004 Liam Doe: The assets are going to bail you out

How much time do you lose blaming others or getting angry?

I used to get so angry when things would go wrong. I’d get home and rant at my poor wife Sarah. It was all such a big drama! I wasted SO much energy all the time.

This episode is about being accountable. I am where I am today because of my own actions and things that I have done. As soon as I stopped blaming other people and looked within and said, “what do I need to do?” things changed.

It’s about putting your ego aside. We waste so much energy getting angry over things we have no control over. 

Work on yourself, what do you need to do?

Stop wasting time. Focus that energy on how to build yourself and your business. We have such a limited amount every day, use it towards something worthwhile. Anger is actually a great emotion when it can be channelled to your advantage.

But as always, what do you think?

All the best, 

Henri

#Anger #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur #BlameGame

Ever been labelled as…

An anxious person?

A negative person?

A depressed person?

That you’ve imposter syndrome?

Yes? 

Then this podcast episode is for you! I’ve felt all those feelings too. That I am winging it, out my comfort zone, stressed and sad. But just because you feel a certain way, it does not define you.

When I started this podcast, I really felt imposter syndrome, but I did not let this define me, I just recognised that I felt it in certain moments.

The problem is that when we give ourselves a label, we start to believe in them.

We all have feelings, and they are either positive or negative. Its about using that sadness to find happiness. For example, what do you need to do to change your future which will make your past better?

Your self-talk will define who you are and how you show up. Don’t magnify the negativity!

This podcast is about recognising that “sometimes” in a moment you will have those feelings – its normal, it’s part of life – but does not need to define you. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode?

All the best, 

Henri

#Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur

Do you recall, I did a past episode on finding your winning formula? What do you need to do to be the best business owner, husband, dad, friend and how do you turn up as your best self? This episode focuses on what you need to do to create it.

Don’t you find routine goes out the window at Christmas? In those two weeks you lose your rhythm, wake up at no set time, forget what day of the week it is. I found last Christmas I was a bit lost because of this. I got into a negative mindset, then I suddenly realised I had got out of a routine.

The people who are disciplined and have a routine are consistent for their families and their business success. But how do you do this? You need to be selfish to be selfless!

You can’t do it all the time but the people who create success are those who still turn up even though they can’t be bothered. They push through. 

It takes 90 days to create a new habit. The first 30 days you’re motivated, but the tough part is between 30-60 days. How do you get through that bit? Don’t accept the routine that you’ve got, work out what you want that makes you feel good, keeps you focused and allows you to turn up as your best. Even if that involves trial and error. Move it from a chore to a habit in 90 days.

Turn good intention into habit in just 90 days.

Do you agree, have you managed to do this?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

All the best, Henri

#Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur

Celebrating our 100th milestone episode! 

Firstly, I want to personally thank you all, we are now No 1 in the Entrepreneurship Podcast charts and rapidly climbing all the other podcast charts. I have loved producing them and hearing how they have impacted your life and business. Over the past two years, we've explored topics like business, addiction, self-improvement and personal growth together.

In this special episode, I delve into the power of collaboration through joint ventures and partnerships with business coach Jay Allen. We discuss key aspects such as the difference between partnerships and joint ventures, the risks of going into business with friends, shared control and budgeting and the importance of having an exit strategy.

Remember, your business shouldn't dictate your life. Choose the life you want, and let your business serve that vision. To celebrate the 100th episode we’re offering a downloadable check list guide on what to consider when entering joint ventures or partnerships [here].

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to a hundred more episodes of growth, collaboration and making a positive impact together. Your support means everything, so please subscribe, review our podcast, and spread the word!

With gratitude, Henri

#Episode100 #Entreprenuer #FailForward

I left school with no exams, just this unconventional award at the school prom, “most likely to go to prison award”. My mum was so proud.

This episode delves into the heart of the narrative of this whole podcast — the recognition that failure is part of the journey towards success. 

Drawing from my experiences of business setbacks and overcoming drug addiction, I explore the concept of reinvention. Breaking free from the cycle of habits, stepping out of comfort zones all prompt the need for change. 

I went through about a dozen counsellors for my drug addiction and the last one clicked with me he simply asked, “who do I want to be in 5 years” and he helped me set the intention for this new direction.

Yes, you are going to have to deal with difficult things, we can blame other people, our situation, external factors and become the victim. But it’s all about acknowledging the value of difficult times, and never giving up. Dark times are part of the process.

As always, let me know what you think.

All the best, 

Henri

#Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur

If you’ve recently been questioning, 'How do I charge less?' maybe now is the time to ask yourself, 'How do I charge more?'

Dive into the realities of business finance in Episode 98, where I share my personal journey through the challenges of running a low-margin business. Money in the bank doesn’t always mean profit, especially in sectors like tree surgery. 

We'll explore the traps of competing on price, the importance of distinguishing between cash flow and revenue, and why being the cheapest often leads to more stress.

Learn the value of focusing on your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and delivering more value, rather than cutting prices. Understand the significant impact of effective sales and marketing, and why moving away from the lowest price can lead to a smoother, more successful business operation.

The race to the bottom is never going to create success for anybody unless you’re a supermarket! 

A crucial listen for anyone navigating the complex waters of business finance. 

As always, let me know what you think.

All the best, Henri.

In this episode I delve into the challenging but common experience of encountering trolls and negative feedback online. Something I experienced first hand, and still do, but I have learned to handle criticism, whether from strangers, or even friends and family in my case, and turn it to an advantage. 

If I listened to the trolls I would not be in this position: position No 2 in the Entrepreneur Apple Podcast, top 10 in business and within the Top 50 podcast in USA for Business and Entrepreneurship.

If you are trolled, most people’s immediate response is to retort and defend. I know I did to begin. It’s a pure fight or flight response. But I shifted initial defensive reactions to responding rationally and with integrity. The fact is they are only trolling you because you are making them feel uncomfortable about what they are doing in their life.

You will face imposter syndrome head on and question yourself as you become more visible on platforms like social media and podcasting. But I encourage you all to step outside of your comfort zone. 

Bizarrely, the unexpected advantage of trolls in increasing the visibility of your content due to the way social media algorithms work. So, in a way, each troll contributes to spreading your message further. Thanks trolls!

My message is clear: don't be deterred by trolls, when you are trolled it’s a sign you’ve made it! 

So - just keep on keeping on. 

All the best, Henri.

In this latest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I ask are you unknowingly sitting upon a goldmine? 

After losing my tree surgery business, I initially believed that my industry was one of the hardest. But as I rebuilt the business, I realised I had always been sitting on my own goldmine.

Key Insights from My Experience:

Diversification of Income: I learned the hard way the importance of having multiple income streams. Uncovering the Hidden 'Goldmine': Inspired by Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," I share the story of a gold miner who finds gold by merely changing his direction in the mine. This taught me to look closer within my current industry, recognising its potential rather than constantly seeking new ventures.

Focus Over Expansion: Initially, I expanded to nine revenue streams but soon realised the importance of focus. I scaled back to concentrate on three core businesses, understanding that spreading myself too thin diluted my efforts.

Investing vs. Spending: I emphasise the significant difference between spending money and investing it wisely. I suggest considering various investment opportunities like stocks, crypto, property, watches, and artwork.

Concentrating Efforts for Success: The episode is a call to action for listeners to stop being distracted by every new opportunity and instead, focus on maximising the potential of their current business. 

It's about finding and nurturing the one 'goldmine' you already have.

I hope this episode inspires you to look within your current ventures for hidden opportunities.

Let me know what you think?

All the best, Henri.

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#motivation #businessowner #entrepreneur #mindset

In this episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I take a deep dive into the role of workplace culture, reflecting on my own journey with two invaluable team members, Sophie Rogers and Mike Netley. This episode is dedicated to them!

Twelve years ago, when Mike started, it was just me, Mike, a van and a chipper. Sophie joined us nine years later. From those early days, my goal was always to create a safe and welcoming place to work, a place that genuinely looked after its people.

This episode really homes in on the importance of thinking about how we, as business owners, look after our staff. Whether you already have a team or are planning to build one, this is a crucial aspect. The commitment from a well-cared-for team is tangible - they show up, they want the business to succeed, and they feel heard. It's about avoiding a revolving door of staff, where people leave due to confusion and lack of commitment. People don't leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses!

Looking after your team isn't just the right thing to do from a human perspective; it also positively affects your business's top line. When I was in the trenches years ago Mike and Sophie hung around. When I had my stroke, they stepped up and gave me the opportunity to take the time off. Without these people my life would be chaos.

I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your workplace culture and how you can nurture a team that is as committed to your success as you are.

And finally, a huge thank you to Sophie and Mike for always being there.

If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

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Episode 94 of the Fail Forward podcast delves into the crucial question: 'Why invest in a business mentor?'

The episode explores the two paths’ business owners can take—paying in time or paying in money. Henri emphasises the pitfalls of relying solely on free resources and fumbling your way through endless mistakes to get to your goal in 10 years (if you’re lucky that is). Or the impact of investing in mentors who have done it, learnt the lessons, and can now advise you against them so you can get you your goal in half the time.

Henri recognises it can be a minefield in finding the right mentor, it can be like the “Wild West”. There are two spectrums, those coaching others who have just done a year’s training themselves, and those who are so successful with heaps of experience that they have forgotten what it was like in the early days or running a business.

But one thing is for sure, all successful businesses that Henri sees in the property world and tree surgery world are all being mentored by someone. Even Elon Musk and Richard Branson have mentors, if they have why wouldn’t you?

It is never too late. Find someone who has walked your path and work with them to accelerate growth in your business. Remember the best insights come from failures!

Hope you like this episode, drop me a DM with your comments.
Henri.

 If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12
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