 Everyone thinks they have a strategy problem.
They don’t. They have a discipline problem. And it's costing them everything. You Don’t Need Another Playbook Let’s get one thing straight: You don’t need another podcast episode. You don’t need another course. You don’t need ChatGPT to give you 10 new ideas for your business. You need to take the one you already have-- and actually execute on it. Consistency Beats Genius The entrepreneur who shows up every day and executes a B+ plan will always outperform the one chasing perfect ideas but finishing none. Discipline wins. Not hustle porn. Not motivation. Not vision boards. Daily, focused, strategic action. That’s the game. The Hidden Cost of Half-Finished Every half-finished product, funnel, campaign, or lead magnet you’ve got sitting in a Google Drive folder? That’s a graveyard of lost potential. Because the market doesn’t reward ideas. It rewards execution. You’re not short on opportunity. You’re short on follow-through. The Discipline Gap is the Real Bottleneck Want to grow your business? Here’s the formula: Get clear on the next most important move. Do it. Repeat until the outcome happens. No detours. No shiny objects. Just work that ships. That’s how businesses scale. That’s how leaders are built. Final Thought Most people will never build what they’re capable of--not because they didn’t have the talent, but because they couldn’t stay focused long enough to finish. You don’t need more brilliance. You need more consistency. You need more patience. You need more grit. Because success isn’t about who starts the fastest. It’s about who finishes relentlessly. So what’s sitting on your to-do list right now that needs to be done? Close the discipline gap. Start. Finish. Repeat.
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 Sales has always come naturally to me.
I didn’t come up through the ranks as someone who dreaded sales conversations or fumbled through awkward pitches. Early on, I just went for it. I was light on details and heavy on enthusiasm. And you know what? That worked. But when I paired that instinct with a real sales process—when I learned the structure, the art of asking the right questions, and especially the power of following up with intention and consistency—everything changed. I didn’t just get better at sales. I became great at it. And when I left the Fortune 500 world to start building my own business, that foundation became one of my biggest assets. But here’s what I want you to understand—and this is something most people miss: Sales isn’t some special skill reserved for a chosen few. It’s something we’re all doing—every single day. Think about it. You convince someone to go out on a date? That’s sales. You pitch an idea to your team, get them fired up, and rally them to execute? That’s sales. You talk to a friend about a book, a movie, a restaurant you love, and they go try it? Sales. Sales is communication with purpose. It’s influence. It’s connection. It’s alignment. The only reason people feel weird about it is because they think it has to be pushy, manipulative, or full of pressure. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The Best Salespeople Aren’t “Selling” The best salespeople are looking for fit. That’s it. They’re trying to understand if there’s a problem they can help solve, a goal they can help reach, a gap they can help fill. If there’s alignment, great—let’s go. If not? No big deal. That’s always been my approach. And it’s what I tell every entrepreneur I mentor: “If we’re a fit, great. If not, no big deal.” No desperation. No scarcity. No tricks. Just real connection. There is abundance out there—so why act like you need to close every conversation? When you take that pressure off, everything changes. Your conversations get easier. Your confidence goes up. And ironically? Your close rate goes through the roof—because people can feel that you’re not just chasing the deal. The Real Power Is in the Follow-Up I’ve seen more deals won through great follow-up than great first conversations. In fact, it’s one of the most important things I ever learned in the corporate world—and one of the most overlooked by entrepreneurs. People get busy. Timing gets off. Questions pop up after the call. That doesn’t mean someone isn’t interested—it just means you need to stay engaged. And not in the “just checking in” kind of way. I’m talking about value-based follow-up. Sharing something relevant. Offering a fresh perspective. Helping them see how your solution connects to their world in a new way. It’s not nagging. It’s showing up with purpose. It’s demonstrating that you’re serious about helping them succeed—not just making a sale. Sales Is a Force for Good If you’re truly offering something that helps people, solves a problem, or makes their lives better--why wouldn’t you want to share it? You’re not being pushy. You’re creating alignment. You’re building a win-win. You’re finding that “1 + 1 = 3” partnership where everyone walks away better. That’s how I’ve always seen it. And the sooner you stop thinking of sales as some weird separate thing—and start seeing it as something you already do naturally—the sooner you’ll get better at it. Because you’re already a salesperson. You’ve been one your whole life. You just need to own it. Final Thought You want to grow your business? Get good at sales. Really good. But don’t try to become someone you’re not. You don’t need a cheesy pitch or a slick close. You just need to connect, understand, and serve. Focus on fit. Show up with purpose. Follow up like a pro. Take the pressure off—and help people get what they truly want. Sales isn’t something to be feared. It’s one of the most human, powerful, and creative skills you’ll ever master. Now go out and use it to make a difference.  Let’s be honest—most entrepreneurs don’t have a real network.
They have a list of LinkedIn connections, a pile of business cards from networking events, and a few people they occasionally message when they need something. But that’s not a network. That’s noise. A real network moves you forward. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed. It puts you in rooms where opportunities flow, deals happen, and the right introductions change everything. If you don’t have that kind of network yet, it’s time to fix it. Here’s how to build a network that actually helps you win. Step 1: Cut the Dead Weight The first step to building a great network isn’t about adding people—it’s about removing the wrong ones. Look at the people you spend the most time with. Do they push you? Challenge you? Make you better? Or do they complain, make excuses, and drain your energy? Most people hold onto relationships out of habit, but the reality is that some people don’t belong in your circle anymore. That doesn’t mean they’re bad people. It just means they’re not helping you get where you want to go. Take a hard look at your network. If someone is constantly negative, stagnant, or bringing nothing to the table, it’s time to limit your time with them. Success is hard enough without carrying extra weight. Step 2: Find the Right People Once you make space, it’s time to fill your network with people who actually help you grow. A good rule of thumb—if you’re the smartest or most successful person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. You need people ahead of you, challenging you, showing you what’s possible. So where do you find them? You go where they go. High-level masterminds, industry events, private communities, investor circles. The rooms that aren’t open to everyone. And when you get there, you don’t just show up—you contribute. The easiest way to connect with successful people is to help them. Solve a problem for them. Introduce them to someone valuable. Be useful before you ever ask for anything. Most people network backwards. They meet someone and immediately try to get something. That’s a surefire way to be ignored. If you want to build real relationships, start by giving. Step 3: Build an Inner Circle That Pushes You A world-class network isn’t about knowing the most people—it’s about having the right people. You need a small, core group of winners who hold you accountable and push you to the next level. This isn’t about casual business acquaintances. It’s about real, trusted relationships with people who challenge you. Your inner circle should include:
These are the people who will tell you the truth when you need to hear it. Who will call you out when you’re slacking and push you to raise your game. If your inner circle isn’t doing that, it’s time to find a new one. Step 4: Stop Treating Relationships Like Transactions One of the biggest mistakes people make in networking is treating it like a transaction. They only reach out when they need something. They expect favors without building real relationships. They burn bridges by thinking short-term instead of long-term. Real networking is the opposite. It’s about playing the long game. You stay in touch even when you don’t need anything. You introduce people to each other without expecting anything in return. You make deposits into relationships before you ever think about making a withdrawal. The best networkers don’t ask, “What can I get?” They ask, “How can I help?” And because of that, when they do need something, the right people are already willing to step up. Step 5: Become Someone People Want to Connect With Here’s the part no one likes to talk about. If high-level people aren’t responding to you, it’s not because they’re jerks. It’s because you haven’t made yourself valuable enough yet. Successful people want to be around others who are doing big things. They don’t have time for people who just take—they want people who bring something to the table. So the best way to build a powerful network? Become someone worth knowing. Build something valuable. Be great at what you do. Have a reputation for getting things done. When you do that, networking stops feeling like work—because the right people start coming to you. Final Thought: Your Network Is Your Shortcut to Success Every major opportunity in business and life comes through people. Your next big break isn’t going to come from a Google search. It’s going to come from someone who knows someone. So take action now.
Because at the end of the day, success is about who you know—and more importantly, who knows you.  If you want to build something great, hustling will only take you so far.
Most entrepreneurs start by doing everything themselves—grinding, sacrificing, and pushing through every challenge. That works in the beginning. But if you don’t evolve, you’ll become the bottleneck that holds your business back. The best entrepreneurs don’t just hustle—they lead. They shift from being the worker to the architect, from reacting to driving the vision, and from grinding to scaling. If you want to go from entrepreneur to CEO, here are the five key shifts you need to make. 1. From Doing Everything to Building a Power Team 🔥 Hustler Mindset: "I have to do it all." 🚀 CEO Mindset: "I build a team that does it better than me." Entrepreneurs who try to do everything stay stuck in a cycle of overwork and stagnation. CEOs focus on hiring, training, and empowering the right people so they can scale. ➡ Shift: Stop asking, "How can I do this?" and start asking, "Who can do this better than me?" If you’re still involved in every little task, you don’t own a business—you own a job. Your job as a CEO is to create a system that runs without you. 2. From Grinding Harder to Leveraging Smarter 🔥 Hustler Mindset: "If I just work harder, I’ll get there." 🚀 CEO Mindset: "Success comes from leverage, not effort alone." The hardest-working entrepreneur isn’t always the most successful—the one who leverages systems, automation, and delegation is. ➡ Shift: Audit how you spend your time. Are you working on the highest-value tasks? Eliminate busywork, delegate what others can do, and focus only on what moves the needle. Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things. 3. From Chasing Every Opportunity to Ruthless Focus 🔥 Hustler Mindset: "I’ll say yes to everything and figure it out later." 🚀 CEO Mindset: "I focus on the few things that create the biggest results." Hustlers chase every opportunity because they fear missing out. CEOs understand that every ‘yes’ is a ‘no’ to something else. ➡ Shift: Before committing to anything, ask:
If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hard no. 4. From Reactive to Proactive Leadership 🔥 Hustler Mindset: "I’ll deal with problems as they come." 🚀 CEO Mindset: "I set the direction and eliminate roadblocks before they happen." Most entrepreneurs live in reaction mode, constantly putting out fires and handling issues as they arise. CEOs create structure, set priorities, and drive the vision forward. ➡ Shift: Block out time every week for deep strategy work. Ask yourself:
If you don’t control the direction of your business, someone else will. 5. From Fear-Based Decisions to Confident Leadership 🔥 Hustler Mindset: "What if I make the wrong decision?" 🚀 CEO Mindset: "I trust myself to make bold moves and adapt." Hesitation kills growth. Indecision is a decision to stay stuck. The best CEOs make decisions with the information they have, knowing that action beats inaction. They trust their instincts, take calculated risks, and adjust as needed. ➡ Shift: Stop waiting for perfect conditions. Make the best decision you can, execute fast, and iterate along the way. Final Thought: Make the Shift Now The transition from hustler to CEO doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by choice. Ask yourself: Which of these 5 shifts do I need to make right now? 👉 Then commit to it. Because the real test of an entrepreneur isn’t how hard they grind—it’s how well they lead. Sharpen Your Edge, Part 1: How Mental Toughness and Focus Give Entrepreneurs the Winning Advantage1/30/2025  Entrepreneurship isn’t just a game of skill—it’s a game of mental dominance. The ones who win aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most talented. They’re the ones who can stay locked in, eliminate distractions, and execute with relentless precision.
Your business isn’t suffering from a lack of ideas or opportunity. It’s suffering from mental fog, wasted energy, and lack of focus. Fix those, and you’ll operate at a level most can’t even comprehend. Here’s how to sharpen your edge today: 1. Start Your Day With a Mental Warm-Up (5 Minutes Max) Just like a top athlete doesn’t jump into the game cold, you need to prime your mind before attacking your day.
2. Train Your Focus Like a Weapon Distraction is the enemy. Every time you switch tasks, you lose momentum. Top performers guard their focus like a billion-dollar asset.
The best don’t just train hard; they recover hard. Without strategic recovery, you burn out and lose your edge.
The Misfit Challenge Pick one of these strategies and implement it right now. Don’t wait. The difference between winners and everyone else is that winners execute immediately. So what’s it going to be? Are you sharpening your edge or dulling it? The choice is yours.  Why Bother with an Exit Plan? Entrepreneurs pour heart and hustle into building something special—yet most don’t plan for how they’ll exit. Whether you want to sell, merge, pass it on to family, or just slow down, having a succession plan sets you up to leave on your own terms (and cash out bigger).
Popular Exit Paths (and Why They Matter)
Key Point: No matter which path you choose, you’ll want your finances, team, and processes dialed in. Early Prep = Bigger Payday It might feel weird planning your exit while you’re still in growth mode, but that’s exactly the point. If you start 3–5 years before you’re ready to step away, you have time to:
I've always ran my businesses like I would own them forever, but prepared them so they could be sold. You never know when an opportunity may come up and you need to be ready. Getting Your House in Order Potential buyers (or your kids!) want a clean, efficient ship. Here’s how to tidy up:
Valuation Basics Ever hear the phrase, “Your business is worth whatever someone will pay for it?” True, but a pro valuation helps you set realistic expectations. An appraiser or M&A advisor reviews:
The more stable and diversified your revenue, the higher the price tag. And if you have recurring revenue streams with solid growth trajectory it boosts value even more. The Emotional Roller Coaster Many of us tie our identity to our businesses. Stepping away feels strange—like letting go of a piece of ourselves. But a good plan eases that transition. Communicate early and often with family, key employees, and anyone else affected. And start thinking about what you’ll do after the sale or handoff, whether it’s a new venture, philanthropy, or simply enjoying life. Pitfalls to Avoid
Your Next Steps
Your exit strategy might feel like a “someday” problem, but the best time to plan is before you actually need it. This way, you’ll protect what you’ve built, maximize the payoff, and set the stage for your next great adventure (whatever that may be). As Misfit Entrepreneurs, we aim for more than just profit—we aim for a legacy worth handing off.  As entrepreneurs, we wear multiple hats. You’re the visionary, the strategist, the problem solver, and sometimes even the janitor. Your passion and drive are what keep your business moving forward, but constantly being on the go comes at a cost. Burnout is real, and it can rob you of creativity, clarity, and ultimately, the joy of building your dream.
Taking time to recharge isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s why: Why Entrepreneurs Need to Recharge
The Top 3 Ways to Recharge as an Entrepreneur 1. Unplug and Disconnect Entrepreneurs are often tethered to their phones and laptops, always “on call.” But constant connectivity doesn’t allow your mind to truly rest. Set boundaries around your work hours and commit to unplugging regularly. Consider:
2. Invest in Self-Care Self-care looks different for everyone, but its importance can’t be overstated. It’s about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit so you can perform at your peak. Some ideas include:
3. Pursue Hobbies and Interests Remember the things you loved before you became an entrepreneur? Whether it’s painting, hiking, playing music, or simply reading a good book, dedicating time to hobbies can provide a mental escape and recharge your creative energy. Doing something purely for enjoyment reminds you that there’s more to life than work and helps you return to your business with fresh enthusiasm. Taking time to recharge is not a sign of weakness; it’s a smart business strategy. Your ability to lead, innovate, and grow your business hinges on your ability to sustain your energy and passion. By unplugging, investing in self-care, and pursuing your interests, you’ll not only avoid burnout but also position yourself to thrive as an entrepreneur. So, block that time off on your calendar. Step away, recharge, and come back stronger. Your business—and your life—will thank you for it.  I am a lifelong Ohio State fan. But, I also played football all through college and been fortunate to be part of championship teams. Ohio State just had their worst loss to Michigan, their archrival, in possibly my lifetime. It wasn't so much the score as how much of an advantage that Ohio State had going into the game at #2 in the country vs. a 6-win Michigan team. The loss has some great leadership lessons that I want to share for entrepreneurs.
Sometimes, leadership is less about sticking to a carefully laid plan and more about recognizing when that plan is failing—and pivoting boldly. Ohio State’s loss to Michigan offers a striking example of what happens when leaders fail to adapt. In the highly anticipated matchup, Ohio State was favored by the largest point spread in history against Michigan. On paper, they had every advantage. But football, like leadership, isn’t played on paper. It’s dynamic, unpredictable, and rewards those who can adjust to the realities of the moment. The Cost of Sticking to a Failing Plan Throughout the game, it became painfully clear to fans and analysts alike that Ohio State’s strategy wasn’t working. Michigan's only strength was their defensive line and Ohio State kept running right into it, despite them having new offensive lineman playing due to injuries and Ohio State's biggest strength being their receiving core. Yet, even with these glaring issues, Ohio State’s coaching staff refused to pivot. Rather than exploiting Michigan’s weak points—like vulnerabilities in their secondary defense—the team doubled down on the original game plan. Ego, overconfidence, or fear of admitting failure may have played a role, but the result was the same: Michigan capitalized on Ohio State’s rigidity and pulled off a stunning upset. Leadership Lessons from the Field For leaders in business and life, the parallels are striking. It’s easy to craft a plan, put resources behind it, and feel confident in its execution. But what happens when the plan doesn’t work? True leadership lies in the ability to:
The Pivot That Could Have Changed the Game Imagine if Ohio State’s coaches had regrouped at halftime and decided to shift their strategy. What if they had stopped trying to force their original plan and instead designed plays targeting Michigan’s defensive gaps? What if they had rallied their team with a message of adaptability and resilience? The outcome might have been different, not because Ohio State lacked talent or preparation, but because they would have embraced the truth that great leaders—on the field or in the boardroom—win by adapting. The Takeaway for Entrepreneurs In business, as in sports, plans don’t always go as expected. Markets shift, competitors innovate, and unforeseen challenges arise. The most successful leaders understand that stubbornly clinging to a failing strategy only leads to defeat. Take a lesson from Ohio State’s loss: when the game isn’t going your way, pivot. Exploit opportunities, be willing to change, and never let ego keep you from adapting. The ability to adjust course in the face of adversity is what separates good leaders from great ones—and winners from everyone else.  As entrepreneurs, we all hit roadblocks. Some are small speed bumps—an unexpected expense or a missed opportunity. Others feel like brick walls, stopping us in our tracks, challenging every ounce of our resolve. The difference between those who crumble and those who rise lies in one word: grit.
Grit is overused, but it is not a trendy buzzword. It’s the unyielding determination to persevere in the face of challenges. It’s the willingness to stay the course when others quit. It’s a mindset and a discipline, and it’s what separates the best from the rest. But here’s the secret: grit isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill you can develop. Over the years, through successes and plenty of failures, I’ve learned a few habits that gritty entrepreneurs embrace to stay in the fight. Let’s dig into them. They Have a Clear "Why" Gritty entrepreneurs don’t just chase success for the sake of success. They’re fueled by a deeper purpose—a mission that lights them up and keeps them moving forward. When things get tough (and they always do), your "why" is what pulls you out of bed in the morning. It’s what keeps you focused when distractions and doubts creep in. Takeaway: If you haven’t clearly defined your "why," take time to reflect. Ask yourself: What am I really working toward? What’s at stake if I give up? They Master the Art of Reframing Challenges are inevitable, but how you view them makes all the difference. Gritty entrepreneurs don’t see problems as obstacles—they see them as opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Think of it like this: Every failure is just feedback. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Takeaway: The next time you’re faced with a challenge, ask yourself, What is this teaching me? How can I turn this into an advantage? They Build Systems, Not Just Goals A gritty entrepreneur knows that goals are important, but systems are what make them achievable. Systems are the daily habits and routines that keep you moving forward, even when motivation runs dry. Think about it: Anyone can set a goal to "grow revenue by 50%," but without a plan to break it down into actionable steps, that goal is just a wish. Takeaway: Focus on creating repeatable systems for success. Whether it’s dedicating the first hour of your day to strategic thinking or scheduling weekly check-ins with your team, systems create consistency—and consistency builds grit. They Embrace Discomfort Let’s be honest: growth is uncomfortable. Whether it’s having difficult conversations, trying something new, or stepping outside your comfort zone, gritty entrepreneurs don’t shy away from the hard stuff. They lean into discomfort because they know that’s where the magic happens. Takeaway: The next time you feel resistance, don’t avoid it. Embrace it. That resistance is often a sign you’re on the verge of something great. They Surround Themselves with Resilient People You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Gritty entrepreneurs understand this and choose their circle wisely. They seek out mentors, peers, and even employees who embody resilience, positivity, and determination. Takeaway: Audit your inner circle. Are the people around you pushing you to be better, or are they pulling you down? Surround yourself with those who inspire grit and greatness. They Take Care of Their Mental and Physical Health Grit doesn’t mean burning out. It means having the stamina to keep going—and that requires taking care of yourself. Gritty entrepreneurs prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness to keep their minds sharp and their bodies strong. Takeaway: Don’t neglect self-care in the name of hustle. The stronger you are mentally and physically, the more grit you’ll have to face challenges head-on. They Play the Long Game Gritty entrepreneurs know that success isn’t about quick wins. It’s about staying the course and building something meaningful over time. They’re willing to delay gratification, make sacrifices, and keep their eyes on the bigger picture. Takeaway: Ask yourself: Am I making decisions for short-term comfort or long-term success? Shift your focus to the long game. Grit is the great equalizer. It’s not about how much talent you have, how much money you’ve raised, or how smart you are. It’s about how much heart you bring to the table and how willing you are to keep going when the going gets tough. As you move forward in your entrepreneurial journey, remember this: grit isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance. It’s about showing up, day after day, ready to face the challenges with courage and determination.  As an entrepreneur, you're constantly creating content to engage your audience, build your brand, and drive your business forward. But with so many platforms and formats available, it can be overwhelming to keep up. That's where content repurposing comes in—a powerful strategy that allows you to maximize your reach and impact without constantly reinventing the wheel.
Below are 3 content repurposing strategies that every entrepreneur should master to get the most value out of their content creation efforts. 1. Turn Blog Posts into Video Content One of the most effective ways to repurpose your content is by turning your blog posts into engaging videos. Video content is highly popular and easily consumable, making it a great way to reach a wider audience on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn. How to Do It:
Why It Works: Videos have higher engagement rates than text, and they’re more likely to be shared, which means your content can reach a much broader audience. Plus, platforms like YouTube act as search engines, which can bring in traffic long after the video is published. 2. Create an eBook or Guide from Your Podcast Episodes If you have a podcast, you’re already sitting on a goldmine of content that can be repurposed into long-form material like eBooks or guides. This strategy is perfect for creating lead magnets or valuable resources that your audience can download and use. How to Do It:
Why It Works: eBooks and guides position you as an authority in your field and offer your audience valuable, in-depth information that they can reference anytime. This strategy also helps you build your email list and nurture leads. 3. Transform Webinars into Multiple Content Pieces Webinars are packed with valuable information that can easily be turned into multiple types of content. From video clips to social media posts and blog articles, you can create a comprehensive content strategy from just one webinar. How to Do It:
Why It Works: Repurposing webinars allows you to create a steady stream of content from a single source, saving you time while maintaining a high level of engagement with your audience. It also provides content variety, catering to different audience preferences across multiple channels. Content repurposing is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to make the most of their content creation efforts. By turning your blog posts into videos, transforming podcast episodes into eBooks, and breaking down webinars into bite-sized pieces, you can reach a larger audience without constantly creating new material from scratch. Master these top 3 content repurposing strategies, and you’ll not only save time but also amplify your message, expand your reach, and drive more engagement with your brand. |
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