It's a Good Life

There’s a lot you can’t control in life but, no matter what’s going on in the world, you can always take charge of your own economy. In this episode, Brian explains how to achieve phenomenal success by focusing on your outlook, your attitude and your effort. YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why there's nothing new.·     How to control yourself.·     How to control your economy. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:itsagoodlife.com Free business consultation Free REALStrengths assessment “How to Have Your Best Year Ever,” by Jim Rohn The Chosen “Good to Great,” by Jim Collins NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Your outlook, your attitude and your effort are all things you can control and, ultimately, how you can control your own economy.” – Brian Buffini“Principles that have existed for thousands of years that have helped people become successful are still true – and will be true thousands of years from now.” – Brian Buffini   “When you consume more negativity, you are by nature more negative.” – Brian Buffini “If you're going to control your own economy, you need to control what's going into your mind and what's going into your heart.” – Brian Buffini “The vast majority of people who own a business are optimistic about their future because they're controlling their own economy.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you’re in tune with your natural gifts and abilities, you can achieve more than you ever dreamed of. In this episode, REALStrengths expert Rachael Yeaman shares how maximizing your personal strengths in sales and service will help you to work more effectively, serve others better and really thrive. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to identify your unique selling strength.   ·     How to identify your unique serving strength.·     How to leverage both to achieve phenomenal success.    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: REALStrengths Assessmentitsagoodlife.comS2E63, How a Team Works, or Doesn't - an Interview with Pat Lencioni Part 1S2E64 How a Team Works, or Doesn't - an Interview with Pat Lencioni Part 2NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “We're negotiating, we're persuading, we're influencing an outcome or an experience in every interaction that we're having, whether we're aware of it or not.” – Rachael Yeaman “When we're not managing ourselves, when we're not aware, we get into more of that emotional reactivity.” – Rachael Yeaman “The way you're wired is the way you're designed.” –  Brian Buffini “Sometimes it really is just small, tiny, subtle adjustments that give you all the freedom in the world.” – Rachael Yeaman “We can extend an awful lot more grace, we can even receive a bit more grace, by becoming aware of what our strengths are and aware of what other people's strengths are.” – Brian Buffini  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s increasingly disconnected world, a great workplace culture is vital to the success of any business. In this episode, author and consultant Matt Mayberry shares how leaders can build a culture that drives organizational excellence and unleashes the full potential of every employee.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to define workplace culture.·     Why a company’s culture impacts its bottom line.·     How a mission statement differs from a cultural purpose statement. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:mattmayberryonline.com cultureistheway.com “See You at the Top,” by Zig Ziglar “The Rhythm of Life,” by Matthew Kelly Rocky Rudyitsagoodlife.com NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Culture is how your people feel on Sunday night before getting ready to start a new work week.” – Matt Mayberry “Culture is truly behavior at scale.” –  Matt Mayberry “A culture has to be able to now breed out beyond boundaries, physical space and being in connection with one another.” – Brian Buffini “Culture and strategy are connected.” – Matt Mayberry “You can never let your small business have you be small-minded.” – Matt Mayberry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthy ambition is the source code for the good life. In this episode, Brian teaches the difference between selfish and healthy ambition and explains how harnessing the latter is the key to success in business and in life.    YOU WILL LEARN:·     How you can turn your wishes into desires.·     Why you must devote yourself to discipline.  ·     Why it’s vital to find your example. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: S2E55, Breaking the Ice - an Interview with Wim Hof Shackletonitsagoodlife.com NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “We all fall off the wagon; we all get back on. The routine is everything.” – Brian Buffini “Every book on winning has some losing in it. Every chapter on failure has pages of victory.” – Brian Buffini “Any goal can be achieved if you break it down into smaller parts.” – Brian Tracy “If they can do it, I can do it.” – Brian Buffini “You can live as good a life as you can imagine if you will harness a healthy ambition.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s often critical and disparaging world, it seems as if the art of respect is rapidly disappearing. In this episode, Brian teaches why being respectful to others transforms your interactions, impacts your business and ultimately defines your success. He also outlines the steps we can all take to repair and rebuild a positive culture of respect.    YOU WILL LEARN:·     How the epidemic of disrespect shows up in society.·     How to give respect.·     How to be respected. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: S1E222, Choosing Hope in a Racially Divided Culture with Miles McPherson“Love and Respect for a Lifetime,” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs S1E261, Matthew McConaughey, an Interview on His New Book, “Greenlights”   S2E108, The Two Most Powerful Words in Business “The Natural,” movie REALStrengths Assessmentitsagoodlife.com NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Being respectful changes one's own heart and attitude.” – Brian Buffini “Let's have respect for ourselves, then give respect to our loved ones.” – Brian Buffini “If you want to give respect, seek out opportunities to acknowledge people.” – Brian Buffini“Respect, admiration and trust equals love.” – Hal Hartley “If you want to be respected, be respectful.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-confidence is one of the biggest factors differentiating success from failure, in business and in life. In this episode, Brian interviews Dr. Ivan Joseph to learn the traits of self-confident people and how anyone can develop more grit, resilience and self-belief.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why self-confidence is a skill you can learn. ·     How global self-confidence differs from specific self-confidence.·     How you can build more self-confidence. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: www.drivanjoseph.com “You Got This,” by Dr. Ivan Joseph REALStrengths Assessmentitsagoodlife.com“What to Say When You Talk to Yourself,” by Shad Helmstetter“Awaken the Giant Within,” by Anthony Robbins Seven Brides for Seven Brothers NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Self-confidence is the genuine belief in your ability to accomplish the task at hand.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph “Confident people interpret feedback differently.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph “Confident people have to be willing to accept failure as part of the process and then ask themselves what are they here to learn.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph “The process of becoming great and becoming confident is filled and grounded in hope and optimism.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph “Live in the moment and let go of your mistakes.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph “The Good Life to me means living within your means surrounded by people who love you unconditionally and adding value to the world that you live in.” – Dr. Ivan Joseph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone has a unique communication style. In some interactions, you feel like you’re on the same page; in others, nothing clicks and you feel totally misunderstood. In this episode, REALStrengths expert Rachael Yeaman explores why so many people struggle to connect and reveals the secrets to high-level communication in business and in life. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How most people communicate.  ·     Why miscommunications can happen so easily.·     How you can identify and use your natural communication style.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: REALStrengths Assessmentitsagoodlife.com NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The only way to have deep connection is to actually show someone who you are, which means you need to open yourself up.” – Rachael Yeaman “Our connection with others is only as strong and as deep as our connection with ourselves and the strengths that we have.” – Rachael Yeaman “Be mindful that who you are is not how the entire world is programmed.” – Rachael Yeaman “Be aware that not everybody is wired the exact same way. Ask questions to determine how they’re wired, and then adjust your style accordingly.”  – Rachael Yeaman “Relationships are a two-way street. We don't need to have every problem solved in our heads before we open our mouth to actually speak. Allow it to be a reciprocal dynamic.” – Rachael Yeaman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s transactional society, entrepreneurs who consistently exceed their customers’ expectations will stand out and achieve phenomenal success. In this episode, Brian teaches why a positive focus on providing exceptional customer service builds a strong business culture, forges long-lasting relationships and creates a tribe of loyal advocates who refer.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why you must fill the need.·     How to go the extra mile.·     How to make it extraordinary. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:S1E87, The Unexpected Extras“The Emigrant Edge,” by Brian Buffini Branson, HBO docuseries “Raving Fans,” by Ken Blanchard NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Delight your customers. That's the secret to success in business. No-one ever went out of business having millions of delighted customers.” – Warren Buffet “Poor customer service is the death knell for a business.” – Brian Buffini “One of the key ingredients to building trust is consistency.” – Brian Buffini “People don't get to talk much about great service, so give them something to talk about.” – Brian Buffini “It's easier today than ever before to get a fan. It's easier today to delight your customers, because so many people are just trying to meet the basic needs.” – Brian Buffini “Focus your mind on delighting your customers, and you'll have a delightful business.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world where a simple ‘thank you’ is often absent in interactions with other people, expressing gratitude is more important than ever before. In this episode, Brian shares why an attitude of gratitude changes everything and how it has formed the cornerstone of his business and his life for many decades.    YOU WILL LEARN:·     The best ways to express gratitude. ·     What happens when you let people know you appreciate their business.·     How gratitude brings emotional glue to a relationship.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale CarnegieS1E027, Gratitude: My Secret Ingredient for Success NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “When you don't receive thanks, it makes it a transaction.” – Brian Buffini “A person's name is so important. It's the sweetest sound in their ears. We’ve got to make sure that we say thank you and use the person's name.” – Brian Buffini “An attitude of gratitude changes the heart.” – Brian Buffini “Nothing in my career has cost less money, taken less time and built a bigger fortune for me than the expression of gratitude, especially through personal notes.” – Brian Buffini “Gratitude is an essential in the good life.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the most successful investors in the world have in common? In this episode, legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group David Rubenstein shares the secrets of his own phenomenal success as well as some of the time-tested principles, wisdom and tools of the biggest names in finance.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why relationships are vital. ·     The 3 categories of investing. ·     How entrepreneurs should invest right now. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:“How to Invest,” By David RubensteinThe Godfather It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Nobody ever won a Nobel Prize hating what they do. You have to love what you're doing.” – David Rubenstein  “The people that do well are people that go against conventional wisdom.” – David Rubenstein  “You don't need to be at the bottom or the top of the market. You're making investments. You need to basically believe in what you're doing.” – David Rubenstein  “Right now, I think is a good time to be buying, because I think the economy will come back.” – David Rubenstein  “Give your money to people that know what they're doing, and let them do it.” – David Rubenstein  “I try not to confuse my net worth with my self-worth.” – David Rubenstein Connect with Brian Buffinihttps://www.Itsagoodlife.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianbuffiniInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_buffiniYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsagoodlifepodcastLove what you heard? Share it with your friends! It’s a Good Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you know your natural gifts and abilities, you can connect to who you truly are and live a life of greater meaning and purpose. In this episode, REALStrengths expert Rachael Yeaman shares why everything changes when you uncover and leverage your unique strengths.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     How your innate gifts can unlock success.·     How you can maximize these strengths.  ·     Why you must also learn to manage them. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:REALStrengthsitsagoodlife.com MasterMind SummitThe Peak ExperienceMaster Class “Dare to Lead,” by Brené Brown Good Will Hunting NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The magic of what REALStrengths allows is for people to know that who they are is more than enough to make their unique impact in this world.” – Rachael Yeaman “It’s a revelation when you find out what your strengths are, because they're so natural to you. They're like breathing.” – Brian Buffini “Once we're aware of our unique strengths, we become confident in who we’re innately designed to be.” – Rachael Yeaman “If we don't know our strengths, connect to them and consistently put them into action, there's a ceiling on everything that's possible.” – Rachael Yeaman “We are our own unique selling proposition, but we need to be able to unlock it to allow that to truly thrive.” – Rachael Yeaman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As they face the challenges of the new year, many entrepreneurs can feel apprehensive and overwhelmed. In this episode, Brian teaches how small business owners can tackle any setback and get on track to phenomenal success, regardless of market conditions.   YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to create a clear business strategy.·     Why tracking is vital to success.·     Why you should pick a theme for the year. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:itsagoodlife.com“Atomic Habits,” by James Clear S2E09, One Word to Change Your Life – an Interview with Jimmy Page S1E166, Discipline Equals Freedom with Jocko Willink  Buffini & Company Referral Maker Free business consultation  NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “An idea is not a strategy. An idea is an idea. And good ideas get better over time.” – Brian Buffini “There cannot be a crisis next week, my schedule is already full.” – Henry Kissinger   “Set your goals, prioritize your calendar, focus on the day.” – Brian Buffini “Make tracking your friend.” – Brian Buffini “My focus is to grow: grow myself, so I can grow my business.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to succeed in 2023, you have to understand where you’re at right now and then learn how to unlock your untapped potential going forward. In this episode, Brian shares the steps you need to take to have a great year.   YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to make resolutions that really work.·     How to get 5 Circle Fit.·     How to build your best year ever. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:itsagoodlife.comMasterMind SummitThe Peak ExperienceMaster Class S2E102, Reflections on a Good Year S2E103, How to Review Your Business S1E182, Breaking Bad “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The good life requires some resolve.” – Brian Buffini “You cannot unintentionally be successful.” – Brian Buffini“When you take the small steps and have the small wins, you’ve got to celebrate them.” – Brian Buffini “You need to write your principles in stone; you need to write your goals in pencil.” – Brian Buffini “If you want to have a great year, one of the keys is don't go it alone.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the perfect time of year to review your business so you can hit the ground running in 2023. In this episode, Brian teaches why it’s vital to take stock of your business now so you can avoid mistakes, overcome challenges and win next year, no matter what happens. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to evaluate what worked well this year.·     How to look clinically at what needs improvement.·     How to perform a SWOT analysis. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: itsagoodlife.comS2E100, Opportunities Coming off my Bold Predictions The Peak Experience S2E66, The Magic Meeting S2E91, Play the Promotion Game to Win with Bill Hampton Master Class NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “This is the time of year to make hay for next year.” – Brian Buffini “Winners evaluate themselves in a positive manner and look for their strengths as they work to overcome their weaknesses.” – Zig Ziglar “When you track things, it's a story of what actually took place.” – Brian Buffini “Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work.” – Thomas Edison “Whatever's going on in the world, we're going to outgrow it; we're going to outperform it.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The good life isn’t always easy, but there’s always something to be grateful for. In this episode, Brian reflects on the challenges and blessings of the past year and teaches how, even with pain and suffering, life is still good if you practice gratitude. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to evaluate what worked during the year.·     How to decide what needs a tune-up.·     How to create your own highlight reel for the year. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:itsagoodlife.comMasterMind NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “In the midst of the tragedy, in the midst of the difficulty and in the midst of the heartache, life is still good.” – Brian Buffini “The difference between people who I consider successful, and people I don't consider successful, is gratitude.” – Brian Buffini “It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way, so we must dig and delve unceasingly.” – Claude Monet “There’s always something to be grateful for.” – Brian Buffini “The lessons you learn from this year, you will use for the years to come.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As children, Christmas was a season of wonder for many of us, but over time we often start to anticipate less, expect more and even develop a sense of entitlement. In this extra-special replay episode, Brian shares why Christmas is still so dear to him and teaches how anyone can tap into the magic of the season all year long. YOU WILL LEARN:How to rekindle a sense of childlike anticipation and appreciation.The story of the best Christmas Brian ever had.Why the present is the most precious gift of all. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: itsagoodlife.com “The One Minute Manager,” by Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard “The Present,” by Spencer Johnson NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The only thing that will last is relationships with people.” – Brian Buffini “At the end of the day, the greatest present is the present.” – Brian Buffini “It’s OK to be shaped by your past, but you can’t drive a car by constantly looking in the rear-view mirror.” – Brian Buffini “You need to learn from your past, not get judged by your past or get stuck by your past.” – Brian Buffini “The present of faith opened up my heart, my life and my eyes.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a shifting market, real estate agents need to be more professional than ever if they want to succeed in 2023. In this episode, Brian digs deeper into his Bold Predictions for next year, reveals which factors are affecting conditions and shares how to build a strong business in challenging economic times.  YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why employment is key to forecasting the market.·     Why inflation is so dangerous.·     How to beat inflation. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: S2E99, Brian Buffini's Bold Predictions: 2023 Real Estate Market Update The National Association of REALTORS® S2E89, The Invisible Crisis with Nicholas Eberstadt S2E23, Inflation and You Part 1 S2E24, Inflation and You Part 2 Buffini & Company Real Estate Report itsagoodlife.com Free business consultation NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Inflation is a hole in the bucket.” – Brian Buffini “Growth is the key to inflation: you’ve got to grow faster than inflation.” – Brian Buffini“Get back to the fundamentals, execute, and swim against the tide and you're going to win.” – Brian Buffini “This a good year to put some money in the market.” – Brian Buffini “I can't control what the Fed does. I can't control what administrations do. I can't control what central banks do. But I can control what I do: attitude, effort, energy.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many years, Brian has predicted real estate trends and developments with astounding accuracy. In his 15th annual Bold Predictions broadcast, he interviews NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun for a market update. He also forecasts what’s ahead for next year and shares what real estate professionals need to do in order to win. YOU WILL LEARN:Factors affecting the market right now.How real estate agents, buyers and sellers are being impacted.Three opportunities to take advantage of in 2023 to succeed.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The National Association of REALTORS® buffiniandcompany.com/2023resources S2E94, The One Decision That Makes a Millionaire itsagoodlife.com Free business consultation NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Data is indicating that this year, once all the numbers are in, median home prices will be roughly 10% above last year.” – Dr. Yun “I think by 2024 we will definitely have lower mortgage rates.” – Dr. Yun “This is a pro's market.” – Brian Buffini “Real estate is the number one protection against inflation and has been for 100 years.” – Brian Buffini “Do not go it alone. When times are tough, you can't go it alone. Get help.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an entrepreneur, strong self-belief is vital for yourself, your business and your staff. In this episode, Brian shares his own journey to self-belief and teaches how to develop it so you can win at work and in life.    YOU WILL LEARN:·     How self-belief combats imposter syndrome.  ·     How self-talk affects self-belief.·     The dividends of developing self-belief. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:“What to Say When You Talk to Yourself,” by Shad HelmstetterMasterMindThe Peak Experience   S1E273, Chatter: The Voice Inside Our Head – an Interview with Ethan Kross S1E216, Unleash Your Inner Olympian with Apollo Ohno Miracle, movie NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “A lack of self-belief equals a lack of conviction.” – Brian Buffini “You’ve got to affirm what's true, and you’ve got to affirm what can be true.” – Brian Buffini “You can correct bad behavior and bad thinking into the right self-belief.” – Brian Buffini “Benchmarks are critical; comparison is deadly.” – Brian Buffini “When you become more of who you're designed to be and you believe more in yourself, you will see the results show up in all five circles.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we have the confidence to meet challenges and achieve our goals. In this special replay episode, Brian explores why what you think about yourself can help or hinder you and provides powerful tips to improve self-belief.   YOU WILL LEARN:·     How insecurity can sabotage your dreams.  ·     How past experiences and other people’s feedback shape your beliefs.·     Two affirmations to use when your self-belief falters. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:“What to Say When You Talk to Yourself,” by Shad Helmstetter“Mindset,” by Carol Dweck“The Emigrant Edge,” by Brian Buffini NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “If we believe in ourselves, we can have belief in others.” – Brian Buffini  “Just being myself is good enough to be great.” – Brian Buffini  “Failure is an event, not a person.” – Zig Ziglar “We need stress to live; we need resistance to grow.” – Brian Buffini  “Comparison produces insecurity because it focuses on what you’re not.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.