Valerie Shoopman is a Facebook Ad Expert, Online Business Strategist, and the host of the Entrepreneur Power Hour Podcast. She is the co-author of the #1 Amazon Best-Seller “The Book on Facebook Marketing”.
Valerie has worked with and consulted clients such as John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur On Fire, Nick Unsworth of Life On Fire, Joe Polish of I Love Marketing, Brian Tracy, John Assaraf, Mary Ellen Tribby, Sue B. Zimmerman, and Daymond John from Shark Tank on their Facebook ad campaigns including helping them strategize the campaigns from top to bottom and giving detailed feedback to fully optimize their ads and funnels.
She has been featured on Life on Fire TV, The New Business Podcast, Solopreneur Hour, ConversionCast, The Cerrone Show and many other podcasts and online business summits where she willingly shares her depth of Facebook marketing and advertising knowledge.
Mission: As she was working at a small private school, Valerie became the go-to person for all things technical and social media. Things quickly evolved as Valerie began being approached by other business owners to help with their social media marketing. Having had a desire to go out on her own for some time, she saw an opportunity to make it happen.
Mindset: While Valerie considers herself an introvert and feels much more comfortable behind a computer, she knew that she needed to get out of her comfort zone if she was going to grow, both personally and professionally. Listen as she shares the story of the first big event she ever attended as an entrepreneur and how it changed her business and network.
Marketing: Even as a Facebook Ads expert, Valerie has never run a Facebook ad for her own business. Networking has been the biggest driver in her business by allowing her to connect with clients as well as referral partners.
Momentum: After following the advice of her business coach, Valerie went from being an online marketer to a Facebook Expert. It was this decision to niche down that boosted the momentum for her business. From there, she implemented the Anchor Client Strategy to run Facebook Ads for big names like John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur on Fire and Nick Unsworth of Life on Fire. The positioning these relationships created
Masterminds: Listen as Valerie answers amazing questions from YOU, the Mastermind Tribe. She covers video posts, retargeting pixels, reactions, and more. Join our Facebook Group for your chance to submit questions for future guests.
Mastermind Challenge: Up your game with Facebook! First, make sure you have a business page that you are activity updating and engaging with your audience. For extra Brownie Points... If you don't already have a pixel on your website, this is a great way to start capturing warm leads and retargeting.
Kristy Dickerson is a small business speaker and advisor, co-founder of StartPlanner.com, CFO of all things organized, lifestyle photographer, mom of three boys and a wife that is never wrong...never. ;)
Upon completion of her degree in finance and business management she started her first business after having her first son in 2008. Merging her business sense with her passions, Kristy has developed ways to help small business owners balance turning passions into a career all while still playing her most important role...being a mom. Giving tips on business, balance, organization, photography, health, and the occasional DIY projects to inspire, direct, and lead others to success and happiness.
Mission: It was a fortunate conversation with her graphic designer that sparked the idea for Start Planner. Kristy had aspirations to one day create a book that would help business owners with organization and finances. Her designer, Jenny, had ideas for a planner. They joined forces to put their ideas into one product and Start Planner was born.
Mindset: Kristy shared, “I had no business starting another business.” With her 3rd son just being born and already putting her efforts towards another business, Kristy had a lot on her plate. Still, she followed her instincts to create something that felt much bigger than anything she’d ever done.
Marketing: If you are launching a physical product, this is a must listen for you. Kristy shares the strategy behind both the grassroots beta launch and the 2016 launch, which was executed on a much larger scale with a national Facebook video ad campaign. Scroll down to see the video.
Momentum: Start Planner is still in the launch phase and enjoying plenty of momentum along the way. The 2016 planners have sold out and three new styles for mid-year are being launched now. Be sure to check them out! I <3 my Start Planner...
Masterminds: Listen as Kristy answers questions from the Mastermind Tribe. Be sure to join the Mastermind Tribe Facebook Group for your chance to submit questions to future guests and hear them answered on the show.
Mastermind Challenge: I love how Kristy and Jenny stumbled upon this idea by combining their individual passions. How amazing that your life can change with one conversation! Today, I challenge you to share that BIG idea you've been putting on the back-burner with someone new. You may be surprised at what the next year will hold for you when you do :)
Under Mayor David Belle Isle’s leadership, Alpharetta has become Georgia’s hometown, the 6th fastest growing city in the country, the Technology City of the South, the nation’s 7th friendliest city according to Forbes, and has consistently maintained the lowest unemployment rate in Georgia. This has been achieved by a focus on reinventing Alpharetta’s Downtown and the drive to be the number one technology city in the Southeast.
In 2015, Alpharetta was also named The #1 City in America for Women Entrepreneurs, and the #1 City in America to Start a Business.
Mission: Mayor David Belle Isle shares that each leader needs a "vision worth the chase". Seeking a downtown that could bring the community together, he first ran for city council in 2006. Despite two failed attempts, he eventually was able to make the progress needed to bring the project to life. A thriving downtown led to thriving businesses, which sparked a surge in entrepreneurship. Today, Alpharetta boasts over 600 technology companies; the highest concentration in the Southeast.
Mindset: Branding Alpharetta as the Technology City of the South was a challenge at first because it required gaining the respect among its city neighbors as the leader in tech.
Marketing: Mayor David Belle Isle shares the story of when he say Governor Nathan Deal speak about Alpharetta's contribution to the technology sector. It was in that moment that he realized that the branding and messaging was striking a cord.
Momentum: Under Mayor David Belle Isle's leadership, Alpharetta's Technology Commission was created and has opened an Innovation Center for local tech startups. The Center has already gained momentum by graduating its first company. Moving forward, he looks to offer opportunities on a higher level, such as venture capital, industry conferences, and much more.
Masterminds: Several members of the Mastermind Tribe submitted questions for the Mayor. Listen as he answers YOUR questions and join the Mastermind Tribe Facebook Group for opportunities to submit your own questions to future interviewees.
Mastermind Challenge: I love Mayor David Belle Isle's comment about a vision worth the chase. Today, I encourage you to dream just a little bigger and stretch outside of your comfort zone to imagine what vision is worth your chase. Just as his journey was executed one step at a time, yet has touched thousands, how can you take step today towards your big impact?
Born in Toledo Ohio and a current resident of San Diego (via Philly, Boulder, Denver, and Brussels), Michael Oneal's grammar school report cards always read: "Doesn't live up to his potential" and "Talks too much." One of those pieces of feedback would come in handy, as he is now the founder and host of the award-winning and much acclaimed business and entertainment podcast, "The Solopreneur Hour with Michael O'Neal."
The show, in 2 years, has already garnered more than 6 million downloads and monetized to over 500k, features lively and highly engaging conversations between Michael and his various (and often much sought-after) guests, who share remarkable stories, advice and practical tips for an audience that badges itself as "proudly unemployable" and highly motivated to finally take charge of their own lucrative business pursuits.
Mission: Michael O'Neal worked behind the scenes of a high-profile podcast focused on personal transformation called "The KickAss Life." After several years, it was a lunch with Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income which sparked the inspiration to step forward as the face of his own brand as he interviews entrepreneurs to talk about all of the non-business aspects of their life.
Mindset: Two words... SAY YES. Michael shares his recent trip to the Super Bowl as a guest of former Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward. This opportunity came last minute and required Michael to shift things around on his calendar, but he said yes and enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience.
Marketing: When it comes to launching a successful podcast, Michael compares it to producing a TV pilot. You have to test, produce, and entertain. If you're podcast is educational, remember someone of your favorite teachers and how they made learning fun.
Momentum: The average podcast episode gets 160 listens in the first 6 weeks. Michael O'Neal knew he was on to something when he saw his downloads grow far above to upwards of 20,000 downloads per day. Even more, he knew that the Solopreneur Hour Podcast hit a unique cord because new lookalike podcasts were nowhere to be found.
Masterminds: Michael runs a group coaching mastermind called the SoloLab. Listen as he shares how this idea found him when he wasn't even on his radar.
Mastermind Challenge: I love how Michael joked about creating a podcast around the conversations you have after a couple of shots of tequila. Today, take a few minutes (with or without the booze) and think about how you can bring more of your PERSONALITY into your business and content. Better to be yourself... everyone else is already taken :)
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Mission: The idea for an outdoor electronic bicycle rack came about when a friend of Thad Oviatt had two bicycles stolen in one week. When the second bike was stolen the thief left a sticky note attached to the cut bike lock chain that had a smiley face and “THANKS” written across it. How rude?!
Mindset: What I love about Thad is that he’s gone ALL IN to make ParkENT Cycles a success. From moving in with his parents to setting up shop in their garage, he has his eyes on the prize.
There is a quote that says, “Entrepreneurship is living a few years like most people won’t to live the rest of your life like most people can’t”. Thad epitomizes this spirit quite possibly more than anyone I’ve ever met.
Marketing: Thad’s willingness to get out of his comfort zone has opened many doors along the way. Listen as he shares the story behind landing a rare opportunity to display his invention at TechCrunch.
Momentum: Thad has just launched a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo.com where he is seeking to secure $50,000 to complete the app development and manufacture bike racks for a metro Atlanta pilot program.
Masterminds: That is a regular attendee of the Alpharetta Startup Circle where he and I met. It’s a weekly meeting for local tech entrepreneurs that has connected him with fellow startups as well as serial entrepreneurs.
Mastermind Challenge: When I hear Thad’s story, he inspires me to get out and get in front on a new crowd. Is there a group, organization or meetup that you’ve been thinking about attending, but haven’t? Let Thad’s story be the push you need to get out of your comfort zone and into a new environment. You never know what opportunities exist just outside of your comfort zone…
Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com
Nikki is an international photographer and speaker. Her platform is entirely about Being Seen. She is An Entrepreneurs Solution to reaching The Perfect Client!
She specializes in helping her clients step into the power of who they are, as their best self, in order for their light to shine for the world to see. She gives her clients a true view of their beauty, up levels their brand and creates an easier way to reach more people and make the money they deserve.
Mission: In today's world, "your connection is your currency", as Nikki shares. Oddly enough, it was an uncomfortable sales call with a client that uncovered her purpose to not only photograph her clients, but to bring out the best in them.
Mindset: Once connected to her bigger purpose, Nikki found that it gave her the confidence (or at least the gumption) to play on a higher level. In order to make a bigger difference, she knew that she had to step into bigger challenges, one being public speaking. Listen as she shares the story of one of her first public speaking engagements, plus 3 tips on raising your vibration and improving your mindset.
Marketing: In early days of her business, Nikki leveraged social media to grow an international following. Much more than just posting her photography, she shared personal stories which allowed her audience to get to know her and the connect with the person behind the camera.
Momentum: Nikki credits mentorship and coaching to playing a large role in her ability to gain fast momentum and take her business to new heights. Today, she has three coaches, all serving to propel different aspects of her business.
Masterminds: Here we tried something new! Listen as Nikki and I mastermind the marketing strategy for two Atlanta-based photographers. We talk social media, pricing, and networking. I'm so thrilled that she shared not only her journey, but great wisdom for other entrepreneurs.
Mastermind Challenge: I love Nikki's advice to always have a high-tiered pricing package that (1) scares you just a little bit.. and (2) allows you to serve your most enthusiastic clients in a unique and special way. Today, take some time to evaluate your offerings. Are you pricing based on what you believe your clients can afford versus how you desire to serve them? If money were no object, what is the platinum package you'd offer for your highest level clients? Dream big, write it down, then make it happen.
Brian Johnson is the author of the new book entitled “How To Live Your Dreams Out Loud: 6 Steps To Overcome Your Fears and Achieve Your Dreams”. An inspiring leader and in-demand speaker, Brian has inspired thousands of individuals to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.
Most recently Brian served as the Talent Coordinator for The Arsenio Hall Show for season one where he worked along side celebrities such as Kanye West, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, Magic Johnson, Simon Cowell, Ken Jeong, Tony Goldwyn, Andrew Dice Clay and many more. Brian holds a bachelors degree in International marketing and a minor in Spanish from The University of Alabama.
Mission: After hitting rock bottom, Brian sought the advice of his mentor which ended up opening the door to a career in Hollywood and the platform to launch his book Live Your Dreams Out Loud. Had he never hit that low point, that phone call would likely have never occurred. Listen as he and I discuss the power of going through hard times in order to get enjoy the abundance on the other side.
Mindset: Something shifts within your mindset when your back is against the wall and you have nothing to lose. Brian shares that sense of "desperado" as he calls it. It was this low-point that brought the clarity to connect to his mission to be a beacon of hope for anyone thinking of quitting on their dreams.
Marketing: When it came to executing the book, Brian worked with a book editor to get the task done in roughly 90 days. His biggest advice for others is to find people that are more experienced than you to help you move faster. With the book writing done, he was able to move forward and focus on the launch and promotion.
Momentum: Working on the Arsenio Hall Show brought a lot of exciting opportunities for Brian. Getting to meet and be photographed with celebrity guests of the show began to position Brian, who is originally from Skipperville, Alabama, as someone who had made a big shift in his life. This definitely created anticipation for the release of his book because people were excited to hear about the journey that led him to his success.
Masterminds: Brian has a great network of support and influence, but when it comes to the people he relies on the most, he calls out a close group of friends that meet every Sunday for prayer. Of course he shouts out to his mother and brother as well :) but the commitment and fellowship that those friends have provided has been equally impactful on his journey.
Mastermind Challenge: I love how Brian shares that because of the exposure he received during his time with the Arsenio Hall Show, people were eager to grab his new book when it launched so that they could uncover the journey that got his there. What are people waiting to hear from YOU? What's the story that they would love to know more about? Let THAT answer drive some of your next steps... whether it's a social media post, blog article, or book.
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Jason "J-Boom" Legaard is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur with a mission to inspire the fire within those pursuing their dreams. After a childhood near death experience, he was crippled by guilt for years. Now his Attitude of Gratitude has allowed him to serve others in breaking free into their greatness.
Jason is co-host of The Mindset Mountain Podcast and Co-creator of the personal development training, "Climbing the Mindset Mountain." He also provides one on one coaching to guide clients past their B.S. and into bringing the BOOM back into their life!
Mission: It was the decision to attend an entrepreneurship conference in 2011 that changed everything for Jason and sparked the passion to exit his 9-5 and own his own business. He returned from that conference a new person with a deep focus on building a purpose-driven business and never looked back. He didn't act is hast and quit his job, but has spent the last several years growing his business on the side. In December 2015, that side business became his full-time job and he is officially a full-time entrepreneur.
Mindset: Jason credits self-awareness as being a key turning point in his journey to develop the mindset needed to successfully achieve his dreams. When we become aware of the truth and stop lying to ourselves (either by painting too rosy a picture or too dark a picture) that's when we're able to gain the clarity to make significant change. How does that resonate with you? Have you ever been in a situation where you were weren't able to see the truth because you were projecting overly positive or negative thoughts? Share in the comments below.
Marketing: With a film-making background, Jason went all in with video to help spread the message and grow his network. Being authentic in front of the camera has allowed him to create a connection with his growing audience while serving them with inspiring content.
Momentum: The moments that have brought the most momentum for Jason have both come from sharing his personal journey in an effort to serve communities and inspire transformation. This sparked a great conversation about the importance of connecting to a deep sense of purpose and how doing THAT in the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey is what allows for moments that create a deep connection with your community.
Masterminds: From the Jonathan Budd, the host of that 2011 conference, to the Team at Results 513, to his friend and business partner, Eddie Aguilar; Jason shares that he wouldn't be where his is together without bringing these people and communities along his side.
Mastermind Challenge: Jason shared a powerful exercise that we can all benefit from. Look at yourself and your current situation as if you're looking at someone else. From this 3rd party perspective, what do you see? Are there areas where you would advise this person to step up their game? Are are there areas where you would offer encouragement that this person is doing a great job and to stop being so hard on themselves? Be honest with yourself about where you're at and make a plan to get where you want to go.
We're all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
My dear friend and fellow masterminder, Laura Lilly, has over 10 years of experience working with non profit organizations. After working for a traditional consulting firm for the past eight years serving mid-sized nonprofits (like YMCAs, independent schools, hospitals, and retirement communities), she started her own company, Spring, to offer consulting services to startup and small nonprofits. Listen as Laura shares her journey and advice for gaining fast momentum as a new business.
Mission: The best entrepreneurial ventures blend your WHY for you and your WHY for the world. With Spring, Laura has done just that. She paired her desire to create an online business and have flexibility to stay home with her young family, with the desire to help smaller nonprofits get the resources and momentum they need to make the impact they envision.
Mindset: Inspired to make the year ahead one of joy, Laura became much more intentional with where she spent her time and energy. While at a yoga class, she heard the lyrics, “Be strong, be kind, be brave. Know that it’s alright to be afraid.” Adopting those lyrics as her mantra, she found the courage to do more big and scary things to create more meaningful success.
Marketing: Interviewing prospective clients has been the most eye-opening activity that Laura has done within the business. Gaining a true understanding of the pains, needs and even the exact words that her customers are using, is propelling Spring forward much faster.
Momentum: At the time of this interview, Spring was only 1 month old but already experiencing so much momentum. Laura shares the even in that short time, the biggest momentum to date has been the overwhelmingly positive feedback that she’s received from those within the nonprofit industry.
Masterminds: Laura and I have been masterminding together for several months. I love how she relates our mastermind to the feeling of having co-founders. We truly have all been in the trenches together for both the big decisions and the small details. She shares the courage and bravery that having a mastermind has provided.
Mastermind Challenge: So many entrepreneurs rack their brains trying to figure out what their clients want and need. As Laura has shown, you just need to ASK. Send out a survey using a platform like Survey Monkey or Google Forms. Even better, invite a few of them out for coffee or lunch. You’ll be surprised how forthcoming they are with information that not only helps YOU, but helps you better serve THEM.
We’re all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Jenn Newton of Mugs on Milton shares the story of how this quaint little coffee shop became the best kept secret of downtown Alpharetta. Mugs on Milton is a locally owned and operated coffee shop and bakery with locations in Alpharetta and Crabapple/Milton. With core values of Great Coffee and Great Food, this neighborhood coffee shop quickly became the go-to meetup spot for locals.
Mission: Prior to opening Mugs in Milton, Jenn worked in downtown Alpharetta with a marketing agency. She knew she business ownership was in her future, but didn't know exactly what business. With her eyes open to new opportunities, Jenn saw a need for a coffee shop, even thought she isn't a coffee drinker... The idea lingered in her mind and began to gain momentum.
Knowing a talented baker, she sat down her friend and now business partner Gretchen Smith to create a vision for what would eventually become Mugs on Milton. Once they realized just how aligned they were in their visions, they took the leap and opened just two months later!
Mindset: With no experience in the coffee industry, there was a learning curve to getting going. Jenn and Gretchen addressed this by aligning with vendors that allowed them to execute their vision thanks to the experience and knowledge of a bigger community.
Marketing: Coming from a marketing background, you could assume that Jenn created an elaborate marketing campaign to get the word out about Mugs. Not the case at all. Mugs on Milton grew organically with no paid advertising and not even a sign outside the shop for several months! It became the best kept secret of downtown Alpharetta and something that happy customers would want to share.
Momentum: Two to three months into the launch, Jenn and Gretchen realized that the volume was growing so fast that they needed to bring on additional staff. This happened well before their projected 6-9 month time frame for expansion. Hiring new employees brought its own challenges as they had to determine what tasks their new hires should take over and how to maintain the high standards of the Mugs customer experience.
Masterminds: Being a downtown Alpharetta business owner means you are immediately brought into a community of business owners excited to watch you thrive. Jenn shares that in the early days, neighboring businesses like Sis & Moon's helped to spread the word, give advice or simply offer encouragement. How beautiful to know that just steps outside your door is someone who knows exactly what you're going through and wants to see you succeed.
Mastermind Challenge: I love how Jen talks about those early days and the people who thought she and Gretchen were just silly girls. Her quote, "I've never been a silly girl". LOVE it!
How often do we enter a new challenge and allow our inexperience in one area to bring down our confidence. I love how Jen stood strong and resilient in those moments. I challenge you to look at the areas of your life or career where you are venturing into new and unchartered territory. Are you being timid or allowing others' opinions to define you? Are you keeping your head held high with the knowledge that you will soon master this new challenge? I hope it's the latter.
We're all in this together! Share your photos and posts with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Don Friedman has spent the last 13 years creating and producing “first-of-its-kind”, buyside investor-focused finance conferences, webinars and roadshows as well as running a conference company.
Don founded Joint Venture Events Group in May 2014 by creating a unique conference format which immediately catapulted the firm to the top of investment professionals’ “must-attend” events list with “best-in-breed” programs such as Investing in Liquid Alternatives and Investing in MLPs.
Don is a lifelong “Wildcat” having received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Arizona. Don is also an avid runner, with three marathons to his credit and has skydived once. He and his wife and two daughters live in Milton, GA.
Mission: In mall, ran into is freshman year college roommate who shared with Don an opportunity to create events for the financial industry. With a background in finance and day-trading, Don jumped aboard, learned quickly and has never looked back.
Mindset: Having an open mind to new opportunities, Don was excited to take on a challenge that allowed him to created something from scratch and see it through to its finish. In his experience follow up skills, a true passion for the job, and differentiation have been critical to his success. His advice for other entrepreneurs... be willing to accept rejection.
Marketing: Having the right partnerships has been a critical piece of bringing awareness and credibility to Don's business since its launch. When it comes to maximizing the opportunity to get your message out there, how can you leverage partnerships to bring value and new momentum for all?
Momentum: I loved hearing Don tell the story of the momentum gained from the 1st event his company coordinated. It wasn't until the end of the event when all of the sponsors, participants and attendees shared their positive feedback from their experience that he knew he'd gotten it right. You have to put yourself out there in order to know if you are on the right track.
Masterminds: Don views his community as the industry as whole. With this perspective, he stays aware of the needs and trends within his industry. In tune with the need for more female leadership in the financial advisor industry, Don is partnering with organizations that champion this mission as well as doing his part to feature more women speakers and panelists at events. Check out one of his upcoming conferences, Invest in Women: A Conference About Women In Wealth Management.
Mastermind Challenge: I love Don's perspective on viewing his role within the industry as a whole. Take a step back and view the big picture of YOUR industry. What are the trends? What are the needs? How can you bring value by filling in the gaps? We're all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge
Chris Estrada considers himself a connect-apreneur and coworkaholic on the mission to: Influence and Drive 1 Million People to pursue their passions and develop success through joining a local coworking community.
A graduate of Kennesaw State, Chris is a rare native Atlantan. Chris hosts a weekly podcast, Coworking Success where he features coworking success stories mixed in with other amazing business success stories. Chris’ background includes 5 years of marketing/brand strategy consulting, 10 years event management and 3 years of coworking industry experience.
When Chris isn’t opening a new coworking space as a coworking consultant with the Operation Spot, you can find him riding his mountain bike on one of the many mountain bike trails or riding his road bike on the silver comet.
Mission: Sometimes a setback is truly the best setup for success. After being turned down for a job, Chris set out to launch his own business. Eight months later, he has surpassed the income he would have received working for someone else. How did he gain so much momentum so fast? Coworking. And with that, a new passion and mission was born.
Mindset: Chris poses the question, "What are you willing to give up in order to gain what you truly desire?" Looking at life and business from this prospective creates a complete mindset shift and can open our eyes to the superficial instant gratification we fill our days with, in comparison to the long-term, massive impact we have the potential to create.
Marketing: "Networking is everything and relationships are everything". Chris shares 3 tips for getting the most out of networking
Resource mentioned - Honoree Corder's Mini eBook of Business by Referral
Momentum: Earlier this year, Chris had the opportunity to partner with an industry conference. He attended knowing very few people and was pleasantly surprised when people came up to him having recognized him from his Coworking Success Podcast.
Masterminds: Community has been a huge driver in Chris' business. From gaining advice and encouragement to generating referrals and new clients, getting out of isolation and surrounding himself with like-minded people has allowed Chris to grow his business so quickly.
Mastermind Challenge: I've worked from home since 2011 and know firsthand the ups and downs that go along with it. It's hardly the glamorous life that people make it out to be. Taking a few days a week to work from a coworking space, while it may seem like a small change, has brought so much joy and new energy to my endeavors. If you are working from home, I challenge you to find a coworking space in your area and visit for a day. Most offer a free day pass to first time visitors. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Happy coworking!
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Rick Fossum is a creative and critical thinker with a passion for people. He’s a problem solver who’s had unique opportunities to work alongside talented Designers and Developers, experienced Brand Strategists, Marketing Managers and Management Consultants. With over 20 years of agency experience, Rick has lead design or brand marketing efforts for major brands including General Mills, Glock, Major League Baseball, and Newell Rubbermaid. He believes that an effective brand and consumer relationship shares the same qualities of a meaningful human relationship—authenticity, value, trust, and endurance. Rick lives in Roswell, Georgia with his wife Susan and their sons Alex and Sam.
Mission: Rick found himself at a crossroads with a choice to either take a job or change the world. He chose the latter and connected to a newfound passion for doing work that he loves.
Mindset: As a new entrepreneur, Rick still has a focus on creating financial security for him and his family. However, his mindset is much more than just numbers. He describes his new role as offering a sense of freedom he never had before. "Like a lid has been removed". I love that description.
Marketing: A big driver in generating new business has been networking and word of mouth. After 2 months of networking, Rick created a infographic outlining his entrepreneurial journey. He sent the infographic to his network and the buzz generated new business!
Momentum: Rick shares that his biggest moments of momentum have come when an unexpected call or opportunity pops up where he wasn't expecting. When was the last time you had an unexpected opportunity come about from a seed you planted long before?
Masterminds: The community Rick credits with overwhelming support is his family. His wife and teenage sons are cheering him on and giving him the courage to keep making this dream come true.
Mastermind Challenge: How can you boil down your journey into an infographic that tells your story and connects with your network? Check out Rick's infographic for inspiration and try creating one of your own! Use PiktoChart or Canva for an easy to use template.
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Brad Stevens, Entreholic, is a career entrepreneur with experience in manufacturing, product development, supply chain, sales team development, operations, financial modeling, marketing automation, digital marketing, SaaS, and growth hacking.
His most recent company, Entreholic, provides an affordable, entrepreneurial approach to outsourced digital and traditional marketing services for small to medium businesses.
Mission: Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Brad saw firsthand what it takes to run a business. After college, his experience spanned many industries and business functions, but marketing stood out to him as an under-served yet fascinating area. It was that passion that sparked the idea for Entreholic.
Mindset: Having an entrepreneurial family, launching a business wasn’t as scary for Brad as it may be for others. Still, he makes focused effort to maintain a mindset for success and attributes his fitness routine for providing the discipline needed to follow through on what it takes to launch and grow a successful business.
Marketing: If you are intimidated by the sales process, you have to hear Brad’s explanation of how he secured many of his first clients. Approaching meetings as a way to educate clients on the opportunities and resources available to them, versus trying to “sell” them was key to helping him build relationships and a reputation as the go-to source for all things digital marketing.
Momentum: Brad shares that the biggest momentum boost has come from referrals and a focus on continuously seeking out feedback in order to improve.
Masterminds: Along with the insights Brad gets from his entrepreneurial family, his decision to join Entrepreneurs’ Organization or EO has been a game changer for his personal and professional development.
Mastermind Challenge: Hearing Brad speak about the impact his fitness routine makes on his entrepreneurial work ethic reminds me of the quote, “How you do one thing is how you do everything”. Today I challenge you to look outside your business for areas where you can begin upping your game. Whether it’s a more consistent morning or fitness routine, being more present for family time, or making the intention to do random acts of kindness, hold yourself accountable and follow through on your commitment. Watch how those actions outside of your business make you even more focused and effective inside your business.
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Sara Lamond, Owner of the Atlanta boutique Fig & Flower, connected to a passion for health and wellness as a way to cope with the pressures of law school. As she adopted this cleaner way of life, she became aware of a need in the marketplace for stores offering all-natural beauty and skin care products. With that, the idea for Fig & Flower was born.
What inspires me about this episode is Sara's transparent account of the ups and down of entrepreneurship. I got chills as we were recording, so I'm hoping that you love the result as much as I do.
Mission: As Sara knew that she wanted to give back in a positive way. Being able to impact individual's personal wellness as well as positively impact the environment played a major role in her decision to make the leap.
Mindset: Sara openly shares that her career as an attorney left her soul-searching for something more. She knew very clearly that she did not want a career in law and from that place she connected with the idea for Fig & Flower and the courage to bring it to life. She says, "If it didn't work out I'd never regret that decision."
Marketing: The early days of Fig & Flower found the store growing simply through word of mouth from friends and family. As cash flow increased Sara partnered with a PR firm to help bring new attention to the store and she shares her lessons learned from that experience.
Momentum: Finishing her first holiday retail season brought a new sense of momentum for Fig & Flower. Sara shares how the new growth in the business allowed for a period of reflection and strategy.
Masterminds: Sara shares the different groups of people she turns to for advice and support, some from unlikely places.
Mastermind Challenge: In life and entrepreneurship, we get what we give. Today's Mastermind Challenge is to support local store owners and help keep someone else's entrepreneurial dream alive and well. Talk to the store owner and learn more about what inspired their journey. If you have a great experience, share the word with friends and family. We're all in this together! Share your photos with the hashtag #mastermindchallenge
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
In this episode, Hogan Bassey, Founder and CEO of LivFul, shares his mission to have 200,000 lives by preventing mosquito borne illnesses in 3rd world countries. His story has garnered national attention as he was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List and he's currently working with global brands to bring his mission to life. Prepare to be inspired and empowered by this awe inspiring, entrepreneurial journey.
Mission: Amazingly Hogan survived 4 different cases of Malaria as a kid growing up in Nigeria. Watching his mother's pain when he fell ill, coupled with the fact that he was missing out on his childhood favorites gave him an itch to find a solution. It was at an early age that he connected to the mission to launch a pharmaceutical company dedicated to preventing mosquito borne illnesses.
Mindset: Starting to take action as a young person may have worked in Hogan's favor. He had taken on a big mission and took action before truly knowing the large challenge ahead. As he went on, he developed a fear of failure, as we all do, but Hogan truly believed that this was not only a mission, but God's calling for his life. Listen at minute 10:00 as Hogan shares one of the most powerful messages I've ever heard.
Marketing: Networking had played a large role in the advancement of LivFul's mission and progress towards making it a reality. As Hogan shares, "results don't happen in a vacuum". He advises entrepreneurs to get out there, share their needs, find the right people to connect with and talk to your customers.
Momentum: When asked about momentum in his business, Hogan makes a powerful point that it's not just gaining momentum that's important, but having the system in place to capitalize on that momentum. He recommends learning to attach the momentum of one event to another in order to keep driving the business.
A budding partnership that is bringing new momentum to LivFul today is with the global pharmaceutical company, Merck. As they combine technologies and leverage Merck's mosquito repellent IR3535 it's opening a new chapter for the company.
Masterminds: From encouragement from friends and family to advice from experienced entrepreneurs, Hogan leans on the energy and insights of those around him to keep him moving and focused on his journey.
Mastermind Challenge: I was deeply moved by Hogan's words around knowing his life's calling and imagining the day he would one day have to look back and answer whether he achieved it or not. Regardless of what you are currently pursuing, I urge you to dig deeper and explore what you believe is your true calling. Are you living up to your challenge or have you chosen a different road? If so, what steps can you take to get back on track?
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Re Perez is a Brand Strategist and CEO of BRANDING FOR THE PEOPLE, a leading branding agency that helps emerging entrepreneurs and established small businesses achieve rapid growth, whether it's doubling, tripling or quadrupling their income.
In today's interview, he shares just how to get inside the mind of your ideal client to create the brand that perfectly communicates your value in a way that speaks to them.
Mission: After traveling the world working with some of the top global brands, Re felt a stirring to create more impact. After taking time away to clear his mind, he connected with the powerful mission to bring his knowledge of branding strategy to the everyday entrepreneur and small business.
Mindset: Like so many at the beginning, he wondered if his new business would work. Re shares that "even the best of us have some sort of fear of the unknown." His advice for anyone in this place is to see the big picture, connect with your "why" and know that you have nowhere to go but up!
Marketing: I love the value that Re brings as he shares exactly what hi did to launch BFTP. So many entrepreneurs spend a lot of time and money on things like their logo and website. I've been there too! Ironically, this branding expert spent his energy in other areas and it paid off in a big way. If you're launching your business, you will be inspired to rethink where you spend your time and resources during these early days.
Momentum: It was the bold move to host a branding workshop that began to launch the momentum behind BFTP. Re shares the steps he took to launch that event and how it led to his first wave of clients.
Masterminds: Re is a member of a high level mastermind and not only credits the community with offering support and ideas for his business, but it's also given him another platform to connect with clients. The relationships that are developed in mastermind groups go much deeper than your average networking group. Re credits his mastermind with introducing him to opportunities he would not have had otherwise.
Mastermind Challenge: If I could pull one word from this interview it would be passion. How can you add more passion and heart to your business? Is it through the people you work with? Or perhaps it's the mission you are impacting? Just like Re found his calling to leverage his branding expertise and help small business owners, how can you be more intentional about not just making a living, but making a meaningful impact?
Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com
Laurie Sluser, bizHUMM Co-founder & CEO, has successfully managed or owned 5 different companies over the past 25 years. Most recently he served as General Manager of a software engineering staffing firm, which he led to ten-fold growth in revenue with over 25 million dollars in gross sales.
Laurie co-founded bizHUMM.com in 2014 to help small businesses and entrepreneurs find everything they need to start and grow their business. He recently co-authored a book entitled How To Start A Business: The Ultimate Free Guide.
Mission: Laurie took on the mission of bringing bizHUMM to life with the experience of 5 previous startups under his belt. When it comes to his advice to new or aspiring entrepreneurs, he enthusiastically says, "Do your homework!" Do it once now or twice later. Be intentional about your actions and resist being lazy in your thinking.
Mindset: Even with Laurie's entrepreneurial experience he maintains a healthy fear of the unknown and launching bizHUMM was no different. Building a great team and creating a well-thought plan help to provide peace of mind, but at a certain point you have to do your best and see where the cards fall.
Marketing: A deep understanding of your business and customer is essential for crafting the marketing and promotions that not only sell your business, but attract supporters and partnerships. If you are struggling to nail down the right words to match the ideas in your mind, take Laurie’s advice about laying the foundation. He recommends not forcing it, but allowing yourself time each day to write, reflect and communicate with trusted advisers. As you hone your message gradually, you will see your ability to communicate and gain followership improve.
Momentum: After a year of development, bizHUMM launched their site and the How to Start a Business Guide bringing a lesson in the importance of promoting your content and drive traffic. Leveraging Facebook and Google advertising, bizHUMM went from 50 to 10,000 visitors a month! Laurie shares exactly what he attributes the fast growth to and the traffic sources that brought the most engaged visitors.
Masterminds: Listening to Laurie speak about the bizHUMM team and his approach to working was personally a touching moment as an interviewer. We all have experiences (good and bad) of working with a team in an organization. Laurie shares his philosophy to “treasure, respect, love, give to the people you work with.” What a beautiful way to approach workplace collaboration. I hope more people will be inspired to bring such a positive and nurturing attitude to their workplace, regardless of their title.
Mastermind Challenge: There are moments for every entrepreneur when you get the flash of an idea and feverishly jump into action. While fast action can be courageous and is a trait to be commended, there is something to be said for the benefit of giving the seed of an idea fertile ground to grow organically. Today's Mastermind Challenge is to take that one big idea you have and write it down with pen and paper. Set aside time for the next 3 days to come back, read your words and hone your idea. Watch how it evolves and improves. THEN, with a well-crafted vision, jump into action.
Learn more at MastermindYourLaunch.com
Scott Williford is a serial entrepreneur, consultant, writer and speaker who is passionate about helping others succeed in whatever they are called to.
As Founder and CEO of vLink Solutions, Scott helps businesses and professionals use the power of video to enhance their online brand. Video blogs, video profiles, product demos and customer stories are examples of the types of video they help clients produce. vLink also provide the services and tools to manage and monitor how the videos are used with their proprietary software tools.
Mission: Scott wasn't looking for a lifestyle business. He pursued entrepreneurship to take control of his own destiny. However, the real joy for Scott is being able to create a valuable solution that serves the needs of his clients.
Mindset: When it comes to the necessary mindset for each entrepreneur, Scott focuses on the power of the pivot. Being able to read the market, see trends and listen to clients has been the key to success for many of his ventures. Listen as he shares one such pivot that led to the success of prior venture, NetSurfer.
Marketing: Content marketing is being used by companies of all sizes and all industries. Hear Scott's takes on content marketing and how vLink Solutions helps their clients make the most of the time and money they invest in their video content marketing.
Masterminds: From mentoring to masterminds, Scott shares the importance of connecting with people outside your company for new ideas and inspiration. He also shares a lesson in making the most of the advice your given.
Mastermind Challenge: vLink Solutions has become a must-have strategic partner thanks in large part to providing a comprehensive solution for clients with video marketing needs. When it comes to your industry, are you solving part or all of the problem? How can you be more holistic in your approach of the program AND the solution?
Highly sought after due to his candid counsel to both startups and Fortune 1000 companies alike, he has been requested by organizations such as IBM, Coca-Cola, UPS, Cox Communications and Autodesk. K.P. has spoken at universities all over the U.S. including: Harvard, Georgia Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt, Stanford, Emory, San Jose State, University of South Carolina, and Cleveland State.
According to Crystal Knows: "He is ambitious, critical, and moves quickly to make progress, but understands how to support others in the process."
Innovative and witty, K.P. speaks to leaders with intriguing topics such as: Your Culture Sucks Because You Suck, Why Big Companies Can’t Innovate, Disruption Is Not A Marketing Campaign, Why You’re Not a CEO, Yet… and Why Every Recent Grad Should Work at a Startup.
In 2012, K.P. published BIM for Building Owners and Developers, a book on the adoption of advanced technology in the infrastructure space employed by leading companies and universities.
K.P. is a Startup Catalyst, helping organizations accelerate through coaching and programs such as: Startup Weekend, Customer Discovery Classes, Accelerators and Hackathons. These can range from one day to six week cohorts, depending on your needs and timeline.Kristen Stocks is the founder of Kids Boost, a non-profit organization designed to help kids give back to the world using their gifts, talents and passions.
Mission: After reaching a certain level of success in his career, K.P. and his business partner in CTW were on a mission to do something bigger and better. With an intimate understanding of the startup landscape they knew companies with bold, market-changing innovations would have the highest likelihood of fundraising, grants and ultimate success.
Mindset: K.P has seen is all when it comes to entrepreneurs and their ideas for changing the world. I asked him the one trait that he looks for when meeting new entrepreneurs and his response may surprise you. It has to do with our biggest resource: time.
Marketing: If you are looking to differentiate yourself in the marketplace, you must listen to K.P.'s perspective on market-risk companies versus technology-rick companies. CTW focuses solely on technology-riska nd for a very important reason. Listen and K.P. distinguishes the two and see how your wheels begin to turn as you reflect on your own business model and offerings.
Momentum: Gaining momentum, growth and expansion are everything when it comes to the goal of creating a sustainable company. K.P. shares extremely valuable insights for any startup that is struggling to gain momentum and meet benchmarks. Hear his advice for a change in terminology that could get you on your way faster.
Masterminds: K.P. shares his method for closed group collaboration and how it's evolved over time. As businesses reach different levels, the information they need changes. Listen as he offers insight that applies to business of all levels on how to seek out the right people and the lens through which you should receive their advice.
Mastermind Challenge: I found K.P.'s words on market risk and technology risk very thought provoking. I challenge you to take a step back and evaluate the innovation that you bring to the marketplace. Could your business generate more momentum if you allow yourself to get creative and think outside the box? How would new innovation serve your existing customers and enhance your product or service?
Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com
Bella Cleaning began as a passionate feeling of entrepreneurship so strong, Juliet Pocali Tenaglia couldn’t ignore it. She made a snap decision to leave the corporate world, and was loosing sleep at night as ideas and inspiration flooded her mind. Despite other people’s opinions that she needed to “stay in the corporate world and just start a little business on the side”, she knew she had to fulfill what her heart was yearning for. Since then, it’s been a ride like no other and on today’s podcast episode she shares why it’s worth every penny!
Mission: As is the case with so many entrepreneurs, Juliet’s journey to launch a business began when a “safe” job suddenly dissolved. Having watched a friend build a similar cleaning business in Florida, she reached out to learn more and quickly found her thoughts consumed with ideas for her own cleaning business.
I love Juliet’s how Juliet describes those early days of being so excited and focused on making her dream a reality. I know so many entrepreneurs and small business owners can relate to that moment you connect with your big idea.
Mindset: Juliet had many well-meaning friends and family encouraging her to get back into corporate and trying to convince her that being an employee would be a safer route than being an entrepreneur. Listen as Juliet shares the focus and dedication it took to believe in herself when those closest to her were trying to steer her down a different path.
Marketing: The ability to make quick decisions and capture opportunities is crucial when you’re growing a business. As luck would have it, Juliet received a call from a closed networking group looking for a cleaning company to round out their chapter. Juliet agreed to attend their next meeting and immediately signed up. Six years later, she is still of member of that group and credits it for creating the launchpad for her business.
Momentum: Now that she’s out of her launch and running a growing business, hear what Juliet has to say about scaling operations, hiring employees and what it means to move forward in her business.
Masterminds: Just as Juliet leaned on the advice of someone that just just a few steps ahead, Juliet shares what SHE would say if she encountered a young women looking to take the leap. Insightful words and amazing advice from someone who knows the journey all to well.
Mastermind Challenge: Juliet credits her closed networking group for providing the momentum through referrals that launched her business.
Are you laying the right foundation for your referral network? Here is a simple exercise to help you develop a solid referral strategy that is sure to generate an abundance of leads.
Create a 12 x 12 table. Along the top, create columns based on the different types of professions that work directly with your ideal client (CPA, lawyer, insurance agent, etc.) Save one column for miscellaneous.
Next, begin listing in each column the people you know from that category that are or could be a referral source.
Once complete, you will have a clear picture of the right connections you need to seek out and foster so that you can spend your time networking wisely.
After you have your table filled in, you will have 144 referral sources sending qualified, warm leads your way.
Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com
Ramon Gonzalez and Daniel Burnett are the founders of Thrive Coworking in Alpharetta, GA where they are bringing entrepreneurs together in a unique community.
Mission: It’s easy to see how Ramon and Daniel connected as business partners. They both share their personal journeys that sparked their passion for creating work that centers around a meaningful purpose. While they had different paths, they both ended up in the same place looking to create something great.
Mindset: Jumping into a new industry meant that there was no playbook from which to work. Ramon and Daniel are driven by a deep sense of purpose and the potential impact of creating a community driven co-working space. Their biggest advice is to focus on having the courage to explore your ideas.
Marketing: There’s nothing like word of mouth and leveraging your warm market. Ramon and Daniel got clear on their business model, created a soft launch and began reaching out to their immediate circle of influence to begin getting the word out. They also are big on adding a sense of humor to everything they do and letting their personality shine. Listen as they share an fortunate accident that actually turned into their biggest opportunity to do just that.
Momentum: When you lock into a business idea rooted in a deep sense of passion, magic begins to happen. Prior to Thrive launching, Ramon and Daniel met with a bookkeeping company and happened to share their idea for a co-working space. Their idea connected with the owners of that company so much that they walked away from that meeting with the opportunity to secure the space which now houses the first location for Thrive.
Masterminds: This section is a must listen. Ramon and Daniel share the mentors that have helped them along the way and share inspiring wisdom about the value of collaboration as business partners. Listen as they share how embracing conflict has helped sharpen each of them.
Mastermind Challenge: Ramon and Daniel shared several examples of how they have added personality and fun to their marketing. Reflect on the aspects of your personality that your friends and family enjoy most. Perhaps even ask them to describe you in a few words. Then, see how you can incorporate these traits into your brand and marketing.
Learn more at mastermindyourlaunch.com
Jayna Thompson is the founder of Alexis Suitcase, a contemporary consignment boutique with 3 locations in the Atlanta area. With everything from Gap to Gucci, Alexis Suitcase offers its customers the experience of an upscale boutique at a fraction of the cost.
Mission: Jayna knew from a young age that she wanted to one day own a clothing store. At the age of 25 she took the leap with the help of her mom. In today’s interview she shares the journey of those early days and the key moments and people that helped create this thriving boutique. (01:50)
Mindset: As with many entrepreneurs, Jayna experienced fear of failure and the unknown. Listen as she shares the mindset that helped her push through and how her young age actually worked to her advantage. (03:17)
Marketing: In the beginning days of Alexis Suitcase, Jayna spread the word through networking events, print advertisement and friends and family. Hear her discuss what worked and what didn’t, plus her biggest advice for anyone looking to open a brick and mortar business. (05:14)
Momentum: Roughly two years into her entrepreneurial journey, Jayna was faced with a big opportunity and decision. Listen as she shares her thought process and the immediate results of doubling her store size. (05:45)
Masterminds: From her mother and mentor to her first employees, Jayna shares the key people that have helped make Alexis Suitcase what it is today. Hear her advice for any entrepreneur trying to do it all themselves. Is that you? (08:53)
Mastermind Challenge: I love Jayna’s story of doubling her storefront and the immediate results it brought about in her business. Making that investment wasn’t easy, but it was integral to moving the business forward. Have you been presented with an opportunity to expand, but find yourself holding back? How can you move beyond surviving to thriving?
Share at mastermindyourlaunch.com!
Darria Long Gillespie, MD MBA FACEP is a national health media expert, SVP of Clinical Strategy at Sharecare, practicing ER doctor at Emory and Assistant Professor at the Emory School of Medicine, wife, and Mom.
Dr Darria appears frequently on TV, on CNN, FoxNews, CNBC, NBC, and The Dr Oz Show, writes “The Busy Woman’s Guide to Health…and Sanity” for Sharecare.com, and is a featured blogger on DoctorOz.com and The Huffington Post. In addition, she hosts a weekly radio show and podcast on iHeart Radio’s RadioMD, called Sharecare Radio.
Mission: The mission for Sharecare Inc, as Dr Darria explains, was born from a meeting of the minds between founder Jeff Arnold and Oprah. (I love it!) Dr Darria shares her personal mission which is to help busy moms take better care of themselves and their family. To that end, she's using multiple platforms to provide the information these ambitious women need.
Mindset: Her role in Sharecare has brought more on-camera time then your typical ER doctors might expect. I love how Dr Darria describes her mindset during those first few television interviews and what she believes is the key to overcoming fear when getting your message out in the press. A must-listen for anyone that feels shy, nervous or scared about spreading the word about their cause.
Marketing: Dr Darria has taken to multiple platforms to create meaningful content for busy moms. She's been featured on Dr. Oz, writes for the Huffington Post and also hosts a LIVE radio show called Sharecare radio. As we talk about the world of podcasting, she shares the unique dynamics of hosting a live show.
Momentum: Hear Dr Darria's biggest advice for gaining momentum in your career and business. Entrepreneurs at every stage need to make sure they have this piece of their message dialed in.
Masterminds: Surrounded by an incredible team at Sharecare, Dr Darria credits her female mentors for having a significant impact on her growth. Listen as she shares what they have meant throughout her journey.
Mastermind Challenge: Have you been hesitating to get the word out about your business in a bigger way? Is there a podcast, television station or news resource that you know would benefit from your point of view? Challenge yourself to reach out to them TODAY to inquire about opportunities to collaborate. Be sure to report back with your wins!
mastermindyourlaunch.com
Honoree Corder makes her second appearance on the podcast to talk about her new book, Prosperity for Writers. Whether you're looking to write a book or take your business to the next level, her philosophies on commitment, follow-through, abundance and money mindset can be applied to us all.
Mission: The inspiration for Prosperity for Writers was born at a writer's conference where Honoree heard writers doubting their ability to create and publish a highly successful book. It was then that she sought out to explore the steps that authors can take to create a living from their passion for writing.
Mindset: "It's not about what you're doing, it's about who you're being. And who you're being is based on what you're thinking." Listen as Honoree covers the 4 mental hurdles to being a prosperous author. "If you can't think it, you can't ink it", she says.
Momentum: Commitment over interest. I love Honoree's description of commitment over interest and how important commitment is to gaining the momentum you need to get going with your writing (or any other project you're working on!). Plus, she shares her exact process for writing daily and how she keeps from "breaking the chain".
Mastermind Challenge: In her book, Honoree says "If you want something, give it away". Whether it's money, love, or guidance, challenge yourself to give that which you are looking for to someone else. Watch and see how the universe returns it to you.