So you started a business, and things are going great. You're killing it... you're inevitably going to ask yourself "When should I start paying myself?" When you've created a sustainable business, you're ensuring you can afford to pay yourself fairly. This not only benefits you, but also lays the foundation for future growth and the ability to step back. So here are the steps I took when decided it was time to start paying myself: Establish financial stability for y...
Oct 10, 2023•6 min•Ep. 287
If you can believe it... 2023 is coming to an end soon. We're in the 4th quarter of this year, which means you've got just about 90 days to hit those goals that you set for this year. But remember, it's not just black and white. Don't focus solely on whether you achieved your goals or not. Think about how well you did, the degree of progress you made, and how close you got. It's about pushing yourself and getting as close as possible to your target. So, my fellow entrepr...
Oct 09, 2023•9 min•Ep. 286
Recently I gave you all a behind the scenes look at one of my coaching calls with Wyatt. It was a bit longer than most of my episodes, so incase you missed it, or you skipped it, here's a little breakdown of the lesson: 1️⃣ Dealing with overwhelm: Starting a new venture can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many variables to consider. The key is to get clear on your goals and the next steps, which helps alleviate the overwhelm. Remember: you can only focus on the macro or the mi...
Oct 09, 2023•11 min•Ep. 285
I can tell a whole lot about a person just by looking at three things... Your email inbox, your calendar, and your phone's home screen. That's all I would need to see to be able to understand what your values are, and how close you are to achieving your goals. Your email inbox is ground zero for your daily interactions. Is it a chaotic mess or a well-organized system? Your inbox reflects the systems and processes that can move you closer to your goals. Your calendar holds the power to ...
Oct 07, 2023•8 min•Ep. 284
I love chess, and I love building businesses. Luckily, for me, the two are very similar. Here are some lessons that I've learned from playing chess that have helped me build my 8-figure business. Lesson 1: Control the Center. Lesson 2: Understanding Piece Value. Lesson 3: Proactive Piece Development. Lesson 4: Assessing Risk vs. Reward. Lesson 5: Thinking Several Moves Ahead. There's so much you can learn from this game that you can then take and apply to other areas of your life. So t...
Oct 06, 2023•14 min•Ep. 283
We have become junkies in the business world. Everyone needs their fix of motivation and drive to continue growing their business. Now, I'm not advocating the use of drugs here. We're not on Wall Street in the 80's here. I've got 7 habits that will take give you that all-natural, drug free, fix that you're looking for. 1. Get more sleep: Your cognitive abilities and energy levels need proper rest. 2. Limit eating out: Be conscious of what fuels your body for optimal perf...
Oct 05, 2023•11 min•Ep. 282
I just had an incredible conversation with a young professional who I've been coaching, Wyatt Simon. Wyatt called me up because he was feeling overwhelmed and overthinking his next steps. Sound familiar? We've all been there. Here's the exciting part - in just a short period of time, we were able to create a solid business plan and map out his vision and goals. And now he's ready to take massive action. But, success doesn't come from just consuming the information given ...
Oct 04, 2023•53 min•Ep. 281
Have you ever tripped in public, and then looked around to see if anybody saw it? ...Yeah, me neither. Today, I want to talk about the opinions of others, failure, and progress. 1️⃣ Don't let the opinions of others hold you back: Many people are afraid to put themselves out there because they worry about the judgments of strangers. But remember, their opinions don't define you or your journey. The only opinion that truly matters is the one you have of yourself. 2️⃣ Embrace failure and ...
Oct 03, 2023•6 min•Ep. 280
Boredom is the antidote to most of modern life's problems. • foggy thinking • overwhelm • distraction • isolation Struggling with any of these? Make space for boredom. Here's how. LEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!! Let’s Connect On Social Media! youtube.com/anthonyvicino twitter.com/anthonyvicino instagram.com/theanthonyvicino https://anthonyvicino.com Join an exclusive community of peak performers at Beyond the Apex University learning how to build a business, invest in real e...
Oct 02, 2023•19 min•Ep. 279
Today, I'm diving into the power of podcasts for your business. Specifically, using podcasts to connect with niche B2B audiences. Here's the secret…invite industry leaders to your show. Offer them a platform to share their stories and insights. It's not about selling; it's about building relationships. By putting them in the spotlight, you're not just creating valuable content but also establishing a rapport. This increases your chances of future business opportunities. ...
Oct 01, 2023•9 min•Ep. 278
One of my students texted me, and it's the kind of message that makes your day. We had a coaching session, and he put my advice into action immediately. That's a winning trait in a student…action takers. The lesson here? Sell your product before you've even created it. Instead of building landing pages and refining your program, test the waters first. Gauge the interest. If you can't get someone to buy your idea before it's real, you might struggle afterward. Take my Cap...
Sep 30, 2023•10 min•Ep. 277
Lately, I've been passionate about helping creators and entrepreneurs harness the power of storytelling to supercharge their businesses. Most folks know their origin story, but what about their conversion story? That's the tale that moves people to action, and it's usually rooted in personal experiences. Here's the trick…keep a "story bible" filled with your life's anecdotes. Many of these stories are more compelling to your audience than you might think. If yo...
Sep 29, 2023•10 min•Ep. 276
I've learned a key lesson about creating a strong brand: treat every customer as if they're the most important. Back during our rapid growth phase, Operation Cannonball, we faced a challenge. We were taking on any customer, big or small, but it was causing stress and diluting our ability to provide great service. Our biggest customer, a distributor in Australia, was high-maintenance. We had to make a tough decision and let them go. Revenue initially dropped…but our customer satisfactio...
Sep 28, 2023•9 min•Ep. 275
I’ve learned to appreciate systems, especially with my ADHD. They provide structure and have proven invaluable in my businesses. But there's a danger in overcomplicating systems and using them as a form of procrastination. Lately, I've noticed a trend on social media where entrepreneurs share complex systems that appear impressive but can obscure effectiveness. The key is simplicity. Simplicity scales. You don't need intricate systems, especially in the early stages of a business....
Sep 27, 2023•8 min•Ep. 274
Exactly one year ago, our YouTube channel had just 220 subscribers, and I was questioning if all my efforts were in vain. Each video I created seemed to vanish into the abyss, getting just a handful of views. It was disheartening, to say the least. But then, a pivotal moment happened. We decided to shift our strategy towards quality over quantity. We put everything into one video, focusing on storytelling and intention. That video, "From 80K in Debt to a Millionaire in Three Years," st...
Sep 26, 2023•10 min•Ep. 273
In this episode, I'm breaking down seven common life lies you've probably heard: Focus Lie: It's not that you lack focus; you need better focus management. Lie of Enough: Pursuing purpose, not happiness, is the key to fulfillment. Consumer Lie: You can't consume your way to happiness; create instead of consuming. Thinking Lie: Writing helps you become a better thinker. Lie of the Exceptional: You're not an imposter; anyone can climb their own pedestal. Friendship Lie: Tr...
Sep 25, 2023•10 min•Ep. 272
I've got a powerful storytelling tip to share today. Back in my fiction writing days, I thought non-stop action made a great story. But I was missing something vital, which I found in Shawn Coyne's "Story Grid." Here's the key: Every great story has two journeys. First, there's the external journey, like Frodo's quest or Luke Skywalker's mission. But beneath that, there's the internal journey…the hero's struggle with identity, self-doubt, and pur...
Sep 24, 2023•11 min•Ep. 271
In today’s episode, I want to dive into the intriguing connection between ADHD and entrepreneurship. If you've ever wondered how they relate, this episode is for you. Here are seven essential strategies for ADHD entrepreneurs: Nutrition: Your diet matters. Avoid potential triggers like gluten to improve focus. Exercise: Channel your energy through physical activity for mental clarity. Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep for mental health and focus. State Management: Control your emotions with t...
Sep 23, 2023•15 min•Ep. 270
Today, I want to dive into something that's been on my mind lately…heroes, or rather, the dark side of our heroes. You see, I got into reading biographies…and recently, I finished a book on Steve Jobs. He was undoubtedly a genius, and he revolutionized the tech industry. But as I delved into his life, I realized something important. Many heroes are heroes because they excel in one particular area. They're extreme, obsessive, and singularly focused on their craft. And that's why th...
Sep 22, 2023•9 min•Ep. 269
I’m excited because today's episode is all about your questions. I absolutely love when you reach out, whether through DMs, emails, or comments, and today, I'm tackling some of the intriguing questions that recently came my way. First up, budgeting: I'll share my favorite budgeting method that doesn't require me to love math. Gym playlist: I don't listen to music in the gym, and I'll explain why. When to pivot or stick: The million-dollar question in entrepreneurshi...
Sep 21, 2023•13 min•Ep. 268
Today I'm diving into something close to my heart: reading. Books were my childhood escape, but I realized I was consuming knowledge without applying it, leading to an unfulfilling life. So, here are four steps to read better: 1. Read Actively: Skip multitasking and immerse yourself in reading. It's uncomfortable but worthwhile. 2. Connect the Dots: Writing helps solidify your thoughts. Journal, blog, or tweet your reflections. 3. Integrate: Implement what you learn. Reading without ac...
Sep 20, 2023•9 min•Ep. 267
I've got three simple life rules to drop on you today. Rule 1: Fight the Dragon Early Don't let small problems become monsters. Tackle them when they're tiny, or you'll face a fire-breathing dragon later. Rule 2: Seek Purpose, Not Just Happiness Happiness from shallow pleasures fades. Pursue meaningful things; happiness will follow. Rule 3: Don't Limit Yourself Stop arguing for your limitations; focus on your potential. What you seek is seeking you. These rules aren&apos...
Sep 19, 2023•5 min•Ep. 266
In this episode, I'm sharing a principle that transformed my business, Escape Climbing, from $300,000 to $3 million in just a few years. This concept applies not only to manufacturing but to any business and even your personal life. I'm talking about identifying the eight types of waste, a concept borrowed from the Toyota Way and Lean Methodology. These forms of waste lurk in everything we do, from making products to running daily operations. The key is to identify these types of waste...
Sep 18, 2023•19 min•Ep. 265
Today, I want to share a game-changing business lesson I learned while building Escape Climbing. Starting this manufacturing business was a new ballgame for me. I was used to service-based companies like window washing…simple, right? Then there was the gym, another different game. But Escape Climbing was unique. Manufacturing meant handling raw materials, long lead times, and massive capital outlays. Cash flow became a puzzle. Here's the kicker…we were offering net 90 terms to clients, mean...
Sep 17, 2023•9 min•Ep. 264
Confession time: I've been stuck in a motivation slump lately. We all have those moments, right? Here's how I tackle it: Know Your Cycles: Understand that motivation ebbs and flows, and what works for others might not work for you. It's okay. Permission to Rest: Don't feel guilty for needing a break. We all do. Even pro athletes have off-seasons. Structured Routine: Establish a routine, even when you don't feel like it. Your mood follows your actions, not the other way a...
Sep 16, 2023•11 min•Ep. 263
Today, we're diving into a game-changing topic: your most prized business asset. Surprisingly, I stumbled upon this in my first venture, neglected it in others, even had a flop because of it. But it made a triumphant comeback at Escape Climbing. So, what's this secret? It's your list…a collection of past customers, potential clients, and leads. It's your lifeline. Relying solely on platforms or algorithms is risky. Your list is your tribe, your direct line to your audience. S...
Sep 15, 2023•10 min•Ep. 262
Today, let's dive into one of my least favorite pieces of advice, especially in the business world…”Fake it till you make it." Here's why it doesn't sit well with me. The idea is simple: act like you're already successful, and others will perceive you that way. The problem? You're essentially lying to yourself. You know deep down that you're not there yet, creating a disconnect between who you're pretending to be and who you really are. This internal disso...
Sep 14, 2023•7 min•Ep. 261
Let me share the story behind why I’m so money-focused. But to me, it isn't a top metric for success in life. Relationships and health are far more important than money. But there's a reason I emphasize money. In my twenties, I struggled financially. Rent, groceries, gas…it was a monthly juggling act. Stressful but not unbearable. Then came a pivotal moment. My beloved cat Sparta needed a $5,000 surgery. A huge sum for me at the time. We couldn't afford it, and we lost Sparta. I f...
Sep 13, 2023•8 min•Ep. 261
Today, I'm diving into a topic that struck me while watching the US Open in tennis. What I realized watching these elite athletes is that, at the top level, it's not about having extraordinary abilities. It's about accessing them when it counts. The best performers maintain their level when it matters. They don't crumble under pressure. And guess what? Most of life's moments don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. There are fewer games than practices. So,...
Sep 12, 2023•6 min•Ep. 259
In today's episode, inspired by a question from listener Brayden, we explore the concept of personal prisons. Brayden asked about a quote he saw, "Worked all weekend isn't a flex, it's a prison." He wondered if loving your work changes that. Here's the takeaway: Prisons are about the absence of choice. The difference between a palace and a prison is choice. We often create our own mental prisons, but they have no locks, guards, or walls. It's our belief that we...
Sep 11, 2023•5 min•Ep. 259
