The Start Down Mike Ficara

🇮🇹 This week we are joined on The StartDown Podcast by the Godfather of Instagram, Tony Pec! 🤌🏼
We talked about one of my favorite topics – stressing about likes, views, and followers. It’s not about having a million followers; it's about the impact and connection you have with the followers you do have.  
Think about it: 72 likes might seem small on a screen, but imagine those 72 people in a room engaged with what you have to say. That's a powerful audience. These are individuals you can connect with on a deeper level. Engage with their content, understand their interests, and reach out. This personal touch could turn a simple like into a business opportunity, a conversation, or even a lifelong customer. 
It's a shift from quantity to quality, from broadcasting to meaningful conversations. It's about creating value for every single person that chooses to engage with your content. 
 Next time you see 'only' 72 likes, remember: those are 72 potential relationships, 72 opportunities to make an impact, and 72 chances to grow your business authentically. In the realm of social media, the true currency is not in the number of followers but in the relationships, you build with them. Don't just count your followers; make your followers count. 
 
Key messages from the podcast notes:
 
🇮🇹 Tony Pack introduces himself as the co-founder of Forbes-accredited marketing agency One on Media, helping businesses and brands grow their online presence through effective social media strategies.
 
🇮🇹 Social media connections can lead to valuable relationships and opportunities in business.
 
🇮🇹 Instagram has become a powerful tool for connecting with people, and Tony Pack emphasizes the importance of being highly active on social media for businesses.
 
🇮🇹 Tony Pack highlights the affordability of advertising on social media platforms, making it a cost-effective way to reach global or local demographics.
 
🇮🇹 Tony Pack's background is in mechanical engineering, but he transitioned into social media marketing as he realized his passion for being around people.
 
🇮🇹 Tony Pack shares how he accidentally entered the social media world by creating Instagram accounts for various niches and growing a substantial following.
 
🇮🇹 The term "Godfather of Instagram" was coined when someone saw Tony in a cigar lounge, smoking a cigar, and wearing a tracksuit reminiscent of the Godfather.
 
🇮🇹 Tony Pack's journey in social media marketing led him to become Forbes accredited, speak at events nationwide, and help over 1,000 businesses generate millions of dollars through social media.
 
🇮🇹 Social media is a critical opportunity for new businesses to gain market share, even with limited budgets, and it's essential for established brands to stay competitive in the next decade.
 https://www.instagram.com/tonypec_/
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More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

🇮🇹 Tune in to our latest episode where Mike Ficara and special guest Nicholas Curattalo dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, leadership, and balancing life's priorities. 
 
Highlights:
1️⃣ Growth & Networking: Relive the memorable moments from Grant Cardone's 10x conference in 2019 with Mike and Jose Flores. 🤝
2️⃣ Entrepreneurial Journey: Nicholas shares his inspiring transition from mortgage banking to logistics, emphasizing perseverance and self-reliance. 💼
3️⃣ Parenthood & Career: A candid discussion on the challenges of parenting, being a role model, and prioritizing family over business. 👨‍👧‍👦
4️⃣ Leadership & Parenting: Discover how parenting influences leadership styles and the importance of understanding individual needs in a team. 👩‍💼
5️⃣ Business Growth: Insights on the delicate balance of work and family life, knowing when to persevere or pivot, and the essence of delegation for scalability. 📈
6️⃣ Equity & Vision: Mike stresses the significance of having a clear vision in business, even amidst setbacks and partnership challenges. 🔍
7️⃣ COVID-19 & Entrepreneurship: Delve into the changing landscape of business success measurement and the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. 🌐
8️⃣ Communication & Logistics: Explore effective communication methods in business and the slow technological evolution in logistics. 📞
9️⃣ Work-Life Balance: Reflect on the journey of adapting to remote work and the tension between personal and professional growth. 💻
🔟 Sports Analysis: A special segment on the New York Yankees, NFL teams, and predictions for the Super Bowl. 🏈
 
🔗 Don't miss this episode packed with insights and relatable experiences. Listen now and connect with our guests on LinkedIn for more on entrepreneurship and logistics!


Nicolas IG: https://www.instagram.com/nofilternickycee/


Support the show
More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

Homeownership, mortgages, and local expertise in South Florida. 0:43Nathan Connor grew up in Broward County, Florida, and now helps families find homes as a loan officer.Misconceptions about affording a home. 4:44Discuss misconceptions about affording a home, including the impact of social media on perceptions.Importance of mortgage professionals vs. DIY. 8:09Nathan shares an example of how a mortgage professional can help a client avoid potential issues with AI-generated documents, such as unexpected deposits.Childhood experiences and career path. 12:32Nathan credits their entrepreneurial spirit to their father's sales background and their own curiosity about what they could achieve if they worked harder and took more risks.Restaurant industry experience and self-discipline. 17:34Nathan highlights the importance of family dinners and gatherings in Latin culture, and how Anthony's Coal fire Pizza did a great job of creating a similar atmosphere in their restaurant.Career changes and entrepreneurship. 28:50Nathan reflects on their entrepreneurial journey, mentioning signs they've received and the importance of enjoying the grind.Marketing strategies and social media utilization. 35:58Nathan emphasizes the importance of social media in business, viewing it as a tool for education and entertainment rather than just a marketing tactic.Sales strategies and social media use. 38:58Nathan and Mike Ficara discuss the importance of building relationships and being authentic on social media, with Nathan suggesting that men and women both dislike small talk and crave deeper connections.Anxiety, connections, and authenticity in the digital age. 43:08Nathan recommends the loan officer podcast and the book "The Psychology of Money" for the audience.Nathan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-connor-2870147b/


Support the show
More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

Overcoming fear in business and podcasting. 0:00Mike Ficara discusses overcoming fear in business, sharing his own experiences and insights.Ficara enjoys a CEO Italia cigar during the episode, offering it to listeners who send him a DM.Managing fear as an entrepreneur. 1:58Mike Ficara believes fear is a natural part of being an entrepreneur, but it can be managed by turning it into fuel or fun.Ficara faces fears such as imposter syndrome and the possibility of business failure, but views them as opportunities for growth.Using fear as a motivator in business. 4:21Fear can be false evidence appearing real, and it's important to evaluate and assess fear to determine if it's accurate or not.Fear can be a motivator for success, but it's important to balance fear with confidence and action to achieve goals.Managing fear and uncertainty in business. 6:04Ficara emphasizes the importance of taking control of fear in business, especially during uncertain times.Overcoming fear and taking control in business. 7:24Mike Ficara shares his fear of roller coasters and lack of control, which he overcomes by taking control and preparing for the ride.Ficara emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in overcoming fear, rather than simply closing one's eyes and waiting for the ride to be over.Mike Ficara is experimenting with a shorter podcast format and encourages listeners to provide feedback.He offers exclusive content to listeners who DM him on social media with proof of listening to the episode.

Support the show
More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

Poker, bluffing, and lying. 0:00Mike Ficara shares stories about playing poker as a child with his family, learning the game and its mathematics, and the importance of bluffing.Bluffing in personal and professional life. 1:50Mike discusses bluffing as a common phenomenon in various aspects of life, including business and personal goals.He struggled academically throughout his education, blaming himself for 60% of his struggles and the educational system for the remaining 40%.Bluffing and failing an online exam. 5:41Mike failed his last college course after bluffing his way through an online class, despite having a job lined up and feeling successful.He took the exam in a proctored room but failed, resulting in him failing the class altogether.Honesty, transparency, and accountability in academic settings. 8:05Mike emailed the professor to apologize for failing the course and explained his situation, receiving a grade bump to a C.The professor showed understanding and empathy, emphasizing the importance of being there for students' needs as an educator.Discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in various aspects of life, including marriages, jobs, and friendships.He highlights the need to be honest with oneself and forget about bullshitting, instead of constantly trying to cover up or hide the truth.The power of forgiveness and opportunity in personal and professional growth. 12:11Mike reflects on his luck in getting a job and how he's kept a notebook to remind himself to be compassionate and forgiving towards others.

Support the show
More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego

🇮🇹 Scott Ritzheimer: Navigating Nonprofit Wisdom🤝

Entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. 0:59Scott Ritzheimer reflects on their career journey, noting they've helped over 20,000 organizations and experienced similar patterns in their own entrepreneurial journey.Nonprofit vs for-profit businesses and success strategies. 3:33Mike Ficara highlights the misconception that nonprofits are not progressing, and Scott explains that nonprofits are organizations of people working towards common goals, just like businesses.Nonprofit vs for-profit work and personal journey. 8:28Scott recounts their experience working for a ministry while also working part-time for a small business, which was later sold and nearly destroyed by the new owner.Entrepreneurship, business growth, and overcoming challenges. 13:05Founder relaunched company from bankruptcy at 21, discovering entrepreneurial passion despite odds.Entrepreneurship, coaching, and business success. 14:44Coaching is helpful in entrepreneurship as it provides a structured approach to achieving goals and overcoming challenges, rather than relying on self-discovery alone.Coaching industry quality and finding the right coach. 19:57Mike and Scott discusses the importance of qualifying a good coach versus a bad one for entrepreneurs.Coaching, stages of growth, and navigating business challenges. 24:54Scott aims to showcase high-demand coaches and consultants on their podcast, highlighting their unique approaches and successes.Business, leadership, and fun with a Dolphins fan and a guest. 30:31Mike and Scott discuss the importance of finding joy in work and the impact it can have on productivity and success.Scott's Website: https://www.scalearchitects.com
Scott's Facebook: https://www.fb.com/scott.ritzheimer.official
Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/




Support the show
More episodes: https://mikeficara.com/start-down-podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeficara/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeficara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeficara
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQfxH5L_hNOC-O5hXMxRkg
Get my book for only $0.99 with the promo code PODCAST- https://mike-ficara.myshopify.com/
Host: Mike Ficara- https://mikeficara.com/
Content Manager: Charlene Gillego