The Bright Shiny Object Project

“If someone would have told me back then that I would be the person I am today, that I would have spent so many years of my life in sales and become a coach and do all that I have done, I would have said, ‘What are you crazy? That's never going to happen’,” shares host Cheri Ruskus. In all of her experience, Cheri had to learn that self-love and confidence are not things that others can provide for you. In this episode, Cheri discusses her own mental health struggles and tips for building self-confidence through consistency, the law of attraction, and the 12 riches outlined in Napoleon Hill’s book The Master Key to Riches. 

Typically whatever you spend the most time doing, those are the activities where you feel most confident. Consistency breeds confidence, but requires a lot of self-discipline. Cheri shares Napoleon Hill’s 12 riches and encourages you to consider what each category looks like in your own life right now. Some of these include mental health, physical health, harmonious relationships, and the hope for achievement. 

Being consistently confident takes practice and dedication. Everyone has bad days, but if you learn to be more confident and embrace self-love, you will be able to navigate the bad days more easily. 

Quotes

• “If someone would have told me back then that I would be the person I am today, that I would have spent so many years of my life in sales and become a coach and do all that I have done, I would have said, ‘What are you crazy? That's never gonna happen’.” (5:24-5:42 | Cheri)
• “Nobody can give you self confidence. You have to do it.” (9:09-9:13 | Cheri) 
• “Whatever we do consistently is usually what we are confident in.” (9:21-9:25 | Cheri) 
• “Consistency and self discipline go hand in hand with each other.” (24:46-24:51 | Cheri)

Links

Website: www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny:  www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@cheriruskus

“Remember when social media first started and a lot of people thought it was a fad? This is kind of where we are with live video,” shares Jackson Hole Rose. Jackson Hole Rose spent the majority of her career as a radio show host, but recently decided to shift to the live video space. She helps entrepreneurs incorporate being on camera into their social media business strategies.  

People prefer to do business with people they know and that they can verify as being real. By showing yourself to your audience on camera, you come off as more authentic. Jackson Hole Rose spent a lot of time studying influencer behaviors and getting an understanding of how they speak and act on camera. She recommends that business owners try out the live video space in addition to pre-recorded video, because live video provides opportunities for building relationships with your audience. 

Adding video to your business growth strategy will help you to connect more with your audience. There is so much AI generated content nowadays, fake profiles, and scams, and people tend to be wary of what they see on the internet. By going on camera, you remove that layer of skepticism.

Quotes 

• “Remember when social media first started and a lot of people thought it was a fad? This is kind of where we are with live video.” (7:14-7:20 | Jackson) 
• “We have a lot of things happening with AI. We have a lot of things happening with fake accounts, fake news. These types of things affect people's perception on just the internet in general or what's online.” (9:21-9:36 | Jackson)
• “I don't believe in that cookie cutter stuff. Everyone is different. Every business is different.” (15:25-15:31 | Jackson)

Links

Connect with Jackson Hole Rose:

Website: www.socialmediasecretsclub.com

Instagram and YouTube @JacksonHoleRose

Website: www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny:  www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

“A morning is a beautiful thing. Don't waste it by just getting through it and getting to the other side of it. Be in it. Enjoy it. Let it take you to new heights,” shares host Cheri Ruskus. As entrepreneurs, it is often difficult to quiet our brains and focus. Cheri struggled with this herself and did not think she could ever be good at meditation until she discovered morning momentum. 

You would be surprised how much a morning practice can really change your day when you commit to it. Mornings can be very chaotic and challenging for people, especially if you are not a morning person. However, you can change how you feel about mornings by creating a ritual that gives you dedicated time just for yourself. Pick out the coziest spot in your home and commit to spending time with yourself each morning. You can meditate, read a page of a book, watch something insightful, or even listen to music. Anything that helps to wake up your senses and put you into a good mindset for your day is welcome in your morning practice. 

Mornings are a really magical time of the day, because they tend to be the quietest. The way you start your day has a large impact on how you feel the rest of the day. Shape your morning by creating a ritual that makes you feel happy to start your day. 

Quotes

• “A morning practice is really about creating a ritual that you do every day, a morning ritual that combines all the elements that are most important to you.” (3:42-3:55 | Cheri)
• “A morning is a beautiful thing. Don't waste it by just getting through it and getting to the other side of it. Be in it. Enjoy it. Let it take you to new heights.” (5:34-5:45 | Cheri)
• “What if you took an eraser to those thoughts and ideas about how you have to start your day and started to begin to create a time that was all your own? A time that was special. The beauty of the early morning hours is that they are the quietest of the day. They're fresh, they're new, they're brand new. Because of that you really can shape them to be what you want them to be.” (7:04-7:34 | Cheri) 
• “When we look at something with our eyes wide open and our hearts wide open, it is amazing what we can see.” (21:56-22:03 | Cheri) 

Links

www.businessvictories.com/goodmorning

Book reference: The Power of Ritual by Casper Ter Kuile

Website: www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny:  www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

“I'm an expert. I was already an expert. But now I have the book,” explains Tina Larsson, Author and CEO of The Folson Group. As entrepreneurs, we are often encouraged to leave our day jobs to focus on our businesses. Familiar with this dilemma herself, Tina shares how different coaches, from speaking coaches to business coaches, gave her the confidence to control her input and achieve incredible, almost impossible-seeming results.

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, coaching has been Tina’s key to success. When she first left her company after ten years, the CEO encouraged her to start a new business at their office while she got started. This experience led to her leaving and creating the Folson Group, which consults co-op and condo board members on managing projects and reducing expenses. From there, she found coaches who gave her Linkedin advice, encouraged her to speak at networking events, and eventually encouraged her to write a book, which she did in record time. Without leaving her job, she wouldn’t have had the push to take on these opportunities and add achievement after achievement to her name.

Sometimes the advice to quit our day jobs is the exact advice we need. Whether through networking, mentors, or coaches, it can be helpful when someone else gives us the go-ahead to be bold. If we have a positive mindset and let ourselves receive guidance, we can gain the motivation to try new things and turn our bright shiny objects into profitable ventures.

Quotes

• “We had raised $50 million, so we had a sustainable business. It was kind of easy.” (6:04-6:11 | Tina)
• “We're two partners, and we outsource a lot. But we are the idea generators behind this entire business. And it's a word-of-mouth referral business. We're out networking a lot, and we network more than anybody I know.” (13:49-14:04 | Tina)
• “Look at all these sports athletes. They would never make the team if they didn't have a coach. So, I have no idea why I thought that I could do this without a coach.” (16:27-16:35 | Tina) 
• “You can't control how much revenue you're going to make or how many clients are actually going to sign up. What you can control is your input.” (23:51-24:00 | Tina) 
• “I'm an expert. I was already an expert. But now I have the book.”  (28:13-28:18 | Tina)
• “​​We could not have done this if it wasn't because of the coaches. We know. I don't see how it could have been done. But now we have all the tools, we have all the spreadsheets and all this is how you do it. So all the automation or whatever we need it. We have it all set up, so I don't see how we wouldn't be able to reach our goals for this year.” (29:37-30:04 | Tina) 

Links

Connect with Tina Larsson:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinalarssonli/

Website https://www.thefolsongroup.com/

Insta: folsongrp

Email: [email protected]

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi4ASnnA09tGMKQObmk_NbQ

Website: www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny:  www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

“A good coach will ask you to do things or think about things that you may have never been asked before,” explains host Cheri Ruskus. Hiring a coach is invaluable as you examine your business goals. As a coach to entrepreneurs herself, Cheri explores valuable business advice and how it can lead to further success.

Today, Cheri breaks down 101 reasons to hire a coach. A decent coach will help you gain referrals, provide marketing tips, and offer networking ideas. Although you may think you can do it all yourself, having a knowledgeable person available will give you the freedom and the confidence to do more. Whether you’re looking to change your mindset or brush up on a new skill, there are many reasons to make a coach part of your team.

With this new year ahead, make coaching part of your business plan. Learn more about what to avoid when hiring a coach, speaking benefits, not product features, and cutting out distractions.

Quotes

• “We can all do better with a coach by our side, whether you have one in your back pocket or you hire one. The good coaches are out there, and many change people's lives.” (3:38-3:52 | Cheri)
• “Conduct business in an office that inspires you to do your best work.” (11:38-11:42 | Cheri)
• “A good coach will ask you to do things or think about things that you may have never been asked before.” (26:53-27:02 | Cheri)
• “Align your goals with your values so that you can own them.” (37:55-38:00 | Cheri)
• “Any coach worth their weight will want to do an introductory strategy session to see if you're a good fit for each other.” (45:07-45:18 | Cheri)

Links

Website: www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny:  www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

For a full list of the 101 Reasons to Hire a Coach email: [email protected]

“To put yourself out there, it's confronting, challenging, and there was a lot of fear,” explains Jena Bedson, Ceramic Artist, and Art Therapist. No one should let fear stop them from going after their bright shiny objects. Having her own experience with insecurity and fear, Jena shares how she moved past her imposter syndrome to help other artists unleash their creativity to the world. 

During the pandemic, Jena took the time to ponder what she wanted to do next. She then became in touch with a fellow creative named Tessa, who helped her put on online ceramic workshops: her bright shiny object. Although being public in this way was initially outside of Jena's comfort zone, she committed to seeing it through and has met wonderful people as a result.

Imposter syndrome is common, but we can’t let it stop us from chasing our dreams. Learn more about  Jena’s inspiration for her online programs, the encouraging nature of her ceramic workshops, and how she pushed past her introverted tendencies to help make her work more available for all.

Quotes

• “The whole venturing into this new world of technology and online workshops is just completely out of my comfort zone.” (10:08-10:16 | Jena)
• “I'm not afraid of giving anything away. I share everything I know, and I share what I do.” (14:57-15:06 | Jena)
• “I feel like I've got this ready-made audience, but they have actually encouraged me and pushed me in this direction, which has been great.” (21:29-21:44 | Jena)
• “To put yourself out there, it's confronting, challenging, and there was a lot of fear.” (24:25-24:37 | Jena)
• “I couldn't do what I do without the audience. And it's been beautiful to form.” (34:00-34:08)
• “I love that online work has changed the landscape of my life, looking into the future, and I don't know how all that's going to land. But I can't be worried about that. I tend to just be in the moment with it.” (40:17-40:37 | Jena)

Links

Connect with Jena Bedson:

Website: https://www.jenabedsonceramics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jena_bedson_ceramics/

Website: www.businessvictories.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorygirl/

“Goals are what end up bringing us back to what we truly want when a bright, shiny new idea gets a hold of us,” explains host Cheri Ruskus. As an entrepreneur, Cheri understands that new strategies can be exciting but often distract us from the big picture. Today, she shares her insights on differentiating what we genuinely want and what is fleeting to formulate a plan that works.

It’s essential to shed the idea of the person you thought you should be and embrace who you are. When you commit to being yourself, you can evaluate your goals to determine what is serving you and what is not. When your goals align with your greater vision for your life, they are the bright shiny objects that can keep you on the right path. Even if things don’t go as planned, doing what brings you joy will make it all worthwhile.

Follow the goals that match what matters most to you. Learn more about strengthening your creative spirit, tracking your progress with a planner system, and finding your purpose in business and life.

Quotes

• “Goals are what end up bringing us back to what we truly want when a bright, shiny new idea gets a hold of us.” (1:03-1:11 | Cheri) 
• “Keep your creative spirit in mind as you create goals that matter to you.” (5:54-5:59 | Cheri) 
• “​​So much of a business plan is subjective to market conditions and more.” (24:39-24:45 | Cheri) 
• “There needs to be a plan. But I like to think of it as the bright shiny goal plan. And you better believe it needs to be written down. It must be written down to see it come to life.” (26:48-27:01 | Cheri) 
• “Your story has many chapters, many highs mixed with some lows. Keep your head held high wherever the plot goes.” (36:06-36:18 | Cheri) 

Links

www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny: www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

www.businessvictories.com/victoryletter

“Private cheffing is a big, bright, shiny object for me because I realized that I could really do it on my own terms,” explains guest Bailey Ruskus aka Chef Bai. On today’s podcast, host Cheri Ruskus interviews someone very near and dear to her heart, her daughter. A vegan chef who successfully navigated a male-dominated field, Bailey shares her entrepreneurial journey and the bright shiny objects she found along the way.

When Bailey first went to culinary school, she quickly realized that being a restaurant chef was not for her. Not interested in dealing with a culture of sexism and grinding, Bailey switched her focus to becoming a private chef. Now, Bailey uses her love of food to promote wellness and health to her followers while calling out the corporations who force us to live in a toxic environment.

Every entrepreneur is driven by making passion a way of life. Learn more about Bailey’s reflection on youth, her client experiences, and the process of writing a book.

Quotes

• “The more eyes on you, the more you realize that being well known actually holds a lot of responsibility.” (5:12-5:20 | Bailey) 
• “Private cheffing is a big, bright, shiny object for me because I realized that I could really do it on my own terms.” (13:10-13:18 | Bailey) 
• “Sometimes you have to follow the “wrong” things to find what's right for you.” (20:22-20:28 | Bailey) 
• “When it comes to entrepreneurship and having a business, everybody's different. Everyone's on a different path.” (35:37-35:43 | Bailey)
• “The more people you hire to do things, the better you can be at the genius you are.” (50:46-50:50 | Bailey)

Links

Connect with Bailey Ruskus:

www.chefbai.kitchen

www.businessvictories.com

To order the Grow Planner use the coupon code brightshiny: www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

www.businessvictories.com/victoryletter

“We must be actively aware and mindful of the ideas that are bright, shiny objects taking us places we actually want to go,” explains host Cheri Ruskus, CEO, Author, and Business Coach. Formerly the Business Victories Podcast, Cheri welcomes you to The Bright Shiny Object Podcast. While the show will still focus on all things entrepreneur, she’s ready to deep-dive into the new ideas that either bring innovation to our business or distract us from our goals.

If you’re a true entrepreneur, you see shiny objects that others do not. You may stay up all night with new ideas you’re dying to try, but it’s essential to understand you may either be led to success or the wrong rabbit hole entirely. However, it’s normal for some ideas to die and some to thrive as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey and enjoy the magic of chasing your dreams.

The road of a small business owner isn’t easy, but it’s extremely rewarding. Learn more about Cheri’s goal to motivate like-minded individuals, the common traits of an entrepreneur, and the truth of faking it until you make it.

Quotes

• “We must be actively aware and mindful of the ideas that are bright, shiny objects taking us places we actually want to go.” (2:47-2:58 | Cheri) 
• “A failure is not a failure if you gather up the valuable lesson that the perceived failure taught you along the way.” (4:55-5:05 | Cheri) 
• “There are still characteristics you must have to pull off being an entrepreneur. It's not an easy road. I will tell you from my own experience it's one I wouldn't change for a minute.” (15:00-15:20 | Cheri)
• “The key is to ensure that you're the one who stays in charge of your bright shiny objects because you're the one in charge. That's why you're an entrepreneur.” (22:01-22:10 | Cheri) 
• “As the keeper of our ideas, which each and every one of us has our ideas, dreams, and goals, it's up to us to keep the magic of that light alive as we move into each day.” (30:06-30:10 | Cheri) 

Links

www.businessvictories.com

For a limited time get a 20% discount using the coupon code: brightshiny www.businessvictories.com/growplanner

www.businessvictories.com/victoryletter

This week's episode does some exploration in finding your Inner child. That part of you that keeps you smiling and in the process can be your greatest source for confidence.