Carrie Hartunian Smith has a diverse background in retail, hospitality, event production and promotions. In 1993, Carrie started a joint venture building a startup media company growing revenue to nearly $100 million before selling in 2007. After the sale of the company, she was asked to stay on with the new organization being an integral part of their aggressive acquisition strategy, 5 companies in under 24 months. Carrie's expertise in fostering winning cultures within organizations increases productivity while reducing costs in mission-driven environments.

Secret – timesaving technique

Carrie starts her morning by running down her list and taking a moment of prayer -- try to stay open to what the day will throw at you. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Do what needs to be done -- Carrie believes it's not about doing what's easy.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Carrie decided to leave her job -- and Carrie tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Increase the numbers of customers, get customers to spend more, or increase the number of transactions."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Identify who your market is
2. Have your message speak to your market
3. Get in front of them

How best to connect with Carrie:

• Website: smartmarketingconsulting.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carrie-Hartunian-Smith-312259675623007
• Twitter: @cccarrie7
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carriehartuniansmith

Lynne Lavers is a Natural Health Practitioner and an expert in the field since 1987. She holds several degrees including a bachelor's in biology, master's in holistic nutrition, doctorate in naturopathy, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in integrated medicine. Lynne and her team provide consultations for maintaining health and wellness as well as help with disease and health challenges. One of Lynne's passions is working with individuals and their families who have been diagnosed with cancer. Lynne is also the owner of a private family practice in Nashville where she works with individuals of all ages from birth to the elderly and everyone in between — and — is in the process of expanding her practice to include a clinic in Venice, Florida.

Secret – timesaving technique

Lynne sets aside 30-40 minutes of quiet time before she does anything else -- prepare yourself to start your day. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Plan tomorrow before tomorrow begins -- Lynne plans out 60% of her schedule the day before so that she knows what she's doing and has time to take a break if she needs one.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Lynne went $500,000 in debt at the beginning of a recession -- and Lynne tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Manage your emotions."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Take calculated risks."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have made sure everything was duplicatable.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Be unique
2. Surround yourself with people who know more than you

How best to connect with Lynne:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: optimalhealthmanagement.net

Stephen is the CEO of Predictive ROI and the host of the Onward Nation podcast. He is the author of two bestselling books, speaker, trainer, and his digital marketing insights have been featured in SUCCESS, Entrepreneur, The Washington Post, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and other media.

Good Morning Onward Nation…I'm Stephen Woessner!

In case this happens to be the first Onward Nation episode you are listening to — I wanted to welcome you. Each day, here at Onward Nation, we have this incredible opportunity to sit down and learn from some of today's top business owners in the country — and around the world — and then to be serve as this conduit — to share all that we learn during the interviews directly with you.

What an incredible honor it has been — and to see that Onward Nation is now listened to in over 100 countries around the world is so much more than we could have ever imagined. So thank you, Onward Nation — thank you for being you — thank you for all of the support — all of the encouragement — and for letting us know — thumbs up or thumbs down what you liked — and didn't like. Every day — you help us get better — we love your messages on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter — and email, too.

Keep them coming!

Again, if you are listening today for the first time — or if this happens to be the 298th episode you have listened to and studied — I appreciate your time more than you will ever know. Thanks for being here.

Okay, let's jump into today's solocast. Just a warning here — isn't that a great way to start off a discussion?

We're going to go really deep today into a topic — both strategic and super tactical during this solocast. And brace yourself — this may end up being the longest solocast I have ever recorded to date — but honestly — I have added so much value into this episode — it will be absolutely worth your time.

I am going to share — in absolute full transparency — the step-by-step recipe my team at Predictive ROI uses to generate highly targeted and qualified leads for clients.

The recipe delivers a 10-20% response rate — meaning — when we reach out to prospects on behalf of our clients — we receive a response from prospects 10-20% of the time.

Rock solid awesome.

And I am going to share with you each and every step — what we do — how we do it — why we do it — and the results you can expect along the way if you follow the same recipe for success.

The primary tool or platform we are going to focus on today is LinkedIn. I will explain why — from a demographic perspective (especially if you own a business-to-business service firm — meaning your customers are other businesses versus retail, consumer packaged goods, etc.) — why making LinkedIn a cornerstone of your lead gen strategy is an absolute must.

But before we dive into the tactical…I want to make sure you get your mindset right. That you are thinking proactively — that you are open to new ideas — and even some ideas that might push you a little bit.

So download the episode and let's dive in

Ryan Ayres is a business coach and virtual chief operating officer who has had the privilege of working with companies of all sizes from Microsoft, Sports Illustrated, and Time Inc. to hundreds of small businesses in the last 20 years. His business, Focus 53, is focused on Business Operations and helping business owners identify and solve opportunities and roadblocks with the people and processes in their company. Ryan is also the host of the outstanding podcast, Focus 53.

Secret – timesaving technique

Ryan uses Trello to stay organized -- you need a simple, distraction-free way to organize the tasks you need to execute on every day. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Get the blood flowing -- Ryan finds that his worst days are the days when he doesn't exercise.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Ryan had a client that consistently made him unhappy -- and Ryan tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Focus -- work on the right things at the right time."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Own the successes -- and the failures."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have had a system that forces me to vet the tasks I'm doing.

What one strategy or "recipe" would compound into big wins for business owners?

Do more doing -- and less thinking and pontificating.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would be a good genuine person that works hard.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Make sure you don't get stuck on the things that bog you down
2. Have resources to help you

How best to connect with Ryan:

• Website: www.focus53.com
• Twitter: @ryanayres53

Caroline Balinska has a rare and unique talent for online business and has mastered three key areas of online marketing which give her eCommerce clients a special insight into how to sell out their products online. Caroline combines her savvy digital marketing skills with her talent for website design and development and then meshes them with her deep knowledge of how business works to maximize profit. These three key areas have poised Caroline to help over 200 clients generate revenue streams of 6-7 figures online. Passionate about business and marketing, Caroline mentors and speaks professionally about a multitude of business and marketing topics and often focuses around marketing pertinent to eCommerce businesses.

Secret – timesaving technique

Caroline recently started using a daily planner -- and she's become much more focused and productive. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Exercise is so important for your health -- Caroline exercises before she does anything and will go for a walk if she needs a break during the day.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Caroline lost about $100,000 at 25 years old -- and Caroline tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"If you can't do the marketing yourself, hire someone."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Put all of your proprietary knowledge in one document."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have had a Proprietary Knowledge Kit in place.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would be a great communicator.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Take away your ego
2. Only take advice from the people whose shoes you want to be in
3. Have a plan

How best to connect with Caroline:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolinebalinskabrand
• Free download for Onward Nation listeners: carolinebalinska.com/onwardnation
• Email: [email protected]

For five years in a row Jim Cathcart has been selected as one of the Top 5 Speakers on Sales & Service in an online survey of over 14,000 people. With over 39 years of professional speaking around the world, Jim is one of the best known and most award-winning motivational speakers in the business. He has delivered more than 3,000 presentations to audiences in every state of the US, most provinces of Canada and countries from Scotland to Singapore. A business strategist, psychological researcher and philosopher at heart, Jim is also a down-to-Earth regular guy. He has worked in warehouses, driven trucks, sold donuts door-to-door, been a bank teller, plays guitar in night-clubs and pubs, and has toured much of the world on a motorcycle.

How do you define success?

Jim believes success is living fully in all the areas that count -- mental, physical, family, social, spiritual, career, financial, and emotional. You can't be a 10/10 in all of these areas all the time, but you can 9 in one today and a 7 in another tomorrow.

How best to connect with Jim:

• Website: http://cathcart.com
• CD: guitarmusiclive.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.cathcart
• Twitter: @jimcathcart
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathcartinstitute

Kristin Marquet is a public relations, branding, and integrated marketing expert in both the non-profit and for-print sectors. She serves as the Creative Director of Creative Development Agency, a full-service lifestyle public relations in New York City. Kristin has also written for several fashion and business magazines and appeared in several media outlets including Entrepreneur, Business Insider, American Express Small Business, and Enterprising Women magazines. She currently writes for Entrepreneur.com.

Secret – timesaving technique

Kristin keeps a handwritten to-do list right next to her -- crystallize and prioritize your tasks. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Relieve stress in the way that works for you -- Kristin runs for at least an hour a day to relieve stress.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Kristin had a huge franchise client not pay the bill -- and Kristin tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"You need to be a critical thinker and a confident decision maker."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"The two most important things that you need to do are offer value and be different."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. You need to have a business plan
2. You need to be flexible

How best to connect with Kristin:

• Website: www.creativedevelopmentagency.com
• Email: [email protected]

Mike Coughlin is the owner of Digital Blue Creative, a full-service digital advertising agency in Boston with core competencies in marketing analytics consulting, search engine optimization, social media, global paid search management, and video production. Throughout his career, Mike gained a wide range of knowledge and experience working with global companies in almost every industry, including Sony Music, SAP, Four Seasons Hotels, Humana, Wharton School of Business, Scholastic, National Grid, BMW, DirecTV, and The Boston Globe.

Secret – timesaving technique

Mike is his own skeptic and tries to see his own challenges down the road -- work smarter, not harder. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Stay focused -- Mike creates a list of the five most important things he has to do each day.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Mike signed a partnership agreement that was not a good agreement -- and Mike tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Don't compete -- create."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"You don't need a partner."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have had hired a consultant sooner rather than later.

What one strategy or "recipe" would compound into big wins for business owners?

Go against the trends -- the majority is usually wrong.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would have a tolerance for risk taking and creative thinking.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. You have to do your due diligence before taking the plunge
2. Prepare for things to not go well for a while
3. It's all about reading

How best to connect with Mike:

• Personal Twitter: @mpc85
• Company Twitter: @thedigitalblue
• Website: www.digitalbluecreative.com

Drew McLellan is a 25-year marketing veteran who helps clients create authentic love affairs with their customers. In 1995, Drew started his own agency -- McLellan Marketing Group. He also helps other agency owners learn how to take their business to the next level through the consultancy -- Agency Management Institute. Drew is also one of the world's top marketing and branding bloggers, according to AdAge's Top 150 index. He's written the book 99.3 Random Acts of Marketing and co-edited the Age of Conversation series of books. He has appeared in the New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Businessweek, and Fortune Small Business. The Wall Street Journal calls him one of 10 bloggers that every entrepreneur should read. Drew also hosts the brilliant Build a Better Agency Podcast.

What is your show structure?

Build a Better Agency is an offshoot of Agency Management Institute -- so the audience is very narrow -- people who run small to midsize agencies. The guests are wide in range -- but they all have something to teach these agency owners.

Why did you start your podcast?

1. I wanted to increase the digital footprint of myself and AMI which would hopefully lead to more AMI workshop registrations and things like that
2. I wanted to add more value with experts than I was able to add on my own

What impact has your podcast had on your business?

1. I have deeper connections with these guests and I'm a much better referral force now
2. I've been able to audition event speakers as guests
3. I've been able to collaborate with guests on different projects

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful at podcasting

The most important skill is for the host to check their ego at the door -- put the spotlight on your guest and find out what they have to say.

What was your biggest obstacle -- or challenge?

The challenges are very human challenges. What if I'm not good at it? What if no one wants to listen? But get out of your own way and put the spotlight on your guests.

How much time do you spend on a podcast?

I don't work on podcasts every week -- but when I do it takes about 90 minutes of my personal time to prepare and record each podcast. After that my team -- Predictive ROI -- takes it from there.

What was your biggest unexpected surprise?

My digital footprint is growing faster than I would have expected -- and all because of the podcast.

How best to connect with Drew:

• Twitter: @DrewMcLellan
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/drew.mclellan
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drewmclellan
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: agencymanagementinstitute.com
• Website: www.drewmclellan.com

Matt Curry was diagnosed at an early age with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.) and suffered with the typical symptoms: hyperactivity, trouble with finishing tasks and staying focused, being disruptive, not following the rules, being impulsive, etc. Matt has gone on to become a highly successful entrepreneur and automotive industry expert with more than 30 years' experience. From his first job changing tires at age 15 to his current accomplishments as a best-selling author and consultant, Matt is a visionary whose achievements have been recognized across the business world. Matt started his flagship company, Curry's Auto Service, in 1997 with one shop and grew the company to 10 locations. When he sold his business, Curry's had annual revenues of almost $20 million and had won numerous awards.

Secret – timesaving technique

Matt believes in the "two-minute meeting" -- reinforce your company's policies every day. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Manage by walking around -- Matt believes you need to talk to every employee -- you can't just talk to the managers.

Could have ruined your business – but now – an invaluable learning experience

Matt got cocky and thought everything he touched turned to gold -- and Matt tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"Problem-solving -- you have to get through the static and solve the problem."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Be prepared to be busy."

Final Round – "Breaking Down the Recipe for Success" What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Wake up early, get there early, and work your butt off
2. Begin at the beginning
3. Have set of rigorous, written policies and procedures

How best to connect with Matt:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/matthybrid1
• Website: www.adashofcurry.com
• Book: "The A.D.D Entrepreneur"