Interview

1061: From Idea to Bestseller: Method for Writing Success with Author Everett O’Keefe

March 17, 2024

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a best-selling author but felt overwhelmed? You're not alone. Many aspiring writers face similar challenges. But here's the thing: there's a way forward. Your book positions you as an expert, opening doors to valuable relationships and opportunities. It's not just about writing; it's about making an impact. So, take that first step.

Everett O'Keefe is the founder of Ignite Press, a hybrid publishing company that helps authors own their intellectual property and leverage books for marketing and business success. Ignite Press provides the best aspects of both traditional and self-publishing, allowing authors to become bestsellers while retaining control over their content. Today, Everett discusses how books can open doors for authors, providing opportunities for speaking engagements and establishing credibility in their industry.

Quotes

“I call a book the closest thing you can get to the silver bullet of marketing.” – Everett O'Keefe

“You don't have to write the book. Remember, you're writing a book, not the only one you'll ever write.” – Everett O'Keefe

“Don't worry about whether you're the expert. You know more about the topic than your reader, which makes you the expert. So, educate them.” – Everett O'Keefe

Takeaways

01:34 Hybrid publishing offers the best of both traditional and self-publishing, allowing authors to retain control over their intellectual property while benefiting from professional publishing support.

07:15 Identifying a specific target audience and speaking directly to one person in that market is crucial for creating an effective, resonant book.

16:00 Books provide unparalleled authority, credibility, and marketing power compared to other mediums like social media or video.

19:58 A simple method for quickly writing a bestselling book is to identify 20 frequently asked questions in your industry and record yourself answering them.

26:59 Overcoming self-doubt and focusing on sharing your unique perspective and experience is more important than worrying about being an "expert" in your field.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:47 — 49.3MB) | Embed

1060: Lessons on Entrepreneurship and Pursuing Dreams with Sales Professional Kelly Meyer

March 17, 2024

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, successes and failures, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But here's the thing: failure isn't the end of the road. It's a valuable teacher. Sure, the road to entrepreneurship is paved with obstacles. Financial metrics, like return on investment, can seem like foreign concepts. And the craft beer industry? It's fiercely competitive. But don't let that discourage you.

Kelly Meyer is a unique individual who has experienced both success and failure as an entrepreneur. After a seven-figure exit from the fitness industry, he opened a craft brewery in 2012, only to struggle with profitability for nearly 10 years before ultimately selling at a massive loss. This experience has led Kelly to write a book and start a podcast called "How NOT to Start a Damn Brewery," where he shares the lessons he's learned along the way. Today, Kelly discusses the challenges and realities of running a brewery, including the high costs, slim margins, and lack of profitability that plague much of the industry.

Quotes

“I'm an expert on failure, not so much on success.” – Kelly Meyer

“If you can't understand your cost structure versus potential revenue, you shouldn't be in business period.” – Kelly Meyer

“Follow your dreams and do whatever you want but keep your eyes open to mitigate risk. Other than that, grip it and rip it, and enjoy life. Have some fun.” – Kelly Meyer

Takeaways

02:28 The brewing industry is often perceived as "cool" and fun, but the reality is that it is a challenging and largely unprofitable business for most operators, with only a small percentage making significant money.

09:16 Successful businesses are those that deeply understand their cost structure, potential revenue, and key performance indicators (KPIs), but this level of financial literacy is lacking in many industries, including brewing.

12:05 Networking, continuous learning, and seeking out mentorship from those who have succeeded (or failed) in a particular industry can be invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to improve their chances of success.

14:31 Different industries have different rules, margins, and bottlenecks, so entrepreneurs need to carefully consider the unique characteristics of a business before deciding to enter or grow it.

16:48 Attention to detail, skilled execution, and having the right people and processes in place are critical for producing high-quality products, whether it's craft beer or any other type of business.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:16 — 33.5MB) | Embed

1059: Violence Prevention: Practical Strategies for Individual and Organizational Safety With Workplace Safety Expert Jerry McCormick

March 16, 2024

Violence is all over the place. Nowadays, you never know when danger will come, and it robs our peace of mind when we should focus on what we do. Just being afraid won’t help, so we must take precautionary actions to ensure safety at our place for ourselves and others. Take the step and have safety training to avoid potential risks and protect ourselves from dangers.

Jerry McCormick is a workplace safety expert with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including 8 years as a US Marine. He has researched active shooter incidents and trained first responders, leading to his expertise in areas like workplace violence prevention, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and securing facilities. Today, Jerry discusses his approach to promoting safety in the workplace and everyday life. He emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and individuals to trust their instincts and take practical steps to avoid dangerous situations, rather than relying solely on fear-based training for rare events like active shooters.

Quotes

“Bad people will often signal their intentions. They'll reveal it through their body language, by getting too close to you, or through the way they talk on the phone and glance over at you.” – Jerry McCormick

“If your instincts tell you something's wrong, they're right in two ways. They always have your best interests at heart.” – Jerry McCormick

“Security should not impede your business from moving forward. You should be able to operate freely.” – Jerry McCormick

Takeaways

07:30 Focus on practical, empowering steps for safety rather than fear-based training. Avoid overloading people with too much information - stick to a few key, actionable tips.

11:48 Simple safety habits like being aware of distracted driving behaviors can significantly reduce risk and improve safety.

16:05 Trusting your instincts and speaking up if something feels off is crucial, even if you're not sure why. Don't get drawn into confrontations.

18:26 Encourage a "if you see something, say something" culture, where employees feel empowered to report concerns without fear of being seen as a "snitch."

21:28 Carefully evaluate statistics and data around safety issues to understand the true context and scale, rather than relying on sensationalized information.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:26 — 42.0MB) | Embed

1058: Overcome Creative Challenges with Veteran Comedian D.B. Frick

March 15, 2024

Producing and performing offer unique opportunities to glean insights from collaborating with major figures. Working alongside prominent individuals provides first hand lessons in professionalism, creativity, and perseverance. Sharing these experiences not only enriches others' understanding but also inspires personal growth and fosters a culture of continuous learning.

D.B. Frick is a veteran comedian, writer, and producer with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has worked alongside renowned figures like Martin Scorsese and Jesse Eisenberg and has written for prestigious outlets such as The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, MAD Magazine, and the National Lampoon Radio Hour. D.B. is known for his unique perspective on comedy, creativity, and personal growth. Today, he talks about his career, sharing insights on the art of pitching ideas, the challenges of achieving originality in comedy, and the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the entertainment industry.

Quotes

“This is something I live by comedically: just because I don't find something funny doesn't mean it isn't.” – D.B. Frick

“You have to expect to fail over and over again. It's part of the process of succeeding. Even after you succeed, there will likely be many more failures and successes ahead, regardless of the realm you're in.” – D.B. Frick

“The journey really comes down to the opportunity to impress upon other people what you have to offer.” – D.B. Frick

Takeaways

01:02 Tailoring your pitch to the specific audience or producer is crucial for effectively communicating your ideas and getting them noticed.

12:09 Perseverance, hard work, and a bit of luck are all essential ingredients for success in the entertainment industry and other creative fields. Expecting and embracing failure as part of the journey is key.

14:03 Recognizing and respecting the subjective nature of comedy, where something that may not be funny to one person can be hilarious to another, is an important aspect of being a successful comedian or creative.

22:27 Leveraging one-on-one connections and networking opportunities, even in unconventional ways, can sometimes lead to unexpected breakthroughs and open doors to new possibilities.

29:44 Achieving originality in comedy is challenging, as many comedic ideas and concepts are built upon or inspired by previous works. Understanding this can help manage expectations and focus on putting a unique spin on familiar elements.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:09 — 48.5MB) | Embed

1057: Frameworks for Success: Engaging Audiences with Author and Entrepreneur Alex Davis

March 14, 2024

Leveraging business for money isn't just about making a quick buck; it's about creating sustainable income streams while doing what you love.By concentrating on delivering value, improving your skills, and adopting new strategies, you can turn your business efforts into profitable opportunities.

Alex Davis is a 20-year-old entrepreneurial prodigy who has cracked the code on building successful businesses in record time. Defying conventional wisdom, Alex has published 4 books, generated $40,000 in revenue, and built a thriving podcast - all before the age of 21. His unique growth mindset and "speed of implementation" approach have allowed him to rapidly scale ventures in social media marketing, content creation, and coaching. Today, Alex discusses his focus on leveraging business as a vehicle for making money, despite common misconceptions about the field. He shares his personal journey of developing a growth mindset and the importance of "speed of implementation" - taking action quickly rather than overthinking.

Quotes

“Business in general is just like a huge opportunity and a vehicle that is not very well understood by a lot of people. People have a weird connotation around it; they might say business is weird, or it's stupid, or it's a scam, or it's risky.” – Alex Davis

“You have to choose what you suck at. And I just don't want to suck when it comes to making money. Business is one of the things that allows me to really learn the process of making money.” – Alex Davis

“I'm introspective about whether humans are naturally equipped to do insane stuff, or if it's something we grow into.” – Alex Davis

Takeaways

03:55 Developing a growth mindset and a willingness to "go all in" on opportunities is crucial for achieving success at a young age.

18:47 Batching content creation and having a consistent posting schedule can help build a sustainable social media presence.

21:33 Surrounding yourself with successful people and learning from their frameworks and strategies can accelerate your own business growth.

22:26 Simplifying complex business concepts and creating easy-to-understand frameworks is key to making information accessible to a wide audience.

24:36 Developing a unique "framework" or set of concepts that become associated with your brand can help establish your expertise and authority in the industry.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:16 — 41.8MB) | Embed

1056: Transform Grant Writing into an Exciting Opportunity with Nonprofit Grant Strategist Teresa Huff

March 13, 2024

Do you have a nonprofit organization but avoid grant writing for its complexities? Many nonprofits want to increase their impact but need more funding. Thus, grant writing is the way to go. Find grant opportunities that are a good fit and align with the nonprofit's mission and goals, build relationships with funders, and create compelling proposals.

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified podcast, a TEDx speaker, and a nonprofit strategy expert. She has been referred to as the "nonprofit powerhouse" after winning over $7.5 million in grants for schools and nonprofits. Today, Teresa shares her insights on the basics of grant writing, strategies for nonprofits to secure funding, and how to use constraints as a catalyst for creativity in the grant writing process.

Quotes

“Grants are much more strategic and are part of a long game, rather than quick or easy money.” – Teresa Huff

“Instead of focusing on return on investment, it's about return on impact—where funders can give to make the most difference.’” – Teresa Huff

“People often feel there's a wall and grantmakers are untouchable. However, many grantmakers welcome conversation and dialogue, and encourage getting to know them before you apply for a grant.” – Teresa Huff

Takeaways

02:31 Grants are a strategic, long-term game, not a quick source of easy money. Nonprofits need to build a strong foundation and align their mission with potential funders before pursuing grants.

09:13 Focusing on the "return on impact" rather than just the "return on investment" can help nonprofits better articulate the value and significance of their work to potential funders.

12:04 Using constraints as a catalyst for creativity can lead to more compelling and impactful grant proposals. Embracing the limitations of grant guidelines can inspire innovative solutions.

15:20 Building relationships with grantmakers, seeking their feedback, and adopting a collaborative learning attitude can significantly improve the chances of securing funding.

19:09 Reaching out directly to experienced grant writing experts can provide invaluable guidance and support to nonprofits looking to improve their grant writing skills and strategies.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:19 — 35.0MB) | Embed

1055: From Trauma to Triumph: Pursue Passion and Fulfillment After Life’s Challenges with Podcast Host and Author John R. Miles

March 12, 2024

Are you stuck in your life? Not knowing what is the next step? It’s normal to feel like this. You are not alone. To overcome this obstacle in your life, start by intentionally pursuing your passion through developing different aspects of your well-being, such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relationship. Take action and reinvent yourself; eventually, you will reach success.

John R. Miles is an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who blends practical wisdom with relatable anecdotes to discuss topics of health, wellness, and personal mastery. With a background in the US Navy and senior executive roles in Fortune 50 companies and as a software CEO, John brings a unique perspective on leadership and personal growth. Today, John shares his personal journey of transformation after experiencing trauma and a calling to pursue his passions more fully in order to find fulfillment in life. He discusses the importance of developing pillars of support across physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relationship health to achieve self-realization.

Quotes

“The greatest person you'll ever meet in your life is the one who stares back at you in the mirror.” – John R. Miles

“What people don't understand is that we often think we need confidence or courage to take action. It's actually the opposite—you gain confidence by taking action. We tend to overthink how large the action needs to be, but it can really be small choices that compound over time.’” – John R. Miles

“Defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. True success means winning the battle with yourself.” – John R. Miles

Takeaways

01:26 Ignoring a calling or passion can lead to a lack of fulfillment, but it takes courage to make a change and pursue what truly matters.

05:28 Rebuilding one's life around key pillars of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relationship health can help overcome trauma and burnout.

09:23 Balancing periods of intense focus and productivity with intentional downtime for rest and strategic planning is important for sustained success.

13:42 Intentionality, along with passion and perseverance, is a critical component for achieving self-realization and becoming one's best self.

15:15 The greatest competitor we face in life is often ourselves, so winning the battle against our own weaknesses is key to true success.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:40 — 28.6MB) | Embed

1054: Divorce and Your Dog: Navigate the Tails of Separation with Attorney Debra Hamilton

March 11, 2024

Conflicts over pet ownership in divorcing couples or arguing parties can be emotionally charged and complex. Such disputes often stem from strong attachments and personal connections to the pet. Resolving these conflicts requires empathy, communication, and a focus on the well-being of the animal involved.

Debra Hamilton is an attorney and conflict coach who specializes in resolving disputes involving pets. As the founder of Hamilton Law and Mediation, she has dedicated her career to helping people navigate the complex emotional and legal issues that can arise when pets are involved in relationship breakdowns or other conflicts. Debra's unique expertise and compassionate approach provide an alternative to expensive, stressful court battles, ensuring pets find loving homes. Today, Debra discusses her work as a mediator and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the pets and avoiding costly legal battles, sharing examples of complex cases she has mediated, such as pets being taken across international borders.

Quotes

“Conflict coaching and mediation are two separate things, but both can help people resolve conflicts involving their beloved pets.” – Debra Hamilton

“You need to think outside the box. In mediation, we listen to everyone's conversation and highlight common ground, which is often lost when people are angry with each other.’” – Debra Hamilton

“You need to be open to what's in the best interest of the pet, and there's no one who knows this better than their owners.” – Debra Hamilton

Takeaways

06:32 Mediation and conflict coaching can help resolve pet custody disputes more effectively than litigation, as they allow for a focus on the pet's best interests rather than just the owners' desires.

08:19 Getting past the initial anger and focusing on what is truly best for the pet, rather than trying to "win" against the other person, is crucial for finding a satisfactory resolution.

14:04 Having a clear, written agreement in place about pet custody arrangements prior to a relationship ending can save significant time, money, and emotional turmoil down the line.

14:55 Mediation is generally a more cost-effective option compared to litigation for resolving pet custody issues, with sessions typically costing $1,000-$2,000 versus $5,000-$10,000 for a court case.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:13 — 33.4MB) | Embed

1053: The Secrets of Silicon Valley’s Top Executives with Podcast Host and Founder Grace Gong

March 10, 2024

Fundraising teaches valuable lessons in leadership, emphasizing the importance of communication, teamwork, and strategic planning. Effective leaders in fundraising inspire others, foster collaboration, and navigate challenges with resilience. By honing these skills, individuals can lead teams towards achieving shared goals and making a positive impact in their communities.

Grace Gong is a leading voice in the tech and venture capital space. Through her daily LinkedIn Live show Venture with Grace and popular podcast Smart Venture, Grace interviews top executives from companies like Google, Meta, Amazon and top venture capital funds. Her goal is to provide education and insights to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals who don't have access to the Silicon Valley network. Today, she discusses lessons she’s learned about fundraising, leadership, scaling businesses, recurring patterns among successful entrepreneurs, and much more! Stay tuned!

Quotes

“You really need to be a listener to understand where everyone's coming from.” – Grace Gong

“You should lean into your strengths and consider hiring or partnering to cover your weaknesses.’” – Grace Gong

“Massive action drives massive results. If you want to pursue excellence in your career and life, you need to take significant action. However, before that, you should start by taking action in general.” – Grace Gong

Takeaways

01:42 Podcasting can be a powerful networking and profile-building tool, as it provides access to high-profile guests that may not otherwise engage with the host.

10:47 Successful leaders often lean into their strengths and partner with others to address their weaknesses, rather than trying to fix all their own shortcomings.

11:38 Tapping into major industry trends and innovations can be a key driver of massive success for entrepreneurs and businesses.

17:45 Reflecting on past failures and reassessing one's true motivations can lead to discovering more suitable paths forward.

26:12 Taking massive, consistent action is crucial for achieving excellence in one's career and life, as encapsulated by the "Just Do It" mantra.

Resources

Smart Venture Podcast
Venture with Grace (daily LinkedIn Live show)
Grace Gong on Facebook
Grace Gong on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:34 — 40.8MB) | Embed

1052: Goal Setting and Team Building with Consultant and Investor Cliff Locks

March 9, 2024

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, setting clear goals and effectively communicating your vision can propel your business forward.

Cliff Locks is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has formed and profitably exited three businesses. He is the founder and senior partner of CK Locks Consulting, Inc. and has experience across multiple industries including professional sports marketing, advertising, and sales promotions. Cliff is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences to help the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders achieve success. Today, Cliff discusses the importance of goal setting, building strong teams, and creating a clear vision for business success. He shares insights from his experience selling one of his companies to a Fortune 500 firm for an 11x EBITDA multiple and emphasizes the value of sharing goal-setting practices with children to help them develop focus and motivation.

Quotes

“Goal setting is the key that allows people to thrive and recognize success. It helps them understand when they've achieved their goals or are on the journey to accomplishing them.” – Cliff Locks

“If we can incorporate goal setting into our children's lives, they become more focused on what's important. This helps them take ownership of their learning and results in less disruption at home.’” – Cliff Locks

“It's not about burning investors' cash. It's about driving profitable, sustainable revenue that continues to grow. This is what allows the business to truly thrive and scale—that's the magic.” – Cliff Locks

Takeaways

04:02 Goal setting is the "key piece" that allows people to understand when they have achieved success and are on the journey to accomplishing their objectives.

11:22 Involving children in the goal-setting process, such as having them write down their goals on a wipe-off board in their rooms, can help develop focus, ownership of learning, and reduce disruption in the home.

15:40 Overcoming personal challenges and "wounds from childhood" is important, but the focus should be on writing the next chapter and planning for a bright future, rather than dwelling on the past.

18:46 Utilizing generative AI tools can assist in business development, market analysis, and driving profitable revenue growth for a company.

25:15 Asking employers for equity or options can help create additional wealth, even for employees, as long as you are delivering 10x the value to the company in terms of what you are compensated.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:48 — 39.8MB) | Embed

Interview

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Done For You Podcasting

Signup for Free Report

About Robert & The Podcast

Recent Posts

Income Machine

Bestselling Books

Categories

Archives