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It’s the last of our mini-episodes, as we look back on the lessons we have learned from the interviews during season 1 of the podcast. Today, we are talking about living out your values every day. Sometimes, especially in business, this is easier said than done, however when your business adheres to the values it embraces, whether they are profitable or not, you can really separate your business from the competition. You can read the full show notes at www.lauranovak.com

We’re taking a look back at some of the best lessons we have learned from all of the episodes of Season 1. Today we are going to be talking about working within our strengths. There’s a lot of pressure sometimes to do everything in your business, but you can truly begin to work in your zone of genius when you focus your greatest efforts in your areas of strength. Listen as we explain all the ramifications of making this change!   Join Laura and Lindsay as they discuss:   Understanding what you’re good at and saying yes to those things, but no to things that don’t empower you is important.  Being deliberate is important  Saying yes to everything can hurt you  We’re our hardest critics  Focus can be scary  A leap of faith leaves space for opportunity  Be good at what you pursue  Know if you’re uncomfortable because you don’t know it or because you’re not good at it  You have to understand what drives your business  Developing confidence makes your business easier  Have people who can work in the areas you’re not as strong in  Working relationships can strain business if you let them go too far  Being aware of your strengths     

These next few weeks, we are here to digest some of the lessons we have learned from interviewing all of these amazing entrepreneurs for the show! You have to keep the entrepreneurial dream alive! You can’t let someone squash it for you! Be positive and keep that passion burning. You have to be an unbridled believer in the possibility of your business.   What does it take to make it as an entrepreneur? Resilience!   You have to be able to adapt, change and grow for the good of keeping your dream alive! 3 Keys to Resilience: Accept the reality that things aren’t going the way you intended and shift your direction. View every problem as an opportunity to get better Reconnect with your vision and mission

My guest today is Russ Perry, founder and owner of Design Pickle, a graphic design company headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. Russ’s team of design professionals work with clients all over the world, and Russ is a self-described “former creative agency refugee.” Join us for a great conversation full of inspiration to find what you want, even when it means leaving something behind!   You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com

Lara Casey - Author, magazine editor, entrepreneur. Lara has an amazing energy and she has so much great advice for entrepreneurs. She has a transformation story that is so inspiring. With each transformation, she started getting closer to her authentic self. It’s been an amazing journey to watch. Some people have such fear around transformation, but she just embraced it and went with her gut. You can read the full show notes at www.lauranovak.com

Our guest today is Shelly Sun, a mentor, friend, and the founder/CEO of BrightStar Care. She exemplifies confidence, passion, and energy. Regardless of the size of your business, Shelly has much to offer about the WHY of what you do. She’s inspiring, responsible, resilient, and a powerhouse hugger! Shelly is the author of the bestselling book Grow Smart, Risk Less and has even been featured on Undercover Boss. Join us! You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com

My guest today is a friend, mentor, colleague, and author. Karissa Thacker is a coach and trainer for entrepreneurs and executives. She understands the psychology of leaders and loves sharing her wisdom to make them even better! Her new book is The Art of Authenticity. Join us for this conversation! You won't want to miss it! You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com

Welcome to an interview with a longtime friend, Sarah Petty. Sarah is a colleague in the photography business, a best-selling author, speaker, and a lover of sales and marketing. You’ll find this conversation inspiring, and you just might learn something about connecting with people effectively. Sarah has great wisdom in bringing joy to the world of sales and marketing—and she’s here to share with us. Join us! You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com

My guest today is Dallas Shaw, a fashion celebrity, and the go-to person in the fashion industry!. Dallas has worked with every magazine and every fashion designer in the industry as a coveted illustrator and luxury project designer. She has wonderful nuggets of wisdom to share about her entrepreneurial journey because she throws every rule out the window! Join us for this exciting conversation. You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com/podcast

Today’s guest is Bryan Klein of The Max Challenge Fitness franchise. Bryan has the ability to connect his deep purpose in a meaningful way to his work---this brings JOY! Bryan’s focus, energy, and passion are evident in everything he does! His philosophy is that it’s less about the “business,” but more about what he can DO for his clients. He possesses great financial security, which is not the GOAL, but the by-product of the way he looks at his business. Join us! You can read the full show notes and access the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com/podcast  

Welcome! Our guest today is Tara Gentile, a speaker, author, and blogger who mentors many entrepreneurs in finding joy in their entrepreneurship. She is a curious and intuitive business strategist and the creator of the Quiet Power Strategy. Tara also hosts the Profit Power Pursuit podcast, so please check it out! Today we’ll talk about focus, vision, strategy, and more—including why you SHOULD sometimes be a QUITTER. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: Tara’s story of a winding path and a “not-so-secret” secret Grad school dropout to retail manager to entrepreneur “How can I help other entrepreneurs learn what I’ve learned?” How Tara helps thousands of businesses each year and transforms lives The big pivot: Leaving grad school behind Uncertainty, depression, breakdowns, and bad decisions Eyes wide open! Persistence and Quitting—when you need to Tara’s last big QUIT Developing wealth, peace, and ease Focus, have a clear strategy, and have systems in place 3-6-12 month goals Life on the other side of “business emergencies” The importance of a tracking system How to tackle problems with intention How Tara connects with the philosophies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran theologian Resources: www.taragentile.com  

Welcome! Our guest today is Kari Gormley, who hosts The Running Lifestyle podcast. Kari has had obstacles to overcome, but has taken a meandering path to a beautiful, joyful, and energetic experience as an entrepreneur. We are excited to share with you this fun, inspiring, and juicy interview! Let’s chat with Kari! What you’ll hear in this episode: How Kari’s passion for running, transformation, and travel led her to launch her podcast Kari’s world travels Why Kari is passionate about helping people get healthier Valuable experience from her sales background Transitioning to a more purposeful life—after 9/11 In 2003, back to the US—and sales, again How Kari found her husband through a Google search (Yes, you read that right!) Marriage and following the dream to be a Weight Watchers facilitator A difficult pregnancy, family move to Delaware, and postpartum depression 2011-Kari became a consistent runner, trained for a marathon, and discovered PODCASTS! Why Kari started her own podcast The power of positive media---through podcasts! Why starting out was overwhelming with TOO many decisions FEAR—Will people really listen to me? Acknowledge your fear (Kari even gave her fear a name!) Be in the driver’s seat! Why we need to develop leaders Teaching theories and philosophies, and not scripts Why you need to hire people with strengths outside your own Kari’s formula for work happiness Mixing friends and family with business—Good or Bad? Kari’s struggles with adult ADD Why she loves the opportunities to talk with experts From a favorite book, (see Resources below) Kari shares 6 Key Things to “Make It” in this World Personal change in profound ways! Why commitment is more powerful than fear The biggest change for Kari came through meditation JOY—from hearing feedback about her podcast The greatest opportunity for entrepreneurs? Creating destiny Financial mistakes=TUITION! JOY-from wonderful experiences and from being SEEN and HEARD The temptation of a one-person brand What is one thing that you do every day that increases joyfulness as an entrepreneur? “I think it revolves around gratitude. I keep a gratitude journal and write in it every day. I also have a gratitude jar in the kitchen into which the whole family contributes notes. Resources: www.therunninglifestyle.com  Find Kari on Facebook and Twitter, too! To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink Go Wild by Dr. John Ratey  

Welcome to our brand-new podcast! Joy-preneur exists to help you find more JOY in the journey—and in the ups and downs—of being an entrepreneur. We are Laura and Lindsey, from Little Nest Portraits, a nationally-franchised portrait studio. The idea for this podcast grew out of conversations we’ve had with women around the country regarding the dream of entrepreneurship. There are so many misconceptions about what it’s like to run your own business, and they don’t have to be true! You CAN make it work and you CAN still have joy and passion within your dreams. Even though entrepreneurship may put demands on your time, money, energy, AND sanity----you CAN still live a life of joy. We’ll show you how! Join us! You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.lauranovak.com/podcast