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MINI COURSE: Discover Your True Self (Part Two) Welcome to Join Up Dots! In today's episode, we draw inspiration from Ellen DeGeneres's powerful advice: "Find out who you are and be that person. That's what your soul was put on this Earth to be." We’ll explore how to uncover your authentic self and live a life aligned with your deepest truths. Here’s a quick guide: The Importance of Self-Discovery**: - Self-discovery is a lifelong journey of understanding your values, strengths, and weaknesses for a fulfilling life. Exploring Your Passions and Interests**: - List activities that bring you joy and try new things to uncover hidden talents. - Reflect on your experiences to identify what truly excites you. Identifying Your Strengths and Weaknesses**: - Seek feedback from others and use self-assessment tools to understand your abilities. - Embrace weaknesses as opportunities for growth. Join us as we make the journey of self-discovery practical and enjoyable, helping you live authentically and find true fulfilment.
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MINI COURSE: Discover Your True Self (Part One) Welcome to the Join Up Dots podcast! Today’s episode is inspired by Ellen DeGeneres’s powerful words: "Find out who you are and be that person. That's what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come." In this episode, we explore the importance of self-discovery and living authentically. We discuss how understanding your strengths, values, and passions can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and increased resilience. We also address common barriers to self-discovery, such as societal expectations, fear of judgment, past traumas, and self-doubt, offering practical steps to overcome them. Join us as we guide you through self-reflection techniques, including finding a quiet space, asking yourself key questions, and journaling your thoughts. This journey is about embracing your uniqueness and finding fulfilment in being unapologetically you. Tune in to start your journey to authentic living today! Share this episode with friends and family, and inspire others to discover their true selves. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck or seeking deeper self-connection, this episode offers practical advice on living authentically. Join us on the Join Up Dots podcast and be inspired to uncover your true self.
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COACHING: Moving To Portugal By Seeing No Issues Good morning, listeners! Today, I’m sharing the adventure of my recent move to Faro, Portugal, and how I overcame a myriad of little issues that initially held me back. For weeks, I was paralyzed by concerns like "Who’s going to feed the cat?" and "How will I manage my business finances?" But eventually, I gave myself permission to take the leap, and I want to show you how you can do the same. First up, the cat conundrum. I found out that hiring a cat-sitter or using automatic feeders can easily solve this problem. It's amazing how a small adjustment can ease such a big worry. Then there was the issue of managing finances remotely. Online banking and services like PayPal and Wise became my go-tos. Automating bills and payments ensured everything ran smoothly while I was away. Running a business from abroad was another major concern. The solution? Delegation and technology. I relied on my team, hired a virtual assistant, and used tools like Trello and Slack to keep things on track. Scheduling across different time zones was a breeze with Calendly, and Zoom and Google Meet kept me connected with clients and colleagues. One of my biggest worries was internet access. Researching local providers and having a portable Wi-Fi device saved the day. Plus, discovering local coffee shops and co-working spaces turned out to be a great way to mix work and exploration. Adjusting to a new environment can be daunting. I gave myself time to settle in, explored my new neighborhood, and joined community activities to make Faro feel like home. Legal and administrative tasks, such as visas and health insurance, were tackled with thorough research and preparation. Feeling isolated or overwhelmed was another concern. Regular video calls with friends and family, joining expat groups, and practicing mindfulness helped keep those feelings at bay. Lastly, having contingency plans for unexpected issues like medical emergencies or travel disruptions gave me peace of mind. By breaking down these challenges and addressing them one by one, I realized that taking this leap was not only possible but incredibly rewarding. I hope my journey inspires you to overcome your own hurdles and pursue your dreams, no matter how many little issues stand in your way. Tune in to hear more about my adventure and how you can make your own dreams a reality. #Podcast #TravelAdventures #RemoteWork #LifeHacks #OvercomingObstacles #JoinUpDots #Inspiration #PortugalLife #DigitalNomad #BusinessTips #Mindfulness #ExpatLife
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BUSINESS INTERVIEW: The Three Business Type For Any Entrepreneur You Need To See How Success Is Built (and Lost) To Be A Real Success Insider..Ben Fewtrell Is That Man My guest today, on the Steve Jobs inspired Join Up Dots free podcast interview is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at MaxMyProfit and author of the Business Exceleration Blueprint, is a sought-after advisor, keynote speaker and trainer. He has been featured in ‘Secrets of TopBusiness Builders Exposed’, Virgins in-flight magazine, Sky Business and many more. He started his first business at the age of 18, where he built it to be a multi-millions dollar business with 64 trucks on the road in just 4 years. As impressive as it sounds, he was working ridiculous long hours and not making any money! By the age of 28 he was over it, and just knew there had to be a better way. After selling his transport company, he decided to pursue his passion for business and spent many years and tens of thousands of dollars learning what it takes to build a successful business. This led him to personally mentoring and coaching hundreds of business owners in dozens of industries, building his own multi-million dollar business in the process. He likes to have fun in both life and business, so is perfect for a show like Join Up Dots So why was he making no money when he had a multi million pound business in his hands? And is this a similar failing of most new entrepreneurs that he encounters? They are doing all the work but not getting the rewards? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots with the one and only Ben Fewtrell Show Highlights During the show we discussed such weighty topics with Ben Fewtrell such as: How there are three types of businesses, you are either employed, self employed or you have a business. A business is where you can leave it alone and it will still make you money by operating. Ben shares how he almost when bust by trying to grow a business bigger than himself a this time. You need to work to your limits and then scale from that point. Through changing twelve jobs within twelve months he found out a very important lesson: He cant work for someone else and never has since. and lastly…. How some of his clients just cant be pushed into seeing a new way of operating. As he Ben says "They either breakthrough or they breakdown."
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Struggling with traditional meditation? You're not alone! In our latest episode, David Ralph shares his personal journey of finding mental clarity and calm through physical activities like cycling and swimming. Learn how these forms of active meditation can offer the same benefits as sitting still, and why they might be the perfect solution for you. Tune in to explore the science behind meditation in motion and get practical tips for incorporating it into your daily routine. Don't miss this inspiring episode – listen now and share with your friends for a fresh perspective on mindfulness! 🌟🧘♂️ #JoinUpDots #MeditationInMotion #Mindfulness #Cycling #Swimming #Podcast #MentalHealth
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BUSINESS INTERVIEW: Discover the Power of Transformation with Mandy L Harvey 🌟 Introducing Mandy L Harvey, a truly inspiring guest whose remarkable journey from rock bottom to thriving is a testament to resilience, self-healing, and the power of perseverance. 🌟 From Struggle to Strength: Mandy's path was anything but smooth. Despite seeking help from multiple therapists in her youth, it wasn't until she faced the challenges of motherhood that she realized the depth of her unhealed wounds. Battling chronic health issues and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, Mandy hit not one but two rock bottoms. These moments forced her to confront and deeply heal her childhood traumas, leading to a powerful reminder that "health is wealth." A Pivotal Transformation: In 2012, Mandy experienced a life-changing moment that set her on a new path. Through a dedicated focus on nutrition, she became a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. But Mandy soon discovered that diet alone wasn't enough. Embracing somatic experiencing and releasing the energy of trauma from her body brought her true healing. A Beacon of Hope: Today, Mandy is a beacon of hope, having helped countless individuals reclaim their health and vitality. Her journey is not just about personal healing but also about empowering others. Mandy has built a life and business that allows her to be present for her children while guiding others to unlock their potential. Get Ready to Be Inspired: Join us as Mandy shares her incredible story of transformation, healing, and the pursuit of a peaceful, purposeful life. Her wisdom and experiences are sure to inspire and empower you to embrace your own journey of self-discovery and growth. So, let’s start joining up dots with the one and only Mandy L Harvey. Tune in, be inspired, and don't forget to share this episode with your friends! 🌟🎙️
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LIFE COACHING: How To Change Your Mental Outlook I'm in a funk is one of those things that most of us feel every now and again. You know that feeling of just being out of sorts and losing perspective of what is good in life? Well we received an email from a listener of Join Up Dots, who isn't just feeling the "I'm in a funk" vibe for a few days. This listener has been in this state of mind for a few years now. So lets start with the question and then of course you can listen to the show to hear the answer. Listener Question Dear David, i am reaching out to you to see if you can share some insight as to the steps I can take to change my current situation. I'm in a funk. Mentally and physically I am feel more and more lethargic everyday, and ill be honest I stopped listening to your show for about a year as your chirpiness and positivity started to make my skin crawl. I would think "Oh, just fuck off" and switch off the podcast, even though I admit i was in the wrong and knew that you were right. Now a year later, and through all the changes that have been forced upon us from powers outside of our control I want to take back the control in my life. I am sick of being the person who lets life happen to them, and want a piece of what you have. So two questions, if you have time to respond. Firstly, do you ever get into a head fuck place when you just cant shake yourself out of a slump? Do you ever think "Im in a funk" at all? And secondly what can I do to start making a difference in my life? Thank you, and sorry for switching off my your podcast as I know its the best one out there, I was just in a wrong place (and still in a wrong place) for your wisdom. J, Canada
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BUSINESS COACHING: The Five Levels Of Being An Entrepreneur Welcome to our latest episode where we break down the ultimate guide to building multiple income streams as a new entrepreneur! Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring ideas to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. What You'll Learn: Level 1: Basic Service Jobs - Discover how simple tasks like car washing, lawn mowing, and gutter cleaning can kickstart your business journey with minimal skills and investment. Level 2: Skilled Labour and Personal Services - Move up the ladder with handyman services, pet sitting, and house cleaning to earn more while leveraging your growing skill set. Level 3: Specialized Skills and Small Business Ventures - Dive into freelance writing, tutoring, and personal training, and learn how these specialized skills can significantly boost your income. Level 4: Online and Scalable Services - Explore the world of e-commerce, social media management, and web design to create scalable business opportunities that reach a wider audience. Level 5: Entrepreneurial Ventures and High-Income Skills - Aim high with consulting services, real estate investment, and online courses/coaching to achieve substantial returns and make a lasting impact. Why You Should Listen: This episode is perfect for anyone looking to take control of their financial future. By following our five-level roadmap, you'll gain valuable insights into progressively complex and rewarding income streams, all while learning how to build a sustainable and profitable business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's something here for everyone! Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Tune in now, and be sure to share this episode with your friends and family who are ready to embark on their own business journeys! Join us on this inspiring journey to financial independence and entrepreneurial success. Press play, and let's get started!
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the psychological aspects of financial growth, focusing on the daunting challenge of earning your first $100K. Drawing parallels to running a marathon without training, we explore why this milestone feels so difficult and offer insights to inspire and motivate listeners on their own financial journey. Key Points: Unfamiliar Terrain: Just as a novice runner faces the challenge of a marathon course, individuals pursuing their first $100K encounter unfamiliar financial territory. Lack of experience and knowledge can lead to uncertainty and self-doubt. Operating Outside Comfort Zones: Stepping outside comfort zones is crucial for growth but can be mentally and emotionally draining. We discuss strategies for managing discomfort and avoiding burnout. Importance of Breaks and Reflection: Like marathon runners who rest and reflect, individuals striving for financial success must prioritize self-care and introspection. Taking breaks and celebrating milestones are crucial for maintaining motivation and perspective. Validation and Milestones: Earning your first $100K is a significant milestone that validates your efforts and capabilities. We emphasize the importance of celebrating achievements and using them as fuel for continued progress. Conclusion: Join us as we explore the psychology behind the first $100K challenge and offer practical advice for overcoming obstacles on your financial journey. Remember, every step forward is a testament to your determination and potential. Keep going, and you will reach your goals. Don't forget to share this podcast with friends who could use some inspiration on their own path to financial success!
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LIFE COACHING: Do Nothing But Leave Nothing Undone In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of simplicity in our hectic lives. Discover the concept of "doing nothing, but leaving nothing undone" and its profound impact on finding peace amidst chaos. Explore how delegating tasks and listening more at work can foster collaboration and inclusivity. Learn how encouraging independence and cooperation at home can lead to stronger relationships and a more relaxed environment. Uncover the importance of practicing patience and embracing a relaxed approach to daily routines. Understand how trusting the process and letting go of the need for constant control can bring about a newfound sense of calm and contentment. Join us as we explore the key lessons from this journey: being true to oneself and staying calm in the face of chaos. Share this podcast with your friends and loved ones to inspire them to find peace in doing less.
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BUSINESS INTERVIEW: Lori Kennedy: Passion Meets Business Welcome to Join Up Dots! We're all on a quest for businesses where passion meets purpose, right? Today's guest embodies that quest. As a single mom, she's built a phenomenal business from scratch, raking in over $25 million in cash over five years without any outside funding. Impressive, right? But what's even more remarkable is her dedication to her team, her family, and her mission. With nearly 40 virtual team members, she's fostered a culture of low turnover and a four-day work week, all while making a real impact in the alternative health industry. Her flagship offer, Zero to Clients, guides practitioners and coaches through building their online businesses step by step. And her Wellness Business Hub isn't just about making money; it's about empowering and transforming lives. What sets her apart? It's her genuine care for her community and her commitment to leaving people better than she found them. Join us today as we dive into the inspiring journey of Lori Kennedy, a woman who's changing the game for practitioners and coaches everywhere. Let's learn from her example on Join Up Dots!
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LISTENER SUCCESS: Dont Think About The Business Just The End Financial Goal In this inspiring episode of the Join Up Dots podcast, one listener shares a powerful strategy that transformed her financial life. Instead of struggling to come up with the perfect business idea, she decided to set a clear financial goal and worked backwards to achieve it. This approach led her to a world of opportunity and creativity. Key Takeaways: Set a Clear Financial Goal: Define how much money you want to earn annually and break it down into manageable monthly, weekly, and daily targets. Assess Your Skills and Resources: Identify your strengths, skills, and available resources to determine how to reach your goal. Explore Various Business Models: Consider high-income skills, product-based businesses, service-based businesses, and passive income streams. Market Research and Validation: Identify market demands and gaps, and validate your idea with potential customers. Create and Test an MVP: Develop a minimum viable product and gather feedback to refine your offering. Effective Marketing and Sales: Utilize multiple marketing channels to reach your audience and convert leads into customers. Scale and Optimize: Focus on scaling your business and optimizing operations for efficiency and profitability. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously track progress and adjust your strategy based on performance and market changes. By starting with a financial goal in mind, this listener stayed focused on achieving the desired outcome, leading to innovative and effective strategies. Her journey is a testament to how setting clear goals and being flexible in your approach can lead to success. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for practical and actionable advice on achieving your financial goals! Listen now and share this inspiring story with your network. Let’s spread the motivation! 🎧 #JoinUpDots #FinancialGoals #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStory #BusinessStrategy #PodcastInspiration #GoalSetting #Innovation #CreativeThinking
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LIFE COACHING: Breaking The Myth Of Working Hard The Foundation of a Fulfilling Life: Prioritizing Well-Being Over Traditional Success In our fast-paced world, the messages we receive about success often emphasize hard work, academic achievements, and career milestones. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that these traditional markers of success overlook something essential: our mental and physical well-being. #### The Traditional Narrative: A Narrow Focus Many of us grew up hearing that success in school, obtaining a degree, and climbing the career ladder would lead to a happy and prosperous life. But as we navigate our own journeys, we often find ourselves questioning this narrow focus. Is career success enough to ensure a fulfilling life? ### The Overlooked Truth: Mental and Physical Health Recent insights highlight a profound truth: mental and physical health are the true foundations of a fulfilling life. Let’s explore why this shift in perspective is so significant. #### Mental Health: The Core of Our Existence Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Good mental health allows us to cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. It’s the bedrock upon which we build our lives. Prioritizing mental health leads to better productivity, creativity, and relationships—all essential for both personal and professional success. #### Physical Health: The Energy Source Our physical health is crucial for sustaining energy, cognitive function, and overall resilience. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are not just good habits—they’re essential for a vibrant life. Physical well-being enables us to pursue our goals and enjoy the journey. ### The Interconnectedness of Well-Being A life focused solely on career achievements without considering mental and physical health is like a beautifully constructed building on a shaky foundation. Achieving work-life balance ensures long-term success without burnout, fostering continuous growth and a stable platform for achieving our dreams. ### Reevaluating Success and Happiness True wealth goes beyond material possessions and professional accolades. It includes happiness, contentment, and peace of mind. Prioritizing mental and physical health enriches every aspect of our lives, allowing us to enjoy our achievements, maintain meaningful relationships, and find joy in everyday activities. ### The Preventive Approach Focusing on well-being helps prevent burnout, anxiety, depression, and chronic illnesses, ensuring a healthier, longer life. By taking care of our mental and physical health, we build a resilient foundation capable of withstanding life’s challenges. ### Sustainable Productivity and Creativity When we are mentally and physically well, our productivity and creativity soar. We become more focused, energetic, and efficient. Mental clarity and physical vitality are essential for innovative thinking, which is highly valued in today’s dynamic work environments. ### A Societal and Cultural Shift There is a growing awareness and cultural shift towards valuing mental and physical health. Movements promoting work-life balance, mental health awareness, and wellness programs in workplaces are becoming more prevalent. By prioritizing well-being, we foster stronger community ties and support systems, creating a more compassionate and connected society. Take a moment to reflect on your own well-being and consider how you can prioritize it in your life. Share this perspective with others and inspire a collective shift towards a healthier, happier future.
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Introducing Steve Kahan Steven Mark Kahan is our guest today on the Steve Jobs inspired Join Up Dots business podcast. Steve is a serial entrepreneur that has had great success moving from the corporate world early in his career to the startup world. He has successfully helped to grow six start-up companies from early-stage development to going public or being sold, resulting in more than $3 billion in shareholder value. He is currently CMO at Thycotic, which will become the seventh. Steve inspires teams and their organisations to take on the impossible and succeed. How The Dots Joined Up For Steve He has just written a book published by Wiley and Audible and available on Amazon.com called “Be a Startup Superstar." The book teaches those graduating college and young professionals how to earn a great living doing what they love by igniting their career at a tech startup. He will share lessons learned in over 30 years for how young professionals or those that feel stuck in the corporate world can earn a great living doing what they love by igniting their career in a technology startup. So is it harder than ever before to launch a successful startup due to the current conditions that we find ourselves in? And looking back at his ups and downs, were there things that he could have avoided or was this all part of the success? Well let's find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots with the one and only Steve Kahan Show Highlights During the show we discussed such deep subjects with Steve Kahan such as: We discuss why people have to realise that even through the dark times in life, we see opportunities burst forth at the same rate as before Steve opens up about being a startup superstar, compared to what it takes to be merely successful. Why a startup operates like its the last outpost for outlaws, inspiring the mavericks and creatives of the world. And lastly........... Steve talks about why energy and protecting your time is so vitally important - basically be your own top priority in everything you do. Steve Kahan Books How To Connect With Steve Kahan Website Linkedin Facebook Instagram Return To The Top Of Steve Kahan If you enjoyed this episode of Steve Kahan why not listen to some of our favourite podcast episodes such as Spike Ball Founder, Nick Ruiz, Sarah Caltieri or the amazing Mandy Barbee Or if you prefer just pop over to our podcast archive for thousands of amazing episodes to choose from. Full Transcription Of Steve Kahan Interview Intro 0:00 When we're young, we have an amazing positive outlook about how great life is going to be. But somewhere along the line we forget to dream and end up settling. Join Up Dots features amazing people who refuse to give up and chose to go after their dreams. This is your blueprint for greatness. So here's your host live from the back of his garden in the UK, David Ralph. David Ralph 0:25 Yes, good morning, welcome to Join Up. Dots. Thank you so much for being here. Wherever you are across the world. Some of you have been with us for over seven years now. Thank you so much for being here. Others have just joined in, but you've come at a good time you've come a good time because the things that are coming through Join Up Dots, a life changing for you. Well, today's guests on the show is a serial entrepreneur, but has had great success moving from the corporate world early in his career to the startup world. He has successfully helped to grow six startup companies from early stage development. going public or being sold, resulting in more than 3 billion in shareholder value. He is currently cmo at five Kotick which will become the seventh. Now he inspires teams and their organisations to take on the impossible and succeed. And he has just written a book published by wily and audible and available on Amazon called be a startup superstar. This book teaches those graduating college and young professionals how to earn a great living doing what they love by igniting their career at a tech startup, he will share lessons learned in over 30 years for how young professionals are those that feel stuck in the corporate world can earn a great living doing what they love by igniting their career in a technology startup. So is it harder than ever before to launch a successful startup due to the current conditions that we find ourselves in? And looking back at his ups and downs? Were there things that could have been avoided? Or was this all part of the success? Well, let's find out as we bring them to the show to start joining up dance with the one and only Mr. Steve Kahan. Steve Kahan 2:08 Hi. I'm doing great. David, how are you? David Ralph 2:11 I'm very well, thank you very much for being here on the show. I understand that you've got up at half past four in the morning, you're in Texas. What's happening outside your window? Is the weld getting going? Or is it still in lockdown? Steve Kahan 2:23 It is in partial lockdown, unfortunately. David Ralph 2:27 And what is the unfortunate part? Lots of people in the entrepreneurial world almost say it hasn't really made a difference to us. Steve Kahan 2:35 Well, it hasn't made a difference to a number of companies like ours or for me who's used to working remotely but there are a lot of people and businesses, particularly small businesses that are struggling. And you know, for that reason, when that occurs, and certainly there's impacts on people and on businesses as well. Well, that's, that is an impact that is negative and something that I wish that we all could could avoid. David Ralph 3:08 Now, of course, most people now are at least thinking to themselves, maybe maybe I should take some kind of control of my future with unemployment and redundancies soaring. Do you think that's a naive point of view? Or do you think that people really have got the opportunities nowadays to take control and start earning their own income? Steve Kahan 3:30 I think that you absolutely can take control and start earning your own income. And, and really, to me, I think there's never been a better time and in many respects, I mean, certainly I think I really think Winston Churchill said it perfectly. He said, a pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity and an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty and so, you know, are you going to focus On the upside or the downside, do you see the cup is half full or half empty? And I really think that that positive optimistic people are certainly the ones that I choose to surround myself with. And my and I certainly believe that there are still many, many great opportunities, particularly to start a business or to join an existing startup and and take on some bigger, perhaps better funded companies and work with a small team of crazies that are hell bent on changing the world. I David Ralph 4:37 always remember I had a guest on the show and unfortunately, I can't remember the guest but I remember what he said. And he said, no matter how bad the world seems financially, somebody is getting the money. He said, it's just like an ocean where the tide has left your side and it's going to the other side, and it's your job as an entrepreneur to roll that boat across the Ocean to where that money is flooding in. And it is true, isn't it? Even at the worst times we're seeing zoom go through the roof, we're seeing bicycle sales go up massively. We're seeing so many people finding it boom time. Steve Kahan 5:15 I think that's true. And I think the key is is to find the sector sectors, as you mentioned that that are really going and going well for you mentioned some of them, I happen to work within the cybersecurity world and, and the hackers are out there almost like never before and so many businesses are looking to to do a better job of reducing risk. And so, you know, without question, there is many opportunities. There are people that are changing the way that they're working, working remotely, and that creates significant opportunity. So I absolutely agree with that. And, and and I am beginning to see people begin to capitalise on on some of those and, and think about ways to, to change the world. To me a great example of that is there is a new startup company that actually I'm considering investing and that is trying to change the way college students interact with businesses, where typically was face to face via career fairs, and then changing that interaction building more engagement and then facilitating the hiring process. I think, to me, that's a great example of a couple of young entrepreneurs that see an amazing opportunity and, and very well may change the way the world operates in terms of the college career experience. David Ralph 6:55 So let's turn the conversation to be our top superstar. Hold tight title, what actually is a difference that makes you a superstar and not just successful or getting by Steve Kahan 7:10 I think it starts first and foremost with choosing the right organisation or building the right startup organisation. And many people sort of don't understand the criteria of how to put yourself within a startup organisation that has a great chance to be successful. And there are, for example, certain criteria that I look at when I have joined startup companies and now I'm, I've been with six all of whom successfully sold or have gone public, generating over $3 billion. And now I'm with my seven that's like a rocket ship. And so to me, it's making the right choices and it starts with that. I look for Things like quality people who share the same values that I do. So if you don't trust, respect and admire the people that you're working with move on. I look for a concept that fills a big market need. I do the research and the homework to make sure that the market is big enough. I certainly understand that. People particularly now more than ever don't spend money on nice to solve problems they spend money on must solve. And I don't get dissuaded if there's too much competition, I I get dissuaded if there's not enough, I look for things like that. There's a great product that you can believe in where you can go to work every day with a passion for what the company creates and your role in creating it. And if you can't get behind it with enthusiasm, move on. And then finally, that the startup is well funded, and so that you are making sure that you're properly capitalised, so you have the best chance for growth and stability. And I think if you use those criteria to select a startup company, you have positioned yourself to have that opportunity to have a great outcome and be the superstar that you were meant to be. David Ralph 9:17 Now one of the things you say you look for a startup and you can't go on Craigslist and find these. So how do you find a startup for somebody out there who's interested? How do they actually find something before it's even started? Steve Kahan 9:31 So typically, what I will do is, is I I have started one company. And then the other companies that I have been with I have joined very small companies. And there are two ways that people oftentimes overlooked to find great companies. So one of which in most cities throughout the globe, there's what's known as startup accelerators or seed access. Raiders. And again, they exist in every city. You could do a Google and the city that you live in, and you'll find them and they are funding companies. They're providing educational assistance, networking opportunities and the like. And those organisations, posts, the companies that are members are ones that they're funding. And oftentimes there are great jobs right from those sites, right, and they're not the type of jobs that you're going to find posted. Secondly, is I will oftentimes, Reese research and be looking for startup leaders online or what I might read, I might start to follow them and I will make connections with them oftentimes through LinkedIn messenger in a heartfelt sincere way, not a salesy way. And what I've learned is that that type of direct connection First of all, All get you right to the executive. If there's HR at all it bypasses that. And then you can start to talk about how that person is achieving what they are within their career, you can learn from them, and bridge the conversation over to you. And oftentimes, again, if it's approached in the right way, you start to make connections with that person, and there may be opportunities within their company or within their wider network. And so approaching people directly online is something that sounds fairly basic, but you'd be surprised how rare it is actually done. David Ralph 11:45 Now, I know a lot of our listeners would say, it's alright for us, Steve, you've got a track record. You've got something to offer, but I'm starting out what value can I provide these people if I do connect with them directly? Steve Kahan 11:59 Yeah, I think that, you know, that's that's always the question. But the I think the the real thing to focus in on is there are over 80,000 startups around the globe. And, and there was a recent survey of startup CEOs that asked them the number one issue keeping them up at night. And it was actually finding good people. Now think of that for a second. So finding good, talented people was rated ahead of growing revenue, acquiring customers or gaining access to more capital. And so startup executives are desperate for hiring a plus talent. And so, you know, no one has all the experience perhaps that they think that they ought to have when joining an organisation and so oftentimes You know, sort of starts out with that connection. But then also, once you're bridging that conversation to you, if you're able to show some core traits, like for example, a willingness to work hard, someone who's super accountable, an individual who is team oriented, not an eye person, but a weak person, and you start to build, for example, that connection of the type of person that you are some of the background that you have, you'd be surprised how that connection could help bridge you into an organisation and then it really, it comes down to being a sponge, and taking on your own education and learning and building deep expertise. Because that's what the world pays the most for is deep expertise in one particular area. And then from there, building out your your your knowledge base. Since so oftentimes I find within startup companies rather than being in a smaller pigeonhole role, you get the opportunity to actually build that deep expertise. Because if you don't do the work, there aren't a bunch of other resources or people who can. And so it's oftentimes the perfect environment to achieve just that. David Ralph 14:22 Now, in your book, in chapter five, there's a whole chapter is at like a leader, even if you don't have the title yet. And you list great things to fall through and follow through on and one of them is keep your goals in sight. And the baby steps Tell us about that. Steve Kahan 14:43 Well, for me, I think it's super important to first of all, have your goals written down, right and so a lot of people when they talk about their goals, they they they don't have Have them in front of them. And I like to think of goals in terms of quarterly, in in terms of monthly, weekly and even daily, right. So it's that level of sort of detail that I will get into. And a lot of times, when you're thinking about those particular objectives, you also have to realise that not everything can be a high priority. And so, oftentimes, when you are documenting those goals, you'll find that high performers certainly as I saw myself to be, often take on massive workloads, right and to some extent, hard working people, it's they have traits that I respect, but it could create significant stress and burnout lead to burnout over the long haul. So you can't be a high performer without being overwhelmed. And so oftentimes, if you break down those objectives and two, kind of baby steps to get started. If you do a good job of prioritising your goals, what you'll find is is that success isn't about how much you do. It's about performing the right actions towards the right goals that will create the biggest impact. And for me, breaking things down into baby steps, oftentimes enable me to get started to not feel that the mountain is too big to climb. And then once I get started, then it's sort of like a snowball going downhill picking up steam. David Ralph 16:42 Let's listen to Jim Carrey. And then we'll be back with Steve. Jim Carrey 16:45 My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn't believe that that was possible for him. And so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an accountant. And when I was 12 years old, he was let go from that safe job. And our family had Do whatever we could to survive. I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don't want. So you might as well take a chance on doing what you love. David Ralph 17:11 So when you were back in corporate land, and you decided to go your own way, did you know what you loved? Or was it just a feeling inside? Steve Kahan 17:20 It absolutely was a feeling inside I had a view of of what I love. But I remember that going from college into the corporate world. I remember staring at my bank statement and the pile of claims that I was supposed to process that day. And wondering, how on earth will I ever get ahead and I was working long days, and for me, the student loans would eat my paycheck before they ever even got a chance to hit my bank account. And so I sort of felt pigeon holed I felt like I In a big bureaucracy where there was great acceptance of the status quo, it was burdened by incumbent mindsets. The barriers to advancement seemed high. And it was like working at a on a giant ship that was hard to manoeuvre slow to change course. And, and for me, I just asked myself an important question. And that was, how could I earn a great living and love the work? I do? And it was really with that question that I realised that moving into more of a startup type of organisation would be the right career move for me. David Ralph 18:43 Now, what are people around you that said, Steve, what you're doing Steve, you've only got a beer for another four years and you've got the corner office. Steve Kahan 18:51 Absolutely. And, and so and then and then they went a step farther. The step farther was look, you know, this is risky if you make a move, it's certainly got great risk and, and there's not going to be the training and career paths that you typically would would see. And so what I learned was really what a startup was right. And so when people think of startups, you know, they they, they have sort of pictures in their mind's eye. But the way that I think of a startup there is a mentor of mine is serial entrepreneur. He's chairman of venture capital company by the name of Doug Irwin. And he says a startup is a company that operates like it's the last frontier for outlaws, a place where non conformists can live, create and sell their ideas. And to me how cool I mean, who doesn't want to be involved in that? It's sort of a place where you get to be the rough riding rebel, running circles around those slower moving bureaucratic, larger organisations. So what I came to learn was really that a startup is a culture. It's a mindset. It's not necessarily defined by the number of people. It's again, that small team of crazies just believing it could change the course of the world. That to me was exciting. David Ralph 20:20 Now, I was always told that I was a maverick in corporate world, like it was a bad thing. And I look back on it now, and I think it was a bloody great thing, and it's allowed me to go off and do what I need to do. Now the Mavericks, the creative thinkers, the strategy Guys, can you get the wrong blend in a startup when you walk into a startup? Can you see quiet, obviously, but they haven't got the right outlaws in place. Steve Kahan 20:49 Absolutely. Right. And so there are many attributes where you could see that they don't have the right outlaws in place. So Typically at startups, if you walk into a startup and you are seeing, like, for example, I'll focus of the values of the company in the cafeteria on a poster on the wall. That's not who startups are, they are living the values associated with with being a startup. You know, what you are often if you walk into a startup and you see that there that it looks like it's a pretty political bureaucratic type of environment where there isn't necessarily and the focus on the the end goal or the focus on on the customer and on beating what will most assuredly be tough competitors, then it's not the right place. If you see that the focus is more on competing internally with with one another and not on the whoever that particular enemy is externally, then it's not the right place. Right. And so typically at startups, it's, it's the opposite of that. And that and that's part of the work environment that I like, where there's great work, even versatility in the role that people are willing to stand up, you know, be accountable, you'll, you'll find that, that people have great persistence and tenacity, they're not going to be sort of overwhelmed by the obstacles that get in their way because they're most assuredly will be there. And then you know, finally that you see a culture where that people are embracing accountability, they want to be accountable to get the job done. And so those are like some of the things not to look for, as well as blending with a few of the things that I actually Look for within a startup that might be indicative that it could have a chance to win. David Ralph 23:06 And when does it become boring to you and you back out Steve Kahan 23:09 for me it I wouldn't say that it's so much boring but I like I do like some aspect of, of change and growth, I think that if if there is in time that it becomes boring, it's a time where you feel that the organisation or or me personally is not growing the way that it used to. Right And so, you know, if it's, if you if you are in a particular role and you're not able to, you know, grow within that role or expand and maybe take on some other roles within the organisation, if that's something that you that you aspire to do, or to move up, move into the C suite, hopefully someday, that to me, that's when it becomes a little bit less exciting. But, you know, again, if you believe the definition, at least that I mentioned that Doug Irwin had were a startup is really a culture, it's a mentality. I don't think that is necessarily, for example, the company I'm with now we've gone from 5 million to 100 million a cybersecurity company called Kotick. We've done that in four and a half years. And so it is not boring at all, even in the great growth that we have had and continue to have. Because there's such an opportunity for all of us and an opportunity for all of us to expand our skill sets. David Ralph 24:37 Now, as she was talking, I was googling on the entrepreneur handbook. And I can see that in the United Kingdom, there's 181, business accelerators, and that's just listed on that one website. So you really have shown but you literally step out your door and you trip over them if you're willing to look Steve Kahan 24:58 absolutely right. And so like, you know, if you go back at that criteria that I mentioned of how to select a startup, let me share with some of your listeners some of the questions that they ought to ask that will help them to figure out whether they're choosing the right one if they called one of those companies, and actually tried to break in. So if I were interviewing, these are some of the questions I would ask. I would ask questions like, why is now the time for your company to exist? Or a question like, what do you love about your team? And why are you the ones to solve this problem? Or tell me about a paying customer? What was their journey to you? And what are the revenue expectations over the next year? Or how much as the company raised and what's its runway? Who are your investors? Why did you choose them? And most importantly, this one is is one that kind of helps me get there. values. If you weren't building your startup, what would you be doing? which not only gets at their values, but you often find if you have other things in common with that person that you typically wouldn't find during an interview. If you ask those questions, you will go very far down your path to figuring out whether this is the right place for you. And you will differentiate yourself significantly because I can assure you other candidates for those same roles will not be asking those questions. Unknown Speaker 26:35 We're talking to Steve Kahan, the author of being a startup superstar, and we'll be back with him after these words. Are you ready to make a full time living online? Check out the amazing Join Up Dots business coaching. Unknown Speaker 26:47 Hello, my name is Alan. And I've just completed the excellent eight week course with David Unknown Speaker 26:51 before I started working with David Unknown Speaker 26:54 Actually, I had no idea at all where to start. Unknown Speaker 26:57 I had a lot of ideas about While I probably thought was going to be good business, David was able to help me through that though, to find that Unknown Speaker 27:06 passion. Within literally minutes. Unknown Speaker 27:09 We had, we had a business idea. And for the last seven weeks, Unknown Speaker 27:12 we've been building on it and building on it and the position I'm in now, Unknown Speaker 27:16 but if you've got an ever got here Unknown Speaker 27:17 on my own, because of the amount of information that David gives the structure, he's got the full package here, and he explains it in a way that I can understand. His support is phenomenal. I feel like this is the way business is supposed to work. Unknown Speaker 27:32 David helped me understand, okay, what were the next logical steps that I should do? How can I get this up and running? So I would really recommend this as an excellent course helping you if you have an idea if you have no idea, really teasing that out and some of the practicalities and steps to take to really launch your business, whether as a full time job or a side hustle. So it was really excellent. I recommend it for anybody thinking about setting up their own business. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say To save you years Unknown Speaker 28:02 Thank you, David for all your amazing help and support which keeps on going. And we certainly couldn't be where we are today without you. So you're awesome. David Ralph 28:12 So if you would love to become my next success story and have your own life changing online business following my step by step system, being tuned over many years to take away the effort and expense that others struggle with, then come across to Join Up dots.com and book a free call with myself. Let's get you living the easy life as it's there waiting for you to get it that is Join Up dots.com business coaching. Now we're talking to a Steve, the author of be a startup superstar. And interestingly, Steve within the book, the first few chapters, I thought, yeah, okay, I can totally understand where you're going with this. Very interesting at the end, you've got things like embrace the power of kindness and take care of what matters Put your family first work out, eat right sleep more. Why did you feel that it was important to add back into the contents? Steve Kahan 29:08 I think those things are hugely important. And you typically don't hear those types of things from in particular technology startup executives. But let me give you a very specific example why it's so important. And so, for example, when you take a look at sort of, you know, having a healthy work life balance and actually heard a phrase of, I almost don't even like work life balance any more, because it suggests that there's a right answer. I heard a term called work life harmony, which I liked a lot better because it suggests that things have been flowed. And so, you know, time for example, is a it's a finite resource. As we all know, once you lose it, you can't get a back and that means you must really exercise a lot of care in managing Your time and, and highly driven people, particularly those in the startup world often struggle with this. And what I've learned in my career and I didn't start out this way is to be my top priority. And to and if you live very much through your calendar, as I do is the most important item on your calendar. You are you priority number one. And so I'd like to challenge your listeners right now. And I'd like to ask them to open up their calendar and see if their calendar reflects that they are their own top priority. And I'll bet if you're like most people, if you check and see how many appointments you've scheduled with yourself that you have too few. And so, you know, think about some of the time that that you're losing for personal priorities, you know whether that's going to happen game being home for dinner or for breakfast. Or taking time where you're going to build your own skills, learn something new or to think strategically. What I learned was that if you're able to make yourself your own top priority, block out time in your calendar for you, that actually you're able to build far better work life harmony, and it's never perfect. And sometimes things need to change. But if you actually go start blocking off time on your calendar, even if it's for working out at launch, whatever it might be, so that you can proactively manage and orchestrate to the type of work like power money that you want to have for your life, that it just makes things better on all fronts
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LISTENER SUCCESS: How to Earn Money Managing People's Inboxes In this episode, discover how Carol Hinkin, a listener of Join Up Dots, transformed inspiration from the show into a thriving online inbox management service. Hear Carol's journey from understanding the role of an inbox manager, acquiring essential skills, setting up her business, and effectively marketing her services. Learn about her pricing strategies, delivering exceptional service, and scaling her business. Carol's story is a blueprint for anyone looking to start their own venture. Tune in to be inspired and share her success with the world!
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LIFE COACHING: What To Do About Always Feeling Your Working In this episode of the Join Up Dots podcast, we delve into the pervasive feeling of constantly working. We explore what it means to feel like work never ends, how to recognize the signs, and the psychological and physical impacts this can have. From overcommitment and lack of boundaries to the always-on culture fuelled by technology, and the pressures of perfectionism and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), we uncover the root causes of this relentless grind. Tune in to discover practical tips for setting boundaries, managing technology, and adjusting perfectionist tendencies to reclaim your balance and well-being. #JoinUpDots #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Burnout #Productivity #SelfCare #AlwaysOnCulture #PodcastLife #FOMO
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LIFE COACHING: Getting That Work Life Balance You All Want Feeling overwhelmed by work and life demands? Join us as we explore the transformative power of time boundaries! In this episode, we dive into why time boundaries are essential for mental health, productivity, and personal fulfillment. Learn practical techniques to set and maintain your boundaries, from defining your working hours to prioritizing tasks and saying no. Discover how to balance work or school with your personal life, ensuring you have time for relaxation, hobbies, and loved ones. Tune in for tips on planning your week, establishing routines, and being present in every moment. Create a balanced lifestyle where both work and life thrive! 🔊 Listen now and reclaim your time! #TimeBoundaries #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #ProductivityHacks #SelfCare #HealthyBoundaries #PodcastLife Share this episode with friends and start setting those boundaries today!
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LISTENER SUCCESS: Turning Free Stuff into Cash with Jamie and Tim In this inspiring episode of the Join Up Dots podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of listeners Jamie and Tim. After a transformative chat with host David, they discovered a brilliant side hustle: refurbishing children’s furniture found on Freecycle. By sanding, painting, and decorating these pieces with popular football team colors, they’re now making £150 per item from a £30 investment—enough to cover half their mortgage each month! But that's not all! Jamie and Tim also share five more creative ideas for turning free items into profitable ventures: Upcycling Home Decor: Transform mirrors, picture frames, and lamps into trendy, one-of-a-kind decor pieces. Refurbishing Bicycles: Repair and repaint old bikes to sell them for a nice profit. DIY Pet Furniture: Create unique pet beds, cat trees, and dog houses from free furniture or wooden pallets. Vintage Clothing: Find and refurbish vintage or brand-name clothing and accessories to sell online. Garden Furniture and Planters: Turn old furniture and crates into beautiful garden furniture and planters. Tune in to discover how you can turn free stuff into a lucrative side hustle. This episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration to help you start making extra money from items others are giving away for free. Listen now and get inspired to share your success story next!
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LIFE COACHING: Conquering Anxiety: Follow Up In this transformative episode, listeners embark on a journey of resilience and hope as they delve into the heartfelt conversation between Claire and David about conquering anxiety. Claire, despite her fulfilling life, shares her struggles with anxiety, sparking a powerful exchange of insights and practical advice. As Sarah, Michael, Emily, Alex, and Laura reach out with their own stories of battling anxiety, listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles. Each email reflects the universal experience of seeking solace and guidance in the face of anxiety's relentless grip. Through Claire and David's candid dialogue, listeners discover actionable strategies for managing anxiety, from mindfulness practices to seeking support from communities and resources. The episode becomes a beacon of light, offering hope and inspiration to anyone navigating the complexities of mental health. As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to share this powerful conversation with friends and loved ones, spreading awareness and fostering a community of support. Together, let's conquer anxiety and embrace a life filled with strength, courage, and resilience. Tune in to this enlightening episode and join the movement to conquer anxiety together. Share, listen, and inspire others on the path to healing and well-being. 🌟
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