The Corporate Escapee

In this conversation, Kate Ladon discusses the power of personal branding on LinkedIn and shares insights and best practices for building a successful personal brand. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and authenticity in content creation and highlights the value of targeting specific audiences and addressing their unique challenges. Kate also discusses the evolution of LinkedIn as a platform and its focus on empowering creators. She provides tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles and shares the 111 framework for LinkedIn success, which involves targeting one audience with one problem on one platform. The conversation explores the rise of freelancers and solo companies, the importance of personalized content, starting with LinkedIn and foundational content, solving customer problems and building trust, embracing the learning curve and starting today, and the unpredictability of viral content.TakeawaysBuilding a personal brand on LinkedIn takes time and consistency, and success is not achieved overnight.LinkedIn has evolved from a platform focused on careers and recruiting to a platform that empowers creators and thought leaders.Targeting specific audiences and addressing their unique challenges is key to building a successful personal brand on LinkedIn.Video content can be a powerful tool on LinkedIn, especially for those in industries that require strong communication skills.Optimizing your LinkedIn profile, including using a compelling banner image and a clear headline, is essential for attracting and engaging your target audience. The number of freelancers and solo companies is expected to increase in the future, making it important to get ahead of the trend.Personalized content that connects with the audience on a deeper level is more effective than mass-blasted content.LinkedIn is a valuable platform for starting and growing a personal brand, and foundational content is key to success.Customers care more about how you can solve their problems than the structure of your company.It's never too late to start building a personal brand and leveraging social media platforms.The success of content can be unpredictable, so it's important to keep experimenting and not get discouraged.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:05 Kate Ladon Personal Brands03:26 The Reality of Building a Following on LinkedIn04:10 Targeting Specific Audiences on LinkedIn05:22 LinkedIn's Evolution and Adaptation07:07 LinkedIn as a Professional and Positive Platform08:04 Trends and Best Practices on LinkedIn13:42 The Power of Lurkers and Personal Branding15:11 Success Stories on LinkedIn17:07 LinkedIn's Non-Corporate Focus18:15 Content Creation and Personalization20:50 Video Content on LinkedIn23:26 Using Links in LinkedIn Posts25:04 Balancing Personal and Professional Content26:36 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile29:41 Creating a LinkedIn Signature35:24 The 111 Framework for LinkedIn Success42:12 Rise of Freelancers and Solo Companies44:14 The Importance of Personalized Content45:33 Starting with LinkedIn and Foundational Content48:43 Solving Customer Problems and Building Trust49:09 Embracing the Learning Curve and Starting Today51:10 The Unpredictability of Viral ContentKait LeDonne Links:https://kait-ledonne.mykajabi.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitledonne-personalbrandingexpert/

Today we are talking about the future of how to grow a company- I don’t want to call it the future of work but I do think it is the future of growth. I have had guests on the pod talking about virtual assistants, John Arms talking about fractional leadership and today I welcome CEO of Amalga Group Jens GouldJens launched and is running a staff augmentation company that leverages offshore talent. These resources can be a replacement for full time equivalents. If you are a solo business that is ready for some help or a small or mid-size company that is expanding, this solution may be an interesting fitAs you will hear in this podcast Jens shares the benefits, best practices and how to get started.A few of the advantages:They are not employees- Jen’s handles all of the employment logisticsThey are Full time but not a long term commitmentAnd it is roughly 50% of the cost of an FTEI think we will see scenarios quickly where Fractional leaders will partner with companies like Jens to provide turnkey teams into orgs. Amalga Group: https://www.amalgagroup.com/Jens Gould: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-erik-gould/

Anne is a former WNBA player and Division 1 Academic and Athletic All-American at Iowa State University. Following a stint in Division I basketball coaching, Anne transitioned into international business focusing in on research and training in the neuroscience and performance psychology fields- mindset is everything!Today she coaches and consults athletes and executives looking to elevate their performance by focusing skills/mindset training development. Anne btw, is also a TV Analyst and Sideline Reporter for Women’s and Men’s Basketball games.She is the host of a great podcast called Get Busy Livin where the conversations focus on a growth mindset and giving back. This episode is 100% focused on the mental side of transitioning into new things ie. Escaping corporate. For those of us with 20-30 years in corporate this mind shift is critical. A couple of key takeaways to listen for:Think bigger and what’s possible and NOT what could go wrongThe power of keeping it simpleAnimal intuition- Lions, Elephants and Sea Turtles - it is spot onShort term vision to drive long term successAnd a lot moreMake sure to listen until the end as this episode was packed from beginning to endLinks:Website: https://www.anneoneil.co/work-with-anne Get Busy Livin’ PodcastAnne’s LinkedInAnne’s TwitterAnne’s Instagram Article: https://community.thriveglobal.com/three-ways-animal-intuition-led-me-to-my-dream-job/

In this conversation, Ethan Beute discusses the role of a Chief Evangelist and the importance of human connection in business. He explains that a Chief Evangelist is the human embodiment of an organization's mission, purpose, values, and point of view. The role involves sales, marketing, customer success, and product, and is often carried out by a founder or a passionate individual within the organization. Beute emphasizes the need for founders to embrace evangelism and communicate their point of view to create a movement around their brand. He also discusses the possibility of fractional Chief Evangelist roles and provides insights into shaping the role within an organization. In this conversation, Brett Trainor and Ethan Beute discuss the importance of maximizing time and making the most of the years ahead. They also explore the power of connecting with customers on a personal level and building trust through authenticity. The conversation highlights the value of storytelling in creating relationships and the significance of being authentic and passionate in one's work. The episode concludes with information on how to connect with Ethan Beute and a closing thought on taking action.TakeawaysA Chief Evangelist is the human embodiment of an organization's mission, purpose, values, and point of view.The role involves sales, marketing, customer success, and product, and is often carried out by a founder or a passionate individual within the organization.Founders should embrace evangelism and communicate their point of view to create a movement around their brand.The role of a Chief Evangelist can be expressed in various ways, such as externally focused, internally focused, or a balance of both.Passion and enthusiasm are key attributes of a successful Chief Evangelist. Maximize the time you have and make the most of the years ahead.Connect with customers on a personal level to build trust and create lasting relationships.Authenticity is key in building trust and connecting with others.Telling stories can help people identify with your experiences and motivations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:03 The Role of a Chief Evangelist03:11 Defining a Chief Evangelist07:15 The Value of a Chief Evangelist08:36 The Importance of Human Connection12:58 The Role of a Fractional Chief Evangelist15:04 Different Expressions of the Chief Evangelist Role19:01 The Role of a Chief Evangelist in Marketing21:46 Pre-Sale vs Post-Sale Focus25:02 The Chief Evangelist as an Executive Leader28:04 The Importance of Passion and Enthusiasm30:01 Evangelizing the Problem, Not the Product35:06 Building a Point of View41:41 Motivation to Maximize Time42:05 Connecting with Customers43:03 Building Trust through Authenticity44:01 Telling Stories to Create Relationships45:22 Importance of Authenticity and Passion46:07 Connecting with Ethan Beute47:10 Closing ThoughtsLinks:Ethan Beute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbeute/Website: https://www.chiefevangelist.com/LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ethanbeute

Bob Burg Info: https://burg.com/. This link will take you to Bob's content, books and contact informationOne of the benefits of having a podcast is the ability to connect with folks you really want to learn from and have conversations withThis episode of the Hardwired for Growth 2.0 podcast is a great exampleI read the book the Go-Giver on a Saturday and reached out to the author Bob Burg later that night and within in 3 weeks he was a guest on the podcastI wanted to have Bob on to talk specifically of how we as solo business owners could approach and leverage the "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success”:1️⃣ The Law of Value: Success is not about the profits we make, but the value we provide to others. 2️⃣ The Law of Compensation: Our income is determined by how many people we serve and how well we serve them.3️⃣ The Law of Influence: Our influence grows as we prioritize others' interests above our own. 4️⃣ The Law of Authenticity: Authenticity is the most valuable gift we have to offer. 5️⃣ The Law of Receptivity: To effectively give, one must be open to receiving. If you read the book, you will love this interview and if you are unfamiliar with Bob's work this will be a great introGive it a listen and let me know what you think! Details in the comment or just search for the Hardwired for Growth 2.0 podcast on your favorite platform

Welcome to Hardwired for Growth 2.0, the ultimate podcast guiding GenX business owners to 10x their revenue and lives. Host Brett Trainor dives into the revolutionary trend reshaping business and GenX's pivotal role in the solo business model surge. Uncover startling stats: GenX comprises 47.2% of US business owners, with 85% running solo businesses. Discover why GenX leads this movement through experience, tech prowess, independence, meaningful work, and financial stability. Join us as we decode this transformative shift, spotlighted by innovative leaders and a rising solo business landscape. Subscribe, share, and be part of the GenX Revolution!

I am your host, Brett Trainor. Today, I welcome our guest, Evelyn J. Starr. She is an author, and I recently came across her insightful book called Teenage Waste Brand: How Your Brand Can Stop Struggling and Start Scaling. I would also like to mention that she has a fantastic newsletter on this topic which I highly encourage everyone to check out. As we have this conversation, I'm eager to explore more about who she collaborates with today, the types of brands she is helping to shape, and the strategies she is currently advocating. In light of Evelyn's initial comments, it seems she wants to reassure our listeners not to let the challenges of branding send them into panic mode. In essence, she appears to emphasize that success in a service business largely comes down to earning the trust of your customer base.

Welcome back to Hardwired For Growth 2.0! We're excited to unveil our new direction and refocused approach. After exploring a wide range of topics, we've realized that growth-related content truly resonates with our amazing audience – that's you!In this revamped version, we're bringing you even more value. Expect in-depth interviews with industry experts, sharing their actionable strategies and insights on branding, marketing, sales, and other growth-related areas. We believe that learning from the best can accelerate your journey to success.Moreover, I'll be sharing my personal growth journey, including the ups and downs, the trials and errors. By sharing these experiences, we hope to empower you on your own path and help you achieve your revenue and life goals faster than if you were to navigate it alone.Stay tuned for exciting episodes, packed with market insights, practical tips, and thought-provoking discussions. We are committed to being your go-to resource for growth inspiration and education.If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. Join our community of growth enthusiasts and be the first to receive our regular updates.Thank you for your continued support, and let's embark on this journey of growth together!

Today I'm chatting with John Paul Rollert, a Professor of Behavioral Science at Booth School of Business. John Paul's teaching and research focus on the intellectual history of capitalism, the ethics of leadership, and the application of empathy to law, business, and politics. Connect with John Paulhttps://twitter.com/jprollert

JD Gershbein, a LinkedIn specialist, shares insights on leveraging LinkedIn for business development and personal branding. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong LinkedIn profile and engaging with others authentically. JD also discusses the role of improv in business and the challenges of balancing multiple business focuses. He shares his perspective on LinkedIn Live and the impact of AI-generated content on authenticity. In this conversation, JD discusses the importance of content curation and personal branding. He emphasizes the value of curating content that is relevant and valuable to his audience, and how it helps establish his expertise and credibility. JD also highlights the need for content creators to acknowledge when they receive help and suggestions from others. The conversation concludes with a discussion on how to connect with JD on LinkedIn.TakeawaysBuilding a strong LinkedIn profile is essential for making an impact in your career and attracting opportunities.Engaging with others authentically and focusing on their needs rather than selling yourself too soon is key to building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn.Improv skills can be valuable in business, helping with critical thinking, adaptability, and extending conversations.When transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, it's important to build relationships, create a strong LinkedIn profile, and be prepared for a gradual transition.LinkedIn Live can be a valuable tool for brand awareness and engaging with your audience, but it requires time and effort to build an audience and make an impact.AI-generated content may pose challenges to authenticity, and it's important to maintain genuine human connections and provide proper attribution for ideas and insights.Chapters00:00Introduction to JD Gershbein03:44Getting Started on LinkedIn08:17Building a LinkedIn Strategy15:34Avoiding Common LinkedIn Mistakes17:20The Role of Improv in Business22:33Balancing Multiple Business Focuses25:28Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship31:35The Importance of Conversational Skill34:20The Impact of LinkedIn Live40:20The Rise of AI-generated Content45:09Content Curation and Personal Branding46:00Connecting with JD on LinkedIn Connect with JDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jdgershbeinhttps://twitter.com/jdgershbeinhttps://jdgershbein.com/

Today I'm chatting with Anna Lundberg about her practical guide to reimagining success, giving you freedom, flexibility and fulfillment. Connect with Anahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annaselundberg/

Today I'm chatting with LinkedIn Expert Anthony Blatner. In this episode, we'll talk about the three fundamentals of LinkedIn marketing: Organic, Sales Navigator, and Paid Ads. Connect with Anthonyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyblatner/

In this episode, Brett interviews Bruce Roles, a fractional COO of manufacturing. Bruce shares his journey from corporate to fractional and provides insights into the world of fractional work. He emphasizes the importance of narrowing your focus and tailoring your message to attract clients. Bruce also discusses the flexibility and lifestyle benefits of the fractional path. He advises individuals to determine if this path is right for them and to focus on building relationships and helping others. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights for those considering a career in the fractional space.TakeawaysConsider the fractional path if you have the skills and experience to become a consultant or a contract employee.Narrow your focus and tailor your message to attract clients and stand out in the fractional space.The fractional world offers flexibility and the opportunity to create a lifestyle that aligns with your personal goals and values.Building relationships and helping others can lead to finding clients and success in the fractional space.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview01:00 Bruce's Role as a Fractional COO02:40 Bruce's Journey from Corporate to Fractional06:59 Taking Action and Finding Clients09:29 Finding Balance and Creating a Lifestyle14:29 Defining Your Path and Narrowing Your Focus19:24 The Importance of Tailoring Your Message23:26 The Flexibility of the Fractional World26:39 The Future of the Fractional Space28:42 Determining if the Fractional Path is Right for You32:50 Building Relationships and Finding Clients35:39 Defining What You Want and Making a Life Choice36:13 How to Connect with BruceConnect with Brucehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceroles/

Today I'm chatting with Ali Schwanke. She helps people understand, plan, and grow their marketing results. In this episode, we'll talk about how to style your LinkedIn profile and your offering to create consistency and clarity--and close more deals. Connect with Ali30 day LinkedIn planhttps://alischwanke.com/linkedin-30-day-posting-plan/9 sources of revenuehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT41Tz4Rg2oHow to win client business bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Client-Business-When-Where-Start/dp/1119676908

Today I'm chatting with Mike Waller, a veteran of corporate America who now coaches others on finding business ownership and financial freedom by becoming franchisees. In this episode, we'll talk about misconceptions about the franchise model and why it may be a better fit for your goals than you think. Connect with Mikehttps://mwaller.esourcecoach.com/meet-career-coach-mike-waller/

In this episode, Brett interviews Brandon Mateika, founder of Sales and Marketing Inc. Brandon shares his business model and how he works with small businesses to help them grow. He emphasizes the importance of referral partnerships and building credibility as a young entrepreneur. Brandon also discusses the benefits of the retainer model for marketing services and the value of multiple revenue streams. He shares his experience starting a young entrepreneur program and the impact of partnering with his spouse in business ventures. In this conversation, Brandon Mateika shares his insights and experiences as a corporate escapee and entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling dreams and creating opportunities for oneself and others. Brandon encourages listeners to take action and help others in their entrepreneurial journey. He also discusses the mindset shift from being risk-averse to embracing new possibilities. The conversation highlights the realities of entrepreneurship and the need for seeking help and support. Brandon emphasizes the value of mentorship and investing in personal growth. He advises listeners to use their resources wisely and define success on their own terms. The conversation concludes with information on how to connect with Brandon and a reminder of the fulfillment that comes with being your own boss.TakeawaysBuilding referral partnerships can help establish credibility and generate new business.The retainer model for marketing services allows for consistent revenue and long-term planning.Starting multiple revenue streams can provide financial stability and flexibility.Partnering with others who have complementary skills can lead to business growth and success.Finding fulfillment and having fun in business are important for long-term satisfaction. Fulfilling dreams and creating opportunities is fulfilling and rewarding.Take action and help others in their entrepreneurial journey.Embrace new possibilities and be open to exploring different paths.Seek help and support from mentors and resources.Invest in personal growth and continuously improve yourself.Use your resources wisely and define success on your own terms.Take control of your life and pursue what truly matters to you.Connect with Brandon Mateika for further guidance and support.Being your own boss brings fulfillment and freedom.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:32 Brandon's Business Model03:07 Common Issues in the Businesses Brandon Works With04:04 Working with Contractors05:00 Size of Businesses Brandon Works With06:22 The Importance of Navigators and Mechanics in Business Growth07:52 The Power of Referral Partnerships08:24 Building Credibility as a Young Entrepreneur09:56 Creating a Young Entrepreneur Program11:49 Benefits of Partner Structures13:09 The Retainer Model for Marketing Services14:31 Starting Three New Businesses25:43 The Young Entrepreneur Program28:43 Benefits of Multiple Revenue Streams34:45 The Importance of Fun in Business37:00 The Impact of Partnering with Spouse38:30 Fulfilling Dreams and Creating Opportunities39:30 Helping Others and Taking Action40:08 Exploring New Possibilities41:08 The Reality of Entrepreneurship41:43 Seeking Help and Support42:24 The Importance of Mentorship43:15 Investing in Personal Growth43:45 Using Resources Wisely44:15 Defining Success and Setting Goals45:11 Taking Control of Your Life45:47 Connecting with Brandon Mateika46:29 The Fulfillment of Being Your Own Boss Connect with Brandonhttps://www.salesandmarketingus.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmateika/

Today I'm having a radically honest conversation with repeat guest Paul Shirley. Paul is the author of The Process is the Product among other books. I want to find out how creating a process can save you hours of work in the long run--and how to align that process with your goals. Connect with Paulhttps://www.createyourprocess.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-shirley-360b1649/

One of the biggest blockers for folks considering leaving corporate and going solo is the lack of confidence in their ability to sell. When I meet potential corporate escapees, I hear them say things like, I'm not good at selling or I don't know how to sell.I have a little secret. You don't have to be good at selling to be successful outside of corporate. In this episode, I'll share my approach to sales that has been highly effective.

Victoria Tretis shares her journey from being a virtual assistant to becoming a certified coach. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned along the way, including the importance of finding balance and adapting to changing business models. Victoria emphasizes the need to focus on what you want to be known for and to be open to pivoting and trying new ideas. She also highlights the significance of understanding your own energy levels and creating a routine that works for you.TakeawaysTransitioning from one business to another requires adaptability and a willingness to try new ideas.Finding balance is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.Being open to pivoting and adjusting your business model can lead to new opportunities and growth.Understanding your own energy levels and working at times when you are most productive can help improve efficiency and overall well-being.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:03 Becoming a Certified Coach04:21 Transitioning from Virtual Assistant to Coaching07:39 Starting a Virtual Assistant Business10:09 Challenges and Lessons Learned16:55 Pivoting to VA Matchmaking18:55 Transitioning to Online Business Manager Training21:08 Becoming a Certified Coach25:15 Transitioning to Coaching29:18 Applying Lessons from Previous Business32:34 Finding Balance and Personal Strategies Connect with Victoriahttps://www.victoriatretis.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriatretis

Connect with KimMastermind: https://go.culturalapexcoach.com/mastermind167476

Today I'm chatting with Diana Martinez. She recently had a rough exit from her corporate career and with a new baby at home (and four other children) she launched her journey into being a fractional entrepreneur. Find out how she got her first client in this episode.

Connect with Johnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnarms/

Connect with Jonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jonselighttps://jonselig.com/

Connect with Carolehttps://leadershipactivators.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/in/caroleissa