Think. Live. Repeat.

Ever wish you could sit down with Ryan Reynolds or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and find out the keys to their success? Today you're going to hear from someone who actually did! Jason Feifer is the incredible Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur magazine, bestselling author, speaker & mindset/business influencer.
 
We discuss the concept of the zigzag payoff, which involves exploring new opportunities and being open to unexpected paths. We also talk about how to determine which opportunities to pursue and how to approach them as experiments. Jason emphasizes the importance of defining success on your own terms and being willing to be bad at something in order to improve. We also touch on how to prepare for interviews with high-profile individuals and the common thread between multifaceted individuals like Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson. Jason discusses his weekly newsletter, One Thing Better, which provides insights and strategies for success at work.

Follow & interact with Jason on LinkedIn & check out his website:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer/
• https://www.jasonfeifer.com/

Takeaways:

• Be open to exploring new opportunities and be willing to zigzag in your career path.
• Approach new opportunities as experiments and gather information from them.
• Define success on your own terms and focus on your core skills and passions.
• Prepare for interviews by understanding the interviewee's vibe and thinking process.
• Multifaceted individuals often have a strong sense of purpose and are open to expanding their presence in various areas.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:30
The Concept of Zigzag Payoff

06:04
Exploring New Opportunities

09:05
Determining Good Opportunities

11:09
Using Experiments to Explore Opportunities

16:37
Defining Success and Making Money

23:34
Preparing for Interviews with High-Profile Individuals

27:28
The Common Thread Between Multifaceted Individuals

30:58
Promoting the Newsletter

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Ever try to set up a funnel for your business? You watch some YouTube videos, copy the formula, put it in motion and then wait for the leads to flow in and the money to hit your bank. Simple, right? Not so much...unfortunately there's a lot of mystique and misinformation when it comes to using funnels to get leads for your business. If it's not done right, you can actually end up losing (a lot) of money. Here to help you demystify the puzzle is Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics and an expert in funnels and lead magnets. 

John & Mikael discuss the importance of understanding the science and art behind funnels and the misconception that they are a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Mikael shares his journey of scaling his own businesses, starting with a Mandarin school and later transitioning to a consulting agency. He emphasizes the need for iteration and the challenges of choosing a niche. 

They also discuss the transition from being self-employed to becoming a business owner and the importance of documenting processes to scale up. In this conversation, Mikael Dia shares insights on business growth and the importance of following the right order in building a successful business. He emphasizes the four phases of business growth: attract, close, deliver, and retain. 

Mikael also highlights the key factors for business growth, including offers, funnels, and operational scale. He advises against skipping steps and trying to do things out of order, as it can lead to wasted time and money. Mikael concludes by inviting the audience to connect with him on LinkedIn and learn more about funnels and funnel marketing on funnelitics.io.

Follow & interact with Mikael on LinkedIn & check out his website:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaeldia/
• https://mikaeldia.com/

Takeaways

• Funnels and lead magnets require a scientific and artistic approach, and they should be continuously iterated and optimized.
• Choosing a niche is crucial for business success, and it is important to focus on solving a specific problem rather than trying to cater to everyone.
• Transitioning from being self-employed to becoming a business owner requires documenting processes and replicating them with trained employees.
• It is important to overcome the fear of dead ends and understand that progress can always be made by iterating and finding new solutions.
• Podcasting can provide value beyond monetary gain, such as building relationships, making connections, and establishing credibility. The four phases of business growth are attract, close, deliver, and retain.
• Offers are crucial for differentiating yourself and making money.
• Funnels help scale your business to seven figures.
• Operational scale is important for delivering your offer consistently.
• Don't skip steps and try to do things out of order in building your business.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Funnels and Lead Magnets

02:02
Starting a Mandarin School and Testing Funnels

03:36
Scaling a Consulting Business

06:01
The Importance of Iteration in Funnels

07:28
Overcoming the Fear of Dead Ends

08:39
Choosing a Niche and Demystifying Expertise

11:09
Transitioning from Self-Employed to Business Owner

17:57
The Value of Podcasting Beyond Monetary Gain

19:41
The Paralysis of Choosing a Niche

20:31
Selecting a Niche and Overcoming Expertise Objections

27:21
Transitioning from Self-Employed to Busin

They say music is the universal language because it can transcend language barriers and go straight to the heart. Today's guest is singer/songwriter Stephen Stanley and he's taken that concept to a whole new level. I've personally listened to his newest album Divided Frame of Mind more than any other album this year and he masterfully weaves an entire narrative throughout each song. He's got an incredible ability to take his own journey and relate it to people from all walks of life...I promise you won't be disappointed!

Hailing from Mansfield, Georgia, Stephen started playing his mother's guitar at the age of nine after an accident left him deaf in one ear, discovering an innate musical ability and a talent for melody. By 13, he expanded his skills to piano and drums, writing songs and leading worship at his father's church. Over the last decade, Stanley has honed a distinct voice, infusing every note with raw emotion and a profound sense of purpose.

2023 marked the release of his first album and tour, and rest assured he's just getting started!

Check out Stephen's website: https://www.stephenstanleymusic.com/

Give Stephen's music a listen on Apple & Spotify:
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-stanley/28074609
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uGLuPqfATGbvk6shtjDoX?si=midg5DlUSRCDKpYVXew8pA&nd=1&dlsi=4f0726d855b04a81

Follow & interact with Stephen on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube:

• https://www.instagram.com/stephenstanleymusic
• https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenstanleymusic
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPjB5CJx9pJlaTvp8FsnPg

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

So you own a business and you feel stuck. Wouldn't it be nice if you had the cheat code to unlock exponential growth? Okay fine, no such cheat code exists, but there are some fundamental components that will totally rock your world. Today's guest is Alex Neist, former pro athlete, entrepreneur and the founder of Hostage Tape. 

On today's episode he literally opens his playbook and reveals how he brought Hostage Tape from 6 figures to 8 figures in less than 2 years.  Seriously, you need to listen right to the end when Alex reveals a growth formula that will blow your mind!

Oh, and don't miss the amazing Black Friday special running right now: https://hostagetape.com/pages/blackfriday

Alex is the visionary behind Hostage Tape, a revolutionary ecommerce venture transforming sleep quality one mouth at a time. Prior to this, he invested 16 years in a sports video analytics company, starting from scratch and pioneering the use of human tagging for easily searchable game data, akin to a human Google for sports. A former professional quarterback in the Arenafootball league, Alex seamlessly transitioned to coaching, boasting a career spanning over 15 years. Beyond his business acumen, he enjoys exploring the world for new adventures with his wife and two kids.

Learn more about the Hostage Tape story and the science behind it: https://hostagetape.com/

Follow & interact with Alex & the Hostage Tape team on Instagram, Youtube & TikTok:

• https://www.instagram.com/hostagetape/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5iIO_b22ZLGZG-4oYMYtQ
• https://www.tiktok.com/@hostagetape

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Ever wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you can't breathe? Ever check yourself into a hospital because you think you're having a heart attack, only to find out your heart is fine? If any of this sounds familiar, it's likely because you've experienced panic attacks and one thing's for sure: they suck! Today's guest is business owner & author Jason Wolbers and he has firsthand experience in this area, along with a boatload of tips to help you on the journey. 

On today's episode we go down a path that many entrepreneurs don't like to take time to think about: mental health. We get real about our own struggles with anxiety, panic & mental health and share some killer tips that will definitely hit you right where you're at!

Jason is an incredible entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker & content creator! Growing up, Jason Wolbers learned the value of staying positive, a lesson that shaped his personal and work life. Joining direct sales right after high school, he became the top salesperson in a company with 150 representatives at just nineteen and twenty. His success came from learning and applying success principles, consistently ranking in the top 10% of company sales.

Now in Ohio with his high school sweetheart and two grown kids, Jason believes in the power of a positive mindset, a principle he teaches daily. During the pandemic, he started Jason Wolbers Motivation (Positivity Central) on social media, aiming to help people through tough times. This journey led to fulfilling a dream—writing his first book, "The Power of a Positive Mindset," to inspire others on their journeys.

Order his book The Power of a Positive Mindset today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7HDWT?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_HC38DWKNT45J5J3ZWVKY

Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://jasonwolbersmotivation.com/about/

Follow & interact with Jason  on Instagram & FaceBook:

• https://www.instagram.com/jasonwolbers/
• https://www.facebook.com/PositivityCentral.jwm/

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Ever watch police body cam footage and wonder how you’d react? Here’s one thing for sure, it’s harder than it looks! The myriad of possibilities and outcomes officers  have to analyze in a matter of second is truly frightening. Oh, and they do it day after day. Crazy! We’re going to dig into that very topic with today’s guest,  Ryan Tillman and our conversation was truly transformational! Ryan is a police officer, author, speaker, podcast host creator, producer and so much more.

This episode will blow your mind, make sure you listen right to the end and prepare to be challenged to think outside your comfort zone and belief systems!

Order his book Happy Eyes today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S3G64B?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://www.breakingbarriersunited.com/

Follow & interact with Ryan  on Instagram & YouTube:

• https://www.instagram.com/breaking_barriers_united/?igshid=MWNudjhxZXkwMnBtMw%3D%3D
• https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingbarriersunited

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

He's back by popular demand with his new book in hand! Nick Hutchison is the founder of BookThinkers, author, speaker, biohacker & fitness extraordinaire. His brand new book Rise of the Reader is out Nov. 1st and it's chocked full of tools that will help you learn how to retain & implement what you read! 

Be sure to order a copy today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHF8VBYW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JC5R22D3N70J22RMKKPB

Check out Nick's brand new site and apply to have him speak at your upcoming event! https://nickhutch.com/

Learn more about BookThinkers at their website: https://www.bookthinkers.com/

Listen to the BookThinker's Podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookthinkers-life-changing-books/id1517311450

Follow & interact with Nick & BookThinkers on Instagram & Facebook:

• 's https://www.instagram.com/nicklovesbooks
• https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/?hl=en
• https://www.facebook.com/BookThinkers/

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

They say never meet your heroes or you'll be disappointed. Well, today I'm debunking that myth because I've met today's guest before and he is truly all that & a bag of chips! Clint Pulver is a powerful force for good and an all-around amazing human being. He's cracked the code on blending education, inspiration & entertainment into one incredible experience on stages all over the world. 
 
Clint is not your average motivational speaker – he's an Emmy Award winner, professional drummer, best-selling author, and accomplished leadership expert.  With a passion for igniting change and helping individuals unlock their true potential, Clint's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We delve deep into the fascinating life story of his inspiring personality, as he literally rocks stages worldwide with his transformative work in workplace culture and leadership. 

Clint's engaging storytelling, profound insights, and unwavering dedication to helping others find their purpose make this episode a must-listen. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer the world as we uncover the incredible life and wisdom of Clint Pulver. 

Check out Clint's amazing book I Love It Here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Here-Leaders-Create-Organizations/dp/1989603378

Check out Clint's website: https://clintpulver.com/

Follow & interact with Clint on Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn

• https://www.instagram.com/clintpulver
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWB8oLO5HOjstE9gmL9Qxg
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpulver/

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

If you're an entrepreneur, content creator or just want to stay relevant, you need to hear this episode. AI has taken the world by storm and it's quickly become a scenario of adopt or die. There's no more "going back to the way things used to be". Pandora's box has been opened and you need to find out how to leverage it to get ahead of your competitors. Lucky for you, today's guest is Mark Savant and he shows you exactly how to do that!

Mark Savant is a podcast production professional with a solid track record of helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in an evolving world shaped by automation and AI. Recognizing the growing demand for authenticity in brand communication, he is committed to making podcasting a pivotal part of your business strategy. Mark's expertise is built on utilizing cutting-edge technology and collaborating with developers to stay ahead in the industry. His mission is to empower you, creating a better world for small businesses, families, and communities.

With hundreds of podcast episodes, tens of thousands of content pieces, and close collaboration with numerous business owners, Mark understands the challenges of staying up-to-date. He's here to handle the research and execution, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

To hear amazing tips & hacks, check out Mark's After Hours Entrepreneur podcast:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-hours-entrepreneur-with-mark-savant/id1527185048
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VdeUA4MOpuKs7XhOiaMK8

Learn more about Mark's amazing podcast production services on his site: https://marksavantmedia.com/services/

Follow & interact with Mark on Instagram, Youtube & LinkedIn:

• https://www.instagram.com/marksavantmedia/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2ePGMF5jsWze1sc0Gftf4w
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-savant/

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Today's guest started out his life with the odds NOT in his favor. Ryan Zofay was surrounded by disfunction & addiction, and one would hardly blame him for becoming yet "another unfortunate statistic". But that's not what happened. He instead emerged as a beacon of hope, business leader, author & motivational speaker!

After a life-altering accident in 2001 due to addiction, Ryan embarked on a path of self-discovery, investing heavily in personal development. This commitment not only transformed his life but also influenced his businesses, where he integrated personal growth principles, fostering positive work environments and enhancing team performance.

In 2020, Ryan and partner Adam Roth founded "We Level Up" to introduce personal development practices, particularly in the drug and alcohol industry. Offering inpatient services and personal development programs, they inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Ryan's ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone wakes up feeling empowered, safe, and fulfilled, driven by a strong sense of purpose. His commitment to helping others unlock their limitless potential and experience true excitement in life defines his remarkable journey and mission.

Check out Ryan's book An Unlikely Businessman: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Businessman-overdosed-multimillionaire-ebook/dp/B0C4WL5RRK

Follow & interact with Ryan on Instagram & TikTok

• https://www.instagram.com/ryan.zofay/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanzofay

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)