Getting Down To Business with Mark Mondo

Cynthia & I interview Renée Michaud, a money and abundance coach from Vancouver, British Columbia. Renée specializes in helping people mend their complicated relationships with money to achieve greater success and happiness. The discussion covers several key points: Fear and Money: Renée explains how fear impacts our cognitive abilities and leads to poor financial decisions. When people are in a state of fear, they often sabotage their financial success by engaging in coping mechanisms like overeating or unnecessary spending. Relationship with Money: The conversation delves into the deeply ingrained beliefs and emotional patterns around money, often stemming from childhood and family influences. Renée emphasizes the importance of recognizing and transforming these patterns to create a healthier relationship with money. Mindset and Abundance: Renée encourages listeners to shift their mindset from viewing money as a necessary evil or a source of stress to seeing it as a neutral energy that can be a supportive partner. She suggests practical exercises like journaling about one’s feelings towards money and envisioning a positive relationship with it. Generational Influence: The discussion touches on how generational beliefs about money can impact our current financial behaviors. Renée highlights the importance of updating these outdated beliefs to align with present-day goals and aspirations. Practical Steps: Renée provides actionable steps for listeners to start improving their relationship with money, including being non-judgmental about their current financial situation, becoming aware of their automatic thoughts about money, and welcoming money as a positive force in their lives.  

Cynthia & I sit down with Nils Welham, an business coach and founder of The Uncaged Existence. Nils shares his journey from a corporate career to coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, vision, and systems in achieving business success and personal fulfillment. What You'll Learn: Introduction to Nils Welham: Nils' diverse background, including living in multiple countries and extensive travel. His mission to help individuals find joy and freedom by being true to themselves. Transition from Corporate to Coaching: Nils' initial career in financial services and the realization that it wasn't fulfilling. The pivotal moments and personal experiences that led him to pursue coaching. Cultivating Vision and Authenticity: The importance of having a clear, personal vision beyond societal expectations. Nils' approach to helping clients uncover their true desires and align their actions with their values. Balancing Financial Security and Passion: Strategies for managing financial risks while transitioning to a new career. The role of part-time jobs and gradual changes in building a sustainable business. Systems and Personal Growth: How effective systems and self-reflection are critical to achieving long-term goals. The interplay between faith, vision, and practical steps in creating a successful business. Real-life Examples and Client Success Stories: Nils shares examples of clients who have successfully navigated transitions by staying true to their vision and values. The impact of choosing love over fear in business decisions. Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Nils providing practical advice on maintaining authenticity and staying committed to one's vision. The hosts reflect on the importance of continuous personal growth and setting boundaries to achieve professional and personal success.

Cynthia & I sit down with Allyne Agrest, the founder of Amazing Estate Sales in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Starting during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a successful estate sales entrepreneur, Allyne shares her journey of building a thriving business that works for buyers, sellers, and herself. Discover her unique approach to estate sales, including clever marketing strategies, her knack for emotional intelligence, and her practical systems that keep everything running smoothly. Allyne also reveals her favorite incentive program—giving away the estate's liquor with a minimum purchase of $100.00. This innovative program helps the estate clear unsellable items, boosts Allyne's profits, and provides buyers with added value. Allyne tells a positive story in an era where it's way too easy to be cynical or unethical.

Cynthia & I interview Chandra Spary-Kontinos, the founder of Card Systems.  She has over 30 years of experience in the merchant service industry. Her extensive background includes involvement in the RSPA, ETA and Dress for Success for southwest Florida. Main Discussion Points: Evolution of Payment Systems: Transition from manual card imprints to digital transactions has revolutionized payment processing. Efficiency in Payments: Electronic payment systems, including credit cards and ACH, offer improved efficiency and security over traditional methods like checks. Challenges with Payment Costs: The discussion covers the high costs associated with reward credit cards and how they impact small businesses. Surcharging and Dual Pricing: Trends in surcharging and dual pricing help businesses manage transaction fees by passing them onto consumers. Preventing Internal Embezzlement: Vigilance in monitoring employee transactions, implementing strict controls, and regular financial audits are crucial. Modern payment systems that restrict unauthorized refunds and require transaction authorizations can mitigate risks. Legal and Regulatory Landscape: Chandra discusses a class action lawsuit where merchants claimed that Visa and Mastercard charged excessive interchange fees. The settlement offers compensation to affected merchants who register by May 31st, 2024.  Contact us to register at no charge to you..

Cynthia & I interview Yami Hu, the founder of Three Legged Coffee Brewing, a craft brewery specializing in all-natural, zero-calorie cold brew coffees. Yami shares her journey from a corporate American to entrepreneurship, sparked by her desire for a more fulfilling professional life. She discusses the challenges and successes she faced while starting her business, including leveraging a Kickstarter campaign to fund the initial stages and planning a unique coffee brewery and taproom in Lindenhurst, Illinois. Key points from the interview include: Yami’s transition from a long career in corporate America to starting her own business. The inspiration behind the name "Three Legged Brewing" comes from her three-legged dog, Mogwai, who became the company's mascot. The benefits of cold brew coffee and Yami’s passion for the product. Her experience on the reality TV show "The Blocks," which focuses on entrepreneurship. The use of Kickstarter as a crowdfunding platform to support her business. Challenges of competing with major brands like Starbucks and the importance of unique branding and community engagement. The strategic decision to open a brick-and-mortar location to increase cash flow and visibility. Throughout the episode, Yami emphasizes the importance of community support, learning from others, and the mental resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also highlights her commitment to creating a multifaceted business that includes both a physical retail presence and distribution of her products.

Cynthia & I interview Michelle McCorry, MS CMR, a pioneer in health sharing plans offers a new perspective on healthcare solutions in America.  As we dive into the limitations of traditional health insurance, Michelle illustrates how alternative models can provide effective, affordable care. With the U.S. health system facing critical scrutiny—ranking below many other nations despite high spending—this episode sheds light on innovative strategies that could reshape healthcare. Tune in to discover how we can achieve better health outcomes without breaking the bank. Stats we cite in the episode: The American system is the only private one in the world.  27M are uninsured (9%).https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance_coverage_in_the_United_States If we follow the Legatum Prosperity Index, the US ranks 68th in outcomes with Singapore #1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legatum_Prosperity_Index  According to the Peterson Center on Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit non-partisan, we spend $12,914 per capita and have a life expectancy of 76.1 years. Meanwhile, Japan is 84.5 years and spends $4,666.Source:  https://tinyurl.com/3vh9zyh8

Cynthia & I talk to George Schwabe and Paul Katz, two renowned figures known for their innovative approaches to financial security and risk management. George and Paul share their expertise on evaluating estates and explore a variety of financial instruments beyond life insurance, such as annuities, and why they might be a better fit—or not—for your financial strategy. The best part of the show is listening to Paul's no-nonsense approach as he likens himself to our favorite curmudgeon.  However, there is a balance between trust, likability and getting honesty when addressing these important topics.  Paul & George discuss their approach on how this is accomplished.  

I interview Carlos Pelaez, a commercial real estate agent working at Baron Commercial Real Estate in Stuart, Florida. Carlos shares his story of his family emigrating from Cuba after Castro nationalized their land, and they had to start over in the US.   After working as a prosecutor in Orlando, Carlos wanted to change careers to earn more money after getting saddled with debt from law school. Carols shares what works during his career selling timeshares, residential and commercial real estate in the Florida market.   Actually, those skills transcend geography if you want to get into selling real estate or sales in general. He uses his skills to overcome the fear of rejection to pitch President Trump in person at Marl-A-Lago.  Find out what happens next.  (Spoiler Alert: The Secret Service gets involved)  

In this episode, Mark & Cynthia welcome Barb Noote, the managing broker from Noote Partners, who began her remarkable career at just 18 – a move so unprecedented that it influenced Illinois state licensing laws. Barb shares her journey, including how she built a successful team in an industry where income is often solely commission-based, and the nuances of becoming a real estate agent. The discussion also touches on the impact of the buyer's commission lawsuit and its implications for sellers and agents alike. Barb provides valuable insights into acquiring properties with lower down payments through state and county programs, the advantages of buying in the short term, and how she successfully overcame the challenges of being a young newcomer in the real estate market. Additionally, Mark and Cynthia contrast their own real estate experiences, highlighting the importance of professional guidance in property transactions.

Cynthia & I discuss how and why to set goals, even if you are self-employed and do not need to answer to investors or a sales manager. And we end the year on a fun note citing our favorite sitcom character's side hustles.  Especially, Cosmo Kramer of Kramerica Industries.

Cynthia & I interview Amanda Blair MacDonald to learn how she went from performing in New York to teaching among several local universities including DePaul (What about Loyola, Amanda? 😉 ) . She helps performers through mind and body balance using The Alexander Technique & Movement Pattern Analysis with Amanda Blair MacDonald and Laban methodologies.    Amanda knows her stuff, and she's presented at a TedX talk as well.

Cynthia Zimmerman & I interview The Campos Collective, a trio of innovative musicians who share their journey on how they adapted to the marketplace as performers. They’re a group of Chicago-native musicians and close friends who are passionate about creating their interpretation of well-known music through film, theatrical enactment, and design.  Their music was recently featured on the Howard Stern Wrap-Up show. They have received feedback from supporters such as…“Absolutely phenomenal,” “This is ethereal and magical!” and “One of my favorite channels now!” You can find them sharing new videos every Friday on their YouTube Channel: The Campos Collective.

Cynthia & I interview Bob Lambert, the regional director of G7, a faith-based networking group.  Instead of taking the standard approach we experience in networking groups like BNI, Le Tip or a chamber of commerce, G7 explicitly employs faith to help people fiscally and spiritually.   With Cynthia's upbringing in the Methodist missionary community and Bob's return to faith after being raised in Roman Catholic household, we took a look at a different view (at least for me) on how this could work for many people. After all, after 20+ interviews, we have learned entrepreneurs require a support system.  It's not a solo act.

Mark and Cynthia interview professional Chicago musician, Luis Antonio Galvez-Alcantara, who shared his impressive journey of becoming a successful musical entrepreneur. He’s a native of Lima, Peru, and a sought-after singer described as ‘…the golden tenor’ by Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun Times, and ‘…a gorgeous operatic tenor voice’ by the Third Coast Review. In addition to performing, he teaches, is the Director of Choral Music at Mary, Mother of Divine Grace Parish, and the Founder and Executive Director of the North Shore Opera Hour, a 501(c) (3) non-profit. Not only does Luis provide insight into following one's passion but also the need to hone one's talent and skills for long-term success, especially when running a non-profit organization.   

Join Mark & Cynthia as we dive into the world of e-mail marketing with Vivek Gargav, the Marketing Director at Caldere Associates hailing from Reading, United Kingdom. Vivek is a seasoned professional with a passion for CRM software development and digital marketing. With over 20 years of experience in the CRM industry, he has showcased his expertise working extensively with tools like Zoho CRM, Zoho Social, Zoho Campaigns, and Zoho Analytics. Beyond his professional commitments, Vivek is a dedicated electric guitar player, a rugby enthusiast, and a sci-fi buff. We explore why e-mail marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses, the risks of using regular e-mail clients for bulk messaging, and the components of an effective e-mail campaign. Additionally, Cynthia contributes shares insights on how a non-profit agency leverages e-mail marketing. She delves into the importance of testing, the necessity for constant learning to avoid spam filters, and the significance of market segmentation to reach the right audience effectively. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned marketer, this episode promises to offer insights that can elevate your e-mail marketing game.

I delve into the complex world of commercial credit, joined by expert Matthew Bruggeman. We navigate through the intricate landscape of credit philosophy, mechanics, and the elusive promised land of financial stability for small business owners. Philosophy: Our discussion kicks off by unraveling the stark contrast between business and personal credit, emphasizing why this differentiation is pivotal. Matthew shares insights into the critical aspects of credit identifiers and risk assessment, and why the system remains far from being fixed. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood notion: "Don't hate the player, hate the game." Mechanics: We take a deep dive into the mechanics of credit, deciphering the significance of scores and statistics. They discuss innovative approaches to bridge the gaps in credibility, red flags, anti-fraud measures, and the importance of reporting across credit bureaus. The exploration extends to the depth of accounts and uncovers the key aspects of building robust business credit. Promised Land: The episode wraps up with a tantalizing glimpse into the Promised Land – the ultimate goal for small business owners. Our host also shares their personal story, marked by the cynicism and perplexity of the credit world, recounting their experiences during the Great Recession of 2008 and the unexpected upside of credit during the COVID era, exemplified by the EIDL loan.

In this episode, we redefine competitors as potential collaborators. Discover insightful discussions with CRM industry experts Steve Stroz and Alan Lee. Steve Stroz is a CRM expert with over two decades of experience, chosen as a speaker by top companies and known for founding industry events. Alan Lee, founder of E TECH SYSTEMS, is your guide to using CRM systems for Sales, Customer Service, and Lead Generation. Tune in to hear these experts share remarkable collaboration stories. Alan shares the story of creating a peer group of 100 members who share details to help CRM consultants succeed. Meanwhile, Steve and Mark recount the time when Steve bailed out Mark's client during a weekend project to convert Act! to Hubspot after Mark's client's employee bailed. These real-world examples demonstrate the power of collaboration in business. Get ready for transformative insights and success stories on turning competitors into collaborators.  You'll be surprised on the results!  The three of us work less while retaining profitability.

Mark and Cynthia dive into the world of real estate with their guest, Lucas Herren. Lucas, a dual-licensed real estate professional affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Illinois and Indiana earned a reputation as a top-tier expert in the field by closing $2 million in sales in his very first year, Lucas's success is underpinned by his unwavering commitment to exceptional service and a deep understanding of the local real estate market. In this episode, you'll get an insider's perspective on the real estate industry as Lucas shares his insights on how middle-class individuals can leverage their first home as a pivotal investment to build their net worth.  

Mark and Cynthia delve deep into the world of cybersecurity with Thomas Gottfried, the owner of Thomas Guard based in Libertyville, Illinois. With 25 years of experience spanning manufacturing, supply chain management, and information technology, Thomas focuses on businesses with under 10 PCs, helping them through all their I.T. requirements. Join us as we uncover the secrets of cyber threats, from deceptive emails that lure you into clicking dangerous links to hackers disguising malicious websites as legitimate brands like HP. Thomas shares stories of how hackers manipulate phone calls to install malware, remotely control PCs, and steal sensitive data, including banking details. You'll also hear about a real-world incident where USB flash drives near military bases were used to deceive individuals into installing malware at the Department of Defense. Thomas offers valuable solutions to help protect yourself from email scams and deceptive callers. Tom and Cynthia, improvise a phone call in which Cynthia fends off a hacker attempting to steal her confidential information, including her social security number. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will empower you to safeguard your digital life!

We dive deep into the remarkable life and inspirational journey of Annie Mendez-McDaniel. A certified Life, Law of Attraction, and Transformation Coach, Annie is also the author of "Simply Unapologetic," a memoir that chronicles her extraordinary path to resilience and personal growth. She takes us through the challenges of surviving abusive marriages and, most importantly, the keys that empowered her to break free from those toxic relationships. Annie candidly discusses the internal barriers that once held her back from taking that courageous step until she reached her breaking point. But Annie's journey doesn't stop at personal transformation. She's also a global explorer, having ventured across all seven continents and over ninety countries. Annie's adventures serve as a powerful testament to the idea that living unapologetically and conquering our fears can turn our wildest dreams into reality. Moderated by producer Cynthia Zimmerman, this discussion offers invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone on the fence, looking for that spark of inspiration to embark on their own transformative journey. Annie's concrete results, including visiting all seven continents in just one year while maintaining a full-time job without being a millionaire, serve as living proof that it's possible to turn dreams into achievable goals.