Mastermind Your Launch

Valerie Shoopman is a Facebook Ad Expert, Online Business Strategist, and the host of the Entrepreneur Power Hour Podcast. She is the co-author of the #1 Amazon Best-Seller “The Book on Facebook Marketing”.

Valerie has worked with and consulted clients such as John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur On Fire, Nick Unsworth of Life On Fire, Joe Polish of I Love Marketing, Brian Tracy, John Assaraf, Mary Ellen Tribby, Sue B. Zimmerman, and Daymond John from Shark Tank on their Facebook ad campaigns including helping them strategize the campaigns from top to bottom and giving detailed feedback to fully optimize their ads and funnels.

She has been featured on Life on Fire TV, The New Business Podcast, Solopreneur Hour, ConversionCast, The Cerrone Show and many other podcasts and online business summits where she willingly shares her depth of Facebook marketing and advertising knowledge.

Mission: As she was working at a small private school, Valerie became the go-to person for all things technical and social media. Things quickly evolved as Valerie began being approached by other business owners to help with their social media marketing. Having had a desire to go out on her own for some time, she saw an opportunity to make it happen.

Mindset: While Valerie considers herself an introvert and feels much more comfortable behind a computer, she knew that she needed to get out of her comfort zone if she was going to grow, both personally and professionally. Listen as she shares the story of the first big event she ever attended as an entrepreneur and how it changed her business and network.

Marketing: Even as a Facebook Ads expert, Valerie has never run a Facebook ad for her own business. Networking has been the biggest driver in her business by allowing her to connect with clients as well as referral partners.

Momentum:  After following the advice of her business coach, Valerie went from being an online marketer to a Facebook Expert. It was this decision to niche down that boosted the momentum for her business. From there, she implemented the Anchor Client Strategy to run Facebook Ads for big names like John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur on Fire and Nick Unsworth of Life on Fire. The positioning these relationships created

Masterminds: Listen as Valerie answers amazing questions from YOU, the Mastermind Tribe.  She covers video posts, retargeting pixels, reactions, and more. Join our Facebook Group for your chance to submit questions for future guests.

Mastermind Challenge: Up your game with Facebook!  First, make sure you have a business page that you are activity updating and engaging with your audience. For extra Brownie Points... If you don't already have a pixel on your website, this is a great way to start capturing warm leads and retargeting. 

Kristy Dickerson is a small business speaker and advisor, co-founder of StartPlanner.com, CFO of all things organized, lifestyle photographer, mom of three boys and a wife that is never wrong...never. ;)
Upon completion of her degree in finance and business management she started her first business after having her first son in 2008. Merging her business sense with her passions, Kristy has developed ways to help small business owners balance turning passions into a career all while still playing her most important role...being a mom. Giving tips on business, balance, organization, photography, health, and the occasional DIY projects to inspire, direct, and lead others to success and happiness.

Mission: It was a fortunate conversation with her graphic designer that sparked the idea for Start Planner. Kristy had aspirations to one day create a book that would help business owners with organization and finances. Her designer, Jenny, had ideas for a planner. They joined forces to put their ideas into one product and Start Planner was born.

Mindset:  Kristy shared, “I had no business starting another business.”  With her 3rd son just being born and already putting her efforts towards another business, Kristy had a lot on her plate. Still, she followed her instincts to create something that felt much bigger than anything she’d ever done.

Marketing: If you are launching a physical product, this is a must listen for you. Kristy shares the strategy behind both the grassroots beta launch and the 2016 launch, which was executed on a much larger scale with a national Facebook video ad campaign. Scroll down to see the video.

Momentum: Start Planner is still in the launch phase and enjoying plenty of momentum along the way.  The 2016 planners have sold out and three new styles for mid-year are being launched now. Be sure to check them out! I <3 my Start Planner...

Masterminds: Listen as Kristy answers questions from the Mastermind Tribe. Be sure to join the Mastermind Tribe Facebook Group for your chance to submit questions to future guests and hear them answered on the show.

Mastermind Challenge:  I love how Kristy and Jenny stumbled upon this idea by combining their individual passions. How amazing that your life can change with one conversation! Today, I challenge you to share that BIG idea you've been putting on the back-burner with someone new.  You may be surprised at what the next year will hold for you when you do :)

Under Mayor David Belle Isle’s leadership, Alpharetta has become Georgia’s hometown, the 6th fastest growing city in the country, the Technology City of the South, the nation’s 7th friendliest city according to Forbes, and has consistently maintained the lowest unemployment rate in Georgia. This has been achieved by a focus on reinventing Alpharetta’s Downtown and the drive to be the number one technology city in the Southeast.

In 2015, Alpharetta was also named The #1 City in America for Women Entrepreneurs, and the #1 City in America to Start a Business.

Mission: Mayor David Belle Isle shares that each leader needs a "vision worth the chase". Seeking a downtown that could bring the community together, he first ran for city council in 2006.  Despite two failed attempts, he eventually was able to make the progress needed to bring the project to life. A thriving downtown led to thriving businesses, which sparked a surge in entrepreneurship.  Today, Alpharetta boasts over 600 technology companies; the highest concentration in the Southeast.

Mindset: Branding Alpharetta as the Technology City of the South was a challenge at first because it required gaining the respect among its city neighbors as the leader in tech.

Marketing:  Mayor David Belle Isle shares the story of when he say Governor Nathan Deal speak about Alpharetta's contribution to the technology sector. It was in that moment that he realized that the branding and messaging was striking a cord.

Momentum: Under Mayor David Belle Isle's leadership, Alpharetta's Technology Commission was created and has opened an Innovation Center for local tech startups. The Center has already gained momentum by graduating  its first company. Moving forward, he looks to offer opportunities on a higher level, such as venture capital, industry conferences, and much more.

Masterminds: Several members of the Mastermind Tribe submitted questions for the Mayor. Listen as he answers YOUR questions and join the Mastermind Tribe Facebook Group for opportunities to submit your own questions to future interviewees.

Mastermind Challenge:  I love Mayor David Belle Isle's comment about a vision worth the chase. Today, I encourage you to dream just a little bigger and stretch outside of your comfort zone to imagine what vision is worth your chase. Just as his journey was executed one step at a time, yet has touched thousands, how can you take step today towards your big impact?  

Born in Toledo Ohio and a current resident of San Diego (via Philly, Boulder, Denver, and Brussels), Michael Oneal's grammar school report cards always read: "Doesn't live up to his potential" and "Talks too much." One of those pieces of feedback would come in handy, as he is now the founder and host of the award-winning and much acclaimed business and entertainment podcast, "The Solopreneur Hour with Michael O'Neal."

The show, in 2 years, has already garnered more than 6 million downloads and monetized to over 500k, features lively and highly engaging conversations between Michael and his various (and often much sought-after) guests, who share remarkable stories, advice and practical tips for an audience that badges itself as "proudly unemployable" and highly motivated to finally take charge of their own lucrative business pursuits.

Mission:  Michael O'Neal worked behind the scenes of a high-profile podcast focused on personal transformation called "The KickAss Life." After several years, it was a lunch with Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income which sparked the inspiration to step forward as the face of his own brand as he interviews entrepreneurs to talk about all of the non-business aspects of their life.

Mindset: Two words... SAY YES. Michael shares his recent trip to the Super Bowl as a guest of former Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward. This opportunity came last minute and required Michael to shift things around on his calendar, but he said yes and enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience.

Marketing: When it comes to launching a successful podcast, Michael compares it to producing a TV pilot.  You have to test, produce, and entertain. If you're podcast is educational, remember someone of your favorite teachers and how they made learning fun.

Momentum: The average podcast episode gets 160 listens in the first 6 weeks. Michael O'Neal knew he was on to something when he saw his downloads grow far above to upwards of 20,000 downloads per day. Even more, he knew that the Solopreneur Hour Podcast hit a unique cord because new lookalike podcasts were nowhere to be found.

Masterminds: Michael runs a group coaching mastermind called the SoloLab. Listen as he shares how this idea found him when he wasn't even on his radar.

Mastermind Challenge: I love how Michael joked about creating a podcast around the conversations you have after a couple of shots of tequila. Today, take a few minutes (with or without the booze) and think about how you can bring more of your PERSONALITY into your business and content.  Better to be yourself... everyone else is already taken :) 

Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com

Mission: The idea for an outdoor electronic bicycle rack came about when a friend of Thad Oviatt had two bicycles stolen in one week. When the second bike was stolen the thief left a sticky note attached to the cut bike lock chain that had a smiley face and “THANKS” written across it. How rude?!

Mindset: What I love about Thad is that he’s gone ALL IN to make ParkENT Cycles a success.  From moving in with his parents to setting up shop in their garage, he has his eyes on the prize.

There is a quote that says, “Entrepreneurship is living a few years like most people won’t to live the rest of your life like most people can’t”. Thad epitomizes this spirit quite possibly more than anyone I’ve ever met.

Marketing: Thad’s willingness to get out of his comfort zone has opened many doors  along the way. Listen as he shares the story behind landing a rare opportunity to display his invention at TechCrunch.

Momentum: Thad has just launched a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo.com where he is seeking to secure $50,000 to complete the app development and manufacture bike racks for a metro Atlanta pilot program.

Masterminds: That is a regular attendee of the Alpharetta Startup Circle where he and I met. It’s a weekly meeting for local tech entrepreneurs that has connected him with fellow startups as well as serial entrepreneurs.

Mastermind Challenge: When I hear Thad’s story, he inspires me to get out and get in front on a new crowd. Is there a group, organization or meetup that you’ve been thinking about attending, but haven’t? Let Thad’s story be the push you need to get out of your comfort zone and into a new environment. You never know what opportunities exist just outside of your comfort zone…

Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com

Nikki is an international photographer and speaker. Her platform is entirely about Being Seen. She is An Entrepreneurs Solution to reaching The Perfect Client!

She specializes in helping her clients step into the power of who they are, as their best self, in order for their light to shine for the world to see. She gives her clients a true view of their beauty, up levels their brand and creates an easier way to reach more people and make the money they deserve.

Mission:  In today's world, "your connection is your currency", as Nikki shares. Oddly enough, it was an uncomfortable sales call with a client that uncovered her purpose to not only photograph her clients, but to bring out the best in them.

Mindset: Once connected to her bigger purpose, Nikki found that it gave her the confidence (or at least the gumption) to play on a higher level. In order to make a bigger difference, she knew that she had to step into bigger challenges, one being public speaking.  Listen as she shares the story of one of her first public speaking engagements, plus 3 tips on raising your vibration and improving your mindset.

Marketing: In early days of her business, Nikki leveraged social media to grow an international following. Much more than just posting her photography, she shared personal stories which allowed her audience to get to know her and the connect with the person behind the camera.

Momentum: Nikki credits mentorship and coaching to playing a large role in her ability to gain fast momentum and take her business to new heights. Today, she has three coaches, all serving to propel different aspects of her business.

Masterminds: Here we tried something new! Listen as Nikki and I mastermind the marketing strategy for two Atlanta-based photographers. We talk social media, pricing, and networking. I'm so thrilled that she shared not only her journey, but great wisdom for other entrepreneurs.

Mastermind Challenge: I love Nikki's advice to always have a high-tiered pricing package that (1) scares you just a little bit.. and (2) allows you to serve your most enthusiastic clients in a unique and special way.  Today, take some time to evaluate your offerings. Are you pricing based on what you believe your clients can afford versus how you desire to serve them? If money were no object, what is the platinum package you'd offer for your highest level clients? Dream big, write it down, then make it happen. 

Brian Johnson is the author of the new book entitled “How To Live Your Dreams Out Loud: 6 Steps To Overcome Your Fears and Achieve Your Dreams”. An inspiring leader and in-demand speaker, Brian has inspired thousands of individuals to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.

Most recently Brian served as the Talent Coordinator for The Arsenio Hall Show for season one where he worked along side celebrities such as Kanye West, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, Magic Johnson, Simon Cowell, Ken Jeong, Tony Goldwyn, Andrew Dice Clay and many more. Brian holds a bachelors degree in International marketing and a minor in Spanish from The University of Alabama.

Mission: After hitting rock bottom, Brian sought the advice of his mentor which ended up opening the door to a career in Hollywood and the platform to launch his book Live Your Dreams Out Loud. Had he never hit that low point, that phone call would likely have never occurred. Listen as he and I discuss the power of going through hard times in order to get enjoy the abundance on the other side.

Mindset: Something shifts within your mindset when your back is against the wall and you have nothing to lose. Brian shares that sense of "desperado" as he calls it. It was this low-point that brought the clarity to connect to his mission to be a beacon of hope for anyone thinking of quitting on their dreams.

Marketing: When it came to executing the book, Brian worked with a book editor to get the task done in roughly 90 days. His biggest advice for others is to find people that are more experienced than you to help you move faster. With the book writing done, he was able to move forward and focus on the launch and promotion.

Momentum: Working on the Arsenio Hall Show brought a lot of exciting opportunities for Brian. Getting to meet and be photographed with celebrity guests of the show began to position Brian, who is originally from Skipperville, Alabama, as someone who had made a big shift in his life. This definitely created anticipation for the release of his book because people were excited to hear about the journey that led him to his success.

Masterminds: Brian has a great network of support and influence, but when it comes to the people he relies on the most, he calls out a close group of friends that meet every Sunday for prayer. Of course he shouts out to his mother and brother as well :) but the commitment and fellowship that those friends have provided has been equally impactful on his journey.

Mastermind Challenge: I love how Brian shares that because of the exposure he received during his time with the Arsenio Hall Show, people were eager to grab his new book when it launched so that they could uncover the journey that got his there. What are people waiting to hear from YOU?  What's the story that they would love to know more about?  Let THAT answer drive some of your next steps... whether it's a social media post, blog article, or book.

Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com

Jason "J-Boom" Legaard is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur with a mission to inspire the fire within those pursuing their dreams. After a childhood near death experience, he was crippled by guilt for years. Now his Attitude of Gratitude has allowed him to serve others in breaking free into their greatness.

Jason is co-host of The Mindset Mountain Podcast and Co-creator of the personal development training, "Climbing the Mindset Mountain."  He also provides one on one coaching to guide clients past their B.S. and into bringing the BOOM back into their life!

Mission: It was the decision to attend an entrepreneurship conference in 2011 that changed everything for Jason and sparked the passion to exit his 9-5 and own his own business. He returned from that conference a new person with a deep focus on building a purpose-driven business and never looked back. He didn't act is hast and quit his job, but has spent the last several years growing his business on the side. In December 2015, that side business became his full-time job and he is officially a full-time entrepreneur.

Mindset: Jason credits self-awareness as being a key turning point in his journey to develop the mindset needed to successfully achieve his dreams.  When we become aware of the truth and stop lying to ourselves (either by painting too rosy a picture or too dark a picture) that's when we're able to gain the clarity to make significant change. How does that resonate with you? Have you ever been in a situation where you were weren't able to see the truth because you were projecting overly positive or negative thoughts? Share in the comments below.

Marketing: With a film-making background, Jason went all in with video to help spread the message and grow his network. Being authentic in front of the camera has allowed him to create a connection with his growing audience while serving them with inspiring content.

Momentum: The moments that have brought the most momentum for Jason have both come from sharing his personal journey in an effort to serve communities and inspire transformation. This sparked a great conversation about the importance of connecting to a deep sense of purpose and how doing THAT in the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey is what allows for moments that create a deep connection with your community.

Masterminds: From the Jonathan Budd, the host of that 2011 conference, to the Team at Results 513, to his friend and business partner, Eddie Aguilar; Jason shares that he wouldn't be where his is together without bringing these people and communities along his side.

Mastermind Challenge: Jason shared a powerful exercise that we can all benefit from. Look at yourself and your current situation as if you're looking at someone else. From this 3rd party perspective, what do you see? Are there areas where you would advise this person to step up their game? Are are there areas where you would offer encouragement that this person is doing a great job and to stop being so hard on themselves? Be honest with yourself about where you're at and make a plan to get where you want to go. 

We're all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge 

Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com

My dear friend and fellow masterminder, Laura Lilly, has over 10 years of experience working with non profit organizations. After working for a traditional consulting firm for the past eight years serving mid-sized nonprofits (like YMCAs, independent schools, hospitals, and retirement communities), she started her own company, Spring, to offer consulting services to startup and small nonprofits. Listen as Laura shares her journey and advice for gaining fast momentum as a new business.

Mission: The best entrepreneurial ventures blend your WHY for you and your WHY for the world. With Spring, Laura has done just that.  She paired her desire to create an online business and have flexibility to stay home with her young family, with the desire to help smaller nonprofits get the resources and momentum they need to make the impact they envision.

Mindset: Inspired to make the year ahead one of joy, Laura became much more intentional with where she spent her time and energy. While at a yoga class, she heard the lyrics, “Be strong, be kind, be brave. Know that it’s alright to be afraid.” Adopting those lyrics as her mantra, she found the courage to do more big and scary things to create more meaningful success.

Marketing: Interviewing prospective clients has been the most eye-opening activity that Laura has done within the business. Gaining a true understanding of the pains, needs and even the exact words that her customers are using, is propelling Spring forward much faster.

Momentum: At the time of this interview, Spring was only 1 month old but already experiencing so much momentum. Laura shares the even in that short time, the biggest momentum to date has been the overwhelmingly positive feedback that she’s received from those within the nonprofit industry.

Masterminds: Laura and I have been masterminding together for several months. I love how she relates our mastermind to the feeling of having co-founders. We truly have all been in the trenches together for both the big decisions and the small details. She shares the courage and bravery that having a mastermind has provided.

Mastermind Challenge: So many entrepreneurs rack their brains trying to figure out what their clients want and need. As Laura has shown, you just need to ASK. Send out a survey using a platform like Survey Monkey or Google Forms. Even better, invite a few of them out for coffee or lunch. You’ll be surprised how forthcoming they are with information that not only helps YOU, but helps you better serve THEM. 

We’re all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge 

Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com

Jenn Newton of Mugs on Milton shares the story of how this quaint little coffee shop became the best kept secret of downtown Alpharetta. Mugs on Milton is a locally owned and operated coffee shop and bakery with locations in Alpharetta and Crabapple/Milton.  With core values of Great Coffee and Great Food, this neighborhood coffee shop quickly became the go-to meetup spot for locals.

Mission: Prior to opening Mugs in Milton, Jenn worked in downtown Alpharetta with a marketing agency.  She knew she business ownership was in her future, but didn't know exactly what business. With her eyes open to new opportunities, Jenn saw a need for a coffee shop, even thought she isn't a coffee drinker... The idea lingered in her mind and began to gain momentum.

Knowing a talented baker, she sat down her friend and now business partner Gretchen Smith to create a vision for what would eventually become Mugs on Milton. Once they realized just how aligned they were in their visions, they took the leap and opened just two months later!

Mindset: With no experience in the coffee industry, there was a learning curve to getting going. Jenn and Gretchen addressed this by aligning with vendors that allowed them to execute their vision thanks to the experience and knowledge of a bigger community.

Marketing: Coming from a marketing background, you could assume that Jenn created an elaborate marketing campaign to get the word out about Mugs. Not the case at all. Mugs on Milton grew organically with no paid advertising and not even a sign outside the shop for several months! It became the best kept secret of downtown Alpharetta and something that happy customers would want to share.

Momentum: Two to three months into the launch, Jenn and Gretchen realized that the volume was growing so fast that they needed to bring on additional staff. This happened well before their projected 6-9 month time frame for expansion.  Hiring new employees brought its own challenges as they had to determine what tasks their new hires should take over and how to maintain the high standards of the Mugs customer experience.

Masterminds: Being a downtown Alpharetta business owner means you are immediately brought into a community of business owners excited to watch you thrive. Jenn shares that in the early days, neighboring businesses like Sis & Moon's helped to spread the word, give advice or simply offer encouragement. How beautiful to know that just steps outside your door is someone who knows exactly what you're going through and wants to see you succeed.

Mastermind Challenge: I love how Jen talks about those early days and the people who thought she and Gretchen were just silly girls. Her quote, "I've never been a silly girl". LOVE it!

How often do we enter a new challenge and allow our inexperience in one area to bring down our confidence. I love how Jen stood strong and resilient in those moments. I challenge you to look at the areas of your life or career where you are venturing into new and unchartered territory. Are you being timid or allowing others' opinions to define you? Are you keeping your head held high with the knowledge that you will soon master this new challenge? I hope it's the latter. 

We're all in this together! Share your photos and posts with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge 

Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com