Learning from Smart People

Rob Oliver

It's impossible to be an expert on everything. Learning from the experts helps us gain an understanding of how to be better at the tasks we undertake. On "Learning from Smart People" you'll gather knowledge from the people with the expertise! read less
BusinessBusiness
EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship

Episodes

181 John Louizes: How to Scale Your Business
Oct 31 2022
181 John Louizes: How to Scale Your Business
John Louizes talks about how to scale your business on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. John is the owner and proprietor of Zeno’s taffy and ice cream shop. It is the world’s most famous taffy. He has expanded from a single store with 3 employees to 9 stores with over 50 employees. A super interesting guy, you will enjoy this interview and learn from it. Here are some of the main points as John Louizes and Rob Oliver talk about how to scale your business: · Zeno’s is a family operated business that started in Daytona Beach in 1948 · Having a family run business creates interesting management power dynamics · Fear is a powerful motivator · Growth can be a powerful and enjoyable experience · Lower profit margins from multiple locations can be more profitable than higher profit margins from a single location · Different generations have different skill sets and visions · Reactive decisions are generally not good for business · Identify your constituency and serve them · Put your website on everything! · There is no saltwater in saltwater taffy · Be as creative as possible within your marketplace You can connect with John Louizes and Zeno’s Taffy through the links below. When you order from the website, be sure to use the code “smart20” to receive your 20% discount. Website: https://worldsmostfamoustaffy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamousTaffy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famoustaffy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenoscandy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlouizes/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the "Contact" page on the "Learning from Smart People" website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com/contact/
180 Rob Kessler: How to Find Your Niche in Business
Oct 20 2022
180 Rob Kessler: How to Find Your Niche in Business
Rob Kessler talks about how to find your niche in business on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Kessler is the inventor of the Million Dollar Collar. In this episode, he talks about why he invented the collar and shares his entrepreneurial journey. As an entrepreneur, you will relate to some of his experiences and learn from others. Here are some of the topics covered as Rob Oliver and Rob Kessler talk about how to find your niche in business: · Necessity is the mother of invention. Kessler loves to wear a dress shirt but not a tie, how can you keep your shirt from crumbling if you don’t wear a tie? · You can only go so far googling stuff, sometimes you need to consult a professional. · Even though his Kickstarter did not get funded, he learned from the feedback · Consumers will tell you what they want to buy, you just need to listen · There’s a difference between feedback and criticism · Don’t focus on problems, focus on solutions! · Do tons of research on your concept · Your patent can be a source of revenue · Your passion is what will carry you through · A great support network is invaluable · You might need to take a partner whose strengths match your weaknesses · The innovator and the implementer · Never underestimate the power of good customer service · Customer first, team second, company third · Integrity is a huge part of life · Part of integrity is putting out a super quality product · You can harness the power of influencers · Kessler thinks that NDAs can be fairly useless · It’s hard to get investors when you just have a concept You can learn more about Rob Kessler and Million Dollar Collar through the links below: Website: http://MillionDollarCollar.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/milliondollarcollar Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/milliondollarcollar LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/robkessleriii Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the "Contact" page on the "Learning from Smart People" website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com/contact/
179 Drew Donaldson: How to Become More Strategic in Your Marketing
Oct 13 2022
179 Drew Donaldson: How to Become More Strategic in Your Marketing
You will learn how to become more strategic in your marketing from Drew Donaldson during this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Drew is a strategist, coach and consultant. His company, GroHaus, helps businesses become competent, strategic, and efficient in their marketing. He is also part of an organization that protects children from online threats. If you are looking for insights into how to improve your marketing, this is the episode for you. Here are some of the topics covered as Rob Oliver interviews Drew Donaldson about how to become more strategic in your marketing: · Rob gets some high praise about the name of the podcast · Watching his parents who were small business owners, he saw the struggles of growing your business · Being a problem fixer involves showing people what they are doing wrong (in a nice and kind way!) · Being in a greenhouse doesn’t guarantee growth, there are many other variables to consider · Nurturing a business in the same way you nurture a plant promotes growth · It’s important to be prepared for the difficulties you know are coming · The first step to success is “idea validation” · Avoid some common mistakes when validating ideas · The biggest influence in Drew’s business life was his mentor · There are good “mind games” to play that will give you clarity · There is a fine line between a dream crusher and a realist · Lacking an open-minded attitude is one key to failure · It pays to play the “What About…” Game · Your ability to take criticism is directly related to your success · All criticism is not equal! You can learn more about Drew Donaldson and GroHaus through the links below: Website: http://grohaus.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroHausPA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gro.haus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewrdonaldson Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the "Contact" page on the "Learning from Smart People" website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com/contact/
178 Cathy Nesbitt: How to Take Care of Yourself and the Planet
Oct 6 2022
178 Cathy Nesbitt: How to Take Care of Yourself and the Planet
We hear about how to take care of yourself and the planet from Cathy Nesbitt on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Cathy practices laughter yoga and is an expert in vermiculture. What is vermiculture? You will have to listen to the episode to find out! Cathy is an award-winning environmental innovator who encourages people to live a more sustainable life. Here are some of the topics that Cathy Nesbitt and Rob Oliver covered in their discussion of how to take care of yourself and the planet: · When Toronto closed their landfill, they had to start exporting their garbage to Michigan · Cathy’s solution was to reduce the amount of garbage by composting, indoors no less! · Composting is turning garbage into gold · Fear is just the unknown… · It utilizes the scraps from food preparation, not from plate scrapings · Worms eat half of their weight in food scraps daily · Her journey to entrepreneurship started by taking a business course · The next step was a booth at fairs where she started educating the public · Her business grew from being completely local to having a web presence and serving people internationally · The key to staying positive was our introduction to laughter yoga · Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins are all released when we laugh, have you had your DOSE? · Laughter yoga is a form of laughter exercise, like sit ups · Laughter is a full body experience · To take care of the planet you need to take care of yourself You can learn more about Cathy Nesbitt and Cathy’s Composters through the links below: Website: https://www.cathyscomposters.com/ Website: https://www.cathysclub.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Squirm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CathysCrawlyComposters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathynesbitt/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com/contact/
177 Doug Noll: How to Increase Your Emotional Competency
Sep 29 2022
177 Doug Noll: How to Increase Your Emotional Competency
Today’s topic is how to increase your emotional competency from Doug Noll on the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Doug was born with multiple disabilities and learned to overcome those. Today, he is a world-class mediator and peacemaker. His story is fascinating and I’m sure you are going to learn from what he has to say. Here are several key points as Doug Noll and Rob Oliver discuss how to increase your emotional competency: · Doug has a background as a lawyer where he learned about negotiation · His understanding was shaken while studying martial arts · Doug’s list of disabilities at birth was extensive · The physical disabilities were painful, but the emotional issues were more difficult · His own experiences in teaching himself gave him insights into how to teach others · It’s about breaking things down into small, discrete pieces · What is impossible today is difficult tomorrow but in three weeks we can be asking why did it take so long to get here? · You can find deep meaning in life by serving other people · There is a balance between emotionality and rationality · We are 98% emotional and 2% rational · The rational mind cannot see problems · We teach people to be rational instead of emotional but that needs to change · Emotional competency is about three things: emotional self-awareness, emotional self-regulation and empathy · You can’t increase your emotional intelligence, just emotional competency · Cognitive empathy is about emotional reflection · Doug’s favorite laboratory is Starbucks · You can listen another person into existence · Most people are emotionally self unaware · The majority of people stop maturing emotionally at 6 years old · Emotional incompetency is passed from generation to generation · Our emotions are often invalidated You can learn more about Doug Noll through the links below. Especially check out the offer on his website. Website: http://DougNoll.co/smart-people Website: https://dougnoll.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougnoll Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasNoll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com Code: pIeacCy3txLv17moCDUG
176 Lindsey Lerner: How to Start or Grow a Business
Sep 22 2022
176 Lindsey Lerner: How to Start or Grow a Business
We learn how to start or grow a business with Lindsey Lerner on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Lindsey is a business development expert. She has a passion for community building and social entrepreneurship. During the conversation you will hear about how she started her first company while she was in college. She is all about developing partnerships, brand alliances and collaborative efforts. Here are some of the main points as Rob Oliver and Lindsey Lerner talk about how to start or grow a business: · Lindsey’s struggle to find the right place for her after high school · How she became a fake rock star’s manager · The power of matchmaking between local businesses and musicians · Art is a business and business is an art · The arts and science students had to minor in business and the business students had to have a minor in arts and science · There are only solutions, no problems · Everything is interconnected, people, problems, everything… · When you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s easier to put yourself out there · Utilizing music as a tool for economic development · Do well financially but also do good for your community · Diversity provides richness to your work but also can increase stress · Stigma and bias exist but they exist in other people The easiest way to connect with Lindsey Lerner is through the links below: Website: http://www.lindseylerner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseylerner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/llerner/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
175 Stephen Shortt: How to Successfully Transition Leadership in Family (and other) Businesses
Sep 15 2022
175 Stephen Shortt: How to Successfully Transition Leadership in Family (and other) Businesses
We learn how to successfully transition leadership in family businesses and other businesses from Stephen Shortt on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. As someone who has spent his entire life working in 2 family businesses, he knows the ups and downs of successfully transitioning between generations. What he learned applies to businesses beyond family businesses but that’s where he started and learned. Here are some key points as Stephen Shortt and Rob Oliver talk about how to successfully transition leadership in family businesses: · It is important that your family does not destroy your business and that your business does not destroy your family! · It pays to sit down and think about your “Why?” · The family business can become seen as a member of the family · Deciding to sell a family business can be difficult, especially getting everyone to agree that it’s a good idea · Even if you own the business, you need to work together with other members of the family · You need to know your own purpose, the purpose of your business and how those factors relate · There are lots of ways to make money, why are we doing it this way? · Once you establish the purpose of the business, it guides everything you do · The five P’s of Succession: Purpose, Pick, Preparation, Promote, Patience · Figuring out where you want to go starts with figuring out where you are · The best leader for the business may be different depending what phase of business you are in · Develop an inside hustle for helping younger family members “earn their chops” · Transition can happen gradually You can learn more about Stephen Shortt through the links below: Website: https://successfulsuccession.com All the Social Links: https://successfulsuccession.com/social Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
174 Eric Williams: How to Improve Your Marketing (and Leadership)
Sep 8 2022
174 Eric Williams: How to Improve Your Marketing (and Leadership)
Eric Williams shares how to improve your marketing and leadership in this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Eric Williams is a certified business coach and marketing expert. He understands that many entrepreneurs and small business owners go into business to pursue something they are passionate about, not many go into business because they have the desire to RUN a business. Using a variety of tools, he helps his clients to better engage their target audience and grow their businesses. On a side note, welcome back to the podcast! I took the summer off but I am back and look forward to spending some quality time together. New episodes will be released every Thursday (and I’ve got a great lineup for you.) Here are several of the discussion points that Eric Williams shared as he talked about how to improve your marketing and leadership: • Eric grew up in a family where his parents owned their own business. • He saw the gaps that occurred because people didn’t have the expertise to run their own businesses • If your business is not successful, it as an exponential impact on the people around you • These statistics are not good for business is being handed from one generation to the next • It takes different skills to start a business, to grow a business, to scale a business • The best coaches were not the best players • Leadership is a stewardship of people • If you confuse you lose, clarity is the key, confusion is the enemy • The clearer you can be with your people, the better • There’s a difference between knowledge and practical application • People make choices based on what they understand fastest • When you stop talking about problems, people stop listening • Know the difference between features and benefits • Always play the guide, never the hero • Heroes are the weakest characters because they need something • They need someone outside of themselves to help them grow and solve their issue • When you talk about what you do, people understand how you can help them or someone they know • The “Will you marry me?” Factor as it relates to your Call to Action To learn more about Eric Williams, check them out through the links below. (Especially look for him on Tik-Tok.) Be sure to take advantage of his free offer to evaluate your website. Website: http://212consultingservices.com Tik-Tok: http://tiktok.com/@BusinessCoachEric Instagram: http://instagram.com/212Consulting Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericw712/  Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
172 Anastasia Lipske: How to Grow Your Brand with Podcast Guesting
Apr 8 2022
172 Anastasia Lipske: How to Grow Your Brand with Podcast Guesting
We learn how to grow your brand with podcast guesting from Anastasia Lipske on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver. Anastasia founded a full-service speaking and podcast Guest booking company. Our organization helps clients find the right audience where they can share their expertise. Here are some of the major points that Anastasia Lipske shared about how to grow your brand with podcast guesting: · The concept of paying someone to find places where you can speak for free, it seems counterintuitive, but it has value! · The difference between using speaking as a marketing tool and being a speaker who earns their income from speaking engagement. · When you stumble upon something that is useful and it works, the referrals follow · The definition of a platform marketing speaker · If you can do something at “blesses the audience” it will resonate with some of them and they will want to do business with you · You can’t become a top earning speaker overnight, you need to “pay your dues” in the free speaking circuit · The “I’ve heard of you somewhere” phenomenon · COVID is one of the most powerful forces behind the advancement of podcasting · One of the best ways to get visibility for your podcast is to be a guest on other podcasts · Why Anastasia prefers podcast guesting over speaking · Tips for being a good podcast guest · Understanding the goal of a podcast host · Listen to a podcast before you asked to be on it · Apple Podcast can give you a quick overview of a podcast · Personalizing your pitch increases your chance of getting booked · The definition of a one sheet and how to prepare one · Don’t forget your contact information! · Promote yourself as a guest or speaker, not your business · Maximizing the value of each podcast appearance You can learn more about Anastasia Lipske and Access Speakers through the links below: Website: https://accessspeakers.biz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnastasiaVioletLipske/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasialipske/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
171 Todd Randall: How to Create a Business that Supports Your Lifestyle
Mar 31 2022
171 Todd Randall: How to Create a Business that Supports Your Lifestyle
Today, we learn how to create a business that supports your lifestyle from Todd Randall. He joined Rob Oliver on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast from his office in Florida. Todd knows what he’s talking about. He is the CEO of eight organizations and has annual revenue of $6 million plus. As a result, he travels extensively pursuing his hobby of playing polo. His businesses are all set up to allow for remote management. Here are some of the topics Rob Oliver and Todd Randall covered in their discussion of how to create a business that supports your lifestyle: · Todd started as a pharmacist but know he wanted to be a busine sperson · His failures provide the life experiences to make him an excellent coach · Sometimes superstars don’t make the best coaches, it’s the “B players” · Managing a team requires a different skill set than selling · Studying the people who are successful in your business will teach you what sets them apart · If you are going to succeed, it takes prep · We don’t all have multiple opportunities; we just need one! · Some people look down on franchising · You have to find the balance between confidence and rate of return · Making the decision to become an entrepreneur is one of the more difficult choices in life · There are experiences that show us exactly what we need in life · Some people are looking for the million dollar a year idea · Entrepreneurship requires both business acumen and creative passion · You may have more business acumen than you realize · Most companies are spinoffs of other companies · Several real-life examples of what he’s talking about · Relationships are an undervalued asset · Coaches help people find their authentic niches · Creating a bridge between your hobby and your business is another possibility You can find out more about Todd Randall and his company through the links below. Check out his Facebook group for all of the training videos. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeachviewCoaching/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-randall-2aa24/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
170 Leslie Hassler: How to Grow Your Business and Reach Your Goals
Mar 24 2022
170 Leslie Hassler: How to Grow Your Business and Reach Your Goals
In this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast, Leslie Hassler talks with Rob Oliver about how to grow your business and reach your goals. She is a speaker, author and business strategist. Leslie helps women-owned, service-based industries to achieve more profits, cash flow and success. Her proprietary method is called the Scaling Rich™ method. Here are some of the major points covered as Rob Oliver and Leslie Hassler talk about how to grow your business and reach your goals: · Leslie’s entrepreneurial journey and how she learned the lessons that she teaches (the hard way) · Going through the struggles of being an entrepreneur creates empathy with the people she serves · We can learn business lessons from things that are going on around us that are not necessarily business related · You cannot be static in your understanding of business and be effective · When we share stories, we make ourselves relatable and anchor our teaching points · What’s the difference between growing a business and scaling a business? · The investment into growth has an even exchange, investing in scaling has a higher return on investment · It starts with figuring out where you want to go with your business · Growth is about building the foundations, profitability is about maximizing the return on those investments · There is no “Profit Fairy” · The six elements of profitability · Tips for supporting the profit of your business · Many people fear the numbers, it’s actually just third grade math! · Reverse engineering profitability is not that complicated · You cannot make up in volume what you lose in margin · The things that we are willing to pay more for are culturally based You can learn more about Leslie Hassler and the Scaling Rich™ method through the links below. Be sure to take advantage of her free download as well. Website: https://www.yourbizrules.com/ Download: https://www.yourbizrules.com/21-ways-to-fund-business-growth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourBizRules/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.hassler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
169 Graham Brown: How to Build Your Brand
Mar 17 2022
169 Graham Brown: How to Build Your Brand
Graham Brown joins Rob Oliver in this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast to talk about how to build your brand. Graham is an authority on podcasts. He has founded a podcast agency called Pikkal & company. (It’s pronounced like “pickle”, you will learn that as you listen to the podcast! I forgot to ask him before we started.) In this episode, we talk about brand building and podcasting. Here are some of the topics that Rob Oliver and Graham Brown talk about in this episode of Learning from Smart People: · The story of how a guy from England ended up in Singapore doing podcasting · Everybody has a great story to share · There are elements of your story that other people can identify with · We are all living our own version of the “hero’s journey” · One of the key elements is getting a stage to share your story · People follow people, not brands and that is the doorway into business · We need to unlock the human potential of our brands · Storytelling is everybody’s business · People will forget what you told them, but they will remember how you made them feel · Stories don’t have to be trilogies or epics, they can be one line or even one word · Great storytellers take away uncertainty · You need a stage, a story, and the system · Determine whether you need to start your own podcast or be a guest on someone else’s · Go forward in an agile manner · Refine your narrative after each presentation · Find your start and the “why” will become apparent · Podcast guesting is about finding a host whose avatar matches yours You can learn more about Graham Brown and connect with him through the website and social media links below: Website: https://www.grahamdbrown.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdbrown/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
168 Alison Proffit: How to Bring More Joy into What You Do (and How You Do It!)
Mar 10 2022
168 Alison Proffit: How to Bring More Joy into What You Do (and How You Do It!)
In this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver, we hear how to bring more joy into what you do and how you do it from Alison Proffit. Alison is a life and business coach based in Colorado. As you will learn, she has had some ups and downs in her life and her business which have given her tremendous insights. She works with people in their pursuit of joy. Here are some of the topics covered as Alison Proffit shares how to bring more joy into what you do and how you do it on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver: · Alison’s backstory of creating a vision for where she would be in the future. Amazingly, that vision had her living in a different place and doing a different job · The roller coaster experience of moving 9 times, getting fired multiple times, trying to start a business and getting a divorce, all within two years! · Living safely isn’t always most joyful · The ups and downs are formative in our experience · You must allow your employees whole human being to show up at work · The baseball analogy, finding the difference between playing it safe and being too risky · Most people’s goal is to be joyful · Your intuition helps you recognize when you are not aligned with your own values · Don’t live looking in the rearview mirror, learn from what happens and move forward · Every experience as a learning opportunity and not a referendum on your intelligence · How you do anything is how you do everything · Everything is energy · Joy comes from a culture that makes people feel valued and safe · Joy is the best business strategy · Sometimes we need to reevaluate our business practices to line them up with our values · Everyone must create their own definition of joy and happiness · Being in the moment provides more opportunities for joy · The longer we are alive the more judgments we learn · We are born as beings of love · The KISS method: Keeping It Soulfully Simple · There are a million paths to everything · We must reverse engineer the “When I have this, I will do this, then I will be this” concept · We are not taught how to tune into ourselves nor how to set boundaries · Your joy is yours and nothing can ever change that You can learn more about Alison Proffit and the work that she is currently doing through the website and links below. You can also schedule an introductory session with her: Website http://www.getsoulfulsuccess.com Scheduling https://calendly.com/alison-proffit-coach/30min LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/proffitcoach/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w
167 Jill Lublin: How to Get Publicity for Yourself and Your Business
Mar 3 2022
167 Jill Lublin: How to Get Publicity for Yourself and Your Business
In this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver, we learn how to get publicity for yourself and your business from Jill Lublin. Jill is a best-selling author and international speaker. She hosts a publicity crash that helps her clients to obtain publicity. She also helps authors obtain book deals and foreign rights agreements. I have personally learned a great deal from her. Here are some of the topics covered as Jill Lublin and Rob Oliver talk about how to get publicity for yourself and your business: · How Jill went from being in law school to start her journey of promotion and publicity · Jill’s definition of public relations and publicity · Publicity helps to keep you top of mind · The media cares about what experts have to say and you have expertise! · Creating the “I have heard of you somewhere” effect · You must learn how to expand your expertise · Use everything you’ve got to pitch yourself to the media: ethnicity, gender, any identifying factor · The media needs stories every day, they have airtime to fill · Check the national day calendar to see if there is a holiday that you fit into · There are 10,000 radio shows looking for 4000 guests every day · Learning the art of pitching · The importance of an engaging subject line · Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call a producer · The local media needs you and is a great opportunity to build your media portfolio · Publicity gives you a leg up on your competition · The do’s and don’ts of media appearances · Tips for being a good guest · You must be of value and of benefit to be a great guest · “Drip Gold” – give away valuable information · Be sure to use soundbites · Creating a list of 3 solutions that can be easily shared · Learn how to speak, write, and think in headlines · How is what you do relevant to what’s going on? You can learn more about Jill Lublin and her publicity master class using the links below. Make sure to take advantage of her free action guide: Website: http://JillLublin.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/jilllublin Facebook: http://facebook.com/publicitycrashcourse Instagram: http://instagram.com/jilllublin LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jilllublin Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
166 Sandra Lane: How to Organize Your Life and Business
Feb 24 2022
166 Sandra Lane: How to Organize Your Life and Business
In this episode you’ll learn how to organize your life and business as Rob Oliver talks with Sandra Lane on the Learning from Smart People Podcast. Sandra is based here in Pittsburgh and helps her clients, and their businesses, elevate their productivity and focus on what really matters. Her tips are practical and apply whether you are working from home or in the office. Here are several of the key points that Sandra Lane and Rob Oliver covered as they talked about how to organize your life and your business: · Why Sandra didn’t have to learn to pump gas as a girl · Sandra’s path to starting her own business · The progression of her business from being hands-on to more consulting and speaking · Organization is about running your own space more efficiently which makes you more productive · Structuring your office in a way that is conducive for work · Preparation for a productive day starts the night before · Everything you do the night before is one less thing you have to do the morning of · Set up a “shutdown” procedure in the office to prepare you for the next morning · We need to carefully set boundaries · Phone rings, door knocks, text alerts, emailed dings are all things that stop us from doing work · Let the other people in your house know when you are working and should not be disturbed · The human brain cannot multitask well · Become familiar with Parkinson’s law · You need to “block” your schedule · Set aside times during which you will focus on a single task · Don’t forget to set a time to end your day · Schedule time to check and process email, to take a break, go for a walk, etc. · Use whatever means is most comfortable for you to create your schedule · Making work a contest or making it fun is a great motivator · Be sure that you maintain a high level of quality · “Strive for less” – the less stuff you have, the less clutter you have, the easier it is to find things · Utilize a “one in, one out” rule · The 80/20 rule applies to what we wear as well · “Sleep deeply!” · Develop a sleep routine to ensure good rest · Why you shouldn’t sleep with your smart phone beside the bed You can learn more about Sandra Lane and Organization Lane through the links below: You can learn more about Sandra Lane and Organization Lane through the links below: Website: https://organizationlane.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizationlane Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationlane/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-lane/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
165 Dave Friedman: How to Live on Purpose and with Passion
Feb 18 2022
165 Dave Friedman: How to Live on Purpose and with Passion
On this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver, we hear from Dave Friedman who tells us how to live on purpose and with passion. Dave is a coach that works with entrepreneurs and leaders. His goal is to help people become a better version of themselves. Here are a few of the topics that Rob Oliver and Dave Friedman covered on this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast: · Dave’s background, having five different careers and learning from all of them to become who he is today · How the crash of 2008 opened his eyes to the possibilities · His discovery of core energy coaching and how it shaped him · Human beings are energy · As we become more authentic, we become a better version of ourselves · Often, it takes some form of a major life event to stimulate the desire to learn more about yourself · My physical body is not me, the essence of who I am lives on the inside… It is character, personality, sense of humor, etc. · There is a major difference between what we do and who we are · There is no cookie-cutter way to deal with people, we are all unique · A sculptor creates a beautiful masterpiece by removing everything that is not part of the sculpture · The four step CLAY process: check in, look and listen, act on it, then – “you got this!” · If you are happy with who you are, that’s okay · The desire to change must come from you · You are the biggest obstacle to change in your own life · We wouldn’t know the up days if we didn’t have the down days You can learn more about Dave Friedman (a.k.a. Coach Dave 4 You) through the website and social media links below: Website: http://coachdave4you.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davamon/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdave4you/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
164 Dustin Magaziner: How to Grow Your Business
Feb 10 2022
164 Dustin Magaziner: How to Grow Your Business
In this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast, Rob Oliver interviews Dustin Magaziner about how to grow your business. Dustin is the CEO of PayBright, a company that provides merchant services (credit card processing.) PayBright differentiates itself by doing business the right way and as a result is in the top 1% of fastest growing companies in that sector. You will learn about merchant services, but more importantly you’ll learn from Dustin Magaziner about how he grew his own business and helps his clients to grow there’s. Here are some of the topics covered as Rob Oliver talks to Dustin Magaziner about how to grow your business: · An explanation of what merchant services actually is · Dustin talks about the mentors that have helped him get to where he is today · His strategy of doing business at cost to start off with · The power of being a model for others and helping the next generation · The difference between nepotism mentorship and business mentorship · Matching your business’ intensity level to your customer’s intensity level · Mentorship can be symbiotic, not just a one-way information download · The success of your service-based business comes from the success of the people you serve · Addressing the gap that exists between what you learn in school and what happens in the real world · Learning the law of averages as it relates to sales · If you do the right thing, good things will follow · Sometimes the benefit to doing the right thing doesn't show up in the short term · It is never the wrong time to do the right thing · The question is not, "What is in it for me?" It is, "How can I serve my customers and clients?" · When your customers benefit, your business will grow as well · You need to establish the way that you do business based on your guiding principles · Why it pays to be selective in who you hire to work for you (and ultimately represent your brand) · Just because your competitors do something doesn't make it right for you to do it as well · Build relationships and the profits will follow You can learn more about Dustin Magaziner and PayBright through their website and social media links below: Website: https://www.gopaybright.com   Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmagaziner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paybright Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pay_bright/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paybright/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
163 Gabe Nelson: How to Utilize a Financial Advisor
Feb 3 2022
163 Gabe Nelson: How to Utilize a Financial Advisor
Rob Oliver talks with Gabe Nelson about how to utilize a financial advisor in this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast. Gabe specializes in helping entrepreneurs and solopreneurs understand finances and set themselves up to live the life they want. In addition to being a financial advisor, he is a father and husband. Throughout this episode, he talks about how to build a relationship with your financial advisor and the benefits that come with that relationship both personally and professionally. Here are some of the topics covered as Gabe Nelson and Rob Oliver talk about how to utilize a financial advisor: · How a financial advisor can help you achieve Freedom! · Gabe’s business is all about relationships, that keeps it from being boring · Your financial advisor is a guide on the business journey · Sometimes, people need help to figure out what their actual goals are · It starts with a “vision for life” · Once you determine where you want to go with your life, you can get it organized to layout the path to that destination · Take an opportunity to slow down and think about your business and your life · If you are just getting by, take a look at your expenses and your rates · All you need to have to start a relationship with a financial advisor is an idea of where you want to go · It is about building the “know, like, trust” factor · COVID has provided an opportunity for many creative people to pursue their passion · Adversity is opportunity in disguise · Using a “Life Wheel” to determine where you are and where you want to go · It is imperative to have a purpose with everything you do · Utilizing a “defined benefit plan” · The client is ultimately the one in charge of steering where things go · A financial advisor can also provide input on your business structure and organization You can find out more about Gabe Nelson and his book through his website and social media links below: Website: https://www.gabenelsonfinancial.com/ Website: http://solopreneurmoney.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Solopreneurs-Money-Manifesto-Master-Finances-ebook/dp/B09NS1ZG5P LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabenelsoncfp/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com
162 Barbie Wharton: How to Use Your Voice, Follow Your Heart and Live!
Jan 27 2022
162 Barbie Wharton: How to Use Your Voice, Follow Your Heart and Live!
In this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast with Rob Oliver we learn how to use your voice, follow your heart and live from Barbie Wharton. Barbie has a variety of thoughts and wisdom to share that come from her life including being an entrepreneur and reassessing her life when she experienced Bell’s palsy. It’s a fascinating story and one we can all learn from! Here are some of the points that Barbie Wharton and Rob Oliver discussed during this episode of the Learning from Smart People Podcast: · Barbie’s background as a “business girl” · The concept of looking at the world through “new eyes” · The identity crisis that happens when you are forced to close your business · Why we all need to come together and figure out why we are on this planet · Doing a self-assessment of who am I really… · We need to pay attention to the opportunities that are put in front of us, especially the weird ones · Choosing not to settle doesn’t happen all at once, it happens in small steps · Be careful about judging other people, they may have things going on that you don’t understand · Sometimes we do things simply to avoid discomfort · Other people don’t know what they are doing, don’t accept their expectations of you · Pay attention to those “icky feelings” · The difference between things that are difficult and things that don’t feel right · You only get one body, if you don’t take care of it… You will pay · Self-care is just as important to your health as exercising and eating properly · Self-Care is about making you feel fulfilled · Carrying those icky emotions around inside will eventually turn into something ugly · Does any form of disability fundamentally change who you are? Think about it… · When Barbie’s mouth was paralyzed, it allowed her to find her voice! · Every experience we have is an opportunity for change · Everybody has a gift offer that is unique to them You can learn more about Barbie Wharton and Bell’s Palsy Talk through her website and social media: Website: http://www.barbiewharton.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbiewharton1 Instagram: http://instagram.com/barbiewharton and http://instagram.com/bellspalsytalk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbiewharton/ Thanks for listening to the Learning from Smart People Podcast! Please Subscribe, leave a comment and follow us on social media: Twitter: http://twitter.com/LFSPPodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/LFSPPodcast Facebook: http://facebook.com/LFSPPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfsppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imroboliver/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWV_LuUad7ZWuE9j5D9v-w You can also use the “Contact” page on the “Learning from Smart People” website: https://www.learningfromsmartpeople.com