• Why this is the best time for entrepreneurs to launch
• The biggest challenge for entrepreneurs (and it's not funding)
• Falling in love with problems instead of solutions
• How to know if an accelerator is right for you
• Disengaging with a "Sabbath"

• Why is your personal brand often MORE important than your company brand?
• Who REALLY controls your personal brand?
• Are you "fishing" or "hunting" on LinkedIn?
• How do you create your personal brand?

• Mignon's accidental foray into creating a $10 Million+ cupcake business
• Speaking dreams into existence 
• Mignon's favorite bit of "technology"
• The use of "stupid ideas"
• Common fears every entrepreneur faces

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Be open to pivots and don't waste time. These are two of the many pieces of valuable advice startup expert Brian Church recommends for trying to become a startup and not a "start down."
• In segment two and three, guest Juan Garzón discusses his entrepreneurial journey with host Gabriel Aviles. The discussion includes some key takeaways on the topic of storytelling and how it pertains to your startup.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Are you neglecting exercise? Many startup founders are hurting their personal lives. In the first segment, startup expert Brian Church discusses several warning signs founders need to pay attention to.  
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to conclude their discussion of the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's final topic is corporate culture.   

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• There are twelve warning signs all startups should be on the lookout for.  Lack of customer interest, consistently missing goals, and poor execution to name a few. In the first segment, startup expert Brian Church discusses these twelve warning signs and provides what to do about them.
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's topics include pricing methodology and the marketing plan.  

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Startup expert Brian Church recently listed the five things all entrepreneurs need (Validation, Education, Advice/Guidance, Community/Resources, and Money) during a discussion on entrepreneurial ecosystems. This week's segment dives back into these needs and how entrepreneurs can fill them.
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's topics include value proposition and brand positioning.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Five common issues that affect the entrepreneurial environment today include proximity, time, impossible business models, outside money and reliance on volunteers. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church dives deep into the root of these issues.
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's topics include the target market and customer needs.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• There are five things entrepreneurs need: Validation, Education, Advice/Guidance, Community/Resources, and Money. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church dives deep into building entrepreneurial ecosystems and the importance thereof.
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's topics include funding strategy and competitive analysis.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Your ability to identify, create and manage the elements of relational momentum are the most important factors that will determine where you end up. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church dives deep into the matter of equity and relational momentum. Are you naturally moving towards your goals?
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. This week's topics include internal systems and the importance of the business plan.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Burning the ships is synonymous with getting uncommonly serious about your objective. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church explores when it is time to just get rid of the escape plan and make your idea happen.   
• In segments two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. You don't want to miss their tips on understanding financial reports and accountability chart management  

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Sometimes boldly thinking we can do something causes us to blindly charge ahead. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church dives deep into the importance of teaming your audacity with meekness.  
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. You don't want to miss their tips on crafting the perfect pitch and financial budgeting. 

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• You do not want to make your spouse feel like you have more passion for your company than for your relationship. This week's segment with startup expert Brian Church dives deep into the importance of communication with your partner as an entrepreneur.
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to continue discussing the Trek 19 Checklist. You don't want to miss their tips on operating funds to pay yourself and organization documentation.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• 90% of what keeps you awake at night is false evidence appearing real (FEAR). In segment one, startup expert Brian Church rounds out his five fears of the entrepreneurial journey with the fear of losing the dream.   
• In segment two and three, guest Steve Burgess returns with host Gabriel Aviles to take a deeper dive into the Trek 19 Checklist. You don't want to miss their tips on domain names and the ability to sell.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Let's face it. You do care about people's perception of you and your business. This is why perception and pride are coming in at number four on startup expert Brian Church's five fears of the entrepreneurial journey. Our five-part series on fear continues this week in segment one. 
• In segment two and three, our experienced guests go over the final points in their Trek 19 Checklist for entrepreneurs just starting out on their journeys. Pay extra close attention to the following checklist items: defining the customer needs, the marketing plan and brand positioning.   

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Time is a big fear for entrepreneurs. We never feel like we have enough.  Startup expert Brian Church explains how communication can overcome this fear as he continues his five-week series on the five fears on the entrepreneurial journey in segment one. 
• There are several key things to remember even before making the commitment to start a business. According to expert Michelle Burgess, talking to your spouse should be at the top of your list. More on this in segment two. 
• In segment three, our experienced guests go over their Trek 19 Checklist for entrepreneurs just starting out on their journeys. Item number 1, choose a domain name.   

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• It's important to make sure you have the right people "on the bus" as you are starting your new business.  Startup expert Brian Church explains this as he continues his five-week series on the five fears on the entrepreneurial journey in segment one. 
• As an entrepreneur, you can't be afraid to pivot. Michelle and Steve Burgess' entrepreneurial journey through the world of technology has been filled with important lessons and takeaways. Get the full story in segment two. 
• In segment three, our experienced guests describe the four phases of the entrepreneurial journey as they relate to climbing a mountain.  You have trek, basecamp, mountain, and summit.  

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• What does fear stand for? False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. Startup expert Brian Church continues his five-week series on the five fears on the entrepreneurial journey in segment one. 
• One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is keeping your head in the game. Entrepreneur Marshall Morris discusses the importance of a strong mental game in segment two.  
• We can't all have every gift. If you don't have it, try to learn it.  If you can't learn it, find someone who has it.  Our experts offer tips on finding the right co-founder and/or business partners in segment three. 

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Startup expert Brian Church launches a five-week series on the five fears on the entrepreneurial journey. Spoiler alert! The number one fear is money.    
• Entrepreneur Brad Heitmeyer discusses overcoming fear and self-doubt at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey.  
• Do you have a strong understanding of IT and how it pertains to your startup? It's ok if you don't! Our experts give you tips for self-education in segment three.  

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast: 

• Startup expert Brian Church details "The Great Escape," a four-stage mission that compares the entrepreneur journey to that of a rocket launch. 
• Inspirational speaker Ron Barron describes how your entrepreneurial and corporate sides can be one in the same.
• Could the secret to success be not working as much? Take a deep dive into this topic in segment three.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by one of our experts on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• 5 tips for entrepreneurship from the inspirational and motivational author Troy Smith.   
• "CEO Whisperer" Joe Morgan explains some of the trends he's seeing with the companies he mentors. Spoiler alert! One of the biggest trends is inclusion. 
• Find team members that will work for equity instead of cash! Tune in to segment four for more helping tips on the subject of bootstrapping with expert John Maddox. 

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at gabriel@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pitch your idea on Shark Tank? Guest Don Hejney gives us all the details of his experience as well as some key takeaways.
• As managing partner of FortyAU (a software development company), Andrew Kurr has some helpful advice for our entrepreneurs on determining the scope of a project.
• No one wants to be a "Jerkapreneur." Tune in to segment four for a thought-provoking discussion on humility and what that means for an entrepreneur.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• What are the 5 most common reasons small businesses fail? Expert Melinda Emerson answers this question and gives some infallible advice.
• In segment three, we learn the 12 Ps of running a successful business. Preparation, purpose, and people to name a few.  
• Get another dose of entrepreneurial inspiration from mentor and speaker Ron Baron in segment four.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• It is not uncommon for mistakes to be made in the early stages of your startup. Experts Peter Drakulich and Daniel Gonyea dole out some advice on the subject. Hint: Take a second look at your pricing strategy!
• In segment three, the guys from 52Launch explain their eight steps to success. Step One: Stop focusing on anything other than online sales.   
• Get your dose of entrepreneurial inspiration from mentor and speaker Ron Baron in segment four. The best part? He'll be back again next week!

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Challenge the way you think about mentoring. Hosts Brian Church and Les Stouder offer listeners a whole new vocabulary on the topic.
• Many of us may consider ourselves reluctant entrepreneurs.  Guest Karen Thomas provides insight on how she was able to gain the confidence to move forward in her entrepreneur journey.
• When you decide to start a company and looking for outside capital, you should already have investor relationships.  More on this and Angel Investing in segment 4.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlight to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Take a deeper look at a startup that is helping startups! The Inside Story is a powerhouse team with the purpose of helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and consultants thrive. Their team of highly experienced professional Virtual Assistants has a heart to serve and a goal of taking care of your day-to-day tasks so you can focus on growing your business, not on your list of to-do's. The Inside Story Team offers offsite (virtual) and onsite assistance so, no matter your need, The Inside Story will be there for you. They serve clients throughout the United States.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• One of the 1st and most important things to consider when starting a crowdfunding campaign is which platform works best for what you are trying to accomplish. There is Kickstarter, Indiegogo, AngelList, and SeedInvest to name a few. Expert John Maddox explains.
• When scaling your business, it is important to prepare yourself for success.  Guest Nicholas Daniel-Richards offers some insightful advice.   
• 60% of customers who are shopping on a site for the first time are going to check your return policy. Listen to segment four for some fulfillment tips for businesses large and small.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Your crowdfunding campaign is over. How are you keeping up the brand credibility that you created? Tip! Set up a schedule for updates.
• Guest Blain Wease gives us his top 3 most important things for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to have. See if you check off all the boxes.
• When starting your entrepreneurial journey, it is important to begin with the end in mind. There are two major takeaways on this in segment three.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• It is important to spend time analyzing your demographic to best craft your messaging. Expert John Maddox talks about the psychology of crowdfunding.
• There is a first step all entrepreneurs should take before taking their first catalytic action. Ask yourself, why are you doing this? More on this topic in segment two.
• Guest Enoch Elwell discusses some of the main things the entrepreneurs he works with wish they had done back when they started their companies. Spoiler alert! Many entrepreneurs wish they had talked to their customers more.  

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Once you have officially launched your crowdfunding campaign, it is important to keep up momentum.  Expert John Maddox provides a few tactics. Hint: Direct communication with backers and potential backers is key.
• Experienced investor Grant Blevins offers some helpful advice for entrepreneurs looking to get in front of investors.
• We are all here for something that is unique. Author Dan Miller informs and inspires on the topic of occupation vs. vocation.   

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast: 

• Part 2 of the national SCORE Your Dream event is happening April 7th at Lipscomb University. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their products directly to HSN executives and select participants will go on to be featured on American Dreams. More details from SCORE's Lisa O'Dell in segment one.
• This week's crowdfunding topic is the importance of the press release. Tip! To make sure your press release stands out, include your pitch video and high-resolution imagery.  
• Serial entrepreneur Troy Smith offers up some insightful advice on discovering your brand. Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Did you know? Recently, more opportunities have opened up for real estate and crowdfunding thanks to limitations being removed on equity crowdfunding for non-accredited investors. Expert John Maddox provides further details.
• Gaining proof of concept is an important step in any entrepreneur's journey as well as for larger scale companies. Crowdfunding is often used as a way to test ideas and see if they are viable. Listen in to segment two for more on this topic.
• Experienced entrepreneur Warren Tuttle explains the biggest mistakes inventors are making as well as some of the biggest challenges that face inventors. Spoiler alert! Be careful of wasting money.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Avoid unrealistic reward levels when creating your crowdfunding campaign. Expert John Maddox offers more golden advice.
• Think of entrepreneurship like a pond. You want to jump in as opposed to diving in.  Serial entrepreneur Trey Bowles explains.
• Recognize failure when it's happening. It's important to look at failure as a learning opportunity. Listen in to segment three for a great discussion on the topic.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast:

• Did you know that your pitch video is one of the most important components of your crowdfunding campaign? Expert John Maddox gives some helpful tips.  Spoiler Alert! Keep your video 2-3 minutes long.
• 70% of funded companies fail and 80% of the reasons why have to do with market dynamics and people dynamics, not the product dynamics. Take a deeper dive into what this means for execution.
• The role of market development in your organization is an important one. Sean Sheppard and Andrew Goldner list off several attributes your next renaissance rep should have.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

This week on TheStartup.com show, startup experts Brian Church and Les Stouder chat with experienced entrepreneurs Joe Brannon and Chris Jarratt of TL Connect, a marketing, communications and digital loyalty platform. Crowdfunding expert John Maddox also returns for another installment of our 12-part series on crowdfunding. Here at TheStartup.com, we emphatically want to empower you and your ideas to move forward.                

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast. 

• Interesting facts! 85% of the process of having the confidence of proper direction comes from looking inward. 69% of companies can be started for less than $10,000. Listen up for more thought-provoking insights like these.
• Occupation vs. Vocation – What's the difference? Author Dan Miller provides advice and guidance.
• Did you know that there were over 3.5 million crowdfunding campaigns in 2017? A strategic web and social presence are key to a successful campaign.Expert John Maddox explains.  

 Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

This week on TheStartup.com show, startup experts Brian Church and Les Stouder chat with Lisa O'Dell of SCORE.  Crowdfunding expert John Maddox also returns for another installment of our 12-part series on crowdfunding. Here at TheStartup.com, we emphatically want to empower you and your ideas to move forward.  

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast.

• Lisa O'Dell, an avid advocate for startups and entrepreneurs, provides more insight into the upcoming SCORE Your Dream event.  Through this national event, Home Shopping Network (HSN) is working with SCORE to identify entrepreneurs with interesting products to promote on their new show American Dreams. 

• Which form of crowdfunding is right for you? Hint: If your idea involves intellectual property, equity-based might the best choice. 

• Noteworthy takeaway! Crowdfunding offers a chance for market research while simultaneously raising capital and selling products. Expert John Maddox explains. 

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast.

• Week 1 of a 12-part series on crowdfunding. Take a closer look at the three most common forms of crowdfunding: reward based, equity-based, and charity based.
• Trying to raise capital through crowdfunding? Expert John Maddox provides 3 first steps. Hint: Start by putting together a list of people who have promised to back your campaign!
• Are you new to your entrepreneur journey? Expert Al Otto's advice is to first find out if you have a customer for your service/product and don't be afraid to pivot your ideas.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Here at TheStartup.com, we emphatically want to empower you and your ideas to move forward. Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to note about this week's guest, Kristy Petrillo.

• Kristy is an entrepreneur and host of HGTV's Cabin Reno. Building, designing, decorating, & flipping homes is her expertise. She considers herself an adrenaline junkie and a cheese lover.
• Kirsty is affiliated with HGTV & DIY's "Cabin Reno," REMAX Town & Country, and
  CirqueFit Flying Trapeze
• Some of Kristy's awards include, ReMax Chairmans Club Award, Top Producing Agent in the NEGA Board of Realtors, and Top 100 in the US.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast.

• Brian and Less discuss a softer approach to the topic of automation and its impact on jobs. 
• CEO, Danielle Torrez gives advice on taking the first catalytic action on your entrepreneurship journey.  Spoiler alert- It's important to note that being an entrepreneur means being a lifelong learner!

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com

 Highlights to look forward to in this week's podcast.

• Do you think you have intellectual property? Andy Pitchford, patent attorney at Waller Law, provides us with a checklist of items to consider before moving forward with an idea.
• What is the most important thing you can do for your health as an entrepreneur? Health coach John Jubilee gives us the answer. Also, listen closely for details on a giveaway!
• Blake Hogan from Bunker labs, an organization that helps military veterans start and grow businesses, shares his thoughts on what the startup landscape is missing.

Do you have a question you'd like answered by Brian and Les on a future podcast? E-mail us at les@thestartup.com