CTD Podcast with Eric Jennings

Semi-Pro Soccer Player / Podcaster

Learning and Personal Growth

Eric Jennings, semi-pro soccer player, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, stating that it is his primary goal on this episode of the Close The Dal.Com Podcast with Ewell Smith. Eric believes that many people enter podcasting with the sole intention of making money, which he sees as unsustainable due to the difficulty of generating significant income solely from podcasting. Instead, he values the learning experience and life skills gained from podcasting, such as communication and networking.

Networking and Communication Skills

Eric and Ewell discuss the significance of effective communication and networking in business. They stress the importance of being the voice of one's business and taking risks to engage with various media platforms, including podcasts. Ewell highlights the value of being proactive in seeking opportunities, such as appearing on podcasts or engaging with the media, as these actions can significantly benefit one's business.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

The conversation transitions to Eric's entrepreneurial endeavors in soccer coaching. He shares his journey from playing semi-professional soccer to coaching and training youth players. Eric identifies a gap in training methodologies and seeks to provide a unique approach combining technical skills with strength and conditioning. He also discusses how his podcast complements his soccer business by facilitating networking and client referrals.

Starting Small and Consistency

Eric advises aspiring podcasters and entrepreneurs to start small and focus on consistency. He stresses the importance of taking action and not waiting for perfection, citing the "good today is better than perfect tomorrow" mentality. Eric encourages individuals to begin with basic equipment and ideas and gradually improve over time.

Passion and Commitment

Eric emphasizes the need for passion and commitment in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or podcasting. He shares personal experiences of facing challenges and maintaining motivation by focusing on his love for coaching soccer and podcasting. Eric highlights the importance of enjoying what one does, as it directly impacts consistency and long-term success.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Adaptability

The conversation concludes with Eric and Ewell discussing the entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability required in business. They discuss the iterative nature of entrepreneurship, where individuals learn from failures and adjust their strategies to achieve success. Eric encourages embracing opportunities, continuously developing skills, and remaining open to different paths in business development.

Additional Question for Future Guests

Question for Future Guests: Is your current role what you wanted to do? If not, when and what made you choose your current path?