20 Hour Work Week - The Movement

This week, we’ve got a special guest! Danelle German, founder of the National Cat Groomers Institute, shares her story about becoming a successful online entrepreneur—on a 20 hour work week schedule! You’ll hear how she got started, how her business grew, and learn her #1 strategy tip for entrepreneurs.

We recently attended a 3-day live event with Stu McLaren—THE expert on membership-based businesses. This event gave us three important activities that we’ll be implementing right away, and we’re excited to share them with you! Listen to hear what we learned and how it will impact our business. Check out the BLOG!

Last week we emphasized how important email addresses are for your business. Today, we’re telling you exactly how you can collect these email addresses. We’ll take you step-by-step through the process and give you an example from our own email list building efforts! Here is a link to the BLOG for more details.

We talk a lot about collecting email addresses from your potential customers, but today we’re talking about exactly why that’s so important! We’ll cover a few reasons why it's important, what kinds of email addresses you should look for, and how you can acquire them. Check out the BLOG now!

Still struggling to get people to commit to buying your product? We get it—and we’re here to help! On this week’s episode, we’re talking about why people might have objections to purchasing your product, and giving you the techniques you need to understand their objection and prepare to address it. Read more in the BLOG!

Still wondering if you’ve got what it takes to run an online business? This week, we’re telling you stories from our family kayaking trip that demonstrate how you can learn business skills and lessons from anywhere. We had some pretty wild adventures, so listen to the episode to hear all of the stories. Check out the BLOG!

Does the thought of a 20 hour work week sound great to you, but you’re just not sure how it can be possible? We talk to so many people who struggle with finding a viable idea, so this week, we’re giving you some real-life stories to show you how a business idea can come from anywhere. Check out the BLOG!

Today, we are going to take a little break from the normal program to celebrate. What are we celebrating? YOU - our listeners! Our podcast has reached over 400 downloads – 424 to be exact. Check out our stats here!

Does the thought of networking fill you with dread? Or maybe you’ve gone to a networking event and found it to be awkward or pointless. In this week’s episode, we’re showing just how to make networking a powerful tool for growing your business, with real tips to put into action! Read the blog HERE!

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our podcast episodes to show you exactly how each episode—including this one—is produced. We’ll tell you about the processes and tools we use to work efficiently and produce content regularly. Joining us is Michelle Luke, our strategic account manager at WriterAccess, who plays a key part in this process. Check out our blog for this episode HERE!

On today’s episode, Oie interviews Byron White, the founder of WriterAccess, about content marketing and its importance for businesses. We’ll also cover how you can get started with content marketing and assess how it’s working for your business. Read the full blog as well!

Do you want to run an online business, but the thought of actually asking for the sale fills you with dread? You’re not the only one! In today’s episode, we’re giving you practical tips for overcoming this fear so you can generate sales, which is essential for your business! Read more HERE!

Have you been wondering if you’ve got what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur? On this week’s episode, Oie interviews Darren about the most important traits entrepreneurs should have, and how you can foster them. Listen for real tips and examples about what you can do to nurture the traits of a successful entrepreneur. Check it out HERE!

As you’re developing your online business idea, you’re likely spending a lot of time thinking about the products you’ll offer and how to make them the best you possibly can. We’ve got one thing you can do to create the best products for your online business, and in today’s episode, we’ll tell you exactly how to do this. (Here’s a hint: it has much more to do with your customers than with the product itself.) Check it out HERE!

Wondering how to get the word out about your new online business? You’ll need an online marketing strategy to attract customers and entice them to make a purchase. In today’s episode, we’re covering the basics of online business marketing: what it is, why it’s important, and how to get started. This topic comes from one of our listeners, who asked about how social media fits into an overall marketing strategy.

Have you ever daydreamed about packing your life into an RV and living life on the open road? Us too! In this episode, we’re sharing our plans for Project 18: our goal of running our business from the road. We’ll cover what Project 18 is, how we plan to accomplish it, and some key things to consider if you want to run a business from the road too! This episode idea comes to us from Deb in MN, one of our top listeners. Thanks Deb! Here are some highlights from this episode: Our plans for running a business from the road Why these plans are important to us Key considerations for doing business while traveling Links mentioned in this episode: 20 Hour Work Week Facebook Group Episode #2: 20 Hour Work Week Movement Fulfillment By Amazon Printful Dropbox Scan Document App

Now that you have your business idea, you might be wondering, “Will this idea actually work?” Is it actually worth investing your time, energy, and money into? In today’s episode, we’re covering exactly what you need to consider to determine the feasibility of your business idea. This exercise will give you a quick gut check to make sure this idea is worth pursuing. Here are some highlights from this episode: The classic business formula to determine profit How to charge for a product or service The role of competitor research Links mentioned in this episode: Episode #9: What Does It Cost to Run an Online Business? U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Handy calculator tool Upcoming live workshop

Wondering how much it costs to start and run an online business? Today, we’re going to dive into the various expenses that come with running an online business by sharing our current costs with you.  Considering your business expenses from the start is crucial to assess the feasibility of your business idea.  Here are some highlights from this episode: 3 categories of business expenses Our real costs for starting and running an online business The importance of training expenses for your online business Links mentioned in this episode:  Downloadable expense report Episode #2: 20 Hour Work Week Waitlist for our upcoming online course! “How to setup an online business”

As you brainstorm your business idea, do you find yourself feeling like you can’t share it with anyone? Like you need to protect it? This is a common feeling among budding entrepreneurs, but today, we’re debunking that myth once and for all. There are some very good reasons to share your business idea with others, and we’re here to walk you through them. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn in today’s episode: The most common misconceptions about sharing your business idea Two key benefits to sharing your idea with others Some circumstances where protecting your business idea is important Links mentioned in this episode: Netflix vs Blockbuster Episode # 2: The 20 Hour Work Week Episode #6: How to Brainstorm Business Ideas Episode #7: 3 Brainstorming Tips

Chemist Ling Pauling once said, “If you want to have good ideas, you must have many ideas.” But where can you get these many ideas that will lead you to the good ones?  The answer: Brainstorming. Brainstorming involves specific methods and techniques to generate new creative ideas and take you from wandering, aimless thoughts to focused, useful ideas.  Today we’re sharing three tips to use when you are brainstorming. They’ll help you generate plenty of ideas so you can be sure you’ll have fruitful options to solve a problem or meet a need.  Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get in this episode: How to frame your brainstorming session to be more productive Why generating lots of ideas is important for brainstorming Ideas for building a sounding board for your ideas Links mentioned in this episode:  4 Steps to Successful Brainstorming from Forbes Episode #6: Brainstorming Business Ideas

You love the idea of starting an online business. You daydream about a shorter work week, passive income streams, and the freedom to work where and how you want. But...you just can’t think of a business idea that excites you—and seems like a viable option. Brainstorming business ideas is one of the biggest roadblocks aspiring online entrepreneurs face—but we’re here to help! In today’s episode, we’ll walk you through specific steps to take and creative exercises to do to help you brainstorm the perfect online business idea. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get in this episode: How to find a niche of people you want to support How to turn an idea into a business that helps that niche of people How to come up with specific products and services you can offer Links mentioned in this episode: Episode #3: The Keystone to Success for Online Entrepreneurs Finding Your Sweet Spot exercise

An online business and a 20 hour work week sound too good to be true. You might find yourself wondering: can I actually make enough money from starting an online business? On today’s episode, you’ll learn the different ways that online business owners can make enough money to support themselves and their families. We’ll talk about real business owners who are making a living online—and share our own money-making strategies that we use here at Bloomdocking! Here are some highlights from today’s episode: How you can be part of the rapidly growing e-learning industry that’s worth billions What it takes to be an expert (hint: you don’t need “10,000” hours!) Three ways to start making money with your online business Links mentioned in this episode: 3 Types of Affiliate Marketing Explained Pat Flynn’s Income Reports Keep Your Daydream Once a Month Meals - Tricia Callahan Smashing the Glass - Karen Cinnamon Amy Porterfield Not So Wimpy Teacher - Jamie Sears How My Business Makes Money - Jennifer Allwood

We’ve all used this excuse: “I don’t have the time!” It stops us from doing what we’ve always wanted, whether it’s reading that book, joining that club, or starting that business you’ve been dreaming of. Oie is no stranger to this excuse—she used it herself for years before deciding she would find the time for the things that were truly important. As J.R.R. Tolkien once said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” On today’s podcast episode, we’re helping you find the time—and decide what to do with it. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn: How to combat the excuses of not having more time Tools and tricks for finding more time All the things you can do with the extra time you find Links mentioned in this episode: The 5 Second Rule from Mel Robbins Episode #3: The Keystone to Success for Online Entrepreneurs

A keystone provides stability to the structure of an arch. It’s the single most important piece of the structure. What provides that stability for entrepreneurs with online businesses? Some might say it’s marketing, or innovation, or any number of other important things. But even the sum total of those elements won’t be enough to bring sustainable success to your business. What will? Hunger and drive. Successful online entrepreneurs have a core motivation giving them the stamina to run their business day-in and day-out. This drive and passion infuses every part of the business: the marketing, the products, the customer service, and every other component of a successful online business. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find in this episode: The keystone to success for your online business How to create that keystone for yourself Stories and practical exercises to help you understand the importance of this keystone for yourself and your business Links mentioned in this episode: 6 pitfalls to avoid 20 hour work week Tony Robbins Finding Your Sweet Spot guide

Have you ever wondered who came up with the concept of working forty hours a week? Or why we often go to great lengths to stay at the office for eight or more hours in a single day?  We’ve all had that moment where the alarm clock goes off in the morning and we ask ourselves why we have to get up to go to a job that isn’t ideal. Episode 2 of the 20 Hour Work Week Movement Podcast explains how this came to be and why we believe there’s a better way through starting an online business based on efficiency. What is the history of the 40 Hour Work Week? The history behind the traditional work week actually goes back as far as the Industrial Revolution. In 1817, Robert Owen, a Welsh mill owner and labor rights activist, pushed for a day that consisted of eight hours work, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest for six days a week.  The overall philosophy gained traction when Henry Ford implemented the 40 Hour Work Week without reducing worker pay in 1926. He found that workers were actually more productive working only forty hours a week instead of forty-eight. Since then, companies across America and around the globe have followed this system. Finally, in 1940, the 40-hour work week became law.  However, as the years have passed, technology has only increased our ability to get more done at the office in an even shorter time period. In fact, productivity of American workers has nearly doubled since the 1970s.  If this is true, why are we still spending such long days at the office? That’s why we’re digging deeper into this podcast episode about the importance of the 20 Hour Work Week Movement and why you should consider leveraging technology, experts, and the global economy in your favor. Why is the 20 hour work week important and why do we need a movement? Let’s face it… most of us are pretty brain fried by two or three in the afternoon. Working a full eight-hour schedule isn’t productive for any of us and the system of doing so just isn’t working anymore. A few years ago, Oie started looking for ways to be more productive and accidentally stumbled on a book called Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Lessby Alex Soojung-Kim Pang.  The author explores several examples of famous writers and thinkers and how they incorporated rest and exercise into their daily routine. It turns out, there are a lot of really successful people who allow themselves more rest than work time. Darren's road to the 20 Hour Work Week was a little different.  After years of work in corporate America, entrepreneurship, and many stressful years, he was still searching for a true work-life balance. He knew he needed to find proven methods to work fewer hours with a higher level of productivity. So, we started following people who were effectively doing this for themselves. Learning from others’ failures and successes is a powerful thing. Soon we felt ready to start a new business, built on the principles of working less by and leveraging experts, technology and the power of the internet. The key here is to making processes extremely efficient in order to work less yet still have the necessary income to be happy. Thus The 20 Hour Work Week Movement took shape.  In fact, we aren’t the only ones that think there needs to be a change. A British think tank called the New Economic Foundation has proposed a 21-hour schedule on the basis of greater staff well-being and sustainability. Essentially, they’ve found that this type of schedule also reduces unemployment by spreading the work resulting in lower welfare needs and greater productivity. Sounds great, right? That’s why we support the 20 Hour Work Week Movement. As a society, we are burnt out working the traditional forty hours or more per week. By helping others see clarity in this idea, we are hoping to make the process a movement by which more people can see the value in working fewer hours to achieve a higher level of life satisfaction. How are we making this a reality? Part of our effort to help people learn about the 20 Hour Work Week movement is by educating them on how we got to where we are a society. It’s actually pretty interesting and knowing the events behind all of it really makes you realize whythis system is so darn outdated.  But how are we making this a reality? If you listened to the first episode of our podcast, you probably already know the answer to this question. We want to help people work less by working smarter and not harder!  When you hear the idea of only working twenty hours a week, you might think this is crazy or it’s not possible. The truth is that it is possible and we are here to help and support you.  Instead of waiting for society to catch up to this idea of a shorter work week, why not make the movement happen for ourselves? To do this, we need your help. Our goal is to find people who share the same beliefs and support each other through this transformation. That’s why we created the 20 Hour Work Week Movement private Facebook Group for support, knowledge, and inspiration.  We'd love to have you join us! Listen to episode #2 Now! Are you ready to learn about the reason behind the original 40 hour work week and why using technology, experts, and the internet to leverage your productivity to work less hours is so important? Great! Go ahead and listen. Then leave a comment on our private 20 Hour Work Week Movement Facebook Group to help support everyone in this movement. Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, we want to encourage you to do that today. We don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Additionally, we would love for you to write a review on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Links mentioned in this episode: 20 Hour Work Week Movement Private Facebook Group Book: Rest: Why You Get More Done When Your Work Less - Author: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang  

The first episode of The 20 Hour Workweek Movement Podcast is finally here! We couldn’t be more excited to share this with you and hope you’ll stick around and take a listen. This week, we cover the six pitfalls to avoid when running a business and various strategies to help you avoid them. WHAT 6 PITFALLS DO YOU NEED TO AVOID WHEN RUNNING A BUSINESS? As entrepreneurs ourselves, we’ve encountered our fair share of issues when it comes to running our outdoor outfitter company, DIRO Outdoors. While it didn’t always feel great as we were working through them, looking back, it's all part of the learning process. Now that we are aware of what these things are, we can help other business owners expedite their learning process vs. having to go through the same issues we had to go through. While we cover each one more directly in the podcast, the six pitfalls are: #6: Thinking you know and understand your customer from day one. #5: Doubting that your business model will be profitable.  #4: Choosing a product or service which you aren’t motivated to deliver to your clients. Build a business based on your sweet spot. If you aren’t motivated, you won’t want to put the effort in to become successful. Download our FREE Finding Your Sweet Spot Guide to help walk you through the process of creating a business you enjoy and can get paid for. #3: Not really focusing on your finances.  #2: Focusing on the wrong things—not stuff that grows your online business.  #1: Thinking that working longer hours will bring business success. Throughout the podcast, we discuss each of these pitfalls and provide you with various strategies on how to overcome them. Remember, these are things we’ve personally experienced and we’re happy to share with you how to keep them from hindering your future success.