Business Outlaws

Filmmaker Kevin Smith joins the Outlaws this week for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from heart attacks to his friendship with Jason Mewes to the time he spent a couple of hours on the toilet reading what would become an Oscar-winning screenplay.Kevin Smith’s 25-year career as a director started with his self-financed cult classic “Clerks,” which introduced the world to the iconic characters Jay and Silent Bob. Smith brings the slacker duo back to the big screen for the first time in 13 years for his latest feature “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” The new film features another familiar co-star: his daughter Harley, who he said has really helped rejuvenate his love for filmmaking.“[Working with Harley] gave me a renewed sense of, Oh, this is fun again. When you’re a parent, you only get a certain amount of years and then they’re off living their lives. I get to prolong it a bit, and if I play my cards right I can keep making pretend with my kid until the day I die. That’s rarified air.”Smith also recounts the story of his 2018 heart attack — the type which doctors refer to as “the widowmaker” — and how he’s changed his lifestyle since to be 70 pounds lighter and feeling great. Plus, he definitively answers the age-old question of who is funnier between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s edible, Chris Collins and BigMike invite you to chew on this idea — the person you can’t criticize is the person who’s ruling you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s business edible, the Outlaws teach you how to recognize when someone is imposing their own self-limiting belief system on you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Frankly, I don’t think book covers sell books,” Chip Kidd tells the Outlaws. This statement from one of the preeminent book cover designers of the past 30 years is admittedly confusing, or it may be just be his expert spin on the idiom, don’t judge a book by its cover. “Books that are No. 1 on the bestseller list … I’ll look at it and think it’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen,” Kidd says. He also believes the covers of the wildly successful Harry Potter series are generic and conventional, but loved the cover of James Frey’s controversial and ultimately debunked book “A Million Little Pieces.”In part 2 of the Outlaws’ conversation with Chip Kidd, the discussion moves deeper into Kidd’s career as a graphic designer, as BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins ask him about his use of color, if he tracks the sales of books he works on, and whether he has to be passionate about a project to work on it. “I can work on something that my heart isn’t totally in, as long as I don’t feel it’s a moral or ethical problem,” Kidd says.And of course, the Outlaws ask Kidd to advise his 24-year-old self. Aside from a few stock tips and advice on surviving in a digital world, there’s not much he would change. “I’ve always kept my day job,” Kidd says. “I’m lucky, because I happen to love my day job, and I can’t begin to imagine what that’s like if you don’t.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are your thoughts and behaviors in alignment with what you say you want? The truth is that we often program our subconscious minds with negativity, even when we say we want success. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you hungry enough for success to actually achieve your dreams? On this week’s edible, Chris Collins and BigMike share why motivation is an essential tool for achieving our goals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If there is a rock star in the seemingly buttoned-up world of book design, Chip Kidd is it. Not only has he designed some of the world’s most recognizable book covers, he has also written several books — including some Batman graphic novels — given two TED talks, and dabbled in actual rock stardom with his new wave band Artbreak. The award-winning designer behind the covers of Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park,” Howard Stern’s “Miss America,” and several books by famed Japanese author Haruki Murakami, sat down with BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins for the latest episode of Business Outlaws. Kidd relays stories behind some of his most iconic designs during his 33 years with Knopf Publishing, including one of his latest for Collins’ new book “Pet the Dog: The Lost Art of Customer Service.” Kidd also addresses the challenges traditional artists face in an increasingly digital and automated world. “As our world is evolving, and everybody is getting upset and worried about being replaced by [artificial intelligence], I believe that if you are … valued for the way you think and for what you’ve come up with as a result of that thinking, they can not replace you with a machine.”Collins and BigMike ask Kidd his opinion on crowdsourcing ideas for book covers (“This is how bad art and design is made”), how he has adapted to his covers being sold online, and what it’s like being recognized in public (“I don’t not like it”). Tune in to episode 68 now, and stay tuned for part two of the Outlaws’ conversation with Kidd next month. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does your guilt and baggage hold you back from living to your fullest potential? On this week’s business edible, the outlaws share some tips on how to move through the past negativity you may not realize you’re still carrying around. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Just as you can sculpt your body, you can sculpt your mind. On this week's business edible, Chris Collins and BigMike talk about how important it is to pay attention to what you feed your brain and how you exercise it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the world of pop culture, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has made more out of two simple words: “Yeah, boy.” Those seven letters have helped make Flavor Flav a hip-hop legend, a No. 1-rated TV star, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and, as Flav will tell you, “the most sampled voice in the history of music.” But of course, Flavor Flav is much more than just a catch phrase. In our latest episode from Las Vegas, the Public Enemy hype man sits down with the Outlaws to discuss the work he put in to succeed in the music business, as well as the later work he did to improve himself as a person. He recounts how the record company originally did not want him to be a part of Public Enemy because he didn’t have the deep, bassy voice most people associated with 1980s hip-hop. Now the voice they didn’t want is iconic and synonymous with the genre.A self-taught musician who plays 14 different instruments, Flav knew that if he was going to get anywhere toward achieving his dream he had to focus on himself and not worry about what anyone else thought. “[Forget] being in competition with somebody else; be in competition with yourself. Try to outdo yourself.”Flavor Flav also discusses the origin of his iconic clock, what he thought when he was initially offered a spot on “The Surreal Life” TV show, what his platform would be if he ran for president, and stories about opening for The Beastie Boys early in his career. Tune in to episode 67 of Business Outlaws and add a little Flavor to your day. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's edible, Chris and BigMike talk with NBA star Alan Anderson about what he'd tell his 24-year-old self. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the business world, you must take advantage of every opportunity you're presented with to be successful. There's no standard formula for success -- every endeavor faces its own unique obstacles -- but the one constant is that you need to fight for what you want to achieve. On this week's episode, the Outlaws invite you to step into mind of blackjack player and professional fighter Gregory James. James learned how to beat the house odds by counting cards, and literally fought for his future by hosting — and participating in — bare-knuckle fighting competitions. Tune in to episode 66 of Business Outlaws to hear the story of how James came to thrive in this most unique combination of pursuits. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's edible from Las Vegas, Chris and BigMike speak with an audience member about the importance of reigning in your ego to stop getting in your own way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“There are three things that really helped me and my father succeed in all those different markets — the most important being that we know good people, and we stick together.” — Gavin MaloofConducting business in a reckless manner will prevent you from dominating your market. Just take it from Gavin Maloof, whose family has built successful businesses based on good people, hard work and constant reinvention. From the penthouse suite of the Palms Place Hotel and Spa, Maloof, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, talks business with BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins. He discusses how he got started, including how he helped construct the Palms and found success investing across many diverse industries.Like many tales of success, the Maloof family is an embodiment of the American Dream. Maloof’s grandfather emigrated from Lebanon to Las Vegas to start a new life, and eventually laid the foundation for their family’s success. Tune in to episode 65 of Business Outlaws to hear the full story of how Maloof masters every industry he enters. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's edible from the Palms Place penthouse in Las Vegas, Chris and BigMike provide a lesson in continuity to an audience member regarding her organic dog food start-up. It's another reminder that often what you think you're selling isn't what you're really selling. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“We reformed our agency as it comes to officer involved shootings and use of force scenarios, and have really paved the way for the nation since then on how to integrate into the community, how to build relationships in the community, how to handle officer involved shootings and how to train for when those moments happen. ” — Capt. Sasha Larkin In business and in life, failing to own up to your mistakes will end up costing you in the long run; owning your mistakes helps you overcome them. As a police captain working in Las Vegas, Sasha Larkin knows all too well that mistakes can be costly. On this special Vegas episode of Business Outlaws, Chris “Bulldog” Collins and BigMike welcome Capt. Larkin of the Las Vegas Police Department to discuss policing marginalized communities and resolving conflict. Under her leadership, the LVPD has transformed its approach to policing communities of color and is leading the way for departments across the US.Capt. Larkin acknowledges that the trauma that has been inflicted on minority communities is personal for her. She recounts an intense experience that led to establishing relationships with a local Muslim community with the common goal of capturing a wanted suspect. By building bridges between the police and local communities, Capt. Larkin developed trust and displayed the true leadership needed in law enforcement.Accountability and responsibility are two important factors for success in business and in life. Tune in to episode 64 of Business Outlaws with Capt. Larkin to hear how these two keys to success can be used to heal wounds and build bridges across communities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recorded live at the Palms Place penthouse in Las Vegas, Chris and BigMike help a struggling entrepreneur with questions about growing his business, reminding him that he’s not selling a commodity; he’s selling a feeling. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You're guilty of it. We all are. Mismanaging your time is like depleting a precious resource. On this week's edible, Chris and BigMike talk about how you can take back control and put your time and money to work for you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Sometimes, you just have to dive in, believe in yourself, and don’t think about why you’re gonna fail or how you’re gonna fail. Just get started.” – BigMikeThink about the last time you put off doing something you needed to do. Now, think about the reason why you procrastinated. Was it fear of an unknown outcome? Paralysis by analysis? Or simply a lack of enthusiasm and passion for the project in front of you?On Episode 63 of Business Outlaws, Chris “Bulldog” Collins and BigMike are breaking down the reasons why people put things off, and revealing their top strategies to push past procrastination and get more shit done.You’ll hear the Outlaws discuss:How to identify and deal with procrastination in yourself and your employees.How BigMike learned to clone and cultivate primo cannabis long before Google ever existed.How changing one small word can shift your entire mindset and stop procrastination in its tracks.If you’ve ever struggled with procrastination, then do yourself a favor — don’t put off listening to Episode 63 of Business Outlaws! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's edible, BigMike and Chris talk about their secret to hacking your happiness, and it's not what you might expect. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“There are only two ways to learn how to do things: You either read about it, or you just do it and you fail miserably. But when you fuck up as much as we have, you’ll have the tools for every situation moving forward.” — Chris “Bulldog” CollinsEvery entrepreneur dreams of success. No one has ever launched a business thinking, “I can’t wait to fuck this up!” But the truth is, the road to success is paved with failure — and, as BigMike says, if you haven’t fucked up at some point in your business, “you’re not pushing hard enough.”The bottom line is that you will inevitably fail along the way in your journey to success. The key is to be able to analyze your fuck-ups as well as your successes to understand exactly what worked and what didn’t — and to avoid the same mistakes in the future.On Episode 62 of Business Outlaws, BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins break down the biggest failures they’ve experienced in life and in business, and discuss the lessons they distilled from them. From losing millions of dollars by succumbing to deal heat, to falling prey to unscrupulous business partners, Chris and BigMike hold nothing back in sharing the fuck-ups that ultimately led to their massive successes.You will fail along your path to business success — but after listening to this episode, you’ll have the tools to understand and evaluate those failures and turn them into rocket fuel. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's edible, BigMike and Chris share secrets to getting yourself out of creative jams and moving boldly forward with your ideas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“People build bridges and people walk over bridges. And in the beginning, it might be better to be the one walking over a bridge than being the one having a groundbreaking idea.”– Chris “Bulldog” CollinsIt can be exciting to build on an idea and use it as a launching pad for your business. But if you were to ask BigMike, he’d say you don’t need a uniquely revolutionary idea to be successful. The truth is, ideas and the people who build them pave the way for others to overtake and build upon them — and that’s a sure thing if your ideas aren’t properly executed. If you’ve listened to Ep. 60 of Business Outlaws, then you already know that the first-mover advantage is bullshit. Part of the reason why entrepreneurs rush into their respective markets without a proper plan in place is because they get caught up in believing in their idea and never move it beyond that initial germination phase. On Ep. 61 of Business Outlaws, co-hosts Chris “Bulldog” Collins and BigMike offer wise words for starry-eyed millennials: “If somebody is asking us to invest in an idea, I’m less excited about the idea and more excited about the person’s track record for execution.” The Outlaws often encounter entrepreneurs who are held back by their dependence on having a breakthrough idea to carry them to the top. And when they think they have that perfect idea, they rush to market without a proper plan in place. Instead of making like all the other failed bridge builders with their derailed dreams and ideas that flopped, why not try walking over that bridge to success by tuning in to Ep. 61 and getting the download on how to validate executable ideas through strategic planning? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode, BigMike and Chris take on a topic relevant to every outlaw and entrepreneur: procrastination. Learn tips and tricks from the masters to keep yourself motivated, productive, and marching forward toward your goal. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“I call it a fallacy. Everyone always says you need to be first to market. … However, the vast majority of entrepreneurs are never in that position. So, what are you gonna do?” – BigMikeBeing a first mover in your market doesn’t mean shit if you’re leading a startup rather than a multimillion-dollar corporation. And even if you have the capital in place to be a first mover, your competitors will always be there, waiting in the wings to take you down with a more developed, intuitive product. The first-mover advantage is a bullshit concept. What you truly need to do first is solve that one key problem your client has been grappling with. What I’m trying to say is, being the first to market means nothing without first demonstrating value to your audience. On Ep. 60 of Business Outlaws, co-hosts BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins explain why only fools rush into their respective markets without a well-developed strategy to set them up for success. Luckily for those fools among us, the Outlaws reveal what entrepreneurs need to do to adapt and conquer. “Blockbuster wasn’t going out and understanding the technologies that were out there that were being developed and were coming into play,” explains BigMike by way of example. “Netflix did.” Now, Netflix is dominating because it had all the intel on its competition, plus access to evolutionary technology that appeals to consumers, while Blockbuster has since become obsolete. To learn how to stay ahead of the curve — rather than rushing in like a damn fool — tune in to Ep. 60 of Business Outlaws. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's edible, Chris and BigMike talk about momentum, keeping moving, and how every step in the direction of your ultimate goal is a step away from the life you'd like to leave behind. So get stepping! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“People in West Hollywood are selling a lot of cannabis, but the people in Compton and Long Beach are going to prison for it. So there’s gotta be a way to do what the people in West Hollywood are doing and make it legal.”– Defense Attorney David WelchCalifornia’s green rush is in full swing and everyone wants a piece of the pie. But while a lot of rich Wall Street-types are trying to get their foot in the door to cash in on cannabis, everyone else — who for decades had been working under unjust, draconian laws — is being left high and dry. That can’t be allowed to happen, and David Welch is doing something about it. As a cannabis defense attorney, he’s helped many clients succeed. He’s even worked with BigMike, so he knows firsthand about all the key skills necessary to succeed in the industry — and he’s got three of them. On Ep. 59 of Business Outlaws, Welch tells the Outlaws about what inspired him to defend marginalized cannabis entrepreneurs. First, you need to have a long-term goal and strategy. But without the other skills, you won’t know how to strategize effectively. Tune in this week to learn Welch’s top-three skills you need to succeed in cannabis, how he’s helping cannabis entrepreneurs navigate the law, and what’s being done to offer folks a real path to obtaining the American dream. When you’re done listening to the episode, snack on this week's Business Edible to get even more insight from the Outlaws. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris and BigMike are here to tell you firsthand: always have your game face on and your pitch ready! You never know who you're going to meet, and bumping into the right person at the right time could change everything. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Average IQ, high IQ, low IQ — the vision you have of yourself is the most important thing.” – Chris “Bulldog” Collins.There’s no good excuse for allowing failure to succeed. But there sure are a lot of excuses you could make to excuse your past failures. Hosts BigMike Straumietis and Chris “Bulldog” Collins help you cut through the bullshit: “The most important element is how you see yourself,” says Chris. “And your ability to talk and communicate with people,” adds BigMike. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, at the end of the day it’s not your IQ that will determine your success. In fact, anyone can beat you if your head isn’t on the swivel. The Business Outlaws know from experience that smarts alone won’t propel you to the top of the heap. Emotional intelligence (EQ), the Outlaws insist, is far more important. Having a higher EQ will help you tailor your brand to your client’s desires, connect with your audience, and develop a deeper understanding of your true potential.“How you see yourself is really your beliefs,” Chris continues. “What you believe becomes the driver to your actions,” and if you believe that you aren’t smart enough, strong enough, or fast enough, then that will become your reality. Fuck that noise in your head. Create and recalibrate your new reality. Tune in to Ep. 58 this week to learn how to develop a strong, keen and intuitive emotional intelligence that gives you a massive leg up on the competition. And check out more episodes on BusinessOutlaws.com to begin building the tools necessary to develop into a stronger entrepreneur today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Outlaws! In this week's edible, BigMike and Chris discuss investing in yourself, doubling down on continued learning, and reaping the financial and spiritual rewards. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“The thought was less ‘world domination’ and more, ‘Let’s put a little color here or there,’” reveals Ihor Lys, our guest this week on Business Outlaws. Lys started out pursuing a career in tech, but he was soon forced to pivot in a new career direction — and at the time, hardly anyone was looking at light-emitting diodes, let alone LEDs. “You don’t really notice lighting, but it makes all the difference in a space,” he explains. So, what did Ihor do next? He went full-bore at tackling some of the most complex issues facing the LED industry. In doing so, he discovered how to become a successful entrepreneur and change the world through his technology. Ihor joins us this week on Business Outlaws to share how he found himself at the forefront of innovation in a complex field. We also heard about a new grow-light technology he invented, so of course we had to see this thing in action.Not only did Ihor bring his light with him, he completely floored us with how powerful it is. Let’s just say our sunglasses were useless. Tune in this week and make sure you catch the full video on BusinessOutlaws.com to see Ihor’s bleeding-edge LED technology for yourself — plus, learn how to make a successful pivot to innovation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Growing a business can be stressful... and lonely. In this week's edible, Chris and BigMike share some wisdom on building the best team to support your endeavor. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“We were taught the formula of celebrity and how to build it, and we’ve been teaching that to you here,” says BigMike, before discussing the one big hurdle to implementing that formula: “You can’t be shy.“I had a hard time talking about myself in the beginning,” BigMike continues, adding that he was fortunately able to push past his negative programing, implement the formula of celebrity, and begin monetizing his personal brand.In this final installment of the Business Outlaws series on building your personal brand, the Outlaws boil down monetizing your own brand to six essential steps. They show you how they did it, right down to their daily routines, and reveal the truth behind long-lasting success. To transform your personal brand into a moneymaking machine, you’ll first have to build your brand to celebrity status within your chosen niche. That might sound impossible, but here’s the thing: You need to realize that celebrities are merely people that had a strategy they were able to implement. Co-host Chris “Bulldog” Collins prompts BigMike to share his personal story of overcoming his own shyness. No one sees the preparation, insecurity and second-guessing that happens behind the scenes. As long as you put yourself in unfamiliar situations, you can overcome your insecurities and begin building and monetizing your brand. Listen to Ep. 56 of Business Outlaws, the final installment of the series on building your personal brand, to learn how to push past your insecurities, build up your celebrity, and gain the six essential steps to monetizing yourself. And make sure you catch the rest of this series on BusinessOutlaws.com, where you can also snack on Business Edibles and get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris and BigMike debunk many of the so-called "rules" of relationships and teach you how to have healthy connections based on trust and love. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Boxing is a good example of getting eyes on you. Agitating the crowd and the emotions, and being willing to not be liked in the beginning.”As Chris “Bulldog” Collins tells us this week, you have to have the confidence to agitate your target market, and their emotions, by embracing your dark side. And you may not be liked in the beginning — but this will play right into your hand. Look, you may hate the guy in the Oval Office, but here’s the thing: Only one of the candidates really embraced their dark side. “It made a guy president, didn’t it,” says BigMike of embracing the darkness within. So far on Business Outlaws, we’ve taught you how to take a stand, divide and conquer your audience, and tell your story. In the fourth installment of the Business Outlaws series on building your personal brand, we’re going to show you how to embrace your dark side and why it’s so effective. Once you learn what your dark side is and how to lean in, you’ll be free to explore and express what you truly feel. You’ll draw your audience in with a more compelling, engaging and honest image of your brand that will prompt them to find out more. Some of those people will spit venom, while others will march behind your banner. But know this: Your dark side is who you really are. Fighting it will only hold you back from success — and from truly knowing yourself. Tune in to Ep. 55 of Business Outlaws to learn how embracing your dark side makes you more interesting, believable and powerful, and hear us work with the audience to help them embrace their own dark side so that they’re in a strong position to generate insane profits. When you’re done listening, head on over to BusinessOutlaws.com to check out the rest of the series on building your personal brand, and to also get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris and Big Mike teach you how to find your mentor. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“The mistake people make is they try to be a superhero, but they don’t realize that even Superman had kryptonite,” Chris “Bulldog” Collins says. “No one will believe you without imperfections. If you’re just putting the best part of you out there, then you’re not believable. You’re not believable if you’re too good to be true.” In the third installment of the Business Outlaws series on building your brand, the Outlaws lay out a detailed roadmap on how to effectively tell your story and build that into your brand. Your brand needs a story that builds trust and authority with consumers if you want to get to the top of the market. BigMike reveals how he uses these strategies to see into the minds of his consumers.Listen to Ep. 54 for proven storytelling strategies, and start creating a brand that will engage your audience on a subconscious level. When you’re done listening, head over to BusinessOutlaws.com to find out where and when the last installment in this series will drop. While you’re there, make sure you check out all the behind-the-scenes content. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you can’t run your home life, can you run a business? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“It sucks to be mediocre,” BigMike says. “Do you know why? No one pays attention to you. Because you’re invisible.”The only way to make yourself known is to take a stand. Ask yourself, “what do I believe in?” Then, fight for it. In the second installment of the Business Outlaws series on building your brand, the Outlaws teach you how to set yourself apart from other brands by stepping out of the shadows and moving toward your fears. Whether it’s a fear of failure, success or the spotlight, fear is one of the most powerful emotions that can hold you back. But once you begin to confront your fears head-on, you’ll learn what real courage and strength is. And you can use that courage to carry your brand across the finish line.Tune in to Ep. 53 to discover how confronting your fears not only helps build your brand but helps you compete with opposing brands. Make sure you listen until the end to hear BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins ideate branding strategies with the audience. When you’re done listening, check out BusinessOutlaws.com for behind-the-scenes content and more full episodes from the Outlaws. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris and Mike talk about how important is to have toxicity as far as you can from your life in order to be successful! And it’s so true, even a long term girlfriend or boyfriend will have such an impact in your future! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A lot of people think they can build a brand, but most of them will screw it up — they’ll start a social media account and give up when it goes nowhere. But for those who stick with it, branding can be extremely powerful. President Trump is an example of how much can be accomplished by using effective branding to divide your audience and win. On Episode 52 of Business Outlaws, you’ll learn how to control your emotions, identify manipulation, and build your own brand for maximum profit and sustainability. And this isn’t about politics. “If you can’t step back from it and understand what’s happening, you’re not above the veil,” Chris “Bulldog” Collins says. Look beyond the surface and observe how people like Trump leverage their brand to influence people’s emotions. Then you’ll be able to see how others manipulate you and how you can use those same tools to achieve positive goals.Before you start building your brand, there’s a simple skill you need to know — and you might be surprised at how many people don’t have this skill. So what are you waiting for? Tune in to find out! When you’re done listening, swing by BusinessOutlaws.com to check out behind-the-scenes footage and other exclusive content from the Outlaws. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Train your subconscious with this simple life hack. Big Mike & Chris give you the secret weapon to mental clarity in this week's Business Edible. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kanye. Dr. Dre. Lauryn Hill. Since he first began his music-producing career in the mid-’90s, Grammy award-winning Che Pope has worked with some of the world’s most influential R&B and hip hop artists. And in that time, he’s built and launched the careers of countless recording artists. “Talent is one thing,” he admits, “[but] I think that there are some people that are ... less talented, but they work so hard at what they do that they’ve had that success because they’re such hard workers.”This week on Episode 51 of Business Outlaws, BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins grill Pope on what it takes to make it in the music business. Pope tells them about how the music industry used to be — and how young artists can take advantage of today’s technology to grow their audience. “I believe technology has gotten us to a point where artists can participate in the profits,” Pope shares. In the past, record labels held all the power — but that’s now changing. Fast. The barriers of entry are easier, “because of social media,” Pope asserts. “What that means is that there’s a lot of disposable music out there. A lot of trash.” On this week’s ep, the Outlaws talk about the pitfalls of social media, online album releases — and how talented artists get suckered into giving up their profits. When you’re done listening to Episode 51, make sure you catch behind-the-scenes and exclusive content by heading over to BusinessOutlaws.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Strong business relationships are the foundation of successful selling. In the latest Business Edible, Big Mike & Chris give you pointers on maximizing opportunity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You might be too scared to embrace this one secret to finding inner peace. You may think you “got everything figured out,” says BigMike. “But guess what? You don’t. You absolutely don’t and you need to take a hard look at yourself. Start your journey. Don’t fight it — embrace it.” There are smart, creative, decent people all over the world who are constantly thwarted by the self-doubt filling their heads, undermining them at every turn. We doubt our choices and our actions, we doubt our own self-worth, and we doubt the possibility of a better reality. Our planet is filled with people in pain, and it’s time to dig deep and face the undeniable truth: We’re all in this together. In Part 2 of the Business Outlaws ep featuring spiritualist Daniel Bruce Levin, co-hosts BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins teach you how to take the power away from those destructive feelings of self-doubt and deprogram yourself so you can finally resist the stranglehold your inner demons have on your confidence. It’s easier to run away from yourself, but once you start your journey of self-discovery with the wisdom shared in this episode, “it is literally like having a superpower,” according to BigMike. Everyone has bad experiences and insecurities, but overcoming those experiences and letting go of emotional pain will bring you closer to understanding yourself. Learn to overcome your demons in this intense and personal episode of Business Outlaws. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 featuring Daniel Bruce Levin, stop whatever you’re doing right now and go to BusinessOutlaws.com. Catch up on the latest content from the Outlaws to spark the beginning of your new life. Afterward, continue your journey with more episodes and behind-the-scenes content to help you develop the skills necessary to achieve success. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Be the hero of your own story.In this week’s business edible, Chris and Big Mike help you create a system for active planning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you know who you are and what makes you happy? Get ready to open your mind for this episode of Business Outlaws. BigMike and Chris “Bulldog” Collins welcome spiritualist Daniel Bruce Levin to help us crack open the secrets to our inner selves. While others were seeking their fortunes, Daniel was seeking himself. He gave away every cent he had to the poor because he thought it would solve his problems. But then, new problems arose. So, what did he do?He went on a spiritual journey, which brought him face to face with a distinguished rabbi. After witnessing the unexplainable acts performed by the religious leader, Daniel began experiencing events that defied reason. Unable to deny the power of these events, Daniel gave himself up to meditation and focusing on his spirituality. Too many folks seek validation from external influences. Make no mistake — people can absolutely tell when you are searching for meaning and they will try to take advantage of you. That’s exactly what happened to Daniel, but he understood that he could not find happiness without first finding himself. The Outlaws drop a lot of wisdom in this episode. “You have to be able to self-reflect and think about the forces that made you the way you are today,” says BigMike. “And once you get a handle on that, you understand life in a way that is almost magical.”Wake up to the truth about reality in this riveting episode of Business Outlaws and learn how to better understand your inner self. When you’re done, don’t forget to head on over to BusinessOutlaws.com for more full episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Outlaws themselves. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s less difficult than you think and making one small change will positively affect other areas of your life.BigMike and Chris give you a strategy for self-care in this week’s business edible.Know your worth, Outlaws! Self-care is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. As our work lives only get busier, incorporating self-care in our day-to-day lives will make us become our most constructive, effective, and authentic selves.So take a second to choose at least one of the things in this week’s edible as part of a renewed commitment to caring for yourself, and by extension, your loved ones and those around you. You deserve it!For more life changing tips, follow @businessoutlaws and if you need more brain food to chew on, visit Businessoutlaws.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes content. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over the last four episodes, we’ve taught you about the mindset you’ll need to guarantee your success, plus how to visualize that success. We’ve taught you how to find your niche, fund your operation, and become the best salesperson for your product. On the final episode of this five-part series, the Business Outlaws unveil the most crucial steps to building your business. So, what are the two components you absolutely need to have in place before your business can take off? A customer list and a “system of systems.” Your customer list tells you who your market is and how you can meet their needs with your product. Co-hosts Chris “Bulldog” Collins and BigMike explain why you need one before you can find your niche and start selling. You also need a system in place to efficiently implement your customer list and capitalize on your connections: A system of systems. This is perhaps the most important piece of your business puzzle that will ultimately define its success. “Your business is not worth a fraction of what it could be without those systems in place,” says BigMike. Effective systems empower your talent to succeed and make more money for your enterprise. Chris goes even further, showing how you can make systems fun for employees through gamification — his personal secret to entrepreneurial success. Tune in to this week’s episode of Business Outlaws to learn why your business needs solid systems to thrive and how to build said systems. After you’re done listening, remember to check out BusinessOutlaws.com to see more episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to help you master of your business. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Any challenge can be slain, when attacking it from the right vantage. As Outlaws we come into oppositions on a daily basis that seem insurmountable for the drones of society to overcome. We forge our own path and find a way, against all odds. It's what an entrepreneur does, by nature. The tale of The Gordian Knot is a metaphor for just that kind of hurdle. Creating your own destiny, by any means necessary.Receive more business wisdom by following @BusinessOutlaws. If you hunger for a larger bite of the Outlaws, explore full episodes by visiting BusinessOutlaws.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Companies like Apple, Salesforce and BigMike’s Blends all have this one thing in common that makes them successful: They all use a similar business strategy. This strategy is so impactful that it will completely change the way you develop and market your product. You will become a better salesperson because you will believe in your product and the good it can do for your customers. On this week’s episode of Business Outlaws, co-hosts Chris “Bulldog” Collins and BigMike tell you how companies are using consumption strategies to design, develop and market products to customers. Consumption strategies work, whether you’re selling computer hardware, food or even cannabis. Customers often “don’t realize all the things you could do with your products,” explains BigMike. “People actually want information and it might be exactly what they’re looking for, so you should give [them] the different ways your product can be used, and show it. “You can’t make it up — it has to be useful to your client,” BigMike continues. “What you’re giving in return has to be worth more than the money they’re paying for it.” After you learn how to implement a consumption strategy and build your business around it, selling your product will become second nature because you know your product is giving customers exactly what they want. Learn how to model your product using a consumption strategy by listening to this week’s episode of Business Outlaws. After you learn how to use this strategy, we want to hear your product pitches by tagging @BusinessOutlaws. Listen until the end and don’t forget to visit BusinessOutlaws.com for more wisdom on perfecting the art of the sale. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.