The Corporate Escapee

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

Connect with Anniehttps://annieleib.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annieleibmba

Connect with NancyUsing Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty by Prompting Instinctive Responseshttps://www.hbtmktg.com/

Connect with James Clifthttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/jclifthttps://twitter.com/jamesclifthttps://durable.co/

My Top 5 Books1. They Ask You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today's Digital Consumer2. Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life3. The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self4. Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork5. The Process Is The Product

On this episode, I focus on the future of work and why this is a huge opportunity for folks looking to escape corporate or who have already left corporate. The three things I want you to take away from this episode i: 1) Perspective on what the future looks like if you've been in corporate for more than 10 years, 15 years, or in cases like my own, up to 30 years 2) Specialization versus Generalization and why specialization typically equals higher margins and more focused work 3) How to leverage the future of work to jumpstart your escape from corporate and build some momentum