Meron Bareket

IIP056: Guy Kawasaki Talks Canva And Democratizing Design

Inspiring Innovation Podcast episode 56 Get it on iTunes

Today’s highlights

The funniest thing that ever happened to Guy Kawasaki
What’s Canva, and why does Guy think that it’s to Design what the Macintosh was to Computing?
What’s Guy’s drive? Why did he go back to working for someone else for the first time in almost 10 years?
What are some of Guy’s tips to entrepreneurs when it comes to spreading the word about their business?
What are the first two criteria that Guy checks when validating an idea?
How did a small startup like Canva opened up a conversation with someone like Guy, and what’s the moral here for all of us entrepreneurs?
What about today’s interview made me, and my co-host Jared Easley, sweat bullets?

Today, as you can judge by the episode’s highlights, we have a great show. It’s an amazing honor to have Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist of Canva, come and share with us what’s on his mind.

Besides finally explaining what a chief evangelist is, Guy shares with us what made him revive his mythological role at Apple, and go back to working for someone else, dedicating all of his time to his new goal and mission: Democratizing design.

Democratizing Design

Guy believes that there’s no reason for the tools required to designing breathtaking graphics to be out of the reach for most people. Today, you need to learn and master complicated and expensive pieces of software like Photoshop to create artwork that you can share on Social Media, your website, or anywhere else.

Guy’s new mission is to help change the current status quo. He partnered up with the design tool, Canva, that won his heart and got him excited. Actually, he never felt this way since the first time he saw what the Macintosh could do.

Being an avid fan of Canva, I get it. The first time I used Canva, was only similar to the first time I held an iPad, MacBook, and iPhone (yes, I’m an Apple fan. We can debate about just how much it kicks Android’s ass in the show notes if you want to). It was love at first site. This tool changed me from the most un-gifted graphic designer in the world, to someone who spends 15 minutes creating a little photo, that 10 hours later hits #1 in the Get Motivated Reddit, and brings in thousands of unique views.

Tips For Entrepreneurs

Besides Canva, Guy also shared with Jared and me some of his thoughts about idea validation, following a passion, and rejecting those who tell you, “you can’t do that!”.

Join Jared and me for quick talk with a true legend. And by the way, check out our previous episode for a crazy story about what happens when you tell the universe what you want (hint: you get to interview Guy Kawasaki!)

P.S. If you enjoyed the show, please tweet this! (click to automatically tweet it):

Thank you @MeronBareket @JaredEasley for introducing me to @Canva! Really enjoyed your interview with @GuyKawasaki http://iito.me/1fymPWD

Items mentioned on this episode

Canva – the most amazing graphic design tool you’ll ever use!
Guy Kawasaki
Starve The Doubts podcast with Jared Easley

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Meron

IIP055: A Crazy Story About What Happens When You Tell The Universe What You Want

Today’s episode is all about a crazy thing that happened this week. And what a week it’s been! Actually, scratch that: What two weeks it has been… (Maybe 3 weeks?) I don’t know.

You know how sometimes — no matter what you do — you just can’t seem to get back on the horse?

That’s how it’s been here recently. Tons of shit hitting the fan — of all different colors:

Tech stuff blowing up (not literally)
Sick dog
House under insect attack
And some other stuff

Bottom line is, the last few weeks weren’t easy — especially this week. Then, I got an amazing phone call (you’ll hear about it on the episode), with an amazing opportunity (seriously… listen to the episode!) that brightened up my entire week.

But here’s the cool part: This phone call, and the opportunity that came with it, would never had happened had I not put a little dream out there and told the universe what I want. And guess what? Sometimes, the universe gives you just that.

So check out today’s (super short) episode to find out the story, including the opportunity that I got, and our surprise, MASSIVE, HUGE, AMAZING guest on tomorrow’s show. (Confused about having two episodes this week? You should listen to find out more!)

Then, come back here, scroll down to the bottom, and put your something out there. Comment below and share one tiny (or huge) dream — and see what happens next 🙂

Items mentioned on this episode

Starve The Doubts podcast with Jared Easley

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Leave a review for Meron’s podcast!

Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Stay awesome,
Meron

IIP054: The Transition: Becoming An Entrepreneur (With Greg Hickman)

Today, we talk about a very important time period for an entrepreneur: The Transition.

Not the “before”, not the “after”, but the actual transition – into this new, challenging, unexpected and exciting lifestyle.

I’m joined today by my good friend, Greg Hickman — who only recently left his corporate job and became a full time entrepreneur. Greg runs Mobile Mixed and has become within only a few months a sought-after market influencer on all things mobile.

Greg Hickman of MobileMixed — Greg Hickman of Mobile Mixed

We chat about what often isn’t part of the entrepreneurship conversation: managing the risk when making the transition. From cashing in on 401k plans, dipping into savings, trimming down expenses and even selling the house – Greg shares with us what he and other entrepreneurs, like Amy Porterfield and John Dumas have gone through when they got started.

Episode Highlights:

How Greg went from nobody to market influencer that gets invited to speak at the industry’s top events in less than one year.
Using conferences for networking and how it landed Greg interviews on major podcasts such as Smart Passive Income, Internet Business Mastery, The Social Media Marketing podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield, and more!
How to reduce risk and manage it.
What sacrifices Greg had to make, and what made him take the dip?
Greg’s #1 tip for an wanterpreneur that’s about to start his transition.
The role that focus played in Greg’s path to success.

Special Bonus

I recently interviewed Greg for another show of mine (that didn’t launch yet – on account of my own focusing efforts!), where we broke down what going mobile mean, why it matters to you, and what actionable steps you should take right now to make your site and business mobile friendly.

If you already have a website, you must listen to this eye-opening session.

If you don’t have one yet, but your employer does, you should listen to this show too. Chances are you can help your existing employer transition into a more mobile-friendly presence, and win some important bonus points.

Hell, you can even start helping local businesses with going mobile after this session, and get some consulting/freelancing cash flowing in to make your transition start faster and safer.

Just click on the button below and I’ll send you the session to your inbox! 🙂

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Mobile Mixed
Twitter: @gjhickman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gjhickman
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/greghickman
Podcast: Leaving Corporate by Greg Hickman
Berni Xiong Interview (IIP044: Purpose)
New Media Expo
Tropical Think Tank
John Lee Dumas
Amy Porterfield
Jason Van Orden
Corey Huff of The Abundant Artist
Pat Flynn
Chris Ducker
Rick Calvert
David Siteman Garland
Social Media Examiner
Social Media Marketing World Summit in San Diego
Cabelas

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Leave a review for Meron’s podcast!

Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Stay awesome,
Meron

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, and I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

IIP053: Inspiring Innovation In The Wild (Part 2)

If you only remember one thing from today’s episode, make it this:

“It’s okay to make a business out of something that makes you feel good.”

Welcome to the second part of the first ever live coaching session, continuing the Inspiring Innovation’s first year anniversary (for part 1, click here)

And just like last week’s episode, we are going to eavesdrop on an in-depth, gut-wrenching coaching session with David Taylor-Klaus of DTK Coaching and Rachel Dewell.

David and I chose Rachel because we were both incredibly moved by her story, and are very, VERY excited about the unique business opportunity that we believes she has.

With David Taylor-Klaus taking the reins of this coaching session, we will discover ways to break the barriers that stop us from taking actions, and the most common entrepreneurial fear: Am I enough to make this happen?

David Taylor Klaus of DTK Coaching

The Silent Voice

Rachel Dewell has a story to tell… and a very interesting business opportunity right within her grasp. If she will choose to take action.

She has a voice that has to be heard and a role to share knowledge about a debilitating illness that plagues women — pregnant women — all over the world, and provide them much-needed support.

But the (un-biased) crippling fear of inadequacy holds her back from realizing her great potential. The thought of making a business out of helping others is hard for her to digest. And I definitely understand. So how can you stop feeling the need to justify? How can you feel good about the services you provide to others?

Making The Vision Into Reality

Tossing out the root of the fears, self-doubts and reservations that’s keeping Rachel’s voice in a tight, closed box, there’s finally an actionable push towards.

After today’s session, Rachel has a basic business model of what, and how, can she offer. The only thing left is to take action and make things happen. After following up with her, I can tell you this – just like with Patrick last week –With David’s guidance, Rachel’s procrastinating days are over.

Tune in to today’s episode and find out how David was able to encourage Rachel to embrace her role and let her voice be heard across the world.

Next Stop…

We are also thinking of having another episode of Inspiring Innovation in the Wild series. So, if you are interested, drop us a comment below to get a chance to be the next!

Items mentioned:

DTK Coaching
This Is My Wake-Up Call (Free Download)
David Taylor Klaus Twitter: @dtk
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dtk-coaching
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtaylorklaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DTKcoaching
ImpactADHD

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Stay awesome,
Meron

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, and I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

IIP052: Inspiring Innovation In The Wild (Part 1)

Challenging The Status Quo

How do you challenge the status quo and bring more freedom, creativity and happiness to your life – when you have a full time job (in the form of a business that you own, but actually owns you), kids, a wife, and all the responsibilities and liabilities that come attached?

This 52nd episode of the podcast marks the first year anniversary of Inspiring Innovation, and it’s such an exciting milestone.

Before I get into today’s (incredibly juicy) episode, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Inspiring Innovation during this passing year. Hats off to you — the listener — for walking with me through this wonderful journey filled with innovative, inspiring and actionable lessons from masters of different crafts, prolific entrepreneurs and admirable people – who’ve made it in the world of business and entrepreneurship. I hope, and know, that this year will be your year.

To commemorate this milestone, we are joined by coach David Taylor-Klaus of DTK Coaching.

David Taylor Klaus of DTK Coaching

Today and next week, David will work with two amazing, brave, and inspiring entrepreneurs from the Inspiring Innovation family, through a real-life 1-on-1 coaching session – that we all get to eavesdrop on and learn from!

The Overworked

Joining David and me today, is Patrick Sledz. Patrick, from Belgium, stood out immediately from those that applied to be part of this live coaching event. With unmistakable transparency and honesty, he described his current situation in such colors that we knew he will benefit from this opportunity.

We were looking for those that are striving to bring more freedom to their lives and are at the turning point of becoming entrepreneurs. Patrick already is one. But instead of owning a business, his business owns him.

Airing out your deepest feelings and fears is scary. Especially when doing that with strangers. I really didn’t know how much our volunteers would open up to David, the coach.

I shouldn’t have worried since Patrick graciously opened up and shared more than the pain and pressure from his business and his life: Although things are going well for him and his company, it’s far from what he always wanted for himself and his family. While his company is doing well financially, in terms of work-life balance — he’s almost broke.

In this session, David walks Patrick through the different hindrances that’s keeping him from having the life he wants, spending more time with his kids and build a dynamic team with the associates in his company.

We Discuss:

Getting over fears
Fighting the “how” paralysis
Planning backwards
Setting the right mindset for this journey
Handling complex situations with skeptic spouses or partners
Finding a passion, and realizing why that passion is important TO YOU
Creating the legacy that you want for your children
And more…

Ready. Get Set. Go.

A nudge through coaching brings Patrick into the right path, encouraging him to understand the root of his reservations and fears, which stops him from seeing the vision of his future come into fruition. In this session, he can finally take action that will reap great results — all of which can be witnessed in this episode.

UPDATE: Following the session, among other changes, Patrick and his wife have registered to the Inspiring Innovation Podcasting Bootcamp and he is about to launch his own podcast show, among other changes in his life!

Join us on today’s episode to get a clear vision of your own life, and a grip on how to move forward. Tune in for this eye-opening and encouraging episode.

Happy 1 year anniversary, you! I love you. There, I said it :).
Meron

Items mentioned:

DTK Coaching
This Is My Wake-Up Call (Free Download)
David Taylor Klaus Twitter: @dtk
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dtk-coaching
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtaylorklaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DTKcoaching
Patrick Sledz LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksledz
Patrick’s Twitter: @patman2520
ImpactADHD

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Stay awesome,
Meron

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, and I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.