When I started my first business in October 2001, I knew in my heart I would be successful, and I was determined to do it my way.

I ordered glossy business cards and instantly became the Founder and CEO of my own business!

Indeed, I was proud of myself.

I went from being an unemployed loser (my own harsh words) to being my own boss.

The only problem was, the business I had founded had zero revenue in which to pay myself.

Suddenly, with four hungry teens at home, the fancy title didn’t mean much!

My first five years as a business owner were “okay.”

I began making enough money that made going back to work for someone else seem ridiculous.

In fact, “ridiculous” became my personal mantra.

In moments of despair, I would say to myself,

“How ridiculous would it be for me to quit now, after already putting in x years.

Keep working your plan and it will get better.”

Another truth is that I have the patience of a gnat.

As I got hungrier and grew more impatient for the success I desired, there were two huge game changers.

In hindsight, they helped me achieve higher levels of success, faster.

• I learned to get comfortable doing uncomfortable things.
• I joined a mastermind and became involved with a mentor who kicked my butt and began to hold me accountable.

On this 22^nd anniversary of me becoming an entrepreneur, I’ll share a story with you that truly changed my life.

I call this “my most embarrassing moment as an entrepreneur.”

Shortly after starting my Dream Business Mastermind and Coaching Program, I joined a high-level mastermind.

It had some very successful people in it.

To say I was intimidated is an understatement, but I joined and went anyway.

At the first mastermind meeting in California, when it was my turn to share, I proudly talked about the different businesses that I had created.

I also shared that my biggest goal was to grow my new mastermind and coaching program.

On a break, a very successful entrepreneur whom I greatly admired and frankly wanted to emulate, approached me.

I was excited as I anticipated him sharing some wisdom and sage advice that would be “the magic sauce” that I was missing!

This person ran a multi-million-dollar coaching program and said to me,

“So Jim, I’m aware of what you’re doing to grow your coaching business, but I’m also aware of what you’re not doing. So, let me ask you a question.”

I was already smiling and getting ready to receive life-changing brilliance!

He continued:

“Jim, how is it that you feel that you deserve the same level of success as your peers, perhaps some of us in this room. Yet you aren’t willing to do the same type of things that they’ve done to grow their coaching businesses? Explain that to me how that works for you, Jim.”

To say I was embarrassed is an understatement.

I could feel the heat in my face.

Looking back on this moment, with the full clarity of hindsight, this ‘in my face’ moment was a real gift.

It was exactly the tough love I needed to hear.

On the 5-hour flight home I cursed myself out and made up my mind that never again would I be put in that embarrassing position.

Never again would I have my own shortcomings and fears put in my face like that.

I had to step up, man up, and conquer my fears – immediately.

This meant learning how to become a speaker; I learned how to create engaging videos and produced weekly videos for 5 years!

I started a podcast that is still going strong today and I also became an expert at giving great interviews on over 300 podcasts.

And yes, I slayed an even bigger demon; I created and hosted my own multi-day seminar called Dream Business Academy.

In fact, I ran 8 DBAs around the country!

To put it mildly, after my red-faced day of reckoning, my own discomfort level with doing uncomfortable things became a “too effing’ bad.

If there was something that I knew would help me achieve more success, faster, my new mantra was Just Say Yes!

The amazing lifestyle that Stephanie and I get to live, five years on our Floating Home and soon in our Rolling Home, is due to these two massively important moments in my entrepreneurial journey.

When I joined that mastermind 14 years ago, I had already achieved a level of success that some entrepreneurs would be happy with.

But I wanted more.

I totally believe that this experience into the mindset of success, coupled with my experience creating multiple successful businesses, is what makes me a great business coach today.

My goal is not to embarrass my clients, of course.

But I will make sure they know exactly what needs to happen in their business to create the success they desire.

As I approach what is likely my final year as an entrepreneur, yup – retirement is coming – do not miss this opportunity to work with me.

Get me on your team to push and guide you to higher levels of success.

I currently have a couple openings in my Dream Business Mastermind and Coaching Program.

Perhaps it’s time to slay your fears and take one of these spots and create your Dream Business!