AskPat 2.0: A Weekly Coaching Call on Online Business, Blogging, Marketing, and Lifestyle Design

We sunset AskPat earlier this year, but we wanted to republish some of the highest-downloaded episodes of all time in case you missed them. Tune in now!#1177 If you're a creative person of some kind, you know what it's like to be in a flow state, so focused on the thing you're working on. That's how you create great art, right? Well, if you treat your business ideas in the same way, you can create something great there, too. Today I'm talking to Chris Fleck, a person of many talents: art, comedy, video production, and more. There's so much he loves to do, and is really good at, but he's a little bit stuck. He has too many business ideas. He's being pulled in multiple directions, and as a result he feels like he's going nowhere. You might be able to relate to Chris, faced with multiple options and not sure which one to pick. You might worry about what'll happen if you choose one path and leave the others behind. How do you make the right choice? That's what we're talking about today. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1177.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1269 Today's Where Are They Now? session is truly special! You see, my returning guest has done a fantastic job of adapting and refocusing when circumstances almost shut his business down. So how did he pull it off? In this episode, I'm catching up with Jim from Spanish and Go to find out. He runs a fantastic brand with his wife, May, helping people connect to the culture and language of Spanish-speaking countries. The pandemic put an abrupt stop to the high-ticket retreats at the core of their monetization strategy, but a shift to podcasting helped Jim and May offset that in a big way. Their show is up from sixty thousand to almost a million downloads since we last spoke. That's insane! Now, Spanish and Go has become a thriving six-figure business. Join us for this great discussion to learn how Jim has leveraged his organic audience growth to attract sponsors and create a community of superfans! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1269.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1268 We all want more website traffic, but what can we do to hook visitors in and get them back for more when they stumble across our content? That's the topic of today's Where Are They Now? session with RJ Weiss of TheWaysToWealth.com. You see, most information is freely available from multiple sources. So if you're building a brand, how do you stand out as the go-to authority in your niche? RJ and I brainstorm several tactics that do exactly that. We explore balancing his SEO strategy with superfan-building content, storytelling, lead magnets, email marketing, and more. A personal touch is essential in today's online landscape if you want to start building word of mouth around your mission. Join RJ and me for this great conversation to discover how to make that happen, even if it doesn't come naturally to you! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1268.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1267 A lot can happen in a short time. In this Where Are They Now? session, I'm catching up with Joe Casabona of Podcast Liftoff. His progress in the months since our chat in episode 1238 has been incredible, so we have to share it with you! When we last spoke, Joe and I brainstormed ideas to grow his email list with effective lead magnets. He has since been able to attract hundreds of new highly targeted subscribers using the tactics we discussed! On top of that, the finely tuned email sequence Joe has built is a thing of beauty. Today, we get an inside look at how he pulled it off so quickly! Joe is also experimenting with webinars, and the results have blown him away. I love that he is now doubling down and taking advantage of this powerful tool to grow his brand! Listen in for a peek at a success story in the making! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1267.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1266 Don't miss this Where Are They Now? session because it highlights a very important stage in the entrepreneurial journey. You see, a lot of trial and error is involved in finding a business idea that sticks. My returning guest, Kara Gott Warner, is a perfect example of persistence and niching down to discover the right opportunity! Listen in to hear all about how her business has evolved and how she is now working more closely with her clients than ever! I often talk about the essential dynamic between visionaries and integrators in business. Kara is doing an excellent job putting this concept into practice. When she noticed her clients struggling to find podcast production support, she stepped up to take on the job and restructure her brand around it in a big way. Kara offers a heavy dose of inspiration for anyone still searching for the perfect niche, so tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1266.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1265 This is a very exciting Where Are They Now? episode because my returning guest is doing incredible work on major Hollywood productions. He loves the job and has created a business on the side teaching others how to follow in his footsteps. But, with limited time available, where should he focus his energy? Over at HollywoodEditingMentor.com, Joaquin Elizondo shares his soft-skill-focused method for breaking into the film industry. With an audience demanding more and more content, Joaquin is in a great spot to take his course-based business to the next level. Here's the thing. Without the right tactics, splitting our focus into several directions at once is a recipe for burnout. Today, we explore the possibilities and land on an effective and sustainable scaling strategy for Joaquin. The concepts we discuss here apply to anyone working a full-time job and building a business at the same time, so listen in to learn more. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1265.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1264 This Where Are They Now? episode is a perfect example of why I love this format. My returning guest, Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time, is doing fantastic work that I have to share with you! Andrea is a member of SPI Pro and one of our first students in Smart From Scratch. She has brilliantly applied knowledge from our courses and communities to help families create healthy content consumption habits. Today we hear all about how Better Screen Time has grown and evolved. Andrea is now spreading her message through public speaking, and the impact on her business has been incredible! Getting on more stages has also been a game-changer for me, so I love seeing entrepreneurs leveraging this powerful tactic. With TikTok taking over many children's lives, Andrea's mission is more important than ever. Listen in on our conversation to hear all about how she has built a fantastic course-based business to support her efforts! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1264.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1263 Today we're continuing our fantastic Where Are They Now? episode run. I love these conversations because we learn exactly how our AskPat coaching sessions impact entrepreneurs just like you. My returning guest has been on the show in episodes 1053, 1097, and 1197 and is now back to share his amazing progress. Listen in on my interviews with Jake Gosselin of Churchfront and Worship Ministry School for an absolutely unique glimpse at the makings of a success story. Jake has followed the basic strategies we always talk about here, and the results speak for themselves. He brings in over one million dollars a year through everything from courses to high-ticket offers. Jake has built an incredible membership site around the expertise that some of his clients are paying $10K to gain in-person access to! Don't miss out on our chat because you'll hear all about the pivotal moments that have made this success possible! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1263.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1262 Wow, the transformation you'll witness today is absolutely incredible! My returning guest has made unbelievable strides in his business. Not only that, but he has been able to quit his job and go all-in on entrepreneurship! Mark Savant is back for a Where Are They Now? session to remember. I had him on the show before, but the Mark we hear from today is a new man. Niching down has done wonders for his brand. On top of that, his online community is now bringing in enough recurring revenue to replace his old job. Listen in on this episode to hear Mark's vivid (and hilarious) description of what it was like to work full-time and grow a business on the side. Let's just say that he's saving himself a lot of hurt! This is a great chat about standing out in your industry and finding the perfect messaging to attract a highly targeted audience! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1262.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1261 Today we're continuing our fan-favorite Where Are They Now? series. It's Stacy Brookman's third time on the show, and we get yet another incredible look at her business! Through RealLifeResilience.com, Stacy helps women who are fed up with the corporate ladder climb to the top on their own terms. She is changing more lives than ever, but not without some ups and downs since our chat in episode 1150. With a book deal in place, everything was going according to plan for Stacy. But, sometimes, a big lightbulb moment can change everything. Listen in on this session for an unexpected update and a glimpse at a massive pivot. Stacy also shares her experience with public speaking. Hearing about her progress, the lessons learned, and the impact her talks have had on her brand is absolutely inspiring. Join us for this fantastic update about the vital importance of evolving and adapting in business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1261.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1260 We're continuing our fantastic Where Are They Now? episode run today. My returning guest, Aaron LeBauer, has helped thousands of physical therapists build and scale their practices. Our chat in episode 1159 about running successful virtual events and creating engaging community experiences online was a blast! But how has Aaron put his plans into action? Today we hear all about his PTBIZCON event and how he's providing his audience with incredible learning opportunities. Aaron is leveraging powerful strategies to make participants feel special and get the most out of his conferences. He shares his approach with us in this episode. Aaron and I also discuss event pricing and the pros and cons of using Facebook groups. Join us for this great catch-up to learn how virtual events can serve your niche and grow your business. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1260.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1259 This Where Are They Now? episode is a perfect example of why I love this format. My returning guest, Hel Reynolds of Comms Creatives, has made absolutely amazing progress since we last spoke! Back in episode 1174, Hel was having trouble prioritizing her business opportunities. Squirrel syndrome is something I'm all too familiar with, so I shared a number of my most powerful time-management strategies with her. Hel has since implemented the 20% itch rule and structured her week so that she puts in impactful work at key times. As expected, the results in her business have been incredible! But while Hel's current scheduling approach is rife with tips we can all leverage, she's still struggling to rein in her weekends and take time off. In this session, Hel and I explore new tactics to help her disconnect from work and return feeling restored. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1259.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1258 Today's Where Are They Now? session is one for the books. You see, the first time we heard from my returning guest was all the way back in episode 0132. That's crazy! When we last spoke in episode 1175, the pandemic had hit Sarah Donoghue's Alchemilla.co business pretty hard. But here's the thing. Something absolutely extraordinary happened right after our talk. It actually wasn't the advice I shared that led to it. It was you, the listeners, who made this happen! Joining us today is someone who has become an integral part of Sarah's business as a direct result of that episode. You'll hear from Ashton Cayce of SausageTreeLotion.com about how she's bringing Sarah's vision to a whole new market. This is a fantastic discussion about physical products and what can happen when you keep pushing in the face of adversity. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1258.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1257 Today we're continuing our fantastic Where Are They Now? episode run. Emory Wanger, my returning guest, is someone who I often use as an example because of the incredible way he serves his niche. At ByLand.co, he provides backpackers at any level with the specific resources that make sense for them. As you know, we're deeply committed to online communities here at SPI. One thing we rarely talk about, however, is creating and running free Facebook groups. In fact, we've advised our listeners against that strategy here and on our Community Experience podcast. But are Facebook groups ever the right move for a business, and can we use them to attract and drive traffic to our offerings? Emory may have cracked the code! This chat is an inside look at how he runs his massive group of 30,000 members without it descending into chaos. Join us to find out more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1257.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1256 For this awesome Where Are They Now? session, we're reconnecting with The Antipreneur himself. Dan Bennett of VideoForEntrepreneurs.com is a wonderful member of SPI Pro, and that's exactly what we talk about today. You see, he has leveraged business communities to grow his brand in a very powerful way. I've mentioned this incredible strategy before, but Dan has been walking the walk and seeing massive results. If you want to stand out online, this is the perfect way to serve others and monetize your passion without coming across as spammy or salesy. At VideoForEntrepreneurs.com, Dan helps people look and sound great on camera. We heard all about his business in episode 1209 of AskPat and episode 029 of our Community Experience podcast. Anyone can follow in Dan's footsteps, so make sure you join us for another chat with him to find out how to do it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1256.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1255 This is a very special Where Are They Now? session. You see, my returning guest was able to quit her full-time job just three months after our first AskPat call together. But she actually decided to go against my advice and follow her gut instead! Now, to be honest, that's not exactly the whole story. I'll let Dr. Kimmy of The Doctor Coach School share the twists and turns of her journey with you. Suffice it to say, she's serving more people than ever, and business is booming. I say it all the time—the riches are in the niches. By narrowing our focus, we're actually helping more people. This is a counterintuitive strategy that many beginner entrepreneurs struggle with. Dr. Kimmy was able to overcome this hurdle and take her business to the next level. In today's episode, we hear all about how she found her voice and is now helping women doctors of color transform their lives. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1255.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1254 Today, we're bookending 2022 with an absolutely incredible Where Are They Now? session. Don't miss this one because my returning guest has accomplished something I genuinely didn't think was possible. Jackie Bolen of ESLspeaking.org has written and published over one hundred books in her niche. That's insane! I had to reconnect with her to learn about the systems she has in place that allow her to be so prolific. You'll hear all about that in this episode. What might surprise you is just how powerful and replicable these business basics can be. We've had Jackie on episodes 1003, 1046, 1147, and 1189. The evolution is incredible and a perfect example of what can happen if you apply the simple tactics we often discuss here. Jackie is now in a fantastic position where her business might be ready for sale. Listen in to find out exactly how she did it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1254.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1253 Today we're kicking off a Where Are They Now? episode run that's going to take us well into 2023. I love these conversations because we learn exactly how our AskPat coaching sessions impact entrepreneurs just like you. Today's returning guest is someone who's doing absolutely amazing work. Rose Griffin helps speech therapists and other professionals make meaningful progress with their autistic learners. She runs ABA Speech and hosts the Autism Outreach podcast, both of which are going so well that she's been able to leave her nine-to-five job. Rose has made great use of our courses and communities and is now transitioning away from one-on-one work to spend more time growing her brand. Today we talk about hiring help, using an email list to skyrocket your business, and video marketing on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Don't miss this inspiring chat because Rose is the perfect example of how serving others can lead to massively fulfilling results! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1253.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1252 This is a massive success story! David Young worked for the FBI before joining my first SPI Accelerator program in 2018. He credits that as the foundation on which he has since sold over $5 million in online courses! David helps his students learn the ins and outs of flying drones for commercial purposes. He has seen unbelievable growth in such a short time but wants to find additional ways to serve his niche. Many people are already taking his Drone Launch Academy courses, but how does he get them to stick around and form a community? Today I share the techniques that have given us the best results with SPI Pro. We discuss community events, spotlighting your members, and understanding the objections that stop people from joining your community. Listen in on this inspirational chat to find out more about applying these powerful strategies to your business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1252.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1251 What is the number one way to grow your audience when you're just starting out? Before you can expect people to discover you, showing up and providing value through existing channels is key. In this coaching session, I'm joined by Paul Higgins of the Cloud Consultants Collective and PaulHigginsMentoring.com. He is an expert in his industry who runs a Slack community for fellow cloud consultants, a niche of about sixty thousand people worldwide. So how should Paul go about reaching a highly targeted group? With no one else attempting this, how does he become the de facto online resource in his domain? I always say that the riches are in the niches, so I walk Paul through several strategies that can help him build authority and scale his business. We explore leveraging ebooks, keynotes, LinkedIn, and existing product communities to create a personal brand while serving others. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1251.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1250 Tim Ferriss once asked me a powerful question—what would this look like if it were easy? When we feel overwhelmed, it's often because we make our work more complex than it needs to be. Most of the time, the easy path can deliver the same or better results with less effort. This is what we zero in on in this coaching session with my guest, Chris Greer. He is a religious leader and author who wants to run retreats for people in need of a break from the craziness of day-to-day life. Today, I help Chris identify and focus on the essential elements that can help him shave years off of his launch dates. We talk about beta releases, in-person events, the best social network to use, building an email list, and much more. Chris and I cover a lot of ground, and we land on some great actionable tips that are applicable to any business. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1250.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1249 This week on the show, we're back with another Where Are They Now? session. My guest, Chris Roy of Doobert.com, is doing amazing work connecting animal shelters with transportation for rescues, foster homes, and more. When we last spoke, we explored several options to help Chris generate funds for Doobert. He had his entire team listen in on our chat as a starting point for new ideas. We now get to learn about the exciting pay-it-forward model they landed on. Chris gives us an inside look at how Doobert leverages e-commerce and drop-shipping in a way that feels genuine to their mission. He's a tech guy, so he shares all about the software solutions working behind the scenes to make it all happen. We also get into what's next for Doobert and how they're able to use their know-how to expand globally. Listen in to learn more about how Chris has built an incredible business around his passion! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1249.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1248 Many of you know I got laid off from my dream job in 2008 and started teaching architects how to pass the LEED exam as my first niche business. Luis Duque is now doing something very similar in the engineering space. He loves his job but also wants to share his knowledge and help others in his industry pass an exam. Luis hosts a podcast and shares resources and courses through his brand, Engineering Our Future. So, when you're not looking to build a massive audience, how do you engage people in your niche and find your superfans? With a full-time job and a family, what are the most efficient ways to grow a business? We discuss all that today. Luis and I explore paid advertising and other powerful avenues to help him reach targeted audiences. I also share some of the time-management tricks that help me stay productive. Listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1248.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1247 What should you do when you don't even know where to start in business? One thing you shouldn't do is get so caught up with steps eight, nine, and ten that you lose focus of steps one, two, and three. Today, I'm chatting with Dr. Damaris Grossmann of Mindfully Integrative. She is a veteran who has overcome serious health issues and is now helping others do the same. But, with a lot of stuff going on, it's easy to start worrying about the little things and forget the very real impact we have on people's lives. In this coaching session, I help Dr. Damaris focus on the most effective strategies to grow her brand. We talk about why her small but targeted audience can be extremely powerful. I also share my tips for podcast guesting and book marketing to help her reach more people. Listen in on this chat for a strong dose of inspiration and motivation! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1247.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1246 Getting to a point where there's more demand for your services than you can handle is a dream come true, right? But what happens when you want to focus on building something bigger than yourself and have to turn down one-on-one clients to free up time? Today, I'm talking to Sybil Ackerman-Munson of Do Your Good. She works with philanthropists to help them figure out the most effective ways to donate money. We're talking millions of dollars! But here's the thing. Sybil's expertise applies to donations of any size. She wants to take her business to the next level by creating resources for anybody looking to explore philanthropy. This means cutting back on client work and investing time into something that may or may pan out. In this coaching call, I share strategies that can enable her to halve her one-on-one work without losing any income. I also give her a new perspective on the risks she's taking on. Often, these situations are not as frightening as we make them out to be in our heads! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1246.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1245 I love sharing these Where Are They Now? episodes because the progress is often incredible. This session is no exception. Back in episode 1190, Gillian Tietz introduced us to her amazing podcast. Through Sober Powered, she helps people understand and overcome addiction. Her show is growing fast, but Gillian has her sights set on something even bigger. You'll hear it from her, but she is building a legit empire. The Sober Powered Media Network brings podcasters in the addiction space together under one brand. The benefits in terms of marketing, monetization, and sponsor acquisition are unbelievable. We chat about all of that today. Of course, Gillian is under a lot of pressure. We also dive into how to manage the stress that comes with this level of responsibility and why transparency is key. This is an inspiring conversation for anybody looking to take their business to the next level! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1245.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Business of Community Summit is a one-day virtual summit focused exclusively on the business thinking, decisions, and strategies needed to reach the economic potential of community for your business. You'll walk away with a clear roadmap for launching your own community this year! Visit SmartPassiveIncome.com/BCS to register for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1244 Something powerful happens when we connect with a targeted audience using the right language. Our products start flying off the proverbial shelf when we niche down and articulate specific problems and solutions. Case in point, Julie Browne coaches people through unexpected identity loss. If that doesn't paint a picture, think about unpredictable events like divorce, job loss, or maybe a health situation. Many people are left questioning who they are after losing a big part of their lives. I know I was when I got laid off in 2008. So how should Julie think about marketing her broad expertise? In this episode, we talk about targeted audiences, finding the right messaging, book and podcast marketing, and we even touch on building communities. There are plenty of takeaways for you today if you're struggling to find clarity and focus in business. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1244.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1243 Often we create excuses for ourselves to mask the fear that's actually holding us back. Azreer Gill lives in Cambridge Bay, Canada. He's within the Arctic Circle, and, as you can imagine, that comes with some challenges. But are these obstacles a legitimate reason not to start a business that could save lives? Like many people in his community, Azreer has struggled with addiction. He is now seven years sober and wants to help people by sharing his recovery story, but he needs a push to get started. We discuss why podcasting is the perfect medium for him and how he can use it to build a targeted audience. Azreer does stand-up, so he's already a great storyteller. When we use our experiences and define a problem better than our listeners, it's natural for them to come to us for solutions. This episode is a great reminder to look under the hood and understand the source of your limiting beliefs. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1243.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1242 What happens when you experiment with different tactics in your business to see what works? Usually, a few strategies pan out, while most don't. But what do you do when suddenly everything you throw at the wall starts to stick? How do you zero in on the path that grows your business without taking up all your time? Bill Henry is an elementary music teacher and founder of Mr. Henry's Music World. He also co-hosts The Music Podcast for Kids, and runs an incredible music education YouTube channel! Bill serves multiple audiences, has courses for sale, affiliate marketing requests coming in, and even some very interesting franchising opportunities. We hop in the DeLorean today to help Bill get some clarity about what the future could look like. Saying yes to one opportunity often means saying no to others, so we need to know where our time is best spent. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1242.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1241 As you know, I've written several books over the years. The support from readers has been phenomenal, and I'm massively grateful for it. Of course, it's still important to look back at my book launches and think about what I would do differently now. That's exactly what my returning guest, Jadah Sellner, wants to know. Jadah is an entrepreneur, business mentor, and host of the Lead with Love podcast. She has already released a recipe book but is now in the final stages of copy-editing her first business book! In this chat, we discuss the best tactics to get as many readers as possible. Jadah has brought her audience along for the writing process, which is crucial. I advise her on podcast guesting to promote the book and steer her away from strategies that haven't worked for me. This is a great jam on book launches, and we also get into CTAs, lead magnets, and leveraging stories from beta readers. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1241.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1240 Some problems are great to have, even though it might not feel like it. When the businesses we've been putting valuable time into start to take off, it can get overwhelming. Matthew Usherwood has an office job and a family with two young kids. His brand, Distance Hiker, is growing like crazy, and he needs help figuring out what to focus on. In this coaching call, we reverse engineer what the company could look like based on Matthew's ultimate goal of taking it full-time. He is dealing with a bit of Squirrel Syndrome, so I help him prioritize the strategies that can work best for him. Matthew is also reluctant to rush into monetization and come off as salesy. You'll hear me share my perspective about products that offer true value and how to get them in front of people the right way. Join us to learn about the tools we can leverage to stay on top of our growing businesses. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1240.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1239 In business, different is sometimes better than better. Keith Hayden, is a prime example of this. He is an author and is doing incredibly unique things online to promote his fiction book. Keith has come up with a fantastic audiovisual "book experience" that breaks his novel down into bite-sized chunks for social media. But how should he go about getting more eyeballs on his content? We talk about building word-of-mouth, which is vital for any book release. We also discuss Keith creating these “book experiences” for other authors as a side gig. The inspiration for a lot of what Keith is doing is the sense of belonging he felt when he was military. He wants to recreate that for his superfans, which is very smart. This is an inspiring chat for all of us looking to build loyal, targeted audiences. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1239.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1238 What can people get from you that they can't get from anyone else? This is a vital question that many beginner entrepreneurs can't answer. When I asked Joe Casabona about his unique offer, his reply blew me away. So what does he do? Joe helps podcasters earn their first $10,000 off of their shows! In this coaching session, we talk all about lead magnets. Joe wants to grow his email list, and he and I brainstorm some ideas to take the freebies he's offering to the next level. Joe also hosts Make Money Podcasting and wants to reach a larger audience with the show. I talk to him about getting guest spots on other podcasts and how to maximize the impact those appearances have. I had a blast on this call with Joe, and we covered a lot of ground with plenty of tips for you along the way. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1238.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1237 Do you even need to use social networks at all? Social media is what we make of it, that's why it's vital to have a conscious approach if we decide to use it. Natasha Carrillo has been off social networks for the past ten years and is struggling with that decision. She co-hosts the Black and Brown Make Green podcast and wants to spread her message to more people. In this coaching session, we talk about social media as a broad-asking system instead of a broadcasting system and what that means exactly. We also discuss specifics like how much time to put in, how often you should post, and where. Many podcasters struggle on social media because they don't have the right mindset. So we get into some podcast-specific tactics today as well. Natasha asks all the right questions in this episode, and this is a great one to help us protect ourselves against the pitfalls of social media. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1237.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1236 In this "Where Are They Now?" session, I'm chatting with Cassidy Tuttle. She's been a student of mine for a long time, and I actually had her on the SPI podcast way back on episode 283. Cassidy's Succulents and Sunshine is booming right now, and she needs help handling the growth and success of her business. Often when we first start delegating tasks to free up time, we end up giving ourselves a new job as a micromanager. Cassidy wants to become more comfortable letting others run with her ideas and things not turning out exactly how she envisioned them. She also understands that she can't always be the face of her brand but doesn't want to disappoint her audience. As our businesses grow and change, we sometimes just need to get out of our own way. So listen in, get inspired, and take your business to the next level! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1236.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1235 It can often be overwhelming to think about how we could grow our businesses. But one easy way to scale is to go just one level beyond what's expected of us. In this coaching call, I'm chatting with Dustin John Staats of BGE's Tabletop. They sell board games online and have also opened up a brick-and-mortar store recently. Dustin wants to provide more value to his customers and keep them coming back. He's already doing some really smart things, like sending a Bonjoro video with every order to make the buyers feel special. We talk about defining value for his target audience and putting the spotlight on his community. Dustin and I brainstorm some cool ideas for his store that will inspire you to apply this kind of approach to your business as well. We also get into Deep Pocket Monster, and I talk about the strategies I use to stand out in the crowded Pokemon space and serve my audience there. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1235.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1234 As a solopreneur, what do you do when your business idea finally takes off? If you don't see a problem here, let me explain. You're planning the next move, you're creating content, you're working on new products, you're doing customer support and filing taxes. You're doing everything! That's where Chris Gilmour is at right now. He's been a student of mine for a long time. He went through Smart From Scratch, our beginner entrepreneurs course, and explored a couple of ideas before landing on ChrisOutdoors.ca. His business is booming, but Chris is doing everything himself and feeling overwhelmed. So how should he grow his business from here? Listen in on this coaching call to hear us brainstorm strategies that would help him free up his time and bring in more customers. I walk Chris through everything from mastering the most relevant platforms right now to letting go of certain tasks and starting to hire out. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1234.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1233 A mistake many entrepreneurs make is to undercharge for their products. We want to help as many people as possible, if we don't charge our worth we'll never land on a sustainable business model. I'm chatting with Aneliya Manolova and Pierre Debraux today. They run Sci-Sport.com, where they provide clear and objective information about sports and exercise science. They have the PhDs to back them up but are afraid to start charging. I felt the same way when I first started selling and I walk them through a few thought experiments to figure out the best pricing strategy for them. We look at how the perception of value would change and the kind of clients they'd attract at different price points. I also help them see their offering in the larger context of what their target audience members are buying to get similar results. Lots of takeaways today. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1233.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1232 Today, we're back with another Where Are They Now? session. Back in episode 1181, Wendy Lewis had a book coming out, and she was creating her first online course. She was feeling overwhelmed, so I gave her some tips about starting small and keeping things simple. Something I said really stuck with her: “Fail small to win big.” I should say that more often. So how has Wendy been taking action? She's a board-certified reflexologist and taking that kind of business online can be difficult, but she's been doing a fantastic job. We talk about her ups and downs and hear about the amazing beta launch she just did for her course. We also talk about all the fun things Wendy has planned for her business and how SPI Pro is helping her stay motivated. Make sure to listen in on our call and use the inspiration to take action in your own business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1232.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1231 As entrepreneurs, we provide value in our niche through great products and services. But what if your target audience never buys anything from you? What if someone else is making the actual purchase? Jeff Gargas is dealing with this in his business, Teach Better. They market themselves to teachers with free content, but then it's school administrators or curriculum directors who pay for their premium offerings. This type of business model comes with some challenges but also some opportunities that Jeff and I explore today. He has new courses coming out all time and a membership site. We go through a few thought experiments and land on several options that would expand this side of his business. Jeff has a lot of knowledge and asks some deep questions about pricing. We zero in on finding the strategy that would best serve his audience and bring in more revenue. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1231.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1230 Two things will change the game for you when you're scaling your business: relationships and stories. So how do you leverage them the right way? Today I talk to Caelan Huntress. He has a book coming out called Marketing Yourself, so we get to go into the nitty-gritty of expanding your reach. Caelan is planning a podcast tour for his upcoming book, which is really smart. But how should he message podcasters he's not connected with yet? I get a lot of requests, so we dive deep into what works and what doesn't. We talk about leveraging existing relationships, cold messaging podcasters the right way, using stories to have a massive impact, and some neat tricks you can use to get in front of more people. Podcast tours are a fantastic way to grow your business. Caelan asks all the right questions, so we come up with some great ideas and lots of actionable tips in this session. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1230.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1229 Junaid Ahmed has been behind the camera for three decades, but after meticulously setting up his home studio and sitting in front of the camera for the first time the words just wouldn't come out. He managed to solve his problem and is now busy helping others do the same. The thing is, as a father of three, time is limited. How does he scale up from one-on-one coaching and grow his business? Today we talk about the special mechanisms coaches can use to have more impact. We brainstorm some genius ideas to move his brand forward and free up the time he needs to spend with his family. Junaid admits he's deep in the weeds and can't see the whole picture. On this call, I help him zero in on a strategy that takes full advantage of the skills and strengths he's developed. Show notes and more at smartpassiveincome.com/ap1229.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1228 Today we're speaking with Sally Sparks-Cousins, who has an amazing brand that helps entrepreneurs build, measure, and optimize their sales funnels. You can find her at Sparkle Class Academy or TheFreedomFunnelFormula.com. Our focus today is hiring, because Sally is both a visionary and an integrator. She has great ideas as a visionary. And as an integrator, she wants to plan and execute and get her hands dirty building things. There are a lot of things Sally wants to hold onto—but a lot of things she knows she'll get back if she hires the right person. So who does she hire, and how does she maximize her investment? Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1228.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1227 How do you create passive income as a coach who spends a lot of time teaching your clients directly? That's what we're talking about today with Maxine Shapiro, a coach who also has a customer experience podcast called Let's Talk About CEX. She's feeling like she can't branch out into passive income because the business revolves so much around her. We explore some things she might do to expand her brand and start generating passive income. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1227.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1226 Today we're speaking with Dave Donahue from GuitarACO.com. He's a guitar teacher with a private student base, as well as a YouTube channel. Dave just launched a new member community with his initial group of about 20 “alpha” members. I help him figure out how to structure his course to create the best experience for his students. We also discuss YouTube ads and other potential ad platforms that could help Dave get more members. We even talk a little branding. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1226.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1225 Today we're speaking with Tim Phillips from Sober and Happy. He's getting started on his journey with a business that helps people get sober and build the life they want. Tim has his foot in many different places, as far as content creation, social media, and building community. In this episode, we're going to narrow things down and figure out where Tim should—and shouldn't—be focusing his energy. He's drawn to blogging and podcasting. Should he focus on just these channels? Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1225.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#1224 Today, we're speaking with Toni Weiss, a screenwriter from Germany. Tony has an idea to help other screenwriters with his own online course—but he's got a limited amount of time because he has to direct and produce a new movie of his own. He's almost done filming and editing his screenwriting course, but what kind of a course should it be—fully prerecorded, or with some live training? Should he use a cohort-based course model? How should he price it and market it? He doesn't have really have an audience for it yet, so how should he build one? Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/ap1224.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.