The Bar Business Podcast: Bar & Pub Owner Profits, Marketing & Operations
Episodes
How to Adapt and Thrive in the Bar Business | Kelvin Abrams’ Journey into the Bar Industry
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling stuck in your business or contemplating a major career change?Many entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to piv...
How Bars Can Profit from the Sober Curious Trend & Zero-Proof Menus
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Looked at your menu and thought, “No one’s really gonna order that $12 juice, right?” I thought the same. But here’s the truth mocktails and ...
How to Use Advanced Menu Engineering to Improve Bar Profitability ?
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Menu engineering isn’t just about what’s selling it’s about understanding why it’s selling, and how each item on your menu affects your bottom...
How Can Integrating Your POS System with QuickBooks Transform Your Bar's Financial Management?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Managing a bar takes more than great service and solid sales you also need accurate financial systems behind the scenes. In this episode, I walk thro...
Unlock Nightclub Success with These Expert Nightclub Tips | Connor Treacy
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s be honest, running a bar is one thing. Running a nightclub? That’s a whole different game. In this episode, I’m joined by Connor Treacy,...
Food and Beverage Cost Mistakes That Hurt Restaurant Finances
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your food and beverage costs higher than expected? Learn the key food cost calculation formulas and strategies to take control of your margins an...
Your Bar's Data Goldmine: What POS Reports Are Actually Worth Reading
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to make smarter, more profitable decisions without working longer hours? Your POS system holds the answers. Most bar owners barely scratch the s...
Should You Raise Prices? A Guide to Smart Menu Engineering
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to raise prices without losing customers or damaging your guest experience? Rising costs are unavoidable, but raising your prices doesn’t have...
How Bar Owners Can Maximize Tax Savings and Set Up a 401k Plan with Matt Ruttenberg
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to keep more of what you earn and build long-term security for yourself and your team? Retirement planning may sound overwhelming — but with t...
Speed Matters: Why Your Bartenders Are Too Slow (and What to Do About It)
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want a bar that runs faster, smoother, and more profitably, without burning out your staff? Boosting your speed of service doesn’t mean cutting cor...
Hiring and Firing: A No-Nonsense Approach for Bar Owners
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want a team that actually makes your bar better, not harder to run? Building the right team doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With the right ...
How to Run Profitable Bar Events Without Breaking the Bank
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your bar events packed but your profits still "Missing In Action"? Plenty of bar owners throw high-energy events that look great on t...
From Real Estate Deal to Bar Owner: Gregg Singer’s Journey Building The Golden Monkey Lounge
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever dreamt of opening your own bar — only to wonder if you’re cut out for the chaos that comes with it?Gregg Singer didn’t set out to open a ba...
3 Hidden Factors Killing Your Late-Night Bar Revenue
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your late-night crowd disappearing faster than your beer inventory? Many bar owners watch their late-night sales plummet without understanding t...
Flatlining Foam: Craft Beer Market Slowdown Impact on Bars
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your craft beer program facing its biggest challenge yet? With craft beer production plummeting 4% in 2024—the largest decline outside the pandem...
How to Prevent a Slow Night From Killing Your Week in The Bar Business
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is one slow night wiping out three good ones? Many bar owners watch their weekly profits disappear because of poorly managed slow periods. In toda...
Why Better Leadership—Not Better Cocktails—Unlocks Bar Success with Dave Nitzel
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if better leadership—not better cocktails—is the secret to unlocking your bar’s full potential? In this episode, Chris sits down with Dave...
A Bar Owner's Guide to Getting More Guest Reviews Today
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar missing out on dozens of positive reviews every week?Most bar owners struggle to get consistent reviews, despite having hundreds of happ...
Mastering Profit First: A Game-Changing System for Bar Financial Success with Kasey Anton
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of wondering where all your bar's money went at the end of each month? Kasey Anton joins us to show how the Profit First system is ...
3 Quick-Win Bar Promotions You Can Launch This Weekend
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Need a quick boost in your weekend revenue? Many bar owners struggle to create promotions that are both profitable and quick to implement, leaving ...
How Bars Are Winning the Fake ID Game: Compliance & Culture Tips with Cliff Crider
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why some bars proudly wear their one-star Yelp reviews like a badge of honor?In the cat-and-mouse game of underage drinking, fake IDs ar...
Why Your Bartenders Aren't Upselling - And How to Fix It
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your bartenders leaving money on the table every time they serve a drink?Many bar owners struggle with getting their staff to consistently upsell,...
Why Your Bar's Insurance Just Doubled — And What You Can Do About It with Lars Kristiansen
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are bar insurance premiums skyrocketing—and is there anything you can do to protect your business?If you’re a bar, restaurant, or nightclub ow...
Navigating the Cashless Revolution: Strategy for Bar Owners
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar losing customers because you're not prepared for the cashless payment revolution?As cash transactions decline and customers increasin...
Maximizing Bar Profits in Slow Seasons: Smart Strategies for Success
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar's profitability taking a nosedive during slow seasons while your expenses remain the same?Many bar owners struggle with maintaining p...
Bar Maintenance Mastery: Preventive Equipment Care for Bar Owners
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's the real cost of waiting until your bar equipment breaks down during a busy Friday night?Every bar owner knows the panic of unexpected equ...
Stop Labor Leaks: Preventing Time Theft & Maximizing Bar Profits with Cijoy Olickal
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your employees secretly draining your profits? The hidden costs of labor inefficiencies might shock you.Every bar owner knows that labor costs are...
The Psychology of Menu Design: A Bar Owner's Guide to Profitable Cocktail Menus
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your menu secretly sabotaging your profits?Many bar owners waste valuable menu real estate on items guests already know they want, while missing op...
Setting Your Manager Up For Success: Empowered Leadership For Hospitality Leaders
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with high manager turnover and inconsistent performance? The problem might not be your managers—it might be you. Let’s fix that.Running...
The Hidden Bookkeeping Secret Every Bar Owner Must Know
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if I told you there's a single bookkeeping secret that could save your bar thousands of dollars in lost revenue every month?Many bar owners ...
How to Avoid The Most Common Bar Owner Mistakes
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do most bar owners fail to hit world-class profits—and what can you do differently?Running a bar is supposed to be fun and profitable, but too m...
The Essential Tech Stack for Modern Bar Operations
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar’s tech helping or hurting your business? Learn how to build a seamless, efficient system that saves you time and boosts your profits. M...
The Basics of Calculating Food and Beverage Cost for Bar Owners
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your food and beverage costs higher than expected? Learn the key formulas and strategies to take control of your margins.Many restaurants and bars...
Building a Culture of Excellence for Long-Term Success in Your Bar or Pub
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to build a team that truly excels in your bar or restaurant? Wondering how to foster leadership, engagement, and a winning culture?...
Seasonal Menus: Smart Menu Changes for Bar Owners
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are high food costs eating into your profits? Discover how seasonal menu changes can dramatically reduce your expenses while delighting your customers...
How to Recognize and Fix a Failing Bar Before It's Too Late
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar showing warning signs of failure that you're choosing to ignore?Many bar owners struggle to identify critical business problems until...
Labor Cost Secrets: Controlling Your Biggest Expense for Bar Owners
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your labor costs are eating away at your profits without you even realizing it?Many bar owners struggle with managing labor costs effectively,...
Building an Unforgettable Bar Brand: Smart Strategies for Hospitality Owners
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want your bar to be the go-to spot in town? The secret isn’t just great drinks—it’s creating a brand people remember and want to return to.In a ...
Draft Line Cleaning: Protecting Your Bar’s Beer Quality & Profits
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your draft beer sales are suffering because of a simple maintenance issue you're overlooking?Many bar owners struggle with inconsistent b...
Quarterly Industry Benchmarking Insights: Profitability Strategies for Bar & Restaurant Owners with Jordan Silverman of Starfish
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your restaurant or bar margins feeling tighter than ever? You’re not alone. But what if small, strategic changes could turn your bottom line aro...
The Basics of Food and Beverage Cost: Simple Math that Leads to Bigger Profits for Bar Owners
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you losing money on every plate and drink you serve without even knowing it?Many bar owners struggle with calculating their true costs, leading to...
Projecting Start-Up Costs: Financial Planning for New Bar Owners
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could avoid the #1 reason restaurants fail in their first year - undercapitalization?Many aspiring restaurant owners underestimate their s...
Reading Guest Signals for Bar Owners: Boost Sales Through Body Language
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you missing out on sales because you can't read your guests' buying signals?Many bars struggle with training staff to recognize buying s...
3 Simple Tools for 1% More Profit: Finding Incremental Income in your Bar or Pub
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if three simple tools could add thousands to your bottom line without changing your prices or cutting staff?Many bar owners struggle with profit ...
Bar Owner's Guide to Profitable Menu Pricing: Set Your Margins Right
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your menu prices actually making you money, or are you just breaking even?Many bar owners struggle with pricing their menu items correctly, leadin...
7 Employee Management Secrets Every Bar Owner Must Know
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to keep your best employees while maintaining consistent performance across your team?Managing bar staff effectively can feel like ...
Streamlining Cash Handling: A Proven System for Bar Owners to Prevent Errors & Discrepancies
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with cash discrepancies in your bar’s daily operations?Cash handling errors can cost your business money and peace of mind. Without a rel...
A Bar Owner's Guide to Perfect Staff Training: The Tell-Show-Do-Review Method
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are your bartenders consistently making drinks the exact same way, or is quality varying depending on who's behind the bar?Inconsistent service a...
5 Marketing Strategies for Bar Owners to Dominate 2025
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to elevate your bar's marketing game and dominate 2025?January is slow for most of us, making it the perfect time to plan. Most bars strugg...
3 Game-Changing Strategies for Bar Owners in 2025
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of watching your bar stay stagnant while your competitors seem to be thriving?Many bar owners struggle with implementing meaningful chan...
Managing Intoxicated Regulars: Effective Hospitality Strategies for Bar Owners
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you handle intoxicated regulars without damaging relationships or disrupting your bar's atmosphere?Regulars bring loyalty and community, b...
Bar Owner's Guide to Operational Excellence: Why Checklists Are Your Secret Weapon
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of constantly putting out fires in your bar because something was forgotten or overlooked?Many bar owners struggle with maintaining cons...
Unlocking Bar Success: Harnessing Team Insights to Boost Efficiency & Profits
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if your team's insights were the missing piece to unlocking your bar’s success? It's time to set ego aside and find out!Bar owners of...
Essential Tax & Financial Strategies for Bar Owners with Michael Jamison
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with the complexities of payroll and taxes? Discover how to turn tax compliance into a strategic advantage for your bar!From payroll pitfal...
Essential KPIs Every Bar Owner Must Master: Bar Success Tips
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you truly in control of your bar's performance?Many bar owners struggle to identify which numbers actually matter for their success and profi...
Steps to Master End Of Year Inventory for Bar Owners
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you dreading end-of-year inventory? Learn how to make it stress-free while boosting your bar’s profitability!The chaos of New Year's Eve an...
Crafting Unforgettable Holiday Experiences: A Bar Owner's Guide to Seasonal Success
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are your holiday promotions falling flat while your competitors seem to pack their venues night after night during the festive season?The holiday seas...
Engage Bartenders to Boost Service & Profits
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar ready to handle the holiday rush with lightning-fast service and happy staff?Inefficient bar setups can slow down service and frustrate yo...
Boost Your Bar’s Bottom Line: Strategic Pricing & Profit Optimization for Bar Owners
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are your bar’s pricing strategies boosting profits—or leaving money on the table?Setting the right price isn’t just about covering costs; it’s...
Boost Team Morale for Thanksgiving: Strategic Pre-Holiday Planning for Bar Owners
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is your bar ready to handle Thanksgiving Eve, the busiest night of the year?With the holiday rush looming, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the d...
3 Common Mistakes Bar Owner's Make That Hurt Success
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are ego, education, and a lack of trust holding your bar back from thriving?Many bar owners unknowingly let outdated mindsets, knowledge gaps, and lac...
Leadership, Employee Satisfaction & Marketing for Bar Owners with Monte Silva
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious how the best restaurants keep both their employees happy and guests coming back?With fierce competition and rising costs, creating a thriving ...
5 Strategies to Manage Food & Beverage Costs for Bar & Restaurant Profitability
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to keep profits up while dealing with rising costs and ever-changing guest expectations?With inflation, labor issues, and waste con...
Complete Your Bookkeeping This Week to Boost Bar Profitability
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do your bookkeeping records actually reflect your bar's current financial state—or are you making decisions based on outdated data?In the fast-...
Strategic Marketing & Profit Tips for Bar & Restaurant Owners with Chip Klose
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to uncover the strategies that could turn your bar into a top destination, even in a competitive market?Most bar owners focus on increas...
Mastering Ticket Times to Boost Bar Efficiency & Sales for Bar Owners
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how ticket times could be the hidden key to happier guests and a more profitable bar?Fast, efficient service is critical to creating a s...
Transforming Bar Experiences with Education: From Staff Training to Effective Bar Ownership Strategies
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can educating your bar staff lead to unforgettable guest experiences and boost your bar’s profits?In a highly competitive hospitality industry, ...
Mastering Personality Profiles to Enhance Bar Leadership Dynamics
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Could understanding your leadership team’s personalities be the secret to running your bar more effectively?Leading a team in the hospitality indust...
Leadership Strategies for Bar Owners with Christin Marvin: Vision, Emotional Intelligence & Mental Health
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the key to transforming your restaurant business lies in visionary leadership and emotional intelligence? Whether you're a bar or restau...
Analyzing Monthly Trends to Boost Profits: Strategies for Bar Owners
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to transforming your bar into a powerhouse of profitability and vibrant culture with our latest episode of the Bar Business Podcast...
Quarterly Benchmarking for Bar & Restaurant Owners with Jordan Silverman to Boost Your Profits
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are joined again by Jordan Silverman of Starfish to discuss the current state of the industry and break down the new updated quarterly b...
Top 5 Bookkeeping Mistakes Bar Owners Make That Hurt Profits
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you avoid the top bookkeeping mistakes that could be draining your bar's profits? In this week's episode of the Bar Business Podcast...
Transforming Bar Operations with Servant Leadership: How Hospitality Owners Can Increase Profits
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you turn raw data and KPIs into actionable strategies that lead to success in the bar industry? In this episode of the Bar Business Podcast, we...
Demystifying Bar Worth: Practical Valuation Methods for Bar & Pub Owners
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how much your bar is really worth? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we promise to equip you with the essential knowledge to accura...
Revolutionizing Bar & Restaurant Funding: Ross Chanowski on Crowdfunding for Hospitality Financial Resilience
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about different types and forms of bar financing with Ross Chanowski, the founder of NuMarket. Ross passionately shares his journey into social ...
Navigating No Tax on Tips: Impact on Bar Labor Costs & Financial Strategies for Hospitality Owners
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can the proposed "no tax on tips" policy revolutionize the bar and restaurant industry? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we dissect th...
Leveraging Digital Marketing for Bar Owners with Shawn Walchef
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn Walchef from Cali BBQ Media shares his journey with us, from taking over a humble breakfast concept in 2008 and turning it into a family-friendl...
Boosting Bar Profits Through Strategic Brand Design with Shelby Hiltunen
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to creating a standout brand identity for your bar with expert insights from Shelby Hiltunen, owner of Hold My Crown. Shelby joins ...
Sustainable Profitability Strategies for Bar Owners: Emily LaRuffa on Empowering Teams & Boosting Financials
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could revolutionize your bar's profitability while creating a supportive, empowered team? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we w...
Creating Immersive Bar Experiences: Storytelling to Increase Profits with Tanner Weston
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how a background in theater can revolutionize the craft of bartending? Join us as we sit down with Tanner Weston to uncover the...
Maximizing Bar Profitability with Craft Cocktails & Tools with Chris Tunstall
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the secret to mastering mixology was simply a matter of accessible education and the right tools? Join us this week on the Bar Business Podcas...
Financial Strategies for Bar Owners Amid Rising Costs and Historical Tavern Tales
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the financial pulse of the bar and restaurant industry in our latest episode of the Bar Business Podcast with me, Chris Schneider. Learn how ...
Mastering Cash Flow for Bar Owners to Boost Financials & Avoid Common Pitfalls
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can a bar with great food and service still fail? Absolutely, and today's episode of the Bar Business Podcast reveals why. Join me, your host Chr...
Prioritizing Staff Wellness & Sustainable Practices in Hospitality with Tim Etherington-Judge
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the untold challenges and triumphs within the bar industry as we chat with Tim Etherington-Judge, the innovative mind behind Healthy Hospo an...
Debunking Bar Failure Myths & Boosting Profitability
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the failure rate statistics you've been hearing about the bar industry are all wrong? Join me, Chris Schneider, on this week's Bar B...
Discovering Hospitality DNA for Bar Owners with Dave Nitzel: Inventory Tips & Success Traits
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this captivating episode as we host Dave Nitzel of Dave and Dave, Hospitality and Barmetrix. Dave shares his journey from working with gian...
Boosting Bar Profits Through AI-Driven Analytics with Jordan Silverman of Starfish
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how you could transform your bar or restaurant's finances with minimal effort? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, we sit down w...
Optimizing Bar Performance with Key Metrics For Bar & Hospitality Owners
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how the pros turn a good bar into a great one? Unlock the secret sauce as we dissect Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will revolut...
Mastering Cash Handling for Bar Owners: Boost Your Finances & Prevent Theft
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode peels back the curtain on the vital role of cash management in the bar industry, a lesson in finance that might just save your business f...
Time Management for Bar Owners: Prioritization & Planning for Success
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Picture this: You're closing up the bar after another hectic day, already dreading tomorrow's to-do list. What if I told you that with a few...
Bar Inventory Management for Increased Profits: Essential Tips for Bar Owners
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why your bar's profits might be pouring down the drain? The answer could lie in the nuanced world of inventory management, which we...
Rethinking the 55% Prime Cost Rule for Bar & Restaurant Owners: Boost Profitability and Financial Control
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why your bar isn't hitting that golden 55% prime cost target? This week on the Bar Business Podcast, I reveal why this number isn&a...
Building Educated Bar Teams for Success with Greg Buda: Training Strategies for Bar & Pub Owners
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on an insightful journey with Greg Buda, as he shares the cocktail of skills that took him from the lab bench to the buzzing bar scene. Greg di...
Secrets to Hospitality Success for Bar Owners with Sean Finter: Hiring & Guest Experience Tips
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock hospitality's hidden code with bar industry juggernaut Sean Fenter, who joins your host Chris Schneider for a revelatory discussion on nav...
Mastering Bar Financials with P&L Insights to Boost Profitability & Bookkeeping Skills
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to a profitable bar with this week's deep-dive into the misunderstood world of Profit and Loss statements. I'm Chris Schn...
Bar Marketing Strategies for Success with Jason Littrell: Grow Your Bar & Boost Profitability
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare to unlock the secrets of bar business success with industry virtuoso Jason Littrell as we tap into the gritty realities and marketing mastery ...
5 Menu Design Mistakes Bar Owners Must Avoid to Boost Profitability & Sales
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why your restaurant's masterpiece dishes aren't flying out of the kitchen as expected? It might all boil down to those sneaky ...
SMART Goal-Setting for Bar Owners To Boost Profitability & Drive Results
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to shake up the bar scene with some expert guidance on goal-setting? Let's raise the bar on your business's performance with the SMART...
Elevating Marketing with Captivating Visuals For Bar & Restaurant Owners
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Raise your glasses high—our 50th edition of the Bar Business Podcast is here, and it's a milestone worth celebrating! With heartfelt appreciati...
Authentic Leadership & Cultural Transformation for Bar Owners To Drive Team & Business Success
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From behind the bar, I've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright hypocritical. But what if I told you that the real secret to a suc...