The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast

Have you looked at the executive team you've built for your business? Do they think just like you under pressure? As an entrepreneur, you need people to help you see your blind-spots. So says author and founder of Flourish Forums, Mike Maddock, who says the right forum can provide the kind of diverse thought that acts as your own growth advisory board. Listen in! Episode Notes Mike Maddock is an entrepreneur, a keynote speaker, an executive coach and a writer.   He calls himself an Idea Monkey because he loves to solve problems with disruptive ideas. This passion for problem solving led him to establish Maddock Douglas, Inc. in 1991.  Maddock Douglas has become an internationally recognized innovation consultancy that has helped more than 25% of the Fortune 100 create and launch new products, services and business models. Mike has launched seven successful businesses - most recently Flourish Forums.  Flourish Forums is an invite-only growth advisory board engineered to help company leaders respond to quickly changing business environments. A doodler, turned cartoonist, turned author, Mike has been using words and pictures to get laughs and build ideas his entire life. Today, Mike is a contributor to Forbes and author of four bestselling books: Free the Idea Monkey...to focus on what matters most!, Brand New: Solving the Innovation Paradox and Flirting With the Uninterested, Innovating in a Sold, Not Bought Category. And finally, Plan D––his latest book about Disruptors. He also co-chairs the Gathering of Titans Entrepreneurial Conclave at MIT, and he is past Chapter president of Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Young Presidents’ Organization, both chapters located in Chicago.   Websites and Handles: www.flourishforum.com  www.mike-maddock.com www.maddockdouglas.com

How many people can say they’ve never worked for anyone else? Selling eggs door-to-door at 14 years old began a lifetime of self-employment. As a speaker and small business consultant, Jeffrey Shaw helps self-employed and small business owners gain control of their business in what seems like otherwise uncontrollable circumstances. Drawing on his experience as a renowned portrait photographer, Jeffrey shows business owners how to see business through a different lens and strategies to compose the often-chaotic pieces of life and business into sustainable success. Jeffrey’s TEDxLincolnSquare talk is featured on TED.com and he’s the host of the top-rated podcast, The Self-Employed Life, author of The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success and LINGO: Discover Your Ideal Customer’s Secret Language and Make Your Business Irresistible.

Today we have a fun episode for you where the team plays the Swedish conversation game called HYGGE. We have a round table discussion regarding religion, committing crimes, doing one thing again for the first time and if money makes you happier.  For all new interviews and episodes please go to www.MMPodcast.me and subscribe. Enjoy the show!  

Episode Summary Bess and Mike focus on her journey growing a business in the cannabis industry which is highly regulated and highly taxed all while the industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars a year in revenue. Topics include: -Taxation and regulation -Where the industry is headed -Censorship on social media -Opportunities for entrepreneurs -The best allocation of marijuana income   Episode Notes Bess Byers is the founder of Blaise Creative, a marketing company that does promotional marketing, amazing photography and social media for dispensaries and growers of marijuana. She has a background in PR and communication and lives in Seattle, WA. Websites & Handles: www.ImCannaBess.com @ImCannaBess on Instagram @BlaiseCreative on Instagram      

Thank you for being such a loyal listener! In order to support the needs of our audience we have created a new show called 'Mike Up In Your Business' or MUIYB for short. Go to www.MMPodcast.me to check it out! Right ow we are on spotify, apple, stitcher and more to come. The interviews are deeper, the topics are more current and the information is valuable for every business owner.

It's probably happened to you.  Someone's come through your door to answer your employment ad, and they seemed like the IDEAL candidate.  You like them personally, their resume blows you away, and they've got the energy you think you need to be your next great hire.  But in a short time, you're scratching your head and wondering how the same person could be giving you such  lackluster work.  Amber Hurdle joins us to explain the science behind hiring the right match to save you and your company the pain of ineffective recruiting. Welcome to a brand new bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated.

As an entrepreneur running your own business, you're likely to have mountains of tasks that eat up your time and energies. What if there was one thing you could do that, by doing it, would make everything else you do, easier or unnecessary? Geoff Woods says this is your one thing, and shares just how to pinpoint that for you. Welcome to a brand new bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated.

So you think you've got what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Gino Wickman, author of Entrepreneurial Leap,  is sharing what essential traits an entrepreneur needs  AND the 8 mistakes you need to avoid to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Welcome to a brand new bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated.

Our very own Kelsey is in the spotlight as the team talks about her role as President of  Obsidian Launch, LLC., the Mike Michalowicz brand. As she navigates us through the challenges the pandemic presents, she's sharing her best practices in communication, hiring, and how she positively inspires the team to drive the business to new and higher ground. Welcome to a brand new bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated.

What makes small businesses so special is the personal connection those small businesses have the potential to offer.  Ashley Alderson shares with us how to build community and get present in your marketing to help your business survive, on this bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated.

Chris Reynolds joins us to discuss the neuroscience of your brain in business. How can we stay positive and block out negative thoughts? How does the body respond to stress? What is the best way to maximize Productivity? Chris answers all of these questions and more in this bonus episode of Entrepreneurship Elevated. Chris Reynolds is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance tactician, international speaker & founder of The Business Method & Get Shit Done Live. The Business Method & Get Shit Done Live both help entrepreneurs scale their businesses rapidly using research driven high-performance productivity techniques. Chris has been a location-independent entrepreneur 9-years, living in multiple countries & traveling the world consistently during that time. Over the years, he has spoken in numerous different countries, created 10 business accelerators in Spain, Brazil & Thailand while interviewing more nearly 400 successful entrepreneurs on his podcast including people like Laird Hamilton, World’s Top Big Wave Surfer, Steven Kotler, NYTImes Best-Selling Author, Jim Rogers, one of the world’s most sought-out investors, & former partner of George Soros, John Lee Dumas, Top Business Podcaster, Casey Fenton, founder of CouchSurfing, & Ron Lynch the marketing mind that took GoPro from $600k to $600 million. Chris was an official juror of the Global Startup Awards in 2019, & currently, he focuses on helping entrepreneurs get to the top of their game in businesses & life through consulting, digital courses, & live events.   www.TheBusinessMethod.com

Can you imagine spending years traveling around the world with your children in tow, while running a business? Meet Ryan Langford, who, with his wife and 5 children, has been to 80 countries running multiple ventures.  He's here to tell us what brought him down this amazing path and the experiences (and freedom) it's provided to the entire family. Welcome to Episode 306 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

You've heard it here before: Different is better. Our guest Denise Blasevick says, as a business owner,  how well you differentiate your business is your competitive advantage and the key to improving your brand. How do you do it? Listen in! Welcome to Episode 305 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

In an economy where it's becoming ever more apparent that your business' health is contingent on how deeply you connect with your office team,  customers and your community, understanding how to have necessary conversations is incredibly important. David Wood teaches us how to have the tough conversations that are truly your path to up-leveling your life and your business. Welcome to Episode 304 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!   Join the webinar to learn Mike's new marketing strategies for his next book: Mikeswebinar.com

In 2015, Steven Bousquet Pumpkin-Planned his landscape business and saw incredible growth. To support that growth, he fostered a culture among his employees that has really payed off. In fact, in 12 years time, only two have moved on to other careers, despite the hard work landscaping requires.  Steven is here to share the exceptional techniques implemented to build engaged, invested employee teams that you can use too.  Welcome to Episode 303 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

My new book has just released!  "Fix This Next" was written for businesses that are in crisis.  I've seen time and time again that the biggest challenge business owners have is knowing what their biggest challenge is. "Fix This Next" and this special podcast episode will introduce you to a simple model that shows why you stay stuck, the identification process to determine what to work on next, and the method to fix it.  Welcome to The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Today we're talking about improving performance. As entrepreneurs, we're like the athletes of the business world: quick on our feet and determined to master our game.  Who better to coach us than Alan Stein Jr., who's worked with the world's most elite athletes and corporate teams, providing simple strategies to help your business win.  Welcome to Episode 302 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

In your efforts to grow your business, no doubt you've been led to believe that a strong marketing and sales game is how you'll get there.  But will it? Kirby Hasseman joins us to reveal how giving first with a servant-leader mindset is how you'll truly join the global "Give First Economy", and earn you long term-relationships with your customers that will make your business better.  Welcome to Episode 301 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

When you hear "rapid growth" in business,  do you believe that's just about hiring more staff? Maybe you're under the impression that it's just not possible in your industry.  Matthew Pollard is here to tell us how growth in your industry can be all about your profit, and reveals the path to it that even an introvert can walk. Welcome to Episode 300 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Chris Guillebeau is a prolific author of great business non-fiction reads, and now has a brand new fiction book called The Money Tree.  It's a great story about finding fortune in your own back yard, and speaks to Chris' theme: "You don't have to live your life the way other people expect." Welcome to Episode 299 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

There is no greater expert on getting attention for your business than Chris Winfield, and he's here talking about what's more evident than ever: the importance of our connection.   Welcome to Episode 298 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast! 

Dr. Nancy Trimboli  is here to tell us about her journey and the extraordinary results she experienced after streamlining her business.  It wasn't always easy, (and she'll explain why), but her practice's complete transformation has made it all worthwhile. Welcome to Episode 297 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Dr. Nancy Trimboli  is here to tell us about her journey and the extraordinary results she experienced after streamlining her business.  It wasn't always easy, (and she'll explain why), but her practice's complete transformation has made it all worthwhile. Welcome to Episode 297 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

You've probably heard how important it is for you to express your appreciation for your clients with gifts. But not any gift will do.  John Ruhlin, author of Giftology, is here to tell us how to perfect this art.  Take note: There's a recipe for gift-giving. It's the thoughtful thought that counts! Welcome to Episode 296 of The Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Jon Berghoff teaches us the strategy to unlock the collective genius of your team. Learn how to get everyone on the team elevating the company as they elevate themselves. Get ready to get the most out of everyone (including yourself). Welcome to Episode 295 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Amber Vilhauer, the president of NGNG Enterprises, shares the strategies and considerations for a big book launch (or any product for that matter).  She even gives insights on the Fix This Next book launch. Welcome to Episode 294 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Are you unskippable? Jim Kukral explains why you need to bring joy to customers, especially the way they shop. (Hint: People don't want to leave their homes anymore.) Welcome to Episode 293 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

What if you followed your passion regardless of how "reasonable" it was? What if you threw out standard conventional thinking and made your joy your business? That is what Travis Ruskus did with Rock Balancing. Discover the lessons he learned in his journey. Welcome to Episode 292 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Hear a Profit First journey firsthand as Colleen Hilton explains her experiences before, during, and after the implementation of the system. As a result, her counseling firm is now experiencing explosive growth and explosive profit. At the end of this show, you can too. Welcome to Episode 291 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

With just $200 and a Facebook post, Future Golf was launched. It's founder, Ali Terai,  is here to share the incredible story of how his desire to build up a community of like-minded golfers blossomed into the creation of one of Australia's largest golf clubs.  Welcome to Episode 290 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

We talk a lot about your passion as an entrepreneur. But your passion and your purpose are very different things.  Dov Baron is here to explain why, in the hero's journey, the entrepreneur must face their pain to find their true purpose.  Welcome to Episode 289 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

The author of Duct Tape Marketing, Duct Tape Selling and The Referral Engine has released a life changing book for entrepreneurs. In this episode we interview John Jantsch, author of the brand new book, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: 366 Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business.  Welcome to Episode 288 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Customer service is the new marketing. Give great customer service and customers spread the word through social media. Give bad customer service, and customers spread the word even more. Micah Solomon, a leading expert in customer service, shares insights to a winning process. Welcome to Episode 287 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

David Meerman Scott shares his details on his brand new book "Fanocracy: Turning Fans into Customers and Customers into Fans". The newest and most effective approach to growing a successful business. Welcome to Episode 285 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

David Meerman Scott shares his details on his brand new book "Fanocracy: Turning Fans into Customers and Customers into Fans". We're talking about the newest and most effective approach to growing a successful business. Welcome to Episode 285 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Most people think about what they have to do to make a sale to a customer. But what about the 5th, 6th or 7th sale to that customer?  We're talking about making EVERY sale, and Wes Schaeffer is here to tell us how. Welcome to Episode 285 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Chris Warner is a successful keynote speaker who uses his gripping stories from Everest and K2 to help companies build better teams. While on the edge of their seats, he guides the audience through life or death leadership lessons, and teaches a data driven, real world formula for building high performance teams. For the last 30 years Chris Warner has been building better leaders and guiding teams to success in real life or death situations.

To scale your business effectively you need to master four elements - delivery of your offering, consistent generation of leads, converting leads to customers, and growing an empowered team. We learn how from our guest Carolin Soldo. Welcome to Episode 283 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Who better to illustrate the profile of the entrepreneur than someone who has sat down and interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from around the world?  Ben Gothard joins us to discuss the common traits they share, and explain what it takes to tap into true entrepreneurial success. Welcome to Episode 282 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Did you know that a Gallup Poll found that 67% of the American workforce described themselves as disengaged? Where is their incentive? Dane Sanders is here to explain how, as an employer, your investment in your employees' dreams can make all the difference in how strongly they invest themselves in yours: your business.  Welcome to Episode 281 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Whether your a small business or a big company, each element of the process of M&A can present numerous obstacles that can undermine the success of the deal. Jennifer Fondrevay is here to explain what you need to do for the best possible transition. Welcome to Episode 280 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

SEO gets the right customers in front of you right away. Yet most people get SEO all wrong. Our guest, Kris Reid, teaches us how to do SEO right! Welcome to Episode 279 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Failure, the thing we entrepreneurs may fear the most, is actually an amazing ( and necessary) path to the success we're looking for.   Brian Scudamore is here to share his philosophy on how our willingness to fail can create incredible growth. Welcome to Episode 278 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

My personal speaking coach, John Bates, joins us on Entrepreneurship Elevated to teach us how to speak on any stage. If you're an entrepreneur, if you're speaking to one person or one thousand people, every opportunity is an opportunity for a great speech, and John tells us how.  Welcome to Episode 277 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Michelle Pippin joins us on Entrepreneurship Elevated to talk about what it takes to be a successful female entrepreneur.  Her insights are for all of us. If you're a guy, you've got to listen to this one too!  Welcome to Episode 276 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Michelle Pippin joins us on Entrepreneurship Elevated to talk about what it takes to be a successful female entrepreneur.  Her insights are for all of us. If you're a guy, you've got to listen to this one too!  Welcome to Episode 276 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Joey Coleman, author of Never Lose a Customer Again, joins us to share the secrets to customer retention.  Learn the phases of the customer journey and what you need to do in the first 100 days to make your customers stay.  Welcome to Episode 275 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

We are zooming in on your profitability in a brand new way.  We talk about Profit First all the time, but what about predictable profits? Charles Gaudet joins us on the show to share the strategies to driving predictable profits, and it all starts with momentum. Figure that out, and you've got money rolling in!  Welcome to Episode 274 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

A business is not a parent-child relationship.  It's that of conjoined twins. We share critical organs, a soul and a heart. Francesca Vavala joins us and talks about her incredibly unique life experience of being born a conjoined twin. She's lived the perils of separating yourself from a conjoined twin and separating yourself from your business and being wildly successful.   Welcome to Episode 273 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Krista Michalowicz joins us to talk about the joys, the fun, as well as the challenges, (staying sane, keeping it real, and keeping the kids alive), that come with being married to an entrepreneur. Welcome to Episode 272 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!

Dr. Sabrina Starling is here to tell us the key strategies we need to employ to hire and create teams of productive, innovative "A" players. Welcome to Episode 271 of the Entrepreneurship Elevated Podcast!