Serious Business: It All Matters...Just Not That Much
66 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratingsIn Serious Business, seven-figure CEO Suzanne Evans takes the mystery out of building a successful brand with her signature "tough as nails but funny as hell" touch. Whether you need a pick me up or simple strategies to create a movement (and not just in your company), Serious Business gives you an uncensored, unfiltered peek into the life of a total boss.
Because business is serious. But it ain't that serious.
Let's eliminate the stuffiness. This isn't your run of the mill business podcast, but you'll still get a heap of frank business advice and strategies that cut through the crap. Your business is a vehicle to what you really want in life, so focus on what matters and forget everything else. Take entrepreneurship seriously, but don't get carried away. Relax. Breathe. Laugh with us. On Serious Business, we realize that funny business is no joke.
To learn more about the Serious Business Podcast visit https://driveninc.com
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Episodes
Ubuntu and Cardi B
March 23, 2021 13:00 - 13 minutes - 14.6 MBIs your version of business offensive to some? Is the way you express yourself moving you forward? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shares her thoughts on the conversations about feminism brought up by Cardi B’s recent eye-popping Grammys performance. “I need you so I can be me, and you need me so you can be you.” -Suzanne Evans In this episode: - Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion’s Grammys performance - Feminism and freedom to choose - The meaning of Ubuntu -...
Getting Real About Working Hard
March 16, 2021 13:00 - 23 minutes - 52.9 MBIt’s time to ditch the fantasy people are selling you about building a business without doing the hard work. No matter how smart, qualified, or creative you are, the only thing that is going to put you ahead of the curve is your work ethic. In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne and Melonie cut the crap and give you some tough love about the un-sexy side of getting the job done, no matter what. You’re not going to go from zero to thriving without effort and consistency, but commitment ...
How to Launch a Virtual Event
March 09, 2021 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBIn a time when everyone is running virtual events, how do you make yours stand out? For starters, don’t make yours better than a phone call- make it a show! In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne and Melonie detail how they’ve been putting on their own high quality virtual events for the last ten years. Engage and entertain your audience and you’ll go far. We’re used to watching high production, high quality television. If you can make your own events sparkle and shine, you can capture...
How You Learn Might Be Keeping You Broke!
March 02, 2021 14:00 - 22 minutes - 23.9 MBWhat's your learning style? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne talks about the way we learn and implement ideas and concepts, how to break past being stuck, and how to use what you learn and pay it forward! Connect with Suzanne: Website - https://driveninc.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheDrivenInc Twitter - https://twitter.com/thedriveninc Instagram - @thedriveninc
Dependability
February 23, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBBeing undependable can be a slippery slope. It’s important for entrepreneurs and employees to be as dependable as possible to build trust and position themselves as someone who people can come to in times of need. A dependable person shows up on time, tries their best, and is consistent- every time. Join Suzanne and Melonie as they detail other qualities that make people dependable, share stories of dependable employees, and even give tips about how you can be an essential component in your ...
Best Party Ever
February 16, 2021 14:00 - 27 minutes - 63.5 MBHave you ever wondered what it would take to pull off a successful event of your own? Today, Suzanne and Melonie sit down with their team to help you out. They’re here to discuss the important details of planning an event and how to get over the biggest hurdle: filling up the room. The team shares their insights on what you need to put on a show, how to move tickets, and how to make sure your event runs smoothly. Join Suzanne, Melonie, and the rest of the crew and let’s get ready to party. ...
2021 Confusion and Delusion
January 26, 2021 14:00 - 16 minutes - 17.5 MBDon't lose focus on growing in the new year! In this episode of Serious Business, hear Suzanne's take on 2021- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Connect with Suzanne: - Website: https://driveninc.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrivenInc - Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedriveninc -Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedriveninc
What's Wrong With Church?
January 19, 2021 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBWhen it comes to Sunday morning marketing, some churches could use a little help. On this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne and Melonie share how churches can better move, motivate, and inspire their congregations. Plus, take a deep dive into how the best ministers capture an audience like the best business speakers. See how the most fascinating ministers and preachers are using traditional marketing to grow a community, share a message of good, and keep people listening week after week. ...
Recession-Proof Your Business
January 05, 2021 14:00 - 22 minutes - 52 MBIf the country were to fall into a recession, how prepared would you be? Recession-proofing your business is easier than you think if you spend time today building your strategy. In this episode, Suzanne explains the simple steps you need to take to continue business as usual regardless of the nation’s finances. You’ll hear how to prepare your credit, how to create an emergency plan of action, and what you should be doing now to prepare for the long term. “We are our own economy.” I...
I'm Not Really Good At Anything
December 22, 2020 14:00 - 17 minutes - 39.1 MBDo you feel at times that your self-confidence surpasses your actual ability to do things? Do you have to work really hard to get things done? Do you get the impression that you’re not exceptional at anything? If you answered yes to any of those questions then you have got to hear what Suzanne and Melonie have to say. Today, they chat about how most people wait for the moment when they’re really good at something, and why that waiting is counter-productive. By the end of this episode, you w...
Objection
December 15, 2020 14:00 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBThe number one challenge for anyone that has a business is overcoming objections. There will always be people who will not agree with you or with your decisions. Today, Suzanne and Melonie take a quick look at how you can weather out people’s objections. Plus, they also talk about how persistence, curiosity, and confrontation factor into your reactions and objections. This is one brief episode you don’t want to miss; go get curious! “There’s nothing wrong with somebody saying no.” ...
How To Talk To A Wall
December 08, 2020 14:00 - 21 minutes - 21.6 MBCreating great content for your business can be a huge struggle… unless you can have a conversation with yourself! Once you start thinking about content creation as a reaction to anything (and we really do mean anything), you can create tons of great content in a snap. Join Suzanne and Melonie for this eye-opening episode of Serious Business. If you’re paying attention to the right things and noting your reactions and opinions, you’ll have a treasure trove of content in no time. “You h...
When I Win The Lottery
December 01, 2020 14:00 - 13 minutes - 31 MBThe odds of winning the Powerball are roughly 175 million to one, but that doesn’t stop people from betting every single day. A lot of people believe that winning the jackpot is the key to a fulfilling life. So if you won the prize money, what would you do with all that dough? Today, Suzanne and Melonie share what they would do with the cash. More important, Suzanne wants to know what’s keeping you from doing those things now? Tune in and play the numbers game. “If you had $30 million ...
The Wonders of Simplifying Your Life
November 24, 2020 14:00 - 21 minutes - 52 MBManaging kids, pets or parents with your business is no easy feat. There will always come a time where you will feel guilty of either working a lot or spending too much time with your family. If there’s something else going on in your world besides you, it’s going to have some sort of impact on your business. Today, Suzanne will talk about how you can manage that guilt, let it go, and be a successful entrepreneur. This one is for the books! “Chaos and complication are very expensi...
Swag It
November 17, 2020 14:00 - 14 minutes - 14.6 MBEverything is about positioning and how you get attention. Is your business getting enough attention? Are you using the right ways of showing up to get your business? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne discusses the ways we show up in the world- especially relating to two of the most visible men in the country: Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The most interesting people get their airtime. “There is something interesting about not knowing what someone’s going to say next.” -Suzan...
Tapping Into Your Inner Compass When The Car is Spinning in Circles
November 10, 2020 14:00 - 16 minutes - 18.5 MBHow do you stay true to your North Star? Do you even know where it is? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shows listeners how to realize when they’re on the wrong path and exactly how to get back to the right track. The chaos exists to serve you- so sit at the table and envision the prosperity. The world might be crazy, but you don’t have to feel the same way. “The challenge is opportunity.” -Suzanne Evans In this episode: - Finding your North Star - Staying calm ...
One Donut Away From Prison
November 03, 2020 14:00 - 19 minutes - 22.5 MBWhat would you risk for a Frankenstein donut? Buckle your seatbelts, this is a juicy episode of Serious Business that you won’t want to miss. Any quirky customer interaction is a reminder that there’s a human behind every customer service issue. How we deal with those issues is how we live. “Is it all worth it for a donut?” -Suzanne Evans In this episode: - What NOT to do in customer service - Why the way you treat people matters - How time separates you from chaos - Th...
Refunds, Cancelations, and Drama
October 27, 2020 13:00 - 20 minutes - 20.8 MBA business without a refund policy in place… isn’t a real business- it’s a hobby. On this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne and Melonie dive in deep into the importance of contracts and keeping your word. Business owners can’t shy away from putting clauses, refund policies, and best financial practices into place- but so many often do. This is one episode of Serious Business that you won’t want to miss! “There are no refunds for being lazy.” - Suzanne Evans In this Episode Why refu...
Living in the Weeds... And Loving It!
October 20, 2020 13:00 - 14 minutes - 14.9 MBDominique Crenn is one of the leading chefs in America. One of the reasons why is that she understands that if we’re not knee-deep in trouble, it means she isn’t an action taker. The same goes for you! If you’re not in the weeds, you’re not thriving or risking! Don’t miss this motivational breakthrough episode of Serious Business! “I was built for burning buildings.” -Suzanne Evans In this episode: - Why planting yourself works - The benefits of being busy - What you can ...
The Shame In Your Silence
October 13, 2020 13:00 - 18 minutes - 22.2 MBWe’ve never been in such a time where we need to speak up more than now. Business owners are leaders. We’re the people who get stuff done. We’re the people who need to share our messages and change the world. In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shows you how to stop living in perfection and start living in projection. If you’re ready to do more, see more, and lift yourself up, this is the perfect episode for you. “The more you come out of hiding, the bigger impact you have.” -Su...
The Reality of Your Trauma
October 06, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 25.1 MBThe dictionary definition of trauma is a disturbing or distressing experience. Each action is informed by these traumas we experience. Everyone comes into the world with a little bit of trauma, but how much does it need to guide the rest of your life? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne explores the connection between trauma and business success. You’ll see how you can heal, help, and serve others while navigating your own problems. “There is a void in the world when you don’t sho...
A Trump in a World of Bidens
September 29, 2020 13:00 - 17 minutes - 21.9 MBEverything is about positioning and how you get attention. Is your business getting enough attention? Are you using the right ways of showing up to get your business? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne discusses the ways we show up in the world- especially relating to two of the most visible men in the country: Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The most interesting people get their airtime. “There is something interesting about not knowing what someone’s going to say next.” -Suzanne...
How You Leave Is How You Live
September 22, 2020 13:00 - 14 minutes - 16.6 MBHow you leave a situation says everything about how you live. Do you leave things better than you found it? Or maybe you consider everyone else who may be affected by your exit. The way you leave says a lot about your personality and the way you live! Sometimes, you have to let go of something of a lower nature to get something of a higher nature. The most vivid memory people will have for you is your exit, not your entrance, so make it a good one! Join Suzanne for an eye-opening episode of...
The Price of Forgiveness
September 15, 2020 13:00 - 16 minutes - 17.2 MBEach day is an exercise in forgiveness. Whether it’s from someone bumping into you with their cart at the grocery store or an employee making a mistake at work, we’re constantly forgiving people. It’s part of our journey! Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could be any different. Not being willing to forgive takes mental space, zaps your energy, and leaves you feeling less creative. Today’s episode of Serious Business is all about opening up space to clarity to come in. Join...
Maintaining Your Authenticity on Social Media
September 08, 2020 13:00 - 22 minutes - 52.1 MBIs there any truth left? Using social media for marketing works, but as it becomes more inundated with professional beach photoshoots and perfectly framed lifestyle shots pretending to be candid, your audience is craving more authenticity. In today’s episode, Suzanne and Melonie chat about why it’s so important to use social media to tell your real story instead of manufacturing the same tired content everyone else is using. You’ll hear how you can use social media to showcase your brand wit...
Cult of Questioning
September 01, 2020 13:00 - 18 minutes - 19.5 MBPassion is one thing, but being blindly in love with your business can really hurt you! When you fall in love with your business, you stop asking yourself the important questions on how to improve. After Suzanne was recently told she was “in a cult” after posting a political Facebook status, she started thinking about what that means and what she believes in. The answer? The cult of questioning isn’t really a cult at all. Mastering the art of constantly improving your business and optimizing...
How to Talk to a Wall
August 25, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 21.6 MBCreating great content for your business can be a huge struggle… unless you can have a conversation with with yourself! Once you start thinking about content creation as a reaction to anything (and we really do mean anything), you can create tons of great content in a snap. Join Suzanne and Melonie for this eye-opening episode of Serious Business. If you’re paying attention to the right things and noting your reactions and opinions, you’ll have a treasure trove of content in no time. “...
Grabbing a Piece of the Attention Economy
August 18, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 55.6 MBOne of the biggest names in the world has built an empire through almost zero ad spend thanks to the new attention economy. No matter how you feel about the Kardashians, small business owners can learn a lot from how these social media masters laid their claim to such a large piece of attention real estate. Today, Suzanne and Melonie dig into why you have to start taking advantage of social media as the easiest, most affordable way to grow your business. They’re joined by a member of their...
It’s Never Over
August 11, 2020 13:00 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MBWhen life gives you lemons, do you make margaritas? If not, you need to get started- because no matter what level of success you reach, building a business never gets easier. The challenge never stops- it only changes. If you can’t be “all in” in your business, then you can’t be all in in life. Join Suzanne as she lays out the truth of where business “stops” in this episode of Serious Business. “Life is a series of things you don’t want to do and having fun in between.” -Melonie Orr ...
Honesty Saves Everyone Time
August 04, 2020 13:00 - 14 minutes - 16 MBThe truth will set you free… but it takes a little effort. If you’re not organized enough in your business, you’ll be forced to lie. Don’t get to that statement. Join Suzanne as she shows you how to align yourself with your dreams by aligning yourself with the truth. The way you do anything is the way you do everything… and it all starts with being honest. With yourself. With others. And with your business! This is one episode of Serious Business you don’t want to miss. “Do what you say yo...
Stop Watering Dead Plants
July 28, 2020 13:00 - 20 minutes - 25.6 MBBetween client work, getting your message work, setting up sales calls, and everything else we need to do in our businesses, it can be difficult to know what to focus on. But so many business owners are focusing on nurturing things that cannot grow. It’s time to stop watering dead plants and comparing yourself to others. In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shows you focus on your strengths and use those to your tactical advantage, you can rise above and thrive. “Stop watering th...
Your Hourly Activity Determines Your Yearly Results
July 21, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 17.1 MBAre you spending too much time cleaning your bathroom and not enough time working on your business? Shit happens- but business owners that closely track their hourly activities oftentimes make more money! Most of us know our monetary goals for the year, but don’t know the exact amount of work it will take to achieve it. In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shows listeners the value of keeping tabs on your hourly activity in order to zone in on exactly how you’re spending (or maybe ev...
Risk Together, Rise Together
July 14, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 20.7 MBConversations about race in America have come to the forefront of every conversation. And that’s a good thing! With each opinion we share, we push the conversation forward. From our personal lives to our businesses themselves, Americans are learning more about each other’s values with each passing day. Here’s how it helps: any time we share your beliefs, you’re taking a risk- and when we all show ourselves and put our beliefs on the line, it helps us all. In this episode of Serious Business,...
The Let Me Implement Lie
July 07, 2020 13:00 - 11 minutes - 12.1 MBPros don’t do their own plumbing, they hire a professional. They don’t lie to themselves like some business owners seem to be doing. The “let me implement” lie is the story we tell ourselves when things get out of hand with our business and we don’t know how to get new clients and get more income. But the story is based on lies. Yes, you’re smart. Yes, you're capable, but the truth is, you can’t do everything on your own once you reach a certain point. Join Suzanne as she exposes the lies bu...
F*ck You, Pay Me
June 30, 2020 13:00 - 20 minutes - 22.1 MBContracts can give even the most steadfast business owners a lot of trouble… but we have the duty to uphold them. Do you read the fine print in your own contracts? This episode of Serious Business is all about those sticky situations where we have to step back, take a deep breath, and say, “F*ck you, pay me” to a client that just won’t pay up. Join Suzanne as she discusses exactly how to deal with these situations and get trouble clients back on track! “I don’t work for free, and you s...
Execution is a B*tch
June 23, 2020 13:00 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MBSo many people wait until it's perfect to start. Wrong move. In the execution, you'll realize exactly how to do whatever your goal is. Ditch the fantasy people are selling you about building a business without doing the hard work. Ideas, fantasies, and dreams are great- but they won't build you a business. Execution is a real b*tch. Suzanne cuts the crap and gives you tough love about the un-sexy side of getting the job done, no matter what. “If you wait to be right, then you'll never...
Black Lives Matter: A Continued Conversation (with Donna McPherson and Nailah Beraki)
June 16, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 41.4 MBAs the national conversation about white privilege and Black Lives Matters comes to a head, we want to hear from and lift up black voices in our entrepreneurial community. Now is the time to listen. Join Suzanne Evans, Donna McPherson, and Nialah Beraki in a discussion about systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter. “Now is the time to listen.” - Suzanne Evans In this Episode: Black Lives Matter Why people should listen more than they share Donna McPherson’s immigration...
The Black Male Voice (with Hasani Pettiford)
June 09, 2020 13:00 - 39 minutes - 41.1 MBAs the national conversation about white privilege and Black Lives Matters comes to a head, we want to hear from and lift up black voices in our entrepreneurial community. Now is the time to listen. Join Suzanne Evans and Hasani Pettiford in a discussion about systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter. “Isolation breeds ignorance.” - Hasani Pettiford In this Episode: Black Lives Matter Why interacting with other communities will make you grow How to be “all in” on fighti...
Who Are You In War- And Who Are You In Peace?
June 02, 2020 13:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBHow do your show up for business? Whether you’re zenned out or stressed out, you should attack any situation the same way. Being sure of yourself will always win out over wishy-washyness. So where are you only “kind of” showing up? If you’re going to do a business or offer a service, it is imperative that you show up 100%. Every time. Luckily, Suzanne Evans is here to show how, where and when to do it. Join Suzanne on this thoughtful episode of Serious Business “It’s so much easier to ...
The Pain of Indecision is a Price You Can't Afford To Pay
May 26, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBQuick- make a decision! You don’t need to waffle or waver because indecision is self-abuse. Here’s how to get out of that vicious cycle: make the decision, then make the decision right. Once you make a decision, you can live a more free, fulfilling, and happier life because you know you’re taking the next step and you know you’re moving forward. Suzanne dives into exactly how it works and how to make these faster decisions on this week’s episode of Serious Business! “Happier people make fa...
Create Great Copy That Gets Attention!
May 19, 2020 13:00 - 26 minutes - 26.3 MBWhen your sales copy is right, it moves people, entertains people, and moves people into your business- seriously! But content creation is a major stumbling block for many entrepreneurs. How can you create 10 pieces of content from nothing? In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne goes into detail about how to make incredible copy that converts into movement in your business. Keep an ear out for Adrien Evan’s first appearance on the show, too! This is an episode of Serious Business you w...
What's Your Money Story?
May 12, 2020 13:00 - 18 minutes - 16.4 MBEveryone has a story- what’s yours? When you put yourself in the mindset of your inner child, you’ll find your earliest money memory. Herein lies your money story- the philosophy of how you think about money. Our money story also reveals how we do business! In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne dives into how our money stories change us and how to rewrite our story and work from our business brain rather than our money story. This is one eye-opening episode of Serious Business that yo...
Who Are You in the Middle of the Night?
May 05, 2020 13:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MBWaiting, waiting, waiting. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has begun, so many entrepreneurs have been waiting for things to be concrete in their business to move forward. But you can’t stay up waiting in the middle of the night waiting for things to happen. You have to take action. In many ways, who you are in the middle of the night is who you are in the middle of the day. In this episode of Serious Business, Suzanne shares a story of a client who contacted her in the middle of the night and re...
Suffering is Optional
April 28, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 21.9 MBAre you living in uncertainty? Do you wait until you’re right or you know all the answers before you take action? This episode of Serious Business is for you! Suzanne dives into a deep discussion on why you don’t need to know everything before you take action. Suffering is optional, and once you stop living in uncertainty, you suffer far less. First, you make the decision, and then you make the decision right. This episode of Serious Business is a goldmine of great advice to move you forward...
You are Becoming DANGEROUS: How What You Do Today Makes You a Weapon Tomorrow
April 21, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 15.6 MBHere’s the truth: resilient people win every time. And the more hardships we face make our hands more callused and make us more ready to win. But through the struggle and hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are becoming stronger. Join Suzanne Evans as she explains how you are becoming a weapon of hope and resilience against fear. This time might be your “walked 10 miles each way in a snowstorm” story, but here’s the good news: you’re in control of how to handle a crisis. In this inspirin...
The Victim in You Destroys the Warrior In Me
April 14, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 29.2 MBIs your victimhood holding you back? As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, moods are shifting and victim energy is rising. As people deal with the health crisis, the economic implications, and shelter in place orders, you need to know how to meet people where they are when they are afraid or frustrated. When the victim in you shows up, you must also know how to knock it over and become a warrior and rise up to yourself. This is one inspiring episode of Serious Business that you won’t want to ...
The Most Important To-Do List
April 07, 2020 13:00 - 33 minutes - 26.8 MBWhat’s your schedule like during the COVID-19 crisis? Are you getting more done? Or less? No matter your answer, one thing is certain- you need to follow a set schedule during this time to keep cash flowing and keep your business thriving. In today’s episode of Serious Business, Suzanne gives listeners the exact to-do list to follow to keep incredible habits during this challenging time and to foster business success. Follow all five strategies and see how your business soars! “You’ve gott...
The Super Ugly Part
March 31, 2020 13:00 - 22 minutes - 20.1 MBAs the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, things are about to get ugly… but that doesn't mean your business needs to grind to a halt. This episode of Serious Business is all about using your fear as momentum to keep you going- even in this challenging time. Getting through to the other side will take hard work, discipline, and emotional intelligence to get through, but if you do it right, you can do it. You’re going to be More Than OK. “You can’t be in action and fear at the same time” - Suzann...
Tougher than the News. Stronger than the Numbers.
March 24, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBThere’s a lot going on in the world right now, but the actions you take now can make a huge impact on your business. Join Suzanne as she shares her biggest takeaways on the first week of social distancing on a global scale. All ships rise together, and there are still plenty of ways you can grow your business during this challenging time. You don’t need to be afraid! Starve fear by making sure your information is at the level you need it. You only need enough to be informed! We’re all togeth...
"Who Killed Malcolm X?" and What You Do With The Truth
February 25, 2020 14:00 - 19 minutes - 19.3 MBHow well do we understand the truth? In the new documentary, “Who Killed Malcolm X?”, Abdur-Rahman Muhammad and other historians explore how well we really understand how the civil rights leader was killed. We’re never told the truth, we’re told what someone wants us to know. From the government, banks, and business, we’re only told what those in charge want us to know. The challenge then becomes how do we parse out the truth? Are you communicating your truth with your followers? This is an ...