Announcing Summer Business Break with The Rise To The Top + Anna Kournikova + You

A few months ago I sat down with Elizabeth Erickson (Designer/Event Rock Star Planner you can check out her interview on The Rise To The Top here) and Dani Apted Schlottman (GM/Co-Owner St. Louis Aces Professional Tennis you can check out her interview on The Rise To The Top here) about creating THE most fun and entertaining event in St. Louis this summer.

We wanted to create something to get everyone away from the office and have a great time with an amazing crowd of like-minded young and young-at-heart entrepreneurs, business owners and simply those who just want to enjoy a great night this July … Read More »

The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

A brand spanking new edition of The Rise To The Top is now live and in color (I’ve always wanted to say that). Marketing expert David Newman reveals secrets to help your business, a lesson from The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz, ideas to spark your business from Bounce U and much more.

Let us know what you think by commenting here or on the show page.

Live Passionately! – David Siteman Garland – The Creative Opportunities Specialist – www.therisetothetop.com

PS: In St. Louis? We will see you Wednesday at Sub Zero Vodka Bar in the Central West End beginning at 6 PM for our End of Season … Read More »

The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Have you ever thought of yourself as a content producer? Are you a solid writer? Have great speaking voice? Love to tell

stories? Are passionate about something?

The bottom line is you, yes you, can become a content producer no matter what your experience level. There are usually two major reasons why folks do not take the content plunge:

1. Fear: Fear you won’t be good. Fear no one will listen/read/watch. Fear you can’t do it.  Fear of understanding the technology.
2. Time: When am I going to find time to do this?! How often do I have to update my content? This is going to take FOREVER to … Read More »

The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Your time is valuable. I get it! Now here are some sites, people, destinations that are WELL WORTH spending a few minutes getting to know. I visit these sites every day and I would highly recommend checking them out!
In no order whatsoever:

Technology:
1. Geek Brief: Cali Lewis with a 3-minute-or-so myriad of tech tips each day.
2. CommandN: A little longer than Geek Brief (around 10 minutes per episode) but fantastic tech information to keep up with the trends hosted by Will Pate and Amber Macarthur
3. Stardust Global Ventures:  The first couple of technology and new media Sheryl Breuker and Ken Camp. Great ideas … Read More »

Season #1 of The Rise To The Top is coming to a close with a massive explosion. A concept dreamed up in a coffee shop has drawn over 600,000 viewers injected with entrepreneurial energy with a bright future ahead.

The final episode of the first season will focus on one of the most important aspects of entrepreneurship: Making mistakes. Special guest, marketing expert and founder of Do It Marketing! David Newman joins David on the show along with a whole slew of experts and interesting stories. Look for a surprise or two as well.

Just because the season is complete, does not mean the fun is done. Join The Rise To The Top on May 27th at 6 PM at … Read More »

The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Friday At 5 PM: The Entrepreneurial Test

Urban legend (or is it Silicon Valley legend?) states that venture capitalists after investing in a company would regularly check in around 5 PM on Friday to see what the entrepreneurs were up to. This sometimes came in the form of a random phone call or the dreaded drop by when the people who bankrolled your company come rolling up (I’m picturing three venture capitalists on a Segway with huge helmets..picture it…smile).

Why? They wanted to see if the entrepreneurs were busting their butt instead of packing things in early for the weekend.

When you are an entrepreneur, you are your boss. … Read More »

Rise Underground: The Rise To The Top Entrepreneur Blog
The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Increase Your Sales By Paying Attention To Prospect’s Voicemail

A few weeks ago I had the fantastic opportunity to join a group of entrepreneurs at Jim Ryerson’s Sales Octane event. I was expecting one of the those run-of-the-mill-this-is- how-you-increase-your-sales, blah blah blah…but instead I was absolutely blown away by some of the ideas and tips and I think it could be extremely helpful your business as it definitely has been for mine.

In one of my previous entrepreneur tips, I talked about juicing up your voicemail. Making it exciting and reflecting you; however, Jim Ryerson mentioned that you learn a … Read More »

Rise Underground: The Rise To The Top Entrepreneur Blog
The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Episode #11: Attracting Passionate Customers

Ahhh…customers. And we aren’t just talking run-of-the-mill one-time-buying customers and clients. How do you attract a passionate following for you and your business? I will be joined by expert guest, Co-Owner, and General Manager of the St. Louis Aces Dani Apted Schlottman to answer these questions and more.

Also in this episode: Expert tips, exclusive footage from New York City of the Kairos Society Summit featuring the top college entrepreneurs in the world, a special on the St. Louis Business Expo, and a great charity Backstoppers.

Get ready for some education, fun, and of course … Read More »

Rise Underground: The Rise To The Top Entrepreneur Blog
The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Getting Chosen By Customers: 10 Questions With Ivana Taylor

1. What is your marketing philosophy?

“It’s all about getting chosen.”  That’s my marketing philosophy.   It’s not about selling stuff or getting the word out.  It’s about naturally attracting your ideal customer based on your core strengths.  It’s about identifying those ideal customers whom you love and who love you back.  And it’s about creating an offering that will make them choose YOU every time regardless of price.

2. Have you witnessed some re-occurring marketing mistakes? What are some pitfalls?

Being all things to all people is a favorite recurring marketing … Read More »

Rise Underground: The Rise To The Top Entrepreneur Blog
The Rise To The Top: Entertaining, Energizing and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Writing Compelling Content and The Future of Marketing: 10 Questions With Lauren Berger

1. What is your background and how did you become involved in writing?

For me, it was never about BECOMING a writer – I’ve always been a writer. I actually wrote my first book at the age of four. My writing style has improved since then, but I still have that fragile little book. I started out writing for myself: diary entries, short stories, lyrics, etc. Then I graduated to articles and blog posts, as that medium became readily available. I also studied English Literature and History … Read More »