Podcast Summary
Listening to our bodies for productivity and emotional balance: Consume food and drinks in moderation, listen to your body for optimal productivity and emotional state, and follow your passions to find success
Finding balance in what we eat and drink can significantly impact our productivity and emotional state. Gabby Dawson, a cookbook author, private chef, and food lifestyle writer, shares her insights on this topic. She emphasizes that it's essential to listen to our bodies and consume everything in moderation. Gabby, who runs the popular website "What's Gabi Cooking," also discusses her career transition from a business degree to becoming a chef. She shares how her experiences in pre-med and fashion PR and marketing led her to culinary school, ultimately leading her to build a successful food media empire. Gabby's journey highlights the importance of following our passions and trusting our instincts to lead us to success.
Following your passion can lead to unexpected opportunities: Deviating from the typical path can lead to fulfilling and financially rewarding experiences
Following your passion and breaking the norm can lead to unexpected and successful opportunities. The speaker, for instance, started as a hobbyist blogger while attending culinary school, but later transitioned into private chefing. This career move was unconventional, as private chefs are typically seen as formal, professional figures. However, the speaker found success by embracing her unique personality and approach, which resonated with her clients. She was able to secure high-paying positions through a domestic placement agency, which prioritized finding chefs who would fit seamlessly into their clients' social circles. This story demonstrates that deviating from the typical path can lead to fulfilling and financially rewarding experiences.
Protecting confidentiality as a private chef with NDAs: Transitioning from private chef to blogger: Maintain control over audience and content with a platform, build a strong social media presence in 2022.
When working as a private chef for celebrities, it's essential to sign an NDA to protect confidential information. The career path for private chefs can depend on personal goals. For some, staying in the private chef world and finding a loving family to grow with is the goal. For others, becoming a head chef in a restaurant might be more appealing. A head chef at a good restaurant can make six figures, but the exact amount is uncertain. The speaker, who transitioned from being a private chef to a blogger, emphasizes the importance of owning a platform, like a blog or website, to maintain control over your audience and content. In 2022, starting a blog can still be a viable side hustle, but it's crucial to also build a strong social media presence.
Maintaining a strong online presence for influencers: Influencers can control their online presence, monetize through ads, sponsored content, and selling their own products, with Instagram being a popular platform for visual content and large reach. Brands seek long-term partnerships, and influencers can command higher rates and greater impact by focusing on these relationships.
Controlling one's online presence through a website is crucial for influencers and content creators, as it offers the most control and potential for long-term monetization. Monetization strategies for influencers include ads, sponsored content, and selling their own products, with the latter two often resulting in more significant revenue. The most profitable platform for influencers varies, but Instagram, with its emphasis on visual content and large reach, is currently a popular choice. Brands are increasingly seeking long-term partnerships, and influencers can command higher rates and more substantial impact by focusing on these relationships. By maintaining a strong online presence, influencers can create content that resonates with their audience and generates revenue through various channels.
The Shift from Blogging to Video Content on Social Media: Successful content creators are embracing video on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Unexpected partnerships and long-lasting campaigns can result from companies' desire to tell authentic stories using everyday people.
Instagram has become the most profitable platform for content creators, particularly in the realm of video. This shift from traditional blogging to video content on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, is a trend that has been emerging for some time now. The speaker shares an example of a successful partnership with Capital One, which was unexpected but led to a successful campaign due to the company's desire to tell authentic stories using everyday people. Another notable deal for the speaker was with an airline company from South America, which also resulted in a successful and long-lasting campaign. The speaker also discusses their experience with the publishing industry, sharing a humorous anecdote about being rejected by an agent before eventually securing a deal for their first cookbook, "Absolutely Avocados," in 2013. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of adapting to changing trends and being open to unexpected opportunities.
Direct outreach can be an effective PR alternative: In the food industry, reaching out to industry professionals directly can lead to opportunities without the need for a PR agency, saving costs and fostering personal connections.
Direct outreach can be an effective alternative to hiring a PR agency. In the food industry, a woman shared her experience of publishing her first cookbook and the significant costs associated with hiring a PR agency. Despite spending a large sum of money, she made minimal returns. However, she emphasized that with determination and charisma, one can reach out to industry professionals directly and potentially secure opportunities without the need for an intermediary. She shared her success story of emailing a correspondent for CNN and getting picked up by the network without an assistant's help. This approach not only saves costs but also allows for a more personal connection with industry professionals. It's essential to remember that persistence and confidence are key when pitching oneself.
Investing in a high-quality book proposal before a deal: Preparing a professional proposal with editing, photos, and strategic decisions can lead to a successful book deal with creative control
Investing time and resources into creating a high-quality book proposal, even before having a guaranteed offer, can lead to significant benefits in the long run. This was the experience of the speaker, who worked with a new agent and put considerable effort into making their proposal stand out. This included hiring help to edit the proposal, photographing recipes, and presenting it as a professional package. Although there was a financial risk involved, the speaker ultimately secured a deal with a publisher that offered creative control and a good fit for their goals. The feedback from the agent and editor helped the speaker improve their writing and resulted in a successful book deal. This experience underscores the importance of preparation, professionalism, and strategic decision-making in the publishing industry.
Investing in high-quality cookbooks as marketing tools: Cookbook industry demands significant investments, but offers creative freedom and marketing opportunities. Publishers value high-quality productions, and authors are taking control of their brand extensions.
The cookbook industry involves significant investments, both in terms of money and creative freedom. The interviewee shared how they've spent over $100,000 on each book, including hiring a team of professionals for editing, photography, and food styling. However, they view cookbooks as marketing tools and believe in investing in high-quality productions. They also highlighted the importance of creative freedom and trust from their publisher, which allows them to explore various themes in their cookbooks. Another key takeaway is the shift towards taking more control over their brand and product extensions. This involves taking on the costs and responsibilities of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. Although it's a significant undertaking, the interviewee is excited about the potential for full creative control and gaining more insights into the business side of things. Overall, the cookbook industry requires substantial investments and a strong creative vision, but the rewards can be worth it.
Roles and partnerships in starting a business: Starting a business involves various roles and partnerships, including Contract Manufacturers and 3PLs. You may not need external funding and can own 100% of the business. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can help find opportunities and potential employees. Impress business partners with Chicken Parmesan meatballs recipe.
Starting a business involves various roles and partnerships. For instance, a Contract Manufacturer (Co-Man) is responsible for producing the product, while a 3PL (Third Party Logistics) handles shipping. When starting, you may not need external funding and can own 100% of the business. The first products could be best sellers brought in-house. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be effective in finding business opportunities, including potential employees. An impressive recipe for impressing business partners or securing relationships is the Chicken Parmesan meatballs recipe available on the speaker's website. Cold calling and emailing can lead to unexpected opportunities. The business world is more connected than ever, and you never know who might be listening or watching.
Maximize value in food expenses through planning and prioritization: Meal planning reduces grocery waste, unique restaurant dishes offer value, informed decisions based on current prices, and everyone can find joy in affordable food options.
When it comes to managing food expenses, whether it's grocery shopping or dining out, planning and prioritizing are key. For grocery shopping, meal planning can help maximize the use of ingredients and reduce waste. In restaurants, focusing on dishes that offer unique experiences or cannot be easily replicated at home, such as pastas or vegetables that require extensive preparation, can make for worthwhile splurges. Additionally, understanding which items, such as fish and meat, are currently expensive can help consumers make informed decisions. And finally, even a chef like Gabby has a favorite fast food joint - In-N-Out - demonstrating that everyone, no matter their expertise or resources, can find joy and value in affordable food options.
The Power of Persistence and Asking for What You Want: Asking for what you want and not taking no for an answer can lead to success. Persistence is key in achieving your goals.
Persistence and not taking no for an answer can lead to success. Gabbie shares her personal experience of asking for what she wants, even if it's something as simple as asking her father for flight money. She emphasizes the importance of asking and finding someone who can help you achieve your goals. Gabbie also mentions that she didn't learn this valuable lesson in business school, but rather through her experiences in life. Additionally, the conversation touches on the curiosity of 18-year-olds and their fascination with social media influencers and celebrities. The hosts also discuss the possibility of doing a podcast episode with a hockey team, inviting 18-year-old players to share their thoughts on business and future plans. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of asking for what you want and the impact of persistence in achieving success. You can find more of Gabbie's work on her website, whatsgobbycooking.com, or on Instagram @whatsgobbycooking.
Entrepreneur and Food Enthusiast's Insights on Dining Out and Enjoying Life's Pleasures: Successful entrepreneur Gobby shared her joy of being served and the appeal of seafood and steak, despite costs. She emphasized the importance of enjoying life's pleasures, even in the face of economic challenges.
Gobby, a fiery and intelligent bachelorette, provided an entertaining and insightful conversation about her experiences as a successful entrepreneur and food enthusiast. She discussed the joy of being served when dining out and the appeal of seafood and steak, despite the high costs. A notable moment was when she shared her experience of treating herself to a pricey dinner, which sparked a conversation about the current economic climate and the increasing costs of goods and services, particularly in cities with high taxes. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of enjoying life's pleasures, even if they come with a hefty price tag.
Food prices surged in various categories: Cereals, meat, dairy, fruits, veggies, and beverages saw significant price hikes in the last year, impacting affordability and potentially elections.
Food prices have significantly increased in the last year, leading to concerns over affordability and potential impact on mid-term elections. The food categories with the highest increases include cereals and bakery products (15%), meat, poultry, fish, and eggs (12%), dairy (14%), fruits and vegetables (almost 10%), and non-alcoholic beverages (13%). Some people find certain meals to be life-altering or life-changing, such as Carbone or In N Out's burger. The speaker started drinking coffee when they began intermittent fasting. The conversation also touched upon personal experiences, including visiting Don and Angie's restaurant in New York City. Overall, the discussion covered a range of topics, from food prices and personal anecdotes to coffee consumption and favorite restaurants.
Healthy Living: Protein, Drivers, and Dining: Protein is essential for muscle mass, some people prioritize personal drivers over chefs or shoppers, and meaningful conversations can be therapeutic during travel or daily life.
Taking care of one's health involves various aspects such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, and physical activity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of eating enough protein to build muscle mass. He also shares his surprise that the podcast guest, who travels frequently, prioritizes having a personal driver over other luxuries like a private chef or personal shopper. The speaker expresses his own preference for engaging in lengthy conversations with Uber drivers and finds the experience therapeutic, despite the potential for uncomfortable questions. Regarding food, the speaker mentions a memorable dining experience at Ava Mediterranean in Winter Park, Orlando, and shares his hypothetical choice of having a chain restaurant next to his house, which he leaves unspecified. Overall, the conversation touches on various topics related to health, luxury, and personal preferences.
Memorable dining experiences and rising costs: Discussed the importance of unique dining experiences and the increasing concern over rising dining costs.
The dining experience holds significant value for people beyond just the food itself. The conversation revolved around memorable experiences at restaurants, with one standout being a unique culinary adventure at Nemacolin. The price of dining out was also discussed, with agreement that it's becoming increasingly expensive and a cause for concern. A challenge was proposed for the upcoming episode of the podcast, where each participant will bring every penny spent on food and beverage for the week. If one thing from the conversation could be adopted from Gobby, it was her emphasis on unique experiences and enjoying the journey rather than just the destination. The cost of dining out and the importance of memorable experiences were the main themes of the discussion.
Seize opportunities through proactivity: Go out and find opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you, take initiative and be determined to achieve your goals.
Proactivity is key to achieving your goals. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, go out and find them. Whether it's reaching out to executive producers about being on a reality TV show or ordering something special at a restaurant that you can't make at home, take initiative. Gabby's tenacity and determination to go after what she wants served as an inspiration. Additionally, the discussion touched on the importance of personal finance education and the upcoming episode featuring a personal finance expert. The hosts also mentioned the imitation of their Instagram page and encouraged listeners to call in with their personal finance questions for the next episode. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of taking action and seizing opportunities.
Learn from a Successful Entrepreneur: Follow a successful entrepreneur for valuable insights and potential new resources or solutions.
Following a successful entrepreneur, as suggested in this episode, could lead you to valuable insights and recipes that you can't afford to miss. The entrepreneur in question is highly regarded and will be sharing her expertise with the audience. It's recommended to follow her now, even if it's late, as her insights are worth the investment. However, please keep in mind that this episode may include paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Additionally, individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in the products or services being promoted. Overall, this episode offers an opportunity to learn from an accomplished entrepreneur and potentially discover new resources or solutions.
