The Darren to Share Podcast

On episode 4 of DTS, we share our of investing experience with the goal of encouraging and teaching listeners how to begin investing to build wealth. This episode is rich with information, personal experience, and explanations for common investment vocabulary as well as incite on cryptocurrency. This information is intended for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Please let us know if this information was helpful in the comment section. See the time stamps and take aways below. Let's continue the journey of building wealth together. Enjoy!    Time Stamps:  •Disclaimer (00:00 - 01:14) •Intro (01:14 - 03:03) •What is investing - (03:03 - 03:54) •How did we get introduced to investing - (03:54 - 08:29)  •What platforms do we use - (08:29 - 10:09) •What is a decentralized market and crypto currency - (10:09 - 12:34) •What is Blockchain technology - (12:34 - 14:35) •What does it mean to purchase crypto and how is it similar to purchasing stocks - (14:35 - 15:15) •How to choose what to invest in and how to find these good companies - (15:15 - 18:40) •When we felt comfortable investing larger amounts of money - (18:40 - 21:05)  •What platforms do we use to invest - (21:05 - 22:47) •What are some risks taken when investing - (22:47 - 25:22) •Investing progression - Becoming a savvy investors and how your network increases your net worth - (25:22 - 30:49) •You don’t have to have a lot of money to invest - (30:49 - 31:26) •What is a high interest savings account - (31:26 -31:40) •How investing compounds into passive income and how long does it take - (31:40 - 32:42) •Our Best investments, where we see potential, how to gain trust in a company - (32:42 - 34:05) •Why is cryptocurrency/blockchain is important for the future - (34:05 - 36:07) •Best investment advice / wins - (36:07 - 39:09) •Why educating yourself on the companies are crucial for good investments - (39:09 - 39:39) •Seeing gains from the long game, cataloging the information you learn along the way, overall investing tips. - (39:39 - 42:33) •Don’t get caught up in the daily swings. Think the long game, consistency and diversity. - (42:33 - 44:33) •Advice we would you give our  younger self about investing - (44:33 - 46:33) •Outro - (46:33 - End)   Take Aways:   •Starting small will build your confidence to passively build wealth from your investments. •Make sure your savings account (emergency fund) is fortified FIRST.  •Time in the market beats timing the market. Consistency (systems, like dollar cost averaging) has great longevity.  •Your dollars are soldiers, put them in position to make more soldiers for you.  •Growing your knowledge-base is key to feeling comfortable investing more. Supplement your content intake with business information, press releases, quarterly earnings, and financial articles etc. Invest where you see value. •Diversification will bake safety into your portfolio.  •There are many trading platforms (brokerages), some charge a fee, and some are more detailed than others. Use google to find the best platform for your needs. (ex. Robinhood, Coinbase, Webull, E-trade, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Uniswap (decentralized exchanges), etc.)  •Surround yourself with smart or experienced investors, their information will help expand your portfolio and push you into more research.  •Decentralized Market:  Type of cryptocurrency exchange which allows for direct peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions to take place online securely and without the need for an intermediary. •Investing in companies with a solid foundation, strong ethics/vision/finances and that you can understand goes a long way for a successful investor.  •Think long term. Think long term. Small wins add up to a big win. Compound interest is undefeated.  •Carefully manage your FOMO, Fear of Missing Out. There is ALWAYS another opportunity. You are exactly where you should be. •There is always risk, use your research to mitigate the present risk, and take a chance.  •Your portfolio is relative and proportional, be careful comparing your portfolio to your peers and the internet. Work within your finances and stay focused on your goals. (Disclaimer: This content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. This is not financial advice.)

Dominique Bolts (Rocko Da Barber) is a natural, in every sense of the word. On this episode, Rocko discusses his upbringing and the journey to building a successful business in his hometown. Rocko has a great story and is a testament to hard work, authentic business acumen, and genuine relationships. I hope his journey and advice will inspire someone to keep progressing towards their goals. Thank you for Darren to Share Rocko. Click the LINK in my BIO for platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook etc.) Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a COMMENT with your favorite part. Thank you! • • Enjoy the conversation. I’m glad we could share!    Time Stamps:  •Intro – 01:30 •Rocko’s upbringing. – 02:45 •Rocko’s first job. – 08:43 •Early inspiration from his father. – 12:26 •How young Waco locals viewed Baylor university. – 13:03 •When Rocko first decided to become a barber. – 15:59 •Rocko Transitioning from barber school to renting his first shop. - 19:08 •Rocko’s influence to be financially independent. – 22:09 •The creation of Rock My Style. Influence from Rocko’s dad and grandmother. – 27:43 •First few year of building Rocko My Style and partnerships. – 33:33 •How Rocko used partnership with Athletes and  Greek life to grow his brand. – 36:50 •Rocko’s battle with confidence. - 39:09 •How Rocko juggled all his responsibilities at 21 years old. – 45:32 •Rocko’s throwing his first event and make his first “large” amount of money and doing what his loves. – 47:40 •Rocko paid off his car and did not jump to buy a new one. – 50:59 •Transition to where Rocko is today. Transition to solo barbershop. – 52:05 •Rocko talks about the Business behind his second shop.– 53:20 •Finances behind Rocko’s barbershop. 56:27  •Transition to selling apparel and getting to purchase his shop. – 59:50 •How Rocko spent his money.  – 1:00:30 •How Rocko built his clothing brand. – 1:02:00 •How Rocko got to where he is today. - 1:05:51 •Business Talk : Rocko’s transition to Owning a multi-barber shop. - 1:06:00 •Business Talk:  Rocko utilized pro-athlete  friendship to secure a business loan. - 1:11:00 •Business Talk: How Rocko found his third and current shop. - 01:17:15 •The podcast wrap up and take away. - 01:22:56     Take Aways:  Do not be afraid to reach out to strangers for opportunities. Ask the questions you would regret not asking before it is too late. Seek smart partnerships with your peers. Together, finances and ambition can be stronger. Push through your low self esteem and low confidence periods. The little wins will start building confidence. Rocko utilized his personal network (local college fraternities & athletes) to authentically promote his business. Invest in your social cache. When you put action behind your goals, answers always come back to you. That gives you the information needed to overcome challenges. I.E. The bank informing Rocko to file his business officially with the county. Study your clientele and root yourself in their community to build your business with authenticity.  Rocko embedded his business, barbering, into his name/social media handles. So every time someone said his name, it was also promo for his business. Delayed gratification builds generational wealth. Sacrifice now for a smoother future.  Rocko was never afraid to expand, allowing more business. Rocko Scaled his business by adding barbers to his shop who would pay him booth rent.  Do not be afraid of “Good Debt” I.E. Business loans.   Its not always about what you know but WHO you know.  Rocko utilized a contract with a family member to secure the first two months rent for his shop. Utilize your family resources. Learning is a continuous process, never stop asking questions. Literally. Look for atypical “investments” that will benefit your business. I.E. Parties helped Rocko build relationships and clientele.  Utilize group economics. A small amount from many people will make things happen! Utilize crowd funding  to raise funds for your business. Rocko utilized long distance business with his NFL friend to payoff his car.  Now that he had equity in his car, he used it as collateral for a business loan to buy his second shop. It is strategic moves like this that fuel great businesses. Think outside the box and explore all possible options. Study the difference between commercial and residential real estate before seeking real estate.  Establish rapport. Focus more on your relationships than money. Do not take things PERSONALLY.   #DarrenToSharePodcast #RockoDaBarber #DTSPod #Podcast #Millennial #Success #Health #Business #Growth #Learning #Sharing #Goals #HardWork #Motivation #Believe #Blessed #podcasting #spotify #podcastlife #BusinessPodcast #Investment#applepodcasts #entrepreneur #interview #podcastshow #motivation #Waco #Baylor #Barber #Hometown 

On episode 2 of The Darren to Share Podcast, Dominic and I have a dynamic conversation about family, moving away from home, quarantine, mentality and corporate job tips amongst other things. Dominic is a 24 year old IT Project Manager for a Fortune 500 bank, a DJ, and fraternity member. Enjoy the conversation. I’m glad we could share!    Key Take Aways: Personal - 1.Seek your PEACE, stay centered amongst the noise of the world. 2.Growth is a PROCESS. Everyone grows on their own timeline.  3.Don’t be afraid to make the FINANCIAL investment in your ideas. There is a return on investment (ROI).  Just go for it. 4.Once you flush out your idea, act RIGHT AWAY. Time is the most valuable ASSET we have.  5.Once you get over the first hump, the following are MUCH more manageable.  6.Sharing your talents, interests, and passion brings many opportunities your way, doors begin to open, and you learn faster.  7.Relax, enjoy your company! Be, PRESENT. Professional - 1.When beginning corporate life, identify your personal MORALS and ETHICS, and STAND on them. Be consistent.  2.Always remember you are working with PEOPLE. People are on THEIR journey as well. . Be personable. 3.Finding something IN COMMON with a coworker establishes TRUST and builds a better line of communication. 4.SOFT SKILLS are often overlooked, you can intentionally build soft skills that benefit you for a LIFETIME.  5.Building your NETWORK, builds your NET WORTH.  Time Stamps:  1. State of Mind with the world right now (00:52) 2. How the quarantine has benefited you the most (03:19) 3. The process of pursing his Dominic’s passion for music (04:38) 4. Where you see yourself in 5 years with DJ’ing (09:17) 5. Living away from home (12:55) 6. Biggest hump / Shock beginning corporate work (20:26) 7. Corporate experiences and tips (23:10)

On episode 1 of The Darren to Share Podcast, my guests and I have a dynamic conversation about success, mentality, journaling, professionalism, and identity amongst other things. Kodi is a 25 year old electrical engineer, app developer, and business owner with several years of experience. O'Neil is a 24 year old mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and musical artist with years of experience. Enjoy the conversation. I’m glad we could share! Please like and subscribe for the algorithms. Thank you! Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @DarrenToSharePodcast.    12 Key Take Aways: It’s only a failure if you don’t learn and apply that knowledge.  You are exactly where you are supposed to be. We all have a different timeline, don’t beat yourself up. When faced with new challenges, lean into your past successes and remember who YOU are.   Understand your failure reasons to master your follow up successes.  Don’t lose you identity in opportunities, job roles, and positions. Have the strength to say “no.” Stick to your plan, follow your principles. No preparation is waisted. If you miss one opportunity, the preparation will carry over and greatly benefit you in the next one.  Mindset is everything. Not “Why is this happening to me” , but “Why is this happening for me.” That first road block will help define your passion. If you don’t know what you passion is, follow your heart, try different things. You may even find passion for the journey itself.  Time value: Find a method of scheduling, apply priority to each item, schedule an increment of time for each item each day, don’t overload. Journaling: This a great way to express your creativity, relieve stress, tracker your progress, learn from you mistakes, and a great way to learn yourself.  Your brain is a muscle, exercise it.   Time Stamps:  Acceptance of “Failure” - 0:36  - Kodi Did not get the job after multiple interviews - 4:02 - Kodi I put to much of my identity into something - 8:26 - O’Neil Understanding your failure so that you can grow - 9:30 Turning down a higher position because you know your purpose - 11:49 Some of your best opportunity come from ambiguity - 12:59 - Darren  Missed out ? No, Now you won’t make the same mistake again - 13:00 Taking moments of failure and extracting the gems - 14:22 O’Neil  Hitting your first road block in an endeavor - 16:12 Kodi Following passion gives you that extra 10% of will - 18:37 - Darren What is your “Why?” - 21:02 O’Neil  Passion versus Necessity - 21:42 Dedication - 36:05 - Kodi & O’Neil The quadrant Method - 37:53 Darren  Documenting Goals - 40:20  The Power of Journaling - 43:10 Kodi  Trevor journaling - 44:19 - 45:30 Darren Taking your time to learn yourself is so crucial - 46:40 Reach high levels of understanding - 47:50 Your brain is a muscle - 48:13 - Darren When you’re younger you just do , do , do - 50:30 You must be aware enough to create the time - 51:27

This is the introduction episode for the Darren to Share Podcast! The purpose of the Darren to Share Podcast is to improve our overall well-being through sharing our experiences with one another. Through our different interests and areas of expertise, this podcast will center on the principles in the overlap of our interest. Through understanding these principles, we will learn from each other and reach our fullest potential in our individual endeavors. Let's learn and grow together!! Follow @DarrenToSharePodcast on instagram, YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcasts!!