Building Success Stories with Ann Donnelly

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Kevin and Neelo Jaikeran, the owners of Queensbury Billiards. They discuss their journey from Guyana to opening a unique billiards hall that offers not only pool but also a diverse menu inspired by their cultural background. The conversation highlights their commitment to customer service, community engagement, and the importance of food in attracting customers. They also share insights into the facilities available for pool enthusiasts and the family-friendly atmosphere they have created.

In this episode, Ann speaks with Chuck Copenspire, Creative Strategist and Author, who shares his journey from overcoming social anxiety through improv to building a successful marketing business, Identity Pending.

Chuck discusses the importance of networking, authenticity in marketing, and the role of vulnerability in connecting with clients. He emphasizes the need for disruption in traditional marketing practices and the value of storytelling in building relationships. He also explores the evolving landscape of social media and how to navigate it effectively.

In this conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of digital marketing, the integration of technology and AI, and the importance of community and collaboration in entrepreneurship. We discuss the challenges faced by small business owners, the ethical considerations of using AI, and the tools that enhance productivity. We discuss Chuck’s personal experiences of balancing work and family life, and the excitement of building innovative projects that foster local connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Improv classes helped Chuck overcome social anxiety.
• Networking can be gamified by helping others feel comfortable.
• Following your instincts can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Life coaching can enhance marketing strategies by focusing on relationships.
• Vulnerability in storytelling builds trust with clients.
• Authenticity is crucial in a world filled with inauthenticity.
• Experimentation is key in adapting to changing environments.
• Social media should be approached with enjoyment and authenticity.
• Disruption in marketing can lead to better engagement.
• Building connections is about understanding and supporting others.
• Digital marketing has become more accessible, but expertise is still valuable.
• Technology is integral to daily life and business operations.
• AI can enhance productivity, but raises ethical concerns.
• Authenticity and storytelling are crucial in a tech-driven world.
• Productivity tools can help manage tasks and reduce decision fatigue.
• Balancing work and family can lead to increased productivity.
• Community building is essential for local entrepreneurship.
• Innovative projects can create new opportunities for collaboration.
• Embracing change and technology can lead to exciting developments.
• Listening to one’s instincts can guide effective work habits.

More Information:

• Identity Pending
• Chuck’s book “A Pocket Full of Seeds: Healing through Poetry – An Autistic Transgender Story”
• Chuck’s Social Media Profiles – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads
• Contentblocks – Chuck’s Referral Link

In this episode of Building Success Stories, Ann Donnelly interviews Carrie Barber, a medical legal consultant with a rich background in nursing and healthcare.

Carrie shares her journey from being a nurse to establishing her own Medical Legal Nurse Consulting practice, discussing the challenges she faced, the importance of networking, and the fulfillment she finds in her work.

The conversation also delves into the services she offers, including consulting for legal cases and providing continuing education for legal teams.

Carrie emphasizes the significance of education in reducing litigation risks and the value of building strong client relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Carrie Barber has 25 years of nursing experience.
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship comes with challenges that mindset and hard work can overcome.
• Networking is crucial for business success.
• Expectations for immediate returns can lead to disappointment.
• Maintaining a positive mindset is essential.
• Referrals from clients are invaluable for growth.
• Education plays a key role in legal consulting.
• Continuing education can help reduce litigation risks.
• Carrie's consulting services are tailored to client needs.
• Building strong relationships with clients leads to repeat business.

More Information:

• https://barbermedicallegalnurse.com/
• https://anndonnelly.com
• https://anndonnellysuccessstories.com

This episode of Building Success Stories is an interview with Phil Casabona, Executive Director of the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, more commonly known as LARAC.

We talk about how LARAC got started and hosted its well-known annual Arts Festival 52 years ago and how he and the staff of LARAC are carrying on the great work to support arts in this area with new exhibits and offerings throughout the year and distribute funding of approximately $100K to individuals and organizations in 2024.

Unfortunately, since this was recorded, Casaboma has announced the upcoming closure of the Mountain Gallery, which he speaks fondly of during this episode. Click here to learn more about LARAC.

Click here to read Ann Donnelly's article about LARAC in the Glens Falls Business Journal.

This episode of Building Success Stories is Part 1 of 2 on Building Habits. Producer Seth Cooper and I discuss how to build the habits that are needed to ensure that you do the necessary marketing and other activities needed to grow your business.

Bonus Content! An interview with Ashley Heald from Peak Nutrition in Glens Falls. Find Peak Nutrition on Facebook!

Read my article on Peak Nutrition in the Glens Falls Business Journal.

Recommended Reading: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan.