Solopreneur180

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 26, Embracing your personality defaults to GROW your businessAs a solopreneur, personality isn't everything; it's EVERYTHING. How you keep yourself motivated during the hard times and your ability to play nice with others are essential in making a business stick. Having an entrepreneur style personality to start with will improve your chances of success. However, as unique creatures, we all have individual traits that, while a little quirky, make us who we are. Recognizing those traits will help you to know yourself a bit better and work better with other solopreneurs.This week, San Francisco Realtor Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist explore their personality defaults to help you better understand how personality quirks can help lead a successful business. Things you will learn in this episode:Trial & ErrorHow to win at chessEmbracing uniquenessEnjoy the simple thingsGet sucked in and loving it.Books Referenced:The E-MythYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 25, Why everyone needs to create Videos Videos VIDEOSIf a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is priceless. As a solopreneur, you should be taking advantage of videos instead of standing on the sidelines and waiting. Videos have become a significant part of branding and sales. More customers are jumping on their tablets and smartphones to learn about new companies, and almost 90% of these customers rely on video to help them decide if they want to do business with you or not. You know this and want to do promo videos. Unfortunately, your fear of the unknown and your perfectionism is holding you back (not to mention your lack of time.) However, don't let that stop you from adding a robust digital asset to your arsenal. This week, San Francisco Realtor Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist explore the world of content creation and how video (or lack of it) impacts our business. The Storyographist shares her successes behind video creation and how doing the work landed her a couple of lucrative opportunities.Things you will learn in this episode:Videos let people inDon't overinflate the processIt's relationship marketing, not salesPick an avenue and nurtureDon't sweat the small stuffResources Mentioned:Gear recommended by The Storyographist:  https://thestoryographist.com/freebiesYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 24, STOP being lazy! Do the Work!Are these words from Bruno Mars' hit song "The Lazy Song" been ringing in your ears more often than they should?"Today I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to lay in my bed.I don't feel like picking up my phone so leave a message at the tone.'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything, nothing at all!"The pressure a solopreneur feels can be daunting; it can take the passion out of what you do. While the flexibility of doing it on your terms is great, you still sometimes lack the motivation to continue moving forward. The stress of tracking finances, paying bills, and creating and maintaining client relationships would have anyone ready to throw their hands up in the air and quit. But.... if you keep at it.... it will all pay off.This week, San Francisco Realtor Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist share their personal experiences of doing the work. And provide examples of how in the end, big deals were closed and new opportunities presented themselves.Things you will learn in this episode:Showcase your successThe secret sauceGet in front of your audienceStick to the planDo the workYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 23, stop waiting to be an overnight success. Many solopreneurs dream of becoming an overnight success, where everyone knows their name and demand for their product or service is at an all-time high.But, here's a secret: No single person who found success found it overnight — they all built it in chunks—an hour every day for the course of a set amount of time.The 10,000-hour rule popularized by Malcolm Gladwell roughly says if you practice one skill for 10,000 hours, you'll have a good chance at becoming an expert at it.This week, San Francisco Real Estate Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist dissect the overnight success theory and explain how there is no silver bullet that will skyrocket you to success. You need to be invested in the process and do the work. To become a master of your craft, you must invest the time to become skillful and successful. While overnight success might sound great, there is something more valuable about the process. Things you will learn in this episode:10,000-hour ruleBuy your lottery ticketEnjoy the processFind someone who values your hard workDo the workYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 22, why you should or should NOT discount pricesAs solopreneurs, we're often tempted to work for free or discount our product or service, thinking it will somehow win us customers and drive growth. People are relentless about asking for discounts, believing that getting something cheaper is better. Whichever perspective you look at it, offering services for free or discounted is dangerous. This week, San Francisco Realtor Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist discuss why discounting your services can be detrimental to your business. Everyone is going to ask for a discount; it's human nature. But you need to understand as a business what you can and can't do. The Storyographist believes you can negotiate if you are receiving something on the backend, i.e., the ability to put Apple on your resume. Shawn, not so much. However, both believe you shouldn't sell yourself short. Set limits on what you are willing to do, and don't be afraid to say no. Things you will learn in this episode:•When it's okay to work for free•Have a special rate sheet for friends•Know your numbers•Separate the person from the business•Learn the art of negotiationYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 21, consistency is the MOST important skill you can ever develop in business.Building a company as a solopreneur can be fun, yet challenging. The most important job you have is standing out among the competition; this requires the right amount of focus to consistently work toward more leads inside your business. To be consistent, stick to the plan you've got to stick to the plain you've created for your business. Prepare for being challenged on your journey and understand that a solopreneur's journey is never a continuous climb upward. You will encounter challenges on your way to the top, and there will be times when nothing works, but that's when your consistency will help you identify what is working and what isn't, allowing you to course-correct and move forward. This week, San Francisco Real Estate Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist discuss why consistency is the most important skill a solopreneur can have. While it's not always the easiest thing to accomplish, it can provide extensive dividends moving forward.Things you will learn in this episode:Consistency develops routinesThere is no magic bulletAvoid shiny object syndromeTime block and do it every dayMake room for consistencyYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 20, the number one thing that prevented us from succeedingMany solopreneurs start with the goal of "being successful." But what does "being successful" really mean? The straightforward (and most accurate) answer is that success is different for everyone. As with everything else for your business, it's up to you to define success.So, if you define your success, what's keeping you from it? Look in the mirror. It's you. This week, San Francisco Realtor Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist explain what's the number thing that keeps soloprenuers from succeeding and what can be down to overcome it. Both share stories of how stepping back and identifying their BS motivated them to prove the naysayers (and the voices in their head) wrong and push through to achieve their set goals. By implementing the 5c's, you, too, will be able to move through the muck and take your business to the next level. Things you will learn in this episode:Stop and observe what you are doingBreakthroughs come after a breakdownJust own it and move through the bullThe 5 C'sWithout a goal, it's impossible to scoreMaterials Referenced:It's Not How Good You Are; It's How Good You Want to Be: The world's best selling book by Paul ArdenYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 19, Skill Stacking to double your chances for massive business successEvery field is crowded by individuals who claim the most knowledge about that specific industry, so how are you going to stand out above the rest? The solopreneur's ultimate secret weapon: skill stacking.What is skill stacking? Skill stacking merely utilizes the various skills that you have acquired throughout your life. It combines them in a unique way that is individual to you and far more useful than the sum of each skill separately.The great thing about skill stacking is that you don't need to have every skill mastered. Combining a variety of skills you are average at is what can give you a competitive advantage. Your skills don't have to have come from any particular place or source. The fact that you have these skills to work with is what matters.This week, Real Estate Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist dive into the concept of skill stacking and it's usefulness to the solopreneur. Both agree to pull from your current skills while learning new ones that will create a usable stack is the best approach while understanding what your business is missing and what you need to do to fix it. Things you will learn in this episode:Develop self-confidenceHow to see things others don'tFeed the bigger pictureHow to build an edgeEvery skill you acquire doubles your odds of successYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 18, the surprising benefits to being consistentAccording to a recent Contently study, 49% of solopreneurs said getting work was their biggest challenge. How do you combat this problem? One word. Consistency. Consistency as a solopreneur is far more critical than you can think. It can be challenging as a one-person shop to meet deadlines and provide the same quality of work time after time. However, if you get this right, your best clients will keep coming back to you again and again. This week, Realtor Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist explore the surprising benefits of being consistent as a solopreneur. How many think consistency comes from being disciplined, but when it actually comes from loving what you do. Shawn references his martial arts training to explain how showing up early and loving what you do can provide unforeseen outcomes. The Storyographist shares how her consistency in a photo contest led her to bigger and better things. Things you will learn in this episode:Success leaves cluesShow up early and oftenFeed the bigger pictureFind joy in the whyPleasure comes from overcoming a challengeResources mentioned in this episode:The Last Dance - Michael Jordan - NetflixYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180, Episode 17: When nothing is working- how do you stay inspired"Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face." - Mike Tyson.Let's face it; being a solopreneur is tough and can present lots of challenges. It requires constant sacrifice, enormous grit, and the ability to handle the many setbacks that may come along the way. But how you come back from those potential setbacks set the stage for how you will proceed in your solopreneur-life. This week, San Francisco Real Estate Agent Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist tackle how to stay inspired when nothing is working. While you can wallow in self-pity, it's important to remember you get to decide how you feel about the situation. Things you will learn in this episode:How to feed your soulWhy the cavalry isn't comingGo back to the basicsFind where your motivation comes fromIt's all about mind, body, and spiritResources mentioned in this episode:Loving What Is by Byron KatieYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 16, putting yourself, your business out thereIn business, you know that if you don't promote and market, you can't succeed. No matter how excellent your service is or what fantastic value you offer, if people don't know about you, you're not going to have a chance to do business with them.To move your business higher levels of success, you must practice self promotion in ways that feel unnatural at first. Consider self-promotion as a tool to inform and uplift others, as a way to take the spotlight off yourself which will allow the conversation to have a natural feel. Remember, if you're not sold on yourself, no one else will be either.In this week's episode, Realtor, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist debunk the myths and fears of self-promotion, by breaking down what self-promotion actually means. By uplifiting your auiance you are connecting with them and allowing them to get to know you on a personal level. Shawn and The Storyographist provide personal insights on how to implement this strategy. Things you will learn in this episode:How to take the spotlight off youUplifting your audienceSharing is caringWhat you put out is what you will attractDon't be too shy to askYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 15, can an entrepreneur have work-life balance?Striking out it out on your own can be a very liberating experience. You're the one calling the shots and directing the course of your life and career, which is why it's easy to get caught up in that feeling of power, so much so you can put your life on hold just to run your business.Work-life balance is a critical component of success. People need 100% of you to maintain relationships. If you can't find or create that balance, then every minute, every hour, every day, you steal away from your life in favor of your business will cost you.In this week's episode, San Francisco Real Estate, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist dive deep into the work-life balance for a solopreneur and share personal stories of how they work towards maintaining personal relationships that help them succeed and stay grounded. Things you will learn in this episode:Balance implies perfectionHaving the discipline to say noSet boundaries and expectationsCalendar your time (i.e., appts, calling mom, etc.)Carve out time for youYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 14, start your side hustle TODAY."I'd love to, but I don't have time!" "I'm not sure what I should do."These are two of the biggest excuses we hear when it comes to explaining why they could never have a side gig, even if they have a great idea. Instead of hiding behind excuses, maybe it's time to step out of the shadows and jump in feet first. Remember, everyone has 24 hours in a day—you chose how you prioritize your time outside the office.In this week's episode, San Francisco Realtor, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist compare notes about side hustles, and how through trials and tribulations, are still passionate about each "hustle" they take on—noting that that the first taste of success keeps driving them for more. Things you will learn in this episode:Go into the side hustle with eyes wide openEnthusiasm is a MUSTBe passionate about itDon't make excuses The first taste of sweet successYou can connect with Shawn and Cielo on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 13, starting a new career at 40.By the time you reach 40, you are almost into two decades of your career. If you're in the same field in which you started, you will most likely have a great deal of experience (both work and life) at this point. And, you may be several rungs up on the corporate ladder.However, you don't particularly care for what you're doing, or maybe you've just burnt out. You feel stuck and unsure of what to do next. You start debating the next course of action, thinking you're too old to make a change, and honestly, change is hard and scary. While it may sound trite, it's never too late to make a change, and while your transition won't be simple and may take a great deal of effort, going to work every day to do something you don't enjoy or that isn't gratifying, is far more difficult.In this week's episode, San Francisco's Real Estate Agent, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist share what it's like to pivot after 40 and what you can do to survive a massive career change. While change is hard at any age, Shawn and The Storyographist share why they did it and how, while not always graceful, everything works out as long as you learn to fall forward.Things you will learn in this episode:Do the work, build your portfolioLearn from failureFall forward, consider the next moving pieceIdentify holes and how to reinforce them Determining financial securityYou can connect with Shawn and Cielo on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 12, decision-making model.Becoming a solopreneur and forging it on your own can be a thrilling experience. You're calling the shots and putting it all on the line for your new business. Every decision you make has an impact, from your service or product offering to your business cards and website, you call the shots.But, in the same right, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for precisely those same reasons. So, what items should you consider before making a decision? Should you gather all the data to make an informed decision or throw caution to the wind and go with whatever seems right at the moment?In this week's episode, San Francisco's Real Estate Agent, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist provide the different ways solopreneurs can make decisions. From a 5 step process to placing all your data into a grid, both agree having a designated approach will allow you to step back and focus on the things you can control. Things you will learn in this episode:The 5 step decision-making processHow the use of a grid can make decisions easierAvoiding analysis paralysis Focusing on the things you can control Burn the boatYou can connect with Shawn and Cielo on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180, Episode 11, what is sales, marketing, and branding.As a solopreneur trying to make your mark on the world, it's easy to place your branding and marketing strategy on the back burner because, let's face it; sales are what's keeping the lights on. However, in this instance, sales are like putting the cart before the horse, while needed to sustain - you need a thoroughbred powerhouse to pull you through the mud.Branding, marketing, and sales all work together in setting you apart from all the other noise the customer hears. Branding establishes the personality that hooks the customer. Marketing opens communication lines between your brand and the customer, with sales as the call to action, tying up all the loose ends and bringing the cycle to a close. In this week's episode, San Francisco Realtor Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist tackle branding, marketing, and sales for solopreneurs. Sharing tips from past successes (and failures) on why you should establish your brand's personality before you ever develop marketing communications - and how you deliver those messages can make or break the deal.Things you will learn in this episode:Branding is vital for solopreneursEstablishing your customer avatarStay top of mind, but don't nag Objections are not the same as conditionsCommunication needs to be consistent You can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180, Episode 10, small business networking.As solopreneurs, our lives get a little demanding, repetitive, and sometimes lonely. Developing new business ideas, marketing them, and implementing everything ourselves can take us to our whits end on certain days. However, if you are going to grow your business, you need to carve out time for networking. Networking is a great way to meet new people and generate new leads, new partners, or future customers. It's also a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Networking provides you with a wealth of knowledge to draw ideas, gain perspective, and ultimately grow your business. And, while there is no one way to do it - as solopreneurs, it's vital to your survival. In this week's episode, Real Estate Agent, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist discuss networking. Shawn has a systematic process, including in-person meetings, calls, and handwritten notes. At the same time, The Storyographist prefers connecting with her sphere on social media. While both agree, there isn't a single approach to networking, only that it's vital for business success. Things you will learn in this episode:Build a credible presenceNetworking isn't always forward-facingSocial Media is an excellent way to network (if used correctly)You don't need a large circle to startApproach networking like you would a friendResources mentioned in this episode:Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon HillInsider's Guide to Buying a Home, Shawn KunklerSierra InteractiveYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180 Episode 9, hiring employees for the first time.As a solopreneur, you initially envisioned running your business as a one-person show. After all, you competent, intelligent, and passionate about it. Surely, you can handle any situation that comes your way. And, the thought of trusting another individual with your business, your baby is scary.But, if you find yourself overwhelmed with no time to breathe, that initial vision of handling everything in your business by yourself may need to change, and that's okay. In this week's episode, San Francisco's favorite Realtor, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist examine the ins and outs of hiring your first employee. From knowing when to hire, to what you need to ask, both share insights from their hiring journeys to help you understand what to do and who to look for when bringing a new person into the mix.Things you will learn in this episode:To hire, you must first learn to let goTake it out of your head and put it on paperDon't hire for things you don't understandHave a clear understanding of your needsDon't hire someone you likeYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Thestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180, Episode 8, mentor program.As a solopreneur, you have sole of control over your business. You make all the decisions, whether they're creative, financial, or as simple as who's catering the corporate retreat ( sushi, anyone 😀), but what do you do when you need to bounce ideas off someone? Some suggest a solopreneur find a mentor. It's understandable—after all, it's good advice; having a mentor relationship is often a dream come true. But how does one go about finding a mentor program or an individual who is willing to be their Jedi master?In this week's episode, San Francisco Real Estate Agent, Shawn Kunkler and The Storyographist discuss how a mentor can impact a solopreneur, whether just starting out or in business for years. As both mentors and mentees, they explain how to approach an individual and develop a mentor style relationship by asking the right questions at the correct times.Things you will learn in this episode:Mentors aren't always wearing a name tag (how to find a mentor in an unlikely place)Start your mentorship as a relationshipHow mentors are like industry Jedis Why bad questions get bad answersDon't expect a mentor to appear; nurture your valuable relationshipsResources mentioned in this episode:The E-Myth RevisitedThe Artist's WayYou can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.

Saying no without guiltThestoryographist.com and shawnkunkler.com present: Soloprenuer180, Episode 7, saying no without guilt. Most of us, as solopreneurs, agree that being busy is a good thing. The more projects we have, the more successful we must be, right?! That isn't necessarily the case. While it feels good to have multiple people wanting your services, the result can lead to overload and burnout. As when your mind is preoccupied, you no longer have the ability to be creative and plan well.   In this week's episode, San Francisco Real Estate Agent, Shawn Kunkler, and The Storyographist discuss the challenge of saying no, and how we project negativity and rejection to a simple word.  Shawn and The Storyographist explain how setting parameters can benefit you personally and professionally, and by adjusting how you reply to a request can remove the negativity you feel.    Things you will learn in this episode:  • Why is saying no such a challenge • Saying yes to everything diminishes the quality  • How to say no without feeling guilty • Give it time and think it through  • Be clear and concise with your answer   You can connect with Shawn and The Storyographist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @solopreneur180. We'd love to connect with you.   Know another Solopreneur who feels trapped on an island alone? Show them some love and share this podcast.