Escape Artist Podcast

Episode 15: Starting with the End in Mind with Mike Balstad

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Balstad, a certified exit planning advisor and the founder of BizLeavable. Mike shares his journey into the financial industry, driven by a personal experience of a family member's preventable business failure. This experience ignited his passion for helping small business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Mike dives into the importance of "starting with the end in mind" when it comes to business planning. Listen as he shares his 6-part framework to gain clarity on your values, strengths, and desired outcomes, so you can have a successful business venture.
Mike also highlights the significance of aligning personal values with business decisions, emphasizing the impact of culture, customer experience, and employee engagement on overall business success. He stressed the importance of clear communication, both in personal relationships and within business operations, to avoid misunderstandings and foster a positive work environment.
We also chat about the challenges of employee turnover, the value of strategic planning, and the impact of social capital on business growth. By encouraging listeners to seek feedback from trusted individuals and to be honest about their strengths and preferences, Mike provided practical advice for individuals looking to transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship.
  
Timestamps: 
00:05:30 - Mike's personal journey and career transition
00:10:35 - Importance of knowing strengths and weaknesses
00:13:18 - Discussion on purpose, passion, and values
00:17:11 - Mike's unique path into finance and exit planning
00:20:37 - Overview of the exit planning industry and market trends
00:28:43 - Starting with the end in mind and the importance of planning
00:32:28 - Factors to consider in personal and business alignment
00:36:57 - Impact of culture and values on business success
00:42:28 - Identifying personal powers and preferences
00:45:37 - Writing a perfect job description and seeking feedback
 

Episode 14: The Journey to Self-Employment: A Story of Risk, Rejection, and Resilience with Mike Blankenship

I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend Mike Blankenship, a talented content writer and entrepreneur. Mike shared his incredible journey of transitioning from a full-time job to working for himself and embracing a new lifestyle in Portugal with his family.
We talked about Mike's escape artist mentality, elaborating on how he made the bold decision to move to Portugal for a better quality of life. Mike shared the challenges and joys of relocating with a young child and the excitement of exploring a new country.
We also explored Mike's professional work, including his role as a content writer for ClickFunnels and his innovative new offer focused on Instagram growth through scripted content. Mike's insights into the power of short-form video content and the importance of taking action and seeking rejection were truly inspiring.
The conversation took an unexpected turn as we discussed personality assessments like the Enneagram and Myers Briggs, adding a fun and insightful element to our discussion.
Overall, this episode is a testament to the power of embracing change, taking risks, and finding joy in new adventures. Mike's story is a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment. Tune in to hear more about Mike's journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.

Episode 13: Building Your Email List Part 2

Hello, Escape Artists! In this episode, I continued with the topic of Building Your Email List with PART TWO! This week, I discuss various strategies to drive traffic to your lead magnet and grow your email list effectively. There are 4 different traffic methods that I cover, some are "long game" and some can give you quick wins.
What's your favorite traffic method?
To grab your FREE list building checklist, visit: https://www.sidehustlelaura.com/yfel
For a free 14-day trial of ClickFunnels, visit: https://builder.salesfunnelslaunchpad.com/?aff=d1dc01c6-f522-42bd-aec3-00406726b1d8-1WzEwLDIxM10b

Episode 12: Building Your Email List Part 1

In this episode of Escape Artist, Laura Demetrious walks us through the foundational phase of building an email list from scratch. I decided to switch up the format for the next couple of weeks to focus on a crucial topic for entrepreneurs - building an email list. In this solo episode, I discussed the importance of owning your audience through email marketing, as opposed to relying solely on social media platforms with ever-changing algorithms. I emphasized the significance of creating a landing page to collect leads and provided insights on driving traffic to grow the email list. I highlighted the key elements of an effective landing page, such as a compelling headline, engaging copy, a clear call to action, social proof, and visual consistency with your brand. I also teased upcoming tutorials on creating landing pages and shared my plans to delve deeper into driving traffic and converting leads in the next episode. Overall, the episode served as a foundational guide for entrepreneurs looking to build and grow their email list successfully. Happy list building!

Episode 11: The Secret to Funnel Building Success with Ryan McCrary

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ryan McCrary, a seasoned funnel builder and the mastermind behind The Funnel Doctor Agency. Ryan shared his journey from a finance background to diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship and digital marketing. His transition into funnel building was a result of the necessity to generate income as an entrepreneur, leading him to discover the power of funnels, advertising, and lead magnets.
Ryan's expertise in funnel building and paid ads shines through as he delves into the importance of consistency in business and the need for a viable product or service before implementing a funnel strategy. He emphasizes the significance of building a list and generating leads consistently to lay a strong foundation for successful marketing campaigns.
The conversation also touches on Ryan's foray into speaking engagements, where he shares insights on creating million-dollar Facebook ad campaigns and the key role of consistency in achieving marketing success. Ryan's ability to tailor his funnel strategies to various industries, such as the travel and therapist niches, showcases his adaptability and expertise in catering to specific client needs.
Ryan's passion for helping businesses thrive through effective funnel building strategies shines through. His advice to focus on lead generation and building a strong list resonates as a fundamental step for any business looking to leverage the power of funnels and digital marketing.
Check out Ryan on social media and explore The Funnel Doctor Agency's website to take a deeper look into the world of funnel building and digital marketing. Ryan's wealth of knowledge and experience make him a valuable resource for businesses looking to elevate their marketing strategies and drive success through effective funnel implementation.
Website: https://thefunneldoctoragency.com/

Episode 10: Redefining Hospitality with Eric Moeller

In this episode of Escape Artist, I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend Eric Moeller, the founder of Freewyld, a brand redefining short-term rental hospitality. Eric shared his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges he faced along the way.
We jump into Eric's background in real estate and his transition from running an online educational business to founding Freewyld. Eric's passion for creating meaningful and intentional travel experiences was evident as he discussed the inspiration behind his brand and the unique concept of "wild mode" to help guests disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
Throughout the conversation, Eric chats about the importance of community and connection, both in personal relationships and in business. He shared insights on the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals and the impact of leading and participating in communities.
The episode also touched on the significance of prioritizing personal values and fulfillment over financial success. Eric's journey exemplified the courage and introspection required to pursue one's passions and create a business aligned with one's true purpose.
Listeners were encouraged to visit the Freewyld website to explore the nature-inspired properties and experience the transformative concept of "wild mode." The episode concluded with a message of inspiration and admiration for Eric's bravery and dedication to building a business that fosters genuine connections and meaningful experiences.

Episode 9: From Corporate Life to Coaching with Mitch Matthews

In this episode of Escape Artist, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mitch Matthews, a renowned success coach, speaker, and entrepreneur. Mitch shared his inspiring journey of breaking free from the corporate nine-to-five grind to pursue his passion for coaching and encouraging others.
Mitch's story began in the pharmaceutical industry, where he excelled in sales and corporate training. However, a promotion led him to a role that didn't align with his true calling, prompting him to seek a new path. Through introspection and reflection on his past passions, Mitch discovered his love for coaching, mentoring, and developing people.
As Mitch transitioned into the coaching world, he faced challenges and setbacks, including a lack of business training in his initial coaching program. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, experimented, and eventually found success by developing a unique approach to coaching and business building.
Mitch chats about the importance of self-assessment and experimentation for aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs. He shared valuable insights on the coaching predictability of success assessment (CPSA) that he developed to help individuals determine their suitability for coaching. Mitch also highlighted the significance of embracing one's natural gifts and passions, urging listeners to value their unique abilities.
Throughout the conversation, Mitch's genuine passion for encouraging others shone through, inspiring listeners to pursue their dreams and take bold steps towards creating a fulfilling life. His practical advice and encouragement resonated with the audience, reinforcing the idea that clarity, intentionality, and commitment are key to achieving success in any endeavor.
You can check out Mitch’s website at www.mitchmatthews.com to explore resources, including the CPSA assessment, and to connect with him for further guidance on their coaching and entrepreneurial journey. 

Episode 8: The Art of Social Media Engagement with Brandy Jones

Welcome to another exciting episode of Escape Artist! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brandy Jones, a social media expert who has successfully transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Brandy shares her inspiring journey of breaking free from the traditional nine-to-five grind to pursue her passion for social media.
Brandy's story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph. She started her entrepreneurial journey while working multiple jobs, including managing a restaurant and working in the marketing industry. Despite facing challenges and juggling various roles, Brandy's entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she navigated the ups and downs of building her own business.
One key takeaway from Brandy's journey is the importance of client success stories and retention rates. By focusing on delivering exceptional results for her clients and maintaining long-term relationships, Brandy has built a strong reputation in the industry. She emphasizes the value of genuine connections, human engagement, and storytelling in social media marketing.
Throughout the episode, Brandy shares valuable insights on how to leverage social media effectively, emphasizing the need for authenticity, purpose-driven content, and consistent engagement. She highlights the power of networking, referrals, and client testimonials in growing a successful social media business.
Listeners are encouraged to prioritize human connection, meaningful interactions, and genuine engagement on social media platforms. Brandy's advice resonates with the core essence of social media – connecting with others authentically and building relationships that drive business success.
Join us on this enlightening journey with Brandy Jones as we explore the transformative power of social media, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of personal and financial freedom. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for enhancing your social media presence and creating a thriving online business. Let's escape the confines of the traditional work environment and design the life we've always dreamed of.

Episode 7: From Fear to Action: Finding Your Purpose with Lisa Zelenak

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Lisa Zelenak, a seasoned sales coach and entrepreneur. We discussed Lisa's journey of leaving her 9-5 job to pursue her passion for helping others and creating impactful transformations.
Lisa shared her background, starting from her college days when she founded a nonprofit organization, showcasing her initial courage to step into the unknown. This pivotal moment set the stage for her future endeavors in business and coaching. We discussed the importance of facing fears and embracing courage to pursue what truly matters.
The conversation then shifted to the concept of transformation and how it plays a significant role in Lisa's coaching and business ventures. Lisa emphasized the power of listening to people's needs and providing value through transformational experiences. We explored the idea of standing for something rather than focusing on a specific niche or purpose, highlighting the importance of authenticity and relatability in business.
Lisa also shared insights into her latest project, Startup Miami, a physical space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth for entrepreneurs. She discussed her vision for expanding the space into multiple floors and incubators, aiming to revolutionize the way business is conducted and bring about positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Throughout the episode, Lisa's passion for helping others and creating meaningful transformations shone through. Her dedication to listening, understanding, and serving people was evident in her approach to coaching and business. Listeners were encouraged to embrace their fears, stand for something meaningful, and focus on impact and transformation in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
To learn more about Lisa Zelenak and her work, listeners can connect with her on Instagram at Lisa.Zelenak or follow Startup Miami for updates on her latest projects and initiatives. This episode served as a reminder to show up imperfectly, embrace transformation, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Episode 6: Discovering Your Authentic Identity with Don Mamone

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Don Mamone, a speaker, identity coach, and diversity consultant. Don shared their journey of self-discovery and embracing their authentic self, particularly in terms of their non-binary identity. Their story is one of courage, self-acceptance, and empowerment, as they navigated the challenges of coming out and finding their true identity.
Don highlighted the importance of unearthing one's identity and recognizing the potential for creating a greater impact by being true to oneself. They emphasized the significance of authenticity in both personal and professional settings, sharing insights on how being genuine can lead to greater connections and opportunities.
Throughout the conversation, Don shared personal anecdotes and experiences, illustrating the transformative power of embracing one's true self. They discussed the process of acknowledging, accepting, embracing, and owning one's identity, offering a four-step framework for individuals seeking to overcome internal conflicts and live authentically.
Don also touched on the impact of authenticity in business, emphasizing the value of aligning one's personal brand with their authentic identity. They highlighted the importance of being true to oneself in professional settings, as it can lead to differentiation, stronger connections with clients, and a more fulfilling career.
Listeners were encouraged to explore their own identities, confront internal conflicts, and embrace their uniqueness. Don shared insights on how individuals can navigate challenges in their careers, advocating for authenticity and self-love as key drivers of personal and professional success.