The Rock Your Genius Show

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 05-14-10

2010-05-18T15:52:07Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the May 14, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 05-14-10

Off the Beaten Path

Dhar Mann of iGrow

First, we had our "Off the Beaten Path" segment, where we talked with Dhar Mann, an entrepreneur who has several business ventures, his most recent being iGrow, the California Bay Area’s largest full-service hydroponic superstore. Dhar's branding and marketing approach is definitely off the beaten path, and he was here to share his great lessons in publicity, PR, and really leveraging the media to promote a business. He also shared some of the challenges he's faced in getting his business off the ground, as well as his best advice for young and budding entrepreneurs and business owners.

Learn more about Dhar

Under 25, Over 50

Keith J. Davis, Jr.

Then we had our "Under 25, Over 50" segment with Keith J. Davis, Jr., who is the Junior Vice-President of D-Mars, a marketing and communication firm, and the author of the book Young? So What! 10 Steps to Become a Successful Young Entrepreneur. Keith was here to share how he learned to embrace his unique strengths, talents, and character traits to build a thriving career as an entrepreneur. He also shared some of the steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Learn more about Keith

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Call in with your questions and comments for the show! Leave me a message at (318) 523-0123 or toll free at (800) 913-2993. Be sure to say that you're a first-time caller for the radio show. Please note that not all calls make the broadcast.

Quote of the Week

Be yourself.

I think it's by John Jakes.

Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.

Whether through this show or through the "Empire Expert Series," my whole goal is to help each of us connect with our larger purpose, be ourselves, and then allow that to guide us in our business endeavors. I believe that, by doing so, we'll achieve greater and longer-lasting success, as well as greater contentment within our lives and businesses.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 05-07-10

2010-05-11T16:46:35Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the May 7, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 05-07-10

Friends in Business

Marketing Pro Trey Pennington

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, marketing pro Trey Pennington was here to tell us how social media and networking provides a great opportunity for real connection. He shared how social media fulfills our need to be heard and understood and how it provides an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a member of a community. He also explained why this is the golden age of opportunity for the entrepreneur and how you can create a business that's truly remarkable.

Learn more about Trey

Under 25, Over 50

Justin Sachs, Motivational Speaker and Coach

Then we talked with motivational speaker and coach Justin Sachs, whose work in the field of personal development began when he was just 13-years-old. Justin was here to discuss the power of persistence. He has a book by the same name, and he offered insight into why we give up too soon, as well as how we can learn to be more persistent and see our visions into existence.

Learn more about Justin

Friends in Business

Erin Lozano of Green Sherpa

After that, we picked back up with a conversation we had a while back with "Friend in Business" Erin Lozano of Green Sherpa. Erin was here to talk about the importance of cash flow management, as well as the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to their finances.

Learn more about Erin

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

Success is about courage, determination, and will.

I think it's by George Sheehan.

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-30-10

2010-05-03T16:49:09Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Apr 30, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 04-30-10

Under 25, Over 50

Ryan Ross (aka, "Tiny Trump") and His Mom, Savannah Ross

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, we have 8-year-old entrepreneur Ryan Ross here to tell us about his business ventures that started when he was just 3-years-old. He's now 8 and running his own real estate investment business, and he was here to share what life's been like as a young entrepreneur, as well as his thoughts on the most fun part of running a business. He also shared why he thinks entrepreneurs have the power to change the world.

After that, we talked with Ryan's mom, Savannah Ross, about what it's like to be the parent of an 8-year-old entrepreneur with such a big vision. She shared a little about how their family kind of got started in entrepreneurship, as well as her advice for other parents and some of the values and lessons Ryan and her family are learning through his business endeavors.

Learn more about Ryan

Off the Beaten Path

Danny Wong of Blank Label

Then we talked with Danny Wong of Blank Label, a custom dress shirt company that allows co-creation with the consumer in the design process. Danny was here to share some of the challenges in getting a product-based company off the ground, how he and his team operate remotely, as well as his best advice for budding entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Danny

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

Do more than is required.

I think it's by Gary Ryan Blair.

Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? The extra mile.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-23-10

2010-04-26T15:20:24Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Apr 23, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 04-23-10

Under 25, Over 50

Allie Herzog of Integrate PR

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, publicity expert and Integrated PR founder Allie Herzog was here to tell us why the media is such a great way to get the word out about a company (even if you're a small business!), how she helps her clients build "whuffie" (and what that is exactly), and how she got her start as an entrepreneur when she was under 25-years-old!

Learn more about Allie

Off the Beaten Path

Tania, Kat, & Maya of Surprise Industries

Then we talked with Tania Luna, Kat Dudina, and Maya Gilbert, founders of Surprise Industries, about their fun and unique business, how they got connected and came up with the idea for their company, and what it was like to start a business in their 20s. They also shared their philosophy of positive risk-taking, life-long learning, and full-throttle living, as well as how they keep that philosophy as the driving force behind their business.

Learn more about Tania, Kat, and Maya

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

A business that makes nothing but money...

I think it's by Henry Ford.

A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.

Don't sell yourself short by concentrating only on the financial side of things. Figure out what you really love to do and who you really love to serve and be surrounded by. Somewhere in there is a business that's just perfect for you.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-16-10

2010-04-19T15:42:10Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Apr 16, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 04-16-10

Friends in Business

Jaime Almond, Social Media Trainer and Coach

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, social media trainer and coach Jaime Almond was here to share her thoughts on using social media and networking tools to increase your credibility online and to build an audience and establish trust and loyalty. She also shared her best advice for maximizing the use of social media and networking tools.

Learn more about Jaime

Off the Beaten Path

Nick Beste of Man Cave

Then we talked with Nick Beste, founder of Man Cave, which sort of provides "home parties" for men, similar to companies like Pampered Chef that generally target women. Nick was here to tell us more about his company and the products and services provided by Man Cave, as well as how he came up with the concept for the business. He also shared how he's overcoming some of the initial challenges involved with starting a business and his best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

Learn more about Nick

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

It's about getting ahead of ourselves.

I think it's by Stewart B. Johnson.

Our business in life is not to get ahead of others, but to get ahead of ourselves -- to break our own records, to outstrip our yesterday by our today.

I commented to someone online last week that I am my #1 competitor, no one else comes close. If I can get myself to do what I need to do, honor my boundaries, and stay accountable, then the rest is much easier to manage. The rest you can find in a book or on a blog, but I have yet to find the how-to manual for getting out of my own way.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-09-10

2010-04-12T18:19:50Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Apr 09, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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Listening and Downloading Instructions

To listen, click the link below.

To download the mp3, right click the link and save.

The Rock Your Genius Show 04-09-10

Friends in Business

Shama Kabani of the Marketing Zen Group

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, Shama Kabani of the Marketing Zen Group and author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing was here to share her advice on marketing a business. She also shared her thoughts on some of the commonly neglected areas of business owners when it comes to their marketing.

Learn more about Shama

Off the Beaten Path

Alex Andon of Jellyfish Art

Then we talked with Alex Andon, an entrepreneur who's running a very unique business. He's the founder of Jellyfish Art, a company that makes jellyfish aquariums and supplies live jellyfish. Alex was here to talk about how he came up with the idea for the business, as well as some of the challenges in getting it off the ground. He also shared his best advice for anyone considering going into business for themselves.

Learn more about Alex

Friends in Business

Glenyce Hughes of The Healing Room

Then we talked with Glenyce Hughes of The Healing Room. Glenyce was here to share her tips for finding balance between our personal lives and our businesses, as well as establishing and maintaining boundaries.

Learn more about Glenyce

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

We are powerful beyond measure.

This is one of my favorite quotes by Marianne Williamson.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Empire Expert Series at Upstart Smart and learn how you can become a content marketing pro!

P.P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-02-10

2010-04-05T15:34:09Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Apr 02, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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Listening and Downloading Instructions

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The Rock Your Genius Show 04-02-10

Friends in Business

Philippa Kennealy of Entrepreneurial MD

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, Philippa Kennealy of Entrepreneurial MD was here to share her thoughts on how entrepreneurship offers one of the greatest experiences for expressing your own creativity. She also provided tips on finding a niche and building a business of purpose, as well as gave her advice for staying focused on the most important things, even as your business grows and more demands are placed on you.

Learn more about Philippa

Stories of Inspiration

Emily Dubner of Baking for Good

Then we talked with Emily Dubner, founder of the socially-conscious business Baking for Good. Emily was here to tell us a little more about her company and how she grew to amazing success and national recognition in just six months. Listen to find out how you can actually work with Baking for Good to help with your child's school, a community organization that you support, or one of over 100 charities supported by Baking for Good.

Learn more about Emily

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The second best time to plant a tree is now.

I'm not sure who said it, but my accountability partner Betsy Talbot of Married With Luggage shared it with me recently.

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

We sometimes want to use that whole "if only" attitude as a way of letting ourselves off the hook or to distract us from what we could be doing right now. Although it's frustrating sometimes to think how far we'd be if only we had done things a little differently, most of us still have an opportunity right now to make a difference, and that starts with action, taking the steps today to create the results you want tomorrow.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-26-10

2010-03-29T16:10:46Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Mar 26, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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Listening and Downloading Instructions

To listen, click the link below.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 03-26-10

Friends in Business

Pam Kapoor, Wordsmith and Messagist

On this episode of Rock Your Genius, we talked with Pam Kapoor, a wordsmith and messagist. Pam explained exactly what a wordsmith and messagist means, as well as how she helps her clients create more effective communication strategies. She also shared some of her best advice for business owners to effectively share their messages.

Learn more about Pam

Friends in Business

Marissa Bowers, Freelance Photographer

Then we talked with Marissa Bowers who is a freelance photographer and graphic designer who recently launched her own photography business. She was here to share more about how she went about launching her own business, as well as her plans for marketing and finding new clients.

Learn more about Marissa

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

Draw your own map.

It's by Seth Godin in his new book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?.

It's time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map.

There's never been a better time to embrace your true unique genius, follow your passion, and allow that to create a life and business that's a reflection of your most authentic self.

It might take a lot more effort, especially the emotional effort that Godin talks about in the book, but it proves very much worth it in the end. If you accept it and embrace it, this actually puts you at an advantage to start, because most people aren't willing to put in that much effort.

The other thing is, it's a lot more fun when you just get to be yourself and do what you love everyday. If you can figure this out, all of a sudden work doesn't feel like work anymore.

So, instead of following, draw your own map.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-19-10

2010-03-22T14:45:13Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Mar 19, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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The Rock Your Genius Show 03-19-10

Friends in Business

Andrea Arena of 2 Places At 1 Time

Andrea Arena is the founder of 2 Places At 1 Time, a corporate concierge service that will be in its 20th year of business in 2011 and that's repeatedly been covered in the media as one of the fastest growing private companies in the US.

Andrea was here to share her thoughts on keeping things going in spite of the current economy, how she expands into new markets, her thoughts on customer service, and much more. She had a wealth of information to share to help you be more aggressive and optimistic and also avoid those glass ceilings we often impose on ourselves.

Learn more about Andrea

Friends in Business

Erin Lozano of Green Sherpa

Then I spoke with Erin Lozano of Green Sherpa. Green Sherpa is a web-based cash flow management and budgeting tool that can help you make better financial decisions and project for the future.

Erin was here to tell us more about the software and how it can help you be more conscious about your spending, as well as help you take control of your finances through better cash flow management.

Learn more about Erin

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

Luck is quite predictable.

I think it's by Brian Tracy.

I've found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.

A lot of times, success finds us, and it finds us when we give it more chances to do so. It can be as simple as writing more articles online, starting that new podcast or video blog, or participating more often on the various social networking sites.

Many times, we can't pinpoint what exactly has led to opportunities. We say, "Well, I started this new podcast, or I wrote this blog post, and they just found me." By putting out more opportunities to be found, we seem to stumble on greater success.

How can you provide more opportunities to be discovered? Make a list of all the ways you can show up more often, be more active, and take more chances. By doing so, you'll make yourself more visible, which can lead to more clients, more business partnerships, and much greater success for you and your business.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-12-10

2010-03-15T15:30:35Z

Here's the audio and show notes for the Mar 12, 2010 Rock Your Genius show.

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Listening and Downloading Instructions

To listen, click the link below.

To download the mp3, right click the link and save.

The Rock Your Genius Show 03-12-10

Great Stories in the News

When This All Gets Cool by Chris Brogan

From ChrisBrogan.comChris Brogan of ChrisBrogan.com wrote an article back in February entitled "When This All Gets Cool." He was talking about cool ways to use all the different social media and networking tools that are out there.

It's really relevant to anyone who is participating in social media and networking, but I thought it was especially helpful to people who are just getting started with it or maybe aren't sure how to jump into it all.

The article probably half a dozen ideas for getting involved in social media and networking. No matter if it's new to you or if you've been using it a while, it's a great way to really take advantage of these tools.

Go to the original article

Friends in Business

Donna Santos of Donna Santos Photography

Donna is a photographer based in Toronto. She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners authentically portray their passion through photography. Donna was here to explain how she helps her clients let down their guard and show their true passion, as well as why it's so important to show our authenticity within our businesses in order to connect with our ideal clients and customers. She also shared how she keeps the passion alive within her own business and why it's so important to remain grounded in your core values as a business owner.

Learn more about Donna

Under 25, Over 50

Anita Crook of Pouchee

Then we spoke with Anita Crook, our first ever "Under 25, Over 50" guest. Anita was here to talk about launching a product when she was nearing 60-years-old, as well as overcoming some of her initial reservations and fears, like getting out and selling her product. She also shared her best advice for anyone over fifty who might be thinking of starting a business.

Learn more about Anita

Off the Beaten Path

Sheila Lowe, Author and Handwriting Analyst and Expert

Finally, we had Sheila Lowe on the show to kick off our "Off the Beaten Path" segment. Sheila launched a unique business as a handwriting analyst and expert, analyzing handwriting for companies that are hiring new employees, and she also serves as a handwriting expert in forgery cases. In addition to her work as a handwriting analyst and expert, Sheila is also a published writer. She was here to share a bit about her craft, as well as her Claudia Rose mystery series.

Learn more about Sheila

First-Time Caller

I Want YOU as a First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

Quit talking and begin doing.

I think it's by Walt Disney. The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

A lot of times we get frozen. Maybe we're afraid to make a mistake. Maybe we're afraid to take a risk. Other times we're just not sure what to do or we've gotten bogged down in feeling overwhelmed or like there's just too much work to do and not enough time to get it all done.

So instead of moving through the problem somehow, no matter what comes of it or what the end result, we stagnate. We stop moving forward and slow to a crawl at best. We become increasingly frustrated and disappointed, but we're just not sure how to get ourselves back out of it.

It won't necessarily be easy, and the answers may not just come to you, but as soon as your attitude changes, as soon as you stop talking about it and just get to work, you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You start making headway. So, as Walt Disney said, quit talking. Begin doing.

Good luck with your business, and I'll see you back here next week.

- Amber

P.S. Here's the audio link again.

The Rock Your Genius Show

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 05-14-10

Listen Now

Off the Beaten Path

Under 25, Over 50

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 05-07-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Under 25, Over 50

Friends in Business

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-30-10

Listen Now

Under 25, Over 50

Off the Beaten Path

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-23-10

Listen Now

Under 25, Over 50

Off the Beaten Path

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-16-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Off the Beaten Path

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-09-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Off the Beaten Path

Friends in Business

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 04-02-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Stories of Inspiration

Recommended Reading

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-26-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Friends in Business

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-19-10

Listen Now

Friends in Business

Friends in Business

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week

The Rock Your Genius Show (& Show Notes) 03-12-10

Listen Now

Great Stories in the News

Friends in Business

Under 25, Over 50

Off the Beaten Path

First-Time Caller

Quote of the Week