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Tonya Lawson is a multifaceted entrepreneur, professional musician, and SEO specialist who empowers other entrepreneurs. We talk about her journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Here are three key takeaways:

1. The Importance of Diversifying Income Streams: Tonya shared her experience of relying solely on her music studio for income, which left her feeling vulnerable when her county considered discontinuing a program that allowed her to teach during school hours. This fear prompted her to diversify her income sources and explore blogging, online courses, and coaching. The lesson here is clear: don’t put all your eggs in one basket! As entrepreneurs, we should seek multiple revenue streams to ensure financial stability.
2. Mindset is Everything: One of Tonya's most powerful insights was the significance of mindset in achieving success. She emphasized that everyone has the potential to create multiple income streams, but many people hold themselves back with limiting beliefs. We can manifest our ideas into reality by empowering ourselves with education, a positive mindset, and doing the work. This is a reminder that our thoughts can either propel us forward or keep us stuck—choose wisely!
3. Authenticity Builds Trust: In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in social media's curated perfection. Tonya encourages entrepreneurs to be unapologetically themselves, sharing their successes and struggles. We can foster deeper connections with our audience by being genuine and relatable. Remember, people resonate with real stories, not just highlight reels!

Join us as Tonya shares her journey from a clarinet player passionate about music to a thriving solopreneur who helps others build diverse passive income streams. Discover how she transitioned from teaching at university to creating online courses, blogging, and coaching while emphasizing the importance of mindset and personal branding.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Tonya's unique background and how her childhood shaped her entrepreneurial spirit
• The importance of diversifying income streams and avoiding the "one income source" trap
• Strategies for niching down and building a strong online presence
• The key performance indicators (KPIs) to track for business success
• How AI tools can streamline workflows and enhance productivity

Whether you're a musician, a creative, or looking to escape the corporate grind, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips to help you on your journey to financial freedom.

Remember to check out Tonya's YouTube channel and website for more resources, and let's help her reach her goal of 1,000 subscribers!

LINKS

Follow Tonya on YouTube

Tonya's Website

Follow Kyle on LinkedIn

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In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with Brett Trainor, a former corporate professional who traded his 30-year corporate career for entrepreneurial freedom. As the founder of the Escapee Collective and host of the Corporate Escapee podcast, Brett shares his journey of helping corporate professionals find their path to independence.

Join us as we dive into Brett's story of leaving the corporate world, his challenges during his transition, and the valuable lessons he learned. Discover how he empowers GenX professionals to break free from the 9-to-5 grind without sacrificing their income and learn actionable strategies for achieving work-life balance.

KEY LEARNINGS

1. The Power of Time Management ⏰
   Brett emphasizes the importance of reclaiming your time after leaving the corporate grind. He shares how he initially struggled with guilt over not being productive every minute of the day. However, he learned to structure his time effectively by creating intentional time blocks for strategic work, meetings, and personal activities. This shift allowed him to embrace his newfound freedom and prioritize what truly matters in life.
2. Mindset Shift: From Employee to Entrepreneur 💡
   One of the most enlightening aspects of our conversation was Brett's perspective on the mindset shift required to succeed as an entrepreneur. He highlights that many corporate professionals underestimate their skills and experience. Brett encourages listeners to recognize that they have the capability to solve problems for small businesses, which can lead to lucrative opportunities. It's about taking action and not letting self-doubt hold you back!
3. Building a Supportive Community 🤝
   Brett's journey led him to create the Corporate Escapee community, where he connects like-minded individuals who are navigating their own paths to independence. He shares how this community has grown to nearly 1,700 members, providing a space for support, collaboration, and shared experiences. The importance of networking and building relationships cannot be overstated, and Brett's story is a testament to the power of community in achieving entrepreneurial success.

If you're feeling stuck in your corporate job or contemplating a career change, this episode is a must-listen! Brett's insights and experiences will inspire you to take that first step toward your own entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, you'll also learn about:
-The tipping point that led Brett to leave corporate life
-How he detoxed from the corporate mindset and embraced his newfound freedom
-The importance of time management and prioritizing health
-Insights into the corporate escapee community and the opportunities available for those looking to transition
-Tips for finding your first client and building a successful freelance career

Whether you're contemplating leaving your corporate job or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and motivation.

LINKS

• Follow Brett on LinkedIn
• Follow Brett on TikTok
• Corporate Escapee Podcast
• Corporate Escapee Website
• Follow Kyle on LinkedIn

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Glenn Poulos has started and sold two businesses and recently acquired his third. He's an author who wrote Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling. Glenn's also a podcaster who hosts the Profit Powerhouse podcast.

Three Key Takeaways from Glenn's Episode

1. Never Sit in the Lobby: Glenn emphasizes the importance of being proactive and engaged when meeting clients. His mantra, "Never Sit in the Lobby," serves as a reminder to always be prepared and present. Instead of zoning out on your phone while waiting, use that time to mentally prepare, recall past interactions, and have something valuable to offer when your client arrives. This approach not only sets a positive tone for the meeting but also demonstrates your commitment and professionalism.
2. The Power of Genuine Connections: One of the biggest misconceptions in sales is that you can rush rapport-building. Glenn highlights the importance of being genuine and taking the time to understand your clients. He warns against "implied familiarity," which can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort. Instead, focus on active listening and building authentic relationships. This not only enhances your credibility but also fosters trust, making it easier to close deals.
3. Sales vs. Marketing: Glenn clearly distinguishes between sales and marketing, which is often misunderstood. He points out that while marketing generates leads and creates awareness, sales is about closing deals and building relationships. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone in the business world. As Glenn puts it, "The real sales guy wants to be in front of clients closing deals," and that’s where the real magic happens.

LINKS

• Follow Glenn Poulos on LinkedIn
• Glen's Book Never Sit in the Lobby
• Glenn's Profit Powerhouse Podcast on Spotify
• Glenn's Profit Powerhouse Podcast on Apple
• Follow Kyle Ariel Knowles on LinkedIn

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights that can help you elevate your sales game and build lasting relationships in your business endeavors. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned sales professional, there's something valuable for everyone.

Discover the insights from Glenn's book, "Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling," where he discusses practical sales strategies, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and how to build genuine relationships in sales.

Glenn also discusses the differences between starting a business from scratch and acquiring an existing one, the role of AI in sales, and the significance of making lasting impressions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned sales professional, this episode is packed with valuable advice to inspire and motivate you.

KEY TOPICS
-Glenn's career journey and new business ventures
-Insights from "Never Sit in the Lobby"
-The importance of face-to-face selling
-Overcoming misconceptions in sales
-The role of AI in modern business practices

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