Onward Nation

Matt spent the first nine years of his career as an Air Force pilot before entering the private sector to work in both the medical device and advertising industries. While a top performer in the corporate world, his long-term desire was to be his own boss. A good friend one day mentioned the gumball machines he and his young daughters owned, and that conversation began a 10-year business quest that has brought Matt's company, School Spirit Vending, to the cutting edge of both the vending and school fundraising industries. Today, School Spirit Vending's franchising program provides a proven and profitable business system for busy professionals and their families looking to develop secondary income streams with a limited time commitment.

Matt uses an Excel spreadsheet to manage his priorities -- look at your priorities in 90-day increments. ONWARD!

Get up early -- Matt starts focusing on his priorities by getting up before everyone else in his household.

Matt had his commission and bonuses cut by $80,000 -- and Matt tells the whole story here.

"Hands down -- it's communication."

"There's value in building and maintaining relationships."

I would have begun promoting and marketing what we do much, much sooner.

No doubt about it -- it's keeping your pipeline full.

An individual would have an entrepreneurial mindset themselves.

1. Get started immediately -- stop thinking about it

• Email: [email protected]
• Free eBook for Onward Nation listeners: http://ssvbusiness.com/onward/

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Craig Cody is a Certified Tax Coach and the owner of the New York Accounting Firm, Craig Cody and Company. As a Certified Tax Coach, Craig belongs to a select group of tax practitioners who’ve undergone extensive training and continued education on various tax planning techniques and strategies. Craig is passionate about helping business owners understand the difference between tax planning and tax paying and helping them save significant money. Craig is the co-author of the Amazon bestseller, "Secrets of a Tax Free Life."

Craig turns off his email service off at certain times in the day -- take time and turn off the outside world. ONWARD!

Protect your schedule -- Craig blocks out time to do certain tasks.

Craig had to fire a very valuable client -- and Craig tells the whole story here.

"The ability to multitask but prioritize."

"One word: systems."

I would have gotten an all-encompassing piece of software.

Integrate marketing into your everyday ideas -- marketing is like breathing -- if you stop, you die.

An individual would have a focused team approach.

1. Keep more of what you make

• Phone number: (516) 869-4051
• Email: [email protected]
• Free copy of Craig's bestselling book: craigcodyandcompany.com/onwardnation

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Nathan Latka is the host of the brilliant and top ranked podcast The Top and continues to take iTunes by storm. He grew up in Northern Virginia where he learned to love to build things, and he went to Virginia Tech to study architecture. After realizing that nobody was hiring architects after the financial crash of '08-'09, Nathan quickly pre-sold $70,000 worth of Facebook fan page tabs at $700 each. He then learned to code, launched Heyo, raised $2.5 million and increased the revenue to $5 million, grew the team to 25 people, and just sold the company.

Nathan pays for people to do tasks that aren't worth his time -- delegate the tasks that you don't need to do yourself. ONWARD!

You have to batch like tasks -- Nathan records 15 podcasts a day, two days a month.

Nathan got major backlash for an email he sent -- and Nathan tells the whole story here.

"Delegation."

"Ask good questions and trust that you're going to learn something important."

None -- I think I am maybe the smartest in the world at building systems.

You can't build systems around the things that you're doing unless you know what you're doing.

1. Don't invent a problem just to be an entrepreneur -- focus on a problem that you face

• The Top Podcast: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/top-entrepreneurs-in-money/id1023761733
• Screenshot yourself subscribing to The Top and text Nathan at (703) 431-2709 and listen every Monday for a chance to win $100
• Podcast episodes on selling Heyo: nathanlatka.com/thetop177
• Nathan's profit and loss statement: text "nathan" to 33444

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Shep Hyken is a customer service expert, professional speaker, and bestselling author who works with companies and organizations who want to build loyal relationships with their customers and employees. His articles have been read in hundreds of publications, and he is the author of "Moments of Magic, The Loyal Customer" and the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers, "The Cult of the Customer" and "The Amazement Revolution," which was also recognized as a New York Times bestseller, and, his latest book, "Amaze Every Customer Every Time." He is also the creator of The Customer Focus program which helps clients develop a customer service culture and loyalty mindset.

Shep is handed tomorrow's schedule today -- have a daily plan -- and delegate the creation of that plan out to people better at creating it than. ONWARD!

Use a "daily reflector" -- Shep uses a daily planner and writes down something good that happened to him today, both personally and professionally.

Shep's company was sold and his job was gone -- and Shep tells the whole story here.

"Delegation."

"The job isn't doing the speech -- it's getting the speech."

I would have written a book much sooner -- I don't know if I was capable at that time -- but it would have helped my credibility.

Get everyone into alignment through communication.

An individual would love their job.

1. Love what you do
2. Surround yourself with really, really smart people -- both mentors and employees
3. Create a 10-year plan

• Website: hyken.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shephyken
• YouTube: sheptv.com
• Twitter: @Hyken

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Shawn Casemore is the President and Founder of Casemore and Co Inc., a management consultancy helping business owners and executives enable their teams to participate in accelerated growth. Shawn is the author of “Operational Empowerment: Innovate, Collaborate and Engage to Beat the Competition” from McGraw Hill. He travels the globe speaking on topics related to improving business performance -- and -- capitalizing on employee empowerment.

Shawn notes his three most critical priorities every day -- make sure you've got your priorities straight. ONWARD!

Exercise, call people you don't know, and have a meaningful conversation with someone -- Shawn does all these activities daily to work on his health -- both physical and mental.

Shawn parted ways with a company he was doing business with -- his income slowed way down because of it -- and Shawn tells the whole story here.

"You need to become adept at prioritizing time."

"Build and sustain confidence -- be comfortable being bold."

I would have been much more diligent at sustaining and keeping in touch with relationships that I've built -- as well as being bold and reaching out directly to people that I could help.

Communication is missing in most organizations -- keep the communication flowing by having regular meetings.

An individual would demonstrate caring for the customer.

1. Always be clear on what the fundamentals are for growing your business -- and make sure someone is always focused on them
2. Be genuine
3. Be persistent -- you can never, ever, ever give up

• Book: "Operational Empowerment: Collaborate, Innovate, and Engage to Beat the Competition"
• Free Chapter: casemoreandco.com/free-chapter
• Website: casemoreandco.com
• Twitter: @shawncasemore
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shawncasemore

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Stacy Tuschl is a speaker, business coach, and the owner of The Academy of Performing Arts in Wisconsin. She is the author of “Is Your Business Worth Saving” where she reveals proven strategies for pulling entrepreneurs out of a rut and launching them toward business success. She is the host of the brilliant podcast Business Rescue Road Map.

Stacy wakes up before her husband and kids, eats breakfast, drinks tea and an apple cider vinegar drink, does her morning stretches, listens to a podcast, and dives into priority #1 -- take care of yourself physically and mentally right away each morning. ONWARD!

"Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it away from you." - Mark Cuban

Success is the ability what you want, when you want -- the more successful you are, the better your work-life balance will work for you.

Stacy believes realizing that things are harder than we realize is a good thing -- and Stacy tells the reasons why here.

An "A player" is smarter than you in their specific area -- and extremely loyal.

1. Give mentees the skills to help them long-term, not just right now
2. Lead by example

1. Practice and get proficient in video -- it's the easiest way to connect
2. Collection, engagement, and conversion -- these three steps are key for platform building

1. Get out of your comfort zone -- go somewhere new by yourself
2. Go somewhere to clear your mind -- take some time to think

• Website: StacyTuschl.com
• Free collection, engagement, and conversion guide for Onward Nation listeners: stacytuschl.com/onwardnation
• New podcast: businessrescueroadmap.com

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Good Morning Onward Nation...this is Stephen Woessner, host of America’s best podcast for learning how today’s top business owners Think, Act, and Achieve. And when I am not interviews today’s top business owners -- I am serving as the CEO of Predictive ROI.

I am thankful, Onward Nation, that you have made the decision to be here -- with me -- right now.

Why?

Because we all have the same 86,400 seconds in a day -- we all have the same number of sacred seconds -- so I consider you being here a sacred exchange of time for value. And I know that I need to be excellent during each and every solocast. In order to be excellent, Onward Nation -- I have to put in the effort -- because it is only through effort can I hope to deliver enough value necessary for you to consider this to be a worthwhile exchange for your time.

But let me share a secret with you. There is an additional motivation -- an additional force that pushes me -- that drives me to be excellent during each and every episode. Working hard -- demonstrating what it takes to be excellent -- not only provides you with value -- but it publicly sets a standard of what is acceptable here at Onward Nation and Predictive ROI. My team sees that -- our clients see that -- and they see what it means to be commitment to being outstanding, every day, without exception. A standard of excellence -- a standard of awesome.

That is how committed I am today solocast topic -- how to be a great mentor.

My most vital priority within Predictive ROI is mentorship -- I am fully committed, Onward Nation, to being the mentor our team members need each day. My greatest gift that I can offer my team is mentorship. To be there to praise them when they need to be praised. To be there to kick them in the pants when they need to be kicked. To be there to hug them when they need to be hugged. To be a friend -- to be a motivator -- to ask them hard questions -- to help them see they can be more powerful than they could ever possibly imagine. To help show them the abundance of God given talent they already possess.

And Onward Nation -- that is your role as a business owner, too. So we are going to focus today’s discussion toward the critical topic of mentorship.

Because whether you want to be one or not -- whether you have accepted the tremendous responsibility that mentorship represents or not -- whether you focus on mentorship as your most vital priority -- you are one, Onward Nation.

Just like in parenting -- right now -- there is someone on your team who is watching your every move -- and your actions -- your actions are showing them your standard -- your standard of you deem to be acceptable. Are you setting excellence as your standard -- or something else? Are you showing them how to become more? Or are you showing them how to become or remain average?

With all of that said -- I don’t consider myself a great mentor -- but I am striving to get better every day. How or from whom do I learn from in order to make this pursuit of excellence a reality?

I work hard and learn every day by studying the incredible wisdom shared by our amazing Onward Nation guests. And during today’s solocast, I am going to share with you several very specific ingredients I have learned from our guests so you can be a great mentor. Please take and apply these ingredients within your company -- so you can create Mentorship Excellence with your team.

Over the past several weeks, I have conducted eight ENCORE interviews with Onward Nation alums. So far, eight guests have already come back to Onward Nation to share their insights on how to be a great mentor. I am grateful for their extreme generosity and demonstration of what it means to be excellence. I love that.

So, my special thanks to...

• Scott McKain, episodes 1 and 136
• Don Yaeger, episodes 2 and 160
• David Long, episodes 5 and 139
• Shane Stott, episodes 8 and 150
• Marty Wolff, episodes 7 and 143
• David Mammano, episodes 17 and 145
• Larry Broughton, episodes 18 and episode 166
• Nancy Marshall, episodes 19 and 135
• Drew McLellan, episode 32 and 167
• Dr. Marcie Beigel, episodes 82 and 144

Thank you, Onward Nation alumni -- you inspire all of those around you each and every day -- and it is an honor to call you friends -- to call you “mentor.” You have taught me so much.

Okay, Onward Nation -- without further adieu -- let’s dig in. Here’s how to become a great mentor.

We as mentors need to have the courage -- be brave enough -- to ask better questions. Don’t be dispensers of advice -- instead -- resist the temptation to give your mentees all of the answers. Ask open-ended questions. Press them to think and find their own solutions.

Drew has taught me that a great mentor is present. A great mentor is present to celebrate. But it is easy to be great when it is all sunshine and rainbows -- when there is something to celebrate. But greatness is also having the courage to be present to commiserate -- to share in the losses -- to show your team how to bounce back into the light. To climb out of defeat -- even if it is one inch at a time, Onward Nation.

Drew also taught me how to be regular -- to be consistent with your mentorship. Mentorship is not a part-time vital priority. It is your most vital priority, Onward Nation. It is not a sometimes thing -- it is an all the time thing.

In order to be a great mentor -- you have to humble yourself and realize that you in fact need a mentor. Every great business leader -- every great person -- is able to point back to the mentor or mentors he or she had to push them along their journey. And one of the most important skill that we as leaders -- as mentors must possess -- is the drive -- the hunger -- to keep learning. Your ongoing education from podcasts, books, conferences, mentors, represent a body of knowledge and experiences you can then share with your mentees.

And lastly, Larry taught me the importance of just starting. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into the mistake of thinking there are people who are better than you and that you don’t have anything to offer as a mentor. Those thoughts, Onward Nation, are the imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head. Don’t listen -- press on!

Don has been one of the most influential mentors in my life. During our encore interview, he shared how he frequently receives requests for his mentorship. He always replies to each request with the framework and expectations he has for an excellent mentee. And then majority of people never reply. Why? Because being an excellent mentee is hard work -- but most prospective mentees have the perception that getting a mentor is a way to find someone to do the work for you. No! A great mentors will force their mentees to be an active participant in the mentor-mentee relationship — otherwise you can’t mentor them, Onward Nation!

Carl taught me how great mentors are fully transparent with their team -- they allow their team members to see the wins and to see the losses. We should alway strive for excellence -- 100 percent of the time. But winning 100 percent of the time will never happen. Each loss can be used as a wonderful learning experience -- to give us that pit in our stomach -- that bitter taste in your mouth -- that you never want to experience ever again. And part of being transparent with your team is consistent communication with your entire team -- your entire business -- Carl taught me to allow your team to see your mindset -- to let them behind the green curtain -- or better yet -- raise the curtain. And let your team inside -- they will love you for it.

I have seen first hand how Shane leads his team. I have spend many days on-site with him and his team -- watched as he facilitated meeting with his team -- watched as he committed the resources necessary to achieve big goals within his companies. Inspiring to watch. Leading and making the initial decisions is the easy part, Onward Nation. But Shane showed me the critical importance of staying connected with those who you are mentoring -- it is a consistent process of checking in -- mentoring up -- making adjustments -- and continual guidance.

Dave stressed to me the importance of being cognizant of what you’re doing -- just like in parenting. Your teammates, Onward Nation, are watching your every step. So if you are not committed to excellence -- and you do it half-way -- don’t be surprised when you get a half effort. If you are not willing to take out the trash -- don’t be surprised when others on your team don’t think it is their responsibility either. If you are not willing to work late -- you are setting an example. Dave taught me the critical importance of not just saying what your mentees should do -- but -- be the example -- by doing it yourself.

Dr. Marcie’s two interviews were powerful. She is a behavioral expert so our conversations along with the lessons learned dug deep into the psychological motivations of mentees and mentors alike. For example...one of Dr. Marcie’s principles is to say what you mean and mean what you say -- which is one of the best ways to ensure you are being clear with your expectations of mentees. How can you expect to hold your mentees accountable when you have not provided clear expectations? If you have not done that, Onward Nation -- you need to know that is on you -- not your mentees. And yes, it will be scary to work through the details -- to provide that level of precise mentorship when you may have never done it before. But, as Dr. Marcie so eloquently said to me, “Stephen -- be scared and do it anyway.” BAM!

Marty taught me how to be a great mentor from the perspective of integrity. How can someone be a great mentor without integrity -- without being the shining example of what is ethical? And yet, business leaders attempt to do it -- yet -- eventually it catches up to them. Marty stressed to Onward Nation that a great mentor needs to be of high integrity all the time, always look for an opportunity to help someone, and help their mentees see all their possibilities. Help them, Onward Nation, see how they can become more -- and -- are capable of just that. That they have been blessed with an abundance of God given talents -- and your greatest gift to them as their mentor -- is to help instill in them the guts and courage to apply all of their gifts and talents.

I absolutely love this lesson from David. If you want to be a great mentor to your mentees -- think about the kind of mentor you would want to mentor you. What would he or she do -- teach you -- how would that person push you -- encourage you -- and help you grow? Part of being great is to analyze -- diagnose -- identify all of these points -- and then you push yourself to become more to embody those things. Being a great mentor is also the perfect opportunity to groom your team to take over for you -- so you can exit the day to day operations of the business giving you the time to focus on your most vital priorities -- like being a great mentor.

Scott teaches us the ultimate in credibility indicator. This lesson of greatness is more than being willing to perform the day-to-day tasks in your company as a good leader -- or a good example should. Instead, it is about you holding your team accountable by walking the talk. For example, great mentors beget great mentors. You must encourage and push your mentees to also be great mentors -- to get out there and find mentees of their own. That is how they learn a completely different level of awesome then they could have learned from you. They need to be in the trenches all on their own. I have several mentors who hold me accountable to walk the talk -- and I walk the talk with my mentees every day -- and I hold them accountable so they walk the talk with their mentees. So walk the talk, Onward Nation.

And bringing us home with this very important discussion is the lesson from Nancy -- how can you expect, Onward Nation, for your team to learn from your when your on-boarding process is a baptism by fire. When on their first day at your company -- they have a client meeting that afternoon? That is not setting your team up for success -- that is setting them up for horrible failure. Instead, take them under your wing -- show them how it is done -- that is how they will learn your standards of excellence -- and your employees want your time. The time you can spend with them -- one-on-one is treasured and can be special opportunities for not just mentorship -- but also relationships. If you don’t invest in your team -- don’t expect them to invest their hearts and minds into your business. Spend the time, Onward Nation -- being a great mentor is not something you do as you run past someone’s office -- or the occasional high five in the hallway. Nancy’s emphasis on teaching is an excellent principle -- because being great requires that we teach -- everything we know. That is how you help create A Players, Onward Nation.

So with that...I want to say thank you again for taking the time to be here with me today. It is an honor to have you here -- thank you for tuning in -- I am delighted you chose this episode to be what you listen to, study, and take with you on your morning run, or maybe Onward Nation has become part of your daily commute, or in some other way has become part of your morning routine.

However our daily podcast fits into your daily routine -- I want you to know how much I appreciate you sharing some of your invaluable 86,400 seconds you have in your day with me and the strategies we learn and share each day from today’s top business owners.

And please continue to let me know what you think of Onward Nation...good or bad...I always want your feedback. My direct email address is [email protected] -- and yes -- that is my actual Inbox. No fancy filters or filing system and I read and reply to every single email.

So please let me know how you think we are doing. I look forward to hearing from you.

We will be back tomorrow with an incredible ENCORE interview with Stacy Tuschl, the author of the book “Is Your Business Worth Saving?” and the host of the amazing brand new podcast Business Rescue Road Map.

Until then, onward with gusto!

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

The Wall Street Journal calls Chad Hymas one of the 10 most inspirational people in the world! In 2001, at the age of 27, Chads life changed in an instant when a 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck leaving him a quadriplegic. But Chad’s dreams were not paralyzed that day he became an example of what is possible. Chad inspires, motivates, and moves audiences, creating an experience that touches hearts for a lifetime. Chad is a best selling author, president of his own Communications Company, Chad Hymas Communications, Inc. and is a world-class wheelchair athlete. Chad’s speaking in the areas of leadership, team building, customer service, and mastering change has brought him multiple honors. He has graced the stage of hundreds of professional and civic organizations including Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T, Rainbird, IHC, American Express, and Prudential.

Chad puts his daily tasks into four different categories -- organize your tasks so that they'll get completed at the right time. ONWARD!

Start the day off right -- Chad says a prayer every morning and reads verses from the bible.

Chad's dad walked away from him -- and Chad tells the whole story here.

"You need to realize you have the ability an influence over other people."

"Go find someone to serve without being asked to do so and watch what happens."

I would have taken more risks.

Have a strategic plan, make it simple, and break it into parts.

An individual would realize the people we serve are our greatest assets.

1. Hang out with people more successful than you
2. Focus on what you have, not your losses

• Website: www.chadhymas.com

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

Dr. Carri Drzyzga is known internationally as The Functional Medicine Doc the go-to expert on finding the root causes of health problems so you can feel normal again. She is a chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, host of the popular podcast The Functional Medicine Radio Show, and author of the hit book, “Reclaim Your Energy and Feel Normal Again! Fixing the Root Cause of Your Fatigue with Natural Treatments.” Dr. Carri is the creator of Entrepreneurial Fatigue: How to Fuel Your Brain & Body for Entrepreneurial Success. Her private practice is Functional Medicine Ontario located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dr. Carri wears a sleep mask over her eyes every night -- you need great sleep to maximize your energy. ONWARD!

Take care of yourself -- Dr. Carri suggests eating a healthy breakfast full of protein and good, healthy fat.

Dr. Carri realized that she didn't love being a chiropractor -- and Dr. Carri tells the whole story here.

"You need to know where your strengths and weaknesses are -- and where your weaknesses are, hire people that have those strengths."

"Take it day-by-day and step-by-step."

I would have gotten the advice of a mentor or coach really early on.

Have really great communication with your team.

An individual would take the things off my plate that I don't need to be doing.

1. Read the book "The Slight Edge"
2. Read the book "Think and Grow Rich"
3. Surround yourself with people that are better than you

• Website: www.drcarri.com

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----

David Covey is the 3rd son of Stephen R. Covey, author of the groundbreaking book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” David was the chief operating officer of FranklinCovey. He then left Franklin Covey to start his own company, now called SMCOV. SMCOV works with the best intellectual property content experts on the planet and helps distributes their content globally through licensees. David loves working with impactful IP and setting up distribution systems around the globe.

David gets his email inbox empty at least once a week -- you've got to have a system. ONWARD!

Take the time to ask for help -- David prays and reads scripture every morning and night.

David faced tremendous challenges in starting over and beginning his business -- and David tells the whole story here.

"Perseverance and focus."

"My father was the most influential person in my life -- and I try to live the Seven Habits."

I would do a lot more trial and error and experimentation -- it takes a lot of time to get things right.

You need to create something unique.

An individual would be truly passionate.

1. Make sure being an entrepreneur is the right fit for you emotionally
2. Make sure you have a unique strategy
3. Experimentation and failure is part of the process

• Website: www.smcov.com

You can also find us here: ----- OnwardNation.com -----