In this episode, I’m diving deep into a metaphor that has shaped much of my success in the past: seed planting. This concept has been a powerful reminder for me that the results we see in our lives and businesses are directly tied to the seeds we consistently plant, not just the harvest we hope to reap.

Don't judge the success of today by the harvest that you reap, but by the seeds that you sow.

Earlier today, I spent time journaling by hand, clarifying my vision for the year ahead. With the help of Claire (The name I gave to Chat GPT), who formatted and evaluated my notes, I gained clarity on what I’m calling my Seed Planting Strategy for 2025. This strategy is about spreading seeds—my content, engagement, and connections—across multiple fertile grounds of opportunity.

I've used this metaphor in the past, and it's always produced incredible harvests. However, I realized my previous approach had a flaw—I was planting seeds daily until I achieved so much success that I became comfortable and stopped planting altogether. This time, I'm committed to planting seeds consistently across a variety of fields.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• What is the Seed Planting Strategy?

  I explain how planting seeds daily across different fertile grounds (platforms and mediums) can create long-term success. I also share lessons from my past successes and the challenges I faced when I stopped planting seeds.

• The Seed Planting Framework

  I walk you through the outline of my strategy, including specific actions I plan to take, such as live streams, podcast interviews, email newsletters, and handwritten notes. I share how this approach ensures I’m consistently engaging with my audience while leveraging opportunities I’ve previously overlooked.

• The Goals Behind the Strategy

  I highlight Six Desired Outcomes I’m striving for in 2025:

  1. Building awareness and visibility.
  2. Fostering connection and trust.
  3. Attracting and nurturing ideal clients.
  4. Positioning myself as a go-to expert.
  5. Building a long-term, sustainable strategy.
  6. Driving consistency and accountability.

• Why Start Now?

  I share why this clarity has inspired me to take action immediately instead of waiting until January 1st. I encourage you to reflect on your own opportunities for planting seeds and to commit to consistent action today.

Call-to-Action

If you’re inspired by the idea of planting seeds and want to develop your own strategy for personal and professional growth in 2025, I’d love to help. Consider joining one of my programs:

• The Next Level Mastermind: A mastermind environment where you'll connect with me and other high-level entrepreneurs weekly to receive ongoing feedback, insights, and inspiration to stay focused on what matters most. More Details at NextLevelMastermind.info
• The Next Level Coaching Program: A weekly group coaching program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to gain clarity and accountability to achieve their desired outcomes in the year ahead.

Together, let's make 2025 a year of growth, influence, and consistent seed planting—creating abundant harvests for years to come. Email me today at [email protected] to discuss how we can work together in the year ahead.

This episode comes with a bit of a backstory. What started as a conversation for my hobby podcast about Amateur Radio, Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, turned into something much bigger—a treasure trove of insights about the entrepreneurial journey.

I sat down with Jim Newcomb, founder of Lido Radio Products, to talk about his fascinating history in Amateur Radio. But as we dove deeper into his story, it became clear that this conversation wasn’t just about radios; it was about the serendipitous twists and turns of life, the mentors who shape us, and the grit and creativity it takes to turn a simple idea into a thriving business.

Jim shares how a chance job at Icom America introduced him to the world of Amateur Radio, how he identified an unmet need in the market, and how he balanced pursuing his passion while meeting his immediate financial needs—a lesson every entrepreneur can benefit from.

Whether you’re just starting out, building momentum, or dreaming of the next big thing, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for your entrepreneurial journey.

Next Level Mastermind

If you're a full-time self-employed business owner and you're serious about taking your business and life to the next level, apply for the Next Level Mastermind today. Join a group of like-minded individuals committed to thriving in their businesses while creating the margin for personal growth. Don't just survive—thrive with the power of a supportive mastermind community.

In this episode, I guide you through understanding what it means to recalibrate your internal emotional homeostasis and provide actionable steps to foster long-term emotional stability, resilience, and balance.

Through simple practices like breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, and sleep, I'll show you how to gradually shift your nervous system's baseline toward a calmer, more centered state.

Key Topics I Cover:

• The science behind your emotional set point, including how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together
• Foundational techniques for reconditioning, including specific breathwork exercises and meditation practices
• Lifestyle factors that affect your nervous system, including sleep, nutrition, and environmental design

By the end of this episode, you'll understand how training your nervous system can fundamentally transform your emotional landscape and improve your overall quality of life.

In this episode, my wife, Stephanie, and I discuss the importance of shared vision and personal dreams in a relationship. We explore how our journey to help others rediscover their ability to dream big dreams began and evolved over time.

We share the "50 Things I Want" exercise—a powerful tool that can transform your life. We provide step-by-step instructions for completing this exercise, along with personal success stories and practical implementation tips.

Get the "Free the Dream" Course!

I'm offering free access to the "Free the Dream" online course to anyone who emails me to request it. This course provides a structured approach to turning your dreams into reality. To get access, email [email protected] with "Free The Dream Course" in the subject line.

In this episode, I speak about the enduring power and benefits of audio-first content creation, specifically podcasting. Even as the media landscape continues to evolve, I firmly believe that audio podcasting remains a highly valuable and underutilized strategy for building your message, business, and influence.

I share my own extensive experience in the podcasting world, having launched over 50 of my own shows and published more than 4,800 episodes over the past 19 years. I also reflect on my role as the "Podcast Answer Man," helping over 40,000 people successfully launch their own audio podcasts.

Throughout the episode, I highlight the 6 key benefits that audio podcasting offers, which include:

1. A smaller "haystack" for content discovery compared to other platforms
2. The ubiquity of smartphones and the convenience of audio consumption
3. The captive audience that audio content can command
4. The ease of connecting with experts and mentors
5. The ability to build rapport and trust over time, even while you sleep
6. The greater influence that comes from dedicated, binge-listening audiences

I also address the impact of platforms like Clubhouse and short-form video, acknowledging the shifts in attention, but emphasizing the enduring value of consistent, high-quality audio content.

Ultimately, I make a strong case for the power of audio-first content creation and encourage listeners to consider implementing this strategy as a means of elevating their message and business.

I invite you to reach out to me directly if you're interested in exploring opportunities to work together on your entrepreneurial journey. My email address is [email protected]

In this episode, I explore a common struggle many entrepreneurs face: feeling like they've wasted years on the wrong path. I share two transformative quotes that have deeply influenced my understanding of the entrepreneurial journey.

Key points:

• Introduction to Alan Watts' philosophy on pursuing what you truly desire.
• The challenge of overcoming societal conditioning about work and money.
• The power of transforming your mindset to align with your true desires.
• The "50 Things I Want" exercise.
• Why many entrepreneurs struggle with identifying what they truly want.

Focusing too much of your time, effort, and attention on avoiding problems can lead to unfulfillment, even when financial success is achieved. Instead, I emphasize the importance of pursuing what genuinely excites and fulfills you so that you can experience fulfillment each day of your journey through life and business.

Call to Action:

• Complete the "50 Things I Want" exercise
• Reflect on what truly excites and fulfills you in your work
• Ask yourself if the path that you are on has a heart.

Work with Me

If you're feeling like you've wasted years or even decades on the wrong path in your entrepreneurial journey, I'm here to help. I offer several opportunities to work together and explore what you truly desire to create in this world:

• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance to help you align your business with your heart's true desires.
• Group Coaching Program: A collaborative environment for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs where we dive deep into transforming your mindset and business approach.
• Next Level Mastermind: An intimate group of entrepreneurs committed to excellence in their businesses while fostering personal growth and accountability. Together, we navigate challenges, share strategies, and celebrate successes on the journey to creating extraordinary results.

Don't spend another day feeling unfulfilled in your entrepreneurial journey. Let's work together to align your business with your true desires and create a path that resonates with your heart and soul. Email me today at [email protected].

In this episode, I'm thrilled to share a proven method for quickly and effectively outlining presentations, talks, webinars, or any form of communication. At the core of this approach are nine focusing questions I learned from my public speaking mentor.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to create clear, impactful presentations on the fly. So, let's dive in and transform the way you prepare for your next speaking engagement!

Overview of the Nine Focusing Questions

• Cliff explains each of the nine questions, using examples to clarify their purpose:
  1. Who is the Target Audience?
     • Identifying the specific audience helps tailor the talk to their needs.
  2. Is the Talk Persuasive or Enabling?
     • Determines if the goal is to persuade or to enable by teaching steps.
  3. What is the Objective of the Talk?
     • Focuses on the main purpose of the talk (e.g., enabling people to outline a presentation quickly).
  4. What Keyword Will I Use?
     • Using a consistent keyword, like “questions,” provides a thematic anchor.
  5. What is the Pregnant Sentence?
     • A single, clear sentence summarizing the talk's purpose to ensure clarity.
  6. What are the Rationales?
     • The main points or reasons supporting the objective, forming the talk’s structure.
  7. What Resources Support Your Rationales?
     • Examples, anecdotes, research, or visuals that reinforce key points.
  8. How Will You Open and Transition into the Talk?
     • I discuss different engaging opening techniques, like storytelling or painting a vivid picture.
  9. How Will You Transition and Close the Talk?
     • Strategies for impactful closing, including restating objectives or linking back to the opening.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

• Link to the Next Level Mastermind Sales Page
• Ken Davis's book "Secrets of Dynamic Communication."
• The SCOORE Speaker Training is now available as an Online Course

Opportunities to Work with Me

If you’re ready to take your personal and professional growth to new heights, I’d love to support you on that journey. Here are some ways we can work together:

1. Join the Next Level Mastermind

Imagine being part of a group of entrepreneurs who are all dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving more. The Next Level Mastermind is a place where entrepreneurs like yourself come together to get real, focused, and supported. In this group, we meet every week to dive deep into our biggest challenges, celebrate wins, and gain powerful insights. You'll be surrounded by peers who truly understand the entrepreneurial journey—people who face the same unique challenges and make the tough decisions that come with building a business. This group gets what it's like to be where you are.

Whether it's business strategy, personal growth, or just a fresh perspective, the Next Level Mastermind is here to support you. Curious to learn more? Visit NextLevelMastermind.info and secure your spot.

2. Free Course and Complimentary Coaching Sessions for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’re an aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur who hasn’t quite hit $10,000 in monthly revenue yet, I’ve designed a program just for you. My Building an Online Business course, packed with actionable steps, has helped countless entrepreneurs start strong. And the best part? You can access this course for free.

Upon completing the course, you’ll be invited to join two complimentary sessions in my Next Level Coaching Program, where I’m here to answer any questions, tackle obstacles, and share insights that help you grow faster. Simply email me at [email protected] with "Next Level Coaching Program" in the subject line to get started.

3. Exclusive Workshop for Entrepreneurial Couples

This December, Stephanie and I are thrilled to host an intimate workshop specifically for entrepreneurial couples committed to building a life and business together. If you and your spouse are aligned on growing a business or simply want to be, this event is for you.

Whether you’re working on the same business or supporting each other from different niches, we’ll work on strategies that elevate your business approach and strengthen your marriage.

We’re limiting this event to just five couples, creating an environment where everyone can feel supported and connected. This is a rare opportunity to spend time with us in a small, focused setting to build a thriving, successful partnership.

To learn more, email [email protected] with "December Couples Workshop" in the subject line.

In this episode, I take you on a thrilling journey from my days as a nervous wreck to becoming a confident public speaker. It's a tale of transformation that many can relate to, filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

I'll reveal four game-changing strategies that not only revolutionized my approach to public speaking but also helped me overcome my fears and anxiety. These aren't just theoretical concepts - they're battle-tested techniques that I've personally used to go from shaky starts to standing ovations.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to refine your skills or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the mere thought of addressing an audience, this episode promises insights that could transform your public speaking experience.

The four key strategies that made all the difference:

Strategy #1 - Developing a Reproducible Outline

Strategy #2 - Audience-Centered Mindset

Strategy #3 - Master Your Bookends

Strategy #4 - Out-Loud Rehearsal

Links Mentioned In This Episode

• Link to Episode 275 - My First Paid Opening Keynote
• Link to Next Level Mastermind Page to see my “Upgrade Your Peer Group Talk.”
• Ken Davis's book "Secrets of Dynamic Communication."
• The SCOORE Speaker Training is now available as an Online Course

Are You An Entrepreneur and Thought Leader?

If you're an early-stage entrepreneur or aspire to elevate your business and life, I'd like to personally invite you to take the next step towards building a thriving, sustainable business.

Many people falter not due to a lack of passion or effort, but because they overlook the crucial foundational steps in creating a solid business. I've developed a proven 11-Step Formula for Building an Online Business and packaged it into an online course that has already transformed the lives and businesses of numerous entrepreneurs.

I'm currently offering this course for FREE!

Yes, you read that right! You can access the same strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs transition from merely surviving to thriving in their online businesses.

To get free access to this transformative course, simply email me at [email protected] with the subject line "Free Building an Online Business Course".

In your email, briefly share how you discovered me, your entrepreneurial aspirations, and where you currently stand in your journey. Keep it concise—two or three paragraphs—and I'll provide you with free access to the course.

Don't pass up this chance to unlock the strategies and insights that will propel your business from survival to success. I'm eager to hear from you—and even more excited to learn about your transformation after you dive into the first module!

Email me today! [email protected]

In this episode, I introduce the inaugural installment of the newly relaunched Building A Life And Business Together podcast! I host this show with my wife, Stephanie Ravenscraft, and we're excited to revive the podcast we started a few years ago. We've returned with fresh perspectives, valuable lessons learned, and a clear vision for the direction we want to take with this show.

In this episode, we share our journey of navigating life and business as a married couple. We recount our entrepreneurial beginnings, our personal growth, and how we've learned to support each other in our marriage, especially during times when our paths weren't always perfectly aligned.

We also share the origin story of this podcast, including how our initial attempt, though imperfect, yielded valuable insights. Now, with a renewed focus, we've crafted this description for our show:

Building A Life And Business Together is our podcast dedicated to entrepreneurial couples navigating the complexities of business and marriage. We provide a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from our long-term journey as a married couple working together. Whether you're the entrepreneur in the relationship or the spouse who's feeling anxious about the financial security of your family, our goal is to guide you in getting back to "building your life together."

We focus on helping couples align on a shared vision, moving from fear and doubt about leaving the "responsible path" of a guaranteed paycheck to embracing the freedom of building a business. Each episode tackles the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing personal and professional growth, and navigating the ups and downs that come with pursuing success as a couple. Tune in for our honest conversations about creating a unified vision for your life, and learn how to get on the same page with your spouse as you build both your life and business together.

Find and subscribe to "Building A Life And Business Together"

• Website: BuildingALifeAndBusinessTogether.com
• Click Here For Apple Podcasts
• Click Here For Spotify

The Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage

Stephanie Ravenscraft shares her heartfelt journey through the Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, offering raw and personal insights into what it truly takes to navigate life as the spouse of an entrepreneur.

In this talk, Stephanie opens up about the shock of unexpected career changes, the challenges of building a life and business together, and the sacrifices made along the way. From early struggles and financial hardships to a life of abundance, Stephanie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and unwavering support in marriage.

Whether you're the entrepreneur or the spouse, this talk will inspire you to embrace your role in building a shared vision for your life together. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, work through fear and doubt, and ultimately, thrive both personally and professionally as a couple.

Call to Action: Gain free access to Stephanie's talk, The Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, and discover how to build a stronger partnership while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Visit MindsetAnswerMan.com/fivestages to access this talk now and take the first step toward aligning your marriage and business for long-term success!

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about a silent killer that destroys more businesses than you might imagine—isolation. Drawing from my experiences and observations over two decades, I reveal how isolation can impact entrepreneurs and offer insights on how to overcome it.

Key Points:

• The unexpected challenge of isolation when transitioning to self-employment
• How isolation affects not just emotional well-being, but also business performance
• The dangers of overworking and its impact on productivity
• Why isolation is often the root cause of most business failures
• The power of mastermind groups in combating isolation

Resources Mentioned:

• Full Video: The Silent Killer of Dreams & Businesses - VLOG 233
• Next Level Mastermind

Call to Action:

If you're ready to break free from the isolation that might be holding you back, I invite you to explore the mastermind group I've created. It's called the Next Level Mastermind, where we gather weekly to tackle challenges, exchange valuable resources, and support one another through the exhilarating rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. To learn more about this transformative community that's waiting to welcome you, visit: Next Level Mastermind.

In this episode, I share an insightful response to a question presented in a recent session of my Next Level Coaching program. A participant asked for advice on how to handle it when others don't understand, and perhaps even question or doubt the unique vision you have for your business or entrepreneurial ventures.

I open up about my own experience with my mastermind group questioning my decision to leave Podcast Answer Man behind and pursue my current coaching and mindset work. I emphasize the importance of being your own number one cheerleader, and how seeking encouragement within yourself through journaling, prayer, and meditation is crucial.

I also discuss the role of a supportive spouse, if married, and the value of having a peer group that believes in you, even if they provide constructive feedback. Navigating the motivations behind others' doubts is key - some may fear your success or feel threatened by your ambition.

Ultimately, I share that if you can't be talked out of your vision, even by your closest advisors, it's a testament to how vital that vision is for your future. Your number one cheerleader must be you.

Takeaways and Action Items:

• Consider others' feedback carefully, evaluating it for new perspectives and potential pitfalls you might have overlooked. If, after reflection, you still believe your vision is worth the inherent risks, others' skepticism will likely strengthen your commitment to your desired outcome.
• You must be your own best cheerleader and source of encouragement.
• If married, foster a supportive partnership with your spouse.
• Surround yourself with a peer group that believes in you and your vision.
• Understand the motivations behind others' doubts and feedback.

An unbelievable offer related to the Next Level Coaching Program

If you're on an entrepreneurial journey and looking to take it to the next level, I want to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] and share a short (3 paragraph or less) summary of where you're at. I have an unbelievable offer for my Next Level Coaching program that I believe could be a game-changer for your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity - reach out today!