Entrepreneur Encounter

06/12/2024

How do you handle tough conversations?

Mark from STR Cribs joined us on Entrepreneur Encounter to share his insights on managing conflict like a pro.

His advice? Treat tough conversations like ripping off a bandaid—quick, direct, and empathetic.

Deliver the hard news in person or over the phone.

Why? It gives people the chance to feel heard and respected. Add empathy, active listening, and clear communication, and can solve problems head on before it’s too late!

Catch the full episode now—your team and business will thank you later!

05/12/2024

We sat down with Mark, a dynamic Sales Director at STR Cribs with over a decade of experience in the short-term rental industry. With 500+ successful rentals under his belt, Mark didn’t just share the what of running STRs—he dove deep into the how.

We talked about:
✅ Tackling tough conversations with empathy and active listening (because problems don’t solve themselves!).
✅ Building systems that make life easier for you, your team, and your guests.
✅ The power of trusting and empowering your team to take ownership and deliver results.

Mark’s leadership insights apply to any business, whether you’re managing a short-term rental or a growing team. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle it all and keep your team motivated, this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now to hear Mark’s advice and actionable tips to elevate your leadership game.

What’s one leadership challenge you’re tackling right now? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

05/12/2024

Leadership isn’t just about celebrating wins—it’s about navigating the tough moments too.

Mark from STR Cribs joined us on Entrepreneur Encounter to share how he’s mastered conflict resolution while managing over 500 short-term rentals.

His golden rule? Address issues head-on, with empathy and clear communication. 🗣️

Whether you’re leading a team or growing your business, these tips are game changers.

Tune in to the latest episode and start handling challenges like a pro.

“Avoiding hard conversations doesn’t solve problems. It’s about approaching them with honesty, respect, and a clear focus on finding solutions.” - Mark Lumpkin In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we sit down with Mark Lumpkin, a Sales ...

21/11/2024

Sometimes we get stuck. And more often than not, it has to do with confidence. We get it, it takes time. We have something that can help you! Our freebie called Lead With Confidence is available right now.
https://entrepreneur-encounter.kit.com/bd62239694?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa6eabAMUkhkMgmv99afhWZl7zWLi4D9sUvmPoKY38MbhUi8RehYgyTbQE_aem_X7XUa1w0oyNG9el2F9WQeQ

Are you a solopreneur, freelancer, or early-stage business owner juggling ? Overwhelmed by the demands of wearing multiple hats, struggling with self-doubt, and finding it hard to build client relationships that truly last? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

14/11/2024

🚨New episode alert!

When AI came to the table for the majority of business owners, we were a little weirded out about it. But it's actually a great tool, if you use it the right way.

This week we talked to Kinsey Soderberg who shares great knowledge about AI and gives all the tips and tricks on what you can do to get AI to help you boost your business.

In this episode, listen for:

🤖Start Simple with AI Tools: When you decide to use AI tools, you should take a gradual approach, starting with one tool, one task and one day at a time. Diving into too many tools at once can cause overwhelm which will hinder you from using AI tools.

🤖Use AI to Streamline Existing Workflows: It’s suggested to identify existing workflows with repetitive or time-consuming tasks (e.g., creating podcast show notes or drafting emails) that could benefit from AI assistance. This approach makes integrating AI more manageable and directly enhances productivity without needing a complete workflow overhaul.

🤖Boosting Confidence and Reducing Stigma: For those feeling hesitant about AI, Kinsey’s advice highlights how embracing these tools can be empowering, reducing any guilt around “cutting corners” and instead seeing AI as a smart way to enhance productivity and reclaim valuable time.

Have a listen!

“Save up to 3 hours a day, 15 hours a week, and 70 hours a month using AI tools” - Kinsey SoderbergIn this episode, Kinsey Soderberg, host of Feel Good Social and Authentic AI, dives into how AI tools can boost business and fit right into your cur...

08/11/2024

Ready to negotiate like a pro?

Swipe through to discover 5 essential steps to prepare for a successful negotiation! Whether you’re sealing a big deal or simply setting boundaries, these tips will help you walk in with confidence and clarity. 🙌

Here’s a quick rundown:
1️⃣ Do Your Research – Knowledge is your biggest advantage!
2️⃣ Set Clear Goals – Know exactly what you want—and where you can flex.
3️⃣ Know Your Value – Recognize the unique strengths you bring to the table.
4️⃣ Prepare for Objections – Anticipate pushbacks and be ready to respond.
5️⃣ Envision a Win-Win Outcome – Aim for common ground so everyone benefits!

Negotiation is more than just getting what you want—it’s about creating value for both sides. Save this post for the next time you need to level up your negotiation game!

👇 Comment below: Which step do you think is the most important?

07/11/2024

Listen, when you start a business, it is not going to be perfect. We know and we hear it all the time. “It has to be perfect.” If you continue to think like this, you will never build your business. It takes time. But guess what, you are allowed to start messy!

In this episode, you will hear Bonnie share her story and those insights that will help you embrace the messy beginnings!

Ready for messy action? Send us a DM to get the episode link!

07/11/2024

Negotiation isn't just about getting the best deal. It's about building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving your goals.

This month, we're diving deep into the world of negotiation. We'll share tips, strategies, and real-world examples to help you become a master negotiator.

Stay tuned for:
👉Essential negotiation tactics
👉How to build rapport and trust
👉Overcoming common negotiation challenges

What's your biggest negotiation challenge? Share your experiences in the comments below.

01/11/2024

As a business leader, you’ve probably seen firsthand how communication can make or break a team. Communication is the skill that helps with collaboration, trust, and productivity. But for some reason it gets overlooked because everyone is busy. Of course, communication is important in the workplace no matter the industry you’re in. IT CAN NOT BE OVERLOOKED!

Ask yourself this: how can communication help set a powerful clear, honest and open communication to shape the workplace culture and build a high-performing team?

In our latest episode, How to Improve Workplace Communication: Open Conversations for Better Team Performance with Grace Gavin, we talk about a few strategies to help you strengthen your team’s communication and create an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and motivated.

🗣️Open and Honest Communication Defined: Grace clarifies the distinction between "open" and "honest" communication. Being honest is about truly expressing your thoughts and feelings, while openness is about listening without reservation and placing the other person's needs first. Together, these two halves form the foundation for productive conversations.

🫡Meeting Resistance with Curiosity: Instead of getting defensive or shutting down when faced with resistance, it’s important for leaders and team members to ask open-ended questions. Curiosity can break down barriers, leading to mutual understanding, even if agreement isn’t reached.

🤝The Agreement Framework: Grace shares a practical tool that Know Honesty teaches clients—The Agreement. This simple, powerful script helps set expectations for communication within teams, ensuring everyone is both heard and respected.

Tune in to hear how you can apply these lessons to your business, personal life, and beyond!

Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!

"If you're working on a team or with a partner, the only way to resolve conflict is between the two of you. Walking away doesn’t solve anything, it just creates more friction." – Grace GavinIn this episode, we chat with Grace Gavin, co-founder of ...

25/10/2024

Ready to make a difference? Take on our Inclusion Challenge and create a more inclusive workplace!

Here's how:
👉Identify areas for improvement.
👉Take action.
👉Share your progress.

Let's inspire each other to build a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

24/10/2024

By implementing diversity and inclusion training, creating employee resource groups, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, your team can achieve:
💡Increased employee satisfaction
💡Improved productivity and innovation
💡Enhanced company reputation
💡Stronger community relationships

Want to create a more inclusive workplace? Join our membership for expert guidance and support.

23/10/2024

"If you're working on a team or with a partner, the only way to resolve conflict is between the two of you. Walking away doesn’t solve anything, it just creates more friction." – Grace Gavin

We could not have said it any better. And you know it, communication is the foundation of any relationship. The only way conflict is solved is by talking through it. When you build your business, there are so many areas that are built on communication.

In this episode, listen for:

🗣️What is the meaning behind Open and Honest Communication
🤔How curiosity can break down barriers which can lead to mutual understanding
⚒️A tool called “The Agreement Framework” and how this helps set expectations

Listen to: “How to Improve Workplace Communication: Open Conversations for Better Team Performance” right now on Apple, Spotify, YT or wherever you listen.

Find the episode helpful and inspiring, click that share button and spread the word of communication!

23/10/2024

Let's talk diversity and inclusion! Share your experiences in creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. What challenges have you faced? What strategies have worked for you?

Your insights can inspire others and help us build stronger, more inclusive teams.

22/10/2024

🚨 LIVE EVENT ALERT 🚨
Calling all entrepreneurs! 🔥

This Friday, we’re going LIVE on Instagram to connect with YOU! 🎉 Whether you’ve been with us on the podcast journey or are part of our membership, we’re inviting you to hang out, ask questions, and get the support you need.

🤔 Have burning questions about business?
💡 Looking for a community that understands the ups and downs of entrepreneurship?
🌟 Want real talk and practical tips for your journey?

Come join us for an open, no-pressure session! Grab your coffee, or whatever you drink, settle in, and let’s build this community together. 💬👥

📅 Date: This Friday: Oct 25th
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM EST
📍 Where: Instagram Live

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with fellow entrepreneurs. Tag a friend who needs this! 👇✨

22/10/2024

Want to build a more inclusive and diverse team? Check out our carousel post for tips on creating a welcoming environment, recruiting diversely, and fostering open communication.

Ready to take action? Join our membership for exclusive resources and support.

21/10/2024

Want a stronger, more creative team?

Diversity and inclusion are important. Different backgrounds bring different ideas.

They help us innovate and succeed. Everyone should feel valued and respected. Let’s make our workplaces better.

18/10/2024

This week's challenge: Master the art of active listening and feedback!

Why it matters: Effective communication is the cornerstone of strong relationships and successful businesses. By practicing active listening and providing constructive feedback, you can build trust, improve collaboration, and foster a positive work environment.

How to participate:
👉Choose a conversation partner: Find a friend, colleague, or family member who is willing to participate.
👉Practice active listening: Pay attention, ask clarifying questions, and paraphrase what the other person is saying.
👉Provide constructive feedback: Offer your thoughts and suggestions in a respectful and helpful manner.
👉Reflect on your experience: How did you feel as an active listener? Did you find it challenging to provide feedback? What did you learn?

Share your experience in the comments below! If you don't have a partner, message Sara or Dana directly. Let's inspire each other to become better communicators.

17/10/2024

Imagine a cross-functional team at a leading tech startup, tasked with developing a new product. Despite their individual expertise, the team faced significant communication challenges that hindered their progress. Misunderstandings, conflicting priorities, and a lack of collaboration led to delays and frustration.

As your coach, we work with the individuals and teams to implement strategies for improving communication and collaboration. To overcome these obstacles, we suggest the following strategies:
👉Regular team meetings
👉Clear communication channels
👉Active listening
👉Building trust

Through these efforts, you team will be able to effectively address their communication challenges and successfully launch the new product.

Want to learn more about how to improve communication within your team? Join our community for expert guidance and support.