How do you like being told, “No?”
Greetings from Parkwood Studios in Almost Heaven West Virginia! Allow me a moment to introduce myself.
I’m Skip Lineberg. I am an entrepreneur and a podcaster. Mostly, I am a work in progress.
Ready for something authentically me? I don’t take “No” for an answer. I’ll bet you don’t either.
When it comes to podcasting, my first foray was a corporate gig – part of my (W2) job. At first, I was not very good. After a year of focused effort and work refining my craft, things got better. Our podcast grew and so did my skills as an interviewer, community-builder and voice talent.
We were really hitting our stride, and the podcast was generating real value for the brand. Then, a new CMO regime came onto the scene. They informed me we were discontinuing the podcast.
That didn’t sit well with me. I pushed back. Questioned the decision. I even went through back channels to our ad agency to find out what was really going on. Got my wrist slapped for it … but that’s another story.
After 65 episodes and more than three years of focused effort and growth, it was over. Really over.
I had to accept that reality. The company was, after all, paying for the podcast production, promotion and distribution.
I did NOT have to stop podcasting. So, for me, podcasting became a revenue generating side hustle. Tapping into my relationship network, I forged a deal with Harper Collins. New gig, new podcast, new arena! For the next year, I interviewed non-fiction (business) authors in advance of their forthcoming books. I got to rub elbows with the likes of John Maxwell. Plus, I got a year’s worth of free books!
As you might suspect, another “No” was on the horizon. After a year of hosting the “Leadership Essentials Podcast,” a CMO was hired. She desired to take things in a different direction. The podcast was replaced with a vlog. And I was replaced by Dennis Miller in May 2019.
Yeah, you read that accurately. I was sent packing in favor of THE Dennis Miller of TV and movie fame. I’m kinda proud of that!
Did I stop podcasting? Did I accept that “No?” Of course not.
By this time, podcasting was a passion and, dare say, skill.
My response was to launch my own podcast. It would be my show. My niche. My format, on my terms.
Heading into summer 2019, I clearly saw a niche for short-format podcast providing valuable wisdom in a less-than-15-minute package. “The Main Thing Podcast” was born in July 2019. It offers listeners an “aha moment” in the time it takes to unload the dishwasher or brew a pot of coffee.
“Why wisdom?” You might wonder. Simply put, I believe we are all drowning in information, while starved for wisdom. As you’ll hear me say in the podcast intro, wisdom is more precious than gold.
You are intelligent. You’re smart, ambitious too. Great at what you do, you are a mastermind at acquiring information. Most entrepreneurs are described according to similar characteristics.
But when to apply the right information … in the right place … at the right time? That’s where wisdom enters the scene.
Wisdom helps you get better at life. It illuminates your blind spots and helps you avoid missteps.
Wisdom elevates your perspective. John Maxwell uses the phrase, “balcony thinking.” Tune in and check out an episode or two. I’ve curated three episodes especially relevant and valuable for entrepreneurs like you. The episodes include business author Tom Peters, Hint Water CEO Kara Goldin and a surprise third guest.
If you’re ready to accept this wisdom, say “Yes” by clicking here.
What if you don’t? What if you say “No?”
You know me. I’m going to keep on going.
About The Author
Skip Lineberg learned business, management and marketing at General Electric. He parlayed that experience into the founding of marketing communications firm, Maple Creative, where he led the firm as CEO and Chief Creative Officer from 2001 to 2010.
Skip is an Honors Program graduate of West Virginia University (B.S. Industrial Engineering) and GE Crotonville (TSP).
Skip is co-author of the book, “Effective Immediately – How to Fit In, Stand Out and Move Up at Your First Real Job.” Published by Random House in 2010, the book is in its third printing. He’s also the founder and host of the popular show “The Main Thing Podcast.” While podcasting is his passion, Skip’s purpose is teaching. He views every role and opportunity from the perspective of a coach.
He resides in Charleston, West Virginia with wife Lisa and two children.
He can be reached via email to: [email protected]
