In this episode, I'm thrilled to share a proven method for quickly and effectively outlining presentations, talks, webinars, or any form of communication. At the core of this approach are nine focusing questions I learned from my public speaking mentor.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to create clear, impactful presentations on the fly. So, let's dive in and transform the way you prepare for your next speaking engagement!

If you’re ready to take your personal and professional growth to new heights, I’d love to support you on that journey. Here are some ways we can work together:

Imagine being part of a group of entrepreneurs who are all dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving more. The Next Level Mastermind is a place where entrepreneurs like yourself come together to get real, focused, and supported. In this group, we meet every week to dive deep into our biggest challenges, celebrate wins, and gain powerful insights. You'll be surrounded by peers who truly understand the entrepreneurial journey—people who face the same unique challenges and make the tough decisions that come with building a business. This group gets what it's like to be where you are.

Whether it's business strategy, personal growth, or just a fresh perspective, the Next Level Mastermind is here to support you. Curious to learn more? Visit NextLevelMastermind.info and secure your spot.

If you’re an aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur who hasn’t quite hit $10,000 in monthly revenue yet, I’ve designed a program just for you. My Building an Online Business course, packed with actionable steps, has helped countless entrepreneurs start strong. And the best part? You can access this course for free.

Upon completing the course, you’ll be invited to join two complimentary sessions in my Next Level Coaching Program, where I’m here to answer any questions, tackle obstacles, and share insights that help you grow faster. Simply email me at [email protected] with "Next Level Coaching Program" in the subject line to get started.

This December, Stephanie and I are thrilled to host an intimate workshop specifically for entrepreneurial couples committed to building a life and business together. If you and your spouse are aligned on growing a business or simply want to be, this event is for you.

Whether you’re working on the same business or supporting each other from different niches, we’ll work on strategies that elevate your business approach and strengthen your marriage.

We’re limiting this event to just five couples, creating an environment where everyone can feel supported and connected. This is a rare opportunity to spend time with us in a small, focused setting to build a thriving, successful partnership.

To learn more, email [email protected] with "December Couples Workshop" in the subject line.

In this episode, I take you on a thrilling journey from my days as a nervous wreck to becoming a confident public speaker. It's a tale of transformation that many can relate to, filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

I'll reveal four game-changing strategies that not only revolutionized my approach to public speaking but also helped me overcome my fears and anxiety. These aren't just theoretical concepts - they're battle-tested techniques that I've personally used to go from shaky starts to standing ovations.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to refine your skills or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the mere thought of addressing an audience, this episode promises insights that could transform your public speaking experience.

Strategy #1 - Developing a Reproducible Outline

Strategy #2 - Audience-Centered Mindset

Strategy #3 - Master Your Bookends

Strategy #4 - Out-Loud Rehearsal

If you're an early-stage entrepreneur or aspire to elevate your business and life, I'd like to personally invite you to take the next step towards building a thriving, sustainable business.

Many people falter not due to a lack of passion or effort, but because they overlook the crucial foundational steps in creating a solid business. I've developed a proven 11-Step Formula for Building an Online Business and packaged it into an online course that has already transformed the lives and businesses of numerous entrepreneurs.

I'm currently offering this course for FREE!

Yes, you read that right! You can access the same strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs transition from merely surviving to thriving in their online businesses.

To get free access to this transformative course, simply email me at [email protected] with the subject line "Free Building an Online Business Course".

In your email, briefly share how you discovered me, your entrepreneurial aspirations, and where you currently stand in your journey. Keep it concise—two or three paragraphs—and I'll provide you with free access to the course.

Don't pass up this chance to unlock the strategies and insights that will propel your business from survival to success. I'm eager to hear from you—and even more excited to learn about your transformation after you dive into the first module!

Email me today! [email protected]

In this episode, I introduce the inaugural installment of the newly relaunched Building A Life And Business Together podcast! I host this show with my wife, Stephanie Ravenscraft, and we're excited to revive the podcast we started a few years ago. We've returned with fresh perspectives, valuable lessons learned, and a clear vision for the direction we want to take with this show.

In this episode, we share our journey of navigating life and business as a married couple. We recount our entrepreneurial beginnings, our personal growth, and how we've learned to support each other in our marriage, especially during times when our paths weren't always perfectly aligned.

We also share the origin story of this podcast, including how our initial attempt, though imperfect, yielded valuable insights. Now, with a renewed focus, we've crafted this description for our show:

Building A Life And Business Together is our podcast dedicated to entrepreneurial couples navigating the complexities of business and marriage. We provide a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from our long-term journey as a married couple working together. Whether you're the entrepreneur in the relationship or the spouse who's feeling anxious about the financial security of your family, our goal is to guide you in getting back to "building your life together."

We focus on helping couples align on a shared vision, moving from fear and doubt about leaving the "responsible path" of a guaranteed paycheck to embracing the freedom of building a business. Each episode tackles the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing personal and professional growth, and navigating the ups and downs that come with pursuing success as a couple. Tune in for our honest conversations about creating a unified vision for your life, and learn how to get on the same page with your spouse as you build both your life and business together.

Stephanie Ravenscraft shares her heartfelt journey through the Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, offering raw and personal insights into what it truly takes to navigate life as the spouse of an entrepreneur.

In this talk, Stephanie opens up about the shock of unexpected career changes, the challenges of building a life and business together, and the sacrifices made along the way. From early struggles and financial hardships to a life of abundance, Stephanie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and unwavering support in marriage.

Whether you're the entrepreneur or the spouse, this talk will inspire you to embrace your role in building a shared vision for your life together. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, work through fear and doubt, and ultimately, thrive both personally and professionally as a couple.

Call to Action: Gain free access to Stephanie's talk, The Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, and discover how to build a stronger partnership while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Visit MindsetAnswerMan.com/fivestages to access this talk now and take the first step toward aligning your marriage and business for long-term success!

In this episode, I share an insightful response to a question presented in a recent session of my Next Level Coaching program. A participant asked for advice on how to handle it when others don't understand, and perhaps even question or doubt the unique vision you have for your business or entrepreneurial ventures.

I open up about my own experience with my mastermind group questioning my decision to leave Podcast Answer Man behind and pursue my current coaching and mindset work. I emphasize the importance of being your own number one cheerleader, and how seeking encouragement within yourself through journaling, prayer, and meditation is crucial.

I also discuss the role of a supportive spouse, if married, and the value of having a peer group that believes in you, even if they provide constructive feedback. Navigating the motivations behind others' doubts is key - some may fear your success or feel threatened by your ambition.

Ultimately, I share that if you can't be talked out of your vision, even by your closest advisors, it's a testament to how vital that vision is for your future. Your number one cheerleader must be you.

Takeaways and Action Items:

If you're on an entrepreneurial journey and looking to take it to the next level, I want to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] and share a short (3 paragraph or less) summary of where you're at. I have an unbelievable offer for my Next Level Coaching program that I believe could be a game-changer for your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity - reach out today!

In this episode, I reveal the complete 11-step formula I recommend for building an online business. This valuable content—which people have paid thousands of dollars to receive in my in-person workshops—is now being shared with a wider audience.

I start by sharing my own entrepreneurial journey, which began with launching a podcast as a hobby. Over time, I discovered a desire to turn my passion for content creation into a full-time business.

However, I quickly realized that most people attempting to create an online business were failing because they started by creating content without first laying the necessary groundwork. Instead of following a strategic sequence, they jumped straight into content creation.

As a result, I developed an 11-step formula for building a successful online business:

I'm offering you free access to the $2,000 "Building an Online Business" course I've taught in-person. All you need to do is email me at [email protected] and share a bit about your entrepreneurial journey and aspirations.

If you take me up on this offer and complete the course, I'll also invite you to be my guest for two free sessions of my Next Level Coaching Program, where I can answer your questions and provide personalized guidance.

Don't hesitate - email me today and let's get you on the path to entrepreneurial success!

Have you ever felt the magic of something you love slowly slipping away? In this episode, I share how my experiment with creating a video version of this podcast was diminishing the magic of my beloved audio-first approach to creating podcast content.

Tune in to this in-depth exploration of the potential value of creating a video version of an audio-only podcast. I share the highs, lows, and the pivotal decision that brought the spark back to my content creation journey.

Summary:

I recount my recent journey of returning to a consistent weekly production schedule. With a desire to maximize my reach, I decided to create a live-streamed video version of my podcast. Despite my extensive experience with live streaming and video production, I soon realized that my current approach was introducing more challenges than benefits.

I share my history with live streaming, from early audio live shows via SkypeCast to video streaming on Ustream, and the transition back to audio-only content, until just recently. I discuss the technical hurdles and time demands that came with producing high-quality video content, and how these challenges led me to reconsider my approach.

After recounting my recent explorations and the lessons I've learned, I offer recommendations for those considering adding a video version to their audio-first podcast. Join me on this evolving journey as I deliver valuable insights to help you weigh the pros and cons of creating a video version while preserving the essence of your audio-first podcasting approach.

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur or an aspiring one? If so, I have some exciting news for you! I am launching a brand new group coaching program starting on January 9. This weekly, 90-minute session is designed to teach you everything you need to know about building a successful and profitable online business.

Here's what you can expect from this program:

This program will provide you with incredible access to mentorship, coaching, and the support you need to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

Interested? Here's How to Join: Email me at [email protected] with the subject line "Online Coaching Program For Business Owners". Let me know you heard about this offer, and I'll get back to you with more details and answer any questions you might have.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business and achieve your goals. Take action now and secure your spot in this transformative coaching program.

Until next time, I encourage you to take everything you do to the next level.

Cliff Ravenscraft

I’ve been observing an alarming trend. Many people are prematurely quitting their day jobs, having fallen for the myth of overnight success. In this episode, I will discuss the myth of overnight success and its negative impact on the wellbeing of those who believe in it. I will introduce three questions to consider before quitting your day job and four essential business foundations to establish beforehand. Additionally, I will provide three suggestions for those who may have prematurely left their day jobs.

As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning.

By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.

Central Theme(s)

Three Questions To Ask Before You Quit Day Job

Four Key Foundations For A Thriving Business

A Proven and sustainable business model.

(Validated Products/Services)

Significant Savings (Min 9-12 months runway)

A commitment to developing necessary entrepreneurial skills.

(Time Management, Pricing, Sales, Marketing, Software, etc.)

Three Recommendations For Those Who Have Quit The Day Job Prematurely

In this episode, I open up about the top three mistakes I've made over the past.

I'll share how stopping my weekly podcast content, neglecting consistent email communication with my audience, and abandoning my life-giving early morning routine impacted my journey.

Join me as I share the lessons I've learned from these mistakes and how they are shaping my approach moving forward.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or someone striving for personal growth, there's something valuable in these reflections for you.

As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning.

By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.

In this podcast episode, I interview my dear friend Jessica Rhodes about her podcast guesting service business, Interview Connections, which she started in 2013.

Over the past decade, her business has become a powerful entity that helps individuals reach their ideal clients and expand their audience.

Listen in to learn valuable tips on how to make a strong impact when given the opportunity to be a guest on other people's podcasts.

Hear are just a few of the key insights from this episode

In today's episode, I share a transformative conversation highlighting how one coaching session can shift years of aspirations into rapid reality.

Recently, I had the pleasure of coaching Ryan Hamilton, a visionary who had been nurturing the dream of launching his own podcast and becoming an industry thought leader for seven years. During our intensive 90-minute session, Ryan sought to break free from the shackles of perfectionism and to gain momentum on his journey. We focused on practical steps that would empower him to "get the train out of the station" and bring his long-awaited passion project to the world.

This episode underscores a vital lesson: the 'perfect' time or idea is a myth that often impedes progress. Taking incremental, yet deliberate, steps can ignite a powerful chain reaction, propelling your dreams into existence. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Be sure to check out Ryan's "Make Real Stuff" podcast. Click here for a link to episode 001.

My hope is that Ryan’s story and our coaching conversation inspire you to translate your intentions into tangible steps. Remember, starting with even the smallest act can lay the groundwork for greater achievements. And if you’re seeking guidance or a collaborative brainstorm to advance your objectives, I'm here to lend my expertise.

For those interested in exploring the Next Level Mastermind or a one-on-one coaching relationship, reach out to me directly at [email protected] and use “Coaching” as your email subject. Let's make your vision a reality, together.