Tara Michielli: Cutco and Connection: How Tara Redefined Gifting in Business
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
Release Date: 01/28/2025
Melissa Cruz: Time Is Your Only Currency: Vision, Buckets, and Boundaries
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Melissa Cruz discuss: Vision casting with 10–5–3–1 year planning Aligning daily time blocks with long-term goals Using color-coded “buckets” to organize calendar time Prioritizing revenue-producing activities over admin tasks Protecting me-time and family time to avoid burnout Key Takeaways: Long-term vision (10, 5, 3, and 1 years out) should drive what you do today, not the other way around. Time blocking works best when you categorize your life into clear “buckets” like lead generation, customer retention,...
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Dan Mullen: Stop Overpaying the IRS: Tax Strategies Every Realtor Must Know
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax “surprises.” Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth Key Takeaways: Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don’t want to be blindsided at tax time. The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly,...
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Dave Rosenberg: The Real Estate Power Producers Playbook
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dave Rosenberg discuss: Radical accountability’s three elements: mechanics, mindset, and modeling Importance of clear job descriptions, processes, and formal training with testing Counseling and curiosity instead of yelling when mistakes happen Leadership’s impact on safety: fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses to toxic behavior Leaders must “walk the talk” to build trust, accountability, and high-performing teams Key Takeaways: Radical accountability rests on three legs: mechanics, mindset, and modeling, and when any one of these...
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Dirk Zeller: From Dummy to Power Player: Timeless Skills Every Agent Needs
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dirk Zeller discuss: Timeless fundamentals of real estate: persuasion, communication, and objection handling Time management and focus are the biggest challenges for agents and entrepreneurs Importance of daily lead generation and prioritizing high-value, dollar-productive activities Power of practice and role play to master listing presentations and objections Building long-term wealth by investing in real estate, not just selling it Key Takeaways: Time management is the core constraint for most agents, such as too much $25/hour...
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Clay Johnson: Building a Real Estate Life of Daily Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: Power and impact of daily habits Replacing bad habits instead of “dropping” them Starting each day with small, non‑negotiable wins Consistent, proactive communication in real estate Incremental growth by focusing on one to three habits at a time Key Takeaways: Habits quietly run your life because when you train them intentionally, they become “autopilot” behaviors that move your business and life forward without relying on motivation or willpower. You can’t just drop a bad habit; you must...
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Verl Workman: What is your Relationship Capital
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Verl Workman discuss: Leveraging relationship capital Building a vision-driven business Specializing and creating leverage Setting ambitious, unrealistic goals Developing a culture of accountability and productivity Key Takeaways: Cultivating strong relationships and making deposits in others' lives can create a powerful network of support when you need it most. When you can articulate this vision and invite others to be a part of it, you unlock the potential for exponential growth and legacy-building. In a competitive market,...
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Nate Keller: Fatherhood and Mentorship: Shaping a Legacy of Excellence
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Nate Keller discuss: Connecting through music and dance Tailoring performance to the audience Embracing authenticity and honesty as a speaker Serving as Honorary Consul for Kyrgyzstan Inspiring others through fatherhood and mentorship Key Takeaways: By representing the United States in international folk festivals, he has fostered meaningful connections and bridged cultural divides through the universal language of performance. Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding the event's purpose, the attendees' needs, and...
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Sheryl Green: The Power of No: How to Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Life
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Sheryl Green discuss: Realizing your right and responsibility to set boundaries Identifying past "icky" situations to find where boundaries are needed Using the PEC system - Pause, Evaluate, Communicate Communicating boundaries graciously and with respect Seeking support to help set boundaries if needed Key Takeaways: Boundaries are a Necessity, Not a Luxury. Recognizing your entitlement and responsibility to set boundaries is the first step. Ignoring this can lead to burnout, resentment, and even serious health consequences. ...
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Kim Johnson: Rediscovering Purpose Through Intentional Living
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kim Johnson discuss: Intentional living and meaningful connection The Darling Day concept and Darling Dinners The 54321 capsule wardrobe method Authenticity and personal style Balancing personal and professional life Key Takeaways: Cultivating a "Darling Day" where intention meets beauty can transform daily life, and by being present and creating meaningful moments, women can rediscover their purpose and confidence, empowering them to show up authentically and make a greater impact. Kim's 54321 method provides a practical framework...
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Jessie Van Wagoner: Mortgage Mindset: Prioritizing Authenticity, Communication, and Growth
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Jessie Van Wagoner discuss: Importance of education and continuous learning Building genuine relationships and providing exceptional service Methodical process and pre-approval to ensure client success Balancing work and personal life by setting boundaries Communicating effectively with lending partners Key Takeaways: Education is the foundation for success in the mortgage industry, enabling professionals to refine their skills, stay informed, and ultimately provide a superior experience for clients. Trust grows through clear...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Tara Michielli discuss:
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Importance of building relationships
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Cutco's unique gifting program
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Tara's "return on relationships" (ROR) philosophy
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Tara's disciplined approach to work-life balance
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Customizable gifting systems and solutions
Key Takeaways:
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Tara's Cutco gifting program allows for customization and personalization, transforming ordinary gifts into memorable experiences that keep her clients and referral sources engaged.
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Rather than solely focusing on return on investment, Tara emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine, giving relationships that yield dividends in the long run, and her "return on relationships" (ROR) philosophy has been a driving force behind her success, as she prioritizes serving others without expectation of immediate payback.
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Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and avoiding burnout is an integral aspect of Tara's mindset.
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Embracing their authentic selves and having fun, rather than striving for perfection, is what Tara encourages business owners to do.
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Tara's gifting systems, which include the ability to have gifts on hand or utilize a drop-ship program, make it easy for busy entrepreneurs to incorporate thoughtful gifts into their business strategies without the hassle of managing inventory and logistics.
“My clients are my friends. My friends are my clients. And those relationships, I know that I can count on those people to follow my journey, to be there, to support me, and I will support them.”
- Tara Michielli
About the guest, Tara Michielli:
Tara Michielli is an energetic, caring, and honest businesswoman with a strong passion for sales and helping clients. Since 2008, she has been a dedicated Cutco independent sales professional, putting her whole heart into every job. Tara specializes in creating business gifting strategies to help clients grow their businesses, strengthen their networks, and boost referrals. Her enthusiasm for sales and her clients’ success has earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Cutco Hall of Fame, recognition as a Cutco Sales Professional, and the prestigious Rolex Winner award.
Tara's expertise extends across the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. As the #1 Rep for Big Sky Office & Division, the #5 rep in her region (#1 Female), and #15 in the Nation, she continues to achieve remarkable success. Her favorite Cutco knives—the Hardy Slicer and 3" Gourmet Paring Knife—highlight her deep appreciation for the brand's exceptional quality, which she loves for its timeless durability and gifting appeal. Whether you're shopping for a wedding, birthday, or a personal treat, Tara believes Cutco’s products are the perfect solution to elevate any occasion.
Buy Cutco today and support AMERICAN-made products!
Celebrating 75 years in business, MADE IN AMERICA, Guaranteed FOREVER with over 19 million customers! Thank you for your support in purchasing American-made products!
Website: www.BladesByTara.com
CONNECT WITH TARA MICHIELLI:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramichielli/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bladesbytara
CONNECT WITH CHERYL:
Website: www.cherylknows.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/
Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.