The Power Of Visualization - with Tony Whatley - EP 356


Tony Whatley shares his practice on visualization, and how it has helped him achieve his own success and results. In this episode, we'll talk about

  • The influence my mother had on me as a child
  • Creating "Dream Boards" to visualize goals
  • The science behind how your brain processes goals and why you need goals
  • The story of the blue Dodge Viper
  • A review of my 2018 vision board (see cover artwork)

by Tony Whatley

Lean Into The Challenge

Prior to 2017, I had zero intentions of ever becoming a speaker.

In fact, even when I started public speaking lessons with Toastmasters that year, I was just preparing myself just in case I was interviewed following the release of the book I was writing.

While I was writing Side Hustle Millionaire in 2017, it was with the idea that I could extract my knowledge and put it out there, to potentially help business owners.
I thought I could achieve that without being on any cameras, microphones, or spotlights. There are numerous impactful authors that you wouldn't recognize if you saw them.

As I continued to write chapters of the book, I was sending them to my Editor, Mike Fallat to review. About midway through the book, he mentioned something that I didn't necessarily want to admit.

"Tony, this is turning out to be a great book! It will likely be a best-seller from what I've seen, and people might want to interview you or have you speak."

That thing I knew I was avoiding; Putting myself out there, came back around and punched me in the face. The entire reason for writing a book was to avoid that level of discomfort.

Like most, I wanted to avoid judgment, potential criticism, societal labels, and stepping into the unknown. My own insecurities and fears were easily concealed with typical excuses.

"I don't need to put myself out there, I'm already successful. I have a family and businesses to run, so I'm too busy already. I enjoy my private life."

All of these were excuses. I knew I had a greater purpose, and I was hoping that book was enough. But I was honest with myself and knew I had to become the right person to carry that book and be willing to fight for the message to reach far more people.

Sure, the book itself may have impacted thousands on its own. But I was leaving a much bigger potential impact on the table, by not being willing to do what it takes.
I leaned into learning the skill (not talent) of public speaking. I worked with a coach, used social media videos to practice reps, and eventually I was winning Toastmasters competitions and standing on some very large stages. I learned to love the challenge, and the newfound skill.

Here's the message for you. I have no doubt that there are some amazing skills still locked up inside you. You admire others creating real impact and showing courage, while you avoid the opportunities for yourself.

It's not easy. It never is. There will be sacrifices. But tell me this, what comes easily that is worth having? Nothing.

-Tony

by Tony Whatley

Reinvention - with Tony Whatley - EP 355

This special episode features Tony’s recent speech at the Movement Maker Live 2024 event in Nashville, TN hosted by Mike Fabber. In this speech, Tony talks about how he conquered the ever-looming shadow of self-doubt. He once grappled with the fear of stepping into the light, hesitant to share his thoughts and ideas with the world. Tony recounts how he turned an online forum into a multi-million dollar success, and unpacks the essence of personal reinvention. As he draws from the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books of his youth, Tony delves into a world where mere survival is not the goal—heroism is. He recalls a pivotal moment, a close call with mortality on the race track, that set his life on a course of audacious change, reminding us of the risks that lace the path to our dreams.

Tony peels back the layers of his own transformation, from a hidden figure behind corporate giants to a voice that resonates with humor and vulnerability. He shares proven strategies for overcoming the terror of the spotlight, highlighting the triumphs of maintaining a victory log, and the potency of the ABCs of achievement: Action, Belief, and Consistency. This isn’t just a story; Tony is extending an invitation—to seize the pen, to make life not just an adventure, but your adventure. So, as we chart these untraveled roads, let's author a tale of purpose, potential, and the power of being the hero in your own story.

Connect with Tony Whatley:

by Alexi Cortopassi

Business Succession Planning - with Laurie Barkman - EP 354

Laurie Barkman is known as the “Business Transition Sherpa”, and in this episode, she dives into the terrain of building, valuing, and selling your business. Laurie brings her expertise to the table, sharing strategies from her book "The Business Transition Handbook" to help entrepreneurs mitigate risks and enhance their company's worth. Her experiences as a CEO provide a practical backdrop, stressing the importance of maintaining focus during major transitions and preparing for the rigor of due diligence and integration. Laurie also peels back the emotional layers owners face when parting with their business, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful exit plan for all parties involved.

Listen in as Laurie and Tony unpack the nuances of creating enterprise value, especially through strategic marketing. Reflecting on the evolution of retail in the digital age, this episode emphasizes the critical role of metrics such as Customer Acquisition Cost and Lifetime Value, retention, and churn rates. These indicators are not just buzzwords; they're vital to a company's financial narrative and can dramatically influence its market value. Whether you're a tech startup guru or a small business owner, this discussion offers actionable insights on harnessing data to build a more resilient and valuable business.

In this comprehensive discussion, Laurie and Tony also tackle the personal and pragmatic aspects of selling a business, from the initial readiness to the emotional aftermath. Laurie's tales of entrepreneurs post-sale highlight the transformational nature of these transactions. Don't miss out on these vital conversations that could shape the future of your business legacy.

Key highlights:

  • Creating Enterprise Value Through Strategic Marketing

  • Building Valuable and Sustainable Businesses

  • Understanding Business Valuation Multiples

  • Navigating the Business Sale Process

  • Private Equity Buyouts and Acquisitions

  • Legacy and Entrepreneurship Transition Strategy

Connect with Laurie Barkman:

Connect with Tony Whatley:

by Alexi Cortopassi

Sowing Seeds of Success - with Chris Lee - EP 353

 

Chris Lee is the entrepreneurial force behind Solgen Power, and his journey from a staggering bankruptcy to CEO of a multimillion-dollar company is nothing short of remarkable. Chris candidly shares the lessons learned from his early business failures, the emotional and financial toll of filing for bankruptcy, and the resilience it took to rebuild from a sub-400 credit score. His inspiring story is a testament to the mental fortitude required to overcome adversity and achieve success, offering valuable insights into the entrepreneurial spirit.

Chris and Tony explore the intricate relationship between entrepreneurship, passion, and expertise. Chris takes you through the rebirth of his entrepreneurial journey with Solgen Power, emphasizing the strategic approach to business growth that includes both learning from past mistakes and seizing new opportunities.

Chris delves into the mechanics of building a robust business model, the significance of pricing and marketing strategies, and the factors that influence a company's growth and valuation. He offers sage advice on avoiding "new money behavior," the allure of entrepreneurship, and the pitfalls of not understanding the true value of a company. This episode is not just a narrative of triumph over adversity but a masterclass in entrepreneurial wisdom, highlighting the importance of reinvesting in your business, understanding the sales process, and navigating acquisitions.

Key highlights:

  • Lessons From Nature and Entrepreneurship
  • Building Enterprise Value for Successful Entrepreneurship
  • Importance of Pricing and Marketing Strategy
  • Maximizing Business Growth and Profit
  • Growth Trajectory, and Acquisitions

Connect with Chris Lee:

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by Alexi Cortopassi