This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone looking for ways to reach an audience that isn’t quite ready to embrace the future of your industry. My guest today is Bob Gaydos, the founder and CEO of Pendella, where he leads a team that is automating the insurance underwriting process through AI and big data. Since he has decades of experience with it, I of course had to ask him about making change in notoriously change-resistant places.We talk through the importance of educating prospects, learning from failure, picking yourself up again and more. Tune in for his insights! About Bob GaydosBob Gaydos is the Founder and CEO of Pendella where he leads a team of innovators in the insurance industry, automating the underwriting process through AI and big data. Over the last 10 years, Bob has founded, invested, advised, and operated innovative companies in the benefit & insurance industry, such as Maxwell Health (acquired by Sun Life), Connected Benefits (acquired by GoHealth), Limelight Health (acquired by Fineos), GoCo, and Ideon (formerly Vericred). WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Seeing around corners, being early to market, and taking risks w/ Match.com Co-Founder & BabyQuip CEO, Fran MaierPodcast: Learning what’s on the other side of failure w/ serial entrepreneur Chris HarderPodcast: Evaluating new business ideas, making the leap & handling change w/ Marcus MurphySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who wants to start 2024 by knocking their sales goals out of the park. One of my main goals for Q1 is filling up our pipeline. So, my company President, Jenny, and I brainstormed a bunch of ways to make sure we have plenty of new sales ideas ready to go—and I want to share those with you!Make sure you tune in for strategies you can borrow, from growing your LinkedIn presence to how to effectively capitalize on referrals. If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 8 ways to start fresh in marketing and sales for the new yearPodcast: Influence: 6 ways to persuade your prospects to buyPodcast: 3 sales tips from Morgan J. Ingram, Yoav Vilner and Lea TurnerSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone curious about the skills required to become a serial entrepreneur. My guest today is Fran Maier, a "Super Founder" best known for co-founding and launching Match.com. With over 25 years of experience in B2B and B2C internet businesses, she is now leading the #1 baby gear rental service company in the country as CEO of BabyQuip.Make sure you tune in for Fran’s insights on marketing to your audience, launching multiple successful businesses, and seeing around corners to spot the next big venture! 👶 PROMO CODE: Head to babyquip.com and use promo code ART20 for $20 off any order of $100 or more! Offer valid through March 2024. About Fran MaierFran Maier is a highly successful serial entrepreneur, investor, and fundraiser with an impressive track record of launching and scaling five business ventures, such as Match.com and TRUSTe (now @TrustArc). Throughout her career, Fran has pioneered game-changing solutions that have disrupted industries, built trusted brands, and driven growth and valuation. Currently, as the founder and CEO of BabyQuip, the leading global baby gear rental marketplace, Fran has taken the company's reach to over 1200 markets worldwide. WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Learning what’s on the other side of failure w/ serial entrepreneur Chris HarderPodcast: Break free of “good girl habits” at work w/ Lisa Carmen WangPodcast: Strengths-based development: analyzing my CliftonStrengths Assessment w/ Micah LorencSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who is ready to have the best year ever—but feels like it’s already too late for those New Year’s resolutions.  I’m sure if you’re listening to this podcast, you already have at least some pretty strong habits. It takes good habits and discipline in order to run a company, be a solopreneur, or even climb in your career. That said, we often get off on the wrong foot in the new year because the holiday season can destroy our good habits.Make sure you tune in for ideas to reset your personal, physical and professional routines to create a system that works best for YOU.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: New year, new you?Podcast: Quit neglecting your physical health and expecting to be successfulPodcast: The best work is not done at your deskSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who loves taking personality assessments like DiSC, Myers-Briggs, and Enneagram, and wants to learn how to read and strengthen their results.My guest today is Micah Lorenc, owner of Tailor Consulting and a specialist in leadership and team development and training. This episode has a different format: Micah and I chat through the results of my CliftonStrengths assessment. Even though everyone’s results are different, we cover a lot and I think you’ll appreciate the insights. Make sure you tune in for a new way of thinking about your strengths—and why “weaknesses” aren’t what you think. About Micah LorencMicah Lorenc is the owner of Tailored Consulting - a company that specializes in leadership and team development training, executive coaching, and workplace culture consulting. Micah is an ICF Certified Leadership Coach, a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and engaging public speaker. In January 2023, he launched a software startup called CultureLab, which helps both candidates and companies determine whether a candidate is likely to thrive at a new company.WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: You don’t have to improve every weakness. Here’s why. Podcast: The professional habits that stop you from success w/ Matt MaletichPodcast: How to bring humanity into your work w/ Anna OakesSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is a roundup episode featuring some of my favorite advice from podcast guests this year. We talk about everything from failure and feedback to building the network you want and how to make it work for you.I walked away from these conversations feeling really inspired, and I hope they’ll give you some a-ha moments to take into the new year too.Check out the full episodes with these guests for more insights.Episode 200. Learning what’s on the other side of failure w/ serial entrepreneur Chris HarderEpisode 191. Take charge of your professional development w/ Jenny WeedenEpisode 171. Evaluating new business ideas, making the leap & handling change w/ Marcus MurphyEpisode 158. Don’t be a professional success & a personal mess w/ Alechia ReeseEpisode 181. Yes, you CAN change your life & follow your dreams w/ Ike WynterSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who is looking ahead to set their sales and marketing goals in 2024. In this episode, we dig a little deeper into what you should be considering to set strong goals for next year and think creatively around your sales and marketing programs. Tune in for 8 tips to keep in mind to set challenging but achievable goals for your business. If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Are you making these 5 sales & marketing mistakes?Podcast: New year, new you?Podcast: Are my goals big enough?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who wants to enjoy, and feel passionate about, their work.My guest today is Nate Randle, CEO of Gabb Wireless, a safe cell phone designed for kids. Nate and I discuss that magic intersection between passion, purpose, and money and how he uses his platform to help others.Make sure you tune in for Nate’s advice for building a career founded on your core values. About Nate RandleAs CEO of Gabb Wireless, Nate brings years of experience and expertise to the nation’s leading kid-safe tech company.Nate has held pivotal leadership positions at major companies like Nike, Callaway Golf, Qualtrics, and the Utah Jazz. He joined Gabb in June 2021 as the CMO and took on the CEO role in November 2021.Nate is a husband and father of four. He places the highest priorities on people and family. His focus on family directly translates into his leadership at Gabb, where protecting kids and encouraging a stronger connection between families are core to the Gabb mission.WebsiteLinkedInXIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Yes, you CAN change your life & follow your dreams w/ Ike WynterPodcast: Going against the grain & building a cause-focused brand w/ Nyesha StonePodcast: "Do what you love & you'll never work a day" w/ William DeckSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who is looking ahead to the next few weeks and wondering how they’ll ever get it all done. We’re revisiting a topic I discussed in episode 77 about surviving your busiest seasons. And with the holidays coming up and the year coming to a close, many of us are about to embark on a busy season of work, travel and family. I share a number of different strategies that will help you not only stay sane, but thrive amid the chaos!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Why no should be your favorite wordPodcast: Are you addicted to work?Podcast: 5 ways to maximize productivity from my favorite book: Make TimeSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode is for anyone who is waiting until retirement to really start living their life. (Signs of this include not taking risks, not traveling as much as you want, having little free time, and a lot more.)My guest today is Nat Berman, a coach teaching businesses and individuals how to get exactly where they want to go. Nat refutes the idea that we have to wait for a certain level of success or a certain amount of money or even until retirement to enjoy our lives. Tune in as Nat talks through how he teaches people to create the lives they want to live right now—not after retirement. About Nat BermanFor 17 years, Nat Berman ran a multi-million dollar business owning a portfolio of websites. That knowledge enabled him to start a brand on Linkedin and he now coaches CEOs, Founders, and Entrepreneurs on gaining clarity within their lives and businesses with a 3-month program.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The #1 question you must ask yourself: what if I could?Podcast: Now is what you have—you might as well make it goodPodcast: Learning what’s on the other side of failure w/ serial entrepreneur Chris HarderSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode is for anyone who is considering starting their own business. Entrepreneurship looks like this amazing, sexy thing that a lot of people strive for. Being your own boss. Running your own schedule. Sounds like freedom, right?! Think again.Being an entrepreneur is actually all about knowing and doing the basics. If you are starting a company because you want to do more of what you love, realize that you may actually have to do less of that thing.Stay tuned for tips on finding the things you love along the way as you expand your skills to build your dream. If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 5 things I wish someone told me before I became a CEOPodcast: Do you have founder’s syndrome? Overcoming it with Erica Rankin, founder of Bro DoughPodcast: My entrepreneurial journeySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who loves a super inspiring, hope-filled story (who doesn’t?). I’m joined by Gregory Proctor, a management executive, entrepreneurial leader and author, and a passionate advocate for multiple myeloma awareness and support.Gregory and I discuss his journey of being diagnosed with this rare cancer, and what he did between then and now to come out the other side as a survivor. So many of his lessons apply to everyone—whether they have been in a similar situation or not. Make sure you tune in for his inspiring story of fighting the odds.📚 Gregory’s book, Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life's Journey, will be available for pre-order soon!About Gregory ProctorGregory Proctor is a management executive, entrepreneurial leader, author, and passionate advocate for multiple myeloma awareness and support. He was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 50, despite his good health. Gregory found the strength to navigate the grueling effects of chemotherapy and overwhelming financial strain. He shares his journey of awakening in his inspiring memoir Faith, Strength, and Courage: A Memoir of Overcoming Adversity & Embracing Life's Journey. Gregory is committed to making a difference in the multiple myeloma community. He is a recognized Honored Hero and Visionary of The Year in San Antonio, and has served on the Executive Leadership Team of Light The Night San Antonio. Gregory's mantra of 'Don't Ever Give Up' is a beacon of light and positivity for those navigating their own myeloma journeys. Podcast; LinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Developing grit & stoicism as an underdog founder w/ Edrizio De La CruzPodcast: Yes, you CAN change your life & follow your dreams w/ Ike WynterPodcast: Now is what you have—you might as well make it goodSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who finds themselves struggling to relate to that one coworker (or several) you just don’t get along with.Whether you're in a leadership role or not, dealing with difficult coworkers is a universal experience. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of handling such situations. We discuss the importance of not overexplaining when you feel attacked, the value of leaning in and understanding your coworkers, the significance of setting boundaries, and the power of clear communication to resolve conflicts. Tune in for insights and strategies for smoother collaborations in your work life!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What do you do if you’re in a toxic working relationship?Podcast: It never hurts to be the bigger personPodcast: Giving the benefit of the doubt: Most Respectful InterpretationSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who has felt uncomfortable sharing their true, authentic self in the workplace.&nbsp;I’m joined by Tricia Montalvo Timm, board director, venture investor, speaker, and author. Tricia and I discuss her experiences as a Latina navigating Silicon Valley and how both employers and employees can create a more inclusive environment.&nbsp;Tune in for perspective on how you can bring your best self into your workplace, and help create the environment others need to succeed.&nbsp;📚 Order Tricia’s book, Embrace the Power of You: Owning your Identity at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Power-You-Owning-Identity/dp/1774582570&nbsp;About Tricia Montalvo TimmTricia Montalvo Timm is a board director, venture investor, speaker, and author. She is a first-generation Latina who rose through the ranks of Silicon Valley advising high-tech companies big and small, culminating in the sale of data analytics software company Looker to Google for $2.6 billion. Tricia is one of the few Latinas to have attained the triple achievement of reaching the C-suite, joining the boardroom, and cracking the venture capital ceiling. Tricia currently serves on the board at Salsify, a top enterprise SaaS software company. She is also an advocate for women and girls and serves as a mentor, advisor, and investor in female-founded companies.&nbsp;Tricia also recently wrote her first book, Embrace the Power of You: Owning your Identity at Work where she hopes to inspire anyone who has ever felt like an “other” in the workplace to embrace their true selves, own their identity, and achieve success and fulfillment in their life and career.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Break free of “good girl habits” at work w/ Lisa Carmen WangPodcast: Genuine connection &amp; straight talk w/ Amy VolasPodcast: Developing grit &amp; stoicism as an underdog founder w/ Edrizio De La CruzSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagram<a...

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who is often fatigued, tired, or in a mood. There are solutions for those willing to look!You’ve heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Sure, it’s cliche, but it’s also true. You have to take better care of yourself than ever if you want to be a good leader, a good coach, a good parent, or successful in any way. The answer never was, and it still is not, to work more, sleep less, and take crappy care of yourself.It’s time to treat yourself like an athlete whose job it is to monitor and maximize physical performance. Tune in for ideas on how to get started!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Podcast: "If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness”Podcast: Don’t be a professional success &amp; a personal mess w/ Alechia ReeseSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who wants to learn how to navigate the changing landscape of LinkedIn for entrepreneurs and creators.&nbsp;I’m joined by Trish Lindo, Senior Creator Manager at LinkedIn. Through her role Trish empowers and supports diverse founders and their small businesses, helping them find opportunities on and off LinkedIn.&nbsp;We dive into the recent algorithm changes, the types of content that perform best, and the importance of authenticity on the platform. Tune in for Trish’s best practices for growing your community on LinkedIn!🔗 Subscribe to The Insider newsletter from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-insider-7050147416884289537/&nbsp;🔗 Learn more about the LinkedIn for Creators: https://members.linkedin.com/linkedin-creators-home&nbsp;About Trish LindoTrish Lindo is a Jamaican/American multi-hyphenate digital media professional and advocate for entrepreneurs of color. She has several years of digital media and television experience including BuzzFeed/Tasty, Yahoo! Shine, CNN, E! Entertainment/Live Events, and Oprah.com. Currently, she serves as a Senior Creator Manager for entrepreneurs of color at LinkedIn. Trish is committed to influencing and shaping a diverse, inclusive, and successful future for entrepreneurs globally.LinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Copywriting tricks &amp; tips: going viral on LinkedIn w/ Jasmin AlićPodcast: Exploding your LinkedIn personal brand w/ Tasleem Ahmad FatehPodcast: Growing your personal brand: A nitty-gritty how-toSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and reduce unnecessary stress in their business interactions.One of the biggest opportunities that we all have in business is to start practicing Most Respectful Interpretation, or MRI. Tune in to learn practical strategies for implementing MRI in your professional life, from getting to know colleagues on a personal level to questioning your own assumptions. Start small, and soon, practicing MRI will become a valuable habit that enhances your business interactions and overall success.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The professional habits that stop you from success w/ Matt MaletichPodcast: How do you build trust in business relationships?Blog: You can be "straightforward" without being a jerkSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

If you love inspirational stories about entrepreneurship and want a new recommendation for your to-be-read list, this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you!I chat with Edrizio De La Cruz about the soft skills of starting, funding and exiting a company. Edrizio is the first Latino Y Combinator visiting partner. He sold his fintech startup Arcus to MasterCard after running it for nearly a decade. Edrizio has an incredible story of overcoming challenges and beating imposter syndrome to reach his goals.&nbsp;He calls himself “the underdog founder” and we’ll give you a sneak peek of his book of the same title, out now. Tune in for an inspiring and educational conversation!📖 Order Edrizio’s book, The Underdog Founder: https://www.edriziodelacruz.com/&nbsp;✍️ Check out Edrizio’s 5-part fundraising essay mentioned in the show here (Part 1 published April 18, 2023): https://www.edriziodelacruz.com/essay&nbsp;About Edrizio De La CruzEdrizio is a former Y Combinator visiting partner. A Dominican immigrant raised in Harlem, Edrizio dropped out of college and joined the U.S. Air Force, becoming an aircraft technician to make ends meet. He later returned to college, worked on Wall Street, and earned his MBA from the Wharton School.&nbsp;In 2013, Edrizio co-founded Arcus, a fintech company that raised $20M from Y Combinator, Initialized, Citi Ventures, SoftBank, and a16z. In 2021, Arcus was sold to Mastercard, in its largest Latam acquisition ever.&nbsp;About the bookThe Underdog Founder shares Edrizio De La Cruz’s improbable odyssey from selling guavas in a Dominican barrio to co-founding his startup, Arcus, in Silicon Valley. Forbes recognized Arcus as one of the most successful startups of 2021 and was later sold to Mastercard. This no-nonsense playbook is for the entrepreneurial dark horse, a memoir and business narrative that presents seven key principles to rise above racism, poverty, imposter syndrome, and every imaginable and unimaginable startup obstacle. The Underdog Founder is the inspirational and practical guide needed to transform obstacles into opportunities and manifest the life you’ve dreamed of—a life that goes against all odds.Website; LinkedIn; X; InstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to overcome doubts &amp; build your empire w/ Kara GoldinPodcast: Becoming a successful entrepreneur: credibility, first customers, scaling &amp; fundraising w/ Yoav VilnerPodcast: How do I overcome imposter syndrome?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast?...

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you if you’re looking for a way to change your mindset and create a more meaningful life.&nbsp;If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you may have heard me talk about living above the line or below the line. This framework breaks down the cause versus the effect of an action and how you react to it. Are you looking to see how you can take responsibility for the cause? Or are you dwelling on the effect, playing the blame game, and skirting accountability?Find out what living above the line vs. below the line looks like, and how making the shift will change the way you view your life.&nbsp;🌐 Learn more about above vs. below the line from The Coaching Institute: https://www.thecoachinginstitute.com.au/how-to-live-above-the-line-create-a-meaningful-life/&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do I become an optimist?Podcast: “That’s impossible” or “I can’t”Podcast: It's always partially your fault&nbsp;Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

For episode 200 (omg, 200 episodes?!), I wanted to have a conversation that goes deep into all of the issues, failures, challenges, wins and successes of entrepreneurship.&nbsp;I couldn’t think of anyone better to talk about this with than entrepreneur, philanthropist and business strategist Chris Harder. We talk about how to grow in services and consulting, starting and building a product, his biggest lessons, his biggest failure story (don’t miss this one!) and how he and his wife Lori built such an impressive network.&nbsp;This is one of the best episodes to date, and I know you’ll love it!About Chris HarderEntrepreneur, Investor, and philanthropist, Chris Harder spent 11 years as an executive and Partner in the banking world, and has invested in, and helped guide over twenty other startups ranging from CPG to tech.&nbsp; His podcast, The Chris Harder Show has over seven million downloads and growing. Co-Founder of the new fintech app Frello, Chris and his business partner Matt will positively change the way we borrow and lend money forever.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to handle hiring mistakesPodcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsBlog: But what if you could?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who loves to collect information—whether it’s reading two books a month or binging podcasts—but doesn’t know what to DO with all you’ve learned.&nbsp;I truly see this problem all the time where people are stuck in analysis paralysis or they are information collectors. Too much information can be absolutely paralyzing. Tune in to learn how you can tune out all of the extra noise so you can take in the information that matters—and act on it.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to cultivate what goes into your brainPodcast: Doing the deep work: how distracted are you on a daily basis?Blog: Turning fear and anger into actionMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for people looking to take the next step as a leader (or frankly, as a human).&nbsp;My guest today is Matt Maletich, Principal and Founder of Blue Engine Consulting. Matt and I discuss the skills you need to become a true leader—someone people love and follow, not just a boss.&nbsp;About Matt MaletichMatt Maletich is a Grand Rapids-based Leadership Development Consultant and Speaker. Matt spent several years implementing training and employee/executive development programs for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of companies all over the world before founding Blue Engine Consulting in 2014.&nbsp;Today, through operations consulting and leadership development programming, Matt and Blue Engine Consulting are driving executives, managers, and high-potential leaders to achieve ambitious business goals and realize their full potential.Matt is also the President of Kate's Great Big Cause, a non-profit organization dedicated to the memory of his daughter, Kate who was lost to cancer in October of 2022.WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Don’t be a professional success &amp; a personal mess w/ Alechia ReesePodcast: Become a better leader by learning how to change your mindPodcast: It’s not personal, it’s businessSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone struggling with the ups and download of the entrepreneurial journey.If you’ve been listening for a while, you may or may not not realize that my marketing agency isn’t my first company. I got my start with a vegan cookie company over a decade ago. (Cookies, sounds fun! But it was hard.)Spoiler: this isn’t going to be some amazing unicorn success story, but I learned a ton from that first venture. Tune in for three important lessons on entrepreneurship.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do you have founder’s syndrome? Overcoming it with Erica Rankin, founder of Bro DoughPodcast: Side hustles: why companies should accept them &amp; how to grow your own w/ Carrie BohligPodcast: My entrepreneurial journeySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Mike Peregudov, co-founder and CEO of e-bike business Whizz, which has seen 18 months of successful growth since its launch.&nbsp;Mike and I discuss maintaining growth despite challenges such as seasonality or a down economy. My favorite thing about Mike is how helpful he is, and he’s ready to share his advice on how to grow in a competitive market, how to sell and market your product or service, and how to raise funds. Tune in to hear what he’s learned through several successful ventures!About Mike PeregudovMike Peregudov is the co-founder and CEO of Whizz, a leading e-bike subscription service for delivery workers in New York. Whizz oversees over 1,000 e-bikes, has grown by 255% YoY, and successfully raised a $5 million seed round in early 2023. Additionally, Mike is a co-founder and General Partner at s16vc.com, a founders-for-founders VC fund that manages $80 million in assets.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Spending on growth in a down economyPodcast: 3 ideas to grow your business fasterPodcast: Optimizing cash flow with Ryan CaltonSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone looking for some good advice—and wondering what it even looks like. It can be hard to know who to take advice from. What’s good advice? What’s bad advice?Today I am going to tell you about the 3 best pieces of advice I ever received, how I received it (hint: not always well! We are all human!) and what I ended up learning. Sometimes the best advice is tough to hear, but if you’re open to receiving continuous feedback in order to level up, it can be a major gift.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Bad advice: finding mentors &amp; coachesPodcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circleBlog: Spotting bad adviceSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone struggling to grow their business because they can’t seem to connect to the right audience.&nbsp;Ideal customer profiles (ICPs) are a crucial part of every company and yet so many companies try to either run without one or violate the boundaries set by an ICP. My marketing agency didn’t start growing as a company until we got picky about who our ideal client was (which seems really counterintuitive, but keep listening!).&nbsp;Stay tuned to understand what you need to include in your ICP and I’ll walk you through our ICP at Accelity so you can hear it in action.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Stop chasing your ideal customers: make them come to you w/ Jason VanaPodcast: Why you must fire crappy customersPodcast: How do you know if an employer, partner, or vendor relationship is right?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

If you’re looking for a way to build more trust with your audience and boost your content marketing strategy, this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you.&nbsp;Today I’m chatting with Marcus Sheridan, a digital sales and marketing author, speaker and consultant. Marcus is the author of one of my favorite marketing books, They Ask You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today’s Digital Consumer (https://marcussheridan.com/they-ask-you-answer/).&nbsp;I’ve been a big fan of Marcus for years, and I’m excited to share his wealth of knowledge and his humility with you. Stay tuned for a breakdown of his simple but revolutionary approach to sales and marketing.&nbsp;About Marcus SheridanCalled a “web marketing guru” by the New York Times, the Story of how Marcus Sheridan was able to save his swimming pool company, River Pools, from the economic crash of 2008 has been featured in multiple books, publications, and stories around the world and is the centerpiece to his best-selling book, They Ask You Answer, which has been named “One of the 5 Best Marketing Books of All Time” by BookAuthority.Today, Sheridan is a highly sought after global speaker and consultant in the digital&nbsp;sales and marketing space, working with hundreds of businesses and brands alike to&nbsp;achieve their potential in a rapidly evolving marketplace, ultimately helping them to&nbsp;become the most trusted voice in their perspective industry.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The #1 question you must ask yourself: what if I could?Podcast: Can marketing replace sales?Podcast: Influence: 6 ways to persuade your prospects to buySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you if you’re dealing with the negative feelings that come from a situation just not going your way. Whether it’s a sales pitch that didn’t go well or a personal goal that isn’t progressing, it’s really freaking easy for these letdowns to ruin your day, your week, your month, (sing it with me) or even your year…It took me many times experiencing letdowns to understand what to do when it happens and how to turn your disappointment into opportunity. Tune in for the tips I use to push through disappointing times.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What to do when nothing goes as plannedPodcast: What do you do when s#!% hits the fan?Blog: Even with all the mess ups, I am still happySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who wants to become the next version of themselves but isn’t sure where to start.&nbsp;Today I’m chatting with Jenny Weeden, VP of People Operations at Accelity and a longtime friend and colleague. Jenny has worn almost every hat at the company and through plenty of hard work and professional development, she’s carved out the role that fits her goals and the company’s needs.&nbsp;Tune in for advice on how you can transform yourself into a better leader, better employee, better coworker and better friend.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Feedback is a gift, even when it sucksPodcast: How do you build trust in business relationships?Blog: Are you uncomfortable? Breaking through upper limitsAbout Jenny WeedenJenny Weeden is the VP of People Operations at Accelity, a marketing &amp; sales enablement agency that drives growth in B2B software companies. She manages the full cycle of people resources—everything from recruiting and hiring to training and continuous development to retention, and more!WebsiteLinkedInSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Have you ever been told as a woman that you need to be quieter or softer in the workplace? Or felt you needed to act a certain way to maintain your “good girl” status? This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you.&nbsp;Today I’m joined by Lisa Carmen Wang, former 4-Time USA National Champion &amp; Hall of Fame Gymnast and Founder and CEO of the Bad Bitch Empire. Lisa and I discuss the experience women have in business and the “good girl brainwashing” that trains women to stay small, silent and subordinate in order to be accepted by the status quo.&nbsp;Stay tuned for Lisa’s insights into the habits we’ve perceived as “normal” that are holding us back and how women can embrace their inner bad bitch.&nbsp;About Lisa Carmen WangLisa Carmen Wang is the Founder and CEO of the Bad Bitch Empire, a global community platform building unapologetic worth and wealth for women. She is the author of The Bad Bitch Business Bible published by HarperCollins, coming out this fall.&nbsp;Lisa is a former 4-Time USA National Champion &amp; Hall of Fame Gymnast turned serial entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, certified executive coach, and global speaker. She has been named Forbes 30 under 30 in Venture Capital, Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women, Fast Company Executive Board, and Red Bull Hero of The Year.&nbsp;Lisa began her career as a Wall Street hedge fund analyst. She is a graduate of Yale University.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Apologize only when you need to—the why &amp; howPodcast: Stop hiding behind the veil of “straightforward communication”Podcast: Sexism is alive and wellSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTok<a href="https://the-art-of-entrepreneurship.captivate.fm/website" rel="noopener...

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone looking to increase speed and urgency in their sales cycle (aka me because it’s my goal this quarter!).&nbsp;A lot of companies are struggling right now with buyers losing budgets, slowing decision time, and stalling sales conversations. We’re all feeling the tough economy, and it’s making sales that much harder.My company saw this slow sales cycle a little early and recovered to have one of our best quarters in a while. What did we learn? Stay tuned for 6 tips to speed up your sales cycle and close more deals.&nbsp;📚 Here’s the book I mention in the episode: Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and PersuadeIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: A short sales masterclass with “The Sales MBA” author Douglas ColePodcast: Marketing is not a cure for bad business strategyBlog: You should learn how to sell—here's why&nbsp;Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who is bummed out about a recent relationship conflict, or who might still be holding a grudge from back in the day.&nbsp;Being the bigger person is easier said than done, especially in the heat of the moment. I’ve learned plenty of lessons the hard way, and am working on mending those fences. If you’re listening to this podcast, I know you’re willing to put in that work too.&nbsp;I hope this episode inspires you to start your week on a thoughtful note and let go of something heavy you’ve been holding onto.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: When words and actions don’t alignPodcast: It's always partially your faultBlog: You can be "straightforward" without being a jerkSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone out there who is not only on their own entrepreneurial journey but who also has a partner with an entrepreneurial spirit. I’m joined by returning guest Ryan Calton, an outsourced CFO who launched his own business more than two years ago—and my husband!&nbsp;Ryan and I discuss common questions we receive about being a two-entrepreneur household, including what made us want to start our businesses, how and when we work together, and what we decide to share with one another.&nbsp;About Ryan CaltonRyan Calton, CPA is the founder and CEO of RC MKE, a financial consulting firm in Milwaukee. He brings his extensive finance and operations knowledge to small and mid-sized companies everywhere. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, new product development and go-to-market, and smart systems to support data-driven decision-making.Connect with Ryan on LinkedInVisit RC MKEIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Hiring friends and familyPodcast: 3 biggest money mistakes w/ Ryan CaltonBlog: You are who you surround yourself withSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone on the entrepreneurial journey—whether you’ve been doing it for decades or are thinking about one day getting started. My company Accelity is celebrating 10 years of business this year, and it’s given me a LOT to reflect on.&nbsp;Today I’m sharing my biggest challenges and the lessons I learned from the first 10 years with Accelity.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to cultivate what goes into your brainPodcast: Is the concept of “hustle” BS?Blog: Want to master entrepreneurship?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for anyone who’s worried that they can’t repurpose or redistribute content for fear they’re just repeating themselves. Here’s the thing: you have to talk about your message over and over again until your audience finally hears you.&nbsp;Keep listening for 10 creative ways to repackage and distribute your content so that you can spread your message without reinventing the wheel.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Why should I create content?Podcast: Grow LinkedIn company pages by changing your content thought process w/ Daniel MurrayBlog: 5 Simple Steps to Effectively Marketing your StartupSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for you if you've ever thought about writing a book. Today I’m talking to Chandler Bolt who is the CEO of SelfPublishing.com and author of the new book “Published” which tells you all about how to self-publish a book in a much easier way.Tune in to learn more about why books are a good marketing tool, who should write a book and Chandler’s proven formula for getting it done.📚Grab your exclusive early access offer just for The Art of Entrepreneurship listeners! The first 50 people can download a FREE, UPDATED copy of "Published" via the link: publishedbook.com/jackie.&nbsp; 📚About Chandler BoltChandler Bolt is an investor, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and the author of 7 bestselling books including his most recent book titled “Published.”. selfpublishing.com is an INC 5000 company the last 4 years in a row as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US.Chandler is also the host of the 7 Figure Principles Podcast and the Self Publishing School Podcast. Through his books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and selfpublishing.com, he’s helped thousands of people write a book that grows their income, impact, and business.WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Ideas are nothing without executionPodcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself with Justin WelshBlog: Start. Even if it's not perfect.&nbsp;Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​<a...

Every business needs a scorecard that evaluates the health of the company. As my business coach says, if you were on a tropical island and you needed to see numbers every single day that help you understand whether you can stay on the island or need to come home, what are those numbers?&nbsp;In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’ll walk you through what should be on your business scorecard to measure your company’s health. Stay tuned as I share what’s on mine at my marketing agency, Accelity.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 3 biggest mistakes I made building a companyPodcast: Q1 2022: let's do thisBlog: How we scaled to 7-figures with zero fundingSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s episode is a compilation of the best personal branding advice we’ve heard in previous episodes of The Art of Entrepreneurship. I am lucky to know so many people that are genius at growing their personal brands, from both hosting this show and developing my own personal brand, and excited to share their knowledge with you!Tune in for some awesome insights from Jason Vana, Lea Turner, Justin Welsh, Daniel Murray, Quentin Allums and Tasleem Ahmad Fateh.&nbsp;Listen to the full interviews with these personal branding pros:Stop chasing your ideal customers: make them come to you w/ Jason Vana&nbsp;Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerBig swings &amp; betting on yourself w/ Justin WelshGrow LinkedIn company pages by changing your content thought process w/ Daniel MurrayTesting social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsExploding your LinkedIn personal brand w/ Tasleem Ahmad FatehSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Ike Wynter, a professional artist and self-proclaimed “delusional optimist.” Ike and I discuss following your passion and making a living doing what you love.You’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired after hearing Ike’s journey of life-changing transitions and his approach to work. Make sure you tune in for a new mantra that will change the way you start your day!&nbsp;About Ike WynterIke Wynter is a musician turned business owner turned wood artist turned dream maker. He currently works with The Dream Factory, LA’s first social good, social club. You can find his artwork on Etsy.&nbsp;EtsyTikTokInstagramWebsiteIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: "Do what you love &amp; you'll never work a day" w/ William DeckPodcast: How do I become an optimist?Blog: Stupidly optimisticSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

You’ve probably heard people say that the best work is not done at your desk. And for those of us that have a lot on our plates, it’s all too easy to roll our eyes and think, “But I have to be at my desk to get all of this work done.”In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m sharing the lesson it took me a full nine years of running my business to finally learn. Stick around for two challenges I hope you’ll try this summer. (The best part? One involves a nap).&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Podcast: Healing yourself is a radical actBlog: The dark side of entrepreneurshipSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re going meta by talking about making a podcast. Most podcasts hosts don’t talk about the actual process of making a podcast, and there’s so much that goes into each and every episode (especially if you’re doing it yourself).&nbsp;So whether you’re thinking about starting your own podcast or are just curious to peek behind the scenes, tune in!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Article: I decided to start a podcast. Now what?Website: The Art of EntrepreneurshipPodcast: Trailer – The Art of Entrepreneurship with Jackie HermesSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, my guest is LinkedIn thought leader Jasmin Alić. If you’ve spent any time on LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen him there: most of his posts go super viral.&nbsp;Today we’re going to dig into how he got started, his copywriting tips and tricks, and his best advice on how to go viral on LinkedIn. (Disclaimer: virality shouldn’t always be your goal, but dang does it help grow your audience!) If you’re looking to grow your audience on LinkedIn, tune in.About Jay AlićFortune 500 copywriter and strategist. Who also used to be a rapper. Who also used to be a teacher. And still teaches at the university as a copywriting professor. Who also is one of the top LinkedIn Creators in the world where he shares all his tips on copywriting, personal branding, and everything in-between.WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to become an awesome writerPodcast: How to write compelling copyBlog: Generate leads with your company &amp; personal brands on LinkedInSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

People love to debate about what is a waste of time versus what isn’t. But when people tell you something is a waste of time, they are telling you what you should think, and they are attempting to make you feel a certain way. Here’s the thing: no one can really determine whether you’re wasting your time but you.In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re talking about learning to trust yourself, when to seek input, and whose opinions really matter.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: You are who you surround yourself withPodcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circle&nbsp;Blog: Spotting bad adviceSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

We’ve all been there… analysis paralysis, kicking a decision down the road so you don’t have to make it right now. This is the problem: not making a decision actually is a decision. It’s a decision not to act. And it will 100% kill your business.In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I share examples of how indecision can lead to major consequences within your company plus tips on how to make sure you’re moving forward with intention.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Prioritizing, delegating &amp; asking for help: answering your questionsPodcast: Evaluating new business ideas, making the leap &amp; handling change w/ Marcus MurphyBlog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we discuss the importance of careful consideration before hiring employees.&nbsp;While there are various ways to build your hiring process, it's crucial to have a solid plan in place before bringing on new team members. We delve into some key factors to consider, such as developing a clear job description, creating a structured onboarding process, and establishing company culture.Hiring employees isn’t something to take lightly—tune in for lessons learned the hard way!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Growing your business part 1: go solo, hire contractors, or employees?Podcast: How to become a dream employer &amp; hire high-performing employees w/ Austin BelcakPodcast: How to handle hiring mistakesSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we discuss a common struggle entrepreneurs face when growing their business: to hire, or not to hire?&nbsp;While many new business owners may immediately consider hiring employees as the first step, it's important to consider other options such as going solo or hiring contractors. We also delve into the importance of having solid processes, guidelines, training, measures of success, and retention strategies in place before hiring employees.Listen now for the 3 questions entrepreneurs must ask themselves before hiring!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: When is it time to start hiring?Podcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself with Justin WelshPodcast: 11 things you NEED to do before hiring&nbsp;Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Tasleem Ahmad Fateh, founder of LinkedIn’s Creator Club and the “Robin Hood” of LinkedIn. Tasleem has built himself a character on LinkedIn, helping him explode his presence by making it easy for people to remember who he is.&nbsp;I talk to Tasleem about how he got started, which creators inspired him, and how he learned to go viral. He breaks down his best practices for LinkedIn—and they’re not what you’d expect. Stay tuned!About Tasleem Ahmad FatehTasleem Ahmad Fateh is an Australian refugee who has gone from delivering pizzas to currently building one of the fastest growing personal brands on LinkedIn. He’s on a mission to find out what works best on LinkedIn and WHY!LinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: HOW TO: generating leads with your company and personal brands on LinkedInPodcast: Growing your personal brand: A nitty-gritty how-toBlog: Do you need a personal brand?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re getting into the nitty gritty of sales and marketing. Being a good writer is literally one of the foundations of professional success—but the way we learn writing in school doesn’t necessarily apply to the way we need to write about our work.&nbsp;Stay tuned for 5 tips on becoming a better writer (one of the most important steps doesn’t involve writing at all!).&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to write compelling copyPodcast: Can marketing replace sales?Podcast: Muffins w/ Morgan – How Sales Reps Can Become Their Own Mini Marketers&nbsp;Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Marcus Murphy, who is one of the most qualified people I know to speak on this topic.&nbsp;Marcus has made a ton of changes in the past few years, including leaving an amazing job to start his own business and moving his family from the US to London. He’s also evaluated a ton of business ideas along the way, and is sharing his insights.&nbsp;If you’re evaluating a big change or wondering whether you should make the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is for you!About Marcus MurphyMarcus Murphy is a business expert, investor and producer who cares deeply about the flourishing and success of entrepreneurs. He is currently the CEO and founder of 5ive, an education and community platform for professional and elite athletic organizations around the world. Marcus heads the internal marketing agency for emerging NBA athletes and leads the educational partnership with the NBA player association’s Top 100 Camp and Rookie Transition Programs.&nbsp;Marcus was a senior member of the executive team at DigitalMarketer and is widely known for his business partnerships with people and brands like Tony Robbins, Daymond John, Gary Vaynerchuk, Google, LinkedIn, and many more. He sits on the advisory board at LinkedIn and is a sought-after speaker and trainer to LinkedinLearning's more than 22 million students.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The #1 question you must ask yourself: what if I could?Podcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself with Justin WelshBlog: Change is worth it: a message to my younger selfSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re exploring the real, raw, and sometimes painful process of growth. I’ve been talking about it a lot lately with friends, family, and my team at Accelity. So, of course, I want to bring the conversation to you today as well.Stay tuned for some tips on how to make hard periods of growth feel a little easier. Remember: everything is a season. This is not forever.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do I bust through my upper limit?Podcast: Do you have what it takes?Blog: Are you uncomfortable? Breaking through upper limitsSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re re-airing a fan-favorite episode tackling one of the questions I get asked most by fellow entrepreneurs on LinkedIn: how did I get my company to its current size while bootstrapping?Throughout the episode, I share practical tips that I used for improving your cash flow as you get your business off the ground—everything from “no-spend” months to making cash on the side—plus more about the mindset you need to reach seven figures (and beyond).&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: BootstrappingPodcast: How to go from thousands to $1 million PLUS!Blog: How we scaled to 7-figures with zero fundingSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re re-airing one of our most popular episodes about common pitfalls brands encounter when establishing their marketing. Disclaimer: this is a nuanced topic that I cannot cover *fully* in 10 minutes. But I will share the single biggest reason I see marketing programs bomb!I’ll also share a few real-world examples that you can use to combat these challenges and take your marketing to the next level.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Are you making these 5 sales &amp; marketing mistakes?Podcast: Marketing is not a cure for bad business strategyBlog: 5 simple steps to effectively marketing your startupSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Elliott Clark, founder of The Apartment Bartender, to chat all things Instagram. Elliott has been steadily growing his brand on Instagram since 2015 and is an awesome example of how to use the platform to grow an audience and land brand partnerships.Elliott and I discuss producing high-quality content, confusing algorithm changes and fitting his brand presence into his life. If you’re trying to grow your business or your personal brand on Instagram, you won’t want to miss this episode.&nbsp;About Elliott ClarkElliott Clark, also known as the Apartment Bartender, is a well-respected tastemaker, cocktail creator, spirits writer, and photographer. Clark is also the co-founder of The Apartment Creative Studio, a content hub for the spirits &amp; hospitality industry located in Arvada, CO. The brand is dedicated to bringing people together through great experiences, and intentional moments of connection. What started out as a hobby for making cocktails at home has developed into a full-blown career that takes Elliott all over the world mixing drinks for some of the world’s most notable brands, and making the world of spirits more accessible to the at-home cocktail enthusiast. Elliott is also a dad; he and his family reside just outside Denver, CO.&nbsp;WebsiteInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Dating social platforms: which is best for your biz?Podcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsBlog: Benefits of your LinkedIn personal brandSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I hope you’ll indulge me in a little bit of a rant about life.&nbsp;I know so many people who are waiting for their lives to get better. Newsflash: it’s up to you to make it good right freaking now.&nbsp;Tune in for some Monday morning (or whenever you’re listening!) inspiration.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Remove the good to make way for the GREATPodcast: What to do when nothing goes as plannedBlog: Even with all the mess ups, I am still happySubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

The voice in your own head can make you your own biggest fan or greatest enemy. In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re talking about how to change your mindset and reset when you’re feeling down.&nbsp;Stay tuned for 7 tips that will help you stop self-sabotaging and get back to being your best self!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The #1 question you must ask yourself: what if I could?Podcast: Your thoughts become your reality w/ Justine SloanBlog: Breakdown to breakthrough: how to learn during hard timesSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Kirsten Granados, a video content strategist who helps brands crush it on social media, specifically TikTok. What I love about Kirsten is that she practices what she preaches, delivering results for her clients the same way she built her own brand.&nbsp;Kirsten and I discuss cross-platform growth, the opportunities for B2B companies on TikTok, and sharing your authentic self online. Make sure you tune in for her best practices for how to grow your following on TikTok.&nbsp;About Kirsten GranadosKirsten is a video content strategist that has scaled brands featured on Shark Tank with 6M+ views and over $570k for clients in annual sales. Kirsten started in the organic content marketing space in 2020 after building her own brand with Tiktok and short-form video to maximize reach and visibility. She founded Grow &amp; Arrow Media in 2021 after consulting brands &amp; businesses on Linkedin to not only scale their brand but transform their confidence with their story. When doing so, she brings entrepreneurs'&nbsp; voices to life and empower the modern CEO to share their untold journey and embrace their truth with confidence.&nbsp;LinkedInTikTokInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Dating social platforms: which is best for your biz?Podcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsBlog: Benefits of your LinkedIn personal brandSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re going beyond finances to talk about what you need mentally to fully commit to your startup. Maybe your bank account is in good condition, but what else needs to be seriously considered before you make the leap?&nbsp;Stay tuned to hear what I wish I’d known back when I started my company, from the nitty-gritty details like setting up a business entity to learning to function without the support of a major company’s resources.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: When should I quit my day job?Podcast: 11 things you NEED to do before hiringBlog: Are entrepreneurial employees a flight risk?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by Daniel Murray, LinkedIn pro and founder of The Marketing Millennials. You know those company pages where every time you open up LinkedIn, it seems like their posts are always the first ones you see? Yeah, they’re one of those brands.&nbsp;Listen as Daniel drops his marketing knowledge on growing a following for your company’s LinkedIn page. Once you’ve conquered LinkedIn, stay tuned for Daniel’s tips and tricks for cross-platform growth.&nbsp;About Daniel MurrayDaniel Murray is the Founder of The Marketing Millennials. He is a former D1 athlete for the University of Cincinnati and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with his badass wife, Ari. You might say they are a marketing power couple.He has spent most of his marketing career focused on Marketing Operations (at companies like SnackNation, Oracle, ChowNow, ServiceTitan, and Clearbit). Now he pivoted into Media Strategy, and he is the Head of Media Strategy at Workweek.WebsiteLinkedIn – Daniel MurrayLinkedIn – The Marketing MillennialsTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Growing your personal brand: A nitty-gritty how-toPodcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerBlog: Generate leads with your company &amp; personal brands on LinkedInSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m giving some tough love to any businesses thinking the only problem with their business lies in marketing. I’ve said it before and will say it 1,000 more times: marketing is not a magic cure for bad business strategy.Check this episode to hear my list of what marketing teams CANNOT do (e.g. make up for a bad product) and what you SHOULD expect from a marketing team.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Can marketing replace sales?Podcast: Why most marketing programs failBlog: 5 simple steps to effectively marketing your startupSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship kicks off an exciting new series on excelling at social media platforms for your business! Over the next few weeks, I am going to feature people that have figured out the growth secrets on each platform: TikTok, LinkedIn personal pages, LinkedIn company pages, Instagram, and Twitter.&nbsp;To start the series today, we’ll discuss 3 things you MUST do in order to decide which social platform is best for your business. Stay tuned for future episodes to hear from experts about how you can tap into these platforms for major social growth!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsPodcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerBlog: Do you need a personal brand?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m answering a listener question that I think a lot of us—especially women, and especially Midwesterners—struggle with: when do we actually need to apologize?Check out the episode for the 3 criteria I use (and teach my kids to use) when it’s time to give a genuine apology, and when a kind “thank you” is an appropriate response instead.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The importance of admitting your mistakesPodcast: It's always partially your faultBlog: I’ve made a HUGE mistakeSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m joined by strategist, author and founder Alechia Reese. Alechia built a nonprofit for youth aging out of foster care, and shows emerging leaders how to build lives that feel as good as they look.Alechia and I discuss a number of topics listeners will love, from aligning your personal and professional life to dealing with tough business decisions as a leader. Make sure you tune in for Alechia’s toolkit for uncovering where you truly want to be professionally.About Alechia ReeseAlechia Reese is equal parts warm tea and Hennessy. Transformation coach, best-selling author, international speaker &amp; host, she’s the principal for RGLP Group, and co-host of the Triggered AF &amp; Got Value? podcasts. She transformed her life from domestic violence victim to thriver building multiple lucrative brands. She now shows high-functioning executives, high-impact entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders how to leverage their personal and professional value to increase impact and decrease burnout. Her strategies guide leaders in building upwardly mobile careers, expansive businesses, and lives that not only look good, but feel good, too. Stay connected everywhere @alechiareese.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Going against the grain &amp; building a cause-focused brand w/ Nyesha StonePodcast: Is work-life balance really a thing?Blog: What are your personal core values?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re talking about how to avoid all of the drama that comes with *not* getting buy-in from the right people. There are a lot of good ideas that fall on deaf ears because we didn’t craft the pitch for the real decision-maker(s).&nbsp;Check out the episode to learn how to save a LOT of time by following these dos and don’ts.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 3 sales tips from Morgan Ingram, Yoav Vilner, and Lea TurnerPodcast: How do you know if an employer, partner, or vendor relationship is right?Blog: You should learn how to sellSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m rounding up some of the best sales advice from three amazing previous podcast guests.&nbsp;Tune into these highlights to hear Morgan J. Ingram’s thoughts on cold calling, Yoav Villner’s tips on winning those first customers and Lea Turner’s advice on growing your LinkedIn presence.Learn more about these podcast guests:Morgan J. IngramYoav VilnerLea TurnerIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Sales advice that actually works w/ Morgan J. IngramPodcast: Becoming a successful entrepreneur w/ Yoav VilnerPodcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, I’m sharing some birthday wisdom in honor of the big 3-7. Many are struggling right now, especially with layoffs in the tech industry, so I’m sharing a short and simple lesson I’ve learned in tough times: there is always opportunity on the other side. Keep going!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What I would tell my younger selfPodcast: 3 things I learned from a recent breakdownBlog: If not this, then something betterSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, my company’s CFO Ryan Calton joins us to chat about an all-too-timely topic: what to do if/when your company is struggling financially. Companies have had a crazy couple of years with COVID, a mini tech boom, overhiring, layoffs… So what should companies do next?Ryan shares his insights as an outsourced CFO on how companies can set themselves up for financial stability.&nbsp;About Ryan CaltonRyan Calton, CPA is the founder and CEO of RC MKE, a financial consulting firm in Milwaukee. He brings his extensive finance and operations knowledge to small and mid-sized companies everywhere. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, new product development and go-to-market, and smart systems to support data-driven decision-making.Connect with Ryan on LinkedInVisit RC MKEIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Spending on growth in a down economyPodcast: Optimizing cash flow w/ Ryan CaltonBlog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re talking about the beautiful *gift* that is feedback. I know, that’s super corny, but it’s true, and it’s a gift everyone deserves.So why is feedback so difficult to give? How can we get better at providing tough feedback? Check out the episode for insights and how-tos.&nbsp;My team loved the session Tough Talk—Conversations that Change Everything, led by Matt Maletich of Blue Engine Consulting. Connect with him here!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: References &amp; reviews: how to discuss sub-par workPodcast: Other people’s reactionsBlog: You can be "straightforward" without being a jerkSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re talking about one of the biggest killers of businesses and relationships: surrounding yourself with “yes men.” We have the tendency to look for people exactly the same as us—hey, it’s human nature—which is why it’s so important to find people who can challenge you to grow.&nbsp;How can you make sure you’re surrounded by the right people? Check out the how-to section for tips that will help in professional and personal relationships.&nbsp;Here’s the book I mentioned to help with hiring—Who by Geoff Smart.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circlePodcast: The 3 people you need in your corner to succeedBlog: You are who you surround yourself withSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, as we look ahead to more economic uncertainty, we’re talking about the creative strategies we used at my business to regain clients during COVID. I’m also sharing a couple of new ideas that we are going to try this year.&nbsp;Get ready to reexamine your offerings, kill your sacred cows, and put in the legwork to creatively grow your business this year.Here’s the link to the LinkedIn Live session I held on personal branding.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do I need a personal brand?Podcast: Why should I create content?Blog: Generate leads with your company &amp; personal brands on LinkedInSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we talk about learning to change your mind—a skill that all of us can better develop, but especially leaders. When it comes to changing your mind, your version of reality is not the only truth, and it’s crucial that leaders remain flexible.&nbsp;I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me let go of having a strong opinion about *everything* and how I learned to recognize the truth in others’ perspectives.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The 3 people you need in your corner to succeedPodcast: How do you recover from mistakes?Blog: Do you live above or below the line?Submit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we tackle a timely topic that must be discussed: how companies spend on sales and marketing growth in a down economy. It used to be that CEOs would never talk about recession and always seemed surprised, but we’ve learned a lot since 2008, and this time CEOs are shouting “Recession!” from the rooftops.&nbsp;How can businesses keep steady growth despite a down economy? Stay tuned for the end of the episode when I share my top dos and don’ts to help you prepare and power through.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Stop chasing your ideal customers: make them come to you w/ Jason VanaPodcast: Can marketing replace sales?Blog: Turning fear and anger into actionSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connectLearn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we dive into our theme for 2023 courtesy of Robin Arzon of Peloton: “Healing yourself is a radical act.” We’ll discuss how our physical and mental health is crucial to success in both business and life, and I share my goals for all of these categories. Hit me up on LinkedIn and let me know your 2023 focus!BTW, here’s the book I mention in the episode: ​​I'm So Effing Tired: A Proven Plan to Beat Burnout, Boost Your Energy, and Reclaim Your Life by Dr. Amy Shah MD.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Make time for wellness or experience illnessPodcast: Are my goals big enough?Blog: Stop making exceptions for yourselfSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connect&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we celebrate the podcast's return from hiatus with some REAL talk. I’m sharing why 2022 was rough (feels like I’ve been saying that for years), and my best advice for how to survive and continue thriving when times are tough. Hint: communicating with people around you and setting boundaries are hugely important.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What to do when nothing goes as plannedPodcast: What do you do when s#!% hits the fan?Blog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceSubmit your topics for the podcast: https://www.jackiehermes.com/connect&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn more about the podcast: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastLove the podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

And we’re back! I’m so excited that The Art of Entrepreneurship is returning in 2023. I’ll be releasing two episodes a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I can’t wait to show you what I have in store.&nbsp;The podcast’s return is all thanks to YOU. Your downloads, shares, ratings and outreach during the hiatus showed me that this podcast is valuable to you, and I’m so grateful for all of your support.&nbsp;With that in mind, I have a couple of favors to ask:Who do you want to hear from next on the show? Please refer your favorite thought leaders so I can invite them to join me!What topics do you want to learn about in 2023? Mindset, motivation, business topics—I want to address your biggest questions.*Shameless plug* If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts! Your reviews help me reach more listeners. Thank you in advance! ;)Submit your podcast ideas here.See you next Monday, and thank you for your support!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

The Art of Entrepreneurship is going on a short hiatus, but hopefully we’ll be back soon and better than ever with new episodes. In the meantime, you can still find me on LinkedIn for more insights on growing your business.&nbsp;Stay well, and hope to be back on the airwaves soon!Listening recommendations:Podcast: How do you survive your busiest seasons?Podcast: Prioritizing, delegating &amp; asking for helpPodcast: Take your PTO! What I learned from time away from my businessMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode, we’re getting tactical: I’m sharing three essential tips that helped me grow my business faster after testing multiple strategies in the first few years.&nbsp;Remember: in the startup world, you have to find the perfect growth recipe for YOUR business. What works for me may or may not work for you. That said, these recommendations are tried and true by many business owners—and I hope they work for you!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Rapidly validating &amp; testing new ideas w/ John ZeratskyPodcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerBlog: You should learn how to sell—here's whyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode, we are diving into a topic anyone thinking about starting their own business must get comfortable with: taking calculated risks. When will a risk bring you toward your goal, and when is a risk, well, too risky?Tune in to the end of this episode when we also talk about how to handle what to do when others insert their opinion about the risk(s) you’re taking (and they will). But if you have thoroughly examined what’s right for you, then you can feel secure in your own instincts.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: When is the sacrifice too much?Podcast: How did I go from $0 to 7-figures without funding?Blog: But what if you could?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s episode I’m answering listener questions submitted on LinkedIn that are a perfect follow-up to the previous episode with Erica Rankin about founder’s syndrome.&nbsp;How do you know what you “should” be working on each day? When it’s time to ask for help, what should you prioritize? Often we get into this cycle of waking up and doing whatever is on our list and not actually looking at whether what we’re doing is most important.&nbsp;How can you make sure you’re spending your time on what’s most impactful? Check out the episode for three tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do you find the time?Podcast: When is it time to start hiring?Blog: How do you overcome procrastination?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode, we’re talking about a phenomenon that many founders feel when we start companies. I know a lot of founders who think they do certain tasks best or that it would take too long to train others (hi, it’s me). They develop founder’s syndrome, or the feeling that they have to maintain control over everything in the business.Today I’m joined by Erica Rankin, who organically grew her company Bro Dough with killer social media marketing. Tune in for my conversation with a fellow founder as we chat about her experience with founder’s syndrome and steps for overcoming it.&nbsp;About Erica RankinErica Rankin is a young Canadian entrepreneur who took a passion and turned it into a business. Launched in 2019, Bro Dough is not only vegan, but contains plant-based protein (derived from peas), as well as natural sweeteners. Erica spent less than $1,500 on marketing in the first 2 years of owning her business, growing it mostly organically, and offers coaching and a course to help others grow their businesses.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTikTokIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Becoming a successful entrepreneur w/ Yoav VilnerPodcast: 5 things I wish someone told me before I became a CEOBlog: 5 steps to effectively marketing your startupMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s episode features Anna Oakes, a change agent focused on restoring humanity into both our work and workplaces. While Anna's work improves the companies and systems we work in, she knows that the humans who make it all happen deserve more support, resources, and encouragement.&nbsp;So what does humanity in the workplace actually look like? What does it have to do with the ‘quiet quitting’ trend? Find out in my interview with Anna!About Anna OakesAnna Oakes is a change agent focused on restoring humanity into both our work and workplaces. Raised by hippies to leave the world better than we found it, she brought that energy to her over two decades of work in small, mid-sized, and large companies focusing on strategy, growth, and culture.&nbsp;Anna toggles being both an INTRA-preneur working directly in companies, and an entrepreneur, working on solutions to make work better through her company, Oakes Co. She recently was named Head of People for the independent media company, Quartz, where they'll partner to advance the mission to "make business better."WebsiteLinkedInInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Is work-life balance really a thing?Podcast: How to handle hiring mistakesBlog: It’s not personal, it’s businessMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Knowledge is nice, but it’s what you do with it that counts. Are you one of those people that reads 50 books a year, is constantly listening to podcasts, reading the news, etc… and then your mind is too full to actually do anything with it? This episode is for you.&nbsp;Too much information can be absolutely paralyzing. Tune in to learn how you can tune out all of the extra noise so you can take in the information that matters—and act on it.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to cultivate what goes into your brainPodcast: Doing the deep work: how distracted are you on a daily basis?Blog: Turning fear and anger into actionMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s episode, we’re discussing sales—but in a different way than we have covered previously on the podcast.&nbsp;I have spoken often about why you should know how to sell and why selling is a critical skill for every leader and businessperson, but this episode is all about the structure behind an effective salesperson.&nbsp;My guest is Douglas Cole, author of the new book The Sales MBA. We’ll dive into the traits of a successful salesperson and what skills today’s salesperson needs.&nbsp;About Douglas ColeDouglas Cole is a sales leader at LinkedIn, an advisor with start-up accelerators in Canada and the United States, and a part-time university lecturer at The Rotman School of Management and The Schulich Executive Education Centre in Toronto. Over more than 20 years in consulting and sales, he has sold tens of millions of dollars in software-as-a-service and advisory work. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School, a Master’s degree in International Studies from The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English Literature from the University of Toronto. He lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife and two daughters.WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Sales advice that actually works w/ Morgan J. IngramPodcast: Are you making these 5 sales &amp; marketing mistakes?Blog: You should learn how to sell—here’s why.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Do you struggle to accept change? It takes guts to change and it takes almost nothing to stay the same—so it’s no wonder why most people don’t ever figure out what ‘good’ looks like for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.In this episode, we’ll talk about habits you can develop to start healing yourself. Mostly, this episode is your reminder that not only is it okay to change, but that you’re supposed to.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Am I burning out?Podcast: Make time for wellness, not illnessPodcast: How much sleep do you need?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today we’re talking about why LinkedIn is such a great tool for generating leads, and how you can use both your personal and your company pages to attract your ideal audience.&nbsp;People often ask me about my LinkedIn strategy because it’s not as straightforward as you might expect from a marketing entrepreneur. I don’t talk about B2B SaaS marketing all the time, yet I’m still finding prospects who want to hire my company for that work. Tune in for my process for making sure my posts are landing in front of the right people.**Don’t miss this webinar** I’ll be hosting an upcoming webinar on this topic on LinkedIn Live on October 5! Register today to save your spot.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerPodcast: Growing your personal brand: A nitty-gritty how-toBlog: Do you need a personal brand?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s guest is Brant Cooper, author of Disruption Proof: Empower People, Create Value, Drive Change. Brant joins me to talk about how to make your business disruption-proof and adapt to this new normal. It’s a great listen both for companies trying to adapt and people considering how they’ll build a startup in this new environment.&nbsp;The topic is timely for many listeners who might still be adjusting to the recent, radical shift in the way we work. So much recent disruption has changed how companies operate, especially the move to work remotely.&nbsp;But many companies lack the appropriate structure or lack guidance around remote work and mental health—and it’s coming back to bite them. Meanwhile, the businesses that have been able to adapt are surviving and thriving.&nbsp;Stay tuned to hear how organizations can create more value within their teams and for their customers.&nbsp;About Brant CooperBrant Cooper is The New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO and founder of Moves the Needle. He is a trusted adviser to startups and large enterprises around the world. With more than 25 years of expertise in changing industrial age mindset into digital age opportunity, he blends agile, human-centered design, and lean methodologies to ignite entrepreneurial action from the front lines to the C-suite.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterFacebookIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do you create a valuable and profitable employee experience? w/ Andy AlsopPodcast: How to become a dream employer &amp; hire high-performing employees w/ Austin BelcakBlog: It’s not personal, it’s business

How do you deal when your plans don’t work out? Frankly, this happens all the time, but I feel like it’s showing up in my life a lot lately. If it’s happening to you too, this episode is for you.&nbsp;When things don’t go how you expected, you have two options: either shut down, or go into problem solving mode. It’s easy to want to throw in the towel, especially when the unexpected leads to more getting added to your place. But with the right tools, you can kick the problem’s butt.&nbsp;In this episode, I’ll share the strategies that help me when my plans go out the window (like how I dealt with my baggage fiasco in Rome or the professional challenges I returned to). Remember: everything always works out.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What do you do when s#!% hits the fan?Podcast: How do I become an optimist?Blog: Even with all the mess ups, I am still happyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

It’s so freaking hard to stay focused in today’s world of emails, Slack and constant notifications. Oftentimes we put pressure on ourselves that we must be connected at all times—but what happens when we take away those distractions? (Spoiler alert: you feel better).&nbsp;My team recently read Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport as part of our book club. TL;DR: it would be great to escape to a cabin in the woods like many great philosophers, writers and leaders do, but that’s not accessible for most of us. So what can we do?In the episode we’ll talk about practical tips you can use to remove some of those distractions, like taking a social media break or removing Slack from your phone. Tune in for some of my favorite resources that have helped me become more focused.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Book: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal NewportPodcast: 5 ways to maximize productivity from my favorite book: Make TimePodcast: ​​Are you addicted to work?Blog: Creative ways to give yourself more timeMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

I’m sure many of you are either considering a side hustle, running a side hustle, or starting your company as a side hustle as I did. If so, this episode is for you!&nbsp;Carrie Bohlig joins me to chat about why companies should support team members’ side hustles, the lessons you can learn from running a company (that you can’t learn anywhere else), and even how you can take the leap from running a side hustle to a full-time business.&nbsp;Carrie is the perfect guest to join us because she and her husband Craig turned their side hustles into over $3M a year in annual revenue. Make sure you tune in for her insights on building a successful side hustle!About Carrie BohligCarrie Bohlig and her husband Craig Clickner started side hustles to make their lives better―to break free from the limitations of corporate America and have more time with their kids and each other. Today, they’re entrepreneurs who have built multiple thriving businesses and helped thousands of people through mentoring, coaching and sharing their insights across the globe. Their book "So You Want to Start a Side Hustle" was featured on Publishers Weekly's list of Business &amp; Personal Finance Books for 2021.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: When should I quit my day job?Podcast: How do you find the time?Blog: Are entrepreneurial employees a flight risk?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s episode departs a bit from our usual entrepreneurship chats. I wanted to acknowledge all the fear and anxiety the world is collectively feeling lately, and share a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay.&nbsp;Between the pandemic, war, human rights violations and so many issues affecting us today, it is really hard to show up for “business as usual.” I have a hard time pretending everything’s okay when it isn’t. But I believe the best way to tackle your fear is by turning it into action.&nbsp;In what little ways can you help? Are there things you can do personally or through your business to help someone? Stay tuned for ideas, and remember—it costs nothing to be nice.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: It’s not personal, it’s businessPodcast: Should leaders speak up about their political views?Blog: Breakdown to breakthrough: how to learn during hard timesMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today we are covering many topics related to becoming a successful entrepreneur. There are multiple paths to entrepreneurial success, so I wanted to bring on another founder to chat about his path.&nbsp;I’m joined by Yoav Vilner, a credible resource for talking about this subject as a very successful entrepreneur himself. Yoav is the CEO of Walnut and recently raised $35 million in series B financing and $56 million in just a year and a half.&nbsp;Tune in to my chat with Yoav as we discuss gaining credibility as a young entrepreneur (something I struggled with), how to go about getting those first customers and scaling from there, and how to fundraise.&nbsp;About Yoav VilnerYoav is the Co-Founder and CEO of Walnut, a no-code platform that allows sales teams to instantly create individually tailored and interactive product demos that improve sales experiences and conversions. Yoav is considered one of the leading marketers in the world. He was named the Forbes Marketer to Watch in 2017 and has been mentoring startups in accelerators by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Amazon and the United Nations. He also published the wildly popular Medium post, Godlike CMO.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: My entrepreneurial journeyPodcast: How did I go from $0 to 7-figures without funding?Blog: Want to master entrepreneurship?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s topic is one that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about and coaching people on: those pain-in-the-butt customers that make you want to pull your hair out. I totally love the process of winning over challenging customers, and if you change your mindset, you can enjoy it too.&nbsp;There are many ways that a customer can be challenging: unreasonable expectations, lack of communication, lack of trust or maybe you just don’t vibe with them. But once you’ve put in the work, these people can often turn into your favorite customers.&nbsp;Tune in to learn why you should want to win over these challenging customers (as long as they’re treating you appropriately) and how you can improve the relationship.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do you know if an employer, partner, or vendor relationship is right?Podcast: How do you build trust in business relationships?Blog: 6 warning signs of a crappy customerMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This episode’s topic comes from a listener-submitted question about a tough position that leaders will eventually find themselves in. What do you do when you’re asked to give a professional reference for someone whose work was less than awesome?&nbsp;The listener specifically asked about what to do when you’re in a tight community and want to support another small business. It’s hard: we all want to support small businesses, but if you refer someone in or a company starts working with a vendor because the vendor is using your name, and it doesn’t go well, that reflects on you.So what do you do? I discuss how I’ve navigated the situation and tips that will help you provide references honestly and professionally.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Genuine connection &amp; straight talk w/ Amy VolasPodcast: How do you know if an employer, partner, or vendor relationship is right?Blog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

**NOTE FOR LISTENERS** I’ll be moving from publishing episodes 3 times a week to 2 times a week. This will allow me to produce higher-quality episodes moving forward. I can’t wait for you to see what’s coming next!In today’s episode, I’m sharing the lessons I learned while taking some time away from my business. I recently returned from a 2-week vacation with my family to Europe and guess what? Everything was OK (except for our luggage, but that’s another story).&nbsp;The time away was invaluable to me, but it was good for my business too. Taking time away not only allowed me to unplug but also gave my team the confidence and space they needed to step up and run the business the way they see fit.&nbsp;I’ll talk about how I plan to actually apply what I learned from the trip to recreate some of that unplugged magic. Stay tuned for my biggest takeaway from the trip, which I hope you’ll be able to apply, too.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Are you addicted to work?Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Blog: You don’t get a medal for being busyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about the potentially hot-button topic of whether leaders should speak up about their political views.How much should leaders share about their thoughts on political discussions? Does silence on an issue say more than speaking up? Are human rights issues different than political issues?&nbsp;These are all topics I’ve considered when sharing my opinions on social media, and I hope my thoughts help you determine what’s right for you and your business.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Going against the grain &amp; building a cause-focused brand w/ Nyesha StonePodcast: Integrity is everythingBlog: What are your personal core values?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics: growing your personal brand on LinkedIn. This is a much more technical episode than some of my previous personal branding chats, and you’ll hear more about the ‘how-to’ rather than the ‘why.’&nbsp;I’m laying out the steps you can take to ensure your LinkedIn profile is set up for success. This is what has worked for me and what I recommend to my clients. Some of these tips are as simple as uploading a great profile picture, while others need to be completed over time, like growing your network.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about evaluating and optimizing your strategy periodically as your LinkedIn presence grows. Tune in for your step-by-step guide to building a LinkedIn page that drives connections.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerPodcast: Why should I create content?Blog: Do you need a personal brand?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about a topic that’s been keeping leadership and HR staff awake at night for more than a year now: how to create a better employee experience. With all the fallout from the Great Resignation and high turnover, companies are struggling to answer this question and retain their workforce.I’m joined by Andy Alsop, an entrepreneur who is championing the concept of Employee Supremacy. For decades, companies have operated under a model of Shareholder Supremacy, where leadership decisions are driven solely by what’s best for shareholders. Andy argues that when a company's leadership decides what’s best for employees before anything else, all of the company’s stakeholders will benefit.In this episode, Andy and I discuss how companies can make their employees feel valued, how to promote company culture, and why Employee Supremacy is a smart business strategy. Make sure you tune in for one actionable way you can make this shift toward employee supremacy today.&nbsp;Check out Andy’s Employee Supremacy podcast series at thereceptionist.com.About Andy AlsopAndy Alsop is a 25-year serial entrepreneur and the proud CEO of The Receptionist, a bootstrapped iPad-based visitor management system that he has grown from $250k in revenue to $5M in revenue. He is passionate about bringing Employee Supremacy to the world, a new way for leaders to think about running their companies.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to become a dream employer &amp; hire high-performing employees w/ Austin BelcakPodcast: How to be a better leaderBlog: It’s not personal, it’s businessMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about some of the things that I say way too often in my own mind, and I’m guessing you probably say too. Lately I’ve found myself on social media playing the comparison game, telling myself, “It’s too late for me to do that,” or, “I’m too old,” or, “I’m behind compared to this person.”I want this podcast to be a reminder for you as much as it is for me that it is not too late. You are not too old and you are not behind. It’s ok to take a break, it’s ok to take time off and it’s ok to bail from commitments if by the time it comes up it’s not something that makes sense for you.Remember: You are not behind. You are not too old. It is not too late.&nbsp;You are enough. You do enough.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Book: High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way&nbsp;Podcast: Perception vs. reality (social media edition)Podcast: Getting older sucks. (But does it really?)&nbsp;Blog: Do you play the comparison game?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about going against the grain in the business. Being an entrepreneur gives you the freedom to run a business in the way you best see fit instead of doing the things people say you “should” do; however, that can be harder than it sounds.&nbsp;I’m joined by Nyesha Stone, Founder of Carvd N Stone. Carved N Stone is an awesome business that delivers positive news weekly—which frankly, we could use a lot more of right now. Through her organization she also provides PR services to help businesses promote through positivity, and awards scholarships and grants.&nbsp;In this episode Nyesha and I talk about how she built that company, why she started a business around positive news (and how you even monetize something like that). Tune in for her tips on overcoming fear so you can better pitch your business.&nbsp;CNS Scholarship Fund https://www.carvdnstone.com/cns-scholarship-fund&nbsp;**MILWAUKEE-AREA LISTENERS – Check out the CNS Scholarship Fundraiser on July 15, 2022!**&nbsp; https://www.carvdnstone.com/cns-latest-events/carvd-n-stone-scholarship-fundraiser-7-15-22&nbsp;About Nyesha StoneNyesha Stone is a 25-year-old Milwaukee native who recently moved to Georgia. She is the Founder of Carvd N Stone, which covers positive news around the world and provides PR for organizations. Nyesha is a professionally trained journalist who is changing the way people view the media.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What are your personal core values?Podcast: FEAR = False Expectations Appearing RealBlog: Stupidly optimisticMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about a theme I’ve realized is pretty common along the entrepreneurial journey: making mistakes. One of the goals of this podcast is to help you learn from my mistakes, but when you find that you’ve made one, it’s important to recover gracefully.&nbsp;How you recover from mistakes can make or break you for a long period of time. If you’re anything like me, you might beat yourself up when things go sideways. As hard as it is, the best (and only) way to recover from mistakes is to use them as a learning opportunity.Tune in as I share stories of mistakes I’ve made while growing a company and personal brand. Keep listening to hear the strategies that help me recover from screw-ups by learning from them.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 3 biggest mistakes I made building a companyPodcast: The importance of admitting your mistakesBlog: I’ve made a HUGE mistakeMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

There will be no new episodes this week because I am on vacation!This will be my first true vacation without working in nine years. I had convinced myself that working every day was doing myself a favor. But what’s the point of building a company that it can run when you’re not there if you don’t ever let it run when you’re not there?I’ll be back on Monday, July 11 with brand new content. Have a wonderful week!&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Are you addicted to work?Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Blog: You don’t get a medal for being busyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m explaining why I hate this seemingly innocent ask: “Can I pick your brain?” I know people have good intentions, but here’s why it’s a problem.&nbsp;Good intentions don’t always mean that the asker considers what’s in it for the other person. Oftentimes I see this ask from strangers on social media who haven’t done anything else to build a relationship. Some people are more than happy to chat with someone without expecting anything in return—but that’s their choice on when, for whom and how often.&nbsp;So what should you do if you want to ask someone’s advice? I’m sharing tips that I’ve seen work to increase your chances of forging a connection with someone you admire.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Bad advice: finding mentors &amp; coachesPodcast: Disrespect and boundariesPodcast: Genuine connection &amp; straight talk w/ Amy VolasMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re taking a break from guest interviews because I want to talk about the kinds of people who can help you succeed. I’m super lucky to have these people in my life, and I hope my examples encourage you to take a closer look at your circle.&nbsp;I’ve spoken a lot about how incredibly important the people you surround yourself with are. The people around you can absolutely make or break your success. If you have these people in your life, you can reach your goals much faster than working alone—or being surrounded by people who just agree with you.&nbsp;Want to level up? Think about adding or prioritizing these three kinds of people to your circle. Stay tuned for one type of person you may not have considered you needed.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circle (revisited)Podcast:&nbsp; How do you know if an employer, partner, or vendor relationship is right?Blog: You are who you surround yourself withMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about those times when it does not pay to negotiate. Listen, I am a huge fan of negotiating—but only if it has a purpose, and it works for both parties.&nbsp;When you are paying someone for their expertise and years of experience, everything they have learned culminates in one hourly rate or one project fee. Hard negotiation is disrespectful. You can certainly negotiate on things like contract length and terms, but trying to hard negotiate down an hourly rate is crap and leaves a vendor walking away feeling like crap.(BTW, here’s the meme that inspired today’s topic.)&nbsp;So how do you know when to negotiate and when to accept? Tune in for examples for each situation.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: DiscountingPodcast: Why you must know how to sellBlog: 6 warning signs of a crappy customerMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I take a look at the pros and cons of the old adage “fake it til you make it.” I see people proclaiming online that this is bad advice, but I think there’s a time and a place to push through feelings of inadequacy.&nbsp;There are a lot of fakers in this world; people who pretend to have all the answers but they don’t or who are trying to scam people (see: Elizabeth Holmes, Anna Delvey). But there are plenty of situations where faking it can help give you the confidence to do something you may be too scared to do.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, when should you fake it til you make it? Tune in to hear some examples of when it’s worked for me, and when it could make sense for you.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do I overcome imposter syndrome?Podcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself w/ Justin WelshBlog: Self-belief must come firstMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, our topic is one that you’ll definitely grapple with throughout the process of starting and building a company: overcoming doubt. Not only do we experience doubt from other people, but you have to deal with your own internal doubt as well.I’m joined by Kara Goldin, founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water. Kara is also an author who literally wrote the book on overcoming doubt, Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters.&nbsp;In this episode, Kara and I discuss her journey as an “accidental entrepreneur” and how she went from having zero experience in the beverage industry to building a $150 million company. Make sure you tune in for her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and learning from setbacks.&nbsp;About Kara GoldinKara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs and EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California. She is an active speaker &amp; writer and hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and other disruptors across various industries.&nbsp;WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do I overcome imposter syndrome?Podcast: FEAR = False Expectations Appearing RealBlog: How do you deal with doubters or haters?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about that nagging feeling that plagues many successful people: imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is what happens when you achieve success but feel like you don’t deserve it, or that you’re somehow a fraud.&nbsp;I’ll answer the big question of the episode right here in the show notes: you do not overcome imposter syndrome. No permanent solution exists because the bar is always getting higher. When you overcome one challenge and finally feel confident, the next challenge comes along and you feel like crying again because you know nothing (or is that just me?).&nbsp;So how do you deal with feeling like you’re always underqualified? At the end of the episode, I share the how-tos that have helped me manage everything from my first “real” job to speaking in front of hundreds of people.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: On the verge of leveling up: do I have what it takes?Podcast: “That’s impossible” or “I can’t”Blog: But what if you could?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m sharing the not-so-secret weapon to achieving success. I found through my own journey of building my company, plus consuming everything I could from other successful individuals, what it actually takes to succeed.Here’s the thing: deep down everyone knows the answer, but they don’t want to hear it. They hope there’s a hack or a formula that works for everyone, every time, but if that were the case, everyone would be successful.So, what’s the secret? Check out the episode to find out if you guessed correctly.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The 12 keys to success: a conversation with business coach Rebecca HeidepriemPodcast: What are the key ingredients to success?Blog: Hard work is still necessary

In this episode of Startup Survival, we talk about what is, of course, one of my personal favorite topics: marketing. I see sales and marketing teams everywhere running massive outreach programs without putting a brand in place that is compelling to your buyers, leading to mixed results at best.&nbsp;I’m joined by Jason Vana, a brand and content strategist for B2B companies. He’s an expert in helping businesses attract their ideal customers so that the prospects are reaching out to sales—not the other way around.&nbsp;In this episode Jason and I discuss the value of branding, how to convince the C-suite that the brand is valuable and the differences between B2B and B2C strategies. Make sure you tune in for his thoughts on how personal brands fit into the larger B2B content strategy.About Jason VanaJason is a brand and content strategist who has turned unknown B2B companies into world-wide brands. In 2021, he founded SHFT, a brand positioning agency focused on developing brand strategies, brand design, and content strategies that positions businesses as the only choice for their ideal customers. Prior to that, he developed a strategy that took a relatively unknown B2B manufacturing company and turned it into the preferred vendor for the world’s largest food processing companies and drove them to $40M+ in ARR. In his spare time, he’s hiking, biking, traveling, or ripping on bad brand and marketing tactics online as #sassyjason.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Can marketing replace sales?Podcast: Why most marketing programs failBlog: Lead generation vs. awareness marketing

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about why everyone should consider creating content to share online and what you’ll learn from the process. The answer isn’t to be another talking head on the internet, or even to grow a personal brand (though I’m a big advocate of that too), but what you learn about yourself when you create.When I started creating my own content, I was terrified. I had spent years creating content behind the veil of a brand. But creating content for myself has helped me find my voice. It helped me develop a sense of accountability to MYSELF and discipline that I didn’t know I had.Curious about creating your own content but not sure where to start? Stay tuned to the end for practical tips on developing a realistic content plan, where to post and how to repurpose content to keep it fresh.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsPodcast: Unlock major business growth on LinkedIn w/ Lea TurnerBlog: Do you need a personal brand?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about acknowledging and apologizing for your mistakes. In theory, everyone knows that it’s important to admit your mistakes. But how much are we doing this in practice?&nbsp;Admitting your mistakes helps you better process what happened and not beat yourself. It also helps other people understand your intentions or assign positive intentions to your actions, and in the case where you’re an authority figure (boss, parent), shows that you’re human.&nbsp;In the episode, I share examples from my life and how I’ve learned to own up to my mistakes. After listening, I hope you’ll find the opportunity to admit to a mistake—and that you’ll feel better about it after.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: It’s always partially your faultPodcast: How transparent should I be with the people around me?Blog: I’ve made a HUGE mistakeMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we talk about two of the keys to being successful both personally and professionally: the ability to form deep, genuine connections; and how to talk to people honestly without offending them.With me today is my friend who is also an informal mentor because I ask her for advice all the time, Amy Volas. Amy helps SaaS startups hire sales executives, and she has tons of experience forming connections quickly and giving people honest feedback to make sure her clients build the right teams.In this episode, Amy and I discuss how you can grow your connections with others while being kind and honest. Make sure you tune in for her keys to startup success.About Amy VolasWith more than $100MM in revenue sold, one of LinkedIn's Top Sales Voices, Co-Founder of Thursday Night Sales, and one of Sales Hacker's Most Dynamic Women In Sales, Amy Volas is a sales fanatic turned entrepreneur. She was bitten by the startup bug many moons ago and couldn't imagine spending her time anywhere else. She created Avenue Talent Partners to help with the tremendous task of growing startups through some of their most valuable assets - executive revenue leaders.WebsiteLinkedInTwitterFacebookIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do you build trust in business relationships?Podcast: Stop hiding behind the veil of “straightforward communication”Blog: It's not personal, it's businessMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about what it looks like when we push everything else aside so we can focus on work—often to our detriment. This is a huge problem that entrepreneurs struggle with in our “hustle” culture, so I’ve been doing some research lately to learn more.Addiction is a serious condition and should be diagnosed by a doctor, but I’ll share some warning signs that it might be time to walk away from the laptop. If you are a workaholic like me, this list will hit close to home.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share some ideas I’ve found for combatting the constant urge to work (including literally pinning my arms down). Tune in for ideas that might help you think about something other than work (at least for a minute). If you like this episode, check out these resources.Quiz: Am I a workaholic?Podcast: Are you productive or just “busy?”Podcast: Why ‘no’ should be your favorite wordMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I want to address a way-too-common behavior that’s just downright mean. Whether you know it as “subtweeting,” “shading,” “trolling,” or whatever the kids are calling it these days, it’s unacceptable online behavior.&nbsp;According to Google, subtweeting is “a post that refers to a particular user without directly mentioning them, typically as a form of furtive mockery or criticism.” It’s a cruel form of psychological warfare that’s been around even before Twitter (basically since social media started and I was a teenager… Fun times.).&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about what to do if you feel tempted to shade someone online and the questions you need to ask yourself first. I hope you’ll have the courage to rise above the drama.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How you treat one person is how you treat everyonePodcast: Other people’s reactionsBlog: How do you deal with doubters or haters?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we talk about hiring—but from a different perspective than I’ve covered before. I want to get into the nitty-gritty of what A-players look for in an employer and how your startup or small business can start hiring top-performing employees.&nbsp;With me to discuss this topic is Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture and a coach helping people land their dream jobs. Austin specializes in teaching job seekers that you don’t have to go to Harvard or even have the traditional working experience to get the job you want.&nbsp;In this episode, Austin helps me reverse-engineer his process to teach companies how to recruit these top employees. Tune in to learn what a “dream job” looks like, how to get more creative with the hiring process and more.&nbsp;About Austin BelcakAustin is the founder of CultivatedCulture.com where he helps people land jobs they love without traditional experience and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Co, and Inc. and he has helped thousands of job seekers land jobs at places like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Tesla, SpaceX, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, ESPN, the NFL, and more—without applying online.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Hiring mistakes and how to handle themPodcast: Is it time to hire? 3 questions you need to ask yourselfPodcast: 11 things you NEED to do before hiringMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about that nagging feeling you get when everything seems to be going great, but for some reason, something seems off. It’s called hitting your “Upper Limit,” and it’s your brain’s way of trying to keep you in your comfort zone.&nbsp;Surprisingly, our brains don’t want to keep us happy—just comfortable. When we get that new job or hit that big milestone, sometimes we end up spending even more time worrying instead of celebrating. If you’re not used to feeling happy or getting what you want, finally doing so could make you uncomfortable, or even scared.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share how I’m currently struggling with pushing through my Upper Limit and the ways it’s manifesting in my life. Make sure you tune in for tips on how you can level up to become the best version of YOU.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Article: Hitting Your 'Upper Limit'? How To Overcome This Common Psychological Hiccup (Forbes)Podcast: Do I have what it takes?&nbsp;Podcast: How do I become an optimist?Blog: Are you feeling stuck?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Want to win some Apple AirPods? Leave a review for The Art of Entrepreneurship and send a screenshot to hello@accelitymarketing.com by May 27—the winner will be announced on May 31. Thank you for your support!In honor of 100 episodes of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re revisiting some of the most popular episodes.I wasn’t surprised at all to see this episode of S*%! People Say was the most popular. I link this episode in the show notes all the time because it’s just that important.&nbsp;I think the idea of auditing your circle is something that resonates so strongly because everyone wants to do it, and everyone has a really hard time doing it.&nbsp;Auditing your circle involves cutting ties with the people in your life who are no longer serving you, and seeking out people who will help you level up. You want people who will support and love you, but also who will challenge you and raise the conversation.&nbsp;If you’ve ever wondered whether the people in your life aren’t helping you reach your goals, or were too nervous to reach out to someone who inspires you, I hope you find this episode helpful.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Bad advice: finding mentors &amp; coachesPodcast: What do you do if you’re in a toxic working relationship?Blog: Spotting bad adviceMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Want to win some Apple AirPods? Leave a review for The Art of Entrepreneurship and send a screenshot to hello@accelitymarketing.com by May 27—the winner will be announced on May 31. Thank you for your support!In honor of 100 episodes of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re revisiting some of the most popular episodes.Today’s Startup Survival episode—a throwback to episode 6—is all about what to do when you want to quit.&nbsp;I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it takes to get to that next level. When you’re on the verge of something big, you have to learn new skills, and possibly become a new person. That’s hard! It takes time and effort, and it’s only natural to consider quitting.&nbsp;If you’re considering quitting, give this episode a listen for tips to keep in mind to help you make your decision.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: The #1 question you must ask yourself: what if I could?Blog: When is it time to give up?Blog: If you’re struggling, read thisMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Want to win some Apple AirPods? Leave a review for The Art of Entrepreneurship and send a screenshot to hello@accelitymarketing.com by May 27—the winner will be announced on May 31. Thank you for your support!In honor of 100 episodes of The Art of Entrepreneurship, we’re revisiting some of the most popular episodes.Today we’re going back to one of the first Big Questions, Short Answers episodes where we asked, “Do you have what it takes?”I expanded the title a bit from the original to include, “On the verge of leveling up.” I am in a season where I am constantly asking myself, “Am I going to get through this?” Even though I’ve reached my goals, I can’t help but feel like there’s more. Can I keep pushing to the next level?If you’re feeling this way too, check out this throwback episode to hear more about how you can learn to get to a place where you DEEPLY believe in yourself.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: What are the key ingredients to success?Podcast: Are my goals big enough?Blog: Self belief must come firstMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about the real impact and meaning behind our words. Words can do far more harm than we realize, and it’s on us to take responsibility for our delivery and strive to communicate better.&nbsp;People act like the words they choose don’t mean a lot. They hide behind excuses like, “I’m just blunt.” This is an easy way to avoid not having to work on improving communication, or not digging deeper into how we relate to others.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share my personal philosophy on how I seek to improve interpersonal communication in my relationships. Remember: your words matter, how you select them matters and how you use them matters.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: It’s always partially your faultPodcast: When words and actions don’t alignBlog: Do you live above or below the line?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about my favorite social media platform, LinkedIn, with one of my favorite people on the platform: Lea Turner. Lea is a LinkedIn coach with more than 150,000 followers and is bound to teach you and make you laugh.&nbsp;I’ve personally found that the key to being successful on LinkedIn is to be real while also being strategic about what you’re sharing. Lea is a fantastic guest to talk about being authentic on a “professional” platform, generating business from social media and shutting down the trolls.&nbsp;Stick around for Lea’s thoughts on the biggest mistake she sees people making on LinkedIn. If you’re considering building your personal brand on social media (you are, right?), make sure you tune in.&nbsp;About Lea TurnerLea Turner crashed onto LinkedIn in October 2019 with no prior knowledge of the platform, but her vibrant, personable, and uplifting posts quickly drove countless leads and over 10,000 followers in her direction. She has gone on to grow a massive network of more than 150,000 people and two years ago started her own LinkedIn training business which hit six figures within the first ten months. She now focuses her time on teaching others how to build their personal brands on LinkedIn and attract regular inbound leads for their businesses, while parenting her young son, and creating entertaining content across her various social channels. WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do I need a personal brand?Podcast: Trolls on the internetPodcast: Testing social strategy &amp; recovering from failure w/ Quentin AllumsMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about the business relationships that can make or break how much we enjoy our work. Whether it’s an employer, a business partner or a vendor, the people you spend time with professionally have a big impact on your experience.I think we forget that we don’t have to keep working with people we don’t gel with. If you don’t like a vendor’s communication style, that may be all the sign you need not to hire them. When a client contract is up for renewal, it’s an opportunity for both parties to decide to continue working together.At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about the signs to watch for to know that something’s wrong. Make sure you tune in for the red flags that let you know it’s time to move on.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Why you must fire crappy customersPodcast: How you treat one person is how you treat everyonePodcast: Other people’s reactionsMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m revisiting a topic that I’ve mentioned a few times, but I think is so important it’s worth repeating: the people around you make you who you are.If you surround yourself with critical people, you’re more likely to be critical. If you surround yourself with motivated people, it will cultivate your motivational energy. This is something I’m still working on, and I share a few recent stories about how being around the wrong people has been bad for me.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share a few questions you can ask yourself to help you rethink who you spend time around.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circlePodcast: What do you do if you’re in a toxic working relationship?Blog: Spotting bad adviceMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about proven sales tips that actually help you generate results. I’m joined by Morgan J. Ingram, sales trainer and three-time winner of LinkedIn’s Top Sales Voice.&nbsp;Morgan helps me answer questions like: what’s the most successful outreach strategy? Is cold-calling dead? What do you do when a prospect ghosts you? Morgan shares advice that is straightforward, honest, sometimes unconventional—and most importantly, it works.&nbsp;Make sure you tune in to the end for his thoughts on the mindset you need when going into sales calls—it’s also great advice for building a business.&nbsp;About Morgan J. Ingram&nbsp;Morgan is the Director of Execution and Evolution at JB Sales. He has been named one of the Top 50 Sales Leaders to follow by LinkedIn, a Top 25 Sales Development Thought Leader by Inside Sales and LinkedIn's Top Sales Voices of 2018, 2019 and 2020. Morgan’s work has been featured in Forbes, Sales Hacker, the Hubspot blog, and the Harvard Business Review.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: 5 tips for sales success with Mikey HenningerPodcast: Why you must know how to sellBlog: Why calling should totally still be a thingMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about how to build trust with effective communication. This came up recently at my marketing agency where we work with clients, but the lessons apply to all business relationships—or any relationship in your life.I have had multiple business relationships where we just never quite got there—and when you don’t trust a coworker, a vendor or a business partner, situations can go south quickly. When we trust people, we are much more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt. That’s why building trust should be the very first thing that you do in a relationship.In the episode, I share strategies my team put together to help us build more trust in our business relationships and beyond. Use these techniques in your next client meeting, team touch-base or with a friend or partner!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How you treat one person is how you treat everyonePodcast: How transparent should I be with the people around me?Blog: 6 warning signs of a crappy customerMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I want to chat about a phrase I hear quite often as a mom and an entrepreneur: “mompreneur.”&nbsp;While the phrase doesn’t bother me personally, I want to quickly dive into the discussion around it:Does calling a woman a “mompreneur” diminish the work of fathers who are entrepreneurs? Is that a point worth making when women still perform a majority of child-related tasks while earning less than men for the same jobs?Does the term “mompreneur” diminish the work of women, similar to the argument some make against “lady boss” and “girl boss?”I’ll share my thoughts and hope you chime in too—share what you think with me on LinkedIn!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Some mother you arePodcast: Sexism is alive and wellPodcast: Assertive vs. aggressiveMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, I’m chatting about a book that has had a major impact on both my personal life and the way I run my business. I recently had my friend John Zeratsky as a guest on the pod to talk about his book Sprint, but his other book, Make Time, is just as transformative.&nbsp;Make Time is chock-full of not only helpful tips for using your time more efficiently, but also presents a totally new way of rethinking how you spend your time. We only have so many hours in the day—how you spend them is a reflection of your priorities.&nbsp;I’m sharing the 5 tips I’ve found most helpful and how I use them, plus my own insights on how to work with your body to maximize productivity.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Book: Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every DayWebsite: Make TimePodcast: How to gift yourself more time to work on your companyPodcast: How do you find the time?Blog: Creative ways to give yourself more timeMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, I’m revisiting a topic I’ve discussed a few times on this podcast: the sacrifices I had to make to bootstrap and build my company. What’s “too much” varies by individual, but I talk through the choices I made and what worked for me and my family.&nbsp;When I look back, I think the sacrifices were worth it, though some cutbacks were harder than others. Moving my family into a short-sale duplex and renting out the other half so we had no housing expenses? Worth it! Putting every penny I had into the company to make payroll? Sure, it worked out, but that might be too far.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share some questions that can help you evaluate for yourself when a sacrifice is “too much.” Wherever you land, it’s critical to think about these questions before starting your business, and to evaluate as you go.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: BootstrappingPodcast: When should I quit my day job?Blog: Can we really have it all? Musings about sacrificeMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, I’m not answering a question but instead tackling a topic that seems to be plaguing a lot of people lately, including me: burnout.I’ve built my personal brand on being honest and transparent, and if I’m being honest, I’m burnt out. With that, I’ll be taking a week off from the podcast to get my mental and physical health back to where it needs to be so I can continue to perform my best.&nbsp;We’ll be back next week for episode 93. I appreciate all of you!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: "If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness”Podcast: Am I burning out?Blog: BreatheMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m getting real about what happens when, despite our best efforts, everything still seems to be going wrong. A breakdown is a physical manifestation of everything you’re feeling, and while it sucks at the moment, you can end up stronger on the other side.&nbsp;It’s normal to not always feel 100% mentally healthy. Heck, I host a podcast giving people advice on how to take care of themselves—and yep, breakdowns hit me too. It helps to understand what your triggers are, identify patterns and have coping mechanisms in place to better help you manage.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I’ll share what’s worked for me and what I’ve learned from a recent tough time. Make sure you tune in for my tips on how you can immediately help alleviate some of the symptoms of a breakdown and take better care of yourself in the moment.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Podcast: What do you do when s#!% hits the fan?Blog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, I’m joined by my longtime business coach, Rebecca Heidepriem. If you’re like I used to be and think, “I don’t need a business coach, I can hold myself accountable!” then this episode is for you.&nbsp;This episode is a little different from other guest episodes. Instead of an interview, we’re discussing the legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt and her “Definite Dozen,” her 12 rules that delivered her teams championship after championship.&nbsp;Make sure you tune in for Rebecca’s perspective as a business coach on how you can apply these lessons from the basketball court to your business (and your life).&nbsp;About Rebecca HeidepriemRebecca Heidepriem helps business owners gain control of their time and their business through small group coaching, one on one coaching, and full-day strategic planning. She is a certified Business Coach with ActionCOACH, the world’s #1 business coaching franchiseConnect with Rebecca:WebsiteLinkedInIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Website: Pat Summit’s Definite DozenPodcast: What are the key ingredients to success?Podcast: Bad advice: finding mentors &amp; coachesMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re going to work on reframing our mindsets. Instead of looking at a situation and only seeing limitations, we’re going to broaden our thinking and ask ourselves, “But what if I could?”You might have heard of an abundance mindset: the idea that life is full of limitless potential. In some ways, I’ve always operated in this mindset (although mostly because I’m too stubborn to think I can’t do something!) but I’ve had to work to balance this with learning when to say, “No.” Now, I try to incorporate, “What would that look like?” into more of my conversations.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about how you can purposefully develop an abundance mindset with practical tips. Make sure you tune in for the list of questions I’ve started asking to help me see new possibilities.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resourcesPodcast: “That’s impossible” or “I can’t”Podcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circleBlog: But what if you could?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about that little phrase everyone seems to love starting their week with: “I hate Mondays.” Mondays have gotten a bad rap, but with the right approach, they can be awesome.&nbsp;My favorite thing about Mondays is that I have a chance to reset. I can leave behind the last week—whether something stressful happened at work or I ate too much on the weekend—and head into a new week with a clean slate. It takes some planning ahead of time, but I think it’s worth it for a better Monday.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I’ll share the strategies I use in the days leading up to Monday (yep, a great Monday starts on Friday). Try one of these tips this weekend and let me know on social how your Monday went!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: Why I love MondaysBlog: Why I (still) love MondaysPodcast: How do you find the time?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we talk about the new set of challenges entrepreneurs face when their businesses see some success, but still have plenty of room to grow. I’ve talked a lot about launching a startup, but today I’m talking about what happens after you have a few thousand dollars in the door.&nbsp;As I grew my company to seven figures I’ve had a few roadblocks along the way. But I’ve learned that there is one key area of the company I need to focus on to push through—and surprisingly, it’s not sales. It’s investing in the right people.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about the three ways in which having the right team in place will help you achieve your revenue goals. Yes, closing deals is crucial, but without the right people, you won’t be able to deliver for your customers.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How did I go from $0 to 7-figures without funding?Podcast: 3 biggest mistakes I made building a companyPodcast: How to handle hiring mistakesMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about the relationships with our colleagues that leave us feeling drained and defeated. When we hear about toxic relationships it’s usually in relation to romantic or familial relationships, but workplace relationships can definitely be toxic too.&nbsp;It might be harder to spot a toxic working relationship because you’re kind of forced to keep working with that person; it’s just part of the job. To help me identify why I was feeling so drained about work lately, I kept a running list for one month and noted which situations/people were causing me the most stress. Once I had that data, I was able to form a plan to help all of us get to a better place.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share the three steps I took to get out of the toxic working relationship. Make sure you tune in for the bonus tip that I didn’t use but would encourage others to try if they found themselves in this situation.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circlePodcast: Disrespect and boundariesBlog: Sometimes protecting is a disserviceMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we take some time to reflect on whether our weaknesses actually need improvement. If we focus too much on improving our weaknesses, we may not dedicate enough time to improving our strengths.&nbsp;When we focus too much on improving our weaknesses, we fall into the mindset that we’re not enough. The most successful people know exactly what their strengths are, and know when to bring in the experts to help with the rest.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about questions to ask yourself to help you determine when it’s time to improve a skill, and whether it’s a skill that simply isn’t for you.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to be a better leaderPodcast: What to do when you want to quitBlog: When is it time to give up?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we talk about something that frankly, I don’t always feel like the best resource on: money. That’s why I brought in a returning guest, Ryan Calton, to share the 3 biggest money mistakes entrepreneurs make.&nbsp;Even if (like me) you don’t consider yourself a money expert, entrepreneurs need to understand the basics of how to earn money, how to leverage money and of course, how to manage their money. As a CFO and consultant, Ryan has seen all of the financial bad habits entrepreneurs tend to develop and shares why they’re not great strategies.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, he shares his formula for calculating realistic financial projections for your business—and achieving your money goals.&nbsp;About Ryan CaltonRyan Calton, CPA is the founder and CEO of RC MKE, a financial consulting firm in Milwaukee. He brings his extensive finance and operations knowledge to small and mid-sized companies everywhere. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, new product development and go-to-market, and smart systems to support data-driven decision-making.&nbsp;Connect with Ryan on LinkedInVisit RC MKEIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Optimizing cash flow with Ryan CaltonPodcast: BootstrappingPodcast: How did I go from $0 to 7-figures without funding?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about how much sleep you need—versus how much sleep you’re actually getting. Sleep is the foundation for mental and physical wellness, but too often we don’t make it a priority.&nbsp;Sometimes people don’t get enough sleep because they simply don’t put themselves in bed soon enough. But in other cases, people don’t get enough sleep because they think it’s a badge of honor—especially in the entrepreneur community. I used to believe this too, but I’ve found the opposite to be true: I’m much better in business (and other areas of my life) when I get enough sleep.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about practical tips for helping you get more sleep (and why it’s so important).&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: "If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness.”Podcast: Do you take care of yourself? No, really?Blog: How do you find the time?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m sharing a message to my younger self that I hope resonates with you too.&nbsp;As the parent of a teenager, I feel like I’m confronting the tough feelings that come with that time all over again. Everything felt like the end of the world, and it was so hard to imagine my future. Looking back, I wish I could reassure my younger self that everything will be better than she could have imagined.&nbsp;What would you tell your younger self? What will you tell your children? Share this episode on social and let me know.If you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: I didn’t know I was lostPodcast: Getting older sucks. (But does it really?)Podcast: Perception vs. reality (social media edition)More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, I’m joined by John Zeratsky, one of the co-authors of two books that had a huge impact on me as an entrepreneur: Sprint and Make Time. I was immediately obsessed with the ideas in Sprint about how to test and validate my business ideas in just five days.I see a lot of startup owners that don’t do enough research and testing before they launch—mostly out of fear. But the testing process is necessary for success. John and I talk through the basics of a sprint, the importance of a “fake it til you make it” mindset, and practical tips for testing your ideas.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, John shares his advice for tackling the tasks that feel scary and making them feel more manageable.&nbsp;About John ZeratskyJohn Zeratsky is a co-founder and general partner at Character, bestselling author of Sprint and Make Time, and former design partner at GV. Previously, John was a design leader for YouTube, Google Ads, and FeedBurner, which was acquired by Google in 2007.Connect with John:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Book: Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five DaysPodcast: 3 biggest mistakes I made building a companyBlog: Start. Even if it’s not perfect. More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, I’m busting the hopes of every entrepreneur who thought they could skip learning to sell. Marketing doesn’t replace sales. And while we’re at it, sales doesn’t replace marketing either.&nbsp;Marketing today requires a sales and marketing hybrid. Entrepreneurs need to learn the basic principles of both. Depending on your product, marketing can do a lot of the selling for you. But having a strong sales foundation is a must, no matter your industry.During the episode, I’ll talk about how marketing automation tools can help to make the sales and marketing process even easier, from lead generation through customer retention.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: Sell without cold callingPodcast: Why you must learn how to sellPodcast: 3 biggest mistakes I made building a companyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we’re tackling the ugly topic of sexism. It’s not a fun discussion, but it’s necessary to highlight how we can be doing better.&nbsp;There are a few recent stories I’ve heard from colleagues that inspired me to record this episode. The thing about these stories is that the sexism isn’t obvious, sometimes even to the women in the room.&nbsp;I hope that by sharing real-life examples like these, you’re better able to spot everyday sexism in your life—and correct it.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Assertive vs. aggressivePodcast: Some mother you arePodcast: Disrespect and boundariesMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we’re tackling that way-too-common excuse why entrepreneurs say they can’t grow their business (or never even start): they don’t have enough time.&nbsp;Whether you’re running an empire or running a household (or both), you need to make choices about how you spend your day. When I launched my company, and as it grew, I learned how to outsource the tasks I didn’t want to do to make time for the ones I wanted (or had) to do. I’ll talk you through the resources I used and how I justified the cost, especially in the early days.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about shifting your mindset to push past the thought that there’s “not enough time” and dig deeper into what’s holding you back.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How do you survive your busiest seasons?Podcast: How do you find the time?Blog: You are a limited edition. Act like it. More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about what to do when your workload doubles … or triples. Busy seasons will always come and go, and it’s important to have safeguards in place to protect ourselves during the busiest times.&nbsp;If you’re a high-achiever (*raises hand*) it can feel really difficult to say no or to delegate because you want to show others that you can do it all. But if we don’t find ways to triage our workload, we end up becoming an even bigger burden on everyone. Spoiler alert: ‘say no’ and ‘delegate’ are tips one and three in this episode.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share some of the hacks I used to give myself more time when I was first launching my business. Learning to manage your to-do list during your busiest seasons will protect your work and yourself.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Why no should be your favorite wordPodcast: Are you productive or just “busy”?Blog: You don’t get a medal for being busyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m bringing in a special guest to help me uncover whether it’s true that “thoughts become things.” Justine Sloan is an author and health and mindset coach who helps people (like me!) be more intentional with their thoughts.&nbsp;Justine chats with me about some pretty huge topics: where our thoughts come from, our inner voice and whether thoughts become things. She shares the science behind why our thoughts inform our reality and how we can retrain our thoughts to be more positive and productive.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, Justine shares her tips for shifting your energy when your negative thoughts get the best of you. You have control over more than you think!About Justine SloanJustine Moore Sloan is a bestselling author, Health &amp; Mindset Coach, and the Co-Founder of Boss Ladies MKE, a networking and mastermind group for women in the Milwaukee area. After decades of struggling with poor body image, disordered eating, crippling anxiety and low self-worth, Justine embarked on a healing journey to reach a place of self love and acceptance. Now it's her mission to help women feel empowered in their bodies— and in every area of their lives! Justine's candidly-written, bestselling memoir, "Someone I Love Lives Here," was released in October. Her journey showcases how to burn the rule book, reclaim your power, and love your body (and yourself!) in a society that tells you not to.Connect w/ Justine:WebsiteInstagramFacebookIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: But what if you could?Podcast: Perception vs. reality (social media edition)Podcast: FEAR = False Expectations Appearing RealMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about one of my least favorite topics ever: employee turnover. Turnover sucks for any company, but within a small business, that turnover can really make or break you.I’ve been dealing with turnover at my company lately, which led me to dive deeper into why the turnover was happening. I talked to department managers and employees, studied exit interviews and looked for trends to help us reduce the turnover rate within the company.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I’m sharing the three steps I took to address this challenge within my company. It’s still a work in progress, but I know we’ll get there with honesty, accountability and plenty of feedback.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: How to handle hiring mistakesPodcast: 11 things you NEED to do before hiringBlog: Are entrepreneurial employees a flight risk?

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about the core values that guide us. My business has core values I could easily repeat, but while I generally know my values, I hadn’t gone through the work of articulating them until recently.&nbsp;I was inspired to explore this topic while reading Robin Sharma’s book, “The Everyday Hero Manifesto.” Sharma’s theory is that in order to show up every day as the best person you can be, your actions must line up with your five main values. He describes a powerful exercise for visualizing your future self to help you solidify those core values.&nbsp;During the episode, I dive into how I did the exercise and share my five core values. I hope they resonate with you and inspire you to build your own set of core values.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Article: “One of the Greatest Keys to Success,” Robin SharmaPodcast: Integrity is everythingPodcast: How do I become an optimist?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m talking about one of the most unfortunate things you’ll encounter when building a personal brand: internet trolls. I’ve dealt with my fair share, and it definitely sucks, but I’m learning how to not let it affect me.&nbsp;Whenever you start to get a certain level of attention on social media—even a “professional” site like LinkedIn—you’re going to attract doubters and haters. I share a couple of stories in the episode about my most polarizing posts that have attracted some less-than-kind comments, and how I handled it (or wish I’d handled it).&nbsp;Remember: when trolls lash out, it’s about them, not you. Don’t let it stop you from building a personal brand, and thus from growing your business.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Doubters &amp; hatersPodcast: When people lash out at youVideo: Responding to troll commentsMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, I’ve brought in a guest to discuss just how much work goes into building a successful social presence. Quentin Allums has helped build some of the biggest personal brands on LinkedIn and has been a huge resource for me as I continue growing my brand.&nbsp;When it comes to building a brand on social media, two things tend to happen: people either assume they can follow the same formula as others and hack their way to success; or, they’re afraid to put themselves out there and fail. I talk to Q about brand building in the early days of LinkedIn, how he approaches testing new social strategies and learning to be ok when experiments bomb.Stay tuned for the end of the episode when Q shares more about his scientific approach to failure and how to use it as an opportunity for growth.&nbsp;About Quentin Allums​​Quentin got his start in 2017 making a name for himself by putting himself out there making videos on social media utilizing stories to build an audience. His journey has been far from easy, but now he is a well-established entrepreneur, writer, and podcaster who identifies as a misfit. He inspires other misfits to embrace what makes them strange and take a chance on what makes them unique. Moving on from starting his own marketing agency, Quentin was the head of marketing for Lewis Howes at School of Greatness. He is now a part time content consultant pursuing his passion for social experiments and filmmaking.&nbsp;Connect with Q:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Do I need a personal brand?Blog: Benefits of building your LinkedIn personal brandMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Big Questions, Short Answers episode, I’m sharing the most common marketing mistakes I see startups and small businesses make all. the. time. Based on my almost scientific research of meeting thousands of entrepreneurs, I’d say nine out of 10 of these businesses might as well set their marketing budget on fire if they’re making any of these five mistakes.&nbsp;If you’ve been listening to this podcast or following me on LinkedIn, you’ll likely have heard me share some of these tips before. Marketing to everyone is marketing to no one. Don’t wait to start selling. Consider this your short, sweet recap of the most important tips for launching your company’s marketing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Want more tips on startup marketing? Here’s my shameless plug for my online startup marketing course, Marketing for Cash-Strapped Startups.&nbsp;If you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: Are you making these 5 sales &amp; marketing mistakes?Blog: 5 simple steps to effectively marketing your startupPodcast: Why most marketing programs fail&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, I’m sharing some quick thoughts on something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: integrity. Integrity and the way you treat people matters more than anything else—no matter how rich or successful you become.&nbsp;Too often, we accept low-integrity behavior from the people around us or don’t hold ourselves to a high enough standard. This could look like excusing poor treatment of others because a person is stressed, or accepting money from someone with poor intentions. I’ve made plenty of these mistakes, but by turning the mirror on myself I’ve been able to better see where (and why) I failed to meet my own standards.&nbsp;If you’re reading this, I’m pretty sure that like me you also want to live a life with high integrity. I hope you’ll join me in committing to reflecting on our own behavior to see how we can live with greater integrity.&nbsp;Episode resourcesBlog: Do you live above or below the line?Podcast: How you treat peoplePodcast: Disrespect and boundariesMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of all things hiring. There’s a LOT more to hiring an employee than interviewing applicants and choosing your favorite—a lot of which I’ve learned along the way.&nbsp;When you really need to hire an employee (like, yesterday) there are countless details you don’t think about, especially if you’re a one-person team. I’ve learned when to optimize my own processes (job descriptions, onboarding, performance management) and when I have to call in the experts (lawyers, financial advisors, human resource managers).&nbsp;The tips I lay out in this episode aren’t a comprehensive list, but they will help you think about what you can do right now to set your company and your employees up for success. As you’ll hear in plenty of my examples, it’s never too late to start improving your hiring process.&nbsp;Episode resourcesSBA resource: Hiring and managing employeesPodcast: How to handle hiring mistakesPodcast: Hiring friends and familyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, I’m answering one question with three questions—and they’re all about hiring. Hiring is typically considered one of those milestones that signals a company’s growth, but entrepreneurs need to carefully evaluate whether it’s actually time to hire (or if they even need to at all).&nbsp;Hiring an employee is a big decision that impacts everyone involved. So before you start, ask yourself: Do I actually want to hire? Do I need to hire an employee, or could a contractor do this work? Could I still scale without hiring?We’re tackling a lot of questions in this episode, but they’ll prompt you to dig deeper into why you want to hire so you can make the right decision for your business.&nbsp;Episode resourcesPodcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself with Justin Welsh&nbsp;Podcast: When is it time to start hiring?Podcast: Hiring friends and familyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about all of those lies that fear tricks us into believing about ourselves. My business coach taught me the saying that "FEAR = False Expectations Appearing Real," and I can think of so many examples from my own life where this has been the case. Like a lot of people, I was super nervous about public speaking. What if I didn't have anything worthwhile to say? What if I looked dumb? What if people thought I was terrible? This fear held me back from accepting speaking engagements, building my course and launching my podcast—until I learned how to work through that fear. At the end of the episode, I share actionable advice on how I got over the fear of launching my startup marketing course that I hope will encourage you to conquer whatever it is that fear is holding you back from. You got this!If you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Big swings &amp; betting on yourself with Justin Welsh add link when readyPodcast: “That’s impossible” or “I can’t”Blog: But what if you could?More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, I'm joined by Justin Welsh, a solopreneur helping one-person businesses experience massive growth. If anyone knows about betting on themselves, it's Justin: he’s in the process of building a portfolio of companies to $5 million+, all without partners or employees. I chat with Justin about how to scale a business as a solopreneur, how to automate revenue generation (so you can literally earn while you sleep) and his four tips for launching an online course (I needed a couple of these when I launched my course!). I love his message that anyone can be an entrepreneur—you just need to define what that means for you. At the end of the interview, he answers my burning question about why on earth he removed thousands of subscribers from his email list (my marketing brain exploded a little) and just how much that risky move paid off. About Justin WelshJustin is a solopreneur building a portfolio of businesses delivering 7-figures annually, powered by more than 200,000 social media followers. Prior to that, he helped build two $50M+ ARR companies, teams of 150+ people, and raise over $300M in venture capital. In his spare time, he's an advisor to early-stage SMB SaaS companies, and an LP at GTM Fund, a rolling fund investing $4 million per year into early-stage B2B SaaS companies.Connect with Justin on LinkedInWebsiteTwitterIf you like this episode, check out these resources.Podcast: Taking calculated risksPodcast: When is it time to start hiring?Blog: Self-belief must come firstMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we're discussing how to have a more positive outlook on life—especially when being an optimist doesn't come naturally. Developing this mindset is something I've had to work hard at, but is well worth it to make each day that much better. Some people think that being an optimist means everything always has to be rainbows and sunshine, but for me, it simply means hoping for the best. I finally realized that my super-critical self-talk wasn't doing me any favors and was only holding me back in business and in my personal life. So, I made an effort to be purposely positive. Listen as I share the tips I've used to develop a brighter outlook and how I make optimism a daily practice. If you like this episode, check out these resources.Blog: Stupidly optimisticPodcast: How to cultivate what goes in your brainPodcast: A tactical guide to auditing your circleMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we’re tackling the way-too-common idea that getting older is a bad thing. I used to think life would never be as good as it was when I was a teen, or in my twenties, but with age comes the perspective that the best is yet to come.&nbsp;Society puts a lot of pressure on us (especially women) not to age. While I still think that whatever year I’m in is the best year of my life (hey, even 2020), it’s taught me that instead of dreading growing older, I always have something to look forward to.&nbsp;My birthday is coming up, so I hope you’ll enjoy my reflection on turning another year older—a privilege I’m fortunate to have. Thank you for celebrating with me!Episode highlights02:15 My reflection on birthdays and getting older05:20 Advice for anyone dreading getting older&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we talk about the not-so-glamorous role of CEO. Yes, there are awesome benefits to being your own boss, but it also comes with a ton of hard work and an incredible load to carry.&nbsp;While being a CEO means you’re “the boss,” most of my tips are about surrounding yourself with the right people. Your staff, your network, your mentors, your coach (trust me, everyone needs a business coach!) can make or break your success. Whoever it is, what’s important is knowing when to ask for help, and not being too proud to do so.At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about the cold, hard truth about being an entrepreneur: it gets easier, but it never gets easy. Building a company is always hard work—and that’s what makes it so rewarding.&nbsp;Episode highlights01:00 Entrepreneurship isn’t as sexy as you think!03:00 It’s ok to ask for help04:15 Hire quickly and fire fast05:55 You need a coach or mentor06:40 It gets easier, but it’s never easyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re tackling one of the questions I get asked most by fellow entrepreneurs on LinkedIn: how did I get my company to its current size while bootstrapping? Psst … Check out my episode on Bootstrapping if you’re considering this route for your company.&nbsp;Honestly, when I first started I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. But if I could boil it down to one piece of advice, it’s that you have to get comfortable with risk.&nbsp;Here’s the episode I mention in the pod: Episode 39—Taking Calculated Risk.&nbsp;But in order to get comfortable with risk, you need some safeguards in place. In this episode I talk about building a financial foundation, growing your network and how to sell (yes, before you have anything to sell). Lather, rinse, repeat!Throughout the episode I share practical tips that I used for improving your cash flow as you get your business off the ground—everything from downsizing your home to bartending. Every dollar counts, especially in those early days, and that’s the mindset you need to reach seven figures (and more).&nbsp;Episode highlights01:00 How I answer the question, “How did you grow your business without funding?”02:55 Getting comfortable with risk04:25 How to get started without funding06:10 The importance of building a network07:10 How to sell (or at least generate income in the meantime)More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s episode of S*%! People Say, we’re talking about the quote “If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness”.&nbsp;TBH, this is one of those phrases I think is all too true. People make so many excuses not to take care of themselves and they end up paying the price. (Psst! Check out my previous episode on making time for yourself). I’ve been there before, and I’m sharing how I learned to make time (and find balance) in my fitness, sleep and diet.&nbsp;While I’m definitely not the master of time management or self-control, it’s something I’ve really focused on in recent years and I have some tips to share from my journey. It’s never too late to start building better habits!Episode highlights01:16 My wellness isn’t perfect, but here’s how I’ve been improving&nbsp;06:20 How to make time for your healthContact:&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today on Startup Survival, we welcome Mikey Henninger, Director of Growth at Accelity (and the best salesperson in the biz).Mikey has a toooon of experience in a variety of sales environments, and he’s sharing his top five sales tips that will help you open and close that deal. Much of his approach is based on simply being his authentic self—which helps him form strong relationships with prospects. He also advises sales people out there to stop using the “script” and listen more to your prospective client.Listen to the end to learn all of Mikey’s tips and hear the strategies my company is currently using to close deals.&nbsp;About MikeyMikey Henninger is the Director of Growth at Accelity, a B2B SaaS marketing agency based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bringing years of award-winning, record-breaking sales experience (including earning President's Club), Mikey consults with growth-minded companies looking to fill their pipeline with replicas of their ideal client. He's tackled every sales role you can think of—inside sales, outside sales, SMB, enterprise, you name it—while building sales departments from the ground up and leading the charge in new markets.&nbsp;Connect with Mikey on LinkedInVisit AccelityEpisode highlights01:05 Introducing Mikey Henninger, Director of Growth at Accelity02:10 Tip 1: You have to be a human.02:50 Tip 2: Ditch the script.&nbsp;05:00 Tip 3: Remember—nobody cares about your product.&nbsp;06:35 Tip 4: Take your prospect from A to B, not A to Z.&nbsp;08:30 Tip 5: Use the prospect’s words against them.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re tackling a topic that’s become super top-of-mind for everyone in the past couple years: work-life balance. What does balance mean for you? What steps do you take to achieve it?&nbsp;TBH, I don’t feel like I’ve ever been successful in achieving work-life balance. So, I’ve been researching how to get a little more balance … or at least how to put up some better boundaries for myself. Ultimately, I think it comes down to whether you’re looking for balance or integration.&nbsp;Once you’ve decided on your goal, there are steps you can take to achieve the relationship you’re looking for with your work. I’ll share what I’ve learned so far.&nbsp;Episode highlights02:00 Is your goal balance or integration?&nbsp;04:50 Steps for reaching your goalContact:&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

&nbsp;In this episode of The S*%! People Say, we’re keeping it short and tackling a topic everyone deserves to explore: boundaries.&nbsp;Setting clear boundaries lets others know what we will and won’t tolerate. When people violate our boundaries (and they will try to), it is a form of disrespect. I have way too many stories to share, so I share a few themes I’ve noticed about what happens when I set boundaries professionally and personally.&nbsp;If nothing else—even if you don’t actually listen to the podcast!—I want you to know: you are not required to put up with disrespect! Not at work, not in relationships, not at home.&nbsp;Episode highlights00:40 Boundaries are tough to discuss, but this might be what you need to hear.&nbsp;02:05 Here are a few situations where I encountered a violation of my boundaries, and what I did.&nbsp;06:00 It’s easy to feel bad when setting boundaries, but you need to for your own health.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

On today’s Startup Survival episode, we’re talking about the importance of having a process when you’re growing a company.&nbsp;Just how important your process is is something I’ve gone back and forth on. When I started my business, I didn’t have much in the way of process. So I invested in building processes for sales, marketing, billing, etc. But then we got too overprocessed, and everyone felt confined to the process and not free to be creative.&nbsp;In this episode, I discuss how to go about finding that “sweet spot” between under-processed and over-processed.Episode highlights0:40 How important is process to your business?2:05 How I built processes at my company4:25 How to find the sweet spot between over- and under-processedContact:&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today’s big question, short answer is: What do you do when it all hits the fan?&nbsp;People are often conditioned to act like nothing’s wrong. I used to overcommit myself, then pretend everything was fine or simply block out my negative feelings (often with unhealth habits). It took me a long time to learn how to process my feelings in a healthy way. I allow myself simply to feel them; then, use that fire to make a change.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I share a tip one of my colleagues taught me on how to handle difficult feelings in a way that lets you move forward productively.&nbsp;Episode highlights0:45 We’re often taught not to have emotions—that’s a problem.&nbsp;2:10 My past struggles with dealing with my negative feelings.&nbsp;&nbsp;3:25 Strategies I’ve learned to help me cope when things hit the fan.&nbsp;6:00 My favorite strategy I’d like you to try: the one-hour rule.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s episode of S*%! People Say, we are talking about two phrases that give off major negative vibes: “That’s impossible,” and, “I can’t”.&nbsp;The phrases are rooted in a limited mindset. They come from a place of fear. As I’ve grown my business (and developed personally), I’ve noticed that when I shift my mindset from “I can’t” to “What if I could?” so many more opportunities have come my way. You will only be able to grow and change as quickly as your mind allows you to dream.By the end of the episode, I challenge you to join me in responding to the (seemingly) impossible with, “What if?” You’ll be surprised how much this small shift helps improve problem solving skills and think bigger.Episode highlights00:40 Why these phrases are a disease (yes, that’s how toxic they are!)03:05 My journey from a limited mindset to a growth mindset04:00 How to apply your reframed mindsetMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we’re tackling one of the most important skills you need to build your business. No, not selling—copywriting.&nbsp;Think of copywriting as selling in written form. Just like when you pitch, you need to know how to quickly and effectively tell your story, demonstrate your value and set yourself apart. That means no jargon, no cliches—nothing that sounds like everyone else. Your copy needs to be compelling.Copywriting isn’t a skill that you can learn overnight, but I do have some tips to help your writing sound more natural and to help your brand stand out.&nbsp;Episode highlights01:00 Why copywriting is one of the most important professional skills05:25 Tips for crafting copy that stands out06:25 The number one copy tip from a professional copywriterMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we are talking about a habit that most of us are probably guilty of: procrastinating.&nbsp;Are you a big procrastinator? Confession: I always have been, and I’ve carried this bad habit into my professional life. But when you’re building your own business, you really can’t afford to wait until the last minute to do the work. There’s often a root cause behind why you’re procrastinating, and I found it helps to dig into what’s really going on to avoid last-minute chaos.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, I will give you some tips on how to stop procrastinating and actually enjoy the million tasks that we all have to do on a daily basis. Hopefully these tools help you eliminate (or at least reduce) the amount that you procrastinate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Episode highlights01:20 What is procrastination?02:05 My experiences with procrastination (learn from my mistakes!)04:10 What I’ve learned about procrastination and why we do it06:50 How to eliminate procrastinationMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we are talking about the saying “do what you love and you’ll never work a day” with my good friend William Deck.&nbsp;William Deck is a success mindset coach, keynote speaker and thought leader. He is also the founder of the educational consulting firm MindBusiness LLC which is a firm focused on successful mindset transformation.&nbsp;Today, William is joining me to talk about what it means to love what you do. As we dive deep into our conversation, he gives us some of the best advice when it comes to appreciating the work that you have and having the perfect mindset to achieve the saying “do what you love and you’ll never work a day”.&nbsp;Episode Highlights01:14 Perception and reality are two different things.&nbsp;03:06 I think that it's possible for everyone to love themselves and when you get clear on why you're here on this earth, meaning, you know what it is that you are here to accomplish then you can find value in everything that you do.03:38 I think it's really about having, or learning how to galvanize a positive outlook on life.&nbsp;07:29 I think that's the power of learning, learning how to be in the present moment, meaning when it feels bad, feel it and feel it all the way and when things are good, you have to learn how to accept it fully and be fully present.&nbsp;10:28 So this has been really my primary message over everything else that I talk about, we all must learn to love ourselves again.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsiteHit William up!LinkedIn

In this Startup Survival episode, we are covering a topic that many entrepreneurs are hesitant to address (and I was too): Do I really need to build my personal brand, too? (What if I don’t wanna? ;))If you follow me on any other platform, you know that building my personal brand is something I actively work on (I mean, you’re listening to my podcast right now). So you might be surprised to learn that while I think a well-defined personal brand is super important, it’s not necessarily what every entrepreneur needs to focus on.&nbsp;In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from being super against having a personal brand to bringing in more than half my company’s revenue through my LinkedIn. At the end of this episode, I outline the steps for building a strong, lead-generating online presence and when it makes sense to prioritize your personal brand.Sign up for my weekly letter that’s mentioned in this episode: https://www.jackiehermes.com/sign-up-now&nbsp;Episode highlights01:23 I really wanted my company to be able to stand on its own two feet, so I was reluctant to build my own brand separately.&nbsp;05:43 Let’s take a look at factors to consider when building your brand.&nbsp;11:10 Create a plan that’s sustainable for maintaining your brand presence.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we are diving into the topic of asking yourself the important questions.&nbsp;Wait, haven’t we covered this before? Yup—it’s that important (and, fun fact, our most popular episode to date!). So important, I decided to reprise it as the topic of my extra special 50th episode.&nbsp;The beginning of the year (or month, or week or right now when you’re reading this) is the perfect time to evaluate the most important questions in your life:Am I happy?Do I like my life the way it is now, or am I on autopilot just living the life that I’ve set up?In what ways could I potentially improve my life, both at work and personally?I share my journey with learning to check in with myself about how I’m really feeling (and how I still have plenty of progress to make). At the end of this episode, I’ll also share some suggestions for ways you can incorporate this process of questioning into your daily life.&nbsp;Episode highlights1:02 The start of the year is the perfect time to evaluate the most important questions in your life.2:25 I share my journey of learning to check in with myself and evaluate how I’m feeling.&nbsp;5:34 My challenge to everyone listening: What is just one way that you are going to start asking yourself questions.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this S*%! People Say episode, we’re talking about what to do when people’s actions don’t align with their words.To me, one of the hardest situations to rectify in my mind is when you’re dealing with people whose words and actions don’t align. Should you just let it go? Or do you call them out on their behavior? While it may feel like the harder option, being upfront and honest with others is always the best way to go—both for your sake and theirs.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, I’ll give you some insights on how I work past holding grudges (both personally and professionally) and what I’ve learned from my mistakes.Episode highlights01:16 When a person’s words and actions don’t align, it makes me wonder if the people I'm dealing with are who they say they are, or are who they think they are.&nbsp;03:07 I share personal and professional examples of how I’m handling this type of misalignment.&nbsp;05:49 My biggest takeaway in these situations where words and actions do not align is that you have to speak up; holding a grudge does nothing for you.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This Startup Survival episode is all about the money! We’re talking about cash flow and the important things you need to know when running a business—joined by our first special guest.&nbsp;Cash flow, especially for bootstrapped companies, is one of the most important lifelines of a company. For this episode, I brought in an expert: Ryan Calton, a CPA and CFO (oh yeah, and also my husband). He’ll share some of his insights on cash flow for startups.&nbsp;By the end of this episode, you’ll have a quick guide for knowing where to start when it comes to optimizing cash flow for your business.&nbsp;Ryan Calton, CPA, is the founder and CEO of RC MKE, a financial consulting firm in Milwaukee. He brings his extensive finance and operations knowledge to small and mid-sized companies everywhere. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, new product development and go-to-market, and smart systems to support data-driven decision making.&nbsp;Connect with Ryan on LinkedInVisit RC MKEEpisode highlights00:48 Cash flow is critical for startups, especially bootstrapped companies like mine.&nbsp;03:04 Take a look at your spending and reduce costs where possible, especially when you're in a bit of a cash crunch.&nbsp;04:48 Budgets are useful as a tool. They are not a specific roadmap but I do think it's a good thing to take a look at on a monthly basis.&nbsp;08:23 Cash can be managed daily, weekly, monthly; it just comes down to monitoring what you take a look at and what you measure.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsiteHit Ryan up!&nbsp;LinkedIn

In this Big Questions, Short Answers episode, we’re talking about how to know when it’s the right time to quit your day job. Sometimes our day jobs are totally exhausting, which leads us to find other ways of earning income—ones that don’t compromise our mental and physical health.&nbsp;When is the right time to let go of your job? Well, it’s complicated. I’m sharing the questions I asked myself before I quit my day job to focus on my business full time. Are you able to cover your expenses with your current client list? What will you do if you lose income? I’ll talk through the phased approach I created to ensure I was still able to take care of my and my family’s needs.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, we’ll also discuss what to do when you aren’t ready to launch your business, but you can’t stay at your current job either. We’ll weigh the questions to ask to help you determine your next move.&nbsp;Episode highlights01:15 Whenever possible, start building your business on the side while working a day job.&nbsp;04:10 How will you cover your expenses while you build your company? What’s your backup plan?05:36 When is the right time to quit or change a full-time job?&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this S*%! People Say episode, we discuss taking responsibility for the things that are happening in our lives—whether we like it or not.&nbsp;It’s all too easy not to take responsibility when something goes wrong, especially when the situation seems minor. But no matter how small the situation may seem, it’s critical to always take ownership of how you might have played a role. Doing so shows that you are the bigger person and that you are willing to help be part of the solution.&nbsp;In this episode, I share two stories that helped me realize the value of taking ownership when things go wrong. By taking responsibility for our own crap, we not only stand out from others but also feel better moving forward.&nbsp;Episode highlights1:20 You can take ownership of any situation, even when you think it's not your fault.2:15 I share two personal stories that reinforce the theory that everything is partially your fault.&nbsp;6:35 The ultimate takeaway of this episode is live above the line and own your own crap.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Get ready—beacuse in this Startup Survival episode, we’re tackling our goals for the new year.&nbsp;This past year has been awesome, but ultimately super challenging. I’ve learned a lot, and I want to channel that into positive and productive goals in 2022. I hope that sharing what my company faced in 2021 and what I’ve got in mind for the coming year it will help you in reflecting on your own year ahead.&nbsp;Because I’m not a fan of broad, vague resolutions, I’m sharing the system my team uses to break down our goals into manageable, achievable next steps.Here’s to a fantastic 2022!Episode highlights1:13 While 2021 was awesome in many ways, my company faced some big challenges in the past year.&nbsp;6:58 I have some ideas I can’t wait to implement to help us reach our goals for next year.&nbsp;7:45 Here’s how my leadership team puts together our quarterly and annual goals.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about transparency. Do we need to share every tiny detail—or only let people in on the highlights?Transparency is the foundation of trust, but it can be tricky to figure out how transparent you should be with the people around you. If you have employees, being honest with them is critical for building strong relationships. When you don’t communicate with the people around you, you don’t give them the chance to understand you, support you or help fix the issue. I’ve learned all of this the hard way, and it’s something I’m still learning.At the end of the episode, I share the meeting format I use to ensure I’m being fully transparent with my team. It’s not always pretty, but I’m proud of our level of transparency and the great work it has inspired. Episode highlights1:00 Transparency is the foundation of trust. Many of us have a natural instinct to protect people so we don't tell them the hard stuff.2:08 If you are not being transparent with someone, you are doing them a disservice and you're doing yourself a disservice.&nbsp;3:21 My story of a time when I wasn’t transparent with my team about the company’s finances, and what I learned from it.&nbsp;6:59 My system for communicating regularly and openly with my team about the status of the company.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Vacation time!The week of December 28, I’m showing up for myself by taking a break. Whatever relaxation or rejuvenation looks like for you, I hope you also take some time this holiday season to give yourself that gift. I subscribed to the belief that you must work 24/7 for a long time—and it burned me out. Don’t fall into the same trap.We’ll be back with another episode of big questions, short answers on Monday, January 3! I hope you all have a wonderful week, enjoy whatever holidays you celebrate, and take some time to relax with your loved ones.Thank you and I’ll see you in 2022!More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Would you hire a friend or family member? In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re tackling a controversial topic as I share what I’ve learned from mixing business and personal relationships.&nbsp;One of the benefits of being an entrepreneur is that you can hire the people you want to be around. You’re also in a position to help others who you know would benefit from the experience and the paycheck. Sometimes the partnership is fantastic; with strong boundaries in place, you can both grow professionally while becoming closer personally. Other times (possibly more often than not), it could lead to tension both in and out of the workplace.&nbsp;So, should you hire friends or family? It depends! At the end of this episode, I share the questions you should ask yourself when considering whether to hire someone close to you.&nbsp;Episode highlights1:33 I’ve continued to work successfully with a friend thanks to the really strong boundary he established between the business and the personal relationship.&nbsp;3:19 I’ve also mixed business and family with poor results because we failed to discuss whether it was a good idea and whether it would serve us both.&nbsp;4:10 Yes, this is a mistake I’ve repeated: in another situation, I was trying to do someone a favor I didn’t really think it all the way through or I would’ve realized it was&nbsp; unlikely to go well.&nbsp;6:09 There are some very important boundaries and questions that you have to set up for yourself if you’re considering hiring a friend or family. You have to dig in to understand what your motivation is behind the decision.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we are talking about the value of New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I’m not a big New Year’s resolutions person. Every January, people set goals for the coming year that are supposed to set them on the path to having the best year ever—but are they effective?&nbsp;Resolutions could be a great way to make the changes you’ve always wanted; however, I think they do more harm than good. When you put all the pressure on making large changes at the New Year, eventually you will miss one or two of these habits, and likely pretty quickly, throw away the entire system.That said, I’m a huge fan of setting goals for yourself! In this episode, I share my tips on how you can set realistic, achievable goals for yourself, and the tactics I use to I actually follow through on the goals I set.&nbsp;Episode highlights00:53 Resolutions are simply our goals for next year; we often make them naturally for ourselves and our business.&nbsp;2:03 Setting goals is clearly a good thing; if you make them attainable, they can be very motivating.&nbsp;3:35 People have the tendency to throw the baby out with the bathwater once they’ve missed a little step, which is why I’m not a fan of only setting goals at the New Year.&nbsp;5:25 By focusing on one habit at a time, you can focus on it and figure out what really works for you.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s S*%! People Say episode, we are talking about other people’s reactions. Remember: you cannot control how other people react; however, you still have a duty to communicate with them.&nbsp;When we worry too much about how someone might react, we tend to avoid providing feedback. This is a disservice to both of you. Although you can’t control how someone might react, you can work to share your thoughts in a way that maximizes how well they hear that feedback. There have certainly been times when I’ve not absorbed feedback or reacted well because the way it was presented put me on high alert. But my reaction was not that person’s responsibility!In the episode, I share how my team has developed an awesome way of communicating how we like to hear feedback that has helped us navigate day-to-day tasks and tough conversations. Tune in and hear if it will work for relationships in your life.Episode highlights1:25 Feedback is crucial. You must give others an opportunity to fix a situation, even if you don’t think they’ll react well.&nbsp;2:18 Everyone hears feedback differently and your words sound different to you than they do to other people. You have to take that into consideration when communicating.&nbsp;3:39 My personal feedback style is that I prefer to have some time to think before the conversation so I can come prepared.&nbsp;4:41 Regardless of how you think people might react, you have a duty to communicate with them, both personally and professionally.&nbsp;&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we are diving into a topic anyone thinking about starting their own business must get comfortable with: taking calculated risks. When will a risk bring you toward your goal, and when is a risk, well, too risky?Evaluating risk naturally requires weighing the benefits versus the drawbacks. I share just how thoroughly I think through a risk so that I’ve played out all of the possible repercussions of my decision. Some might say it’s a pessimistic mindset, but it’s helped me navigate my years as an entrepreneur by fully understanding the stakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tune in because at the end of this episode, we’ll also talk about how to handle what to do when others insert their opinion about the risk(s) you’re taking (and they will). But if you have thoroughly examined what’s right for you, then you can feel secure in your own instincts.&nbsp;Episode highlights00:26 Some choices are really easy, but some you have to truly calculate whether or not you want to take a risk.&nbsp;2:10 By examining all scenarios, I can acknowledge and accept them, and I can know how I would react in each situation.&nbsp;5:51 I plan for every possibility to ensure I can still take care of my family even if the risk doesn’t pay off.&nbsp;7:13 When it comes to taking risks, just know that people are not always going to get it. You only need to trust yourself.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Happy Monday, everyone! In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about whether the work you're putting in is worth it. Have you ever felt like you’re logging countless hours without seeing the results you wanted? I definitely have.Knowing when to let something go is a crucial skill to learn, and applies beyond building a business. Sometimes, letting go is the right thing to do because no amount of hard work can save a situation—and you’ll be better off for walking away. Other times, you need to dig in and push through to the other side. I’m still figuring it out, but knowing what’s worth my time and effort has helped me grow personally and professionally.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, I share the philosophy I use when making a decision about whether a commitment is worth it. Answering this one question will help you decide whether to keep going or to peacefully move on.&nbsp;Episode highlights00:58 You should be continually evaluating whether or not the situation is working for you and if it’s not working, what changes you need to make in order for your situation to work again.&nbsp;4:45 I share a personal story about a time I felt I had to walk away from the hard work I put in for the benefit of my family.&nbsp;5:48 Some days I feel like it's still just my management team and my team's sheer will and determination that is keeping the company going—and that work is worth it.7:19 When evaluating your time, you may have to make some changes but it's still possible to recommit.8:15 When evaluating your situation and wondering whether the work is worth it, you ultimately need to consider your own happiness.More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s S*%! People Say episode, we are talking about one of the worst phrases ever: “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” I’ve been hearing this phrase for years and I think it’s total BS. If the last two years of this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that business and personal life are not separate—in fact, they’re more intertwined than ever.In this episode, I argue that a business should be personal in order for it to be successful. Employees deserve to be treated with respect—and like humans. In order to retain employees during the “Great Resignation” we must provide the benefits they deserve, and definitely not act under the guise of “business isn’t personal.”If you’ve heard this phrase from someone before, know that sometimes people are just justifying their ruthless behavior. And if you’re someone who uses this phrase, maybe this episode will change your mind.&nbsp;Episode Highlights:01:57 I don't think that we should be forced to show up as completely different people in our personal lives and at work.&nbsp;03:35 Business is personal because it is my business; I have poured so much of my time and energy into the company that I'm building.04:30 Business is personal because it is fueled by people.05:55 Business is personal because empathy is absolutely required to be a good leader. I don't think the idea that “it's not personal, its business” can be remotely combined with empathetic leadership.06:53 Business is personal because people buy from people. People connect with people and people buy on emotion.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Discounting: are you for it or against it? We’re tackling this controversial topic in this week’s Startup Survival episode.My two cents is that discounting sucks. I am not really into discounting my products and services for a number of reasons. In this episode, I’m sharing all my thoughts on why I believe discounting is bad for business.&nbsp;Tune in as we cover how to go about discounting, or not, whatever you choose; what discounting signals about your company; how to explain your policy to prospects; and more!Episode Highlights:00:45 No one feels good when negotiating a discount because it’s hard to feel like you actually got the best price.&nbsp;04:25 Even when you're scaling a company or growing a small business, it often feels like you do not have the power to tell people to walk over things like price.&nbsp;06:25 When you are looking to build a book of business with clients who can be long-term partners, then hard negotiations and upfront discounting is a major red flag.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Happy Monday, everyone! In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we are talking about expanding your company by hiring employees. Hiring employees seems like a natural next step when you’re growing a business, but it doesn’t always have to be. Most people don’t think hard enough about what it actually takes to hire, manage, retain, and grow a team.&nbsp;Tune in as I share with you the process I went through when I realized I needed to hire employees for my business. I’ll also weigh the pros and cons of being a solopreneur, and whether an employee or a contractor is the better hire.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, we are going to discuss the changes you’ll experience once you hire employees to help you with your business. When you start hiring, you’ll be spending your time differently than before—but when done correctly, this can be a huge benefit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Episode Highlights:01:05 Hiring employees seems like a natural step when you’re growing a business but it doesn’t always have to be.&nbsp;04:07 If you think expanding your team is the right way to go and you have the desire to be a manager, then you should consider whether you should hire employees or contractors.07:29 I decided it was time to start hiring employees because I wanted people that were fully committed to the mission.&nbsp;08:12 If you want to hire a team, you have to be prepared to spend less time doing the thing that you love.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Welcome to another episode of S*%! People Say! Today, we’re talking about what you can learn about someone from the way they treat others.I really hate it when people treat others poorly because they think someone is beneath them… And it’s almost worse when people treat someone better than others because they think that person has some power over their situation. In personal and professional relationships, it’s important to remember that how you treat one person is how you treat everyone.&nbsp;We all have examples of people who have shown us their true colors, and in this episode, I share two recent stories about what I’ve learned from the way people have treated me and my team.Episode Highlights00:41 I think we have the tendency to give people a pass when they treat one person poorly but treat other people well.&nbsp;03:04 In every business deal, there has to be a baseline of being respectful and kind.&nbsp;04:01 Pay attention to anyone who treats power differently than they treat others—they’re going to be a pain in the butt to work with.&nbsp;04:54 People who are kind to everyone are kind to everyone. People who are unkind, even if it’s to someone else, are likely to display that behavior towards you.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we cover one of the most important parts of starting a business: funding. While there are many funding options available for entrepreneurs, I found that bootstrapping worked best for me and my company.&nbsp;I won’t sugarcoat it: starting a business with no outside funding is a humongous challenge and incredibly risky. However, I’m so proud that I made it work because it meant I was able to grow my company without having to answer to anyone else. I had the freedom and flexibility I needed to build at my own pace and to trust my own instincts.&nbsp;Funding shouldn’t prevent someone with an awesome idea from building their company. Keep listening to hear my tips and tricks for bootstrapping your business and to learn from the mistakes I’ve made.&nbsp;&nbsp;Episode Highlights:01:45 The reality of bootstrapping is a lot riskier—but also a lot more rewarding.&nbsp;04:17 The key to success in bootstrapping is selling and using that money to fund the company. All startups need to sell, but bootstrapping inherently provides a different level of motivation.&nbsp;05:15 Invest in the foundation of the company right off the bat. I chose to invest in people before building cash reserves.07:00 If I could do it all over again, I would have spent over a year or two building a really solid professional network.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s Big Questions, Short Answers episode, we are talking about how to become a better leader—or rather, how to avoid becoming your employees’ least favorite manager ever.&nbsp;We’ve all had bosses we couldn’t stand, but hopefully we’ve all also had bosses who empowered us and nurtured our careers. In this episode, I’ll highlight the differences between the two and the impact it has on your workplace as you build your company.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, I share what I’ve learned about how to become a better leader. By being willing to take a hard look at your own shortcomings, and by rewarding your team for their efforts, you can cultivate strong leadership within your organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;Episode highlights00:59 To be a good leader, you have to be a real person. When managers force their authority on people, it ruins the boss-employee relationship.&nbsp;03:49 Bad managers can create a toxic work environment, continually forcing the people that work under them to leave.&nbsp;05:18 The best bosses I’ve had gave me freedom and flexibility. They let me use them as a resource. They challenged me, and they gave me hard and direct feedback.&nbsp;06:48 In eight years of growing my company, here’s what I’ve learned about how to become a better boss.More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s S*%! People Say episode; we’re talking about being a working parent. People often think that being a good parent and being successful are mutually exclusive. I don’t think that’s true at all, and I’ll tell you why today.In this episode, I share the story that made me really understand this stigma almost 10 years ago. Unfortunately, not much has changed, and there are still a lot of assumptions around parents who are working hard on their own dreams and also raising a family.If you are a parent chasing your dreams, some people are going to judge you. It’s almost inevitable. You can use it as fuel to be even more present at work and home, even more strategic with how you use your time—or it can take you down. It’s really up to you.Episode Highlights:1:35 Being a good parent is really about the quality time that you spend with your kids and being there when they need you.&nbsp;2:28 A friend of mine at the time, or a woman who I thought was a friend of mine, kind of out of the blue said “some mother you are”.3:14 I believe this happened because society told her that you could not be successful, have your own life, and be a mother.&nbsp;4:10 Women are taught to feel guilty when they chase their own dreams instead of dedicating their lives to others.&nbsp;4:44 If you’re a parent chasing your dreams, some people are going to judge you.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Today, we’re discussing a true survival story: my entrepreneurial journey. I recently realized that I have never really told MY story on this podcast, so I will tell you a short(ish) version of the journey. Buckle up!First, we are going to talk a little bit about my personal experiences while I built my first business, a cookie company. Then I’ll talk about how I started and grew Accelity—the good, the bad, the very ugly, and all the lessons I’ve learned from bootstrapping my agency to 7-figures in a global pandemicMy biggest lesson is that you have to trust the process. Consistency and persistence are two of the greatest strengths of an entrepreneur. Don’t give up, and thanks for tuning in!Episode Highlights:01:14 When I was growing up, stability was emphasized by my dad. He did not go to college, and he thought that going to college and getting a good job was the right path for me.&nbsp;03:18 I really didn’t realize when we started how hard it would be to make a profit.&nbsp;05:23 I didn’t know when I started my agency that the up and down roller coaster would last for five years.&nbsp;08:17 I still ask myself all the time, am I in this? Is this something that I want to keep doing? Of course, my answer is always a resounding yes, but sometimes it takes me a little bit to get there.&nbsp;08:41 There’s no perfect formula to growing a company. It’s hard, but it’s a different kind of hard.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Welcome to another Monday episode of Big Questions, Short Answers! IMO, the goals you set should make you uncomfortable, and maybe even scare you. So today, we’re discussing how I found out that mine weren’t big enough, and how to examine yours.Listen in as I share how I went from thinking small and setting goals just within an arm’s reach to really pushing myself, and the early seeds that planted a lot of growth—not just for me, but for my company, Accelity.&nbsp;Finally, at the end of the episode, we are going to discuss auditing who is in your circle and why that matters in relation to setting huge goals. Growth can be uncomfortable, but the results are also so incredibly rewarding. If you want more tips on how to grow via setting goals, this episode is for you!&nbsp;Episode Highlights:00:50 Your goals should make you uncomfortable, and they should scare you.&nbsp;2:45 It’s been easy to lose sight of those big goals while we’re surviving these past couple of years, but my mind is opening up to new things.&nbsp;4:02 I think a lot of people take pleasure in other people’s misery. Comparing yourself to make sure you’re doing better doesn’t make you any better.&nbsp;4:22 The people that I spend time with now are big thinkers, and they’re action takers.&nbsp;4:48 They challenge me, they don’t put up with my crap, and they make me think larger.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In today’s S*%! People Say episode; we’re talking about a word I’ve been called plenty of times in my career—aggressive. Over the years, I’ve decided to accept and own the label to make it mine (instead of letting people define it for me).&nbsp;I have been called this soooo many times and find it SUPER interesting, especially as a woman. Listen in as I share a quick look at what the labels aggressive and assertive actually mean, how to overcome them, and what to do if you're battling this same issue.If you’ve been labeled aggressive or otherwise, please know that you are absolutely not alone. We can’t control people’s perceptions of us, but through good communication, we can try to get on the same page and use these opportunities to examine ourselves.Episode Highlights:00:59 I believe that women are often looked at as “aggressive” for doing things that the world doesn’t bat an eye at unless it’s women taking that action.01:35 To me, the difference between these two words (aggressive and assertive) is often in the perceiver’s eye.&nbsp;01:50 Women actually have a very long history of being labeled aggressive in the workplace. I believe that is because assertive behavior is expected from men, and it is often a shock when it comes from women.05:00 The label aggressive is a heavy one to carry and it kind of dimmed my light a little bit. It made me less bold. I tried to fit in. I took fewer risks.&nbsp;06:04 There is some merit in every piece of feedback. Every criticism often has some layer of truth, even though we don’t want to admit it.07:07 One of the keys of life—is figuring out how to tailor your communication to each person in your life (to speak in a way that they can hear you).&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite&nbsp;&nbsp;

Happy Wednesday, friends! In this Startup Survival episode, we cover the 3 biggest mistakes that I’ve made during my journey in building a 7-figure business from scratch.&nbsp;Frankly, I’ve made a LOT of mistakes in the past and I continue to make mistakes. Making mistakes is normal… everyone does it! That being said, the smartest entrepreneurs and professionals can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid making the same mistakes themselves.Listen in today, as we will discuss the biggest mistakes I made in detail, coupled with solutions that I’ve learned while making them, including hiring mistakes, scaling mistakes, and a lot more.Episode Highlights:00:58 I think the best entrepreneurs and professionals can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid making those same mistakes themselves.01:31 I have always been a “go with my gut” kind of person, which is fine in many situations, but you can’t structure a company based on your gut feelings.04:04 I avoided doing the more active outreach because I didn’t want to be annoying, and I was too soft to hear the word “no.”05:16 Remember to sell even when you think you do not have to. If you’re running a service-based company like mine, it is often feast or famine.06:31 There’s no way to ensure that every single hire you make will work out.Here are the Traction books I mentioned—if you want to check them out!https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-library&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

In today’s Big Questions, Short Answers episode, we are answering a question that most high achievers run into at some point—am I burning out?&nbsp;I think we all know when we are on the verge of burning out. After having gone through this myself a number of times and coaching my team members through periods of burnout, I’ve realized that if we are self aware enough, we can identify when we’re approaching it.&nbsp;In this episode, we discuss the warning signs of burnout (that many people choose to ignore), and what to do once you identify those signs. Then, we will also talk about some of the coping strategies that have been working for me. If you’re feeling on the verge of burnout, this episode is definitely for you!&nbsp;Episode Highlights01:04 We can identify approaching burnout and when it will happen, and we can do something about it. But most people do not.02:24 I think we also ignore our physical health when it comes to burnout.03:54 The strain of managing everyone else’s emotions and all of the changes just turned into not a great situation. I couldn’t even identify the burnout until I was 100% in it.05:42 Every single day, without fail, I was writing, “it’s OK to take a break.” Your body and mind are telling you that you need a break, so take it and give yourself some grace.07:11 When my body isn’t recovering as it should, I know that I have to slow down.07:19 I’ve also found that lowering my expectations during workouts helps prevent burnout.08:00 I watch my and my team’s capacity at work.Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Welcome to another Friday episode of S*%! People Say! Today, we’re talking about bad advice and how to go about finding GOOD mentors and coaches. IMO, most advice is bad advice. Make sure you vet the people you’re taking advice from.Early in my career, I was really skeptical of the advice of others. I wondered how valuable mentors and coaches would be for me and it took me a little too long to get onboard with having a coach.In this episode, we’ll also dive into social media perception. We’ve chatted about this before: if people look like they have it really good, make sure they actually do before you take their advice.&nbsp;At the end of this episode, we discuss how to find coaches and mentors that you trust. If you’re looking for a coach, make sure you find someone you jive with, who holds you accountable and challenges you to be the best version of yourself!&nbsp;Episode Highlights:02:12 I truly believe that mentors and coaches are one of the major keys to success.&nbsp;03:30 I typically look for humble people that I respect who are on the same path as me and only give advice when I ask for it.&nbsp;05:04 When you are looking for mentors, the biggest thing is respect. Look for someone who has proven themselves. They have done what you want them to do and are willing to help you get where they are.&nbsp;07:48 When you are looking for a coach, make sure that you find someone who guides you and asks questions (versus telling you what to do). And accountability is key.Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Listen to this Startup Survival episode if you’ve ever been a victim of a meeting that should’ve been an email. (Okay, that’s everyone.) Today, we are talking all about why spending less time in meetings is crucial for your success.&nbsp;First, we’ll talk about auditing your schedule to ensure the time you spend is productive and that you leave the time needed to get focused work done. Honestly, I think I could record an entire hour on the tactical ways to get this done—but to stick with the promise of this podcast (10 minutes or less!), I’ll cover two solid ways to protect your time.At the end of the episode, I leave you with one bonus tip on saying NO politely. Remember, friends, make sure the way you spend your time is lockstep your long-term goals!Episode Highlights:00:45 I think we are too nice to say no or have a hard time deciphering what is exactly worth our time and what isn’t.&nbsp;01:18 How to audit your schedule to ensure that the time you spend is truly the best use of it.&nbsp;04:08 You should have a minimum of two hours a day where you are super focused, and nothing can come between you and the focused work.05:49 Make sure that every meeting has an agenda.&nbsp;07:09 I made it a company-wide policy that my team should leave meetings when they are not needed.&nbsp;08:00 Learn how to say no politely; this is an art that we all have to master to protect our time.&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Happy Monday! In today’s Big Questions, Short Answers episode, we’re answering the question: how do you find the time?&nbsp;TBH, as long as you believe that someday you’re going to magically find more time—you’re definitely not going to have the time to build your side hustle, get that promotion or do anything else. (I know because I spent years believing this too.)&nbsp;In this episode, I talk about where I went wrong in trying to find time, burnout, and the ONE thing that finally worked for me, a time study. (My business coach had me audit my time and it’s a game-changer. Beware: completing a time study is going to open your eyes to your own BS. Get ready!)My last piece of advice is to explicitly write out the steps that will get you from where you are now to where you want to be—and hold yourself accountable to them. The simple steps covered in this episode worked for me, and I bet they’ll help you make more time.&nbsp;Episode Highlights:00:59 As long as you believe that someday you will magically find more time, you are almost certainly not going to.02:20 Back in the early 2010’s, all the business influencers were saying that working 60 to 80 hours a week was the only way to get a business off the ground.&nbsp;03:15 My business coach had me log all of my time for a full week, down to each tiny detail.&nbsp;05:40 When you know where your time is going, you should be able to give yourself back time.08:20 Complete a time study to examine how you’re spending your time, and then make a plan to spend it differently.Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTok

In today’s S*%! People Say episode, we’re discussing what to do when people lash out at you. Of course, it goes without saying, people will inevitably lash out at you here and there—but not always for the reasons you think.People lash out in all different ways. Having a fairly active personal brand, it happens to me all the time on social media via comments, DMs, etc. Unfortunately, lashing out also happens in real life with your friends and family. Often in this case, it’s actually because they trust you or are closest to you… I’ll tell you how I learned this and what I do with this information.Finally, at the end of the episode, we will get into how to respond when someone is lashing out at you. Stay strong out there, my friends!Episode highlights:02:51 - Give yourself one hour to feel all of your feelings and to rage.05:13 - People that are close to you lash out at you because they trust you. They feel comfortable acting in a way that they may not feel comfortable acting in other situations.&nbsp;06:29 - The most important thing to know about someone lashing out at you is that retaliating is about the worst thing that you can do.&nbsp;07:12 - If you can take a deep breath and take in what they are saying, and maybe even relate to them, it will take you a long way in these situations.Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

Happy Hump Day! Today in this Startup Survival episode, we’re talking about why NO should be your favorite word. IMO, saying no kindly is one of the most important skills you must learn if you want to be successful.&nbsp;In this episode, we’ll discuss how to prioritize what to say yes to—and how to get more comfortable declining those invitations when you inevitably say no. Then, I’ll cover one of my favorite books (Essentialism by Greg McKeown) that changed my entire approach to how I say no.It’s SO important to learn how to say “no”—and that’s a muscle that only grows with patience, time and consistency.Episode highlights:02:13 - Are you saying no nicely? Are you tough but kind? And are you saying no to the right things?04:04 - The awkward pause approach05:05 - The “No, but” approach05:55 - The rule approach06:50 - Be straightforward. You can say no in a straightforward way with a lot of kindness.&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

Happy November! In today’s episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about a question I ask myself all the time: should I be growing faster? Unfortunately, the startup world has continued to glorify sudden growth. My two cents? There is honor in growing slowly and steadily over time.In this episode, we discuss how quickly you should be growing. My entire story is one of pretty slow progress, and I am proud of that because slow progress is a product of persistence, patience, and hard work. Growth is something to be proud of no matter how quickly or slowly it happenedUltimately, if you’re here listening, you’re already putting aside time to grow (which puts you ahead in so many ways). Have faith in the process and have faith in yourself. Keep going!&nbsp;Episode highlights:01:03 - Growth almost never comes fast, and change almost never comes fast either.&nbsp;02:49 - Who determines how quickly a company should grow? And what is fast? It depends on what you’re comparing your growth to.&nbsp;03:31 - My progress has been a long slow path as well.&nbsp;06:35 - Have faith in the process, and have faith in yourself. Keep going. It does not matter how fast or slow you go, as long as you continue on.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

Hello and Happy Friday! In this S*%! People Say, episode, we are going to talk about backhanded compliments. Trust me when I say, as a female founder especially, I’ve heard plenty of them.&nbsp;TBH, I think that most people don’t even realize when they’re delivering backhanded compliments. So today, we are going to discuss some of the things that people assume (and have said to both me and others). Then we will get into how to address biases and backhanded compliments head-on.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, we will talk about how to directly respond by addressing these backhanded compliments in a tactful way. If you’re unsure how to deal with backhanded compliments in general, this episode is definitely for you.&nbsp;Episode highlights:01:23 - There is a wide range of backhanded compliments, and some of them you might just take with a smile. But there are other comments on the spectrum you absolutely cannot take with a smile, and you must call out.&nbsp;02:04 - Many of us are taught to smile and nod instead of calling people on their bias.&nbsp;02:15 - The callout method is not especially helpful. It can make you feel good, but the receiver is not going to learn anything.&nbsp;02:59 - Usually, when you address a backhanded compliment head-on, people are surprised.03:11 - Hopefully, when you address these compliments, the people giving them will think twice before delivering compliments in such a manner in the future.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

Welcome to this Wednesday’s Startup Survival episode! Today, we are going to discuss why a lot of marketing programs fail. (Disclaimer: this is a nuanced topic that I cannot cover *fully* in 10 minutes. But I will share the single biggest reason I see marketing programs bomb!)First, we’re going to discuss some of the common pitfalls that people get into when approaching their marketing. Then we will get into some of the key ingredients of marketing strategies that actually work.&nbsp;At the end of the episode, I will share with you a few real-world examples that you can apply to your marketing today.&nbsp;And of course, I have to mention that my startup marketing course walks you all the way from planning to execution, testing and measuring. Be sure to check it out— I’ll leave a link from you here below. Jackie Hermes startup marketing courseEpisode highlights:00:35 - We get caught up in a lot of the options, and we think we have to build this crazy system that focuses on “should.”&nbsp;03:58 - Your website has to have a couple of things right: 1) a clear message, 2) a clear flow.&nbsp;05:21 - You do not have to be on every single social media platform.06:25 - Ask yourself where your audience is spending time, and produce content specifically for that platform.&nbsp;07:18 - Choose what you can do, and do it well.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about the key ingredients to success. They are not necessarily what you think they are. The ingredients we are talking about are not material things at all.&nbsp; Money and connections may enable you to move faster but many people blow their “leg up” by making dumb choices or being impatient. And most people give up before they even have a chance to taste the success they want because they miss those key ingredients we’re talking about in this episode.&nbsp;&nbsp;Episode highlights:00:58 - You need 1) a smart plan, 2) the dedication to work hard, 3) consistency, and 4) patience.&nbsp;04:03 - What I was missing during those years was a solid growth plan and some of the resources. I am in the place I am today only because of consistency, hard work, and patience.&nbsp;04:33 - If you’re struggling right now or wondering if what you’re doing is working, take a look at your plan.&nbsp;05:02 - Stay patient, stay consistent, stay humble, and remember: there is really no such thing as an overnight success.&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;Jackie HermesLinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite &nbsp;

Happy Friday! In this Sh*t People Say episode, we’re talking about what to do when people say you’re wasting your time on something. People LOVE to debate about what is a waste of time versus what isn’t… and frankly, what you choose to spend your time on is none of their business.Listen in as we discuss dealing with the challenge of people not ‘understanding’ how you are choosing to spend your time. Later in the episode, we’ll also get into when to take these opinions from others more seriously while pursuing your vision and goals. (Disclaimer, it’s a good idea to get opinions from qualified people.)Remember, ultimately, you are in control, not other people. No one can really determine whether you’re wasting your time but you.Episode Highlights:01:33 People love to share their opinions. (That’s what this entire segment is about.)&nbsp;02:09 Often I end up discovering that people think I’m wasting my time because they don’t get it. They don’t understand my vision, my motivation or my goals—and that’s okay.&nbsp;05:03 Everyone has different opinions, the most important thing to learn is how to gather feedback from others and take that feedback in a neutral way.&nbsp;06:11 If you can consider the worst-case scenario and you can be fine in the event that it happens, then I think you can be much more confident in your decisions.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we talk about how to go about spotting a potentially “crappy” customer during the sales process. Sometimes identifying a crappy potential customer is simple—but most of the time, it’s not.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll get into a few of the ‘warning signs’ to be on the lookout for with prospects and discuss important things to consider, like whether your potential customer is a good or bad pain in the ass (PITA) and how to identify both. Because, honestly, how you’re treated during the sales process is a very good sign of how your team will be treated after the deal is done.&nbsp;Make sure to tune in to hear all the practical tips on how to spot a crappy customer from the start—and if you have a potentially crappy customer already on your roster, it’s time to strongly consider getting rid of them.&nbsp;Episode Highlights:03:12 When you have an unhappy client, of course, you have to fix it, but I think there is a nice and a productive way to address issues (versus a just straight up rude way).05:48 If your potential customer has unrealistic expectations, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.&nbsp;06:11 They say that one that speaks poorly about others to you is likely to speak badly about you to others.&nbsp;06:52 When you’re delivering a service, the price is the price.&nbsp;08:54 When you see a potential crappy customer, you have to move on and it will pay you dividends in the end.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we’re talking about whether or not the word “hustle” and the concepts behind it are valid. The word hustle was popular for a while… then it wasn’t… then it was… now it isn’t. So what’s the deal? Is there still merit to the word? What does it actually mean, and is the concept of hustling to grow a company still valid?The word “hustle” has really experienced a sharp rise in popularity and a sharp fall over the last decade or so. Influencers like Gary V preached that we should all hustle (or put tons of ours into our work)—but most of them recently stopped. My two cents is that even though the term hustle may be momentarily dead, many of the ideas behind the word (like consistency and hard work) most definitely are not.As always, the trick is to figure out what works the best for you. In this episode, we’ll dissect the term “hustle” and what’s behind it, and figure out how to apply it to your life.Episode Highlights02:36 I am not a believer you can work way less and you can earn way more. I think the amount that you work, and how hard and smart you work is correlated to the amount that you earn.&nbsp;04:34 I think the trick is figuring out what works for you.&nbsp;05:19 Ask yourself, what is your point of diminishing returns?05:44 Hustle to me means working smart, working hard, and working consistently.&nbsp;More about the show:&nbsp;​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this S*%! People Say episode, we talk a little more in-depth about the importance of auditing your circle of friends. Remember that not every person you meet will remain friends with you for the rest of your life—and that’s exactly how it should be.Keep the people around who inspire you every day, the ones who make you a better person. Alternatively, some people are toxic (or maybe you’re just toxic for each other) and should be removed from your life for a variety of reasons. It’s important to do this to move forward with both your goals and your personal growth.With this in mind, I have a little exercise that will help you know who to keep and let go of—make sure you listen in for these tips.Episode Highlights:2:09 - Just because someone is nice doesn't mean that you must keep in touch with them and it doesn’t mean that you should dedicate your precious/limited time to maintaining a friendship2:45 - People that are negative, or people that actively work against you have to be removed from your circle. Sometimes people just light up your nervous system in a bad way.4:21 - Something that successful people do, but most of the general population doesn’t, is adding people to their circle that represent what they want in the future or who they want to be.7:50 - Be patient, be persistent, be kind, be giving, and be grateful if they do give you their time.More about the show:&nbsp;www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Are you ready to get tactical with me today? In this Startup Survival episode, we are discussing three ideas to grow your business. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about building and growing a company… and not all of them were easy lessons by any means.Trying different things can turn out well, and it can turn out not so well. The three tips I’m sharing today eventually became an essential part of growing my business.Remember that in the startup world, it’s essential to find the perfect growth recipe for YOUR business. What works for me may or may not work for you. That said, these recommendations are tried and true by many business owners and I hope they work for you!Episode Highlights1:23 - The importance of getting specific with your target audience and how to go about doing it4:34 - Make sure you have a documented process of how you’ve sold in the past, then go out and see if you can find someone to sell for you, even part-time, to amp up your pipeline.5:10 LinkedIn is the easiest platform to grow on without putting a bunch of money into ads.5:20 You have to be willing to get out there and be super consistent. And you have to put in the time to grow an audience and to make connections and really build a community.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big questions, Short Answers, we talk about whether you really take care of yourself. Most of the time we show up for others WAY more than we show up for ourselves, and it has to stop.Unfortunately, most people don’t value showing up for themselves at all. For example, parents show up for their kids while running themselves ragged. We keep commitments with our friends even when we’re so exhausted we want to pass out. I want to share with you how I discovered the importance of taking care of myself and the little things that make me feel happier.Remind yourself that you should also be a priority in your life. Don’t over-commit to things, take care of yourself, and be kind to yourself.Are you doing things that make you happy? I urge you to do one thing today that will make you feel light and happy.Episode Highlights:2:30 - If you don’t make time for your health, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness3:23 - I now have finally gotten to the place where I am spending time taking care of myself, without guilt4:24 - Remember that you only have one body and you have one life. You are a limited edition, one of one.7:53 - Do you take care of yourself? If the answer is no or not as much as I would like to, then it’s time to change some habitsGet a free WHOOP 4.0 and your first month free when you join with my link: https://join.whoop.com/#/0CB4B5&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In the episode of S*%! People Say, we are talking about perception versus reality when it comes to social media. Remember that nothing is as it appears! The people who flaunt it the most often have the least. There are so many things going beyond closed doors.&nbsp;Today, I’m going to share with you a story that is a perfect example of this.&nbsp;This episode is more of a ‘PSA’ versus a tactical episode. Often, these digital narratives are fake. Unfortunately, social media is where far too many people seek validation or flaunting a phony identity.Does social media make you feel bad? Like you’re not enough? If so, this episode is for you.HIGHLIGHTS1:03 - How negative Social Media can be and why1:46 - A story about someone that looked really well off on social media that actually… wasn’t2:49 - Curate your feed and follow&nbsp; the people that make you happyMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Startup Survival, we’re talking about all things sales. Sales is often a topic that makes some people run for the hills…think, car salesman or someone who leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Often the negative ideas surrounding sales come from a bad personal experience.However, as a business owner, entrepreneur, or really any professional, it’s vital to know how to sell. Don’t let someone else represent your company before you know how to do it.Literally, every person in every department needs to understand how to sell.Do you know how to sell yourself? Or your work product? Many people don’t even realize how much we sell in our everyday lives—we sell our priorities, to our spouses to get buy-in on a new house project, etc.&nbsp;In this episode, we cover the importance of knowing how to sell, and how to go about learning the skill.HIGHLIGHTS3:15 - How important sales skills are for me and everyone else4:02 - My Journey before and after joining bootcamps.6:10 - Learning how to sell, and/or get an accountable friend.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big questions, Short Answers, we discuss practical ways to maximize your productivity. To begin, ask yourself this: Are you productive or are you just busy?&nbsp;Being over-committed and doing a lot of tasks makes our daily schedules pretty hectic. But, honestly, it can happen quite easily, quickly filling up a calendar to capacity (and suddenly you wonder where all your time went).&nbsp;Are the things you are doing in the last year actually productive? How does saying ‘No’ to an activity you don’t want to participate in help you be productive? These are questions that I answer in today’s podcast.Critical thinking is a must in creating a plan on what things we should focus on and do. We can save a ton of time focusing on what is a priority and eliminating the things that don’t help us reach our goals.&nbsp;It is not always easy to remove commitments, but if it will not help you in the future, it’s better to let it go.HIGHLIGHTS1:50 - My story of being over-committed and having a hectic day-to-day schedule3:58 - Looking at my schedule in a more realistic way4:49 - Closing projects that do not relate, and continuing what is priority5:37 - A challenge for you to tryMore about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of S*%! People Say, we talk about controlling what goes into your mind—which is much easier said than done. You are absolutely in charge of the information you consume. People are stressed out constantly by not filtering what goes into the brain (the news, social media, negative people, etc.) and I used to get bogged down by external inputs and negativity, too.It’s easy to unfollow, unfriend or muting, in practice. But a lot harder in reality. In this episode I share tips on how you can control what goes into your mind: turning off the TV, unsubscribing from podcasts or people, etc.Last but not least is breaking up with friends or family—most don’t but you CAN make this choice. Get clear and set boundaries with who you want to be around. Ultimately, it’s all up to you.&nbsp;Episode highlights:03:14 - At one point, in my late 20s, I was consuming so much gloom and doom news that it was getting hard for me to focus on anything else.&nbsp;03:30 - Your family and friends are the hardest to censor.&nbsp;04:35 - Social media: it is easy to unfollow, unfriend, or mute in theory, but it is harder in practice. Or you can shut down the platform if it is not serving you anymore.&nbsp;06:14 - The news: turn off the TV. Turn off the notifications. Find the news source that works for you.&nbsp;07:58 - Breaking up with friends or family. More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This week’s Startup Survival topic is quitting. What to do when you want to quit? It seems like everyone on the planet says “I’m not a quitter”—so, I’m going to tell you about a few things I quit and how I honestly felt about it.&nbsp;Recently, I left my founding role in a local organization hosting free events for women entrepreneurs. Why did I quit? It impacted my mental health—I was running myself ragged, and I had to put myself first. The women who are taking this over have a great plan and I’m looking forward to supporting them while no longer spearheading the lead.On the flipside, I remember a time I shouldn’t have quit 20 YEARS after it happened. When I was a senior, I quit cheerleading. I had dedicated seven years of my life to the sport and I ended up quitting due to being pissed. I still regret ending my cheerleading career on such a low note.&nbsp;It’s absolutely okay to quit things… if you’re doing it for the right reasons.&nbsp;Episode highlights:00:40 - Quitting the Women’s Entrepreneurship Week for the right reasons.02:55 - Quitting cheerleading in high school for the wrong reasons.05:40 - A few reasons you should consider when you want to quit:&nbsp; 1) Why do you want to quit? 2) Can you make any changes to make this more sustainable for yourself? 3) Do you want to keep going? 4) Never make a snap decision.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This week’s big question with a short answer is “do you have what it takes?” I’ve asked myself this question repeatedly while growing a company. In some ways, I think I’m really lucky to have come out of the womb as a pig-headed person. Maybe that’s not a nice thing to say about yourself (ha) but it’s true! I’m too stubborn to quit, and having what it takes is a mindset game above all. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else.&nbsp;Do you do daily affirmations? I used to think it was corny but now there are a few I use in my everyday life. If I feel like I can’t push through, I tell myself these things on repeat.&nbsp;Remember your inner voice is influenced by what you repeat to yourself and what your mind consumes. Quit taking in all the negative BS around you. Be sure to monitor how much of the news or other people you are consuming. Most importantly, you get to choose what’s best for you!Episode highlights:02:05 - You have to be too stubborn to quit to have what it takes to do whatever you want to do.02:25 - Believe. You have to get to a place where you deeply believe in yourself before you can convince anyone else to believe in you.&nbsp;03:40 - Daily affirmations - I have just a few that I use.&nbsp;&nbsp;05:55 - Control your mind. You are in control of what your mind consumes, so start acting like it.&nbsp;06:38 - Make your list of absolute non-negotiables.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

This week during our S*%! People Say episode, we're talking about people that doubt and/or hate on you. During my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve been met with plenty of criticism from both doubters and haters. While growing any company, and as you work to find a new career, plenty of negative opinions will be given along the way. So how do you deal with the unknown? What about unfair judgment and negative opinions?&nbsp;I want to share with you a little more today about how I’ve dealt with both doubters and haters. (They are both rooted in their own fears. I often imagine the negativity must impact their life in a variety of ways as well.)&nbsp;Over the years, I’ve found many ways to try and sympathize with the people who are being critical. It’s not easy, but you absolutely do not have to take on the negativity. Remember that success is absolutely a mental game, and no matter what people say to you, how you react is 90% of what matters.&nbsp; Episode highlights:02:26 - I think that a doubter’s message comes from within themselves, from their own internal insecurities.&nbsp;03:20 - A hater’s message comes from their own feelings about themselves. They seek out things to hate on.&nbsp;&nbsp;06:05 - I try to sympathize with my doubters and with my haters. Instead of being a screwed-up person, I try to stand in their shoes.&nbsp;08:40 - The doubt and the hate are absolutely not about you. Getting to a place where you do not immediately react in an emotional way is a really good first step.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcastHit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this Startup Survival episode, we talk about something that has been on everyone’s mind lately: hiring. Maybe you’ve heard of the ‘mass exodus’ in 2021? So many people are leaving jobs due to thousands of new jobs being posted out there every day with not enough people to fill them.&nbsp;(Which, for a quick sidebar, PSA: Never talk bad about a former employee or employer. It just won’t get you very far.)&nbsp;My company had an experience with this ‘exodus’ a little earlier in late 2020, so hopefully, my pain can be your gain with the lessons learned (especially lessons in the last 6 months). Some of these lessons came from mistakes, lack of policies, or not asking enough questions in the hiring process.In the startup world, every single hire is important. Bottom line: We are all growing and making mistakes. These lessons are hopefully things that will help you out when you are hiring.&nbsp;Episode highlights:01:50 - If you are looking for a new job, or hiring, you do not talk poorly about employees or your former employers, even if things didn't go right when you were there.&nbsp;02:36 - You have to be insanely upfront in the hiring process. Tell people what challenges they are going to encounter when they join your company.04:29 - Do not make policies that force employees or potential employees to hide things from you.&nbsp;07:11 - Stop hiring employees because you like them or because they like you. Make sure that you’re looking for the skills fit.&nbsp;More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

In this episode of Big Questions, Short Answers, we talk about the important questions you should be asking yourself on a regular basis. Personally, I have always filled my schedule to the brim. This left very little time for me. Maybe you can relate? It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to take the time to spend time by myself and really think.&nbsp;One way I do this now is by journaling, it helps me set an intention that I never did before starting this practice. The ‘High-Performance Habits Journal’ truly helps me align with my day, my creative process and my priorities. I also have gone public and ask questions on forums and my LinkedIn. These questions can range from personal, to mindset, to business, to productivity – they are all over the board.&nbsp;Do you ask yourself important questions? Things such as: Do you like this person you have become? Are you happy? If you subscribe to my newsletter, you probably have noticed I frequently answer questions asked by readers as well. I genuinely believe that we all can learn something from each other, and hopefully, some of these habits can help keep you accountable too.&nbsp;Episode Highlights0:59 - We fill our schedules to the brim and we overcommit ourselves to avoid having to feel feelings.02:56 - Do I wanna do what I'm doing everyday? Am I happy? These are big huge questions that we have been asking ourselves?05:12 - Starting to journal really forced me to ask myself those questions and answer them every single day.&nbsp;7:24 The public accountability and the public support of you asking these questions and digging into your own mind is crazy and it’s key for me.Sign up for my weekly letter: www.jackiehermes.com/sign-up-now More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Welcome to the first episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship podcast with your host Jackie Hermes. As the Founder and CEO of Accelity, a marketing agency, Jackie bootstrapped her company from 0 to 7 figures with no partners and zero funding. Are you building your company? Are you trying to climb in your career? Jackie is doing the exact same thing right now. If you want to go on this journey with someone right there with you, you’re in the right place. Throughout these 10 min podcast episodes, you will get no-BS advice on what it takes to grow a company.Are you ready to do the work? Then let’s go!Highlights01:59 - I definitely recommend that for anyone who is starting a company.&nbsp; Start it on the side of your day job if you can.03:16 - I made and lost a ton of money. I have underpriced my services.04:13- I’m right here with you.More about the show: ​​www.jackiehermes.com/podcast&nbsp;Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite

Let's be honest: building a company from nothing is freaking hard. It has been for me. I grew my company Accelity from 0 to 7 figures with no partners and no funding. I'm also a startup mentor, a speaker, and a dedicated mother of three. Welcome to The Art of Entrepreneurship podcast—I’m your host, Jackie Hermes.Listen in as I share all the mistakes I’ve made and, more importantly, what I’ve learned from them, with no fluff, and no rose-colored glasses. The Art of Entrepreneurship is a show where we cut through the BS and dig into what it actually takes to start and grow a business.&nbsp;I’ll be giving unfiltered advice in 3 episodes per week, 10 minutes per episode each. I want you to walk away from this podcast with the mindset and tools you need to be successful.This podcast is for entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and busy professionals with a short attention span (like me)—you’ll get quick-hitting, actionable information in every single episode. If you give me your time, I promise it won't be wasted. Now let's get to work!Hit me up!LinkedInInstagramTikTokWebsite