Onward Nation

Get ready to have your thinking challenged and expanded as you learn from an internationally recognized leadership expert. Mark is a bestselling author and noted authority on leadership, service and extraordinary performance. His bestselling book “The Fred Factor”, which sold more than 2 million copies to date has established him as the expert on turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, in business and in life. Mark is an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis. He is featured by Crestcom in DVD-based training taught in 90 countries. His list of 2,500+ clients include Harley-Davidson, Costco, Cisco, ESPN, First Data, and many others.

Mark reverse engineers his priorities by looking at the accomplishments for an organization then peeling back the steps. ONWARD!

Think proactively -- don’t get caught up within burdensome reactions during the workday.

Mark had to learn to build reserves in 2008 -- and Mark tells the whole story here.

“Business owners should learn to identify key competencies that make their organization great.”

“In retrospect, you have to choose good partners, comprehensive systems, and find a single way to maintain success.”

I would have went back and implemented a system versed in maintaining success over a prolonged period.

Business owners need to get their teams together and make top-ten lists to clarify blurry objectives.

An individual who can grow from a good performer to a superstar by taking on those big challenges. “ABCD”

1. Put in the work
2. Have Fun

• http://www.marksanborn.com/

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

Howard Partridge grew up on welfare in Mobile, Alabama and left home at 18. He arrived in Houston, Texas on a Greyhound bus with only 25 cents in his pocket. At age 23, he started his first business out of the trunk of his car and built it up to a multi-million dollar enterprise. He has owned 9 small businesses altogether and owns 4 companies at the time of this printing.

He is president of Phenomenal Products, Inc. which helps small business owners stop being slaves to their businesses by transforming it into a predictable, profitable, turnkey operation. For the past two decades, Howard has helped small business owners around the world dramatically improve their businesses. He currently has coaching members in 97 industries and 7 countries.

Howard Partridge is a #1 Amazon.com best selling author of four books. He has led hundreds of seminars, webinars, workshops and holds his own live multi-day events which have featured some of America's top business trainers including John Maxwell, Michael Gerber, Bob Burg, Dr. Joseph A. Michelli, Darren Hardy, Dr. Robert Rohm and American legend Zig Ziglar.

Howard believes an organizational system can turn into a huge timesaving technique. ONWARD!

Howard enjoys reading -- building relationships -- and working on personal development.

Howard’s company accumulated debt over a period of time -- and Howard tells the whole story here.

“Business owners should learn to build and maintain mutually beneficial meaningful relationships.”

“Find the people who have already been where you want to go -- personal growth is unlimited.”

I would have gone back and implemented a five spoke system that’s versed in comprehensive development.

Business owners will record big wins if executive leadership can effectively communicate their vision.

An individual who understands their own potential -- the opportunity within our organization -- and the five spoke system.

1. Encourage others
2. Build Relationships
3. Be accountable

• http://howardpartridge.com/

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

16 Years ago, Bryan took the leap to being accountable for his own results! After coming close to bankruptcy twice, and co-raising 4+ children, Bryan and his team are now celebrating The Results Group’s 10th year in business! The Results Group is the Master Distributor in North America for Innermetrix. His team supports clients across the US with a psychometric suite of tools that provide business owners and executives with insights into the most valuable asset in their company, THEIR PEOPLE! Bryan’s organization empowers clients to do what every consultant wishes they could do…GET RESULTS! Bryan’s team instructs and supports all of the HR Managers and VPs to get results immediately at the point of incident versus waiting to talk later. As you will hear in Bryan’s voice and throughout this conversation — he is passionate about helping people get better results more often with less energy!

Productivity is derived from unwavering performance -- continual learning is essential. ONWARD!

Brian turns his nearly 35 miles commute into a mobile classroom with audio recordings.

We almost had to file for bankruptcy during a rough patch -- and Brian tells the whole story here.

“An organizational system has to be revisited -- look at your practices daily and reevaluate.”

“Would your client still say yes today -- serve the client -- earn the right year after year.”

I would have went back and implemented a client tracking system versed in data collection.

Business owners will record big wins by measuring the performance of their organization and evaluating talent.

An individual who understands there's not a shortcut -- fail and get up again -- put in the work.

1. Give back to the community
2. Get better -- play where others aren't playing

• http://www.whatsyourgenius.com/find-a-coach/bryan-arzani-the-results-group-llc

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

Croft believes that if a leader wants a different result, if they want to create a different future for their organization, change begins with them.

Croft Edwards passion is coaching clients to reach for #LeadershipFlow - a heightened state of being which in turn produces peak performance at critical moments. His methodology has evolved over many years of leadership in the military, and coaching business leaders and teams. His approach begins with Self Mastery, where clients develop a clear understanding of themselves and what is masking their authentic nature. A powerful synthesis of language, moods and emotion, and history are developed through three systems of action Croft calls:

• Visioning the Future
• Cultivating other Leaders and Teams
• Creating Culture and Expanding Capacity

A key result of #LeadershipFlow coaching is an increase in his client's capacity to navigate inevitable changes and crises. Since 2001 Croft has coached hundreds of individuals, from leaders and executives, to boots-on-the-ground team members, in both private and group settings.

Mental perseverance can be derived from a morning workout routine, which helps an individual to remain focused during the workday. ONWARD!

Croft meditates throughout the day -- meditation is a great way to start and end the workday.

Croft had to overcome a client breakdown -- and Croft tells the whole story here.

“Keep your calm -- there is always someone who’s overcome a far worse situation.”

“You have the ability to envision your own future -- show up -- control your own destiny.”

I would have gone back and implemented a system focused on continual self-improvement.

Business owners can lead a high-performing organization by showing they care -- set an example.

An individual who is ready to become one of the biggest advocates for our company.

1. Manage your emotions
2. Effective communication is essential

• http://www.croftandcompany.com/

Find us at ------OnwardNation.com------

Laurie is Thomas College’s 5th President, and the first female and alumna, to lead the College in its 120-year history. From 2004 - 2012, Laurie served as President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation. Prior to MDF, Laurie served three governors as the Maine State Economist and before joining state government, she served as the Corporate Economist at Central Maine Power Company.

Laurie frequent author and speaker on leadership, education, and the economy in the state of Maine. Laurie also has a passion for workforce development and job readiness so the graduates leaving Thomas College are ready and well able to deliver the most value possible to their employers — or — perhaps start their own businesses.

Make a list of accomplishments -- try to stay within your framework to reach those specific goals. ONWARD!

Laurie writes down five things she’s grateful for each day -- ending the day with an attitude of gratitude helps you sleep easier.

We failed to reach our enrollment target -- and Laurie tells the whole story here.

“Provide a path for growth -- listen to feedback -- strive to be a leader who improves the lives of others.”

“Don’t tell them what they want to hear -- tell them what you believe to be the right answer.”

I would have gone back and implemented a system that could be applied to multiple operations.

Business owners will record big wins by accepting feedback from peers as well as the greater community.

An individual who can implement an actionable system versed in continued growth.

1. Beware of shortcomings
2. Invest in yourself -- personal growth

• https://www.linkedin.com/pub/laurie-lachance/55/526/565
• http://www.thomas.edu/explore-about-thomas/our-president/

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

With her passion for problem solving and quest for continuous improvement, Christine works with businesses, brands, communities, and individuals to help build their path to success. As the only Certified Brand Strategist in New England, Christine is driven to discover her clients unique position, put a stake in the ground, and build programs to support company goals. She founded the agency over 20 years ago to help her clients solve business problems with creativity.

Prior to smith&jones, Christine worked for New York City ad agencies from creative boutiques to global firms. She took the good (amazing creative and incredible service), left the bad (bureaucracy, expensive sandwiches), and started up her own agency back in Sturbridge where she grew up.

In addition to the many creative awards bestowed upon her agency, Christine has also been named Business Person of the Year by her local Chamber of Commerce and one of Central Massachusetts Outstanding Women In Business by the Worcester Business Journal. Christine is a sought-after speaker on the topics of brand, integrated marketing, and ideation. She is an expert facilitator of workshops that help companies solve business problems creatively. She is author of the blog BrandStanza.com little ditties that build big brands, and a certified member of the Brand Establishment and member of Agency Management Institute.

Christine take a few moments to daydream -- save time -- envision where you're headed. ONWARD!

Christine likes to see if she moved the ball down the field by employing a daily scorecard.

Christine learned to overcome entrepreneurial fear -- and Christine tells the whole story here.

“A business owner needs to grow by overcoming challenges -- go out and conquer your fears.”

“Become your own personal brand -- authenticity and transparency leads to personal brand consistency.”

I would have gone back and simplified our systems -- less is more when it comes to systems.

Business owners need to identify what makes their brand different from the competition.

An individual who serves the client well -- collaborative, creative, curious and tenacious.

1. Have FUN
2. Problem Solve

• http://www.ideaagency.biz/agency/christine-tieri/

Find us at -------OnwardNation.com-------

Laura Henderson is a successful technology executive who first made her mark in the industry as the General Manager of TEKLYNX Americas, Inc., the leading global provider of barcode and label software. As a strategic, results-oriented leader with a keen ability to create high-performing operating cultures, Laura consistently achieved double-digit top and bottom-line growth at TEKLYNX.

After nearly two decades of success leveraging technological advancements for the betterment of businesses across a variety of industries, her marriage to a special education teacher, and being the mother of five children, Laura recognized a need for technological advancements in an entirely different area — the gap between education and 21st century skills.

So Laura set out to close the gap with the 2014 launch of a personalized learning software application called Epiphany Learning.

Laura empowers others so that they can focus on a single vision, which eliminates major distractions. ONWARD!

Laura gets great sleep -- you have to take control of your daily schedule -- start with rest.

Laura had to deal with deconstructive criticism -- and Laura tells the whole story here.

“A business owner needs to learn to inspire everyone that comes in contact with their business.”

“Positivity changes the dialogue in the office -- leadership is often derived from confidence.”

I would have gone back and put a system in place with an emphasis on human capital and growth.

Business owners must invest in the maintenance and management of their teams.

An individual who truly has a deep desire for lifelong learning and continual growth.

1. Consider the perspective
2. Seek feedback
3. It’s not personal

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramariehenderson

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

Steve Fry is the co-founder of three companies over the past 19 years under the umbrella of Spindustry...Spindustry Digital, a digital marketing agency (in 2013 named the top place to work in Iowa by the Des Moines Register... Spindustry Staffing, a professional services staffing company...and Spindustry Training, an IT training center. The Spindustry team achieved both Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 recognition several times for these businesses and a variety of other "Bests" in their industry.

Steve prioritizes by making a basic list, which helps manage the flow of the workday. ONWARD!

Steve has found great success by learning to network and service the local community.

Steve experienced a prolonged slowdown -- and Steve tells the whole story here.

“A business owner needs to understand how to add value to their clients or the other businesses they service.”

“Surround yourself with people that are much smarter than you -- pick their brain.”

I would have gone back and put a system in place to help our team cast a vision for the company.

Business owners must look at a candidates comprehensive talents during the hiring process.

An individual who truly cares and feels good about the work they are doing for the company.

1. Study the intricacies of business
2. Act as if -- be who you want to be before you're there

• http://info.spindustry.com/blog/author/steve-fry
• [email protected]

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

Sharon Toerek is Principal of Toerek Law, a national intellectual property and marketing law firm focused on helping professionals in the advertising, marketing and creative services industries protect and monetize their intellectual capital, and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Toerek is also a frequent speaker to professional organizations, advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams, on marketing industry legal issues.

Sharon prepares for tomorrow with a tactical pen to paper approach, which has a calming effect. ONWARD!

Sharon takes the time to call her family on a daily basis -- it is a great way to show you care.

Sharon had to learn to make timely decisions -- and Sharon tells the whole story here.

“A business owner needs to learn to communicate -- without hiding behind new media platforms.”

“You learn the most from the people you expect to be the least influential -- recognise it and listen.”

I would have gone back and put a system in place to help identify patterns and common problems among clients.

Business owners who have unwavering confidence in their judgement at all times.

An individual who can think strategically -- find viable solutions -- and make a difference for our clients.

1. Networking
2. Timeliness and Stress Management
3. Finding a Niche

• http://www.legalandcreative.com

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

Good Morning, Onward Nation…Stephen Woessner here.

I am going to continue the solocast momentum that was started last week in episode 65 with today’s episode – episode 68.

I am pleased to report that last week’s solocast went well – despite making me uncomfortable and really pushing my comfort zone – smiling – so I am going move onward with gusto and record a new solocast once a week so I can really dig deep into a topic or a business issue.

I will then share strategies and ideas that we have tested and applied in our companies so you have the same opportunity to apply those recipes into your business.

As I prepare for each of these solocasts…I think about you…and what I hope will be the result outcome for you as a result of listening.

So here it is – for this episode – my hope for you is that this episode will help bring into focus the 6 Vital Metrics controlling your growth.

More specifically…here’s what we will cover during this episode.

1) We are going to define some terminology like Vital Priorities, Vital Functions, and Vital Metrics.

2) I will show you how to identify the 5 or 6 Vital Metrics you need to pay attention to in order to ensure that your sales and marketing strategies are turning your business into what I like to call a “Sales Generating Machine”.

3) And lastly…I want you to give me a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” on this episode by reaching out to me at stephen at onwardnation.com.

So let’s get started.

The first term we need to define it Vital Priorities. What are they and why are they relevant?

Let’s think of Vital Priorities as your big goals over the next 12-months – and if we didn’t accomplish anything else – the year would have still been a major success. But if you didn’t accomplish these goals, then the rest of the year would not have mattered.

That is the incredible importance of Vital Priorities.

Then there are Vital Functions and those are the skills – the processes – the talents you possess that make you the best inside your company at certain tasks and projects. We aren’t going to spend time delving into Vital Functions during this solocast but I will likely dedicate a future show specifically to taking Vital Functions deep.

Then there are the Vital Metrics and this is how you should quantify and measure your success – your progress toward accomplishing your Vital Priorities.

I should also cite the source and give credit where credit it due. The terminology of Vital Priorities, Vital Functions, and Vital Metrics is not my own. It is a process – a strategy – that I learned from one of my influential mentors, Darren Hardy, Publisher of SUCCESS Magazine. Darren and I have spent a lot of one-on-one time together – some of it painful – because learning those lesson that need to be learned can sometimes be a painful experience.

Darren has been an incredible mentor.

Before I share the Vital Priorities with you – let me proactively answer a question that tends to cloud the minds of business owners. Oftentimes a business owner will say to me, “Stephen, this sounds great but I have people on my team who do this digital marketing stuff. Why do I need to care about this? I don’t want to learn it.”

You don’t need to be the one who pulls the levers or turns the knobs, but if you don’t pay attention to the scorecard, no one else will. I asked Avinash Kaushik, digital marketing evangelist for Google the same question, and his answer was, “It's because if you care about it — and you understand it — then you will be rich. But if you just dump it on someone else's lap, then you will be poor. That should be incentive enough." Well, said Avinash.

Here are the three Vital Priorities:

1) Acquisition: you need to pay attention to the amount of traffic flow to your digital existence – your website – and the sources of that traffic to ensure the sources are high quality and consist of the right audience. If your site is attracting the wrong traffic from the wrong sources, your lead generation and revenue generation efforts will suffer.

2) Engagement: yes, Facebook Likes, Twitter followers, comments, shares, etc. are all valuable metrics that indicate engagement with your content and online community. But for the “engagement” Vital Priority, what you should be looking for is a reduction in bounce rate, increase in time on site, or other metrics that indicate the behavior of your audience is indicating that you are creating well-prepared prospects.

3) Transaction: this is the ultimate litmus test of success – did you sell something? Were you able to convert site traffic into leads and then those leads into buyers? Did the average conversion value increase, did the number of days to convert someone from a lead into a sale decrease, and did total company revenue increase? If not, then the strategy / recipe needs to be revisited with your team and likely revised.

Along with the three Vital Priorities, there are also 6 Vital Metrics. And they are:

1) Change (increase / decrease) in unique website visitors

2) Change (increase / decrease) in conversion rate of unique website visitors into email optins for Flitz

3) Change (increase / decrease) in conversion rate of email optins into buyers

4) Change (increase / decrease) in overall conversion rate of site visits into buyers

5) Change (increase / decrease) in average order value

6) Increase in total company revenue

And during the solocast…I also explain the S.M.A.R.T. framework to goal setting and how the lack of baselines and S.M.A.R.T. goals creates one of the most expensive Money Draining Mistakes for an organization.

In closing…remember this reality…you are the average of the people you spend the most time with.

So you need to spend your time with people you have a common future with – not a common past.

And by consistently listening to Onward Nation – you are spending time with today’s top business owners…the people who are crushing it and already at the next level…the people whose recipes and strategies can help you grow your business, make your network more robust, and become more influential.

All so you can reach your goals and move your business onward to that next level.

I hope that makes sense.

Okay, Onward Nation – my hope is this solocast was valuable to you.

Please drop me a line and let me know what you thought.

Keep the feedback coming.

You can reach me directly at stephen at OnwardNation.com and let me know -- thumbs up or thumbs down?

Onward with gusto!

-- Stephen