Our good friend speaker and author, Ty Bennett is hosting a great series next week. He has had great success as an entrepreneur, a speaker, and an author. According to Ty, “In all of my experience I have found that business is all about relationships.”

With that in mind – he has titled the week of Valentines Day – Relationship Week and has invited you to listen in as he interviews a leading expert every day on an area of relationship building. These experts include bestselling authors Stephen M. R. Covey, Bob Burg, Mike Robbins, and Kevin Hall. I will also interview social and new media leaders David Riklan and Gilbert Melott, radio talk show host Laura Kennedy and CEO Dave Blanchard.

So take advantage of the great opportunity to join me, Ty and all of the other participants next week. It should be enlightening and help us all get to the root of all business – relationships.

Check out the LINK BELOW to register:

https://leadershipinc.infusionsoft.com/go/Relationship/gilbertmelott/

and join…

Bob Burg

Bob Burg, coauthor (with John David Mann) of the Wall Street Journal and
BusinessWeek Bestseller, The Go-Giver and the just-about-to-be-released
“Go-Givers Sell More” will discuss how the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success
can accelerate your sales success.” Best-known for his business classic,
Endless Referrals, Bob will show you how five seemingly counterproductive
Laws are actually the keys to becoming the success you desire to be.

Kevin Hall

Kevin Hall is the author of the newly released book Aspire! Discovering Your Purpose
Through The Power of Words. Kevin is a highly sought after business consultant,
speaker and coach. He has been recognized for his groundbreaking
approach to uncovering the hidden, and often secret, meanings of words.
Kevin will share unique insights into the language of relationships.

Stephen M. R. Covey

Stephen M. R. Covey is co-founder and CEO of CoveyLink Worldwide.
He is the author of The SPEED of Trust, a groundbreaking and
paradigm-shifting book that challenges our age-old assumption
that trust is merely a soft, social virtue and instead demonstrates that
trust is a hard-edged, economic driver—a learnable and measurable
skill that makes organizations more profitable, people more promotable,
and relationships more energizing.

Dave Blanchard

Dave Blanchard is the Chairman and CEO of The Og Group. In the last three
years alone, Dave has debriefed well over one thousand, five hundred
6 Advisor Assessment Reports (3,000+ hours), coached over
five hundred clients (7,000+ hours) and delivered well over 200 speeches.
He has acquired through vast experience a wealth of information regarding
how people think and the impact this can have on an organization. Dave’s
seven principles to connect with people are life changing.

David Riklan

David Riklan is the founder of the largest website of it’s kind www.selfgrowth.com.
As a recognized authority on social media and internet marketing
David has successfully built an email distribution list of more than 1 Million people.
He is also the founder of www.selfgrowthmarketing.com where
David teaches social media and internet marketing.

Gilbert Melott

Gilbert Melott is the Founder and CEO of Nextvoice247. Nextvoice247
integrates social media to build business, create product and events,
and develop the talent of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins is an expert in teamwork, communication, and
the power of appreciation and authenticity. Mike is the bestselling author of
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken and Focus on The Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation. Mike’s lessons on authenticity are refreshing and
impact both business and personal relationships.

Laura Kennedy

Laura Kennedy has lived a life of adventure and trailblazing. She uses those experiences to motivate others to reach for and obtain the gold ring. As a highly sought after business coach and radio talk show host, Laura impacts individuals and organizations with her wit and wisdom. Laura’s networking tips will have you networking like a pro.

listen. learn. share. repeat. ™

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Brand Cohesion |

Photography that speaks for you

emerging leader, jeff berger & social recruiting interview from Gilbert Melott | Nextvoice247 on Vimeo.

Nextvoice247 Presents: An Emerging Leader Interview with Jeff Berger @GenYjobs, Co-founder and CEO of KODA @KODAus.

Q. According to a recent press release, you have partnered with a half dozen schools and anticipate having 25 more partners within the next 6 months. In addition, you have established relationships with over 400 employers. What have been your most effective methods for forming these partnerships?

A. Like all new products, we began with zero users and had to start somewhere. Our sales team ignited the initial spark and we have been able to build on that momentum through positive reviews and press in the recruiting industry. Once we demo the site for companies and schools, the odds that they will sign up are in our favor. The main challenge, though, is getting them to agree to the demo.

We continue to have more success getting new companies to sign up compared to universities because of the bureaucracy involved with higher education. However, we are pleased with the adoption from schools overall.

Q. Although you’ve received $3 million in funding and established numerous relationships with schools and employers, there is still some skepticism out there about KODA’s ability  to “make waves in this space.” What do you think will make your network stick as you look into the next 3 to 5 years?

A. Young professionals with 0-5 years of experience will always need jobs. KODA serves a very functional purpose and sometimes I think that gets overlooked because jobs aren’t “sexy” in the web 2.0 world. KODA isn’t a novelty product or a fad, its serves a very real purpose.

Traditionally, job sites focus on the employer because the employer is the one who pays. The entire product is designed for employers and the unemployed job seeker is thrown to the wolves. While employers are still the paying customer on KODA, our focus is on the job seeker. We believe its all about the candidate and we develop the product with the individual in mind.

Q. How will you define success with KODA and what obstacles will you have to overcome to get there?

Jeff Berger, CEO KODA

A. To be the top online recruiting website for people with 0-5 years of professional experience. When people are leaving college and thinking about how to get a job, we want them to think of KODA. In order to achieve that goal, we have the challenge of providing people with the relevant and interesting jobs that they are looking for.

Q. What has been the most thrilling experience thus far in the KODA start-up saga?

A. Truthfully, the whole experience has been an adventure, with some ups and some downs.

Proving concept enough to raise a significant amount of money would have to be one of the most fulfilling moments thus far. As a start-up, you only have so much runway (cash until you go broke) and that puts a lot of pressure on you to perform or your dreams and months/years of work are all over. To raise additional money and keep going was definitely a rewarding moment.

Q. You just graduated from Tulane University in 2008. How does it feel to be the CEO of a start-up company right out of college?
A. Its been an incredible experience. I have made a lot of mistakes but just try to learn from them and make better decisions at my next opportunity. I love the mental challenge and the constant grind. I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a dedicated group of people that share a common vision.

The funny thing is that I’m the youngest KODA employee.

Q. What are two lessons you’ve learned about business through your experiences with KODA that you did not learn in college?

A. It’s honestly just an entirely different ballgame. I’d have a tough time answering the question the other way around, “name two lessons that you learned in school that have helped you in business”. That’s not really a knock on Tulane either, I think it’s a great university, but I don’t think its possible for the classroom to prepare you for what happens once your start-up is ready to launch.

Q. Before working with KODA, you were the top leasing agent for a real estate company, a role that allowed you to build skills in sales, negotiations, and communication. How has this experience helped you in your efforts to make KODA successful?

A. My real estate experience prepared me more for what I am doing now than school ever did. It was a commission-based sales job, in a very competitive atmosphere. I started doing it when I was 20 and was competing on commission with people in my office who were twice my age. I worked seven days a week and was constantly doing everything possible to close deals and it paid off – I always ranked as the top producing agent.

This experience helped me develop a work ethic needed to succeed as well as the confidence needed to sell KODA. Meetings with vendors and negotiations can be overwhelming when you are fresh out of college but because of my job in real estate, I always felt very comfortable in these situations.

Q. On your KODA profile, your description of the typical entrepreneur is quite interesting. In your opinion, what are three qualities that make a successful entrepreneur?

A. 1. Dedication – sleepless nights are a way of life.

2. Vision – you better be able to explain it also.

3. Execution – this is where ideas hit the pavement. Execution is everything.

Q. What advice do you have for those aspiring to start their own business right out of college?

A. Find the advisors who know your industry in and out. Not only are they critical to raising money from outside investors but they also have the experience to help you avoid costly mistakes. Your university should be able to recommend a person or two.

Q. So if “sleepless nights are a way of life”, when DO you sleep?

A. It’s all about the routine. I try to grab five hours a night. But the five hours might be from 4AM-9AM.

This interview was conducted by John Fowler an ongoing contributor and program developer for Nextvoice247.

listen. learn. share. repeat.™

fit for now & for the future-holiday health hints from Gennaro Ferra on Vimeo.

Gennaro Ferra, Fitness & Health Coach

NYC Celebrity Fitness Trainer Gennaro Ferra gives you some healthy fitness and nutrition tips to stay lean and in shape during the winter months and as Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches.

1. Drink two long glasses of water every morning before breakfast and keep drinking throughout the day. By morning our bodies are dehydrated so make sure you rehydrate before diving in to that cup of coffee or tea…

2. Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast every morning. This will kickstart your metabolism in to fat burning mode and make for a great start to the day.

3. Don’t eat too late or too much at night. Eat dinner before 7pm and stay away from starchy carbs and heavy meats.

4. Record all meals and exercise routines in a journal. This will keep you accountable and better able to assess your progress.

5. Don’t make excuses! We all have time for ourselves and spending it on our health and wellness should always come first.

For more on health, fitness and nutrition visit:
www.ferrafitness.com

Nextvoice247 is very happy to have Gennaro Ferra join us as a contributing blogger and contributor to the whole life balance we all seek. His approach and success is well-known – and he brings a fresh perspective on how simple it is to stay healthy and be a business person, parent or student. Gennaro is one of the world’s most symmetrical and defined natural physique stars. He is well known for his accomplishments as the trainer to the trainers having educated and coached many successful fitness trainers and coaches. He is a former NABBA Mr. Australia and Mr. Universe finalist. He was one of the first athletes to represent Australia as a World Natural Professional Bodybuilder.

• Bachelor of Education, Physical Education (Deakin University, Melbourne)
• Certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach
• Speed, Agility and Quickness Specialist(NESTA)
• Personal Fitness Chef (NESTA)
• CPR/AED & FIRST AID (American Red Cross)

Gennaro has appeared in and written for numerous health and fitness magazines throughout the world (see press) and has over 22 years of experience as a fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coach in Europe, Australia, and the United States. His clientele include business owners, celebrities, professional athletes, seniors, moms, dads, young adults and many others who have achieved greater personal and professional success as a result of his signature fitness programs. Gennaro is renowned for his mastery in exercise technique, intensity and variety and has developed a unique, balanced and efficient system of fitness training that guarantees you results safely and effectively.

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listen. learn. share. repeat.™

It’s hereeeee….yes! The Holiday’s are fast approaching!  I challenge you to go into this season with a new plan, a plan to continue your path to success while having a joyfilled personal life too! It CAN be done!

By this time of year many of you are over-stressed, over-worked and UNDER joyed. YIKES! Let’s change that. With these 3 simple steps you will be able to relax, enjoy and love on those most important to you. Don’t worry it has nothing to do with taking a hiatus from work or stopping your cash flow.

Step 1. Be Planned and Prepared

Let me teach you how to be more planned and prepared than ever before. Take 30 minutes and brainstorm all of the things you personally have to do every year during this time to make the Holiday’s happen. Things like:

• Get your family Christmas picture taken
• Write thank you notes to your clients for Thanksgiving!
• Mail out Christmas and Holiday cards, including adding new people to your list!
• Mail out packages
• Hang the tree lights outside
• Get your hair colored and cut
• Make a list of everyone you are buying for this year; secretary, teachers, staff, friends
  
• Make reservations at the restaurant for your staff lunch/dinner

I seriously could make a list of a hundred things that you MIGHT need to get done. But the point is, brainstorm all of it…down to the last detail and then put a date next to each item.

Step 2. Put forth EFFORT

When someone applies effort to any situation it speaks volumes about how much they care! Have you messed up lately? Whether you have messed up in a project, at work, at school, or in a relationship it can be improved by EFFORT.  What better time than the holiday’s to apply effort? Go early to shop for your lover’s gift rather then two days before Christmas. THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES.  If you are planned and prepared you will have more time to put forth EFFORT.  I promise.

Step 3. Set the right Priorities

Having success and cash is awesome! It allows us to do so much and give so much back to people. But we all know that all the money in the world won’t replace a hug or companionship.  The holidays are about IMPRESSING UPON THOSE YOU LOVE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM…NOT ABOUT IMPRESSING PEOPLE WITH GIFTS.

You are about to embark on the best Holiday season of your life!

Until next time…FIND JOY!

Jen Lovelady

listen. learn. share. repeat.™