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In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the significance of experimentation in business, particularly in the early stages.    He discusses how trying different strategies, testing ideas, and being open to trial and error can lead to finding the right approach.   Gresham highlights the value of A/B testing — comparing two variations of a strategy or offer to see which performs better.   He explains the importance of tracking data such as impressions, clicks, conversions, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).   Moreover, he believes business owners should create space to experiment, which fosters innovation and growth. 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

In this episode, Eric Malka, co-founder and former CEO of The Art of Shaving. Eric shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges and successes he faced in building a luxury men's grooming brand. He Emphasizes the importance of prudence and taking time to build a solid foundation for business. He discusses the importance of creativity which is more valuable than resources; limitations can drive innovation, the value of learning from failures, and the critical role of health in entrepreneurship. Website: www.ericmalka.com LinkedIn: eric-malka 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 Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so m

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson is the founder and CEO of AshbeanPDX Marketing, a digital marketing and strategic communications agency that works with small businesses and nonprofits.   Ashlan is a professional Certified Marketer and Certified Digital Marketing professional with over 17 years of experience working in advertising agencies, corporate, retail, and national nonprofits.   Ashlan serves as a leadership advisor for the American Marketing Association and as the Board Secretary for the People's Nonprofit Accelerator.   She focuses on nonprofits and small businesses, often helping organizations without dedicated marketing teams by being that department and voice.   Her approach is collaborative, always explaining the rationale behind strategies and backing decisions with data.   She uses a color-coded calendar and a remarkable tablet to organize her day, prioritize tasks, and stay on track.   Ashlan advocates business owners to invest time early in creating SOPs and documentation for all key tasks.   She disc

Jeff Butler is a speaker, author, and passionate millennial who helps organizations improve their relationships with Millennial employees.   Jeff has worked with top companies like Amazon and Google, and his unique insights on millennials come from his personal experience as one, rather than just theoretical knowledge.   Jeff also started a consulting side to scale the business, where he trains others to provide consulting services to companies, which helps expand his reach.   He emphasizes reinvesting profits into the business rather than indulging in personal luxuries, building a frugal, focused, and sustainable business model.   Jeff recommends doing the little things right over time to build a business, rather than trying to create something fancy or complex from the start.   Website: Jeff Butler  LinkedIn: Jeff Butler   Previous Episode: iam194-speaker-and-author-helps-organizations-retain-and-keep-millennial-employees-engaged   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks an

Sara Lingenfelter is the founder and owner of Virtual Biz Partner, a closed team that provides business management for online business entrepreneurs and owners worldwide.    Sara has a proven track record of managing and growing businesses while simplifying strategies, systems, and technology.    She’s also dedicated to providing work-from-home opportunities to women through an accessible online educational course that teaches them how to get started as a virtual assistant.   Sara’s approach is to customize solutions for each client, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy.   Sara advocates entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and not simply follow what others have done to achieve success.   She emphasizes the importance of autonomy in running a business and making choices that work for you.   Website: Virtual Biz Partner  LinkedIn: Sara Lingenfelter  Facebook: Virtual Biz Partner By Sara Lingenfelter   Previous Episode: iam193-founder-and-owner-provides-business-management-for-online-business-own

Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of this training, noting that it provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enter the franchise world.   He describes the Live Week training as an intensive experience, with 8-hour days dedicated to learning the ins and outs of being a franchise broker. This rigorous training underscores the importance of work ethic and dispels the misconception of overnight success.   Gresham highlights the importance of laying the groundwork for success and being prepared for the challenges that come with it.   He explains that people often underestimate the value of the time and experience it takes to achieve quick results. Gresham advocates for a mentality of continuous improvement, getting "1% better every day." 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)

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes that even if you haven't closed a deal or achieved a big success, it's important to celebrate each step of progress.   He reflects on how easy it is to focus on what's not working and forget to acknowledge the small victories, which are key to long-term success.   Gresham introduces the concept of "planned advances" in business, which involves making strategic moves even when everything isn’t perfect.    He also mentions the importance of "filling your cup"—ensuring you have the energy and resources to continue pursuing your goals. 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

In this special episode, one of the most significant takeaways from Gresham’s journey is the misconception that success is a straight path.    He emphasizes that persistence and resilience are crucial for any entrepreneur, the road to success is filled with highs and lows, and it's essential to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.   Gresham reflects on how failures and setbacks — such as a no-show during scheduled meetings are part of the process.   Regardless of not being in the ideal environment or mindset, Gresham was able to approach the conversation naturally, without the pressure of trying to be perfect, which he believes contributed to the success of the call.   Gresham shares an important lesson about sales and business calls. He notes that, through training and learning, many people want to get everything "perfect" and follow the right steps, but the core of success lies in simply having conversations. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: htt

Teresa de Grosbois is a globally recognized authority on influence and leadership, and the founder of Vista Mundo, a retreat center in Costa Rica.    Teresa is also a four-time international bestselling author and focuses on conscious leadership, personal growth, and empowering others to lead with influence.   Teresa discusses her creation of Vista Mundo, an eco-sustainable community in Costa Rica - the retreat center serves as a hub for people seeking to reconnect with nature, practice sustainable living, and explore leadership.   She emphasizes that the community is a collaboration of visionaries, each contributing their dreams to shape the ideal space of conscious living.   She highlights how living and working with such a supportive and dynamic community has enriched her growth.   Teresa shares a practical hack for entrepreneurs: the power of taking a moment to breathe and calm your mind.   Furthermore, she discusses how meditation and quieting the fear-driven, primitive brain can help entrepreneurs trust

In this episode, Grace Quantock discusses various topics related to health, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Grace emphasizes the importance of daily listening sessions for preparing for appointments, regulating the nervous system, advocating for oneself, and addressing symptoms. She highlights the need to support individuals living with pain, illness, and trauma without causing disembodiment, burnout, or blame. Grace shares her journey into entrepreneurship, which began due to her illness and disability, necessitating flexible work. She discusses her experience navigating complex medical systems and transitioning from personal advocacy to wider community support. Grace runs Onwards Together therapy, offering psychotherapeutic counseling and coaching for complex trauma, as well as creative therapeutic journaling workshops and a program called Refuel and Resource for medical and wellness trauma. Grace emphasizes the importance of recognizing systemic issues and personal context in managing health and success, a

Art Giser is the creator of Energetic NLP. He is an internationally renowned NLP trainer, intuitive, and healer.    Art's unique and diverse background includes NLP, spirituality, coaching, transformative and healing energy work, and intuition development.    He also manages a medical research lab for the University of California, San Francisco, and works with Fortune 100 companies to develop exceptional leaders in teams.   Art Giser discusses the impact of mindset on success, failure, and mediocrity, emphasizing the importance of changing old programming and adopting new thinking and emotional skills.   In addition, Art explains the importance of stepping into the CEO role by taking a broader, strategic view of one's business and managing it from a high-level perspective.   Website: Energetic NLP  LinkedIn: Art Giser   Previous Episode: iam191-nlp-trainer-helps-clients-be-happier-grow-and-evolve-spiritually-and-personally   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets

Jennifer Stewart has been empowering clients with technology since 2011, focusing on reducing frustration with computers, organizing digital systems, and teaching Microsoft programs.    She is also the immediate past president of the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.   After coaching and refining her approach, she pivoted to business productivity and technology organization, leading to the founding of Gateway Organizers in 2016.   Jennifer emphasizes her unique ability to help clients who are overwhelmed by technology, providing patient guidance to make their digital systems more manageable and efficient.   Jennifer recommends using Slack to reduce internal emails and organize communication, along with time blocking and using a timer to prioritize tasks.   Jennifer shares her experience of managing all aspects of the business and making strategic decisions with her business partner, highlighting values like family and freedom.   Website: Gateway Produc

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of finding a brand that aligns with a potential franchisee’s skills, especially marketing executives, and asks about opportunities to implement independent marketing strategies.   Gresham discusses the challenges of understanding which candidates fit for specific brands, referencing a conversation with a brand founder who sought highly committed, "all-in" candidates rather than those looking for semi-absentee models.   He mentions the format of the conference which includes speed round sessions and keynote speeches that provide valuable insights into the brand's strengths and weaknesses.   He highlights the importance of leveraging external resources, such as associations or consultants, to reduce the burden of starting and running a business.    Moreover, Gresham emphasizes the importance of finding ways to ease the load through support systems or learning shortcuts.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of being unique and running one's race.    In the competitive world of franchising, standing out and staying true to your vision is crucial. This advice is not just applicable to franchising but to any entrepreneurial endeavor.   On day 15 of the Franchise Brokers Conference, he shares valuable insights on starting the business by highlighting the connection with franchise brokers as a critical step in the journey.   He points out the concept of "coopetition" – a blend of cooperation and competition and the importance of leaning into one's strengths.   Furthermore, Gresham focuses on specific segments and brands that can make a significant difference in the success of a franchise. 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) - h

In this special episode, Gresh discusses day 11 of the Franchise Broker journey, highlighting the importance of understanding personal energy levels and managing commitments. Using a jungle gym analogy, he emphasizes embracing change and discomfort in new ventures, comparing it to a baby giraffe learning to walk. Gresh underscores the importance of embracing mistakes, prioritizing, and protecting time and energy. And advise writing down responsibilities to manage overwhelm and stay present, noting that sometimes it’s necessary to eliminate tasks to focus on what’s essential.  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 Handbook

Asmâa Methqal is a renowned global business consultant and strategic leadership facilitator who empowers leaders and businesses to unlock their potential and balance wealth and gender equality.   Asmâa combines business strategy with emotional intelligence, body movement, and intuition.   She uses group coaching and community-based learning to maximize collective wisdom, pushing clients to move beyond their comfort zones and confront their ego-driven actions.   Asmâa recommends incorporating music and movement into the start of the day to connect with the body and elevate mood.    She also emphasizes the impact of personal energy on others - by amplifying their energy, leaders can create astounding outcomes and inspire those around them.   LinkedIn: Asmâa Methqal  Website: Fire and Flow with Asmâa  Instagram: iamasmaa   Previous Episode: iam612-educator-harnesses-teams-collective-strengths   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization.

Peter Murphy Lewis is a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) with expertise in various industries, including travel, software, and media.    Peter discusses how his business evolved, transitioning from a focus on strategy to a full-service marketing agency with a team of 15.   He emphasizes that CEOs often need support in defining the right marketing strategy before diving into execution.   Peter shares his honest marketing approach, acknowledging when something isn't working and being transparent about his plans.   He explains the value of creating a strong culture with global talent, which can help scale a business while being more cost-effective.   LinkedIn: Peter Murphy Lewis  Website:  GrowthMentor   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 re

Noelle McKenzie is the CEO and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers, which helps clients transform their fitness through a mind-body approach.   Noelle developed a passion for personal training after rising from a walk-on athlete to a Division 1 track and field athlete.   Noelle emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality over quantity, targeting higher-level clientele, and maintaining a high retention rate with a loyal client base.    She also mentioned the importance of having a long-term game plan and understanding that failure is part of the process.   In addition, Noelle advocates for future business owners to embrace failure and change their approach when something isn’t working.   Website: Leading Edge Personal Trainers  Instagram: bodybynoelle   Previous Episode: iam185-personal-trainer-helps-clients-embody-fitness-as-a-lifestyle   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

Paul Jarvis is a seasoned writer and designer with over two decades of experience.   He is the author of "Company of One," and has worked with high-profile clients like Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal, Microsoft, and Mercedes Benz.   Paul transitioned into creating products, including books and software like Fathom, an analytics tool that respects user privacy.   He emphasizes the importance of creating a trustworthy product through high quality and customer engagement.   Paul focuses on customer retention over acquisition with his customers purchasing multiple products.   Paul highlights that business success should lead to personal freedom rather than growth for its own sake.   Website:  Paul Jarvis - Fathom Analytics  Newsletter: The Sunday Dispatches   Previous Episode: iam186-writer-author-and-podcast-host-creates-products-to-help-other-creators-and-ceos   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

In this special episode of the I Am CEO podcast, Gresh introduces the journey of starting the Bluestar franchise and announces the launch of a new sub-site within CBNation called Franchise CEO. Inspired by the founder of the Franchise Brokers Association, Gresh aims to document this journey to assist those starting franchises or any business. He shares snippets from the initial videos and encourages subscribing to their YouTube channel. Gresh emphasizes the importance of uniqueness and running one's own race. He discusses the experiences on day eight of starting the Bluestar franchise, highlighting the excitement and challenges faced. Gresh stresses the importance of staying present, documenting the behind-the-scenes process, and focusing on daily wins. Despite slow progress and no sales yet, remains persistent, balancing multiple businesses and using the 12-week year concept to stay focused. He emphasizes the need for experimenting, testing, and adjusting strategies, and the significance of consistent effort