Growth Think Tank

Our podcast guest Aaron Walker had all the money and "things" he could ever want until certain events in his life catalyzed him to shift his paradigm of thinking in big ways. What poses the pivotal question: "What do you want?" And at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: Relationships. Relationships bring meaning and color to our lives. Something that things and money could never offer. How do we build a life around what we want then? Lean into this episode where Aaron tells us HOW.

Get the show notes for 166 | Relationships are Everything with Aaron Walker

Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @AmonteWalker ‏#ParadigmofThinking #Relationships #Bigways #Episode166 #Podcasts

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If you're a service based business owner, then you'll want to lean into this episode. More than likely, you have thought about or have found that the membership model could be advantageous not only to you but to your customers as well. Our guest for this episode is Robbi Baxter- an expert in the membership model. Listen in to how you can adopt the membership model to your business that potentially create genuine community and connection (what we all crave at the deepest level!)

Get the show notes for 165 | Adopting the Membership Model to Create Community with Robbi Baxter

Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @AmonteWalker ‏#BusinessOwners #Expert #MembershipModel #Episode165 #Podcasts

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Every business, yes every business, needs clients to survive. Find out in this episode what it takes to get a steady flow of ideal clients. I interview Dov Gordon who coaches entrepreneurs to create a steady flow of ideal clients. Dov shares a simple set of questions to help you on your journey.

Get the show notes for 174 | A Constant Flow of Ideal Clients with Dov Gordon

Click to Tweet: Listening to an amazing episode on Leaders in the Trenches with @GeneHammett @DovGordon #Business #Survive #IdealClients #Episode174 #Podcasts

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Ken Dunn is the Founder and Chief of Reader’s Legacy - an online space for the new age of publishing. Reader’s Legacy is bound and determined to revolutionize the way people read, and experience books. Of course, this episode is more than just about books -it’s about revolutionizing the way we do things. It’s about pushing the margin and obeying your vision. Tune in here as we discuss the power of determination and passion.

When you have to make more money or launch a new project, do you immediately think you have to work harder? Well working harder is rarely the right answer. Today's guest is Michelle Bersell who shares insights about what is really going on behind getting more done. Listen to this episode to discover the power of emotional blocks in your life.

Our inner core VALUES are what drive our lives and businesses. Self proclaimed “THRIVE-OLOGIST” Sue Guiher reminds us of the importance of getting back in touch with our core essence. What is our core essence anyway, you might ask? Your core essence is who you have always been - since the beginning. It’s why you left the industry you might have worked for and what caused you to make the decision of going off and doing it on your own. Remember? Once we connect with this part of ourselves once again, our decisions, connections and flow fall into place. Lean into this episode for more on this!

One concept that we constantly look at on our entrepreneurial journey is our sense of self- VALUE. Why? Because as many of us already know, it affects EVERY aspect of our business. Be it our interactions with our clients, what we decide for our pricing, and the impact and power of the service we provide. In this episode, we talk about just how important it is to develop a healthy mindset around our own sense of self VALUE with guest Carrie Greene.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed in your business? Could it be maybe because you are doing everything yourself? The creating, sales and all the administrative tasks on the back end? What will it take to surrender some of the control and build a team for your business? And if you already have a team, what would it take to create a smooth and consistent system that works for everyone? Lean in to this episode where Revenue Specialist - Sonaya Williams gives us some top insight on creating an Automation System that’s simple for all members of the team.

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Target Audience: Sonaya works with all different types of business owners. Her ideal clients are those already making around 6 figures and are at a point seeking to grow their business but are struggling to figure out how.

[spp-tweet "“Business owners think it is best to do things on their own and that’s really not the right answer” ~Sonaya Williams"]

Sonaya has a background working in the corporate world for 10 years where she learned a great deal about automation. She would design systems around how to pay bills online, transferring money between accounts and trained her teams on how to deliver adequate customer experience. She eventually left the corporate world placed the skills she acquired into her own business.

Many business owners think it is best to do things on their own and that’s really not the right answer. You either hire a team and learn to delegate or find effective software. What she advises those who are struggling with automation is to:

• make a list of all the tasks/elements of your business.
• determine what can be delegated off...
• identify how long it takes you
• decide if this is something you can delegate to a VA or an assistant for $10-20 an hour

While administrative tasks are essential and make one feel productive, they aren’t exactly what brings revenue in. For example, as a Life Coach business owner, you’d probably prefer to focus on the “3 C’s” = Coaching, Creating and Converting (sales). The administrative tasks behind all this would be the tasks you would delegate to your team.

[spp-tweet "“Implement the task management tool so you can see the your full business”~Sonaya Williams"]

Let's take Blogging for example. Sonaya recommends using google docs and a folder for all the blogs. Sonaya determine what the topic is and then writes her notes and a brief outline of the article. Then she delegates it out to one of her team members to complete.

Sonaya also recommends utilizing a marketing calendar to lay out all articles for each week. Google docs works great because it’s all in real time and content doesn’t get “lost” through back and forth emailing. It’s the best way to streamline.

Sonaya recommends using a CRM called Teamworkpm (or feel free to explore different manager tools that will build your delegation muscle). CRM’s are great because when you place a task in there, you are also delegating the task to different people on the team and the due dates. Without a CRM, people aren’t always very clear about what needs to get done, by whom and by when. Getting into a habit of putting it into a system will give everyone a clear idea of what is happening. As a business owner, this will also help you gage when there is an overload of tasks too. And just as importantly, tasks don’t get lost in a black hole.

The project manager allows for everything to be in one spot. Tasks get lost when you use too many tools and you end up wasting more time. It also leads business owners to take on the tasks themselves in the end!

[spp-tweet "“People give up on following up after the 2nd time which is scary!” ~Sonaya Williams"]

There is a CRM tool called Contactually which allows you to keep track of your follow ups and general contacts. Sonaya often sees that people often give up on following up after the second attempt. This is scary because you really do miss out on clients. Sonaya has found that connection sometimes is finally achieved after the 10th or even 12th time! Thus, streamlining this area of your business is extremely crucial.

Sonaya even has a way of streamlining (with her team) to conduct research on the leads’ pain points. Based on their pain points they are added to a specific area in Infusionsoft.

Sonaya tells us about a client of hers who is a bookkeeper and had a goal to find a way to make a good living while creating more time so she could spend it with her kids. Sonaya and her team started out by restructuring her team of 12 by placing them in “triads.” So now, the client simply just deals with the managers (rather than everyone). Sonaya and her team also helped this client to restructure her step by step processes. Managers now have a playbook on how to do their job every day. In the end, these modifications saved them 9 hours a day! This translates payroll of course (more for your money)! And the client has more of a lifestyle in place.

People resist this process because it’s not “fun” until they see the results it could bring them.
The biggest benefit from automation is having things streamlined and consistent. Then as a business owner, you are freed up to grow your business and create more content and have higher conversions. think of what it could be like to have it all streamlined and consistent?

[spp-tweet "“Having a CRM helps you track communication with your leads” ~Sonaya Williams"]

• Why as a business owner, you must delegate
• How to delegate in a way that makes sense
• Specific CRM’s to use to streamline
• Why Follow-Ups are so important and how to be consistent
• How to save time and money through automation
• Getting yourself and your entire team on the same page

Start documenting what you do in your business each day and all day. Then you will be able to know who and what skills you need to help you carry out those processes. Document how you do: newsletters; sales calls; develop programs.

• Sonaya's Website
• Sonaya on Twitter
• Teamworkpm (Tool for Team Management)
• Contactually  (Tool for sales)
• Free tools on being a Market Leader
• Schedule a complimentary call and talk about your biz challenges 

Did you know that you can apply to chat with me by phone? This is a limited time offer to help anyone that is serious about refining their business as well as developing a clear & compelling strategy that will drive them forward. Complete the questions and our team will follow up with you to schedule time for your “Business Breakthrough Session”. These are limited to 30 minutes, completely free and oh, so valuable.  Apply Now!

And lastly, please leave a rating and review for the Leaders in the Trenches on iTunes (or Stitcher) – it will help us in many ways, but it also inspires us to keep doing what we are doing here. Thank you in advance!

How are you showing up in the world and in your business? You may think that style and appearance is an insignificant and maybe even a superficial area to focus on. Catherine Cassidy - founder of U Styled says it is everything. In fact, our presence (mostly made up by our style) makes up 55% of our communication. Meanwhile, our verbal communication only makes up 7%! Catherine shares more on how our style is a representation of our inner attitude and thus why it’s important to start making some tweaks to our style. If connecting with others effectively is part of your business strategy, you’ll want to listen carefully to this episode.

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Target Audience: Catherine founded “U Styled” in 2008 with the intention of working with busy successful women and aim to make their lives easier. Catherine narrowed down her niche by only working with highly driven women.
[spp-tweet "“Style is about how you show up” ~Catherine Cassidy"]

The mission of U Styled is to guide highly driven women in streamlining their style and outsourcing their shopping with the boutique box service offered. It is a unique approach to make sure their clients have the things they need in their wardrobes.

[spp-tweet "“When you allow your own self to shine, you are giving others permission to do the same” ~Catherine Cassidy"]

Catherine explains that her target niche must be driven because they have to see the possibilities for themselves. Catherine sees the potential in everyone and doesn’t come from a judgemental place. Yet, she still believes it is important that her clients are able to see it too. Those who are driven see their own potential and know the direction they are headed in. ALSO, they are willing to invest in themselves and are consciously asking for help.

Style is all about how you show up. It’s not just about the clothes. It’s important to think about what you’re wearing because it actually impacts your performance. Social Psychologist, Adam Galinsky did a study using 3 different groups of people. They all had to wear a white coat - but they were all different types of white coats. Here were the categories:

• Just a white coat
• A doctor’s lab coat
• A painter’s smock

Adam conducted a basic memory test to determine how each subject performed. The findings revealed a significant difference between those wearing the lab coat vs. the painter’s smock. It was concluded that your physical memories impact who you are and how you perform. It also affects how you make decisions and how you approach people.

[spp-tweet "“Think about what you’re wearing because it actually impacts your performance” ~Catherine Cassady"]

Remember that people are feeling your energy. Your style is an outer expression of your inner self, so you want your outer presence to completely match your inner presence. In this way, your attitude backs up the words coming out of your mouth. Did you know that 55% of your communication is physical? Here is a complete correlation of how your presence translates into how you show up. Only 7% of your messaging is verbal! You want to be sure that what you are saying is lined up with your presence. It’s about achieving congruence with who you are connecting with and bridging that gap. Be sure you are showing up and not DISTRACTING.

Catherine says - Yes. Men should be mindful of how they are showing up too. Although there are differences in concern between men and women, there are concerns both genders share.
For example, both men and women are guilty for wearing clothes that are not properly fitted. Whatever the case may be, the unfitted and/or untailored looks comes off as unpolished and unprofessional.

Style is a statement of power and thus it is important to consider if you are someone who is intending to claim Authority in your market. You’re not only setting the precedence for those following you but also for all those on your team.

[spp-tweet "“Your style is an outer expression of your inner self” ~Catherine Cassidy"]

• Your clothes “bunch” or “bag”
• You have plenty of room in your clothes
• You’re not comfortable even if you have plenty of room
• You’re hiding (because you’re not comfortable)
• You don’t get compliments on your clothes

[spp-tweet "“You want your outer presence to completely match your inner presence” ~Catherine Cassidy"]

• How your style has everything to do with how you’re showing up
• Why your presence is your biggest communicator
• Why others can feel your presence
• Why your style is connected to your inner attitude.
• How your style can position you as an Authority
• Why Men should be concerned about their style just as much as women
• How to know if your style is frumpy

Reach out to Catherine directly via her website. The website is also packed with lots of free resources to get you started. Catherine also recommends going in your closet and trying on all your pants. Remember that you only need 1 good pair. Pay attention to the fit of your pants.

[spp-tweet "“Style is a statement of power” ~Catherine Cassidy"]

• Catherine's Website
• Contact Catherine: [email protected]
• Catherine on Twitter
• Grab your free resources to help you get more Sales & Speaking Gigs
• Schedule a Chat with Gene and get your business rolling
• Share the LOVE and TWEET about this episode.

Did you know that you can apply to chat with me by phone? This is a limited time offer to help anyone that is serious about refining their business as well as developing a clear & compelling strategy that will drive them forward. Complete the questions and our team will follow up with you to schedule time for your “Business Breakthrough Session”. These are limited to 30 minutes, completely free and oh, so valuable.  Apply Now!

And lastly, please leave a rating and review for the Leaders in the Trenches on iTunes (or Stitcher) – it will help us in many ways, but it also inspires us to keep doing what we are doing here. Thank you in advance!

Our podcast guest Aaron Walker had all the money and “things” he could ever want until certain events in his life catalyzed him to shift his paradigm of thinking in big ways.What poses the pivotal question: “What do you want?” And at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: Relationships. Relationships bring meaning and color to our lives. Something that things and money could never offer. How do we build a life around what we want then? Lean into this episode where Aaron tells us HOW.

Share the LOVE and TWEET about this episode.

Target Audience: Aaron’s target audience is specifically narrowed in on Men. He aims to make ordinary men extraordinary.

[spp-tweet "“What I had been doing all my life was chasing success” ~Aaron Walker"]

Aaron started out his entrepreneurial journey in the Pawn industry when he was a teenager. He opened up his own Pawn business at 18. The business was so successful that he was able to pay off a 10 year loan in 36 months. He went on to open up a few more businesses in his twenties. He sold all of them. At 27, Aaron retired and “thought” he was finished. He ended up gaining 50 pounds in 18 months because he had nothing to do other than sit in the house. Aaron didn't have to work anymore. This made him realize that he didn't have a purpose. He had no reason to get up every day and felt quite bored.

He decided to go back into business and bought the store he sold when he was 18. Then, in 2001, he experienced a massive car accident and it rocked his world. It made him really think about what he was doing and made him realize that all his life he had been chasing success. He opened up a construction company. At the age of 50, he retired one final time and started coaching for his business called - “VIEW.” Aaron made coaching mastermind groups and 1:1 coaching his focus.

[spp-tweet ""Everyone wants financial freedom & stability" ~Aaron Walker"]

Aaron delves deeply into 2 concepts: Success and Significance. So what does Success really mean anyway? Well, according to Aaron, everyone wants financial freedom & stability. But it’s more than just that. People want meaningful relationships. Everything else in life is pretty mute without that component. Aaron learned this from his dad. At his dad’s funeral in 2006, for 6 and ½ hours, the line of people waiting to see his dad’s casket stretched all the way down until the parking lot. And not one person in attendance talked about what his dad HAD. Rather, they spoke about his character and what they appreciated about him. That’s when Aaron realized what it meant to have a successful life- the RELATIONSHIPS we create.

[spp-tweet ""Have a clear conscious to me is very important" ~Aaron Walker"]

• It was also clear to him that having a clear conscious is important.
• Learned to be CONTENT, yet not COMPLACENT.
• Understood how to cultivate a clear sense of direction.
• Trusting FULLY in a higher power.
• Having the intention of creating meaning and purpose.
• Intending to be considered wise and leaving a legacy.

[spp-tweet ""I had to consciously intend to be Significant" ~Aaron Walker"]

Significance contrasts Success in that it is about meeting the needs of others. It is the subtle action of looking outward rather than inward. Aaron made the intention of helping others when they couldn't repay him. This is about aiding others when it’s not exactly convenient for him. it’s about giving out of discipline (from the heart) rather than compulsion. WHY you ask? To build meaningful relationships.

All these intentions are rooted in a question he asked himself one day: “What do I want?” He created a document around it you can find in the resource section of this shownotes page. Most people live their life in reactive mode rather from a PROACTIVE place. Aaron encourages us to live a life on purpose with intention of your own making. The only thing we are in complete control over is our attitude and it is your choice to be content yet not complacent in your current situation.

By taking the time to invest in others and showing interest in their lives, you end up building real relationships. This drives business forward while also adding true significance to our lives. It’s a paradigm shift to think: “What do I bring to this?” vs “What can I get?”

[spp-tweet ""Happiness is a Choice not a Trait" ~Aaron Walker"]

• Why relationships are more important than ANYTHING
• How to build genuine relationships
• How to add value to your life and business
• The meaning of Success
• The meaning of Significance
• How to live a life of INTENTION

Build relationships intentionally. Write 3 emails per day (or reach out to 3 new people every day). Tweet people. Retweet people. Reach out and do something for others.

[spp-tweet ""Relationships are EVERYTHING. Period." ~Aaron Walker"]

• Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World Hardcover by Gary Vaynerchuk
• Aaron's site: View from the top
• Steps to a Productive Day (catalyst doc to take your life to the next level)
• Aaron on Twitter 
• Join Aaron's Community
• Join Aaron's Mastermind: "Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind"
• 1:1 coaching with Aaron
• Chat with Gene about your biz & the LEGACY you want to create
• Get the Gig (I’ll show you how!)
• YOUR INNER CRITIC IS AN ASSHOLE: 5 Reasons You Get in Your Own Way
• Leave a review on itunes
• Share the LOVE and TWEET about this episode.

Did you know that you can apply to chat with me by phone? This is a limited time offer to help anyone that is serious about refining their business as well as developing a clear & compelling strategy that will drive them forward. Complete the questions and our team will follow up with you to schedule time for your “Business Breakthrough Session”. These are limited to 30 minutes, completely free and oh, so valuable.  Apply Now!

And lastly, please leave a rating and review for the Leaders in the Trenches on iTunes (or Stitcher) – it will help us in many ways, but it also inspires us to keep doing what we are doing here. Thank you in advance!