When to Scale Your Business - EP 390
Can every business truly become a multimillion-dollar empire, or is this just a myth fueled by societal pressure and social media comparisons? Let's uncover the reality behind scaling in business and challenge the notion that it's a necessity for success. In this solo episode, Tony delves into the often misunderstood world of business scaling, exploring how some entrepreneurs have been led astray by chasing revenue targets for validation rather than necessity. Tony dissects the pressures that can lead to burnout and emphasizes defining personal success on your own terms. Whether your goal is financial freedom, a fulfilling lifestyle, or pure happiness, he highlights the importance of aligning your business vision with what truly matters to you.
How do you know when it's the right time to scale? Tony shares effective strategies to recognize positive growth and address production delays tied to employee count, facility size, and outdated equipment. By maintaining a lean operation and investing in essentials that boost net profits, businesses can create a surplus that allows for strategic improvements. Learn how to prioritize these need-to-have items to pave the way for smart scaling, ensuring your business not only thrives but also brings joy and satisfaction to your life.
Episode resources:
- Link to magazine referenced: hiddenfallsmedia.com
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
Building a Successful Franchise - with Michael Hartel - EP 389
Michael Hartel, a former coaching client and now a successful entrepreneur, shares his remarkable journey from academia to founding a flourishing home services company. Michael's transition was sparked by a moment of clarity in a corporate cafeteria, leading him from material science to the world of entrepreneurship. This conversation explores his path from real estate endeavors to launching a general contracting business, emphasizing customer service and reliability. You’ll hear how Michael's dedication and strategic mindset have enabled him to build a business that now operates as a franchise across multiple states.
Michael's story highlights the organic growth of his cabinet installation business, and how the focus on perception and customer experience played a pivotal role in this success. With insights into his transition from a modest truck operation to a sophisticated showroom, this episode underscores the significance of aesthetics and ambiance in creating memorable customer experiences.
Michael and Tony also delve into the strategic growth of Michael’s franchise model, transitioning from hands-on marketing to leveraging the expertise of a top CMO. With his company now boasting 32 locations, Michael shares the operational strategies that drive franchise success, including the importance of royalties and national marketing campaigns. The discussion wraps up with reflections on personal development and work-life balance, where Michael emphasizes the role of introspection and continuous improvement in achieving both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Key highlights:
- Corporate Culture and Career Change
- Embracing Productivity and Passion
- Franchise Ownership Opportunities
- Business Owner to Franchise CEO
- Franchise Approval and Training Process
Connect with Michael Hartel:
- Website: cabinetiq.com
- LinkedIn: MIchael Hartel
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
Driving Change Through Passion - with Vinny Giglio - EP 388
Vinny Giglio, better known online as Vin Giggs, joins Tony for a captivating journey through the intertwined worlds of luxury cars and business success. From his early fascination with the Audi R8, inspired by Iron Man, to owning a fleet of high-end vehicles, Vinny's story is a testament to how passion can fuel entrepreneurial ambition. His adventures in the Los Angeles supercar scene opened doors to meaningful connections and new opportunities. Yet, as his collection grew, so did his focus on quality experiences over quantity, transforming his automotive pursuits into a vehicle for personal growth.
Shifting gears, the conversation takes us to the heart of North Carolina, where Vinny explores the impact of real estate development. His commitment to rejuvenating downtown Morrisville reflects a dedication to quality over profit, demonstrating how passion can transform communities. Through ambitious projects and strategic partnerships, Vinny shares insights into the delicate balance of maintaining integrity while achieving business success.
Finally, the episode delves into the profound pursuit of purpose beyond mere material success. Vinny opens up about the trials and triumphs of finding fulfillment, from overcoming personal challenges to embracing new life stages. He shares touching stories that highlight the evolution of priorities and the essence of happiness. Whether revving engines or revitalizing communities, this episode serves as a reminder that true success lies in aligning passions with purpose, paving the way for a life rich in meaning and joy.
Key highlights:
- Building Business Through Luxury Car Passion
- Fulfilling Purpose Through Real Estate Development
- Success Through Complementary Business Partnerships
- Passion and Purpose Behind Car Ownership
- Discovering Purpose Beyond Material Success
Connect with Vinny Giglio:
- Instagram: @vingiggs
- Youtube: @vingiggsgarage
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
Cultivating Audacity - with Anne Marie Anderson - EP 387
Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author. Anne Marie shares her extraordinary journey from a temporary position at ESPN to covering the world’s most prestigious sporting events like the NFL and the Olympics. In her new book, "Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win," set to release on January 1st, 2025, Anne Marie offers profound insights into the audacity it takes to overcome fear and doubt. She discusses how being surrounded by elite performers has shaped her mindset and motivated her to embrace failure as a necessary step toward success. Her stories are not just about sports but about the audacity that fuels personal and professional growth.
Anne Marie and Tony dissect the thin line that separates confidence from cockiness, bringing to light examples from the sports world, such as Deion Sanders and Conor McGregor, who are often slyly critiqued despite their proven track records. This episode reflects on how societal norms and personal insecurities can impact self-assurance and boldness. It's about recognizing that external judgments often reflect more about those judging than those being judged, and the importance of retaining self-belief amidst criticism.
Anne Marie and Tony also explore the concept of "skill stacking" and how taking incremental bold steps daily can lead to a more rewarding life. Anne Marie shares her experience transitioning from a producer role to becoming a leading female play-by-play announcer, emphasizing the value of rejection and criticism as tools for growth. She emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with driven individuals and prioritizing tasks that align with one’s values and vision. Anne Marie's insights underscore the necessity of mental resilience and the joy found in embracing risks and challenges on the path to personal and professional fulfillment.
Key highlights:
- Cultivating Audacity and Overcoming Fear
- Embracing Confidence and Bold Risks
- Shifting Mindset to Overcome Doubt
- Building Confidence Through Skill Stacking
- Fostering Audacity for Personal Growth
Connect with Anne Marie Anderson:
- Sign up for book updates: annemarieanderson.com/book
- LinkedIn: Anne Marie Anderson
- Instagram: @annemarieandersontv
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
Entrepreneurship Burnout?
Entrepreneurship burnout is a real thing and I blame it mostly on one thing.
Goal addiction.
You'll set business goals, pursue them relentlessly, achieve them, and then think "What's next?"
You're always pushing yourself to "think bigger" and "work harder" all while being your own worst critic. You carry the weight of shame of "not being where you should be, by now."
You'll create an identity around being "consistent" or being the "hardest worker in the room."
This cycle repeats itself, forever. The only two options to break this cycle are 1) Literally dying or 2) Becoming aware of patterns and making conscious changes.
The personal development space has created a vacuum where logic cannot breathe, due to an overabundance of inputs telling you to pursue things based on the emotion of feeling lack.
The intentions behind these motivational messages are good, but they never consider the sacrifice and damage that occurs, as a result.
Entrepreneurs have a long history of pursuing success...
But sacrificing their relationships, or getting divorced.
But losing their physical health and fitness.
But struggle with mental health, and cope with drugs or booze
So what are the required changes?
- Learn to feel gratitude for this present moment. Don't get caught up in the future. Be present.
- Work with a therapist or coach that will challenge you, to ensure you're doing things for valid reasons, rather than because of ego or fear.
- Create a list of non-negotiable rules, your personal core values. These rules will navigate every decision in your life. Do not ever violate your own rules, this is where confidence disappears.
- Do not allow labels like "Consistency" to define you, when there isn't a net positive or happiness that comes as a result of being consistent. It's okay to skip once in a while, especially on vacations. We each deserve a pause, so stop fearing judgment from others just because you take a break from something.
- Use technology to make your business more efficient, gaining back more valuable time. Do not backfill this newly found time with more work. Use that time for yourself, doing things that make you happy and fulfilled.
- Continue to set goals, but also make time to celebrate and savor them. Reward yourself, instead of always thinking "What's next?"
Remember this;
You won't care about what critics said while in your grave.
Nobody cares who worked the hardest in a graveyard.
Living a rich life has nothing to do with money or status.
The world would be a better place if the best you existed.
-Tony