Mastermind Your Launch

Bella Cleaning began as a passionate feeling of entrepreneurship so strong, Juliet Pocali Tenaglia couldn’t ignore it. She made a snap decision to leave the corporate world, and was loosing sleep at night as ideas and inspiration flooded her mind. Despite other people’s opinions that she needed to “stay in the corporate world and just start a little business on the side”, she knew she had to fulfill what her heart was yearning for. Since then, it’s been a ride like no other and on today’s podcast episode she shares why it’s worth every penny!

Mission: As is the case with so many entrepreneurs, Juliet’s journey to launch a business began when a “safe” job suddenly dissolved. Having watched a friend build a similar cleaning business in Florida, she reached out to learn more and quickly found her thoughts consumed with ideas for her own cleaning business.

I love Juliet’s how Juliet describes those early days of being so excited and focused on making her dream a reality. I know so many entrepreneurs and small business owners can relate to that moment you connect with your big idea.

Mindset: Juliet had many well-meaning friends and family encouraging her to get back into corporate and trying to convince her that being an employee would be a safer route than being an entrepreneur. Listen as Juliet shares the focus and dedication it took to believe in herself when those closest to her were trying to steer her down a different path.

Marketing: The ability to make quick decisions and capture opportunities is crucial when you’re growing a business. As luck would have it, Juliet received a call from a closed networking group looking for a cleaning company to round out their chapter. Juliet agreed to attend their next meeting and immediately signed up. Six years later, she is still of member of that group and credits it for creating the launchpad for her business.

Momentum: Now that she’s out of her launch and running a growing business, hear what Juliet has to say about scaling operations, hiring employees and what it means to move forward in her business.

Masterminds: Just as Juliet leaned on the advice of someone that just just a few steps ahead, Juliet shares what SHE would say if she encountered a young women looking to take the leap. Insightful words and amazing advice from someone who knows the journey all to well.

Mastermind Challenge: Juliet credits her closed networking group for providing the momentum through referrals that launched her business.

Are you laying the right foundation for your referral network? Here is a simple exercise to help you develop a solid referral strategy that is sure to generate an abundance of leads. 

Create a 12 x 12 table. Along the top, create columns based on the different types of professions that work directly with your ideal client (CPA, lawyer, insurance agent, etc.) Save one column for miscellaneous.  

Next, begin listing in each column the people you know from that category that are or could be a referral source. 

Once complete, you will have a clear picture of the right connections you need to seek out and foster so that you can spend your time networking wisely.

After you have your table filled in, you will have 144 referral sources sending qualified, warm leads your way. 

Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com

Ramon Gonzalez and Daniel Burnett are the founders of Thrive Coworking in Alpharetta, GA where they are bringing entrepreneurs together in a unique community. 

Mission: It’s easy to see how Ramon and Daniel connected as business partners. They both share their personal journeys that sparked their passion for creating work that centers around a meaningful purpose.  While they had different paths, they both ended up in the same place looking to create something great.

Mindset: Jumping into a new industry meant that there was no playbook from which to work. Ramon and Daniel are driven by a deep sense of purpose and the potential impact of creating a community driven co-working space. Their biggest advice is to focus on having the courage to explore your ideas.

Marketing: There’s nothing like word of mouth and leveraging your warm market. Ramon and Daniel got clear on their business model, created a soft launch and began reaching out to their immediate circle of influence to begin getting the word out. They also are big on adding a sense of humor to everything they do and letting their personality shine. Listen as they share an fortunate accident that actually turned into their biggest opportunity to do just that.

Momentum: When you lock into a business idea rooted in a deep sense of passion, magic begins to happen. Prior to Thrive launching, Ramon and Daniel met with a bookkeeping company and happened to share their idea for a co-working space. Their idea connected with the owners of that company so much that they walked away from that meeting with the opportunity to secure the space which now houses the first location for Thrive.

Masterminds: This section is a must listen. Ramon and Daniel share the mentors that have helped them along the way and share inspiring wisdom about the value of collaboration as business partners.  Listen as they share how embracing conflict has helped sharpen each of them.

Mastermind Challenge: Ramon and Daniel shared several examples of how they have added personality and fun to their marketing. Reflect on the aspects of your personality that your friends and family enjoy most. Perhaps even ask them to describe you in a few words. Then, see how you can incorporate these traits into your brand and marketing. 

Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com

Jayna Thompson is the founder of Alexis Suitcase, a contemporary consignment boutique with 3 locations in the Atlanta area. With everything from Gap to Gucci, Alexis Suitcase offers its customers the experience of an upscale boutique at a fraction of the cost.

Mission: Jayna knew from a young age that she wanted to one day own a clothing store. At the age of 25 she took the leap with the help of her mom. In today’s interview she shares the journey of those early days and the key moments and people that helped create this thriving boutique. (01:50)

Mindset: As with many entrepreneurs, Jayna experienced fear of failure and the unknown. Listen as she shares the mindset that helped her push through and how her young age actually worked to her advantage. (03:17)

Marketing: In the beginning days of Alexis Suitcase, Jayna spread the word through networking events, print advertisement and friends and family. Hear her discuss what worked and what didn’t, plus her biggest advice for anyone looking to open a brick and mortar business. (05:14)

Momentum: Roughly two years into her entrepreneurial journey, Jayna was faced with a big opportunity and decision. Listen as she shares her thought process and the immediate results of doubling her store size. (05:45)

Masterminds: From her mother and mentor to her first employees, Jayna shares the key people that have helped make Alexis Suitcase what it is today. Hear her advice for any entrepreneur trying to do it all themselves. Is that you? (08:53)

Mastermind Challenge: I love Jayna’s story of doubling her storefront and the immediate results it brought about in her business. Making that investment wasn’t easy, but it was integral to moving the business forward.  Have you been presented with an opportunity to expand, but find yourself holding back? How can you move beyond surviving to thriving? 

Share at mastermindyourlaunch.com!

Darria Long Gillespie, MD MBA FACEP is a national health media expert, SVP of Clinical Strategy at Sharecare, practicing ER doctor at Emory and  Assistant Professor at the Emory School of Medicine, wife, and Mom.

Dr Darria appears frequently on TV, on CNN, FoxNews, CNBC, NBC,  and The Dr Oz Show, writes “The Busy Woman’s Guide to Health…and Sanity” for Sharecare.com, and  is a featured blogger on DoctorOz.com and The Huffington Post. In addition, she hosts a weekly radio show and podcast on iHeart Radio’s RadioMD, called Sharecare Radio.

Mission: The mission for Sharecare Inc, as Dr Darria explains, was born from a meeting of the minds between founder Jeff Arnold and Oprah. (I love it!) Dr Darria shares her personal mission which is to help busy moms take better care of themselves and their family. To that end, she's using multiple platforms to provide the information these ambitious women need.

Mindset: Her role in Sharecare has brought more on-camera time then your typical ER doctors might expect. I love how Dr Darria describes her mindset during those first few television interviews and what she believes is the key to overcoming fear when getting your message out in the press. A must-listen for anyone that feels shy, nervous or scared about spreading the word about their cause.

Marketing: Dr Darria has taken to multiple platforms to create meaningful content for busy moms. She's been featured on Dr. Oz, writes for the Huffington Post and also hosts a LIVE radio show called Sharecare radio. As we talk about the world of podcasting, she shares the unique dynamics of hosting a live show.

Momentum: Hear Dr Darria's biggest advice for gaining momentum in your career and business.  Entrepreneurs at every stage need to make sure they have this piece of their message dialed in.

Masterminds: Surrounded by an incredible team at Sharecare, Dr Darria credits her female mentors for having a significant impact on her growth. Listen as she shares what they have meant throughout her journey.

Mastermind Challenge: Have you been hesitating to get the word out about your business in a bigger way? Is there a podcast, television station or news resource that you know would benefit from your point of view?  Challenge yourself to reach out to them TODAY to inquire about opportunities to collaborate. Be sure to report back with your wins! 

mastermindyourlaunch.com

Honoree Corder makes her second appearance on the podcast to talk about her new book, Prosperity for Writers.  Whether you're looking to write a book or take your business to the next level, her philosophies on commitment, follow-through, abundance and money mindset can be applied to us all.

Mission: The inspiration for Prosperity for Writers was born at a writer's conference where Honoree heard writers doubting their ability to create and publish a highly successful book.  It was then that she sought out to explore the steps that authors can take to create a living from their passion for writing.

Mindset: "It's not about what you're doing, it's about who you're being. And who you're being is based on what you're thinking." Listen as Honoree covers the 4 mental hurdles to being a prosperous author.  "If you can't think it, you can't ink it", she says.

Momentum: Commitment over interest. I love Honoree's description of commitment over interest and how important commitment is to gaining the momentum you need to get going with your writing (or any other project you're working on!). Plus, she shares her exact process for writing daily and how she keeps from "breaking the chain".

Mastermind Challenge:  In her book, Honoree says "If you want something, give it away".  Whether it's money, love, or guidance, challenge yourself to give that which you are looking for to someone else.  Watch and see how the universe returns it to you. 

Kevin and Devona Stimpson are the husband and wife team behind Strive & Grind, a global online brand dedicated to empowering others to unleash their inner greatness.

Mission: After losing several friends during high school and college, Kevin and Devona felt a responsibility to be a positive influence in their community. After early jobs and internships left them feeling uninspired, they worked to turn their passion for helping other succeed into a profitable business.

Mindset: Devona jokes that Kevin is a walking self-help book! Listen as he shares the mindset shift that happened when he took a deep-dive into self-improvement.

Marketing: After growing an online business for several years, Kevin and Devona share the ups and downs and what has had the most success in generating the right kind of leads.

Momentum: Reflecting on several events that brought momentum to their business, there is one common thread that connects them all... people.

Masterminds: Kevin shares just how you can begin today masterminding with history's most successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Devona shares the biggest lesson she's learned from forming mastermind groups and what to consider in order to get the maximum value for all.

Mastermind Challenge: When creating content, imagine what your ideal client might search for online. These key words could be the ticket to your next viral post!

Gary Griffiths is the founder of Three Sides Inc, a company on a mission to Amplify, Inspire and Do more good in the world. In this episode, Gary shares his journey to create a business that not only provides for his family, but also gives back to the community.

Mission: Gary knew that a Facebook marketing business would allow him the lifestyle he dreamed of, but listen as he shares the moment the idea became a deep passion.

Mindset: Like so many, Gary struggled with the mindset that a corporate job was what he needed to provide for his family. I love how he describes the mindset shift that finally broke him free of this belief.

Marketing: Gary shares exactly how he got his first client and why he actually doesn't use Facebook ads! Word of mouth referrals alone have grown Three Sides Inc at lightening speed. Listen as Gary shares a big revelation for his business and how you can use the "Anchor Client" strategy to drive fast growth.

Momentum: It's usually a good thing to have momentum in your business, however, Gary shares his lessons learned from having perhaps a little too much momentum. Hear how he addressed the growth in order to prep for the next phase of Three Sides.

Masterminds: Gary is actually part of three masterminds and credits them for the fast success in his business. He shares great advice for ensuring that a mastermind is formed for the benefit of all involved.

Mastermind Challenge: One of my favorite moments from this interview is when Gary passionately shares his belief that everyone is deserving of the best life ever.  However, the responsibility rests on your shoulders alone. For today's challenge, imagine what your best life looks like to you. Write down your vision and what you can do in the next 30 days to move you closer. Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start. 

Katie VanBuskirk, Ph.D., teaches women how to leverage the Law of Attraction to increase their sales conversions and meet their performance quotas faster.

To every single client, Katie brings her unique blend of science-backed expertise, universal spiritual principles, and belief in unlimited human potential.

Along with publishing in top academic journals, such as the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Katie has worked with hundreds of clients in individual and group settings, targeting improvement in health, relationships, and earning power.

Katie also enjoys searching for the best almond croissants (top favorite located in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA) and fostering kittens in her beach house in sunny San Diego, CA.

Mission: After living a double life, one as a science-based psychology student, the other as a deeply spiritual student of the universe, Katie shares how she came to blend the two and why it's important to be a "whole person" in your business.

Mindset: Hear about the common misconception Katie had to overcome in order to launch her dream business. Plus, amazing tips about what the Law of Attraction is and how to incorporate it into your life.

Marketing: Katie shares how she began creating leads and momentum leveraging Facebook groups, before even launching her website.

Momentum: Katie has studied the best to create systems for engaging her subscribers and continually bringing them value. Hear how all about what she's doing and her method to create this approach.

Masterminds: As Katie prepares to launch her 7-day mini course, she shares the mastermind inspiration that gave her the idea.  Plus, a great resource for anyone launching a business; Kate's Take: The Entrepreneur on Fire Audio Blog hosted by past guest, Kate Erickson.

Mastermind Challenge: Follow the link to find Katie's bonus audios just for Mastermind Your Launch Podcast listeners. Affirmations, Meditation and a Sleep Aid. Big thanks to Katie for taking the time to create these for us. I've listened and they are beautiful. 

Kristen Stocks is the founder of Kids Boost, a non-profit organization designed to help kids give back to the world using their gifts, talents and passions.

Mission: To empower kids to give back to the community while learning business skills and experiencing entrepreneurship for themselves. In this episode she shares the story of Jared, a former patient at the children’s hospital where she works, who inspired it all.

Mindset: Kristen actually had the idea for Kids Boost for several years before taking action. Hear her describe how starting small helped her launch her to finally big idea.

Marketing: “What I didn’t think I was ready for was all that I needed and more.”  Kristen shares the marketing moment she did quite feel ready for and how it helped get the word out in a big way.

Momentum: Now out of the launch phase, Kristen is enjoying hearing the stories and feedback from some of Kids Boost’s first graduates. Seeing her idea come to life and impact kids is giving her and Kids Boost momentum for the next chapter.

Masterminds: From the inspiration for it all, Jared, to her board members, and friends and family. Kristen shares what it means to surround yourself with a dream team and why it’s so important.

Mastermind Challenge: Do you have a big idea that has been rolling around in your head for years? Kristen felt overwhelmed by her big idea, but when she thought small, she found the courage to take action. Is there a small way that you can bring your idea to life? Share in the comments at mastermindyourlaunch.com

The Green Room camp is a program of re:imagine/ATL.
re:imagine/ATL is an innovative and relationally-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that empowers young people from all backgrounds to reimagine a flourishing Atlanta through creative technologies, collaboration and sustainable, holistic programs. re:imagine uses a project-based educational approach that combines film and music, storytelling, and entrepreneurship as a means of activating young people to positively impact their community. We believe that under this creative vision, the next generation can come together to form a single, vibrant voice that will change the world.