Author: Jules Schroeder

HowEp99: This 21-Year-Old Open Heart Patient Started A Booming Business While Still In College

While most of us are worried about how many Twitter followers we have, or whether or not we should get the new tesla, or swipe right on Bumble, one millennial I spoke with has had a few other things on his mind.

Meet Daniel Wallock, a 21-year-old college student at Sarah Lawrence College who was born with a rare heart condition called dextrocardia, which means his heart is on the right side of his body. Dextrocardia affects just 1% of the population.

Throughout his life, Wallock has undergone several open-heart surgeries and lived with the reality that any given day could be his last.

“I really didn’t think I’d live past high school,” he says. “I was really convinced that there was no possibility I’d have life beyond that. For me it’s always been every single day, I feel sort of intense urgency.”

Wallock’s unique perspective has driven him to start his career early—and fearlessly. He taught himself marketing in his early teens, and since has consulted high-profile clients like BMW Ventures, Amazon Studios, and the American Heart Association. Not to mention, he’s also a published author and an honoree of Inc.’s Top 8 Marketers to Follow in 2017.

This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, Wallock shares his story and gives millennial listeners a few of his top-performing strategies for creating create rapid results in their business, which you can read in the section below.

If you’re looking to kick your career into gear, the horsepower this young cardiac patient brings will help you.

Master The Art Of Cold Outreach.

As a mere 21-year-old, Wallock has a spiffy rolodex of contacts including figureheads like Neil Patel and Arianna Huffington. How’d he do it?

You wouldn’t believe it, but Wallock says it was a product of cold outreach. If your cold emails aren’t converting, consider the following strategies.

#1 Use Multi-Channel Engagement. Touch base with your target on every platform they use. A quick tweet here, an in-depth comment there, and frequent likes and shares will do the trick. “In my experience, eventually they’ll intro themselves to you because you are always in front of them,” Wallock says.

The key is to add value for the other person without having been asked. Study their recent posts and see what’s relevant to them. In one case, Wallock marketed a Forbes editor’s recent article and it blew up on several popular sites as a case study, benefiting Wallock with both marketing exposure and a new relationship.

#2 Don’t Expect Instant Gratification. According to Wallock, a little investment goes a long way. “I think people underestimate the power of the nurturing process. People want the relationship right now. Nobody knows who you are and they don’t just wanna give something to you.” Commit to dedicating time and energy to properly nurture the relationship in its early stages and it will pay off down the road.

#3 Quality Over Quantity. If your cold emails don’t typically yield results, consider this quick fix. ”Don’t send 50-100 with the same template. Send 25 custom emails and it will outperform,” says Wallock. Plus, don’t be over-the-top when you first initiate contact. The last thing you want to do is ask the other person for a favor or try to sell them something straight off the bat. Instead, gauge their interest by offering value or suggesting to get on a 15-20 minute call.

Case Studies Are Your Best Friend.

Results speak louder than words. Nowadays, 9 out of 10 people are consulting online product reviews and posts on social networks before making a purchasing decision.

Don’t underestimate the power of social influence—Wallock says you’d be wise to use it to your advantage.

Have Others Vouch For You. 92% of consumers trust recommendations from others, even people they don’t know, over branded content. Consider asking influencers to publish a review of your product on their blog or social media account. Encourage them to be objective and to disclose that they are working with you to their audiences, because data shows consumers rate being genuine as an important factor in brand-sponsored content.

“Some brands are doing paid posts with other people’s testimonials on Facebook, and it’s working really well,” Wallock says.

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This article originally appeared on Forbes.com

September 5, 2017
Ep98: Millennials, Here’s How To Stop Comparing Yourselves To Others

Open up any social media app and you’re instantly bombarded with real-time updates about what your friends, family, and others in your network are doing.

Your friend from high school just moved into a glitzy new apartment, your coworker is getting engaged to her dream-come-true partner, your cousin’s crossfit membership is really paying off… and he isn’t being shy about it at all.

In a world where you’re connected 24/7, it’s incredibly easy to become fixated with everybody else’s highlight reel.

You might say we have a case of “Obsessive Comparison Disorder,” or a compulsion to constantly compare ourselves to others. Unfortunately, it can have damaging effects on physical and psychological well-being, with social media use being linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Furthermore, studies show that millennial mental illness is higher than any other generation in history.

So how do we go about addressing this?

I spoke with one millennial who has been living with a closely-related mental health condition his entire life. Meet Ryan Dumont, a former OCD patient and the 25-year-old CEO of Dumont Innovative Technologies and the author of the upcoming book, “The Missing Peace: A Patient’s Guide To Recovery.” Dumont struggled with OCD for years until he decided to take matters into his own hands and develop a solution, partnering with Ben Stern, an ABC’s Shark Tank winner.

OCD is a close cousin to obsessive comparison disorder—both characterized by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and excessive worry that can be extremely debilitating.

This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, Dumont shares his firsthand perspective on how millennials can break free from both OCD and “obsessive comparisons” to live a more positively-focused life.

Find Something You’re Passionate About.

According to Dumont, one of the greatest reliefs you can find from the anxiety that comes with social comparison is in doing an activity you’re passionate about. “Realize that when you’re feeling anxious, you can choose to be unattached. Sometimes when we’re feeling anxious it feels like it’s never gonna end, you’re in this bog—regardless of how accomplished you are—and anxiety takes over. In those moments, what I would say is to distract yourself with something you’re passionate about, something that’s effortless and that puts you in a good mood. The anxiety will pass,” Dumont says.

The key in choosing an activity is finding one that provides instant and effortless relief. It should be a “low hanging fruit,” so to speak, so you can easily access it in times of distress.

Having a healthy, fulfilling activity you can turn to instead of spending excessive time on social media can be an effective way to help you live a more positive and productive life. Yale University found those who spend less time using social networks are more happy and healthy than those who use them often.

Mindfully Meditate.

When you’re busy comparing yourself to others, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. To gain clarity and stillness of mind, Dumont recommends practicing a form of mindful meditation. “When your mind is racing, meditation can give you a sense of stability. You can say yourself, ‘I’m gonna sit down and relax and I’m not gonna think about anything I’m just gonna be in the moment.’” Being in the moment can pierce through the illusion of past or future worries, and help calm your mind and body.

Dumont says listen to soothing music and breathe deeply when you meditate to reap the greatest healing benefits. The objective of meditation is to detach from your thoughts and witness them objectively without judgment so you can cultivate deeper self-acceptance. As you become more comfortable with yourself, you may find you no longer feel the need to compare yourself to others.

Be Patient.

It takes time to ingrain new patterns and habits, especially when the old habits supply us with a hit of dopamine. The longer you have been struggling with social comparison, the longer you should expect it to take you to reinforce a new, healthier habit. This is normal, and Dumont says it is important to keep a far-sighted perspective of your progress.

“Nothing happens overnight, life’s a marathon not a race,” Dumont says. “We’re so consumed with everything being instant gratification, we want our problem solved right away. Any obstacle you have is gonna take time, patience, hard work.”

Enjoyed this post? Check out more of my tools to create a life by your own design.

This article originally appeared on Forbes.com

August 31, 2017
Ep97: The Ultimate Guide To Product Creation In 7 Steps

After I had my quarter-life crisis, I put so much pressure on myself to create a business that would leave a mark on the world. I threw dart after dart, willing to try anything to make a profit and a difference. I spent many late nights at my computer feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and—despite all my effort—making very little progress.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was thinking too big. To make a dent in the world, not every idea has to be elaborate, complex, and innovative.

Some of the most impactful businesses today are based on the simplest of concepts.

Take it from one co-founder whose back-to-basics business is solving a global health issue. His “magic” business idea? Soap.

Meet David Simnick, the co-founder and CEO of SoapBox, a personal care company on a mission to empower consumers to change the world through everyday purchases. For every bar of soap purchased, SoapBox donates one bar of soap to communities in need in over 60 different countries worldwide.

This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, Simnick shares his step-by-step process behind developing SoapBox, from the days of brewing homemade batches in his college apartment, to ultimately donating over 2.5 units worldwide.

Below, read Simnick’s tips for launching your own product-based business.

1. Position Yourself As Unique. When coming up with the idea for your product, it’s important to consider how you will differentiate yourself from what’s already out there. What is unique or better about your product? Do you offer a more natural and sustainable way of producing an in-demand item? Do you offer higher quality at lower price points? Is there a hero story behind your company?

“Our unique selling proposition was about the mission,” says Simnick. “The mission is the reason why we started SoapBox. Great brands have authenticity and have a story and stand for something more than just, this is a great product. So why’s your product matter?”

2. Consider Giving Back. Giving back can help you gain. When choosing between two brands of equal quality and equal price, 90% of US shoppers are likely to purchase a cause-branded product. If you decide to align your company with a cause, Simnick says to make sure your donation model is significant and relevant. Give away a portion of profits that will make consumers feel good about supporting you. Communicate in simple terms how their dollars are translating to a brighter outlook. And finally, select a cause related to your product, like a buy-one-give-one of the same item. “Don’t plant trees if you’re selling potato chips,” Simnick jokes.

3. Don’t Skimp On Quality. While the positioning of your product is important, it can only carry you so far. The majority of your customers will buy your product for the integrity of the product. Ask yourself, first and foremost, does your product speak for itself? Do you offer unmatched quality that your consumers can come to know and expect from your brand? “We said, we need to be the best personal care company, we need to make the best conditioner that’s gonna restore and moisturize hair. We need to make an amazing, fantastic product,” Simnick says.

4. Refine Your Product Before You Launch. When you feel ready to take your product to market, check your list twice—because once you’ve launched, you’ve virtually only got one shot to make an impression on consumers. Plus, making amendments can require a long and arduous process, such as getting a new patent. “Take the time to really get it right before you launch because it’s hard to change your brand, it’s hard to change your design, and it’s hard to change the ingredients once you get started in the marketplace. If I could go back in time I wish that we were more thoughtful from the get-go about how we designed and branded our products,” says Simnick.

5. Get Feedback. A quick hack to help you nail your product is to elicit feedback from others. “Come up with a minimum viable product and test it out on your friends and family. After you’ve won their approval, the question is, can you get strangers to love your product so much that they come back to buy it again and again?” Simnick suggests.

6. Go After The Right Distributors. Where you sell your product matters. 85% of consumers say they prefer shopping in physical stores to shopping online. If you can land a deal with a major distributor, you can greatly increase your visibility and profits. Seek out distributors who attract a high percentage of customers within your target demographic.

7. Don’t Give Up. Simnick says if you’re having trouble securing a distributor, don’t give up—instead, be persistent. “It wasn’t until begging, pleading, calling, emailing, and literally showing up unannounced in their lobby so many times that Whole Foods was like ok, you are a crazy soap salesman, we’ll let you have one store,” he relates.

Enjoyed this post? Check out more of my tools to create a life by your own design.

This article originally appeared on Forbes.com

August 21, 2017
Ep96: Millennials, Here’s How To Use The Total Solar Eclipse To Your Advantage

If you haven’t heard about this month’s upcoming solar eclipse, you must be living under a rock.

Millions of people from all over the country are flocking to the 70-mile band from Oregon to South Carolina where the total eclipse will be visible for a brief few minutes on August 21st. Oregon alone is attracting one million visitors, with 30,000 concentrated at the Oregon Eclipse Festival, a one-week gathering of international electronic music and art.

So what’s with all the hype about this eclipse? Don’t eclipses happen every few months?

Eclipses do happen fairly regularly, but what makes this one so special is that it’s the first total solar eclipse in 99 years to stretch coast-to-coast across the United States, and the first to grace the skies of the lower 48 states in 38 years.

Besides eclipses being a rare natural phenomenon—arguably one of the most magnificent the earth has to offer—they are also believed to bring meaning and significance to our lives and can be an accelerator for growth.

What could the eclipse mean for us in 2017?

I recently spoke with one millennial astrologer and writer to get the scoop on what the eclipse could signal for us this August. Meet Tanaaz Chubb, the co-creator and founder of Forever Conscious, one of the most prominent mindful lifestyle blogs with over half a million monthly readers. Chubb is also the author of, “The Power of Positive Energy” and a contributing writer for the Huffington Post.

This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, Chubb shares an astrological perspective of this month’s eclipse and how you can leverage it to your advantage.

Below, read Chubb’s tips on tapping into your maximum growth potential with the upcoming solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipses Represent A New Beginning.

If you’ve been considering ending a relationship or leaving behind a job that’s no longer the right fit for you, now could be the time to do it. According to Chubb, eclipses represent a time of transition as one thing comes to a close and another begins. You can capitalize on the upcoming eclipse by opening up a new chapter of your life, such as taking a new career initiative.

Ancient cultures like the Incas and the Mesopotamians considered eclipses an omen, while the Navajo regarded them as a symbol of cosmic balance and order.

“Eclipses or solar eclipses are usually points of new beginnings, so there’s something shifting,” Chubb says. “With the lunar eclipse we had earlier this month, something would have been calling you to wrap up, to cut something out of your life, and the solar eclipse that comes after it is about bringing in something new. That can be something physical but it can also be a new way of being, a new idea, or a new belief.”

Eclipses Can Produce Unusual Effects.

In the 1950s, Nobel Prize-winning economist Maurice Allais discovered the “Allais effect,” whereby gravity is slightly altered during an eclipse. Pendulums can be observed swinging faster and suddenly changing amplitude when the sun and the moon line up. Don’t worry too much about the Allais effect, because NASA assures us that there’s no evidence eclipses have any physical effects on humans. Psychological effects, however, are common—including stress, difficulty sleeping, impatience, and mood swings.

It’s a good idea to be prepared for the effects that can accompany the eclipse. To navigate the eclipse smoothly, Chubb recommends using controlled breathing to help soothe anxiety and regulate your mood. “Work with the breath, close your eyes, put your hands over your heart to connect to that inner you and take ten deep breaths in and out,” Chubb says. Science shows deep breathing tricks the neurons in your brain into thinking you’re relaxed, and alters your state of mind accordingly.

Eclipses Can Provide Emotional Insight.

Chubb believes the planetary alignment can cause us to experience subtle energetic shifts. “If the moon can affect the tides, and our bodies are made of 70% water, what do you think the moon’s influence is on the water in our bodies?” she says.

Chubb recommends to create deliberate space for yourself to feel any unexpected emotions that arise with the eclipse. With the potential for heightened emotions, the eclipse could be an opportunity for you to get more in touch with yourself and revisit past emotions that you haven’t yet resolved. If the emotion is painful, consider that you have the opportunity to greet the emotion with new compassion and presence than you ever have before, which can facilitate healing.

“Often our instinct is to resist the painful emotion or say, ‘I shouldn’t be feeling this,’ but it actually prolongs the emotion. It’s much better to say ‘This is how I feel’ and own it. Cry if you need to. It’s amazing how quickly an emotion passes when you just own it,” Chubb advises.

Enjoyed this post? Check out more of my tools to create a life by your own design.

This article originally appeared on Forbes.com

August 14, 2017
Ep95: Millennials, Stop Using Business Cards And Do This Instead

I can’t count the amount of times I have gone to events and passed out business cards. Despite wanting to network I never found myself getting real followup from people or actually making real connections or opportunities.

It wasn’t until I adopted a “no card” policy for myself where I decided I would stop representing myself with a 4×2 piece of paper and instead send them to engage with my free content that I started seeing traction.

Here’s why business cards don’t work—today’s consumers are smarter than ever before. 81% of consumers do online research before making a purchase, comparing an average of five competitors for 79 days before they buy.

If there isn’t an easy and quick way for them to get to know you, you will be forgotten.

This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, I spoke to one woman who has mastered the art of introductions by using her video content to create an impressive client portfolio.

Meet Taryn Southern, a digital strategy consultant with 500k YouTube subscribers and 700M+ video views. She’s also a former TV host and producer for shows on MTV, Vh1, Discovery Channel, and Sirius XM, and an active advisor to the YouTube Creator Board, where she provides critical feedback for Google product teams.

Southern says the success of her YouTube channel has opened big doors for her professionally. Below, read her tips about creating attention-grabbing content that can help you stand out amongst competition.

July 31, 2017