “Is this improving my worldview, or is this primarily a diversion?"…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Chris Guillebeau on Financial Independence Amidst Entrepreneurship 27:07
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedA Narrative many can relate to Most people who read a business book are actually interested in business, making it a very segmented market. Chris wrote an inspirational business book- but in the fiction genre. Money Tree is a narrative about an individual named Jake; he has a lot of financial pressure even with a good job. Jake is a relatable character as he has a great work ethic and a decent job, but he is struggling under the weight of debt. Do you find yourself relating to Jake? This book isn’t about celebrities or very rich people, but instead it is about ordinary humans. Maybe you don’t find yourself interested in entrepreneurship, but maybe it is something you need to consider. The types of ways to make a business The first group for starting a business is the kind that entails capital and a lot of risk. Usually, you are unsure if this will pay off until after a long time. The second group involves investors and a lot of risk. Here is where people like Chris come in, the third way of starting a business- entrepreneurship. Most people in the third way group are people trying to earn money apart from their day job; some eventually want to quit, others want to pay off debt, and some just want to build a larger savings. Usually, this looks like small side projects until you can determine if they will work and to what scale. To do this, you have to start where you are and with what you have. Imagine if someone hadn’t thought, “Wow, there has to be people just like me who really want a lightsaber?” There is in fact a market for Star Wars fans, and there is a market for something which you are passionate. Accidental entrepreneurship still has struggles, and often you find that a project doesn’t work out. When it doesn’t work out, the solution is to then take that knowledge and apply it to your next project. When it comes to going at business this third way, due to the low risk, you are able to keep trying and keep being creative. Unconventional Business Chris gave up a lot and changed many of his habits over the past few years, and one habit he picked up is saying, “Congratulations,” in a variety of situations. One example he gave is that when it come to losing a job, he has found sometimes it opens up individuals to share about their issues at the job and what they would rather have been doing. In life, there is so much you cannot control, but Chris encourages you to focus on the 1% that you can control. Another way to go about entrepreneurship is through curiosity, and sometimes that looks like trying to see what your expertise, skills, and passions can offer to the world. Whenever you figure that out, the next step is taking action. You cannot get anywhere without the follow up of action. Timeline [02:10] “Some obstacles are more doable than you think with a little bit of curiosity and a little bit of chutzpah." [04:31] In a world of Covid, what can non-first responders and healthcare do? What do I have to offer, and how can I make myself available? [06:58] C.S. Lewis mirror books were written to reach a broader market as was Money Tree [08:32] What are the parameters of the first way to start a business? [08:58] What makes the second way both different from the first? [09:12] The large amount of risk in both way one and way two is what can deter so many. [09:23] The third way of starting a business is the accidental entrepreneurs: ordinary people doing what they care about and have knowledge of simply by starting with a skill or passion that they already have. [09:51] How does following the third way reduce a financial risk? [12:21] The idea of creating business based habits [13:51] Ask yourself what are the topics that people look to you to provide answers about. [15:05] If you really want to accomplish something, you’ll work hard at it even it means writing multiple drafts of the same book. [16:08] What do you do when something doesn’t pan out quite right? [17:08] “Challenge is the value.” [19:07] Stop saying sorry and instead, start saying, “Congratulations.” [20:22] "If 99% of things are out of your control, what is the 1% in your control? What are you going to do about it?” [20:56] Look at your skills and ask yourself what you can offer in an entrepreneur sense [21:38] What are the four things you can do differently? [22:07] Power of observation [25:35] There is always room for growth.…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Joe Lemay on Overcoming Failure to Become a Crowdfunding Hit That Can Last 44:04
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFailure is a Part of the Testing Process, Keep Trying Joe Lemay is an entrepreneur who was enamored with the idea of developing an idea and finding a way to get it fully funded by potential consumers who believe he can follow through and provide that new product. Initially, he started out trying to develop and promote an app on this consumer-driven platform. However, he quickly learned that when it comes to Kickstarter and Indiegogo, they are better suited for physical products and gadgets. Even though his initial project was not successful long-term, he continued to try to create something. Eventually, he partnered with his friend Jake Epstein to create something called Rocketbook Wave. Rocketbook Wave is a reusable notebook that allows you to update your content into a cloud-based system within their app. Basically overnight, it had 99,000 pre-sales on crowdfunding. They created a clever way to make it reusable- the ink is erased when microwaved. Eventually with lots of mishaps along they way, the Wave became successful and led them to develop the Rocketbook Everlast. Today, they have multiple options of notebooks to choose from, so you can find which best suits your needs. Building Company Culture Around The Testing Process When it comes to a running a business, you need more than just a successful product to not only survive, but to thrive as well. A successful company requires investing time and resources into feedback, customer service, and a shared culture. One thing that Joe has always valued is testing, and he has used this as a cornerstone when building his company culture. They constantly test out all aspects of their company from products to emails. In today’s social systems, you can truly engage with customers in a way never done before. Joe utilizes customer insights and seeks them out to continuously improve their business and brand. One way that they are improving their brand is through a new product called Rocketbook Whiteboard Beacons. With this product, you can do everything you can with one of their notebooks, but with the formatting of white boards. In the days of hybrid businesses and schooling, this product is something that could cut costs and revolutionize virtual meetings. In this episode, we do more than just discuss products. We discuss overcoming failure in business, taking steps towards new ventures, cultivating a shared experience, and so much more! We think that Joe and Jake’s business has a lot to offer. Timeline 02:27 How can you take the lessons that Joe shares and use them to overcome any friction you may be experiencing with a product? 06:47 The concept of crowdfunding and how it influenced Joe. 10:55 The transition from just a few pre-sales to thousands, and how it impacted Joe and Jeff. 13:38 Dane’s discovery of Rocketbook. 14:36 Dane learning how to make the product work for him. 17:04 What does it take to go again as a business owner when it feels daunting and out of your depth for the moment you’re in? 18:34 Learning to accept when something isn’t working. 19:20 The benefits of taking a break. 20:33 When it comes to a successful company, a good founding team and management team is very important. 21:49 Overcoming difficulties when initially creating Rocketbook Wave. 22:14 The influences of customer services in the initial stages of a business. 25:13 Not only is it the product but also the experience people have. 25:31 What kind of leadership and culture is needed to leap from a viable product to a viable company? 28:33 The purpose of customer service is keeping the customer happy and learning from them. 29:32 "Turn customer connections into customer insights.” 31:13 As a leader, when you don’t always get great news, what do you do? 32:42 What do we do with negative feedback? 33:39 When it comes to a product, not everyone will ever understand. You need to find your segment of customers that do get it in order to be successful. 36:05 The principle that Joe accents in his company. 39:56 Rocketbook Whiteboard Beacons and their uses.…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 James Clear on Forming Small Habits to Achieve Meaningful Results 44:19
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedChange your habits and Get 1% Better Every Day Do you ever find yourself making fake deadlines only to push your endless to-do list off to the next day? You’re not alone. But, as James Clear explains, it doesn’t have to be this way. Becoming an Expert James studied biomechanics as an undergrad and business in grad school. Growing up, he played baseball competitively and even became an Academic/All American his senior year of college. He eventually started studying consumer and behavioral psychology before becoming an entrepreneur. His first book - Atomic Habits - has sold millions of copies in multiple languages around the world. Before all the accolades though, James experienced a near fatal traumatic injury in his sophomore year of high school when he was hit by a bat in the head. James was forced to start small with his recovery just to regain basic motor skills. It was his injury and agonizing efforts to get better that revealed the one thing he needed to understand most to succeed in life: There is rarely an epiphany or overnight transformation in life. Most of the time, real substantive transformation comes from thousands of atomic-level decisions. Going from traumatic injury to recovery is never an easy process. For James, it looked like becoming 1% better each day. Slowly, he created healthy mental habits while trying to also become healthy physically. James knows that none of those habits are really remarkable, but they gave him an aspect of control over his life when so much felt beyond his control. More Than Results James holds that if we always measure the success our efforts by the result, we will put off happiness until the next milestone. If you do, you create a situation where you cannot reach happiness without accomplishing your goal. By focusing only on the result, you are also not allowing yourself to enjoy the process. In contrast, by focusing on fundamental habits and their inherent value, you can be happy every single time you work your system. When you want to make a change, ask yourself, “Who is the kind of person you would like to become?” You have to get yourself to a place where a habit becomes part of your identity. The repetition of experiences is what gives you data-driven proof that your identity is changing. Thus, success isn’t when you finally lose the metaphorical 30 lbs, but instead by becoming the kind of person who never misses the workout. When that’s true, the pounds take care of themselves. Whether you are trying to break bad habits or take on good ones at work or in life, I promise you James Clear can help. Gain access to all his great work at his website, JamesClear.com and at AtomicHabits.com . Timeline [01:33] James Clear Welcome to Converge [04:15] How did James become an expert on the subject of habits and behavior change? [05:20] Often, people pay more attention to the idea of habits than the habit itself. [07:55] The cognitive psychology movement in conglomeration with the behavior psychology movement were factors in the research done for his book. [08:53] James had an applied reality of habit change that he had to navigate. [08:58] A traumatic injury led to a loss of basic motor skills for James. [10:20] The process of going from injury to recovery [12:20] Does success happen overnight and out of the blue? Or is there more to it? [15:58 ]There is always a before to something happening. It does not happen overnight. You cannot make a leap without first making a running start. [17:26] Systems over goals versus process over outcomes. [18:00 ]You must increase your surface area for luck or something good happening to you. Richard Hamming’s idea on this is, “That something happens to you is not luck, but what happens to you is luck.” [18:50] Why should we focus on the inherit value of habits over the instrumental value? [23:37] True behavior change is identity change. How do I change my identity and how I look at myself? [25:40] “Every action that you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become.” [26:56] What happens when we believes something about our identity that has no evidence to it? How do we solve this delusion? [28:25] How do we create and push change without having an identity crisis? How do we from a flatlined life find a catalytic movement? [31:14] Reading and education can be used to create a new narrative of yourself. [35:20] Why did you learn the beliefs you have about yourself? [37:39] The benefits of a fresh start. [37:59] The two ways to combat a destructive narrative. [40:05] Culture building in a company environment. [41:09] The two different habits of a workplace are habits of energy and habits of focus…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Jaz Ampaw-Farr on Reversing Toxic Trajectories 48:10
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe live in a world full of conflict. A friendly conversation takes an unexpected turn into an "Us v. Them” situation. And when it does, how exactly do we find a way to turn a potentially toxic trajectory around? Growing up, Jaz Ampaw-Farr endured enormous mental, physical, and sexual abuse, in addition to neglect. When she was young, she decided the best strategy as a person of color in those circumstances was to become as small as possible in the hopes of going unnoticed. As a British Citizen, Jaz sees this trend in persons of color in America in which shrinking becomes a survival technique… or to go in the opposite direction and be driven exclusively by anger and vitriol. The legacy and story she wants to tell is one of doing everything she can with the resources she has to shift from shrinking in fear to standing in hope and grace. Jaz holds that sometimes the hard work is simply having a curious conversation. It is looking for and being with people who are different than you. Her advice: Resist the craving to get closure in these moments, but instead keep engaging. Jaz brings a much needed light to this conversation. She gifts us her vulnerability and uses it not only to inspire but to teach. Resources: To learn more about Jaz Ampaw-Farr visit: https://jazampawfarr.com/ Outline [2:02] - Jaz, tell us your story. [6:39] Jaz says that she is often called inspirational, and her response always is, “Great, what have I inspired you to do? [09:05] Leadership isn’t what you do, but it’s what happens when you aren’t even in the room and this is shown through Jaz’s elementary school teacher Mrs. Cook [9:33] With people, kids in particular, what you things you do matters. You can do things to people, for people, and with people. [10:59] Labeled 3 Categories of Adults: 3 - Dangerous - 2 - Benign - 1 - Heroic/Guiding [12:24] - What is your perspective on shifting from the “small as possible” mindset that people of color are often advised to assume to confronting racial conflict and standing differently? [14:18] Playing small works as it can provide some protection, but the cost of it is giving up who you are and who you could potentially be. [16:27] Wanting change more than wanting to be right is how you start overcoming the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. It is where you can start addressing unconscious bias. "For understandable and good reasons, people are protesting.” [18:49] Entice people with empathy, engage them in a conversation, and enroll them to your way of thinking. The idea of going straight to enrolling is wrong [22:16] Knowing what it is to have nothing can influence who you stand with and how you stand with them [26:11] - How do you manage to cross this chasm; on one side you are surviving and standing up against racial tension, and then on the other side you thrive in a hope for a better future? - what is the next step beyond where we are now? [27:14] The stages are suffer, survive, thrive, be alive and drive change. We tend to want to jump from a place of suffering to driving change, but the work must be put in to advance from each step. [31:49] When you move past suffering, surviving, and thriving, you see existence coinciding with real peace. It’s being alive [32:49] Driving change: Do, Engage, Be [33:14] If you are not ready to drive change, it is okay, but you must own. Don’t blame external locus of controls. [40:56] - 2 Perspectives on racial discourse: How to navigate semantics respectfully as a white person, and how to resist closure/cancelling someone when they are not as careful as they could be. [42:18] When we engage, do we engage out of inspiration or out of desperation?…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Taylor Holiday on How To Build A Creative Team That Never Wants To Leave 37:25
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThere s nothing better than working with a creative team of people who are the best at what they do. It brings out the best in you and enables you to reach new heights you previously only dreamed of. Imagine for a moment, what might happen if you could build a company full of those kinds of people? It s likely, the growth and innovation your team experiences would be non-stop. That s what Taylor Holiday and the team at Common Thread Collective are experiencing – and as a result, they ve grown from zero to hero in a ridiculously short period of time (3 years). You’re about to hear a revealing conversation between real friends (as opposed to colleagues, and there is a difference). You re going to hear the process of growth Taylor and his team have gone through – and are still going through – in order to be the kind of team they truly want to be, not what others expect them to be. I feel confident selling our service because worst-case, our clients break even. Common Thread Collective is dedicated to helping product sales companies drive revenue through their eCommerce websites. Their clients spend $50K to $1 million per month on marketing and advertising that generates revenue for their brands. They do it by leveraging the new media purchasing economy that operates on daily budgets. That kind of attention enables them to keep close tabs on their client s campaigns because there s always a way to stop a failing effort and do something different. But they ve added another dimension to what they do – because they care about the start-up stage entrepreneurs, who they were finding more and more difficult to serve as the company scaled. Through their new platform, YourAdMission.co they have created a membership community that equips first-stage entrepreneurs to develop the skills they need at a price they can afford. Listen to learn more. To build a creative team made up of the best in the world, the mission had to change. Taylor s company started out with a very different mission than they have today. At first, they were seeking to Be the best in the world at selling products online. But they discovered that they weren t being consistent in carrying out the mission. That realization forced the team to evaluate whether they were willing to do what the mission required – and the answer was No – from everyone on the leadership team. That began the journey of discovering a new mission that the team was truly behind, to genuinely ask themselves what they wanted for themselves. Once they discovered that mission, it made the behaviors required to attain it much easier – and nobody was left feeling guilty for not hitting a target they felt they should accomplish, but weren t fully invested in. If I m going to ask you to work for me, I have to be invested in you as well. ~ Taylor Holiday Early on, Taylor and his partners asked themselves, Why would anyone come work for our little start-up? They were located in Orange County, California so appealing, world-class companies were just outside their door. The team came to the decision that they had to care about their employees more than anyone else was willing to do. Practically, that means that the trade of salary for time wasn t enough. They had to be invested in the employee at least as much as the employee was invested in the company. They had to ask, What would it mean to help our creative team get where they want to go, personally? As a result – and because of a desire to live consistently with their mission – they spend an inordinate amount of time and budget to empower employees to accomplish their own dreams. Ironically, many of those dreams wind up revolving around Common Thread Collective. Listen to learn how it all happened and how it s playing out day to day, on this episode of Converge. When you empower your creative team to fulfill their personal dreams, you might create your own competition… What happens if you work to help a person on your team achieve their personal dreams – and those dreams turn out to be competitive to what you re doing as a company? Taylor says that prospect isn t threatening to him because his goal is to empower entrepreneurs. It doesn t matter to him if it happens because what he sets up in the process is of much greater value than the risk it creates. Taylor also sees that sort of competition as a good thing for everyone involved. It forces everyone playing the game to improve in their own skills in order to rise to the top – or else they don t stay in the game at all. You ll be encouraged by the abundant, generous attitude Taylor has about equipping his team to be their best selves, and how it s paying off. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why Taylor s story is great for anyone who wants to learn practical ways to make a difference [1:29] The state of real friends in a world of colleagues – and what Common Thread is about [4:00] How things have shifted when it comes to using media to promote services and products [7:40] Creating an economic model that makes sense for first-stage entrepreneurs [12:23] Taylor s empathy for team members and how it impacts his team dynamics [20:55] Implementing a mission the team was actually willing to accomplish [27:39] The current marketplace and the challenge of finding the best talent [31:52] How Taylor has created a company where only one employee has ever chosen to leave [34:47] Why Taylor believes entirely that those with dreams can accomplish them Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Gary Vaynerchuk: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/ Marissa Meyer: https://www.marissameyer.com/ Taylor Holiday s Resources Common Thread Collective: https://commonthreadco.com/ http://YourAdmission.co Taylor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylorholiday Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-holiday-a169b322/ Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK: http://www.podcastfasttrack.com The post S.4 Ep. 006 – How To Build A Creative Team That Never Wants To Leave, with Taylor Holiday appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 David Jay on How To Go From Freelance Photographer To Entrepreneur 41:39
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedMany of the people who listen to Converge are creatives – freelance photographers, artists, interior designers, and others. They know that moving from the time-for-money trade that freelancing requires to the establishment of a business as an entrepreneur is not easy. If you’re reading this, you are likely one of those people. David Jay is a guy whose journey from freelancer to business owner was very natural in terms of how he was gifted, but that doesn t mean it was easy. He s experienced many obstacles along the way, the biggest one being himself. Join Dane and David for this revealing conversation. It highlights the valleys of self-discovery we all have to walk in order to become the best version of ourselves, which in turn equips us to bring our best to the world we are meant to serve. You ll enjoy this episode. When you only have one option, you tend to find a way One of the situations that David found himself in was centered around the tension he felt while he was trying to finish up his college degree. He knew he wanted to do things outside the realm of the education he was getting, and he felt he should do them right away. He decided to drop out of college and pursue his dream of being a freelance photographer. To him, it was an intentional choice of putting his back against the wall so that he had to make his choice work. Once he did that, it didn t matter how many people criticized his decision or felt he was heading in a bad direction, the desire to prove his worth in spite of having no degree fueled him. It wasn t the best motivation, but it worked for a while. Today, even David says that at some point you want to get beyond that kind of ego-driven motivation and find something that matters more. You ll hear David s personal journey including how he came to discover his own “something more” if you take the time to listen. As a freelance photographer David tried to focus on serving people – and he always had plenty of work Once David made it past the stage of trying to prove himself to his critics, he remembered something his father said to him. If you focus on serving people, you ll always have enough work. He made the shift, centered his photography business around doing what was best for his clients, and he found a new satisfaction in what he was doing as a freelancer. But his entrepreneurial itch wasn t being scratched. He had to do something more, something bigger and aimed at serving more people. So he began creating products that could serve those who were in the same shoes he wore: freelance photographers. You ll hear about some of the amazing products he and partners have created, how those businesses are doing today, and how he discovered that the entrepreneurial road is one of the best paths to discovering who you are, warts and all. Don t be an idiot and quit your job: Let things play out as they should We ve all heard the amazing stories of people who gave up everything to pursue their dreams. But we usually only hear about the successful versions of that familiar tale. There are many who don t fare so well. David never recommends that a person with a family that is depending on their 9 to 5 paycheck should drop their job to pursue a dream. Instead, he suggests you work at your dream on the side, in increments, waiting for things to play out as they should. When you do, you ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish through small steps over time. This should be an encouragement to all of you who find yourselves stuck in a job that isn t fulfilling. It shows that you can create your own fulfillment and grow it into something larger than you can even conceive if you stick to it and put in the work required. Build your product and business around the gifts you have – happiness will follow David s journey illustrates how success without fulfillment is a very empty thing. Through his struggles and the things they revealed about his own character, he was able to discover an ongoing, repeatable cycle of growth: learn about himself, make an adjustment, and pivot toward a better direction. One of the most powerful things he learned is that he didn t have to build his business like everyone else. He didn t have to follow an entrepreneurial model that wasn t aligned with his personality or gifts. Instead, he learned to build his business and his services around the gifts and strengths he had. And guess what – he was more happy doing it. Don t miss this episode. David s honesty and humility are a refreshing antidote to the formulaic approach to the entrepreneurial path you hear these days. He’ll give you some practical, wise advice to follow. Outline of this great episode [0:22] The creative life of a freelancer and how it can morph into entrepreneurism [1:45] Dane s testimony of how David is the kind of guy you want to model your life after [3:09] David s career – college drop-out, photographer, freelancer, entrepreneur [7:36] The better motivations you can use to drive yourself forward [9:29] Service to others provides you plenty of opportunities to make a living [11:32] It took a downward spiral to put David s life into perspective for him [13:27] The slow realization that scalable products were a better path [17:25] Forcing things into existence before they are ready is a sure way to get burned [20:22] A rule of thumb for telling if an idea is ripe: listen [26:01] Learning what feedback is helpful and how to kill your baby (product idea) [28:57] How to develop the self awareness to understand what you should do [34:52] Healthier than ever in the pursuit of things – and the ripple effects that ensue [36:21] The best place to start to get your life in order: common language [38:48] The future of entrepreneurship – from David s perspective Resources & Links mentioned in this episode SPONSOR : White House Custom Color : http://whcc.com BOOK : Love Is The Killer App : https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400046831 Pictage : https://www.slrlounge.com/pictage-finally-closes-its-doors/ SmugMug : https://www.SmugMug.com/ Facetime : https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380 http://Showit.co – a photo gallery run by one of David s former partners Giant Worldwide : https://GiantWorldwide.com/ – leadership & coaching company Myers Briggs : https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/ David Jay s Resources Pass : https://PassGallery.com/ – David s photography gallery tool Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FREEdavidjay http://Agree.com – one of the services David created http://WarmWelcome.com – One of David s services Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK: http://www.podcastfasttrack.com The post S.4 Ep. 005 – How To Go From Freelance Photographer To Entrepreneur, with David Jay appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Theresa Christine on How to Pursue an Adventurous Life in the Midst of Normal 39:09
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIt only takes one Google search to find hundreds, maybe even thousands of people telling you to pursue an adventurous life. Many of them define that as a lifestyle that abandons the normal things of life like a career and a stable home environment in exchange for a nomadic approach to life. But what if you don t want to abandon those things, but still want adventure to be a regular part of your life? Theresa Christine can help you. It s what she does. This episode of Converge highlights the tension between the desire many of us feel to fuel your wanderlust and maintain stability at the same time. Dane chats with Theresa about why the digital nomad lifestyle is not the only option – and why it shouldn t be, as well as a host of other tangential topics aimed at helping you feed your own desire for adventure no matter where you are in life. Please take the time to listen. The options today are limitless. How do you choose the best path for yourself? The connected nature of life these days that technology provides puts an entire world of opportunities and insights at everyone s fingertips. If you want to know something or learn how to do something, it s only a screen away. In such a vast supermarket of ideas, how do you choose the ones that best fit you and actually lead to the kind of life you want? You might need a guide – and Theresa Christine has proven herself to be one worthy of consideration. In this conversation, you ll hear her story: growing up in the south, moving to the Big Apple, and finding herself drawn to a slower pace of life but still feeling the longing for a life of adventure. She began blogging about her struggle while exploring what it means to adventure, and in doing so has become an experienced fellow traveler who is a bit farther down the road that most of us – which makes her advice spot-on most of the time. You hear all the time that anyone can travel. Here s why that attitude irritates Theresa You ll hear it in the first few minutes of almost any travel blog or vlog: Anyone can travel. But Theresa says it simply isn t true. Real life often places real demands on us: we care for an elderly parent or are beset by a debilitating handicap or illness. For those of us in those shoes, it’s frustrating to listen to such sweeping claims. But even in those situations, there are still ways to experience a life of adventure, you just have to rethink what adventure really is and how it can fit into your everyday experience. This is a truth Theresa has discovered along her own path and she specializes in helping others work it out in their own lives. Listen to this conversation – perhaps you ll find a kindred spirit in Theresa. Maybe you’ll find a guide. Advice to creators: Produce things so valuable that your audience becomes your ideal client You only have to read Theresa s blog – Tremendous Times – to discover that she has a talent for providing tremendous value to a very particular audience. Anybody who loves travel but doesn t necessarily have the time or ability to travel themselves will love her recaps and highlights of the periodic trips she takes. Her writing appeals to that particular set of readers because she understands the unique place where a desire to experience the world seems to conflict with the responsibilities of everyday life. Theresa refers to these people – her target readers – as ideal clients. Her business philosophy is simple: Provide things of such amazing value to your basic reader that they will stand in line to get what you create when there is actually something for sale. It s a slow process to build on that philosophy, but one that has proven to be successful and scalable. Pursue what you want to pursue, knowing failure will be involved In a world where almost everybody publishes some form of a Facebook face or Instagram image that only highlights the good things in life, it s easy to think that you re the only one who struggles or experiences setbacks. Theresa wants you to know it s not true. Every path she s pursued has had its share of setbacks and failures. It s that way for everyone. Knowing that helps you muster up the courage to pursue what you want to pursue in spite of the difficulty because if somebody has done it before, you can too. Theresa hopes to serve her readers/ideal clients as an example of someone who’s taking the journey in spite of her failures. Outline of this great episode [0:13] Why it s important to create adventure anyplace you are – Theresa s story [3:41] Lessons-learned from her readers as she built her blog following [6:31] The search to determine the best priorities in a world of vast opportunities [8:50] How Theresa s experience has been the same as her ideal client, yet different [13:26] You don t have to go to a big city or travel extensively to be exposed to the world [18:47] Why Theresa refers to her readers as ideal clients [26:20] The Postcards to Your Future Self project [30:10] Theresa s recommended books and tools [36:56] The moral of Theresa s story: Pursue what you want to pursue, knowing failure will be involved Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Converge episode with Paco De Leon Chris Guillebeau – BOOK: The Happiness of Pursuit: http://a.co/d/hNIiiGL BOOK: Your Money or Your Life: http://a.co/d/g1ruWVX BOOK: Content Rules: http://a.co/d/j0L7ZrM BOOK: Everybody Writes: http://a.co/d/4uXibtk BOOK: Shoe Dog: http://a.co/d/a3GM3wL BOOK: You ll Grow Out Of It: http://a.co/d/d16UU1D BOOK: In Other Words: http://a.co/d/7xxjdEV TOOL: Trello: http://trello.com APP: Day One: https://dayoneapp.com/ Theresa Christine s Resources Blog: Tremendous Times Theresa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsmetheresac Theresa s Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/itsmetheresac/ Theresa on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tremendoustimes/ The Postcard To My Future Self Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/postcardtomyfutureself/ Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK: http://www.podcastfasttrack.com The post S.4 Ep. 004 – How to Pursue an Adventurous Life in the Midst of Normal with Theresa Christine appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Taylor Jones and Eric Brown on Leveraging the Internet for Good 45:33
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe internet is a pervasive thing, gobbling up time as well as bandwidth. Dane s guests on this episode of Converge are co-leaders of a web design team whose primary purpose is to leverage the internet for good. Taylor Jones and Eric Brown have been fast friends of Dane s ever since he first heard about their company, Whiteboard and had his initial conversation with them. Why was their such a chemistry? Because they share a common heartbeat, a common desire to see the world become a better place through the intentionality of people who strive to make their work matter. This is a truly intriguing conversation, one that will get you thinking about the good you re doing and how you can be more intentional about it. But hopefully, you’ll also be motivated to amplify it more effectively and multiply it across your own little corner of the internet. You really should listen. There is a difference between consumerism and commerce – and it matters Taylor and Eric are definitely in business to make money, but not at the cost of their souls or those of their team members. That may sound overly dramatic but it s the kind of sentiment at the heart of how these two guys do business. They want to do the kind of work that won t keep them awake at night because their conscience is nagging them. More importantly, they deeply want the work they do to give them a sense of accomplishment because they know that their contributions made a difference. Part of that is making a clear distinction between consumerism and commerce – they want to provide services that better people s lives in real ways. Practically, that means they will reject even the most lucrative work if they believe that the services they will deliver will only fuel the rampant consumerism so common in western culture. What they do has to matter – not just fill people s homes with more stuff to make them more money. It s not easy to create a TRULY GOOD web presence That brings us to the actual services Taylor and Eric provide to their customers. They do web development, and so much more. They help companies, speakers, non-profits, and many other creators establish a web presence that is TRULY GOOD. If all you think about when you hear that phrase is logos, appealing colors and fonts, or a good UI, you don t understand what these guys really do. The team at Whiteboard helps their customers get a clear picture of who THEY are as creators and why they do what they do. It s brand consulting that puts their customers in touch with their own sense of calling. Once that s accomplished, which is no small task, they help their clients wade through the swamp of knowing what their constituents want or need and know how to deliver it effectively. Their goal: create a web presence that truly leverages the internet for good. The anatomy of a great web presence Anybody can create a website. The advent of drag and drop web building platforms makes that immediately apparent. But to create a web presence that is about more than functionality or eye-catching images is not easy at all. Taylor and Eric say that the anatomy of a great web presence, one that truly does good, begins with intentionality. The owner/website creator needs a clear vision of who they are, what they need to communicate, and how that information will positively impact their website visitors. To make that exploration into the minds of their customers more than a guessing game, they encourage their customers to do everything they can to get into the shoes of their website visitors through soliciting feedback. How they are using the website? How it could better serve them? What do they find helpful (or not)? Authentic feedback from end users is the only sure way to know how the efforts you re making with your website are positively impacting those it is intended to serve – And that’s important, because if it’s not impacting them positively, then why are you building it? A powerful company culture is the hard work that supports good work The good work that the Whiteboard team does flows out of their company culture. The founders are clearly and purposefully aimed at doing good, starting with doing good to the people on the team. In this conversation, Eric and Taylor speak about how difficult it is to stay in alignment with their deepest values of authenticity and care, and how the two of them are committed to applying it within their own team first. This stuff matters, because the best businesses are made up of people who truly care for each other, which doesn t happen by accident or through a mysterious magical synergy that happens when you get the right people in the right seats. Anywhere human beings are a part of things, it s going to get messy and it s going to be hard. But it s that hard work to create healthy relationships within the team that enables them to leverage the internet for good on behalf of their many customers. Listen to hear how the Whiteboard team continues striving toward that end. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why do some websites WORK and others don t? [1:43] Doing good through web development: How the Whiteboard team aims at it [5:45] A handful of favorite projects the team has worked on [10:47] Why it s important to the team to be a Certified B Corp [13:28] The anatomy of a great web presence [19:25] Dealing with the danger of being unintentionally narcissistic [24:03] The power and importance of caring for the team – the heart of culture [27:28] Leveraging vulnerability to move doing good forward [34:52] Advice to a friend about creating a great life in the modern age [43:05] The feedback Taylor and Eric would love to hear from you Resources & Links mentioned in this episode The Bitcoin Foundation – https://bitcoinfoundation.org/ Purposity – Social needs platform: https://www.purposity.com/ Dean Sikes – Teen speaker about the sanctity of life: http://youmatter.us/ Patagonia – https://www.patagonia.com Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/ Warby Parker – https://www.warbyparker.com/ Black Mirror Netflix series – https://www.netflix.com/title/70264888 BOOK: Creating Powerful Brands, Vol 1 – http://a.co/d/9p3gU16 Chattanooga, Tennessee – http://www.chattanoogafun.com/ BOOK: Ready Player One – http://a.co/d/8VuIYPQ Blackrock – https://www.blackrock.com/ BOOK: The War of Art – http://a.co/d/6NzbI3P Seth Godin s Alt MBA – https://altmba.com/ BOOK: The Culture Code – http://a.co/d/iiGzYKO Taylor Jones and Eric Brown s Resources (Whiteboard) Whiteboard s website: https://whiteboard.is/ The Reformation of Internet Manners Project: http://qideas.org/articles/the-reformation-of-internet-manners/ Hello (at) whiteboard.is – Taylor (at) whiteboard.is – Eric (at) whiteboard.is Whiteboard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/whiteboardis Whiteboard on Medium: https://blog.whiteboard.is/?gi=e80ff1af24e9 Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK: http://www.podcastfasttrack.com The post S.4 Ep. 003 – Leveraging the Internet for Good with Taylor Jones and Eric Brown appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Josh Muccio from Gimlet on Doing Great Work To Create Your Opportunity 46:36
46:36 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked46:36
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedYour opportunity to make it big with your creative endeavors is no longer something others are in control of. You can influence your own success tremendously – primarily through doing great work and networking at the same time. Josh Muccio is a great example of a person who did make it big by being picked up by a big company in his industry, but it s not because they gave him permission – it s because they noticed the great work he was already doing. Dane invited Josh on the show a second time because his story illustrates how creatives can open the door to their own opportunities. It s a lesson we all need to learn and Josh shares a wealth of insight for those who are ready to hear it and take action. Before you reach out to the star makers in your niche, do great work Back in season two of Converge, Dane took a shot in the dark and predicted that Josh s podcast The Pitch would be picked up by a big podcasting company like Gimlet and it was. Dane wanted to hear the story of how that happened, so he invited Josh back for this conversation. The way the story unfolds is not what you might expect. Nobody came knocking on Josh s door. Nobody sent a talent scout to find the next big podcast hit and suddenly discovered him. Josh kept producing his independent podcast to a high standard, found people to help him, and reached out to people in the podcasting space who he wanted to meet. Things happened because he did great work and took action. You can hear Josh explain how it happened – how he facilitated his own opportunity, on this episode. People are your biggest resource, but they are not a commodity to be used Even if you are a solopreneur or solo founder, people are the best resource you have. Josh Muccio realized that early on in his podcasting journey, so he started reaching out to influential people in his space WHILE he continued to do great work. He wasn t looking for a handout or to be discovered, he was making his own opportunity. That is exactly how creatives in the digital age have to approach success: Do good work, make your opportunity. Jay shares why he sends cold emails to people he wants to meet every day, how he crafts those emails to be personal and appealing, and why he thinks it s an important discipline that will work for anyone seeking to build good relationships with others in their space. If you can t create a brain-trust, at least get some smart friends alongside One of the greatest benefits of becoming a part of the Gimlet media family is that a team of audio and storytelling professionals are available to help Josh make his already-great show even better. He refers to them as a brain-trust: experts who are able to look at his work, give feedback, and refine it to greater effect. Dane asked Josh if he thinks it s possible for the average, independent artist to form their own brain-trust. While he s not sure independents can pull together a team with the same level of expertise he’s blessed with at Gimlet, he s confident that having other trusted, smart individuals look at your work and give honest feedback is always going to make it better. There is always another opportunity to shoot for. Keep reaching Near the end of this conversation, Dane asked Josh to share his perspective for those at the beginning of their creative journey now that he s at the top of his industry. His podcast is a staple on the Gimlet media lineup, continues to get great reviews and is growing its listener base monthly. What advice does he have now that he s made it. Interestingly enough, Josh points out that even those he works for at Gimlet don t feel they ve made it. There s always another level to reach for, always another way to grow and become better at what you do. His advice: Your opportunity to become the best is always before you. Be aware that success doesn t change the need to do your best work, no matter what level of success you ve already attained. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why Dane is featuring a guest for the second time: Josh Muccio [5:30] How Josh got connected with the folks at Gimlet media [12:20] Why Josh sends cold emails to people he wants to know (and how he does it) [17:14] Podcasting? Why would a person choose to do podcasting? [21:28] What Josh did to educate himself so he could do what he was doing better [24:38] How life is different today that pre-Gimlet partnership [30:02] Could the average person put together their own creative brain-trust? [35:47] Would Josh do anything differently if he could start over? [41:05] The importance of Josh s personal ultimatum [43:30] Advice from the top of the industry: There s always another top to shoot for Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Startup episode: Introducing The Pitch Original Converge episode with Josh Muccio The StartUp Podcast Gimlet Media Millennial Podcast Shark Tank This American Life Alex Bloomburg s Creative Live course BOOK: Out On The Wire Transom The Moth Podcast How Sound Podcast Radiolab Pixar Gwen Stefani Josh Muccio Resources The Pitch Podcast Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.4 Ep. 002 – Do Great Work To Create Your Opportunity, a conversation with Josh Muccio appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Justin Zoradi on Why We Were Made For These Times 32:15
32:15 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked32:15
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedJustin Zoradi believes with the strongest conviction that without exception, we were made for these times. That means you – and it means me. But many of us wonder how that can be true when we are saddled with self-doubt and the haunting voices of failures, abuses, and regrets from the past. Justin has a contagious and unique way of describing his belief – and you’ll enjoy hearing him explain it as he and Dane discuss the purpose every human being is intended to make in the world, on this episode of Converge. In the end, we are all our own worst enemies As human beings, it s true – we are often our own worst critics. The things we say to ourselves, in our own heads, are enough to discourage anyone regardless of background or upbringing. But Justin has discovered that when we are able to battle those voices of inner criticism and doubt effectively, a powerful force for good is unleashed on the world. That force is us. Find out how Justin has focused his efforts around this belief and the ways it s impacting the world, on this episode. Beating the comparison game: They have their story and I have mine It s been said that the tendency to compare another person s success over a long period of time with our own lack of success when just starting out, is one of the biggest mistakes we make as human beings. That idea sparked a question in Dane s mind that he was eager to ask Justin: What tools has Justin found to help him fight the comparison game effectively? Justin s answer was simple and powerful. Any time he s aware that he s beginning to compare himself to someone else, he repeats this phrase over and over as needed, They have their story and I have mine. Find out how this simple truth sets Justin free from the trap of comparison, by listening to this episode. What will it take for you to believe you are made for these times? Behind Justin s conviction that every person on the planet can make a powerful positive difference is a foundational truth: nobody was created by accident or without purpose. That means that even the timing of your birth and the place where you live are positionings that have inserted you into the world in such a way that you are able to make your unique impact. You really should hear the way Justin explains it in this conversation. It s well worth the time it will take you to listen. Ordinary is powerful. Don t listen to the voices that tell you differently As this conversation came to a close Dane asked Justin what he would say to the person who feels that they are nothing special, that they are just an ordinary person living an ordinary life. His response? Ordinary is powerful. Nobody in history who has made a significant difference started out as an above-average person. They had to fight their way up, through self-doubt and discouragement to become the powerful force they are known to be in history. The same will be true for all of us ordinary people – because we were made for these times. Outline of this great episode [0:21] How Zealots get a bad rap – and how the upset they cause leads to so much good [1:25] Why Justin Zoradi should be on your radar [4:56] How Justin struggled through personal doubts to find a purpose that matters [10:12] Beating the comparison game, even when it comes from well-meaning people [13:52] What does it mean to be made for these times? [19:13] Justin s encouragement to those who feel quite ordinary Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Fastermind LIVE – find out more Andrew Garfield Don Mclean song: Vincent BOOK: 12 Rules for Life Joseph Campbell Donald Miller The Hero s Journey George Gerbner s Mean World Syndrome BOOK: Amusing Ourselves To Death Jason Zoradi s Resources Justin s How To Start a Fire Course – it s free! Sign up to be notified when it s ready www.TheseNumbers.org BOOK: Made For These Times Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.4 Ep. 001 – We Were Made For These Times with Justin Zoradi appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Donald Miller on How a Clear Story Multiplies Impact and Profits For Your Brand 39:04
39:04 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked39:04
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThere are few things we humans enjoy as much as a good story. Doesn’t it make sense that brands should make use of that fact? This episode of Converge features Donald Miller, the brilliant mind behind the idea of creating a Storybrand. The insights he has gleaned from years as a writer and publisher about the power of story and the impact stories have on the human psyche are something he has powerfully brought to the marketplace through what he teaches about being a Storybrand. In this conversation you are going to hear Donald’s insight into a number of things related to the Storybrand approach, including the vital nature of clarity, sales being about relationships, taking advantage of things people can’t help but pay attention to, and what it means to invite your prospects into a story. Don’t miss this one, it’s full of jewels. If you confuse, you lose. Entrepreneurs make that mistake all the time ~ Donald Miller There are many brands that create an image of themselves that is cute and clever. Their slogans are ambiguous and their websites are trendy. But a customer has to jump through too many hoops to even make a purchase – and the brand missed out. According to Donald Miller, cute and clever cost a business lots of money. That’s because they obscure the message rather than clarify it and don’t invite people into a story, which is the one thing their customers cannot resist. Join Donald and Dane as they talk about what it means to be a Storybrand and how you can make use of the concepts Donald has discovered to improve the appeal of your business almost overnight. It’s a big promise, but one that he delivers on every day. Storybrands effectively ask story questions of their prospects – and they reap incredible benefits In every great story, there is a sense of intrigue that pulls the reader or viewer along. Questions remain unanswered, tension remains unresolved, and the hero’s destiny is far from certain. Becoming a Storybrand is about making your customer the hero of their own story. The role of your company is that of a guide, the one who comes alongside them to help them on their journey and get them to the place they’re really wanting to go. If your brand is going to be that for your customers you have to know how to effectively ask story questions that pull your customers along, just like the intrigue of a good story. Donald Miller is on the Converge podcast this episode to discuss the concept of Storybranding and to provide some great resources that you can use for free to amplify your message to the very people you’re trying to reach. How can we use things that people can t stop paying attention to in order to move our businesses forward? In this conversation, Donald Miller tells a story about himself and his cousin in two different ways. The first way is pretty bland, includes a lot of details about who his cousin is and what he does for a living, and doesn’t provide much appeal to the listener. But the second way introduces elements of excitement, surprise, and intrigue almost immediately. It’s impossible to walk away from the second story indifferent. You want to know what happens. A good story is one of the few things people can’t stop paying attention to and it’s that reality that Donald Miller taps into as he helps brands learn what it means to be a Storybrand that significantly impact its customers in beneficial ways. Don’t miss this episode, Donald delivers some incredible insights that seem to be common sense after you hear them, but that you probably haven’t thought of before. Stop telling your story and start inviting people into a story of their own One of the basic principles of marketing and sales is that the customer or prospect is interested in one thing, their own needs, wants, and desires. Since that’s the case, why do so many brands make the mistake of telling their own story instead of inviting their prospects into a story of their own? By asking that question, Donald Miller has come to discover that crafting a brand message around a story that makes the customer the hero is a powerful way to advance the profitability and success of any business. In this conversation, you will hear how Donald has come to understand these things, the benefits he’s been able to provide to brands large and small through applying them, and a little bit of how his principles have empowered us to do a better job at communicating our message here at Fastermind.co. Outline of this great episode [0:22] The moment of truth for any product or service: when you go to market [2:15] The journey from a conservative Christian background to memoirist and business consultant [8:23] The most common marketing mistakes and what it costs entrepreneurs [12:20] Donald s account of cleverness and cuteness campaigns that actually work [18:39] What is the storybrand framework? 7 critical paradigm shifts [30:07] The ancillary benefits of becoming clear on your storybrand This podcast is sponsored by White House Custom Colour . Guest Name Resources Donald s website: www.StoryBrand.com BOOK: Building A Storybrand Donald s storytelling creation software: www.MyStorybrand.com Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 013 – How a Clear Storybrand Multiplies Impact and Profits with Donald Miller appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Vincent Pugliese on The Power of Mindset in the Pursuit of Freedom 28:49
28:49 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked28:49
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAre you sacrificing your dream to make money? Does your job leave you little time to do what you love? Does time freedom seem forever out of reach? Vincent Pugliese the guest on this episode of Converge would have answered YES to all three of these questions. He was working a full time job that barely paid the bills. He desperately wanted to pursue his passion for photography but was held back by financial stress. In this episode of Converge Dane dives deep into the mindset and choices that took Vincent from a struggling amateur photographer to a successful entrepreneur who runs his own business and controls his schedule. To find out how he did it and how you can start moving towards freedom in your own life, listen to this episode of Converge. When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose Vincent Pugliese was your typical lazy high school student. By the time graduation came around he had no aspirations for college and had built no opportunities for himself. Having nothing to lose he jumped into photography knowing that he would have to work hard in order to succeed. Somethings all it takes is to ignore the risks and jump into your passions. On this episode of Converge, you will hear how having nothing to lose enabled Vincent to take advantage of rare opportunities. The power of truly wanting something Life wasn t easy for Vincent. The Job, wife, and Kids all demanded his time leaving him little room to pursue his dreams. Yet, he knew he wanted to be a photographer and provide through that line of work, so he never gave up. When you truly want something, you find ways to make it happen instead of letting life get in the way. Listen to this episode of Converge to hear how Vincent made time for his passion. Is humility required when building a business Life is tough, no one can argue that fact. Building a business can be even tougher. When everything seems to be against you it can help to have some humility. Coming to a place of accepting that you don t have all the answers and may need to ask for help can enable you to break through into success. In this episode of Converge Dane dives into the struggles of building a business and how humility helped Vincent Pugliese succeed. If you are not where you want to be, it s probably your fault It is easy to look ahead and long for what is to come. That raise, that vacation, that place of freedom where you can pursue your passions. Often times looking ahead can distract us from what needs to be done now in order to get to that desired place. If you re not where you want to be, it s probably your fault. In this episode of Converge Vincent Pugliese shares his struggle to attain freedom and how he came to grips with the fact that the only one holding him back was himself. Outline of this great episode [0:20] There are so many tools available to us [0:50] Dane s guest today is Vincent Pugliese [3:00] Vincent s background [4:00] Vincent was a slacker through high school [4:30] The ingredients that helped Vincent gain traction at the beginning of his business [6:20] The power of truly wanting something [7:00] When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose [8:00] Building his dream from scratch enabled him to be free to take advantage of opportunities [9:00] Is humility required to build your own success? [11:00] Vincent works the jobs he wants and passes up those he doesn t [12:50] Freedom does not equal wealth but wealth can bring freedom [14:00] Freedom is not about getting rich quick [14:25] It s about living the life you want while doing the thing you want [18:45] The 5 stages of Freelance to Freedom [20:00] If you re not where you want to be, it s probably your fault [23:10] Success is a lifestyle [26:00] If Vincent can do it, so can you! This podcast is sponsored by White House Custom Color GUESTS RESOURCES Get Vincent s Book Freelance to Freedom Mindset: The New Psychology of Success www.VincentPugliese.com Download Vincent’s “ The top 10 tips to build a life of money, time and location freedom “ Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 012 – The Power of Mindset in the Pursuit of Freedom – with Vincent Pugliese appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Bryan and Shannon Miles on The Power of a Virtual Assistant 33:06
33:06 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked33:06
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedDo you feel swamped with your business? Are you wearing too many hats and can t seem to focus on what is important, the things only you can do? This episode of Converge might offer a solution. Your host Dane Sanders interviews Bryan and Shannon Miles of Belay Solutions. Bryan and Shannon specialize in connecting you with the perfect Virtual Assistant to meet your needs. And the best part is, they are US based. No more language barrier or communication deficit. Only the best virtual Assistants can make it into the Belay Solutions program so you are guaranteed to find an awesome person. Listen to this episode to hear the best tips and trick for finding a VA and why you need one. Our world becomes more virtual every day, maybe you should too In our modern world, it is not uncommon to turn to virtual channels for all of your needs. You might book your hotels online, order your food online, and even pay your landscaper online. With more and more business being born online the virtual world is stronger than ever. Maybe it s time you look into offloading some of that crushing mundane work you have been carrying around. What better place to send it than the virtual world. It s easy and could save you a lot of money. Listen to this episode of Converge to hear how hiring a VA can transform your business. You are not the only person who can it right You ve heard the saying, If you want something done right, do it yourself. Is that true? Bryan and Shannon, the guests on this episode of Converge, argue that it is not. They say that hiring a VA and giving them freedom to work in a manner fitting to them will bring you the results you are hoping for and possibly better results than you could get yourself. Make sure you listen to this episode to learn why. Communication is vital to a good Virtual relationship Business relationships are hard. Setting the proper expectation all the while giving your employee the freedom to be creative and work in their element can be tough. Communication is essential if you hope to succeed. The relationship with a Virtual Assistant can be even more challenging. Not only do you face the same challenges as with a staff member, you also have the added struggle of not being face to face. How can you work around this? Is it even possible? Bryan and Shannon Miles believe it is and they have proved it. Their VA business has systems in place to help you along the journey to reach optimal communication. You won t have to go it alone. Listen to this episode to find out more. Your Virtual Assistant is an extension of you A Virtual Assistant can be a powerful tool for your business. Not only can they help take excess work off of your plate, they can also be an extension of you. You can now have the ability to have your hands in more aspects of your business through your VA. Listen to this episode to learn why this can do beneficial. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Do you feel overwhelmed in your business? [1:20] Have you ever considered using a Virtual Assistant? [1:51] Intro to Bryan and Shannon Miles [4:30] Our world is migrating online [6:00] Hiring a Virtual Assistants from the Philippines can offer challenges that the average business owner may not be willing to face [7:00] Bryan and Shannon provide VA services based in the USA [13:00] You are not the only one who can do the work you do [13:20] If you max out your working capacity your business will suffer [18:00] Your VA is an extension of you [19:00] Communication is the key to a good VA relationship [25:30] The future of technology [28:00] The personal connection in business will never go away [29:00] Bryan and Shannon are coming to GO summit Resources & Links mentioned in this episode The 4 Hour Work Week GUESTS RESOURCES Check out what Bryan and Shannon can do for you by checking out Belay Solutions Click here to get the free “The Culture Cure” eGuide from Belay Solutions Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders This episode is brought to you by White House Custom Colour Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 011 – The Power of a Virtual Assistant With Bryan and Shannon Miles appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Jaz Ampaw-Farr on Conviction Is The Key To Success, 53:28
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSuccess is a term that is used heavily in our culture. Success is the thing that everyone works to attain, some people are born into success while others stumble upon it. You may be tempted to blame your situation or your upbringing for your lack of success. In many cases, those things appear to play a role but do they determine your potential? In this episode of Converge, Dane Sanders interviews Jaz Ampaw-Farr and she answers that question with a deafening NO. Success is not determined by your circumstances. Your conviction to attain your full potential is the driving force behind your success. Jaz says conviction is the key to success. Listen to this episode to hear Jaz s story and hear how you can overcome your situation and attain success. Suffering can drive you to succeed Jaz had a childhood full of suffering. She was raised in an abusive home, brought up in a brothel and exposed to things no child should see. She was made to feel inferior and worthless. One of her daily tasks was to steal food from local stores to feed the family. For many, this would have driven them into depression, drugs, or suicide. But not Jaz. She used her sufferings to empower and motivate her to succeed. In this episode of Converge, Jaz dives deep into the hurt of the past and how it gave her conviction for the future. You don t want to miss this one. I don t have a choice is one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves It s easy to let life happen to us. To sit by and be the victim complaining that we don t have any other choice and that we are not in control. While this may be the easy road it will not lead to success and fulfillment. On this episode of Converge, Jaz explains how giving in to this way of thinking will handicap us and ruin our potential. She gives a few tips on ways you can keep yourself from falling into the trap of self-pity. Transparency and Honesty will increase your impact on the world So many of us have a gift to share with the world. Many of us have perfected ways of doing so and are seeing results. But how transparent and honest are you about your shortcomings? In this episode, Jaz Ampaw-Farr explains how being honest and transparent exponentially increased her impact. Listen up to hear how she did it. A successful person is simply a failure who keeps getting up Being successful is the goal of so many. Yet attaining it can seem out of reach. Every situation is different and with each failure, the journey becomes harder. In this episode, Jaz Ampaw-Farr explains what 3 steps you need to take in order to start seeing results and how conviction is the secret weapon of the successful person. Listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear her tips. Outline of this great episode [0:20] Intro to Jaz Ampaw-Farr. [2:20] Jaz s story and how she ended up becoming a teacher. [3:00] Living in a Brothel. [6:00] Faking an accent to get into college. [8:00] Teachers have a unique ability to be heroes in the lives of children. [12:24] As a teacher you need to be focused on relationships with the students, not their performance. [17:00] I don t have a choice is the biggest lie we tell ourselves. [18:00] A coach is important in your life to help you see that you do have a choice. [20:00] Jaz s suffering brought her to a place of serving. [23:00] If you are not completely convicted to making things work then you will be fighting an uphill battle. [28:00] Jaz was one of the pioneers in phonics teaching. [30:00] When Jaz decided to be honest and transparent her impact on the world grew. [40:00] As the entrepreneur, you have the ability to choose your clients. [42:27] To succeed you need 3 things. An idea of what a successful you looks like, an understanding of where you are in relationship to that successful you, and an understanding of what to do next. [45:20] A success is simply a failure who keeps getting up. [46:00] Try to recognize the incremental changes you are making on your journey. [47:00] Jaz is coming to GO Summit [48:47] What Jaz hopes to accomplish at GO Summit Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Fastermind.co GUESTS RESOURCES Check out what Jaz is up to at her website . Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 010 – Conviction is the key to success, with Jaz Ampaw-Farr appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Jeff and Erin Youngren on How to Build Community as a Business Growth Strategy 38:14
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedGrowing a business is hard work, especially if you are a new business owner. Getting used to the idea of being your own boss and having employees of your own is challenging. But when you add in the struggle of business growth while still trying to keep up with the day to day, it can seem impossible. Husband and wife business partners Jeff and Erin Youngren went from being employed in full-time jobs to managing their own business and employees in a short amount of time. They felt the same struggles you have and they made it through and grew their business exponentially utilizing community as a catalyst for business growth. Listen in as they outline their journey and strategy for growing a successful business. From Employee to Employer Both Jeff and Erin held down full-time jobs before they pivoted into their own business. The pivot to managing a team instead of just themselves was a hard transition to make. Along the way, they have learned secrets that make change easier and have prompted their business to flourish. As you listen to this conversation you ll be inspired as Erin shares how allowing herself to be creative enabled huge growth. Focusing on your vision will keep your joy from fading It is easy to get discouraged in the day-to-day grind that you face as a business owner. Joy sometimes feels like a luxury you can no longer afford. However, joy is critical in the operation and growth of a business. It gives you the strength and determination to keep going when times get hard. In this episode of Converge, Erin and Jeff Youngren explain how staying focused on your vision can help you hold on to joy. Community can help you keep your vision and grow your joy Since vision is so important in the world of business, it stands to reason that anything that helps you keep that vision is equally important. Jeff and Erin Youngren know the importance of keeping their vision and have found that community can help them hold on to it. One thing they have discovered is that community is a powerful tool. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who have your best interest in mind will help you stay focused on your goals and maintain your vision. Get more insight into this important aspect of growing a successful business – listen to this episode of Converge. How can you create a community that will help your business grow? Community building is hard. Especially if you are an introvert like Erin. On today’s episode of Converge Erin and Jeff Youngren explain how to build a community that will support you and your goals. Erin gives advice to fellow introverts who might feel overwhelmed with the prospect of being involved in close relationships and collaborative community. It s not as hard as it seems if you follow Erin s advice. Listen to this episode to hear the simple but powerful tips she s got to share. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Intro to Jeff and Erin Youngren [2:56] Jeff and Erin s journey in photography and business [5:42] Pivoting to photography full time [6:00] Going from employees to employers [8:00] Creativity can help your business flourish [12:30] Having a vision can help you find joy in the day to day grind [13:50] How community can help you keep your vision and grow your joy [16:50] Shame can kill your ability to collaborate and grow [17:50] How can you find a community that will support you on your journey of growth and vision? [19:00] Being curious will enable you to grow your business [24:50] With great risk comes great reward [27:00] Even extroverts can focus on others and build relationships [30:59] What does it take to become clear on your vision and your goals? [32:30] Jeff and Erin will be speaking at the next GO summit. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode https://fastermind.co/gosummit/ GUESTS RESOURCES https://theyoungrens.com www.theyoungrens.com/photographers https://www.instagram.com/theyoungrens/ Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 009 – How to Build Community as a Business Growth Strategy with Jeff and Erin Youngren appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Dr. Ben Houltberg on What It Means to Thrive In Life and How To Do It 36:48
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAll of us want to thrive in life. Without exception. But what it takes to truly do that is the question we seem to have the most difficult time answering. Dane s guest on this episode is the leader of an organization called, The Thrive Center for Human Development. Can you imagine what it must be like to spend your life studying what it takes for human beings to thrive? Dr. Ben Houltberg has made it his life s mission and in this conversation, you ll be the beneficiary of his years of research and as a result, discover some first steps toward meaning, purpose, and thriving in your own life. Don’t miss the opportunity. Thriving is not a state, it s a path Dr. Ben Houltberg says that none of us will ever reach a point in life where we can legitimately say, Now I m thriving. He says that because he believes thriving in life is a path – the journey itself, not a destination. As he and Dane talked about what it means to thrive and the specific ways we have to orient our thinking in order to increasingly live in that place, it became evident that it s an issue tied closely to worth and it s fueled by the right kind of relationships. If you want to thrive in life, you won t want to miss this conversation. If you want to thrive in life you need adversity The word thrive intimates things like peace, joy, and contentment. While those things are often true when a person feels they are thriving we shouldn t misunderstand by thinking there s no hardship or difficulty involved in thriving. Dr. Ben Houltberg says adversity is almost a requirement for thriving. It s what strengthens the thrive-muscle, so to speak, and sets us on the path toward the experience of living fully. Find out how Dr. Houltberg s work at the Thrive Center for Human Development has led him to that conclusion and how you can take steps toward a greater sense of thriving in your own life, on this episode. Are you driven by your purpose or are you drawn by it? In his seminal book, Start With Why, Simon Sinek says that leaders and companies able to thrive in the modern climate need to have a clear sense of purpose. It s what motivates those they lead in the right ways and builds a raving fan base for what they do. The idea is even truer when we take it to an individual level. Meaning and purpose are vital to our sense of health and thriving as persons. Dr. Ben Houltberg says that while purpose is important to thriving we also need to be careful that it s drawing us rather than driving us. That distinction alone can make a difference between thriving in what we do and doing it from a deeper, darker place of insecurity. You’ll want to understand that distinction better – and you can by taking the time to listen. Why it s vital to take stock of what s truly meaningful to you Toward the end of this conversation, Dane asked Dr. Ben Houltberg to give a word of advice to listeners who want to take steps toward a greater ability to thrive in life. He said it s vital to start by honestly taking stock of what s meaningful to you, what matters in your life. If you take the time to get past the pat answers and quick responses you ll begin to touch on the truly powerful things you want your life to be about, the things that motivate you and spark a sense of passion and purpose. And you ll be on the road toward thriving like never before. Don t miss this conversation. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Getting off the treadmill: my intro of Dr. Ben Houltberg [2:04] Why is there a center for human thriving and why should people care? [3:51] Human thriving and the connection to relationships [11:02] Knowing what drives you informs how you orient your life to thrive [15:19] Flow states and flow moments are critical in sustaining us in life [18:20] How a sense of purpose serves as a compass, a true north [26:10] First steps toward rich relationships and deeper purpose [32:07] Healthy habits infused with transcendent meaning enable thriving [34:54] A final encouragement: You are worthy. You have something to offer. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode BOOK: Restoration Therapy BOOK: 5 Days to a New Self GUESTS RESOURCES The THRIVE Center for Human Development Fuller Theological Seminary The John Templeton Foundation Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 008 – What It Means to Thrive In Life and How To Do It, with Dr. Ben Houltberg appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Heather Vickery on Conquering Fear and the Limiting Beliefs Behind It 24:16
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedStrangely ingrained in the fabric of who we are as human beings is this thing called fear. But if you look a bit more deeply you ll see that fear always flows out of a belief we re having about ourselves or something outside us. Heather Vickery is a success coach who is incredibly insightful at helping people identify and conquer the fear that holds them back – and she does it by identifying limiting beliefs and disproving them in her client’s full view. It’s an amazing approach that makes so much sense – and it’s proven to be a game-changer for may of the people with whom she works. You ll want to hear this episode with Heather, she s an amazing woman. What s the worst thing that can happen? Next time you re afraid, ask yourself that question. If you want to conquer fear you ve got to learn how to get outside the emotion of the situation and look at the facts. The reason that s so important is because fear itself is an emotion, and it s not necessarily based in reality at all. Heather Vickery says one of the classic ways to help yourself look past the fear to examine whether it s valid is to ask yourself, What s the worst thing that can happen? The outcome you discover is not usually as bad as fear would have you believe and in most cases, it s an entirely acceptable risk to take for the sake of conquering your fear. Please take some time to hear what Heather shares on this episode. She shares strategies to address fundamental things that could set you free. Limiting beliefs are stories you tell yourself that keep you from succeeding. None of us like to admit it, but we are often our own worst enemy. We tell ourselves stories about our ability, skill, experience, and capacity that keep us from even trying – when what we should do is silence those stories and try anyway. As Dane spoke with his guest Heather Vickery about how she helps her clients discover their limiting beliefs and start to move past them, she told the story of a woman whose life and career was transformed when she realized the lies she d been telling herself for years. You won t want to miss it. Boundaries are the key that makes everything work together. Heather Vickery is one of those people who s able to see issues clearly and point out the things that nobody else notices. And what she notices when it comes to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and obligation is that healthy boundaries are often what is missing in the situation. In this conversation, Dane and Heather chat about why boundaries are important, what they enable you to accomplish in your life or work, and how to deal with the unintended impact your new boundaries might have on the people you deal with on a day to day basis. This part of the conversation is practical and powerful, so don’t miss it. Is it acceptable to you to feel how you re feeling? If not, change something. The conversation recorded for this episode of Converge is one that comes full circle. Dane and Heather begin by talking about what it takes to conquer fear and wrap things up by addressing the emotional red flags that indicate something is wrong in our lives. Heather says that though we all go through the ups and downs of life, it s not OK to stay in the downs. We have to decide what is acceptable to us in terms of how we feel, and if we re not happy with the impact an emotional state has on our lives, it s our responsibility to change it. It’s conquering fear from a different perspective. The insights Heather shares on this episode are the kind you won t hear every day, which is a sad commentary on our society. But it s also a statement about the value of this conversation. It s worth sharing. Outline of this great episode [0:22] The human state of perpetual fear – and why we all need help dealing with it. [1:42] Why Dan is so happy to have Heather on the show. [2:48] The unique way Heather guides conversations where someone has an idea but has not taken action yet. [5:34] Heather s definition of limiting beliefs and why it s important to deal with them. [9:33] Life-altering shifts Heather has seen in clients. [12:56] The healthy role boundaries play and why we need to establish them. [16:22] Setting up systems to enable you to stick to your boundaries. [19:20] Mitigating the unintended impact of setting your personal boundaries. [20:54] How Heather would advise a friend who s questioning their life direction. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Aaron Anastasi Boomerang GUESTS RESOURCES www.VickeryandCo.com Heather on Facebook Heather on Twitter Heather on Instagram Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 007 – Conquering Fear and the Limiting Beliefs Behind It with Heather Vickery appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Mike Michalowicz on Running a Profitable Business, Stress-Free 34:28
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIt s not easy to run a profitable business. Stats prove it to be true. A very high percentage of businesses do not show a profit and Mike Michalowicz believes it s because business owners don t plan on profit first. Mike is on a mission to eliminate entrepreneurial poverty. He believes creatives and business owners work too hard bringing value into the world to struggle with profitability. And the stress it adds to everyday life is unacceptable. In this conversation, you ll hear Mike share his profit first strategy and you ll learn how applying it has liberated Dane in ways he never imagined possible. When sales minus expenses does not equal profit. The basic accounting formula we all intuitively know for business is this: Sales minus expenses equals profit. That s how it s supposed to work but rarely does it actually work that way. Why is that? Mike Michalowicz says it s because the formula doesn t take into account the one thing that is always going to happen but isn t quantifiable when you approach profitability that way. Can you guess what it is? Human nature. In this conversation, Dane and Mike dig into how human behavior is what truly determines whether an owner will run a profitable business or not, and outline the 30-second exercise that turns everything around. Why profit has to come first and how it forces hard decisions to happen now. Mike Michalowicz says profit has to come first in every business. Practically, that means predetermining a set percentage that is GOING to be paid to the owner, regardless. What the approach winds up doing is forcing you to look at the money left over for expenses, and make the hard decisions in that realm that will streamline your company and get rid of what Mike calls ego decisions that shouldn t be part of the equation in the first place. It s an ingenious and elegant approach that actually works if you have the guts and patience to work the process to its logical conclusion and do something about what you find. Find out more, on this episode of Converge. Most businesses can cut 10% of operating costs immediately. You probably don t realize it and you might even argue that it s not true in your case, but almost every business has expenses on the books that Mike Michalowicz would call ego expenses. They are things you chose to do because of the encouraging effect it has on your ego but that don t really serve the bottom-line necessities of what your business must do in order to serve your customers. Mike s profit first approach helps business owners and creatives build a profitable business by putting them in a position where they have to cut operating costs, by 10% or more in most cases. Learn how you can make your business more profitable on this episode. What life is like for those who make profit happen first. As you listen to this episode you ll hear Dane ask his guest, Mike Michalowicz what it looks like when a business owner adopts the profit first approach to business. What Mike describes could sound like a too good to be true result: less stress, more joy about what you do, better income, and greater profitability overall. But it s not too good to be true. Dane says Mike s approach has transformed the way he does business and the way he lives. You can hear Dane s testimony and a step by step breakdown of how Mike s approach works on this episode, so be sure you make the time to listen. It could change everything for you. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why profit is an important topic when it comes to creatives like us. [1:42] Why Dane loves Mike s book and how Mike got to the point he could write it. [5:29] The ego explosion and personal crash Mike caused himself. [10:20] What changed for Mike beyond the money side of things. [12:18] The elegant and profound accounting formula Mike teaches. [15:50] The difference profit first makes in dealing with cash and efficiency. [20:11] The 30 second test that helps you know if you can run your business effectively. [28:13] What happens if you refuse to do what it takes to make profit happen first. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode BOOK: Ego is the Enemy GUESTS RESOURCES http://www.mikemichalowicz.com/ BOOK: Profit First Mike on Facebook Mike on Twitter Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 006 – Running a Profitable Business, Stress-Free with Mike Michalowicz appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Kate Merrick on Moving From Grief To Creativity 39:58
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIt s ingrained in our culture to fix things, to try to make everyone happy and see smiles on the faces of everyone around us. But life just isn t that way all the time. In fact, life can often become very dark. Kate Merrick knows that fact all too well. At 8 ½ years old her daughter Daisy passed from this life after a prolonged fight with cancer. Cancer. In a child. Can you imagine? But Kate says she s come to the place where she laughs without fear of the future even though for a very long season during her darkest days of bitterness and grief, she couldn t laugh at all and had plenty of fear. It’s an amazing story and Kate is an inspiring woman. You ll be touched deeply by hearing her story. We are just practicing, we don t have to get it all right. One thing Kate knows from her experience of grief is that there isn t a right way to do it. It s as different as the person who is experiencing it. So when it comes to grief, we need to be careful that we allow ourselves to grieve and that we do it in a way that is honest to us. Kate says, We are just practicing, we don t have to get it all right. That applies to our times of grief as much as it applies to anything else. The honesty with which Kate shares in this episode is both startling and refreshing. She s comfortable with the darkness and struggle she had to go through to grieve over her dearly loved daughter, and she s comfortable with the fact that the sorrow over her loss will always be present. But she s come out unafraid. She s come out able to laugh again. The only way to be comfortable with someone s grief is to be uncomfortable along with them. Grief is one of those things that makes us all uncomfortable. We understand it. We know it has to happen and want others to be able to process it – but not around us. It s too uncomfortable. But it’s also uncomfortable for the one who’s experiencing it. Kate Merrick says that while she was loved very well as she traversed the darkest season of her life after her daughter died, she also grew weary of the discomfort others had about her grief. They didn t say it. But she could see it. And she felt it deep in her own soul, too. Kate has some powerful advice for friends of friends who are suffering through the pangs of grief. Please, listen to this episode to hear what she says. It will serve you and those you love well. Learning to walk through suffering through the gift of writing. Kate s family is the epitome of unplugged. They don t own a TV (never have) and only Kate has a smartphone. They simply don t want the constant barrage of communication and media in their lives, and they ve loved the disconnected pace of life that decision has made possible. But after her daughter, Daisy was diagnosed with cancer, being connected became very much a necessity for Kate. She simply didn t want to have to recount every doctor s visit, every diagnosis, every procedure, to every person who asked – so she started a blog. She didn t even know how it worked, she just typed – often while lying in bed, with one hand, on her phone. And she discovered that writing was a creative gift she d not discovered up until that point – and though it served others by keeping them updated on Daisy s progress, it also served Kate by helping her navigate her own thoughts and feelings. If you ll take the time to hear her story, you ll understand why her story is your story, only the characters are different. After the grief, she laughs without fear of the future. But she couldn t have apart from the grief. None of us want to experience the deep grief of losing a child, or spouse, or person close to us. But it s likely going to happen at least one time in our lives. The loss of her 8 ½ year old daughter was tragic, yet it brought a newfound radiance to Kate s world that was quite unexpected. She says after coming out of the darkness of bitterness and grief, the beauty of the world is brighter, the colors more vivid, the lines are sharper and more defined. And laughter is richer, more filled with joy than before. If all of that sounds strange to you, it s a sign you should hear Kate s entire story. What she s been through provides the context and contrast that makes sense of such unbelievable statements. This conversation is a treasure. Be sure to listen. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why Kate is on the show: the issue of creativity in the midst of sorrow. [3:20] The story of Kate s daughter Daisy becoming sick and passing away. [8:11] The surprising way Kate learned about her writing talent. [14:10] What happened in Kate s darkest days and what came from it. [18:24] Why Kate chose to make her journey public when she didn t have to. [20:48] What it took for Kate to be honest about her grief (going through darkness to light). [23:15] Facing her own bitterness through rereading an ancient story. [28:55] Kate s description of her sorrow on the other side of the bitterness. [31:07] The fear tied to getting past the deepest sorrow. [36:09] What Kate advises to the friends of those who are grieving. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Channel Island Surfboards Movie: Surf s Up (the Penguin movie) GUESTS RESOURCES Kate Merrick s website: http://kmerrick.com/ Kates book: And Still She Laughs Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 005 – She Laughs Without Fear of the Future: Through Grief to Creativity with Kate Merrick appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Evan Sharma on Life as a World-Renowned Painter at 13 Years Old 22:06
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIt s not every day that you get to talk at length with a world-renowned artist. Even rarer is the opportunity to speak with one who has been labeled a child prodigy. Evan Sharma didn t begin painting until he was 9 or 10 years old. He remembers seeing the Mona Lisa when his family visited the Louvre and being inspired by the fact that such a small painting has had an impact on so many people. That inspired him to try painting. Fast forward only a handful of years and his work is being praised worldwide and he s running a commercially viable business selling his work. As was said, it s not every day that you get to talk with a child prodigy. Join Evan and Dane for their conversation on this episode of Converge. How does a 13-year-old painter get such broad exposure? You may be tempted to think Evan became known via the power of social media. While he does have a thriving Instagram account, that s not what got him his first shot at fame. A family friend and fellow artist who loved Evan s work suggested he apply to be part of The Artist Project – a high-level art fair in Toronto, Canada. Within a few months, he received an acceptance letter and Evan and his Dad headed off to the fair. That s when the media came to know who Evan was because he was the youngest artist to ever display at the Artist Project. Evan shares his story with Dane and talks about his creative process, so be sure you listen. Though Evan Sharma is already a widely recognized painter, his dreams have just begun. At 13 years old, Evan Sharma has already accomplished much more with his art than many professional painters do in their entire careers. He s selling his work quite profitably and donating large amounts to his favorite charities, and even though he loves painting he thinks it is likely to be a hobby in his adult years because he wants to be a Doctor. It s uncommon to see a person as young as Evan with so much ambition, but what s more surprising is the level-headed way he approaches his dreams. His perspective is that you pursue what you want and expect the rest to fall into place as you go along. More of us adults could use a shot of that kind of attitude. Many things contribute to success in any endeavor. One of the interesting aspects of Evans success is that many things have contributed to it. Sure, he is a natural-born painter. You don’t have an eye for color, form, and composition like he does at such a young age without having natural talent. But he’s also had a unique combination of experiences and a supportive family to spur him on. The combination has set him up for great opportunities that he is taking full advantage of. But Evan believes everyone has opportunities just as exciting as the ones he has had, they just don’t always see them for what they are. You can hear more refreshing perspectives like this from Evan on this episode of Converge. How does a successful 13-year-old artist view the business side of the art business? A tension felt by many artists is the love of their creative expression through their art over against the need to make a living from their art. Dane asks Evan about his experience with that tension and his response was that he doesn’t see a reason for there to be a tension at all. He actually enjoys the business side of things and doesn’t see any reason the two need to be at odds. You can hear how Evan is running his business and the way he’s using the funds to support charities that he believes in by listening to this great conversation. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Dane s introduction of Evan Sharma, a young man ahead of his time. [2:40] How Evan became a world-renowned painter by age 13. [6:55] The response Evan has gotten to his work. [8:56] How Evan views the business part of what he does with his art. [12:53] The things Evan sees as contributions to his success. [17:33] Should more adults forget about the finances when it comes to their dreams? [18:40] Evan s advice to those who are struggling to follow their dreams. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode See University Gwen Stefani and No Doubt GUESTS RESOURCES Evan Sharma s website Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep.4 – Life as a World-Renowned Painter at 13 Years Old, with Evan Sharma appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 John Fox on Leaving Academia To Become An Entrepreneur 34:55
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedNOTE: DANE’S AUDIO HAD SOME GLITCHES BUT THE CONTENT WAS TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE. Don t you love success stories? Especially the kind where the successful person bucks the conventions of the day and does something unexpected and it works? John Fox has that kind of story. He left a tenure track position in academia to develop a business designed to serve others through providing the information and resources they were looking for. It s an encouraging and dare we say it, inspiring story for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams but isn t sure if it s possible. After hearing John s story, you ll know it is. People make SEO difficult but it s simple. It s giving people what they want. There are all kinds of acronyms in the digital space, SEO being one of the biggest. It stands for Search Engine Optimization and John Fox says most people make it much more complex than it really needs to be. To him, SEO is equal to unselfish blogging. It s the process of finding out what people are searching for, what they need, and creating incredible content that gives it to them. Google rewards that kind of behavior, that kind of service. As it should. The steps John took to build his blogging business once he left the academic world are simple but powerful. Find out more of his incredible story on this episode of Converge. If you think you re smart by using free email list software, you re wrong. As John Fox began to attract a following through his website he realized that something had to be done to engage those people, to keep them coming back for more. That s where his email list came in. He tried social media and advertising but nothing gave him the direct line of communication like email. He also realized that his attempts to be frugal through using the free plan of his email list provider – Mailchimp – wasn t going to cut it. The premium features were exactly what he needed to engage with his followers on a level that mattered to them as individuals. That s why he says that anyone who thinks they are smart because they are using a free email list service is fooling themselves. John has strong opinions about the subject, but he says it in a nice way. Find out why he s so convinced and see if he can win you over. The main problem for any business is getting new clients. Period. One of the things Dane likes to do in these conversations is tap into the perspective his guests have developed once they’ve gotten to the other side of success. He wants to know how they view things differently now than they did when they started. When John Fox was asked what advice he d give to someone who is just getting started with their own business he made the point that every business succeeds because of a continual stream of clients or customers. That means you have to serve others well in ways they are looking for and then market to let them know that you do. If you can nail that aspect of the business down, it s just a matter of figuring out how to scale from there. John s insights are practical and helpful. You ll get a lot out of this conversation. Serving others and helping them fulfill their dreams leads to your own success. There s nothing mysterious about how business works. When you provide something that others deem to be valuable, they find it easy to pay you for that thing. John Fox says that put the onus on the business owner to make sure they are serving others in ways they really need, that they are helping their customers to fulfill a dream or attain a goal of some kind. When that happens, success naturally follows. You can hear the entire, abbreviated version of John s trek from the academic world to entrepreneurism, on this episode of Converge. [0:21] The kind of success story that comes from choosing your own adventure. [2:24] John s story: from academia to entrepreneurial life. [6:25] The mindset shift that propelled John into a new world. [9:41] Getting traction from learning SEO and attending the Go Summit event. [18:36] Talking to your audience in ways that are most relevant to them. [21:33] The outcome of changing the focus of of his business approach. [26:33] John s advice to people who feel stuck in their current situation. [30:00] Why serving others and fueling their dreams leads to your own success. [32:07] The common theme in John s story: Serve others and success comes. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode www.Fastermind.co/GoSummit – sign up before it fills up SEM Rush MailChimp ConvertKit (service the Fastermind team uses) Infusionsoft Ryan Holiday BOOK: Ego is the Enemy Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 003 – Leaving Academia to Serve Others and Find Entrepreneurial Success, with John Fox appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Haley Robison on Why Learning Through Experience Leads to Greater Knowledge 23:44
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWe all know that there are certain things you can only learn through experience. And if you don t buy that, how about this one? At the very least, there are certain aspects, certain levels of depth that only come from being immersed in a topic. Haley Robison has learned that truth THROUGH experience and she s done so intentionally. She recognized at various junctures in her educational and career path that she needed to get outside what she calls her air conditioned box and experience things first-hand. It led her to the nation s premier outdoor leadership school and eventually to become CEO of Kammok, a world-class company that s not only selling products but making a difference in communities around the world. You ll enjoy hearing the learning and leadership lessons Haley has to share on this episode of Converge. A non-intuitive approach: Experiencing freedom through commitment. When you first hear Haley Robison s story, it feels like it was perfectly scripted beforehand to land her where it did, as CEO of Kammok – but of course, that wasn t the case. Like all of us, Haley experienced it step by step, making decisions as she went along, and it all combined to bring about her current success. Haley says that part of what she s learned is that committing herself to something with a mind to get everything out of it that she can, has enabled her to experience a kind of freedom she didn t expect. It s the freedom to grow, to try new things, even to take risks. It s the kind of freedom most of us need to experience, too. You can hear Haley s story by listening to this episode. Haley Robison tries to walk a careful line as a woman CEO these days. We are in midst of a transformative time in terms of equality and increased opportunity for women. Haley Robison is acutely aware of that fact since she experiences the benefits and blessings of many of those changes herself on a daily basis. She s very excited about the opportunities that are becoming more and more available for women but realizes at the same time that the men who work on her team should not suffer at the expense of those opportunities. She believes that the world needs BOTH strong men and strong women in leadership and she does her best to walk the careful balance of supporting both in the company she leads. Find out how she attempts to walk that balance, on this episode. Getting past the mindset games when it comes to learning new skills. The experience of learning new things presents different challenges for different people. Some of us find it difficult to get past the beliefs that learning is hard, we aren t good students, or we are incapable of picking up new skills or bodies of knowledge. Haley Robison knows that challenge herself and decided that the best way for her to learn was to learn through experience, so she went all-in. She intentionally put herself into structured environments that would teach her in the areas where she felt she needed to learn most. Would it be helpful for YOU to go all-in? Haley’s story might inspire you, so don’t miss listening to it. Why experiential learning is often the best kind of learning. There is something powerful that happens in the mind when we learn through experience. Perhaps it s the combination of senses involved in the event – touch, smell, sight, hearing, etc. – or maybe it s that facts ABOUT the subject are being integrated with experiences OF the subject. Either way, it adds up to deeper, richer, more fulfilling learning. Haley Robison is leading a company that encourages life-changing adventure. They believe in living life to the fullest – and a big part of that is enabling people to get into the outdoors, enjoy it, and learn experientially as they do. Haley s words in this conversation will resonate with anyone who s seeking that kind of life, so be sure you listen. Outline of this great episode [0:22] Why Dane is convinced Kammok is one of the coolest upstart companies that fuels adventure. [1:48] How Kammok came to be – and how Haley s story led to the birth of an amazing company. [11:34] The balance Haley attempts as a woman leader who supports both men and women. [17:44] Advice about experiential learning for those who need to grow. [21:23] Why this conversation is important for creatives – and how to get a special offer. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Patagonia SummerSearch NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) John Muir REI Outdoor Magazine GUESTS RESOURCES Kammok website – Get 25% off your order with the code “converge25” Haley on LinkedIn Haley on Twitter Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 002 – Why Learning Through Experience Leads to Greater Knowledge with Haley Robison appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Seth Godin on Making The Difference You Were Meant To Make 26:19
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAre you ready to make THE difference you were put on the planet to make? Many people answer yes but quickly discover that the best of intentions are hard to carry out in light of the discouraging conversations they have with themselves. Seth Godin has written extensively about what he calls the lizard brain or monkey mind. It s that part of us that tells us we can t, even though we really want to. This conversation with Seth is characteristically packed with insight and mindset shifts about how to do the work without getting bogged down in limiting self-talk. Listen, learn, and take action. Soft skills are not so soft. They are what enable you to make the difference in your world. The so-called soft skills – compassion, empathy, understanding, people-skills – are not something that should take a back seat to a more hard skill set. Seth Godin says the reason that’s true is that the soft skills are your true skills, the ways you truly touch human lives and make a dent in the world around you. Seth talks about how he s come to that realization in this episode and tells how he s integrated that concept into his new altMBA program, which is drawing all kinds of attention – and deservedly so. You can learn about the program and why it s causing such a buzz, on this episode. Why Seth Godin hates the idea of gurus and what he proposes instead. It must be an aspect of human nature to set others on pedestals, to think they have some kind of secret formula or higher understanding that we ordinary mortals don t have. While it s true that education happens in stages and maturity comes through a process of fits and starts, Seth Godin believes that everyone can contribute to the world in massive ways if they only learn to get out of their way. That s it. There s no hidden secret or guru-inspired formula. It s you, ignoring your self-talk, and getting to work. No more excuses. No more justifications. Just you, doing what you were put on the planet to do. That s how you will make the difference your difference. How does Seth Godin handle his own inner resistance? Whenever we see someone as prolific and successful as Seth Godin, the tendency is to think he s somehow different, somehow gifted in ways the rest of us are not. But Seth says there s one simple thing that he s learned that makes the difference between him and everyone else – and it’s something anyone can apply to their own situation: He s learned to stop listening to the voices inside that tell him he can t. In fact, he takes it as a personal challenge to prove that he can, and he simply does it. Find out how Seth approaches his own inner battle, on this episode of Converge. Are you up to the challenge of Seth Godin s new altMBA program? There are lots of amazing, big-name people who have become alumni of Seth Godin s new altMBA program. Just go to the website to see – you ll be impressed at the list of people and what they have to say about their experience. But it could also be a bit intimidating, a reason for you to think it s not for you. Seth says that is not true in the least and tells why everyday people are finding his program not only helpful, but life-changing. The altMBA program is the most effective, life-changing thing Seth has ever done. Find out why, on this episode. Outline of this great episode [0:59] Dane s introduction to Seth Godin. [3:25] Why your soft skills aren t soft at all. They are your real skills. [6:38] Seth s Alt MBA program: what it is and why he created it. [12:09] What resistance looks like for Seth in his world. [18:55] Who the altMBA program is for and how you can get connected with it. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Seth s books BOOK: Crazy Love Kevin Kelly s article about 1000 true fans GUESTS RESOURCES www.SethGodin.com Seth Godin s altMBA (and the Ideas page Dane mentioned). Seth on Twitter Seth on Facebook Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.3 Ep. 001 – Make The Difference You Were Meant To Make, with Seth Godin appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Darrell Vesterfelt on Using Effective Email Communication To Build Relationships and Sales 34:38
34:38 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked34:38
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedEffective email communication is something of an enigma. All fo us h ave full SPAM filters and still receive plenty of emails we don’t really care to see. But there are those few email sequences we receive, the ones that truly bring value, the ones that are helpful and thoughtful and kind, that we can t wait to see pop up in our inboxes. If you re going to make money from the creative endeavors you re pursuing online you ve got to learn how to craft THAT kind of email so you can establish and maintain the kind of relationships you want and need to grow your business. This episode features Darrell Vesterfelt, a member of the ConvertKit team who is passionate about making email communication not only useful but life-changing. If you ll take the time to hear Darrell s heart and understand what he s saying about the power of email to build genuine relationships, you ll come away a believer – and better equipped to nurture the people in your community. Communicating effectively via email is not as easy as it sounds. You may think that the words on the page are all you need to communicate what you need to say to those on your email list. But considering that there is no tone of voice, no inflection, no body language, and no eye movement evident in text-based interactions, you can easily see that effective email communication requires more than simply choosing the right words. And take it a step further – say you want to build authentic relationships with the people on the other end of your email list (and you do, right?). How do you do THAT effectively? Dane s guest today has a great perspective and the right tool to help you do it, so be sure you take the time to listen and get yourself moving in the right direction with your email campaigns. How do you feel when someone offers exactly what you need? That s how your emails should make your list members feel. If you received a form letter from a person you met at a party and it was written in a way that made it sound like the relationship had gone on for years, you d be a little put-out, right? Turn the scenario the other way…. What if the letter was written with assumptions about your knowledge or place in life that were incorrect? You d feel perturbed in a different sort of way. Many of the emails we send to our email lists do one of those two things when what we really want and need is the ability to address each person who receives them according to the specifics of their situation. Is that even possible with automated email? It is, and you can find out how on this episode of Converge. You must segment your email list if you are going to authentically communicate via email. The same, generic email to everyone on your mailing list has little effect. Why? Because it doesn t touch each recipient where they are – it assumes a lot and broad-brushes the whole group. But segmenting your list according to demonstrated behaviors and simple responses to questions you pose can go a long way toward offering relevant, personalized content that actually makes a difference in the lives of those who see your email pop up in their inboxes. Darrell Vesterfelt and the team at ConvertKit love making those kinds of interactions happen and know how to help you nurture your email relationships in a way that profits both you and the recipients. Find out more on this episode. How do you get started with effective email communication? On this episode of Converge, Dane Sanders asked his guest, Darrell Vesterfelt of ConvertKit, what a person should do to begin establishing healthy and truly helpful email list building practices. His answer was priceless. #1 – Make sure you have the proper tool for the job. An email platform that cannot provide segmentation and personalized content is not going to do the job. #2 – Create a resource that is truly helpful to those who are interested in what you do and offer it to them freely. Show yourself to be helpful from the outset of the relationship. As you teach people what they need to know they become trusting of you, which is the first vital step to building lasting business relationships. Outline of this great episode [0:57] Thinking about the most important relationships in life and how it relates to business and business partners. [4:21] What is ConvertKit and why are they in the email game at all? [9:41] What it means to communicate well with people via email. [16:03] Why segmentation of an email list really matters for intimate communication. [19:33] How the segmentation functions work in a tool like ConvertKit. [23:09] Determining the prerequisites needed for someone to buy from you. [26:45] How to start getting your head around the email communication challenge. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Seth Godin BOOK: Permission Marketing Infusionsoft Nathan Barry Pat Flynn – Smart Passive Income BOOK: Don t Sweat the Small Stuff GUESTS RESOURCES Convert Kit Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.2 Ep. 014 – Using Effective Email Communication To Build Relationships and Sales with Darrell Vesterfelt appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Josh Muccio on Using The Pitch To Stand Out From the Crowd 38:57
38:57 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked38:57
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Pitch is an amazing podcast where investors and creatives come together via audio in a Shark Tank type atmosphere to explore possible funding and joint venture opportunities. But it s even better than that. There s a reality to the show that you don t get from its television counterpart and a lot of that happens because of the way the host – and Dane s guest on this episode of Converge, Josh Muccio – handles the show. On this episode of Converge, Dane and Josh chat about ways creatives like you can use the principles of a good pitch to set yourself apart from the crowd and build lasting customer and client relationships to fuel your livelihood and business long term. The pitch is not about sales, it s about who you are and what you bring to the table. The idea of a pitch has been misused and mischaracterized for so long that it s hard to think of it without negative connotations. But Dane s guest today says a good pitch is an extension of the person making it. It s a communication of personality, experience, confidence, and uniqueness that causes a product or service to stand out from the crowd, and ultimately leads to the trust that fuels business relationships. On this episode you can hear how Josh Muccio came to be a part of the wildly successful podcast, The Pitch and what he s learning about good pitches, bad pitches, and the role the pitch plays in the life of everyday creatives and inventors like you. Before you even get to your pitch you ve got to shut up and listen. If you ve not read the modern literature about the art and craft of salesmanship then you may not know that there s been a shift over the past few years in the understanding of how effective sales are made. There s a lot more emphasis on the listening phase of the sales conversation these days, and rightly so. You don t know what to offer a potential client or customer if you don t know what they truly need. And you won t know if you have what they need unless you ve learned to shut your mouth and listen. Dane s guest today has a great way of emphasizing the benefits that come from listening and how it can help you close more deals and build a broader client base. He s also got some ideas how listening skills can help you maintain and grow your business over time, so be sure you take the time to listen. Do you have the confidence needed to make an effective pitch? If not, how do you get it? If you are a creative trying to make a living from your work you know the difficult, uncomfortable feeling of putting yourself out there, making yourself and what you offer the center of a conversation. There s a certain level of confidence that has to be inherent to the conversation in order to give your potential client the confidence in you to seal the deal. If you don t already have the confidence from your past experience or upbringing, how do you get it? Dane s guest today, Josh Muccio says that it comes from repetition and intentional confidence building that you can do yourself. You can hear his explanation and how he applies it practically in his own life, on this episode. What does it really take to succeed as a creative entrepreneur these days? The internet has made it simpler to build a thriving business but it s not necessarily easier. The same things it s always required – hard work, hustle, creativity, diligent thinking – are still in high demand. It s the entrepreneurs who are willing to apply themselves to those things who will stand out from the crowd in the end, who will become the leaders in their fields and the ones whose companies last and satisfy customers for years. On this episode, Josh Muccio tells why those qualities are so important and what you can do to make sure you re doing the right kind of work to set yourself up for lasting success, so be sure you listen. Outline of this great episode [0:57] Dane s introduction to this episode with Josh Muccio. [3:20] What is The Pitch and how Josh came up with the idea. [8:50] The season 2 episodes and what happened in real time on the show. [12:36] How can creatives create a better pitch for their services. [22:00] The importance of learning to shut up and listen. [28:07] The role confidence plays in these conversations. [33:05] Dealing with intimidation in a healthy way. [35:15] How Josh views the state of entrepreneurship today and the way ahead for creatives like us. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode Shark Tank 99 Designs How You Can Connect With Josh Muccio The Pitch Podcast Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.2 Ep. 013 – Using The Pitch To Stand Out From the Crowd, with Josh Muccio appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders
1 Jess Levin on Finding Brand Differentiation To Stand Out From The Crowd 24:45
24:45 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked24:45
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedBrand differentiation is not something that comes naturally when you re in a crowded space. It requires a lot of thought and literal soul-searching to discover what makes your product or service different from your competition. Jess Levin Conroy and her business, Carats and Cakes are great examples of what that looks like when done right. Jess is a native of Laguna Beach, California and attended the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, she began her career at Burch Creative Capital where she helped manage investments and brand development for a portfolio that includes C. Wonder and Tory Burch, LLC. After earning her MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business Jess saw an opportunity in the wedding space to help empower the businesses at the top end of the market. That s when she founded Carats & Cake in 2013 from her office in New York City. Her journey to building and refining what made her brand special is the subject of the conversation on this episode of Converge. In the digital space, everyone can promote their stuff. That s the problem you ve got to overcome. All it takes to know that you ve got an uphill climb to success in your particular niche is to do a simple google search for companies within your area of expertise. You re going to find that the competition is pretty stiff and everyone is talking about what they do. In order to make a difference and in order to make a profit, you ve got to differentiate yourself from everyone else in a meaningful way. But what does that mean and how can you accomplish it? Jess Levin Conroy chats with Dane on this episode of Converge about how she s been able to reach a point of brand identity that has set her business apart. You re going to get some great insights from this conversation. Discovering what differentiates your brand is what will set you apart. But making that discovery is not as easy as you might think. As Jess Levin Conroy explains, every entrepreneur who starts a business doesn t really know what they are doing. They may have the business plan, they may clearly see the need they are aiming to meet, they may even know who their target market is, but they don t know what brand differentiation really means for them in the early stages. It s very much a discovery process, a trial and error path that they have to walk down. But if they will be committed to the process and patient with the time it takes, the payoff will be huge. You can hear how Jess advises both product based and service based business owners to go about figuring out their unique brand identity, on this episode. Soul-searching is at the heart of brand differentiation. And that takes time. Jess Levin Conroy admits that when she first started Carats and Cakes she didn t know what she was doing. She was in the wedding space because she loved weddings. She even saw the particular problems that professionals in the industry were experiencing and knew how she could help them. But what she didn t know was how her particular viewpoint and gifts enabled her to help in a way that could make her stand apart from all the other wedding professionals vying for business. But Jess knew that she had to take the time to figure that out because THAT was what would make her business stand out and attract the kind of clients she needed. The rest is a beautiful story of what happens when you differentiate your brand successfully. You owe it to yourself to take the time to listen to this story. What do you bring to the table that nobody else does? THAT is your magic. If there is one consistent thing about the brands that differentiate themselves in meaningful ways, it s this: they are authentic. What they do and more importantly, why they do it is true to who they are as the people behind the brand. That s a great place to start when you re trying to discover your own brand differentiation. Who are you? Why are YOU in the space you re in? What do you bring to the solutions you re providing that nobody else does? If you can answer those questions successfully and begin to communicate it effectively, you ve found your magic. And it s that magic that will fuel your success and growth. Outline of this great episode [0:57] Dane s introduction of Jess Levin Conroy, his guest today. [2:50] Jess quick description of herself and the work she s doing. [4:20] The mindset shift that happens from just starting out to becoming professional. [8:58] How service professionals can differentiate in the digital space. [12:02] What can you do to expose yourself to ideas about curating your brand well? [16:20] The best ways to discover the ways you should distinguish yourself. [23:15] How you can connect with Jess. GUESTS RESOURCES Jess Company Website: http://caratsandcake.com/ Get Jess newsleter: http://caratsandcake.tumblr.com/ Jess(at)CaratsAndCake.com Jess on Instagram Jess on LinkedIn Jess on Twitter Connect with the Converge team: Website: www.Fastermind.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK The post S.2 Ep. 012 – Finding Your Brand Differentiation To Stand Out From The Crowd, with Jess Levin appeared first on Fastermind.co .…
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