As the leader of a business, it is essential that you know how to have difficult conversations. In growing from an operator to a rainmaker, you will naturally multiply yourself, which means that interpersonal interaction is at the center of what you do. When you are able to have difficult conversations, maintaining a humble and empathetic attitude, you will find that you are able to support the growth of your company, and of your employees. Rather than trying to avoid challenging conversations, you need to face them and handle them with skill.

One of the most important ways that you can take your business to the next level is through being committed. Commitment is a vital element to making real change and rising beyond the status quo. Often we hear people saying, “It’s not personal, it’s just business,” but in reality, the people who we are in our business and in our personal lives are the same, so we need to bring 100% commitment to both all areas of our lives. In this episode, I’m discussing how to take your business to stage two and make real change through taking your commitment to the next level.

My guest today, Doug Edrington, joins me for his second appearance on The Stage 2 Show. On his first visit, we discussed how he is creating a new model in the real estate industry for how to scale value and services. After our initial conversation, I wanted to have Doug back on, so that we could dive deeper into some of his answers, and the innovative practices he’s using. Check out this conversation, as well as Part 1 from the podcast on November 2nd, to understand how Doug is changing the game in real estate.

Today on the Stage 2 show, I’m talking with Miguel Morales, owner of several restaurants in the Chattanooga, TN area. Miguel’s story is an interesting and instructive one for anyone who has started their own business, or for anyone who is thinking about it. After training in graphic design for advertising, Miguel found that the industry had changed entirely over to digital. At the same time, Miguel’s years of experience working in restaurants ultimately led him to decide that he was working like an owner, but not earning what he should be. Tune in to hear how Miguel got started as a business owner, and the road he has taken to success.

A few months ago, I read an article in the Tennessee Society of CPAs Journal that blew me away, and I knew at the moment that I had to have its author on the podcast. Danetha Doe is leading the way in the accounting and financial industry with her blog “Money and Mimosas,” and her podcast “Future of Accounting,” and was named a Top 40 under 40 accounting professional by CPA Practice Advisor. Today Danetha joins me to discuss how technology is changing the industry, the exciting opportunities that are available, and the importance of establishing your branding or executive presence as a financial professional.

In order to take your business to the next level, you need to change things up! While success and consistency are great, if you find that you’re doing things the same way that you’ve always done them, your business is at risk of becoming stagnant. A rainmaker is someone who is constantly changing, trying new things, and creating new activity through the vision that they have, and their desire to see what else is possible. Whatever new possibilities come your way—adapt, venture into new territory, and change it up!

Today’s episode covers a crucial topic for business owners, and one that can be particularly challenging for those of us who are used to doing everything. While your drive and innovation is what your business relies on, it’s not possible to dedicate 100% of your time to every part of your business—you must delegate responsibilities. In order to go from an operator to a rainmaker, you need to do just that: don’t just be an operator. You need to be willing to make investments, build trust and delegate responsibilities, and take risks.

To take your business to the next level, you need to have a clear and precise understanding of who your competition is, and how they operate. You need to know what you’re up against, so that you can position yourself strategically in the market, and stand out in your industry. Knowing your competition and how they reach their target audience will help you understand who your audience is, and how you can reach them as effectively as possible. Today’s episode will get you thinking about how you can develop the strongest position in the market, and stand out from your competitors.

Entrepreneurs are programmed to be innovative and forward thinking, focusing on the future and finding new opportunities for growth. While this is the key to our success, it can also create problems for us if we aren’t tempering our creativity with forethought and careful planning. Today’s episode is all about the three most common pitfalls that entrepreneurs struggle with, and how you can steer clear of them.

The key to elevating your business to the next level lies in effectively scaling your value and your services. My guest today, Doug Edrington, has accomplished this, and is redefining real estate through focusing on the big picture of today’s real estate industry. Tune in to hear what Doug is doing differently, and what concrete steps he’s taken to grow from an operator to a rainmaker.