Choppin with Fire

Ever found yourself eagerly crafting a New Year's resolution, only to abandon it as February rolls around? We've all been there, and this episode is all about transforming those fleeting commitments into concrete, actionable plans. Join Dustin , Manny, and Bree as we share our own personal victories and the growth we've seen, both in our tattoos and beyond. We're dissecting the anatomy of successful goal setting, and you might just pick up some strategies that'll make your resolutions stick this time.

The world of social media is a labyrinth of connections, creativity, and sometimes, chaos. We're taking a stroll down memory lane, back to the days of MySpace, while also confronting the darker corners of the digital realm. Cyberbullying, the impact on our kids, and the implications for accountability in an age where everyone's a keyboard warrior—it's all up for discussion. And who could forget that time our tattoo shop got entangled in a social media mix-up? We're spilling the ink on that story and the power of loyalty and apologies in the face of online blunders.

Wrapping up, our hearts are full of gratitude for the support from our listeners in Fernley to those tuning in across the globe. The lifeblood of our community—small businesses—are celebrated, as we share tales of resilience and the odd humorous mishap. And it's not all serious business; we're also introducing a new member to our tattoo family (it's Joey, not Jeff, by the way) and teasing the creative ventures on the horizon. So, if you're looking for a blend of heartfelt thanks, community spirit, and a few laughs, you've got the right episode.

Get ready to redefine your understanding of success in entrepreneurship as we talk with Dr. Frank Cespedes, a revered author known for his impressive work on sales and strategy. He’s here to share his treasure trove of knowledge from the business world, academia, and real-life experiences. Together, we'll venture into the often-overlooked aspect of aligning your sales with your strategy and how this can shape your entrepreneurial journey.

Ever pondered on the importance of developing a personal brand or intrigued by the concept of omnichannel consumers? We've got you covered. Dr. Cespedes sheds light on these subjects, offering insight on how the pandemic has revolutionized digital marketing and why a strong alignment between strategy and sales can boost the value of your enterprise. Plus, we'll delve into change management, a critical factor for staying a step ahead of your competitors.

As we intertwine strategy and sales, we cannot overlook the intricacies of selling in diverse cultures and industries. Dr. Cespedes enlightens us on his fascinating research on sales and the importance of understanding different cultures when selling. We also tackle the challenges companies encounter when recruiting salespeople and the crucial role of training and performance reviews. To top it off, we explore how technology and effective management can enhance learning for salespeople. Don't miss out on this enriching episode and be sure to check out Dr. Cespedes' books for a deeper dive into these topics.

Links to Books:
Sales Management that Works
https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Management-That-Works-Changing/dp/1633698769/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TUTNRJJ9YIQH&keywords=sales+management+that+works&qid=1696314113&sprefix=sales+management+that+works%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1

Aligning Strategy & Sales
https://www.amazon.com/Aligning-Strategy-Sales-Behaviors-Effective/dp/1422196054/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZH1UJVOSY1HC&keywords=Aligning+strategy+and+sales&qid=1696314179&sprefix=aligning+strategy+and+sales%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1

PowerPoint presentations - a necessary evil or an invaluable tool? Your hosts, Dustin Steffey and Fern Chan, unravel the mystery and bust common myths about PowerPoint presentations that leave your audience yawning. With a sprinkle of personal experiences and lots of practical tips, we show you the finer nuances of using PowerPoint as a true aid to your speeches, not just as a glorified teleprompter. 

We're stacking this episode with a punch of visually engaging content, showing you the power of visuals and their ability to evoke emotions. We dive into the Jedi Formula - a secret sauce to create a riveting journey for your audience. Besides, we also talk about the art of using social media to keep your audience hooked. So, tune in and learn to make an impact with your presentations that lasts beyond the conference room! And don't forget to rate us on your favorite podcast platform.

Important Links:
https://www.instagram.com/fernchanpresents/

https://fernchan.com/free-chapter/

Meet Parker Olsen, a 27-year-old entrepreneur with a captivating journey of scrappiness, the journey to become a neuroscience major but went entrepreneurial, and an unflinching quest to avoid mediocrity. With a background in finance and a love for technology, Parker's unconventional path from neuroscience to entrepreneurship is a testament to his adaptability and determination. His unique insights into AI, social media growth, and the world of psychedelics are as intriguing as they are inspiring.

Join us for a deep exploration of Parker's journey, one marked by sacrifices and innovation. Hear how he lived in a tent and sold his car to finance a Japanese import pop-up camper van, the depths of commitment he showed in building his brand. Learn how he dove into the world of marketing and leveraged AI to target influencers on TikTok. Parker's experiences provide a fascinating perspective on entrepreneurship, technology, and the importance of staying true to one's vision.

In our chat with Parker, we also delve into the profound impact of AI on communication. He shares his experiences building AI tools and highlights the crucial role of human guidance in optimizing these tools for effective communication. As we uncover Parker's entrepreneurial journey, we gain valuable insights into his strategic thinking, his innovative use of technology, and the lengths to which he's gone to bring his visions to life. This episode is a must-listen, packed with inspiration, challenge, and intrigue. So tune in now!

You can Reach Parker at the following links:
www.Forij.co
Parker@forij.co

Ever pondered the true essence of insurance? Is it simply a protective shield or could there be more to it? We took a deep dive into this question with our guest, Ryan Hanley, the brains behind Rogue Risk. Ryan, who has worked extensively with small and medium-sized businesses, shared some hard truths about how these businesses are often shortchanged by insurance professionals. We confronted these challenges head-on as he guided us through the intricacies of an often misunderstood industry. 

Insurance, as Ryan explained, isn't just about shielding your business; it's about ensuring its longevity. He highlighted how going direct could be a slippery slope leading to potential liabilities. But fear not, as he illuminated the crucial role of insurance brokers, who can be your guiding light in this complex maze. A profound discourse on understanding the value proposition of insurance providers followed, making it easier for you to make an informed decision and select a provider who truly meets your needs. 

As we wrapped up, Ryan stressed on the importance of looking beyond the superficial ‘nice’ factor when choosing an insurance provider. He urged listeners to focus on reliability and trustworthiness, virtues that can make or break your business in its hour of need. Remember, insurance isn’t just about protection, but sustainability. So tune in, join us on this enlightening journey, and discover how to make smart insurance choices that will not just protect but also propel your business forward.

Ryan Hanley's Information:
www.roguerisk.com
www.ryanhanley.com

Are you ready to unravel the intricate realities of college sports, especially the NCAA? From a revealing discussion on the recent Northwestern hazing scandal and the role of Pat Fitzgerald, to a deep analysis of the NCAA transfer portal - you're sure to gain a fresh understanding of the college sports landscape. Thanks to our expert guests - Alex, Chase, Dwayne, Dustin and Jaden - we also explore the potential impact of transfers on athletes and the sport as a whole.

Switching gears, we examine the implications of San Diego State University's move from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12. What are the potential pros, like increased athletic offerings and resources, and the possible cons for the Mountain West Conference? Our guests share their personal experiences and insights on these conference shifts. Plus, we discuss the financial facets of college sports, the rise of female athletes in NIL deals, and the push for equal pay.

Finally, we delve into the dynamics of NIL earnings, tax considerations, and financial responsibility for athletes. Drawing from our panel's expertise, we offer advice on managing finances responsibly, setting up an LLC, and consulting a licensed CPA. We wrap up with a celebration of a special day for our own Dustin, expressing our gratitude to our wonderful guests and you, our curious listeners. So, buckle up for an enlightening journey into the somewhat contentious world of NCAA college sports. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Remember, your time and attention are valuable - make them count by learning from experts, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and expanding your understanding of important issues. Thanks for joining us on this journey and don't forget to leave a review!

Find our guests at the following links:

Dwayne Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-t-a6400b35/
Alex Fichera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderjfichera/
Chase Insogna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-insogna-cpa-cgma-4182539/
Jaden Norvell: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008791660585
Dustin Steffey: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.steffey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinsteffey/

What happens when the worlds of sports, leadership, and business collide? Join me, your host Dustin Steffey, as I sit down with expert guest Alex Fichera to discuss the complexities associated with modern business. With his extensive background in professional sports and cultural studies, Alex offers unique insights into the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics and the challenges athletes face today.

Our lively conversation delves into the importance of effective communication and the role of leadership in an increasingly diverse business world. We discuss the shifting tides in education and why Alex chose to leave that path, as well as the power of credibility and how to build it in a short amount of time. As we navigate the complexities of diversity and culture in the workforce, we dissect the issues that arise when diversity initiatives miss the mark and the role of AI in creating safe dialogue spaces.

Don't miss this powerful episode as we explore the Business Athlete methodology, a unique approach to tackling burnout and managing energy in our fast-paced lives. We touch on the impact of stress on life expectancy and the importance of investing in the quality of our lives. Tune in to learn how to adapt and find purpose in both life and business, and how the Business Athlete methodology can provide the tools and strategies needed to thrive.

Are you dreaming of starting your own business but feeling lost when it comes to managing finances and legalities? Fear not, because in this week's episode of Chopping with Fire, we have Chase, a skilled CPA from Austin, Texas, joining us to share his invaluable insights for small business owners. With his guidance on cash flow management, budgeting, and smart investment decisions, you'll be ready to tackle the entrepreneurial world with confidence.

We kick off the conversation with a discussion around the importance of hiring a CPA when launching your business. Chase shares his expertise on avoiding pitfalls and managing partnerships, emphasizing the need for clear documentation and legal agreements. Alongside that, we also explore why it's crucial to consult with a CPA before diving in, as they can help you choose the right structure, save money, and avoid costly fines.

Lastly, Chase uncovers common mistakes that many small business owners make, such as not tracking financial information or having separate accounts for transactions. He highlights the benefits of forming an LLC and the significance of filing an annual state report. So tune in and absorb all of the practical advice and expert guidance Chase has to offer— you won't want to miss this episode packed with wisdom for navigating the world of business ownership!

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey into the world of piercing and body modification? Join us as we sit down with Manny and Bree from Speakeasy Tattoo Company, where we uncover the secrets behind entrepreneurship, self-development, and the fascinating art of piercing. Bree shares her inspiring story of how she went from being an apprentice at her parents' tattoo shop to becoming the lead piercer at Speakeasy, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own anatomy and conducting thorough research before committing to a piercing.

Dive into our conversation as we discuss upcoming events for Speakeasy Tattoo Company, including their participation in the Rockabilly Riot in Reno. Manny highlights the importance of choosing a reputable spot for piercings, their selection of flash tattoos, and how to stay updated through their Facebook page. Discover the ever-evolving world of piercing techniques that Bree is constantly learning about, and find out how you can get in touch with Bree for any piercing-related questions or concerns. Don't miss this informative and entertaining episode with the talented duo from Speakeasy Tattoo Company!

What if you could navigate the ever-changing landscape of college athletics like a pro? Join us for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with special guest Dwayne Taylor as we explore the complex world of college sports, specifically focusing on the NIL movement and the transfer portal. Together, we discuss the importance of being a smart athlete, understanding the implications of your choices, and the future of college sports.

Dustin & Dwayne share insights on the evolution of college athlete compensation, the opportunities and challenges of the NIL movement, and the impact of the transfer portal on college athletics. We dive into the numbers, examining the current state of higher education in the United States and the growing demand for bachelor's and master's degrees. Furthermore, we discuss the potential implications of NIL deals on professional sports and speculate on the future of the sports landscape.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Dwayne Taylor, where we cover a wide range of topics related to education, career success, and the future of college sports. Your support means the world to us, so be sure to check us out on all of our social media platforms and YouTube for more incredible content. Together, let's navigate the complex world of college athletics and prepare for a successful future in sports and beyond!

NIL deals are still new within the athletics scene. Dwayne and I spend time discussing the research we have done with respect to NIL deals and discuss the pros and cons. This episode builds off the transfer portal episode and gives relevant insight into the world of NIL deals. All research from this episode was pulled from the NCAA.org website, On3, and local state and conference websites. Make sure to take a listen and leave us a five star review and show some love with comments.

#NIL #NCAA #sports #collegiateathletics #business #marketing #image #newepisodealert #choppinwithfire

The life of an entrepreneur is not an easy path. When an entrepreneur sees success, it is very rewarding, but what people don’t tend to see is the amount of work that goes into the business. This path can be a consuming path so Rocco has helped with this by educating on his book and discussing the 3 cords approach.

Book Link:https://www.amazon.com/Three-Cords-Approach-audiobook/dp/B07N34CLC4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UUJ7SIAK46BG&keywords=3+cords+rocco+carriero&qid=1684640413&sprefix=3+cords+rocco+carriero%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-1

#entreprenership #success #Author #Newepisodealert #business

This week's episode takes us back to the beginning. Host of Sarcasms & Orgasm moderates this episode as he asks questions on what Choppin with Fire is, where we are heading, and how we have evolved. This is a great episode for those of you just tuning in and not knowing what Choppin with Fire is. Make sure to tune in, drop us a comment, subscribe, and rate us 5 stars.

#FYP #backtothebeginning # Newepisodealert #podcasting #podcastlifestyle #goals #movingforward #choppinwithfire 

Welcome to our first episode diving into the business transactions with respect to the NCAA and the Transfer Portal. This week we give information on how the transfer portal works, what our thoughts are, how some coaches and others feel about it, and statistics backing what the transfer portal is about so far. This episode is to help not only educate our listeners, but my fellow athletes on the importance of making good choices when it comes to the transfer portal. We are excited for this episode and hope you all enjoy it!

#FYP #NCAA #transferportal #howiezales #decisions #recruiting #business

Drew Spaventa is the founder and CEO of The Spaventa Group, a leading investment company. He commands over a decade of experience as an investment manager, equities trader, research analyst, fund manager, and executive and currently holds a series 65 securities license.

The Spaventa Group (“TSG”) is a transformative investment company that specializes in innovative investment opportunities. TSG is an associate partner of the MLS 2021 champions, the NYC Football Club, and Drew is a member of the Forbes Finance Council. TSG is also a Principal Member of the Metaverse Standards Forum.

Drew is hyper-focused on creating and investing in new, innovative wealth-building assets and emerging technologies.

Drew’s hobbies include working out (training steel mace, clubs, & kettlebells), Muay Thai, cooking, reading, and traveling. As an avid movie aficionado, Drew loves dropping both obscure and famous one-liners and quotes.

Howie Zales is an Emmy Award winning Camera Operator who turned his passion for television broadcasting into several entrepreneurial endeavors.

Howie created HJZ Productions, Inc in 2000 to address the need for professional level sports crewing/staffing in the New York market. Under his leadership, HJZ Productions grew to a multi-million dollar nationwide provider of top talent in the broadcasting field. In 2019, Howie and his team founded Viridity Entertainment Services, Inc. (VES) which initially focused on staffing in non-union markets.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, they quickly pivoted to offering best in class, broadcast quality livestreams of professional sports shows and interviews, corporate interviews and meetings, and religious services. In addition, Howie took his love of the television production business and created The TV Sports Course, a hands-on training boot camp for the next generation of television crew professionals.

Howie is a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s Mass Communication program.

#production #sports #creativemind #creativity #entrepreneurship #newepisodealert #FYP

Ross is an origami expert, and he has become an internet sensation by fusing this skill with animation and video production. Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper-folding that's never really gone out of fashion and is now becoming a modern fad in the era of YouTube instructions and Instagram.

He has created engaging stop motion animations for some of the world's biggest brands, including Red Bull, Adidas, Disney Plus, Nordstrom, Sony, PlayStation, Converse, McDonald's, Samsung, and Dior, which has helped them stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

Ross successfully completed a 365-day origami Instagram project in 2014 and 2017, folding and posting a different origami figure each day for an entire year onto Instagram, all the while making animations between the single photo posts.

The projects grew his following on the platform from 120 to 100K+ and helped him to capture the attention of the big brands he works with today.

Like many entrepreneurs, Ross worked a 9 to 5 job as a website developer at Ogilvy, one of the top advertising, marketing, and PR firms in the world, before founding his company White on Rice.

Over time, he came to realize that working for someone would never allow him to live the happy, free life he desired, and he took the risk of leaving a secure and well-paying profession in 2014 to pursue his passion for origami, which he had done since 2002 as a hobby.

Ross's gamble paid off as he grew his business into a sought-after creative agency in less than four years. He has been featured on major media outlets, including CNN, Business Insider, and The Times.

This was a fun and exciting episode and we hope you all feel the same as we dive into Ross's story and have some knowledge bombs that are dropped that help anyone that goes into entrepreneurship.

#origami #fyp #entrepreneurship #chaseyourdreams #marketing #goafterit #Business

Jim Saliba is a certified coach, trainer, and public speaker with a BA, MBA, and over thirty years of experience in the leadership world.

His career began as a software engineer before being promoted to management in the IT industry, where he eventually became the VP of a $4 billion tech company. He worked tirelessly to gain the knowledge and experience to become a leader employees wanted to follow. He has been in the trenches and has conquered most challenges leaders face throughout their careers.

Jim adopted a growth mindset and created an atmosphere where employees were encouraged to experiment and were rewarded for their hard work. Mistakes were not seen as failures but rather as learning opportunities to make changes and improve. He has leveraged his years of experience and experimentation to develop the successful Triple E structure to help his clients get unstuck so they can progress to the next level of leadership.

#leadership #leadershipdevelopment #coaching #marketing #business #fyp

The schools have gotten worse and we have a couple decades of issues that need to be addressed. This week Will Wilson and I discuss the effects of bullying in our education system and bring up the alarming statistics that people are scared to address. It is time for us to stand up for what is right and demand the change that needs to be taken within our public education system.

This collaboration is important and a step in the right direction to what needs to happen for changes that need to be made. Please listen as we discuss the importance, effects, and overall state of what is going on in our education system. We will have more information to come throughout the week so please keep up with us on our social media platforms for more important information.

Important links:

Article:
https://thisisreno.com/2021/03/the-truth-of-fernley-high-school-opinion/?fbclid=IwAR0gixPKk185ENVKTSxXi8pRiQQ7FD6Z2gx0cDJzd3qbtxnTbYi2OF8CN3Y

Video:
https://www.facebook.com/100073702713837/videos/648441957292330

#FYP #standup #voiceyourconcerns #nomorebullying #change #support #schools #catalyst #influence #believe 

This week we invite a guest that has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and a whole diverse amount of charisma. Richard Blank is the CEO of a Costa Rica call center. We all have our opinions on call centers, however; Richard brings a different level to the playing field with respect to call centers. Tune into this week's episode as we smash the pre-conceived connotations of call centers and educate on his journey within entrepreneurship.

#callcenter #management #charisma #highlevelattitude #fyp #newepisodealert #podcast #business #entreprenuership #choppinwithfire