Merri Bragg from Lightspeed tells Mike Ficara why your classroom may not sound like the one you grew up in. I think we can all agree that classrooms are not nearly the same as they were when we were in school. Things are drastically changing compared to just five years ago. Check out this clip from THE START DOWN podcast where I had the pleasure of connecting with Merri Bragg. We discussed changes not only with what we are teaching the children but also the lack of funding and support for teache...
Mar 15, 2022•20 min•Ep. 162
Did you know that the government can help schools and businesses achieve their goals? Believe it or not - the government DOES want your business to succeed, and they even more so want the schools to succeed! There is just a LOT of different mumbo jumbo lingo, hoops, and people to get through to even begin to understand it. BUT once you get through it, there are some amazing grants, scholarships, loans, and many more ways to access monetary help to achieve your goals. We all know it takes money t...
Mar 08, 2022•22 min•Ep. 161
“WHO EVEN CARES ABOUT THE LIKES ANYMORE?!” It is all about how your followers and likes are turning into conversations, engagements, and sales. How do you know what works if you don’t try it? Trying things outside of your comfort zone is how you learn, yes. But it is also where you MIGHT FAIL. And guess what, if you do fail, you aren’t a failure; that STRATEGY just didn’t work for you! You will never have it all figured out. Even if you start to feel that way, things will change again and requir...
Feb 15, 2022•39 min•Ep. 160
Who are your mentors in your life? What or how do you DEFINE a mentor? In this episode of The Start Down Podcast, my childhood friend and successful business owner, Julio Villarreal, talks about how anyone in your corner giving you advice and cheering you on is really mentoring you in some way! This is a great perspective but makes you think - who are you spending most of your time with? Are you pushing to elevate each other and the relationship? Mentors can help you avoid making the same mistak...
Feb 08, 2022•33 min•Ep. 159
Have you heard of this crazy trend of people avoiding calling goals what they are (goals) & calling them everything else except that for 2022? It’s RIDICULOUS! (P.S. It's NOT WEIRD to laugh at yourself on a podcast!) In episode 158 of THE START DOWN PODCAST, I debunk this trend! Being an entrepreneur requires you to be OKAY standing in your truth even if that truth requires you to stand alone sometimes. Looking for that “unicorn” strategy or company can seem impossible if you aren’t CLEAR on...
Feb 01, 2022•27 min•Ep. 158
In this interview, Tiffany Taylor describes WHAT your most valuable & most expensive time is. I can almost guarantee that you didn’t think that someone who works in corporate America and a business owner would have this in common! You already know - as Tiffany confirms it - Your FREE time is your most EXPENSIVE time! You can do your business part time when it comes to time, but your MIND has to be ALL IN! Taking advantage of the time for yourself or your business is key. If you don't find th...
Jan 25, 2022•45 min•Ep. 157
YOU pick the labels that you associate yourself with! POINT BLANK. PERIOD. All that matters is that YOU believe you have a vision, YOU believe you are worth it, YOU believe it's yours for the taking. In this episode of "The Start Down," Mike talks with Raj Subrameyer about building your personal brand. Raj is passionate about helping leaders step into their zones and maximize their potential! If you had someone like Raj in your ear every single day, would you show up in the way you needed to? Ho...
Jan 18, 2022•55 min•Ep. 156
2021 has been hard on many businesses and industries. On the other hand, many people have been able to find opportunity. This week I spoke with Marshall Terrin about the matrix of entrepreneurship. We covered everything from how experiences and process can change your business, to work life balance. Marshall has also been able to take a time and build an amazing business in two towns impacted by the pandemic, Orlando and Las Vegas. Don’t miss our last podcast of the year! Host: Mike Ficara Guest...
Dec 14, 2021•38 min•Ep. 155
Working from home is amazing, or it could be the worst thing ever. It really depends on how you set up your work at home environment. This week on The Start Down Podcast we speak with David Koeneman who is a work at home expert. Wither COVID sent you to the home office for the first time, or you’re a lifelong work at home professional, David has some key advice to maximize your work at home experience. Don’t miss this exciting episode! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara and David Koeneman Sup...
Dec 07, 2021•38 min•Ep. 154
Life can be really boring sometimes. Nothing exciting ever happens to me! Life needs to slow down. Have you said any of these things? Life and business are unpredictable. On this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk about that and how to overcome it! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m...
Nov 16, 2021•24 min•Ep. 153
What the order, motivation, education, and experiences? Which one must come first? Do they all work together at the same time? We explore those topics on this week’s episode with young entrepreneur (and college student) Eric Chow! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara and Eric Chow Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficar...
Oct 26, 2021•28 min•Ep. 152
It is not how you start… It is not how you finish… It is how you keep going! On this week’s episode we speak with Jake Kelfer about his new book. Jake has not only worked with entrepreneurs, but many major athletes on how they can get to the next level. Whether that is just getting started, or you are looking to be the greatest! Don’t miss this episode! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara and Jake Kelfer Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: http...
Oct 19, 2021•33 min•Ep. 151
No one cares about me. Do you ever say that to yourself? Do you feel your story does not matter? Well, you never know who you are going to help or when you plant a seed. This past week I was at an event and spent time with one of my former students. He may have not said it when I had him in class, but he still talks to me about things he liked about my class and how it helped him more than 10 years after we learned together. Always remember you are planting seeds! A book is no different. You may...
Oct 12, 2021•25 min•Ep. 150
Do you want to be a rock star? Most people think they don’t need to be on social media, it’s not important. No matter if your online or not, people are talking about you. If you are not telling your story, someone else is! This week we speak with Isaac Mashman about the importance of a personal brand. He also talks about how important your personal network is to starting off your business strong! Are you subscribed to www.TheStartDown.com Podcast? It would mean the world to me if you did! Host: ...
Sep 28, 2021•34 min•Ep. 149
Social media has too many people on it! Have you ever said this about Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or any other social network? At the end of the day the “power houses” of today may not be around tomorrow, remember MySpace? So who will replace them? Joel Wolh and his professional social network Bizfluence is looking to take on LinkedIn! On this week’s episode of The Start Down we talk about how Joel and his team are doing this and what he thinks the future of social media looks like. Host: Mike...
Sep 21, 2021•34 min•Ep. 148
"So, you're a doctor like Kissinger's a doctor." First off, if you know what show this is from you are my best friend and leave it in the comments. Often the debate of college and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. That being said, I have met and worked with many great entrepreneurs who have dropped out of high school, and many who have gone all the way and received a PhD in their field. Both have been able to find massive success based on their experience and education. On this week’s episode we...
Sep 14, 2021•40 min•Ep. 147
We are back! Not only are we back, but this week’s guest Dominica Lumazar was someone that brought value to the podcast from word one! You don’t want to miss this episode! We covered three key items in this episode: 1. Marketing needs to be a 360 degree experience 2. Failure and your entrepreneurial gut 3. The power of a female owned business To learn more about Dominica visit her website at https://sweetdmarketing.com/ and catch her amazing podcast at https://bpbpodcast.com. Host: Mike Ficara G...
Sep 07, 2021•41 min•Ep. 146
Have you ever had someone cancel on you? I did last week, twice! So that means another solo episode! This was a great opportunity for me to test out a new format we are working on as well! I would love to know what you think of this episode, leave your comments below. Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara LinkedIn: https://www.l...
Jul 27, 2021•3 sec•Ep. 145
How do you know if you’re good at something? How do you know if you’re doing a good job? How do you measure perfect? Is it always about the numbers? In this week’s episodes we did into this, and other fun topics from a new perspective! Check out the episode in the link below. Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara LinkedIn: https...
Jul 13, 2021•17 min•Ep. 144
Have you ever said to yourself, I could be more successful if…? Well, stop that! On this week’s episode of The StartDown Podcast we speak with Jeremy Torisk who recently exited his company and is working for FUN now! My favorite part of our conversation is that Jeremy shares where he started, and I will give you a hint, it was not at some Ivy league school. Jeremy truly learned his industry from the bottom and rose to the top! The team loves this episode, and we can’t wait for you to hear it! Qu...
Jul 06, 2021•42 min•Ep. 143
What is holding you back as we close out Q2? What do you need to take it to the next level as we "get back to normal"? On this week's episode of The StartDown we talk with Dr. Ian Brooks about why you need to take action with Intention! Host: Mike Ficara Guest: Dr. Ian Brooks Get the book: https://rhodessmith.com/ Follow on social: @DrB_Intention Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.faceb...
Jun 29, 2021•43 min
Has this been your best year, or your worst year? The pandemic has provided a great opportunity for some, and great struggles for others. With some amazing guests over the last year it's time for me to share some lessons learned, and some other big news, my book is coming out soon! I will talk about it all on this solo episode! Host: Mike Ficara Guest: Mike Ficara Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook:...
Jun 24, 2021•22 min•Ep. 141
What you see is just the tip of the iceberg. The thought and strategy behind a marketer's creation is what, at the end of the day, drives results for a client. Host: Alicia Laszewski Guests: Mike Ficara, Alicia Laszewski Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hX...
Jun 15, 2021•27 min•Ep. 140
Have you ever been entertained unexpectedly? We are staying global this week and speaking to Darryl Lovegrove who is one of the 3 Waiters. Here how this accidental business took him on a journey all over the world performing for kings and queens! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darryl.lovegrove.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovegroveentertainment1/ Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara and Darryl Lovegrove Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Ins...
Jun 08, 2021•51 min•Ep. 139
The travel continues with #TheStartDown podcast! This week we speak with Ally Muller about Unlocking The Genius Inside Your Organization! This amazing entrepreneur from Australia gives some amazing insight into what helps a business grow and scale! Loved, this episode and cannot wait for you to hear the advice Ally shared! Ally's Info: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonrmuller/ Website - https://www.allymuller.com/ Company Website - https://www.goyaconsulhng.com.au/ Host: Mike Ficara...
May 18, 2021•31 min•Ep. 138
For the first time in over a decade, I have not been on a plane in over a year! That being said my podcast has allowed me to have several guest from all over the world! On this weeks episode we spoke with Anna Kupisz about how you can have the lifestyle you want by pricing your product or service correctly. She is based in Poland and has offices in the UK and soon in the US. You don't want to miss this episode! Website: annakupisz.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/annakupisz.official Facebook Group...
May 11, 2021•45 min•Ep. 137
Do you miss live events? Have you attended a virtual event? What is the future? We talk with Natalia and Caleb about the future of both live and virtual events. This power couple is disrupting the industry and making an impact. You don’t want to miss this episode! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara, Natalia Diane, and Caleb Fowler Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikef...
May 04, 2021•44 min•Ep. 136
Do you know where your gaps are? Do you even know what having a gap in your life means. This week I had the honor of speaking with Brian Mayoral who not ONLY had record breaking sales with Tony Robbin’s team recently, he helped people have major breakthroughs as well. You don’t want to miss this episode. Facebook : @Brianmayoral - https://www.facebook.com/brian.mayoral.712 Instagram: @Brianmayoral - https://www.instagram.com/brianmayoral/ LinkedIn: @Brianmayoral - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri...
Apr 27, 2021•42 min•Ep. 135
When I bought my first home I was so excited to cut my own lawn! After doing it for the first time, I was like this SUCKS! This week’s guest Bryan Clayton took people like me and provided them with an amazing app called GreenPal! Check out this week’s episode where we talk about the journey! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara, Bryan Clayton Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook...
Apr 20, 2021•36 min•Ep. 134
We all know the big boys when it comes to a CRM, but do you really need one? Did you know there are other options. Great conversation on this week’s episode with Jeroen Corthout co-founder and CEO of Salesflare on how to pick the right CRM for your business and how it can help you scale! Host: Mike Ficara Guests: Mike Ficara, Jeroen Corthout Support the show More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...
Apr 13, 2021•30 min•Ep. 133
