Over the years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing some of the most incredible transformations—people who have stepped into what once felt impossible.

I’ve seen them break through fears, rewrite their stories, and create lives that they once believed were out of reach.

But for every person who finds their way forward, there are just as many who stay stuck.

Not because they aren’t talented.

Not because they aren’t working hard enough.

Not because they don’t want it badly enough.

They stay stuck because they feel like they’re trapped in a maze—circling the same paths, hitting the same dead ends, wondering what they’re missing.

In today’s episode, I want to take you inside that maze.

Because I know what it feels like to be in the middle of it—to feel lost, exhausted, and questioning whether success is even possible for you.

And more importantly, I want to help you see what you haven’t seen yet.

Because somewhere, hidden in that maze, there is a door.

And today, I want you to hear from someone who found hers.

• What it really feels like to be trapped in the maze of entrepreneurship (and why so many people stay stuck)
• The surprising truth about why working harder isn’t always the answer
• How one person—Liz Deacle—went from feeling lost and uncertain to living her dream life
• The moment Liz realized she had already stepped into the vision she once thought was impossible
• How the mastermind experience will reveal the hidden doors you may not have seen yet

This is a powerful episode—one that might just change the way you see your own journey

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to keep wandering alone.

There are many doors, many ways forward, and when you surround yourself with the right people, you start to see opportunities that were right beside you the whole time.

If today’s episode resonates with you—if you feel stuck in the maze and ready to find your way through—then let’s talk.

I have two mastermind groups designed to help people at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey:

🔹 One for seasoned entrepreneurs—those who are already making things happen but know there’s another level waiting for them.

🔹 One for early-stage entrepreneurs—those still figuring out their path, refining their offers, and wanting to move forward with clarity.

If you’re ready to find the doors around you and step through, let’s have a conversation.

📩 Email me today: Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com

Let’s map out your path forward—together.

In this episode, I take you on a thrilling journey from my days as a nervous wreck to becoming a confident public speaker. It's a tale of transformation that many can relate to, filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

I'll reveal four game-changing strategies that not only revolutionized my approach to public speaking but also helped me overcome my fears and anxiety. These aren't just theoretical concepts - they're battle-tested techniques that I've personally used to go from shaky starts to standing ovations.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to refine your skills or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the mere thought of addressing an audience, this episode promises insights that could transform your public speaking experience.

Strategy #1 - Developing a Reproducible Outline

Strategy #2 - Audience-Centered Mindset

Strategy #3 - Master Your Bookends

Strategy #4 - Out-Loud Rehearsal

• Link to Episode 275 - My First Paid Opening Keynote
• Link to Next Level Mastermind Page to see my “Upgrade Your Peer Group Talk.”
• Ken Davis's book "Secrets of Dynamic Communication."
• The SCOORE Speaker Training is now available as an Online Course

If you're an early-stage entrepreneur or aspire to elevate your business and life, I'd like to personally invite you to take the next step towards building a thriving, sustainable business.

Many people falter not due to a lack of passion or effort, but because they overlook the crucial foundational steps in creating a solid business. I've developed a proven 11-Step Formula for Building an Online Business and packaged it into an online course that has already transformed the lives and businesses of numerous entrepreneurs.

I'm currently offering this course for FREE!

Yes, you read that right! You can access the same strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs transition from merely surviving to thriving in their online businesses.

To get free access to this transformative course, simply email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com with the subject line "Free Building an Online Business Course".

In your email, briefly share how you discovered me, your entrepreneurial aspirations, and where you currently stand in your journey. Keep it concise—two or three paragraphs—and I'll provide you with free access to the course.

Don't pass up this chance to unlock the strategies and insights that will propel your business from survival to success. I'm eager to hear from you—and even more excited to learn about your transformation after you dive into the first module!

Email me today! Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com

In this episode, I share an insightful response to a question presented in a recent session of my Next Level Coaching program. A participant asked for advice on how to handle it when others don't understand, and perhaps even question or doubt the unique vision you have for your business or entrepreneurial ventures.

I open up about my own experience with my mastermind group questioning my decision to leave Podcast Answer Man behind and pursue my current coaching and mindset work. I emphasize the importance of being your own number one cheerleader, and how seeking encouragement within yourself through journaling, prayer, and meditation is crucial.

I also discuss the role of a supportive spouse, if married, and the value of having a peer group that believes in you, even if they provide constructive feedback. Navigating the motivations behind others' doubts is key - some may fear your success or feel threatened by your ambition.

Ultimately, I share that if you can't be talked out of your vision, even by your closest advisors, it's a testament to how vital that vision is for your future. Your number one cheerleader must be you.

Takeaways and Action Items:

• Consider others' feedback carefully, evaluating it for new perspectives and potential pitfalls you might have overlooked. If, after reflection, you still believe your vision is worth the inherent risks, others' skepticism will likely strengthen your commitment to your desired outcome.
• You must be your own best cheerleader and source of encouragement.
• If married, foster a supportive partnership with your spouse.
• Surround yourself with a peer group that believes in you and your vision.
• Understand the motivations behind others' doubts and feedback.

If you're on an entrepreneurial journey and looking to take it to the next level, I want to hear from you. Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and share a short (3 paragraph or less) summary of where you're at. I have an unbelievable offer for my Next Level Coaching program that I believe could be a game-changer for your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity - reach out today!

This is session 08 of The Mark Mason Sessions.

Email Mark at Mark@Masonworld.com and Cliff at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com.

At the end of this episode, I explained the changes made to the Next Level Coaching Program. If you would like to experience this for yourself, all you need to do is email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and mention that you’d like to be my guest for two weeks for free, with no strings attached.

This is session 07 of The Mark Mason Sessions.

Email Mark at Mark@Masonworld.com and Cliff at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com.

If you found today's conversation insightful and are looking to take your coaching business to the next level, I have an offering I think could really help you.

I facilitate a weekly group coaching program called the Next Level Coaching Program. For 90 minutes each week, I share proven frameworks and strategies to help coaches attract ideal clients and create transformation in the lives of their clients.

One of my clients who has built and sold eight-figure businesses says he gets tremendous value from each session.

If you'd like to experience this for yourself, all you need to do is email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and mention this podcast episode. I'll invite you to join two sessions for free, with no strings attached.

Take me up on this opportunity to learn from my 30 years of sales, coaching and business experience. I'd love to share what I know to help you build a highly profitable coaching practice. I look forward to possibly welcoming you as my guest.

This is session 06 of The Mark Mason Sessions.

In this month's conversation, Mark came away with the following insights:

• Mark recognized his pattern of committing to more tasks than he can realistically complete each day up to this point, leading to unmet expectations and frustration. Journaling has helped uncover this pattern.
• Mark gains additional emotional intelligence by asking himself what unrealized value may be causing a particular emotion when he feels a way he don't want to. I shared a question that I like to use: "What would I have to believe to feel this way?"
• Mark's future outlook is rated as an 8 out of 10. The gap between 8 and 10 is due to a lack of confidence, stemming from his past track record and concerns about achieving your goals by the desired date. However, he understands that past experiences do not control his future. He could adjust his goal's timeline to bridge the gap to ten, but a more aggressive timeline motivates him. Therefore, he is content with an 8 out of 10 rating in this area.
• Mark is excited about building a side hustle that provides margin for enjoyable activities without pressure or responsibility.
• Focusing solely on one or two coaching clients in Mark's area of expertise by the end of the year will help him achieve this with a high level of confidence.
• Budgeting and financial planning is important for Mark's values of financial security and stress reduction, though it requires difficult choices he's been avoiding.
• Breaking large projects like financial planning into achievable blocks of time will help you make progress on priorities he's been putting off.
• Transformational Language: The language you use influences your reality. Therefore, affirming your ability to change is essential, rather than dwelling on past patterns as a declaration of your identity.

If you found today's conversation insightful and are looking to take your coaching business to the next level, I have an offering I think could really help you.

I facilitate a weekly group coaching program called the Next Level Coaching Program. For 90 minutes each week, I share proven frameworks and strategies to help coaches attract ideal clients and create transformation in the lives of their clients.

One of my clients who has built and sold eight-figure businesses says he gets tremendous value from each session.

If you'd like to experience this for yourself, all you need to do is email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and mention this podcast episode. I'll invite you to join two sessions for free, with no strings attached.

Take me up on this opportunity to learn from my 30 years of sales, coaching and business experience. I'd love to share what I know to help you build a highly profitable coaching practice. I look forward to possibly welcoming you as my guest.

I’ve been observing an alarming trend. Many people are prematurely quitting their day jobs, having fallen for the myth of overnight success. In this episode, I will discuss the myth of overnight success and its negative impact on the wellbeing of those who believe in it. I will introduce three questions to consider before quitting your day job and four essential business foundations to establish beforehand. Additionally, I will provide three suggestions for those who may have prematurely left their day jobs.

As a self-employed business owner, applying for the Next Level Mastermind could be the transformative decision that propels your business and personal growth to unprecedented heights. This mastermind group is designed specifically for driven entrepreneurs like you who seek not only to excel in their business ventures but also to live a life marked by fulfillment, peace, and continuous learning.

By joining, you will connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment that challenges you to surpass your current boundaries. Whether it's overcoming obstacles, strategizing for growth, or simply finding your path to personal satisfaction, the Next Level Mastermind provides the community, resources, and expert guidance necessary to make each step forward impactful.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and yourself. Apply today at NextLevelMastermind.info.

Central Theme(s)

• Let’s put an end to the Myth of The Overnight Success.
• Let’s stop the trend of people quitting their day jobs prematurely.

Three Questions To Ask Before You Quit Day Job

1. Do I have a track record of meeting the needs of a community of people?
2. Are people telling other people about the important work that I am doing in the world?
3. Are people coming to me and asking me for help with an offer to pay for that help?

Four Key Foundations For A Thriving Business

1. Financial Stability

   • A Proven and sustainable business model.

     (Validated Products/Services)

   • Significant Savings (Min 9-12 months runway)

2. Revenue Consistency
   • A regular and sufficient income from the business.
   • An understanding of the true timeline for building a profitable business.
3. Mindset Development
   • An ability to manage emotions, unmet expectations and significant risk.
4. Skill Development

   • A commitment to developing necessary entrepreneurial skills.

     (Time Management, Pricing, Sales, Marketing, Software, etc.)

Three Recommendations For Those Who Have Quit The Day Job Prematurely

1. Review The Financial Health of the Business
   • Evaluate current financial situation. Discover and document any potential financial gaps.
   • Identify alternative income sources if necessary.
2. Strengthen Business Foundations
   • Focus on building a consistent client base.
   • Refine products/services to meet market demand.
     • Your Product/Service should MEET DEMAND, not try to create it.
3. Mindset and Continued Learning
   • Invest in your growth in the area of mindset and emotional state management.
   • Consistently expand your professional skill development. (Especially in the areas of sales and marketing)