The Inside Racing Podcast

Happy 4th of July! We're revisiting one of our most popular non-racing episodes with Entrepreneurship Expert Mel Abraham.

While we cruise through the 2017 season, take a moment to take stock in your business mindset.

(FIRST AIRED: 1/24/17)

So you're a racing entrepreneur. Are you crazy or just a typical business owner? What does it take to win as a business owner? How do you create sustainable long-term value instead of short-term profits? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we chat with entrepreneurship expert Mel Abraham. Mel dives into the passion required and approach you'll need to have success. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins works with Mel to uncover the in's and out's of business ownership. What are the myths and misconceptions, what are the risks and what are the common mistakes other business owners have made. Mel shows us there's a way to think about owning your business that will help you sustain the good times much longer. Most importantly, he provides us with the most important question you can ask yourself as an entrepreneur and the future of entrepreneurship. (Hint: It has a lot to do with a recurring theme we've been discussing on the podcast.) Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Do you want to learn more about Entrepreneurial Thinking? Check out www.melabraham.com. For a deep dive into how to build a business model, you'll love Business Breakthrough Academy (http://www.businessbreakthroughacademy.com/) or for some great online training related to Mel's Book The Entrepreneur's Solution visit: http://www.theentrepreneurssolution.com

Mel also recommended some great books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Blue Ocean Strategy by Mauborgne and Kim.

Do racing promoters have common traits? What are the challenges in promoting a touring series? How has short track racing changed over the years? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we continue our conversation with Must See Racing's Jim Hanks. Jim shares how he moved from broadcasting racing to co-promoting racing to establishing his own sprint car series. The evolution uncovers some common challenges racing promoters face. You'll get to hear firsthand the critical decisions Jim has made while building his business. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins digs deep to understand what it takes to survive and thrive as a racing promoter. This episode will definitely make you think. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to learn more about Must See Racing or get in touch with Jim? Visit www.mustseeracing.com. Don't forget to look for the Must See Racing Sprint Series on MAVTV this season.

How does a person end up in the racing business? What decisions cause them to take a different path? How does a vision and clear guiding principles influence strategy and growth? We're kicking off a two-part interview with Must See Racing's Jim Hanks. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins gets to the heart of Jim's story. It's a fascinating look at the ways in which a motorsports broadcasting company has evolved over time. It's also a case study in the importance of television and internet broadcasting. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll hear some familiar themes and uncover some powerful insights. Jim has a great story to share. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to learn more about Must See Racing or get in touch with Jim? Visit www.mustseeracing.com

The latest episode of The Inside Racing Podcast goes back to the mailbag for more listener questions. What are the big differences between promoting a track versus a traveling series? Is there a different mindset required? How do fans engage with both? We're taking a deep dive into the world of race track and traveling series promotion on the show. If you are like me, you might not have given it much thought. When a podcast listener asked me to talk more about how traveling series should handle marketing and sponsorships, my wheels started turning. This episode will look at race promotion from both viewpoints and focus on marketing, sponsorship and business mindset. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

As the calendar turns to June, it's already time to start thinking about the 2018 season. What better time than now to revisit our interview with sales expert Bryan Neale.

Take a minute to get your sales mindset in gear with this great episode.

(FIRST AIRED: 11/29/16)

Are sponsorship sales not great? Are you looking for a new approach to sales? Do you want to have more success when selling? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, veteran sales trainer and coach Bryan Neale shares his sales framework. He reveals the mindset required to build momentum and find success. Bryan provides real examples racing promoters can use today to think differently about their business and stand out with prospects. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins works with Bryan to connect the dots between a professional sales approach and the realities of sales in the racing industry. This episode will give you a competitive edge this off-season. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Interested in learning more about Bryan? Visit www.blind-zebra.com

Would you like to talk with Bryan about sales training for you or your team? You can email [email protected] to continue the conversation.

Is your track or series using Instagram or Snapchat? Do you know why they are important? Are you missing out on key demographics and social media opportunities? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Craig Emsweller returns to the show for another deep dive into the world of social media. Craig is the CEO of E Square Marketing, a digital marketing agency with multiple motorsports clients. For a lot of promoters, Facebook and Twitter may seem like the only social media platforms required to have a successful social media program. It turns out there are a few others worth investing in as well. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins talks with Craig to uncover the most important aspects of Instagram and Snapchat. Once you listen, you'll have a much better understanding of how these social channels can impact your track or series. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Need help with social media or have questions for Craig? Check out www.esquaremarketing.com, tweet Craig @Esquaremktg or send him an email [email protected]

What is on the horizon for the 2017 season? Are there threats that could derail a successful operation? What opportunities exist for this season and beyond? Business expert and racing promoter John Robbins keeps the conversation going with guest Joe Janowski of the National Karting Alliance. The discussion hits on a variety of topics, including whether NASCAR helping or hurting short track racing. They dive into the mindset of a race promoter and look at content as a key driver for the future of the sport. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll have an opportunity to think hard about the factors at play in our industry. It's a great time to take stock and look to the future as the season gets underway. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

P.S. - Our show needs a fact checker. I know the difference between Ed Sullivan and Ed McMahon, just couldn't spit it out in the moment!

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to talk more with Joe? Head over to www.nkaonline.com or email him [email protected]

What have we learned from the 2017 racing season so far? Are there early trends that give reasons to be optimistic? What are some of the observations from past podcasts that are being validated at the race track? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, John chats with regular podcast guest Joe Janowski from the National Karting Alliance. They walk through some trends and observations from their time at the track so far this season. Business expert and racing promoter John Robbins continues to look for clues about what's working and not working in racing. As always the conversation between Joe and John is realistic, authentic and forward-thinking. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to talk more with Joe? Head over to www.nkaonline.com or email him [email protected]

Do you ever feel like you don't understand what potential sponsors are looking for? What's important to them? What they want to achieve from their sponsorship? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Travis Roffler, Director of Marketing for Continental Tire to share the lessons learned and perspectives from his 20+ years in the tire business. Travis has an impressive resume with some of the biggest tire brands in North America. At Continental, he's built successful sponsorship programs with the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll hear directly from Travis why he feels motorsports is such an important piece of Continental's marketing strategy. From innovation on the track reaching their consumer tires to the brand visibility and awareness created through strong partnerships, Travis is a big believer in the power of motorsports. Travis walks through how they activate their sponsorships and the key metrics he uses to evaluate sponsorship opportunities. This episode may give you some fresh ideas for how you can build stronger relationships with your sponsors. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to learn more about Continental Tire? Visit them on the web www.continentaltire.com or @continentaltire on Facebook. Looking for the latest from General Tire? You can head over to www.generaltire.com or @generaltire on Facebook.

Interested in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (www.imsa.com/taxonomy/term/2) or the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (www.arcaracing.com/)

Do you know who your customers are? Are you reaching new race fans? Is your content on your website and social media helping or hurting you? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll get a set of powerful insights from Mike Lysakowski. Mike truly grew up in motorsports and is an expert on media, marketing and sponsorship. He teaches corporate seminars in the off-season and has been a repeat guest at the RPM Promoter's Workshops. Mike revisits some of his most compelling topics from his RPM talks and hones in on exactly what track promoters should be doing to attract new fans. He should know. Mike was just named the new promoter for Jennerstown Speedway (PA). Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Mike to take over the podcast and teach what he knows. His ideas and observations uncover ways to reach and build new race fans and win with digital marketing. Most importantly Mike pulls back the curtain on the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to race promotion. This episode will definitely get you thinking about your approach at the track. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to get in touch with Mike? You can find him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mikelysakowski) or shoot him an email at [email protected]