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Success requires consistent leadership. Whether you are a one person shop or running a large division of a Fortune 500 company, the kind of momentum and success you have will depend very highly on your leadership abilities.I wanted to speak to Rick because not only has he dedicated his professional career to the development of leaders, but he's walked the walk since he was 11 years old. The ideas and principles upon which his company is founded are not regurgitated platitudes from books and seminars, but from real life experience and years of working closely to develop leadership principles and align organizations to win.Rick's insights will help you on your journey to reach your true potential. You'll discover unique insights into leadership and where many fall flat. You'll learn some simple strategies to build out an organization chart and align all involved with your vision - even if you're a one person show. You'll hear Rick discuss the importance of leadership and his passion for helping develop the leaders of today and those of the future.About Rick:Rick Lochner is the President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, Inc. He is an accomplished Coach, Facilitator, College Professor, Keynote and Workshop Speaker, Author and foremost, a Leader.His Vision is to help Business Owners, Corporate and Non-Profit Leadership Teams and Individual Professionals Make Leadership a Way of Life. He coaches organizational leaders to leverage effective goal-setting, organizational planning, people development and process improvement to ensure their business strategies achieve their desired results.Where you can learn more about RickRick Lochner Website Here RPC Leadership Associates WebsiteRick's latest book: "The Missing Piece for Entrepreneurs: Achieving Sustainable Growth through Business Alignment"The post The Power and Importance of Leadership and How To Align Your Company Toward One Vision appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Andy Drish is one of the most introspective, deep thinking entrepreneurs I know. He is constantly in pursuit of improvement and finding balance while dedicating his life to empowering dreamers to become entrepreneurs and living a life of freedom and abundance.In this interview we get a glimpse into the mind of Andy and explore the power of thought, setting goals and having a clear vision for your future. Have you figured out what you're going to create in 2016 yet? Do you know where you're going? Do you know who you'll become? Every ambitious person I know understands the power of having a vision for their life. But the MOST successful people I know write their vision down so it's crystal clear. Andy is hosting a FREE workshop (not webinar, but an online workshop) to help you craft your perfect life vision for the coming year. GO HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!Links: The Foundation The Foundation Podcast Follow Andy on Twitter The post Andy Drish | Preparing Your Mind and Creating a Vision For Exponential Growth appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Mark Jamnik figured things out the hard way. Like most entrepreneurs he found his calling a deep desire to help other people. BUT no one would let him help. It's a common challenge small businesses face: you have a great product or service...but no one pays attention or cares.Mark goes into how he pivoted from offering what he was looking for to offering what the market was looking for. He listened. He shares his advice on gaining attention, building a values based business, standing out in a crowded marketplace and ultimately enjoying life daily.Award-winning sales strategist, with 15 years’ business experience ranging from Not-for-Profits to Fortune 500 companies. Author of ‘Smarter Selling: 5 steps to Sales Success’, creator of the ‘Sales Roadmap’ course, along with the ‘Story selling’ program; and, has appeared at TEDx conferences and on Money Radio.Mark also designs sales systems, which increase revenue, decrease expenditure, enhance performance, and enable companies to measure, monitor and maximize their profit. He mentors and motivates CEOs and their teams, with an unrelenting focus on achieving objectives and delivering tangible results.Links:Mark's Main Site Can Be Found Here Get The Smart Selling ebook FREE Mark's FREE Video Series on How To Grow SalesThe post Mark Jamnik | Finding Problems, Solving Them, Creating Value and Enjoying Life Daily appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Heather Havenwood is The Sexy Boss. She defines confidence and has developed a trust in her instincts as she's quickly become the mentor, coach and marketing entrepreneur that helps women worldwide navigate through growth and the development of the business and entrepreneur life.  Ms. Havenwood’s personal life mission is to empower 100 Million women in their journey of owning their talent, self-confidence and self-reliance through Entrepreneurship Education.Havenwood is the embodiment of the new women of a new era.  Being ‘Sexy’, being entrepreneur, being self-confident, being leader, being a CEO, being a voice, being a Fitness Figure Competitor, and just being a women in every sense of the word.In this episode we discuss how she got started, the mentality it takes to pick yourself up from the bottom and rise back to the top and the value of surrounding yourself with remarkable people.Links:Heather's Main Site:  Sexy Boss Connect With Heather on Facebook Connect with Heather on TwitterThe post Heather Havenwood | How To Choose Yourself, Surround Yourself With Remarkable People and Build a Business From Nothing appeared first on Make Your Mark.

The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth. So says Chris Brogan.I happen to agree with him.Chris Brogan is the world’s leading authority on owning the game you most want to win. He is CEO of Owner Media Group, a sought after public speaker, and the New York Times bestselling author of eight books and counting. Learn more about him at chrisbrogan.comI caught up with Chris last week to ask him some questions, particularly related to letting your inner freak out, being authentic and overcoming the fear associated with both.I am pretty sure if you're the type of person chasing a dream, or who feels like they aren't being 100% true to their passion or personality - you're going to like this one.Enjoy.The post Chris Brogan : Overcoming Fear and Why The Authentic YOU is Exactly What The World Needs appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Interview recording can be a pain in the ass.Tim Sinclair has a history of interviewing people as a radio host for years. He's been a capital raising entrepreneur for about two years. What gives?Ever been watching ESPN and they interview an athlete over the phone. The guys in the studio sound awesome and the athlete on the phone sounds like he's flying over the Himalayan mountains in a helicopter?Tim decided there had to be a better solution for sound quality that would impact podcasters, radio personalities and pretty much anyone needing good, studio quality audio regardless of the situation.Like any entrepreneurial journey, Tim has been riding the rollercoaster, overcoming obstacles and pushing past the fear on the way to launching RINGR.usI use the application on this interview with Tim and I have to tell you - it's simple and simply awesome.On this episode we talk about the journey, test out Ringr and I freak out a bit like a kid in a candy store.Let's do this!The post Tim Sinclair : Ringr CEO Discusses a Vision and Product That Could Improve Interview Quality for Everyone! appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. - SenecaI am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. - Thomas Jefferson There are multiple phases of building a business or creating a product that ends up on QVC or in big retail stores across the globe. People always wonder how to get on QVC, how to get a book deal, how to get more customers and so on and so forth. Often the answer is pure hustle.First you need a great idea. Next you need to get feedback on whether anyone would be interested in paying money for your product or idea. Then you need to make it, or find someone who can, at a cost that enables you to sell it and make money. Finally you need to get it out to the world via marketing and advertising or convincing others to do the selling for you like QVC or major retailers.Most important you need to be optimistic, confident and endlessly hustle in the face of often tremendous challenges, setbacks and people telling you you're crazy.On this episode of Make Your Mark I talk to my buddy Adam Levine about his journey from solving the problem of clutter to actually turning the idea into a marketable product and eventually landing on QVC.  He goes on to talk about future plans and why he hasn't approached The Shark Tank yet!It's not an easy road, but you'll hear how hard work and persistence can create lucky breaks if you have the will to persevere.Wrap It Gift Bag Website:The post Adam Levine : How He Went From Idea To Development to QVC and Beyond! appeared first on Make Your Mark.

How to chase a dream? Listen up:Brian Brushwood has the kind of contagious energy that's hard to explain. If you could just get a sliver of his optimism and endless hustle it would make a remarkable difference. The best part is it's authentic.Here's a guy who did a brief stint at Dell computers before taking a chance on a dream. It's the kind of instinctual risk someone takes when they know deep down they can and will make it happen. He was all in.You'll hear a bit about how Brian faced setbacks that changed his trajectory and forced him to be more creative, innovative and in control of his own destiny.The end result so far is nothing short of friggin' awesome!  He's got his highly successful stage shows (Bizarre Magic), a speaking career with a lecture called Scams, Sasquatch, and the Supernatural, a web series called Scam School (if you've never seen this show....it kicks ass) which has over one million subscribers and counting, appearances on Jay Leno, CNN, the Food Network and his own show about to jump off on National Geographic called Hacking the System (check out this video below for a promo).  Oh yeah, did I mention this guy also hosts a few podcasts ( Too Long Didn't Listen, Cordkillers and Night Attack).  (and you say there's not enough time for you to work on that side project of yours!)I'm not an expert here, but I feel pretty comfortable saying the risk he and his wife took years ago ended up working out pretty well.This is a great interview where we discuss chasing dreams, penetrating established markets, finding a niche, swallowing fire, our love of The Profit and why I need to review American History.Buckle up - this is a fun one.The post Brian Brushwood on How To Chase a Dream and Why It’s Never Too Late appeared first on Make Your Mark.

I met a guy at an event in Connecticut who was promoting some Podcast that was going to feature entrepreneurs every day of the week. He stood there behind a six foot table with a banner behind him shaking hands and asking anyone who would listen to check out his show.It was Ryan Lee's 40th birthday party and I ran into this guy again. We had a drink and discussed opportunities and how he was chasing his dream. It was a lofty goal, particularly at that time, to envision handling that many shows, promote, manage, edit and so forth. I remember asking him how we was going to handle the bandwidth and eventually monetize.  His answer: "I have no idea".Less than a year later and John's turned Entrepreneur on Fire into a seven figure business that today generates close to three million annually and growing.That's John Lee Dumas.If ever there was someone to cheer on and be truly happy for their success, it's this guy. A military vet who served in Iraq, came back to grind it out at various companies and opportunities only to say "screw this, I'm going to do what I'm passionate about!"You have to love it.When you think of opportunities or look at people like John who took a chance and caught a wave, many wonder if it's too late. Did you miss the boat? Are there still opportunities?  What would a guy like that do now?On this edition of the Make Your Mark Podcast I ask John some of these same questions and he provides the answers....while watching paddle boarders go by outside his living room window....awesome.The post John Lee Dumas Talks Authenticity, Niches and Why The Big Opportunities are Yet to Come appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Social entrepreneurship has become a popular term these past few years. I think everyone has a desire to make a difference, inspire others and truly give of themselves. The majority of people intend to contribute, make a difference and do something to impact generations to come. For most it's a matter of "when I accomplish this, then I'll do that".  But what if "this" never happens?Then there are people like Jon Bernhard who quite literally live an unselfish life entirely focused on making a positive impact on others. It's in his DNA. I can't explain it, there are just some people built that way. We're very lucky to have them.Jon is a sponsored athlete, climber, outdoorsman, speaker, philanthropist, fund raiser, foundation builder and all around great guy. His foundation focuses on helping pediatric patients see beyond their limits and do what they currently may believe is impossible.On this episode you'll gain a new perspective on the idea of being truly wealthy, how you can push past your own limitations and what it really means to make your mark.Check out John's foundation website here:  WE AIN'T DONE YET!The post Jon Bernhard on Living a Fulfilled Life, Inspiring Others and The True Definition of Making Your Mark appeared first on Make Your Mark.

The things that make you and your business truly successful are often times the most obvious, not so sexy little details that fewer and fewer people seems to be talking about in this digital, zero to millions by tomorrow, age we live in.It's easier than ever to put your message out there, and there isn't a shortage of armchair entrepreneurs and gurus begging to be heard. This means a ton of noise on what works, what doesn't work, what you NEED to be doing and not doing.It's time to take a step back and look at what makes buzz worthy, remarkable businesses so strong and what you can do to strengthen your own foundation for growth.On this episode of Make Your Mark I discuss cutting through the noise, avoiding the gurus screaming about social media and all the other sexy tools, tactics and strategies out there, and instead focusing on building a foundation that can be built upon to whatever height you can imagine.The post The Foundation of Any Successful Business appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Sam Rosen has a unique ability to see opportunity and capitalize on it. This is a Chicago entrepreneur who has evolved into a serial entrepreneur in a uniquely organic way. From building a now 18 plus person web design and development firm to one of the first co-op working spaces in Chicago called The Coop to his latest venture, Desktime - Sam has delivered solutions to market needs.A habitual problem solver, Sam directed his creative energies towards a solution for managing coworking spaces after seeing the challenges first hand as co-owner/operator of The Coop, Chicago’s first dedicated coworking space. There wasn’t the right tool for the job, so Sam and partner Pat Griffin decided to assemble the best team and built the solution. The Coop was acquired by NextSpace, a network of nine coworking spaces across the US, as NextSpace River North in August 2013.Sam also founded One Design Company, a collective committed to high quality web design & development, interaction design and user interface design, in 2005. One Design has helped clients ranging from the family of restaurants of One-Off Hospitalities (Avec, Blackbird, Publican, and The Violet Hour) define their online presence to partnering with Groupon for projects ranging from their first iPhone applications to microsites to complex payment gateway integration.A native Chicagoan, Sam operates through a make-it-happen mindset. He likes spending time making art with his surrogate brothers at The Post Family, an art and design collaborative and gallery, taking walks with his dog Eli, and sampling delicious food from around the globe.On this episode of The Make Your Mark Podcast we talk opportunity, a more connected world and how he's transforming the entire way people think about where to work on a day to day basis.Links:Desktime App (seriously - check this out)One Design CompanyStalk Sam on TwitterThe post Sam Rosen of Desktime App on Perspectives on Entrepreneurship, Seeing Opportunity, and Building a More Connected World appeared first on Make Your Mark.

With all the complex discussions about strategy, data, the cloud, social media and list building it's refreshing to just talk about what actually works - finding a need and filling it.Ely has been in the game long enough to remember the awe inspiring animated gif and the awesome power of building websites with publisher! He's been around to see companies chasing shiny objects and taking their eye off the simple things that can make the biggest difference.On this episode of Make Your Mark I talk to Ely about his journey and how a focused marketing effort, regardless of your budget, can help build momentum and take a small business over the top.LINKS:Check out Ely's site hereLink to Your Marketing UniversityThe post Ely Delaney on The Importance of Knowing Your Audience, Why You Need a Business Card and Making an Impact appeared first on Make Your Mark.

The entrepreneurial story is a glamorous one to be told. Open any business related magazine today and you'll hear the stories of overnight billionaires, genius' who hacked an age old process or reinvented the way we've done things for centuries.It's the stories you don't hear often that are often the most inspiring. The stories of entrepreneurs quietly building businesses focused on smaller niche markets, helping the millions of small businesses overcome pain points and roadblocks slowing them down. These are stories of great leaders making a difference.But you won't hear many of these stories being told. They aren't flashy. They aren't raising hundreds of millions of dollars or receiving multi-billion dollar valuations. They aren't rising to the top of app charts overnight or being covered by Fortune Magazine as the next big thing.They're simply making a difference, impacting lives and making a mark.On this episode of Make Your Mark I talk to an entrepreneur who's been making a difference since the 80's, quietly building and investing in Chicagoland businesses every step of the way. She was that fearless female entrepreneur who has always found a way.Her latest endeavor, JuvodHR is yet another example of her insatiable curiosity and ability to develop solutions to common problems plaguing millions of small business owners.I introduce you to someone you should have heard of a long time ago: Susan Mravca.Learn more about JuvodHR hereThe post Susan Mravca of JuvodHR on Passion, Longevity, Finding Solutions and the Eternal Entrepreneurial Journey appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Within the entrepreneurial community, we love the war stories of being knocked down, getting back up and walking the tight rope of risk and reward. We proudly wear the badge of "entrepreneur" and want everyone to know we're in the club. We're the risk takers, the ones pulling all nighters and using war terminology to express how we compete.There's a sense of being modern day explorers, the types of people going out into the unknown and risking it all.It feels good.I've made it known my all time favorite business book is Endurance by Alfred Lansing. If you've heard me speak about this remarkable story you've heard how I can "relate" to the struggle, the personalities and the endurance displayed on that remarkable voyage. I like to think of my journey as being quite similar.But it's not even close. I'm motivated and inspired by these stories and am driven to be better, to persevere and to overcome - but the journey can't be compared to the select few who actually live and breath authentic exploration.While our current society glamorizes celebrity and sits in awe over the mental fortitude of the athlete who plays through pain there are guys like John Huston doing the impossible, exploring places few, if any, humans have ever been. They are overcoming obstacles and making life or death decisions, literally. They're pushing the boundaries of mind over matter and providing a blueprint for successful teams in any endeavor.But you've never heard of John Huston. Ask any high school kid about Kim Kardashian or what Justin Bieber was up to last week and I'd be willing to bet 99.99% would be able to tell you. Ask that same group who John Huston is and I doubt anyone would know. There's something wrong with that. But I digress.On this episode of the Make Your Mark Podcast I'll introduce you to a modern day explorer right here in the chicagoland area. Listen close and you'll get a glimpse into the thought process, beliefs and optimism of someone who ventures off into unchartered territory, risks it all, demonstrates teamwork and lives by a few simple rules that are required for a successful expedition. Listen close and you'll hear from a guy your kids should know more about and who is quietly keeping the spirit of adventure alive, carrying a torch that inspires us all.LINKS:John's WebsiteConnect with John on FacebookImage Credit:  ©johnhuston.com The post John Huston on The Modern Day Explorer, The Power of Optimism and 3 Life Changing Rules appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Clarity is not easy to come by in the complex and full throttle world so many entrepreneurs live in. Chaos is often the norm and while we toss around the concept of "balance" very few actually have it. This is why more entrepreneurs should listen to Dave Crenshaw. He's made a career out of supercharging businesses and careers by helping entrepreneurs conquer small business chaos, find balance, build momentum and create breakthroughs. Dave Crenshaw is the master of helping business owners triumph over chaos. He has appeared in Time magazine, FastCompany, USA Today, and the BBC News. His first book,The Myth of Multitasking: How ‘Doing It All’ Gets Nothing Done, has been published in six languages and is a time management best seller. His latest book, The Focused Business: How Entrepreneurs Can Triumph Over Chaos, is also a small business best seller. As an author, speaker, and business coach, Dave has transformed thousands of businesses worldwide. On this episode of Make Your Mark you're going to get a refreshing outlook on many of the challenges that hold so many back and how to begin shifting your mindset and actions to build momentum and create breakthroughs. Connect with Dave HERE: Dave's Website FREE Personalized Action Plan (Take the Chaos Quiz)The post Dave Crenshaw on Triumph Over Chaos, Mastering Your Craft and Living a Balanced Life appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Every business desires to have a product that is a perfect fit for their customer needs. Zip Fit Denim happens to ceate the perfect fit every time as part of the DNA of their company.ZipFit helps men find perfect fitting jeans fast using our smart algorithms. Once you find your perfect fit, they compliment it with free tailoring and free shipping.There are obstacles female entrepreneurs face that their male counterparts do not. Many of these are easily overlooked, but the challenges are certainly there. For a female entrepreneur to launch a company focused on mens style and fit, this would appear to be an even more challenging move. Liz is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when you don't focus on the obstacles, but instead remain focused on the future.On this episode of The Make Your Mark podcast I talk to Liz about building Zip Fit Denim, the challenges of entrepreneurship, what fuels her and how to let nothing get in your way to fulfilling a dream.Links:Zip Fit Denim WebsiteConnect with Zip Fit Denim on FacebookFollow Zip Fit Denim on TwitterThe post Liz Tilati of Zip Fit Denim on Perseverance, Focus, Delivering The Perfect Fit and Being a Female Entrepreneur appeared first on Make Your Mark.

Citizen Made fulfills their dreams, and grows, by doing the same for their clients. Embedded in the fabric of this company you'll find a passionate software developer and a brilliant creative.Citizen Made Canvas enables your customers to make custom changes to products visually from your site. It is Co-creation in real time.Enhancing the customer experience and providing businesses the ability to showcase and sell custom products has helped Citizen Made slowly grow over the past few years and gain the attention of high profile clients like Crate and Barrel.On this episode I talk to co-founder and CTO Bryn McCoy about her journey along the way and the considerations being made for the future.Links:Citizen Made WebsiteFollow Citizen Made on TwitterConnect with Citizen Made on FacebookThe post Bryn McCoy of Citizen Made on Providing Value, Perfecting Solutions and Doing Whatever it Takes appeared first on Make Your Mark.

This University of Texas at Austin 2014 commencement address by Admiral William H. McRaven has so many fantastic bits of wisdom I had to share it with you.  If you've already heard this, it's worth another listen. I put together a summary and action guide to help clarify the message and help you brainstorm ways to put these life changing principles to action in your own life.  Download immediately by clicking here (no email or any information required)The post Adm. William H. McRaven on How To Change The World. We Cover The Remarkable Commencement Speech appeared first on Make Your Mark.

When your company is a benefits corporation with the name Public Good you've got a lot to live up to.Jason has a rich history in the Chicago entrepreneurial scene having been a part of Orbitz, The Point (now Groupon) and President Obama's re-election campaign. His co-founder Dan Ratner has an equally remarkable history having founded Sittercity with his wife Genevieve which has gone on to national acclaim.These guys know what they're doing and they're on a mission with Public Good.Public Good Software is revolutionizing philanthropy. Their flagship platform, publicgood.com, makes it easy to find, research and connect with organizations that are working on the causes that matter to you. It also makes it possible for those organizations to create a deeper relationship with their supporters, share their needs, successes and challenges and create opportunities for meaningful civic participation.It’s like a social network for doing good. Or a marketplace for charity. Either way, it’s unlocking grassroots resources for charities and making supporting them simpler and more rewarding. Check it out.On this episode of Make Your Mark I talk to Jason about finding opportunities, bringing people together and what's it's like to build a benefits corporation that has the potential to transform the way people connect with organizations, and other like minded individuals, who are focused less on themselves and more on the public good.Links:Public Good Website Follow Jason on Twitter The post Jason Kunesh on Building a Community For The Public Good, Simplifying the Complex and Working for Obama appeared first on Make Your Mark.