<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	
	xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss"
	xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Forbes | The Barefoot Spirit</title>
	<atom:link href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/tag/forbes/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com</link>
	<description>Founders of Barefoot, a Top Global Brand New York Times Bestselling Authors International Keynote Speakers, Entrepreneurial Coaches.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:26:44 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	
	<item>
		<title>The Barefoot Spirit is an Audie Award Finalist!</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-barefoot-spirit-audie-award-finalist-press-release/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2020 18:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2020 Audie Award Ceremony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Audie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Audie Award]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Audie Award Finalist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[audiobook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Audiobook Publishers Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Audiofile Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business audio theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ed Asner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[genre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Weinglass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Foland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sherwood Players Productions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Barefoot Spirit]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=16904</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>FORESTVILLE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; The Audiobook Publishers Association announced today that The Barefoot Spirit Audiobook is a Finalist for the 2020 Business/Personal Development Audiobook of the Year Award. The original paperback version of The Barefoot Spirit, How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America&#8217;s #1 Wine Brand was a New York Times Bestseller and chronicles the humble beginnings of the now ubiquitous Barefoot Wine brand. The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-barefoot-spirit-audie-award-finalist-press-release/">The Barefoot Spirit is an Audie Award Finalist!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="xn-location"><img class=" wp-image-16905 alignleft" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Audie-Award-Finalist-300x167.jpg" alt="" width="352" height="196" />FORESTVILLE, Calif.</span>, <span class="xn-chron">Feb. 3, 2020</span> /PRNewswire/ &#8212; The <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/audio_publishers_association_announces_finalists_for_the_25th_audie_awards_winners_to_be_revealed_at_the_audie_awards_gala_on_march_2_2020/prweb16880692.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Audiobook Publishers Association</a> announced today that <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=34654909&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barefootaudiobook.com%2F&amp;a=The+Barefoot+Spirit%C2%A0Audiobook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><i>The Barefoot Spirit </i>Audiobook</a> is a Finalist for the <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=2753653312&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audiopub.org%2Fmembers%2Faudies&amp;a=2020+Business%2FPersonal+Development+Audiobook+of+the+Year+Award" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">2020 Business/Personal Development Audiobook of the Year Award</a>. The original paperback version of <i><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=3428797125&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBarefoot-Spirit-Hardship-Hustle-Americas%2Fdp%2F0988224542%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fkeywords%3Dthe%2Bbarefoot%2Bspirit%2Bbook%26qid%3D1580157197%26s%3Dinstant-video%26sr%3D8-1&amp;a=The+Barefoot+Spirit%2C+How+Hardship%2C+Hustle%2C+and+Heart+Built+America%27s+%231+Wine+Brand" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Barefoot Spirit, How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America&#8217;s #1 Wine Brand</a></i> was a <i><span class="xn-org">New York Times</span></i> Bestseller and chronicles the humble beginnings of the now ubiquitous Barefoot Wine brand.</p>
<p>The audiobook was nominated based on its content as well as its original audio theatre approach to storytelling. <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=3256454858&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebarefootspirit.com%2F&amp;a=Bonnie+Harvey%2C" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span class="xn-person">Bonnie Harvey</span>,</a> Barefoot Wine cofounder and coauthor said, <i>&#8220;We wanted our message to reach more people, so we presented it in a radio theatre audio play complete with a full cast of actors, scenes, sound effects, and music.&#8221;</i></p>
<p><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=4097876967&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebarefootspirit.com%2F&amp;a=Michael+Houlihan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span class="xn-person">Michael Houlihan</span></a>, Barefoot Wine cofounder and coauthor added, <i>&#8220;We are thrilled to be recognized by the Audiobook Publishers Association. It gives credibility to this new genre which we call Business Audio Theatre. The best way to communicate business concepts is through story and the best way to communicate story is through theatrical performance.&#8221;</i></p>
<p>Houlihan &amp; Harvey&#8217;s company, <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=4276733769&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessaudiotheatre.com%2F&amp;a=Business+Audio+Theatre" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Business Audio Theatre</a> is looking to attract other founders who want to preserve their legacy and keep their entrepreneurial spirit alive through creative storytelling performed as audio cinema, using their experienced team of professionals.</p>
<p>The audiobook launched on all audiobook retail platforms on <span class="xn-chron">September 3</span><sup>rd</sup>, 2019 and has been garnering positive reviews from throughout the business community.</p>
<p><i>&#8220;The Business Audio Theater format has a neat balance between modern technology and the charisma of the old-fashioned radio plays.&#8221;</i> &#8211; <span class="xn-person">Laura Sicola</span>, PhD, CEO Vocal Impact Productions</p>
<p><i>&#8220;An enjoyable experience filled with the exuberance of the founders themselves.&#8221;</i> <i>&#8211; </i>Audiofile Magazine</p>
<p><i>&#8220;A Transformative Idea: Business Audio Theatre from the Founders of Barefoot Wine not Just Narrated … Performed!&#8221; </i>&#8211; Forbes</p>
<p>At 90 years of age, the venerable <span class="xn-location">Hollywood</span> actor <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=3002213974&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Fname%2Fnm0000799%2F&amp;a=Ed+Asner" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span class="xn-person">Ed Asner</span></a>, voices the part of the grumpy supermarket buyer who initially rejects Barefoot Wine but ultimately paves the path for its success. Asner said,<i> &#8220;I wasn&#8217;t going to miss the opportunity to be a part of this new genre of Business Audio Theatre!&#8221;</i></p>
<p>Director <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=38247734&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Fname%2Fnm3305207%2F%3Fref_%3Dpro_nm_visitcons&amp;a=Matt+Weinglass" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span class="xn-person">Matt Weinglass</span></a>, and founder of <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=1218641830&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sherwoodproductions.com%2F&amp;a=Sherwood+Players+Productions%2C" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sherwood Players Productions,</a> whose company produced the audiobook said, &#8220;<i>I&#8217;m excited to see this innovative type of storytelling [Business Audio Theatre] catch on as we continue to bring more business stories to life using all the cinematic resources available to us in our Industry.&#8221;</i></p>
<p><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=3169684755&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ryanfoland.com%2F&amp;a=Ryan+Foland" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span class="xn-person">Ryan Foland</span></a>, Executive Producer &amp; Communications Specialist said, <i>&#8220;This is a whole new way to entertain, engage, and educate employees and customers by preserving the founder&#8217;s history and principles.&#8221;</i></p>
<p>The <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=2739077477&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audiopub.org%2Fmembers%2Faudies&amp;a=2020+Audie+Awards+Ceremony" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">2020 Audie Awards Ceremony</a> will take place at <span class="xn-location">New York City&#8217;s</span> Guastavino&#8217;s on <span class="xn-chron">Monday, March 2</span><sup>nd</sup>, 2020.</p>
<p><i>&#8220;The Barefoot Spirit&#8221; Audiobook is narrated by Alamada Karatihy and features <span class="xn-person">Ed Asner</span> and <span class="xn-person">Gigi Perreau</span> with <span class="xn-person">Matt Weinglass</span>, <span class="xn-person">Hazel Paraoan</span>, <span class="xn-person">Ruffy Landayan</span> and <span class="xn-person">Tom Malloy</span>, with original music by <span class="xn-person">Tyler David Gilbert</span>, executive produced by <span class="xn-person">Michael Houlihan</span>, <span class="xn-person">Bonnie Harvey</span> and <span class="xn-person">Ryan Foland</span> and is directed by <span class="xn-person">Matt Weinglass</span>.</i></p>
<p>For interviews please contact: <a href="mailto:info@thebarefootspirit.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">info@thebarefootspirit.com</a> or (707) 484-1600.</p>
<p>For more information or audiobook samples visit: <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=2707727-1&amp;h=2276575307&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barefootaudiobook.com%2F&amp;a=www.barefootaudiobook.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.barefootaudiobook.com</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-barefoot-spirit-audie-award-finalist-press-release/">The Barefoot Spirit is an Audie Award Finalist!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Transformative Idea: “Business Audio Theatre” From The Founders Of Barefoot Wine. Not Just Narrated … Performed! &#8211; Forbes</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/a-transformative-idea-business-audio-theatre-from-the-founders-of-barefoot-wine-not-just-narrated-performed-forbes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:22:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business audio theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Times]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Barefoot Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine Country]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=16685</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Over the years, I’ve written about, interviewed, and listened to Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders of Barefoot Wine and New York Times bestselling authors of The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. Recently their latest project caught my eye, or should I say, my ear. Welcome to the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/a-transformative-idea-business-audio-theatre-from-the-founders-of-barefoot-wine-not-just-narrated-performed-forbes/">A Transformative Idea: “Business Audio Theatre” From The Founders Of Barefoot Wine. Not Just Narrated … Performed! &#8211; Forbes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-16687" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Forbes-Logo-300x95.png" alt="" width="300" height="95" />Over the years, I’ve written about, interviewed, and listened to Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders of Barefoot Wine and New York Times bestselling authors of</span><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures;"> </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; box-sizing: border-box;">The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand.</em></p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1.2rem 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; background-color: #fcfcfc;">Recently their latest project caught my eye, or should I say, my ear. Welcome to the world of Business Audio Theatre, where business audiobooks are not just narrated but performed! Last week I caught up with the dynamic duo at their California Wine Country home. I wanted to know more.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1.2rem 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; background-color: #fcfcfc;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Robert Reiss:</strong> You guys built and sold what is now the world’s #1 wine brand. Wasn’t that enough?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>To read the complete article, please visit <strong><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2019/11/21/a-transformative-idea-business-audio-theatre-from-the-founders-of-barefoot-wine-not-just-narrated--performed/#39bbf51548b6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Forbes</span></a></strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/a-transformative-idea-business-audio-theatre-from-the-founders-of-barefoot-wine-not-just-narrated-performed-forbes/">A Transformative Idea: “Business Audio Theatre” From The Founders Of Barefoot Wine. Not Just Narrated … Performed! &#8211; Forbes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>7 Tenets for Success That Go Beyond &#8216;Bootstrap&#8217;</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-tenets-for-success-that-go-beyond-bootstrap/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:41:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[businesses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quarterbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Business Journals]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=14070</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>According to Forbes, 90 percent of all new businesses fail. Why is the rate so high with so many great ideas? Is something missing? Something basic? According to the Small Business Administration, businesses that survive more than five years tend to survive more than 10 years. Do they finally learn something that saved them? What [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-tenets-for-success-that-go-beyond-bootstrap/">7 Tenets for Success That Go Beyond &#8216;Bootstrap&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-12888" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Biz-Journals-300x300.png" alt="" width="262" height="262" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Biz-Journals-300x300.png 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Biz-Journals-150x150.png 150w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Biz-Journals.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 262px) 100vw, 262px" />According to Forbes, 90 percent of all new businesses fail.</p>
<p class="content__segment">Why is the rate so high with so many great ideas? Is something missing? Something basic?</p>
<p class="content__segment">According to the Small Business Administration, businesses that survive more than five years tend to survive more than 10 years.</p>
<p class="content__segment">Do they finally learn something that saved them? What if they knew those things right from the beginning?</p>
<p class="content__segment">We are often accused of being Monday-morning quarterbacks, with 20-20 vision. Well, guilty as charged! And lucky for <i>you</i>!</p>
<h3>To read the complete article, please visit <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2017/10/7-tenets-for-success-that-go-beyond-bootstrap.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Business Journals </a></span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-tenets-for-success-that-go-beyond-bootstrap/">7 Tenets for Success That Go Beyond &#8216;Bootstrap&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Forbes- Secrets Of Success From 6 Visionary Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/10601/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:05:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contributed Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Dream]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Reiss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visionary]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=10601</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Secrets Of Success From 6 Visionary Entrepreneurs by Robert Reiss Successful entrepreneurship is at the core of the American Dream. This article is intended to let you “sit down” with six visionary entrepreneurs who have cracked the code on success. They share their specific practices and philosophies. The three topics discussed are: a wow example, customer [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/10601/">Forbes- Secrets Of Success From 6 Visionary Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img class="size-medium wp-image-5942 aligncenter" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font-300x131.jpg" alt="Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font" width="300" height="131" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font-300x131.jpg 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Secrets Of Success From 6 Visionary Entrepreneurs</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;">by Robert Reiss</p>
<p>Successful entrepreneurship is at the core of the American Dream. This article is intended to let you “sit down” with six visionary entrepreneurs who have cracked the code on success. They share their specific practices and philosophies. The three topics discussed are: a wow example, customer model and unique practice in culture. My hope is you’re able to use some of these specifics to grow your business. The visionary six entrepreneurs are:</p>
<p>• Daniel Lubetzky, founder &amp; CEO KIND Snacks, is on a mission to make the world a little kinder one snack and one act at a time.</p>
<p>• David Neeleman, founding CEO, JetBlue, and founding CEO Azul — two airlines that practically over night grew from startup to over a billion dollars, both transforming how people travel.</p>
<p>• Michael Mulligan, founder &amp; CEO ABGPrint, reimagined a new access and response model for a mature industry.</p>
<p>• Tariq Farid, founding CEO, Edible Arrangements, who rapidly grew from startup to become a beloved brand with over 1,200 stores.</p>
<p>• Michael Houlihan, founding CEO, Barefoot Wines: From their garage, he and Bonnie Harvey built America’s No. 1 wine brand and then wrote the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling book, <em>The Barefoot Spirit</em>.</p>
<p>• Terry Jones, founding CEO, Travelocity.com; founding Chairman, Kayak.com; founder, Wayblazer. Travelocity.com was an intrapreneurship, which did an IPO after six years for $1.2 billion; Kayak.com sold after eight years for $1.8 billion.</p>
<p><strong>Robert Reiss: </strong>What is something you did that wowed customers?</p>
<p>Successful entrepreneurship is at the core of the American Dream. This article is intended to let you “sit down” with six visionary entrepreneurs who have cracked the code on success. They share their specific practices and philosophies. The three topics discussed are: a wow example, customer model and unique practice in culture. My hope is you’re able to use some of these specifics to grow your business. The visionary six entrepreneurs are:</p>
<p>• Daniel Lubetzky, founder &amp; CEO KIND Snacks, is on a mission to make the world a little kinder one snack and one act at a time.</p>
<p>• David Neeleman, founding CEO, JetBlue, and founding CEO Azul — two airlines that practically over night grew from startup to over a billion dollars, both transforming how people travel.</p>
<p>• Michael Mulligan, founder &amp; CEO ABGPrint, reimagined a new access and response model for a mature industry.</p>
<p>• Tariq Farid, founding CEO, Edible Arrangements, who rapidly grew from startup to become a beloved brand with over 1,200 stores.</p>
<p>• Michael Houlihan, founding CEO, Barefoot Wines: From their garage, he and Bonnie Harvey built America’s No. 1 wine brand and then wrote the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling book, <em>The Barefoot Spirit</em>.</p>
<p>• Terry Jones, founding CEO, Travelocity.com; founding Chairman, Kayak.com; founder, Wayblazer. Travelocity.com was an intrapreneurship, which did an IPO after six years for $1.2 billion; Kayak.com sold after eight years for $1.8 billion.</p>
<p><strong>Robert Reiss: </strong>What is something you did that wowed customers?</p>
<div class="vestpocket"></div>
<p><strong>Michael Houlihan, Barefoot Wines:</strong> We color coded all our cartons, labels and finishes with distinctively different colors for each type of product. This prevented confusion from production to distribution to the retail shelf. Our end user loved the clarity, fun and ease of finding their favorite type. Clerks built colorful stacks of our products.</p>
<p><strong>David Neeleman, JetBlue:</strong> Live TV.</p>
<p><strong>Terry Jones, Travelocity.com:</strong> At <a href="http://travelocity.com/">Travelocity.com</a> in the days of paper tickets we offered a FedEx service for overnight delivery of tickets. When a FedEx failure caused the tickets to arrive later than promised we refunded almost $20,000 in FedEx fees to customers before anyone asked. It turned out that few customers actually had flight issues as they still got their tickets before their flights. But the fact that we refunded their money, before they asked, and even though they were not actually inconvenienced made them customers forever.</p>
<p><strong>Daniel Lubetzky, KIND:</strong> We spread kindness while letting people discover KIND bars. We previously had physical #kindawesome cards that the KIND team used to celebrate individuals they spotted performing kind acts, but there’s a limit to how far you can go with physical cards. We recently digitized the #kindawesome program. Now, anyone can join us in celebrating kindness by visiting <a href="https://www.howkindofyou.com/">howkindofyou.com</a> and sending a digital #kindawesome card to someone they encountered being kind. The recipient then receives a KIND snack to try, as well as another #kindawesome card to pay it forward.</p>
<p><strong>Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements:</strong> So many examples, but I think a true wow is when you have to go above and beyond to make the occasion / date special. Our franchisees do this every day, especially during the holidays when the majority of the customers are calling last minute. We make sure every order is fulfilled at the highest standard. To the outside world this may seem simple, but when an average store has to scale from 30-40 orders to 900-1000 orders and then deliver every one of those orders, that’s a wow.</p>
<p><strong>Michael Mulligan, ABGPrint:</strong> Recently, we were contacted by an International Technology Company for a company-wide initiative. Within 72 hours, during the Easter Holiday Weekend, we printed, bound, quality checked and shipped 7,000 full-color high-quality manuals for weekend delivery to 33 International locations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo. Our client reached out to us and said, “Thank you so much, you have definitely reduced our stress levels. We could not have had a better experience. That was a WOW-Moment!</p>
<p><strong>Reiss: </strong>What’s at the core of your customer philosophy?</p>
<p><strong>Mulligan:</strong> 24 hours a day seven days a week you get a live person on the phone … in the heart of New York City commerce; it’s something customers do not expect, but deserve and is the summary of our customer credo – around the clock, on the dot.</p>
<p><strong>Neeleman:</strong> Put yourself in place of a customer and say, “If I were a customer and I were interacting with the company, what would make my life easier?” So Azul provides free bus transportation for residents of Sao Paulo to our airport, Viracopas, as Guarulhos airport is closer and that is not where we fly, Viracopas is further away and taxis are very expensive.</p>
<p><strong>Lubetzky:</strong> Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to build and increase consumers’ trust and loyalty through our obsession with quality and commitment to using nutritionally-dense premium ingredients. We always strive to exceed consumers’ expectations and provide them with healthy and tasty options for them to enjoy throughout their day.</p>
<p><strong>Farid:</strong> I built my business with the customer always being the focus — “looking at everything from a customer’s point of view.” For us, if does not wow – we will not do it. Every aspect of our business, our service, and our mission to wow our customers and recipients.</p>
<p><strong>Jones:</strong> At Waybazer our customer experience is changing how customers book hotels. Rather than having to enter “city name,” “arrival date,” “departure date,” now they can say, “I’d like to go to an island in January with my wife and two kids, stay in a deluxe hotel with golf, spa and kids activities and their result will be exactly that. Plus the hotel description will include editorial and review information about why this is the right hotel for golf, spa and kids! It is having great results in turning shoppers into buyers.</p>
<p><strong>Houlihan:</strong> Even though the wholesalers and retailers we sold to were beyond our control, our end user would blame us if the retailer was out of stock – the worst customer experience. To stay in stock at retail, we focused on satisfying each person in the distribution chain who touched our product.</p>
<p><strong>Reiss: </strong>Specifically how is your culture set up to drive great service?</p>
<p><strong>Jones:</strong> At <a href="http://kayak.com/">Kayak.com</a> all customer emails go directly to the engineers (not customer service). In that way all the engineers are intimately involved in the customers pain and quickly keep the product up to date and in line with customer desires. This allowed us to quickly change the design of our first mobile product (more focused on next flight out) to an overall booking product and now Kayak has over 50 million downloads of its mobile product…the world leader in mobile travel.</p>
<p><strong>Houlihan:</strong> We handed each new hire a “money map” that started with the customer and ended with their own pay check. It showed all the necessary relationships to service the customer. They knew their raises, bonuses, and benefits required an excellent customer experience and what it took to make it happen.</p>
<p><strong>Lubetzky:</strong> At KIND we’ve worked to create a culture of ownership, one in which we are all one team working together toward a common goal. We think of our team members as true members of the team, rather than as “employees” (which has a connotation of subservience). I also dislike the word “boss.” In my mind, no one is working for someone else – we’re all working with each other. Another way we uphold a culture of ownership is by offering stock options to all full-time team members, entitling them to truly own a piece of KIND. This direct economic stake in our business encourages everyone to think like a co-owner and entrepreneur – putting the company first, being open to giving and receiving feedback to strengthen themselves and the team, being resourceful and scrappy in their decision-making, and remaining committed to solving problems and challenging conventional wisdom. Beyond being financially aligned, ownership is above all a mindset and a culture that we strive for every day to ensure that everyone feels invested and empowered to reach the best decisions on behalf of our team.</p>
<p><strong>Farid:</strong> On a weekly basis, and with every interaction, we remember and restate our mission to our customers and our staff—that is every interaction must be a wow–every product and the reaction to the product and the service. This is reinforced repeatedly, and in my 16 years of doing Edible Arrangements, we’ve never missed this mission in our weekly office staff huddle. And I’ve never missed reminding myself, and the company, that it’s all about the customer. This formula is what works and should only be enhanced and repeated often.</p>
<p><strong>Neeleman:</strong> We feel if we treat our crew members right, then they will feel that this is the best job they have ever had, it will translate into exemplary customer service.</p>
<p><strong>Mulligan:</strong> Our culture is the cornerstone in the foundation of who we are. So what do we stand for? 1. Our reputation is sacred to us 2. We build our relationships on trust 3. We work with a sense of urgency 4. We inspect what we expect. In other words, our culture is not an aspect of our business, it is our business.</p>
<p>In summary, perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from spending time with each of “The Visionary 6” is that buried beneath problems are solutions that can not only reinvigorate a company but reinvent an entire industry.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/10601/">Forbes- Secrets Of Success From 6 Visionary Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs &#8211; Forbes</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs-forbes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2016 23:53:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[8 Lessons for Budding Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Olenski]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=10215</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Steve Olenski’s Forbes article on Michael &#38; Bonnie achieves more than 11,000 views. These “8 Lessons for Budding Entrepreneurs” are a great place to get started in 2016 if you are even thinking of starting your own  business Who We Are Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs-forbes/">8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs &#8211; Forbes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-5942" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font.jpg" alt="Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font" width="279" height="122" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font.jpg 400w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font-300x131.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px" />Steve Olenski’s Forbes article on Michael &amp; Bonnie achieves more than 11,000 views. These “<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2015/08/24/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">8 Lessons for Budding Entrepreneurs</a>” are a great place to get started in 2016 if you are even thinking of starting your own  business</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs-forbes/">8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs &#8211; Forbes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>5 Keys To Launching A Successful Startup</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-keys-to-launching-a-successful-startup/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:36:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contributed Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fortune]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Harvard Business School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Times]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shikhar Ghosh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[start-ups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startups]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=9895</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Most start-ups fail. Two recent articles, one by Forbes one by Fortune, cited a 90% failure rate of start-ups. And top Harvard Business School lecturer, Shikhar Ghosh, confirms that 75% of U.S. venture-backed firms don’t even return investors’ capital. In search of understanding best practices for start-ups, I recently spoke with Michael Houlihan and Bonnie [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-keys-to-launching-a-successful-startup/">5 Keys To Launching A Successful Startup</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft wp-image-8466" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-1024x382.jpg" alt="Forbes-logo" width="260" height="97" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-1024x382.jpg 1024w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-300x111.jpg 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 260px) 100vw, 260px" />Most start-ups fail. Two recent articles, one by Forbes one by Fortune, cited a 90% failure rate of start-ups. And top Harvard Business School lecturer, Shikhar Ghosh, confirms that 75% of U.S. venture-backed firms don’t even return investors’ capital.</p>
<p>In search of understanding best practices for start-ups, I recently spoke with Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey the co-founders of the world’s largest wine brand, Barefoot Wines. They told me, “Every Business that sinks was first launched!” They are also authors of the New York Times best selling book, “The Barefoot Spirit.” Below are their answers along with the five keys to launching a successful startup. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2015/10/05/5-keys-to-launching-a-successful-startup-insights-from-the-founders-of-barefoot-wines/" target="_blank">Read more&#8230;</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-keys-to-launching-a-successful-startup/">5 Keys To Launching A Successful Startup</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:26:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[C-Suite Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Founders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Largest Wine Brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marina Del Rey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Reiss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sonoma county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=9540</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p> by Steve Olenski, Contributor, Forbes Last December, my fellow FORBES contributor Robert Reiss, wrote a great piece entitled “The Incredible Story Of Starting The World’s Largest Wine Brand, Barefoot Wines.” The article was essentially a get-to-know two amazing people who launched what is now an iconic brand in a laundry room of a rented farmhouse in the Sonoma County [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs/">8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5942" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font.jpg" alt="Forbes-Magazine-Logo-Font" width="300" height="125" /></em> by <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/" target="_blank">Steve Olenski</a>, Contributor, Forbes</p>
<p>Last December, my fellow FORBES contributor Robert Reiss, wrote a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2014/12/09/the-incredible-story-of-starting-the-worlds-largest-wine-brand-barefoot-wines/" target="_self">great piece</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>entitled “The Incredible Story Of Starting The World’s Largest Wine Brand, Barefoot Wines.” The article was essentially a get-to-know two amazing people who launched what is now an iconic brand in a laundry room of a rented farmhouse in the Sonoma County hills.</p>
<p>I had the pleasure of meeting with and speaking with the two founders, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/" target="_blank">Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey</a>, last year at a C-Suite Conference in Marina del Rey, California. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2015/08/24/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank">Read more&#8230;</a></p>
<p style="font: 17.6px/1.4em Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #000000; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; box-sizing: border-box; widows: 1; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-margin-before: 0px; -webkit-margin-after: 0px; -webkit-padding-start: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/8-lessons-for-budding-entrepreneurs/">8 Lessons For Budding Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Forbes Magazine Article</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/forbes-magazine-article/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:13:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Article]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Busines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[E&J Gallo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Performance-based compensation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wine industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Worthy cause marketing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=8465</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Incredible Story Of Starting The World&#8217;s Largest Wine Brand, Barefoot Wines I was recently speaking with Michael Houlihan, co-founder of Barefoot Wines. This is the story of how two people overcame remarkable odds and built a beloved brand that transformed the wine industry. It is hard to believe that such an iconic brand as Barefoot [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/forbes-magazine-article/">Forbes Magazine Article</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<hgroup class="prevent_widows prevent_widows_initialized">
<h1><img class="wp-image-8466 aligncenter" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-1024x382.jpg" alt="Forbes-logo" width="394" height="147" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-1024x382.jpg 1024w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo-300x111.jpg 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Forbes-logo.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px" /></h1>
<h1></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">The Incredible Story Of Starting The World&#8217;s Largest Wine Brand, Barefoot Wines</h1>
</hgroup>
<div class="mninst"></div>
<div class="article_body article">
<div class="body">
<div class="body_inner">
<p>I was recently speaking with Michael Houlihan, co-founder of Barefoot Wines. This is the story of how two people overcame remarkable odds and built a beloved brand that transformed the wine industry. It is hard to believe that such an iconic brand as Barefoot Wines began in a laundry room of a rented farmhouse in the Sonoma County hills. Even more surprising is that the people who started it were just an average <a class="exit_trigger_set" href="http://www.forbes.com/business/">business</a> couple, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey. From the start, with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and strategic alliances, while pioneering Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They successfully sold the brand to E&amp;J Gallo in 2005 and Barefoot is now the largest wine brand in the world. (ref <em>The Drinks Business</em>June 2014 London)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE, PLEASE VISIT <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2014/12/09/the-incredible-story-of-starting-the-worlds-largest-wine-brand-barefoot-wines/" target="_blank">FORBES</a></h2>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/forbes-magazine-article/">Forbes Magazine Article</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Franchise Vs. Mom-and-Pop Business: A Guide to Smart Investment</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/franchise-vs-mom-and-pop-business-a-guide-to-smart-investment/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2013 17:26:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brand awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[company logo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[franchise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[franchise model]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[logo garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mom-and-pop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[novel ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website design]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=5931</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>You&#8217;ve got the funding, and you&#8217;re finally ready to launch your own business. The one lingering question that remains is whether you should open a franchise or an independent shop. There are pros and cons to both sides, but you&#8217;ll need the following points to help you decide which decision is right for your situation. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/franchise-vs-mom-and-pop-business-a-guide-to-smart-investment/">Franchise Vs. Mom-and-Pop Business: A Guide to Smart Investment</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BWF-Franchise-vs-mom-pop.jpg" rel="lightbox[5931]"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5935" alt="Buy franchise decision" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BWF-Franchise-vs-mom-pop-300x200.jpg" width="239" height="200" /></a>You&#8217;ve got the funding, and you&#8217;re finally ready to launch your own business. The one lingering question that remains is whether you should open a franchise or an independent shop. There are pros and cons to both sides, but you&#8217;ll need the following points to help you decide which decision is right for your situation.</p>
<p><strong>An Established Brand.</strong> Brand recognition is incredibly motivating for shoppers. By flying the franchise flag over your car wash or other business, you may be able to draw in more customers than you would with an independent concept. Investors should think of both the <a href="http://www.inc.com/curtis-kroeker/independent-business-or-franchise-how-to-decide.html" target="_blank">positives and negatives</a> of working with an established brand. In most cases, increased brand awareness is a positive thing, but if the brand has been blemished in recent years, becoming affiliated with it may do you more harm than good.</p>
<p><strong>Novel Ideas. </strong>When you create your own company, you have a large outlet for your creativity. You don&#8217;t have to worry about whether or not a certain product or service is allowed under your franchise model. If you decide to open a car wash, for instance, you can invent your own methods and techniques to make your clients&#8217; cars as clean as they can be. On the flip side, however, you will also have to invent all of your own ideas from the company name to the company logo. Luckily, there are organizations in place that can help you with that. <a href="http://www.logogarden.com/samples/automotive-logos/car-wash-logos/" target="_blank">Logo Garden</a>, for example, helps independent entrepreneurs create logos. Other companies can be used for website design, advertising and key development themes.</p>
<p><strong>Franchises May Be Recession-Proof. </strong>Entrepreneurs often become interested in launching their own company in the midst of a recession. Due to lost jobs or pay cuts, prospective business owners want more control over their earnings. Starting a mom-and-pop business during an economic downturn can be scary, but opening a franchise during this same time period can be incredibly liberating. According to Forbes, a <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/caroltice/2012/05/09/the-top-10-fast-growing-franchise-chains-that-powered-through-the-recession/" target="_blank"> recession can be a bonanza</a> for a franchise. The combination of relatively cheap real estate and better locations give franchise entrepreneurs the edge that they need.</p>
<p><strong>Cost. </strong>The ultimate factor in your decision may be the cost of your project. If you opt to take the franchise route, you will have to pay a franchise fee, but overall, your costs may be cheaper than opening an independent shop. Franchises have greater purchasing power than their independent counterparts. Because franchises purchase in bulk, you will get on discount on all of your products and supplies.</p>
<p><strong>Potential for Success. </strong>If you like to control your own potential for success, an independent operation may be better for you, but if you want to rely on a concept that has a proven track record for success, you may want to opt for a franchise. In addition to providing you with a model of success, a franchise may provide you with additional training and other support.</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/franchise-vs-mom-and-pop-business-a-guide-to-smart-investment/">Franchise Vs. Mom-and-Pop Business: A Guide to Smart Investment</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>New Radio Show Helps Budding Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/new-radio-show-helps-budding-entrepreneurs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 05:07:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business experiences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business idea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Rockstars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debunking myths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fast Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forbes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ken Rutkowski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KFWB News Talk Radio 960AM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Radio Talk Show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real world experiences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Lehman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thomas Hale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valuable insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=1866</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>There’s a new, free resource for sage business advice that’s fun, entertaining, contemporary, and informative. It’s Ken Rutkowski’s Business Rockstars radio talk show. When we were in LA last week, Ken invited us on his show. We shared some of our own experiences with folks who want to be business rock stars. As “entrepreneurial cheerleaders,” [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/new-radio-show-helps-budding-entrepreneurs/">New Radio Show Helps Budding Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BizRockStars.png" rel="lightbox[1866]"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-1873" title="BizRockStars" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BizRockStars.png" alt="" width="334" height="154" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BizRockStars.png 595w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BizRockStars-300x139.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px" /></a>There’s a new, free resource for sage business advice that’s fun, entertaining, contemporary, and informative. It’s <a href="http://businessrockstars.com/br/team/">Ken Rutkowski’s</a> Business Rockstars radio talk show.</p>
<p>When we were in LA last week, Ken invited us on his show. We shared some of<a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/press-room/"> our own experiences</a> with folks who want to be business rock stars. As “entrepreneurial cheerleaders,” we loved the opportunity to encourage new entrepreneurs and hopefully save them the pain of learning the lessons we learned sometimes the hard way.</p>
<p>Ken is a great host with his own impressive background in media, tech and entrepreneurialism. His goal is to encourage the start of new ventures and connect them with some of the top names in business. His interviews with CEOs and entrepreneurs provide listeners with valuable insights and first-hand knowledge about networking, marketing and financing.</p>
<p>Somewhere between a reality show and a game show, Ken and his guests have fun debunking myths and recounting actual business experiences. He challenges callers to present their new business idea in a quick, succinct, and compelling pitch. The idea is to get the business guest to say “cool” after hearing the pitch. He calls it “15 Seconds &#8211; Pitch to Cool.” It’s quit a challenge, even for us!</p>
<p>In a world where most talk shows seem to pander to sensation and opinion, “Business Rockstars” is a positive, constructive and inspirational stand out. Together with his co-founders and producers, Steve Lehman and Thomas Hale, Ken is poised to take the show to national syndication. At a time when every business publication from Forbes to Inc. and Entrepreneur to Fast Company is calling for more start-ups to help the economy, and at a time when many college grads are finding that sometimes the only source of employment is self-employment, this concept is a natural winner!</p>
<p>We wondered why we hadn’t heard of it before. Then we found out it’s only been on the air since June 18<sup>th</sup> 2012. Right now you can hear it on the radio in Southern California from 2PM to 4PM weekdays on KFWB News Talk Radio 980AM or get it <a href="http://businessrockstars.com/br/radio-show/">streamed on the web</a>. Ken also offers an extensive archive of <a href="http://businessrockstars.com/br/category/episodes/">past business guests</a> who have shared their impressive, real world experiences in the various areas any new business will face. What a great resource to have for free!</p>
<p>If you are thinking about starting your own business, or “saying hello to your garage,” this is your opportunity to get the straight skinny from those who have been there, done that and got the tee-shirt. Michael &amp; Bonnie say, “Check it out!”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/new-radio-show-helps-budding-entrepreneurs/">New Radio Show Helps Budding Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!--
Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/

Page Caching using disk: enhanced 
Database Caching 1/132 queries in 0.062 seconds using disk

Served from: thebarefootspirit.com @ 2026-04-05 13:33:16 by W3 Total Cache
-->