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Embark on a journey from a humble closet recording setup to the realm of full-blown media empires. In this episode, we dive deep into the solo podcaster's struggle—juggling every aspect of the show—and unveil the first steps to scaling your passion. Discover how to delegate tasks, streamline your workflow, and diversify your income streams, all while keeping your creative spark alive. With insights drawn from success stories like The Ringer and My Favorite Murder, we explore how to transform your one-person operation into a dynamic media brand without losing your sanity. The Solo Podcaster Struggle The reality of being a solo podcaster: juggling content creation, editing, marketing, and monetization alone. Funny examples of “wearing too many hats” (e.g., the podcaster who is also the unpaid intern, the social media manager, and the IT department). Signs it might be time to scale: ✅ Overwhelmed by tasks that don't involve actual podcasting. ✅ Episodes are getting bigger, but time isn't. ✅ More opportunities (sponsors, partnerships, guest requests) than you can handle alone. The First Steps Toward Growth Outsourcing vs. Hiring – What should you delegate first? Editing and production Show notes and transcription Social media and marketing Finding the right people – Hiring freelancers vs. in-house help. Building Systems – Why automation and processes matter before adding people to the mix.

I haven't been to Kauai since they started the new shuttle service so I wanted to see first hand how getting around Kauai works using the service up on the North side of the island. . I became interested in testing out the new shuttle system, which was introduced to handle the growing number of visitors. Getting around Kauai - Why the Shuttle System Was Necessary The North Shore regions of Hanalei (remember the song Puff the Magic Dragon?) and Haena Point experienced extreme crowding. About 3,000 visitors arrived daily at this location, resulting in significant frustration for local residents and travelers. The location was unable to support such a high number of visitors, which makes getting around Kauai a lot easier. The North Shore regions of Hanalei and Haena Point experienced extreme crowding. About 3,000 visitors arrived daily at this location, resulting in significant frustration for local residents and travelers. The location was unable to support such a high number of visitors. This new reservation system limits the reservations to 900, a significant change for the good. Don't Miss Limahuli Garden I recommend visiting Limahuli Garden if you have available time to experience its beautiful botanical displays featuring Hawaii's native plants. The gardens provide a brief tour of 20-25 minutes that works well between shuttle rides. The shuttle makes a stop at this location so passengers can disembark to explore before getting back on later. My Shuttle Experience and Hiking Trail Getting around Kauai on the North Shore Shuttle Bus The 12:40 pm shuttle slot was ideal for me because I intended to hike just a short section of the Hanakapiai Trail. The later time slot gave me a chance to take my time getting around Kauai up there, and I got there a little earlier, at about noon, so they accommodated me earlier.  I completed a two-mile trek to the first lookout, which satisfied me for the day, although adventurous hikers can extend their journey to the beach. The shuttle service functions well and provides stress-free North Shore access at $40 per person for roundtrip travel. Pro Tip - Consider going later in the day. The afternoon visit allowed me to explore leisurely without any time pressure. Where to Catch the Shuttle Multiple stops along the route provide shuttle pickup options.- The Princeville Shopping Center is the best starting point for shuttle service if you're staying in Princeville.- The primary pickup location for shuttles is Waipa Park & Ride, which sits just before Hanalei.- Explore the delightful country atmosphere at Wai‘oli Country Market which makes it worthwhile to visit.- Hanalei Colony Resort functions as an excellent shuttle stop that is simple to reach is you're staying in the condos there. The shuttle service concludes its route at Haena Beach Park which is situated close to the Hanakapiai trailhead leading to multiple scenic beaches. The trailhead is easy to find, with clear signs The view from the first lookout on the Hanakapai Trail Hanakapai Trail the start of the Kalalau Trail Family-Friendly Beaches and Activities The North Shore offers an abundance of beach choices for your day at the shore. Hanalei Beach is actually divided into three sections:- Black Pot Beach Park provides an ideal location for both family outings and picnic activities.- Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park offers ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation.- Wai‘oli Beach Park stands out as my top choice because of its casual atmosphere. **Pro Tip: You should arrive early at the beach if you want to park and spend time there. The reservation system now helps control traffic flow and crowd sizes. Consider Splitting Your Stay For a complete Kauai experience you should divide your stay between the North Shore and Poipu's South Shore. The North Shore delivers a peaceful nature-oriented getaway while Poipu presents visitors with convenient access to fine dining,

Which Hawaiian Island Is Best for First-Time Visitors? Aloha and welcome! If you're planning your very first trip to Hawaii, you're probably wondering: Which island is right for me? If you've found yourself sifting through countless travel forums and social media posts, you're not alone. This question is one of the most common we hear at Hawaii Aloha Travel. Below, I'll share insights from our recent Hawaii Vacation Connection podcast episode to help you discover the perfect island for your first-time visit. Meet Your Local Hawaii Expert I'm Bruce Fisher—also known as “Aloha Bruce”—and I've been helping visitors plan their dream Hawaii vacations for more than 20 years. My company, Hawaii Aloha Travel, is located right here in the islands. Unlike those “wannabe social media influencers” who know very little about actual travel booking, we're true Hawaii specialists. We live, breathe, and love these islands every day. Website: hawaii-aloha.com Phone: 1-800-843-8771 Whether you have questions in the middle of your workday or late in the evening, feel free to reach out. Because we're in the Hawaii time zone, there's a good chance one of our experienced travel advisors is on hand to talk story and plan your trip. Why So Many First-Timers Start with Oahu If you ask most travel sites—or even ChatGPT—about the best island for your first trip, you'll often see the same answer: Oahu. Indeed, Oahu is home to Honolulu and the famed neighborhood of Waikiki, which many visitors equate with all of Hawaii. But there's more to it than that! Convenience and VarietyOahu truly offers a little bit of everything Hawaii is known for—except an active volcano. From vibrant Waikiki nightlife to secluded windward beaches and lush mountain ranges, you can experience a huge variety of scenery without island-hopping. Ease of TransportationIf you're not big on renting a car, Oahu can be the perfect fit. You can base yourself in Waikiki, hop on a tour, or use public transportation to explore. This is especially useful for families or groups who don't want to coordinate who gets the rental car each day. Accommodations for Every BudgetWhether you're splurging on a luxury resort like Turtle Bay on the North Shore or staying at a more budget-friendly hotel in Waikiki, Oahu has an immense range of price points. Pro Tip: You can split your stay on Oahu—spend a few days in Waikiki to enjoy the city vibe, then move to a quieter part of the island like Ko Olina or the North Shore for a more relaxing, scenic experience. Considering a Cruise? Try Pride of America Another popular option for first-time visitors is the Pride of America cruise. This seven-day sailing leaves every Saturday and visits multiple islands, including Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. It's a great choice if: You want an all-inclusive concept (buffets, 24/7 room service, etc.). You don't want to deal with multiple inter-island flights. You like waking up each morning to a brand-new view. Typically, couples spend around $5,000 for the cruise portion (not including airfare). It's also common to add a pre- or post-cruise stay on Oahu, so you get a taste of city life before or after your island-hopping journey. Consider Your Demographics and Style While Oahu is a strong contender for most first-timers, it's not your only option. The best island for you depends on: Age Group Families and older travelers often enjoy the accessibility and convenience of Oahu. Younger, more adventurous couples might prefer Maui or the Big Island, where hiking and exploring remote areas is a bigger part of the trip. Travel Experience If you're a seasoned traveler who isn't rattled by navigating a less-developed area, an island like Kauai or the Big Island may be appealing. If you're new to traveling or prefer a “comfort zone,” Oahu offers the most tourist-friendly infrastructure. Interests and Hobbies

Introducing Mountain to Molehill: A Mindfulness and Meditation Newsletter Mental Health Melissa Llarena Why Stressed Professionals Quit Meditation (And How Not To) Meditating is a good alternative to that third glass of wine at night – and might even serve as a replacement for psych meds for the most restless, stressed-out marketers, sales professionals, and ad executives dealing with the unpredictability of their virtual lives, workplace, home life, and everything else that gets logged in your head as stressful mountains to climb when in reality you're looking at a molehill you can simply hop over. Q: Why did I write this article encouraging you to return to meditation instead of relying on quicker fixes for stress? A: I know firsthand how psych meds play out. I've been an unwitting observer of a personal longitudinal study as the daughter of a mom who has been on them since 1982. My thinking is simple: if you can avoid them, do. I don't say this as a psychiatrist – I say it as a witness who has watched decades of science experiments performed on my single parent, from my toddler years through today, when the impact of this four-decade-long chemical warfare is irreversible. This deeply personal experience is why I'm committed to my mental health, and why I believe adopting and keeping a meditation practice is a powerful approach to life's realities. A consistent practice will increase your capacity to bear any weight you may be carrying – something we all need, don't you agree? Now, I know it's hard to adopt a practice from scratch, so I decided to focus on those of you who once meditated and might secretly wish to return. Let's start with the top reasons for this kind of "quiet" quitting. Notice the pun? I'll try to keep you chuckling throughout this read. But first, let's look at some serious stats... According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, approximately 60% of people who start a meditation practice discontinue within the first year. The primary reasons include: 1.     Perceived lack of time 2.     Difficulty maintaining consistent practice 3.     Feeling they're "not doing it right" 4.     Not seeing immediate results Let's explore doable workarounds for these four reasons, considering our modern omnichannel lives. Interestingly, this study aligns perfectly with a recent LinkedIn survey I conducted, asking mid-career professionals what they wanted me to cover. Time emerged as the top concern, so let's start there. Perceived Lack of Time Let's talk about time – or the common excuse of not having enough of it. Let's dispel the idea that you're too busy to drop in and pay attention to your breath for five minutes a day. Where can you steal these five minutes? Let's start with the low-hanging fruit. According to the Harvard Business Review, professionals spend an average of 28% of their workweek managing email. That's about 3.1 hours per day reading, writing, and responding to emails, with an estimated 25% of those being unnecessary or unproductive. Take my librarian email saga, for example. I received a ridiculously long email about a book renewal that could have been summarized in three sentences. Instead, this well-meaning librarian wrote paragraphs explaining a simple process. I thought to myself: she could have meditated in the time it took to write this novel of an email. Seriously, couldn't you shave five minutes from your 3.1 hours of daily email writing for a relaxing breathing session? I have full confidence you can steal some time from email writing to meditate. It can be that simple – or perhaps meditation can become your pre-meeting ritual? My pandemic meditation journey was ritualistic. I needed a tool to reliably catch my breath and return to my three sons as the calmest version of myself; the stakes were staring me in the face. I'd drag my son's bean bag out to my wrap-around balcony – my "lanai" in honor of the Golden Girls – and sit under the sun. The benefits were two-fold: it gave me something to do during lockdowns, and I returned refreshed enough to homeschool three sons. Ultimately, I returned to my teaching post with greater patience, not totally "unsnappable," but feeling more able to relax. Pro Tip: You can always find time when a boss drops a last-minute request. Somehow, you'll complete other assignments, shorten your timeframe, stay up later, or wake up earlier. Imagine treating meditation as vitally as that urgent work assignment. This is just your way into starting a practice – not necessarily how you'll have to make it stick – which brings me to the second reason for quitting. Difficulty Maintaining Consistent Practice Willpower is overrated. There, I said it. If I had unlimited willpower, I wouldn't have half a bottle of wine in my fridge or pair my glass with partially dry Manchego cheese at six p.m. when I nestle in my corner of the sofa before my sons fight me to the death to take over the TV. This is why I endeavor to do as much as possible before 9 am every single day – it's not because I want to challenge myself but because I don't trust myself as the day gets later. There's science to back this up, which is why I apply simple heuristics to maintain a consistent meditation practice. My decision-making process is brutally simple: ·       Question: Do I plan to eat today? ·       Answer: Yes. ·       Action: Then I guess I'll go to the gym, walk 10K steps, and meditate before starting my workday. Don't think you need to do these things before meditating or before 9 am like me. Instead, use my question to spark your own chain of daily habits. Yours can be as simple as: ·       Question: Do I plan to breathe today? ·       Answer: Yes. ·       Action: Then I'll take 5 minutes to pay attention to some of those breaths. This decision tree below is for those of us who've been trained to overthink... just follow the nodes. I've found that thinking is often what gets in our way. Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the same sentiment about his workouts in his Netflix documentary: he said he could think after his workouts. Same goes for meditating. Think later. See Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true My meditation practice looks different every day. Sometimes I'll light a candle, drop on my carpeted floor with earbuds, and hum along to a guru telling me: "I am not my body. I am not my mind." Let's call this my "scruffy, get it done" meditation. Other times I've meditated with my eyes open during a commute. I believe in habit stacking – pairing one existing habit with a new one. Not Seeing Immediate Results On Halloween 2023, I self-published my book "Fertile Imagination." My goal was to become an Amazon bestseller. While my three boys were putting on Halloween costumes, I was copy/pasting/pitching/praying. My ranking wasn't moving despite my efforts. I had two choices: toss my laptop out the window and curse Bezos, or maintain unwavering belief in the process. I kept going. When I woke up at 5 am, I was number one in two categories. Sure, I was just a good night's rest away from seeing my goal come true – but writing the book had taken two years, securing early readers required 35 outbound emails a day for months, and Amazon needed 24 hours to update their stats. A LOT went into it behind the scenes. This experience mirrors the practice of meditation. It requires consistent effort, even when you don't see immediate results. You must trust that the benefits will manifest over time, just as I trusted my book would eventually rise in the ranks. It's about cultivating a deep-seated belief in the power of the practice, even when your mind whispers doubts. Feeling They're "Not Doing It Right" The internet paints a picture of meditation that's a bit... idealized. You know the image: serene folks, Lululemon-clad, perched on fancy meditation pillows, humming along to some ethereal YouTube guru. That's not exactly my reality. This morning, I was planning to meditate, but my phone battery died. So, I grabbed my timer and dropped onto the carpet, aiming for those 25 minutes of blissful silence. But let's just say, my meditation practice looked a little different. If I'd meditated any longer, my husband might have gotten out the masking tape to document a crime scene. Let me explain. If you could have seen me, I was definitely not dressed for a yoga retreat – just my usual work attire: brown boots, ripped jeans, and a cashmere sweater. Picture it: a perfectly respectable professional, now sprawled on their living room floor, looking like a crime scene victim. Pause for a second to see how Canva's image-generating AI "Dream Lab" doesn't care about doing things "right." Let's learn from it. The first try is so wacky and wrong. See Substack for images. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true The image below is closer to my original description, but it's still not "quite right" – like many AI-generated images. So give yourself some grace and aim for "good enough right now" rather than "perfect." See Substack for images. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Side note: if you had a second to take that pause, then you have time to meditate. ;) No side-eye from me – just pointing this out. Here's the truth: There's no right way to meditate. You can meditate in a closet, on a Trader Joe's line, or in a nursery room. Simply be present. Here's the easiest way to begin your meditation practice: Wear your work clothes. Perfect. Find a comfortable spot: A bed, sofa, or even a random rug. Even better. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Focus on your breath. Your thoughts will arise — that's normal. Gently guide your attention back to your breath. Give yourself a mental high-five when you return to breathing. Commit to finding your own meditation style. Meditation has two-fold benefits when it comes to managing stress. Harvard Health Publishing confirms that meditation activates your body's relaxation response, which helps you navigate stressful situations with a sense of calm. Additionally, a JAMA Internal Medicine meta-analysis found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduces perceived stress. So, whether you have to climb a mountain, you'll feel more capable of doing so. Or perhaps you can quickly shift your perception of a mountain and see it for what it really is: a surmountable molehill. You'll want to adapt or bring back your meditation practice if you wish to see more molehills than mountains and feel resourced if it's a real mountain you must climb up or down to get to the other side. So, are you ready to give it a try? Conclusion Meditation is a practice, not a magical solution to stop thinking altogether. Be patient with yourself, and remember that even a few minutes of mindful presence can make a difference. A brief pause can give you space to reconsider a knee-jerk reaction or simply feel more capable of a tough conversation. I hope this article has provided helpful insights and encouragement. If you're struggling to establish, maintain, or restart a consistent meditation practice, please reach out via email melissa .llarena [at] gmail.com or leave a comment on the platform of your liking Substack, Medium or LinkedIn. I can offer support as a mindfulness and meditation practitioner dedicated to finding solutions that can increase your ability to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. Remember, your mental and emotional well-being is as vital as your physical health. They are interconnected, as I've observed in my research and personal experience. A healthy mind in an unhealthy body will likely experience discomfort, and an unhealthy mind can manifest in physical symptoms. Prioritize this empowering form of self-care and explore the many benefits of meditation. Your family and those you work with will appreciate it.   My Story – Melissa Llarena   I'm a meditation practitioner and #1 Amazon bestselling author who has spent years peering into the minds of marketers and executives, both as one of them and as their trusted guide. My articles in ForbesWomen have reached over 4 million readers, but what really lights me up is the deep work I do with people who, like me, have spent years shape-shifting to succeed.  My own journey through the corporate world – 10 years at powerhouses like Ogilvy (working on IBM) and P&G (yes, even Charmin!) – taught me firsthand about wearing different hats across 14+ business functions. For the past 13 years, I've had the privilege of coaching over 200 marketing and advertising executives worldwide, having raw, honest conversations about what it really costs us to morph ourselves every single day.    When I'm hosting the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast, I get to dive deep with remarkable leaders like Beth Comstock and GaryVee, exploring how to tap into our most overlooked superpower: imagination. My psychology degree from NYU, Dartmouth MBA, and Transformational Coaching certification gave me the foundation, but it was the pandemic that showed me – and my clients – that we needed something more.    In 2021, when ambition felt impossible and imagination seemed out of reach, I realized we were all exhausted from trying to power through. That's when I took a leap – pausing my coaching practice to write a book filled with soul-searching questions, while earning my meditation certification from the Jack Kornfield organization.     Now, I blend all these pieces – my corporate insider experience, thousands of honest conversations, and meditation wisdom – into workshops, sessions, and immersions that truly connect. Using imaginative meditation, mindfulness practices that even the most restless executives love, and revealing journaling exercises, I help people find their way back to themselves. Because here's what I know: when we stop losing ourselves every time life or business throws us a curveball, we can finally use our energy for what really matters – creating the impact we're meant to make.     

PRO TIP: You know your word, it just might need some uncovering.

Topics: -Jerry shares an odd printer story. -Apple Mail was having an issue using a self signed certificate. -“Don't trust email” -Joe describes emulation vs virtualization. -Virtual Buddy & UTM are solid virtualization products. -Joe uses the ability to virtualize other versions of macOS to support clients that use a different OS than he is currently running. -Pro Tip: You cannot use an Apple ID with a virtual OS.

“I teach my clients how to get more media exposure so that they can make a bigger impact in the world”.  Angel Tuccy has hosted over 2,000 broadcasts, interviewed almost 5,000 guests, and has helped entrepreneurs & business owners attract more media, more followers, and even more customers. Angel says that it isn't rocket science, but it does require establishing yourself as a trusted resource and promoting yourself when the media comes calling. In this episode, she shares her exclusive formula with Deb. Pro Tip: You might want to (not only) download this episode, but also bookmark it as well since you'll be referring back to it often.   [00:01 9:16] Opening Segment Angel tells us about her journey into (and out of) the corporate Media/PR space From a booked out schedule to having credentials pulled preventing you from entering the building  When the unexpected happens-you pivot.     [9:17 -15:27]  How Angel works with clients to get them media exposure   Her technique will shorten the sales cycle and increasing KLT (know, like and trust) factor instantly    Teaches the formula on how to connect with journalists on a continuing basis. Two interviews a week translates into 100 fresh new audiences  The “Old School method” is a trusted, proven strategy      [15:28 - 24:34]  Bootstrapping your way through it   Start curating your own database Monetize the momentum you've gained Paid media exposure: pros and con When is your PR day?   [24:35 - 26:10] Elements of a well crafted pitch Keep press releases simple; Keep to the basics; who/what/when/where.   No explanation points. Keep it fact based Stay on their radar. Send fresh material to your list regularly Keep consistent; 2 interviews a week, 1 press release a month Fall in love with the routine    [26:11 - 28:30] Closing Segment  Connect with Angel through the links below  Follow us on social media and leave a review Final words   Connect with Angel Tuccy Website: Make Your Big Impact  Facebook: Need A Guest | Facebook Instagram: @angeltuccy Twitter:@AngelTuccy LInkedIn:  Angel Tuccy | LinkedIn Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/MediaAngel Youtube: Angel Tuccy - YouTube   Resources Mentioned on this episode HARO Help A Reporter   Here are some another episodes you might enjoy as well: Ep 117. Visibility For Profits https://cutt.ly/117Visibility4Profits Ep 91. How to Become an In Demand Speaker https://cutt.ly/91-InDemandSpeaker   Tweetable Quotes: “You can submit your press releases because they're looking for stories, they want your stories. And a press release is how you speak to them, how you pitch to them. ” -Angel Tuccy  “So while that was one of those dark days, I can look back with gratitude to the release… That now I can go off and really serve clients in a really special and unique way”. - Angel Tuccy    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!  Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!  Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

There are 3 primary reasons why women tend to undervalue themselves:(1) They were raised to be nice and please others, (2) they're afraid of success, and (3) they're taught to believe that their value is dependent on their appearance. It's vital that women learn to value themselves so that they can create healthy relationships and achieve their goals. Today, Deb revisits an episode she did with Barbara Huson back in December 2020. And as relevant as it was back then, it's even more so today. Barbara's no nonsense approach highlights her passion to educate women on financial literacy as well as helping them recognize their own worth. *(Pro Tip)* You may find yourself hitting the rewind a few times throughout this episode just so you can put some of Barbara's idioms to memory.     [00:01 - 07:59] Opening Segment Barbara tells us why she's driven to help women become financially educated  Women entrepreneurs earn just 30 cents for each dollar a male earns  Women give away their skills at bargain prices because they don't believe they're worth it.   [08:00 -12:44] What's the #1 Requirement to go to the next level in earnings? Why is it so scary to “step into your value”? What is Greatness? What's the connection between Purpose and Profit?    [12:45 - 18:23] The 3 levels of financial development The key to success is going where you fear.  Lack of strategy is the recipe for failure What's the difference between Profit and Wealth?   [18:24 -34:43] The 3 steps to training your mind to rewire your brain Recognize, Reframe and Respond differently Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. What's the first question you should ask yourself? What is The Law of Congruence?   [34:44 - 41:55] Closing Segment  Connect with Barbara through the links below  Follow us on social media and leave a review Final words  Connect with Barbara Huson  Facebook: Barbara Huson-Formerly Stanny | Facebook Instagram: @thebarbarahuson Twitter: @TheBarbaraHuson LInkedIn: Barbara (Stanny) Huson | LinkedIn Website: barbara-huson.com   Here's another episode you might enjoy as well: Ep 70. Are You Wired for Struggle? https://lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com/   Tweetable Quotes: “I was so hungry to make millions, but that was coming from my ego. Who wanted to feel worthy… but my soul wanted greatness” -Barbara Huson  “I have this theory that if you don't deal with your money, your money will deal with you”. - Barbara Huson   SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!  Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!  Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

Are you ready to enjoy a delightfully full and flowy conversation between our Thea Monyeé and her seven part Aries/All part Goddess daughter Talani?   Talani is a multifaceted artist who could turn thrifting into an Olympic sport and loves exploring food and cooking, amongst so many other wonderful aspects of her being.    This conversation couldn't be titled until it was experienced and is evidence that wisdom is not bound by age. PRO TIP: You will need a pen and paper, and you will also listen again and again and again.   Gentle Reminder: Take your time, take pleasure in the slow sipping

Spoiler Alert: The way you've been taught to work referrals needs to change This series by far has been one of my favorite to produce, because working by referrals is LITERALLY how I built my million dollar real estate business.  And back when I worked for Sigma Kappa, it's also how I taught each sorority chapter to fill their membership levels.  So when I think on it-referrals methods and thinking like a referral machine can be the true foundation of any business, any where.  You name the industry, and I'll tell you how to create that plan and make it work.  That's the problem though isn't it?  Many of you have relied on someone else helping you create your system.  And to be honest, most of those people are old, outdated in their thought processes, and only looking at what worked for them.  Not what the current state of the industry looks like and craves. 

I'm going to show you a behind-the-scenes coaching session with Rachel Fry. Rachel has been struggling to find clarity in her business-she feels that the two services and products she believes are completely different. Her goal is to find a way to grow her business.  Once she has this direction, she feels that she can attract the right clients to her business.In this 60-minute session, I will help her gain clarity and create the action plan she desires. Let's get started! We cover the followingAfter being confused about how to niche, we found that both your products and services fall under the same category- hair. The next step is to draft your I help statement based on your product suite, and from there we will create the customer journey.We can start with creating a freebie that is interactive...Maybe a quiz and based on the results of the quiz you could direct them to the solution-based product suite. It would be the start of your funnel to build the email list that you can nurture weekly. PRO TIP: You shouldn't refer to your email list as a newsletter. Give it a name and description that will entice your ideal clients to join. Give them a VIP experience in the email; offer them exclusive first access or email-only content. Once you have your email list set up, you should decide what social media you will use and why. Pick one or two platforms and go all-in on those. You should start with Instagram and Facebook, then by June, if this strategy we discussed is successful, add YouTube.We then dig into growing on Instagram and how to get prospective clients to engage with you, your services, and your products. Start with showing yourself using the products, talk about them, share them in your stories. Just start showing up and sharing, and  make it fun and interactive. Video is king on Instagram right now, so use them in your stories and start creating Reels. Videos always outperform static posts. These don't have to be over-complicated with a lot of transitions, but make sure some of them include trending audio. Once you have created your Reels, repurpose them to Facebook.As always, this episode is brought to you by my favorite Liquid Collagen. Check out my fave duo to help you tone, tighten and feel good from the inside out. CLICK HERE Use code “3324349” at checkout to get $10 OFF your first orderConnect with Emmy on the GRAM  @heyheyemmy You've always wanted a VIP invite to the coolest party, right? Then you want to be an Instagram Insider. You will get all the current algorithm hacks and tips to grow your following, bring in new potential clients (and friends), and make some MONEY with the GRAM Here's your invitation to the VIP INSTAGRAM INSIDER SCOOP INVITE! Let's keep this party rolling...The Hey Hey Emmy Show Party is here! Let's have some fun. From Proverbs 31 to 2Pac, focusing on all things helpful to you and your business. Instagram tips and tricks, health hacks, relationships, and of course, Jesus. If you are a multi-passionate woman feeling overwhelmed by life and business, or just ready to up-level your life, Emmy will be your new BFF. Party your way to your true potential. CA$H Money Instagram Stories MembershipYour Instagram Stories are your MONEY MAKER. Take out all the guesswork when it comes to using your Instagram stories to make CA$H. Join CA$H Money Instagram Stories Membership and start CA$HING in on the GRAM. A daily content prompt membership, so you know exactly what to post to make your Stories binge-worthy! 

Episode 9:  In today's episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about making the most of your special boat trip.  These events typically involve a lot of people.  This episode includes tips for guests to help out the hosts.  Let's jump in! Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are big holiday weekends.  There are tons of boaters, lots of guests and plenty of kids.  It's important that as a boat captain, you do your best to maintain boat safety.  This involves how you drive and how your guests cooperate.  The following will provide some helpful advice. Planning is a necessity.  Meals often take up a lot of time.  When there are extra people around, you have additional mouths, but also additional hands.  Don't be afraid to ask your guests to put those hands to work to ease the burden on you.  The key is to make sure there's a plan in place to ensure things run smoothly. We've all seen the TV shows that highlight the family stress brought on by relatives and related pressures.  That's not too far from reality.  It doesn't have to ruin the weekend.  Go into these weekends with the proper mindset.  You know issues are going to creep up.  They always do.  Just be ready to roll with those issues, as best as you can. Molley likes to have a plan and review it with her guests.  Everybody gets a small part of the overall effort and it generally makes it much easier.  Chad's best advice is to simply relax.  The ramp is going to be a mess.  Expect it and sit back.  There's not much you'll be able to do until it's your time to launch or load. It's important that your guests understand your focus is on their safety.  Take time to explain issues to your guests.  There are times that take a lot of concentration for the captain, but once it's over, it's time to enjoy the outing.  Houseboats Depending upon your situation, you may decide to spend the trip on an actual houseboat (often a rental craft).  If you're going to rent a boat, take time to understand the peak season and off-season pricing.  There can be a significant difference.  Early fall is a great time to rent a houseboat. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption.  When situations get stressful, this never helps.  Again, try to just roll with things as they come up.  Knowing your group is important.  Most of the time you'll be out with people whom you know well and may have done previous trips together.  Often there are some others.  Just do your best to explain a few key issues and ask others to help out the rookies. The Chore List Molley has developed a pretty good system for big holiday outings.  The basic idea is organization.  There are any number of chores that have to be done.  She has every guest pick a slip of paper out of the hat.  This assigns them a simple job to do, but it's something the captain and host know needs to get done.  It's not necessary for the boat owners to have to do everything.  This process gets repeated each day. Make Sure You Have an Experienced Houseboat Driver The marina staff is helpful in getting you underway.  The issue is they are usually understaffed for the amount of boats they are launching. The staff will do a quick orientation with you, but there's a lot to remember.  Make sure you know where the key electrical components are located.  Chad recommends doing a quick walkthrough to make sure you actually know where the components are. Pro-Tip:  You're usually going to have to have a smaller boat to go along with your houseboat.  Use the smaller boat, to scout out a good location, rather than relying on the slow-moving houseboat.  This can save fuel and time. Find a place to tie-off that's out of the wind.  Remember, you have to tie-off 4 points.  Knowing your knots and how to leave a little slack in the line to avoid snapping the lines, when you finally find the right cove. Prepping Your Meals This task can be handled relatively easily.  It's something people can do while the boat's moving, so when you get to your location, the meal is ready to be made.  Again, the key is simple organization and planning. Creating Some Space Houseboats seem big when you first board them.  However, with a lot of people the walls can feel like they're closing in.  Try to create some space by locating a beach so people can get off of the boat and relax.  It might be that pressure-relief valve to keep the outing going smoothly.  Plan Your Route Know how to read the GPS coordinates on the radio.  It's how you know your location on the water.  The next step is to get familiar with the general route you're planning.  This can make your time more efficient.  You'll want to make sure you have a map of the lake, before you leave the marina. Assign the Sleeping Areas It's a good idea to take a look at the layout of the boat and to begin thinking about where people are going to sleep.  Labeling the bunks and beds make it much easier when people begin to arrive.  This can also ease the burden on the captain and/or host. The Big Board Molley recommends using a giant Post-It board with general information, including the daily menu plan.  It can really limit the ongoing questions and let everyone know what's coming up and who's responsible for specific activities. Expect to Take Kitchen Items for the Trip Most of the time, the kitchen utensils, pots/pans, knives, cutting boards and even the coffee maker are not exactly what you saw in the brochure or on the website.  Just pack some common items, but remember to take them with you when you leave.  Bed Linens and Pillows Don't be afraid to take these items.  However, understand what you'll have to lug from your car to the boat and back.  Take extra items, but don't go overboard (see what we did there?). Chad recommends waiting to unpack until you get the houseboat underway.  It gives people time to get used to the new environment and to relax a bit. Understand Your Time Limits Make sure you plan your days, especially the first day and last ½ day.  There's a lot going on and the more you can prepare for, the easier it'll be.  There are many ways to expedite the effort.  There's a lot you can store in the smaller boat.  It'll save time when you load or off-load. Plan Your Meal Supplies People are going to graze during and after a day on the water.  Go ahead and bring more food than you think you'll need.  No one wants to run out of food and have to disrupt the trip for a run back to the marina.  Also, if you have special dietary needs, communicate it and be prepared to have other items for everyone else. Time Management If you've been invited for a houseboat trip, communicate any potential scheduling issues.  If you have to leave earlier than everyone else, make sure you've made arrangements so it doesn't ruin the time for everyone else.  Be flexible and make a plan so everyone's on the same page. We know this sounds like a lot of work.  Actually, following a simple plan can make EVERYTHING go more smoothly for you and your guests.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun! That's a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here's to warm weather and calm waters! Don't forget to subscribe!

Samuel Giles is an experienced financial advisor and accountant to multimillion-dollar ministries. His unique perspective blends his wealth of knowledge in both the financial realm and the supernatural. Join us for a mind-blowing — literally, your mind will be fully engaged! — installment of our Kingdom Business series. Learn about the difference between serving mammon and serving God, generational wealth, how to pursue wealth with a pure heart, and much, MUCH more. Pro Tip: You’ll want to listen to this way more than once!Don’t forget to join us for our first business conference for kingdom-centered entrepreneurs and business owners! Learn more at houseofscrolls.com/blueprints.LSM ResourcesClick here to download a FREE copy of Lemuel's Book "Sonship in the Kingdom of God."Join LSM for more insights into spiritual truths and Q&A’s Follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Sonship Academy GroupVisit our website at www.lsmlibrary.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel

Starting a business is something that appeals to so many people but knowing where to start and what steps to take to achieve this dream holds them back.Eddie and I tackle this topic in our Passion to Profit Course in great detail, but for today, we give you specific steps to start any kind of business and make it profitable while still paying yourself.However, I have to tell you that starting a business and running it requires a lot of work. You have to be prepared to put in the work but remember to always pay yourself for the hours you put in.In this episode, I take you through a practical example of starting a business with a fictional business based on my succulents hobby. I explain every step in the entire process and walk you through the maths and how to accurately calculate your profit.Tune in, and let’s get started with your business!

Steven and Dana brush up on Pippin! We were able to watch it via Amazon Prime at time of recording. ALSO! BIG NEWS! The Broadway Podcast Network has a new iOS App! Check it out in the App Store or by visiting bpn.fm/app! (Pro Tip: You can add your non-BPN podcasts to the BPN app and make it your new favorite podcast app!) @sferezy @danakellycraig @intheroompod @broadwaypodcastnetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's video, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider reveals his Top GERD VA Rating Tips as well as "How to Get a 60 Percent VA Disability Rating for GERD," which stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux. ***GERD VA Rating Criteria*** GERD is a VA disability and can be rated at 10 percent, 30 percent, or 60 percent, depending upon the Severity of your Symptoms. Your GERD VA rating will fall under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 7346, Hernia Hiatal. GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when acid from your stomach, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in pain and burning sensations in your chest, neck, and throat. If you don't have GERD documented in your military medical records, you aren't alone. The majority of veterans were never diagnosed while serving. Have you heard of SECONDARY SERVICE CONNECTION? In this video we will break down your options and explain exactly what you need to win your VA Disability claim for GERD. If you need some help to service connect or increase your VA rating for GERD, join VA Claims Insider Elite TODAY and get started on your VA disability claim for FREE: https://vaclaimsinsider.com/elite-mem... ***Video Timestamps & Resources*** ⏩ 00:00​ VA Claims Insider Introduction ⏩ 01:20​ Introducing Veteran Coach Robert Nichols ⏩ 04:50​ PRO TIP: You need to have the correct MEDICAL EVIDENCE for your VA disability claim ⏩ 17:40​ How to Get a VA Rating for GERD ⏩ 27:40​ Brian's personal story dealing with severe GERD ⏩ 33:20​ You still need a Medical Nexus Letter to service connect GERD ⏩ 52:00​ If your conditions improve, the VA could reduce your GERD VA Rating ⏩ 59:00​ Why you should consider using a Sworn Declaration with your VA claim ⏩ 01:12:00​ Are GERD or IBS on the Presumptive List for Service Connection? ✔️Join VA Claims Insider Elite, get instant access to the ELITE Experience Portal (EEP) and $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources TODAY, and obtain an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO), Disability Benefits Report (DBR) and Medical Nexus Letters: http://www.vaclaimsinsiderelite.com

Brooks Jones is the owner of Digital Consulting where he helps aspiring entrepreneurs to develop successful business model and teach them how to attract their perfect clientele.   Brooks is a 37 year old Marine Corp. Veteran, a father of two boys, and has over 10 years experience in marketing and business management. He loves to help others and bring value to peoples' lives everyday. Brooks' PRO Tip: You have to change your mindset to be successful! A couple ways to do that is start your day off on the right foot. Get up early, exercise, journal, mediate, and read and educate yourself often. Another great tip is to make your bed every morning before you leave your house. It may sound crazy but it starts your day off with one task completed and makes your day more productive and actually makes you more confident through the day.  Brooks' Special Offer: I am offering my Digital Consulting Quest course for 50% off for the Month of August and September! So instead of paying $2,000 for a course that is worth well over $5,000, I will be offering it for a limited time offer of $1,000! I will also let your audience join my Digital Consulting FB group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2656892174597595 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2656892174597595) before evening signing up for the course, they just need to send me a request and say that you heard me on BusinessSpotlight Podcast. How to Contact Brooks: Email: digitalconsulting4u@gmail.com Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/digitalconsulting4u (https://www.facebook.com/digitalconsulting4u) LinkedIn: Brooks Jones YouTube: Digital Consulting4U

The F*ck Ups are on a journey of self-discovery hopefully, we won't end up in a South American prison just like last time. Self-introspection Pro Tips from The F*ck Ups! Dusty's Pro Tip: “Don't think so much all the time.” Joel's Pro Tip: “Failures and successes shape who you are don't hold yourself back.“ Sherwyn's Pro Tip:” You'll never know who are until you try.”

GET THE FULL AUDIT AND SHOW NOTES HERE Why should we audit our wedding business? I’m not usually one for a lot of “feelings” in business but what I like about assessing how we felt about our business last year or last quarter is how it helps inform us about which parts of our business to focus on improving and which parts went well.  Questions to help get you started:   Did you feel like you were answering the same questions over and over again to couples, vendors, etc?  Did you feel unorganized in any part of your business? Were you constantly “looking” for paperwork, items you need for event days, communication from your couples?  Did you absolutely crush it with your onboarding and offboarding processes and want to repeat exactly what you did to continue to build on that success?    Now that you’ve taken the time to assess your business, we’re ready to audit our business and make a plan for what we’ll improve upon and what can be maintained because it went well. We’re going to audit 4 key areas of your wedding business: Marketing Administrative (automation, on-boarding, off-boarding, employees, etc) Finances (taxes, bookkeeping, etc) Event Day   PRO TIP: You can sit down and perform this audit in one full day. Or, you can audit one section per day and take a full week to perform this audit. Do what works best for your schedule.

Got a question from a mastermind member that I think a lot of you can relate to. He is feeling like his practice has flatlined, scrambling for new patients, and what he is doing just is not working. This is a common struggle, especially if you have moved to a new area and are building from scratch. It is like being the new kid at school all over again. If you are in this boat, first, grab my book at FinsuranceBook.com. It is free, just pay shipping, and it is packed with lessons I learned the hard way.

Happy Holidays, bois! It's down to the wire for buying gifts for this season so join @uncleamb and @ermabreann as they try and save your last-minute asses with some gift recommendations to get the boi or boo in your life! (Pro Tip: You might want to get a new toy!) We reflect on our LAST episode of 2018 and what we look forward to in the coming year so strap up and in for our holiday extravaganza! Follow our 'Let's Meet' of the week here: Affinity Community Services - @affinity_cs Jessi The Barber - @jessi_thebarber

Today I'm joined by Missy Khamvongsa, the co-founder of the Facebook group, Disney Planning for Disney Friends. If you're not yet a member, you need to head over right this minute. It's a very friendly group, full of really helpful Disney planning information. Missy also blogs at Magic of Mainstreet with her husband, Franklin, and they know Walt Disney World like the back of their hands. I'm not kidding. If you have ever wondered how an expert does Disney, today is your lucky day!   Missy's Disney Journey...to 30,000 Facebook group members Disney Planning for Disney Friends  Trip Dates: October 11 - 21 Trip Planning Details Travel Party: Missy, her husband, Franklin, their one-year-old Emma; Missy's sister; Franklin's sister, her husband, their seven-year-old son, Tanner; and Missy's Dad and Stepmom (later in the week). Annual Passholders at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Memory Maker Boardwalk Villas  Hard Rock Hotel - Universal Orlando If you are looking for an agent you can email Brook at Brook@mouseworldtravel.com or find her on Facebook. Food & Wine Festival. Everything you need to know about Tables in Wonderland Tables in Wonderland  Missy's Pro Tip: For really big groups, use it for all the adults in the group and then pay regular price for kids' meals. Everything you need to know about a Disney Fine Art Photography photo shoot Disney Fine Art Photography photo shoot   Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card  - A user's experience Disability Access Service Card (DAS)   The Itinerary: 10/11 - 10/21 Arrival Day: Missy's Pro Tip: Alamo Rental Car (Alamo Insiders) Missy's family purposefully rented a minivan so it would fit all seven of them. For a minivan, Missy's pro tip is to rent with Alamo and make a reservation for a full-size car and then also a minivan reservation. If you become an Alamo Insider, you can the skip the line! So head straight to the garage and in the Orlando Airport many times there are minivans in the full-size aisle. When Missy arrived, there were two or three minivans sitting in the full-size aisle. You can then do a quick online check-in drive off to Walt Disney World, saving hundreds on your reservation that way. ESPN Club Day Two: Epcot and Disney Springs Missy's Pro Tip: Food & Wine Festival is a very local event. And so from about 3:00 PM on Friday until about Sunday morning, you will not find her at Epcot. The Boathouse  Day Three: Disney's Hollywood Studios,  Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and Magic Kingdom Toy Story Land Woody's Lunch Box   Raspberry Lunch Box Tart  Breakfast Bowl   Smoked Turkey Breakfast sandwich  Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness) Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue  Minnie Van  Lyft  Magic Kingdom Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party  Fireworks Dessert Party  Day Four: Epcot and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Garden Grill Review Garden Grill  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party: Missy's strategy  The Plaza Cadaver Dans Missy’s Pro Tip: Grab a spot near the Frontierland bridge, looking across the water at Haunted Mansion and the fireworks explode over Haunted Mansion. Day Five: Bon Voyage Breakfast, Epcot (and Blizzard Beach), and Morimoto Asia Bon Voyage breakfast Uber   Lyft  Royale Breakfast Missy’s Pro Tip: If you are in the mood for waffles, there are waffles on the kid's menu. If you ask for an adult portion, they will most likely oblige and bring scrambled eggs and perhaps sausage as an adult platter. No guarantees, but worth asking if your heart is set on waffles. Blizzard Beach  Le Cellier Morimoto Asia  Peking Duck Missy’s Pro Tip: You can also get Kakuni Pork Bao from the Street Food window outside! Day Six: Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot Hollywood & Vine   Jedi Training  Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria  International Gateway  Day Seven: Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios Kilmanjaro Safaris  Avatar Flight of Passage Navi River Journey  Expedition Everest   Rainforest Cafe  Minnie’s Seasonal Dining  Frozen Sing-Along Celebration  Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which Missy gives rave reviews.  Day Eight: Magic Kingdom and O'hana Peter Pan’s Flight  O’hana  Day Nine: Transfer Day to Hard Rock Cafe Hotel, Universal Studios, and CityWalk Hard Rock Hotel Express Pass  Diagon Alley interactive wand  The Cowfish  CityWalk Annual Passes  Day Ten: Islands of Adventure and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Despicable Me character breakfast  Three Broomsticks  Hot Butterbeer  Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Favorite Vacation memories “There were a few times where Emma’s reactions were just amazing. The first time that she saw the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It was just Me and her, everyone else was on either Star Tours or Rock’n’Roller coaster and so I took her to see the Frozen Sing-Along for the first time. We sat in the second row and the curtain comes up and she recognizes the music and then Anna comes on stage and she just starts yelling, ‘Anna’ and reaching out for her. And it was just, it was incredible. I was worried that maybe she would get antsy because it's a 30 minute show. She was mesmerized the whole time. It was a great experience. And then her reaction to Vampirina that we talked about earlier when we did the Hollywood & Vine breakfast was amazing. Oh, and at Royal Sommerhus at Epcot for her to meet Anna and Elsa. We were the first in our group to go into the room. And so there was one family meeting with Elsa and Anna was waiting on the other side and Emma saw that they were in the room and her eyes got wide and she's just yelling, ‘Anna, Elsa’ and Anna was waving at her and she was waving back. We learned we could just put her down next to the character and they would sit on the floor and the interaction that she would have with just her and them was just incredible. And just watching that, I started crying. My sister made fun of me because I just had tears streaming down my face because it was so lovely to see.” Learn more about Missy www.magicofmainstreet.com  Disney Planning for Disney Friends Missy'sFacebook page

Digital Ad Market Update: 10/11-10/18 2018.This week the discussion is about the digital video ad market. Pro Tip: You should already have a video plan for your business, agency, or client.Could Amazon, a trillion dollar company, need the NFL? And what is the next category after Trillion????Last, companies are starting to move in-house with content creation and looking to snatch up clients. What is the future of branded content?

Austin was stuck in a job he hated. But given his non-traditional background and lack of Silicon Valley network, he knew he'd have to work extra hard to launch a career in tech. In this podcast, he details the steps he took to land interviews at Google, Twitter, and other prestigious companies that led to his dream job. Written by Austin Belcak: https://cultivatedculture.com Read by Abbey Rennemeyer: https://twitter.com/abbeyrenn Original article: https://fcc.im/2F8uE2H Learn to code for free at: https://www.freecodecamp.org Intro music by Vangough: https://fcc.im/2APOG02 Transcript: Shortly after college, I began chasing something many people want but few ever get: a job they love. I left school with a biology degree and a job in the medical field. It took me about two weeks to realize I absolutely hated it. I was working 6 days a week, waking up at 3:30am in order to be at the hospital by 5:30. Making next to nothing, I quickly racked up $10,000 in credit card debt. I knew I deserved more, but I had no idea how to get it. I saw people in my graduating class living in New York or San Francisco, making six figure salaries and going on exotic trips. I often wondered what they had figured out that I hadn’t. What was their secret? I dedicated the next 12 months of my life to finding the answer. In this article I’m going to share everything I learned along the way. First, I’ll walk you through the exact process you can use to get a job interview at your dream company even if you don’t know a single person there — you won’t even need to apply online. Next, I’ll teach you how to ace the interview process, get the offer, and land a salary you deserve. I personally used these exact strategies to get interviews and offers at companies like Google, Uber and Twitter. They are also the same tactics that my students have used to land interviews and offers at Google, Microsoft, Slack, Deloitte, PWC, American Express, ESPN and more. Referrals Are The Most Effective Way To Get Hired A recent LinkedIn survey on talent trends showed that 1 in 3 people were actively looking for new work. As of January 2017, the population of employed people in the United States was 123 million. This means that, at any given time, 41 million people are looking for work. On average, an open role at a well known company gets ~250 resumes. 75% of these resumes came from some sort of online portal (like the company’s online application, or a career aggregator site like Indeed.com). Once submitted, these applications are screened by Applicant Tracking software that scans them for keywords. At the end of the process, ~5 resumes make it into the hands of a recruiter. That’s 2% at best. Additionally, The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that 80% of jobs aren’t advertised online. That means that 75% of people applying for jobs are all competing for 20% of the opportunities! Oops. When it comes to getting hired, referrals are the most effective way to secure an interview and land the offer. Here are some stats from a recent Jobvite survey: 40% of hires come from referrals, the next largest channel is via career sites at 21% (almost half as many) Referrals get hired in an average of 3 weeks while other applicants take up to 7 weeks Referrals get paid more on average than cold applicants 40% of hires come from referrals (courtesy of Jobvite.com) Finally, over 50% of six figure jobs are filled via referral. Moral of the story? If we want to get hired at our dream job, we need to find another way to get a referral from an insider. The problem is, many of us don’t happen to have friends or family working at places like Google. Part 1: How To Get A Job Interview When You Don’t Know A Single Person At The Company Know Your Role (And Find It) The first step is having a solid idea of the specific role you are looking for, down to the company and title if possible. Next, you need to make sure that role is available. For today, let’s assume that you want to be an Account Manager in the Technology B2B vertical at Google. Looks like a spot is open in New York: Locate Potential Influencers Next, you are going to find someone who not only knows about the role, but could potentially have an impact on hiring for it. Time to fire up LinkedIn. In the search bar, plug in the company name + all of the information I highlighted above (title, vertical/industry, preferred city). However, before you hit “Search,” we need to remember that you are looking for someone who can influence the hiring process. With that in mind, I usually use a title that is one level up from the position that I’m looking for. If you’re not familiar with title hierarchy structures in the corporate world, here is a quick guide (if you are already familiar with how titles are structured, feel free to skip this section): Side Note: A Brief Guide To Company Organizational Structures By Title Every company has a hierarchy starting at the top with the CEO/Founder all the way down to the entry level employees. When researching companies, especially people to speak to within those companies, it helps to know where certain titles fit in the food chain. That way you can ensure you are talking to the right person. Here is a general list of titles that fits almost any company, starting at the top: C-­Level (CEO, CTO, CFO, COO, etc.) Vice President (VP) Director Senior Manager Manager Coordinator (Entry Level) Associates, Executives, and Seniors In many companies, the above titles have some sort of variation that allows for greater segmentation within that level. The most common forms of this are Associate, Executive, and Senior. Here is what those mean: Associate: this title is usually given to someone who is halfway between positions for some reason (maybe there is typically a 4 year gap between levels and they are 2 years in). A person with Associate in their title is usually one notch below a person with the original title. For example, an Associate Account Manager would most likely be one level below an Account Manager. Senior: ­this title is the more experienced version of an Associate. People with Senior in their title are usually one notch above the original title. For example, a Senior Account Manager would be one notch above an Account Manager. Executive: ­this title is usually given to people who are very senior, or around the level of Vice President. The two most common cases are Sales Executive/Account Executive (synonymous terms for a senior salesperson) or Executive Vice President who is two notches above a Vice President and one notch above a Senior Vice President. That should be all the info you need to make an educated decision around where people stand within the company you are researching. Now that you’re familiar with the company structure, let’s get back to finding that influencer who can help you land this job. Since we are looking for an Account Manager role, the next step up would be Senior Account Manager so your LinkedIn search would look like this: Our first result? A Senior Account Manager who works in B2B at Google: Obtaining Contact Info Now we’re going to reach out and set up a meeting. It’s best to do these in person but over the phone can work well if you’re dream job is in another state or country. In order to get in touch with our influencer, we’re going to need their contact info. Here are 3 strategies you can use to find almost anyone’s corporate email address: LinkedIn This one is obvious but it’s a big time saver and definitely worth the 10 seconds it takes to check. On the person’s profile, right under their picture, there can be a button labeled “Contact Info” (I say “can be” because people have the option to remove it). Occasionally, people will have their email address listed right there — voila! If not, let’s move right along… Reverse Lookup Head over to Voila Norbert and enter the first and last name of the person you are searching for, as well as their company’s website. For example, if we were trying to find Larry Page’s email, our form would look like this: Once it spits out their email you can confirm it using MailTester. Matching Formats If that doesn’t work, you can try finding someone else’s email at the company and use that format reverse engineering your target email address. For example, using Larry Page again, if I know that my buddy John Smith’s email is john at google.com then I can assume that Larry’s email is larry at google.com. The easiest way to get a hold of a company email address is to reach out to someone in sales or media because both of these departments usually have inbound lead forms and people on the other end ready to pounce on those leads. We can also use our LinkedIn method here and target salespeople. Salespeople almost always have their corporate email listed on their LinkedIn because it’s a free win for them. If someone is looking for their product and then finds them on LinkedIn, boom — they just got an effortless inbound lead. Once you have the format, you can use MailTester to confirm your target email address. Research, Research, Research Now that you have your potential influencer, it’s time to do some research so you can effectively reach out and build that relationship. Start with the usual suspects — LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and look for common points of interest. To be honest, most people are better at this online research thing than I am, so I’ll get back to the meat here. One thing I will say is, don’t skimp. The more you get to know this person beforehand, the better your chances of landing a referral from them. Some people have said to me, “Austin, isn’t this a little weird? I feel like I’m kind of stalking this person.” I totally get it. However, this information is critical for quickly building a strong relationship and getting that referral. Also, in my experience, people tend to expect that you’ve done some research on them. The key is to understand what is kosher to bring up out of the blue and what isn’t. People are OK with you checking out their LinkedIn, but they may be a little weirded out if you mention that picture from Saturday’s Bar Crawl you saw on Facebook. My general rule of thumb is this: if it exists on LinkedIn, it’s fair game to bring up. If you found it somewhere else (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) use a different method. For example, if I see that my influencer is a skiing fanatic, I may bring up that I went on a ski trip a few weeks beforehand. Sending The Email Now that you have your potential influencer and their contact info, it’s time to reach out. Not only is this one of the scarier parts of this process, it is also the most pivotal. To help you get past that hump, I’ve included the exact email script that I used to reach out to people. In this case, I’m reaching out to Tim who works at Google: Subject: Quick Question Hi Tim, My name is Austin and I currently work at Cultivated Culture. I was browsing through LinkedIn and came across your information — I hope you don’t mind me reaching out of the blue here. I saw that you have extensive experience in Google’s Technology B2B vertical and I’m very interested in learning more about that space. I would love to have the opportunity to run some questions by you, as well as tap into any advice you may have given your knowledge of the industry. I know that your time is extremely valuable so please don’t feel to need to respond in depth. If you do have 5 minutes to chat, I would really appreciate it. Best, Austin There are a few key points to the email above: Address the person you are emailing by name State who you are and make it personable Include some flattery that positions the person as an “expert” As for the subject, Fast Company did a study where they emailed 1,000 C-level executives from Fortune & Inc 500 companies. They found that the subject line “Quick Question” made up 66.7% of total replies. I saw similar results. All of that said, this script is just a framework. You will most likely need to tweak your emails to fit the situation. When that time comes, I recommend checking out Sam Parr’s incredible guide on how to cold email like a boss (Sam has started conversations with Jeff Bezos and Brian Lee (aka Jessica Alba’s Honest co-founder) via cold email). It’s the same guide I used to help craft my email templates. Now hit Send! Prepare For Your Meeting In order to prepare, we have to know what we’re preparing for. The goal of your meeting is to position your influencer as an expert, make them feel special, and build a relationship. You should not and will not mention anything about the opening at their company. People innately enjoy helping others and if you follow the steps above, they will bring this up naturally. You will want to prepare a list of questions that gets them to open up about themselves and the company. I like to ask them several softballs to get things warmed up and then hit them with a few questions they are guaranteed to remember. Here is a quick set that I’ve had success with in the past (I’ve found the last one really seems to stick): I saw you worked at [Previous Companies]. How did you end up going from [First Industry] to becoming interested in [Current Company]? You hear a lot about [Current Company] in the news, but I’d love to hear more about why you love working there. What’s your favorite part? What is one totally unexpected lesson you’ve learned from working at [Current Company]? The “Million Dollar” Question Regardless of the questions you choose, there is one that you must always be sure to ask: “What is the biggest challenge your team is facing right now?” Really dig in here, get them to be specific. This information is going to be critical in helping you land a referral from this person, as well as getting the offer farther down the road. Your Homework: Adding Value (In A Big Way) Okay, so you met with your influencer, things went great, and you identified a major pain point that the team is having. Now we’re going to focus on that last piece. Over the next week you are going to research the crap out of your influencer’s problem. Then you are going to come up with a solution and draft up a proposal for how you would solve it. Your proposal should include: A summary of the problem (to illustrate that you understand their pain) A step-by-step framework of how you would solve this problem A brief outline of how your skill set positions you as an asset to implement that solution Truthfully, this process deserves a post of its own but this should give you a good idea of what you need to do. If you’re the type of person that likes concrete examples, check out this guerrilla usability test that Raghav Haran ran for Airbnb. Once you have all of this information, consolidate it into a Word document, head over to Upwork, and hire a graphic designer to make your proposal look amazing. If you’ve never hired on Upwork before, here is an amazing guide by Dave Nevogt on how to do it right. Following Up With Your Proposal Now we’re going to reach back out to our influencer with the proposal. Here’s the template I used: Hi [Influencer], Thanks again for taking the time out to chat last week. I spent a lot of time thinking about what you said regarding [team’s biggest challenge]. In fact, I created a short framework that should help you solve it. Please find that attached. If you have some time, I would love to chat about it in more detail. Please let me know if you have any questions, I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Best, Austin It’s very important that you do not mention the open position in any of your emails or the proposal. Be patient and wait for their response. When they do get back to you, they will not only bring up the opening but they will ask you if you’re interested. Kindly accept and play it cool. You’re in! Part 2: How To Breeze Through The Interview Process Fast forward — our influencer passed along our resume to HR and they have reached out to set up a phone screen. Once we get past that, we’ll be on to interviewing with the team, and then getting the job. A note to developers: The advice below does not cover technical interviews, which are typically required for developer/software roles. However, the advice below will help create more time to prepare for technical interviews by minimizing the amount of preparation needed for other parts of the interview process. If you are applying for a development role, I suggest you read Cracking The Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell. Interviews can be daunting, especially at companies like Google, Amazon, or Uber. I’m sure you’ve read the horror stories about crazy questions they ask people like “Quick — How many golf balls can fit inside a school bus,” or, “how many gas stations are there in Manhattan?” The truth is, most of these companies have done away with those questions. They crunched the numbers and found that the answers didn’t correlate with high employee performance (shocker, I know). In fact, Google’s own Senior Vice President of People Operations called them a “complete waste of time.” These companies have since reverted back to the standard style of interviews, which is great for us because it makes it much easier to identify patterns. We can essentially “guess” what questions will be on the test and prepare answers that will blow our interviewers away (it works way better than it did in college, I swear). Here is the process I used to prepare for each one. Nailing The Basics: Questions You’ll Get In Every Interview According to renowned career guru Penelope Trunk, one of the easiest ways to be a better interviewer is to prepare for the most obvious questions. You may be saying “well duh,” but you’d be surprised by how many people spread themselves too thin by trying to prepare answers to every possible question. 99% of the interviews you go on will follow the exact same template. If you can master the format, your confidence will skyrocket and you’ll be prepared for almost any situation you get thrown into. The Universal Job Interview Format: Tell me about yourself (your experience, why you are interested in this role, etc.) A mix of behavioral questions, which we’ll dive into shortly What questions do you have for me (the interviewer)? Let’s tackle each individually. Tell Me About Yourself This is your first impression. More importantly, it’s the only part of the interview that you totally control. Do NOT rattle off your resume like a grocery list. In order to nail this part you need to craft an interesting story — your story. You want it to be concise (around 2–3 minutes) and you need to think about what you want to convey. I recommend: Choosing 2–3 themes to build your story around (for me, those themes were Persistence, Agility, and Success) Including quantitative metrics whenever possible Addressing the question of why you want to leave your current position (they are going to ask you this anyways, addressing it early shows that you’re aware it’s a concern of theirs and helps put them at ease) To help get you started, here is what my story looked like. To give you some context, I was a biology major who was interested in landing a job in digital marketing: Growing up, like most people, I wanted to be a doctor. I went to [college] where I majored in biology and planned my course to medical school. Not long after, I decided that pre-med wasn’t for me. I wanted to get into digital marketing, and I wanted to be in New York. I set my sights on this goal and created a plan that would get me there. In 2013, I graduated with my biology degree and took a job in medical device sales where I worked from 5:30am — 12:30pm covering surgical cases in the operating room. Then, every day, I would come home and study digital marketing until 8:00pm. In order to gain relevant experience, I got certified in Google Analytics & AdWords and created my own consulting firm that focused on using search engine marketing to generate leads for private golf communities. We were able to increase home sales by an average of 20% while reducing the cost per lead by around 10%. Armed with my new credentials, I began to look for positions in New York. Eventually, I was offered a position at my current company (a promotional analytics company in New York). During my tenure there I have grown my book of business by 467%, spearheaded the creation of an internal group dedicated to marketing the company on the internet, and helped close the second largest deal in company history. However, the company has restructured several times since I was brought on. I’ve had 3 different managers over the past year, as well as 3 titles with different sets of responsibilities. I’m looking for something a bit more stable and [company I am interviewing at] has been somewhere that I have wanted to work since I got into this industry. I’m really excited to have this opportunity. Pro Tip: You are telling a story. Don’t be afraid to embellish a bit. I’m not saying you should lie or make up stories, but you want to sell yourself and you can bet your butt that your competition isn’t afraid to inflate their credentials. Behavioral Questions Next up is the dreaded set of behavioral questions. The ones meant to tease out your thought process and your ability to be a “team player.” This is the part where our educated “guesses” are going to come in handy. The behavioral section is broken down into two parts that I call Standard Questions and Company Specific Questions. Let’s start with the former. Standard Questions You are going to be asked a variation of one, if not all, of these questions in every single interview you go to: Why do you want to work for us? Tell me about a time you exhibited leadership Tell me about a time where you had to work as a team Tell me about a time you’ve had to work with a difficult person, or difficult people Tell me about a time you failed Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle Tell me about a time when you had success If you can answer these 6 questions, you can handle 9 out of 10 interviews with no other preparation and be totally fine. Just follow the same set of rules I mentioned above in the Tell Me About Yourself section: Craft a concise story Make sure to include quantitative metrics that illustrate your success Anticipate and address objections Company Specific Questions These are questions that fall in the middle of the 7 listed above and “why are man hole covers round?” Never fear though, we can anticipate these too. Head over to GlassDoor. If you’ve never heard of GlassDoor, it’s a great resource for any job seeker that includes salaries, reviews, and interview information for almost any company in the world. First, you are going to search for the position you’re applying for. In keeping with our theme, we’ll search for “Google” under Companies & Reviews: Next, we’re going to click on the “Interviews” Tab: Then scroll down and click on “Filter Interviews” which will bring up some advanced settings. Here we’ll type in the title of the job we want (Account Manager, in this case) and the location (New York, NY). We’ll also select “Received Offer” because the people who didn’t receive offers tend to be slightly, ahem, biased: This will pull up a list of reviews from everyone who interviewed and received an offer for that position. The general comments are really helpful, but we want to focus on a section called Interview Questions towards the bottom. I usually comb through 10–15 of these and add all of the interview questions into a Word doc so I can answer them later: Now you have your second set of questions to prepare for. What Questions Do You Have For Me? Finally, once they are done peppering you with questions, your interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. This is the most crucial part of the interview. Why? Because so many people neglect it. If you can ask some questions that are even slightly outside of the box, I’ve found that really sticks with the interviewer more than any other part of the meeting. After every interview I’ve been on, I asked for feedback. Without fail, the interviewer made a positive comment about the questions I asked. The good news for you is that I asked the same exact questions in every single one. Here they are: What is your favorite part about working here? What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now? Let’s say that, in one year, you are looking back on this hire. What has that person done to exceed expectations on every level? Ask about a current event (for example — I saw that [Competitor X] came out with this product. How do you see that affecting your business?) What is the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned while working at [company]? Tell me a little bit more about you, what do you like to do outside of work? These questions work because they are based on specific principles of behavioral psychology. They break down barriers and help build a positive association in your interviewer’s mind. If you’re interested in the details, you can read more about it here. Say Thank You While we’re on the subject, be absolutely sure to send a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with. Also include a personal touch to each one (something that you gained from that last question). Many people I talk to say “but I don’t have their email.” Ask for it! At the end of every interview always, always ask for a business card or write down the person’s email in your notebook. If you forget, try using the techniques I outlined above for finding people’s emails and you should be fine. Part 3 — Following Up & What To Do If They Say No This is one of the most common mistakes I see from job applicants. I understand how nerve wracking it is to sit there and wait while everything is completely out of your hands. One of the toughest things I had to learn throughout my interview process was that, while this is a HUGE deal to you, it’s really just another agenda item on the hiring manager’s schedule. They will get back to you, and if they don’t? You don’t want to work for someone who doesn’t have the courtesy of replying to the people they do business with. When Can I Send Them A Reminder? The rule of thumb is one business week. If you interviewed on a Tuesday, wait until the next Tuesday to email them (as J.T. O'Donnell says, never send a nudge on a Monday). When you do, don’t push or be blunt. Keep it short and sweet: Hi [Interviewer], I hope you had a great week! I wanted to quickly follow up and see if there was anything else I could help with regarding the application process. If so, please let me know. Best, Austin That’s it. If they don’t respond to that after another 3–4 days, you have your answer and it’s time to move on. What Happens If They Say No? Ugh. The worst case scenario. Don’t get down just yet though, we’re not done here. I have this quality where I have trouble taking “no” as an answer. When I was interviewing with Google, the initial screener told me that she wasn’t going to put me through because she “didn’t think I was qualified, and didn’t want to waste the team’s time.” I was not happy. So I sent her this: Hi [Recruiter], Thank you again for carving out the time to speak this afternoon. I really appreciate your feedback, and I wanted to add one final note: I completely understand your concerns regarding my experience with [skill]. You are correct that I didn’t have much experience with that at [previous company]. That said, this doesn’t stem from an inability to produce results, but rather a lack of opportunity to do so. While my experience on paper may not match up to the initial expectations of the position’s description, I have do have two qualities that work in my favor: I am an extremely efficient learner, and am also very effective at translating those learnings into practice. Second, I’m much more tenacious than your average individual. My career has hinged on these two qualities. I left college with no digital experience and a biology degree — all of my digital knowledge was obtained through self study. I spent 8 months selling myself without the on-paper experience to back it up. When I was finally given the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a business setting, I playing a critical role in landing the company’s 2nd largest deal in history. I am confident that I can have the same success in this role. I have the resources necessary to learn what I need in order to be successful at [company], and am prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen. I understand that [company’s] interview process is extremely challenging, and that only the top talent ends up with an offer letter at the end. I also believe that I am worthy of a shot at that letter. [Company] is known for hiring people who excel at the intangibles, as well the ability to learn new things and apply them to existing knowledge. That is my forte. I am not asking for an offer. I am simply asking for the opportunity to speak with the hiring manager to make my case for the position. I’m sure you will find the best person for the position, I would just like to have a legitimate shot at being that person. If you give me that chance, my next set of answers will not disappoint. Thank you again for your continued consideration. Best, Austin Now that may be a little aggressive… Ok, it was pretty aggressive. But she wrote me back an hour later and pushed me through to the next round! Mission accomplished. The moral of the story here is, don’t give up if you get a “No.” Try to identify why you were turned down and then send a note to hiring manager addressing those items (feel free to copy mine). Taking Action There you have it. The exhaustive, step-by-step guide to landing an interview and then getting an offer from the company of your dreams. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start researching!

In this episode we talk about content and how reuse, recycle and repurpose content you've already created into brand new content across social media channels. Keystone Content is content you’ve spent a lot of time working on and thinking about and delivering through social media, books, blogs, videos, podcasts, presentations, white papers, reports or speeches.  Reusing Content Repost your content from your blog onto LinkedIn Pulse (Pro Tip: Be sure to reference where it was first published) Repost a video from YouTube directly into Facebook Upload a video from YouTube into directly into Facebook Embed a YouTube video into a longer form blog post and crosslink Embed a Facebook live video in a blog post (Pro Tip: You get credit in Facebook for views that happen on your blog) Use clips of audio or videos from longer-form recordings Promote all of these things across all social media channels Recycling Content Look for content on your blog or website that has done well and update it (use Google Analytics to find content that performs well) If original content has great traffic, leave it in place and let people know it is updated Write a new post with updated and link to it from a post that is getting traffic If there’s no traffic on an old post, refresh the post and recycle it to use again Repurpose Content Capture shorter quotes from other long-form content Make GIFS from a series of photos using GIF Maker Use video clips from longer videos and live streams or audio clips from podcasts to use for social media Put together a one-page cheat sheet from courses for a great piece of content based on something you’ve already created Repurpose content from blog posts, webinars, podcasts or courses and think about how you can use it in other places. Take Action Choose one piece of content you’ve already created and reuse, recycle or repurpose it to create new content and share it with us in the Facebook group. How to reach Kami: If you’d like to learn more about Kami Huyse, visit her website at www.zoeticamedia.com. You can contact her by email at kami@zoeticamedia.com or tweet to @kamichat. How to reach Madalyn: If you’d like to learn more about Madalyn Sklar, visit her website at www.madalynsklar.com. You can contact her by email at madalyn@madalynsklar.com or tweet to @MadalynSklar. We have a new community on Facebook. We will extend the conversation from each episode and deliver bonus content. Sign up for our email list at http://bit.ly/CTCVIP to get an invitation to join!

This Week’s Episode: Mike Cowper joins me again on the podcast.  We came together to share more about our company.  We’d like to do a “State of the Company” and share with you some things that we are currently doing to facilitate growth with our company. In our last conversation on the podcast, we talked about some employee turnover that we recently experienced. We shared how we handle hiring with the business.   In this episode we talk more about the massive turnover and talk about how these changes were necessary and have helped us maneuver a culture shift. The big news, and the main part of our discussion in this episode, is the idea of having an office space for the company.  Yes, there are pros and cons to having a physical location, and we share some of our thoughts on this topic.  We feel that a physical location really can help us with things like building a company culture and hiring. Connect with Mike Cowper: Mike Cowper on LinkedIn You’ll Learn: [06:51] – We experienced a lot of turnover with our company this year.  We explain why those changes needed to be made.  We share some of the things we could have done better in the initial hiring process. We also talk about how we learned from these mistakes. [10:42] – We talk about how things have improved with the entire team with some of the changes we’ve recently made.  Mike explains how we are doing a better job of setting expectations and being supportive. [14:30] – We are currently looking at the idea of having an office space.  We each share our perspectives and explain why we are considering this idea. [17:38] – Having an office space would help us with trainings.  Group trainings with everyone in one room are helpful. It will also help us develop a culture. [20:02] – In the past, we’ve done our hiring in a restaurant.  Having an official place to interview potential employees would help us. [21:49] – Mike talks about how building a culture through an office space can help employees take part in growth. [23:32] – Pro Tip: You should always be hiring. [24:07] – There’s not always a single reason you have a lot of turnover.  I explain the various reasons we experienced this turnover. [25:11] – Even with the two of us working full time, there’s still a large list of things that would like to implement, but don’t have time. [27:38] – The debate between us is always when and how many people we should hire. [28:28] – We talk about how large our overhead costs are. We also talk about some of the other problems we face, like HR. If you’re interested in learning more about our coaching, email me - mike@juststartrealestate.com. We’d love to help you meet your goals in 2017. If investing and real estate is your dream, there is only one way you can make it a reality... JUST START!

A story of a really bad travel experience in 2012.... that ended up with me being alive. Thanks (or no thanks?) to my procrastination. / / / / / ------------- / / Transcript: / / There was a time when I was VERY MUCH into crossfit. It's this exercise cult thing- and they have their own games- like the olympic games, but with weight lifting and way less attention to personal safety. / / / / In 2012, the crossfit games were being held in LAX in July- and I was gonna go. / / / / First problem: I procrastinated too long and didn't have a ticket AND they were sold out.. No scalpers online, either. Hmm. No worries. I called up my local paper and asked if they could give me a press pass. They did, weirdly? And I was off. / / / / The trip was scheduled to go something like this: / / DAYTON- DENVER - LAX. Arrive on Friday morning in time for the opening ceramonies. Stay in LA for the games that weekend? Visit some friends in Ventura. Travel back to Dayton on Wednesday--- plenty of time before my next trip: Family vacation in Montreal- on Friday. / / All in all- it was supposed to be 6 flights in less than a week. Pfft. Whatever. I can do that. / / / / So- I'm off to catch my first flight. / / ?.and?.I accidentally slept a little longer than I should have and?.. I miss the flight?. But 4 minutes?.. / / Which means that I would have missed my connecting flight in Denver, too. Which means that my whole schedule was now screwed up as it was delayed a day. / / / / Ok? I'm gonna miss the opening ceremony? Whatever. I'm not being paid for this- it's just for fun, right??? RIGHT??? / / / / Sigh. Ok. So I'm on the next flight. That one goes?. Kinda?. We arrive in Denver and then get delayed in denver due to lack of planes. Something about a huge storm somewhere else- which means that I'm stuck in Denver for 9 hours. / / / / ?? Ok. Fine?. I try to tackle some writing assignments I had, but I'm in an airport!!! There is SO MUCH PEOPLE watching!!!! / / I put off my assignment until I land. / / / / And?.. By the time I DO get to LAX it's Sunday morning. I totally give up trying to get to the stadium for the last 4 hours of the competition and just go to Ventura to meet with my friends and wash the gross off me. / / / / I have a good time there. And we discuss all the hiccups of traveling?. / / / / Missing flights. / / Getting on wrong flights. (That happened a lot in the 70s, apparently). / / We missed our dinner reservation entirely because we were chatting so much. (Opps!) / / / / Wednesday comes- my friends take me to the airport. My flight is delayed due to lots of reasons, but it's also WAY over booked. I offer to take a later flight- but insisting I need to get to Dayton before FRIDAY MORNING? / / / / They say "yea yea. No problem." And book me on the next flight and give me a 200$ voucher. / / / / Btw- if you heard a previous podcast where I talked about having a voucher- this is how you get it. Except! PRO TIP: You wait (or ask nicely) if they can bump it up to the full value? which is somewhere between 350-400$? ask for cash. Never vouchers. Also get a hotel room and all that jazz? I was a n00b and didn't do any of this. So I just got 200$ cash voucher with Delta. / / / / Ah. Delta? it stands for "Doesn't Ever. Leave. The. Airport?? and it's not talking about the plane? it's talking about it's passengers?. / / / / I was in the airport all day on Wednesday. The "next available flight" they promised? Was Thursday morning. / / / / I "slept" in the airport- thank god for tetnus vaccinations, and woke up ready for all sorts of chaos but DETERMINED to get to Dayton that evening for my 6am flight to Montreal the following morning. / / / / My flight had changed slightly. I was now scheduled to go LAX to SFO to DEN to DAY? ok. No big deal. An additional flight, right? What could go wrong? / / / / ?? Why did I have to ask that? / / / / Our flight was delayed getting INTO sfo? and then delayed getting OUT of SFO. And by the time I arrived in Denver, it was Thursday evening of July 19th and I knew I wasn't going to make it to Montreal. / / / / I?. Make the really sad call to my parents. / / / / I then stand in the never-ending line for a hotel pass- figuring I procrastinated on life enough and I should actually do something? While standing in line, I mentally decide that if I don't get a hotel, I'll go to see Batman in the closest theater- which probably won't have tickets, but whatever, I'll give it a go. I have hours to kill, so why not try, right? / / / / Well? You're smart, audience. You know exactly what happened in Aurora on July 20th?. During a batman screening. / / / / My mom tells me this. / / It doesn't quite process? / / I hang up, shower and get breakfast. I watch the horror that all of America watched that morning?.. / / / / I make my way to the airport. EARLY. I check into my flight. EARLY. The TSA agent was polite and really attentitive- which is, oddly, what I expected him to be after a mass shooting 17 miles from this location. / / / / My flight was delayed, of course. Eff-you, Delta. But I finally made it to Dayton by noon. / / / / Alive. / / / / The only thing this whole experience taught me- was that I CAN control some things?.. Like my procrastination. And there are other things that I can?t control?.. Like weather?. Tornados, hurricanes, and? wildfires. Oh- Right. This just in: I?m a wild land firefighter. Contract right now- but I?ve already fought a few! And it?s exhilarating! It?s probably the coolest adrenaline rush since I was in the Philippines. / / / / But? what that means is that I?m probably not going to get my podcasts out on time?.So- I?m taking a break. Until the season here in Minnesota dies down- which is June, apparently. / / / / But stay tuned! I have a mini-series about packing coming up! I also had this cool podcast about Sarajevo- but that?s just gonna have to wait until I get it perfect. It deserves that. / / / / In the meantime, if you?re aching for more stories?. You can go to my blog at LNLurie.com, reach me at LN.Lurie@yahoo.com or my Facebook - which will have heaps of pictures uploaded kinda daily? www.facebook.com/whereisLN

Amari Indigo and Charmosa engage the power of friendship with special guests Krystery and Hannah Hedge in this week's episode. Prepare yourself for dazzling comedic moments, delicious candy, and heart stopping, action-filled anecdotes. Pro Tip: You might want to guard your crotch!