The StoryBrand Podcast

There's more to business than just making money. We want to make the world better, both for our customers and our employees. To do that, we need to create a company culture that's built around happiness. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Jenn Lim, one of the pioneers of culture at Zappos. Listen and discover three key ways we as leaders can build a positive, thriving culture for our employees. http://buildingastorybrand.com/106

Art helps us see the world in a new way. But the art world itself can feel pretty intimidating. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we talk with three art world insiders -- an artist, a curator, and a patron -- so we can understand how it works and why it makes life better. If you want to appreciate art at a finer level but don't know where to start, this episode will inspire you. https://buildingastorybrand.com/105

Hiring the right person can transform your business. Bring on the wrong person, and you can substantially set it back. So if you're growing your team, don't miss this episode with Armando Lopez, the Executive Director of HR for Dave Ramsey's company. Follow the six steps he outlines, and make sure everyone who joins your team helps to make it amazing. https://buildingastorybrand.com/104

Do you really need a physical office space? Remote collaboration is easier than ever, and digital workplaces are on the rise. But how does each setup impact how we work? Which kind of office will help your team members achieve their best? Today on the podcast, we have two guests with differing opinions. Bryan Miles of BELAY joins us to discuss the merits of the virtual remote office. And Jacob Morgan, a leading expert on how we work, shares the benefits of a thoughtfully designed physical space. In these two conversations, you'll be able to compare and contrast the benefits and determine which style works for you, or how to blend them to get the best of both worlds. https://buildingastorybrand.com/103

If you read the headlines, you know our mental health is precious. But you also know it's in jeopardy. As business leaders, what can we do? Plenty. Today on the podcast, we welcome Dr. Lee Norton, a clinical social worker and trauma expert. She helps us understand the role mental health plays at work. What is trauma and how does it show up in our employees? What do you do if you work for someone who lacks empathy? How can you protect your own mental health and look out for the people around you, too? It's a timely conversation with loads of insight for business leaders who want to create a safe and nurturing work environment. http://buildingastorybrand.com/102

We hear words like "cryptocurrency" and "blockchain" and "Bitcoin" and we know they're supposedly the Next Big Thing. But what do they really mean? How are they relevant to us as business leaders? Today's guest, Peter Smith, the CEO and Founder of Blockchain, Inc., walks us through this brave new world of digital finance in a way we can actually understand. Listen to this episode and you'll have a practical understanding of digital currency and what next steps you can take if you're ready to dig in more. http://buildingastorybrand.com/101

Why are we always mentally worn out? As business leaders, we ask a lot of our brains every day. Decisions, creativity, strategy, and more. And if we don't protect our mental energy, it will show up in our bottom line. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Olympic medalist and leadership consultant Bonnie St. John. She shares small but mighty "micro-resilience" techniques that can help us keep our mental sharpness so we can be at our best for the people who count on us. http://buildingastorybrand.com/100

Ever wonder what it's like in the film industry? What it's really like? Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we're taking an insider tour of the movie business. Our guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge sat down with actor Kellan Lutz (of 'Hercules' and 'Twilight' fame) and top manager/producer Ryan Daly. Together, they give us a fascinating look at what it takes to succeed with integrity in a cutthroat industry. There are some surprising takeaways for other industries too, particularly if partnerships, clients, negotiation, or first impressions are a part of your job. http://buildingastorybrand.com/99

If you want to build a strong social media following without resorting to negativity, you'll love today's episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast. Branden Harvey of Good, Good, Good joins Donald Miller for a conversation about how we can create dynamic and positive social media that draws our customers in. You'll learn what to post about, how to separate your personal brand from your business, and so much more. Your social media can be a huge asset to your brand and your bottom line. This episode will help you make it happen. http://buildingastorybrand.com/98

Growing a business is tough and risky. And as pressures rise and competition emerges, we're tempted to make compromises with our brand in order to win the day. But if you want to be successful in the long run, you've got to know what your brand authentically stands for and stick to it. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we hear from Too Faced founders Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. With their winsome blend of authenticity and creativity, they've built one of the biggest and most beloved cosmetics brands in the world. Their story -- and their unique approach to business -- will encourage you to stay true to your brand as your grow your company. http://buildingastorybrand.com/97

The awkward stops here, folks. If you want to be more memorable and captivating when you talk to other people, then you need to listen to this episode. Donald Miller talks with Vanessa Van Edwards, a human behavioral expert, about the art and science of how we interact with each other. Discover the small signals you don't even know you're sending out -- and how to authentically manage them so people easily connect with you. You'll feel more confident and and in control the next time you walk into a room of strangers or sit down to talk with your team. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/96

Making a smart hiring decision can make you a ton of money. But the wrong choice can set your business back dramatically. So how can you make sure you're hiring the right person for the role? Today, we're going to hear from three big brands who've developed their own strategies to find and keep amazing talent: Chick-fil-A, POPsocial, and Ramsey Solutions. If you're hiring or if you want to better nurture your current employees, then you want to listen to this episode. It'll help you tap into (and keep!) amazing talent that will grow your business. http://buildingastorybrand.com/94

On the podcast today, we welcome Daymond John. He founded the iconic fashion brand FUBU. He kills it every week on Shark Tank. He is, without a doubt, successful. But the story behind his success -- and how he pursues it now -- is what truly makes Daymond inspiring. In this conversation with Donald Miller, Daymond shares the habits and qualities you need as a leader if you want to truly prosper in both life and business. He also tells some amazing stories about the early days of FUBU that will encourage you if you're in the beginning stages of your startup. Don't miss this one -- listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/94

If you want to build a team where everyone feels supported, heard, and ready to tackle big challenges, then you want to listen to this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast. In it, we welcome our correspondent Allison Trowbridge as she talks with GiANT co-founder Steve Cockram. As a expert in both leadership and personality types, Steve walks us through the five different personalities (or "Voices") you'll find on every team and how to nurture each one. In Steve's words, "You can't outsource culture." Build a better one by making sure everyone feels safe and supported to contribute their best. This episode will show you how. Give it a listen! http://buildingastorybrand.com/93

Hustle and grind. Plan out everything. Protect your availability. That's the typical advice business leaders get to "maximize our efficiency." But there's more to life than efficiency. And no one models this better than Bob Goff, the bestselling author of Love Does. He joins Donald Miller on the podcast for an inspiring conversation about leading well by loving others. It's a different kind of mindset that puts people before efficiency and meaning ahead of success. If you struggle with a fear of failure, if you're looking for permission to start that next big thing, or if something about your current way of life just isn't working, THIS is the wisdom you need to hear today. http://buildingastorybrand.com/92

You're driven to lead your business well. But you want quality time with your family, too. It's a constant balancing act, and for women especially, it can seem like you have to choose one or the other. But Shannon Miles, today's guest on the StoryBrand podcast, believes it doesn't have to be that way. She shares nine creative and practical ideas that will help you succeed both at home and at work instead of feeling like you have to choose between them. If you want to design a life where both work and family can thrive, don't miss this episode! http://buildingastorybrand.com/91

If you're reading this, you're probably a productivity junkie. You love getting stuff done and being successful. You write down stuff you've already done just so you can check it off! But when constantly being in "beast mode" leaves us feeling depleted and unhealthy, is that really success at all? What if we're doing productivity all wrong? Today on the StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Michael Hyatt to talk about a better approach to productivity. Michael believes that to truly be productive, we need freedom to focus on the things that matter most. That way, your life can be full of significance and meaning, not just tasks and goals. In this episode, he teaches us the surprisingly simple systems and rituals we can implement to help us do just that. If you struggle to turn off work at nights and weekends, or if you always feel defeated at the end of the day no matter what you've gotten done, you need the wisdom Michael shares in this episode. Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe, too. http://buildingastorybrand.com/90

If building a positive team at your organization feels like a uphill battle, this week's podcast is for you. Ron Clark joins Donald Miller to share ten practical habits that will help both leaders and employees contribute to their teams in extraordinary ways. Ron developed these ideas after years of serving educators and schools, but they work for businesses and nonprofits, too. Why? Because at the end of the day, ANY organization needs great people in order to thrive. Ron will show you how to be the kind of leader who draws the best out of your team. Don't miss this inspiring (and incredibly practical) episode. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/89

The world around us is pretty bonkers. Fortunately, that's good for us as business leaders. Behind every headline, there are so many lessons that can make our business stronger. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we hear the crazy story behind one of those headlines. Ryan Holiday is the author of Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue, which tells the story of how Peter Thiel strategically launched a behind-the-scenes conspiracy to take down media giant Gawker. The story itself is wild, but when Ryan tells it, it becomes a study in how to use narrative, patience, and strategy if you find yourself in a battle of sorts. Maybe you're battling a competitor for market share. Or battling a public misconception that's hurting sales. In either case, this episode will give you a glimpse into what Thiel did behind the scenes to create the outcome he wanted. Give it a listen today! http://buildingastorybrand.com/88

Why do organizations fail? For countless reasons, of course, but at the root of every business failure you'll find a leader who never gave their team a clear vision. It sounds so simple, but in practice, only the boldest leaders have the courage to craft a vision and the tenacity to keep their staff focused on it. So when it comes to bold leadership, you don't need to look much farther than today's podcast guest, Carey Lohrenz. She was the first female pilot of an F-14 Tomcat, and she knows what it takes to lead well when the pressure's on and the stakes are immense. In today's episode, she shares the three characteristics you need to be a bold leader, with practical ways you can develop them. Listen now, and give yourself a huge boost of motivation this week! http://buildingastorybrand.com/87

90 days from now. It's not that far away, is it? That's all the time you need to accomplish a major goal, according to Todd Herman, a performance coach for athletes and business owners. He's our guest today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. He shares his four-part blueprint for tackling big projects in 90 days instead of letting them languish and stall for an entire year or longer. He'll show you how to make reaching your goals "inevitable" by using smarter strategy and a more efficient process -- all in 90 days. If you want to scale your business as efficiently as possible, don't miss this interview! http://buildingastorybrand.com/86

Left or right. Justice or mercy. Traditional or innovative. Logic or gut instinct. We tend to be binary thinkers. We assume things have to be one way or the other. But this is dangerous, according to Tim Arnold, today's guest on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. To be a better leader -- both at work and at home -- we need to embrace healthy tension. We need to learn to see life's decisions not as "either/or" but as "both/and." When we do, we give ourselves a massive competitive advantage. We unlock a new level of leadership and creativity. Our businesses (and our lives) can breathe and be healthy. If some area of your life or business has plateaued and you don't know why, listen to this episode. It's nuanced, it's practical, and it may just be the "aha" moment you need to truly start thriving. http://buildingastorybrand.com/85

It's easy to spot weak company culture, isn't it? We've all witnessed the politics, egos, and backstabbing. That kind of toxic environment makes it hard to do good work and retain good people. But it's not so easy to pinpoint what makes a thriving company culture. What steps can we take to cultivate it with our current employees? How can we recruit and hire people who "get it?" To answer those questions, Donald Miller sits down with renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni this week on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. Patrick shares the three characteristics of a great team member, plus practical ways you can help your team develop those traits. Your business can't reach its potential if your people don't reach theirs. What Patrick shares here will help you create a positive, authentic company culture that drives your overall business growth. http://buildingastorybrand.com/84

So, at this point, you know you need a strong social media strategy to grow your business. But it seems like the best practices are always changing. It takes a ton of time. You're constantly updating all the things. And at the end of the day, you have no idea if it's even working. Here's the good news. With the right strategies, you can measurably grow your business with social media -- even if you don't have a lot of time or a huge staff. That's why we're thrilled to have Rachel Hollis on the podcast today. She's the force behind The Chic Site, where she's built a massive community by serving them with valuable content. She sits down with Donald Miller to talk through the five key social media strategies you can use to engage your followers and grow business. If you're worn out by social media, listen to this episode. You'll be ready to start building a tribe that can take your business to the next level. http://buildingastorybrand.com/83

When the Winter Olympics start this week, we're going to be captivated by winners. We'll get inspired by seeing years of hard work all come down to one moment of glory. You may not be fine-tuning your luge run. But as business leaders, we still want to win. We want to surpass last month's goals. We want to beat the competition. We want to lead the industry. That's why we have Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton back on the Building a StoryBrand podcast this week. He and Donald Miller talk about how to live more like a champion. Scott has an amazing way of taking what he's learned about competing and winning at the highest level and turning it into wisdom we can use in everyday life. When you know what champions do differently, you'll start accumulating little wins -- and those will turn into big victories for your business and your life. Don't miss this one. You'll walk away inspired and equipped to tackle your most Olympic-sized goals. http://buildingastorybrand.com/82

These days, our economy shifts and evolves at light speed. It can be overwhelming and intimidating just to follow along with the news. But if you lead a business, you need to understand how these big-level marketplace changes affect your company. When you do, you'll feel empowered to make smarter decisions about how you hire and invest. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller talks with economist and investment expert Ron Carson about the many economic issues that impact a business leader. You'll discover what the new tax plan means for you, how to spot a strong financial opportunity, specific investment ideas for today's market, what to watch out for when you hire a financial advisor, what's really happening with blockchain technology -- plus a whole lot more. You don't have to feel intimidated or overwhelmed by economics. Listen to this episode and discover how a better grasp of economics can make a huge difference in your small business's bottom line. http://buildingastorybrand.com/81

For your business to truly thrive, you've got to be good at delegation. You know this. But it's so hard to relinquish control of your email, your calendar, and your travel. You've bought into the myth that only you can do it all, and it's sucking the life out of you. A personal assistant can help -- but only if you set up the relationship in a healthy way. To help us, Donald Miller sits down with Bryan Miles. His company, Belay Solutions, helps high-performing executives achieve more by pairing them with top-notch virtual assistants. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, they discuss the 5 key ways you can create a positive and productive relationship with your assistant, even if you've been reluctant to delegate in the past. Stop trying to do it all. Listen to this episode, and you'll unlock new levels of freedom, creativity, and value for your business. http://buildingastorybrand.com/80

Have you ever felt like something is missing from your customers' experience? Or that you and your team are just "going through the motions?" Sure, you're delivering a great product, but it's just a business transaction. Worse, you and your team have lost the excitement you used to have about serving your customers. That's why I'm thrilled to sit down with Dan Heath on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. As the co-author of The Power of Moments, he's going to show you what's missing in your customer and team interactions. You're going to learn 4 ways to create powerful moments they'll always remember. As a leader, you don't need a ton of money or resources to create defining moments for the people you serve. You just need a desire and a little imagination to make your time with them unforgettable. After reading this blog post or listening to this podcast, you'll no longer be just delivering a product. Instead, you'll be creating memories that will last forever. http://buildingastorybrand.com/79

Do you always feel like you're short on time? Most days, it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that matters to us. But what if the problem isn't how many hours we have — but how we're using them? That's the big idea from Daniel Pink, our guest today on the StoryBrand podcast. Daniel has done the research and studied the science, and it turns out that certain times are better than others for doing different types of work. Donald Miller sits down with Daniel to help you finally understand the smart way to structure your time. He points out the common time management mistakes he sees and how to fix them. And he shows you a simple way to pay attention to your natural rhythms, so you can maximize your productivity and creativity every day. The quest for the ideal schedule ends here! Listen to this episode to stop the constant stress of the time crunch. Then watch your days (and your life!) transform. http://buildingastorybrand.com/78

We may hide it well, but the truth is most of us business leaders and executives suffer from the same fears that plagued us in middle school — appearing incompetent, vulnerable, and foolish. These fears get in the way of our goals and mess up our relationships. But not this year. As we move into 2018, we're going to start with how to face your underlying fears in a healthy way. This week, Miles Adcox joins Donald Miller for this week's episode of Building a StoryBrand podcast. As the CEO of the therapeutic retreat center Onsite, he's been helping leaders like you and me understand how we need to embrace our fears rather than give in to the typical fight, flight or freeze responses. This is an inspiring conversation, and the wisdom Miles shares has the potential to launch our new year in a way that will forever change the way we lead. Don't miss it! http://buildingastorybrand.com/77

Since it's Christmas, we decided to wrap up all the practical advice from 2017 and give it to you in a single episode. Tune in to Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe-Giver and founder of TOMS, for the first three hires you should make as you scale up your business. Charles Duhigg, author of Smarter Faster Better reveals how to build mental models to help you avoid wasting time on unimportant tasks. Professional storyteller Tricia Rose Burt gives you the story structure that will help you resonate with your audience. And Robert Sutton, author of The A-hole Survival Guide, will tell you how to avoid jerks at the office. We'll finish with advice on how to close deals from Molly Fletcher, author of A Winner's Guide to Negotiating. Whether you're traveling today or just waiting around for Christmas dinner to come out of the oven, listen to these episodes you may have missed or review the key points of 2017. We hope you've learned as much as we have from our guests this year. And we wish you a happy, healthy business that will bless you and your loved ones as it grows. http://buildingastorybrand.com/76

Get our most helpful advice from some of our favorite interviews in a single episode! As we close out the year, we've selected five big ideas from our conversations that zero in on building your business. You get to hear from Seth Godin, marketing genius, about speed versus perfection when it comes to launching your product. You'll learn how to reverse engineer your goals from Fizzle director, Chase Reeves, and how to get your team to focus on and execute your most important goal from 4DX co-author Chris McChesney. Nancy Duarte will teach you how to structure your upcoming presentation. Finally, copywriting extraordinaire Ray Edwards will reveal the magic words you need to use with your customers to make you money. If you're traveling over the holidays, this is a great way to find helpful episodes you may have missed or revisit your favorites for fresh insight. We hope that we've helped to grow your business this year by gleaning the best wisdom from our guests and bringing it to you when you most need it. http://buildingastorybrand.com/75

You don't get to meet an astronaut everyday. They're really special people who beat terrific odds (less than 1%) to get where they are. So what an honor it is to have Astronaut Jerry Linenger on the podcast. He was sent on some of the most dangerous and historical space missions of all time. Jerry has faced mechanical malfunctions, fires and system failures all while in space. While you might not have to put out a space fire this week, we all have faced extreme pressures before. The principles Jerry used to accomplish his missions won't only work for him. They'll help you bring a stronger sense of purpose to your business, too — no matter what the odds are. http://buildingastorybrand.com/74

As consumers, we admire disruptors like Netflix, Uber, and Apple. But as a business leader, disruption can cause you to lose sleep at night. You've got to stay ahead of the competition or you might get left behind. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Whitney Johnson to talk about how to prepare your team to manage change in an age of disruption. She's an expert on this topic and gives you some strategies to help you feel competent and confident in the dynamic business realm you work in. http://buildingastorybrand.com/73

How much can poor customer service cost you? The answer is more than you think. Donald Miller sits down with Todd Duncan, author of The $6,000 Egg. A best-selling author and thought-leader in the sales industry, Todd outlines five scenarios that illustrate the five rules of spectacular customer service. When you apply them, you'll bring in loyal customers and create trust in your company. Customer service is the bedrock of your brand. If your team takes ownership of your company's values and delivers wonderful service to your customers, you'll see exponential growth in your business. You'll also discover that almost every aspect of your company runs smoother. http://buildingastorybrand.com/72

How can a professional storyteller help you grow your business? Simple. Business is about persuading people to buy your products or services. And, psychologists tell us that storytelling is the most effective method of persuasion. So, you're going to need effective storytelling to grow your business. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with professional storyteller Tricia Rose Burt to talk about 3 super powerful principles you need to tell a great story. You can apply these to almost any communication you use in your business. When you understand these principles of story, your marketing will become much more persuasive and your sales will grow. http://buildingastorybrand.com/71

If you've ever seriously thought about starting a business of your own, you've probably discovered how difficult it is to get good advice on how to do it. What you need is a map, a blueprint, of how to get from your cubicle to doing what you love. And you need to know how to make money at it. Because, let's face it, making a good living is an important part of your security and happiness. This week, Donald Miller sits down with Dorie Clark, author of Entrepreneurial You, on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. Dorie's interviewed over 50 highly successful entrepreneurs about how they've monetized doing something they care about, and she's going to share with us all their secrets. You're going to learn the 3 key phases to develop your startup. By the time you've moved through these phases, you'll be making good money and doing what you love. http://buildingastorybrand.com/70

You're going to retire someday. And we're not talking about just a few years of your life. People are living longer. More people will live to 100 than ever. So you might be in financial stress for a good 20 to 25 years of your life if you don't make some changes. Worse, you could end up becoming a burden to the people you love the most. That's not a pretty picture, but there's some good news. Donald Miller sits down with Chris Hogan, the author of Retire Inspired, on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. He calls his book "America's wake-up call" and his goal is to motivate you to think about retirement now and think about it differently. http://buildingastorybrand.com/69

Do you feel like no matter how hard you work, you're always behind? The worst part is you know of highly productive people who have time for everything important — family, health, friends and business. Nothing has to be sacrificed upon the altar of success. So, what are their secrets? Today's podcast guest will reveal them. Charles Duhigg, the author of Smarter Faster Better, used to be sitting in the same place you are now. He had achieved an incredibly successful career, but was still miserable. His daily life whizzed by in frantic activity that left him feeling empty. Charles began investigating these highly productive people who go on vacation, spend time with family, and pursue a fulfilling work life. What he came up with will help you increase your productivity and reclaim your life. http://buildingastorybrand.com/68

Does running your business feel like you're caught in a whirlwind? That ringing phone, the unexpected appointment, the stuff piling up from last week? Urgent matters keep popping up. All the while, more important things like growing your company gets pushed aside. You know the answer lies in getting help from your team, but trying to get your team to do something new in the midst of the whirlwind is extremely difficult. Today, you'll discover the solution to that problem. Donald Miller sits down with Chris McChesney, co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX). Trying to change the behaviors of the people around you is one of the biggest challenges you'll ever face. With the 4 Disciplines of Execution, you can rest assured you're implementing a system that is tested and proven. Once everyone is moving together in one direction, you and your team will no longer be tending to urgent matters only. Instead, you'll be achieving goals and moving the company forward in exciting ways. http://buildingastorybrand.com/67

If you have an important, high-stakes presentation that needs to move people en masse in a given direction, Nancy Duarte is the person you'd call. She's written, visualized, and helped people deliver some of the world's greatest talks. Her Guide to Persuasive Presentations is the best-selling Harvard Business Review guide ever. And if you haven't seen Nancy's TED talk — where she lays Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech over Steve Jobs' Apple iPhone release and shows you how they're essentially the same talk — then I don't know where you've been in the last six years. So I can't tell you enough how honored I am to have Nancy as our guest on this week's episode of Building a StoryBrand podcast. Nancy gives you the tools you need to make your presentation resonate. She's going to show you how to carefully examine and craft seven different sections of your presentation before stepping up on stage. http://buildingastorybrand.com/66

This week my new book Building a StoryBrand is out! If you've been wanting to clarify your message pick it up today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble! That said, if you don't want to order it because reading hurts your brain, there's a distant, distant second option I recommend. And that's to listen to this week's podcast because this week, J.J. and I shamelessly plug the book by going through it point by point. It's like the audiobook but with a laugh track! The main reason I wrote the book is because I wanted to make marketing easy and I believe it accomplishes that task. To get the best points, though, you'll have to buy the book to get. I'm no dummy. Anyway, I hope you read these ideas, apply them and make loads of money. And I hope they make you want to buy the book to make even more. http://buildingastorybrand.com/65

Being successful isn't always what it's cracked up to be. I mean, look at the headlines. We can all name a few celebrities who crumbled under the pressure of fame and fortune. While well-known artists may deal with the problems of success on an amplified level, most successful leaders have similar struggles and are in danger of the same downfalls. That's why I'm so excited about this week's episode on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. I sit down with Al Andrews, the founder and executive director of Porter's Call, a service that counsels and supports recording artists. Al has a client list with names you'd certainly recognize so he's very familiar with the problems fortune brings. As he shares his wisdom about how he helps his clients stay healthy and grounded, you'll find help as a leader too. After listening to this episode, you'll learn 10 paradigm shifts you need to make as a leader on the road to success. http://buildingastorybrand.com/64

If you've ever tried to write sales copy for your product, then you've probably felt the intimidation of the blank page. Worse, when you've finally beat the blank page blues, your copy doesn't deliver the results you wanted. Your words fail to persuade your customers. That's why I'm thrilled to sit down with Ray Edwards on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. As the author of How to Write Copy That Sells, Ray's going to reveal some magic phrases that will help you write great copy. After listening to this podcast, you'll no longer be intimidated by the blank page and you'll find your sales copy is finally doing its job — reaching the people who need your product and making you money. http://buildingastorybrand.com/63

Ever thought about quitting your job to start a business of your own? Not everyone is ready to risk a secure job to launch a new enterprise. Some people really like their day job. And for many, a regular paycheck is a blessing. That's why I'm honored to have Chris Guillebeau joining us on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. He's the author of Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days and he's going to show us how to quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job. Whatever your reason for starting a side hustle, listen to this podcast to learn the simple process it takes to make it happen. Chris blazes a clear path to help you earn extra income fast.

If you had a chance to sit down with a world-renowned businessman, what would you ask? As an entrepreneur, you'd likely want him to go back to the point where you are and find out what crucial decisions he made to help his business go big. Blake Mycoskie, Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, is one of the top young businessmen in the world and perhaps the most visionary entrepreneur in forming social-minded businesses and consumers. On the podcast this week, I sit down with Blake to talk about his entrepreneurial journey. Blake shares a fascinating story of how he became a fashion mogul by giving shoes away through his One for One model, and he gives some powerful advice regarding you as an entrepreneur. During the interview, I hone in on the three critical hires he made to scale up his business during the embryonic stage of TOMS. http://buildingastorybrand.com/61

Do you feel like your job isn't what you should be doing? Perhaps you have a side hustle that you wish could be your main hustle? Or you have an entrepreneurial itch that just won't go away? If so, you'd probably like some help in making your business dreams a reality. Someone who can guide your through the journey from beginning to end. That's why I'm happy to have Chase Reeves joining us on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. He's a co-founder of Fizzle and their mission is to help you earn a living independently doing something you care about. In this episode, he outlines four steps to start you down the right path. Follow these simple steps and you'll discover there's wonderful wisdom in them. They will spark your business dreams to life and make your entrepreneurial journey a success. http://buildingastorybrand.com/60

Many of our favorite movies and TV shows portray jerks at work. From droning Lumbergh in Office Space, clueless Michael in The Office, to sleazy Mr. Hart in 9 to 5, we find these characters so funny because they're true. It isn't funny, however, actually working with these jerks. According to a recent study, 75% of workers deal with bullies in the workplace. This has a huge effect on the economy, your workplace, and your health. So, what can you do? Robert Sutton sets out to answer that question in his new book, The A--hole Survival Guide (his book just says the word). His strategies will provide relief to anyone who feels pushed around by a jerk. You can avoid them, outwit them, disarm them, send them packing, and develop protective psychological armor. Finally, at the end of this post, you can see if you might be adding to the jerk population. Nobody wants to lose life hours to a bully. Listen to this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast. You'll preserve your sanity and have a plan of action to deal with that jerk at the office. http://buildingastorybrand.com/59

Do you and your team members suffer from DSD — Distracted, Stressed, and Disconnected? Sure, you believe in what your team is doing. And you believe in the people on your team. But it feels like no matter how hard you all work, the results keep eluding you. Worse, you go home exhausted and give your family the only thing you've got … leftovers. You'd love to find a way to turn your team around, but how? On the podcast this week, Donald Miller interviews Craig Ross, one of the authors of Do Big Things: The Simple Steps Teams Can Take to Mobilize Hearts and Minds, and Make an Epic Impact. Craig is wanting teams to get big results without losing their souls. He'll take you through 7 essential steps teams must execute to do extraordinary things while making DSD a thing of the past. When your team has heart, you'll not only get the job done, you'll become legendary within your company and your family. http://buildingastorybrand.com/58

Are you in a sales slump? What if I told you the reason for your lagging sales isn't the fluctuating market. Neither is it your product or company. It's not even the competition. Top sellers across various industries and companies prove that sales performance isn't situational. The key to sales success is you. This is good news because you can start making money right away with some key adjustments to how you sell. By learning the behaviors, attitudes and a few vital skills of the aces in the industry, your revenue stream will skyrocket. Sales expert Anthony Iannarino joins Donald Miller this week on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. As author of The Only Sales Guide You'll Ever Need, Anthony is going to reveal the secrets of star salespeople who consistently outperform their peers. If you're tired of wasting time at the office and are ready to become a true sales pro, listen to this episode and take your sales abilities to the next level. http://buildingastorybrand.com/57