The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#845 Are you on a path toward a future you don't truly want? Today's guest felt that way when she was handed a five-year career plan at her corporate job. Trusting her gut, she pivoted to become a massive podcasting and entrepreneurship success story instead! The incredible Jenna Kutcher is joining me for this episode. She is a best-selling author and an educator who helps entrepreneurs build businesses with authenticity and heart. Jenna also hosts the popular Goal Digger podcast, a platform for inspiring conversations on turning passion into income. In this session, we learn how buying a $300 camera changed Jenna's life. We discuss running a wedding photography business, quitting a corporate job, and building a scalable brand. We also dive into podcasting and chat about everything from video versus audio-only shows and how to land industry-leading guests. Jenna's story is a testament to the power of following your passion and creating a business that aligns with your values. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session845.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#844 Today, I'm celebrating my birthday and sharing the top insights I rely on to build a successful business and live a fulfilling life. Having the right mindset is key, so join me as I explore these valuable lessons! In this special episode, I get personal and open up about the challenges and joys of being a parent entrepreneur. I also discuss the five key principles that have shaped my journey and helped me find balance. So what is our most valuable resource, and how do we make the most of it to build our legacy? Listen in because I talk about time management, building relationships, adapting to change, embracing discipline, and focusing on how we impact others. This episode is a reminder that success isn't all about chasing vanity metrics and hitting financial goals. Please tune in to hear my reflections and get inspired! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session844.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#843 What if your hobby could become a thriving business landing you five-figure deals and connecting you with industry leaders and celebrities? That's Jax Navarro's incredible story and journey. At PlasticAction, he takes toy photography and stop-motion animation to the next level, attracting millions of viewers in the process. Jax has worked with major brands like Hasbro and Marvel. He's even caught the attention of NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal! His success wasn't instant, though. Jax didn't skip the leg work of building authority in his space and fostering powerful relationships. Over the last few years, he went from doing unpaid work to charging tens of thousands of dollars for his projects. In this episode, we discuss landing clients, negotiating rates, and delivering high-quality work that leaves everyone wanting more. We also get a fascinating glimpse at the time and effort that goes into creating stop-motion animations. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session843.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#842 It's happening. After neglecting LinkedIn from day one, I'm committing to giving it a real shot with daily posts over the next three months. Listen in to hear how I'm approaching this experiment and giving myself a leg up to succeed! The thing about LinkedIn is that it offers a unique opportunity to connect with engaged professionals. This audience wants valuable business connections and insights, which is the bread and butter of what we do at SPI. That's why I won't chase vanity metrics on the platform. Instead, I'll pay close attention to my metrics while focusing on driving people to my Unstuck newsletter and the new SPI Community. My hypothesis is that consistent, high-value content tailored for the LinkedIn audience will attract and convert the right kind of people. I'm learning what works from the best, so tune in to follow this journey and get my top strategies! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session842.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#841 Many entrepreneurs hit their goals and achieve success, but still can't find fulfillment. I see it all the time. So, how do we unlock our highest destiny and let go of the beliefs that stop us from being happy? Tune in for my chat with the incredible Celinne Da Costa to find out! This episode goes beyond tactical advice and dives into the often-overlooked aspects of personal growth that are crucial for entrepreneurial success. Celinne shares her journey and the powerful coaching method she leverages to help business leaders tell the authentic stories that connect them with their soulmate clients. We explore finding true meaning by aligning our daily actions and mindset with our core values and ideal emotional state. Celinne reveals how to identify limiting beliefs that hold us back. She also provides strategies to create powerful new narratives that can supercharge our income, influence, and impact. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session841.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#840 Some people think they're at s a poker table. They believe that if one person wins, everyone else loses. I've never agreed with that, and I'll tell you why in today's episode! Listen in because having an abundance mindset is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success in entrepreneurship. The reaction to me launching my Power-Up Podcasting course perfectly illustrates this. From support to anger, other educators in the space had a lot to say about it! So, is it too late to enter a niche if other creators are already serving your target audience? Instead of being discouraged, you should see this as proof that you've found a viable market. Your perspective can make or break your success because there's always room for quality content and your unique voice in any space. Join me today to break free from the scarcity mindset! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session840.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#839 The best marketers focus on doing one or two things really well. Essentially, they take simple strategies seriously over a long enough time to see massive results. So how do we select the best tactics and do less to have a bigger impact? In this episode, I sit down with self-made entrepreneur, best-selling author, and marketing master Allan Dib. We discuss the top lessons from his incredible book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan, and get a peek at Allan's newest release, Lean Marketing. This powerful chat will change how you promote your brand. Allan will help you pare down your bloated marketing plan and zero in on the most effective strategies. We break down how to identify your ideal audience, craft a message that resonates, and select the right platform for your message. Also, tune in to hear Allan's four value levers, the secret ingredients that make your products and services irresistible! Show notes and more at https://SmartPassiveIncome.com/session839.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#838 Passive income is a myth. That might sound weird coming from the "passive income guy," but many people misunderstand the path to success and financial freedom. This is what's stopping them from building a thriving business! I just stumbled upon a mind-blowing example of this on X. Paddy Galloway, a YouTube expert, shared a DM from a teenage fan who was ready to shut down his channel after investing months and thousands of dollars in online courses and hiring editors. Listen to today's session for my reaction to this exchange because it perfectly illustrates why people struggle with building an audience! When the kid fessed up to not even being passionate about making videos and just being in it for the money, I lost it! This episode is a reality check for anyone chasing passive income without a genuine desire to help others. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session838.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#837 Is slowing down the key to unlocking the next level of your business and life? Tune in for today's episode, because my longtime friend Chris Ducker is back on the show. A lot has happened since our last chat, so join us to discover how Chris is building a powerful legacy without burning out! You'll get a sneak peek at Chris's upcoming book, The Long Haul Leader, and the scoop on his new and improved version of Youpreneur. We also discuss sustainable growth, gamifying your goals, networking and building relationships, and adapting to our changing business landscape. If you're feeling the side effects of hustle culture, listen in for an inspiring conversation on finding success while protecting your health! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session837.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Entrepreneurship is the best path toward financial freedom. That's why we've made it our mission at SPI to get you started on your journey and help you go full-time on your passion. We're making big changes to serve you better, so listen in on today's bonus episode to find out more! I'm chatting with Caleb Wojcik, our new CEO, to give you an inside look at our decision to merge our SPI Pro and All-Access Pass communities. We're creating one unified space for entrepreneurs to come together for even greater connection and collaboration! The SPI Community will host everything from office hours with me to newly updated courses and accelerator programs. We want to supercharge student and member outcomes and give you our full support, all in one place! Got to SmartPassiveIncome.com/community to join other entrepreneurs just like you! Now's the best time to act because our email marketing accelerator starts on November 14th. Join me for a live Q&A session on my YouTube channel on November 13th at 10 AM PT to learn more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/podcasts/the-updated-spi-community/.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#836 Overcoming impostor syndrome is often the key to building your business and unlocking more sales. But how do you prove your expertise and become an authority in your space? Join me because, in today's episode, I continue the trip down memory lane I started in session 834! Going into the online course boom, I faced a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey. I reveal how my friend and mentor, Chalene Johnson, helped me overcome impostor syndrome and embrace selling through service. This was a game-changer because the course she pushed me to create, Power-Up Podcasting, generated over $250,000 at launch alone! I now had the confidence to take on bigger projects to help my students and audience. You'll hear about FlynnCon, my in-person conference, and how that led to the creation of our SPI Pro and All-Access Pass communities. I also want to give you a sneak peek at the future of SPI, so listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session836.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#835 Creating content that pops is vital, especially if you're in a technical niche. So how do you leverage unique visuals and smart pricing to get more clients? In this episode, I'm chatting with SPI Pro member Chris Lysy. This is a fascinating look at an entrepreneur, cartoonist, and social science researcher using data and design to craft powerful stories. Listen in because Chris has cracked the code to stand out in his space and attract high-paying clients! So, how do you choose the right platform for your content and create work that resonates with your target audience? Chris gives us an inside look at his unusual social media strategy. His knack for drawing cartoons that highlight the humor and absurdity in his niche is the driving engine behind his impressive consulting business. We dive into that and discuss pricing and packaging your services, and avoiding common traps for consultants. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session835.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#834 With the new phase of SPI coming, I take a trip down memory lane today to share how I started making money online. This is the first part of my story from getting laid off from a dream job to building my business and earning millions. If you need inspiration and motivation to keep going, tune in! Like many entrepreneurs, I started from scratch and quickly learned I had to be happy being scrappy. My encouraging success with GreenExamAcademy.com, my first online venture, was enough to fuel my ambition. For the longest time, I was putting out as much content as possible, becoming a trusted authority, and amassing an audience. The real game-changer, however, was starting this show in 2010, right as podcasting was catching on! From building in public to building relationships, listen in on this session because I want to share the lessons I've learned! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session834.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#833 The brand we envision when we first start is often not what we end up building in the long run. As our mission evolves, rebranding to reflect our growth can be a strategic game-changer. But how do we avoid the mistakes that cause more harm than good? Listen in on this episode to find out! I'm chatting with Charli Prangley today. She is an incredible design expert and the creative director at Kit, formerly known as ConvertKit. Our discussion is packed with actionable information on how to pull off a successful rebranding, so don't miss out! Charli and I dive into everything from choosing a new name and color scheme to reflect your brand to zeroing in on the right copy and messaging for your audience. Tune in because you'll learn the questions to ask and the tests to run to ensure your rebrand hits home! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session833.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#832 Many of us want to level up in our entrepreneurship journey but are worried about taking on more work. Burnout is very real, which is why we need to take steps to make our businesses more passive. But how do we actually do it? In this episode, I want to introduce you to my powerful SCALE framework. I'll take you through the steps to systematize, consolidate, automate, leverage, and evaluate your business for maximum impact without working more hours! I also want to share a story from my taekwondo days that perfectly illustrates why it's important to stop going against the grain and start thinking smarter in your brand. This session will give you a roadmap to creating a business that works for you, not the other way around. Listen in because you can apply this framework at any point in your journey! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session832.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#831 You're not the one who should be promoting your products. Instead, how do you create something so good that your superfans can't wait to tell others about it? I'm so excited for today's session! After 830 episodes, I finally welcome marketing legend Seth Godin to the show. Don't miss this chat because you'll hear all about his new book, This Is Strategy, and get tips to help you make better plans in business and life! We discuss the dangers of chasing vanity numbers and why you should likely target the smallest viable audience. We also dive into how to start selling books by the box instead of the copy and explore self-publishing versus going the traditional route. Listen in because this session will set you on the right track and help you uncover your strategy for success! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session831.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#830 Remember the buddy system from school field trips? Having someone alongside you on an adventure is incredibly valuable. Here's the best part, though. You can apply the same concept to your business journey to speed up your success! In this episode, I talk about the incredible accountability partners I've had over the years. Sharing insights and strategies with a friend at the same level has been a massive game-changer for me from the start and all the way to my most recent project at Short Pocket Monster. So how do you find your business buddy? Listen in on today's session for my suggestions because not going it alone is one of the top things you can do to grow fast. I also have a big update about my first traditionally published book, so tune in for a sneak peek at what's coming! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session830.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#829 Getting caught using other people's content is not a good look. On the flip side, we should also try to protect our own work against theft! So, where's the line between inspiration and copying? How do we build on existing ideas while respecting other people's output? Essentially, what are the rules for “stealing like an artist?” Today, I'm joined by Todd Herman, entrepreneur and author of The Alter Ego Effect, for a fantastic chat on this topic. Don't miss this interview, because Todd has worked with some of the world's top athletes and public figures to help them reach their highest potential! In this episode, we unpack how to build on existing concepts while giving credit where credit is due and staying on the right side of the law. Todd and I also discuss generating original ideas, preventing others from copying you, apprenticeships, and honoring your mentors. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session829.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#828 Do you ever wish you could condense everything you need to read and learn into a podcast episode? If you're anything like me, that should sound pretty good faced with today's information overload culture. Well, you and I are both in luck! Google has a new tool for that, and this thing is amazing. I found out about NotebookLM from TikTok recently and seeing it in action really blew my mind! There's one key aspect that makes this tool different from ChatGPT and everything else. Setting NotebookLM apart is the ability to use your own documents, articles, books, links, videos, and other resources to train a niche AI assistant. Imagine then turning your files into easy-to-digest FAQs, briefing documents, or even audio podcasts. You have to listen in on today's episode because this is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session828.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#827 How do you create and sell your first physical product in today's digital world? If you've ever asked yourself that question, today's expert guest has the answers you're looking for! Thiefaine Magre of Prouduct is joining me for an illuminating masterclass on building a physical product portfolio. Listen in because we cover everything from merch to manufacturing and shipping solutions to help you get started! So what is the right first product for your audience members, and how do you test to find out if they'd buy it for you? Today, Thiefaine shares his sales-first approach to prototyping to zero in on in-demand merchandise. We discuss white-label products, packaging, third-party logistics companies, and more. This is a fascinating conversation that can help you uplevel your brand and enhance the experience you offer around it. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session827.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#826 I'm so excited about the future of SPI! We have big changes coming and today's episode will loop you in on some of them. Don't worry, though, we're not going anywhere! Listen in on this revealing roundtable with my friends and partners Matt Gartland and Caleb Wojcik. Today, we dive into our history and discuss the new roles everyone's taking on to build something much bigger than ourselves. This episode is about what's coming next for us, but we also look at some of our forward-thinking ideas from the past. Matt, Caleb, and I have a fun chat about multimedia projects and the time we had the number-one video podcast in the world! Everything we've learned from our successes and failures is going into this new chapter of SPI. We want you alongside us, so join in for a sneak peek at what we're working on! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session826.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#825 Having a narrow focus is a fantastic way to run a business! But what happens when you set your sights on more ambitious goals? This is what I'm discussing with ConvertKit CEO Nathan Barry today. With a rebrand to Kit, they've built an incredible operating system for creators who mean business. In this episode, you'll hear all about the powerful app store they're launching to supercharge how we use their ecosystem. Kit will also come with an enhanced hub for next-level analytics, and a slew of performance improvements. Finally, Nathan and I chat about the Creator Network, the number one tool I use to grow my Unstuck newsletter, and Kit's free tier for users with up to ten thousand email subscribers. This is way more than you can get anywhere else, so go to SmartPassiveIncome.com/convertkit to sign up! [affiliate link] Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session825.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#824 I am shocked at the results of my Shorts experiment. It's only been two months, but I've already amassed over a hundred million views. That's just part of it, though. The big surprise is the money coming in. In the first twenty-eight days since Short Pocket Monster started being monetized, I made almost $15,000. What?! I didn't think this was possible! Tune in today because I break down one of the key mindset shifts that helped me wrap my head around short-form content. This was a struggle, but I had to let go of perfectionism to find a winning formula. I had to prioritize quantity over quality to get the YouTube algorithm to kick in! Now, you'll want to listen in because providing value for your audience is still vital. In this episode, I share my thoughts on finding the stand-out balance between quantity, quality, and substance. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session824.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#823 When someone's on your website, what are the best practices that convert them from visitor to buyer? If you want more newsletter subscribers, how do you design a landing page that gets the job done? In fact, what is the balance between copywriting and graphics that gets the biggest results? These are some of the questions I ask my expert guest, Martin Cris, in today's interview. If you don't know how to optimize your website, join us for this fantastic conversation to learn more! Martin is a master at creating sales pages that convert. He and I discuss everything from writing effective headlines to prompting your clients for compelling testimonials. We share design dos and don'ts and even get into how to leverage AI to fine-tune your messaging. This is the episode for you if you want to ensure you're not losing sales when people click on your links! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session823.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#822 Why do we let vanity numbers get in the way of making a meaningful impact? Instead of gathering a large audience, one of the most powerful things we can do is bring people together in small groups. With human connection coming at a premium, is this where online business will go in the Age of AI? In this roundtable episode, we tackle the state of community building in 2024 and share our best tips for newcomers in the space. Joining me for this chat are the incredible Natalie Franke, Head of Marketing at Flodesk, and SPI CEO Matt Gartland. So, why are small-scale communities having such a moment in 2024? How do you find your competitive advantage and attract members to your private group? What is the number of people you need to start, and how do you grow without sacrificing deep relationships? Listen in to hear our thoughts and strategies! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session822.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#821 What does it take to start landing paid speaking gigs? If you don't have an extraordinary life story, how do you begin crafting your talks? Also, what are the steps to establish yourself as an authority and get your name out there? These are the questions we answer in today's chat with Grant Baldwin of The Speaker Lab! Here's the thing. If you build it they absolutely will not come. Unless you have the right assets in place and put in the promotional work, this is true for most of what you do online. The same goes for building a successful public speaking business! In this episode, Grant shares the roadmap he's used to help thousands of people get up and running. He and I dive into finding your niche and creating your first talk, setting up an effective digital presence, shooting a demo video, and reaching out to event planners. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session821.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#820 As you're giving out your knowledge online, does the presentation around it reflect the value you're offering? This is important because the "gift wrapping" around your content can help you level up fast. On YouTube, for instance, we often hear that the title and thumbnail are vital for your success. It's so important that I even hired a thumbnail guy, Jonathan Sippel, for Deep Pocket Monster! Another example is the jingle I use on my new Shorts channel. If you've listened to last week's episode, you know I'm already seeing massive numbers and earning thousands of dollars after only doing short-form content for a little over a month. These are the same type of videos I see plenty of other creators doing. The difference? My focus on presentation helps me stand out from the crowd. Listen in because you can apply this strategy of going the extra mile on packaging to anything! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session820.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#819 We talk a lot about resisting distractions, and for good reason. Training your focus is vital in entrepreneurship! That said, I know a lot of us have or want kids. Well, one of the best traits to develop as a parent is being interruptible for your family. This is coming straight from Jon Acuff, author of How Teens Win. I sat down with Jon for a fantastic in-person chat all about understanding our kids and helping them unlock their passion and potential. With teenagers at home, I know how important this topic is parent entrepreneurs! So, how do you communicate with young people and allow space for them to open up about their struggles? When you have more than one child, how do you get quality one-on-one time with each? Also, what are the tricks that make navigating around technology easier as a parent? Listen in to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session819.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#818 I did it this time. I finally cracked the code on Shorts and boiled my approach down to a simple formula. A month after starting from scratch, I'm only putting in fifteen minutes of work per day and getting millions of views! With a fresh understanding of what viewers want, my results are huge! In fact, I already have over 100K subscribers and am eligible for monetization on YouTube. You know I love Pokémon, so I started a new channel in the niche for this experiment at Short Pocket Monster. With no promotion, I published videos daily and let the algorithm do its magic. So why am I seeing such massive numbers this time? It turns out, the key is creating bingeable content. Listen in on today's episode to hear exactly what I'm doing and how you can replicate my success! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session818.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#817 The easier you make it for readers to unsubscribe, the more effective your emails will be! Because this is counterintuitive, many of us land in people's spam folders without knowing it. But here's the good news—a joint announcement from Google and Yahoo has shed light on the best practices that get our emails in front of more people. Join me and my expert guest, MV Braverman of Inbox Welcome, to learn more! So, what are the recent changes you need to know about? How do you set up your emails to avoid getting blacklisted? What are the tools that help you understand why you're not getting the results you want? MV does an incredible job of breaking down the technical aspects that play a huge role behind the scenes. We talk about authenticating your emails, using Google's Postmaster Tools, avoiding block lists, and setting up new domain names. Listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session817.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#816 There are billionaires who are unhappy and die with regret. There are also people who waste their time and never take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. So, what does it mean to live a full life? Today, I want to share something I've never talked about before. This is something that really brought home the importance of finding meaning and focusing on the things that matter. It also brought me to tears because it was a message from a dying friend. At 41, with an 11-year-old daughter and a son heading into high school, it's unbelievable how fast time has gone by. If you feel the same way, join me for this chat to hear how I'm making the most of the moments I have with a renewed focus on nutrition, sleep, and longevity! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session816.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#815 This may shock you, but our most popular episode isn't one of my interviews with famous guests like Tim Ferris or Gary Vanerchuck. It's actually session 122 with Shane and Jocelyn Sams, two teachers turned millionaire entrepreneurs! In today's episode, I'm excited to have Shane back on the show to learn about the next step in this incredible journey. He shares a peek at his first book, Earn More, Live More, and delivers an absolute masterclass in storytelling for business. We discuss the ups and downs of the writing process and the mindset tricks that finally unlocked Shane's inspiration. We also dive into an effective story framework you can leverage again and again to grow and engage your audience. Shane and I also get into rebranding to enter the next chapter of your life and why everyone should have a podcast even if no one listens. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session815.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#814 Are you doing brave work and does it make you proud of yourself? Were you to start over, would you do things the same way now? If you're anything like me, asking these questions can lead to some uncomfortable realizations. That said, the answers you come to can propel you into the next chapter of your life! Today's episode might be the push you need to start doing something that lights you up. Joining me for this roundtable chat are author Todd Henry, Jason Feifer of Entrepreneur magazine, and SPI CEO Matt Gartland. My guests and I discuss everything from leveraging short-lived social platforms for audience growth to building up your bravery in business. We touch on rebranding a podcast and how our show might change, book publishing, evergreen content, and understanding the value you bring to your audience. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session814.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#813 You don't have to be an expert to start helping others. In fact, being just one step in front of your target audience is often enough to build a successful business. The key, however, is niching down enough to take advantage of your unique combination of skills! My guest, Kourt from The Station Bakery, is a perfect example of someone carving out her space online. She helps her audience of home bakers discover great new recipes while also building income streams around their passion. I always say the riches are in the niches, so listen in on my chat with Kourt to learn more! In this episode, we discuss starting a brand from scratch, staying on top of niche trends, making money from Instagram and YouTube, the golden rule of building an audience, and why going offline can grow your online business. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session813.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#812 A lot of people are sick of how social media platforms are doing everything to get us hooked on their content. Many, like my friend Tommy, are quitting the internet to take back control of their time and attention. But what do you do if you need to be online for your business? Today, I share my quick tips for managing the information overload we're subjected to. This episode is especially valuable in an election year, so please listen in! Learning fewer things, having selective curiosity, and developing your capacity for storytelling are all vital for the modern online entrepreneur. I talk about each of these elements today to help you succeed in the Age of AI while staying healthy and focused on your goals. Tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session812.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#811 The way podcasting connects me with entrepreneurs in niches I know nothing about is so powerful. I'm lucky because that's a great way to get inspired and learn about strategies I haven't tried. Today's episode is a perfect opportunity to do just that! My guest is Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama. She helps her followers declutter their homes and establish effective cleaning routines. Becky's business insights about manufacturing and selling physical products are especially valuable, so listen in on this behind-the-scenes session to learn more about her brand! So, how do you write sales copy to create an organic connection with your audience? How do you create consumable products and sell them on a subscription basis? Also, what should you do to stand out in a niche dominated by someone as popular as Marie Kondo! Tune in because we tackle all those questions with Becky! Show notes and more SmartPassiveIncome.com/session811.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#810 If you're looking for a shortcut to get your content in front of more people, this is it. The best part is you can apply the strategy I share today on any platform to boost your views, likes, or engagement of any kind. I wanted to record this quick solo episode because I'm getting massive results after studying outliers from other people online. I'm referring to content that gets a big spike in engagement compared to a creator's baseline. This has been a fantastic source of inspiration for videos on my YouTube channels. Now, I'm not going out and stealing other people's ideas. Here's what I'm doing instead. I'm analyzing titles, thumbnails, and basic video structures and bringing proven formats to my niche. Listen in on today's session to learn how you can uncover these viral frameworks and leverage them to create original posts that stand out. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session810.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#809 What was going on in your life that brought you here today? That's the kind of question you should ask your clients to understand them better. Once that happens, you'll speak their language in your marketing, serve more people, and get next-level conversion rates! Today's guest, Abi Prendergast, will share how to uncover the words and phrases that compel people to open your emails, buy your courses, or engage with whatever you're offering. So how do you start a conversation with your audience members, and what are the things they say you should pay close attention to? To answer this question, Abi and I discuss one-on-one chats, surveys, and tapping into communities. We also talk about testimonials and analytics tools for next-level sales pages and share strategies like the Sinatra test to help you better position your products. Listen in to learn about the key things you should focus on! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session809.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#808 You have to choose. Like most people, you can give up control of your time and attention to others. That's the default in today's world, but it's unlikely to put you on a path toward your goals. To succeed, you must make a different decision. You have to resist the things that break your focus and take control of your life. You have to be indistractable! This roundtable with author Nir Eyal and my business partner Matt Gartland is one of the most powerful discussions I've had on the podcast all year. Please listen in because the actionable tips shared today on managing your time are legit game-changers! We examine the lessons from Nir's latest book, Indistractable, and discuss willpower, scheduling, accountability, and even planned spontaneity. If your schedule is not aligned with your values and dreams, or even if you're too distracted by your smartphone, listen in to unlock your life! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session808.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#807 If we want to stay relevant as online creators, we have to keep reinventing ourselves! But how do we track the most effective tactics and strategies as they come and go? With limited time on our hands, where should we invest our attention? My incredible guest, Eric Siu of Single Grain, is the perfect person to deliver insights on where things are going. He is a prolific entrepreneur, marketer, and podcaster with extensive content and business knowledge. Just listen in on our chat to hear what I'm talking about! Today's wide-ranging discussion covers everything from using a Community tab trick to boost your YouTube views to personal branding in a world of AI agents. We get into why some interview podcasts are dipping in popularity and share a look at what's next in the space. Don't miss this fascinating conversation to find out where you should focus your energy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session807.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#806 "If you build it, they will come." You've heard it a lot, but don't apply this movie quote to your online business. Instead, gather as big an audience as possible around your mission before launching anything! Of course, I know you're saying this is easier said than done. So, what are the actual steps you can take to build up your following if you're starting from scratch? Listen in on today's coaching call with Krystle Krueger of YourFashionIsArt.com to hear my advice for someone in this exact position! There's a lot of noise out there, so stories and brand culture should be essential parts of your marketing strategy. We dive into that and then discuss the best ways to get in front of new audiences starting with the relationships you might already have. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session806.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#805 Even if you're working solo, going from freelancer to business owner is a powerful mindset shift you can make right now. In fact, just seeing yourself in this new light is enough to unlock opportunities and allow you to charge more for the services you're offering! Today's guest, Hope Trory, is the perfect example of someone who has leveraged this perspective trick to level up. Like me, she had to give up on an architecture career to follow her true calling. Now, Hope is an online marketing pro helping her clients build lead-generation systems that bring in more business and free up time for meaningful work. Listen in for Hope's story and our tips for overcoming the sunk cost fallacy, finding your niche, and becoming the expert your clients need! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session805.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#804 If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Going at it alone is also not ideal for most entrepreneurs. That's why joining the right community in your space can be such a boost to your business! We're marking four years of SPI Pro today, but this session is not a plea for you to join our communities. Instead, I want to motivate you to seek out whatever people or groups you need to be with to get better results in your niche! To inspire you, I'm joined by Mandie Kramer, Ron Desi, and Anita Sandoval—three incredible SPI Pro members. Listen in because all three share amazing information about everything from microlearning to making over a million dollars on Fiverr! Together, we discuss finding the right community for your needs, getting the most out of the group, building relationships by helping other members, and applying your new knowledge to a business. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session804.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#803 "Just be yourself!" People dole out this kind of advice as if being on camera is the easiest thing in the world. But if you've ever been a guest on someone's podcast or had the chance to appear on TV, you understand how nerve-wracking these situations can be. So, how do you put your best foot forward and show up on another person's platform with confidence? To help us, I have Kim Rittberg joining me today. She is an award-winning digital marketer with over twenty years of media experience working for companies like Netflix and Us Weekly. Kim also hosts The Exit Interview, a podcast for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. In this episode, we discuss creating your next-level elevator pitch, the best strategies to prepare for video interviews, Kim's PATCH framework for on-camera confidence, and the mistakes that stop you from being an effective communicator. Enjoy! Show notes and more at https://SmartPassiveIncome.com/session803.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#802 The creator economy is bigger than ever but also more complex than it used to be. That said, this ConvertKit update is the perfect example of a brand continuing to evolve and keep up with out needs. As a long-time user and advisor for the company, I'm excited to see what's next! You might have heard, but ConvertKit is rebranding to Kit. This is more than just a name change, though. They're launching an app store to supercharge how we use their platform. Kit will also come with next-level analytics and performance improvements. Of course, ConvertKit's Creator Network is also a massive part of this announcement. This is the number one tool I use to grow my Unstuck newsletter and how I get hundreds of new subscribers daily. But that's not all. ConvertKit is introducing a free tier for newsletters with up to ten thousand subscribers. Go to SmartPassiveIncome.com/convertkit to sign up! [affiliate link] Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session802.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#801 With data showing there are over four million podcasts out there, does it still make sense to start your own show? Well, it also turns out there are only about four hundred thousand podcasts regularly publishing new episodes. If you niche down, there might be no one talking about the topic you'd like to cover! So how do you launch a show around your interests and attract an audience of engaged listeners? Today's guest, Alban Brooke, is here to uncover the data and reveal the best strategies for modern podcasters. We discuss the easiest way to use video to promote your show, tapping into communities to reach fully-formed audiences, and why typical interview podcasts are in trouble. Alban is the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout, one of the top podcast hosting companies. We can learn a lot from the information he has access to, so listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session801.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#800 People know me for the online business advice, but I don't often talk about what happens at home. That said, balancing work and family life is crucial for sustainable success as an entrepreneur. For this milestone episode, I want to offer a glimpse at the Flynn household and my role as a father and husband. Like me, I know many in the Smart Passive Income Podcast audience are parents. That's why I think you'll resonate with what I share as you listen in on today's session! My son Keoni is now a high schooler, while my daughter Kailani is going into middle school. I'm excited to see my kids grow and flourish, but how have these years gone by so fast? Tune in for my 800th episode as I explore the importance of slowing down, appreciating the time you have, and finding and creating special moments with your loved ones! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session800.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#799 Is it possible to build a business while working a traditional job? How do you know when it's time to go all-in on your side gig, and what are the things to consider before taking the leap? Also, what about growing a brand that complements your full-time work? These are the questions we explore in today's episode. My guest, Eric Chou of Network Automation Nerds, is a leader in his highly technical niche. He is an author and former Amazon and Microsoft employee leveraging his expertise to build a brand and community alongside his current high-paying job. Eric is applying strategies we often discuss on this show and within SPI Pro to engage his followers and readers in a big way. Tune in for this success story because some of his LinkedIn Learning courses have now attracted over ten thousand students. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session799.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.