Growth Think Tank

All leaders have a vision of the future that filters out distractions that come along with being an entrepreneur. Many times the vision does not come with the "how" of accomplishing it, because what they see is so big. Today, my guest Carolina Albano from Wholly Pops had a vision of a bright future where our children are empowered by natural food and healthy choices. Carolina's journey has not bee...

Content marketing is all the rage. To some people it's just a buzzword, but content marketing real. I wholeheartedly believe in content marketing because creating valuable content for your website such as blogs, videos and audio (i.e., podcasts) is important to grow your business. Every business that has an online presence is judged by the content they publish or don't publish. Get the show notes...

Sales to many people represents the pushy and sometimes even the slimy. When you have even the slightest resistance to sales, you tend to look for ways to avoid it. Let me share a secret with you: this kind of thinking is hurting your business (and your bank account). Wes Schaeffer from The Sales Whisperer talks with me about Sales and the mindset that creeps into our heads causing us to make excu...

Many people have misconceptions about events. Not all events are three days and hundreds or thousands of people. In fact, events come in all sizes. Today we talk about small intimate events that can boost your business. Abbie Burhans with Event Foundations has worked in the hospitality industry for years and she now helps coaches (and others) organize their small events to showcase their brillianc...

Many entrepreneurs hold the common belief that "trying harder" will lead them to personal and financial success. They continue to try harder even though results are lacking. "Trying Harder" is not the solution. In fact, trying harder is the problem, because it keeps you from seeing what you need to see. Emily Chase Smith shares her journey from being a bankruptcy lawyer to becoming Financially Sav...

I love podcasts. But I love being a podcaster even more. This is the best decision I have ever made for my business marketing and lead generation. There are so many advantages to having your audience listen to your voice (typically without the distraction of a screen). Where do you listen to podcasts? See what I mean. Listen in to this episode where I share how podcasting is creating "super fans"...

Entrepreneurs get into business because of a skill and to solve problems. However, they rarely think of the mindset of being an entrepreneur. Your inner beliefs, values and possibility is all contained in your mindset. Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth Revisited , shares his insights on being a successful entrepreneur. This episode dives deep into the thinking and the limitations we set for our...

Building a business is not easy because there are so many skills, talents and other factors that impact your success. There are challenges that impede you and most of them are not external factors. Dr. Carri Drzyzga shares how a "true" coach has changed her trajectory of her business. Discover why Dr. Carri got a coach and see what that can do for you. Join me in the interview on Leaders in the Tr...

Do you know what keeps you from charging more for your services (and products)? In this episode, Joan Sotkin shares her discoveries that require your attention if you want to raise your pricing options. We talk about how emotions relate to money and even talk about the fear that it evokes. Join us for this episode, especially if you want to make more money. Get the show notes for 086 Joan Sotkin |...

Many people use the terms branding and marketing interchangeably. There is a difference…a BIG difference actually. Re Perez with Branding for the People shares his view of branding. Get the show notes for 085 Re Perez | Branding is not Marketing Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @bftpagency #Branding #Marketing #Episode085 #Podcasts Give L...

Yes, I had to put the word SEX in the title. In fact, this is a first here at Leaders in the Trenches. Its the first time we have ever discussed sex and we talk about it throughout the whole episode. Don't worry…it's not just for shock value either…SEX is a big part of this episode. Get the show notes for 084 Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo | What does Sex have to do with Business? Click to Tweet: Listen...

You can tell tons about people by the excuses they give you about their business and life. You can tell if they see the scarcity in everything or the abundance. Jason Hartman has reached a level of success that many business owners dream of. He has been able to create enough wealth in his life to start a foundation for deserving kids to give them "financial awareness" (a missing element in our sch...

Let me let you in on a secret. Are you ready? There is no "one thing" that will turn your business around. A business is a collection of systems, processes and of course, people. You can't just fix one thing or buy one tool and it all turns around. Get the show notes for 082 Susan Baroncini-Moe | There Is No Silver Bullet in Business Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in th...

Who do you have in your life that helps you see another perspective? Who do you have that holds you accountable? Who do you have that shares wisdom and insights with you when you need it most? For sports fans out there…think about the role of the coach for every professional team in the world. Get the show notes for 080 Monique Caradine | Every Winner Has a Coach Click to Tweet: Listening to an am...

Taking contract work to make ends meet…burning the midnight oil with freelance clients…balancing work and family…living with stress all the time.  Does this story sound similar to yours? Get the show notes for 079 Jeremiah Claybrooks | The Story of Struggle to Success Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @JeremiahC23 #FreelanceClients #Balanc...

Every business owner struggles in the beginning to bring in revenue. They tend to lean on friends and their network. But as quickly as you can, you must find your sweet spot in business. This is exactly what Michael Stelzner did when he launched his digital agency to make it into a big success. We also discuss being 'in the trenches" in his business now, Social Media Examiner. Michael opens up in...

A motivational speaker, self-help author and success mentor. He has helped countless individuals and businesses reach their goals through a wide range of effective, life-changing strategies. He invests his work with an unwavering dedication to the success of his students in various facets of their lives and careers. Get the show notes for 077 Shannon Graham | Believe in Yourself – The Top Mindset...

When you understand the value of an "audience" to your business your life will change. You won't see just numbers and sales, you will see the people. You will see the problems they have and see the solutions they need. Get the show notes for 081 David Hooper | The Keys to Building Your Audience Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett #Audience #...

You must, must, must know where you are going. The vision that you see is essential to achieving your goals. Billy Boughey started his business with a vision that pulled him through his goals. Billy wanted to create unique experiences in all the events he was involved with. Get the show notes for 072 Billy Boughey | Beginning With The End In Mind Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on...

Why do some businesses take off and others get stuck? This is a big question that really perplexes so many people. It really comes down to two parts. The first we discuss in this episode which are the fundamentals to business, specifically "who do your serve". The second is speed of implementation. However, if you don't have the these fundamentals in place…you will likely be chasing the wrong stra...

Good leaders know the value of good employees with a specific skill for the job. Great leaders know that you hire people and train for skills. Todd Nienkerk is the co-founder of Four Kitchens, a digital agency that exploded on the market. Todd shares the value of hiring people that can think through creative and innovative projects for their clients. They don't just do websites…they create cutting...

Stress and struggle seem to be part of the deal when running a business, especially when you believe you have to do it all yourself. Jason Long tells us about his life changing moment when his doctor told him that he was killing himself. Jason had to let go of "doing it all" so that he could rebound . Get the show notes for 076 Jason Long | Learning it the Hard Way with a Serial Entrepreneur Click...

Many people want to start off their businesses so that it reaches a broad segment of the market. They want to reach as many people as possible and they get stuck in that mindset. But oftentimes, that very mindset is what makes becoming a success so difficult, if not impossible. Get the show notes for 075 Ben Greenfield | 3 Levels Deep to Find Success Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode...

Most people believe you have to have a business that attracts huge volumes of people, but in this new age of online business, you create a strong business in a narrow niche. Jeff Root began his insurance career the traditional way as defined by the thousands of people before him. Jeff knew there was a better way and even a way that allowed him location independence. Jeff figured out how to sell li...

Have you ever dreamed of creating a sideline income (just a bit of money on the side)? Well, Steve Chou thought about it and did it. He didn't have tons of business experience and was willing to try new approaches. Steve's e-commerce business began to take off as he prioritized every hour he spent on the business…then his wife quit her job. Get the show notes for 074 Steve Chou | Taking a Sideline...