Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

Latest Episodes:

From Being A Dreamer To A Successful Achiever with James Whittaker Apr 19, 2022

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We are so excited to have business management specialist and author of bestselling finance and motivation book The Beginner’s Guide to Wealth James Whittaker. James works as a mentor for C-level executives, helps them map out their goals, and provides the necessary tools for them to reach their targets. He’s also the host of the Win the Day podcast, where he interviews different entrepreneurs in over 80+ episodes.

James defines success as having the freedom to structure the day however you want and having the resources to do so. But he also believes that surrounding yourself with the right people plays a big role in whether or not you achieve your goals. Above all, he says, you should be clear on who you are in order to stay motivated and know where you want to go.

According to him, what separates ordinary from extraordinary people is how you respond to adversity. Although they won’t be immune to making mistakes, achievers will have a resilient mindset that will lead them to get closer to their goals.

One great piece of advice he gives to want-to-be entrepreneurs is building strong relationships, as you never know when you’re going to need honest feedback or a favor. But first, he says, you should make yourself available to help the people on your network.
What you'll learn:

How can we define success?
What are the main traits of an achiever?
What is the importance of building strong relationships via networking?
Why is social media a necessary evil for business owners?

Connect with James on Instagram and through his Website
Listen to his podcast here.
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman
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How Understanding Consumer Behavior Can Grow Your Business with Sharmin Attaran Apr 12, 2022

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We are so excited to have marketing educator and Ph.D. graduate Sharmin Attaran on the Coffee N. 5 podcast today. Sharmin began studying economics at UCLA, but towards the end of her senior year, she started working as an advertising intern for Vitamin Water, which completely fascinated her and shifted the course of her career.

After confessing to her dad her newfound love for the advertising world, he suggested that she take her first marketing class: consumer behavior. Now she teaches that same area of expertise at Bryant University. She also graduated from Marketing and Entrepreneurship as part of a Ph.D. in the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Given the rapidly changing world we live in, Sharmin finds herself changing the topic of her lectures every year. However, she finds it important that her students know that marketing’s foundations are linked with the psychology and behavior of buyers. According to her, understanding consumer intent is key to a successful marketing strategy.

She also touches on the topic of digital marketing tools. Sharmin believes technologies like Google Ads have benefited small businesses and leveled the playing field. With the right online strategy, she says, anyone can grow their business and be competitive.
What you’ll learn:

How did Sharmin get into marketing after studying economics?
What is the importance of consumer behavior?
Why should we be more careful about boosting a post on Facebook?
How has digital marketing shifted the balance between large and small companies?

For more information, don’t forget to follow Sharmin on Twitter at @Prof_Shar. You can also keep up with her work on her LinkedIn profile or purchase her book.
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman

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Write with Personality: The Secret to Copywriting with Dan Nelken Apr 05, 2022

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Dan Nelken doesn’t like to think of himself as an expert, but his bestselling book on copywriting, with all the help it has provided writers, says otherwise! Dan got the idea for his book, A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters when asked to hold a course for other writers. This book is a self-help guide for writers, providing them with tips and templates for writing.

In this podcast, we talk shop about writing and written content. Dan gives some of his tips and tricks on writing. For example, Dan explains that he thinks he’s good at writing because he isn’t, in fact, a good writer, but a good communicator! Instead of being caught up in trying to have a perfectly written piece, his focus is on getting across the point to the reader.

Besides being a best-selling author, Dan Nelken has worked as a copywriter for some of Canada’s top ad agencies, as well as a copywriter for several companies. He hopes that through his book, he’ll be able to teach writers new and old what he would have liked to know.

What you’ll learn:

How Dan Nelken got started with the idea for his book
Why entrepreneurs can fail
How to get customers and clients to engage with content
How the book provides a structured template for writing
Different writing strategies and triggers
Tricks for solving pressing problems and roadblocks
“Unplugging” your emotions when it comes to work
Writing for the sake of writing vs. communicating
Personality in writing and brand voice
Writing for social media
Some of Dan’s mistakes he’s learned from

Connect with Dan through LinkedIn and check his Website!
Download his book here.
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman

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How Purpose-driven Beauty is Powering the Industry with Jennifer Norman Mar 29, 2022

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Today in Coffee N. 5, we had a fantastic conversation with Jennifer Norman on marketing in terms of the beauty industry. Jennifer has had almost 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. She speaks about the evolution of women’s beauty in Hollywood (which trickles down to women in other places). From tall thin supermodels to the body positivity movement of today, things have changed a lot in recent years. Influencers and the rise in social media have spearheaded this change, and now big companies are starting to follow.

Jennifer felt the need to start her brand after realizing it’s hard to change big companies from within. She took matters into her own hands and founded The Human Beauty Movement in 2019. She wants people to feel like they’re getting “Zen in a bottle” when they buy her products. Her company uses ethically-sourced ingredients and is a certified B Corp. She starts every decision from a place of love, not a place of financial gain.

Jennifer speaks about how and why she started her own business, the importance of having solid ideals and principles behind your business, self-confidence, and tips for new entrepreneurs. She also talks about her challenges of being ready to launch just as the pandemic hit and how she navigated this issue.

What you’ll learn:

The evolution of beauty standards and ideals
How the digital age gave rise to the body positivity movement
Indie beauty brands and their strengths
Jennifer’s experience and challenges starting her brand and why she did it
Jennifer’s experience marketing CBD and how she got started
How Jennifer ensures her products are all ethically made
The importance of a positive attitude and confidence in yourself in business
Being your own person in business
Mistakes as opportunities to learn

Connect with Jennifer through Instagram and LinkedIn.
Learn more about The Human Beauty Movement here
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman

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Giving Women a Platform to Speak Up with Mirela Sula Mar 22, 2022

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Today, we speak with Mirela Sula, founder of Global Woman Limited. Mirela is all about women empowerment, one of the reasons she was a top pick for International Women's month. Her passion is helping other women. Mirela wants to encourage women to speak up and speak out. She knows women have a lot to say. They often just need a platform!

She started in media, where she realized from interviewing many different women that we all have things in common. From there, she branched out into helping other women with their businesses.

In her experience, she has noticed that people want to empower women, but then once women come out and discover their power, they’re told to scale it back. In terms of positive changes, she sees that now, more than ever before, women are uplifting each other rather than seeing each other as competition. Mirela stresses that she doesn’t give women the power to speak confidently but instead permits them to unleash that power already inside them.

She is also the editor in Chief of Global Woman Magazine, founder of Global Woman Club, a Business & Psychology coach, an award-winning Media & Marketing expert, Entrepreneur, best selling author, and a TV show host at Global Woman TV.
What you’ll learn:

Why it’s essential for women to have the opportunity to articulate what they want to say.
Women are aligned with and supportive of one another these days more than at any other time.
How Mirela helps women find their voice.
What women across the world have in common.
Men as a part of the global women community.
Allowing ourselves to make mistakes, and the mistake Mirela made that she thinks others can learn a lot from.

Connect with Mirela on her Website, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Check Global Women Club website here!
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman
Follow Business Forward on Facebook and Instagram

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How to Give a Sales Pitch that Closes Deals with Lara Schmoisman Mar 15, 2022

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In this episode of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman herself gives tips on how to pitch yourself so you get that deal. Her biggest tip? She believes in telling the client your story…letting them get to know you for you and building a strong sense of trust. Creating a connection is the way to close deals with staying power.

When you sit there and make your sales pitch, take the time to talk to your client, to get to know them. As much as you want to close the deal and gain a new client, you’ll also be vetting the client to make sure they’re a good fit for you because is a collaboration above all.

Lara explains that you need to do your research and make sure you understand what they do. Because when you deliver your pitch, you want to make sure the potential client knows that you understand their business. And when you tell them what you can do for them, be sure to keep it real. Overpromising and under-delivering are worse than losing a client, so be real! Be honest and realistic about what you have to offer and what results can be expected.

In all, be sure to create that rapport between you and your potential new client. It will go a long way toward the future of your business!
What you’ll learn:

The learning curve when it comes to how to pitch a service.
The importance of forming a relationship with your client.
Do your homework, what needs changing? What do they offer?
Being honest with your client.

Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman
Follow Business Forward on Facebook and Instagram

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What it Takes to be an Entrepreneur with Kim Argetsinger Mar 08, 2022

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In this current digital age, many people are taking the plunge to start their online businesses. But can everyone be an entrepreneur? What skills are needed to succeed? And what are some common mistakes new entrepreneurs make? Join this week for our podcast with Kim Argetsinger about entrepreneurship and what it entails.

Kim Argetsinger has always been an entrepreneur and a coach at heart. From an early age, she found ways to make money all on her own and found that she had a knack for giving helpful advice to others. She combined these two passions to become a mindset coach and business mentor.

This episode is chock full of great advice for new entrepreneurs. For example, Kim stresses the importance of patience as an entrepreneur and not falling for the idea that you should be an overnight success. She also explains how to scale up and not feel overwhelmed or do too much too fast. You’ll also hear her insightful thoughts on why stepping away from your business for a bit can be more productive than you’d think and her trick for remembering those ideas that pop into your head in the most random of places!

Kim combines mindset and actionable strategy to help her clients get epic results. She works one-on-one with clients who are ready to get out there and get their business booming. She stresses that she is a guide, helping her clients, who already have a solid business idea in place, realize their best results.
What you’ll learn:

Why it’s important to delegate tasks out to others.
The importance of leveraging time.
Common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs.
How to separate time spent on promoting your business vs. time spent with/for clients.
Kim’s ideal client.
Stepping away from work and how it can actually help your business.
A mistake Kim made in her past that she learned a lot from and utilized the lessons to this day.

Connect with Kim on Instagram and check her Website!
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman
Follow Business Forward on Facebook and Instagram

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Finding New Markets as a Growing Beauty Brand with Claire McCormack Mar 01, 2022

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Welcome to another episode of Coffee N5 Podcast! It's a pleasure to have Claire McCormack here with us.

Claire McCormack is a senior editor at the digital publication Beauty Independent, covering the beauty, wellness, and personal care industries. She is a thought leader, writer, and speaker on beauty and wellness business, trends, and consumer behavior, with deep expertise in the sexual wellness consumer goods market. Claire has an MBA in Management and Marketing from Fordham University. She wants to create healthy spaces for beauty, wellness, and sexual wellness brands.

Today on the podcast, host Lara Schmoisman chats with Claire about her love for helping new products and brands find new markets through PR and trade shows.

Claire shares specifically why she got into Beauty Independent and the strides she has taken in interviewing brands who don't have all the money for PR but want to get new markets.

She also shares her experiences from an editor’s perspective on how a brand prepares for a trade show. She shares the process of preparing for before and during the trade show and also how to follow up with buyers after a trade show.

Furthermore, Claire shares the joys and struggles of helping brands and how brands can get featured on Beauty Independent.

If you’ve been trying to reach new markets with your growing brand and win lots of buyers and customers at trade shows, this is your sure bet. Click, play and take great notes.
What you'll learn:

Recommendations for a new brand to get ready for a trade show.
The best ways to follow up with buyers after a trade show.
How brands can get featured on Beauty Independent.

Connect with Claire McCormack through her Instagram and her LinkedIn

Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman
Follow Business Forward on Facebook and Instagram

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How to Build a Magical Business with Shereen Campbell Feb 22, 2022

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Welcome to another episode of Coffee N5 Podcast! Today we have with us Astrologer and Founder of My Little Magic Shop to tell us all about how to build a successful business- a truly Magical one!

Shereen Campbell is an Astrologer, Reiki Master Teacher, Akashic record Practitioner, Shamanic Practitioner, Crystal Healer, Timeline Meditation Healer, and the Founder of My Little Magic Shop, which she uses to help people create the magical life they deserve through her products and services.

Shereen started her career in retail which she practiced for many years before turning her passion for astrology into a business.

Shereen founded My Little Magic Shop to make researching and developing self-care rituals based on ancient practices easier, merging her passion for alternative healing methods with her retail expertise. Her mission is to teach others how to build their own magic in life and actualize their desires by sharing practical self-empowerment tactics and resources.

Today on the podcast, she chats with Podcast Host Lara Schmoisman as she shares the tips, tricks, and secrets that she used to turn her passion and love for astrology into a successful magical business! She shares about the struggles she faced with getting her business from the ground up, how astrology helped her define a business path, and her journey so far, moving from being an MBA certified retail executive in the corporate world to owning and growing her business into what it is today.

If you are a small business owner and you’ve been struggling to get your business running or maybe you’re an individual who is curious to understand how astrology works, there's something in here for you! Click play and get listening.

What you’ll learn:

How Astrology can help you in Career and Business
The Secrets to Building a successful business from the Ground Up
Do you need money to start a business?
Faceless Brand Vs. a Brand with a Face

Check out My Little Magic Shop on Instagram and on their website to learn more!
Follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

LinkedIn: @laraschmoisman

Twitter: @LaraSchmoisman

Follow Business Forward on Facebook and Instagram

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Support the show

What’s Missing in Content Today with Atoosa Rubenstein Feb 15, 2022

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Welcome to another episode of Coffee N5 Podcast! Today on the show, we have with us Atoosa Rubenstein, former editor-in-chief of Seventeen and founder and editor-in-chief of CosmoGIRL!, to talk about how to create content with intention.

Atoosa started her career in 1993 as a fashion assistant at Cosmopolitan, and five years later, she was promoted to senior fashion editor. This led to Hearst Magazine’s president Cathleen Black asking Rubenstein to develop a concept for a new magazine. Forty-eight hours later, Rubenstein presented the idea of CosmoGIRL! and was offered the position of editor-in-chief, making Atoosa, who was 26 at the time, the youngest editor-in-chief.

In 2003, she went on to become editor-in-chief at Seventeen Magazine, where she reversed a five-year decline in Seventeen's newsstand sales and delivered total newsstand growth of 23% by the end of 2005.

Today, she runs her own media platform, Atoosa Unedited.

Since we live in a digital media world, Atoosa shares great insight into how digital media avenues can create better quality content as opposed to the unplanned and fast-paced content that flies around.

In today’s world, digital media has grown to become more powerful than print media. The result is fast-paced, unedited content being shoved down our throats by the second - but what can the digital media era learn from the way content was being pushed at the time when print media was in vogue? How exactly can we start creating content with intention and not just for the sake of filling a space on people’s timelines? Dive into the podcast to find out!

What you'll learn: