Are you one of those that followed the “norm”; study well, get a well-paying, secure job — and are now feeling trapped, unhappy, and unfulfilled? Maybe you’re even hating it? (Hey, I did!).
Do you ever wonder if you got what it takes to be an entrepreneur? I mean, isn’t it something you’re either born with or not?
If you have doubts about you becoming a successful entrepreneur, today’s episode is for you, especially if — right now — you have a well-paying job in some company that others consider “safe”, and all you want is OUT.
Today’s episode features TEDx speaker and time management Yoda, Ari Meisel. I’ll also share my view of the World Domination Summit, and whether or not you should go (I think some people will be quite pissed with my opinion, but oh well…).
At the age of 12, our guest was already running his first company. In high-school, he had 3. Today he’s a real estate developer, TEDx speaker and creator of ‘Art Of Less Doing’. Join us today for an eye-opening talk on managing time, getting more stuff done by doing less of it, and having a better life.
Fighting Crohn’s Disease
In 2007, Ari was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. He was weak, sick, and in a great deal of pain. Instead of just giving in and accepting the way things were, (especially considering the fact that Crohn’s is considered incurable!), Ari created a way to fight it off and keep it in check.
Ari Meisel speaking at TEDxEast 5.9.2011
He courageously went on a journey of self-tracking and self-experimentation to find his way back to health. Not only did he succeed in his quest, he was able to compete in Iron Man France! Through self-experimentation he developed a system of food, supplements, and exercise that helped him recover.
He didn’t know if what he was doing was safe or not, but he took things slowly watching carefully for and signs that what he was doing wasn’t working.
Stress
What Ari found was that stress had a very big role in his condition. More accurately, keeping stress levels low meant keeping the symptoms of Crohn’s at bay. So in his process, he learned to master time.
Interview with BlogWorld & New Media Expo CEO and co-founder; Rick Calvert
My guest on episode 9 of the Inspiring Innovation Podcast, shares a real-life story of turning a grand idea into reality. In 2005, Rick Calvert started a personal blog sharing his views on state politics, a subject he’s personally passionate about.
As time passed more and more people were reading his blog. Internet-famous bloggers started mentioning him and linking to his site. The ball was rolling. Then, someone contacted him asking to advertise on his blog.
When someone offered him money, Rick realized there is a bigger opportunity in his hobby and decided to “go pro”. Since he worked in the trade shows world, the first thing that came to his mind was finding when the next blogging trade show takes place; so he could come down, network, meet people, and learn more about making blogging his main business.
“I Knew What I Was Looking For… But None Existed”
Rick Calvert, co-founder and CEO of Blogworld New Media Expo
Rick quickly found out that there was no such trade show anywhere in the world in existence. So he asked around, first his blogging friends if such thing would interest them, and then his trade show peers, asking, “do you think it’s a good idea?”
They all did. So Rick had his validation, and set to work. Only he was already holding a full-time job, so this became his second job. He worked a full work week at his day job, and clocked over 40 hours each week building his dream trade show. Two years later, it was launched in the greatest trade show city in the world – Las Vegas.
Today his show brings together thousands of people from 50 different countries, creates new businesses and new opportunities, new partnerships, and helps content creators make more money, get sponsored, and build a better business.
What Rick And I Talked About
Today’s interview tells the story of the creation of BlogWorld and New Media Expo, sharing a real life entrepreneurial story of turning an idea into reality, but also packed with tips and advice to bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers and other content creators who seek making a business and a living out of it.
In this episode you will learn:
What is the New Media Expo (NMX)?
What is the number one thing that Rick Calvert took away from this year’s event.
What is the social media revolution and what role is the New Media Expo playing in it.
How the New Media Expo’s event started.
What is the New Media Expo’s ultimate purpose and goal?
How Rick turned an idea into a reality.
What adversities and risks Rick faced while bringing this event into existence?
What are the benefits for attendees at NMX?
Common mistakes and misconceptions that Rick sees.
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I Need Your Help!
Thank you all for checking out this episode of the Inspiring Innovation podcast!
If you haven’t already, I would love if you could be awesome and take a minute to leave a quick rating and review of the podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below! It’s the most amazing way to help the show grow and reach more people!
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.
Today’s guest on the Inspiring Innovation Podcast is Sean Platt. Sean has revolutionized electronic book publishing over the last two years, became bestselling author several times on Amazon and most importantly — is making a living from something that he truly loves doing. Without formal writing education, Sean is an amazing example of innovation.
His first book was rejected by the publisher. That’s where most writers stop, but for Sean it was only the beginning. He immediately went online and opened a blog where he started writing. Through that blog he met his business partner David Wright and together they created the Collective Inkwell — the home of their collaborative work. They adapted the business model of TV series such as ‘Lost’, ‘The Walking Dead’ and other series to digital books. Specifically speaking – creating episodes and seasons, and releasing on a weekly schedule.
Sean Michael Platt
The model has very clear business advantages, as it allows writers to enjoy recurring revenue and get a lot more exposure out of Amazon. But How? Why? Listen to the interview and find out!
In this episode you will learn:
How Sean’s favorite TV Series; ‘Lost’, ‘Mad Man’, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The Walking Dead’ contributed to his books and his success.
Learn about the current Kindle publishing opportunities.
Sean’s serialization model – what is it, why is it huge, and how can you apply it to your own business.
Sean’s story of success: how he went from ‘nobody’ to ‘bestselling author’ in under four years!
What is Amazon KDP and how can you utilize it for your self publishing business.
Why does he release a new book once a week.
Sean’s key principles for more consistent and better writing.
The one thing writers should keep in mind to satisfy their ideal readers.
Sean Platt Celebrates Reaching 100 Reviews on new title, Z 2134 – Lady Gaga Style
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I Need Your Help!
Thank you all for checking out this episode of the Inspiring Innovation podcast!
If you haven’t already, I would love if you could be awesome and take a minute to leave a quick rating and review of the podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below! It’s the most amazing way to help the show grow and reach more people!
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.
“Richard And I Will Invest Dollar-for-dollar In Your Company”
How many people do you know that made a million dollars from Twitter?
How many people do you know that got funded by Sir Richard Branson, on their first startup?
How many people do you know that did both – before they turned 19?
“Mom, we have some really, REALLY good news”
Today’s guest is Stacey Ferreira Co-founder of MySocialCloud. Stacey’s story has been told again and again over the last two years, and for a very good reason.
When Stacey finished school, she moved to California to live with her brother and work on the project which is now MySocialCloud. They shared an apartment in south central Los Angeles, not the area where you would want to live. The apartment was very small. They set up their office in the living room, and in typical entrepreneur style – Scott slept on the coach while Stacey slept on an air mattress. Stacey says that they lived the project that summer, sometimes not going outside for weeks at a time.
One morning Stacey was on Twitter and saw a tweet from Sir Richard Branson. The tweet said that If you donated $2,000 to the charity of his choice, you could attend the 25th anniversary celebration of Virgin America and meet him in Miami for intimate cocktails. Stacey was skeptical that someone like Sir Richard Branson would send out such a tweet, but she decided to go for it, afraid that someone else will steal her opportunity. She replied and asked if she and Scott could participate – even though they were underage. At 2am, Stacey and Scott got a positive response.
Of course, they didn’t have $2,000 – never mind $4,000 for the two of them, plus expenses. So they called their parents in the middle of the night, asking for a loan. Stacey and Scott’s parents were dubious; but decided it would be a good learning experience for them. Two days later, the siblings were on a plane to Miami. On the first night, they waited with about 18 others to meet Sir Richard Branson. It just happened that Stacey was by the door when Richard Branson entered. Stacey took the opportunity and introduced herself. After telling him a bit more about their project, Stacey boldly asked for his contact information, and was delighted when he gave it to her.
Stacey with Richard Branson
Getting Funded, A Dream Coming True
Once the Ferreiras returned home, they focused on building the initial product. They kept Branson updated on what they were doing with regular emails. Eventually he suggested that he introduce them to a friend of his – Jerry Murdock. They talked with Murdock by phone, explaining their vision and what they were planning. A few weeks after their initial conversation, Jerry flew out to California.
The cofounders went over the product and gave Jerry a little demo. That night at dinner, Jerry announced, “Here’s the deal. Branson and I are going to invest dollar for dollar in your company.” Stacey and Scott were amazed by Jerry’s announcement. It was such an incredible opportunity. Now with investors, they could build their product!
And Today…
Two years have passed, and a lot has changed. The MySocialCloud story became world known. Stacey dropped out of college and moved to the west coast to work full-time at MySocialCloud. But more important — so many lessons were learned, mistakes made, achievements reached – and all of those Stacey shares with us today.
The Ferreiras
In This Episode You Will Learn
How Stacey & Scott Ferreira got $1M funding for their startup because of a single tweet
The secret to making huge things happen for you.
How to build your team and what are the crucial things to pay attention to
What kind of prototype do you really need in order to get an investment from Richard Branson himself, Jerry Murdock, or someone of such caliber
How to keep your business going in the right direction
What challenges did the MySocialCloud team face since funding, and how they overcame.
How does a free tool like MySocialCloud make money
What are Stacey’s thoughts and tips for young entrepreneurs that are about to start college
How to effectively execute your ideas
How to find an opportunity, make a goal and make it happen
Our Udemy Giveaway is still taking place, where I’m giving away 4 of my favorite Udemy courses, at a total value of $771, to the listeners of the show. Join and claim your prize right here. The giveaway ends in two weeks, and winners will be announced on episode 8 of the podcast.
Don’t Miss an Episode! Subscribe Below:
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I Need Your Help!
Thank you all for checking out this episode of the Inspiring Innovation podcast!
If you haven’t already, I would love if you could be awesome and take a minute to leave a quick rating and review of the podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below! It’s the most amazing way to help the show grow and reach more people!
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.
