Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/288

Your network of friends and acquaintances hold the blueprint to your future, whether you recognize it or not. Who you hang around with influences you hugely, and will shape how successful you are. If those around you are not challenging you, holding you to high standards, being sources of inspiration and knowledge, then you should look at who you are surrounding yourself with.

Recently, on a trip to Nashville, James met up with entrepreneur, Mike Zeller, who started a variety of businesses, selling over one-hundred million dollars in product. Eli Wilhide, and Brandon Carter introduced us over email. Even this interaction demonstrates the importance in good relationships.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James and guest, Mike Zeller, delve into the importance of friendships, and share stories from personal experience on this. Mike points out some daily practices he keeps in order to be most productive and aware of his time.

Key Points

• Mike Zeller loves to launch businesses that will make the world a better place.
• Get close with people who also want to not only change the world, but make it better than before.
• Spend time with people who make things happen, and be a person that makes things happen.
• Mike argues that your life will be a reflection of the five people you are closest to. This includes healthwise, spiritually, mentally, athletically.
• Learn how to shift all relationships into something incredible and compelling, even if they are in a rutt. You can do this by setting new expectations and standards in order to create movement within the relationship.
• A self-directed life is empowering, you are in charge over your life, instead of feeling powerless.
• Three important parts to your day: mastery, purpose, and autonomy.
• • Learn to be aware of these, and put an emphasis on each.
  • Create the destiny that you want.
• It’s important to start your day off on the right foot, a simple 15 minutes of meditation, reading, etc.
• We have to fight to retain direction and control of our lives.
• Mike recommends to turn your phone on airplane mode in the mornings so that you can focus on yourself.
• It is important to protect your decision making energy. If you are constantly being pushed and pulled by others, you will become depleted of this energy.

To learn more about Mike Zeller, check out his website by clicking here

To check out his menswear line click here

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/288

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/287

Are you thinking of starting a business or in the process of doing so? Do you often find yourself questioning if you are making the right decisions and moving forward with your plans? Do you ever feel that you are not making progress as fast as you thought you would?

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James details the importance in investing in a business coach. In 2013, James spent $25,000 on business coach, Ty Lopez, and because of that he has made one hundred times that.

The great entrepreneur and coach,Tony Robbins said, “ it doesn't matter what has happened to you in your past that determines who you become, rather it’s your decision on what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you are going to do about them that determines your destiny.” James discusses the importance of investing in a business mentor, and how it will speed up your process, as well as teach you things you didn’t even know you needed to know.  

It pays to invest.

Key Points

• I spent $25,000 on a business coach in October 2013, and it was the best investment I have ever made.  
• Investing in one-on-one coaching will be the best investment for any business owner.
• James was coached by Ty Lopez, a controversial online entrepreneur who taught him more than he thought he would ever learn about business.  
• Up until that point he attended free seminars, looked for free stuff, etc.
• Because the information was free, he was not valuing this information.  
• The moment he spent the $25,000 was the moment he focused.
• It brought clarity on the topic, and forced him to put his nose to the grind.
• Things you learned:
  • As soon as you take information seriously, you will start to see results.
  • All the greats in life have mentors.
  • How to create a business, start an ecommerce site, publish a book, put together programs

• Most recently started to put together a happiness program. Without the guidance of a business coach, there is no way he would venture into all these different business ventures.  

• Richard Branson puts an emphasis on mentoring when it comes to making ones way in business.

• You have to learn to take action, in order for the payoff to come in 12-18 months down the line.

• It takes a while to see results on a new business venture, but having a business coach can speed this up.
• Work with people who are familiar with your line of work, and you can learn a lot from.

To join James inner circle click here

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/287

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/286

Do you find that you are always reaching out to others, but you are often time being turned down? From romantic relationships, to friendships, or business endeavors, how do you reach out to others? Whether it’s asking someone to get coffee, dinner, or simply to hang out, you could be posing the wrong questions.  

People are busy. Time is something that is not only fleeting, but something that people do not give up easily these days. We live in a selfish culture, where people are constantly thinking about themselves and their own success. It is very rare to find someone that is selfless, and willing to dedicate any time, or resources to another being. This might sound harsh- but you do it too, we all do!

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James discusses the importance of starting new friendships off on the right foot. He argues that the traditional route of offering coffee, or dinner to someone, in exchange for advice, does not work, as time is so important these days. He points out the importance of offering something of value to the person you are seeking help or advice from, something that can help them. Stop offering coffee, and start figuring out what you can offer of value, if you truly want a real, authentic relationship with someone.

Key Points

• To earn the right to a real relationship, you must reach out with generosity.
• Stop believing that you are entitled to another person’s generosity.
• Work to earn the right to an authentic relationship.
• The way to earn an authentic relationship is by leading with generosity.
• Everyone is walking around, thinking about themselves first and foremost.
• Everyone is also busy, so people are selfish with their time.
• Don’t offer coffee or lunch, offer something that actually assists that person.
• It might sound transactional in the beginning, but then it will grow into an authentic relationship.
• Nobody in the begining wants a relationship with you.
• Just because you ask for help, does not mean you will receive it.
• Don’t bust your ass to be, but bust your ass to be generous.
• Do an experiment and try connecting with someone the way you normally do, and then try my way by offering them an offer of value.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/286

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/285

People say you need to look back on old times in order to give you perspective on where you are going. Recently, James headed back to his homeland of Australia for two weeks where he traveled all over attending different events, meeting up with a variety of people, and even visited his childhood home.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James returns to Los Angeles from his two week trip to Australia. While in Australia James attended his cousin, Sylvia Jeffrey’s, “who’s who” of celebrity weddings in Australia. He then had a meet up in Sydney on Bondi Beach with some of his instagram and snapchat followers. All the while he was there, he had time to catch up with a variety of friends, as well as make new ones, as well.

Not only did James catchup with friends while in Australia but he also took time to drive out to the town where he was born, and visited his childhood home. He also saw a psychologist in Brisbane with his brother Tristan, to work on communication to benefit their business ventures. While on the trip, he read the book Radical Candor by Kim Staff, on how to be a leader, how to converse with employees, and how to be radically candid with people.

Key Points

• Attended his cousin’s star studded wedding, had a great time, and realized the idea of a traditional wedding ceremony is not fitting for his tastes.
• • Even though he personally is not a fan of wedding ceremonies, he enjoyed the immense positivity that encompassed the entire wedding.
  • Had great rapport with Peter Fitzsimons about abstaining from alcohol.

• After the wedding, he stayed in Sydney for a few days, and had a meet up with instagram and snapchat followers on Bondi Beach.
• • Always nice to put a faces to names, allows you to interact with your customers, and know what’s important to them.
  • Having relationships, interactions, and connections with people is so important.
  • One thing that is important for business owners: If you genuinely care, and want to help a lot of people, start with one person.
• Following this, he met up with one of his inner circle coaching members, Tyson Brown, on Bondi Beach, as well.
• Next, James headed to Melbourne to catch up with business partner Craig Hutchison, host of the TV show called the Footy show.
• Went to Noosa, caught up with his friend, Brad Blanks, his wife Juliet, and their family.

• Next, went to Melbourne, to visit his childhood home.
• • He talked with the new owners about their experiences in the home, took a video of the home, and sent it to his parents.
  • The whole experience gave him a humbling perspective, and was a positive experience as a whole.

• While there, he went to a psychologist with his brother Tristan, had two sessions totalling around 4 hours.
• • Worked on communication, especially regarding when the other was upset.
  • Choosing your language is very important, learn how to describe how you feel.

• For better communication regarding problems try these things:
• • Acknowledge the other person
  • State how you feel because of their actions
  • State why it's important
  • Come up with a possible solution

• Went on a few short dates while in Australia, which were filled with friendly conversation, and great topics.
• • Try smiling at people, be friendly, make friends

• Side note: If you are wondering how to get advice or attention from someone, then do something like pick them up at the airport.
• • I had someone ask me if I needed rides, which in turn, I received a free ride, and they received free advice.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/285

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/284

Do you struggle with being happy with what is going on in your life? Do you ever find yourself thinking that you are the only one dealing with a specific problem? Are you constantly plagued by negative thoughts about yourself, and positive thoughts about others? Do you find yourself believing that everyone else has it together, and you are alone in your struggles?

Well, I don’t have my shit together. I am the same as you, I have problems. Change your thinking and stop thinking that everyone else is happy. No one is happily put together, because everyone has problems. Whenever I meet people who are seemingly doing better than myself, I start to believe that they have all aspects of their lives put together, while I am struggling. It might be different for others, and they might be jealous of what I am doing. Everyone is different, everyone has different struggles, different things that make them jealous.

Understand that everyone has struggles, everyone has hardships, everyone has negative thoughts; you are not alone.

Key Points

• Everyone has problems that they are worried about, you are not alone.
• No one is seamlessly put together, and content with all aspects of their life.
• If you go through the day worried about different problems, insecurities, or negativities, you are going to have a negative disposition.
• If you believe you have to achieve some type of success to be worthy of a relationship then it will never happen.

• SO, give yourself a break.
• You don't have all your shit together, but neither does anyone.
• You need to change your mentality, and alter your mindset.

• The only way you can grow is through resistance to negativity.
• The key to empathy is vulnerability.
• Everyone feels inferior, so when you can simply admit that, that’s when relationships form.
• Be vulnerable, talk about your losses and failures, you will find connections from it.
• There will always be room to create new problems, if you allow for it.
• Self-preservation is a natural thing, but vulnerability fosters growth.
• You will never be able to rid yourself of negative feelings, but you can learn how to curb them.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/284

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/283

Do you desire a job where you do not clock in and clock out each day? Do you desire a job that is not average, and is something everyone is jealous of? Have you ever thought of ditching your day job and starting your own business? On today’s episode of the James Swanwick show, James is joined by Daniel DiPiazza, entrepreneur and author, who discusses what triggered his love of business, and the freedoms that come with it.

When Daniel graduated from college in 2009, the economy and real estate market were at a lull. He realized he had two choices, either to do the corporate route or complete a higher education degree. He, simply, did not want to do either. He began working a bunch of random jobs, and started blogging about it. Working in what he called, ‘dead end,’ jobs allowed Daniel to pick up on multiple skills including learning how to organize systematically and how to eliminate small problems in your work. Shortly after working in these jobs, he realized he wanted to start his own business.

Daniel points out that businesses solve pain points, then poses the question: what pain points can you solve? Daniel points out that often times people fear looking stupid when starting a business, but that will actually waste their time. Daniel DiPiazza teaches you how to ditch your average job, start an epic business, and score the life you want. You can read more about Daniel in his new book Rich20Something.

Key Points

• Daniel wrote Rich20Something in response to working a bunch of dead end jobs, and finally starting his own business.
• Daniel points out there are different phases you go through when starting a business, and the frustration that comes with each.
• Learning how to spread out your emotional energy is important, so you do not overstress in the first stage.
• Entrepreneurship is great, but you have to learn to be able to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
• Daniel always recommends freelancing for those who want to ditch their day jobs and start their own business.
• Do an inventory of your skills to see what you can offer.
• • It is a great first step, as it is something you can do on the side while still working your full-time job.
  • You can start it immediately, do not need to buy product, hire staff, etc.
  • You can advertise your skill sets on a variety of platforms including social media, quora, reddit, or upwork.
• The quickest way to success is to simply improve upon something that is already available.
• 3 step validation process:
• • Is there anyone else doing it? Is there a market fit?
  • Is your competition making money?
  • What can you do to improve your product?
• Tips with starting your own business:
• • Learn to balance your freelance income with your job.
  • Have a plan A and a plan B. Let your plan B redirect your failed plan A, if it does fail.
  • It is important to learn how to communicate with people efficiently.
  • Put your product / service on the market, even if it is not perfect yet.
• Have 100 meaningful conversations with different people over the course of the year, with what you are doing. This:
• • Creates and solidifies your elevator pitch
  • Opens networking opportunities, and you will meet way more than 100 people
  • Will grow your confidence with the process over time
• Starting your own business will teach you the:
• • Importance of good leadership
  • Importance of building good systems that are not dependent on you
  • Ability to grow up, and separate your emotions from the things you are in charge of.
• When you start a business you can hire people, you can travel, you can have freedom, and you can create the life you want.

Get your copy of Daniel’s book, Rich20Something here.

To keep up with Daniel, follow his instagram at rich20something or clicking here.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/283

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/282

A wide variety of people approach the 30 Day No Alcohol challenge for a plethora of reasons. Some people commit to it because they struggle with alcoholism, others because they want to eliminate the drink for health purposes, but a resounding amount commit to it due to the sole reason of wanting to improve their lifestyle. Are you living a healthy lifestyle, but confused as to why you are not getting more out of life?

On today’s episode of the James Swanwick show, James is joined by Vicky Sherman, a women who recently completed his 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge. Vicky lived an incredibly healthy lifestyle, except for one facet, the fact that she would overindulge in alcohol come weekends. Vicky used to love beer, and would drink it in large amounts come weekends. Vicky not only completed the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge, but she also was able to mainly eliminate the drink from her diet. Occasionally, she will indulge in a glass of wine, but because of the immense impact the 30 No Alcohol Challenge had on her life, she decided to stop drinking beer.

Key Points

• Vicky Sherman was inspired to take up the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge after realizing how unhealthy alcohol is for your body  
• All of her other habits are health conscious ones, yet come weekends she found herself overindulging in alcohol.
• Fan of fun, and unique IPA beer. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Minimum 3, or a lot more if going “wild”.
• Affected her productivity, where she would not feel great, so she would put things off.
• After she stopped drinking, she gained 7-10 lbs, and was confused about why she was gaining weight. While researching this, she came across James’ challenge.
• She wanted to see the positivity that would stem from completing the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge.
• Loved receiving a video everyday. She found that they were encouraging, and challenged her.
• The videos brought about a new interest with self-development as a whole.
• Vicky found that during the week it was easy to stay away from alcohol, but the weekends were harder for her.
• Was used to looking towards alcohol to relax, and not having that relaxing outlet tended to make her more irritable.
• Now, after completing the challenge, she will treat herself to a glass of wine every once in a great while.
• Through this process she learned where and what her triggers are, and how to curb them.
• Vicky raves about the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge, and encourages others to try it out too.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/282

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/281

It is a common belief that alcohol is a must-needed substance at social events. Whether you are hanging out at home on a friday night, or going out to eat with a group of friends, you will find alcoholic beverages are a constant. There are plenty of myths that come with alcohol, like the idea that in order to have a good time, you must drink, or in order to fit in, you must drink.

On today’s episode of the James Swanwick show, James is joined by Geffrey Marr, who completed James’s 30 day no alcohol challenge. Not only did Marr complete the 30 day challenge, but he went 93 days straight without the beverage. Marr found that there were no positives that came with drinking, but that there were a handful of negatives that came with the consumption. Geffrey found that ridding his diet of alcohol, allowed for him to make progress in other areas of his life.

Your life can be so much more beneficial without alcohol, with areas of your life, you never imagined, improving! Jeffrey joins James to detail all the positives that came to his life after leaving alcohol behind.

Key Points

• Geffrey was motivated to take up the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge after realizing alcohol was not bringing anything positive to his life.  
• It was simply something that he did because it was normal to do.
• Would have a few beers a couple days a week, and spend $15-60 a night.
• Whether he had a single beer, or a handful, he did not like how he felt the morning after.
• As someone who runs his own business, he felt he was less motivated the morning after a night out, and falling behind on necessary tasks.
• Once he decided that I would not be drinking for 30 days, it was as if a switch went off in his head. He immediately did not want a single drink.
• Favorite part of the alcohol challenge: the private facebook group that gives you support.
• Hardest part of the alcohol challenge: being in a situation where you would have previously drank.
• Most surprising part of the alcohol challenge: the clarity that comes with the sobriety.
• Teaching moment: what situations are actually most enjoyable, and not just seemingly fun, while drunk.
• Such a societal norm for people to drink, that it seemed odd when I wouldn't. People questioning, “Why you won’t just have one drink?”
• At first, it was weird going out to the bar, feeling as if he could not get loose, but after committing to the idea of being sober:
• • he began to have more fun, saved money, and has not done anything crazy
• Benefits from 93 days without drinking:
• • When you are trying to develop your skill sets
  • Sleep better
  • Communicate better
  • Manage time better
  • Increasing your progress in the gym
  • Your mind becomes more aware

• Through the challenge he learned that alcohol can hinder brain activity, distract you from healthy relationships, and lead to weight gain.
• The 30 Day No Alcohol challenge will create a more motivated, healthier, determined you.

You can find Geffrey on instagram at Gmos2014
Click here for more information on the 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/281

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/280

Have you ever found yourself feeling restricted in your occupation? Have you ever thought to yourself, that you could be so much more productive with your time if you were in charge of it? What would you do if you could design your daily, weekly, monthly schedules? Would you work early mornings? In an office? Or travel the world while working?

On this episode, James is joined by one of his podcast listeners, James Harrison, as he gives him a ride to the Melbourne airport. James, a twenty-six year old Aussie resident, currently works in a sales role with a basic 9-hour structure. Although he doesn't mind his job, he yearns for something that would give him more freedom in his work day. James feels restricted, and that he would be more productive if he was working on his own terms. James would like to explore the possibility of doing long-term travel, going to a new city for a few months, but make a living while doing so.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James gives James Harrison a few pointers on starting his own business, while helping him curb his thinking into a clear and concise marketing pitch.

Key Points

• James Harrison wants to start a business in order to free up his schedule, so that he can partake in the long-term travel that he has always wanted to.
• Went to University to get a Engineering degree, currently does not use that specific degree as he works in a sales position from 8:30am-5:30pm.
• Wants to start his own business because he values freedom, flexibility, and being in control of his own life.
• Feels restricted in his current job, thinks that he could be more productive if he was working on his own terms.
• Ideally he would like to start a business on the side, while still staying in his existing job because of necessary income.
• He likes the idea of having a physical product, creating something tangible that is his own invention.
• Tips for starting your own business:
  • Spend five minutes each day with a blank piece of paper, thinking about simple problems you face, and then figuring out how to solve them.
  • All business is, is solving problems.
  • In marketing you want to make the message simple, in order for customers to hear the pitch quickly.
  • Try to eliminate unnecessary words, or phrases, and polish a short, and quick idea.
  • Whenever you are trying to tell someone your story, or business idea, you do not want to make people think.
  • Clear messaging is important, it should be so simple that it’ almost stupid.
• James Swanwick’s advice for those that want to start their own businesses?
  • Determine a common problem, then find a simple solution.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/280

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/279

Have you had a setback recently? Has something disastrous happened in your life? Have you tried to accomplish something and you failed just a little bit short? Is there a setback that happened to you years ago that is still holding you back? Setbacks can have a debilitating effect on your life, even if they took place in the past, and not in recent times.

James Swanwick is joined by Mike Zeller, a socially minded entrepreneur that runs a variety of businesses, from a real estate firm to a menswear line. Mike joins James to discuss the importance of conquering your setbacks, and the process of transforming them into set ups. He points out the importance of setting a positive tone for your life, ridding yourself of negativity, and re-writing your story.

Mike also discusses the importance of allocating roles when a business grows. He gives pointers on the process of going from director, to coach, to supporter, until you have fully delegated certain roles to an individual. He stresses the importance of being a responsible business owner, and gives six specific tips on being a good business owner, challenging you to improve your business.

Key Points

• How are we going to make setbacks a set up.
• There is immense power in surrounding yourself by masterminds, whether that's a business mastermind, or a science mastermind.
• If you are the smartest person in a room, then you are in the wrong room.
• Mike discusses the importance of ridding yourself of setbacks, and coming to terms with the things that have taken place in your life.
• Mike went to Buenos Aires for a time period, and realized that he needed to shift from a business operator to a business owner.
• Tony Robbins points out that you can change your emotional state by interrupting the patterns in your mind. Helped Mike shift his focus, to a more positive, action-driven personality.
• Let your deep pain and frustration drive you forward. Go all in
• Surround yourself by those who influence you positively, it will help you in letting go of the negative story that could be shaping your life.
• Life is ultimately whatever you say it is. You can choose to say that life is awesome, or you can say it is terrible. It is whatever story you make it.
• James points out there is no good, and there is no bad, life is simply what it is.
• The most progressive year of Mike’s life was the most painful year of his life.
• The transformation of meaning cannot shift completely over night.
• It takes days, weeks, months of moving in the right direction, for things will change.
• You need space to grieve, and release negativity in order to move on.
• You need people to keep you accountable, people whom you have healthy relationships with, to help you get through this process.
• Constantly feed yourself with new knowledge. This includes things that increase your learning like podcasts, books, etc.
• You get in life what you are willing to tolerate. If you want to be outstanding then step up your game, and go all in, in order to be extraordinary.
• What truly makes you happy?  Write these things down and do not tolerate life without them.
• Be sure to take care of your health, it will create more clarity in your life.

• As you groom and develop employees, you are in more of a director role, then changing to that of a coach, then a supporter, and lastly, granting all delegation.
• 6 core roles of a business owner

1. Sets the direction.
2. He makes key, strategic decisions.
3. Allocating resources appropriately.
4. Build and develop exponential relationships.
5. Recruit and develop top notch players.
6. Build and enhance organizational health.

To learn more about Mike or any of his plethora of businesses, click here.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/279