Sterling's Business Success & Coffee Podcast

Sterling's Business Success & Coffee Podcast
Sterling's Business Success & Coffee Podcast

Guests and experts from around the globe join me on my podcast to share some business tips or lessons learned, over a coffee online, and talk about their favourite coffee and places to drink. The discussions dive into personal and business areas of struggle and success, providing every listener with something to take away that you can use, and we talk about some great coffee and other drinks too.

  1. FEB 23

    Episode 255 - Harlan Hammack - Incredible Lessons From Two Years Of Digital Roaming

    The Series Final with Harlan Hammack- The Digital Nomad Entrepreneur Have you ever desired to build your own business, but not just a business that will deny you the freedom to explore the world? You can combine your entrepreneurial spirit with a location-independent lifestyle, using technology to run your businesses from anywhere in the world as a digital nomad entrepreneur. A digital nomad leverages technology and remote work opportunities to manage their ventures from anywhere with an internet connection. This lifestyle appeals to those who value freedom, flexibility, and autonomy, often working in industries like e-commerce, online consulting, or content creation. Join the conversation with Harlan Hammack as he shares more about his journey and experiences as a digital nomad, as well as his podcasting journey with Simon. Besides that, Harlan is a financing specialist at Dao Financial Solutions, with a passion for helping medical and veterinary equipment manufacturers and resellers win more business, close more deals, and gain loyal customers by offering our finance programs to their customers: customized payment options, deferred payment options, lease options, and Section 179 tax deductions.  Tune in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Harlan Hammack [02:40] Harlan’s day-to-day coffee-drinking routine [04:17] Why Heaven’s Door Whiskey is his favourite  [07:20] Insights into Harlan’s podcasting journey with Simon and valuable lessons learned [10:40] How Harlan became a digital nomad and the experiences thereafter [13:56] Challenges he has faced as a digital nomad [17:01] The impact of the travels on his life [19:00] Travel places Harlan has had to revisit [20:08] His exotic stay in Costa Rica [21:10] The impact of his digital nomadism on friendships and networking [23:31] How he has captured all the travels, experiences, and memories as a digital nomad [29:26] What’s next on Harlan’s bucket list [35:05] Harlan’s advice to anyone who wants a digital nomadism lifestyle [37:55] His biggest takeaway business tip and lesson for entrepreneurs [40:47] Harlan’s next coffee dream location  [41:15] Wrap up and end of the show  Notable Quotes * Some life experiences require you to leave your comfort home and travel the world. – Harlan Hammack [22:40] * You can still be productive in a remote environment. – Harlan Hammack [38:04] * If you can’t be replaced, then you can’t be promoted. So, make yourself replaceable. – Harlan Hammack [38:10] * If you get to a point as a business owner where you can’t take a month away from your business, then the business does not really have as much value as you think it has. –  Simon Meadows [39:06]  Resources Mentioned The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 Let’s Connect Harlan Hammack Website: https://www.daofinancialsolutions.com/

    43 min
  2. FEB 16

    Episode 254 - Bob Burg - Lessons From The Hall Of Fame Keynote Speaker

    Beyond the Go-Getter: Embracing the Go-Giver Mindset with Bob Burg Being a go-getter is essential, but it is only half the equation for entrepreneurial success. While action is crucial, it needs to be coupled with a focus on providing immense value to others. This is the essence of the “go-giver” mentality. An entrepreneur who embodies both traits, taking action while laser-focused on delivering value, can achieve massive growth. However, the worst combination is the “go-taker,” who feels entitled to take without giving back. This mentality harms businesses and relationships. Instead, business leaders should recognise that prioritising the needs of all stakeholders and offering value in every interaction is fulfilling and the most profitable approach. Join the conversation with Bob Burg as he shares more on levelling your entrepreneurship with a go-giver mindset. Bob Burg is a Hall-of-Fame speaker and coauthor of the international bestseller The Go-Giver, which has sold well over one million copies and been translated into 30 languages. He is also an outspoken advocate of entrepreneurship and the free market, believing the money one makes is directly proportional to the number of people they serve. Bob Burg speaks with entrepreneurs and sales professionals worldwide on how to build powerful business relationships, effectively communicate their value, and cultivate endless referrals. Bob is also co-founder of The Go-Giver Online Community Network. Tune in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Bob Burg [02:07] Why Bob is an unapologetic animal fanatic  [04:16] Bob’s go-to drink on a typical working day [06:54] Bob’s best-recommended place to have your coffee and doughnut  [09:44] The most recent business behaviour changes from the go-getter to go-giver [11:37] A shift in leadership consciousness [14:55] How Bob turned content-based writing into story- based book [19:34] How his online community has embraced the principles he teaches [21:31] The impact of Bob’s shift to online community  [22:28] Best ways to reach out and connect with Bob [23:57] Takeaways from Bob that you can start implementing today to make an impact [30:19] Bob’s next Dunkin Donuts dream location and the hero author he would be with [33:11] Wrap up and end of the show  Notable Quotes * Go-getters are the people who take action. You can have the nicest thoughts and best ideas, but nothing will ever happen without action being put into the mix. – Bob Burg [10:20] * 75% of today’s employees feel disengaged from their company or job. – Bob Burg [11:51] * All business leaders must understand that placing the employees, team, and customers first and making sure they are providing value to every stakeholder is not only a more fulfilling way to conduct a business. It is the most profitable – Bob Burg [12:20] * People won’t do business with you because you are nice or need the money. They will do business because they believe they will improve by buying from you.-   Bob Burg  [24:20]  * When you sell at a low price, you are a commodity. When you sell at a high value, you are a resource. –  Bob Burg  [25:46]

    35 min
  3. FEB 9

    Episode 253 - Angela Santi - What Is The Sweet Life For You?

    Cultivating A Thriving Environment in Your Business with Angela Santi Cultivating a thriving environment in your business goes beyond the daily operations and profit margins—it’s about nurturing a culture that enhances both professional growth and personal well-being. Taking a step back to assess your broader vision and business allows you to recognise the interconnectedness of individual happiness and overall success. Investing in your employee’s personal goals and aspirations creates a workplace where individuals are not just cogs in a machine but integral contributors to a shared journey. The key lies in making your team, and employees feel seen, valued, and safe within your business fabric. Regular and transparent communication, sharing your collective vision, goals and objectives, and providing enough autonomy for them to express themselves contribute to a fertile ground for innovation and fulfilment. In this nurturing environment, employees aren’t just workers—they are the heartbeat of a thriving and harmonious business ecosystem. Join the conversation with Angela Santi as she shares her journey as an entrepreneur and a business owner, strategies for incorporating sweet moments into your work and business and the key ingredients to building a thriving business environment. Italian by birth and cosmopolitan by vocation, Angela is the creative force behind Dolce V.I.T.A Leadership Consulting, which supports entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives worldwide. Angela is wholeheartedly devoted to her work, merging practical leadership techniques with the essence of a fulfilling life. She pioneered the Dolce V.I.T.A mastery model, her signature methodology. This comprehensive approach addresses everything from enhancing leadership effectiveness to achieving a harmonious work-life balance and encouraging cross-cultural collaboration. Angela’s distinctive framework has proven to be a game-changer, positively impacting leaders’ lives and professional success. In the realm of leadership consulting, Angela excels in sustainable leadership, nurturing resilient mindsets, and cultivating environments that thrive. Tune in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Angela Santi [02:36] The coffee Angela is drinking and why  [04:53] What lungo is and Angela’s favourite coffee brands [09:30] Angela’s backstory and journey in sustainable leadership and helping businesses  [15:22] How challenges and an auto-immune disease changed Angela’s trajectory  [20:35] The Dolce V.I.T.A framework and how Angela uses it with her clients  [25:13] Where to go to learn more about Angela and Dolce V.I.T.A  [26:42] The key ingredients to cultivating a business environment that thrives  [31:17] Takeaway from Angela that you can start implementing today to make an impact [33:45] Angela’s next expresso coffee dream location and the hero she would be with [36:08] Wrap up and end of the show  Notable Quotes * We have to keep our eyes open, know our priorities and what’s important for us and find creative ways to accomplish them. – Angela Santi [18:19] * In business, we often become very singular in our vision and focus that we lose the ability to look outside into the field of vision. – Simon Meadows [19:02] * In order to live a Dolce V.I.T.A (sweet life) at home and work,

    37 min
  4. FEB 7

    Episode 252 - Charlie Lawson - It's Okay To Be Unnatural As A Business Owner

    Strategic Networking and Collaboration with Charlie Lawson  Networking and collaboration stand as the essential pillars supporting business success in today’s dynamic and interconnected business environment. Networking goes beyond casual conversations with strangers; it involves cultivating strategic relationships that bring mutual benefits. The key to networking lies in identifying and engaging with the right networks, focusing on quality over quantity. Networking, when paired with collaboration, becomes a potent force, leveraging individual strengths within a team or network to fuel innovation and facilitate business growth. Networking is not just about who you know but how effectively you collaborate with your network to achieve your goals.  Join the conversation with Charlie Lawson as he shares networking and collaboration strategies and how you can leverage them to scale your business and build a culture of support, shared knowledge, and amplified success. Charlie is a very Unnatural Networker, and he helps other Unnatural Networkers gain confidence by putting networking across from the point of view of someone who would rather avoid it completely. His first book, The Unnatural Networker, was released in 2014 and has helped countless business owners learn how to network effectively. His second book, The Unnatural Promoter, was released in 2021 and focuses on helping people who don’t like to blow their own trumpet to be brilliant at self-promotion. Charlie is a renowned and highly regarded keynote speaker and gained his expertise from 13 years as the UK national director of BNI, the international business networking organisation. In his spare time, he can be found swimming/biking/running in triathlons while trying not to get too depressed at how Spurs are doing in the league. Tune in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Charlie Lawson [02:19] What Charlie drinks on a normal working day and his shifts  [09:00] The biggest thing Charlie had to overcome to become comfortable with networking  [11:13] Two ways to get out of a conversation in a networking event [14:36] The most significant thing Charlie has been working on in his business  [17:01] Joint networking strategy that will work for your work and business  [20:26] The insights behind Unnatural Promoter in Charles 2nd book  [26:37] The best way to reach out and connect with Charlie [28:20] Key takeaway from Charlie on collaboration that you can start implementing today  [31:43] Charlie’s next coffee dream location and the book he will be reading [34:15] Wrap up and end of the show  Notable Quotes * Whatever your goals are, get networking for your work, job, or business; it will work. – Charlie Lawson [17:48] * Create a strategy to have three or four networks that you are operating in; if you have too many, you will be too spread, and you will not be able to give each the attention it needs. –  Charlie Lawson [17:52] * A low-level networking approach is better than aiming for the stars. –  Charlie Lawson [19:07]  * If you see other people getting opportunities over you, it’s because they are willing to talk about themselves and make a difference for themselves. – Charlie Lawson [21:51]

    35 min
  5. JAN 26

    Episode 251 - Alessandro Di Ruscio - Masterclass On Facebook Groups and Organic Client Attraction

    How to Find Clients for Your Business Using Organic Strategies with Alessandro Di Ruscio Are you a consultant or coach struggling to get clients even after leveraging the Internet? Though you can build a global online community, reach millions of potential clients for your business, and achieve massive growth, it is always easier said than done. Most entrepreneurs do social media marketing the wrong way. They put their feet on all platforms and barely achieve significant engagement that converts to sales. Being on a single social media and using it correctly takes time and effort.  Alessandro Di Ruscio, who joins us in this episode, provides practical tips and strategies to find clients organically, especially using Facebook groups. You will learn that even with a community of 50 people, you can get clients. But that depends on how you use the community. You must be constantly and actively engaged with them. They have to see you over and over again. Alessandro Di Ruscio is the founder of the Escape 9 to 5 Club. As an ex-graphic designer who has decided to become his own boss, he has built an online business from scratch, learning all the online marketing skills needed to get clients and make sales. He knows how confusing and overwhelming this journey can be, so he offers guidance. Let’s jump in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Alessandro Di Ruscio, [02:19] His coffee culture and a taste of wine [06:38] How Alessandro got passionate about helping coaches and consultants [09:47] The most current thing he has been working on [12:14] Tips for those who are struggling with engagement in their online community [16:43] How even a small Facebook community can mean business  [19:11] The best ways to reach out to Alessandro and get his expertise [20:42] The “why” behind Alessandro’s “Escape 9 to 5” [24:05] Key takeaway on finding clients organically through social media  [28:48] Alessandro’s next dream location and the business hero he would be with [31:45] Wrap up and end of the show  Notable Quotes * Being on a single social media platform the right way takes time. Just focus on one at a time. – Alessandro Di Ruscio [15:28] * Even with a community of 50 people, you can get clients for your business when you actively engage and spend time with them. Time is a currency in business. –   Alessandro Di Ruscio [17:50] * Stop looking for shortcuts. You have to put in the effort and hard work. You will never be successful overnight. –  Alessandro Di Ruscio [24:20]  * When you decide to work on something or your business, find something you are passionate about. Don’t just do something because it is trendy at the moment. – Alessandro Di Ruscio [25:12] Let’s Connect Alessandro Di Ruscio Websites: https://www.escape9to5.life/ https://www.alessandrodiruscio.com/ YouTube: https://www.escape9to5.life/youtube Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/escape9to5community/

    33 min
  6. JAN 19

    Episode 250 - Marcus Sheridan - They Ask, You Answer Explained

    Effective and Transformative Communication in Marketing with Marcus Sheridan Every successful business knows that effective communication is the secret to successful marketing. Marketing is not just about selling your product or service but about maintaining the human element in your branding and messaging to build deeper human connections and become a trusted voice and brand in your industry. Think about it as telling a story that inspires or helps your customers understand your product, vision, and mission for them. Effective and transformative communication goes beyond regular ads to putting yourself in your customer’s shoes and thinking and acting as they would to solve the disconnection problem. In this episode, Marcus Sheridan shares strategies for using effective, clean, and transformative communication to solve the problem of disconnection with your audiences and become the most trusted voice and brand in your industry.  Marcus Sheridan is known for inbound and content marketing excellence, and he is an international keynote speaker with a unique ability to excite, engage, and motivate live audiences. He also works with hundreds of businesses, helping them to become the most trusted voice in their industry. Today, Marcus is a highly sought-after global speaker and consultant in the digital sales and marketing space. He has been featured in multiple industry publications, including the New York Times, which featured him as a “web marketing guru,“ and Forbes, which named him “one of the 20 speakers you do not want to miss in 2017.”  Marcus is also the author of a best-selling book, They Ask You Answer, which has been named “One of the 5 Best Marketing Books of All Time” by BookAuthority. Let’s jump in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Marcus Sheridan [01:49] What Marcus drinks during the day when creating content in his office [04:46] Marcus’s work and focus on revising and updating his book  [08:04] Custom knowledge and how it affects business marketing success [11:18] Transformative communication in solving audience disconnection  [13:59] Marcus’s Pool Guy story and why it’s so powerful [17:35] The most defining moment in Marcus’s life in South America   [25:38] The power of great questions and answers  [27:16] Why we need so many points of contact with our audience  [28:54] How to reach out to Marcus and find his book   [31:13] Key takeaway on communication from Marcus for the listeners   [35:53] How to develop your team as a leader [36:27] Marcus’s next dream location and the person he would be with [39:42] Wrap up and end of the show  Resources Mentioned They Ask, You Answer: https://www.amazon.com/They-Ask-You-Answer-Revolutionary/dp/1119312973. Notable Quotes * With what is happening with technology and buyers’ behaviors, you almost have to do something every 3 or 4 years to be relevant to this day and age.  – Marcus Sheridan [04:58] * It’s really never the first answer that somebody gives where we find the magic; it’s in the power of questions and answers. –  Marcus Sheridan [26:26] * In our minds,

    41 min
  7. JAN 5

    Episode 248 - Libby Langley - More Joy In Business, Why Not?

    How To Work Less, Earn More, and Find More Joy In Business with Libby Langley Working less, earning more, and embracing true happiness in business is the desire of every business owner. However, so many of us succumb to the relentless pressure to work around the clock that neither allows us to focus on what we truly want in life nor inject playfulness and fun into daily tasks, making it difficult to enhance our productivity and creativity in our work. Viewing business as a game that you can enjoy can help you approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm. Identifying opportunities for innovation and strategic moves also becomes a process of exploration rather than a burdensome task. In this episode, Libby Langley shares her entrepreneurial journey and strategies to help you streamline your efforts, focus on core activities, and ultimately work smarter, not harder, leading to increased efficiency and, consequently, more success. Libby Langley is no stranger to the business world, having successfully run her coaching business since 2011. With a track record of helping over 6,000 business owners, she’s all about achieving greater focus, working fewer hours, making more profit, and finding more joy in business life. Libby’s coaching philosophy revolves around simplicity, sustainable practices, keeping it real, and prioritising what you want rather than what’s expected of you. Libby isn’t just a coach; she’s also the vibrant host of the “Life In Business” podcast, where she shares the unvarnished truth about what truly makes a difference in the business world. Her wisdom isn’t confined to the airwaves; she’s penned the book “Life In Business: Easy Ways To Work Less, Earn More, And Embrace True Happiness” – a comprehensive guide for business owners seeking a simpler path amidst the chaos. Let’s jump in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Libby Langley [02:45] Libby’s Peppermint tea and how she drinks it  [04:17] The most significant thing Libby has been working on in her coaching business  [05:28] How the changes in technology made it easy and overwhelming for businesses  [08:02] Cultivating greater focus and the joy of being in your business  [11:53] Building a life and a business of your choice  [14:05] Two business people you can emulate in building a sustainable business [17:24] Libby’s book strategy on how to translate “easy” into “action.” [18:54] How having a podcast and a book has made a difference in Libby’s business [20:40] Getting the book out of your head and Libby’s experience writing her book [23:39] About Libby’s podcast, Life In Business Podcast  [24:45] How to find out more about Libby, her podcast and her book  [25:53] One element of success Libby wants you to take away and implement today [29:54] Libby’s next Peppermint tea dream location and the person she would be with [35:17] Wrap up and end of the show  Resources Mentioned The Power of Fun by Catherine Price: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Fun-Feel-Alive-Again/dp/0593241401 Notable Quotes * So many of us sign up for something because it’s $10 a month,

    34 min
  8. 12/29/2023

    Episode 248 - Emily and Paul Hughes - Emily's Motorcycle Leathers and Why Knowledge Prevents Nagging

    Taking the Leap from a Job to Entrepreneurship with Emily and Paul Hughes  Working on a job can be really satisfying. Think of those regular pay checks, assured stability, and many other benefits. But there comes a time when the working environment becomes too toxic to force someone to leave all that and take responsibility to chart a different path. Does this sound like a situation you are in? Are you struggling with your exit strategy from your job to enter entrepreneurship or something bigger than you?  Join this conversation with Emily and Paul Hughes, a couple that has successfully made that decision, leaving their teaching careers to focus on their passions. In this episode, you will gain inspiration, tips, and insights on how to take your leap. Paul & Emily Hughes met in 2003 as trainee teachers assigned to the same school. It took a few years until they finally bonded over divorces and Emily’s motorcycle leathers (long but obvious story), and the rest, as they say, is history. They have been happily married for almost 15 years, and now that they have both escaped teaching (their words, not mine), they run the Parent Guide to GCSE (and Post-16), supporting parents whose children are in Years 10-13. Emily has a Masters from Cambridge in Maths with Education, while Paul has a Masters in Information Management and Computing from University of Sheffield, which will probably tell you what they each taught for 15 years. Emily also runs a pop choir in her spare time, as she says she still needs to be able to boss people around, after having left teaching. Paul says he thinks that’s already covered at home. Let’s jump in! Key Highlights from the Episode; [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guests, Emily and Paul Hughes [02:36] Emily and Paul’s coffee culture and other hobbies that fill their lives [07:05] The purpose and drive that made them quit stable jobs as teachers [11:46] Notable leadership flaws and other weaknesses that need to be improved [15:43] Why teachers don’t exit from trapped working environments even if they want to  [18:40] How they can step out of the matrix and make the decision to pursue their passions [22:04] Most significant thing the Hughes have been currently working on in their business [26:58] How the summits for their business have impacted them and their lives [32:17] How to best reach out and connect with Emily and Paul [34:18] Key takeaways you can start implementing today [35:20]  A book they would love to read while having coffee in a dream location [36:06] Wrap up and end of the show  Resources Mentioned Good Omens Novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Omens-Accurate-Prophecies-Nutter/dp/0062697250 Notable Quotes * Knowledge means nagging. As a parent, if you know how to support your child, you will probably nag them less. – Paul Hughes [10:06] * Most people change and forget the struggles of the juniors when they clinch the senior ranks in business or leadership. – Paul Hughes [12:08]  * Good leadership is about empowering your team. If your team does a fantastic job, that makes you look good as a manager, builds your team, and empowers them. – Emily Hughes [13:45]

    38 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Guests and experts from around the globe join me on my podcast to share some business tips or lessons learned, over a coffee online, and talk about their favourite coffee and places to drink. The discussions dive into personal and business areas of struggle and success, providing every listener with something to take away that you can use, and we talk about some great coffee and other drinks too.

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