7 Figures Club: A Business Growth Podcast

062: True Rags to Riches Story (w/ MICHAEL BARAYEV)

This is a powerful episode of persistence, resilience, obsession and ALL the real principles behind real success.  Michael shared about his rough upbringing as an immigrant from Uzbekistan in the early 90's.  From domestic violence to poor school experiences, he transitioned and rose from the ashes of failure to learn about building teams, investing and success principles.

After starting door-to-door selling with a few companies and struggling his way from the diamond district in New York, he found his hustle and hunger.  By knocking doors and recruiting, he found the power of consistency and predictability to build a sustainable business.  He learned about sustainability through duplicatable systems and processes all while training leaders for consistent growth.  

He shared with us about the importance of having a massive vision, that you have to DESIRE and HUNGER for success as much as you want to breathe, and why the key to real freedom in business is not about just keeping busy, but mostly about being truly productive.  Let's go!

061: Marketing Secrets Journey!

In this episode, after going over some personal progress and my son's college scholarship, we opened the treasure chest of knowledge surrounding our marketing efforts.  

We talked about the differences between public speaking and webinars, the importance of a curiosity-based hook and how to position it with proof of concept, etc.  We covered the importance of modeling someone in the industry and selling at price points that make sense.  

We talked about making the offer irresistible while highlighting the pain points you're going to solve.  We also covered the big picture for the business as a whole as well as the importance and value of doing challenges.  Let's go!

060: Over 3600 Real Estate Flips! (w/ PETER VEKSELMAN)

Peter shared some great value with us today!  He told us how he struggled in school as a kid with overachieving parents.  We talked about creativity as entrepreneurs and examples of some of the businesses he's been involved with.  

We talked about the different types of properties he works with, but why he likes single family homes the best.  We talked about specific deal examples and returns.  Peter told us about how you need to ride the wave when it's there.  

He also talked about downturns in the market and pivoting.  We talked about minimizing risk and the importance of technology.  He also explained how he works with partners and how to do that through https://partnerdriven.com.  LET'S GO!

059: Removing Self-Sabotage From Your Life!

This is an exciting and informative episode about self-reflection and growth.  We first talked about our current state of 7 Figures, the Funding CEO Challenge and even our progress in the 75 Hard challenge.  

We talked as well about how we can be our own worst enemy - the source of much of the negative energy that we, ironically, often create for ourselves.  We talked about the importance of being humble and vulnerable in owning our own decisions.  

We talked about about avoiding entitlement & complacency as well as condemning, complaining or criticizing in place of finding real solutions.  We talked about some go-to publications and simply staying productive in following through with our commitments.  Let's go!

058: Tony Robbins' First Coach & Jim Rohn's Partner (w/ JIM BRITT)

Jim Britt gave us a spellbinding interview telling us about his childhood when he started working at age 6, moving every year until 9th grade.  He was invited to a life-changing event and, through sheer persistence, was able to change the course of his life.  

He started in sales and, after a year of failure, was able to turn that around by learning the formula to find and solve others' pain points.  He told of success traits and overcoming the "getting by" mentality.  He expounded on the unfortunate power of our excuses and self-imposed limitations.  

He shared how he wrote 15 books and learning to let go and learn from failures along the way.  He told about his six boys and how he worked with the late billionaire Bill Bartmann, the late, great Jim Rohn and some incredible stories from working with a 17 year old Tony Robbins!  Let's go!

057: The American Dream: From Socialism to Capitalism (w/ MILLEN LIVIS)

This is a powerful episode in which we got to hear about Millen's journey from growing up in the battered former Soviet Union with massively limited beliefs about money.  She talks about how she came to New York and had to learn English in her 30's before building an entrepreneurial empire.  She was in real estate and took major hits in the 2008 financial crisis.  She shares how she overcame struggles and her interests / strategies surround stocks, bio-tech, the oil industry, crypto and the meaning of real assets.  She also talks about strategic mapping of our finances and offers our listeners a free consultation which you can book here: https://speakwithmillen.com

056: Funnels.com - SHAQIR HUSSYIN - 3 x 8 Figure Businesses Before Age 30!

This interview with Shaqir Hussyin is incredible!  He brought us so much gold!  He talked about his roots in ecommerce with eBay and how he spent over $300,000 on personal development.  We talked about owning our responsibilities and building on our own real values and principles.

He talked about always being the student and the importance of speed and urgency towards success while focusing on the top one to three things that actually move the needle.  We talked about mindset, focus, genius energy, lessons learned (including from angel investing), that ego is the enemy and to create something that brings value to a lot of people.  

We talked also about getting daily new customers for generational wealth.  We talked about systems, funnels, traffic and getting clarity in your message and who you serve.  We must be specific and look to those who have gone before to model their success.  Let's go!

055: New Skills Will Kill Your Bills!

Today, we talk about growing our business and yours!  We talk about the journey of growth and transformation we embark on as we experience failures and develop skills.  We talk about learning from the "battles," learning to delegate and handling the skills of leadership.  We also talk about becoming clear on your strengths and accentuating them while learning to delegate the right jobs and tasks.  We talk about a story involving my son's bike and how I learned some of what I'm NOT good at in the process.  Let's go!

054: Monday Mastery = Momentum!

In this episode, we talk about everything it takes to maximize our efforts and energy at the start - especially at the start of the work week (Monday) and at the start of each day by dominating our morning.  We talk about how rockets use fuel at the beginning to literally get off the ground in order to use less fuel later.  We talk about tweaking our focus & framing for service in order to love Monday.  This episode is about always improving and maximizing our positive outcomes.  Let's go! 

053: Why I'm Doing 75 Hard!

In today's episode, we covered a variety of topics surrounding growth and mental toughness.  We talk about sitting at a desk getting soft in more ways than one and the mental toughness challenge of 75 Hard created by Andy Frisella.  We talk about the lessons of self discipline and that this is more than just a physical challenge - it can be applied symbolically to much in life.  We talk about how many of us live in the land of greatest opportunity and that the habits of whining/complaining have got to go!  We look at it all through the lens of immigrants and tell the inspiring story of former South Carolina governor Nicki Haley.  We also talk about building ourselves as well as the Funding CEO challenge coming in April.  Let's go!

052: JARED GOETZ - From Broke to 8 Figures!

Jared Goetz has an incredible story of marketing, failure, resilience and fortune!  Join us on this journey as he developed genius and highly efficient marketing plans that got the attention of the likes of Mark Cuban and major corporations.  He became obsessed with his goals and found influencers to further his brand building.  Upon achieving 7+ figures of success, he ventured into the info space, selling courses through his eCom Hacks Academy.  He also had experience - and failures - in planning ambitious events, musical performances and tours.  He got into personal development and learned to put serving others at the forefront.  He talked with us about the importance of simple tests in the market as well as individual meditation and ultimately truly attracting what you want!  LET'S GO!

051: Don't Be Afraid of the Haters!

In this episode, we recapped a few of the strict rules and lessons surrounding 75 Hard.  We talked about always moving forward and striving for the best so you don't have to go in reverse or start over.  We talked about a story of some negative energy we received from some haters and the realities of negative attitudes and misinformation fed by a broken world.  We covered that we should welcome haters and never let them get past our armor with their negative darts.  We talked about cutting the "fat" and negative energy and attracting those positive, unbelievable results we all seek.  Let's go!

050: Hard 75 + Mentally Strong = Results!

We talked today about developments and massive growth at 7 Figures Funding.  We talk about the unity of all of our relentless and unreasonably optimistic team.  We also addressed the topic of "challenges" as well as the logistics of the Hard 75 program - which requires massive discipline and time management.  You have to 100% avoid virtually all detrimental foods and beverages plus a very involved workout regimen.  Thanks to Andy Frisella for the motivation and this metaphor to get results in life.  Let's go!

049: Death Comes to Us All

Death is the big elephant in the room wherever we go and whatever we do in life.  And, regardless of our various beliefs on the matter, we can all agree that it's there.  We talk in this episode about the fragility of life as it concerns the recent loss of one of our own funding partners.  We talk about lessons from the movie "Braveheart" as we consider the ramifications of our actions.  We want to live with enthusiasm and urgency while maximizing our time so we can live without regrets.  Let's go!

048: Who Do YOU Want to Be?

We covered a lot of great ground in this episode!  We talked a little about my current events in life and with my family.  We also talked about how we have aspirations as children and often forget about those as adults.  We covered the topic of becoming complacent and how I gained weight based on how I was seeing myself, etc.  We even talked about Pablo Escobar and Kobe Bryant becoming the "Black Mamba"!  Once we decide who we want to be and how we want to define ourselves, the rest should fall into place if we want to be true to that.  Let's go!

047: KPI's: The Key to Growth!

We talked in this episode about several examples and the meaning of KPI's (Key Performance Indicators).  We talked about how my children (and maybe yours) have several KPI's when it comes to sports and dance respectively.  KPI's give us the knowledge of where and how to improve.  It is crucial to identify them accurately and incorporate this principles with the right mindset.  We talked about some examples within 7 Figures as well as it pertains to our leads, marketing, training staff/partners and more.  Let's go!

046: How to Build an 8 Figure Tech Company from Scratch w/ Isaac Freckleton

Today, we had the privilege of talking with the CEO of EVE Financial, Isaac Freckleton.  Isaac built this 8 (approaching 9) figures business from scratch and generously shares important pieces of wisdom.  Some of this is related to the journey of a startup with sleepless nights and trying to get capital/investors.  He talks about how he was simply "uncomfortable with being comfortable" and had to feed that hunger with innovation in building this funding software and app.  Let's go!

 

045: How to Rebound from Massive Failure, Even Bankruptcy!

This is an episode about constant hope and ownership, regardless of what goes right or wrong.  We started by talking about Tom Brady and the many obstacles he has dealt with to now be the undisputed NFL greatest of all time.  We talked about life analogies related to failure, ownership and growth as we overcome as well as the risk in externalizing and blaming other people and/or forces.  We also discussed the importance of modeling success and being wise in what we allow into our heads.  Let's go!

044: Why I Finally Switched to the iPhone!

In this episode, we talked a little bit about a Sunday ritual we have with our kids.  We talked about my son who recently got way into music and, in particular, the guitar.  We talked about honing our skills and how Apple has really constantly improved their products making them more user-friendly and streamlined. We also talked about this new app called Clubhouse and how that is disrupting the business and networking landscape in a variety of ways.  Let's go!

043: JARON RIME - Can You Day Trade to the 7 Figures Club?

Jaron Rime has an interesting story and a fascinating business model where clients can trade with company money. He shares the basis and motivations behind building a trading empire centered around his business, Dominate Day Trading.  He talks with us about the ins and outs of the trading world and how his strategy is unique and very beneficial to those who want to invest in this way.  Let's go!

042: Why Online Courses & Expertise Lead to the 7 FIGURES CLUB!

In this episode, we start out talking briefly about snowboarding near Salt Lake City.  We go on to talk about finding and developing our area of expertise.  That usually means specifying a niche and doing research with books and other materials in that particular niche.  We are looking to solve problems, create content and bring it to the masses through social media/groups and even have mastermind upgrades and continuity income with regularly delivered value.

041: Make Me Laugh -> Make More Money!

We talked today about connecting with your audience - whether speaking to a large group, direct sales or any of the many other relationships we have with each other.  We talked about several examples of this including speaking at church, the big comic book empires - Marvel and DC, and much more.  We've learned that people buy the story more than the product and, when it comes to business, this extends into all industries and we shared some examples of that.  Let's go!

040: A Massive Ecommerce Empire with Stephen & Chelsey Diaz!

In this episode, we talked to Stephen & Chelsea Diaz about their massive success in the ecommerce  space.  They talked about working together as a couple and shared some stories from along the way.   The also talked about evolving with their business and eventually leaving behind a wedding videography  business to focus on this. Listen as they share tons of great gems about business, relationships,  mindset and more!  Let's go!

039: Tim Johnson - Maximizing Results as an Influencer, Coach, Investor & Boss!

We were very privileged to welcome Tim Johnson to the podcast for this episode.  He brings tons of value wherever he goes and this was no exception.  He shared with us some ironclad principles of multiplying sales numbers and has been responsible for businesses increasing their sales by literally hundreds of millions of dollars.  He talks a lot about providing truly valuable service and the value that brings for all involved.  He also talks about the immense importance of asking the right questions, among other important gems!  Let's go!

038: Greg Shepard - 8 Exits as an Entrepreneur & the Truth about Venture Capital!

This is an enlightening episode about the power we have in business and life if we persevere.  Greg tells much of his story and, aside from just business, he has been a dedicated philanthropist as well as working with members of congress.  He shares about leveraging OPM (other people's money) to maximize success in business as well as several real world applications and examples.  He is also an acclaimed author and so much more.  Get ready for some excellent gold about life and business!  Let's go!

037: Do You Have the Protestant Work Ethic?

In this episode, we talk about something my father used to talk about called the "Protestant Work Ethic".  We talk about the importance of working smarter, not just harder; as well as focusing on and declaring your goals to the masses.  My dad would talk about work ethic in the context of sports and some accompanying stories.  Let's go!

036: Charles Wilds - 8 Figures Business Coach!

We talked in depth with Charles Wilds today about building a business from the ground up.  Charles shares many of his strategies and tools to keep your business "agile".  You must understand your vision, values and the mission you want to pursue in order to achieve success.  After around 30 years of working with business owners, knowing one's true business purpose and vision in order to meet the specific needs of customers has been very key to his success and that of his clients.  Let's go!

035: Pushing Past the Fear to Act!

In this episode, we discussed the nature of fear and how it can be dangerously paralyzing.  Sometimes, it stops people from taking the right actions when they need to.  We shared the story of a heart transplant patient we had staying with us and some of the complications faced in the aftermath of the transplant itself and how we had to simply act and make decisions.  We talk about the importance of muscling through and making those decisions without delay or reluctance.  Let's go!

034: JOSH ELLEDGE - 7 Figures Online Authority

We had the awesome privilege today to spend time with Josh Elledge.  He is a social media and PR expert and has built multiple successful businesses from the ground up by seeing needs in the marketplace and not even having to spend money on ads.  He expounds about his journey, including several failures and the lessons learned along the way.  He shows us how anyone can grow their authority and influence - using the example of one of his businesses, Up My Influence.  After the 2008 financial crisis, he built a 7 figure business called SavingsAngel.com and shows how anyone can meet needs, build authority and prosper.  Let's go!

033: How Steve Jobs Created Products That Sell Themselves

This is an important episode in which we discuss the massive importance of intuitively creating products and services that people WANT.  In this way, they sell themselves!  Steve Jobs was a master at creating such products in an atmosphere of anticipation that generally only made people want more.  We talked about many important historical moments in Apple and how those can apply to virtually any business selling virtually anything.  We even applied this here at 7 Figures with some real world examples in our own business.  Let's go!

032: "Fund Me Please!"

In this episode, we share a funny and profound story behind the title of this episode ("Fund Me Please").  We also talk about the importance of capital and funding as the lifeblood of any business.  We touch on the difference between good debt and bad debt and how leverage is our best friend when building a thriving business that will last.  Let's go!

031: Why Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes went from $9B to Nada!

We talked today about the dramatic rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.  This is a sad  tale of dishonesty with themselves, investors and the general public.  We talk about how to avoid  those traps with incremental improvements and a willingness pivot our way to success. We discussed  the dramatic changes and improvements at 7 Figures Funding in the last year as well.  Let's go!

030: Paul Ace - Webinar Brilliance!

In this episode, we had the immense privilege of welcoming Paul Ace from "across the pond" in the UK.  He is an expert at maximizing our potential when it comes to leads.  Implementing automated systems that create multiple additional points of contact makes the communication that much more effective and exponentially increases results.  Join us on this fascinating journey with this brilliant businessman!  Let's go!

029: Are You in the RIGHT Business?

We talk in this episode about the importance of first picking the right industry and then deciding in what capacity you intend to contribute.  For this, it is important to know yourself - your strengths and weaknesses!  We talk about some of Leo's past experiences in trading and real estate as well as other businesses and the lessons learned.  We covered all the bases so you can maximize your results while maintaining satisfaction in the process!  Let's go!

028: Values & Principles Build Empires

We talk at length in this episode about the grand importance of values and principles in operating a lasting and successful business.  Through stories and individual examples, we illustrate first hand just why this is an indispensable part of business.  We talked about fund manager Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates) and other cases showing how having well-conceived values and principles is a definite key to building on a solid foundation.  Let's go!

027: Justin Harrison - 10 Million Person Organization!

We had the privilege today of speaking with the incredible entrepreneur Justin Harrison.  He built himself an organization with over 10 million individuals all making him money.  We discussed the logistics of the business and entrepreneurship in general as well as risks as we try to change lives.  He talks at length about his background including his college days and always having a vision for owning a business.  Let's go!

026: Business Is A Team Sport

In this episode, we touched on my recent trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico with my wife and our five kids.  We also got into the five stages of businesses as discussed at length in the incredible book, Tribal Leadership.  We talked about how this applies with existing sports teams such as the New Orleans Saints with Drew Brees as well as Tom Brady and other champions of creating a solid team atmosphere such as Jeff Bezos and other business titans.  Let's go!

025: The Game of Life & How Lebron Won It!

In this episode we talked about keeping all the wheels in motion and building until things take on a life of their own.  All the while, you assume and maintain control while humbly engaging in complete self-awareness.  We speak at length about Lebron James and his ability to exhibit all these qualities and more, especially in the wake of struggles early in his career.  A true champion stays the course and maintains control of what he/she can control in the process.  Let's go!

024: You Are Your Own Worst Enemy...

We talked in this episode about how we need to own our behavior and, instead of exacerbating and/or wallowing in problems, we have the ability to respond to life productively and effectively.  We got into some stories from past business experiences, including times I (Leo) became MY own worst enemy.  This is a topic that is truly only a function of choice and not circumstance.  Let's go!

023: Can You Tolerate Pain to Gain Success?

In this episode, we discussed the concept of pain endurance in order to achieve success.  This is a necessary ingredient in the process.  We also covered some excellent insights into acclaimed actor Matthew McConaughey's life from his new book, Green Lights.  We share how those stories and that experience can translate over to our own particular lives and levels of success.  We also cover the essential ingredient of failure in producing success.  Let's go!

022: "It's Sales, Stupid!"

In this episode, we chatted frankly about how sales is at the centerpiece of just about any business.  It is, by definition, the nature of the phrase "doing business".  The title of this episode comes from the 1992 presidential race between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.  Listen as we discuss this dynamic and what happened as it relates to what business has always been about: SALES!  Note: Please forgive a minor audio issue we had in the recording of this episode...

021: Know Thy Numbers or Die!

In this episode, we talked about how numbers are CRUCIAL to everything we do...especially in business.  I told the story about growing a business to over $5 million in sales and still losing money.  We cover the importance of different types of accounting software and how John D. Rockefeller made accounting one of the absolute core elements of his business endeavors.  Let's go!

020: Making Love to Your Problems!

In this episode we talked about the tendency of many to "make love" to their problems.  Focusing on them and dwelling on their ramifications does nothing to make your life and the world a better place.  We talk about shifting the focus towards solutions through positivity has proven over and over to be the powerful trait of the most successful people on Earth.  We also discuss a poignant story involving David Attenborough...Let's go!

019: Part-Time, Full-Time OR All-the-Time ENTREPRENEUR...

In this episode, we covered an important question all entrepreneurs - or ASPIRING entrepreneurs - should ask themselves: Are you a part-time, full-time or all-the-time entrepreneur?  Nobody needs to feel bad about any of those answers, but our answers should be reflected in our actions and execution.  Leo explains the difference and how to maximize our results.  Let's go!

018: Negative Energy & Avoiding Fakalata

In this episode, we discussed the nature of negative energy and the necessity to avoid it all costs.  We covered a few wild stories from Leo's entrepreneurial journey as well as one from Mark Cuban.  Wait until you hear about FAKALATA!  So many great lessons!  Let's go!

017: A Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal!

Leo covered some of the ways and reasons we need to make huge goals!  We have to be able to get excited and maybe even scared at the prospect of achieving them.  He covers some of the core goals of 7 Figures over the next five years as well!  Get ready to be inspired to set & achieve YOUR goals as well!

016: The Greatness Is in the GRIND!

In this episode, we talked about Leo's last year or so of projects and work including seven-day work weeks and long, dedicated hours.  Leo talks about balancing it all with life and family.  The key is to make sure the goals and their "WHY" are at the forefront while not allowing other important areas in life to suffer.  It is a balancing act and a strong work ethic is necessary!

015: Sean Collins: 0-100 Locations (Costa Vida) - Incredible Entrepreneur!

Today we are privileged to hear from Sean Collins, one of the owners of the massively successful Mexican grill - Costa Vida.  Sean is an amazing entrepreneur and shares many years of insights along with his entrepreneurial instincts and acumen that have been at the core of his success.  From lessons learned and observations as a child to starting his first business at age 23, Sean offers some truly priceless and inspirational gems in this episode!

014: Objectivity, Getting Political, TELL THE TRUTH!

In this episode, we discussed some of the crucial lessons learned about the polarization of our society and our thinking in general at times.  We must find the truth, which is usually not found in extreme modes of thinking.  When it comes to a romantic relationship, it's not about WHO's right, but rather WHAT's right.  The same is true on all levels of business, politics and other human interactions.  Jump in and get some more insight on this important topic.

013: Hailey Rowe - CONFIDENCE & The Health Coach Business

Today we had the privilege to discuss confidence in the entrepreneurial journey with the one and only Hailey Rowe.  Hailey has built a successful coaching business in the health and wellness space and shares with us some of her inspiring story of following her heart, building confidence in both herself and her esteemed clients as well as the journey of growth that is entrepreneurialism.  Join us for this in-depth and enlightening discussion.  Let's go!