Ready to tap into a deeper source of power for your business and life? 🤔 What if your intentions, aligned with your heart, could create quantum shifts in your reality? This episode explores the fascinating intersection of quantum principles, intention, and practical business success.

Meet Marla Ballard, CEO of YU2SHINE and a pioneer in Quantum Personal Development, here to guide us. ✨

⚡

The foundational idea: Everything is energy. You, your thoughts, your business – all energy. When you create a conscious thought, an intention, you're literally sending out a signal, beginning to shift the energy around you and within you.

❤️🧠

Many talk about "mind over matter." But what if there's something even more potent? Marla explains why Heart over Mind over Matter creates much bigger leaps. Trying to force something your heart isn't truly in? We all know how that usually goes. But when your intention is fueled by deep alignment, love, joy – that "lights your soul up" feeling – and then you take intuitively guided action? That's when powerful things happen.

💭🧲

Think of your thoughts as electrical impulses, measurable brainwaves. And your feelings? They're more like a magnetic experience, attracting and magnifying what you feel. This is why aligning your heart's frequency with your conscious thoughts is so crucial for manifesting what you desire.

🚧

So, why do we get stuck or fall off our path, especially in business? Often, it's because we've forgotten who we truly are and why we started. Setbacks, disappointments, unmet expectations can diminish our energy. The key is to intentionally tune back into what you truly want, your core purpose. Reconnect with gratitude for how far you've come and the meaningful impact you aim to create. 🙏

🗣️

A simple yet profound shift: Change your language from "I have to do this" to "I get to do this." Recognize the privilege in the tasks you undertake for the business you dreamed of and created. This instantly shifts your energy back to gratitude and purpose, even for the less enjoyable parts.

📞

Consider the power of intention in everyday actions, like making sales calls. Are you on autopilot, secretly hoping for voicemail? Or are you intentionally aiming to connect, serve, and get to know the right people, with no attachment to the immediate outcome? Marla shares how this shift in intention dramatically increased her call connection rates!

🧘

While we don't control everything, our internal vibrational state does influence our interactions and what we attract. If your energy is off, you might not connect with those operating at a higher frequency that day. It's okay – we all have off days. The awareness itself is a powerful tool.

🌟

Ultimately, it's about being who you uniquely came here to be. We each have a distinct set of experiences and gifts. When we embrace and express that uniqueness, we shine our brightest light. Imagine if everyone operated from this place of authentic contribution – how would collaboration and collective growth transform? Your perception of yourself and the world is foundational. You cannot out-imagine your own self-perception.

🚀

Tap into the power of your heart-aligned intentions. Combine scientific principles with transformative practices to break through limiting beliefs. Trust your inner voice and create an extraordinary, aligned business and life.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to harness the power of your intention? Like this video, Comment with one intention you're setting, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on aligning your inner state with your outer business success.

Explore Marla Ballard's work in Quantum Personal Development:

• Visit her Empower Me Academy page: https://empower-me-academy.yu2shine.com/marla-ballard
• FREE GIFT: Download Marla's ebook with the 50 Most Limiting Beliefs (and their antidotes!) to start your transformation: https://mygiftoffer.com/

Connect with Marla:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marla.ballard.9
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marla.ballard/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlafballard/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Kevin Jans (GovCon in Flux: Navigating DOGE & Federal Shifts):

🧠 Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer: During times of significant government change like the DOGE initiative, proactively set your business course based on facts rather than just reacting to the fluctuating news cycle.

❓ Assess Real Impact with 3 Key Questions:

Is the announced number (e.g., budget cut) truly "big" in the overall context?

What do these changes actually mean operationally, beyond the headlines?

How does this specifically impact your business and your government contracts?

🛡️ GovCon Fundamentals Endure: While the "snow globe" is being shaken, the core structure of government contracting (Congress funds, Contracting Officers award, contractors perform) remains largely intact.

📰 Filter the Noise: Protect your valuable time. Be highly selective with news consumption, focusing on actionable intelligence rather than high-volume, low-context media that can cause unnecessary alarm.

🎯 Adapt Your Niche Focus: Continuously revisit the specific problem you solve for your government clients and why they buy from you, as their motivations can shift rapidly with changes in policy and funding.

Austin Bonderer (Inventors: Is Your Idea Patentable & Worth Protecting?):

💡 Patent When Solving a Problem: If you're innovating and solving a tangible problem, especially with dedicated R&D, it's time to investigate patentability.

💣 Patents Create a "Minefield," Not a Wall: A patent makes it difficult for competitors to enter your space. Strengthen this by considering a family of related patents and using continuation practice for ongoing protection.

🤫 Disclosure is Deadly: The golden rule – file your patent application before any public disclosure (market tests, crowdfunding, public demos) to safeguard your rights.

📈 Patent + Business Plan = Success: A patent alone isn't enough. You need a solid business strategy to monetize your invention. Often, getting the patent is just the first step.

⚖️ Navigate USPTO with Expertise: While you can do initial searches, the patent process (especially regarding "obviousness" and examiner subjectivity) typically requires professional legal guidance.

Ray Lozano (The Loyalty Loop: Create Die-Hard Customer Fans):

❤️ Connect Emotionally First: Customers often approach businesses from an emotional state (anxious, confused). Meet them there with empathy and understanding before presenting information or solutions.

🗣️ Speak Your Customer's Language (Beat the Expert's Curse): After years in your field, you forget what it's like to be a new customer. Intentionally recall their initial perspective, fears, and questions to communicate more effectively.

🦸 Make Your Customer the Hero: In all your messaging and interactions, position your business as the trusted guide that helps the customer achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.

🔄 The Loyalty Loop Builds Advocates: By consistently making an emotional connection and centering the customer, you foster deep loyalty, turning satisfied clients into enthusiastic promoters of your business.

🤝 Embed Loyalty Principles Company-Wide: For the Loyalty Loop to be truly effective, these principles of emotional connection and customer-centricity must be understood and practiced by everyone in your organization, at every customer touchpoint.

Francie Jain (The $32M Payoff: Group Coaching vs. Employee Turnover):

💰 Group Coaching Yields High ROI: Strategic investment in tailored group coaching for employees can lead to massive financial returns, primarily by significantly reducing costly employee turnover (as seen in a $32M annual savings case study).

🙋 Employee Input Drives Coaching Success: To maximize engagement and impact, survey your employees to understand their specific development needs and preferences. Design coaching programs based on these direct requests.

🛡️ Foster Psychological Safety: Effective group coaching can cultivate psychological safety, empowering employees to ask questions, voice concerns, and contribute more openly, which boosts team performance.

⚔️ Shift from Defensive Spending to Offensive Growth: By cutting major expenses like high turnover through people development, companies can free up substantial capital for proactive investments in growth, innovation, and further team enhancement.

📈 Modern Employees Expect Development: Providing professional development opportunities is no longer just a perk but an expectation, especially for younger generations. It boosts loyalty and retention, making it a competitive advantage.

Check out https://humanop.com now to download our free app that is proven to change lives and reveal your full potential.

Follow Us for daily business advice https://www.youtube.com/@HarmoniousBusiness

Time to fuel your business success with bite-sized advice! This series brings you expert conversations to drive clarity. Join our Facebook group to find harmony in business together and gain useful business advice.

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What if investing in your people delivered a higher ROI than your R&D budget? 🤯 It sounds bold, but the data on strategic employee development, particularly through group coaching, is compelling. This episode explores how focusing on your team's growth can dramatically reduce costs and build a thriving organization.

Meet Francie Jain, founder of Terawatt, a B2B marketplace likened to an "Airbnb for executive coaches." 🏡💼

💡

Francie believes that thriving communities are built by individuals striving to be their best. Terawatt connects employers with expert coaches, making impactful group education accessible. The core idea? When people are happy, fulfilled, and growing, they're less interested in dominating others and more focused on positive contribution. ✨

💰

Consider the staggering financial impact: Francie shares a powerful case study of a healthcare organization with a 24% employee turnover rate. By implementing a tailored group coaching program focused on concepts like psychological safety (where employees feel safe to question and contribute), with CEO involvement and an opt-in approach... Their turnover dropped to just 4% over nine years! The financial difference? A mind-blowing $32 MILLION per year saved. 😮 This wasn't from slashing R&D; it was from deeply investing in their people.

🔑

What made this program so successful? A key factor was employee input. Surveying employees to understand their actual needs and what they want to learn leads to far higher engagement and better outcomes than top-down mandated training. It bridges the gap between what leadership thinks is needed and what resonates with the team.

🛡️➡️⚔️

When you solve major people-problems like high turnover, your company shifts from playing defense (constantly hiring, training, covering gaps) to playing offense. Imagine what your business could do with an extra $32 million annually – new facilities, better compensation, further innovation, more investment in your team. You get to decide your future, not just react to crises.

⏳

The old mindset: "If I train my employees, they'll just leave for a better job." The new reality (especially with Gen Z): Employees expect professional development. If you don't provide it, they'll leave. If you do provide it, they stay longer and become more valuable. Happy, growing employees are far less likely to jump ship for a small pay increase elsewhere. They're invested. ❤️

🧪

Not sure if group coaching is right for your organization? Francie suggests a pilot program. Select a small group, use a control group if possible, survey before and after, and track key organizational metrics. See the impact for yourself. Often, when others see the positive results and the "FOMO" kicks in, engagement snowballs.

🌟

Investing in your team through strategic group coaching isn't just an expense; it's a high-ROI strategy. It builds a happier, more skilled, more loyal workforce, reduces costly turnover, and frees up resources for proactive growth. Build an environment where people and your business can thrive together.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to explore the ROI of people development? Like this video, Comment with your thoughts on group coaching, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on fostering a thriving, productive culture within your own organization.

Explore Francie Jain's B2B marketplace for expert coaching:

• Visit Terawatt to see their network of coaches and learn how they facilitate impactful group education: https://terawatt.co/ (You can browse coaches or set up a call!).

Connect with Francie & Terawatt:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciejain/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terawattgroups/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Want customers so loyal they become your best advocates, practically "addicted" to your business? 🤩 It's not magic; it's about deep human connection. This episode unveils "The Loyalty Loop," a powerful framework for turning clients into raving fans who eagerly promote you.

Meet Ray Lozano, a behavioral engagement expert and awarded stand-up comic, who reverse-engineered the science of connection. 🧠🎤

🔄

Ray's journey is fascinating – from studying addiction to helping kids, parents, and now businesses foster profound bonds. The core idea? If we can understand what makes people "stick," we can apply those principles to build unbreakable customer loyalty.

🚂💨

Imagine your potential customer: They're often like someone lost in a bustling Tokyo train station – anxious, confused, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. They're operating from a place of high emotion.

🗣️❤️

The first crucial step to connection: Speak THEIR language. Before you offer solutions or data, simply show them, "I understand what you're going through." This immediate emotional validation builds instant relief, hope, and trust. Remember, your client often speaks the language of "Big E" (Emotion), while businesses tend to speak "Big I" (Intelligence). These languages clash if not bridged. Connect with empathy first, then provide information. (Ray shares a powerful "yellow lab" story to illustrate this!)

👟

Beat the "Expert's Curse"! After years in your business, it's easy to forget what it felt like to be a new, confused customer. Take the time to truly remember their initial questions, fears, and uncertainties. This helps you communicate in a way that truly resonates.

🦸

Make your CUSTOMER the hero of the story, not your business. On your website, in your messaging – position yourself as the trusted guide (like Sam for Frodo, or Red for Andy Dufresne) who helps them succeed. This shift in perspective is fundamental to building deep loyalty.

🤝

This isn't a one-time tactic; it's an ongoing commitment. The principles of the Loyalty Loop – emotional connection first, customer as hero – must be embedded by everyone in your company and at every touchpoint of the customer journey. From the initial website visit to sales conversations to customer service interactions.

📈

The results? Ray has seen businesses achieve astounding retention rates (think 92%!) and a flood of warm referrals. When clients feel deeply understood and supported, they don't just stay – they actively champion your brand.

✨

Stop chasing transactional sales and start building lasting loyalty. Learn how to tap into the core human need for connection and turn your customers into your most powerful growth engine.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to build unbreakable customer loyalty? Like this video, Comment with your biggest customer connection challenge, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on the human dynamics that drive connection and loyalty in your business.

Explore Ray Lozano's work and the Loyalty Loop:

• Visit his website to learn more about his approach and how to make your clients the hero (He's finalizing a new Loyalty Loop site with lots of free resources!): https://www.raylozano.com (Go to the contact page for now!)

Connect with Ray:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raylozanospeaker

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Got a game-changing invention or a unique solution to a problem? 🤔 Understanding when and how to protect your intellectual property with a patent can be a minefield. This episode demystifies the patent process for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Meet Austin Bonderer, an engineer with a law degree, who brings a practical, real-world perspective to patent strategy. 💡

🛠️

When should you even start thinking about a patent? Austin shares his own origin story – inventing a wireless smoke detector as a young adult after a near fire, a project that became his university thesis! 🔥 The core principle: If you find yourself solving a tangible problem, especially if your business involves R&D, it's time to explore patentability. "Necessity is the mother of invention."

⏳💰

Patents generally last 20 years from filing, but what's the real "juice vs. the squeeze"? Securing a patent is a front-loaded investment, made before you fully know an invention's market success. It can take 2-3 years for the patent office to even begin its review, though adjustments can extend the term if they take too long. This isn't like trademarks where time is less critical.

💣

Think of patents less like an impenetrable wall and more like a minefield for your competitors. It's about making it difficult and risky for others to copy your core innovation. Often, this involves filing a family of patents or using "continuation practice" – filing new applications with refined claims based on an original disclosure – to adapt to market changes or competitor designs. This strategy can fortify your protection, even if it doesn't extend the original 20-year term of the first invention.

🏛️ subjectivity "obviousness." Austin explains the often-subjective nature of patent examination. Different examiners can have vastly different interpretations of what's "obvious," and their allowance rates can vary significantly. You typically can't just request a new examiner if you get a tough one!

🔄

Get creative with patenting! Even if a core product itself is old, you might be able to patent a new use for it. Think Aspirin for heart attacks or a diabetes drug (like Ozempic) finding a new application for weight loss. This is a valid patent strategy.

📈

A patent is NOT the finish line; it's often just the starting pistol. Only a small fraction of patents (~5%) ever lead to commercial success. Austin stresses: You MUST have a business plan to monetize your invention. Simply getting a patent and hoping a big company will buy it is rarely a winning strategy; they're more likely to try and design around it. Success usually comes from building a business around your patented product, proving its marketability, and then attracting investors or an acquisition.

🤫

CRITICAL WARNING: Public disclosure before filing a patent application can kill your patent rights globally. Market testing your idea or launching a Kickstarter without prior patent protection can mean you've just done the R&D for your competitors, who can then rush to market. Protect your idea FIRST.

🔍

Can you do some groundwork yourself? Yes, you can conduct initial prior art searches to see what's already out there. But don't get discouraged if things look similar. Minute changes can solve big problems and still be patentable – distinctions an expert can see but an inventor might miss. Professional guidance is key.

🚀

Protecting your innovation is a crucial step for many businesses. Understand the process, the strategy, and when to call in an expert.

Now What? ➡️

Have an invention you're thinking about? Like this video, Comment with your patent questions, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to get instant clarity on how to structure your business for innovation and growth.

Explore Austin Bonderer's expertise in patent law:

• Visit his website to learn more about navigating the patent process: https://bondererpatents.com/

Connect with Austin "The Patent Attorney":

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austin.the.patent
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_the_patent_attorney/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Heard the term "DOGE" dominating the news about the U.S. government? 🤔 Feeling uncertain about how these major shifts and budget discussions might impact your business, especially if you're in or considering government contracting? This episode cuts through the noise with a practical, non-political perspective.

Meet Kevin Jans, a government contracting expert with decades of experience on both the buyer and seller side, here to help you make sense of it all. 🧭

🌪️

In times of widespread change and uncertainty, it's easy to react to every headline. Kevin advises: Be a thermostat, not a thermometer. Set your own course based on facts, don't just reflect the fluctuating temperature of the news cycle.

📊

To assess the real impact of initiatives like DOGE, ask three crucial questions: 1️⃣ Is it actually a big number? Headlines shout about billions, even trillions. But what's the context? A $32 billion cut from an $800+ billion defense budget or a multi-trillion overall federal spend might be a small percentage. "Savings" from canceled future-year contract options aren't the same as current budget reductions. Dig deeper than the surface figures.

📜

2️⃣ What does this change really mean for operations? When contracts are "terminated for convenience," what's the full story? Sometimes termination costs (severance, lease breaks) can exceed the remaining contract value. A contract ending two days before its natural expiration isn't a massive "cut." Understand the nuances before drawing conclusions about broad impacts.

💼

3️⃣ How does this specifically matter to ME and MY business? Consider the "Triangle of GovCon Forces": Competition, Communication, Regulation. If regulations shrink (a DOGE aim), it might increase competition and demand more direct communication and relationship-building with government agencies. Are your specific contracts or target agencies directly affected? For many (perhaps 85-90%), the direct operational impact might be minimal, despite the pervasive feeling of uncertainty.

❄️

The government contracting "snow globe" is being shaken, creating a "miserable middle" of transition. However, fundamental principles remain: Congress allocates funds, Contracting Officers award contracts, and contractors perform essential work. This core structure is resilient. The current changes aim to make government more "business-like" by re-evaluating long-standing practices – which can be positive if executed with finesse, though the current approach can feel like a "hammer."

📰

Protect your most valuable resource: Your Time. Be highly selective about your news consumption. Mainstream news often lacks the deep context needed for sound business decisions. Focus on sources that help you answer those three key questions. If information isn't actionable, it's likely noise distracting you from what truly matters for your business.

🎯

Even amidst flux, opportunities exist, especially for small businesses that understand the system. The key is to stay informed on relevant changes, focus on the problem you solve for your specific niche, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Don't get sidetracked by a crisis that may not actually be yours.

Now What? ➡️

Navigating government changes? Like this video, Comment with your thoughts on DOGE's impact, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on how your business can adapt and thrive amidst external shifts.

Explore Kevin Jans' deep expertise in government contracting:

• Visit the Skyway Acquisition website for training, consulting, and resources: https://www.skywayacq.com
• Check out Skyway's Podcast Trial Playlist for targeted GovCon audio content: https://skywayacq.com/podcast-trial-playlist/
• For real-time (unofficial) DOGE cut information, Kevin mentioned a community resource: https://doge.muskwatch.com/

Connect with Skyway Acquisition:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyway-acquisition/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Yosi Amram (The Power of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership - SQ):

• ✨ SQ is Practical, Not Religious: Spiritual Intelligence isn't about specific beliefs, but the ability to embody universal qualities like purpose, gratitude, presence, and compassion in everyday leadership and interactions.
• 🧠 SQ Complements & Enhances EQ/IQ: Research indicates that SQ can be a more significant predictor of leadership effectiveness, team morale, and even financial results than Emotional Intelligence (EQ) alone, though they work best together.
• 🤝 Build an SQ-Driven Culture: Foster this by aligning individual and organizational purpose, actively practicing gratitude, encouraging genuine presence (your focused attention is a powerful gift), and viewing the team as an interconnected, harmonious organism.
• ⏳ The Value of True Presence: Your undivided attention is your scarcest and most valuable resource. Giving it fully to others is a profound sign of respect and connection, crucial in both work and personal life.
• ❤️ Combat Disengagement with Meaning: SQ addresses the human need for meaning, purpose, and valued contribution, countering workplace loneliness and fostering a motivated, connected team.

Gillian Utesch (Human-to-Human Marketing Starts with AI):

• 🤖 AI for Authentic Engagement Prep: Use AI to handle the time-consuming, repetitive "front-end" tasks of networking (like data mining, initial outreach, simple engagements) to free up your time for genuine, deeper human-to-human conversations.
• 💬 Connection First, Sales Second: Design your outreach strategies (even AI-assisted ones) with the primary goal of creating genuine human connection and providing value, rather than immediate selling. Opportunities naturally follow trust.
• 🌱 "Warm-Up" Contacts with AI: Instead of a cold connection request, program AI to perform several small, positive interactions (likes, relevant comments, endorsements) over a few days to build familiarity before asking to connect.
• ਧੀ Patience is Still a Virtue: Even with AI accelerating outreach, building real relationships takes time. Expect results to build over weeks and months of consistent, authentic (AI-assisted) engagement.
• 🛠️ Solve Your Own Problem: Gillian’s tool originated from her own struggle with online networking, demonstrating how addressing personal business pain points can lead to valuable innovations for others.

Tracey Sundkvist (5 Crucial Skills to Get Ahead in Business):

• ⏱️ Master Prioritization: Shift from being controlled by your time (firefighting) to strategically controlling your time. Focus more on "Entrepreneur" level work (strategy, vision) than "Technician" work (daily fulfillment).
• 🗣️ Learn the "Languages" of Business: Understand and use the language of Finance (know your numbers, tell a story), the Market (customer problems, your value), and Performance (effective leadership).
• 💡 Become a Capable Problem Solver: Don't just fix symptoms; identify and address the root cause of issues. Take radical responsibility – your actions, not external factors, primarily drive your results.
• 📊 Cultivate Objectivity with Data: Make business decisions based on data and facts, not just emotions or assumptions. Data provides clarity on what's truly working or not.
• 🎉 Embrace Fun & Play for Sustainability: Avoid burnout by integrating activities that bring joy and replenishment into your life (the "Healthy Mind Platter" concept). A rested and fulfilled leader is a more effective leader.

Jake Smolarek (Why Clarity Beats Motivation):

• 🎯 Clarity is Your Ultimate Driver: Motivation is fleeting; a crystal-clear vision of what you actually want provides enduring direction and propels you forward, especially on tough days. Procrastination often signals a lack of clarity.
• 🗺️ Navigate with Your "Vision GPS":Vision (Clear Destination)
• Goals (SMART, multi-level)
• Planning Process (Adaptable, not rigid)
• Systems (Daily actions/tools like SEO, habits) All four are essential for reaching your objectives.
• 🚫 Strive for "No Zero Percent Days": Commit to making some progress—however small—towards your vision every single day. Consistency builds momentum.
• 💪 Action Breeds Confidence & Motivation: Don't wait for confidence or motivation to start. Take action, even if you "suck" at first. Success and positive feelings often follow the doing.
• 🐸 Apply the 80/20 Rule ("Eat That Frog"): Identify the 20% of tasks that will yield 80% of your results (these are often the most challenging) and tackle them first each day.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Feeling stuck, just spinning your wheels in your business without real traction? 😫 What if the secret to consistent progress isn't more motivation, but crystal-clear CLARITY? This episode dives into why knowing exactly what you want is the most powerful driver for achieving your business goals.

Meet Jake Smolarek, a high-performance coach and entrepreneur, who shares his framework for turning vague aspirations into tangible results. 🧭

🎯

Why is clarity so crucial? When you ask someone, "What do you actually want?" many struggle to answer with precision. But once your vision is clear (like deciding you want a red BMW), your brain actively starts helping you spot opportunities and pathways to achieve it. Vague goals like "I want to lose some weight" don't give your brain enough direction.

💪

Clarity beats motivation, every single time. Motivation is like a shower – you need it daily, and sometimes it just isn't there. It comes and goes. 씻다 Clear vision and goals, however, provide an internal compass that pushes you forward, even on your toughest days. Often, procrastination is simply a symptom of not knowing what you truly want.

🗺️

Jake introduces his powerful "Vision GPS" framework: V = Vision: Your ultimate destination. It doesn't need to be 100% perfect from day one, but it must be clear enough (70-80%) so you know where you're headed. You can't hit a target you can't see. G = Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound (SMART) goals. Break down your vision into long-term, mid-term, and daily objectives. Achieving small wins fuels discipline. P = Planning Process: This isn't a rigid, static plan. It's an adaptable process (think Sun Tzu's Art of War). Constantly observe your environment and be ready to pivot quickly. Success loves speed! S = Systems: The daily actions, habits, and tools (like SEO, effective marketing, or routines from "Atomic Habits") that consistently move you towards your vision.

⚙️

All four components – Vision, Goals, Planning Process, and Systems – are essential. If one is missing, you're likely to stumble. For instance, great goals without an adaptable planning process can lead to failure when unexpected obstacles (like a pandemic) arise.

🚧

Embrace imperfection and take action! Perfectionism is a dream killer. The "perfect moment" never arrives. Confidence and even motivation often come after you start doing the work and achieve small successes. Be prepared to "suck" when you start something new – everyone does. The key is daily progress ("No Zero Percent Days"). 💯 Successful people are often healthily obsessed with their vision and make consistent, even if small, steps every single day.

🐸

Prioritize with the 80/20 rule. Of your ten tasks, probably only two are truly crucial and will deliver 80% of your results. These are often the hardest. "Eat That Frog" – tackle these high-impact tasks first thing in the morning. Avoid "majoring in minor things" – being busy but not truly productive on what matters.

✨

Stop drifting and start achieving. With a clear vision and a reliable "GPS" (Goals, Planning Process, Systems), you can navigate your entrepreneurial journey with purpose and make consistent progress towards what you truly want.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to gain unwavering clarity on your business vision? Like this video, Comment with your biggest goal, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to discover how clarity in yourself and your team can transform your business.

Explore Jake Smolarek's approach to high performance:

• Visit his website to learn more: https://jakesmolarek.com/ (Jake also offers free initial consultation sessions for selected individuals who approach him for coaching!)

Connect with Jake:

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakesmolarek/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jakesmolarek/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Are you mastering the right skills to truly elevate your business? 🚀 It's not just about working harder; it's about working smarter with focused abilities. This episode unpacks five crucial skills that distinguish thriving entrepreneurs from those stuck in the daily grind.

Meet Tracey Sundkvist, a growth coach with a decade of experience helping business owners pinpoint the 20% of activities that yield 80% of results. 🎯

⏱️

Skill #1: Ruthless Prioritizing Stop letting your time control YOU. Are you firefighting or strategically building? Tracey breaks down where your hours should go (Hint: more "Entrepreneur," less "Technician"). Understand why spending money to save time is essential for growth, not an expense to be avoided. If you're at capacity, you can't grow without freeing up your time – this skill shows you how.

🗣️📊

Skill #2: Mastering the Language of Business This isn't just about communication; it's about deep understanding.

• Language of Finance: Can you read the story your P&L and Balance Sheet are telling? Are you proactive or reactive with your numbers? This is vital for growth and attracting investors.
• Language of the Market: Stop talking about yourself. Start speaking to your customers' problems and clearly articulate the unique value you provide.
• Language of Performance: Learn how to truly lead and inspire your team effectively.

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Skill #3: Becoming a Capable Problem Solver Business is a series of challenges. The key is solving the right problem at the right time. Don't just treat symptoms; dig for the root cause. Embrace radical responsibility (locus of control). External factors are excuses; your actions drive your results. This mindset is empowering! Successful business owners are creative problem solvers who find ways forward.

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Skill #4: Cultivating Objectivity Running a business is emotional, but decisions should be data-driven. Data doesn't lie and doesn't care about your feelings. Use it. Tracey shares examples of how emotions can cloud judgment (e.g., thinking ads aren't working when ROAS is 10x!). Learn to look at the facts to understand where you truly are and what actually needs to be fixed or amplified.

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Skill #5: Embracing Fun, Play & Quality of Life Constant grind leads to burnout. Business shouldn't be a nightmare. Remember, when you're tired, your cognitive function is comparable to being drunk! Your business should support your desired lifestyle, not become its slave. Think "Healthy Mind Platter" (David Rock) – you need a mix of focus, play, connection, etc., not just work. Ironically, integrating more quality of life makes you MORE powerful and effective in your business.

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Mastering these five skills isn't just about better business; it's about building a more fulfilling and sustainable entrepreneurial life. Stop common pitfalls and start focusing on what truly drives results and personal well-being.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to master these crucial business skills? Like this video, Comment with which skill you're focusing on, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on how your personal tendencies and team dynamics are shaping your business success.

Explore Tracey Sundkvist's resources to grow stronger and scale faster:

• Book a FREE 30-minute strategy consultation with Tracey to explore what's holding you back and get specific advice: https://encr.pw/JFz3M
• Visit her company website: https://brandlabmedia.com/

Connect with Tracey's Community:

Join her Facebook Group for ongoing support and learning (Listeners can also gain access to a FREE business mastermind on SKOOL mentioned by Tracey!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/2341900029182275

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content

Tired of endless scrolling and clicking just to make a new business connection? 🖱️😩 What if Artificial Intelligence could handle the frustrating, repetitive tasks, freeing YOU up for genuine, human-to-human conversations? This episode dives into a unique approach where AI kickstarts authentic engagement.

Meet Gillian Utesch, founder of Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing, who accidentally built a solution to her own digital networking nightmare. 🚀

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Many entrepreneurs crave real connections but find online outreach a draining, inefficient numbers game. Hours spent sending messages, only to get discouraged by low response rates... sound familiar? Gillian shares her story of how post-COVID business struggles led her to say, "It can't get any worse, let's see if AI can help!"

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The core idea? Use AI for what it does best: data mining, initial outreach, and consistent engagement (liking posts, endorsing skills, sending initial messages). This isn't about replacing human interaction; it's about amplifying it. AI handles the tedious "mouse clicking," so you can step in when a real conversation is ready to happen. It allows talented humans to focus on their unique abilities – creativity, strategy, deep connection – instead of mind-numbing repetitive tasks. ✨

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Gillian’s tool, born from personal need, initially lived on her Apple Mini, designed in Canva! She simply wanted her marketing business back online without burning out on manual outreach. As she shared her success, other business owners with the same visceral dislike for "click, paste, cut, paste" wanted in. The surprise? It wasn't just for business development. Users found it powerful for nurturing existing networks (no more reaching out only when you need something!) and even for job seekers making connections at target companies. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

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The guiding philosophy: People first, profit second. The goal was always to create genuine human engagement, not just a salesy bot. When AI handles the initial "warm-up" – a few thoughtful interactions over time – your eventual direct message or connection request feels natural, not cold or desperate. People feel honored to engage, not sold to.

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Discover smart strategies for AI-assisted outreach that feel human: Instead of an immediate connection request, start with 3-4 thoughtful actions over several days (e.g., commenting, endorsing). Then, send a connection request without a lengthy message – the prior engagement is your intro. Incorporate strategic time delays and varied interaction times so your AI "avatar" doesn't seem robotic or overly eager. 🤖 Patience is still key. While AI handles the volume, real human responses take time. Results often build significantly around the 3-month mark, with connections sometimes blossoming after 6+ months of consistent, AI-assisted nurturing.

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Stop dreading online networking. By strategically leveraging AI, you can build more authentic relationships, save incredible amounts of time, and focus your energy on the high-value conversations that truly move your business forward.

Now What? ➡️

Ready to make your networking more human with AI's help? Like this video, Comment with your biggest networking frustration, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on how better systems and understanding can improve your business interactions.

Explore Gillian Utesch's innovative approach and tools:

• Visit Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing to see how they help businesses connect (you can find demo videos and book a call!): https://brokenglassceilingmarketing.com/ (The tool is creatively known as "LinkedIn Connector" or "Dash" by users!)

Connect with Gillian:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenglassceilingmarketing/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content