Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Cheryl Tan knows the power of stories in connecting people. She’s been a broadcast journalist in GA and VA, with 20+ years in the TV news business. After blending her talents with her entrepreneurial drive, she now shares interviewing and storytelling skills with business owners who want to use video or media to tell the stories of their companies. Cheryl knows how to help entrepreneurs be seen as experts in their fields and helps them connect with clients and customers through video and public relations. 

TWEET: “Learn to share your story while you build your #Authority!” @CherylTan

Life’s Changing Journey

We all know that we don’t always end up doing what we “think” we will. There is value in being willing to change your path and find your voice. This is what Cheryl had to do to end up in the field of broadcast journalism. She shares how she learned from others and learned about connecting with people through stories. The key elements are listening and being curious. Even though her path didn’t lead where she expected, Cheryl found a way to blend her innate curiosity, her love for writing, and her passion for literature into a “news job.”

TWEET: “Your WHY will come out quite naturally when you share what you do.” @CherylTan

Testing the Waters

Do you know the feeling of leaping into something new? Cheryl describes her personal experience as “dipping her toe” into a new path. She began asking business associates if they needed help with newsletters or media and was surprised when her offers were well-received. Soon enough, she was able to pick a date at which she would go “all in.” That was over two years ago—a time period fraught with journeys, pivots, and changes. What is the secret to making it work? Cheryl says that you need the courage to leave all you’ve ever known and have faith in yourself. She shares how she now serves people in a different way and empowers them to tell their stories.

TWEET: “People are more open to you when you start by offering help.” @CherylTan

Asking for Help

Do you ask for help when you need it? Most of us don’t. Cheryl had to look for people who knew “a thousand times more” than she did and tap into their expertise. If you look, you will find them—those who had left something behind to look for something else. Cheryl warns that these “helpers” don’t have to have the same exact situation as you do to be helpful. The passion to help others is the common factor.

TWEET: “It’s more than OK to ask for help.” @CherylTan

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: “Take action. Do ONE thing to move you forward. Most people know what that is, even if it’s scary; they just need to do it.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:50] How Aimee met Cheryl
• [2:25] Finding your voice
• [5:50] Why Cheryl took the path to broadcast journalism
• [8:52] Behind the scenes in news making
• [10:44] Cheryl’s 20-year career in TV news
• [14:00] Testing the waters and taking the leap
• [18:18] Being self-aware and listening to your gut
• [19:08] Always learning and adapting
• [21:16] Seeking help when you need it
• [24:40] No limits: Keep going
• [25:26] Common lessons in changing careers
• [27:25] The WHY---and how to find it
• [33:00] How Cheryl offers help to others
• [35:35] How connections have helped
• [39:20] Cheryl’s ONE action for dream chasers to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cheryl on Facebook

Cheryl on Twitter

Cheryl’s Website 

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “A genuine #connection...

Matt Miller has been an Air Force pilot, an advertising executive, and now---the owner of a vending company franchise which has raised over $4 million for schools. His unmistakable passion to help students and educators rings loud and clear, even reaching to his newest projects. His company, School Spirit Vending, provides a proven and profitable system for professionals looking to develop secondary income streams. Join me to hear Matt’s incredible story!

TWEET: “Learn how to develop a #secondary stream of #income on #ChasingDreams! @ssvbusiness

Reinventing Yourself

Are you STUCK? Do you feel obligated to keep an unfulfilling job because it uses your college degree? Matt shares great advice about not being stuck in that expertise for the rest of your life. He says that sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously and overlook opportunities that are right in front of us. Following Matt’s personal story of reinvention will motivate you to consider a big change that may lead to an even bigger future!

TWEET: “I’ve #reinvented myself 3 different times. I have a 10 yr #attention span.” @ssvbusiness

Passive Income is the KEY!

Do you want to learn to make money even while you sleep? This was the premise behind Matt’s “AHA moment” after reading a book about passive income. While enduring struggle after struggle in his advertising career, Matt had to deliver pizzas, sell aluminum cans, and sell used books online, just to make ends meet for his family. Matt started small with gumball vending machines while keeping his corporate career. He watched in amazement at the ease of the process that kept his profits increasing exponentially. 

TWEET: “We take ourselves way too seriously.” @ssvbusiness

A Paradigm Shift in Fundraising

Do you dream of long weekends and extended vacations with family? These things are a reality for Matt now, but it didn’t start out that way. Using his advertising background, Matt started out with stickers in vending machines at one school—watching his sales skyrocket. His business has sold 30 million stickers in the last 9 years! He shares how he built a brand, expanded, and developed a franchising system to help others chase their dreams as well. His business helps students and educators in this revolutionary avenue in the fundraising process, and his newest projects include comic book series and novels---all designed to get kids to read.

TWEET: “Don’t get in the #habit of trading #hours for #dollars!” @ssvbusiness

GUEST RECOMMENDATION:“Quit getting ready to do something, and GO DO IT! Take those first steps to get in the game and make it happen.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:17] Early career in military service and emphasis on education
• [3:28] Matt’s unusual journey: from pilot to advertising to vending machines
• [5:00] Reinventing yourself: Noticing the signs
• [7:56] Why people choose to suffer rather than pivot
• [8:56] The move into vending
• [12:08] Working while achieving your dream
• [14:21] Not figuring out all the details at first
• (15:48] From gumballs to School Spirit Vending
• [19:04] Living the life he’d dreamed of, having control of time and money through franchising
• [23:56] The win-win for Matt AND the schools
• [24:36] Licensing help, franchising, and hiring a coach
• [26:40] Self-improvement: Why YOU may need a coach!
• [28:56] Affording things now that he couldn’t before
• [31:17] New plans for School Spirit Vending: comic books and novels for kids
• [35:17] Matt’s ACTION step for Dream Chasers to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Matt’s Website 

Matt’s

Welcome to an entertaining show with my guest, Tim Paige. As the Senior Conversion Educator at Leadpages, Tim helps marketers increase conversions and utilize behavioral marketing. You can hear Tim on his podcast, Conversion Cast, or on one of the 750 webinars he’s hosted in the last three years. The most important roles in his life are those of a husband and father who eats, sleeps, and breathes Syracuse Orange basketball. Tim is an all-around nice guy with hilarious voice over skills, so join us for more!

TWEET: “Talking #entrepreneurship, #conversions and #SyracuseOrange with @TimThePaige!”

Figuring out what’s next:

We’ve all had those moments, right? One phase of life comes to a close and we know we’re supposed to move on, but How? Where? When? Tim felt the uncertainty when his rock band days ended and he felt the entrepreneurial pull but wasn’t sure what to do next. He made the mistake of defaulting to what he always did to “make money.” He took a sales commission job that provided a good income but sucked the joy and happiness out of him. It wasn’t until he understood the concept of “passive income” that he made the leap to start a podcast and soon exploded into the voice over world.

TWEET: “I started losing part of myself and had to figure out what’s next.”   @TimThePaige

How things sometimes just “fall into place”:

We all know those people for whom life seems easy and just seems to fall into place perfectly. Most likely, though, they have worked hard behind the scenes to get where they are. Tim explains how his unique skill set in the realm of networking and marketing has aided him in meeting the right people and just the right time. The key to this is relating to people and caring about them. Tim has met and befriended some wonderful people because they are cool and he wanted to get to know them, and not because he was looking to get something out of them. It’s all about relationships!

TWEET: “Focus on relating to #people and you’ll find incredible #relationships.” @TimThePaige

You don’t HAVE to be an entrepreneur!

What? Today’s business and life coaches will make you think that entrepreneurship is the ONLY way to be happy, fulfilled, and satisfied. Tim says this is not so! His role at Leadpages is an entrepreneurial one, but he shares why he is happy at his 9-5 job, doing what he loves to do. Not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship, but many people pressure themselves and get caught up in having to be an entrepreneur. It’s all about keeping your life in alignment.

TWEET: “Without #debt, the runway to get where you want is MUCH shorter.” @TimThePaige

• GUEST RECOMMENDATION: “Do everything you can to get out of debt if you’re in debt. It’s the number one thing you can do to free yourself up to make decisions about your future without being held back.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:10] Where do the voices come from?
• [5:45] From rock star to voice over guy
• [10:25] The transition into Leadpages and webinars
• [13:55] How thing “fell into place” for Tim
• [16:45] It’s all about relationships
• [18:55] Letting things evolve—from where you are NOW
• [20:05] Why it’s OK to work for someone else
• [21:10] A crazy “What If” scenario for Tim
• [25:38] Tim’s Recommendation: Get out of debt and don’t let rejection get you down!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Tim on Twitter

Tim on Facebook

Tim at Leadpages

Tim’s Voiceover...

Welcome, Dream Chasers! I have another terrific show for you today with an international guest. Mark Asquith is a serial entrepreneur who has built globally successful businesses in digital product development, design, and marketing. Mark is a passionate podcaster, hosting the UK’s #1 business podcast, Excellence Expected. Mark explains how he learned that to truly control his lifestyle, he had to work for himself. Mark has built his personal brand with an audience of worldwide fans of his “no fluff” attitude. A perpetual learner with a giant dog and an embarrassing beard, Mark is a regular speaker at technology, business, and media events around the world. Join us!

TWEET: “I left my ‘proper #job’ at 23 and have been pretty much #unemployable ever since.”   @MrAsquith

Hard Lessons Learned:

Is there such a thing as making “too much” money? Mark says YES! The problem comes from making too much money when you really don’t know what your life’s path should be. Mark’s unconventional path has had some strange twists until he found the freedom to figure out what he wanted to do. He recounts his lessons learned, like “be yourself,” and not trying to be something you aren’t. Those difficult lessons led him to the success he enjoys today!

TWEET: “I’m NOT that guy chasing #millions.” @MrAsquith

Birth of the EE brand:

Mark describes his approach as “putting people on a road map for validation.” His passion is to help people with their podcasts, listening to what they want within the realms of branding, business coaching, marketing, and web strategies. Mark explains the importance of listening to people and “picking your YESSES.”

TWEET: “#Earning BIG #money didn’t bring me #fulfillment!” @MrAsquith

Batching is the KEY

Do you often feel like you’re playing “catch up” and running behind your deadlines? Mark shares his secret to success, especially in the world of blog posts and podcasts. He “batches” his content based on what people ask for—and stays many months AHEAD of the game. He explains how this process allows him to keep it simple and sensible as he repurposes content and offers great resources for his clients. Remember, the goal is to get some things OFF your plate, and not to overload it! 

TWEET: “Pick your YESSES—you can’t take everything and run with it.” @MrAsquith

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: 

Be super clear about what you’re trying to do for your audience.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:11] Why Mark quit his job at age 23
• [3:05] Finding the balance between what I want to do and what I need to do
• [6:02] Figuring out what the next step is, and how Mark bluffed his way to self-employment
• [8:51] How Mark REALLY screwed up
• [11:26] Lessons learned
• [13:04] The University of Life
• [14:46] Mark’s beginning in podcasting in 2015, knowing what works, and building a personal brand
• [17:14] Mark’s approach in developing podcast websites
• [19:46] Balancing it all? How Mark makes batching work for him!
• [27:22] How to handle unexpected feedback
• [28:40] Why content is never wasted if you learn to repurpose it
• [31:36] Building the perfect audience avatar
• [33:14] Mark’s recommendation about your long-game purpose

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Mark on Facebook

Mark on Twitter

Mark’s Excellence Expected Website

Mark's Podcast Websites Website

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET:...

I hope you’re ready for an amazing conversation; it’s one that is surprising even to me in the direction that it takes. My guest is Dana Garrison, a global business consultant and creator of Family Entanglement Work and Childhood Reimprinting Work. If these terms are puzzling to you, then I ask you to join us to learn how these powerful concepts can revitalize your life! In addition to her work in these fields, Dana is a recognized expert in the field of digital marketing, live video, and social media strategy. I can promise that you won’t be disappointed in this episode, so join us now!

TWEET: “#Success isn’t about your #IQ” @DanaGarrison

Changing Habits, Patterns, and Beliefs:

You’ve heard that age-old debate of “Nature vs. Nurture.” Exactly what factors mold each of us into the person we become? For Dana, it was a mystery illness that prompted her work as a therapist, studying the intricacies of the mind, specifically in relation to personal development and achieving goals faster. Her Family Entanglement Work studies the generational patterns that we inherit, and Childhood Reimprinting focuses on the patterns and beliefs that we pick up during our childhood years. Dana noticed dramatic breakthroughs in her clients—and herself—as she used these concepts to undo blocks and reduce her symptoms, one by one.

TWEET: “90% of what causes our #problems comes from our unconscious #habits and #patterns.” @DanaGarrison

You Aren’t Who You Think You Are!:

Do you struggle with self-doubt, procrastination, and fear of failure? You may think that these are just characteristics of your personality—of WHO you are. Dana shows how these behavior patterns are sourced from entanglements and imprints; they are NOT your true self! Once they are addressed, they will go away, because these patterns are totally malleable. Dana explains why you should NEVER buy into the fact that these negative behaviors are YOU.

TWEET: “All of your #patterns can be changed!” @DanaGarrison

Steps to Break Free

Do you ever feel trapped by negative thoughts or behaviors? The first step in changing behavior is to be aware of it. Dana provides resources that give you power to make new choices and decisions. All it takes is action to make changes. She explains how 80-90% of success comes from your “Inner Game,” and she gives tools to help achieve goals. One of the secrets is to get a coach or mentor. Another step is to learn what triggers your negative thoughts and then DON’T buy into them!

TWEET: “Inner #blocks can stop you from doing what you need to do.” @DanaGarrison

GUEST RECOMMENDATION:

Address your Inner Game. Work on the root cause and not just the symptoms!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:48] How Dana developed Family Entanglement Work and Childhood Reimprinting—all because of a mystery illness
• [6:45] Mind-blowing success in the first nine months of her business
• [7:30] Changing what we think is permanent about ourselves
• [9:25] Working through past obstacles in pursuing your dreams
• [10:00] Inner blocks to success and examples of entanglement patterns
• [13:40] Personality flaws are NOT part of us!
• [15:10] What to do to break free and have a different life
• [17:40] How Dana got into video and social media through pursuing her passion and freedom
• [23:00] Variations of entanglement and imprinting that come out in our new adventures
• [25:25] Finding a mentor or coach---it’s a KEY
• [26:25] What Dana has learned about successful people
• [28:50] What stops people the most
• [30:30] Childhood imprints about ourselves, others, and life
• [33:50] The Inner Game Thought Switch
• [35:00] Combatting negative thoughts
• [36:38] Dana’s ACTION item for dream chasers: Address your Inner...

Welcome to a great show with Jinu Mathew. Jinu has owned Tutor Doctor since 2016 and is a former math teacher and school principal. His life has been focused on education for many years and he loves helping his students achieve much more than they ever thought possible. Hear his thoughts about what’s wrong with today’s students and how parents and teachers can help impact the next generation. Join us!

TWEET: “Ep. 78 talking about #learning with former #educator @TutorDoctor!”

A Life-Changing Experience:

Life is full of pivotal moments that can make us or break us. Jinu shares how he refused to be broken or give up on his passion. At age 29, he suffered a stroke and paralysis that impacted his personal and professional life in every way. He remembers praying that he would get back to his passion of serving kids. When difficulties come, your course may be altered, but you can keep your focus and move forward in small steps. Jinu shares how his Christian faith gave him a foundation to keep going and why he loves proving people wrong.

TWEET: “Every good #teacher is a phenomenal #actor.” @TutorDoctor

Today’s Students: A Complacency of Achievement

Is it possible for B/C students to achieve A’s? Jinu says YES! The problem for so many students is that they have never been told (or shown) that they CAN achieve MORE! He explains how everyone has the ability to learn, but the key is finding the perfect match of student to instructor in a customized learning environment. As parents and teachers, we have to fight against “self-fulfilling prophecies” by giving support, pushing forward, and providing enrichment to learning. Jinu says, “It’s all about how much you care.”

TWEET: Turn “impossible” into “I’m possible.” @TutorDoctor

Impacting the Next Generation of Dream Chasers

“Be the change that you want to see.” You have to model the change you want. You can’t limit yourself if you want more from those around you. Small steps lead to a brighter future. Jinu says to “know yourself and push yourself,” and he models that by setting the goal of finishing his doctorate degree in education. He feels that he has worked too hard and for too long to settle for anything less. When something is hard, get on the internet, take advantages of the available resources, and figure out how to move forward. What if our next generation of young people took Jinu’s advice?

TWEET: “There is a complacency of achievement in our #students in America.” @TutorDoctor

GUEST RECOMMENDATION:

Prioritize achievable goals into long-range, mid-range, and short-term goals. Go from there by making small benchmarks of what you can attain.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:35]Jinu’s interest in education and helping others (it began in 10th grade)
• [3:00] Qualifications and education needed to be a teacher, and state rules for licensure
• [5:26] A life-changing experience: stroke, paralysis, and a move from NY to TX
• [9:25] Recovery, creeping doubts, and Christian faith
• [11:50] Return to school, owning a franchise, and complacency in achievement
• [14:10] Self-fulfilling prophecy vs. Pushing for progress
• [17:30] Turn “impossible” into “I am possible”
• [22:00] Changing one’s mindset and changing the next generation
• [25:10] Jinu’s goal: finishing his doctorate in education
• [26:15] Getting back to 100%: Jinu’s physical progress since the stroke
• [30:30] What students need to do to overcome roadblocks
• [32:05] Being the FIRST
• [35:20] Jinu’s action for a dream chaser to take TODAY

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Jinu on Twitter

Jinu on

Welcome to a show that’s chock full of nuggets of wisdom from my guest, Daree Allen Nieves. Daree hosts the Kickin’ It With Daree podcast and is a speaker, certified life coach, and Authorpreneur Extraordinaire. She speaks on personal development topics in countless places to diverse audiences. Daree is the author of three books and she loves writing about and talking about what matters most in life. We discuss the writing process, achieving goals, setting values, and much more. Join us!

TWEET: “Stop procrastinating on #writing your #book!” @DareeAllen 

Why you need an accountability partner

When it comes to achieving goals in business and in life, we all need support. Daree explains why you need an effective, positive support person who motivates you. We’re not talking about someone who is afraid to speak the truth, but a cheerleader who will always give it to you straight. How about you? Do you have an accountability partner?

TWEET: “You have to take it step by step, task by task.” #Writing #Book @DareeAllen

The important art of journaling

Do you journal? Daree says it was the earliest form of writing for her. She explains how it helps to “get things out” and purge your fierce emotions in a healthy way. Even if you can’t be consistent every single day, give journaling a try! Daree gives tips on how to start and how journaling can help you achieve your goals!

TWEET: “When you #journal you can let your guard down.” #Writing #Book @DareeAllen

Finding your WHY

Your WHY---it’s the reason you do what you do. It’s the driving force that gets you to your goals. As a writer, Daree explains the importance of setting values and knowing what you want to accomplish. Daree shares how she overcame insignificance and self-doubt to set out as a writer with a purpose. Finding your WHY will carry over into every area of your personal and professional life. 

TWEET: “You #write as it comes to you----in pieces.” @DareeAllen #Book

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: Find your WHY!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:15] What it’s like being on the “other” side of the podcast microphone
• [2:10] Daree’s books: How and Where they came from
• [6:25] Why technical writing is a “different” kind of writing
• [8:15] Beginning as a writer, journaling at age 12---“getting things out”
• [15:10] What Daree would say to her younger self
• [19:05] Feedback from the book, speaking to girls, media literacy, and raising kids in today’s culture
• [29:00] Does Daree have another book in her?
• [31:00] Steps to take in writing a book: How is it done?
• [39:10] What is your WHY?
• [41:23] One specific action for a dream chaser
• [44:20] Daree’s special offers for listeners

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Daree on Twitter

Daree on Facebook

Website: www.dareeallen.com

Writing Course: www.dareeallen.com/writeyourbook Use the code AIMEEJ25 for a discount on Daree’s eCourse!

Podcast: Kickin’ It With Daree 

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: Why haven’t you written your #book yet? @DareeAllen

TWEET: #Gratefulness can counteract #complaining. @DareeAllen #Writing

https://youtu.be/VbuP0fcZf2o

Cornell Thomas is a speaker, author, and founder of the Positivity Summit movement. He is also the first repeat guest on the show! He was featured in Episode 59 to talk about the Positivity Summit, which was scheduled for last September. Things changed though, and Cornell had to make a pivot move, refocus, and forge ahead. Sometimes that’s exactly what dream-chasers must do. When we change direction, we don’t always take the time to evaluate and reflect, but that is what we are doing today. 

TWEET: Ep. 76: “Sometimes that #BAD thing can be the #BEST thing”. @CornellThomas

Moving forward with peace of mind

We’ve all experienced a time when the best-laid plans just don’t work out. Sometimes there are factors beyond our control. The question is: How do you respond? Do you crumble and cry or do you move with the flow, make the needed adjustments, and move forward? Cornell tells us why the September dates for the Positivity Summit just would not work. Everything happens for a reason, and the resulting newly-designed Summit is going to be better than ever! The Positivity Summit is March 10-11, in Allamuchy, NJ.

TWEET: “I’m determined to #change the #planet.” @CornellThomas #Positivity

What it really means to chase your dreams---all the way to reality

Are you “ALL IN” when it comes to your dreams? That often means laying it all on the line, but that’s what dream chasers do. Cornell explains how he determined to make the Positivity Summit in March happen in a bigger, better way—even to the point of incurring the out-of-pocket expenses that were required. He gives a glimpse into the panel of the Summit’s amazing speakers, teachers, authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, and PR/branding experts. Hear the story of how Cornell’s perseverance led to an Olympic athlete being secured as a speaker. These world-changing business and success coaches will lead in presentations, workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

TWEET: “Make the #shift, change course, and make it the #BEST one.” @CornellThomas

Being battle-tested through adversity

Have you had to be relentless in chasing your dreams? Cornell can certainly tell us a thing or two about that! He tells the inspiring story of his connection to Tony Robbins, and how Tony came to write an endorsement for one of his books. It didn’t happen by chance, but by the strength and determination that comes from never giving up on your dreams. Cornell tells us the lesson he’s learned about the immense kindness from a small act, and the impact that comes from pouring into people. The battle scars that come from the struggle to be relentless will only make you stronger and ready to fight for MORE!

TWEET: “Never be too big to #help someone you don’t know.” @CornellThomas

GUEST RECOMMENDATION:

Write down three things that are frightening to you in terms of chasing dreams. Then write down how you can overcome each fear and what amazing things that can happen. Ask yourself, “What am I waiting for?”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:35] A look back at Episode 59, Turning your “Why Me” into “What Now.” He also updates us on his recent endeavors
• [2:45]Sometimes changes can be the BEST thing
• [4:51] Give yourself time for frustration, adjust, and move forward
• [9:08] Ripple effects from making a big decision: Just MOVE
• [10:56] The Positivity Summit: the goal is to change the planet
• [14:05] Why Cornell is ALL IN for the Positivity Summit in March (with website and ticket info)
• [17:05] What chasing dreams really means
• [18:21] How Cornell pursued an Olympian to speak at the Summit
• [21:30] “No one is above you or below you.”
• [22:17] Cornell’s connection and relentless pursuit of Tony Robbins and the lesson in reaching out to...

Lauren Ramsey is a social story teller. Growing up, she lived in five countries and visited thirty countries across four continents. For her, it was normal to learn to adapt to new cultures and environments. This unique skill set has complemented her analytical mind and helped her adapt to new teams, understand problems from a different point of view, and find new ways to tackle and solve any problem. She loves to get her creative juices flowing with ideas for her clients’ businesses, and she’s not afraid to try a new approach if something isn’t achieving the desired results. On a daily basis, she can be found creating social media strategies and posts for her clients at Betsy Bash, and formulating content strategy, articles, and podcast episodes for Laurenignited.com, her online magazine for music, food, travel, and culture enthusiasts.

TWEET: Ep. 75: @LaurenIgnited - Jumping from 9-5 #Cubiclelife to being your own #boss!

Developing your observing skills

Not everyone feels comfortable being plopped into a new culture—especially as a young student. Lauren found these extreme changes to be part of the norm in her childhood. In fact, coming to the US at age six was a huge adjustment for her! Through these experiences, she learned to sit back, observe, and THEN move forward in a new situation. Listen to find out how she hones her observing skills in her business endeavors today.

TWEET: Your #business is very different full-time, instead of just a #sidehustle. @Laurenignited

Lauren’s “Make it or Break it Year”---2016

Do you have the guts to exit the corporate world, uproot your life, and move across the country to launch full-time into your dreams? Lauren explains how she formulated a plan, a back-up plan, and manipulated her savings and support system to chase down her dreams as she moved from Houston to Chicago.

TWEET: 2016 was my “Primer Year.” Can #2017 be yours? @Laurenignited #Goals 

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: 

Do the things you are most passionate about

Lauren, who is NOT a “foodie,” decided to fuel her passion for local restaurants by highlighting and comparing the local food scenes of Houston and Chicago. She explains how her passion led to her podcast, Chefs Coast to Coast. Her other endeavors include Betsy Bash, inspired by her grandmothers, through which she helps clients with social media strategies. As if she doesn’t have enough to do, Lauren also runs Lauren Ignited, her “lifestyle magazine for culturally curious.” Whew! This is ONE BUSY LADY—and she’s not done yet! Lauren gives us just a hint at some of her big plans for 2017.

TWEET: Go into the #communities that make sense to you----and #thrive. @Laurenignited

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:43] Does Lauren have a favorite country? She explains why she loved the whole globetrotting experience
• [4:30] Why Lauren found life in the US a difficult adaptation to make after life in India
• [6:05] Lauren’s school and career background: why it wasn’t fulfilling her creative side
• [7:40] Working full-time in IT and part-time for Radio Disney, then making the move to start Betsy Bash and Lauren Ignited
• [11:07] Checking in with yourself in those “freak-out” moments
• [12:30] Lauren’s many endeavors, starting with her passion for the local restaurant scene differences between Houston and Chicago—Who knew?
• [16:50] Looking for the best taco in Texas? Tune into Lauren’s “Tacos of Texas” podcast episode
• [17:28] Why a podcast about food?
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Yann Ilunga is a podcaster and strategist (all the way from Helsinki, Finland) who helps entrepreneurs and marketers expose and leverage podcasts to build authority, generate more leads, and increase sales. He is the founder of the Podcast Success Academy and the host of FIVE podcasts. Yes, that was FIVE podcasts! Yann readily admits that he “eats, sleeps, and breathes podcasts.” His latest, The Podcaster Lab, discusses podcasting with a brand new format and an exclusive look at strategies and experiments for audience growth, marketing, and monetization. Whether you’re an old pro or a newcomer to the podcasting world, you don’t want to miss this inspirational conversation with Yann; we are kicking off 2017 in a BIG way! Join us now!

TWEET: Ep. 74: @TheYannilunga - #Podcast. #Growth. #Marketing. #Monetization.

Combining what you KNOW with what you LOVE

Yann’s educational background is in journalism and communications. After college, he wasn’t exactly sure how he would use his skills, but he knew he would be in some form of public speaking. As Yann discovered his first podcast, he realized how he could combine his passion and his academic background, leverage his connections, and launch out into the world of digital marketing. Before long, he had created the Podcast Success Summit, a live event that brought together 80 speakers over 25 consecutive days. The Summit has now become an annual digital event. Check out his website to learn details about this year’s event!

TWEET: Stop #comparing your chapter 2 to someone else’s chapter 20. @TheYannilunga

Finding time for MORE than just work

We all have WORK to do, but how do we juggle it all? How do we balance everything to have time for what we care about? It all comes down to goals. Yann shares great advice about setting goals---and reaching them! His perspective on goal-setting is that goals are “the steps between where I am today and where I want to be.” Break down a big goal or dream into smaller sub-steps. You can do it!

TWEET: What if I #leverage ALL of my #connections? @TheYannilunga shows you how.

GUEST RECOMMENDATION:

Do you celebrate your WINS? Can you “comfortably” step outside your COMFORT ZONE? Yann gives three steps to follow when you hear new strategies: Test them, Track them, and Tweak them. You can apply his advice to ANY dream and take ACTION today! Don’t be afraid to test, to jump, to experiment, and take the risk.

TWEET: Take a moment to #celebrate your #WINS. @TheYannilunga

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:05] Yann’s background and his BIG plans for 2017
• [4:20] Combining academic background with passion
• [5:25] Yann and his FIVE languages
• [6:50] Why FIVE podcasts?
• [9:50] The Podcast Success Summit and other podcast endeavors
• [15:50] Balance and goal-setting
• [26:07] Three steps for incorporating new strategies
• [30:00] How you can apply Yann’s advice to ANY dream

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Yann on Facebook

Yann on Facebook

Yann on Twitter 

Yann on LinkedIn 

Website: www.yannilunga.com

Website: www.podcastsuccessacademy.net (Coming Soon!)

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: Helping #others first makes the #ASK easier when you need #help. @TheYannilunga

TWEET: Great things happen when you step outside your...