Online Business Launchpad

Michael Frew is a seasoned engineer-turned-entrepreneur who specializes in acquiring SaaS (Software as a Service) businesses. In this episode, we dive into Michael's journey and his role in managing a portfolio of SaaS businesses for WebStreet.  Michael shares the nitty-gritty of why buying a SaaS business is often better than building one and offers valuable insights on everything from the acquisition process to dealing with the psychological impact of selling a business.  Whether you're a developer concerned about AI taking your job and looking for alternatives, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice.  We also talked about: Michael's transition from developing to acquiring businesses and how it changed his career. The process and criteria Michael uses to identify and acquire SaaS businesses. The role of WebStreet in facilitating passive investments in software businesses. The importance of steady growth and business fit in successful acquisitions. Preparing for business acquisitions, including financial planning, due diligence, and transition planning. The impact of AI on the acquisition process and its potential for both internal improvements and external risks. Advice for potential operators and sellers, emphasizing mindset shifts and comprehensive business evaluation. Tune in to this episode to learn how to build a successful SaaS portfolio and transform your approach to business growth.  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Michael Frew's website: michaelfrew.com WebStreet: webstreet.com Get regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever spent hours crafting content, only to wonder if it's hitting the mark with your audience? I found myself in that exact spot while creating a lead magnet, struggling to pick the perfect hero image.  Ever been there? Stick around, because in today's episode I'm taking a look at a game-changing method for getting quick, actionable feedback on your content. I talk about: The challenges of getting timely feedback: Why it's so tricky to get people to respond to your surveys and polls. Traditional vs. modern feedback methods: From asking family and friends to leveraging social media and online communities. Tools and platforms: Exploring various tools like Hotjar and PickFu for gathering insights. Personal experiences: My own journey using PickFu to refine content and improve engagement. Types of PickFu polls: Detailed look at different polling options and how to use them effectively. Ready to transform how you gather feedback and make better content decisions? Tune in to this episode and don't miss out on future insights—sign up here to be notified about upcoming episodes. RESOURCES MENTIONED PickFu: Get good feedback fast for your content (affiliate link) Hotjar: Tool for capturing user interactions on your website (affiliate link) Copyblogger Blog Post:  How To Write Headlines That Work Episode 168:  The Art Of Asking:  Understanding The Role Customer Feedback Plays In Business Success with Justin Chen Get yourself regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about solving challenges and growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever thought about turning your personal stories or opinions into a profitable side hustle? Even in a world dominated by AI and shifting economies, if you can string together sentences that get people wanting more, it's absolutely possible.  In this episode, we're diving deep into the secrets of getting started as a freelance writer with Lindy Alexander, an award-winning freelance travel writer who turned her writing passion into a successful career. With her rich background that includes social work, sign language interpretation, and a Ph.D., Lindy brings a unique and holistic approach to freelance writing.  We Also Talked About: How Lindy transitioned from social work to full-time freelance writing. The importance of networking and community in sustaining a freelance writing career. Practical tips for pitching and landing high-paying writing gigs. How to leverage personal essays and opinion pieces to get published quickly. The impact of AI on the writing industry and how to stay relevant. Overcoming mindset blocks and building confidence as a writer. The value of having a diverse portfolio, including both content writing and feature writing. Strategies for managing the business side of freelance writing. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories. Listen now and sign up to be notified about upcoming episodes. Sign up here: Newsletter Resources Mentioned Website:  https://thefreelancersyear.com/  Lindy's Free Guides:   10 Successful Magazine Pitches (affiliate link) 5 Easy Magazine Features (affiliate link) Paid Short Course on Travel Writing:  Get Started With Travel Writing In Under 2 Hours Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: NewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 24 years old, Greg Berry was elected as a city councilor and quickly spotted a major problem: government organizations were struggling to get fair value for their surplus items when they sold them. Determined to find a solution, Greg leveraged his IT expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to create Municibid, an online platform that has since revolutionized government auctions. His innovative approach not only solved a persistent issue but also transformed the way surplus items are bought and sold in the US and some parts of Canada. Greg joined me on the show to talk about his journey as well as share what he's learned along the way. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: Greg's journey from city councilor to entrepreneur and the challenges he faced. The inefficiencies in government auctions and how Municibid addresses them. The development and scaling of Municibid, including marketing strategies and technological integration. The importance of data analytics in optimizing auction sales and identifying trends. Greg's new venture, Surplus.com, and its potential for global expansion. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on finding mentors and leveraging life experiences. Tune in to hear Greg's interesting story and get inspired to tackle your own business challenges!  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED Government auction website:  Municibid.com B2C surplus goods auction website:  Surplus.com Customer engagement platform:  Customer.io AI customer service platform:  Intercom.com  Self-service business intelligence platform:  Holistics.io  Google Cloud's enterprise data warehouse:  BigQuery Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business?  Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered if your emails are disappearing into a digital abyss, never to be seen or read by the people on your list? Imagine how bad that would be for your business if your carefully crafted messages never reach their destinations.  In this episode, we dive deep into the world of email deliverability with tech expert MV Braverman to ensure your emails not only send but also land exactly where they should. MV Braverman is not just an expert on email systems; she's a seasoned warrior in making sure digital communications hit their mark. With extensive experience in IT support and a deep understanding of email marketing, MV joins us to demystify the often confusing world of email deliverability and the recent changes that could be affecting your communications. We also talk about: The key differences between email delivery and deliverability. The importance of setting up proper email authentication to avoid being marked as spam. How setting up DMARC reporting can reveal issues you might never notice otherwise. Real-world consequences of poor email practices and how they can silently impact your business. Tune into this episode to ensure your email strategies are up to date and effective. And remember, if you want to stay ahead with the latest insights and tips from successful online entrepreneurs, subscribe and get notified about upcoming episodes.  RESOURCES MENTIONED: Online Business Launchpad podcast, Episode 149:  Useful Ways To Use Zapier To Automate Boring Repetitive Tasks With MV Braverman MV's DIY Email Authentication Guide  - https://diyguide.inboxwelcome.com MV's Website:  https://inboxwelcome.com/  Google Workspace:  https://workspace.google.com/  Brevo:  https://www.brevo.com/  Email management tools: ConvertKit (affiliate link) MailChimp Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: Online Business Lift Off NewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever worried that your email platform is nothing more than an expensive drag on your business?  And that you're not getting everything out of it that you could?  Like a parked Ferrari languishing in the driveway? In this episode we dive deep into how ActiveCampaign can revolutionize the way you connect with your customers and transform routine tasks into powerful customer relationships. My guest is former maths teacher turned tech guru, Kay Peacey.  Kay is a world-leading expert in using ActiveCampaign to supercharge your business and email automation. And her expertise helps businesses harness the full power of their email platforms to foster growth and efficiency. We also talked about: Strategic Use of Tools: How ActiveCampaign goes beyond basic email functions to streamline business operations. Integration Capabilities: The seamless interaction between ActiveCampaign and other tools like Google Sheets and Bonjoro. Automation Benefits: Real-world examples of how automation can save significant time and resources. Customization and Personalization: Utilizing tags and custom fields within ActiveCampaign to tailor customer interactions. Curious to learn how ActiveCampaign can change your business landscape? Listen to this enlightening episode with Kay Peacey and discover the untapped potential of email automation.  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here.  RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kay's Website:  https://slickbusiness.co/  Active Campaign Academy:  https://slickbusiness.co/activecampaign-academy/  Free Training - Accelerated Active Campaign Facebook Group:  Automate Your Business With Active Campaign Want To Get Started With Active Campaign?  Sign Up Here (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever found yourself frustrated while waiting in line? Imagine turning that idle time into a goldmine for your business! In today's episode, host, Trudy Rankin dives into how a surprise waiting period turned into an opportunity to employ the '1 Percent Up' technique—fine-tuning her business in ways that are simple yet significantly impactful over time. She also talks about: The transformative power of adopting small, continual improvements in your business operations. Real-life insights on using downtime effectively to plan business enhancements. Practical tips for incrementally boosting your business's performance and visibility. How the '1 Percent Up' technique can lead to sustainable business growth and personal satisfaction. Tune into this episode to discover how you can turn even the smallest moments into opportunities for business growth. And don't miss out on future insights—sign up here to be notified about upcoming episodes. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Book:  Atomic Habits by James Clear (affiliate link) Trudy Rankin, host of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, brings a wealth of experience from running her online business for over nine years. Passionate about helping entrepreneurs thrive without burning out, Trudy shares strategies that are both practical and transformative. Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine stumbling upon a tool that not only lifts your content creation game but also revolutionizes the way you organise your design workflow. Brenda Cadman did just that with Canva, transforming her graphic design process from chaos to streamlined simplicity. Dive into this episode as Brenda shares her journey from discovering Canva in its early days to becoming a Canva verified expert, and how it has become an indispensable part of her content strategy. Brenda Cadman brings over two decades of experience in website development and digital education, specializing in Canva. As one of the first 25 Canva verified experts globally, Brenda's expertise in leveraging Canva for business is unmatched, making her an authority in the field. We also talked about: Brenda's initial encounter with Canva and how it transitioned from a stop-gap solution to a central element of her design work. The significance of organizing digital assets in Canva to enhance productivity and maintain brand consistency. The evolution of Canva's features over the years and how businesses can benefit from them. Tips for getting started with Canva and making the most out of its functionalities for content creation. The future of Canva and its role in the digital content creation landscape. Ready to streamline your content creation process with Canva? Listen to this enlightening conversation with Brenda Cadman and discover how you can transform your digital designs from cluttered to coherent.  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Canva:  http://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/Canva (affiliate link) Canva Creator Program Website:  Canva Creator Program Brenda's Website:  BrendaCadman.com Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have to regularly create content, do you struggle to find topics to cover?  Whether you're a podcaster, blogger, writer, you-name-it, it can be tough trying to overcome the old “blank page, blank mind” syndrome. In today's episode, host Trudy Rankin shares her 3-step process for coming up with content topics, no matter what.  Does it take a little bit of thought to make the process work?  Yes.  But is applying that process more effective than staring at a screen for hours?  Definitely yes. Listen to the full episode to learn Trudy's complete process for never running out of relevant and engaging topics to discuss.  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kevin Chemidlin's Grow the Show podcast, Episode 163 Help with finding topics:  AnswerThePublic.com  Trudy's LinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudyrankin/  Book:  The Ultra Secret (affiliate link) Book:  The Man Who Never Was (affiliate link) Book:  Johnny Tremain (affiliate link) Book:  Across 5 Aprils (affiliate link) Trudy Rankin is a podcaster, business owner, and writer who has been running her own online business for nine years. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed online business owners learn new skills and techniques to grow their businesses without burning out. Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you sick of working long hours?  Long commutes?  Tedious, exhausting tasks? Imagine being able to quit your job and replace your entire income by simply buying an existing online business - no more sleepless nights worrying about starting from scratch. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that's exactly what Jaryd Krause did after years of backbreaking work as a plumber. In this candid interview, he pulls back the curtain on the realities of acquiring and growing digital assets. Jaryd went from burnt-out tradesman putting in 70+ hour weeks to successful online entrepreneur, buying and scaling multiple online businesses to the point of being able to travel the world and go surfing whenever he felt like it. He now teaches others how to bypass the startup struggle through his coaching programs. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: Jaryd's journey from disliking his plumbing job to seeking an online income The key differences between starting a business vs. buying an existing one How he initiated the mindset shift to step back from operations Evaluating different types of online businesses to acquire Advice for aspiring online business buyers on criteria, due diligence, etc. The pros and cons of attending seminars/conferences vs. hiring mentors directly Are you intrigued by Jaryd's path and keen to learn if buying an online business could be right for you? Listen to the full episode for all his firsthand insights.  RESOURCES MENTIONED: Jaryd's company website:  BuyingOnlineBusinesses.com Podcast:  https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/podcast/  Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? You can sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you constantly feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your to-do list? Imagine being able to squeeze more into your day without feeling overwhelmed or like you're constantly running out of time. In this practical episode, Host, Trudy Rankin, unveils her tried-and-true strategies for maximizing productivity and getting more done in a day. Trudy also talks about: The importance of planning and scheduling repetitive tasks to stay focused and productive. A four-step process to standardize tasks and identify areas for automation. Using the Eisenhower Decision Matrix and the "4 Ds" (Delete, Delay, Delegate, Do) to prioritize tasks effectively. The benefits of documenting processes step-by-step for easier delegation or automation. Listen in to learn Trudy's proven strategies for doing more in less time with less stress.  Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Online Business Liftoff Community Co-Working Sessions Asana's article on the Eisenhower Decision Matrix Descript (audio/video editing tool):  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/Descript  (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you often feel overwhelmed and like there's never enough time in the day?  You're not alone.  As a too-busy solopreneur or small business owner, it's easy to get bogged down in the daily grind and lose sight of what really matters. So in this episode, Trudy Rankin shares the 5 powerful daily rituals that she uses to stay focused, boost productivity, and avoid burnout. Trudy brings a wealth of experience to the table, having run her own online business for nine years and helped hundreds of people grow their online businesses. We also talked about: Changing your focus with a thought-provoking spiritual reading or practice. The importance of taking a daily walk and engaging with nature. A four-step process for daily planning, review, and reflection. Incorporating mindfulness breaks throughout the day. Practicing gratitude before bedtime. Listen to this insightful episode to learn how to incorporate these simple yet effective daily rituals into your routine and start feeling more grounded, focused, and productive.  Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED:  Book:  What's So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey (affiliate link) Book:  The Case For God by Karen Armstrong (affiliate link) Book:  The Gift Of Pain:  Why We Hurt And What We Can Do About It  by Paul Brand and Phillip Yancey (affiliate link) Book:  Atomic Habits by James Clear (affiliate link) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you spent years crafting your professional identity, building a solid reputation, and networking with industry peers? But when you look at your LinkedIn profile, it's a relic of the past, a dusty snapshot that fails to capture the dynamic professional you've become.  Sound familiar? You're not alone. Many of us have neglected our LinkedIn presence, unaware of its true potential as a powerful personal branding and business growth tool.  Joining us is Lynnaire Johnston, the founder of Link*Ability and an internationally regarded expert on leveraging LinkedIn for professional success. With a background in journalism, broadcasting, and copywriting, Lynnaire brings a unique perspective on using some not-so-well-known LinkedIn features to stand out. We also talked about: How Lynnaire's journey led her to become a LinkedIn expert The power of LinkedIn as a publishing platform for writers and content creators Tips for optimizing your personal LinkedIn profile to attract potential clients and opportunities Strategies for creating and managing a LinkedIn company page that drives business growth The benefits of using LinkedIn newsletters and collaborative articles to boost visibility and authority Insights into LinkedIn's new features, including the revamped "Services" section and skill endorsements Ready to unlock the full potential of LinkedIn and take your personal brand and business to new heights? Listen to this insightful episode, and learn from Lynnaire's wealth of expertise. Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Lynnaire's books:  "LinkAbility: 4 powerful strategies to maximise your LinkedIn success" (affiliate link)  "Business Gold: Build Awareness, Authority, and Advantage with LinkedIn Company Pages” (affiliate link) LinkedIn's Collaborative Articles Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/topics/browse/a  Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you in a crowded niche where it feels almost impossible to stand out?  And you're looking for ways to build your customer base? Shaunda Necole is an influencer and online business owner who has successfully built multiple blogs, podcasts and monetisation streams around her passion for food and travel. In just two years, she built her blog The Soul Food Pot into Google's #1 site for Southern soul food.  Part of the secret to Shaunda's success was niche-ing down - she took iconic African American recipes and reimagined them using modern kitchen appliances to make them faster and easier for amateur chefs. But she did more than that … and so can you. In this episode, Shaunda shares what she did to stand out in a super competitive niche. We Also Talked About How Shaunda grew her Instagram following by engaging with and helping other influencers in support groups Monetizing on Instagram through brand partnerships and affiliate links Why you have to niche down as specifically as possible - "you have to go small to get big" How Pinterest operates as a visual search engine and using its keyword bubbles for content inspiration Creating content based on search intent - what your audience is actually looking for The importance of compelling visuals and text overlay on Pinterest pins Using tools like Tailwind to schedule and automate pinning Want to hear more of Shaunda's journey to online business success? Listen to the full episode here! And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Shaunda Necole's website: https://shaundanecole.com Her soul food site: https://thesoulfoodpot.com Her Las Vegas local recommendations site: https://vegasrightnow.com Her podcasts:  The Soul Food Pod and Vegas Right Now Shaunda's Pinterest course:   Pinterest Magic Marketing Masterclass Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business?  Sign up here.  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt awkward about asking clients for a testimonial?  Or reached out to a client for a review or recommendation and got back crickets?   In this episode, Trudy Rankin shares four tips to get amazing client testimonials without having to feel embarrassed about asking. Trudy helps busy business owners create and sell new online products and services that people want, without having to work harder or hire a big team.  Want to hear more about getting testimonials to grow your business? Listen to the full podcast episode here.  And subscribe to be notified about upcoming episodes. RESOURCES MENTIONED Quiz Creators Course:  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/quiz-creators-course-plus/  Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ Trudy Rankin has been running her own online business for over 8 years. She is passionate about helping busy online business owners increase revenue and profits without burning out. Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 26, Andrew Guttormsen was living with his parents and took an unpaid internship to get his foot in the door at Teachable. His persistence and great ideas led to him becoming a core team member and he went on to eventually co-found Circle, a community platform now used by over 10,000 businesses. With experience scaling two highly successful startups, Andrew shares valuable insights on implementing customer feedback as a growth strategy, why having tough conversations matters, and fostering online community engagement. We Also Talked About: Bouncing back after failure on the journey to success Getting buy-in and implementing suggestions as a young intern Details of a Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities How to shape the culture and interactions in an online community The importance of giving direct feedback to help team members grow Want to hear more startup stories and advice? Be sure to listen to this episode and subscribe to the podcast! RESOURCES: Learn more about Circle's community platform (affiliate link) Discover why Circle is the best community management platform out there Contact Andrew at andrew @ circle.so Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an engineer, developer or other IT professional, are you sick of meetings and managers?   And you dream of starting your own business so you can escape your cubicle? Michael Frew has a unique perspective - after 18 years working as an engineer and architect for top tech companies, he made a big shift to acquire online businesses instead of starting them.  In this interview, he shares why IT professionals may be better suited to buy (instead of start) an online business, and takes us through his 8-step framework to find, finance and acquire successful online companies. We also talked about: Why it can be hard for IT professionals to make a career change due to "golden handcuffs" Tips for building relationships with sellers when acquiring a business How to finance an online business acquisition Managing teams when transitioning from employee to business owner Key steps in the online business acquisition framework Want to hear more? Tune in to the full conversation with Michael Frew. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. RESOURCES MENTIONED Newsletter:  newsletter.michaelfrew.com Learn:  videos.michaelfrew.com Website:  https://www.michaelfrew.com Book on managing a business:  Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business (affiliate link) LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrew/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to sell a consulting firm or an agency?   In this special evergreen episode from 2023,  we're diving into the secrets behind preparing your consultancy business for growth and eventual exit. And, I pose the question, if you could sell your business someday, what would it take to get it ready? My guest, Professor Joe O'Mahoney, has over 20 years of experience advising boutique consulting firms on achieving high growth and successful exits. And Joe brings a rare mix of real world consulting experience combined with extensive research on what works. He's published multiple books on the consulting industry.  And he's written dozens of articles that dispel common myths in relation to that industry. Professor O'Mahoney provides evidence based strategic insights on the specifics of readying a consulting firm for sale.  And as I talk to him, you'll discover why most boutique firms fail to create lasting value beyond their founder,  the biggest mistakes made when preparing to exit a firm and a step by step approach to boosting your valuation multiple for your business. So, if you lead a consulting firm and have ever considered selling, you might want to have a listen. RESOURCES MENTIONED Website: https://joeomahoney.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeomahoney/  Book:  https://geni.us/growth-for-consultants (affiliate link) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered if starting a niche website could be a viable business for you?  In this special evergreen episode from 2023, we're revisiting my conversation with Jake Lang, an expert at starting profitable niche sites. Jake has an incredible story of building niche sites while working a full-time job, eventually leading to a six-figure business that allowed him to quit and work for himself.  He shares his step-by-step process for identifying promising niche topics, validating the business opportunities, and ultimately building sites that can be monetized through courses, memberships, affiliate links, and more.  He also discusses common mistakes to avoid with niche sites and offers advice for maintaining focus when trying to build a business on the side. If you've ever considered trying to build an income stream through a niche site but weren't sure where to start, this is the episode for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://theentrepreneurridealong.com/    Book - Step One:  The Surprisingly Simple Process To Research, Validate, and Choose The Perfect Online Business Idea (affiliate link) Website:  https://steponebook.com/  Book - Use Your Job To Quit Your Job:  A Proven Blueprint To Forming Your Best Entrepreneur Ideas And Starting Your Business (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business?  Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how a simple passion can transform into a thriving business? Or what it would take to turn a love for making things with your hands into a profitable venture? It's a question that a lot of people ask when they start thinking about setting up their own business.   Or whether they could do something to bring in a bit of extra cash to supplement their day job. In this episode I am resharing an interview I did earlier in the year with someone who asked themselves this same question … can I turn a hobby into a thriving business.  And for Angie Wilson, the answer was yes. Angie, from Gnome Angel, is a former government employee turned quilting maestro.  And she shares her incredible journey from blogging about life and IVF to creating a quilt-focused empire. Her story isn't just about quilting; it's about perseverance, reinventing oneself, and finding success in unexpected places. If you've already listened to this episode, I would encourage you to listen to it again.  It is truly inspiring. Resources Mentioned Website: https://www.gnomeangel.com/ Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business?  Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever had to revive a neglected website that was costing you potential revenue? In this episode, Online Business Launchpad host Trudy Rankin talks about the journey of renovating her website The Menopause Effect, which had become neglected over time.  After a Google update tanked her website's traffic and revenue, Trudy realised she needed to take drastic action to resurrect the dying site. Trudy brings deep knowledge from running her own online business for over 8 years and helping hundreds of entrepreneurs build their online presence. Trudy also talks about: Her original goals for the website and how they evolved over time How she started learning about SEO, content strategies, backlinks and more to improve the site The step-by-step tactics she implemented to increase traffic, engagement, and affiliate revenue Key lessons learned about improving neglected sites Her goals for the next phase of the website's growth Want to hear this segment of Trudy's story about bringing a neglected website back to life? Tune into the full episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Graham Knight's SEO services (for tree care companies) Teresa Edmond's Boss Responses content strategy bootcamp SPI Pro Community (affiliate link) Want to regularly receive tips, techniques and advice from Trudy and other experts about growing your business? Sign up here to get access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you're a small business owner trying to do it all, how do you find time for marketing without neglecting customers?  Sarah Noel Block went from working for seven bosses to starting Tiny Marketing, where she helps time-strapped marketers punch above their weight.  With over 7 years experience streamlining marketing for multi-company corporations, Sarah shares her proven Tiny Marketing framework to help small businesses build high-impact marketing campaigns. We also talk about: Strategies for managing multiple stakeholders and their competing demands Making the leap from corporate to starting your own agency Quarterly planning frameworks to regularly review and optimize marketing Using lead magnets and workshops to attract ideal customers  Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and BARD so you can work smarter, not harder Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode and subscribe to get updates on future episodes. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Sarah's website: sarahnoelblock.com/launchpad  On-demand Webinar:  How to Market with a Small Team & Budget Tiny Marketing Podcast:  Apple  Spotify  Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you worry that AI tools like ChatGPT are going to replace you and potentially even destroy your business? Well, you're not alone.  But there is something that you can do to stop that doomsday scenario from becoming real. Steven Lewis is the Founder of marketing agency, Taleist.  He's been writing professionally as a journalist and copywriter since 1994. He has lectured in PR and journalism, and his book on persuasive storytelling has been taught at Sydney University and translated for international distribution. Steven is also an expert in AI copywriting. In this episode we talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, starting with his attempts in 1994 to convince businesses they needed websites … which is kind of funny because even in 2010,  over half of small businesses still didn't have one. We also talk about: Steven's journey from writing brochures to direct response copywriting Asking the right questions to understand what motivates your audience Why simplifying complex ideas is key for effective communication How to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate your writing Listen in to hear Stephen's insights on copywriting in the age of AI! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://taleist.agency/  Book:  How to Write Perfect Press Releases (affiliate link) AI Training:  ChatGPT Mastery Course (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business?  Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you need investor funding for your startup, but you're struggling to convince anyone to open their wallets? Rob May, engineer turned entrepreneur, knows what that feels like.  Even though he had experience with startups, he still found it a struggle to convince investors to fund his ideas.   However, he finally cracked the code. And in this episode Rob shares how constant practice pitching and getting feedback eventually made him a master storyteller that helped him hugely increase the odds of getting funding. We also talk about: Rob's journey from electrical engineer to tech entrepreneur Building and scaling startups Finding investors and handling rejection Transitioning from pirate culture to a process-driven organisation Using AI for brand content governance Scaling AI companies amid supply constraints Listen in to hear Rob's startup stories and advice on pitching, funding, team building, and more! RESOURCES MENTIONED: BrandGuard: https://www.brandguard.ai/  Rob's Substack: https://investinginai.substack.com/  Rob's AI Innovators Podcast:  Apple: Spotify: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you reached the point in life where you or your business or personal partner are starting to experience menopause-related symptoms?  Things like brain fog or hot flashes?  And you and/or your partner are starting to feel the impact, not just on work tasks, but also on relationships and self-confidence? Menopause and its various associated symptoms can have a huge impact on women and their careers.  And for Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, that impact was the trigger for changing the direction of her business. Tracy Minnoch-Nuku is an educator, speaker, facilitator and coach.  And she is an educated and experienced advocate for women's health and fitness.  With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Tracy began her career as a Group Fitness Teacher and Personal Trainer where she transformed bodies and lives through fitness and nutrition.  She spent 20 years developing teams and fitness training programs in Asia - live, online and through fitness apps.  And Tracy has a deep interest in something that I think we don't talk about enough and that is the effect that menopause has on the women going through it and the people in their lives. In this episode we talk about how that menopause effect can seriously impact our physical and mental health, our relationships and our careers.   We also talk about: The importance of understanding and empathy from partners during menopause. The need for education and open discussion about menopause, both at home and in the workplace. Encouraging male involvement in understanding menopause to support women effectively. How building a business focused on menopause helped Tracy personally and professionally. Some of the differences in how menopause is experienced and managed in various cultures. Tracy's journey in developing a comprehensive menopause app. Insights into the transformative aspects of menopause and how it shapes one's identity and values. Ageism in the Workplace If you're a woman solopreneur or small business owner that's beginning to experience menopause symptoms … or you work with women who are entering menopause, I encourage you to have a listen.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://www.sexyageing.com/  Fitness and Lifestyle App:  https://www.sexyageing.com/pages/sexy-ageing-app  Menopause Workshops:  https://www.sexyageing.com/pages/sexy-ageing-workshops Tracy's Book:  https://geni.us/menopause-memoir (affiliate link) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a community can be a really tough job.  People come and go for so many reasons. Sometimes it's because they've outgrown what the community can offer.  Sometimes it's because life just happens and they need to cut back on expenses or take a break for awhile or whatever.  And sometimes people leave because they weren't a good fit in the first place and didn't find what they were looking for in that community. In today's episode I'm talking with David Masnato, the Community Experience manager for Pat Flynn's SPI Pro community.  Earlier this year, he participated in my Quiz Creators Course and Coaching program because he was interested in learning how to use quizzes to make the SPI community member experience even better. So I asked him if he'd share his thoughts about the Quiz Creators Course and the process we used to help him create quizzes which are already having a positive impact on the customer journey for SPI Pro members. Listen in as David, a highly experienced community manager, shares the reasons: Why both he and SPI are so intensely focused on improving customer experience How he identified ways to use intake and exit form questions to more deeply understand what potential customers are looking for from the SPI community, before they join How asking great questions in the form of quizzes is a highly effective way to gather data that makes it possible to identify gaps in user experience How the Quiz Creators Course and Coach program taught him to think differently about questions and the role they can play in understanding customers needs   RESOURCES MENTIONED The Quiz Creators Course SPI Pro Community (affiliate link) SPI All Access Pass (affiliate link)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Maloney is the CEO and Co-founder of Tailwind. Tailwind gives over 1.5 million businesses worldwide the marketing team they need through A.I. that drafts ads campaigns and posts for you so you can accomplish far more in far less time.  Prior to founding Tailwind, Danny spent a number of years working at Google and YouTube on new product initiatives including Street View and the YouTube Creators Program, and then worked on the turnaround team at AOL after it spun off of Time Warner,  leading up to it later being acquired by Verizon. In this episode, we talked about his journey from employee to co-founder and CEO and how his previous roles have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. We also talked about: The Importance of AI in Marketing and how AI is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. The Importance of Pivoting to better meet market demands and technological advancements. Funding Journey for Tailwind, from bootstrapping to angel investing and eventually partnering with a growth equity firm. Tips and advice for businesses considering seeking angel investors, based on Danny's personal experience. The challenges and importance of seed funding Investor relationship building An overview of Tailwind and what it can do The challenges that small businesses face with running ad campaigns The role of AI in marketing  Support for non-native English speakers with Tailwind If you're interested in how funding works for a tech startup OR for how AI can help with small business marketing, I invite you to have a listen.  There's some very valuable information here.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Tailwind Website: tailwindapp.com Danny's Email: danny@tailwindapp.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're fortunate enough to be in a position to invest a bit of extra cash … but you're not into real estate or the share market (or bitcoin), then this episode will be of interest to you. Kyle Kuderewski is the Operations Manager for webstreet.co (formerly Empire Flippers Capital)) - He has a wealth of expertise in passive investing, entrepreneurship,  and alternative investments.  Kyle's journey from the corporate world to WebStreet began when he discovered the potential of online businesses while exploring real estate investments. Intrigued by the opportunities offered by then-Empire Flippers, he immersed himself in their culture and quickly realized that there was a need for passive investment options in the online business industry. Kyle now leads the charge at WebsStreet in making online businesses a passive investment opportunity for accredited investors. We talk about: Kyle's transition from engineer to investor  The WebStreet business model and how the buy-hold-sell process works for all the different stakeholders The criteria for investing and selling Some of the no-go zones for websites they WON'T have in their investment portfolios Current market trends and how they are affecting various  business models like content, FBA and SaaS WebStreet's shift towards crowdfunding options, which allows non-accredited investors to participate with lower minimums So whether you're looking to invest as you move towards retirement from your corporate job or you're simply hunting for something that doesn't include more traditional investment types or the risk of cryptocurrency, I invite you to have a listen to this informative episode.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  Webstreet.co Portfolio Manager:  https://webstreet.co/faq/#portfolio-managers  Website:  Empire Flippers Invest Via WeFunder:  WeFunder Round LinkedIn: Kyle's LinkedIn Profile Twitter: Webstreet on Twitter Email: kyle@webstreet.co   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Molly Rose Speed is an expert in creating what everyone wants more of -- time freedom. She is the creator of Virtual Assistant Academy and the Founder of Virtual Assistant Management, which provides trusted VA certification and placement in the online market.    Molly Rose is also a military spouse and solo world traveler who believes in creating a business and a life that allows you to do more of what you love. In this episode we talk about Molly Rose's transition from a traditional 9-5 to the world of online business and what inspired her dive into the virtual assistant space. We also talk about: Growth challenges and self-doubt Molly's approach to certifying VAs in the absence of a standard industry benchmark The dual focus of Molly's training: imparting specific VA skillsets and guiding on setting up a VA business The difference between her business academy and her tech academy Business identity and targeting the right client The importance of communication skills for success as a VA. A day in the life of Molly Rose Speed Hiring Domestic vs. International VAs Gender and age dynamics in the VA Industry Emerging needs in the market for VAs It's an interesting business model and there's a lot of wisdom wrapped into this episode.  I invite you to have a listen. Resources Mentioned: Website:  Virtual Assistant Academy Website:  Virtual Assistant Management Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mollyrosespeed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever set goals for yourself or your business, only to fall far, far short and feel extremely disappointed with yourself?  I know I have. In this insightful podcast episode with Cody Limbaugh, we delve into the world of goal setting and personal transformation. Cody Limbaugh has been a Strength & Conditioning Coach for nearly 20 years. He's coached people from all walks of life, from youth teams to retirees, from Olympic athletes to elderly patients recovering from joint replacement surgeries.  Cody is also the author of the counterintuitive book, “Stop Setting Goals!”  Which grabbed my attention because we're taught, especially as senior managers in the corporate world that goal setting is everything … even if we fail to achieve those goals. Cody and his wife Tali co-host the Live All Your Life Podcast. Now they're using their 30+ years of combined coaching experience to help couples re-ignite their spark through fitness, nutrition, and intimacy practices through their FitTogether coaching program at howtofittogether.com. We talk about: Cody's personal journey, from transitioning from a mortgage banker to a personal trainer and coach The difference between engineering goals and the traditional SMART goals paradigm, and why the latter may not always be the best fit for achieving your aspirations.  The concept of radical honesty in relationships and how it helps individuals and the relationship evolve The unique challenges and dynamics of working together as a couple in a business. The E-Myth concept of structuring a business with defined roles and duties. Cody's unique perspective on focusing on the trajectory towards your vision, cultivating daily habits, and celebrating small victories along the way.  Some of the valuable lessons he's learned about teaching and overcoming imposter syndrome.  If you're looking to reframe your approach to goals and find inspiration in personal transformation, this episode is a must-listen. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Podcast:  Live All Your Life Podcast (Spotify) Website:  howtofittogether.com Book:  Stop Setting Goals by Cody Limbaugh (affiliate link) Book:  See You At The Top by Zig Ziglar (affiliate link)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Finley gets to use his skills every day to help startups take new and emerging technology and turn them into viable, sellable products.   He is the founder of FINdustries, a leading product development agency with a focus on the tech and financial sectors.  And his expertise in fusing science, art, and technology has helped propel his agency to the forefront of the industry.  Bolstered by a global network of 60+ partners and 16,000 developers, FINdustries has helped clients generate over $1 billion in annual revenue.  We talk about: Strategic product development that focuses on bridging the gap between technical and business acumen in the market The limitations in translating scientific research into marketable products The importance of understanding how products fit into people's lives Use cases for AI in startups, its accuracy and limitations and whether it will result in the stagnation of human learning Examples of AI as a collaborative tool The challenges of managing long product development cycles Navigating the challenges of project-based businesses Entrepreneurship as self-development and redefining work-life balance Advice for startups There are a lot of invaluable insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship in this episode, especially for those looking to scale their project-based businesses.  I invite you to listen in. RESOURCES MENTIONED LinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfinley/  Company Website:  FINdustries Email:  don@fin.dustries.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting out at age 25, Tanya Alvarez self-funded her first New York ad agency, using credit cards, and achieved zero to 1 million in revenue in the first year.  Along the way, she traveled to 42 countries, completing the Boston and NYC Marathons and a Half Ironman, all while battling a rare brittle bone condition.  Since that first year, Tanya has founded, bootstrapped, sold and invested in five companies.   In this episode we talk about Tanya's journey of self-funding her first ad agency and the strategy she used.. We also talk about: Selling her first business Challenges that arise when clients owe you money The story behind her current business, OwnersUp and its growth  The challenges of setting up a multi-lingual, remote team that can take over while the owner is away Why setting strategy is important to create the type of business you want More about some of the other businesses, Tanya has successfully participated in or founded and the associated challenges Why it's important to align your decision making with your values Accountability, growth, mindset challenges and some of the common entrepreneurial stages we go through as business owners How being part of a supportive group can help with motivation and overcoming challenges There is a lot of wisdom packed into this short interview.  I invite you to listen in. RESOURCES MENTIONED Website:  https://ownersup.com/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaownersup/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, Kristian Hansen accidentally bought a pair of women's jeans.  In the process, he discovered a problem that needed to be solved in a way that didn't replicate existing challenges within the fashion industry. Fast forward to today, where Kristian gets called “the Jeans Guy” and for good reason. Kristian is the co-founder and CEO of Slø (pronounced “slow”).  At Slø, Kristian and his team are redefining what it means to build companies through community. Having generated a $360,000 pre-seed and a 100,000 person wait list ($10M projected revenue) with $0 ad-spend, they are starting the slow fashion revolution. Kristian is a mission-driven founder currently on a journey to solve the climate crisis through eco-conscious capitalism, the power of consumerism, and data. Not to mention he has 700K followers and 6.8M likes on TikTok. In this episode, Kristian shares how those lady's jeans and what he did with them, kicked off a series of events that lead to the founding of Slø We also talked about: Eco-conscious capitalism and consumerism Slow versus fast fashion Some of the business challenges of moving away from product standardisation and how that affects strategy and scalability Getting engagement through feedback The value of community and listening to them The power of TikTok and some of the concerns around its future RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://slojeans.co/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kristianfrommntn WeFunder Round:  https://wefunder.com/slo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I'm talking with Justin Chen, co-founder of PickFu, who is interested in good information about customers and potential customers.  PickFu is a consumer research platform companies use to get fast, reliable feedback from real people. And companies can use this data to help them make better data-driven decisions about their products.  We talked about: The story behind PickFu The primary function of PickFu in aiding decision-making processes The importance of continuous learning and internal debates in shaping growth strategies The role AI plays in the process and some areas where using AI would be counterproductive Justin's personal journey from corporate employee to entrepreneur The significance of patience and customer feedback in the SaaS industry Some of the challenges that arise when transitioning from small startup to a business that's growing There is some good wisdom here for anyone wanting to take their business to the next level, so I invite you to have a listen.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://www.pickfu.com/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinchen/  If you're interested in how quizzes can help you gather customer feedback and what else they can do for your business, download my free Grow Your Business By Asking The Right Questions With Quizzes guide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collaborations that bring benefits to everyone involved are so cool to be involved in. Recently, I jumped on a call with this week's guest, Therman Trotman, to see whether I could help out the people he works with. Therman is a family man, an Army veteran and IT guy with 16 years of experience.  He teaches project managers how to implement Microsoft Sharepoint.   And he had some questions about how the financial side of project management works.  I've got a lot of project management experience, so when he reached out for someone to talk to, I put up my hand. An hour and a half later, we were still talking.  And we ended up with enough material for this podcast (which I'm sharing with you today) and for his podcast.  And we will definitely be talking again, because there was a lot more we could have covered. We talked about: People over technology and why that matters Why working better and living better are worth focusing on How Therman was able to take skills he developed over the years and turn them into a business that supports his family and gives him the lifestyle he wants How getting started managing a team can seem like a no-go zone, and why starting small can help Entrepreneurship, bright shiny object syndrome and project management How project management disciplines can help you achieve business goals Project management and/or procurement as potential careers  If you're interested in how project management can help you with your business, I invite you to have a listen. Or if you know someone who is wondering what career to choose, point them to this episode, where they will gain a bit of insight into project management and procurement as disciplines. RESOURCES MENTIONED: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/therman-trotman-15790b33 Website:  https://www.thesphelpdesk.com/  Book:  10X Is Easier Than 2X:  How World Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More By Doing Less (affiliate link) Book:  Traction:  Get A Grip On Your Business (affiliate link) SPI Pro Community:  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/spi-pro (affiliate link)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever struggled with creating an online presence for your brand new business?  Especially if you have zero experience with website building or how to build a sales funnel? Anhely Millan, the voice behind Sustainability for Kids, has “been there, done that” and learned how to turn those challenges into learning opportunities. Anhely is on a mission to provide education in sustainable practices and develop collaboration opportunities for the greater good of our planet. She discovered her passion for education when she was a Chemistry teacher for a secondary school while studying Applied Chemistry at University. That experience made her want to continue educating children in complex topics. In early 2022, Anhely founded Sustainability for Kids and published her first educational book 'The World Behind Recycling' with the aim of providing children the knowledge and tools to embrace sustainability in their day-to-day activities. Join me as we dive into Anhely Millan's journey of setting up her website with zero knowledge, navigating through many, many iterations of that website and her “aha” moment with Canva, all thanks to her hairdresser! We also talked about: The pressing need for a shift in mindset amongst entrepreneurs AND people who care about sustainability, prioritising collaboration over competitiveness The challenges faced by entrepreneurs when setting up online platforms The role of family, acquaintances, and sometimes even a hairdresser in a business journey The importance of resilience in business, fueled by passion and purpose The impactful role that community support and validation plays in an entrepreneur's journey RESOURCES MENTIONED: Canva (affiliate link) Sustainability for Kids website Anhely's LinkedIn Profile Made By Many Hands website Migrant Women In Business website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital assets are an interesting alternative to real estate these days in terms of investment opportunities. I've been doing some “learning by doing” hands-on research in this space and I've got a couple of longer-term projects on the boil.  One of my ongoing projects is to buy an existing content-based online business and increase its value.  And one of my other projects is learning how to build a content-based online business from scratch.  One that will, at some point, generate more than just pennies in revenue every month. So in this podcast episode, I walk you through the pros and cons of each option, based on what I've learned so far.   RESOURCES MENTIONED Interview:  With online business buying expert, Sophie Howard (Episode 150)   My Project Website:  The Menopause Effect Sophie Howard's Free Masterclass:  Buying On Online Business (affiliate link) Website Sales Platforms: Flippa:  https://flippa.com  Empire Flippers:  https://empireflippers.com  Motion Invest:  https://www.motioninvest.com/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing Patti DiNucci. Patti is an expert in something that has always intrigued me: networking. And not just any kind of networking, but doing it better, rather than doing it more. As entrepreneurs, we are constantly bombarded with advice about the importance of networking to find clients. But for someone like me, there's a limit to how much networking I can handle before needing a breather. Patti's perspective is refreshing and makes me think, "Maybe there's a better way to approach networking." Patti brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant. Join me as we delve deeper into the art of networking with her and discover how we can improve our networking skills without feeling overwhelmed. So, grab your favourite beverage, sit back, and get ready to learn some practical tips and insights on networking from the brilliant Patti DiNucci. Let's jump right into it! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Book:  The Intentional Networker:  Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals and Results In Business (affiliate link)    Book:  More Than Just Talk: The Essential Guide For Anyone Who Wants To Enjoy Better Conversations (affiliate link) Website:  https://intentionalnetworker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattidenucci/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're like most small business owners, you've had to make decisions about what tools to use in your business.  For example, which email service provider should you use?  Or which website platform should you use? Should you use WordPress? Or Squarespace? Or … the list of options just goes on and on. Recently, I went through the process of selecting a new social media scheduling tool.  The one I was using just wasn't doing the job anymore.   And I needed something with more functionality, but was still affordable. In this episode I'll walk you step by step through the process I used to decide which social media scheduling tool to buy.  I've used this process many times over the years, both as a Chief Information Officer and as a small business owner  And the fundamental parts of the process are the same for both. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Software Selection Process Checklist - Free Download:  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/softwarechecklist  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ever wanted to ditch your day job?  Or wondered what it's like to create a portfolio of income-generating websites? Our guest today, Jake Lang, founder of The Entrepreneur Ridealong, shares his journey from blogging on the commute to and from his day job, to successfully running multiple online businesses, all while juggling a family and five dogs. This insightful chat gives you a glimpse into the world of passive income, niche markets, and SEO. My guest is an expert in creating and managing online businesses in niche markets. With a successful background in insurance, he has built a sustainable system that generates passive income. In addition to his first venture, he has expanded into new niches, always prioritizing high-value content and understanding market needs. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: How he utilised train commutes and lunch breaks to build his first online business. The importance of trust in establishing affiliate relationships. The reasons behind his preference for text-based online courses and the unique value they bring to his niche. His adventure into yet another niche market, Agile certification. To learn more about creating a passive income business, understanding niche markets, and tips on SEO, tune in to this episode! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://theentrepreneurridealong.com/    Book - Step One:  The Surprisingly Simple Process To Research, Validate, and Choose The Perfect Online Business Idea (affiliate link) Website:  https://steponebook.com/  Book - Use Your Job To Quit Your Job:  A Proven Blueprint To Forming Your Best Entrepreneur Ideas And Starting Your Business (affiliate link) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading High Performing Teams Even If You're Feeling Burned Out Yourself With Mark Butler As a business owner, you're expected to be thought leader, cheerleader, vision provider and all round good example for your team.  But how do you do that?  Especially when there are days when all you want to do is stay in bed and pull the covers over your head. I'm excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Mark Butler, a mental health expert and strategist. I first heard Mark a few months ago and I was drawn to his insights on mental health, mindset, and high performance, especially during these sometimes overwhelming post pandemic times.  Mark shares his own entrepreneurial journey to where he is now, and how he helps organisations manage mental wellbeing and psychological health in the workplace.  We also talked about: Australia's new psychosocial hazards legislation that may well have an impact on your business The characteristics of high performing teams and what those look like How to avoid burnout as a leader Mark's approach to working with high performance teams This conversation will resonate with anyone facing tough hurdles, not just business leaders, inspiring us all to turn our struggles into strengths.  Have a listen and please share the episode with others who will benefit from it, too.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://www.markbutler.com.au/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mark.butler.16503323 Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-butler/ Book:  UP YOURS!: The Pursuit of Radical Self-care (affiliate link)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine having a special needs child, a full-time job, and an undying passion to make a difference in the world. Our guest in this episode walks in these shoes every day. Because of his personal situation, Amit Chawla has become an expert in financial planning for parents of children with special needs. His story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to providing a better life for his son.  And what he and his wife have been through lit up a desire to help other parents navigate through similar challenges.  WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: The challenges and rewards of starting a business from the ground up (while working full-time). The role of marketing and automation in business development. The importance of financial control, especially in the context of a side project. The different strategies for financial planning for parents of children with special needs. This conversation will resonate with anyone facing tough hurdles, inspiring us all to turn our struggles into strength.  Have a listen and please share the episode with others that will benefit from it, too!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  myspecialfinancialplanning.com Private Facebook Group:  PlanningForSpecialNeeds YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@PlanningForSpecialNeeds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered if it's possible to turn a hobby into a thriving business? Angie Wilson, the creative force behind Gnome Angel, shares her incredible journey from government employee to becoming a leading figure in the quilting industry.  Angie Wilson started blogging way back in 2002.  She initially wrote about what was happening in her life, but eventually ended up focusing on something she'd started doing as a hobby while going through the ups and downs of IVF. In this episode we talk about: The transition from hobby to full-time business The ongoing struggle of balancing work and family Gnome Angel's mission The value of quilting as a way of creating beautiful gifts that people treasure How Angie has been able to use her hobby turned business as a unique way of travelling to other parts of the world and getting paid for it. I really enjoyed talking with Angie about her business model and the joy of combining travel with teaching. So if you're interested in taking something you have a creative passion for and turning it into a business, have a listen.   You'll discover how she overcame challenges, found her unique voice, and built a community of passionate quilters. Get ready to be inspired by Angie's story of transformation and creativity. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://www.gnomeangel.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was on my way to the library to do some work, when I walked past a playing field where two young lads were doing sprint practice. Their coach was calling out directions.  But something about exactly WHAT the coach was telling them do, caught my eye. And it reminded me of a time early on in my business when I made the mistake of putting all my eggs in one basket … and how I managed to turn the situation around. I invite you to have a listen.  Maybe what I learned will help you, too.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Quiz Creators Course:  https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/quiz-creators-course-plus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the unexpected secret of selling your consultancy based business from Professor Joe O'Mahoney - why focusing on your margin isn't the only key to a successful sale. Instead, consider the multitude of factors that can elevate your multiple and result in a more valuable business. It's not just about profit margin—it's about creating an asset that stands on its own. Our guest today, Professor Joe O'Mahoney, is a highly regarded author, speaker, and consultant who specializes in transforming consultancies. With his unique insights into the art of growing and selling consulting businesses, he advises on how to cultivate growth, increase profitability, and maximize business value. We also talked about: Joe's early career in business transformation and how it influenced his current approach. The evolution of consultancy and the changing needs of business owners. Importance of focusing not just on profit margin, but on creating an asset that stands on its own. The varying reactions of CEOs to his consultancy and how he navigates these dynamics. The concept of 'nemo washy' - a Japanese concept of gradually introducing changes for smoother transitions. Valuable advice for business owners who might be considering walking away from their business, stressing the significance of succession management and transforming the company into an asset. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Professor Joe O'Mahoney where he delves into the world of consultancy transformation. Listen to the full episode now! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Joe's Website: https://joeomahoney.com/ Connect With Joe On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeomahoney/ See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Join host Trudy Rankin in this engaging episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast as she interviews Nick Abregu, an engineer turned entrepreneur. Nick shares his inspiring journey from leaving his engineering job to starting his own online business. Discover the defining moment that led him to take the leap into entrepreneurship and how unexpected circumstances provided the perfect opportunity to embark on his new path. Episode Highlights: 1.  The Journey from Engineer to Entrepreneur: Nick's pivotal moment that led him to leave his engineering job How unexpected redundancy provided a financial cushion for his entrepreneurial journey 2.  Insights into Website Development: Trudy's experience and challenges with website development Nick's tips for streamlining the website development process 3.  The Onboarding Process Defining the purpose of your website Understanding the customer journey to create a seamless user experience. Tailoring content for different audiences by gathering feedback and insights. Creating a Highly Effective Website: Functionality, Colors, and Vibe Clearly defining the desired actions for visitors on your website Utilising the psychology behind colours. Developing the right vibe that aligns with your brand. 4.  Key Considerations Crafting compelling copy by simplifying your message  Balancing page length  Integrating social media platforms onto your website.  Vetting web design companies. Ensuring you own your domain name to have full control and ownership over your website.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://thewebsitebuilders.com.au/See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Beau Button's lifelong passion for computers and software naturally led him to the world of gaming. So when a childhood friend suggested they start their own game company, he said yes.  That gaming company eventually became Atlas Reality, where gamers can earn cold, hard cash for playing a game that layers virtual real estate over real locations. Building a business from scratch in the software-as-a-service industry definitely comes with its challenges.  Gaming is its own unique space, and the customer base can be a very demanding community. We talked about how Beau and his teammates learned early on how important it is to put the customer experience first.   We also discussed: What it was like transition to a virtual real estate platform and the concept of virtual real estate Completely made up virtual environments versus real-world locations Generating virtual rent from virtual land and the revenue model behind it How they use the concept of a “treasury” in managing revenue and determining virtual rent levels How gamers actually earn money Some of the ideas Beau has for using the game to make it possible for players to gain further education and increase their financial literacy Future plans for expanding revenue sources and ideas of what the game might look like in the future If you're interested in gaming and/or gaming-to-earn or even just what it's like to build a SaaS (Software as a Service) business, have a listen.  Beau has a lot to share.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Websites:  https://www.atlasreality.com/ and https://www.atlasearth.com/  Connect With Beau on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/beaubutton/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Brent Zahradnik was living in Florida in 2015, he was working in a totally unrelated industry to online advertising, although he did have a couple of years of experience with advertising.  But then he met a friend who was selling on Amazon.  This friend had developed some great connections with some factories that had not done very well in the economic downturn in 2008, 2009 and had since been retooled.  Brent's friend was basically wholesaling and taking those products and selling them on Amazon.  And this guy came to Brent one day and said, Hey, there's advertising on Amazon, can you help me with this? And Brent's first response to that was actually “there's advertising on Amazon? I had no idea that existed!” Fast forward to today and Brent has a team of 20 people who work with him to help businesses advertise on Amazon. In this episode we talk about: Building that team and Brent''s criteria for bringing people onboard as team members What you need to have in place in order to have a successful advertising campaign Amazon ads and the creatives for them The role that product listings play in a successful campaign Clicks versus conversions Tricky categories, e.g. clothing The cottage industry that has developed around creating tools to help Amazon sellers Standing out from other 3rd party sellers RESOURCES MENTIONED Website:  https://www.amzpathfinder.com/  Tools to help sellers Zoof:  https://www.zoof.com/ Intentwise:  https://www.intentwise.com/ ZonGuru:  https://www.zonguru.com/  Datadive:  https://datadive.com.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When young engineer, Joe Khoei, discovered that the salespeople in his company were selling stuff that the company didn't have … and being rewarded for it with trips to Hawaii … he realised he was in the wrong role.  So he went back to school, got an MBA and started working as a sales rep. After 10 solid years experience under his belt, Joe started SalesX to help companies sell more. Not advertise more.  Sell more. Fast forward to today and SalesX is now a successful agency that helps companies develop profitable customer acquisition programs.  Part of getting to that success has been made possible by focusing on developing the people he works with and growing great teams. And because of his team ... and a not very well-known source of marketing funds, Joe is now able to give back by helping not-for-proft organisations with their marketing for free. Listen in if you'd like to know more. We also talked about: How Joe got started with SalesX A little known marketing resource for not-for-profit organisations that Google offers … and not many people seem to be using Why having a developmental pathway for people on his team is important How Joe made the move from being a tech expert to becoming a relationship manager Why participating in internship programs can be good for your business How automating things can make a huge difference to your business The importance of ensuring that the way you network fits your personality. There is a lot of wisdom packed into this episode, whether you're a manager, team leader or business owner. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:  https://www.salesx.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've hit the wall when it comes to doing all the tasks associated with running a business by yourself, then this podcast episode is for you. In it, I talk about my experiences in hiring freelancers to help me out with some things that had been sitting on my plate for a long time.  I found those freelancers on Fiverr and I walk you through how I went about finding the right people and getting the work done. Not every freelancer works out, so I also explain the process I used when one person's work wasn't up to scratch. So if you're wanting to outsource a piece of work for the first time, have a listen.  And if you'd like to try out Fiverr for the first time, go to http://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/fiverr-cpa (affiliate link).  If you do click the link and decide to hire a freelancer, I'll get a small commission at no extra cost to you.  For which I thank you.   It helps support the work I do with carers and caregivers who have (or want to start) their own online business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.