Entrepreneur Weekly

Episode #141: Calculated Risk Taking and Increasing Productivity Published: March 2, 2019 Your career may have been born from passion, but what will sustain your journey? Securing entrepreneurial mentors who have already ventured the road less traveled will accelerate success. In this episode, George Black and Sean Byrnes share sage advice to take smart risks and increase productivity. George Black, Author of “Dear, Mr. A” (soon to be re-titled "The Next Level Entrepreneur-Finding Direction IN Your Passions and Build a Great Company"), reveals how the 'ready, aim, fire’ concept can help you take calculated risks in your business. Next, we are joined by Sean Byrnes, Co-Founder and CEO of Outlier AI, Inc., an artificial intelligence company that helps businesses make the most out of masses of data. Listen for Sean’s top six hacks to increase productivity and make the most of your workday.

• [00:00:00] Sage Advice is Invaluable in Business
• [00:05:00] Achieve Success with the Fuel of Passion
• [00:11:30] Navigate Your Obstacles with Strategy
• [00:18:21] Don’t Let Bad Habits Get the Best of You
• [00:26:28] Tips for Top Efficiency and Productivity
• [00:33:21] Don’t Get Motion Confused with Progress

Entrepreneurial Inmates and Taxes Simplified: Are there second chances on the road to retribution? Brian Hamilton, Founder of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, Co-Founder of Sageworks, and Founder of Brian Hamilton Foundation, has developed an eight-week program that walks inmates through creating their own low capital business. From product conception to launch, learn how Brian is making employment after incarceration a reality for motivated individuals. Then, it’s our favorite time of year, tax season! We are joined by Mark Kohler, CPA and Attorney at KKOS Lawyers, Author of “The Tax and Legal Playbook”, and “Financial Freedom: What Wall Street Isn’t Telling You”, and Co-Host of the "Refresh Your Wealth" podcast. Learn how to take control of your finances by understanding deductions, payroll, write-offs, and more. Mark shares three tax tips to make the most of your money.

• [00:00:00] A Chance to Right a Wrong and Start Again
• [00:06:58] Inmates Start Low Capital Businesses
• [00:11:30] Incarceration to Entrepreneur in Eight Weeks
• [00:18:21] LLC vs S Corp: What You Need to Know
• [00:26:00] The Right Way to Protect Your Assets
• [00:33:22] Tips to Become Your Own Tax Advocate

Necessity Fuels the Spirit of Entrepreneurship:

Going to the theater has been one of America's favorite pastimes for over 100 years, but modern cinephiles are enjoying the latest blockbusters from the comfort of their own homes. As viewing preferences change, movie theaters have sought alternative revenue streams to stay afloat, explains Cliff Marks, President and Interim-CEO of National Cinemedia (NCM). NCM's branch, Noovie, may be just the ticket to bring the big screen into modernity, giving viewers the opportunity to interact with the experience through smartphones, and offering innovative advertising solutions to businesses. Find out how NCM has evolved to keep pace with the advancing technology of the film industry. Next, we are joined by Nathan Miller, President and Founder of Rentec Direct, who got into App development out of sheer necessity. Nathan was managing multiple rental properties, and keeping track of them started to get overwhelming. He created the Rentec Direct App which allows property managers and landlords to seamlessly connect with their tenants, and organize their properties, financial records, and tax records. Rentec is now serving over 15,000 happy users. Discover why Rentec's 'customer success' philosophy is the key to outperforming the competition. 

• [00:00:00] Surviving Disruption at the Cinemas 
• [00:05:31] Noovie Provides Alternative Revenue
• [00:11:30] Innovative Brand Extensions Deliver Success
• [00:18:21] Connection Through Vertically Integrated Assets
• [00:25:00] Manage Your Rentals from Your Smartphone
• [00:33:21] Avoid a Mundane Career, Build Out of Passion

Walk the Ledge, Spark Curiosity, and Unlock Your Potential:

Entrepreneurs are not born overnight, in fact, for some people their potential is hidden deep within and must be dug out. We begin the show discussing how to find a clear path to entrepreneurship with Dr. Diane Hamilton, Author of “Cracking the Curiosity Code: The Key to Unlocking Human Potential”, Host of "Take the Lead", and Founder and CEO of Tonerra. Dr. Hamilton explains how she came to explore the path of curiosity and why it is so important for her to amplify this message. She shares the four factors that hinder people from finding their passion and explains how the Curiosity Code Index training can help not only the individual, but entire companies as well. Next, we chat with Lil Roberts, Co-Founder of Xendoo, who gives us some tips and tricks for the beginning entrepreneur. Dubbing herself a 'ledge walker', Lil prides herself on embracing an adventurous lifestyle and an innate ability to take calculated risks. Bringing her personal life philosophy into her career, Lil coaches business leaders during their journey through disruption. Whether you're revamping your accounting practices, hiring top talent, searching for a mentor, or just trying to minimize stress, Lil divulges expert advice to help small companies succeed. It’s time to release your fears, take control of your life, and start a career you're truly passionate about - tune in now!

• [00:00:00] "Cracking the Curiosity Code" by Dr. Hamilton
• [00:05:24] Four Factors to Unlocking Human Potential
• [00:11:30] Curiosity Code Index Boosts EQ
• [00:18:21] Lil Roberts and the Life of a 'Ledge Walker'
• [00:26:23] Top Hacks to Disrupt Your Industry
• [00:33:21] Eliminate Stress, Prepare for Success 

2019 Consumer Electronics Show (Part 4):

In this special edition of Entrepreneur Weekly, Alan Taylor travels to Las Vegas for the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In this episode, enjoy interviews with David Meltzer of Sports 1 Marketing, Mike Bieker of Lume Cube, Inc., Isaac Ashkenazi of Cavalier Audio, and Dave Buchko of Byton. First up, David Meltzer, Founder and CEO of Sports 1 Marketing, is back in the hot seat to discuss how suffering can catalyze success. No stranger to overcoming trials and tribulations, David recalls, "I surrounded myself with the wrong people, the wrong ideas, and I lost over one hundred million dollars. Best day of my life.” Learn how you can use gratitude, forgiveness, effective communication, and inspiration to overcome trying times and achieve affluence. Next, shoot professional marketing videos on the go without investing a fortune into expensive lighting equipment. Mike Bieker, President and CEO of Lume Cube, Inc., gives us the product details of the Lume Cube Air VC. Are you ready to let your light (and video content) shine? Then, learn how to stand out in a crowded marketplace.  Isaac Ashkenazi, Co-creator of Cavalier Audio, says his company is competing against audio industry giants by staying true to their sharp design aesthetic and commitment to craftsmanship. Hear why The Maverick, an Alexa-enabled portable Bluetooth/WiFi speaker system, is the perfect encapsulation of the Cavalier Audio brand. Finally, we turn our focus to an automotive startup that’s taking a new approach to modern vehicle design. Dave Buchko, Product Communication Manager for Byton, divulges the inspiration behind their highly-styled M-Byte before explaining how strategic alliances have helped them launch their first vehicle in just 39 short months.

• [00:00:00] Happiness and the Inspired Person
• [00:06:45] Losing $100-million, Finding Gratitude
• [00:11:30] Let Your Light (and Content) Shine
• [00:18:21] Strategies to Take on Industry Giants
• [00:29:03] Byton Gets Bold with Car Interior Design
• [00:33:21] Strategic Alliances Speed Up Launch

2019 Consumer Electronics Show (Part 3)

In this special edition of Entrepreneur Weekly, Alan Taylor travels to Las Vegas for the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In this episode, we’ll sit down with one of the original sharks on ABC’s “Shark Tank”, Kevin Harrington, Sundip Doshi of AerNos, James Symons of TechDen, Randy Garn of Skipio, and Josh Poulsen of House of Marley. First up to the mic is the ‘As Seen on TV’ king, Kevin Harrington. As television viewership declines, Kevin has adapted his business model for the digital age. We learn the key benefits of targeted marketing on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Next, Sundip Doshi, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AerNos, Inc., says what started a business proposition has evolved into a humanitarian mission. The entrepreneurial engineer explains the motivation and applications of AerNos nano gas sensors. Then, Randy Garn, CMO of Skipio, rides shotgun with Alan Taylor as they interview an Australian entrepreneur hoping to solve a global parenting problem. James Symons, Founder and CEO of TechDen, shares how their IoT device/App combo empowers parents to limit screen time and foster lifelong, healthy internet habits. Closing the show, Josh Poulsen, Director of Product Development for House of Marley, gives us a bird’s eye view on their new product offerings for 2019 including the Exodus On-Ear Headphones and Liberate Wireless Earbuds.

• [00:00:00] Benefits of Shifting Marketing from TV to Digital
• [00:06:19] Kevin Harrington Give Tips to Secure Capital
• [00:11:30] AerNoz Helps World Breath Easy with Tech
• [00:18:21] TechDen Solves Screen Struggle for Parents
• [00:26:09] How to Rebound from Failed Market Predictions
• [00:33:21] New Products from House of Marley

2019 Consumer Electronics Show (Part 2):

In this special edition of Entrepreneur Weekly, Alan Taylor travels to Las Vegas for the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In this episode, we’ll sit down with Bill Kallman of Global Energy Transmission, Andreas Widy of Navatics, Dana Wollman of Engadget, Cory Bergeron of Pitch Video, Ross Wesson of Robotically, Inc., and David Meltzer of Sports 1 Marketing. Our first guest has the world’s predominant technology trade show electrified with possibilities! Co-Founder and U.S. Director for Global Energy Transmission (GET Corp.), Bill Kallman, gives us the scoop on their safe ‘power clouds’ which can enable you to fly a commercial drone indefinitely while charging wirelessly in the air. Next, Andreas Widy, Co-Founder and CEO of Navatics Technology, explains how they’ve transitioned from a successful Kickstarter campaign, to mass production and distribution of their 4K underwater drone. Then, Dana Wollman, Executive Editor at Engadget, gives us an insider’s view on CES trends. Hear the latest industry buzz on Apple Home Kit, smart televisions, concept cars, and drones. The CEO of Pitch Video, Cory Bergeron, steps up to the mic to reveal the latest digital marketing video trends for 2019. Find out how you can use video to emotionally move consumers towards a buying decision.  Ross Wesson, Co-founder and CFA of Robotically, Inc., is next in the hot seat. Ross fills us in on why Birmingham, Alabama was the ideal location to launch his technology startup alongside Dr. Austin Gurley. Wrapping up the episode, David Meltzer, Founder and CEO of Sports 1 Marketing and Host of Entrepreneur’s "Elevator Pitch", has a message for entrepreneurs everywhere, "First time entrepreneurs fail 90% of the time.” Don’t miss David’s recipe for startup success.

• [00:00:00] GET Corp. Creates Wireless Power Clouds
• [00:05:53] Navatics Opens Up Sea of Possibilities
• [00:11:30] Apple Home Kit Leaves Industry Buzzing
• [00:18:20] Digital Marketing Video Trends for 2019
• [00:23:56] Technology Startup to Watch: Robotically
• [00:33:21] David Meltzer Says, "Be Realistic!"

2019 Consumer Electronics Show (Part 1):

In this special edition of Entrepreneur Weekly, Alan Taylor travels to Las Vegas for the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In this episode, we’ll sit down with Jeromy Young of Atomos, Anthony Dohrmann of Electronic Caregiver and Addison Care, and Andrew Rossow of Rossow Law, LLC and GritDaily. First in the hot seat is Jeromy Young, Founder and CEO of Atomos. Jeromy has been working alongside digital imaging greats like Sony, Nikon, and Cannon since the early 2000s. During his career, Jeromy found that a keen understanding of cultural differences was paramount to his success in the tech industry. The Australian entrepreneur explains what it takes to earn respect in a global market. Then, are you struggling to meet the healthcare needs of elderly parents while simultaneously running your business? Alan searched high and low for a product which could ease this common pain point and discovered an electronic caregiving solution. Anthony Dohrmann, CEO of Electronic Caregiver and Addison Care, shares how their virtual caregiving solution is extending the functional life span of an aging population. Next, we turn our attention to the rising tide of online harassment. Andrew Rossow, Managing Editor of GritDaily and Attorney at Law for Rossow Law, LLC, explains how he’s harnessing the power of celebrity and the hashtag #CyberByte to lead the charge against cyberbullying.  

• [00:00:00] What it Takes to Work with Industry Greats
• [00:06:02] Out-muscle the Competition with Dedication
• [00:11:30] 'Yes Men' Are Stunting Your Growth
• [00:18:21] Juggle Caregiving with Business Ownership
• [00:26:49] Dealing with Doubt and Raising Capital
• [00:33:21] #CyberByte Aims to Halt Cyberbullying

Are You Ready to Risk it All to Be Your Own Boss?:

After serving in the United States Marine Corps 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, Derek Sisson searched for employment in the civilian workforce that would complement his unique skillset. Landing in Puerto Rico, Derek cut his entrepreneurial teeth in the tourism business before foraying into the importing and distribution of wine and spirits. In this time, Derek discovered the power of the veteran community and eventually launched his own brand, Merica Bourbon. We find out how Derek’s time in the service shaped the corporate culture, product design, and unique taste of Merica Bourbon. Then, would you be willing to sell your home, cash in your 401K, and risk it all to start your own business? If you crave the freedom of being your own boss, but don’t want to ‘go it alone’, a franchise might be the solution for you. Entrepreneur, business professor, and author of "Adventures in Franchise Ownership", Christy Wilson Delk, reveals her four pillar approach to successfully owning, operating, and eventually exiting a franchise.

• [00:00:00] Starting a Business Around Your Skill Set
• [00:06:04] Unleash the Power of the Veteran Community
• [00:11:30] Lessons on Capital, Integrity, and Faith
• [00:18:21] Explore the Benefits of Owning a Franchise
• [00:26:54] Stick-to-itiveness During Trying Times
• [00:33:21] 4-Pillar Approach to Franchise Ownership

Get Your Financial Planning in Gear with Expert Money Management Tips:

Are you frequently distracted by new opportunities and lack the focus to follow through on an intentional investing strategy? Author of "May You Drink from the Saucer”, Certified Financial Planner, and President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management, Jac Arbour, is ready to help you achieve a robust investment portfolio and abundant life. Learn how to gain clarity on your financial goals, discover the value of mentorship, and more. Plus, get a preview of Jac’s upcoming book, "This Little Piggy: The Tale of the Four Slotted Piggy Bank".

• [00:00:00] Meet Your Next Financial Planning Coach
• [00:05:18] New Book by Jac Arbour: "This Little Piggy"
• [00:11:30] Change the Way You Think About Money
• [00:18:20] Be Intentional with Your Investments
• [00:25:50] Learn to Flex Your Financial Muscles
• [00:33:21] Your Passion Doesn't Always Pay