http://theshutupshow.com Helping brave solopreneurs shut up and make sh*t happen Sat, 14 Feb 2015 22:18:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 The peaks and valleys of solopreneurship can be extremely lonely and daunting at times. Perhaps you just made the leap and you feel paralyzed about next steps… or you’re a corporate employee feeling trapped and straddling that line. We know the journey is emotionally and mentally taxing. You don’t have to do it alone. We’ve all made the same excuses before. “But I don’t have enough time… money… resources… connections… but… but… but!” THE SHUT UP SHOW will give you a raw look inside the mind, heart, and spirit of amazing people who bring their best work every day despite having these shut up moments that can often hold us back. We’ll share mindset strategies to help you brave through your fears and tactical advice to inspire your confidence. We’ll pack our episodes with impact-driven SHUT UP tips to help you define your moment so you can live and work on your own terms. Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark [email protected] [email protected] (Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark) 2013-2014 THE SHUT UP SHOW Helping brave entrepreneurs shut up and make things happen. http://theshutupshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SHUT-UP-2.png http://theshutupshow.com TV-MA Weekly http://theshutupshow.com/ep131/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep131/#respond Thu, 25 Sep 2014 18:15:49 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2590 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep131/feed/ 0 Today's guest, who came highly recommended by former guest Nick Loper, really put my robot dancing to shame. And, more importantly, he dropped some serious wisdom about how doing more awesome shit and putting it out into the world has shifted the way h... Today's guest, who came highly recommended by former guest Nick Loper, really put my robot dancing to shame. And, more importantly, he dropped some serious wisdom about how doing more awesome shit and putting it out into the world has shifted the way he leads and runs his business. Kurt Elster shares with me how one stupid auto-correction error in a text led to an overnight success we call "Calming Manatee." Creative entrepreneurs...this episode is especially for you! Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: Step 1: Do awesome shit. Step 2: Tell people about it! - @kurtinc via @_TheShutUpShow #shutupshow (click to tweet) FUN FACTS: Kurt has worked with a variety of clients including a Superbowl campaign, Verizon, small businesses and startups. Kurt is the co-founder of Calming Manatee, a website reaching millions of visitors every month who are looking for peaceful ways to reduce overwhelm. Kurt is a web designer, creative director, entrepreneur and now podcaster (what what!). After we recorded Kurt's episode, he took my advice and started his own podcast, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. DEFINING SHUT UP MOMENT: One Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. while tying his Converse All-Stars before work, Kurt started full-on sobbing at the prospect of having to go to a job he hated. It was the job he had told everyone he loved. A job where he kept earning more responsibility but never any more money. A job where he was denied a raise due to budgetary limits; his boss was shopping for a Porsche. In that moment, Kurt knew he was going to quit his job and start his own business. He didn't know what he wanted it to do. What he did know was quitting would light a fire underneath him. In less than two weeks, he decided to start a SaaS business and partnered with a friend who had been recently laid of from a software engineering job. Today, Kurt is working on his own terms, helping small businesses impress the hell out of their customers through his digital agency and making a positive difference through his creative projects. KURT'S SHUT UP TIPS: The first two years after I went out on my own, I realize I took all the experience I had learned up to that point to help me in the beginning. - @kurtinc In your first entrepreneurial endeavor, you think you can't fail. But you've got to pivot to survive. Most businesses do that. - @kurtinc I wasn't listening to our audience. I was trying to sell to people that didn't know I existed. - @kurtinc If you have a vendor and they don't talk about how they can help you make money, fire them right away. - @kurtinc Viral is an accident, it's something you can't force. - @kurtinc If you want things to go viral, you have to do something that helps others. It has to be selfless. - @kurtinc The less you think about idea, the better. If you can do it in an afternoon or week, don't even think about it. Just do it. - @kurtinc Me stealing your idea is the last thing you should worry about. You should worry about building something and nobody caring. If that happens, change it until people care or move on to something else. - @kurtinc Everything that either made me money or made people feel better, I celebrate those wins when I'm feeling down. - @kurtinc Celebrate wins, run your business from a position of strength. - @kurtinc If you have a great idea but make excuses in your head about why you can't do it, ask yourself if it's legitimate or just an excuses. - @kurtinc What am I afraid of? What's the worst thing that can happen? - @kurtinc CONNECT WITH KURT: E-commerce business owners, Kurt offers fixed fee consulting at WebsiteRescues.com Find Kurt at KurtElster.com Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes 37:32 http://theshutupshow.com/ep130/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep130/#respond Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:57:29 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2574 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep130/feed/ 0 Today's guest has a remarkable story, which is why I couldn't wait to get him on the show. I met Nelson de Witt at MisfitCon in Fargo this past spring where I learned of his story about being separated from his biological family during El Salvador's ci... Today's guest has a remarkable story, which is why I couldn't wait to get him on the show. I met Nelson de Witt at MisfitCon in Fargo this past spring where I learned of his story about being separated from his biological family during El Salvador's civil war and how he was reunited with them at the age of 16. Today, Nelson works on entrepreneurial art projects that challenge him to push through fear and express himself creatively while doing meaningful and relevant work that fuels his misfit spirit. Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: Had a decision been made differently, I might not be sitting here with you today. - @dewittn via @_TheShutUpShow #shutupshow (click to tweet) FUN FACTS: Nelson is a working to produce a documentary film about El Salvador's disappeared children. Nelson graduated cum laude in Business, Management, and Information Systems. Nelson is the author of the popular Kickstarter Guide, helping you successfully crowdfund your creative project. DEFINING SHUT UP MOMENT: Nelson was adopted as a child with a fairly typical upbringing in Boston. He knew he was adopted but didn't ask a lot of questions. In 1997, when Nelson was 16 years-old, his father answered a phone call to discover Nelson's biological family had been looking for him. After confirming this information to be true, Nelson discovered his biological parents were revolutionaries in El Salvador's civil war. Joining the revolution just out of high school, Nelson's father was shot near the heart and survived; however, his mom was captured and killed by the Honduran army. Over 900 cases were brought up about children who disappeared in the chaos of war with 350 solved and only 250 that have led to reunions. Roberto--Nelson's birth name--has such an incredible legacy and remarkable story to tell while Nelson--the American--loves the challenge of bringing a bright idea to life. Today, Nelson/Roberto is working on the documentary film Identifying Nelson, a project that will help the search for the 500 disappeared children who are still missing. NELSON'S SHUT UP TIPS: Had a decision been made differently, I might not be sitting here with you today. - @dewittn I don't have a lot of memories from the Civil War. I was one when I was separated from my family. I was two when I was adopted from the orphanage. - @dewittn You look at the picture and you know that's you but you don't feel like it's you. - @dewittn As I moved over to the creative side, that's when I got more traction in my work. - @dewittn If you give people too much they get lost in your work. - @dewittn I'm hovering over that launch button and I'm freaking out because I'm going to put myself out into the world. - @dewittn Understand the biology. You're not going to get eaten by a tiger walking down the street. Understand what your brain is doing. - @dewittn Study famous entrepreneurs and artists to help you work through your fear the way they have. - @dewittn I'm afraid but not because I'm going to die. Maybe I need to pick up the phone and talk to somebody in this situation to help me through it. - @dewittn CONNECT WITH NELSON: Check out Nelson's documentary film at IdentifyingNelson.com Find Nelson's best work (film, photography, essays) at his visual portfolio NelsonRoberto.com Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes 31:34 http://theshutupshow.com/ep129/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep129/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:00:38 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2561 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep129/feed/ 0 Today's featured guest, Craig McBreen, talks to us about the art of breaking out. How he moved from a 3,500 sq. ft. home to a 1000, sq. ft. apartment--by choice--to escape the shackles of homeownership and reignite his life as a middle-aged, Today's featured guest, Craig McBreen, talks to us about the art of breaking out. How he moved from a 3,500 sq. ft. home to a 1000, sq. ft. apartment--by choice--to escape the shackles of homeownership and reignite his life as a middle-aged, location-independent traveling vagabond. If you think you're too old to shut up and make shit happen, this episode is especially for you. Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: I don't care if you're 35 or 65. If you want to change, there's no better time than now. - @CraigMcBreen @_TheShutUpShow (click to tweet) FUN FACTS: Craig has over 25 years of experience in branding, marketing and design. He is an introvert, misfit, and loner. He is the founder and host of the Art of Breaking Out blog and podcast. He lives with his wife and children in Seattle, Washington (one of my favorite cities on earth!) DEFINING SHUT UP MOMENT: Craig was an only child, overweight, and teased in school. Growing up, he didn't know how to socialize. It was then he realized he was a natural introvert. Recently, after witnessing a family member go through a very dark, challenging time, Craig was brought back to his youth. Confronting depression and introversion once again, Craig and his wife decided to downsize their lifestyles and become middle-aged traveling vagabonds. CRAIG'S SHUT UP TIPS: If you're going to do something, it's never going to be easy. - @CraigMcBreen I used to be all over the place but now I'm learning how to get past fear and be more productive. - @CraigMcBreen By nature, I've always been too cautious. Selling my home and moving into an apartment was the first time I did anything that seemed like it was impulsive. - @CraigMcBreen My wife and I haven't done a whole lot. We wanted to travel and have a location-independent life. It can't only be for the 20-somethings. - @CraigMcBreen I don't want to be later in life going why didn't I do this? - @CraigMcBreen You can always find an excuse, the origin is usually fear. - @CraigMcBreen I actually do want to help people. If it translates to business, fine. - @CraigMcBreen when i was a kid i liked writing but never got into it, three years ago when i started blogging it became a morning ritual I don't care if you're 35 or 65. If you want to change, there's no better time than now. Put the wheels in motion. I'd be completely lying if I said I wasn't scared every single moment of this change; I'm slightly terrified, but it's a good feeling because my fear is energizing me. - @CraigMcBreen The more you put on your plate, the more comfortable you become with every single situation. - @CraigMcBreen When I'm feeling stuck, I get into more creative activities throughout the day: combining average Joe yoga with meditation. - @CraigMcBreen NOTABLE MENTIONS: The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying - Huffington Post Why I Would Rather Shoot Myself In the Head Than Own a Home - James Altucher Why I Am Never Going to Own a Home Again - James Altucher CONNECT WITH CRAIG: Blog: CraigMcBreen.com New article: What Are You Afraid of Now New podcast: The Art of Breaking Out Podcast Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes 38:11 http://theshutupshow.com/ep128/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep128/#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:17:58 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2538 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep128/feed/ 0 Thanks to my mastermind friend Charlie Poznek, I had the complete pleasure of being formally introduced to Nick Loper, Chief Side Hustler at Side Hustle Nation. Nick is the author of the popular book Work Smarter: 350+ Online Resources Today's Top Entr... Thanks to my mastermind friend Charlie Poznek, I had the complete pleasure of being formally introduced to Nick Loper, Chief Side Hustler at Side Hustle Nation. Nick is the author of the popular book Work Smarter: 350+ Online Resources Today's Top Entrepreneurs Use to Increase Productivity and Achieve Their Goals. We had a great conversation about how he built a side hustle to create a risk-averse way to start a business while he was still working full-time. Nick encouraged us to view our entrepreneurial journey as a scientist conducting a lab experiment. Check out our fun-filled conversation to find out what Nick encourages side hustlers to do to build real financial freedom.  Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: The 9 to 5 will make you a living, the 5 to 9 will make you alive. @nloper #sidehustle via @_TheShutUpShow #shutupshow (click to tweet) FUN FACTS: Nick speaks Spanish--only after few beers. Nick wants to play for the Mariners when he grows up (inside joke). Nick is a family man, traveler and online entrepreneur. He knows way more about shoes than anyone should. He has a giant shih-tzu named Mochi. So do I! Well, minus the giant part and my dog is not named Mochi. DEFINING SHUT UP MOMENT: Nick had his first stint in sales and business back in college when he answered an ad to start an independent painting company. This experience taught him how to cold-call as a door-to-door salesman. After college, Nick got a corporate job. He moved from Seattle to Washington D.C. not knowing anyone outside of work. He was bored from 5 to 9 and didn't want to waste that time watching TV. So instead, Nick decided to make an investment in learning affiliate marketing and launched his first side hustle. NICK'S SHUT UP TIPS: Once you've had that taste of closing a deal--the entrepreneurial bug--it's real tough to go back. @nloper The 9 to 5 will make you a living, the 5 to 9 will make you alive. @nloper Side hustle is a lower risk to become an entrepreneur. It gives you time to build a buffer. @nloper If you can work on something you care about, the process of creation has inherent value. @nloper I blogged for four years and no one ever read it. The process of writing on a regular basis gave me practice. @nloper Know your why. If you're just chasing the next dollar, it's not going to work out. There are faster ways to earn income that are not as time-leveraged as starting a business. @nloper The idea of helping people who are working corporate and want to find an escape route is fun for me; I get to experiment how to do these things. @nloper Making the wrong choice still scares me. It's probably not going to be life-threatening. It could be life-changing. There's big upside and very little downside to a lot of the decisions we look at. @nloper School was a formula. Ninety percent of it was showing up. @nloper If you don't ask, don't be surprised if nothing happens. @nloper Think like a scientist. A scientist's experiment never fails. He has a hypothesis he has to prove or disprove. It lessens the fear of failure. @nloper NOTABLE MENTIONS: The 10 Top Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class (Amazon link) From Foe to Friend: Jia Jiang’s Love Story with Rejection - Episode 19 Podcast Movement CONNECT WITH NICK: Check out SideHustleNation.com. Check out Side Hustle Show and learn how to earn extra cash on the side. Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes http://theshutupshow.com/ep127/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep127/#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2014 15:28:07 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2511 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep127/feed/ 0 It's rare to find other young mommy misfitesque entrepreneurs like me who've shared a similar turbulent past...from high school drop out to doing amazing work in the world that uplifts, inspires and empowers other women today. It's rare to find other young mommy misfitesque entrepreneurs like me who've shared a similar turbulent past...from high school drop out to doing amazing work in the world that uplifts, inspires and empowers other women today. My spiritual doppelganger Laura Aiisha Haykel joins me on today's episode to talk about her journey from leaving home at 16 years old to becoming a soulful coach, speaker, singer and performer. This conversation will get you up and out of your own way.  Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: We hold the power to really truly create our greatest lives based on what we're choosing moment to moment. @lauraaiisha #shutupshow (click to tweet) LAURA ON GETTING UP AND PLAYING YOUR ROLE: I just kept showing up and I just kept showing up. - @lauraaiisha I have wanted to give up so many times, throw in the towel and say fuck it all. What I choose to acknowledge is I have a purpose just like everyone else. - @lauraaiisha I'm lucky to be alive so there must be a big purpose for me in this world. - @lauraaiisha Trust the inner knowing as opposed to trusting the illusions I'm experiencing out in the world. - @lauraaiisha Anyone can create a mantra and put a melody to it. Start to tell yourself a new story. And be the witness to your life and thoughts and words you use. - @lauraaiisha I'm here to live as fully as I possibly can until I transition over to the next phase. - @lauraaiisha Recognize the gift that you be in the world. No matter how many other amazing people you see out there, you are a gift. Everyone is a gift to this world and we all play a purpose and a role. Let's keep playing that powerfully. - @lauraaiisha CONNECT WITH LAURA: Check out Laura's first music video at LauraAiisha.com. Download Laura's music for free at LauraAiisha.com/lah-musique. Get Laura's debut EP "I Am" at LauraAiisha.bandcamp.com. Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes 44:13 http://theshutupshow.com/ep126/ http://theshutupshow.com/ep126/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2014 15:31:45 +0000 http://theshutupshow.com/?p=2481 Read More → ]]> http://theshutupshow.com/ep126/feed/ 0 On today's episode I welcome "The Gordon Ramsey to Your Online Kitchen Nightmare" Jessica Kupferman, founder and host of Lady Business Radio. We jam-packed the show today with conversations about being a woman entrepreneur (and we're not only talking a... On today's episode I welcome "The Gordon Ramsey to Your Online Kitchen Nightmare" Jessica Kupferman, founder and host of Lady Business Radio. We jam-packed the show today with conversations about being a woman entrepreneur (and we're not only talking about business), the dangers in losing sight of the thing you're good at, and mimicking others instead of honing your voice and craft.  Watch the show (uncensored & unedited)  Listen to the podcast SHARE SOME SHUT UP LOVE: You only have another 25 years to live, why do something you really hate? - @jesskupferman #shutupshow (click to tweet) JESSICA ON HELPING LADIES IN BUSINESS: Tech and fear go together. - @jesskupferman It's an online world. When you don't have control over your web site you don't have control over your business. - @jesskupferman You can see a path forming of how you get to the places you are. - @jesskupferman If you're going to teach people how to do something, you have to know what you're doing in order to answer the questions. - @jesskupferman It's hard to stick to what you're good at if you're bored with it. - @jesskupferman The same message may need to be delivered ten different ways to ten different people. You have to know who you're talking to so you can know how to say the truth without making them cry or hate you. - @jesskupferman When you appear accessible, it will be hard to be productive. - @jesskupferman It's an odd balance between being grateful constantly and overwhelmed that you even have the attention in the first place and setting boundaries so that you're not being taken advantage of. - @jesskupferman A CHALLENGE FROM JESSICA: Start a post with "What's the deal with xxx?" and see how people engage with you. (Let Jessica know how it went!) CONNECT WITH JESSICA: LadyBusiness.biz PodcastingSchoolForWomen.com Berni Xiong (shUNG) | The Shin Kicking Life Spark yes 46:03