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In a world where a simple ‘thank you’ is often absent in interactions with other people, expressing gratitude is more important than ever before. In this episode, Brian shares why an attitude of gratitude changes everything and how it has formed the cornerstone of his business and his life for many decades.      YOU WILL LEARN: ·     The best ways to express gratitude.  ·     What happens when you let people know you appreciate their business. ·     How gratitude brings emotional glue to a relationship.     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie S1E027, Gratitude: My Secret Ingredient for Success   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “When you don't receive thanks, it makes it a transaction.” – Brian Buffini   “A person's name is so important. It's the sweetest sound in their ears. We’ve got to make sure that we say thank you and use the person's name.” – Brian Buffini   “An attitude of gratitude changes the heart.” – Brian Buffini   “Nothing in my career has cost less money, taken less time and built a bigger fortune for me than the expression of gratitude, especially through personal notes.” – Brian Buffini   “Gratitude is an essential in the good life.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the most successful investors in the world have in common? In this episode, legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group David Rubenstein shares the secrets of his own phenomenal success as well as some of the time-tested principles, wisdom and tools of the biggest names in finance.    YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why relationships are vital.  ·     The 3 categories of investing.  ·     How entrepreneurs should invest right now.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “How to Invest,” By David Rubenstein The Godfather   It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Nobody ever won a Nobel Prize hating what they do. You have to love what you're doing.” – David Rubenstein    “The people that do well are people that go against conventional wisdom.” – David Rubenstein    “You don't need to be at the bottom or the top of the market. You're making investments. You need to basically believe in what you're doing.” – David Rubenstein    “Right now, I think is a good time to be buying, because I think the economy will come back.” – David Rubenstein    “Give your money to people that know what they're doing, and let them do it.” – David Rubenstein    “I try not to confuse my net worth with my self-worth.” – David Rubenstein  Connect with Brian Buffini https://www.Itsagoodlife.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianbuffini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_buffini Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsagoodlifepodcast Love what you heard? Share it with your friends! It’s a Good Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you know your natural gifts and abilities, you can connect to who you truly are and live a life of greater meaning and purpose. In this episode, REALStrengths expert Rachael Yeaman shares why everything changes when you uncover and leverage your unique strengths.    YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How your innate gifts can unlock success. ·     How you can maximize these strengths.   ·     Why you must also learn to manage them.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: REALStrengths itsagoodlife.com   MasterMind Summit The Peak Experience Master Class   “Dare to Lead,” by Brené Brown   Good Will Hunting   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “The magic of what REALStrengths allows is for people to know that who they are is more than enough to make their unique impact in this world.” – Rachael Yeaman   “It’s a revelation when you find out what your strengths are, because they're so natural to you. They're like breathing.” – Brian Buffini   “Once we're aware of our unique strengths, we become confident in who we’re innately designed to be.” – Rachael Yeaman   “If we don't know our strengths, connect to them and consistently put them into action, there's a ceiling on everything that's possible.” – Rachael Yeaman   “We are our own unique selling proposition, but we need to be able to unlock it to allow that to truly thrive.” – Rachael Yeaman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As they face the challenges of the new year, many entrepreneurs can feel apprehensive and overwhelmed. In this episode, Brian teaches how small business owners can tackle any setback and get on track to phenomenal success, regardless of market conditions.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How to create a clear business strategy. ·     Why tracking is vital to success. ·     Why you should pick a theme for the year.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: itsagoodlife.com “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear   S2E09, One Word to Change Your Life – an Interview with Jimmy Page   S1E166, Discipline Equals Freedom with Jocko Willink    Buffini & Company Referral Maker   Free business consultation     NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “An idea is not a strategy. An idea is an idea. And good ideas get better over time.” – Brian Buffini   “There cannot be a crisis next week, my schedule is already full.” – Henry Kissinger     “Set your goals, prioritize your calendar, focus on the day.” – Brian Buffini   “Make tracking your friend.” – Brian Buffini   “My focus is to grow: grow myself, so I can grow my business.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to succeed in 2023, you have to understand where you’re at right now and then learn how to unlock your untapped potential going forward. In this episode, Brian shares the steps you need to take to have a great year.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How to make resolutions that really work. ·     How to get 5 Circle Fit. ·     How to build your best year ever.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: itsagoodlife.com MasterMind Summit The Peak Experience Master Class   S2E102, Reflections on a Good Year   S2E103, How to Review Your Business   S1E182, Breaking Bad   “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “The good life requires some resolve.” – Brian Buffini   “You cannot unintentionally be successful.” – Brian Buffini “When you take the small steps and have the small wins, you’ve got to celebrate them.” – Brian Buffini   “You need to write your principles in stone; you need to write your goals in pencil.” – Brian Buffini   “If you want to have a great year, one of the keys is don't go it alone.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the perfect time of year to review your business so you can hit the ground running in 2023. In this episode, Brian teaches why it’s vital to take stock of your business now so you can avoid mistakes, overcome challenges and win next year, no matter what happens.   YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How to evaluate what worked well this year. ·     How to look clinically at what needs improvement. ·     How to perform a SWOT analysis.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   itsagoodlife.com S2E100, Opportunities Coming off my Bold Predictions   The Peak Experience   S2E66, The Magic Meeting   S2E91, Play the Promotion Game to Win with Bill Hampton   Master Class   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “This is the time of year to make hay for next year.” – Brian Buffini   “Winners evaluate themselves in a positive manner and look for their strengths as they work to overcome their weaknesses.” – Zig Ziglar   “When you track things, it's a story of what actually took place.” – Brian Buffini   “Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work.” – Thomas Edison   “Whatever's going on in the world, we're going to outgrow it; we're going to outperform it.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The good life isn’t always easy, but there’s always something to be grateful for. In this episode, Brian reflects on the challenges and blessings of the past year and teaches how, even with pain and suffering, life is still good if you practice gratitude.   YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How to evaluate what worked during the year. ·     How to decide what needs a tune-up. ·     How to create your own highlight reel for the year.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: itsagoodlife.com MasterMind   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “In the midst of the tragedy, in the midst of the difficulty and in the midst of the heartache, life is still good.” – Brian Buffini   “The difference between people who I consider successful, and people I don't consider successful, is gratitude.” – Brian Buffini   “It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way, so we must dig and delve unceasingly.” – Claude Monet   “There’s always something to be grateful for.” – Brian Buffini   “The lessons you learn from this year, you will use for the years to come.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As children, Christmas was a season of wonder for many of us, but over time we often start to anticipate less, expect more and even develop a sense of entitlement. In this extra-special replay episode, Brian shares why Christmas is still so dear to him and teaches how anyone can tap into the magic of the season all year long.   YOU WILL LEARN: How to rekindle a sense of childlike anticipation and appreciation. The story of the best Christmas Brian ever had. Why the present is the most precious gift of all.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   itsagoodlife.com   “The One Minute Manager,” by Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard   “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard   “The Present,” by Spencer Johnson   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “The only thing that will last is relationships with people.” – Brian Buffini   “At the end of the day, the greatest present is the present.” – Brian Buffini   “It’s OK to be shaped by your past, but you can’t drive a car by constantly looking in the rear-view mirror.” – Brian Buffini   “You need to learn from your past, not get judged by your past or get stuck by your past.” – Brian Buffini   “The present of faith opened up my heart, my life and my eyes.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a shifting market, real estate agents need to be more professional than ever if they want to succeed in 2023. In this episode, Brian digs deeper into his Bold Predictions for next year, reveals which factors are affecting conditions and shares how to build a strong business in challenging economic times.    YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why employment is key to forecasting the market. ·     Why inflation is so dangerous. ·     How to beat inflation.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   S2E99, Brian Buffini's Bold Predictions: 2023 Real Estate Market Update   The National Association of REALTORS®   S2E89, The Invisible Crisis with Nicholas Eberstadt   S2E23, Inflation and You Part 1   S2E24, Inflation and You Part 2   Buffini & Company Real Estate Report   itsagoodlife.com   Free business consultation   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Inflation is a hole in the bucket.” – Brian Buffini   “Growth is the key to inflation: you’ve got to grow faster than inflation.” – Brian Buffini “Get back to the fundamentals, execute, and swim against the tide and you're going to win.” – Brian Buffini   “This a good year to put some money in the market.” – Brian Buffini   “I can't control what the Fed does. I can't control what administrations do. I can't control what central banks do. But I can control what I do: attitude, effort, energy.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many years, Brian has predicted real estate trends and developments with astounding accuracy. In his 15th annual Bold Predictions broadcast, he interviews NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun for a market update. He also forecasts what’s ahead for next year and shares what real estate professionals need to do in order to win.   YOU WILL LEARN: Factors affecting the market right now. How real estate agents, buyers and sellers are being impacted. Three opportunities to take advantage of in 2023 to succeed.    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The National Association of REALTORS®   buffiniandcompany.com/2023resources   S2E94, The One Decision That Makes a Millionaire   itsagoodlife.com   Free business consultation   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Data is indicating that this year, once all the numbers are in, median home prices will be roughly 10% above last year.” – Dr. Yun   “I think by 2024 we will definitely have lower mortgage rates.” – Dr. Yun   “This is a pro's market.” – Brian Buffini   “Real estate is the number one protection against inflation and has been for 100 years.” – Brian Buffini   “Do not go it alone. When times are tough, you can't go it alone. Get help.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an entrepreneur, strong self-belief is vital for yourself, your business and your staff. In this episode, Brian shares his own journey to self-belief and teaches how to develop it so you can win at work and in life.      YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How self-belief combats imposter syndrome.   ·     How self-talk affects self-belief. ·     The dividends of developing self-belief.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “What to Say When You Talk to Yourself,” by Shad Helmstetter MasterMind The Peak Experience     S1E273, Chatter: The Voice Inside Our Head – an Interview with Ethan Kross   S1E216, Unleash Your Inner Olympian with Apollo Ohno   Miracle, movie   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “A lack of self-belief equals a lack of conviction.” – Brian Buffini   “You’ve got to affirm what's true, and you’ve got to affirm what can be true.” – Brian Buffini   “You can correct bad behavior and bad thinking into the right self-belief.” – Brian Buffini   “Benchmarks are critical; comparison is deadly.” – Brian Buffini   “When you become more of who you're designed to be and you believe more in yourself, you will see the results show up in all five circles.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we have the confidence to meet challenges and achieve our goals. In this special replay episode, Brian explores why what you think about yourself can help or hinder you and provides powerful tips to improve self-belief.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How insecurity can sabotage your dreams.   ·     How past experiences and other people’s feedback shape your beliefs. ·     Two affirmations to use when your self-belief falters.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “What to Say When You Talk to Yourself,” by Shad Helmstetter “Mindset,” by Carol Dweck “The Emigrant Edge,” by Brian Buffini   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “If we believe in ourselves, we can have belief in others.” – Brian Buffini    “Just being myself is good enough to be great.” – Brian Buffini    “Failure is an event, not a person.” – Zig Ziglar   “We need stress to live; we need resistance to grow.” – Brian Buffini    “Comparison produces insecurity because it focuses on what you’re not.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In challenging times, entrepreneurs can still win if they study the patterns of the past. In this episode, Brian reflects on what he learned from his interview with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer and shares how entrepreneurs can succeed and grow, even in a tough economic environment.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     The importance of an incentive-based market. ·     The economic indicators entrepreneurs must watch for. ·     The factors entrepreneurs can control.      MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   “Taxes Have Consequences,” by Dr. Arthur B. Laffer S2E95, Taxes Have Consequences with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   The Richest Man in Babylon, by George S. Clason   Free business consultation   MasterMind   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “If you create incentives for entrepreneurs, they will do what entrepreneurs do.” – Brian Buffini   “When you disincentivize entrepreneurs, they take their ball and go elsewhere.” – Brian Buffini   “If you want to stay where you are, you need to maximize the tax benefits you have and be wise.” – Brian Buffini   “You have to grow your business at a higher percentage than inflation.” – Brian Buffini   “It's a time to be efficient, not to be scared.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Increased taxation is a common solution to challenging economic times, but history shows that high tax rates benefit no-one. In this episode, legendary economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer explains why higher taxes don’t promote prosperity and shares timeless principles to restore America’s economic success.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How supply-side economics works. ·     Why the patterns of America’s economic past predict its future.  ·     How entrepreneurs can prosper in this environment.     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   “Taxes Have Consequences,” by Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   “The Emigrant Edge,” by Brian Buffini   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Whenever you redistribute income, you always reduce total income.” – Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   “There is no benefit to the poor of taxing the rich.” – Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   “If you tax the most productive members of society, they will not be able to lead you to prosperity.” – Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   “America is great because a small group of people of the entrepreneurial spirit are able to create new products and new developments that benefit the whole society.” – Dr. Arthur B. Laffer   “There's nothing more important than free trade - it's what causes the world to boom.” – Dr. Arthur B. Laffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people dream of becoming a millionaire, but they have no idea how to go about it. In this special replay episode, Brian shares what he’s learned on his journey to building a fortune, including the one vital decision he made when he set out to grow his wealth.      YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why patience pays off. ·     Five powerful tips to get started. ·     Timeless advice on investing.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow,” by Frank Gallinelli   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “We’re spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t know.” – Brian Buffini   “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.” – Will Rogers   “90% of all millionaires become so from owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined.” – Andrew Carnegie   “The best type of real estate in the world is owned free and clear.” – Brian Buffini   “You’re only as good as the people you do business with.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want the success of your business to grow, you have to focus on growing yourself. In this episode, former Dave Ramsey associate Bill Hampton shares why personal growth leads to increased opportunity, teaches how to stop drift and provides powerful tips to get unstuck and win.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     How Bill focuses on his own personal growth. ·     Why so many people get stuck.   ·     Why getting help is the key to growth.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   S2E91, Play the Promotion Game to Win with Bill Hampton   S2E92, Play the Sales Game to Win with Bill Hampton   “The Greatest Salesman in the World,” by Og Mandino   “The Richest Man in Babylon,” by George S. Clason   “How to Make Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie   “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen R. Covey   REALStrengths   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “If you want better opportunities, then you have to get better.” – Bill Hampton “For entrepreneurs who need to promote, who need to sell, growth is everything.” – Brian Buffini    “I think people get stuck because they let life happen to them.” – Bill Hampton   “It's so easy to stagnate because we are under attack. And the only way to stay in front of that is to be proactive like you've never been before.” – Bill Hampton   “We're always told to focus on our weaknesses, to work on our weaknesses, but I think it's more important to work on your strengths and to delegate your weaknesses.” – Bill Hampton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can have a great product and provide the best service but, without sales, your business will die. In this episode, former Dave Ramsey associate Bill Hampton shares why sales are the lifeblood of every business. He outlines the joy of the sales journey and teaches how entrepreneurs can win the sales game, even in tough economic times.        YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why belief is such an important dynamic in sales. ·     How to go all-in on sales. ·     Why being a pro is crucial to success.     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   S2E91, Play the Promotion Game to Win with Bill Hampton The Peak Experience   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Nothing happens until a sale is made. That's when the action takes place.” – Bill Hampton   “Your ‘why’ is anything that gets you to act.” – Bill Hampton   “Your product isn't so much the physical thing that you provide: your product is you.” – Bill Hampton   “Pros have an intense focus. Being a pro means narrowing your focus. You’ve got to be very specific on the results you want.” – Bill Hampton   “I'm a big believer in setting goals that can be accomplished. I think there's great power in accomplishment.” – Bill Hampton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To really succeed in business, entrepreneurs must become masters of promotion. In this episode, former Dave Ramsey associate Bill Hampton shares why you should be a consultant to your own business and how you can play to win, even in challenging times.      YOU WILL LEARN: ·     The five questions all entrepreneurs must ask themselves. ·     Why knowing your customer is the key to effective promotion. ·     How to identify the core needs of your clients.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The Peak Experience   Master Class   “Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt,” by Harvey Mackay   S2E43, The Coming Recession   S2E44, How to Recession Proof Your Business   S2E47, Recession-Proof Your Money Part 1   S1E279, Moving the Needle - an Interview with Bill Hampton   S1E265, The E-Myth Revisited – an Interview with Michael E. Gerber   “The Power of Moments,” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath   “The Greatest Showman,” movie     NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Opportunity is born out of struggle. And if you have the ability to see it, it can create some great growth in people's personal lives and people's business.” – Bill Hampton   “Work on the business, not in the business.” – Brian Buffini   “You learn so much when you know your customer.” – Bill Hampton   “People want to feel important.” – Bill Hampton   “Lead with the core need.” – Bill Hampton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s world, many people see work as something to be endured, not enjoyed. In a replay of this special episode, Brian explains why our culture’s definition of success needs to be re-examined, why a lack of self-control and an inability to delay gratification mean people get stuck in jobs they dislike and why, when done in the right way, work offers far more than just financial reward and is the key to the good life.    YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why work is often perceived as a curse. ·     The three blessings of work.   ·     The best way to work.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   S2E89, The Invisible Crisis with Nicholas Eberstadt   S1E191, Do the Hustle   “Livin’ for the Weekend,” by The O’Jays   INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison   “Hard work spotlights the character of people; some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and some don't turn up at all.” – Sam Ewing   “Our economic decisions can doom us to doing jobs we hate and they can eliminate our choices.” – Brian Buffini   “When work is your blessing and you do so much of it, your life is more of a blessing. It's more of a contributor to the good life that you want to live.” – Brian Buffini   “When you view work as a blessing and not a curse, those who come after you will see work as a blessing and not a curse and their work will impact others.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doing meaningful work is part of the good life but, in today’s post-pandemic world, millions of Americans are neither working nor looking for work. In this episode, economist and author Nicholas Eberstadt examines what happened to the famed American work ethic and why so many people are checked out of the workforce, even as businesses everywhere seek help.     YOU WILL LEARN: ·     Why work is so important. ·     How a ‘flight from work’ affects the economy, culture and society. ·     What can be done to improve the situation.    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   “Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition,” by Nicholas Eberstadt   S1E289, The Blessing of Work   “The Emigrant Edge,” by Brian Buffini   “Miracle,” movie   “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy,” by Joseph Schumpeter   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:   “Work is a service to others that helps to complete you. It's part of our connection to our world. It's part of our connection to society, to family.” – Nicholas Eberstadt   “Leisure is when you use your free time to restore yourself or to uplift yourself. You can also use leisure in ways that's terribly destructive, that’s degrading.” – Nicholas Eberstadt   “We need entrepreneurs because we need to have the dynamic churn that provides the creative destruction, that puts all of the pieces and all of the ingredients in our economy to work in a more productive manner.” – Nicholas Eberstadt   “The most important thing is persistence. And it's being ready to get back up the 101st time after you've fallen down 100 times. That is the most important habit that successful people all share.” – Nicholas Eberstadt   “Part of the good life is good work.” – Brian Buffini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.