Business Tao with George Kao

Despite the abundance of free information and the rise of AI, I still believe that creators will be able to make a good living selling their own courses -- because you have a unique human presence and nuanced insights about your field... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

As creators, we aren't the best judge of their own work... our time, energy, and emotional investment often cloud our objectivity. Let's continually practice creating with a light touch……detaching from expectations of outcome. Just like the vital rhythms of the body and nature, our business needs our reliable rhythms of creation... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Consider this:Your audience will grow far beyond the people you currently know.Your network right now is tiny, compared to your eventual (big) audience. Your current people might not even be a good representation of your true fans!So don't make your content in fear of the judgment of your existing colleagues, friends, fans, or family. They are not your true audience.Create only for your future true fans. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

You are already ready to put your work out there. Because your ideal clients benefit the most from how you are now, before you get too far ahead of them... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

If you've been wrestling with the idea of making money doing what you love, you're not alone. It's common to feel a painful gap between where you are and that dream of abundance, especially as a soulpreneur seeking an authentic business. The practical steps can often feel like a drag…I encourage you to make this shift in perspective -- to see things like marketing, content creation, and even selling, not as chores, but as opportunities to practice love. Love for yourself, for nurturing your creativity, and love for your (future) audience, by truly serving them. It's a journey of finding joy in the process, even when it's hard, and remembering that every step can be a step closer to alignment with your heart.Read the post: https://www.threads.net/@geokao/post/C9STUNYucf8 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

How to sustain one's social media presence? I view it as an opportunity to be as authentic as possible -- much like you would with a trusted friend. I don't worry about keeping up appearances. Instead, I focus on being myself, knowing that the right audience will appreciate me for who I am, flaws and all. This approach has allowed me to consistently engage on social media since 2009. While it may not attract everyone, it helps the algorithm find those who truly resonate with my energy, leading to more meaningful connections over time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

This video/episode shares my best advice to date about creating consistently and authentically...See the resource links I mentioned here:https://georgekao.substack.com/p/my-top-advice-for-creating-consistently This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Let me know your thoughts below... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Do you ever feel like you're bothering people, when you post your content?One of my students wrote:“Consistency of communication is my goal. To hold myself more accountable to this and get over the problem I have with feeling that I am bothering people by sending them content via email or other means, even if they have signed up for my list!!”Maybe you can relate. I appreciate your sensitivity! It means you're being thoughtful and courteous about other people's time and attention.And yet, it's important to understand that you have any kind of audience (even if it's just a few Facebook friends) because they actually want to hear from you... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

See actual examples here (without having to opt in) -- George Kao Email Newsletters This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

“How do I grow my capacity to have and receive a large audience, and not be afraid of becoming more visible or well-known as my audience grows over time? Could you, George, share how your mind/heart have adapted at each stage of your audience growth?” –a YouTube viewer wrote to me.I thought this was a very thoughtful question, and wonder why more content creators don't talk about this. I appreciate the questioner's sensitivity! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

The video I mentioned: https://youtu.be/T5akVg_8HI0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Consistency in content creation comes from a deep belief in the importance of expressing my voice -- all of us have a unique and important voice to share. There are always people out there (not everyone) who need to hear what you have to say. It can help you stay motivated and committed to showing up consistently if you focus on the opportunity of authentic expression and service to your audience, knowing that your content acts as a form of ministry to those who resonate with your message. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

...the power of creating lightly ✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Where so many of us heart-based entrepreneurs fall down: we try to mix our selling with our moments of content-sharing generosity. .. This creates inner conflict.Instead, if we aim with purity of heart for each activity, we can then sustain those actions for a very long time, and that's what creates the skillfulness that leads to the best results... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Many people have lost connection with their inner authority. So when they sense confidence that promises to solve their problems, they gravitate towards it. This is the path of the typical influencer. They're trying to build a “cult” following that does whatever they tell them to do… including to buy whenever they tell them to. The influencer might use charm, persuasion, and clever copywriting to get it done.None of these methods sit right with me. I don't want to be your guru.I would rather help my audience regain their sovereignty… to do whatever small thing I can to help them wake up – to their own power.Although slower, this still can build a true social media following, but in a healthier, more sustainable way... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

One realization, early on my in my content creation journey, set me up for life: "The vast majority of your content isn't going to make an impact." I know that sounds negative, but the corollary is: "Therefore you are liberated to experiment! And you'll eventually come across the few gems that will make your career..." This idea had a deep impact on me, and has helped me create consistently for 9+ years now. And it's true: Most of my videos make almost no impact... but a few? Those rare gems have contributed significantly to my business success today.I hope you will similarly feel liberated to create, to experiment and publish -- consistently -- so that you give yourself the greatest chance of stumbling upon those occasional treasures that will set you up for life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Nothing in my business is as important as being in a consistent rhythm of content creation.It is how I get smarter in my field.It's how I develop the writings and videos that sometimes get shared, thereby allowing new fans and clients to find me.More than anything else I do, creating content is how I give back.It's my ministry and mission… ​Your wisdom, life lessons, skills, knowledge can help to transform so many people's lives! If you're not being consistent in creating content, what's holding you back? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

You can read the post here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/perfectnow This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Over the years, I've become sensitized to marketing manipulation. By watching/listening to this episode, you'll also gain more conscious control over your purchasing choices… and be empowered to do more authentic marketing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

As a heart-centered business owner, you're very supportive of others. This can mean you're not mindful about your boundaries sometimes, and you give away more than you sustainably can… When friends or family are interested in your services, do you instinctually offer them free sessions or access to your programs? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

If you can learn to love the process, you'll stick with it... and if you stick with it, you'll practice enough to succeed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Which marketing methods have been used on you, that turn you off? Take notice. Don't use such methods. Authentic marketing is simply following the Golden Rule: (not) doing unto others what you (don't) want done unto you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

In my courses, I resist being "too" step by step about everything. Some complain that they want exact detailed steps so that they don't have to be uncertain. With technical training, that may be true (although there's a joy in finding your own way there as well.) With strategy, formulas are questionable. If I teach you step by step, please feel free to rebel, and find your own way. That is the only way to authentic fulfillment in your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I've written a lot about the importance of creating and distributing content… it's a great foundation for an authentic business.What I haven't emphasized as much is the importance of having an offer rhythm, and that's what this post is about. I encourage every client of mine — and you, if you are a small business and wish for consistent income — to have a consistent rhythm of offerings.Even if you have no audience yet, you can and should begin testing offerings, as soon as possible, starting with your friends.Here's what I mean by a rhythm of offerings:To have a consistent schedule of sharing (testing) your offers with your audience or network.What are your offerings? Any products, services, or programs that you create and sell, or alternatively, that you curate and earn a commission from selling.(You don't have to always create products, you can find things that your audience or network might love to buy, and earn an affiliate commission by promoting it to them. However, in the long term, creating offers is usually the more authentic and meaningful path.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

How to keep your business growing when sales are slow, and to do it authentically? Connect more internally: with your deep source of security, compassion, creativity... Connect more externally: with friends, colleagues, acquaintances who have some interest in your work. The tougher the times, the more we need to connect. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Dear soulpreneurs — you don't need a “marketing funnel” to succeed in your business…May this video inspire you to align your marketing strategy with your heart and find authentic success :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

The accumulation of attention in the hands of a few will erode the diversity of creativity, true livelihood, and authentic business… Where is your attention going? :)Attention, like time, is limited. We ought to be more mindful of where it goes.I encourage us all to start giving 10% or more of our attention each day to small creators: bloggers, video makers, podcasts, websites, or social media pages that get few comments on their content.Good karma will come back around

I see a lot of aspiring business owners doing this:You're waiting until you're “ready” before you take the leap.A dear client asked me about the “thin line between readiness and procrastination.”After coaching hundreds of business owners, I can tell you this: ​Chances are, you are being fooled by your own brilliant mind. Feeling of “lack of readiness” is usually procrastination.**Here's the truth:I rarely feel “ready”.When I started writing this article, I felt maybe I wouldn't have enough to say… maybe I should do more research or journaling or give it a few more days (or weeks) before I'm ready to start writing this.When making a video — at the moment I press “record” I feel like I could've spent another hour thinking about the topic.When I launch a course, I know I could spend several more months (or years!) researching the topic… but I remind myself that whatever I already know will be helpful to the students. We are usually much harsher on ourselves than our students / clients are.The founder of Linkedin, Reid Hoffman, famously said this:If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late.**I feel embarrassed often… because I create often.Every book that I publish, I feel slightly embarrassed by… but the reality is that if I waited until a book was “ready” I might never publish. Thankfully I do publish, because book after book, each one is getting better. I can always re-publish and re-launch a 2nd edition later… and I am already planning for it!Every course that I teach, I'm embarrassed by, but I also get feedback that makes the course better, year after year.I'm doing this for the long term journey of growth, not just short-term experiences of posting, publishing, launching.The creative process, the reality of building an authentic business, requires this continual practice:Transform fear into Love.I feel that we are being called by Spirit to recognize when we are feeling afraid in the creative process, and instead, reinterpret that emotion. Turn “fear” or “lack of readiness” into one or more of these…ExcitementPassionServiceCurious self-explorationAdventure**Transform hesitation into Action.If I am creating something, and I feel hesitation, I now interpret it as a signal to take action, to just do it. To take the next step. To write the next sentence. To click “record” on the video. To press “publish”.It is a daily creative practice: transmuting fearful hesitation into loving action. Bit by bit, piece by piece, we become more courageous. We get wiser through action and experience.A little-known fact is that the creative person's doubt and “lack of readiness” never goes away. We simply get better at recognizing it, and transmuting it into creative action.So there's only one thing to do:Start today.Bias yourself toward action, doing what you are afraid of, knowing that it can be interpreted as excitement, passion, service. Go ahead and write, speak, publish, launch, etc… do the thing that puts your work into the marketplace. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

An audience member wrote the following to me, and maybe some of you can relate…“I long for the ability to create without any thoughts of money…to create because I love it… to take real time off when I need it… to try new things and build in more hobby time into my life. Everything I create is because I love it, but I tend to always have that background question: ‘Will it make me money?' I want to get to a place where I feel I can try things and fail and be totally fine with it…”This video is my response. I hope you find it helpful as well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

A few years ago, I stopped marketing to the reptilian brain. My conscience could no longer tolerate it… By “lizard brain” I mean the parts within people that are governed by fear, greed, and impatience. To see a real example analyzed, see here: To get more sales, market to the “lizard brain”…? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

“I'm hoping that I can find a way to weave things together in a way that makes sense, resonates with buyers, feels enjoyable, and generates income.” — a client said. “That's a lot of pressure on yourself,” I thought. Who says you need to weave all your interests together in a way that makes sense to anyone else, except for yourself? (You can have the most complicated vision of your work, as long as it makes sense to you.) What if being financially successful — and happy in your work — doesn't require the integration of your various interests? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Trying to attract with visuals tends towards a shallower engagement with one's audience… Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

When you create something and people don't get it, you shouldn't quit. You simply need to test more ideas. This is why I believe in the importance of the 3 stages of content creation: 1. casual, prolific, exploratory. 2. improve on what's liked.3. integrate and productize. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

I don't believe your email list is your most important business asset... It's really about having a genuine connection with your audience and treating them with respect. That's why I don't use deceptive tactics like "lead magnets"... Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

There's too much mercenary marketing advice out there. Even if it might get us a few more clients in the short-term, we don't want to put more negativity into the world. Instead of selling to a client's "pain points", there is a better way. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

You don't need to prove yourself as #1 in your field, or best selling author or any kind of puffery. All those tactics will feed your "fixed mindset". Instead, demonstrate your real expertise by showing up consistently to talk about about what's working for you now, and what you're learning. When people see that you are consistently in the practice of improving in your field, you naturally gain trust. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Years ago, I championed the idea that all knowledge should be freely available online, aiming to accelerate humanity's progress. When I actually tried it, I learned two valuable lessons -- (1) free courses resulted in lower engagement and commitment from participants, and (2) my motivation waned without the reciprocal energy of paid exchanges. This experience, coupled with the disappointing experiment in using Patreon, gradually shifted my perspective. I now seek a middle way. I hope to integrate generosity and sustainability. I now advocate for (fair) pricing of courses. It's important for boundaries, self-worth, and the support of small creators. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

My gentle launches are simple: Early bird for 1 week, then regular price for 1 week before the course begins :) Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Watch/listen to this episode first… Follow-up question I received: "So let's say we have an offer like with your example, 3 're-works' over 6 weeks... once you've got the most response from whichever one... when would you actually then launch what you'd been talking about? Would that be your next offering? Or would it be a few months out? What do you typically do? " My response: I would go ahead and launch (as the very next thing) the offer test that did the best. Basically, sell it while it's hot

This principle has been essential to my success. How do I make great content? By making more content, and observing what spreads. How do I improve my skills? By working with more clients, and noticing who grows the most. True learning comes from action — we build muscles by doing things, not just reading about them. It takes *quantity* of action to develop quality of results. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

how to feel ready to put your work out there? begin, explore, publish, repeat. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Even if you haven't been actively posting on social media or creating content, don't let it stop you from gently launching new offers and services to your audience. I appreciate hearing from people I've hired, even if it's just a few times a year to let me know about their new programs or specials. In this video I also discuss how often to post content vs. how often to sell something on your social media. I assure you that even a small announcement -- after a long time of not posting -- is usually appreciated. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

In this video, I discuss a different perspective on pricing -- charging based on "enoughness" and compassion -- rather than the common advice to charge what you're worth or what the market will bear. It's important to consider our own lifestyle needs and determining what is "enough" for us. By minimizing our lifestyle costs, we can charge less, serve more people, and do so with less financial pressure. I also discuss the idea of charging with compassion for our clients and customers, while still ensuring that we have a bit more than enough to invest in our future. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Get all the info here:https://www.georgekao.com/instagram If you have any questions about the course, ask it here.Wishing you a good day and weekend!

Of all the things that I do in my business, the most important thing—and I hope to inspire you to consider this for yourself as well—is to stay in a consistent rhythm of creating, both free content like this video, and paid offers as well. Just as our bodies rely on consistent rhythms to stay alive and thrive, our businesses need a steady flow of creativity to flourish. I've made nearly 2,000 videos on YouTube, published over 300 blog posts, and launched more than 30 courses. I wish I had developed a sense of urgency for generating free content earlier in my career... In this episode, I discuss common limiting beliefs that hinder content creation, the importance of gaining experience and clarity through the creative process, and the need to embrace imperfection and let algorithms and audience engagement guide your content improvement... Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

1. Don't beat yourself up :) because at least you have a vision! Many people don't. And we're all in the journey of learning how to properly motivate ourselves. 2. Got human accountability? Simplest is to use Focusmate. Join my focusmate group here: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunity 3. Got a clear workflow process? Write it down. “Hat manual”. 4. Unsure what the workflow process should be? Come to a Q&A call and let's talk :) or talk with a friend, colleague, or coach to help you sort it out. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Here, I talk about the faith that I have in the potential of my content to make an impact -- and hope to inspire *you* to take on that kind of belief for your content creation efforts as well... Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe

Here's what I would tell my younger entrepreneurial self -- ditch the quest for a huge audience and social media fame. I made that mistake. Within two years of starting my business I hustled and grew my email list to thousands of subscribers... but then realized that most of them didn't really care about my content or journey. I ended up deleting over 90% of them. I now realize you can only authentically serve and commit to a small group of people you truly know. So start there. Get to know your first 30 or 50 followers deeply. Apply your skills to help them specifically. Marketers don't teach this counterintuitive relationship-first approach, but I've learned caring for a few is far more fulfilling than chasing clout. And as you grow your audience you'll be able to create content & offerings that are much more aligned to what they care about. Get full access to Authentic Business for Solopreneurs with George Kao at georgekao.substack.com/subscribe