Pivoting Through Life

Life has so much to offer, but many times people get stuck trying to find what they really want to do or secure a job that they can't stand just because they need something to pay the bills. They say the average person will change their career 3-7 times. With the increase in job opportunities online, now, more than ever, people are able to find what they want to do, travel the world, all while working remote. Today's guest is very special to me because he family and I'm just so proud to say I know him and I played a small part in his huge success. Enjoy!

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Today, I sat down with Dee Greene, founder of Content Made Easy. Dee went from making $300 a month to over $10k a month doing online courses and coaching. Dee started out with numerous business ideas and finally found something that stuck. Although him and his wife, Lauren, may not have had the smoothest success path, they stayed on it and now reap the rewards. Dee calls himself a, "Digital Nomad." He's able to do what he loves online, digitally. His whole goal is to be able to travel quarterly, hence the "nomad" part. Check his YouTube channel -  @DeeGreene 

With so many technology advancements, AI being one of them, it has people wondering what this will mean for them and their jobs. Although AI (chatGPT and others) made a big splash, but it's not where it needs to be in order to replace people's jobs. Big tech companies have disrupted many industries. Enjoy!

Today, I'm joined by guest, Bob Hansen, founder of Simple.Biz. Simple.Biz is a network of local website designers that target specific goals for each business owner. With over 4200 clients, Bob Hansen has successfully created a formula that consistently delivers quality content. Hansen specializes in websites, landing pages, and SEO. He dives into how he uses chatGPT, jokes about VR headsets, and shares his knowledge on current technology trends.

The second guest is my son, Corben Hogan. He attended the University of Central Florida. Having a background working with WUCF, Corben worked closely with the campus' radio station. Corben now leads my back office, utilizing some of the best technology platforms offered today. He goes over his experiences with the evolution of tech while sharing his opinion on the future and landscape of tech.

Welcome to Season 3: The Pivot!

This season I want to discuss more real-world situations, talk about more abstract topics, and have my network of friends chime in on a few episodes. Why did I name this season, "The Pivot?" Well, in business and in life, people are constantly asking you to pivot, to adapt. As new markets arise and more competition is being presented, it's important to understand how others have adapted, or pivoted, their businesses to continue their journey of success.Today I wanted to slow things down, before we speed things up later in the season, by telling my story. I touch on the dynamics of my childhood and how I was raised. I go over some key career changes that helped propel me to becoming the person I am today. My story isn't super unique, but it is my story, my journey.I hope you enjoy and let me know if you grew up similarly or differently to me, if so how?

Leadership. It's a skill that needs to be developed. Not everyone is a leader. Not everyone will be a good leader. Every successful company needs to have a fearless leader. Great leaders are able to manage their people, motivate them, and implement resources to achieve measurable goals. I'm sure we've all experienced a bad manger at some point in our lives. Why were they bad? Today, I go over 5 characteristics that make a great leader and skills they use/possess in order to motive their teams. Proud of you, keep it up!

Negotiations are a part of life. We negotiate, give and take, everyday. Today, I talk about the four most common negotiation strategies. Perhaps they may be considered more mindsets, than tactics, but they are prevalent nonetheless. We go over Compete, Collaborate, Compromise, and Accommodate and some examples for each. Some deals are easier or harder than other, depending on what strategy or mind you choose and the other party adopts. Ideally, both parties would be able to collaborate or compromise to make the dream work. It's all about what each party needs and what is feasible. Don't be afraid to take the risks or walk away. Explore all your options, good luck! I'm proud of you.

You've worked hard, built your company into a huge success, now what? There's so many different ways to make a transition out of the company. Today, we discuss the top four most common ways business owners release their responsibilities within their company. If you're not ready to fully retire, there's still a way for you to keep being involved with your company. This may look like an advisory role, ESOP, etc. Whatever you decide, you need to do what's best for you and your company. Go explore your options, select the best one that works for you, and enjoy your exit. Always here for your guys, keep it up!

So many different ways to make money in today's landscape. Technology is booming and now, more than ever, people are able to start, grow, and transform their hobbies into full-on companies and businesses. Even if not your primary income, you can create a start-up and automize the process. The possibilities are endless. This video goes over various ideas that are low barrier to entry because the startup costs are $1,000 or less.Whatever you do, make sure you know the industry, be a professional, and be the expert in your niche. The profits are in the niche. Niching down, increases your chances of profitability. Good luck, proud of you!

What's the price you need to sell your small business? Is legacy important to you? Are you willing to be a sell out? Selling or getting acquired by another company has immense opportunities and there's nothing wrong with it. This episode discusses how to scale your business and set it up for potential buyout. Business has a natural cycle and I go in-depth with how new small businesses enter the competitive market once one has pushed itself out. Exciting stuff, hope you enjoy!

We see it, we hear it all the time on Shark Tank... "Your company isn't worth 8M..." The question is... what is a realistic value of myself and the company I own? This episode is all about the common multiples of popular industries typically have regarding valuations, how we find a way to give value to our employees starting out, and how to find your value in the market you're in. Hope this episode was helpful. Always exciting to Pivot Through Life with you!

Small Businesses are the back bone of America and many of them are family owned and operated. Numerous business owners want to know how to level up their family operated venture and today we touch on the importance of Procedures and Policies. You need to have them in place if you are going to grow with your family business. Hiring, firing, working with, and working for family can be tough at times, but you need to understand it's just business and you need to do what's best for that... it might not necessarily be hiring your kids to continue the operation.