In this deeply personal episode, Cliff steps aside and allows his wife Stephanie to take center stage. For once, the tables are turned, and we get an intimate glimpse into Stephanie's perspective on their incredible entrepreneurial journey.

Through Stephanie's eyes, we discover the unwavering faith and determination that has propelled them forward, even in the face of uncertainty. She reveals how her sense of security comes not from the financial details, but from the unshakable belief that things will work out, no matter what.

Stephanie's candor is refreshing as she shares how their business and personal lives have become seamlessly intertwined over the past 20 years. There is no separation - their family is their business, and their business is their family. This integration has not come without its challenges, but Stephanie eloquently describes how they have learned to communicate, compromise, and even occasionally "agree to disagree" in a way that strengthens their partnership.

Most poignantly, Stephanie reminds us that the path forward is rarely clear, but that by staying open to new opportunities and solutions, the end result can exceed our wildest dreams. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the magic that can happen when you build a life and business together.

Listeners will walk away inspired to approach their own entrepreneurial journeys with Stephanie's same unwavering spirit - one focused not on the risks, but on the possibilities that lie ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to create a fulfilling life and business in tandem with their life partner.

In this episode of Building a Life and Business Together, Stephanie and I explore the pivotal moments that have shaped our business and personal lives. We go deep into the moments that required us to make significant changes, each adding a new layer to our journey. Our conversation covers some of the challenges, decisions, and breakthroughs that propelled us forward, as well as moments that redirected us in unexpected ways.

One of the key themes in this episode is the power of adaptation and resilience. We discuss how embracing growth and challenging our beliefs allowed us to shift both in business and personal life. From my near-death hospital experience to embracing personal development literature that initially seemed at odds with my beliefs, each story illustrates the importance of open-mindedness and the willingness to expand one’s perspective.

We also reflect on our first major sponsorship and how it alleviated financial pressures during a challenging period, reminding us of the role that timing and trust play in building a sustainable business. Another significant milestone we discuss is our transition away from entertainment-focused content after the end of the show Lost, a decision that paved the way for us to focus on empowering entrepreneurial clients.

For listeners, this episode offers insights into navigating life’s unexpected turns, the importance of aligning your work with your core values, and the profound impact of relationships and community support. Whether you’re building a business, balancing family with work, or simply seeking inspiration for your own pivotal moments, this episode offers valuable lessons that demonstrate the power of faith, persistence, and flexibility in shaping a fulfilling life and career.

In this episode of Building A Life And Business Together, Stephanie and I dive deep into the crucial topic of effective communication in marriage and its impact on running a business together. We explore:

• Our personal journey of growth as a married couple through improved communication
• The misconception that business is often the root cause of issues for entrepreneurial couples
• The importance of understanding and speaking your partner's love language
• Challenges faced when spouses have different primary love languages
• Practical tips for improving communication in both personal and professional relationships
• Our experiences with applying the principles from Dr. Gary Chapman's book on love languages

We share personal anecdotes and lessons learned, offering insights that can help you navigate the complexities of building a life and business together.

Click Here To Download The 5 Love Languages Test

If you're an early-stage entrepreneur or aspire to elevate your business and life, I'd like to personally invite you to take the next step towards building a thriving, sustainable business.

Many people falter not due to a lack of passion or effort, but because they overlook the crucial foundational steps in creating a solid business. I've developed a proven 11-Step Formula for Building an Online Business and packaged it into an online course that has already transformed the lives and businesses of numerous entrepreneurs.

I'm currently offering this course for FREE!

Yes, you read that right! You can access the same strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs transition from merely surviving to thriving in their online businesses.

To get free access to this transformative course, simply email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com with the subject line "Free Building an Online Business Course".

In your email, briefly share how you discovered me, your entrepreneurial aspirations, and where you currently stand in your journey. Keep it concise—two or three paragraphs—and I'll provide you with free access to the course.

Don't pass up this chance to unlock the strategies and insights that will propel your business from survival to success. I'm eager to hear from you—and even more excited to learn about your transformation after you dive into the first module!

Email me today! Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com

In this episode, we begin by discussing how we're refining our message to address married couples where both partners are involved in building a business together, but not necessarily only those who are building the same business. We provide examples of couples we have in mind when creating new episodes.

Next up, we respond to several questions that asked for strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance when you and your spouse are business partners. However, as we discussed, we don't actually think in terms of work-life balance, but more along the lines of alignment between our business and personal lives.

Knowing that some would like specific strategies to test out, we asked AI to generate a list of ideas. Stephanie and I then went through the list, sharing our thoughts about implementing them in our own scenario.

Here is the complete list of suggestions that AI provided as strategies for entrepreneurial married couples to separate business from the bedroom. Test some of these out and see what works for you.

• Set clear boundaries between work time and personal time.
• Establish dedicated "no work talk" periods during the day or week.
• Use separate devices or accounts for work and personal life if possible.
• Schedule regular date nights or quality time together that doesn't involve business discussions.
• Plan activities or outings that are completely unrelated to work.
• Consider occasional "digital detox" weekends to fully disconnect.
• Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment when spending time together.
• Avoid checking work-related messages or emails during personal time.
• Engage in shared hobbies or interests that aren't business-related.
• Develop a system for "parking" work ideas that come up during personal time.
  • Keep a shared note or document for capturing thoughts to discuss later.
  • Set aside specific times to review and discuss these ideas.
• Prioritize self-care and individual pursuits alongside the business.
  • Encourage each other to maintain personal hobbies and friendships.
  • Recognize the importance of individual growth outside of the business.

The key theme we want to convey is that Stephanie and I have gone the route of aligning our business and personal lives, rather than trying to strictly separate the two. As an entrepreneurial couple, our business is so deeply intertwined with who we are as individuals and as partners. Rather than viewing work and personal time as competing priorities, we strive to find harmony and integration between the two.

Our goal is not perfect "work-life balance," but rather a sense of alignment where our business pursuits flow naturally from our shared passions and values. By engaging in hobbies and activities together outside of work, we're able to maintain a strong personal connection that supports our professional collaboration.

There will always be seasons where the business demands more of our time and attention. But the overarching aim is to create a lifestyle where our work fuels our personal fulfillment, and vice versa. For us, it's about recognizing that you and your spouse are a team, building something greater than the sum of its parts. With that mindset of alignment, the boundaries between business and personal life become more fluid and supportive, rather than restrictive.

In this episode, Stephanie and I dive deep into the emotional and financial rollercoaster of our entrepreneurial journey. We share how we've navigated the highest highs and the lowest lows, and the strategies we've used to maintain hope and resilience along the way.

Stephanie and I discuss our current financial situation and emotional outlook. While we've faced some recent challenges, we express a deep sense of peace and contentment, rooted in the belief that "it's never not worked out" for us over the past 18 years of self-employment. We share how we've overcome significant financial obstacles in the past.

Looking to the future, we convey a high level of hope and anticipation, despite the current ebbs in our income. We discuss the importance of effective marketing and creating sustainable income streams, and I share our recent success with a new coaching program that is transforming the lives of our clients.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to celebrating our highest highs, from the freedom and flexibility we experienced in the early days of our business to the incredible opportunities that have come our way as our income has grown. We recount stories of buying Stephanie’s dream car, building our dream home, and taking our family on unforgettable adventures around the world.

Throughout it all, we emphasize the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset. We've learned that even in the face of challenges, there is always a path forward, and that by staying true to our values and continuing to serve our community, we can navigate the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship with hope and confidence.

By sharing our story, we hope to inspire other entrepreneurial couples to embrace the ups and downs of their own journeys, and to find the strategies and support they need to build a life and business they love.

Stephanie and I are looking to work with a handful of entrepreneurial coaching clients, specifically to help you and your spouse gain clarity, inspiration, and a clear path forward on your entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, we have a special coaching offer where you can have three 90-minute sessions with both of us together, diving deep into your unique challenges and opportunities.

Many of the people we've coached have experienced significant breakthroughs, leading to increased income and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

If you're interested in exploring this opportunity, simply email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with "Coaching with Cliff and Stephanie" in the subject line, and we'll get you set up.

In this episode, we share a transparent look at the challenges that we faced in the early days of our business. We discuss the financial struggles that led us to apply for food stamps, the emotional toll it took, and the lessons we learned about resilience and financial management.

I recount my personal health crisis and how it sparked a journey of personal growth. The conversation then shifts to the story of our "Free the Dream Conference" and the financial challenges we encountered in planning and executing the event.

Throughout our journey, Stephanie and I emphasize the power of teamwork and unwavering support for each other. We reflect on the importance of aligning our vision as a couple as we weather the storms of life and business.

Are you an entrepreneurial couple looking to align your visions and strengthen your journey together? Stephanie and I are thrilled to offer a unique coaching opportunity designed specifically for you.

Our $2,500 coaching package includes three 90-minute sessions, where Stephanie and I will guide you and your partner towards an aligned future that beautifully integrates your life and business aspirations.

This holistic approach ensures that both of you are present, allowing us to address your combined goals, challenges, and aspirations as a couple.

If you're interested in this special opportunity, simply send an email to cliff@cliffravenscraft.com.

Stephanie and I are excited to work with you and help you build your life and business together.