Our guest this week is Shelia Butler, COO of the Arrangement.   Shelia is also a former classmate of mine in the Baylor University Dallas Executive MBA Program, Class 10 (2004)

Shelia has experience starting, building and selling companies.  She also has experience as a Consultant, Industry Thought Leader and Speaker.

Shelia was "Podcasting Before Podcasting Was Cool".  We discuss what it used to be like to run a podcast.  

Some of the most important things about podcasting: There are many ways to get your self out there if you want to be seen as a "thought leader".   A podcast can be shared many ways, and it helps create content.  A podcast can also help you discover a little more about who you are . . . and can push the theme of "not being afraid to fail".  Podcasting can help you take on and overcome various challenges.  In Shelia's case, Podcasting helped her speak to people more, which led to speaking opportunities and business consulting opportunities.  

Tips for entrepreneurs who are starting a business.  Be intentional.  Everyone thinks it is necessary to be on all social media platforms and be everything to everybody.  Shelia suggests that these three things should be the focus:

1. Be clear on your governing values:  Hyrum W. Smith (Franklin Quest/Franklin Covey) talks about governing values.  Know who you are and what you stand for in life.


2. Have intense clarity on everything else:  goals, habits, communication, in every aspect of your life.  


3. Know how to grow your business (3 ways):  1.  Increase number of clients; 2. Increase the average value transaction of a client; 3. Increase the number of transactions per year.

Decide what needs to be done to make these things happen and then determine which social media and marketing platforms can help make this happen. 

Above all, don't be afraid to fail and try something different.

How to focus on Strategic Planning and Leadership.

• Realize that you don't know everything and learn from others -- it can make a big impact in your business.


• Don't be afraid to pivot.  And pivot quickly.  It is okay to learn and grow from your experiences and move on.  

Shelia's Favorite Book

• Clarity First by Karen Martin

Shelia's Favorite Business Leader

• Sara Blakely, Spanx -- Bootstrapped her company from day one.  Her father told her "don't be afraid to fail."  Sara's a mom, down to earth, runs her business and is a philanthropist.

sheliabutler.com - Shelia's LinkedIn Profile

Shelia can be contacted at: sbutler@sheliabutler.com.

collinharbour.com