7 Minutes In The Morning

Every business owner has experienced it...no sales! The hard truth is people don't buy your product or service because they don't want it! Why not!? I mean, it is a great idea, right? One that thousands...maybe millions of people could use! They'd LOVE it if they just gave it a chance! As a business owner or entrepreneur, it's hard to put yourself, um, I mean your PRODUCT out there and risk people saying they don't like it (and by extension, they don't like you...at least that's what you're thinking!). If we know how painful it is...why do we do it? Honestly, because we don't know any better. And for millions of would-be entrepreneurs, they never learn this lesson, and they're doomed to failure! There are tons of compelling arguments about the idea that the customer is always right...but most coaches and consultants frame that in the context of customer service. I want to shape it a little differently for you. What if, instead of pushing YOUR idea on the customer, you let the customer tell you what they wante

Have you ever set a goal for yourself and then felt overwhelmed at the size of the goal? Maybe you're really clear on what you want but not sure what to do first to make it a reality. Transforming dreams and goals into actions and why the small things matter is what we're talking about today on 7 Minutes In the Morning. Stay tuned! Business owners and entrepreneurs have big dreams and make big plans...it's just what we do. But sometimes the end goal or outcome is much easier to see that the next three steps we should take. The key to beating overwhelm and making your goals a reality is to keep breaking them down into smaller and small pieces. Goals become projects. Projects become tasks. Tasks get scheduled and done! And when you do the tasks that complete the projects...they accomplish your goals! Don't ever let the size or the scope of your dreams keep you from starting. And similarly, don't ever scale down your dreams because they seem too big and unobtainable. The Wright brothers LEARNED TO FLY because th

When you set goals for the year, do you make separate sets for personal and business outcomes? If you do, here's why I think you should do things differently! It's just like my argument against work-life balance...there's no such thing! There is just life...and work happens to be a big part of it! Here's proof...have you ever been at work and thought about something you needed to do at home, at home thinking about work, or on vacation thinking about whether you closed the garage door. Your MIND doesn't create separate buckets for each so why do you plan separately for each? As a business owner or entrepreneur, you have to consider the entirety of your life when you plan for the upcoming year, quarter, or day (can you make that client call or do you need to pick up the kids?). When you are setting business goals for the next year, try adding in a couple of personal categories, say, for example, health, family, and personal development. By thinking holistically you will be much more likely to hit ALL your goals

Ever had an idea for the next great product? You know, the kind they show on late-night TV where their inventor makes millions and retires to some cruise ship? Maybe you have that idea now...and have no idea where to start! Then today's show is just for you! This is 7 Minutes in the Morning, a daily video podcast by business coach and THE Unashamed Non-conformist, Thom Rigsby. Every day Thom takes one business (or life of the business owner) topic and breaks it down, sprinkles it with a bit of his unique insight, then sends you on your way with the encouragement you need to win the day! Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether

What do you do when you're faced with a difficult decision? Keep working (or work harder) on the business...or shut it down? Stick with this problem employee...or let them go? Sell the 30-year-old family business...or refinance? These are just a few of the questions business owners and leaders face every day, and they're tough! And if this is your first time in the entrepreneurial pool...then can be even tougher. On today's installment of 7 Minutes in the Morning, Thom will wrap up the week and talk about how to make difficult decisions! Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small busines

Have you ever had that feeling that maybe this just wasn't meant to be? Even though I've worked really hard at it, for a long time, I should just cut my losses now? The good news is, everyone who has ever tried something new, difficult, and/or worthwhile has felt that way...so you're in really good company. The BETTER news is...well, watch or listen to the podcast...I don't want to give it ALL away here! Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclu

Are you 'almost' ready to start your business or next project...just as soon as you ___? That attitude will GUARANTEE your failure! There is one easy way to overcome that obstacle and it is required of EVERY successful project! Do you know what it is? Then stay tuned! Every business owner and aspiring entrepreneur has a laundry list of things they 'want' to do. The difference between those that succeed and those that fail however is that the successful businesses START! "But Thom, you don't understand, I just need to know ___!" Whatever words you choose to fill in that blank, I've heard them...and they're all excuses! Stop making excuses and start taking action! Now, of course, there are materials to gather, plans to make, intel to collect on the enemy, um, competition...so how do you deal with that AND start? Simple...you simplify on a timeline! (not guaranteed to be easy!) First, you simplify with the MVP method. MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product...what is the least amount of product (or service) that m

Is your business a leader in your industry? Are you considered a thought leader regarding your industry? Do you even consider these questions important to the strength and stability of your business? ... You should...and here's why! In any race or contest, it is a simple truth...if you're not in the lead, then you are playing catch-up! In business, if you're not leading your industry segment, then YOU are behind and playing catch-up! Personally, I'd much rather feel the nip of the competition on my heels than be running desperately, fighting off the other competition to close the gap with the leader. Sure, some business owners will comfort themselves by pointing out that they're not last in their category, maybe there are even competitors 'following' their lead...but that's just a compromise. It's an acknowledgment that they're not first and they never will be! They've already lost the game, they just haven't given up yet! When you are the leader in your segment, your words have power. Your actions have conse

Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thomrigsby ...and on Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/thomrigsby Become a part of the Work That Matters Facebook group at http://fb.com/gro

Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thomrigsby ...and on Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/thomrigsby Become a part of the Work That Matters Facebook group at http://fb.com/gro

Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thomrigsby ...and on Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/thomrigsby Become a part of the Work That Matters Facebook group at http://fb.com/gro

Think back to a time when your alarm didn't go off (or maybe it did and you ignored it). What happened next? Well, when you figured out what was going on, you launched into your day in crisis mode...and it stayed that way all day long...didn't it? On today's episode of 7 Minutes In the Morning I talk a little about my morning routine but more about why you should have a routine and how to build one that works for you, not necessarily copies mine! If you're having entirely too many days of crisis, you owe it to yourself, your family, and your business to listen to today's installment! Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether yo

Have you ever seen a commercial and heard someone say, "That was my idea" or "I thought of that!" Is that person you? Let's talk about your ideas for a minute... Everybody has ideas, some are amazing solutions to very challenging problems! So why don't they ever see the light of day? Because frankly, ideas suck. Execution is what separates dreamers from doers, havers, and achievers. When you have that great idea, after a few minutes of euphoric exploration of the what-if's...do you fall back into the "yeah, but's"? You start throwing up all the reasons and roadblocks that you are going to let stand in your way of turning this idea into reality! So why don't the doers and achievers have the same roadblocks? They do! They just choose to focus their time on making it happen, finding out how to go over or around the roadblocks and obstacles rather than staring at them in awe of their size and difficulty. Today, when you have your next great idea, your mind is going to take you to the obstacles...that's fine. Jot

Are you struggling to 'have it all', trying to figure out how to balance the demands of your work with the rest of your life? If you are, you're doing it wrong...and today's post will help you fix that! Read on... I'll be honest, I market A LOT to the phrase or pain point of 'work life balance' because, frankly, so many people are looking for THE answer...how? The problem is not how but why? Why do you feel as though you need to separate your work from the rest of your life? Your work should help you achieve your dreams. YOU are uniquely gifted and talented and placed to do work that matters and have an abundant life while you're doing it. Just like a piece in a puzzle, you fit perfectly into that spot and you already have, or have access to, everything you need to do that 'thing.' And just like the empty spot in the puzzle craves the only piece in the box that will fill it...so to is your abundant life and work that matters calling to you! So your work should constantly move you closer and closer to that abu

Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thomrigsby ...and on Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/thomrigsby Become a part of the Work That Matters Facebook group at http://fb.com/gro

What is faith? This is a question I've been working on for a while now, part of a bigger project to really examine the words we use a lot and maybe don't "KNOW" what they mean. So I'll ask again, what is faith... Today's quote from Helen Keller takes a stab at answering the question and defines faith as optimism that leads to achievement. But I've come to understand it differently. See, optimism still leaves room for it to not work out. I can be optimistic about an outcome that never happens. Faith, however, means it IS going to happen, just as certainly as something already written in history. So what does all this mean to the business owner? To the entrepreneur? As we are nearing the end of 2019 and finishing up our plans for 2020...are you optimistic or do you have faith? If you haven't started on a plan for 2020 or you're unsure about any aspect of it, I'd love to help you get started with a no-cost, no-obligation phone call. Just go to www.ThomRigsby.com/discovery to find out more and schedule your one-o

Hey, did you hear that Instagram updated its algorithm? There's an update to the Facebook feed AND BlahBlah is the hottest new social network! What are you going to do now!?!? Whether it's a new app, a bug fix in the algorithm, or the best and brightest that social media has to offer, there's no getting around it; technology is constantly changing. For your business, it's more important than ever to track these changes and incorporate them into your strategy daily, but when there is always something newer, brighter, and shinier to chase, how do you stay on track? When you always focus on the latest, how can you ever get anything done? Just like you wouldn't drop down on one knee on the first date, you shouldn't throw all your time, money, and resources on the latest social media trend to catch your eye. The key is to watch for trends that are new and interesting to your target market (not you!) and begin testing them, but just test. Don't sell and go all-in until you can see a return on your investments; then

Do you think you have a good idea? Maybe even a GREAT idea? That's awesome, but can you prove it? Sorry to break the news, but your idea is worthless. It means nothing, has no value, and won't earn you a dime. Now maybe that's a little harsh, but it's true. An idea is just that, simply thoughts in your head or pen scratches on paper of something you think could be great. It has no intrinsic value to anyone but you, and quite frankly, it's just not that special. The reality is what's special is YOU, your ability to execute that idea, and take it out of your head and into the world! It's one thing to have an idea, but it's your will to develop and work with it that defines its potential. You have to take that idea beyond just a cool pitch or talking point around the dinner table and turn it into something others are willing to get on board with! You have to transform it into something that inspires others to act now, and if you can do that, your idea has some merit behind it! Until someone puts money in your ha

Are you just not feeling it today? There might be a reason why... Enjoy! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thomrigsby ...and on Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/thomrigsby Become a

Are the challenges in your life or business protecting you from danger or asking you to prove how badly you want it? Enjoy today's episode and stay warm! Thom, THE Unashamed Non-Conformist =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thom Rigsby is a lifestyle & business strategy expert. Drawing on his experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur launching almost a dozen startups and more than 25 years of business experience, Thom brings his creativity and "Non-Conformist" approach to entrepreneurship and getting results for you and your small business! So, whether you are looking for answers to your small business questions, time management tips, need a comprehensive business strategy or just craving some work-life balance, following Thom's exclusive personal development plan you can letting life happen to you and begin to create the life you crave with your very own small business. Be sure to connect with Thom... ...on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thomrigsbycoaching ...on YouTube http://www.youtub