Cassie Tucker once again joins me as host and draws a parallel we can all learn from. As a former park ranger, I found that every park has two types of stories it tells: learned stories and earned stories.
Learned stories are the stories that we tell. It is the information provided to guests; the content we choose for them to learn and use to enhance their experience. Earned stories are the stories they discover for themselves while visiting us. These are the actives and actions they do and take that create their own experience to pull from. There is a strong connection between earned stories, even more so than learned, because it is their own.
As leaders, we can apply this to our own businesses. Learned stories are what you present to your clients. Earned stories are how people experience you and your business. As we approach our business with a “Park” mentality, we learn how to cultivate our client's experiences and foster the space for them to earn their stories. You can intentionally create an environment for people to encounter their own earned stories, which is a win-win for everyone.
Connect with Jody:
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Quotes:
“If you can help people earn their stories, they are the hero, and you are not. You don’t want to be the hero, because it’s not about you”
As is customary, Orlando Leyba returns to ask me three questions of his own. This episode has a little surprise: Orlando answers his questions, so you get a two-for-one deal.
First, why did you leave being a Park Ranger? Simply put, three things changed in my life. Not surprisingly, they cover a wide range of impacts.
Second, what is peace to you? If you have listened to this show for any length, you probably won’t be surprised at my answer. Can you guess?
Lastly, what is important in life? That is a big question, but the answer is surprisingly simple. What about you? What is important in life for you?
It doesn't matter if you are a comedian, or a podcaster; a satellite engineer, or a park ranger, there are themes in life that are universal. It is nice to see that on display today.
https://www.instagram.com/heylando/
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Most of us have a dream, but few people break from security to pursue their passion. Orlando Leyba did just that. A former satellite engineer turned comedian, Orlando shares his journey from working on CBS news to guesting three separate times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Orlando experienced multiple career paths before discovering his passion for stand-up comedy. After participating in a local improv theater class gifted to him by his wife, Orlando began to focus his efforts on pursuing the path that resonated with him. Looking back, Orlando recognized a trend in his life. The entertainment industry had always been there, just on the periphery.
Once you discover what you are supposed to do, you recognize that your spirit talks to you and will show you what you are supposed to do. There is math in everything; a problem and a solution. You must identify the situation you are up against and determine what needs to be done. Don’t just settle for being where something happens. Find the environment that was designed for what you want to do and get in it. Do the work of helping the journey along, and the journey will start helping you too.
Surround yourself with people ahead of you as the journey opens those doors. There is a flow, an energy, to life. You give off energy. When you give off the right energy, you begin to see the flow to everything, where you can see and feel everything and how it is connected. The flow triggers good connection and interactions.
When you pursue your dreams, you have to understand there are parts of your journey you have control over and some you do not. Your content, how healthy you keep yourself, and what you do with the contacts you encounter are all within your control. Do what you can and connect to the flow. That is how you pursue your dream.
Connect with Orlando:
https://www.instagram.com/heylando/
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“Your spirit talks to you and is like you’re in the right place, so all you gotta do is your part, you’re in the right place, you got here, you’re good, you made it, to the right place, now do the work for this place.” Orlando Leyba
I keep five notecards on my desk, each with a quote to help me keep my focus where it needs to be.
I replace two or three of those cards each year with new quotes. When I start the year with new quotes, I do an episode of The Jody Maberry Show with Jeff Noel to share the five quotes.
Here are my five quotes for 2023:
"Trade your expectations for appreciation." - Tony Robbins
"Do your best and forgive yourself." - Admiral Payne
"This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before." - Maya Angelou
"Don't get ready. Be ready." - Lee Cockerell
"Happy present moment." - Jeff Noel
In 2023, I choose quotes to help me focus more on today. I want to enjoy today more, give attention to priorities, get ready, and use today as best I can. So I selected quotes to remind me to stop getting distracted by what might happen tomorrow and enjoy today. Everything I need, I have with me today.
I've been doing the Five Things I Say to Myself cards for several years, which has worked well for me so far as it helps me give attention to what I think I need to work on this year.
Most of us use the New Year to set new goals or resolutions. Lee Cockerell recently told me something that changed how I view the beginning of the year.
"The New Year begins every morning" - Lee Cockerell
If something is good enough to start doing at the beginning of the year, it is good enough to begin on March 5th or a random Tuesday.
If something is enough of a problem, you should stop doing it as New Year's resolution; you should stop doing it tomorrow. Or today.
Understanding that the New Year begins every morning allows you to start over each day.
How refreshing to realize we get a new chance each day to start on new goals, rebuild a relationship, make new connections, and take care of our problems.
Matt McWilliams returns, as is customary, to ask his three questions. Matt is the author of Turn Your Passions into Profits, and his questions continue to add value to our previous conversations.
First, in his book, Matt discusses seven types of leaders, ranging from the Master Maestro to the Cordial Caregiver. Out of these seven leaders, what type are you? I can narrow it down to two, but you may be surprised at which two it is.
Next, what is my ideal avatar? Their name, values, pains, and so on? If you have listed to the show for any length of time, I’m guessing you can answer this question in part, but I will give you a hint: it involves a specific group of people with a story to tell.
Lastly, which of my lead magnets has been the best? It is another toss-up. Both were great in their specific arena and were huge value ads.
The importance of the lead magnet is understanding that people have needs and asking yourself how you can give someone a quick win. When you provide value quickly, and for free, it makes people want to see what you can deliver on in the long term.
Resources:
Preorder Matt’s Book
Connect with Matt
Connect with Jody:
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Quotes:
“If you can figure that out, how you can give someone a quick win, that happens in the next day or two, you’re on to something.” JM
“If they get that solutions, they get that quick win, they will come back for more.” MM
Matt McWilliams was a previous guest on the show and shared all about affiliate marketing. Jody invited Matt to come back and talk to us about his new book, "Turn Your Passions Into Profit". He has helped many people find success with their products. Now he is launching his own book to help even more people. Matt's book reveals how to find and attract your audience, build a following, and ultimately how to monetize your venture quickly and sustainably.
Matt had been trying to write a book for seven or eight years, but his busy schedule and commitments always seemed to get in the way. When a pandemic freed up his time, he was finally able to start writing and make progress on his book. With their operations manager as a productivity guru, Matt was able to write the book in 98 days, writing for only 17 minutes a day. Even though it was hard to delete some of his favorite sections, he was able to cut the 117,000 word manuscript down to 82,000 words. With the help of his editor, he was able to release the book and now share its message with the world.
Can you write for 20 minutes a day? Matt bets you can. You don't need fancy technology, just what you probably already have and a consistent plan. This is similar to the ten steps to becoming a successful online marketer that he talk about in his book. In this episode, Matt also shares his ideas on how you can create an effective lead magnet that addresses an immediate need in your target audience.
You can love what you're doing, but if you're not making any money doing it, you're going to give up on it. The book will show you the path. If you execute what Matt writes about in the book, you'll get there. The book is all about getting clear on who your audience is and who you're serving with. It's never been easier to get noticed, but it's harder to stand out.
Order Matt’s Book "Turn Your Passions into Profit"
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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"Discover how to offer help someone in the most effective and impactful way."
In this episode, Cassie and I talk about the way we meet and what she learned about how to offer to help someone. Over the years I have found that offering help in the proper way is essential when reaching out to someone. It is important to be specific about what you can bring to the table and to do your research on the brand or organization to understand what they are looking for. Building a relationship is key, and even if you hear a no initially, keep the relationship going as the opportunity might present itself in the future. Additionally, volunteering or becoming an intern is a great way to get started offering help and meeting people. Paying to attend someone's event or offering services for free as an example of your work can also be great ways to get your foot in the door.
In this episode, you will learn about:
1. Offering specific help instead of vague offers when seeking to collaborate or partner
2. Building relationships to increase chances of success in collaborations
3. Investing in someone's products and services as a way to demonstrate genuine care.
"Don't be afraid to pay to cut to the front of the line. If there's someone that you really want to meet and you want to eventually offer to help them in some way, don't be afraid to pay to get there if you can afford it."
Connect with Jody:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Website: https://jodymaberry.com/
Episode Highlights:
[00:00:23]
Lee and Cassie discuss the proper way to offer to help people. Do your research first, come back with specific ideas, and make your pitch personal. Having a relationship established first before you offer some sort of service can also help.
[00:06:09]
If you want to help out at someone's event, get to know the event. Offer to be an intern, offer to volunteer. Most people need help at events. If you can offer something specific as a way to help, then it really can open up an opportunity.
[00:11:20]
If there is a specific service that you're offering and it's something you can do remotely on your own, go for it. Doing the work for them and making it so easy for them to say yes is another great way to get your foot in the door.
[00:12:24]
The more that you can connect with someone over in person, over coffee, or over zoom calls, the better. Don't be afraid to pay to cut to the front of the line.
"The show starts the moment your foot hit the stage."
In this podcast episode, Cassie and I talk about navigating the irony of using humor and stories to presentations. We both find that they tend to add value without feeling like you are selling.
After speaking at a conference Cassie shares some valuable feedback regarding my performance. She emphasized the importance of owning the opening of a presentation. While I traditionally haven’t used slides, I’ve started to incorporate them for marketing purposes. If you are considering stories and slides for your next presentation, make sure you know the audience and are tailoring content towards them. Using stories to emphasize points and lessons and using humor to keep the audience engaged are beneficial to consider for your next presentations.
In this episode, you will learn the following:
1. How to create a memorable presentation by using visuals and stories
2. The importance of researching your audience and tailoring your content to them
3. Strategies for adding value without selling during a presentation
Connect with Jody
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
[00:01:17]
The show starts the moment your foot hits the stage. You need to own your opening. Those first appearances or first moments set the expectation for the rest of the presentation.
[00:04:05]
One thing people do at conferences is take photos of the presenter on stage. Consider the engaging factor of having some sort of visual element to tie in everything.
[00:08:03]
Most of your stories tied back to you being a park ranger. You use those stories to be able to enhance a point, and I think that's something unique to you. People pay attention when you tell park ranger stories. That's something that makes that presentation memorable.
[00:11:24]
Know your audience that you're speaking to and tailor your content towards that audience. Stories are good, but it helps to have a specific framework or tool that they can use.
[00:13:49]
Humor kept the audience engaged. Even if all of the humor is planned. People will remember that.
[00:17:16]
Almost everyone that I saw present did not try to push their services or their products. I didn't even talk about what I do or the services I do.
"Don't impose your bad day on other people - use problems as an opportunity to innovate and create better experiences than before."
Recently I was able to experience the magic of creative problem-solving firsthand when Cassie and I put on the Creative Magic Mastermind in Orlando with Lee Cockerell. We had to be flexible due to a hurricane and ended up having to make last minute changes to where the event was hosted. It ended up being a great experience. As we talk about everything that happened at the event we recognized several valuable lessons. One great reminder is that it is important to not impose your bad day on other people. We were able to use the problem as an opportunity to create an even better experience. It is possible to make a great experience even with changes.
In this episode, you will learn:
1. What is the importance of being flexible when hosting events?
2. How can problem solving create new opportunities?
3. How can businesses create a consistently great customer experience, even when changes occur?
Connect with Jody
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Episode Highlights
[00:01:36]
We quickly learned the importance of being flexible because we had a hurricane in Florida not too soon before the Mastermind. Right before the event, our venue was no longer available because of hurricane damage.
[00:05:07]
Don't impose your bad day on other people. Try to create the solution before presenting it to the rest of the team. Sometimes those problems do create opportunities.
[00:10:02]
Don't bring your bad day on stage with you and make it a customer's problem. Your behavior, the way you treat people, all of that now is part of a product. Use problem as an opportunity.
[00:17:24]
The next Creating Magic Mastermind is coming up in April, so I look forward to seeing what lessons come from that. There will likely be many because once again there will be a lineup of fabulous guest speakers.
"We can all strive for a balanced lifestyle and create a better environment for ourselves and those around us."
During this episode Cassie and I talk with Djuan Rivers about how to get the most out of life. Djuan is a former Vice President of Disney Parks and Resorts, who now travels the world and inspires others to find balance in their lives and careers.
Djuan had a passion for travel and a balanced lifestyle, which he instilled in his team as a leader. His interest in traveling began in the 7th grade, when he wrote a letter to the Swiss Embassy. After that, he was determined to pursue his passion and set off on his own adventures, such as doing the seven summits. Through his experiences, Djuan learned the importance of trusting and verifying his team, as well as giving them opportunities to grow and take charge. That also is what allowed him to pursue his passions in life.
In this episode, you will discover:
1. How to maintain a balanced lifestyle while still being an effective leader
2. Exploring the concept of servant leadership
3. How a 7th grade writing assignment inspired a passion for travel and a balanced lifestyle.
"You are only a good leader if your operation runs in your absence being present."
Episode Highlights
[00:03:27]
For me, it was very important to ensure that I had a very balanced life. It was such an instrumental part of my development, my growth, and actually my identity. And I think even more so, realizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
[00:05:38]
You are only a good leader if your operation runs in your absence being present. You need to make sure that everyone around you is ready to go. Let the next generation take over and push it to the next level after you leave.
[00:06:52]
Make sure that you have a team in place that you trust and can pass off the baton. Let those around you use their skill-sets while you're there. And then in your absence, let them solve it. Then you yourself can then start to explore other things.
[00:09:36]
You should always say trust, but verify. Trust your leaders. Verify that what they're doing is great and give them feedback. Most leaders are talented. They just need you to get all the other unnecessary stuff out of their way. Your goal is to create the environment that allows them to accomplish.
[00:18:02]
Go out and find your thing. Work towards your thing and add that value to your life and to your professional career.
Connect with Jody
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
In this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, I broke my own rules and recorded using only my iPhone.
When I was with Jeff Noel this summer in Glacier National Park, Jeff wanted to record short podcast episodes using only the iPhone. I was hesitant at first, but we recorded the first episode sitting next to Grennell Glacier, and despite some initial technical difficulties, we produced a quality recording.
As Jeff and I reflected on our travel in the wilderness, I realized recording episodes on the iPhone could allow us to record anywhere, anytime.
Jeff Noel and I have been exploring ways to work from anywhere, and here is what we have learned:
You can work from anywhere if you're willing to break the rules and think outside the box.
You can work from anywhere if you're willing to take some risks. This may mean recording a podcast on your phone in an unusual location, as Jeff Noel did, or it may mean something else entirely. The important thing is to be open to new ideas and to experiment with different ways of doing things. With creativity, you can find ways to work from anywhere – even if it means breaking some of your rules. So go ahead, explore different ways of working, and see what works best for you. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish by thinking outside the box.
Sometimes it's worth it to do something, even if you don't get anything tangible out of it.
This could mean doing something for the experience or the learning opportunity, and it could also mean doing something simply because it's fun or because it's a good memory. Whatever the reason, sometimes it's worth it to do something, even if there's no immediate payoff.
One example of this is traveling. It can be expensive and time-consuming, but it's also a great way to see new places and learn about different cultures. Another example is taking on a new hobby. It might not be something you're immediately good at, but learning something new and challenging can be rewarding. So next time you're considering whether or not to do something, ask yourself if it's worth it for the experience or the learning opportunity. You might be surprised at how often the answer is yes.
It's important to be open to change and strive for excellence constantly.
Do not be afraid to do something that you are not comfortable with. You should not be scared to experiment and try new things; this is the only way to truly learn and grow.
It's also important to be open to change and to constantly strive for excellence. This means that you should be willing to learn new things and experiment, and you should also be willing to work hard and push yourself to be the best you can be.
Many people are familiar with podcasts. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, you can benefit from podcasting in one way or another. Cassie Tucker joins me as we unpack three strategies for leveraging podcasts to reach your goals.
The first strategy is the one most think of when they consider podcasts. The long-term podcasts. Ideally, in this scenario, you post weekly and maintain the podcast an indefinite period. There are many benefits to this strategy. It allows you to build a network and connect in ways professionally that might otherwise be outside of your grasp. You can even foster a relationship before you even meet people. On a professional level, it allows you to build your email list and establish yourself as an authority on a topic or in a specific space. It can even help create additional content and boost your SEO when used strategically.
The second way you can use a podcast is a short-term podcast. These podcasts are for a limited time and have a specific focus. It is the perfect tool for authors or speakers. You determine how many episodes you will host and build the arc of your podcast on that foundation. Hosting a short-term podcast provides extra exposure for you and extra opportunities for engagement with your audience.
Lastly, one way anyone can utilize podcasts is to be a guest on existing podcasts. This is a great strategy for getting exposure to already existing audiences. It is an easy way to build your email list by providing opt-ins or a call to action that provides them with a resource. It also acts as an unofficial endorsement by the host, bolstering credibility. It also allows you to repurpose and customize your story or content for different audiences. Podcast Guest Magic is a course on how to successfully be a guest on podcasts.
No matter your vision or commitment level, there is a way you can utilize podcasts to propel your endeavors to new heights.
Resources:
The Secret Society of Success by Tim Schurrer
Connect with Jody:
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Quotes:
“When you have to show up every week, with something to say you start to understand what you believe in and who you are” JM
Tanner Brock is back for our traditional follow-up episode, and he has three questions locked and loaded.
First, what is the most afraid you have been in the wilderness? I can tell you it isn’t meeting a bear, and it isn’t getting lost. The answer might surprise you.
Second, if you started a new podcast, what would the new podcast be about, and what would the name be? I have a topic top of mind, but the name might be more difficult to answer.
Third, you were one of the attendees at the Changing Discourse Mastermind in Kansas City. What was your big takeaway from the event? It is a tie between an exercise we did and one specific speaker.
Because we made good time, I went ahead and gave Tanner a bonus question and snuck on a surprise guest to further explore the idea of leaning into your strengths and what to do with your weaknesses.
Resources:
E-mail Tanner: tanner@changingdiscourse.com to receive the two page sheet on how to gain mentors and receive a 15 minute call.
Connect with Jody:
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Tanner Brock has returned to discuss his newest resource, a five-step system to gaining true mentors in your life.
Tanner is many things, namely the founder and CEO of Changing Discourse and host of the Changing Discourse Podcast. After six years of seeking out and learning from some of the best mentors, Tanner shares how to find the right mentors with us today.
Once you identify someone you want to mentor you, there are five things to do.
Mentors teach you something, and then you can take it and teach others.
Resources:
E-mail Tanner: tanner@changingdiscourse.com to receive the two page sheet on how to gain mentors and receive a 15 minute call.
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“There is always someone out there who has done more or seen more or experienced more than we have” TB
“It is powerful to be a student.” JM
When it comes to sales, following a cookie-cutter approach often leads to frustration and missed opportunities. I learned this firsthand while selling my car on Facebook Marketplace. A lot of the success depends on authenticity, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what buyers value.
Effective sales descriptions, setting the right price, and embracing transparency can transform your sales results. It can be as simple as choosing the right words and repeating key details. Understand that price sets the tone for a buyer’s perception. Doing good work, even if unnoticed by most, still makes a difference.
His experience reinforces that differentiation is key—you don’t need to copy someone else’s success to create your own. By being transparent and focusing on adding value, you not only build trust but also set yourself apart in a crowded marketplace.
If you're ready to improve your sales effectiveness and engage customers more meaningfully, start by applying these lessons. Be clear, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to create your own path.
00:00:42 - Introduction and Selling the Car
00:07:59 - Importance of Words and Storytelling
00:11:56 - Pricing and Value Perception
00:13:53 - The Power of Helping Others Win
00:16:35 - Attention to Detail and Addressing Potential Issues
00:18:51 - Differentiation and Standing Out
00:21:52 - Transparency and Anticipating Potential Problems
00:28:15 - The Unique Appeal of Jaguar
Connect with Jody
About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry
Cassie Tucker started working with me one year ago. Initially, Cassie provided support for the work I was doing. Over time, her role expanded, and now she provides operational support and marketing strategy for my business and our clients. We've worked together on product launches and events.
Cassie joins us for this episode of The Jody Maberry Show to discuss what she has learned during her one year working for Maberica, INC. Cassie talks about how living out your dream is possible in ways you might not expect, the importance of processes, leadership lessons she's learned from clients, how to have intention behind every piece of marketing, and how to become an excellent podcast host.
We also discuss some of our upcoming projects, including the book release for Lee Cockerell's Career Magic and the launch of my suite of podcasting courses.
Cassie has become the co-host of the Will Talks Biz podcast. We share the story behind that show and how Cassie became the co-host.
Resources:
Connect with Jody Maberry and Join his Email List to keep up with stories and behind the scenes look at the magical work they do:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
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Quotes:
“Keep an open mind for unexpected and alternate ways you can achieve your dream.” Cassie Tucker
Mark Rucker is with me again in our traditional follow-up episode where he can ask me any three questions of me that he wants. Mark took a page out of his own book to come up with his three questions and they are great.
First, have you ever participated in a personal talent assessment? I have personally done a couple over the years, and I have had some points of contention with the results at times.
Next, how have you professionally used your helper abilities to help others pursue their dreams? Would you believe what I'm doing right now is directly tied to my helper ability?
Third, pick a leadership lesson you want to emulate or a poor leadership attribute you never want to exhibit? Since I am wired to help, I’ll give you one of each.
Fourth (that’s right, Mark snuck in a bonus question), which national park are you itching to visit? It is a toss-up that spans the continental United States.
Connect with Jody:
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Mark Rucker joins me and shares secrets from his Life and Leadership files. Mark worked with Disney for 32 years, has served as an executive with Great Wolf Lodge, and recently authored the book Coffee with the Mouse: Life and Leadership Wisdom from 32 years at Disney and Beyond.
Early in life, Mark started collecting lessons on leadership into his drop file. Over time, it morphed into life and leadership lessons that he has since shared over coffee and now in a powerful book. Character is important. You will never know if being nice and humble will get in the way of advancement, but you must be true to yourself. Authenticity is key to succeeding in your own life. However, it is not a lack of humility to express a desire to improve to your leaders. That is how you manage your career while maintaining your integrity.
When you make a leap in leadership and move to manage more, it is necessary to take on an adoption mind sent. An adoption mindset is built on the communication and understanding of caring for your team, leading with compassion, and treating them as individuals. Get to know them. Connect and let them know you really care.
Whether leading in the office or at home, there are parallels. You, as the leader, provide values, speak the truth, and provide wisdom and direction. As those under your leadership grow, give freedom for them to walk in what they have learned, and the space needed to grow. Don’t worry about being like everyone else; it may have served you well in high school, but now you will benefit from standing out.
Resources:
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Quotes:
“How you treat people and what you say to people and how you say it to them can have a lifelong effect.” MR
An MBA can lead to a promotion and a bigger salary in the corporate world. But if you run your own business, do you need an MBA?
In the two years between my time as a park ranger and launching my own business, I went back to school to get an MBA. Now, nine years later, I look back and consider if an MBA has given me an advantage as an entrepreneur.
Reasons Not to Get an MBA
-Student loans can limit your opportunities.
-Time and money spent getting an MBA could instead be used to become an expert in one thing, and being an expert can create more opportunities than higher education.
-Nobody cares if you have an MBA. They care about the results you can create for them. People want to know you have the solution to their problem, not your educational background.
-Experience and exposure as an entrepreneur can be more valuable than education.
-You can learn more from a mentor than from a textbook.
-You can learn more specific targeted knowledge from the right conference or course.
Reasons to Get an MBA
-Getting an MBA is a long, arduous process. You will build a lot of confidence if you can stick with it and do the hard work it takes to graduate.
-You will become a big picture problem solver, and you can see the entire puzzle of a problem and understand all aspects of a business.
-There are situations where the credibility of an MBA will open doors for you. Having an MBA signals you understand a business before you even enter the room.
All things considered, no, you don't need an MBA to be a successful entrepreneur. Instead, you need to focus on being yourself and becoming an expert in your work. Find the right conferences to attend and groups to be a part of.
I try to make two or three solid connections with people when I attend live events. I want to spend enough time with those people where we keep in touch after the event.
To make good connections, you can't be the person who shows up slinging out business cards like a blackjack dealer. And you won't make an impression on people if all you do is talk about yourself.
Use these Ten Tips to make connections at Live Events
Instead of asking, "How are you?" ask, "How is your day going so far?" This can be a good one when you only have a moment or two with someone. It can be an excellent way to get a quick insight into the person in front of you.
Ask, "How do you know (mutual connection)?" If you have been paying attention, you should know you and the person you are talking to have a mutual connection. Ask how they know the person. Often, there is a good story attached.
Find a common interest. Maybe you are both wearing the same kind of shoes. Perhaps you overheard their conversation and learned they are a St. Louis Blues fan. Find the first common interest you can and begin the conversation there.
Do your homework. If there will be someone at the event you know you want to meet, do your homework before you get there. Find out more about them and have questions you want to ask. Or discover your common interest before you meet them.
Ask, "What brought you to this event?" You may get a good story. And it will lead you towards something to talk about.
Use a question instead of a comment. You can expect " thanks " if you say "nice earrings," you can expect "thanks." If you say, "where did you get those earrings" you can expect a story. It can be a good way to start a conversation.
Instead of asking, "What do you do?" ask, "What are you working on?" If you ask what someone is working on, you will get to hear about something they are excited about. If you ask what they do, you might get a simple answer about their job. If you want to know what someone is about, find out what they are working on. It may be writing a book or building a fire pit in their backyard, but you can be sure they are excited about the work.
Ask "Where are you from?" This is always a great conversation starter. Perhaps you have been to their hometown, which leads to a conversation. If not, ask about their town. Most people like to talk about where they are from.
Ask, "If you weren't here, where would you be?" You might find out about their family, or you may find out they love to fish. Either way, you will learn something about them.
Tim Schurrer is back for our traditional follow-up episode where I invite my guests into the interviewer chair. Tim has three questions for me, and as always, they do not disappoint.
Question one requires a little bit of context, but when you boil it down, the question is simply this: who are you showing up for? For me, there is the obvious answer. Then there is also the more specific answer that can be summed up in the avatar of Lee Cockerell.
Next, what is your favorite story of helping someone else win that you were glad to be a part of? The first one that comes to mind involves seeing someone change their mind and step into a role they really excelled in.
Lastly, what is being successful? How do you define it? I can sum success up in one word, and it’s not what most have in front of their mind when they hear that word.
Since we got through these questions pretty quickly, make sure you listen for a bonus round of questions for Tim and some unsolicited parenting advice.
Resources:
Secretsocietyfree.com (get the first two chapters free)
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Tim Schurrer is with me and is unpacking his new book, The Secret Society of Success. Tim spent ten years on Donald Miller’s Storybrand team and has recently embarked on a new journey as an author, podcaster, and speaker.
At some point or another, we all ask the question “what is success?” Society often waters success down to prestige, money, or position. Tim’s book takes a unique approach to answering this question. Success can look very different. It can be flying under the radar. Just because no one knows you had a hand in a project does not mean you have not achieved success. If you do your job in a way that frees others up to do theirs well, you are successful.
Those who are part of the society of success use their abilities and skills to shine the spotlight on others; not toot their own horn. There is no limit to what you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit. The secret society has little to do with your title on an org chart and everything to do with your headspace. When we are grateful to play a part, we can embrace our definition of success. You don’t have to touch a million lives at a time; just one at a time, and that is enough. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Define what success looks like for you this season, double-check your intentions, and walk down your path with confidence.
Resources:
Secretsocietyfree.com (get the first two chapters free)
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/