Dare to Leap

Jennifer Tamborski is a Digital Marketing Strategist, Facebook Ads Expert, and a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Before Jennifer started working with Kathy, she only took home $5 an hour in pay, and she had been working on her business for eight years by that point! Today, she is consistently hitting six-figures in her business and couldn't be happier. In this week's episode, Jennifer shares her journey and why it became so critical to start taking her business seriously.

Key takeaways:

• Who is Jennifer and how did she get started in this career field?
• Jennifer's rates were way too low. She had been doing this for eight years and when Kathy told her to double her rates, she almost choked!
• When Jennifer focused on her niche, she ended up being way happier!
• How did Jennifer go from VA to a digital marketer?
• Start where you are now and then be open to learning and growing further into your selected career path.
• Jennifer's mindset has also completely changed!
• Are there certain clients in your roster where you just dread hearing from them? Time to end that relationship!
• If you don't love what you do, it's time to move on!
• How does Jennifer balance work and family?
• Jennifer realized she was doing everything wrong in her business.
• What does Jennifer's team look like?
• What does a digital marketing strategist do?
• How has Jennifer helped Kathy over the years? She loves working with her!
• If you can't have fun, what's the point in doing it?

Resources:

Virtualmarketingexpert.com

Jennifer on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"Everybody has more in them than they think they do."

"It's never about skills. Your business is not going to grow if you just focus on skills."

"Your mindset is what expands your business."

Heather Hubbard is a recovering attorney who overworked herself to the bone. In over 10 years as an attorney, Heather never took a day off and it was killing her spirit. Today, she helps people find their authentic selves and consciously create a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and impactful to them. She is also incredibly against the patriarchy and shares how you can take control of your own narrative and fight for what's right, too!

Key takeaways:

• Heather is a recovering attorney! Why did she decide to switch careers and path her own way?
• After Heather's sister passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, Heather questioned everything.
• Heather felt so guilty saying "no" and so she said yes to everything and realized she was burning herself out.
• Take action, try things out, and then plan it out more strategically!
• When Heather left her firm, she decided to send a LinkedIn message to all of her connections.
• Heather didn't know what she was doing, but she kept trekking along and making things happen!
• People showed up and she figured it out. That was how she got started.
• What gave Heather the courage to leave her job?
• What is Heather afraid of?
• Let's talk about the patriarchy and how Heather is taking it down!
• Why are things the way they are? Why? Heather would always ask and it drove people crazy!
• How have the roles and dynamics changed over the years?
• How can we empower ourselves and take down the patriarchy?
• Lawyers sue people every day, but if you sue each other? That's a huge no!
• If you're not okay with the systems, then how are we going to contribute?
• Interested in joining Simple Courage? Heather shares if her platform is right for you!
• Do you feel like you're not authentic or true to yourself?
• Everyone is courageous! It doesn't have to be a "big act of courage." You can do baby steps!

Resources:

Heatherjoyhubbard.com

Heather on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"What I learned in college introduced me to scholars and movements and activists and this was what I had always been looking for but I was never exposed to it, and that's when I learned about the patriarchy."

"Are we going to truly take down the patriarchy in this lifetime? Probably not, but let's sure pull as much as we can for future generations."

"We can make a huge difference and I think it comes through being defiant, being courageous, even when it feels like it's uncomfortable."

LaShawanda Moore, MBA, CPC, ELI-MP is the wife of RodRick Moore, Sr. and the mother of four elementary to high-school-aged children, retired engineer, former Fortune 500 Company and direct sales leader, certified professional Energy Leadership Coach, author, consultant, founder of Elevate Success™, LLC and franchise owner of Launch Trampoline Park Richmond, VA. LaShawanda is also the author of Recover and is an advocate for Owning Your B.O.L.D. Factor™, which she explains how you can do in this week's episode!

Key takeaways:

• LaShawanda talks about her book, Recover!
• LaShawanda wrote every morning for 30 days, and her book sat there for a couple of years before she felt safe enough to publish it. It's a very vulnerable piece of work.
• How is LaShawanda's book set up?
• Everything that happens to us is to grow us into stronger people.
• How do you turn the mess you went through into a message that serves other people?
• For maximum effect, do the book's exercises with somebody else.
• At one point in LaShawanda's life, she wanted to commit suicide.
• LaShawanda received a message from God and it saved her life.
• There is help out there. There is life out of the depression and hole you're in.
• How does LaShawanda help her clients?
• When you're trying to meet other people's expectations in business, you almost lose yourself and what your needs are.
• Why does LaShawanda get up every morning? What inspires her?
• What is the B.O.L.D. Factor™?
• By serving others and helping others, we serve ourselves and become more fulfilled.
• LaShawanda had a very fulfilling career, but at the end of the day, it was not a right fit for her life.
• Kathy shares why she felt so compelled to quit her nine-to-five job.
• How can someone tap into their own inner potential?
• Do you feel a bit beaten down or torn down?
• LaShawanda finds her restoration and her joy through sitting down with her family and being present with them. Adults need more play in our life!

Resources:

Lashawandamoore.com

Recover: A Woman's Journey From Failure to Restoration

LaShawanda on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"I remember going through what I was going through, I wanted to get out of the pain quickly, but I couldn't. Everything happens for a reason, everything happens to grow us."

"One in four adults is suffering from mental illness and many of us don't even know it. So I'm breaking the silence."

"Your why is not about you, your why is about others. Your strengths are for others. When you're about serving others, people follow you because they want to

Erica Graham is a Professional Virtual Design Assistant and virtually works with interior designers and K&B remodel companies. Erica shares a little bit about her expertise and how she got into this field. She also shares why you should dare to leap into being self-employed!

Key takeaways:

• Erica shares a little bit about how she got started as a professional virtual design assistant.
• At first, Erica didn't know what a virtual assistant was.
• Erica is glad she joined the military, but it was a serious "growing up" experience.
• Erica shares a bit about her experiences as a military veteran.
• What does Erica do as a virtual designer?
• Erica has seen an uptick in business because of how many people want to remodel their homes.
• Kathy shares a horror story where someone didn't measure correctly and their entire materials did not fit into the new living space.
• Erica explains how you measure your spaces accurately.
• Erica is able to work with anyone within the United States.
• Where does Erica find her clients?
• A lot of people who started this journey did it because they were miserable at their job.
• Take the leap. You'll be happy that you did.
• You have the skills! Don't let your job beat you down or discourage you!

Resources:

Ericagrahamconsulting.com

Erica on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"A lot of us who started this journey were miserable at our jobs. I happened to lose mine, but I had one foot out the door because I knew there was something more out there for me. I took the leap."

"I want to encourage the listeners to not be afraid. Don't be afraid to try something new."

"It's not going to kill us to take that leap."

Brandon C. White is an entrepreneur with two successful exits under his belt. He's worked for two venture capital firms, did marketing for a $200 billion internet company, and has been CEO of venture-backed companies. Brandon shares his entrepreneurial journey, where his inner drive comes from, why he does what he does, and so much more!

Key takeaways:

• Brandon has so much energy and likes to take on the world with a competitive edge. His household is also filled with animals that match his fast-paced energy.
• Brandon shares a bit about who he is and how he found the path he is on now.
• Education was at the top of the list in his household, but Brandon has horrible listening skills. He tries to memorize everything instead.
• After trying to figure out "the next thing" in Brandon's life, he stumbled upon the idea of creating a fishing magazine.
• Brandon taught himself a lot of the things to bring this magazine to life. He had a limited budget but unlimited time.
• Brandon needed money, so he took a job and literally worked in a closet to bootstrap his business.
• After seeing a news article on how Yahoo raised money for their company, Brandon thought he'd go ahead and try it too. The only thing was… he needed a business plan.
• Jeff Bezos sent Brandon a T-shirt for the work that he was doing.
• Brandon shares how he ended up selling his online magazine.
• How do you raise money? You work your ass off.
• Brandon had a home office back when it wasn't cool. He shares a funny story about a big-time investor coming to his house… and expecting an office.
• Brandon has to keep creating, if he doesn't, he gets depressed.
• Entrepreneurship just makes sense to Brandon.
• When Kathy left her nine to five, she felt like she had to quit. It was either she quit or she die.
• Want to find the next big thing? Take a break.
• You can find a million reasons to be mad. The real challenge in life is finding the good things.
• Brandon shares some of his favorite comedians.
• What's Brandon up to now that he's in lockdown?
• Brandon shares a little bit about his podcast and his business.

Resources:

https://BrandonCWhite.com

Quotes:

"I do not want to be the smartest guy in the room. The day I am the smartest guy in the room is the day I am scared and leaving."

"If you really want to build a company or do something that you're passionate about, you have to believe you can do the thing you're not sure you can do."

"You can find a million reasons to be mad. The real challenge in life is finding the good things that you have."

Darren Saul is a Professional Photographer turned Social Media Strategist, Podcaster, and Podcast Coach. Social media is not something that's "just nice to have" anymore and Darren shares how he helps small businesses build their brand authority online using podcasting and social media. Listen in as Darren shares some of his best growth tips and some of the common pitfalls people run into.

Key takeaways:

• Who is Darren and what does he do?
• The world is a changing place and Darren needed to find a way to stand out as a photographer.
• Creativity is a muscle.
• One way to really learn something is to teach it to someone else.
• When you teach, you have to articulate your process and break it down into smaller steps so others can understand it too.
• So many people want to start a podcast, but they don't because they think it's too much work.
• What are some of the benefits of a podcast?
• Darren shares that people tend to struggle around the 20ish episode mark. Consistency is key to keep going.
• Not everyone goes to every social media channel. People have preferences, so pushing the same content in different places is okay!
• A big roadblock for people is that they are afraid to put themselves out there.
• When does it make sense to spend money on ads?
• How do you "start small" on a big project like this?
• Keep copies of everything that you do!
• There's no reason why you can't outsource something if you feel like it's taking too much of your time.
• What are Darren's thoughts on Pinterest?
• What are some of the things that damage your brand?
• The content you're releasing — does it make sense for the "time" or the current climate?
• More than 70% of people get their news from social media.
• Getting started in social media? Darren has a checklist for you!
• Want to start a podcast? Darren can help you!

Resources:

Darren-saul-upj1.squarespace.com

Quotes:

"I've learned so much about photography and refined my own skills through teaching. It allows you to articulate your process."

"Every time you put something on social media, only a very small percentage of your audience actually sees it, so if you don't repurpose it, you're just wasting that exposure."

"Collaboration is key here. That's why podcasts are so fantastic because they allow you to collaborate and tap into other people's audiences."

Brooke Behar is a Business Manager for Autumn Witt Boyd, a law firm that provides solutions for all stages of online businesses. Brooke shares a little bit about her online journey and how she got into this line of work. She also discusses how to create boundaries when you're working at home. The law firm is the perfect place for someone who needs a quick checklist on what legal things are pending in the business. Find out more on this week's episode!

Key takeaways:

• A little bit about Brooke and how she got started as a business manager.
• Brooke shares a little bit about what it was like living overseas for some time.
• Brooke realized she didn't need as much stuff and was able to use fewer "things."
• What does Brooke miss about Hungary?
• When Brooke came back to the States, it was a bit of a culture shock on how "easy" everything was here!
• Brooke needed some more stipulation when she came back to the U.S.!
• Brooke loves working with her hands and taught herself to reupholster furniture.
• What's the difference between full-time work and contracting work?
• There are just too many distractions at the office!
• How did Brooke create boundaries between work life and home life?
• Vacations are so important. That's why it's important to track what you're doing so that you can hand it off to your teammate.
• It's hard to not check work stuff while on vacation.
• What services does Autumn Witt Boyd offer?

Resources:

Awbfirm.com

Quotes:

"Sometimes I come into the office and I get half as much done because of distractions."

"Statistics show that people who work as VA or work from home, they get 3X more done than at the office."

"Autumn offers a sit-down hour-long strategy session and you just look at your business, and she asks if you have the right legal things in place."

Joe Burns is a Speaker, Coach, and Founder of NextGen Millionaires, a platform to help people get their mindset right with money and to earn what you deserve. Joe doesn't help his clients create budgets or do their accounting. He helps them manage their emotional side of money and to change the way they feel about money. Find out more on this week's episode!

Key takeaways:

• Kathy almost lost it all because of her poor money mindset. Joe was able to keep her on track and even save her marriage because of it!
• Joe told Kathy that she could get out of debt within six months. She didn't believe him.
• Money is just only one of the things that you hide from.
• Tax time was a very stressful time for Kathy because she had to show her husband where she was financially in the business.
• How did Joe get started with money?
• Joe lost half his income and his wife suffered from mental health problems after she got held up at gunpoint two times. It was difficult.
• Making more money doesn't always solve your problems.
• Most of us have "just enough" to survive and that's it. There's a lot of trauma attached to money.
• The more we talk about the uncomfortable, the more we get comfortable.
• When it comes to salary, we have to talk.
• There's a lot of shame around money that we have to overcome. Whether we have too much of it or too little of it!
• How should you talk to your spouse or even family members about money?
• Let's talk about the flow of money.
• People have a lot of money. The only difference is that the spending habits have changed when the pandemic hit.
• So many businesses have made more money last year than ever before. Industries have exploded.
• Why didn't the stock market crash?
• You have a choice to choose to see opportunities or to stay in the same spot.
• Why do we do what we do? What influences us in taking these actions?
• You can make your dreams happen, but it first starts with your relationship with money.

Resources:

Josephmburns.com

Attitudesofmoney.com

Joe on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"If we're going to hide from money; if we're going to hide from these other people, who else are we hiding from? It's usually ourselves."

"We don't understand that a lot of the money stuff, there is a lot of trauma attached to it."

"If we look for the opportunities in situations like COVID-19 and other things, then we will find opportunities for us to grow and expand."

Joan Sotkin was married two times and was trying to find herself when she decided to give away all of her possessions at the age of 36. People thought she was losing her mind, but she knew she needed to form new foundations in her life. Today, at nearly 80 years old, she is the author of more than five books, including Build Your Money Muscles, and helps clients find where their money hang-ups are. She is also the host of the The Prosperity Show, where she talks about money mindset. Find out more about Joan and her fascinating life story and entrepreneurial journey on this week's episode.

Key takeaways:

• How did Joan get started in this line of work?
• After having a regular meditation practice, Joan gave away everything she owned at the age of 36.
• Joan had been married twice and didn't know what life was. She was trying to find herself.
• We create our own life stories, and it's not magic trying to understand your decisions!
• At the age of 80, what is Joan's health routine?
• The answer is easy, but that doesn't mean it's easy to do.
• Joan shares her eating habits, why she is conscious about the types of food she eats, and everything she does to stay vibrant and healthy!
• As we move along in life, we get to make a lot of different decisions on who we want to be in life.
• Joan believes it takes us the first 50 years to find out what we're not.
• Joan has found a new lease on life when it comes to her business and where she sees the future.
• You have a choice of how you want to feel. You really do!
• When you're feeling off, take a step back and try to recognize what you're feeling in the moment, and try to remember when you have felt that same feeling before.
• What would you rather be feeling when you're feeling disappointment or sadness?
• Your brain is just a machine that does what it's been told!
• If you have a lot of negative thinking, Joan shares how you can rewire your brain.
• Who do you want to be? How do you want to live your life? How do you want to feel?
• We all have business goals, but what about your feeling goals?
• If you have enough food and if you have a place to stay, you have enough.
• Joan shares what it's like trying to market her business online in 2021, compared to when she got started.
• Most leaders feel like outsiders. That's how they get to be leaders! You're not part of the pack, embrace it.
• We have to teach others how we want to be treated.
• Whatever you've been through right now, has been a blessing, not a problem.
• After working on yourself for so long, when do you know that you can finally say "I'm healthy now"?
• How does Joan help her clients?

Resources:

Prosperityplace.com

Joan on LinkedIn

Quotes:

"Fortunately, I had a very healthy 'screw you' attitude, and said, 'That's not my story.'"

"Whatever you've got, you can learn from it."

"In order to train your brain to create new neural pathways, you have to have a feeling goal."

David Shriner-Cahn is an Entrepreneur and Podcaster that helps high-achieving professionals build their own consulting or coaching business after a career job loss. David has been in the same boat where, after being let go from his job, wasn't sure what to do next or where to even get started. He ran into a bunch of "beginner" problems like trying to navigate the complex world of marketing and sales, and figuring out what his pricing model was. This was a lot to take on for a recently unemployed person! Today, David shares his resources on how to make the leap and get started in your own practice.

Key takeaways:

• David shares his story and how he started his entrepreneurial journey.
• What challenges did David experience for the first time when he transitioned from employee to consultant?
• David was clueless about pricing and how to even invoice clients!
• Looking to go solo? David shares his top tips on what you need to know!
• To hire a coach might cost you a lot of money, but what you get in return is 10X!
• How do you know when you have the right coach?
• Don't be afraid to ask people for help!
• How do you get over the "they're too expensive" piece? David shares an example of how hiring an expert can save you so much money.
• What are the downsides of a mentor or someone who is willing to help you "for free"?
• How can you best navigate the conversation of paying for someone's time who is willing to help you?
• Self-improvement is a critical piece for entrepreneurs.
• Entrepreneurship is a trial-and-error process. You keep adjusting your plan slowly over time.
• Unless you're doing something that's making you uncomfortable, you're not growing.
• David reached a couple of plateaus in his career. He shares a couple of examples of pitfalls to avoid.
• It's way more important to say no to things than to say yes to things.
• Who does David like to work with?
• It's so rewarding to know you've helped somebody, especially a small business.
• If you're scared to achieve your dreams, reach out to David! He'll talk to you.
• David shares how he had to get over the trauma of being fired. How can you get through those feelings of "not being good enough"?
• It's completely normal to have a strong emotional reaction to being fired.
• Sometimes taking up a hobby (no matter how small it is) can help your brain get the refresh you need.
• It's really hard to put yourself out there and start "over again" when your confidence is so low. So, work on that to the best of your ability first.
• Kathy highly recommends David's podcast!

Resources:

Smashingtheplateau.com

David on LinkedIn

Sba.gov

Quotes:

"The reason you want to hire a coach is you want to save time and save money and make more money faster."

"If you are in business for yourself as a consultant or whatever it is, if you want your business to develop and grow, you need to always be learning."

"When you're an employee, if you're wrong more than 10% of the time, you're probably going to get a bad review. As an entrepreneur, if you're right more than 10% of the time, you're probably doing really well."