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No accountability. No results. Who’s keeping you accountable?
Nikki Shapes L.A.
I met Nikki about a year ago via Twitter. My wife and I were starting to put together a business called Community Perks and looking for small businesses to partner with us to serve the non-profits and schools in Santa Monica. We agreed to sit down and meet over coffee and I’m sure glad we did. At one point, we traded services so I know what it’s like to train with Nikki. She’s very attentive, listens well, yet can tell how hard to push you by reading your body language. When you meet her, it’s hard to imagine she can push you hard because she’s so nice, but don’t let her charm fool you. Personal trainers are about image (to me at least). If they don’t look the part, why would you hire them? Nikki walks the talk and she’s also committed to eating healthy too. If you’re struggling with weight or performance, I highly recommend contacting her!
1) Health/Nutrition is obviously a HUGE issue in the United States, so why did you become a personal trainer?
Physical fitness has always been a part of me. Growing up with one sister, I was the one playing sports with my dad and loved it! I became a personal trainer because I wanted to teach people how working out can be fun and beneficial at the same time. The benefits are endless 🙂 I also wanted to teach people how to correctly perform exercises so they do not injure themselves!
2) Why did you decide to leave a gym and train on your own? What are the pros/cons of being your own boss?
The reason I stayed at my previous gym for so long was for my clients. I couldn’t leave them! But life is about timing and I couldn’t stay at a gym (they changed owners) where I didn’t believe in their philosophy so that was my reason to leave! I took the leap and never looked back. Sometimes you just need a little push. If you love what you do and are passionate about what you do, you will succeed. Their are only pros to being my own boss. I get to make my schedule and get paid for all the time/energy that I put into my clients (instead of the gym taking 75%). You get out as much as you put into your business.
3) How would your clients describe your style of training?
I think they would say challenging, but fun. Each workout is different so they never get bored!
4) How do you gain new and retain current clients?
I believe I retain my clients because I actually really care about my clients and their goals. I also try and teach them how to make this a lifestyle change. You always have a couple people that don’t get it, but at least I can say I gave 110%. I gain new clients through my website, yelp, or referrals.
5) What’s one piece of advice you want to give fellow entrepreneurs?
If you believe in your product and work hard, you will succeed.
Nikki Kitamura has been a Personal Fitness Coach for over 13 years. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a B.S. in Kinesiology and is AFAA, CPR, Nutrition and First Aid certified. Nikki uses a “whole health” approach to solutions that ensures my clients experience lasting, sustainable results that improve their quality of life, confidence and overall well being.
See Jane Hustle
I met Jane through a network event I used to run called Career Synergy. She came with some friends and immediately showed an interest in getting her business started. At the time she was getting her photography business off the ground and we asked her to take some pictures of our family. We were very impressed with the quality of work she did and we referred her to our friends. Since then we’ve kept in contact and it’s been neat to see Jane grow. She has a sweet personality plus add that with her ambition and hard work and I know she’ll go far.
1) I know you’re doing a couple of things career-wise currently, so what sparks your entrepreneurial spirit?
My entrepreneurial spirit comes from just wanting to work for myself. I feel that there is more fulfillment in knowing that all the hours I spend envisioning, creating, marketing, and producing are well worth my time because I can work as hard as I want to in order to take ownership and achieve my own goals. For me, my passion is in real estate and photography. My motivation comes from knowing that if there is no “ceiling”, I work as hard as I can to produce the outcome that I want — I am in control of that.
2) What’s been the biggest challenge marketing yourself & getting your name out there?
My work is very much referral based so the more clients that are happy with working with me, the more clients I will get referred to. The biggest challenge in marketing is branding and setting yourself apart from the competition. I always try to think what can I do to make myself stand out. Branding and having a good reputation is important and definitely takes time to establish.
3) Sounds like you have a LOT on your plate, what do you do to keep yourself from going crazy?
I enjoy having a lot to do — I’m driven by a busy schedule. Sometimes when I don’t have a full schedule, I feel like a piece is missing and I need to go out and do something. Don’t get me wrong, I do have those days where I feel completely overwhelmed and need stay back to reboot. What I find most helpful is to have a schedule with a to-do list. I like to write out all the things I need to accomplish in a specific day and as I complete them, check them off. I feel accomplished and productive when I see my list of to-do’s dwindling. What also keeps me going is that I love what I do so it does not feel like I’m working. Every client is different and working with them adds a new chapter in my book.
4) What skill has helped you the most as an entrepreneur?
For me, the ability to be flexible and level-headed is key as an entrepreneur. Nothing ever goes according to plan. Well maybe that’s an exaggeration, but most of the time since I’m dealing with clients, there are many variables that can affect the outcome. Not everyone will end up signing with me and that can be due to reasons out of my control. I can’t let that get to me and need to move on.
5) What’s one piece of advice you want to give to fellow entrepreneurs?
Everyone knows starting your own business is not easy. You may not see the results you want in a day, week, or even a year. You just have to keep your head held high, knock away all negativity and continue on. Every day is a new day and you can make great things happen, I guarantee it. You’ll have to write down goals and have someone keep you accountable so you stay on track. It sounds cliche but you need to believe in yourself. Surround yourself with good people that believe in and support you.
Jane graduated from UCLA with a degree in Economics. She is currently a realtor at Keller Williams Larchmont, and works closely with her team with over 15 years of experience. Her passion for real estate comes from wanting to help others find a comfortable residence where they can call “home”. She is driven to service her clients by making sure they get her utmost attention and care. Jane speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin, and is heavily involved with the Asian community. Jane is also a passionate portrait photographer, specializing in engagement, wedding, and baby photography. Her portfolio is at www.janeshaphotography.com
How to Tune out the Noise
No matter where you work there are constant distractions.
Some are uncontrollable like co-workers, bathroom breaks, phone alerts, etc.
Others are controllable (especially if you work at home or remotely): TV, snacks, chores around the house, etc.
Bottom line: there are distractions EVERYWHERE.
So how to you tune out that “noise” and optimize your performance?
1) Find your “happy place.” Setting has a LOT to do with how much you get done and to what level of quality. For myself I prefer to work at home alone. Sure, there are distractions, but I get the most done there so I schedule pockets of time to do my most important work by myself. Hey, if Happy Gilmore can do it, why can’t you?
2) Know your peak energy levels. If you split the day into mornings, afternoons and evenings, when are you the sharpest? Tasks can usually be split into 3 categories: catch-up (emails, follow-up, etc.), meetings & urgent work. My peak is late morning to early afternoon, so I prefer to meet in the mornings to get my creative juices flowing and give me momentum before doing my most important work. Energy suckers like checking emails can be done around the other two tasks in my opinion. Emails aren’t going anywhere and it’s up to you to decide when to respond. Prioritize based on efficiency.
3) Take short breaks. Think interval training. Go hard for a while, then rest for a short break. Your brain can only handle about 90 minutes of concentrated work without losing focus or making mistakes. When you feel a bit tired or “brain dead,” step away from your desk and take a walk, have a snack or talk to a friend. Breaks are like rest for your brain. Imagine your performance on zero sleep. Your brain needs to rejuvenate too.
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense (although as a Lakers fan I can’t stand Mike D’Antoni). If you schedule ahead and prevent distractions, they won’t control you. Create a personalized game plan to get your best work done now! If you need further suggestions, let’s talk!
What do you have to lose by not starting?
The Hardest Part is…
…getting started.
It’s where excuses appear and dreams disappear.
When you think about it goals are merely a means to an end. Momentum is built after goal accomplishment. Confidence is gained through the process.
Even after knowing that, STILL the hardest part is getting started. That’s why it’s not as important to get it completely right the first time. You and I learn by trial and error. Get the ball rolling by doing something (rather than nothing)!
Most lifestyle entrepreneurs want to monetize their hobbies/passions. I suggest doing this part-time before quitting your day job. Figure out a way to make money doing what you love. It may happen slow, but if you don’t try how will you know if it works or not? It’s like old basketball adage, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Another crucial factor is accountability (or lack thereof). Tell a friend. Write it down somewhere you will see it daily. Hire a coach.
Do whatever it takes to get started because after you do, it’s much easier to keep going.
How will you monetize your passion?
Q & A w/ Serial Entrepreneur – Gail Cayetano Classick
I met Gail in 2011 through a mutual friend who insisted that I had to meet her. My first impression upon meeting her was ‘I’ve never met someone so nice AND business-savvy.” After briefly talking, I continued to keep in touch with her and eventually coaxed her into speaking at my network event. I’ve witnessed her successfully launch and run several businesses and continue to be impressed at her drive, execution and personal touch. Get ready to soak up some wisdom while reading her answers! In fact I’ll be hosting The Secrets to Entrepreneurial Profitability with her a week from today in Santa Monica. Get your tickets here!
1) What’s your drive/motivation as a serial entrepreneur?
I enjoy building things from the ground up – my approach to anything is I put my head down, work hard, and don’t come up for air until I know I have a business that is sustainable. Looking back on my life I’ve always been the one to start or lead things from an early age, whether it was the new club at school, a new approach on how to fundraise for a nonprofit, or coaching a team that could use the help. That internal motivation is something that naturally permeates into all aspects of my life.
2) What has been the ‘common thread’ of success with your 3 businesses?
I know I am not an expert in all aspects of business, and realizing that from the get-go has enabled me to build strong businesses by forming partnerships with others who are much more knowledgeable, successful and interested in those parts of the business than I am. I stick to what I know I do well (typically marketing and business development) and leave the rest to the experts in the other fields. These types of collaborations have catapulted the growth rate of any business I’ve been involved in.
3) Most entrepreneurs are passionate about their idea, but how do you make the transition of turning your hobby into a business that makes money?
For anyone starting a business they need to realize that they can have the best, most unique, top-of-the-line product or service out there, but if they don’t know how to go out and make money, then their hobby isn’t a business. No one (well, almost no one) likes to go out and try to make sales happen (not even me), but if you’re not willing to go out and ask for the sale and overcome those fears, then you won’t be able to make a living. If you really, really, really don’t want to go out and sell your product or service, then you will have to hire people that can do that for you, and manage them well.
4) When it’s all said and done, what type of impact do you want to leave on people?
I don’t need to be famous for some groundbreaking new approach or business (I actually hate being the center of attention), but if the way I do business can inspire someone else to live out their dreams like I have, then that would make me happy. I want someone to look at what I’ve done and push forward with their ideas because they know that if a regular person like me can do it and make an honest living, they can too.
5) What’s one piece of advice you want to give fellow entrepreneurs?
“If you’re going to fail, fail fast.” That’s one of my favorite sayings and I believe I truly operate that way. The business world moves so quickly nowadays that you need to hit the ground running. If you are starting a business, YOU are setting the pace of the company. YOU are. Not anyone else – not the industry you’ve chosen to be in, not the circumstances surrounding you, not your staff. What’s worked for me is allowing myself and my team to take risks and make mistakes, as long as they don’t spend days/weeks/months agonizing over whether they should even try in the first place. I want people to learn, to try, and to move on quickly if it doesn’t work out.
Gail Cayetano is the Co-Founder of Starfish Creative Events, a full service event marketing firm formed in 2008 that specializes in events and promotions for corporate and entertainment clients (including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Konami, Virgin and Namco Bandai), as well as CEO of Shop Talk Los Angeles, a strategic partnership consultancy for mid-to large- sized businesses (clients include Hasbro, Boston University, Warner Bros. and Tweak Footwear) formed in 2011.
Most recently Gail has teamed up with her sisters to bring to life Cayetano Legacy Collection, a women’s statement accessories brand whose focus is to collaborate with citizens in the beautiful but third world country of the Philippines, to assist them in gaining additional skills and encouraging economic growth through the design training programs that CLC supports. The goal of Gail and her two sisters Karen and Christine is to provide “hand ups, not hand outs” to the country that has given them their heritage.
In Gail’s free time she serves as Chairwoman of the Children’s Miracle Network’s Extra Life Marathon and is on the Board of Directors for the Toast Our Vets nonprofit. Prior to her entrepreneurial work and after receiving her BS from Boston University, Gail rose the ranks in the business world with stints at companies such as Activision and Konami Digital Entertainment. In 2008 she was named The Stevie Awards’ “Best Young Entrepreneur,” 2010 to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Twenty in their 20’s” honoree list and 2011’s “Best Young Entrepreneur” by the FAOCCOC.
On a scale of 1 – 10, how focused were you this week? Why?
Growing Forward 