The Entrepreneur’s Journey Podcast

If you spend any time on social media there's tons of influencers pushing hustle culture. But its always really easy to be complacent and lazy. So how do you fight against both? Check todays episode out!

In this short episode I discuss one of the greatest secrets of building your network. Focus on being a giver to everyone around you! This timeless principle is key for you to build a solid business foundation. Be sure to like and subscribe.

A great friend recently reminded me that we each have unique skills we bring to the marketplace. As an entrepreneur its easy to think we have to reinvent the wheel when we forget that our greatest contributions come from what we already bring to the table.

Business is constantly changing. As a banker i've see the real winners embrace agility, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to the market. I've also see businesses fail to do this. In todays topic of "common mistakes I see" we dive into ways to be successful and not get left behind!

Our other podcast (The Abundant Journey Podcast) has had some incredible guests this year and we're excited for more. Our guests have shared many common characteristics on their way to success but one stands out. Having a Whatever it Takes Mindset! Listen to todays episode to get my thoughts on what that looks like for you as we move into next year!

As sales people we often times shy away from hearing no. In fact many people have fear of rejection so strong they never want to do sales! in this episode we unpack what it looks like to Embrace Hearing No and pushing forward in sales!

I believe one of the greatest plagues every new entrepreneur faces is picking a niche and sticking with it when something else shiny comes along! Give this episode a listen as I share the Why behind sticking with your plans and what the rewards can be!

When you're just starting a business I believe its essential to keep your personal and business finances separate. In this episode I share why along with the perspective banks have on this subject!

I've seen hundreds of business owners make the mistake of wearing too many hats for too long. It can stunt your companies growth. In this episode I share my tips around how to avoid this. Thanks for listening and be sure to share. 

Lets be honest as humans we always compare ourselves to everyone around us. In this episode I give my suggestions on a framework that you can use to compare yourself to others in a way that can be beneficial. Let me know your thoughts and leave a review!

In this episode on selling I share my biggest thoughts and suggestions on how to overcome a bad sales day! Give it a listen and share.

If you're looking to start a business its essential to do your research before jumping in. I share my thoughts on the dangers of failing to do research. Give this short episode a listen and share if you find it helpful.

In this final episode of the Income Statement Series I talk about how essential it is to understand your net income and how it ties into borrowing money from banks.

In todays episode after a brief break I discuss a common mistake I see young entrepreneurs make. They don't ask "what if" enough. Dive in and listen and be sure to leave a review and share with a friend!

In this episode I share one of my favorite quotes that a successful business owner said to me. Give it a listen and be sure to take his words to heart as you look to start something new!

I am wrapping up my mini "sales series" on cold calling with the reminder that Asking for the Sale is essential. I also add a few of my favorite secrets I've learned over the years with cold calling! Be sure to give it a listen and review.

In this weeks wrap up I discuss my thoughts on heading toward 2024 and the habits I'm working on. Additionally I spend a little time sharing why business owners should own the properties that they run their business out of instead of rent.

Continuing the Income Statement Series we dive into the expenses and how being focused on that is essential for business growth.

In todays Mind of a Banker episode we dive in to the difference between small, medium, and large banks. I share my pro's and con's list of each after working for all 3! Lastly we wrap up this short episode up with suggestions on why its important for you to understand your bank and ensure it fits your business's needs!

In todays episode I share the wisdom from a special mentor who told me to never stop learning! Today I unpack his wisdom and how I believe it will help your business grow and reach new heights. Be sure to subscribe an leave a review.

Part 3 to my cold calling series is the scary objections we get when cold calling. In todays episode we discuss tactics and strategies around overcoming objections. Give it a listen!

In this episode I share my thoughts on why you should educate yourself on Commercial Real Estate. We talk about the unique benefits it brings as oppose to sticking with Residential Real Estate Investing. 

What does the top part of an income statement teach us? In this episode I discuss Net Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Profit and most importantly what these tell you about the health of your business!

Have you ever gone to the bank to borrow money only to have your head spinning with the list of documents they want you to provide? In this episode I dive in and explain what things banks want to see from you but also why they're asking for it! 

Have you ever gotten your task 90% of the way done then stopped? What about that lingering item on the to do list that has been pushed way down in priority? Todays episode talks about doing the MINS (Most Important Next Steps). Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

As a followup to last weeks cold calling episode the next step in the call is learning how to take control! Its essential for any sales person to master this skill. Give this episode a listen and be sure to subscribe and review for more great content!

I remember the first time I sat down with a business owner who was making over two hundred thousand dollars a month in passive income. My mind was racing and the questions started spilling out. His secret like so many others was to build wealth by buying assets first. Give this episode a listen and be sure to subscribe for more content!

As times remain uncertain its essential that you keep extra money in the business. In this episode I cover the importance of having access to money before you need it! Give it a listen and be sure to subscribe.

One of the financial tools for a business owner is an income statement. Check out todays episode as I give the layout of how income statements read, and I share what secrets banks look for when deciding to give out a loan!

Finding a business partner can be essential for younger businesses but more importantly finding the right one! This episode is focused on timeless principles from successful business owners who have had great success in this area of business. Give it a listen and be sure to subscribe!

The first 20 seconds of your cold call can be some of the most important! Give this episode a listen as I share from experience the do's and dont's in the beginning of the cold call. And be sure to keep making those calls. Thats one way to find great success!

In this episode I share 3 costly mistakes i've seen people make when they're evaluating a business to buy! Give it a listen and be sure to add these nuggets to your evaluation process!

One of the absolute biggest mistakes I see in sales is lack of systems to track your outreach, and lack consistency to build true relationships with your prospects. Give this episode a listen where I give practical advice on how to be consistent and build systems around your sales process.

I've said it before but relationships are absolutely essential for businesses to grow and survive! Relationships with bankers are part of that. Today I jump in to discuss things to look for with finding a banking partner and reasons why its important. Give it a listen and leave a review if its helpful. 

Having a basic understanding of your business financials is essential for helping your company grow! This episode I discuss an important tool for financial literacy. Listen as I discuss The Income Statement and why its important to pay attention to it!

One of the absolute foundational keys to a successful business is having generosity apart of your company's culture and focus. Give this episode a listen and share some ways you've seen radical generosity on display!

What is one of the best kept secrets in sales? Look for pain points with potential customers. Its much easier to sell to them than someone who is complete happy with their situation. Give it a listen and share your experiences with sales and pain points!

I'm not sure if you knew this or not but i'm actively looking at businesses to buy! In this episode I share a few quick tips on things I look for at a high level to see if a business is worth buying! Leave comments and feedback and tell me what other nuggets you look for.

In this episode I explain what a business debt schedule is, why banks want it, and why businesses should pay attention to their debt. Give it a listen and share if you find it helpful!

This episode is focused on introducing you to SBA lending. In my experience as a banker it's a great program for the right people and will aid companies in their startups, expansions, and growth. Give it a listen and leave a review!

In todays episode I share one of the timeless principles I've learned from some of the best business owners. Don't Over Leverage your company! Give this short episode a quick listen and be sure to leave a review!

Have you ever wondered what the best selling tactic is? I truly believe it is making an emotional connection between your product and the buyer. In this episode I talk about story telling sales and how showing not telling is the best way to sell! Give it a listen and leave a review!

This is an important episode where I share about how banks evaluate business loan requests and explain what different sources of repayment look like. Be sure to check it out, leave a review if its helpful, and share it with a business owner!

In this episode I share some of the high level differences between residential and commercial real estate. We also dive into different bank programs and terms.

In this episode I share wisdom I learned very early on in my banking career. Dont chase the ghosts! Give it a listen and share with others if you find it helpful!

In this episode we talk about why being consistent in sales and marketing is so difficult but why its so important. Listen in as I also share some quick strategies around being consistent so that your business has the chance to grow!

In this episode of the Entrepreneurs Journey we talk about networking and building relationships with other people in your industry. Its essential that you get to know the competition to better service your customers.

In this episode we discuss doing the things that other people are unwilling to do from a sales, marketing, and networking perspective. Getting ahead of the competition has never been easier in a world that accepts being mediocre. Listen to this short episode for thoughts around doing the things that your competition is unwilling to do!

Welcome to the Entrepreneurs Journey. Episode 2 dives into our host's story. Learn briefly about Nick James and why he's excited about this new podcast. This podcast is dedicated to sharing the lessons and wisdom around banking, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business growth from Commercial Banker Nick James. Our hope is to help business owners identify and improve areas of weakness in their companies so they can grow and reach their financial goals. 

Welcome to the Entrepreneurs Journey. This podcast is dedicated to sharing the lessons and wisdom around banking, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business growth from Commercial Banker Nick James. Our hope is to help business owners identify and improve areas of weakness in their companies so they can grow and reach their financial goals.