Standout With Cheryl Tan

Products, Patents & Partnerships with Jane Birdwell If you have ever had an idea for a must-have product, then this episode is for you. Jane Birdwell created a solution for a problem she saw while hosting parties for her friends and family. The result - Tablevogue, fitted table covers. Her background in marketing and advertising came in handy, but she compares her business journey with jumping hurdles. Lots of ups and downs. She shares the things she wished she had known before creating a product, obtaining a patent, and forging smart partnerships. You’ll want to stick around to the very end because she shares some exclusive company news with the STANDOUT audience about the direction of Tablevogue. Enjoy the show! What you will learn in this episode: *The painstaking research Jane conducted to see if Tablevogue would fly in the marketplace *Why getting a patent was critical for the growth of her business *The very real challenges you will face when trying to get your product in stores *Why Tablevogue

Get new clients by creating a WOW factor with John Dwyer If you’re a business owner trying to attract the attention of new clients, then you’ll want to hear what John Dwyer says. His methods are different than what you may have heard before. He calls it direct response marketing...with a twist. I really enjoyed my chat with JD, who is from Australia, and he spills the beans on his WOW attraction formula, which he says is responsible for $15 billion dollars in extra sales for businesses in a wide range of industries. We talked about so many topics - from a proven method that keeps customers focused on what you’re offering and not how much they’re paying, to the one thing you need to have to find success in business, to what’s really wrong with your website. Chances are, you’ll end up with pages of notes, like I did. What you will learn in this episode: *Why most small- and medium-sized businesses are leaving money on the table *How a shift in thinking for those same businesses can mean money in the ban

From solopreneur to entrepreneur with Stacy Tuschl I had the opportunity to speak at the Modern Femme Convention in Virginia Beach this past weekend, a wonderful gathering of people supporting women in business. It’s fitting that my guest for this episode is Stacy Tuschl, an entrepreneur in Wisconsin who grew a 7-figure business from an idea she started while in college. She is now in the business of guiding women to entrepreneurial success. I talk with a lot of people who are trying to figure out how to grow and so I address that issue quite a bit on STANDOUT. Stacy has navigated that path from solopreneur to entrepreneur and shares her steps to success. What you'll learn in this episode: *How Stacy was able to turn her passion into a 7-figure business *The big problems she ran into when her company started to take off *The solutions Stacy came up to grow a company the smart way *The marketing techniques that work well to bring in customers *The biggest obstacle for people who are trying to grow the

Cultivate passion in your company. Leadership lessons with Jeff McManus How do you motivate your team to do its very best? How do you help them see the vision for your company? How do you know if you’re doing a good job? Jeff McManus is the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, and when you listen to this podcast episode or watch the video, you’ll learn things weren’t all rosy on the Ole Miss campus. The scenery has changed dramatically under his watch and we’ll discuss how to create an environment where everyone is empowered to be a leader, as well as why that is so critical for the success of your organization. Whether you have a company of one, or whether you lead many, this is a show that will help you grow. What you'll learn in this episode: *How Jeff turned an apathetic landscape team into an award-winning one *What he did to transform weeders into leaders *How he created a vision that his team could buy into, and support wholeheartedly *What problems can result when

Want to attract strong leads? Try podcasts says Tom Schwab Listen to your customers because they will tell you everything you need to know. But what if you need to attract the attention of those customers first? Tom Schwab suggests you take a closer look at podcasts to attract them. He says you should find podcasts that appeal to your target audience and share your expertise there. If you listen to this episode, you’ll learn how to turn those listeners into something more. What you'll learn in this episode: *How to attract the right customers for your business *Why a military background offers everything you need to start a business *How to start a conversation with someone who could be a future customer *How to grow your customer list *Why other marketers focus on the wrong number in terms of lead generation *How Tom has been able to stand out in a crowded, competitive marketplace *Why what used to work in marketing doesn't work now *How to turn listeners into leads Links mentioned in this episode: Co

Scale your charisma using video marketing with Jeff Leo Herrmann If you’ve been trying to figure out how to get in front of your perfect clients on a mass scale, then this episode is for you. Jeff Leo Herrmann is the Chief Revenue Officer at digital marketing agency Fathom, as well as the host of the podcast, Publish or Perish FM. He believes, like I do, there is real power in content marketing. Share your expertise consistently and your tribe will find you. Want maximum impact? Jeff is a huge proponent of growing that mass audience through video. What you'll learn in this episode: *Why content marketing is such a powerful tool to reach new audiences *How Jeff is using content to reach marketers worldwide *The steps he is using to market a global event *If you are hosting an event, questions to ask yourself as you create a marketing plan *Why social selling does NOT mean being on every single social platform in existence *How to maximize your time to produce content for your business *Why content mark

Mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing their companies with Shelley Smith We all learn differently, and in this episode, we’re talking about learning from our mistakes. Shelley Smith, the founder and CEO of Premier Rapport, says she is learning all the time. And she’s turned those life lessons into a true education for the business leaders she guides. Shelley started out in the corporate world and transitioned into the entrepreneurial one, offering executive support to the leaders of companies - the ones in the C-suite. I know you’ll enjoy our conversation, which focuses on the mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing their companies and ways you can build your company the smart way -- from the ground up. What you'll learn in this episode: *Why it's tough for entrepreneurs to grow their companies alone *Why creating connections is so critical for leaders of companies *How to get past being an introvert and network successfully *What is empathy mapping and how Shelley used it to grow her current busi

Grow your company by hiring an executive assistant with Joan Burge Today, we’re talking about getting help. And how, if you have the right help, you can see incredible growth in your business. We discussed it with business coach Allison Maslan in STANDOUT Episode 13 and with entrepreneur Jim Palmer in STANDOUT Episode 15. But what is the best way to work with assistants who could be the key to your success? Joan Burge is the founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International. She was an executive assistant for many years, who now provides training for administrative professionals worldwide. I love the honesty she shares about how hard it is to build a sustainable company and what it takes to make it. Whether you’re an assistant or the boss, you will get some valuable steps on how best to work together to grow a company. What you will learn in this episode: *What Joan learned about relationships while an executive assistant for 17 years, and how she turned that experience into a successful business *Misc

Strategies to create your own dream business with Jim Palmer Jim Palmer is known as the Dream Business Coach. He has created a successful business that gives him time to spend with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is the founder of the Dream Business Academy and is the creator of No Hassle Newsletters, a ‘done-for-you’ newsletter marketing program used by hundreds of clients internationally. In our interview, Jim discusses how he came up with this program. It hasn’t been an easy journey. Not at all. Jim discusses the challenges he overcame and what he has learned that will benefit businesses owners everywhere who want to create a lifestyle that includes financial rewards as well as the time to enjoy them. What you will learn in this episode: *How to overcome financial and physical challenges and grow a business *Why financial freedom is a very different thing from time freedom - and how to create both *How Jim uses "tough love" to show clients success *How listening very closely to customers h

Create a passive income stream using vending machines with Matt Miller Matt Miller is the founder of School Spirit Vending, a Texas-based company that provides year-round passive fundraising for schools around the country. Matt started out in the military, as an Air Force pilot, then moved to the corporate world. Through it all, Matt had always been fascinated with the idea of creating passive income. He was determined to find a way to make money while he slept. It was far from easy, but he says he has found the path, and is now working to share his method with as many people as possible. And in doing so, he says, he is creating a win-win for everyone involved. What you will learn in this episode: *Matt shares the secret to successful sales *Why Matt is so excited about using vending machines for passive income *How he grew School Spirit Vending into a national company *The reason he believes School Spirit Vending is growing so quickly *A closer look at passive income, and why Matt believes it's a

Scale your company for success with Allison Maslan When failure is not an option, you learn so much about yourself - how much you are capable of accomplishing, how much you’re willing to put yourself out there, how much work you will do to reach your goals. Allison Maslan knows what that’s like. At one point, she was a single mom who could not fail. It just wasn’t an option. And she didn’t, building 10 successful companies from the ground up. She is the CEO of Allison Maslan International, a global business mentoring company. She is author of, “Blast off! The Surefire Success Plan to Launch your Dreams into Reality,” and was recently named one of the top women entrepreneurs who inspire by Self Made Magazine. Today, she’s talking about the power of scale. How to grow a company that begins with just you, to a business that includes you and many other people, in order to create a life you love. What you'll learn in this episode: *The business Allison started at the age of 19 that helped set the stage fo

The benefits of buying a business with Ace Chapman Today, we’re talking about one man’s solution to business failure. I do hate to talk about failure, but the odds are not in our favor. According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months. Ace Chapman is convinced buying an existing business is the way to create the life and earn the income you want. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, so if you’re even thinking this could be an option, you’ll get ideas on where to find businesses to buy, the best ways to find funding for your purchase, and the one thing Ace includes in his deals that could lead to your eventual business success. What you'll learn in this episode: *The difference between an entrepreneur and a business owner - and which one best describes you *How to find businesses to buy *Why Ace's first business (which he bought and then sold) cured him of ever starting his own venture from scratch ever again *The key things to look for when e

How to create extraordinary relationships with Jason Treu Relationships are the cornerstone of your success. I believe that, and my guest, Jason Treu, does, too. Jason uses skills he is naturally very good at - meeting people, building relationships, making connections - to help entrepreneurs. He is the author of the best-selling book, "Social Wealth," and he is a business and executive coach based in Dallas, Texas. If you’re struggling with trying to figure out how to create authentic relationships that last, you’ll want to take notes. If you’re just not happy with what you’re doing now, take a listen. You’ll get plenty out of this show. Jason breaks down the three pillars of building solid relationships and how to be successful with what you have created. Click the link at the top of this post to hear our interview or watch the video. What you will learn in this episode: *Jason's immersion plan that took him from his corporate job to entrepreneur *The things that hold people back from achieving thei

How niching down opened up opportunities for Jessica Rhodes Jessica Rhodes is always listening. She started her entrepreneurial journey as a virtual assistant, and simply by listening to what her clients were asking for, created a way to increase their visibility and give them more opportunities for success. She is the Founder and CEO of Interview Connections, which is a highly-focused service that books guests for podcasts. What will you learn in this episode: *How Jessica started a business out of her home *The challenges she faced once clients started knocking, and how she figured out the way to scale her company *How to properly pitch a guest for a podcast *Specific things potential podcast guests can do to raise their chances of getting booked for a podcast interview *Steps Jessica took to scale a service-based business *The steps Interview Connections takes to make sure she can guarantee podcast interviews for her clients Links mentioned in this episode: *Jessica's podcast booking business: Int

Mark Sephton started out in the hospitality industry and realized he wanted something more - more opportunities, more fulfillment, more growth. He took a big scary leap and started investing in himself. Now an author and mentor for entrepreneurs all over the world, Mark shares his habits for success in business and life. What you will learn in this episode: *The moment Mark knew when he needed to break out of his comfort zone and invest in himself *How to create the best version of yourself in business and life *Habits Mark adopts for success *What is a "trigger" habit and how you can use that to dramatically change your day Links mentioned in this episode: Get information on Mark Sephton's book, "Inside Job," and get access to his videos and blog articles here. Did you enjoy the show? Please subscribe to the STANDOUT with Cheryl Tan podcast on iTunes here.

How to connect with influencers on LinkedIn with Dennis Brown Dennis Brown is a serial entrepreneur who is embracing social media to connect with influencers, and wants to share some valuable tips so you can succeed using it as well. Before you check out our interview, I mentioned one of Dennis’ companies was recognized in the Inc. 5000. It was actually named in the Inc. 500. Even better! Kudos to him! In a career that has spanned more than 20 years, Dennis at first focused his attention in what could be considered boring industries. You’ll hear him describe the lessons he learned while growing those companies. And you’ll hear why he is creating a new path using social media, in particular LinkedIn. What you will learn in this episode: *What lessons Dennis learned in his first ten years in business *How those first ten years of challenges helped fuel the next ten years of success *What criteria Dennis used to find the right companies in which to be involved *Why passion isn't the only barometer for succ

Passion, Purpose & Profit with Steve Alpert So often, you think that once you make the decision to change your life, you’ll find success right away. That overnight, you’ll be rolling in money and fame. It does not work that way. Just ask Steve Alpert, who left a successful career in TV news & filmmaking to become an artist. He will tell you that it was hard, really hard, and he couldn’t have done it without the emotional and financial support of his wife, Dorothy. But, he will also say when you are called to do something, you must pay attention. And work really hard to make the journey meaningful. That's when you'll find success. What you will learn in this episode: *How truly difficult it is to change careers *Why that change was worth it to Steve *Successful habits *How the Recession destroyed Steve's business and what he did to come back *The reason why artists make art Links mentioned in the episode: Want to browse Steve's collection? Click here. While there, you can also learn more about his bo

Want a successful business? Run marathons says Eugene Thompson Eugene Thompson’s design business is on fire. His company, Ionic DeZign Studios is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has just acquired another company in another city and his bustling offices are handling up to $75 million dollars of design work a year. Eugene has been in business for 16 years, so he’s used to being an entrepreneur. As you’ll hear in this episode, he’s been doing fine, but over the last couple of years, his business has grown exponentially. You’re going to hear exactly how this has happened - and why. What you will learn in this episode: *Eugene Thompson was a father of four young children when he decided to leave his job and start a business. Why and how did he get his first customers? *Why volunteer opportunities are critical for business success *The decision to grow his company to two locations *How a health scare changed his life - and business *The morning routine that starts each day on a positive note Links menti

Disrupting an established industry with Aaron Montgomery Why did you go into business for yourself? Was it for the chance to be in charge, to create your own path, to find the intersection of what you love to do with a way to make money doing it? It’s safe to say that our next guest felt that way. Aaron Montgomery will tell you he feels incredibly fortunate to be doing what he loves - in an industry he is passionate about. But he will also tell you it’s not an easy journey - that some parts of growing a successful business keep him up at night. He, alongside partners Michael Bor & Will Boland, have grown CarLotz, a consignment store for cars headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, to six locations in two states. What you will learn in this episode: *How the idea behind CarLotz formed *Why Aaron left a lucrative job for the uncertainty of a startup *How CarLotz was able to secure a half-million dollars in venture funding based on an innovative idea *The in-depth process of getting venture capital to back

Rebounding From Recession Using Social Media with April Spring April Spring, designer and founder of Foxers, a boutique apparel brand, discusses the ups and downs of creating a fashion brand. She shares actionable tips on how she and her husband, Alex, were able to grow the business to 7 figures in about 10 years. What you'll learn in this episode: *How a nagging problem gave April the idea for her boutique apparel brand *How April used her network to validate the idea *Even without a formal design background, why April was able to create beautiful products she and others love *How Foxers received national press - for free *Why April says the recession blindsided her and how the downturn in the economy left her essentially starting from scratch *How Foxers came back after the recession and what processes she has in place for growth now *Why being early adopters in Pinterest, as well as investing time and money in social media, has paid off *The keys to success when you own a product-based business *How s