Doin' the Thing Podcast

In a follow-up to last week's meeting we explore the finer refinements of personal branding. With your personal brand value in mind, intentionality, transparency and authenticity matter.

In today's digital world, the importance of personal branding cannot be understated. Whether you're applying for a job, starting a new entreprenuerial venture or promoting an existing business, how the world sees you online matters. In today's episode we'll share why personal branding matters, and outline easy steps you can take to enhance your personal brand.

Book 5 is in the can for me, and it involved deep research into the evolution of prospecting, business development and client retention in this brave new digital, post-pandemic age. While businesses evaluate tactic/strategy driven KPIs, few consider the most important driver of brand growth as found by an eight-year study conducted by the Harvard Business Review. 

Their findings may surprise you, but if you're looking for revenue growth this year, this is a must listen.

It's not what happens to you that matters, it's instead what you do about it that makes the difference. In today's episode Jason and Phil explore the principles of Stoicism, and when practiced, how the core tenets can help us live in the present and focus on those things that are in our control and let go of those that aren't.

Stop saying yes when it's not in your best interest to do so. In today's session, Phil shares a personal example on the importance of managing expectations. Saying yes isn't your only option, and knowing when and how to manage expectations can lead to a happier, healthier workplace. 

Learn the five best strategies to manage expectations in this episode and much more!

"I'm not getting call-backs" is a common comment Jason and I hear. And while our coaching helps clients explore self-sufficiency, what we care about most is helping our clients achieve what's best for them in their careers. And if the job market is right for you, then you really need to know about how an ATS works. 

The game has changed, human being don't view resumes, an ATS runs algorithms on them leverage AI to determine best candidate fits. Jason and I share insights in this sesion on how an ATS works - and more importantly we outline the steps you'll need to take to maximize your interview opportunities. 

We've just crossed a technology threshold, and the world from here on will change as ChatGPT rolls out. 

What is ChatGPT you ask? ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with a chatbot. The language model can answer questions, and assist you with tasks such as composing emails, essays, and code.

With the advent of this intuitive and ever-learning technology, Jason and Phil explore the many possible implications. What industries will be re-invented? What workplace roles may be replaced? How can ChatGPT be leveraged to make you more efficient? What are the copyright implications?

All this and more in today's episode. Please like and share!

In today's episode, Jason and Phil Interview Annie Hung-Scanga. Annie's firm specializes in providing expert accounting, tax planning and financial planning advise. Today's Podcast covers the following key areas, with Annie sharing her expertise on the topics of: 1) Advise for new franchisees on which corporate structure to employ, 2) Post launch, how and when to start paying yourself a salary, 3) Tax savings strategies, 4) Multi-generational wealth building strategies for entrepreneurs.

Annie provides excellent food for thought on each topic - and we encourage you to explore her recommendations with your accountant/ financial planner to ensure they're right for your business. And if you're in the process of setting up your business and in need of accounting, tax planning and financial planning services, consider setting up a free, no obligation consultation with Annie - here's a link to her calendar - https://square.site/book/9AXE057BXPYYG/atlantis-accounting.

Jason Madden is a former CI officer, and since his transition to entrepreneurship from the military, Jason has dedicated significant efforts helping other veterans. He gives of his time to such organizations as Veterati and Recruit Military, and is expert in assisting and supporting veterans to achieve their future goals. If you're transitioning currently or have recently separated, this episode shares valuable information on programs, resources and strategies to help you.

In today's episode Jason and Phil dive deep into the many options we have to achieve financial freedom, including the employment market, passive investment strategies, buying an existing business and the world of franchising. We play devil's advocate in this session, pointing to the pros and cons of each.

Phil and Jason welcome new veteran business owners, John McDonough and Earnest Perkins on to the show to discuss what it's like to move from the military, to 9-5, to entrepreneurship as business owners with a known franchise brand! 

Although it's been said many times before, we truly are now facing truly exceptional challenges. Oil and gas, microchips, supply chain, Ukraine, the lingering after effects of COVID and increased interest rates have many Americans paying close attention. Would it surprise you to know that there were more new businesses started in 2020 than 2019, and even more in 2021 than 2020? As major companies like Tesla, Netflix and PayPal begin to eliminate jobs, Americans now more than ever look for ways to shield their portfolios from economic downturn risks and protect their careers. 

In today's session, Jason and Phil take this topic head-on. 

Jason and Phil have taken a break from our weekly Podcast for good reason. During times of exceptional challenge and loss there is an opportunity and a choice. We can be a victim of circumstances, or we can choose the path that leads to resiliency. In this episode we share the challenges we've each faced in recent weeks, but more importantly we hope to shine a light on the path forward we've each chosen and inspire others who may be facing similar complexities. It's a straight from the heart episode we hope will inspire you. 

As our listeners know, Jason and I are professional Career Ownership Coaches, and by design we work intentionally on helping our clients explore self-sufficiency strategies. Whether you're entrepreneurially curious, looking to diversify your portfolio and revenue streams, or to explore a new career direction, our tools, resources and methodologies can help you the clarity you seek on your path forward.

In our initial outreaches to clients we're both often asked to send links to our website so those who are interested can learn more before scheduling a second call. The challenge is, the website provides a general overview, but the work we do is tailored and personalized to the clients we work with - so viewing the website often isn't enough. That's why we recorded this episode, and if you've received a link to it, it's because it can help you answer the question - how can this specialized coaching help ME?

Whatever your long term financial career and wealth building goals are, one thing is for sure - we're living through exceptional times that have created mitigating and complex possibilities. Will interest rates rise, will the Ukrainian situation and it's impact on the energy markets have ripple effects on our investments and portfolios, what effects will the shutdowns in China effecting the supply chain have on our financial situations both short and long term?

In today's episode we discuss strategies to help you explore and potentially mitigate the above by sharing three important key concepts. 

Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with Dr. Wisdom. Dr. Wisdom is a veteran, holds a PhD in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health and Epidemiology. 

Would it surprise you to know that a full 50% of all leaders are Millennials? It's true, and their needs, goals and visions are truly worth understanding and embracing. Corporate Culture matters, social good matters, collaboration matters and the ability to contribute in a meaningful way matters. If you look at the current job market trends, the Great Resignation is fueled by the elements above not meeting staff member's goals. Part one of this podcast explores viable ways to evolve organizations and create a world class company staff members want to stay at.

But when things aren't working for you, how do you know when it's time to leave. Part two of this podcast is a about not just knowing when it's time to leave, but more importantly, what steps can you take when it's time to leave.

How many of us wish we'd invested in Apple stock back in the day, or Tesla, or BitCoin? Early adopters who catch the wave early can reap significant rewards, but what about the potential risk? 

If you're exploring entrepreneurship and franchising is your chosen vehicle, you may find yourself in the position of considering an emerging brand. If so, this episode is worth a listen as we'll discuss the pro's and con's of established concepts (often defined as having 100+ locations) versus emerging (defined as under 100, sometimes even under 10).

This episode is not intended to provide a comprehensive and definitive list of considerations, but instead to help guide you toward developing your own questions and where/ how to find the answers. 

Listeners of our Podcast know that Jason and I are advocates and evangelists for healthy minds, bodies and spirits. Today we explore part two of our healthy living conversation by diving in to easy to implement and incrementally beneficial nutritional habits to help you become your best self.

Did you make a resolution to hit the gym and now find yourself unable to lift your arms or walk without hunching? You're not alone! 

As the saying goes, "I'm opening a new gym called Red Wine. It's full of folks with committed goals in January and becomes a wine bar in February."

Don't give up in your fitness goals, instead learn valuable periodization principles that will help you bridge the gap between making a resolution and creating a healthy way of living.

It's all about mind, BODY and spirit. Be your best self!

The Elon Musk origin story is inspiring. After founding PayPal he had a vision of colonizing the planet of Mars - something the majority of us dream of (kidding). His first three missions failed, and he had only enough resources to launch one more mission - which succeeded. Next, he dreamed of sustainably powered vehicles. In 2008, in the middle of what was arguably one of the worst financial situations in American history, he released his first model - which was priced two times higher than initial estimates he'd provided. The company nearly went bankrupt, he used the last of his life savings to keep it alive. We all know how this story ends.

As inspiring as his story is, it's not real life for the majority of us. That said, how can we inspire ourselves to reach greater heights, regardless of how big or small they may be. This episode is all about the value of taking risks - and how to get ourselves unstuck.

It's that magical time of year when we all envision a better version of ourselves as the calendar page flips from December 2021 to January 2022. In this episode we explore why New Year's resolutions have such a high fail rate, and more importantly - how to succeed in creating your new and better self in the New Year.

As the old adage goes..."It doesn't matter what you make, it only matters how much of it you keep." Business ownership not only builds equity, creates the potential for a sale-able asset, but also leverages potentially significant tax-saving advantages. 

In this episode, we'll talk through the four corporate structures - DBA, LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp and share insights into the features, benefits and advantages for each. 

Gen X and Millennials are re-evaluating their considering leaving their current roles in significant numbers. Learn what's driving this generational "Great Awakening"

Many dream of becoming a published author, if you're one - this is the episode for you. Phillip Macko has published three works, two non-fiction titles and a fictional work available in paperback, eBook and on Audible called The Conduit. In this episode he'll share his tips, tricks and learnings across his 9-year author's journey.

As we say, good paper makes good friends. But much more than this, how do you choose the right partner? How do you avoid overlapping competencies? And most important, how do your develop your exit strategies before launching the partnership venture? All this and more on today's episode of Doin' the Thing!

A recent ProPublica study (https://www.propublica.org/article/older-workers-united-states-pushed-out-of-work-forced-retirement) finds that there are currently 40 million Americans over the age of 50 in the workforce. According to their projections, as many as 22 million of this employed population will face a layoff, forced retirement or involuntary job separation. Of the 22 million, only an estimated 2 million will fully financially recover.

If you or someone you care about is over 50 and currently employed, this is an important episode as we shine a light on the facts and offer strategies to mitigate career risks. 

Monster.com commissioned a study - their findings were more than surprising. 95% of all currently employed participants indicated they were actively considering a career change. 92% indicated considering not just a career change, but also an industry change. The greatest driver? 32% cited burnout. What does this mean and what impacts might we see - that's what we're discussing in this episode.

On this week's episode, we're honored to have Diana Corbin join us and share the very motivating story of how her grade school dream became her passion, and then her career. For Megatrax Production Music, Diana is the Executive Director of Accounts for the country of Brazil. In this capacity, she works with major film studios, television station, ad agencies and content producers all throughout the county of Brazil. 

Diana's story is an incredible illustration of how chasing your dream can lead to it becoming a reality. Are you fulfilled in what you do, is it the career path that speaks to your soul? Diana's story will help provide you with your own clarity on these important questions. 

We've all heard about the Colonial pipeline hack, one that cost the company $5 million dollars. How did it happen? And more importantly, how can you as a business owner protect yourself and your company? We'll be discussing this and more with industry experts Brittany Fugate and David Warner from Cenetric. 

Here's the reality - 300,000 new malware programs are created every day, and because they often do not employ traditional virus coding, your anti-virus program likely will not protect you. A new hack occurs every 39 seconds. Hackers infiltrate a company's systems in as little as 18 minutes. No business or individual is safe unless they employ the proper safeguards, but the good news is that there are things you can do to prevent your company from falling victim to this pervasive threat. 

A must listen!

Cenetric is an IT/ Network Services company based in Kansas City and serving clients ranging from Law Firms to Universities to Fortune 500 Companies located in the mid-west. To learn more about Cenetric, visit their website at https://cenetric.com/ or reach out to them at 913-210-1950.

We are doing things a little bit differently this week. This is another episode from our Facebook live chat where we discuss DISC and use it as a resource. DISC is a behavior assessment tool to examine an individuals' behavior in their environment or within a specific situation. It is based on the DISC theory of psychologist William Moulton Marston. DISC is an acronym of four different personality traits:

Tune in to Dr. Leroy, Jason, and Phil for an insightful discussion about DISC personality and how you can use it as a resource.

Join our community and have a conversation with Dr. Leroy, Jason, and Phil:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/391406378654576/?ref=share

This episode is from our FB Live Chat. We took a bit of a break from our hiatus.  We're slowly going to get back from our weekly episode. We just wanted to take this opportunity to go live on Facebook and update you guys and let everybody know what's going on, what we're up to, and our plans for 2021.  We've touched on many subjects,  challenges, and the things to learn from 2020 to New Year's resolutions, business talks, and what's in the future for us.  Join us and listen in as we talk about the happenings in 2020 and what we can do to better our 2021. 

Join our community and have a conversation with Dr. Leroy, Jason, and Phil:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/391406378654576/?ref=share

We have another opportunity to have our dear friend and Industrial and Organizational Psychologist, Founder of The Connect IO, Dr. Leroy Simpson, to another of our talks. You might think that there's some symbolism or unusual story behind the title. Swords and pomegranates have several symbols in different cultures, and the fruit was prominently featured in the story of Persephone and Hades in Greek mythology. Unfortunately, today is not one of our story days. I would, however, say that this is equally as interesting and entertaining. It is just a laid-back but informative and fruitful (pun intended) episode where we talk about business, franchising, brand recognition, dreams, following your passion, and life lessons in general. If you're wondering how the title of this episode came about, you're in for a ride!

Join our community and have a conversation with Dr. Leroy, Jason, and Phil:  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/391406378654576/?ref=share

Folks, we have a very special guest for today’s episode: Dr. Leroy Simpson. Dr. Simpson is an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist, Founder of The Connect IO. Industrial and Organizational Psychology is the psychology that explores relationships with work, business, and careers. Connect IO provides a network of professionals, business partners that counsel, advise, coach, collaborate, and apply work and people science to create better companies. They diagnose business problems and formulate solutions like getting more clients, draw up better training programs, map out business plans, and more. 

In this episode, we interview Dr. Leroy Simpson for an in-depth discussion on leveraging industrial and organizational psychology to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to an organization. Also, using science and data analytics to support these findings and formulate strategies and roadmap to success. 

Connect with Dr. Leroy Simpson: 

Website: https://www.theconnectio.net/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroy-simpson/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleroydsimpson/ 

Connect with us: 

Phillip Macko: 

Website:  https://entrepreneurssource.com/?purl=pmacko  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-macko-6a09b85/ 

Jason Madden: 

Website:  https://entrepreneurssource.com/?purl=jmadden  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-madden/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmaddenesourcecoach/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esourcecoach/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmadden_esource 

This is sort of a PSA episode where we talk about Electoral College.  We figured that we educate ourselves and our audience a bit on the matter because the election time is fast approaching. Some of us don't entirely understand what it is about. So before casting our votes, it's good to know where it's going.

In this episode, we shine a bit of light on the electoral college, its history, and how votes are going to impact the outcome. During these uncertain times, it's always good to be informed to make all our votes count.

Today’s episode is a role-playing session with Phillip. Where he tells the story of 3 struggling individuals barely making ends meet. One is a single parent an aspiring author that lives off of government welfare, the other is another struggling author that lives in a trailer working multiple minimum wage jobs, lastly, a 40-year-old man after being fired from a bunch of jobs was able to convince a small gas station owner to provide dining services for the customers.

Imagine you’re a close friend or a relative or a counselor, seeing them barely getting by, living in a substandard situation, what would be your advice to them? After being rejected chance after chance, for opportunities that never seem to arrive, what would you tell them? One thing that these three individuals have in common is the belief in what they do and their persistence. The three people in these stories ended up wildly successful because they believed in their craft.

Have you ever been in a position where you are faced with making an unethical decision?  Today's episode contains several interesting and funny stories about ethics and cheating. From the bizarre event in the 1904 St. Lois Olympics Marathon, which seemed like it was out of a Wacky Races episode, to several recent corporate scandals, that resulted in billions of losses. 

One thing to take away from these stories is that most of these unfortunate events started with a small and seemingly harmless unethical decision that rippled to something disastrous. These stories are something we can learn from, something to think about next time we are about to make such decisions.

You JUST never know how the person you randomly meet will change your life. We've talked about networking strategies, but did you know that a multi-billion dollar corporate employing more than 100,000 people began by a chance meeting on a doorstep in Cincinnati, Ohio? Can you imagine your life being saved by one small kindness shown to a stranger?

Networking is about more than just meeting others, it's about fulfilling a pre-destined path. Don't believe us? Tune in! 

As a follow-up to last week's session, where we explored a personal leadership inventory, today we'll talk about how to carry your leadership skills across an organization. Starting with an MIT study on the critical importance of "micro-interactions" through the deleterious effect of emotional contagion, we'll explore why staff disengages, and what strategies you can immediately employ to re-engage them.

The lost productivity cost of a disengaged team is in the billions - can you afford not to take action?

If we're not careful, we can fall into an "every day like the last" groove in these exceptional times we all face. I did - and found my way out.

I'll share my "Hell's Kitchen Revelation" moment in today's episode.

Interned during WW1, circus entertainer Joseph Pilates used found materials and his fellow prisoners as his test lab, and imagined an exercise system that would captivate millions. Imagine the ingenuity now only during a time of war, but amidst a global pandemic, Pilates has shown that survival is predicated upon taking action and leadership. The next time you feel that pandemic Netflix binge coming on, think about what you can do to boost your immune system and protect yourself through prevention beyond masks and social distancing. Phil and Jason take this topic head on.

Jeff and Mikki Martin are world-renown experts in kid/ teen functional fitness and physical literacy, and are the founders of The BrandX Method. Their techniques are currently instructed at over 60 locations and in seven countries worldwide, and have led them to brand partnerships with incredible organizations such as Eleiko (supplier to the Olympics), Stand Up Kids, Opex, p1440 and The International Functional Fitness Organization. 

We cover a broad range of topics in today's Podcast, including; ideas for parents incorporating creative play strategies to engage kids/ teens in fun, creative physical activities during the exceptional stay-at-home COVID situation we face, the importance of movement to cognitive development, injury-preventing attention to precise exercise form and more.

Jeff and Mikki have personally coached hundreds of kids and teens, including USA Powerlifting state record holders and national qualifiers, high school all-state and all-city kids, and D1 athletes, some of whom walked on to new sports. They have visited and helped hundreds of schools and gyms to improve their kids programs. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts!

In 1912, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew set sail for Antarctica. Their ship came within 10 miles of their destination, only to become hopelessly wedged in the ice. For the next 10 months their ship floated away, until  the Captain gave orders to abandon ship. Only cargo deemed necessary was allowed to be removed before the ship sank. The most valued?  A Banjo.

Join in to hear this incredible story of survival against all odds. In these exceptional times we all face, the lessons learned here could not be more valuable.

We cover a broad range of topics, including; why you should "Take the Ten Count," advice to aspiring writers about the writer's journey, the value of daily disciplines and more. It's a fun, engaging and entertaining listen - if I say so myself. Hope you enjoy, and don't forget to subscribe!

He's placed music in movies starring A-Listers like Duane "The Rock" Johnson, Steve Carell and Russell Crowe. He's placed literally thousands of music tracks in the television shows you watch. You've heard theme music he's produced - now learn the secrets to his success.

4 1/2 years ago, Christian made a life choice, one most (if not all of us) have dreamed of doing. Christian decided to center his life on what makes him happy, not just what makes him money. He's now lived in every state but Alaska. His lunch break may happen on Half Dome in Yosemite today,  and in Monument National Park this time next week. He runs a thriving music agency called Current Music, and will launch a record label next year. All from the road - while he travels the country seeing and doing only the things that bring him happiness.

This is a can't miss, life-changing episode. Please tune in, it could change your life!

You don't have to search your couch for spare change, beg and borrow from family and friends, wipe out your saving or max your credit cards to start your own business. Join us and learn more about the common funding strategies available to you.

None of us want to say the "R" word out loud, but each of us owe it to our selves, families and future to be smart about managing our portfolios. Tune in for a discussion around portfolio diversification strategies you may not have thought of!

For over twenty years Paul has been on the forefront of solving the Nation's most complex problems in the world's most dangerous places in his role as a Green Beret. Paul is currently transitioning from the US Army Special Forces and has become an influential figure on the LinkedIn platform where he is very involved with The Green Marines, an environmental group that leads through education and "micro missions" that anyone can contribute to when it comes to the health of our environment.

A climbing accident on Pico de Orizaba left Gary Guller with a broken back and an arm that couldn't be saved. After two years of surgeries and rehabilitation, Gary again pursued his dream to summit the highest peaks in the world. In 2003 he would realize that dream, first leading a world-record setting team of persons with disabilities to Everest basecamp, then himself going on to summit - becoming the first man in history missing an arm to reach the top of the world. 

But this wasn't the end, far from it. We'll talk Iron Man competitions, avalanches, the Khumbu Icefall and the shear life-changing power of belief - in yourself and in others.

Join us for an incredible and inspiring conversation renowned keynote speaker and co-author of Make Others Greater Gary Guller!

We all hear it, we all fight it - but know that the "little voice" in your head is not your friend. Join  Jason and Phil, we'll help you kick that inner voice to the curb, recognize the state of "pre-success" and talk about things you can do TODAY guaranteed to hut that voice up!

What began as a passion project became a national movement. It takes a only moment, but moments like these change lives.

Your hosts author/ speaker/ entrepreneur Phillip Macko and entrepreneur/ former Counter Intelligence Office Jason Madden pick an argument on the topic. Bottom line - Do You Stay or Do You...(wait for it) Diversify Your Options? Hear what these two knuckleheads have to say on the topic.