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In this special episode, Gresh introduces the journey of starting the Bluestar franchise and highlights the Franchise CEO sub-site within CB Nation. He shares valuable insights from his training with the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) founder, emphasizing the importance of documenting the journey for aspiring franchisees or business starters. Gresh encourages builders to keep building and be their unique selves. He stresses the need to create space for new ventures and be realistic about fitting them in, emphasizing discipline and intentionality in managing time and tasks. Gresh also mentions implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their digital marketing business for long-term improvements, concluding with the acknowledgment of ongoing efforts and the importance of continual improvement.   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://bluestarfranch

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the importance of learning about franchise brands and connecting with people in the industry, including ResiBrands.   He discusses a niche within the franchise space—helping businesses turn into franchises, focusing on unique execution rather than innovative products.   He emphasizes how businesses can succeed by uniquely executing ideas, even if the core product or service isn’t novel.   Gresham highlights resilience as a crucial trait for entrepreneurs, referencing a recent podcast interview discussing the importance of "grit."   Furthermore, Gresham advocates that others stay focused on their purpose (the "why") rather than becoming too attached to a specific approach (the "how"), as the path to success can evolve.   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 CBNati

Christie Lawler is the founder and owner of CJL Consulting, a beverage marketing agency, and the WITI Group, a nonprofit female leadership in the food and beverage industry.   She is also the host of the Lawler Out Loud Mixing Up the Mainstream Podcast and an advocate on several industry boards.   Christie is recognized for her leadership, including being named "Innovator of the Year" (2022) and "Most Influential Beverage Strategist" (2021).   Christie discusses the emotional and relational benefits of the initiative, the challenges faced during conferences, and the importance of resilience and problem-solving.    Moreover, she emphasizes persistence and never misses deadlines, describing herself as a realistic optimist.   Website: CJL Consulting  LinkedIn: Christie Lawler   Previous Episode: iam823-founder-supports-national-hospitality-industry-and-future-female-leaders   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I A

Catrina is the CEO and founder of Pure Skin Repair, a black woman-owned natural handcrafted skincare line.    Her skincare journey began in 2015 when she created a natural moisturizer for her daughter's eczema, which quickly grew into a thriving business recognized for its plant-based, cruelty-free products.   Catrina is recognized by the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business Initiative.   She emphasizes self-love and acceptance, encouraging others to embrace their flaws and celebrate their uniqueness.   Catrina strongly advocates for ongoing education, attending webinars, and conferences, and learning from various fields.   Catrina mentors small black-owned businesses promotes self-love and community impact, and advises others facing similar challenges to acknowledge their struggles, stay strong, and recognize the lessons in difficult times.   Website: Pure Skin Repair  LinkedIn: Catrina Jackson  Instagram: @pureskinrepair.1  Facebook: Pure Skin Repair   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–o

Calvin Dark has built his reputation as a creative branding, media, and communications professional for diverse clients and partners.   In 2014, Calvin co-founded RC Communications to help clients find their voice to tell complex stories.    Throughout his career, Calvin held several leadership roles where he advised embassies, international organizations, foundations, and multinational corporations on their strategic communication, public affairs, and media outreach.    Calvin appears regularly in US and international media as a commentator and analyst on foreign affairs, US politics, and current events.    Calvin emphasizes the importance of passion and personal investment in their work, which allows the firm to offer a tailored approach to each client.   He discusses the challenges of balancing client perceptions with their broad range of services.   Calvin shares his morning routine and explains the significance of having a routine and staying focused on long-term goals.    Website: RC Communications DC 

Mike Wittenstein is the CEO of Story Miners, a pioneer in customer experience design, and the founder of Galileo, a digital agency, and Storyminers, a customer experience consultancy, after working at IBM.   Mike emphasizes the importance of agility and customer outcomes in business success, drawing from his early leadership experiences and systems thinking learned at IBM.   Story Miners helps clients articulate their visions through compelling stories, making ideas more engaging and actionable.   He also discusses the importance of brand values and transparency in attracting customers.   He emphasizes that a brand is only as good as the customer's experience and advises focusing on front-line customer interactions.   The conversation highlights the importance of understanding customer reactions to anticipate their needs and designing cost-effectively.    Website: StoryMiners  LinkedIn: Mike Wittenstein   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your o

Gresham began with a blog called Hearpreneur, focusing on content for entrepreneurs. Over time, he realized that entrepreneurs were more interested in actionable advice than just stories. This led him to create CEO Blog Nation and expand into podcasts, videos, and blogs.   He emphasizes the importance of having a business that supports the podcast, as many podcasters struggle when their shows' constraints generate income.   Gresham shares that podcasters can generate income through affiliate marketing, e-commerce, or a service-based business.   Gresham does not believe you need to be an expert in the niche you're podcasting about. Instead, you can focus on creating a platform and inviting experts onto your show to share their insights.   He motivates podcasters to focus on their unique voice, rather than trying to imitate others, as authentic content will naturally stand out.   In addition, Gresham inspires others to embrace the journey and the mistakes along the way, as they are part of the learning process.

Gresham describes his businesses as largely virtual but with significant face-to-face networking before COVID-19.    He emphasizes how this personal connection was vital for educating potential clients, especially those unfamiliar with digital marketing.   Gresham shares how the pandemic forced him to adapt more to virtual environments. Although he was already working remotely, the surge in people using platforms like Zoom presented new challenges.   Gresham anticipates that the changes in how businesses operate, particularly the shift toward digital tools, will likely be permanent.   He highlights that while many talk about returning to "normal," the future will likely see a "new normal" with a stronger emphasis on digital platforms. The habits formed during the pandemic—like remote meetings and virtual work—will likely persist.   Gresham is hopeful about the opportunities the digital shift will create for entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in reaching broader audiences through online platforms.

Gresham Harkless believes that the secret to happiness is different for everyone. While money and material things are essential to some extent, pursuing happiness has less to do with money and more with personal connections and meaningful work.   Gresham perceives someone more committed to the business could improve control and productivity.   He utilizes technology to stay efficient, relying on tools like Basecamp for project management, and emphasizes time management and prioritizing essential tasks.   Gresham started his business through BNI (Business Network International) and still values the relationship-building aspect of networking.   He discusses the importance of knowing your target market and selecting the right platforms based on your goals.    Gresham shares his experience with hiring through platforms like Upwork. He advocates bringing people on board before you need them, allowing you to refine your leadership skills and make better hiring decisions.   Podcast Link: Send it Rising Internet Mark

Fletcher Wimbush is the CEO of Discovered Performance Hiring Software, who has extensive experience in hiring practices and decades of experience tackling hiring challenges, including reference checking, aptitude assessments, and AI-driven talent selection.   Fletcher's system has helped over 2,000 companies and led to multi-million-dollar results in the hiring process.   Fletcher discusses that hiring the right people is the foundation of good leadership. This concept has driven much of his career and leadership philosophy.   He emphasizes the need for leaders to focus on people selection to build great teams, even in the early stages of entrepreneurship when resources are limited.   Fletcher also mentions the importance of understanding the differences between an entrepreneur, a manager, and a technician.   Fletcher advocates mastering tasks before delegating them and creating frameworks, systems, and processes to delegate.   In addition, he emphasizes the importance of becoming an entrepreneurial leader wh

Mark Anderson is a retired special agent and former instructor at the Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy. He is an expert in interviewing and investigative techniques.    Mark is the Director of Training and Development at Anderson Investigative Associates. He has worked with the FBI, NRC, and the New York State Office of the Inspector General.   Mark Anderson shares his extensive background in interviewing and training, emphasizing the significance of listening skills in communication and relationships.   Mark discusses updating his curriculum with the latest interviewing research and explains his process for identifying client needs in interview training.   Mark shares his habit of reviewing current research to stay effective in training and offers advice on understanding others and focusing on people over the business.   He highlights the importance of caring for the people who matter most and staying safe in professional and personal life.    Website: Anderson Investigate Associates  LinkedIn

Cayla Craft, the host of the Mommy Millionaire Podcast, is a self-made millionaire, bestselling author, and lifestyle entrepreneur.   Cayla discovered network marketing and fell in love with health and wellness supplements.   By age 31, she had four companies and had shifted from nursing to entrepreneurship, with three kids at the time.   She emphasized that "you get what you tolerate," which motivated her to pursue a new career path and build her own business.   In 2019, she launched a mastermind group for ambitious women, which, despite the name "Mommy Millionaire," also includes women without children.   Cayla emphasizes the importance of collaboration and being part of a strong network in accelerating business growth.   Kayla highlights the importance of consistency in business - small, everyday actions add up over time and lead to long-term success.   Website: Cayla Craft  Instagram: cayla.craft  YouTube: Cayla Craft   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets

Judy Schramm founded ProResource, a social media agency dedicated to helping CEOs enhance their online presence and achieve their business goals through effective personal branding.   Judy discusses how ProResource is her fourth business and how it evolved from a marketing and PR firm.   ProResource helps CEOs establish a strong personal presence on social media, particularly LinkedIn.   Judy emphasizes that LinkedIn is a vital tool for executives that helps CEOs streamline their social media activity to achieve a valuable impact with minimal time spent.   She shares that worrying about potential problems wastes energy and that it’s important to trust the process and enjoy the entrepreneurship journey.   Moreover, Judy advocates following key individuals, companies, and topics on LinkedIn to ensure your news feed is filled with relevant updates.   Website: ProResource  LinkedIn: Judy Schramm   Previous Episode: iam178-ceo-helps-entrepreneurs-create-strong-personal-presence-online   Check out our CEO Hack Bu

Gresham discusses how stepping away from your business—whether for vacation or other reasons—can be a sign of a healthy business.   He shares his experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to connect with others. Gresham discusses the importance of building a media presence in today’s business world, stating that every entrepreneur is essentially in the media business.   He emphasizes that entrepreneurs should not try to be everywhere, but focus on strategic, targeted approaches that help them connect with their ideal clients.   The conversation highlights the value of joining groups like the I AM The Brand Business Accelerator to learn from others, ask questions, and find mentorship and accountability.   Podcast Link: WellNest Global   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

Gresham Harkless discusses the importance of knowing your target market, their evolving needs, and outlines key questions that define business success and resource allocation.   He emphasizes the importance of market research, understanding ideal clients, and explores strategies for creating content that resonates with your audience.   In addition, he highlights the importance of focusing on one or two platforms for effective content delivery and highlights the significance of authenticity in engaging with your audience.   Podcast Link: Mission Matters Marketing with Adam Torres   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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of providing value in cold outreach, similar to a social media strategy.   Gresham discusses the need to understand the target audience deeply: "What keeps them up at night?" This understanding helps ensure that outreach is relevant and helpful, which leads to a win-win situation.   He highlights that businesses often resist change, sticking to what’s familiar, even when it’s clear that new methods can bring more success.   He also points out that many businesses fail because they focus too much on the "how" and not enough on the strategy behind their marketing.    Gresham emphasizes that it requires consistent strategy, quality content, and proper integration of branding and marketing tactics to be successful.   Gresham Harkless explains that SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks; it’s about user experience.   Furthermore, he highlights that businesses need to create a seamless, positive experience for users, as this is a fundamental p

Sean Douglas is a former U.S. Air Force member, three-time TEDx speaker, and an expert in resilience, leadership, and business positioning.   Sean is also the host of two podcasts (Create, Launch, Monetize, and From No Worth to Self Worth) and a two-time bestselling author.   He is also working on establishing an equine therapy ranch for veterans suffering from PTSD and anxiety in Michigan, a project driven by his desire to give back to fellow veterans.   Sean emphasizes the responsibility of creators to provide value through media platforms, not just for self-promotion but to spotlight the achievements of others and contribute to the betterment of the world.   Sean shares a key piece of advice: fail forward. It's crucial to be comfortable with failure and to keep growing from experiences. He also recommends embracing discomfort to reach new heights. Website: The Success Corps  LinkedIn: Sean Douglas -  Instagram: @thesuccesscorps   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks a

Marielle Chartier Hénault is the founder of Aqua Mermaid, which offers unique mermaid swimming experiences in the U.S. and Canada. Inspired by a mermaid school in Germany, she started her own after realizing public interest.   Marielle discusses the growth of her business from a single school to multiple locations and product offerings, including adaptations during COVID-19.   She emphasizes the importance of tolerating risk when starting a business.   Despite skepticism from others about the viability of her business, Marielle stayed confident in the niche market for mermaid performers.   Marielle highlights the importance of keeping track of finances, particularly understanding where money comes and goes.   Website: AquaMermaid  LinkedIn: Marielle Chartier Hénault   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

Ishveen Anand is the CEO and founder of OpenSponsorship, a platform that connects brands with athletes in the $140 billion sponsorship industry.   Ishveen shares her journey into sports sponsorship, which began when she became a sports agent in 2009.   She recognized the challenges in securing sponsorship deals and was inspired to create a more efficient and accessible solution through technology.   OpenSponsorship uses IBM's Watson AI to facilitate connections between brands and athletes, prioritizing genuine interests rather than just financial incentives.   Ishveen emphasizes the importance of understanding what athletes are passionate about in promoting authentic partnerships and shifting away from traditional sponsorship approaches.   Ishveen shares advice on acquiring strategies and productivity tools for business owners and reflects on the importance of being aggressive and adapting quickly in business.   Website: OpenSponsorship   Previous Episode: iam177-ceo-and-founder-breaks-down-barriers-in-sponso

Zach Messler is a product marketing expert focused on helping businesses adapt their messaging to resonate with modern consumers.   Zach has 20 years of experience in product marketing, particularly in tech, and specializes in translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.   He started his business after realizing that traditional marketing methods were no longer effective and wanted to help more people beyond his previous role.   His passion for product marketing energizes his clients and makes the process of developing their messaging more engaging and effective.   Zach shares a strategy he calls "CPR" (Create, Publish, Repeat) to encourage consistent content creation.   He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose behind the content and to keep creating even when it feels slow.   The conversation highlights the importance of being clear and straightforward in communication.   Website: Zach Messler  LinkedIn: Zach Messler   Previous Episode: iam171-entrepreneurs-helps-companies-evolve-their