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Crystale Spearman is the founder of Eye Imagery, a photography business primarily focused on headshots for entrepreneurs and business owners.   Crystale organizes a monthly event called “Smize and Socialize” for female entrepreneurs, business owners, and bloggers, where they can network and get free headshots.   Crystale discusses Eye Imagery, focusing on her work with headshots, primarily for entrepreneurs and business owners who need professional photos for business cards, websites, and social media.   She emphasizes the importance of professional headshots for entrepreneurs, which are different from selfies and require a more thoughtful approach to ensure they look polished and professional.   Crystale learns the value of narrowing her niche and building her brand around what she truly loves to do.   Website: EYEImagery  LinkedIn: Crystale Vail Spearman   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Vol

Gresham Harkless shares the harsh truth about sales in entrepreneurship – not every conversation will lead to a sale. It's crucial to accept that not every potential client will become a customer, no matter how much effort is put into the process.   Gresham discusses how candidates sometimes get cold feet due to the perceived risks, even when they see the opportunity and believe in the business.   He reflects on how often sales that seem certain don’t close, while those that seem unlikely can unexpectedly succeed.   He also mentions that in franchise sales, it's common to speak with 100 to 150 leads, but only one will convert to a franchisee.    One key takeaway from Gresham’s experience is the importance of moving quickly towards a yes or no answer to avoid wasting time.   In addition, he recognizes that sales is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and sometimes, talking to many people before finding the right fit. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory

Gresham Harkless discusses how challenging it can be to stay motivated, even when doing something like working out. He compares this to the challenges faced in business, such as losing clients, broken systems, and missed deals.    He emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others, which can lead to frustration and distraction.   Gresham shares a lesson from a coach who identified three types of people: starters, maintainers, and finishers.    Throughout the journey, Gresham mentions how doing the hard, consistent tasks, even when they’re uncomfortable, ultimately pays off and builds the foundation for future success.    Furthermore, he encourages others to stay true to their race and focus on the daily steps that lead to long-term growth and opportunity.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless mentions how impatience can be both a superpower and a downfall for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs often want success quickly, but sometimes they give up or pivot too soon before seeing the long-term results.   Gresham notes that consistency is significant in business success, particularly in franchising. He refers to people with backgrounds in the military or government often succeeding in franchising due to their ability to execute tasks consistently.    Moreover, Gresham discusses how his journey involves learning about himself, focusing on his strengths, and aligning his actions with his true capabilities. He’s careful not to spread himself too thin but to stay focused on what works for him.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franc

Dan Craddock is a serial entrepreneur, running Sure Shot Screen Printing, launching a brewery called The Barking Barley, and having a creative agency, Metro Nova Creative.   Dan has been in the design and branding world for over 20 years. He’s passionate about making branding accessible to small business owners to help them succeed, believing that their success directly impacts community growth.   Dan shares his approach to educating clients about the branding process. He points out that while clients may be tempted to opt for cheap or AI-generated logos, those options lack the strategic insight necessary for long-term business growth.   He explains that a logo is more than just a visual mark – it's a tool to create an emotional connection with customers and to ensure that a business stands out in a competitive market.   Despite managing multiple businesses, he ensures to maintain a healthy work-life balance, spending time with his family and focusing on self-care, like going to the gym and spending quality t

Chloe Markham is an award-winning wellness coach, yoga teacher, and joyful living coach. She is the founder of The Yoga Revolution and Joy Unplugged, programs designed to promote mindfulness, movement, and mindset to help people experience happiness every day.    Chloe launched a Substack six months ago, where she writes about wellness, joy, and mindfulness, and she encourages others to join her there as it serves as an antidote to social media.   She describes herself as a "modern-day classical philosopher," helping clients use yoga and other tools to elevate their daily lives and experience more joy.   Chloe believes that the key to success in her business is maintaining a clear perspective on the "why" behind what she does.   She advocates for a flexible approach to morning routines—allowing for brevity when needed and letting go of guilt if the routine isn’t followed.   Furthermore, Chloe stresses the importance of learning to slow down, tune into one's body, and create the space to self-regulate, as this

Ashley Mason founded Dash of Social, a digital marketing consultancy specializing in social media management, SEO, paid ads, and public relations. She focuses on service-based businesses. Outside of work, she enjoys running and reading.   Ashley explains how Trello has been a game-changer in her business. Initially a pen-and-paper person, she switched to digital tools for project management and loves the visual, creative aspect of Trello.   Ashley emphasizes the importance of networking, particularly through a local Facebook group for women entrepreneurs. Consistently participating in this group, sharing her story, and offering free marketing advice have helped her build relationships and attract clients.   Additionally, she recommends starting small with marketing efforts, focusing on one or two platforms at a time instead of trying to do everything at once.   Website: Dash of Social  LinkedIn: Ashley (Mason) DiBiase  Facebook: Dash of Social  Instagram: dashofsocial   Previous Episode: iam236-marketing-cons

Kisha A. Brown is a passionate civil rights attorney and the founder/CEO of Justis Connection, an online platform designed to connect lawyers of color with communities needing legal resources.    She has extensive experience across the federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private sectors and focuses on civil rights, police reform, and empowerment.   Kisha realizes that people often ask for legal referrals, but the process is inefficient, requiring multiple steps and often not connecting people of color with lawyers of color.    Kisha emphasizes that many people, especially from marginalized communities, lack access to legal professionals and knowledge about their rights.   Justis Connection helps people find the right lawyer for their specific legal needs, considering factors like language needs, budget, and proximity to public transportation.   Kisha connects her work to the legacies of influential Black leaders like Thurgood Marshall, believing that lawyers of color are responsible for serving their commun

Gresham Harkless shares that he wasn't always a runner and didn't enjoy it initially, but he started running after the tragic loss of a friend's daughter to cancer. This motivated him to participate in his first long-distance run for the Lynn Marie Foundation.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of "running your own race," focusing on personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others. He found peace in this mindset, recognizing that progress comes with consistent practice.   Running became a way for Gresham to clear his mind, gain clarity, and avoid emotional, reactionary decisions in moments of uncertainty - it became a time for personal reflection.   Gresham recalls how early in his business journey, he didn't prioritize physical fitness and later recognized its importance for overall wellness.   Furthermore, Gresham point out how the discipline and self-awareness fostered through running have enriched his approach to both life and business. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse

Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges and transitions he's facing in his entrepreneurial journey, particularly as a franchise broker. He mentions the potential loss of a client, which could impact his team and business.   Gresham discusses the unpredictable nature of business and life, likening it to a plate of spaghetti, where things often change unexpectedly.   He acknowledges the difficulty of losing clients, especially when the client had previously expressed optimism for the future. While unsure of the reasons behind the client's decision (possibly related to health or legal matters), Gresham recognizes that such challenges are part of entrepreneurship.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and being open to new opportunities, even when things don’t go as planned.   Gresham also shares his new initiative, "connection broker," a project aimed at connecting people with their ideal franchise opportunities.    He mentions that despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful and is exploring

Gresham Harkless shares that he takes Wednesdays as a rest day, which he feels is crucial for recharging. He compares his need for rest to Jesus taking time off from his miracles, emphasizing the importance of rest in any journey.   Gresham reflects on his sales experience, explaining that rejection and indirect communication are part of the process.   Gresham reminds the importance of having a supportive environment and a positive network to stay motivated.   He emphasizes the need to stay positive, focus on the next opportunities, and let go of setbacks, using the metaphor of swinging from one monkey bar to another.   Gresham mentions that connecting with others in his class, bi-weekly, will be beneficial for mutual support and tracking progress. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - 

Volodymyr (Vlad) Panchenko is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry and artificial intelligence.    He's the founder and CEO of Portal.ai, an AI-driven platform designed to act as a COO and CMO for businesses, transforming how companies approach marketing and operations.   Vlad founded DMarket, a platform for trading in-game items, which was acquired by Mythical Games in 2023.    Vlad highlights the significance of managing mental health and building a solid, supportive partnership.   He discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with smart, supportive people and investing in good partnerships.   Website: Portal AI  LinkedIn: Volodymyr (Vlad) Panchenko   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear

Darrick Horton is the founder and CEO of TensorWave, a leading AI compute and cloud solutions company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has a strong background in technology and has led successful startups focusing on data centers, cloud infrastructure, and semiconductor tech.   Darrick shares his early career at Lockheed Martin, where he worked on nuclear fusion technologies, but found the corporate structure limiting.   Darrick emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between business, technology, and human elements in running a startup.   He also discusses the significance of clear vision-setting and overcoming obstacles as key to a CEO's role.   Darrick highlights the importance of constant learning, reading books by influential leaders like Ben Horowitz and Kim Scott, and recognizing the mindset required to succeed.    Website: TensorWave   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volum

John Lee Dumas, the founder and host of EO Fire (Entrepreneurs On Fire), an award-winning podcast with over 1,400 episodes and seven figures in annual revenue.   John explains how EO Fire has grown over the years, with 2,000 episodes and over 75 million listens to date.   He discusses the importance of providing value to the world, knowing that success will follow.   John emphasizes time blocking and how he uses Parkinson's Law to ensure focused and efficient work.   Additionally, John  values the ability to choose what he does daily, which contrasts with his previous experiences in the military and corporate world, where he had to follow orders.   Website: Entrepreneurs on Fire LinkedIn: John Lee Dumas    Previous Episode: iam233-host-of-eofire-shows-the-world-the-power-of-podcasting   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamce

Patti Stewart is a proud mom, owner, and chief instructor at Defense in Heels, a program dedicated to keeping women and children safe.   Patti is a former model, and an internationally certified self-defense instructor, passionate about educating others, especially women and kids, on self-defense. Her mission is to change crime statistics by empowering individuals to protect themselves.   Patti shares her journey of starting Defense in Heels and her passion for weapons and martial arts. She also offers specialized classes, including realtor safety courses and bodyguard training.   Patti emphasizes that self-defense training is crucial because, in stressful situations, muscle memory often takes over when the brain may freeze.    Patti believes passion drives business owners, helping them push through tough times.   She uses software for appointment reminders, thank-you notes, and follow-up systems, allowing her to focus on what she does best—training and teaching self-defense.   In addition, Patti recommends r

Gresham Harkless shares his journey as a franchise broker, focusing on time management, entrepreneurship, and starting a business.    He emphasizes that many people delay taking action because they feel they need to have everything perfect and all their time available.    Gresham highlights the importance of focusing on the key activities that produce the most significant results rather than trying to do everything.   Gresham also discusses Parkinson's Law, which suggests that work expands to fill the time allocated for it.  He uses an example from his friend Dave, who transitioned out of his full-time job using "power hours"—intentional, focused time to make progress toward his business goals.    Gresham recommends that even dedicating a small amount of focused time, like an hour or 10–20 minutes, can significantly move things forward.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares how he was reminded that when people pray or manifest things, the answers may not come in the way they expect.    Gresham emphasizes the importance of being open to God's answers, even if they don’t align with one's expectations or desired methods.   He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, particularly in the franchise world, and how he’s learning to focus on the “why” of his goals rather than the “how.”   Moreover, Gresham is excited about the progress he’s made and remains committed to continuing his journey, without giving up.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbo

Gresham Harkless reflects on his journey as he approaches the 30-day mark of his current business phase, feeling like time has moved quickly.   Gresham shares that he feels a bit "in-between," trying to transition but unsure whether he can meet his goal by the end of the year, as he initially intended.   He mentions a podcast he hosted about being an AI-first company, discussing how AI can help humans focus on more meaningful tasks rather than replace them.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of moving forward despite uncertainty, as it will ultimately benefit him in the long run.   Despite feeling overwhelmed, he acknowledges the need to recalibrate, reassess his priorities, and keep progressing. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz

Renita Wolf is the founder of Poe Wolf Partners, a consulting firm focused on helping mid-market businesses with growth and operational improvements.    Renita specializes in business exit planning, focusing on presale preparation to ensure companies are well-prepared before approaching potential buyers or investors.    Renita emphasizes the importance of advance preparation—giving clients time to shore up any weaknesses and get their businesses ready for sale.   Her unique approach lies in simplifying complex business processes and breaking down information into understandable terms for her clients.   Renita advocates entrepreneurs to build a sustainable business with positive cash flow, and to create value and significance in their work.   Website: Poe Wolf Partners  LinkedIn: Renita Wolf, MBA   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnati

James Hatfield is the Chief Revenue Officer at Liveswitch and with extensive leadership experience in companies like IQVIA and Sageworks. Liveswitch uses instant video to drive less, give more estimates, assess issues remotely, pre-qualify leads better, and document your work. With a simple click and no apps, LiveSwitch Contact is the fastest and easiest way to connect with customers and team members to make more money and save time. James co-founded a company that turned financial statements into plain language for small business owners, leading it to become an Inc. 500 company and eventually sold it to KKR. He emphasizes the importance of "grit" and resilience in business, especially in the face of rejection or adversity and advocates for collecting feedback and using it to improve your business, which he refers to as "delighting the customer." James recommends forming a personal board that includes people from different industries and backgrounds.   Website: LiveSwitch LinkedIn: James Hatfield   Check out