The Startup Life

The Startup Life

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The Startup Life episodes

  • Darnell Reid (Founder & CEO of Good Hands Community Care)

    What does it mean to provide value in the healthcare industry? In this episode, we sit down Darnell Reid(Founder & CEO of Good Hands Community Care) to discuss just that. He walks us through his early teachings of entrepreneurship as he shares with us a conversation about instead of looking for a job that he should be focused on creating jobs. Darnell later shares his lessons learned from Replay Games. He goes on to explain why it's Memphis entrepreneurs that inspire him as an entrepreneur, which led him to create the Memphis Success podcast. Do you have a top 100 list? Darnell talks about having a list of influencers to help tell the story of your company.

    After the break, he explains his thought process on what goes into the decision to move into a bigger space for your business. He moves on and describes how advice from a friend from middle school is something he holds on to today. In probably his most reflective moment, Darnell describes the responsibility of providing a living for his employees and how the decisions he makes affect them. In regards to entrepreneurs giving commentary on social issues, Darnell says he is more about taking action as opposed to just offering lip service. Lastly, he explains why done is better than perfect.

    Need to reach out to Darnell:

    Good Hands Community Care

    2738 Mt. Moriah

    Memphis, TN 38115

    901-286-2515

    [email protected]

    Follow Good Hands on Facebook

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice

    Rich Dad, Poor Dad

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    1 hr 19 min
  • Value Added Marketing (with Cheryl Pesce)

    Can you add value to your customers while marketing your business? In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Pesce (Owner and Designer of the Cheryl Pesce Lifestyle Brand) to explain how it's done. She explains why entrepreneurs should always be closing and marketing because you never know who is watching.[4:51] She also explains what is meant by Need Identify, Trial Close and Identifying Your Customers and why those measures still work today in this age of digital marketing and social media. She also goes to great lengths to explain why pop-up shops work so well for her. Cheryl also gives her own take on what an elevator pitch looks like.[12:49] Right before the break, she talks about collaboration and cross-promotion with other businesses.

    After the break, she explains how even though initially not wanting a brick and mortar store but the opportunity presented itself and she could not turn it down. She shares with us the secret to creating a buzz that has ultimately led to her great success. [21:23] Cheryl also shares with us some of the cool and unique ways she promotes her amazing brand. [22:45] She goes on to explain how networking and building relationships have also contributed to building her brand. Do relationships in business fall through? Cheryl explains an interesting perspective on this matter and why having a contract is so vital. Lastly, she explains the concept of Value-Added and the #1 thing an entrepreneur should know about marketing.

    Visit Cheryl's store:

    1350 Concourse Avenue #125

    Memphis, TN 38104

    Looking for a great gift for Valentine's Day? Visit Cheryl's website. Promo Code: Valentine's Day

    Want a tasty treat with a Memphis touch? Visit the MemPops website.

    1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 133

    Memphis, TN 38104

    Listen to Cheryl Pesce's past episodes:

    Cheryl Pesce (Owner & Designer of Cheryl Pesce)

    The Art Of Private Branding (Featuring Cheryl Pesce)

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    Want gear from The Startup Life? Check out our gear!

    Need great teaching resources? Great resources in our Teaching With Owls store.

    36 min
  • Let's Launch A New Product

    Is it time launch a new product or service? In this episode, we discuss the process of creating a new product and what you need to know. In the first segment[2:11], we explain how from keeping a journal to spinning a fidget spinner can be vital to spark creativity in making a new product. Honestly, it starts by understating that you are a creative person in the first place. In the second segment[10:07], we explain the product development process. We start with idea generation/screening process when you begin to start writing down potential new product ideas and what role your "red team" serves. We also explain the difference between a staple product and a passion product. We wrap up the segment with the commercialization process and bringing the product to market. We even break down the difference between a Wal-Mart customer and a Target customer and introduce the concept of a SWOT analysis.

    After the break in the third segment[23:43], we discuss the launching of a new product. We consider being proactive in getting the word out about your upcoming product or service and how industry influencers can help get the word out which can lead to significant presale numbers. Later, we discuss creating content to promote the product not only leads to establishing credibility in the market but also educates the consumer to be successful with your new product or service. We also touch on making sure your outreach allows you to differentiate your product in the marketplace….like driving an ugly car to promote a new product. Lastly, in the fourth segment[37:09], we discuss the product lifecycle. We start with the introduction phase as you are letting the customer get to know the new product. Then it ends with the decline phase as sales begin to decline and the marketplace is not bored with your product.

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    47 min
  • Stephanie Lee(Founder & Lifestyle Mastery/Relationship Expert of Successfully Me, LLC)
    Can just anyone be a life coach or a therapist? Why do you have to be married to the business? In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Lee (Founder & Lifestyle Mastery/Relationship Expert of Successfully Me, LLC) as she answers these questions and more. She tells us the story of being a daughter of immigrants from Haiti and how her parents raised her in an entrepreneurial culture. Being recently married, she also describes how her husband, Edmond Lee (who is also an entrepreneur) encourages her and how their relationship works as they build two different businesses. Later in the show she explains how she plans to work with Oprah one day and how creating tangible products are important in her business. She shares some advice for other African-American women entrepreneurs as they begin to build their business. Lastly, Stephanie adds that if you have an idea for a business you should start it right away. To book a session with Stephanie or to purchase her Sip & Share game, visit her website: https://www.iamsuccessfullyme.com Read Stephanie's tip on relationships published on bravotv.com (Tip# 4): https://goo.gl/j7hxi2 Books mentioned by Stephanie in this episode: The Alchemist https://goo.gl/joscNt Subscribe to Stephanie's Youtube Channel: https://goo.gl/nbMkdx Follow The Startup Life Podcast Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheStartupLife Want gear from The Startup Life? https://goo.gl/fP6Acv Need great teaching resources? https://goo.gl/kgyB1z Associate Producer: Marques Young
    1 hr 8 min
  • How To Start A Restaurant
    Are you ready to open a restaurant? In this episode, we discuss some of the rules for new restaurant owners and the step-by-step process of starting a restaurant from ideation to grand opening. We also break down the math of why restaurants offer free refills and how understanding that math is vital to a restaurant's success. We kick the show off with a story of one of my favorite restaurant owners, Chef Gary Williams of DeJaVu. Opening Monologue: HOW TO START A RESTAURANT [2:42] Tribute to Gary Williams DE JA VU [6:08] SEGMENT 1 **ONE QUICK STORY** [14:38]SEGMENT 2 **WHY DO RESTAURANTS FAIL** [14:51] The Owner Is Inexperienced [15:42] The Owner Is Lazy [17:13] Proper Accounting Not In Place [19:38] Overspend Before The Doors Open [20:26] Terrible or Inconsistent Customer Service/The Customer Is Not Always Right [22:50] The Food Is Not Good/ Lack Of Recipe Consistency [24:13] Lack Of Marketing [25:11] Segment 3 **Rules For New Restaurant Owners** [25:22] Make Sure Kids Eat First [27:14] Don't Clear Dishes Too Soon [27:59] Have Engaged But Not Annoying Servers [28:22] Give the Customer What They Asked For [28:46] Don't Make Comments [29:28]***Break*** [31:03]SEGMENT 4 **HOW TO START A RESTAURANT [31:10] Write A Business Plan [32:28] Think About A Food Concept [33:14] Consider The Ambience [33:58] Consider Serving Style [36:52] Research The Costs [37:24] Be Mindful Of Restaurant Location [38:05] Clean Restaurant according to Federal, State, and Local Laws [39:53] Get A Business License [40:34] Call A Health Inspector/Surveyor For Alcohol [42:21] Get A Music License [43:56] Call Your Restaurant Association [44:36] Consider Renting A Commercial Kitchen [45:33] Secure Funding/Start With Your Resources [47:03] Maybe A Commercial Lending [48:15] Ask Family And Friends [49:53] Government Assistance [50:32] Look For Food Vendors [54:22] Hire Great Employees [57:43] Have Your Target Audience In Mind [59:48] Have A Grand Opening [1:01:47] Do Tons Of Marketing [1:03:36] Have An Amazing Logo [1:04:14] Keep The Ship Afloat [1:05:49] Ask For Customer/Employee Feedback [1:08:39] My Final Take [1:09:15] Why Restaurants Offer Refills [1:11:36] Ending Credits Want gear from The Startup Life? https://goo.gl/fP6Acv Need great teaching resources? https://goo.gl/kgyB1z Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected] Resources mentioned in this episode: [7:58] Need an EIN? https://goo.gl/1RwS1N [39:33] Sample of Opening and Closing Procedures https://goo.gl/bDXp1M [17:53] Point Of Sale Sale Systems https://goo.gl/wmaFfN [47:50]Alternative Lending Options For Your Business https://goo.gl/YXDx8D [49:53]SBA Loans https://goo.gl/CswPCG Additional Resources: https://goo.gl/qZFkis https://goo.gl/z1Uuq8 https://goo.gl/v3sCYD https://goo.gl/6wg75T
    1 hr 13 min
  • Becoming A Networking Guru
    In this episode, we discuss the benefits of networking and the proper way to network online. We also discuss possible icebreakers to try at your next networking event. Later, we will break down how to use food to your advantage when trying to start a conversation. Opening Monologue: BECOMING A NETWORKING GURU [2:19]SEGMENT 1: **THE ADVANTAGES TO NETWORKING** [2:20] Opportunities Will Open Up [3:53] Generates Leads [4:54] Receive Great Advice [6:47] You Raise Your Profile [10:33] The Opportunity To Be A Positive Influence [12:11] Increased Confidence [13:51] Could Lead To A Personal Relationship [15:03] SEGMENT 2: **TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF NETWORKING** [15:35] Do Some Homework Before The Event [17:28] Don't Go Too Early [18:00] Dominate The Room/Act With Confidence [20:03] Relax/Smile & Be Confident [21:06] Read Up On Current Events [21:56] Meet New People Because That The Point [23:29] Ask Open-Ended Questions [24:26] Be Mindful Of Your Alcohol Tolerance [26:09] Don't Get Caught Without Business Cards [27:57] Wear Something That Stands Out [28:51] Hangout Near The Food [29:29] Find Groups to Network With [30:08] Bring A Wingman [31:02] Compliment People [31:45] Thank The Host [32:54] SEGMENT 3: **BREAKING THE ICE** [33:43] Say Hello [34:22] Ask Where A Person Is From [35:16] Ask What Their Motivation Was For Cominig [35:41] Ask About The Food….But Tread Lightly [36:35] Tell Me More About what You Do [38:07] Ask For Some Insight [39:46] **BREAK** [41:47] SEGMENT 4: **NETWORKING ONLINE** [42:34] Align Your Interests & Activities/LinkedIn Should Be Your Main Hub [43:20] Show Respect To The Someone's Thread [46:19] Find People That You Admire [48:02] Add Value To The Group [49:28] Eventually Meet Face To Face [51:15] SEGMENT 5: **NETWORKING FACE TO FACE** [51:28] Start With Your Friends/The Inside-Out Strategy [52:58] Backwards Planning [54:10] The Elevator Pitch [57:06] Maybe Bring In Some Ice Breakers [58:11] Sometimes People Don't Click…And Thats OK [59:00] Deepen The Conversation [1:01:11] Think Before You Speak [1:02:58] Ask The Question: What Can I Do For You [1:08:38] Exchange Business Cards [1:09:23] Follow Up [1:10:20] My Final Take [1:12:16] Ending Credits Want gear from The Startup Life? https://goo.gl/fP6Acv Need great teaching resources? https://goo.gl/kgyB1z Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected] Looking for a nice co-working space in Memphis? http://www.entrememphis.com Past episodes mentioned: Selling Is Not Scary: https://goo.gl/eMste4 (SoundCloud Link) The Language Of Entrepreneurship: https://goo.gl/K8KgiE (SoundCloud Link) People and Organizations mentioned: Brain Booker of One Step Initiative: https://onestepinc.org STS Enterprise: https://www.stsenterprise.org The I Really Mean It Podcast by Ron Brooks: https://goo.gl/4xjV6Q Home Of the Hustle: https://www.facebook.com/homeofthehustle/ Additional Resources: Shapr http://www.shapr.co http://amazingbusiness.com/top-9-benefits-of-business-networking/ http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/03/21-practical-ways-to-overcome-your-fear-of-networking/ https://amp.businessinsider.com/best-icebreakers-for-networking-events-2016-8
    1 hr 14 min
  • Selling Is Not Scary
    In this episode, we discuss why closing the deal fast is not necessarily a good thing, the word "no" is actually a acronym for something positive, and why building rapport is the hallmark of any great salesperson. Also, we break down the difference between a feature, benefit, and result. Opening Monologue: Acing The Interview [3:03] Short and Long Sale Scenario [3:53 ]SEGMENT 1: MYTHS OF BEING A GOOD SALESPERSON [4:01] Buyers are not always telling the truth [5:42] Anybody can be persuaded on the spot [8:47] Price is the reason they didn't buy your product or service [12:17] One size fits all/Discount [14:10] Close the deal fast [16:08] Close the deal at any price [18:33] Do whatever it takes to get the sale [20:21] SEGEMENT 2: FEARS OF SELLING [20:35] Fear of making a negative first impression [23:38] Fear of rejection [25:06] Fear of coming of as pushy [26:54] Fear of not being able to close [31:05] Fear of not doing it right [33:40] SEGMENT 3: HOW TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS [33:57] Be genuine [34:30] Be friendly [34:58] Show Interest [36:43] Don't be thirsty [37:39] Give compliments [39:52] Read the culture [42:04] BREAK [43:39] SEGMENT 4: FEATURES, BENEFITS, AND RESULTS [44:37] Features [46:02] Don't use jargon [47:25] Benefits/W.I.I.F.M. [51:29] Results [53:41] SEGMENT 5: THE SALES PROCESS [54:15] Step 1: Know your product/service [56:13] Step 2: Know your customer [1:01:18] Step 3: The sales approach/Needs assessments [1:04:16] Step 4: The presentation/Matching needs [1:05:13] Step 6: The close [1:06:46] Step 7: The follow up [1:12:43] My Final Take [1:15:47] Ending Credits Resources: https://www.movoto.com/demographics/ Episodes of The Startup Life mentioned: Brand vs. Business https://soundcloud.com/user-311818971/brand-vs-business Acing The Interview https://soundcloud.com/user-311818971/acing-the-interview The Language Of Entrepreneurship https://soundcloud.com/user-311818971/the-language-of-entrepreneurship Want gear from The Startup Life? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/The-Startup-Life-c23151660 Need great teaching resources? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/Resources-c22810388 Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected]
    1 hr 18 min
  • Acing The Interview

    In this episode, we discuss a few tricks to ace your interview, some things to avoid doing, and how to crush the phone interview. We also include practice interview questions in the show notes below. Entrepreneurs, even though this episode is mainly about landing a job, there are still strategies you can use from this episode. Opening Monologue: Acing The Interview [3:27]SEGMENT 1: Some interview hacks [3:56] The best day and time of day to schedule your interview [5:22] Don't schedule your interview with other strong candidates [6:47] Be mindful of the colors you wear to your interview [8:59] Consider the interviewers age when answering questions [10:58] Be mindful of hand gestures [12:29] Find commonalities with your interviewer [13:19] Mirror the interviewers body language [13:51] Compliment the interviewer [15:06] Show confidence [15:58] Show examples of assertiveness [17:01] Be candid about weaknesses [18:17] Prime yourself to have a good interview/Superman pose [20:43] Speak expressively [21:41] Make eye contact [22:07] Be friendly yet assertive [22:47] Show your potential [23:13]SEGMENT 2: Things not to do in an interview [23:25] Do Not Lie! [24:25] Do not answer your phone during in an interview [25:30] Do not come off as arrogant or condescending [26:26] Do not dress inappropriately [28:06] Do not blame other people for your mistakes [29:09] Do not make body language mistakes [29:41] Do Not forget to smile [30:40] Do not fidget with items [31:14] Do not fidget in your seat [31:36] Do not fold your arms [32:09]BREAK [33:44]SEGMENT 3: How to win your phone interview [34:00] Be in a nice quiet office setting [34:59] Research the company [35:57] Dress up for your phone interview [36:11] Listen [37:29] Speak expressively/Smile when talking [38:28] Create a positive ending [39:29] Send a Thank You note [41:05]Do a proper follow-up/Be patient/Ask for feedback [44:40]SEGMENT 4: How to win the face to face interview [44:55]Power Pose [45:18] Practice interview questions below [46:05] Identify the hook/Be memorable [47:04] Know the job you are applying for [48:49] Establish what makes you great for the role [51:27] Know the company [53:18] Prepare for follow-on questions [54:09] Practice and record yourself dong a mock interview [55:50] The more you prepare, the more relax you will be [57:02] Stay positive [57:58] Be honest [58:49] My Final Take [1:00:01] Ending Credits POTENTIAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS https://www.inc.com/travis-bradberry/how-to-ace-the-50-most-common-interview-questions.html Want gear from The Startup Life? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/The-Startup-Life-c23151660 Need great teaching resources? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/Resources-c22810388 Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected] Looking for a nice co-working space in Memphis? http://www.entrememphis.com

    1 hr 2 min
  • Brand vs. Business
    In this episode, we discuss the difference between a business and a brand, why running the business right is crucial, and how to pick your brand archetype. Opening Monologue: Are you building a brand or a business [2:21] SEGMENT 1: The Differences Between Building A Business And Building A Brand [2:28] The brand transcends the business [3:21] Coke & Pepsi are much more than a carbonated sugary drink [3:46] The difference between marketing and branding [5:20] Chipotle and Moe's brand [7:40] Building a brand is about making it personal and relatable to the marketplace [10:43] SEGMENT 2: Pros and Cons of Building A Personal Brand [11:48] Pros & Cons of building a personal brand [11:52] Pro: A personal brand allows you to be flexible [14:25] Pro: Allows you to develop a speaking career [15:01] Pro: Great for one person industries [16:02] Con: Can sometimes come off ambiguous. Lacks instant credibility [17:44] Con: Requires a lot of selling because no one knows you [19:35] SEGMENT 3: How To Create/Scale Your Personal Brand [19:45] Figure out what you are good at or what you like to do [21:27] Find your social/digital platform [25:19] Be willing to collaborate with others [26:58] Build your website [27:27] Do not use a Facebook personal page for a business [29:00] Capture emails [29:44] Launch some products [30:32] BREAK [32:08]Segment 4: Making Sure You Are Running The Business Right [32:46] Pro: Building a business brand forces you to think about the business [33:22] The difference between a Mission Statement and a Vision Statement [34:30] Why brand consistently is so important [35:15] Pro: Business brand allows you an easier path to close a sell [36:21] Con: Its still hard work to build a business brand [36:53] Con: Not as much flexibility with switching to something completely different. [37:46] You still have a business to run [39:37] The transition from entrepreneur to business owner [41:10] Not everyone has it in them to be there own boss [41:43] Always remember the big picture [42:05] You must delegate [43:41] Stay motivated/The money always comes last [44:51] The ability to make tough decisions [45:06] Understand the risk [45:23] Work/Life balance [46:10] Know Your Numbers [46:52] Segment 5: How To Create/Scale your Business Brand [47:01] Define your brand's purpose [47:50] Good brand strategy [49:22] Tell a compelling brand story [50:48] Choose your brand archetype [52:24] Have a motto, mission and vision statement [53:11] Your brand is much more than a logo and will not sell itself [53:35] Use good imagery [54:10] My Final Take [55:21] Ending Credits Want gear from The Startup Life? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/The-Startup-Life-c23151660 For ACT Prep from OWLS. https://the-owl-academy.teachable.com Need great teaching resources? Click Here! http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/Resources-c22810388 Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected] Looking for a nice co-working space in Memphis? http://www.entrememphis.com
    57 min
  • Exporting Responsibly
    In this episode, we talk about things to consider before you start to export, the different approaches, and why you should consider certain countries. Want gear from The Startup Life? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/The-Startup-Life-c23151660 For ACT Prep from OWLS? https://the-owl-academy.teachable.com Need great teaching resources? http://www.askowlsllc.com/teachingwithowls/Resources-c22810388 Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? [email protected] Looking for a nice co-working space in Memphis? http://www.entrememphis.com
    57 min

About The Startup Life

From the publisher's feed

The Startup Life is a show for entrepreneurs wanting to grow their business and career-minded professionals looking to scale the corporate ladder. Get ready to receive major value as host Dominic…