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Jeff Kikel
The Freedom Nation podcast is the home of Freedom Day, the achievement of a work-optional lifestyle. Our show focuses around personal finance, real estate, multiple sources of income, cashflow, and the stories of people that have achieved their own Freedom Days. Our host is Jeff Kikel a 30 year veteran of the Financial Services industry that attained his own Freedom Day by building multiple streams of income, selling some, buying more and sharing his story with the audience.
Going from Behind the Scenes to the Front of the Stage with Diane Armitage
A meeting with Bob Proctor led Diane Armitage on a journey from supporting Bob's work to starting her own business and helping others grow their businesses.
Diane and Jeff discuss:
Started in the corporate world and met Bob Proctor at an event. He encouraged her to start her own business.
Started her own marketing agency that grew worldwide.
Has gone on to go from just writing to website design, branding, etc.
Works with a lot of coaches that needed help getting online during the pandemic.
How she has gone from behind the scenes working for others to building her own coaching business helping others to grow their businesses.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'd start a Best of Laguna Beach Model in Wine Country Oregon.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I waited too long to make the decision; not making a decision is making a decision. Stop analyzing and just do it.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “Bob Proctors "You were Born Rich" and "The Power of your subconscious mind" by Joseph Murphy.”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “I would recommend my senior developer but Zoom is my best tool. It opens the door for opportunity for everybody.”
What is the best way to contact you? “Email [email protected] and text 949-637-1995. www.timeforlegendary.com/vip”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since then, he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
30:0827/06/2022
The Secrets to Marketing your Business Online with Chris Michael Harris
Chris Michael Harris was a hustler early on in his life, looking for ways to make money in High School. After graduating from college and getting the "Real Job" which he hated, Chris went on a journey that led to multiple 7 figure businesses.
Chris and Jeff discuss:
He was always doing something outside of the 9-5.
In High School he and some friends started a landscaping business and made about $12,000 and spent it all.
In college he started a moving company with some friends.
After graduation he started working 9-5 and hated it.
He left and went back to build the moving company that grew to 7 figures.
Now he trains people to market their businesses online.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would find the next problem I want to solve. It has to be something I care about and something I want to work on. I want to talk to 10 people that might have this problem.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Your business is not an extension of you. It doesn’t define you. Towards the end of the moving company I was totally burned out. I held on too long.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The One Thing by Gary Keller”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Convertkit. Hotjar. Analytics”
What is the best way to contact you? “CMH on Social Media. StartupU podcast with Chris Michael Harris.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since then, he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
40:0715/06/2022
Best Selling Author to 10 Figure Business Founder with Julien Smith
Julien Smith took the unusual path to business success. Unlike others who build a career and then write books to share their expertise, Julien became a best-selling author in his early twenties. As one of the pioneers of blogging and internet marketing, his expertise was sought early on. Julien later went on to found several companies and has raised hundreds of millions in venture capital.
Julien and Jeff discuss:
He took a non-traditional route; book deal first then business owner
He was good at "trying" new things from a young age
Started one of the first podcast in the world that ended up on Sirius Satellite radio
Then wrote an Ebook with a co-author at 29 that was a New York times best seller in book form
The book lead to speaking gigs and book deals; ironically he had never run a business
He had a tech idea that he raised money (150 Million) for.
Learning as he was going on how to be a CEO of the tech business
After a couple years he started another business that serves coaches
Today Julien raises venture capital with ideas, builds a team around that idea and then
goes out into the market and executes on the plan.
Advice for business owners: Pick your battles so you don't burn out
Helping solo businesses is what he cares about
Advice: To have a book sell well, you have to own a channel that has your own tribe of people
Want to be a CEO: Just pitch the idea
Advice: Business owners need to confront reality; dream vs reality
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Set up 10, 15, 20 conversations with people and ask them about what's going on today. It's not about his idea but the timing of the market and what is perfect for right now.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “At the height of the last business he was running, he was burning a million dollars per month. I should have gotten smarter about business when the business was smaller.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “Zero to IPO by Frederic Kerrest”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Slack (to communicate) and Hubspot (CRM)”
What is the best way to contact you? “Twitter.com/Julien, [email protected] or google him on the internet”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
27:3713/06/2022
The Corporate Transition Coach with Kathy Grassett
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Kathy Grassett.
Kathy and Jeff discuss:
She was a Gen X’er who grew up with a one-parent income. She knew she wanted to be in business.
In college she decided on a Management Information Systems as a major.
Spent 38 years working for two different companies during that time period.
Was tired of the corporate culture and decided that she wanted to leave corporate completely.
She did not start it as a side business, she stepped off the deep end and became a health and wellness coach.
She spent a few years pivoting in different coaching careers, until she found that she would coach people leaving the corporate world.
The final pivot required her to put herself out there. She had to go through a discovery process.
Her process is to go through the business basics (offer, process, customers, etc.)
What she adds to the process is how to make that transition from your corporate persona.
Also works with Money Mastery, Time Mastery, and Organization.
New in her business, she has been working on Money Mastery Days.
Externally, she has been working on marketing her business better.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “That is an inflection point. I would take a pause and get organized. Then I would figure out the next steps”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not spending my money wisely in the beginning.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “I don’t have one. I tend to read a chapter and then put books down. ”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “My journals. It allows me ”
What is the best way to contact you? “www.kathygrassett.com”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
37:3706/06/2022
Corporate Engineer to Helping you Grow a Handyman Business with Dan Perry
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Dan Perry.
Dan and Jeff discuss:
Has a company that teaches people to start a Handyman company.
He started out as an engineer. He went to college for that.
He got the job that he thought was a dream job and found out that an office career was not for him.
Every day he woke up and wondered how many days it was going to be before Friday.
He stumbled on the idea of a handyman business.
Shared his story via a blog.
Within five months he was making as much as he was as an engineer.
Created HandymanStartup.com.
Creating an online business takes time. It is not an overnight process.
If he had it all to do over again. He would have been more focused on what he was doing.
Has created 3 courses that teach: How To Get Started, Marketing, and Pricing.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would lay there first. I would post an add on Craigslist, start doing handyman services. Share my story on YouTube.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Pricing in my handyman business.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “Anti-Fragile by Naseem Taleb ”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “I am a huge Evernote Fan.”
What is the best way to contact you? “www.HandymanStartup.com, www.Youtube.com search for Handyman startup”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
26:4730/05/2022
When to Make the Jump with Rocky Lalvani
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Rocky Lalvani of Profit Comes First.
Rocky and Jeff discuss:
Rocky came here at age 2. His family restarted here and went on to succeed.
He made a decision to be a Millionaire at an early age.
After college, he taught accountants to use the first spreadsheets.
He determined he was going to get a job and begin to save automatically.
Saving money in the end did not make him happy.
He spent 3-5 yrs learning how to help people be better with money.
He was introduced to Profit First and coached Business Owners to be better with money.
There was a process to how he decided when to leave the corporate world.
His typical clients are 7 figure business owners that need to get their finances under control.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I don’t see a change. I am going out and hustling and selling.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not Starting and waiting too long to take the jump. And undervaluing my skills.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the chairman of the board by Keith Cunningham”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “I like Evernote but the game changer for me is an automated calendar.”
What is the best way to contact you? “On my website Profitcomesfirst.com; my email link and my podcasts links are on there.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
30:4518/05/2022
Neel Parekh from Maid This Franchise
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Neel from Maid This Franchise.
Neel and Jeff discuss:
Started his career in tech private equity. He lived in a cubicle and was looking for side hustles. He wanted to be able to travel and be a digital nomad.
He tried multiple opportunities and finally came across a maid service. He was able to build it remotely.
He was able to build the business to where he could travel. He traveled to South America and stayed for 5 years.
They focus on the residential and vacation rental market.
They have Denver and South Florida.
The biggest challenge has been building the infrastructure from the ground up.
What’s new: Picking up the nomad trail again.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would work my network and get some consulting gigs and coaching.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not firing fast enough. I was not comfortable with firing someone. It ends up causing more problems”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Newsfeed Eradicator.”
What is the best way to contact you? “www.maidthisfranchise.com.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:3811/05/2022
A Corporate Downsizing Leads to Java Success with Brad Barber
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Brad Barber of Cabin Coffee Company, a multi-state coffee franchise based in Clear Lake, IA.
Brad and Jeff discuss:
Several seeds in his life led him to want to own his own business.
After his wife died he and his son moved to IA.
Later he met his second wife and decided to create a Cabin Coffee Company.
After he was laid off from a hotel company, he got a job as a contractor. When the contract was coming to a close, they decided to open their company.
They opened in time for their Christmas on the Lake 2003.
He always knew they wanted to do more than one store. 2.5 years later they opened location number two.
Within 9 Months later they had their first franchise.
“Your Brand has to Come from the Inside of Your Soul”
Built systems from the very beginning. That helped them grow rapidly as a franchise.
Had some really good people that we hired that helped us grow.
During Covid we invested in our POS systems, Apps, and online ordering.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I have this other passion. United to Serve with Passion and Purpose. Helping people find their talents and gifts. Utilizing them to help others.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I should have talked to God a lot more for the wisdom to make good decisions.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Thanks a Thousand by AJ Jacobs”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “A Positive Attitude.”
What is the best way to contact you? “www.cabincoffeecompany.com.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
42:0109/05/2022
From the Corporate World to the World you want with Alex Brueckmann
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Alex Brueckmann in Canada.
Alex and Jeff discuss:
Alex grew up in a rural area in Germany.
His first career as a radio journalist was dear to his heart.
Music was his love; radio and being a semi-professional DJ were the vehicles to get him closer to it.
The media industry went under heavy pressure in the early 2000's and he found himself unemployed.
He went to school and studied business/economics. Then started his second career in business with a Media organization in management.
Working in management taught him a lot but his passion was to create workplaces and business strategies that are people centered.
Years later Alex realized that there might be a business in creating strategies that are people centered and switched from corporate to consulting.
Shortly after becoming a consultant, Alex (and friend) was running a small business that grew over time.
After his move to Canada, he started another business which is growing.
Typical client is a small business owner who wants growth and new ideas so they can make a leap in their business(s).
He could be seen as a strategy coach, however he gives people hope and optimism to help them fall back in love with their business.
Strategy maps and visualization are used to define what a business wants to build and how to get there.
Two books in the making; September/October a multi-Author book will come out and the second book will come out next year in 2023.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Sit in the garden and write another book, just because I enjoyed that process.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I fell victim to something that many small business owners do; not being 1000% clear on your niche."
What is a book that you would recommend? “There are (3) books I would recommend; (1) Better Simpler Strategy by Felix Oberholzer-Gee, (2) Adam Grant's, Think again and (3) Vom Mann, der auszog, um den Frühling zu suchen (The man who left his home to find spring) by Clara Maria Bagus (no English version found).”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Calendly; it’s so much more than an appointment tool, it makes my life easier.”
What is the best way to contact you? “Through my website contact form (www.alexthestrategist.com) or LinkedIn/Instagram messages (links at the bottom of the website); (https://www.brueckmann.ca/).”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: <a...
21:5907/05/2022
From Introvert to Author with Steve Friedman
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Steve Friedman of Beyond Introversion from Austin TX.
Steve and Jeff discuss:
First 30 years of his career were spent working in the corporate world.
As an introvert he found it difficult and challenging to work around extroverts.
He always had to put on a façade of extroversion to be successful.
After leaving corporate he left and went back to something he had always wanted to do…writing.
Wrote two books on introversion. The most recent was, “The Corporate Introvert”.
The first book is tough and a solitary process. Went through a process learning how to be a writer.
Now getting on to campuses to share with students about introversion.
Also he is working with smaller teams to help them understand about introversion.
His newest book talks about how families with Special Needs children can transition them from high school to independent living.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Start Writing and rebuild my network again.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Fear of Missing Out. As a new writer, I knew I didn’t know a lot. I absorbed everything that I could and just decided on what makes me comfortable writing.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “Self Compassion by Kristin Kneff”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “I use OmniFocus.” https://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus
What is the best way to contact you? “www.BeyondIntroversion.com.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
37:5805/05/2022
From insuring Your Life to insuring your Business Success with Rob Herget
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Rob Herget of Boost Ur Business from Miami, FL.
Rob and Jeff discuss:
Rob has (15) businesses and calls himself a “serial entrepreneur.”
He started his career in his father’s insurance business when he was a sophomore in college and they became partners after college graduation.
After many enjoyable years in insurance, things started to change in healthcare and Rob felt it was time to go a different route.
Rob had a passion to start a business that was philanthropic and so he started the company Monkeydough.com which was the start of the (15) businesses.
Rob wanted to create a business that gave benefits for supporting causes; he created a business that is like a national discount club. One of the benefits of joining the club was a free trip.
The Monkeydough.com model gave consumers discounts at their favorite merchants for a membership fee, which brought business to local merchants and also helped to donate to local schools and nonprofits.
Investing in technology birthed the company called “Boost your Business” which is a digital marketing agency that helps to make your business grow.
Rob talks about retargeting and the importance of not just driving traffic to your business but preparing your business to accept that traffic.
Reputation for a business is important, but most important is to take responsibility for bad reviews and build up your social media.
Rob’s new business is a digital savings directory, you use your cell phone for.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m all about relationships so I’m on the phone having conversations. Not about selling but about giving things away.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “It actually was Monkeydough; I started a digital business and I didn’t know what I didn't know about digital business. It had a slower start and required a lot of training.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “I bought it on iTunes but you can google it and download it; its called “The Science of getting Rich” its over 100 years old by Wallace D. Wattles. Also “The 21 keys to success” by Jackson Brown.”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Dan Sullivan was my coach for 3 years and I learned the idea of “Free Days (enjoy life, no work), Buffer Days (paperwork) and Focus Days (focus on what makes you money).” Having a really good assistant is important too.
What is the best way to contact you? “Two ways; BoostURBusiness.com and at the phone number 305-479-7311.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: <a...
46:2503/05/2022
From a Life of Stress to Helping Others Relieve Stress with Avery Thatcher
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Avery Thatcher of Inner Stillness Outer Chaos in Canada.
Avery and Jeff discuss:
Avery created a business to fix the problems she saw in healthcare.
She started her career as a registered nurse in the ICU where she worked for a number of year.
She noticed that the number one reason why adults were coming to the ICU was because of illnesses and diseases related to chronic stress.
To make a difference she knew that she had to get out of "re-active healthcare" and start helping people prevent burnout and manage their stress.
It was a unique journey getting into business coming from being a nurse because she didn't know anything about business but it was worth it.
Working full-time 12 hour shifts, Avery used her free time and commute time to write blogs and record, making her new ideas work in between her shifts.
Avery found clients by marketing on social media and by networking. Social media marketing was a challenge but Avery learned to apply a medical model for addiction to the mindset of her audience. This allowed her to share content that spoke to her audience where they are today.
Avery loves reading and learning so she did some extra reading and training to help on her journey.
The transition from working as a registered nurse to starting her business was made for her at the end of 2018 while she was working in a stressful environment. A couple days of sleep and some test revealed that she had a disability that limits her energy and ability to work in a hospital.
Having a community is a great stress reliever and healer.
Her clients are all over the world, since she's virtual. A positive from 2020/2021 everyone knows how to use zoom.
Avery has (2) main options for working with her as well as a limited amount of one-on-one sessions.
The new membership app has (3) phases you can subscribe to.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would rent a community haul and network with other alternative therapy practitioners in my area to provide a free workshop for people. So they can learn about the stress system and how to manage it and get them on my email list.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “The biggest business mistake I ever made was growing a secondary business that was not in alignment with what I wanted. Just because I was good at something doesn't mean it's what I should do.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “I would recommend, "Breaking the habit of being yourself" by Dr Joe Dispenza.”
What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “I use this app, it's called Habitica. It's a to-do list app where you get to create this character and you earn coins, etc. It's a fun way to get things off your to-do list.”
What is the best way to contact you? “Through my website, becomingavery.com and also on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) @becomingavery.”
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:3927/04/2022
From a Network Marketing Blowup to Marketing Success with Brett Williams
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Brett Williams from Australia.
Brett and Jeff discuss:
Going from being a Draftsman for a mining company to 2012 when the market imploded and he lost his job.
He was forced to make a decision that there was no such thing as job security which led him down the path of Network Marketing and Affiliate Marketing.
He had a bad experience with Network Marketing but believed in the concept.
All this led to him creating his own business and creating a marketing agency.
This has led to him creating a white label marketing agency service to help others launch their own businesses.
He manages the backend team of the process.
He has a custom SAAS build coming to that will allow him to grow the business even greater.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First, I need to figure out how to make money. I would go down the path to consult with people to help them design their marketing strategies where I don’t need a product right away.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “The biggest cost was the Network marketing company. I lost $30k in the process. However it made me learn more about marketing and websites which has led to my current business.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (https://amzn.to/3KAAGeY)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Slack is my office. My team is all over the world. It is clean and tidy. They can see the info that is relevant to them.”
What is the best way to contact you? “Instagram. @iambrettwilliams, RPBoxed.co
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
26:5418/04/2022
From the Top of the Corporate World to the Bottom of His Heart with Vince Warnock
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Vince Warnock.
Vince and Jeff discuss:
Vince trained as an engineer and has a passion for technology and people.
He was on the radio which was his dream job.
As Vince was working, a dream job on paper, at an Insurance company he was able to take the company's YouTube channel from nothing to doubling their revenue in 5 years which didn’t go unnoticed.
Despite Vince’s success he felt unfilled and didn't care for his job any more.
December 2019, Vince gave notice of his resignation and in January 2020 sought out being a full-time author for entrepreneurs.
His journey led to several open doors and was one of the reasons for his book being a best seller, which led to multiple books.
The books led to a podcast which Vince really enjoys.
He helps entrepreneurs become visible: start a podcast, get in the news, get on stages and help to craft a story to help you connect with your audience.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Vince helped struggling entrepreneurs for free to stay afloat in their businesses and none of them went under.
Vince is setting audacious goals in an attempt to have as much impact as he can in the world.
Vince shares his process for becoming an author and talks about imposter syndrome.
Being a good storyteller will take your reader on the same journey as you and create a safe space and connection.
Remember as an entrepreneur (or corporate worker) you are still a human being.
Vince is launching 4 different NFT series this year.
Fast Five Questions:
1) If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First I would have a cup of coffee then tap into my network. Entrepreneurship is about relationships and if you have good relationships with people then you can build any business off the back of that.”
2) What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Imposter syndrome, most of my failures have come from my own insecurities and not building a team fast enough or not bringing them on the journey.”
3) What is a book that you would recommend? Torn between (2), if you’re looking to market your business, “Made to stick'' by Chip and Dan Health and “Contagious” by Jonah Berger, which talks about what makes your message so resonate with people that they want to share it.
4) What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Trello, I use it for my business and my personal life.”
5) What is the best way to contact you? “Just go to Chasingtheinsights.com, there you’ll find my podcast and my books then scroll down on the front page to see all of my social media links. Also on the website there are (2) links, the first one at the top is to a free strategy call and the other one is to become an author.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ ;
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel ;
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
54:4716/04/2022
From Corporate Restauranteur to Cooking Like Your Grandmother with Marcus Davis of The Breakfast Klub
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Marcus Davis of the Breakfast Klub in Houston, TX.
Marcus and Jeff discuss:
Have to warn you that this is a longer interview than normal. We had so much fun we couldn’t stop.
How Marcus’ family was always the house that people came to on Sundays after church for Food and Music.
Marcus began in the restaurant business at 14 and worked his way up into restaurant management.
After years of managing restaurants for others, he decided to create the Breakfast Klub which is like having breakfast at your grandmother's EVERY DAY.
How his restaurant is for the community not just for one type of customer.
We discuss how Covid lockdowns were bad for business, as a true entrepreneur Marcus was able to adapt his business and blow the dust off of some plans his team had been talking about.
When the lockdowns began to lift he told his team that they were going to keep the current services they were offering and go back to their previous service levels.
Looking at the expansion of the Breakfast Klub outside of Houston.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First thing I am going to do is to make me some breakfast. That may be a big bowl of Captain Crunch. I am going to take a minute to breathe. I will take that $500, go on Instagram and sell some food.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I hedged deeper than I should have. I had four things that I was trying to do at the same time. Gas went up, food costs went up, and the housing crisis happened. It cost me dearly, but I learned from it.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson (https://amzn.to/3E2ajMu)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I breathe, but a Number 2 pencil is my favorite tool and it is always with me.”
What is the best way to contact you? “Come visit me at the Breakfast Klub. It is the best way to get in contact with me. [email protected].”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
56:4913/04/2022
Starting Out As a Captive and Finding True Freedom to Trading Success with Judy Vee
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Judy Vee.
Judy and Jeff discuss:
Judy grew up in Ireland as a captive until she was 21, Judy escaped and got a job as a London Oil and Gas Trader.
After several jobs, Judy finally founded her first business, a Teddy Bear company.
She went on to found several other companies and has lived in London, South Africa, and during Covid her and her husband Tiny moved to Barbados.
Today her and Tiny own Tribe of Traders, teaching people how to become better traders and take control of their personal finances.
She also works as a holistic life coach.
She created the concept of the Trilogy of Transformation.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Find the Love and the Challenge, and make a business out of it”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I had a massive business. I let ego take over which led to the downfall of the business.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Virgin Way or Screw It Let’s Do It by Richard Branson (https://amzn.to/36WM99G) and (https://amzn.to/3IO8gN9)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Trello. We use it ”
What is the best way to contact you? “Facebook. My groups include Attune to Growth and Trading and Wealth Building Community.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
33:4501/04/2022
Becoming a Mama Made CEO with Courtney Wolf
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Courtney Wolf.
Courtney and Jeff discuss:
How she worked in the corporate world for 8 months and found that it was not for her.
After having her first baby she decided that she wanted to be at home with her baby, so she became a Virtual Assistant. Eventually, she moved up to the top of the company.
After suffering from burnout, she left her company and founded her own consulting firm.
While it was not easy to leave she decided to make the jump.
Today she coaches mom entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.
Using her signature Foundations Framework (™) she takes a structured approach.
Her 90 program is one on one with Courtney.
The toughest thing about being an entrepreneur is having all the responsibility for every decision.
Once she was able to build her confidence, it actually gave her more freedom.
Recently she just launched her Mama Made CEO Podcast (https://www.courtneywolfcoaching.com/podcast)
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would start another business. I would take the passion and knowledge I have and start any type of business.
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I spent a year too long at the previous company I worked at. I was too scared to take the chance.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy (https://amzn.to/3DicqeQ)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I use Asana.com”
What is the best way to contact you? “Instagram @courtneywolfcoaching or https://www.courtneywolfcoaching.com/
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:0930/03/2022
Creating a Unique Niche with the CPA Lifeguard Jimmie Brown
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Carlos Franco.
Carlos and Jeff discuss:
How Jimmie found what he loved through a program in high school.
After College Jimmie went to work as a programmer for a small company eventually changing his role to Network Support.
In 2008 after he was downsized out of his job and decided to become an IT Consultant founding his own company.
While he was successful as an IT service provider he decided in 2019 to specialize in working with CPA firms and formed The CPA Lifeguard.
Jimmie is now focused on adding more Cybersecurity skills to his business.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would take that money and invest into the latest Cybersecurity training that I could bring to clients.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trying to create another stream of income in Real Estate which turned out to be a huge mistake.”
What is a book that you would recommend? Can’t Hurt Me - David Goggins (https://amzn.to/3JnjnxC)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I use the Microsoft Suite of tools, because it is the tools that we implement with our clients”
What is the best way to contact you? “My website at www.cpalifeguard.com”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
29:5523/03/2022
Being The Community Guy - Carlos Franco (Brother From Another Mother)
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Carlos Franco.
Carlos and Jeff discuss:
His family emigrated from Mexico before he was born. Carlos was born in L.A. and feels that he was raised by a “Village” that is why he feels he is a “Community Guy” today.
Thinking he would be an engineer, he decided that was not the career for him before he graduated.
He went to work in the Advertising and Marketing industry. He had the “Dream Job” until he burned out.
In 2018 he found his own Freedom Day(™) when he left and started his own agency that works with small business owners.
He is running for city council in Buena Vista California.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would start dialing for dollars, pitch my services. This is not actually far from the truth.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Being too cautious and not making decisions quickly enough. ‘TIme Kills All Deals’.”
What is a book that you would recommend? Twelve Rules of Life - Jordan Peterson (https://amzn.to/3MSmZK2)
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Calendar. It is a blank canvas that I can fill with the things that I want to do”
What is the best way to contact you? “Connect with me through Culture-fluent.com. Or through his Instagram @elganido (the howl in Portuguese)
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
31:3621/03/2022
Creating a Spending Plan with Sherri Dumbrell
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Sherri Dumbrell.
Sherri and Jeff discuss:
Originally from Utah, Sherri found her way to England where she met her husband, an Aussie. They moved to Australia, where they raised their family for the last 30 years.
As a young stay-at-home mom, Sherri tried to find ways to stretch their budget. About 20 years ago she found the Spending Plan system.
Through the use of the Spending Plan system, her and her husband were able to get out of debt and build wealth.
Five years ago, Sherri decided to become a Certified Spending Planner and start her own business, helping others to get their finances under control.
The Spending Plan system simplifies personal finances into 6 categories;Weekly Expenses - Food, Fuel, Fun, and Incidentals
Monthly Bills
Large Purchases (Appliances, Cars, etc.)
Maintenance
Replacement
Once in a Lifetime Expenses
Sherri works with her clients to help them restructure their finances, focus on their lifestyle, and provide them with accountability.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Go out into nature and count my blessings. I would bring a laptop and begin to connect with people.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not getting a Virtual Assistant soon enough. This one thing has helped to significantly scale my business in the last few years.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegy (https://amzn.to/3pisxmU)”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Text Expander (www.textexpander.com) it helps me to quickly and efficiently create email responses.“
What is the best way to contact you? “Connect with me through my website www.essentialspendingplanner.com.au or through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/essentialspendingplanner/
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
33:5704/03/2022
The Power of Email List with Jeff Kikel
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff shares his thoughts on building and using an email list:
How an email list saved his business in 2020.
Why every business needs to build an email list.
What you should expect out of your email list.
The steps to building an email list.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
27:5402/03/2022
Online Selling with Andrey Kozlov
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Andrey Kozlov.
Andrey and Jeff discuss:
How Andrey started his career in Digital Marketing right out of college. Having to support a new family, he was not making enough money.
Andrey decided to begin selling things on Facebook Marketplace which led him to look for opportunities in the Drop Shipping Industry.
After some experimentation, Andrey was able to replace his job income with his own Freedom Engine and has never had to go back to a Job.
Andrey has since gone on to expand his business beyond Facebook Marketplace on to Ebay, Amazon, and Etsy.
Andrey has now gone on to create a program that teaches others to start profitable drop shipping businesses.
Fast Five Questions
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would start again selling things on Facebook Marketplace to keep my costs down. This would allow me to build capital up to start my business.
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Travelling while doing business. I was using a VPN which did not work with FB marketplace and caused me not to be able to ship to clients when I was overseas.
What is a book that you would recommend? “Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kyosaki (https://amzn.to/3soNa2R)”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My team lives on Google Sheets, we use it to collaborate with each other. “
What is the best way to contact you? “Connect with me on Instagram @whoisandreyy
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
24:2328/02/2022
Understanding Franchising with Lance Graulich
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Lance Graulich.
Lance and Jeff discuss:
How Lance started working on Wall Street for his dad and decided that was not his dream.
Taking a summer job working with his uncle led him to start five TGI Fridays franchises and going on to start franchises in Wingstop and Krispy Kreme.
After years of success in the franchise world, Lance went on to become a Franchise Broker. Today he works with clients to help match them with appropriate franchise partners. He has access to over 700 franchises.
While the terms of most franchise agreements are not negotiable, the territory location, marketing support, and timing can be negotiable. Working with Lance and a Franchise attorney they can be negotiated.
Some of the horror stories that Lance has seen are franchises that don’t want to work or are bad fits for the franchise that they chose.
What is new in Lance’s life right now is his new podcast www.IONFranchising.com
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would take the $500 and buy a ticket to Jamaica and work in a bar like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. I would use my hospitality skills to rebuild my business from there.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “After bad experiences with partners I decided to go it my own way and create a Burger and Shake concept in Las Vegas. I had met an attorney that said he could help me raise money through a private placement. They ended up only raising about half the money needed so the concept started severely underfunded. While in the end we succeeded we ended up selling the restaurant to some friends.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber (https://amzn.to/3veAhdF)”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “A new social/crm called FlowChat (www.flowchat.com)”
What is the best way to contact you? “Connect with me on Instagram @lancegraulich or through my website www.IONfranchising.com”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
30:2925/02/2022
Gaining Control Over Insecurity with Jaemin Frazer
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring people who have created businesses based on their skills. In this show, Jeff interviews Jaemin Frazer from Australia.
Jaemin and Jeff discuss:
How Jaemin went from being a Christian Pastor who was frustrated with not being able to help his congregation to start his own business as a Life Coach.
How he quit his job and gave himself four weeks to succeed.
His first success happened on the last day of week four.
How he grew his coaching business to over 30 coaches and how he found that this did not satisfy him.
How his business coach tried to talk him out of becoming an insecurity expert.
Three and a half years Jaemin started the Insecurity Project and began to coach business leaders, CEOs, and senior executives.
His new book on Leveraging your relationship will be coming out in Australia in June and in the USA in the Fall of 2022.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would not change much. I am a believer in Sam Harris’ approach to Meditation. I would leverage my schedule to make sure I took time to set my mind right while building my business.
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Outsourcing the Marketing of my business.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “Key Person of Influence by Kevin Harrington (https://amzn.to/3gSiKQ3)”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “A Blank Paper and a good pen”
What is the best way to contact you? “Visit me at my website https://jaeminfrazer.com/theip and take our Life and Business Assessments”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
36:4523/02/2022
How To Sell Anything to Anybody
In today’s episode, Jeff talks about how to sell anything to anybody. Selling is a formula and requires you to follow a process:
Matthew Pollard’s Introvert’s Edge to Selling 7 Step ProcessBuild Trust and Stick with an Agenda.
Mine for Gold: Ask Probing Questions
Speak to the Right Person: Qualification
Don’t Sell - Tell: Story-Based Selling
Don’t Argue - Augment
Take Their Temperature: Trial Close
Ask without Asking: Assume the Sale
The Hero’s Two Journeys - The Elements of a Storytelling.
Hook Story Offer: How to break through marketing and social media noise.
The Simple Way to sell Information products.
Resources:
Introvert’s Edge to Sales by Matthew Pollard (https://amzn.to/3gLrpDG)
Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson (Get a Free Copy Here)
Disclaimer:
We apologize for the audio quality of this episode; we will surely do our best to improve our audio for you to enjoy more episodes on our podcast.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
45:1121/02/2022
The Biggest Mistakes You Can Make Starting A Business
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring possible Freedom Engines. Jeff has been sharing some of his advice starting when starting businesses in this series.
The biggest mistake most people make early on in business is first not having a budget and second not following one.
Not Realizing that starting a business is work and things like time/life balance and family time have to take a back seat at times.
It is not easy to start a business. If it were everyone would be a successful business owner.
Market…Market…Market. People have this mistaken belief that they can be a successful internet entrepreneur by putting up a website and people will come to it. Shocker, this is all a lie. The most successful entrepreneurs are out marketing EVERY day and partnering with those that can help them.
Being an entrepreneur is a LONELY world. You need to have a tribe of others that can keep your spirits up and tell you that you are an ID10T at times.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:2818/02/2022
From Printing to Real Estate to a True Passion with John Papaloni
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring possible Freedom Engines. In this show Jeff interviews John Papaloni from Canada.
John and Jeff discuss:
John’s rise from working at McDonalds, to becoming a DJ and later one of the largest graphic designers and printers in North America.
How the stress of running a successful business led him to sell it and take up a new Freedom Engine.
Finding Real Estate as a new business, but not really what drove him.
Finding his true passion and the new “Why” for his life.
Fast Five Questions:
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would focus on finding problems to fix right away, I would use that money to begin networking with my target customers”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Hesitation, that has cost me more money than anything.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy (https://amzn.to/366ONtl)”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “A CRM (Client Relationship Management Software). The one that I recommend is the one that you use. Too many people buy them and do not use them.
What is the best way to contact you? “Via Instagram or through my website www.justaskjohn.ca”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
53:1016/02/2022
Season 2: What it Takes to Start A Business
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring possible Freedom Engines. In this show, Jeff shares his experience at what it takes to start a business.
The first rule of starting a business. It needs to solve a problem.
You have to test your idea on real people, not create a product and take to market.
Start lean.
Learn to Market and Sell.
It is not always hearts and roses. Suck it up Buttercup.
You have to have a greater purpose.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
35:1114/02/2022
Crystal Gregory - Freedom through Coaching Business
On today’s episode, Jeff interviews Crystal Gregory. Crystal is the epitome of a Freedom Day entrepreneur. In 2020 Crystal was laid off from her corporate job during the pandemic and had to find a new way to generate income for her family. We find out about Crystal’s inspiring story:
How she took what she knew in the corporate world, added some additional training, and created a coaching business focused on small business owners.
How she works with small business owners from around the world (she lives in Wales) and helps them to run their businesses more efficiently.
The Elation and fears of starting a new business.
What keeps her up at night.
Why the need for a team and interaction lead her back into the corporate world part-time.
Why using what you already know can be a powerful way to grow a new business.
To download the companion documents to this podcast go to:
Cegcoaching.com
Profitablepuropses.com
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:5121/01/2022
Freedom Engine - Amazon Store
In today’s episode, Jeff begins a series of shows exploring possible Freedom Engines. In this show, Jeff shares his experience running an Amazon Store which became his first successful business.
Jeff shares his story of how he and his wife started their Amazon Store.
Why Amazon is such a powerful business to start and the ways that you can sell on Amazon.
They said “No Glass or Large Items”, what did I choose “A Large Glass Item”.
Buying Amazon Returns and the power of FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon).
Choosing items to Sell.
How you can use JungleScout.com to make your job easier.
Resources:
https://bit.ly/Junglescouttraining
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
28:1620/01/2022
How to Set Your Goals For 2022
On today’s episode, Jeff discusses simplified strategies for setting your goals for the next year. The end of the year is the best time to set goals that you will actually complete. Jeff discusses:
The new way to do goal planning that I learned from Tony Robbins.
Intro to the Profit Mindset Triangle - Get Your Mind in OrderPhysiology - What you Feel You Are
Focus/Beliefs - What you aim at you will hit.
Language - "If you talk about it, it is a Dream; If you Envision it is Possible, If you Schedule it, it is real", Tony Robbins.
Build Your Hour of Power in the mornings.
Rev up the RPM (Goals).
To download the companion documents to this podcast go to:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
59:1331/12/2021
Using the “Three Markets or Desires” to Determine Who Your Business Will Serve
On today’s episode, Jeff shares what is known as the “Three Markets or Desires”. This is the process that you will use when you create your Freedom Engine to help you determine who your business will serve. Jeff covers:
The Three Markets or Desires
Understanding Blue Markets and Red Markets
The Sub Markets
The Niches
How to Use the Sub Markets and Niches to target your Dream Customers
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
21:1229/12/2021
What I am doing to prepare for 2022
On today’s episode, Jeff talks about what he is doing to prepare for 2022. Annually Jeff begins his next year planning the week prior to Christmas and runs through the first week of the new year. During this time Jeff will be:
This week Jeff will be finalizing all of his 2022 business plans for 4 of his 5 businesses in LivePlan.
Tonight I will be participating in a Goal Planning session with my coach Jimmie Jayes to get my new Solar business prepared for 2022.
He will also be completing two short Courses “5 Day Lead Challenge” through Clickfunnels in preparation for the One Funnel Away Challenge that begins on the 27th of December and runs for 30 days.
Jeff will also be completing Jenna Kutcher’s The Instagram Lab during this week.
Part of his planning for next year will be the final touches to his newest book “Freedom Day: Quit the Job You Hate and Live the Life You Want” and sending it off to the editor. The book covers more in detail all the things we have talked about on this podcast.
Jeff and his wife Crystal will also be doing a ton of cooking for the holiday so keep your eyes out for it on Instagram.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:4224/12/2021
How in the Heck Do I Get So Many Things Done?
In today’s episode, Jeff discusses one of the most common questions that he gets which is “How are you able to do so many things?” Jeff will share:
His Daily Routine.
How he tracks his time.
How he sets up his calendar.
The Lowtech solution that he continues to use to this day.
Prioritization and the technique of being the most productive that he can be.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
27:5522/12/2021
Why the Tax System is Stacked Against Employees
In this episode, we discuss how the tax system is stacked against employees. Business owners have an advantage in the tax system because of how it was originally created. We will discuss:
Origins of Income Tax System in the US.
Why the System Rewards Business Owners
How, even with a side business, you can take advantage of business tax deductions.
Virtually anything can be tax-deductible.
Why do you need to start a Freedom Engine right away?
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
23:4321/12/2021
The Book that Connected Me to My Grandpa
In this episode, we discuss Dale Carnegie’s, "How to Win Friends and Influence People". This is a book that I found in my Grandpa’s library after he died. For someone that was always an employee, 40 years with GM, my grandpa’s library had more to do with shaping my entrepreneurial process than anything else. The book is broken into several chapters with different sections.
What I wish I would have known before my Grandpa died.
What is in How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
How I intend to use the book.
My challenge to the audience for 2022.
Techniques in Handling People
Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.
Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Arouse in the other person an eager want.
Six ways to Make People Like You
Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.
Win People to Your Way of Thinking
The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never say, “You’re wrong.”
If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Begin in a friendly way.
Get the other person saying “yes, yes” immediately.
Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.
Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires.
Appeal to the nobler motives.
Dramatize your ideas.
Throw down a challenge.
Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment
Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Let the other person save face.
Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be “hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.”
Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
17:5615/12/2021
A Cautionary Tale - My First Freedom Day
We talk about a cautionary tale from my first Freedom Day on today’s show. Just because you no longer work for someone else, it doesn’t mean that you are free. In this episode, we discuss:
Jeff quit his job and went out on his own.
Why going from one bad boss to a worse one (yourself) isn’t freedom.
It is probably not the brightest thing to start two businesses simultaneously.
The Aha Moment that Changed Everything.
Creating one of the core tenants of Freedom Day. Knowledge=Money, Money=Time.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
27:0213/12/2021
Take a Snowball to Debt Freedom
On today’s show we talk about what it takes to be financially free. One of the key things that you must do is eliminate debt. Debt is cancer in your finances and if you do not eliminate it, you will never be truly free. In this episode we discuss:
How not taking care of your debt can lead you to never realize your goals.
Jeff’s debt story.
How do you eat an elephant?
Understanding the Debt Snowball.
What debt Freedom really means.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
32:5710/12/2021
How much Money Do You Need To Be Financially Free?
On today’s show we talk about what it takes to be financially free. This is a loaded question because it can mean a dollar amount, an amount of income, or an asset that produces enough income. We discuss the concepts of:
Freedom Engines (™) come in many types.
The Income Method (the easiest way early on in life...but can be later).
The Asset Method and how to calculate what you need.
The Investment Method, what does that investment need to make?
Choosing the right method for you.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
37:0809/12/2021
Stop Whining...Start Doing!
Up to this point, we have discussed the principles of Freedom Day, we have talked about how to get out of debt, how to control your finances, and how to find a Freedom Engine (™) that is going to help you reach your dreams, all of this is unattainable if you don’t take action. In today’s episode we say “Stop Whining...Start Doing! We cover:
The power of procrastination.
Goals that you can taste.
Power of a vision board.
Perfection is unattainable.
Build the plane after you jump off the cliff.
What are you waiting for? Get off your @ss
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. He is sharing his newest venture in the Solar industry through this podcast.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
29:1907/12/2021
Finding Your Freedom Engine
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, we discuss the cornerstone of the Freedom Day strategy, the Freedom Engine (™)
We will discuss:
What do you enjoy? Start there first
How I found my first Freedom Engine (™)
Determining if you can make money
Taking the plunge
How to get started.
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. He is sharing his newest venture in the Solar industry through this podcast.
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
31:1702/12/2021
Living for Weekends and Vacations
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, we discuss what to do if you really dislike your job..
We will discuss:
What happens if you hate your job right now?
My story of living for weekends and vacations.
What can be done to make things better right now.
Pain can cause action on your part.
Leveraging your Freedom Engine to get out of debt and replace your income.
When enough is enough. Stay or leave it is up to you.
Exercise: Benjamin Franklin Exercise - What do you like/hate about your job?
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
35:5127/11/2021
Special Thanksgiving Episode
Jeff shares what he is thankful for on this special Thanksgiving episode of the show. Jeff shares his thanks to:His wife CrystalHis familyThe team at BKA Wealth ConsultingThe team at T-Werx CoworkingHis new team at Apricot SolarMost importantly the listeners of this show.Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. He is sharing his newest venture in the Solar industry through this podcast.Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence FoundationConnect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.comYou can connect with Jeff throughInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
08:4726/11/2021
From the Corporate World to becoming an Entrepreneur with Laura Capes Terry
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, Jeff interviews Laura Capes Terry.
We will discuss:
How Laura went from 25 years in the corporate world to becoming an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship allowed Laura to spend more time with her family.
Even though you might start a business sometimes you may have to adjust your plan.
Laura’s answers to the Fast Five Questions.
Laura is a dynamic and results-oriented strategic marketer with an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven track record of success in driving innovative online and offline marketing programs.
She is also an MBA, award-winning strategic marketer, StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guide, and Certified Partner for Digital Marketer.
Laura's passion is serving the small, family-owned, locally-operated business owner that can't afford to put a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) on the payroll. Her mission is to equip them to market their brand with ease and confidence.
Her specialties include Digital Marketing, Clear Messaging, Business Strategy, Leadership, Brand Management, Media Buying, Creative Services, Coaching/Mentoring, Marketing Campaign Ideation and Management, Publishing, Advertising, Event Planning, Copywriting, Course Creation, Networking, and Community Building.
How to connect with Laura:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracapesterry/
Website: https://www.lauracapesterry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracapesterrymba
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
27:5625/11/2021
The Big Reveal - My New Freedom Engine
After teasing this for weeks, on today's show Jeff shares his new Freedom Engine (tm) to the audience.
What another business?
Always wanting to lead from the front, Jeff believes that if he tells you that you need to start a side hustle to reach your Freedom Day, he should also do the same. The new business is in the Solar industry, CPTX Renewable Energy (powered by Apricot Solar).
Why the Solar Industry?
Jeff has an investment theme right now in the renewable energy space. There were not very good options in the Solar space in the public markets, so as he was looking for an alternative he met his friend Sam Wakefield who had been with Apricot Solar. After investigating the company Jeff decided to join Apricot and build another Freedom Engine (tm).
CPTX Renewable Energy is focused on sales of residential Solar systems and has one simple mission "Do Good". With that one mission, we break that down to:
Do Good for our Customers
Do Good for our Associates
Do Good for our Community
Do Good for the Environment
As we continue to build the company we will share with the audience what we are doing to meet each of these goals of our mission.
On the show, Jeff announced that the company will give 10% of profits initially to the Leander Excellence in Education Foundation with some of that money benefitting the IncubatorEDU program at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park Texas.
Jeff also made a commitment to the audience that he would do an income report each month on the show sharing the results of the company as it grows.
You can follow the show through Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
You can contact Jeff through:
https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
22:4822/11/2021
When You Know It is Finally Time To Quit Your Job
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, we discuss when it is finally time to quit your job.
We will discuss:
First, should you quit your job?
Stop worrying about benefits there are more things available outside of work.
Is the money coming in sustainable?
Ripping off the band aid and saying I quit.
What do you do the first day?
Maintaining structure.
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
24:4416/11/2021
Creating the Blueprint for Your Freedom Day
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, we begin to discuss creating the blueprint for your Freedom Day.
We will discuss:
Understanding how much money you need to live your life
Doing a Deep Dive Into Your Spending
Finding money in your taxes.
Eliminating debt
Finding Your Freedom Engines
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
39:3113/11/2021
Making Debt Go Bye Bye
In previous episodes, we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. In today’s show, we discuss the biggest financial cancer that people face, debt. Carrying debt is the biggest threat to your Freedom Day.
We will discuss:
Know Your Enemy: List out every debt you have.
The power of the Debt Snowball.
How to Find the Money to Reduce Debt.
How your Freedom Engines will help eradicate debt.
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
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33:0911/11/2021
The Four Principles of Freedom Day
In previous episodes we discussed the different aspects of Freedom Day and what that means in your world. Today we would like to discuss the 4 key principles of Freedom Day. These principles are the guiding philosophy that we use to reach and go beyond our Freedom Day.
These principles are:
Gain control of your finances by knowing your budget, reducing taxes, and eliminating debt.
Calculate the price tag of your Freedom Day.
Create a Freedom Engine that is a Business/Investment/or Sells Knowledge for Money.
Once you are free, help others to experience their own Freedom Days.
Jeff Kikel has been in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years and is also an entrepreneur, owning 5 businesses. Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is active working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School.
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at www.freedomnationpodcast.com
You can connect with Jeff through
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
32:1809/11/2021
The Most Important Business Book I Ever Read
In this episode, I will talk about the book that I had read titled Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, which helped me realize to change habits and helped me discover the CashFlow Quadrant that changed my entire life.
We will also discuss and understand the CashFlow Quadrant.
E - Employees (they Have a Job)
S - Self Employed (They Own a Job)
B - Business Owner (They have a system and employees that work it)
I - Investors (Money Works For You)
39:1030/10/2021