Podcast appearances and mentions of nathan barry

How can content marketing in a tight niche build the audience that launches your book? And how do you decide whether to hand your self-published bestseller to a traditional publisher. Suzanne Smith shares what she learned in four years of going from blog to book deal. In the intro, how to stand out as a writer in the age of AI [Nathan Barry Show; Interview with Nathan Barry]; thoughts on asset maintenance; Goodreads giveaway on Bones of the Deep (Aug 5-20, 2026) This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Suzanne Smith is the founder of The Independent Landlord, and the bestselling author of The Good Landlord Handbook. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How a free blog in a tight niche built the audience for the book Rewriting the book from scratch when the law changed Why speed made self-publishing the only option Building a paid membership after one audience member asked for it Negotiating a Penguin Random House deal with no agent Using AI as a business sidekick, with a control room and an engine room You can find Suzanne at TheIndependentLandlord.com. Transcript of the interview with Suzanne Smith Jo: Suzanne Smith is the founder of The Independent Landlord, and the bestselling author of The Good Landlord Handbook. So welcome to the show, Suzanne. Suzanne: Thank you. Jo: Oh, there's so much to talk about today. But first up— Tell us a bit more about you and your background, and how you got into property and writing after a legal career. Suzanne: Well, I've always loved reading books. In fact, I recently did a French literature degree as a mature student. Being an author was never in the game plan at all. It's not something that I even thought about. I was brought up in New Zealand, so shout out to all the Kiwis and those across the pond in Australia. The thing about it is, Jo, you've lived there yourself. Kiwis are independent, self-reliant and have this great sense of fair play. So that was a very formative experience for me. We moved back to England when I was 16, and I have become thoroughly anglicised since then, but a Kiwi at heart. I always wanted to become a lawyer. New Zealand in some ways on television is quite American, and there was this American programme called The Paper Chase. It was about all of these students at Harvard studying law, and the professor said, “You come here with a skull full of mush and you leave thinking like a lawyer.” I thought, “Oh, I like the sound of that.” I didn't really know what a lawyer was, but everyone seemed to be very happy that I wanted to become one, and then that was it. Jo: So you went into law, and then how did you get into property? Suzanne: So I worked for 25 years as a solicitor. That's like an attorney if you're American. Started off in a law firm, and then I went into pharmaceuticals and I worked for big companies like what is now GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, and small companies as well. When I started out, it was before the internet, before Google. When you're in house, you're very much a generalist. You do a bit of everything. So you help companies grow their business. You're not business prevention, but you're still bound by the code of conduct for solicitors. You've got this role of keeping the company on the right side of the law. Then I had twins, who were born about five years after I became a lawyer, and I decided to work part-time for a while and did an MBA when they were little, part-time through the Open University. I know Jonathan is doing one at the moment. Jo: Yes. He's finished, so that's exciting. Suzanne: That was transformational for me, because I had probably been thinking a bit too much as a lawyer, and it helped me to broaden my view of the world and understand all sorts of things. Sso I continued going up the greasy pole, and then for my last job, in 2015, I joined a biotech company in Cambridge, England, as general counsel and company secretary. It was a long way from home, about two, three hours' drive from home. So I decided to buy a flat, an apartment, and to stay there in the week. I thought to myself, “Well, when I leave this company, I can let it out as a buy-to-let,” but actually as a landlord. So I stayed there for five years, and then when I left, I let out the property. The reason why I decided to leave law after 25 years, I had what I call a sliding doors moment, like in the film. I was 50. I was on holiday with my husband, and we'd probably had one too many rum cocktails. And he said to me, “Well, what do you want to be doing with your life? What would you do if you could do anything?” I was thinking, “Well, I've done law. I want to do something else now.” I didn't really know what that was, and I'd always been thinking about studying French properly, and that's when I left. So I decided, 18 months later, I left to do a French degree at King's College London, full-time. I was the only old person there with lots of 18-year-olds. When I did that, I was able to cash in my share options because I was a good leaver. I retired, and so I started buying properties to let out and became a landlord, without really thinking too much about it, and I used letting agents. They were fine to begin with, but I didn't really have a game plan or anything like that. What I realised is that when I tried to research things online, I couldn't really find anything that was terribly helpful. It was either quite general or it was very legal. So after a while… I became a landlord in 2019. I had the idea, why don't I set up a blog? And this is August 2022, so just four years ago. My husband came up with the idea of the name, The Independent Landlord, because it's that Kiwi spirit, being very independent. I thought, “Right, I'm not going to charge anyone for it. It's a hobby. It's not a business. I'm going to pay it forward and help, use my legal training, practical legal approach, and practical common sense, by doing this blog.” Almost exactly four years ago, I sent my first newsletter to 13 people. Jo: Woo-hoo. Suzanne: And I sent one last week to over 18,000. So it's been quite a journey. Jo: Wow, this is so great. I love this. There's so much in there. The turning 50 and then doing a degree. My master's in death is a little different to your French literature, but I like it. So I love this, and buying properties, starting it on the side, not a business at first, and growing the audience, and obviously you've put so much work in. Then you decide to write a book. So talk about that, because an online blog, although I'm sure your articles and everything were super useful, it's very different to write a blog than a book. So talk about your challenges in writing. Why did you decide to do a book in the first place? Suzanne: Again, I was an accidental landlord, is what they call it when you let a property when you didn't intend to buy it as a buy-to-let, which I did with my Cambridge flat. And I became, in many respects, an accidental author. So I was having a conversation with my husband again and I was saying I'd done this lead magnet to get people to sign up to my newsletter, and a big new law was going through Parliament at the time, called the Renters Reform Bill, that was going to completely transform the way landlords operate. I was saying to my husband, “Oh, I need to update my lead magnet, a little ebook, to explain the new law.” He looked at me and said, “Well, why don't you do a proper book? Write a book.” This was on the 29th of September, 2023. The reason why I mention that is that I thought, “Wow, what a great idea,” and my head was bursting. I went onto Google, and guess what I downloaded on the 1st of October? Jo: My blueprint? Suzanne: Exactly. I found you immediately, the Author Blueprint, and I downloaded it. I checked: on the 1st of October, 2023. Then I listened to almost… well, I think I went back several years on your podcast, just trying to understand. I'm like that. When I try and do something, I just try and learn everything that there is to know about it. So I started writing the book, and I guess the first challenge was I write quickly, and I'm used to writing for people who aren't lawyers, being in-house. So I thought I needed to have a structure. The structure was easy in many respects because, a bit of business at the end, and then you can go through a tenancy. I thought it was important to have a narrative thread all the way through it, just to bring it together. This is the literature degree coming in here. I thought that the mission for everything I do, the reason why I started doing this, is to help landlords, but also to help the experience of renting that people have in England. It's very specific for English law. And to help improve the private rented sector. So that's why I originally set up my blog for free, and I wanted, when people went onto Google, they could find something sensible and very detailed from me. My blog posts were… Well, I've now got over 400,000 words on my blog, so it's a substantial piece of work that is out there free of charge. So what I decided to do was to bring this narrative thread, I call it the good landlord ethos, to the book. Then I wrote very quickly, and I had a pretty good draft by April 2024, because we were all thinking that the law was going to change very soon. But then there was an election, and in the end the government changed and the legislation changed completely, so I had to rewrite the book and start again. So I think that my biggest challenge was that my subject matter, the new law, changed. Because I wanted to publish this book that explained to people practically what they have to do, and make it really straightforward, keeping out of politics, because it is a very politically charged area. I wanted to write it so it's a manual, somebody could literally follow it. So I used an editor, and I did write the book twice. I had a beta reader who is another lawyer, and a landlord as well. Then I got to the get-the-damn-thing-done stage. The really tedious bit of all the typos at the end. Jo: Yes, the finishing energy to get it out there. So at that point, obviously you'd found my blueprint, so you were learning about the indie way of doing things. Did you always decide to self-publish? How did you think about publishing? What were your challenges in publishing? Suzanne: It never occurred to me not to self-publish, because the new law came into effect on the 1st of May, 2026. The law and the details that I needed for the book were finalised in January, and I published on Amazon on the 5th of March, so I had to go so quickly. Even though I'd got a lot of it written, the last bit came in January, and so I needed speed. I knew that for landlords to be able to have something that they can use straightaway to help get them ready for it, and then use as a manual afterwards, I had to be first. Jo: Sorry, just on the year. Was it '24? You said '26. You meant May— Suzanne: 2024? No, no, because I actually published it this year. What happened in 2024, I had the first draft ready, but then I had to do another draft because the law changed when the Labour government came in. Jo: Right. Suzanne: The Renters Reform Bill turned into the Renters' Rights Bill. So I had to rewrite the book. So I finished however many drafts at the end of January 2026. Then it went to an editor, et cetera, et cetera, and I managed to get the book ready for a proof, to get the proof printed, towards the end of February. So it was really quick to go from the law being sufficiently finalised for me to write a book in January, and then having it ready in just over a month. There is no way that I could have done that if I'd gone to a traditional publisher. It didn't even occur to me to go, because I didn't want to be going touting around my book and, “Please publish me,” et cetera. It's just not me. I'm the independent landlord, and that moved very easily to being the independent publisher. So I learnt how to do all the publishing. And a huge thanks: I joined your Patreon and I was a very good student. I went through everything systematically and followed your playbook, and used Vellum and BookFunnel and all the other tools. So I decided to go on Amazon as well as have my own Shopify store, which just about killed me. Jo: I was going to say, you are an excellent student. You really like learning, but you also put this into practice, which is why I also wanted to talk to you. You haven't just talked about all this. You've literally done everything. Suzanne: Sometimes it was like my head was going to burst. Luckily, Claude upped his game earlier this year when we got the Opus 4.5. I didn't use AI really until this year. I decided I need to do exercise all the time, and have that as a have-to-do, because my head was spinning all the time with all these different things. So I would go to the gym, go to a spin class, and then I would walk out with my phone on, with the Claude app, and dictate a stream of consciousness into it. “Oh, I need to do this, or what about that? Oh, I just remembered about this. Oh, I've had this idea, blah.” And then said, “Make sense of it for me, Claude.” So it was very much as a thinking partner, because when you're writing your first book, it's bad enough, but when you're learning how to publish… Even, like, when I got the first proof of the book back from BookVault, I realised that all the footnotes—I have 114 footnotes in my book, and that, again, is the recent degree there—and the formatting had gone skew-whiff. Apparently it was an issue with Vellum, and they were really lovely and they sorted it straight out for me. So it shows: always get a proof of the book. They were able to sort that out very quickly, and BookVault were very quick in getting me another proof, because you can shortcut it and just pay to get a very quick delivery. Amazon, on the other hand, was really slow. It took a week. So I actually published earlier on my Shopify store for my members, of my membership, and I gave them a discount. Then I finally got it onto Amazon on the 5th of March. There are all these different skills you're having to learn. The Shopify store I found very hard, and there was all the tax, because I'm VAT registered. So I think I'm still recovering. Jo: You're still recovering. I wouldn't normally recommend a Shopify store for someone with their first book, doing first of everything. But, as you say, you're someone who learns a lot, puts it into practice, and— I think you were pretty determined to do that because you had a community as well, right? Suzanne: Exactly, yes. The big subscriber list. I think that's why the book did so well. So in the first week, because I met you at the Indie Author Lab put on by— Jo: Yes, London Book Fair, yes. Suzanne: Yes, the Alliance of Independent Authors. I met you there, and it was just my first week, and I had 1,000 sales in the first week. That was because of my audience. I'd been going on about the fact that I'm writing this book for two and a half years, because that's how long it took me to do. So I had a wait list for it, and I had a thing on my website, a landing page on my website, saying how good the book was and why it's the best thing for the Renters' Rights Act. Then I went onto Google, and I think I sent you a screenshot of this at the time. I put into Google, “What's the best book for the Renters' Rights Act for landlords in England?” And it came up with me as a featured snippet, and I hadn't even published it at that time. It was just about there. So the blog really helped, because I'd become an authority on the Renters' Rights Act. Even though I'm not a practising solicitor any more, I spent all my time reading the damn thing, and it is a very complicated bit of legislation. Funnily enough, I have ruffled a lot of feathers. People have even said about me behind my back, “What does she know? She's only got four properties.” But I just took no notice. I thought, “I'm going to try and use my legal brain and my understanding of what it's like being a landlord, there with the rubber gloves cleaning an oven when people have moved out, and try and write something that's not trying to sell anything else, and to help people.” And then it got picked up. Jo: Yes. Wait, let's just slow down. Slow down, because we will get onto that in a minute. But let's just come back to that launch. So as we talked about, you've had a blog for five years— Suzanne: It was three and a half by then. Jo: Three and a half years you've been blogging, but hundreds of thousands of words of useful information. So you've essentially done content marketing. You've attracted people. You had a lead magnet. You got them on your email list. You told them that you were writing a book. You got a sort of pre-sales list up. So that's an email list. You've got a blog. Did you do anything else in terms of marketing? Suzanne: I had YouTube, a big YouTube channel. I'd only set it up at the end of 2024, and I'd had half a million views. And again, just very straightforward advice, and without all the scaremongering and politics. I deliberately keep out of it all. A lot of people joined my newsletter as a result of that. Also a year ago, exactly today, I was running a Facebook group, which was a lot of hard work. There were a few thousand people in it, but there are often a lot of people going in there trying to sell things: insurance, eviction specialists and things. And there was also a lot of people just being unpleasant to other people. I was getting fed up with it. It was taking me a lot of time, and I was doing a lot of speaking events and trying to explain what this new law was doing, and wearing myself out. I'm an extrovert, but even I find speaking events absolutely exhausting, because it's like everything gets sucked out of you. It's strange. Then somebody came up to me in July last year and said, “Suzanne, can you set up a membership?” I said, “Well, landlords aren't going to pay for that.” And they said, “Yes, they will. You build it and they will come.” I asked ChatGPT and thought about it. I asked ChatGPT, who I was dating at the time, now exclusively with Claude, but I know Claude has other people in his life. But I'm very much set with Claude Fable at the moment. So I asked ChatGPT, how can I go about setting up a membership? And I mentioned your one and said, “Should I do it on Patreon?” And then he came back with: go for Circle. So I set up a membership on Circle, exactly a year ago. In fact, it's the anniversary of my first member yesterday. hTe rules I had were, no selling. So I don't sell, no affiliate links, no one else can sell anything, and we have to be supportive. No negativity, no politics. So what it's become, it's like the senior common room of the private rented sector, with landlords, lawyers, letting agents. There's a fantastic forum in there. It's not me doing it, it's peer-to-peer. I have twice-monthly live streams where people can ask me questions. I wonder where I got that from. No, I very much modelled it on your Patreon, but on a different platform. I have courses in there as well. So that has really grown. I launched it in July, and by September, October, I'd gone past the VAT threshold, which has complicated everything, but it means my business now is this membership. I really enjoy doing it, and there hasn't been all the negativity that you have in a Facebook group. So I had them as… talk about your thousand fans. There are about 1,500 in the membership, and their support really helped the launch of my book, as well as the wider people who get my free newsletter. Jo: Yes. Suzanne: So it's all different types of content marketing. Jo: Y, but I do love this. And of course, if people are wondering, I joined Patreon back in 2014, I think it might have even been before that, and there weren't too many places back then to run communities. It wasn't even really a community at the time, it was a sort of, almost a “give me a bit of support for the podcast.” So things have changed a lot in terms of communities, and obviously you went with Circle, which is great. Patreon is slightly different now, and some people are using Substack for something similar. So that's just on the platform, but on the business: early on in our conversation you said, “I wasn't going to have a business. It wasn't a business. It was just putting stuff out there, helping other people,” and then your audience asked for this membership. And so now it is a business, right? Suzanne: Yes, it is. Jo: And you've got a book and all of this. So are you happy with the change to a business? Because obviously you have to treat it quite differently. Suzanne: Yes, I am, because I think to begin with, I was just doing it one or two days a week. I was actually studying a master's in French literature part-time, and I then found that I was enjoying the blog more than the master's, so I dumped the master's after the first year. But after getting 88% for one of my dissertations, which interestingly was on the translation of a Simone de Beauvoir book into English, and the publisher who's got that now is Random House, but that's another thing. Anyway, so I decided to give up my master's and double down and work full-time on the blog. People were paying to help me with all the big fees and things, the big tech stack, Buy Me a Coffee. I was doing a little bit of consulting and things. I was working six, seven days a week. I was treating it like a business in terms of quality and my effort, but it wasn't a business in terms of revenue. Then it just all came together, and this person said, “Set up a membership,” and I thought, “That's what I'm going to do. I'm now going to put it on a business setting.” I've got an MBA, I know how to do it, and people thought I planned it, but I didn't. It just happened. So now I do very much treat it as a business, but I still don't advertise. I don't allow people to advertise with me, because I want to be independent. If I recommend something, I want people to believe it's me recommending it, not just because someone's paying me, which can be a big issue in the landlord area. Jo: Oh, in any industry. I get pitched every day with loads of random things that people are like, “Oh, a dollar a click or whatever, if you send this to your list.” And it's like, seriously? Just stop it already. I did just want to add there: somebody asked you, they said, “You should have a community,” and that sparked that idea. I just wanted to acknowledge that my Patreon came from Jim Kukral. Some of you will remember, who've been around a long time. Jim Kukral came on my blog around sort of 2013. Amanda Palmer had just put out a book called The Art of Asking, and I was doing a lot of unpaid work on the podcast at the time, and I was either going to give it up or I had to fund it somehow. Jim said, “You should do a Patreon.” And I was like, “Oh, no, I hate asking for money.” So at the time I just felt, oh, weird. Then I was like, “No, I do all this work,” as you were saying. Now the Patreon has changed so much in terms of what it is, but it is the backbone of my business, too. So I love that you listened to one of your fans who said what they wanted, and I love that I've listened as well. Sometimes we just have to listen to those urges, don't we, to take things on? Suzanne: Yes, absolutely. In some ways I didn't really back myself before. I thought, “No one's going to pay for this.” Then the more you give, the more they want. Jo: Yes. Suzanne: What I've been really working on now is having boundaries, because there were two big kind of mottos that I picked up when I was working in pharmaceuticals. One was from a head of the business. He was Canadian, and he was always saying, “You've got to skate to where the puck is heading.” Jo: That's Wayne Gretzky, is it? Suzanne: Exactly. Yes. He would always say it, and so that's what I've done with my blog and my book. When I write things, I don't pay for any tools. I don't do keyword searches and all that. I just think, I do one blog post per topic, and I'm going to guess what people are going to be searching for soon, and I build up all this content around it. That's why most of my blog pages are top five. I've had no advertising. I haven't asked for any backlinks. I don't do it. People backlink to it because it's useful. So that was the first thing, is skate to where the puck is heading, and that was my approach with the book. I knew people would need this book from around May, and they'll need it forever, because it is so complicated and regulated, the rules for being a landlord in England. So that was the first one. The second thing was: when you take something on, you've got to let something go. One in, one out. I found that I was taking on so many different things, and I've just been cutting back, because I can't be doing all the speaking, I can't be answering people's emails. So I now don't do emails. If people want my advice on something, they ask me in the hub, at the twice-monthly live streams. Sometimes I answer in the forums, but I don't have time. When there are 2.4 million landlords in the UK, and even with our 18,000 on my newsletter, I could spend, and I did, I used to spend all my time replying to emails. So anyway, there are the things. Oh, and there was a third one, which is: attract, don't chase. One of my friends gave me that advice and that's exactly what my approach has been. I just don't chase for anything. I just put the stuff there and then build it and they will come. Jo: Yes, and I think another thing is the power of the niche. It's so clear that what you write about, the people you are aiming at, you have an extremely tight target market. That is both a strength and obviously a weakness, because they're the only people. But as you say, there's more than enough of those people for a community, for the book you have. From my own perspective, that's the same for me, the power of the niche. That's how I have a successful podcast, for example, because of that reason. I think you're like a poster child of what a non-fiction author should do. What I like is that you didn't go, “Oh, where's a niche where I could make money?” and then jump in. You've gone about this in a kind of slightly accidental way, but now you're leaning in and this uses all your skills. So this really is a great example of the power of the niche and then making the most of it. But let's move on to what then happened, and— What happened with the book deal? Suzanne: Wow. So you and I met each other on whatever day that was in March at the Indie Author Lab, and the following day I got an email, via my website on a contact form, from Penguin Random House saying, “We love the book. We love the mission, its values,” all this kind of thing. And I was thinking, “Oh, it's another one of those. Must be an—” Jo: AI spam bot, right? Suzanne: Yes, and I remember I sent you a screenshot of it, and then I checked her out on LinkedIn and thought, “Okay, there is somebody with that name there.” You're always saying, and Orna Ross and everyone are always saying, “Watch out for scams.” And in fact, Penguin Random House even this weekend on Instagram put out something saying, “There are lots of people impersonating us.” So I didn't take it too seriously, and it was something like, “Oh, would you be interested in us publishing your book?” And I thought, and I laughed. It was like, no, this is too good to be true. So I replied and said… Oh, I said, “Well, thank you so much. The Renters' Rights Act…” And so this is like the second week in March. “The Renters' Rights Act comes into effect on the 1st of May. If you want to publish it, you're going to need to get your skates on.” I literally did say that. Then she arranged a meeting with me the next day, on the Friday. I still was very dubious about it, and I had a think about it. What helped me, and I have the little booklet here: at the Author Lab, we did some work at the beginning, and Orna said, “Put your phones away.” And it was like, “What? Put my phone away?” Then we had to do this definition of success, and our passion, and our mission, and our purpose. I wrote down things like, I want to help landlords, and in so doing, help improve the private rented sector. I get pleasure from helping people. I want to improve standards and use my legal and practical skills, et cetera. So I thought, “Okay, what is my purpose of doing this book?” It isn't really to make money, because going with Penguin, you wouldn't do that for financial reasons, because you'd make very little money. So I thought, what is my why? My why is I want as many people to read this book as possible. And I've managed to sell a few thousand copies, but there are 2.4 million landlords, and they all need to understand this book, and the only way that I can get it out there, apart from doing ads, is to get it out in bookstores. So I thought about it, and then said, “Yes, I will do it, because I want to get the book out there.” So it's distribution. It's going to be published on the 6th of August, which is really quick, bearing in mind they contacted me in the middle of March. It's exactly the same book, it's just got different copyright wording and different blurb, different paper. Same cover, because I managed to find a fantastic cover person to do it. So they've kept everything the same. So we negotiated that book. I have no agent. They came to me. It's the attract, don't chase. I just put my lawyer hat on, and because one licence is very much like another one… I did turn down their first offer. Jo: Well done. Good negotiation. Suzanne: My daughter said to me, who's an adult daughter, she said, “But it's Penguin.” And I said, “Well, no, but it doesn't work for me.” So I had a call with them, and then they came up with something that worked for me a bit more. I did have to concede on a few things, like I can't sell it in my Shopify store. But in some ways, that was a blessing in disguise, because it means I don't get any more “Where's my book?” emails. Jo: Yes, exactly. Pros and cons of everything, basically. Suzanne: I have very clear rights to get it back. If I want it back, I can get it back and I don't have to give a reason. They're lovely. They have been really very wonderful. When I went up there a month or so ago, they gave me this book bag, and it's got on it, “I'm published by Penguin,” and I burst into tears. Jo: Aw. That's nice. Suzanne: I don't know, it just seemed like such a big deal. Because up until then I was just being all very lawyerly and task-orientated. Then I thought, “Oh my goodness,” and then it dawned on me. So I'm now in this interim period where I've taken it off Amazon and off my Shopify store, and I feel very maternalistic towards the book because, you know, it took me two and a half years, which is longer than a pregnancy. Obviously it's not a child, but it's like my book child. I've sent it off with a backpack and a drink and some snacks, and I hope that they look after him, my book. The day I took it off Amazon it was still number one. And a big shout-out to Publisher Rocket, by the way. Jo: Yes. Very, very useful for niche publishing. Suzanne: Very. It helped me choose the right niche categories. So it was number one on at least one category, often six, all the way through. I thought, “Well, it's over to them now.” They're very lovely people. They've given me some marketing assets, as they call it, some swanky graphics and things to use. We'll have to see what we do in terms of marketing. I don't mind doing marketing. I'm on LinkedIn quite a bit, and my whole blog is marketing. What I've been doing is updating my blog to include one of these graphics and to mention the book, and I got Claude to help me draft the code so it looked right. So I've been going through all of my blog posts and sending people to Amazon rather than to my Shopify store. It is mixed feelings, because I care about my book. I put a lot of effort, a lot of love, a lot of tears. No, not tears, but I put a lot of effort into it, and it's out of my control now. Jo: Yes, you said it's over to them, but obviously you will still be creating content around this topic, so you'll probably still be the biggest driver of book sales. Suzanne: Yes. Jo: Are they also suggesting, for example, a podcast tour, like pitching for podcasts? Are they going to assign you some PR? Because, also if people don't know, as we are recording this, we have a new prime minister who wants to do various things. You said no politics, but this is obviously a political thing. So you have the potential to go on a lot of different podcasts, media, talking about this, becoming almost a talking head in this kind of area. So are you angling for all that, and is that in your contract, or is it literally just going to be whatever you want to do? Suzanne: That's not in the contract. What's in the contract is very minimal. I think I've already done what I'm supposed to do. They are pitching for me to go on podcasts and things. I'll tell you a really funny coincidence. So we now have a new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and when he was Mayor of Greater Manchester, he set up something called the Good Landlord Charter. I actually talk about it in the book, and I quote him in my book saying that good landlords mean people trying to do the right thing, or something like that. And I coincidentally came up with the same name, The Good Landlord Handbook. I'd already had the book title for a long time. So this idea of good and landlord coming together, the adjective good as opposed to criminal or rogue, and the cover being green. I'm wanting to change the narrative so it's the norm to have a good landlord, and to help people become good landlords. Or if they're good landlords, help them to understand the new rules, because the new rules are very complicated. So what I don't get involved in is this right or wrong. Is it right that landlords can't do this or have to do this? Because as an in-house lawyer, it doesn't really matter what I think about the law. GDPR, goodness me. Jo: Oh, dear. Let's not start on GDPR. Suzanne: No, exactly. Because we've just got to suck it up. I liken it to the grief cycle, that people have been going through so much change and you have the anger, the depression— Jo: Denial. Suzanne: Bargaining, the denial, and then you get to acceptance. For some people, the acceptance means they want to stop doing it. If you want to accept it and stay, you need to understand the rules. So I've deliberately just kept very practical and have kept out of all the politics of it. I have, funnily enough, become involved because I'm now seen as an expert on the Renters' Rights Act. I've worked behind the scenes with the government to help, and give comment on government guidance for landlords. I was even invited to a reception to mark the passing of the Renters' Rights Act at Downing Street with the previous prime minister, all whilst staying apolitical. I won't let anyone make me be a mouthpiece for their political view. It's more, we just have to do this if we want to continue doing it. I've been very clear on that. Jo: It's interesting you mention the grief cycle there, and you've also mentioned Claude and ChatGPT. I wonder if you might also just comment on use of AI for authors and for marketing and all this. Also with legal stuff, because for me now, if I'm looking at a particular legal thing, I tend to ask Claude. I'm like, “Can you just explain this?” or upload a contract or whatever. Although it is not legal advice, it can be quite useful. So give us your thoughts on using AI as a sidekick in your author business and also for wider life. Suzanne: I now struggle to think what life would be like without Claude. I don't use Claude to write, at all, because I have a very particular voice and a turn of phrase, and if ever Claude writes something for me, it doesn't sound like me. It flattens me, and it makes me sound a bit American. So I don't do that. I've used it in the back end of the business. For instance, my blog was down, and there was something called a recursive bot, which I don't even know what it was, and Claude helped me fix it for free. I went through, I did screenshots. When I did an ElevenLabs audiobook and did it all myself, I was literally, for every screenshot, showing it to Claude. Claude said, “Do this, press this, press that.” So I have all these different projects set up. One is the control room, where it's for my strategic thinking. If I have an idea, I want to think about something, I put it in there. I have the engine room, which is for everything techy. Like when I had the recursive bot, or if I'm wanting to have some code on the website to make it look a particular way. Then I have other things for different subjects, and I put all the resources in there, and I use it a lot as a thinking partner. I've noticed that Fable doesn't hallucinate as much, but the Opus used to. There's something called rental discrimination, and it was proofreading and said, “No, it's not rental discrimination, it's rental income discrimination,” and that was just a load of rubbish. So I would never let it go and change things without me looking at it. I went on one of your webinars a month or so ago about MCPs and all the connectors, which is fantastic. It can go into my community and pull out all the questions for one of my live streams and put it into a document in order, by theme, for instance. It can look at my MailerLite, because that's where my newsletter is with, and analyse the different open rates and click rates and things. It's so good for analysing everything, all the book sales. It helped me with my negotiation with Penguin, and it is pretty good on law. It has sometimes hallucinated things, but not so much now. I think with anything, you've always got to go back to the primary source, and this is what we learn in academia: you have to check the primary source yourself. I have a bit of a magpie brain. I'm very much a discovery writer, like you, and things occur to me as I'm doing it. I think that Claude, at the moment, is incredible. I've been quite open about it on social media that I have Claude as a business partner. I'm a solopreneur, or whatever the word is. I have quite a big business now, and lots of different things, and it's just me doing it, because I can ask Claude how to do this, and how to do that. Claude can go and check my emails and tell me, is there somebody I've not replied to, which helps a lot. Jo: Yes. I think it's empowering as a solopreneur as such. You talk there about the fixing the tech stuff. I have my web host come to me and say, “Look, you're getting so much traffic and bot stuff, and we need to put this thing in, and it's going to be $120 extra a month.” I was like, “Can you just give me an hour? I'll get back to you.” And then I just had Claude code up, and I was like, “Analyse this and tell me what we can do.” It was like, “No, you just need to flip this switch and do that.” And I'm like, “Okay, fair enough.” Then the guy said, “Oh, no, okay, actually you don't need it.” Just stuff like that. As a solopreneur, you're either going to pay somebody technically quite a lot of money, or you can get Claude or ChatGPT. We should say, the ChatGPT Sol is very good, like the Claude Fable, for example. So, yes, using it as a sidekick. I love your control room and your engine room projects as well. That's a great way of doing it. Suzanne: I wouldn't be without it now, and I would have published the book a lot later without Claude, because Claude was helping me with the Shopify store and all the many steps of things. It saved me real time. It is just fantastic. I think, like now when I'm updating my blog, I have a connection between Claude and my blog. Claude can go in, I can give it my Google Search Console results for the page: what should I change, are the headings right? All this kind of thing. And it will give me a view on every single page, which is incredible. Jo: And YouTube, and just everything. Just super useful for that business sidekick. That's what I want authors to think. I feel like authors get so obsessed with the creative side with AI, whereas actually, people like you and me, we're using it as that engine room for the solo business, which is what I love. So we're out of time. I did want to ask one more thing, which is, one of the biggest issues with a specific book like yours is when they change the law again. So do you have a plan in place for if, say, a new government changes the law again? Will you just be updating the book over time? Suzanne: I think that there'll need to be a new edition of the book in three years' time, and I've spoken to Penguin about it. Not all of this new law has been implemented, and there's going to be case law and things. So I expect that I will update the book every few years. I have some other ideas for books as well, but for the moment, I'm just taking a bit of a break. You always say we've got to refill our creative well. I really feel like that at the moment. Recently I've just got myself a personal mobile phone so that I can turn off my work one when I'm on holiday and actually take time off. Because for all the time that I was doing the book, basically from Christmas until May, I didn't have one day off. That is not good. So I'm just trying to be a bit more balanced. I had an idea to write another book for summer, but I've just decided not to, and I'm going to leave it until I feel the urge again. Jo: Oh, well done. Suzanne: Which will come. Jo: Yes, well done. Suzanne: I think there's nothing wrong with that. We just need to think what's right for us. I'm 58. So I want to be able to have time to enjoy things and not be working all the time. Jo: No, that's great. It's a sustainable business. So where can people find you and the book and your community online? Suzanne: The easiest way to find me is theindependentlandlord.com. Or if you put Suzanne Smith and landlord into Google, you'll find me as well, and there's a link on there to the book, The Good Landlord Handbook. In the community, there's a link to that on my website as well. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Suzanne. That was great. Suzanne: Thank you.The post From Blog To Community To Book: A Non-Fiction Author's Journey With Suzanne Smith first appeared on The Creative Penn.

FREE Playbook - download the Steady Leads Playbook here: https://www.brandcreators.com/scott-giftGrab Dustin's free Podcast Guesting Playbook: https://7figureleap.com/playbookLearn how to get steady leads and clients without creating content everyday: https://www.brandcreators.comWhat if one podcast interview could add $210,000 to your coaching business? That's exactly what happened to my guest Dustin Riechmann — and he did it with less than 4,000 email subscribers and zero paid ads.Dustin is the founder of 7 Figure Leap and has built multiple seven figure businesses using one simple strategy — podcast guesting. In this masterclass he breaks down exactly how he did it and how you can too.In this video you'll discover:→ Why you don't need a big audience to land high ticket clients→ The 5 P framework Dustin uses to turn podcast interviews into consistent revenue→ How to pitch any podcast and actually get a yes→ The #1 thing most people skip that kills their results→ Why one strategic podcast appearance is worth more than $100K in Facebook adsIf you're a coach, consultant, or service provider who wants a steady flow of leads without being on the content hamster wheel — this one is for you.Grab Dustin's free Podcast Guesting Playbook: 7figureleap.com/playbookWant our free Steady Leads Playbook? Comment PLAYBOOK below and we'll send it your way.0:00 — $210K From One Podcast?0:37 — Meet Dustin: The Numbers1:43 — $100K in 90 Days2:48 — Small Audiences Win Big4:10 — The Trust Recession Explained7:03 — Why Vanity Metrics Hurt You8:09 — Seven Figures, Tiny List11:02 — 3,800 Subscribers, $1.5 Million11:38 — How He Got First 80013:41 — His Only Marketing Strategy16:05 — The Meatstick Company Origin21:58 — Getting on Nathan Barry's Show26:12 — Flying to Boise for Free29:35 — $2,000 Per Podcast Interview32:07 — The 5-Step Framework Breakdown37:50 — The Free 5-Day Playbook41:09 — Three Stories You Need45:11 — The CTA That Converts47:43 — Do You Need Big Audience?50:04 — AI and Coaching's Future52:38 — Where to Find Dustin

If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to attend one of the best conferences in the online business space, I'm bringing you along this week. Every June, I pack my bags for Boise, Idaho to attend Kit's Craft + Commerce Conference, and this year I recorded real-time clips along the way so it would feel like we were just hanging out in the hallway together.This is officially my fifth Craft + Commerce, and in this episode I'm sharing my full recap: why I keep going back, what my week actually looked like behind the scenes, the tactical tips I'm already using in my own business, and the bigger mindset shifts I'm walking away with this year, including a few things I picked up from a private mastermind with James Clear. You'll also hear some of my favorite on-the-street interviews including a quick chat with Kit founder Nathan Barry.In this episode, you'll hear…Why I keep going back to Craft + Commerce every year, and why Boise (yes, Boise) might be part of the magicOn-the-street interviews with Mallory Rowan, Nathan Barry, Steve Kamb, and Barrett BrooksThree tactical takeaways from the conference, including Kit's new Signals feature and a workaround for connecting Substack and KitThe mindset shifts I'm walking away with around quality versus quantity, wanting something versus working for it, and finally feeling like I belongJames Clear's "category killer" concept, and the difference between his concentrated strike and tailwind marketing strategiesClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get your first month of Kit free (affiliate link)Steve Kamb's book, How to Try AgainFollow Barrett Brooks on Instagram or visit barrettbrooks.com Follow Mallory Rowan on Instagram or visit malloryrowan.comGet Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarIf you have a question you'd like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's SubstackTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Ever sent an email blast to your entire list and wondered who actually reads it? If you're trying to make your email marketing actually work, Kit just released an exceptional update: real subscriber intelligence. The new features they just launched make it so easy to both increase buyers on your email list AND love your audience well.The problem with most marketing funnels is that you don't know who your high-value subscribers are until the end of the funnel. Kit's CEO, Nathan Barry, framed it this way: "it's hard to love and serve people you don't know." Success depends not only on who you know, but who knows you, and that's exactly what these new features are built to fix. They help you create the kind of conversations that lead to your best partnerships and your biggest launches.The secret to conversion copywriting has always centered on voice of customer research. That means figuring out who your audience really is, what they need, and how to talk to them in a way that lands. Usually, that means hiring a smart copywriter, running surveys, or piecing together data from five different tools. Kit's 2026 product update changes that equation by building voice of customer insights directly into the platform you're already using to send emails.This episode breaks down the seven features in Kit's latest product update, what each one actually does, and how coaches and creators specifically can put them to work (without duct-taping your tools together). You'll also find answers to some of the most common questions about email marketing tips, campaign ideas, and how to actually do this well in your own list.➡️ SHOW NOTES: Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode on the blog here!https://www.megankachigan.com/kit-email-marketing-update-2026JOIN KIT: Get started with Kit here.CONNECT WITH MEGAN:Join My Inbox Community → www.megankachigan.com/email Website → www.megankachigan.comLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-kachigan-loehr-9957684b/Threads → https://www.threads.net/@megankachiganInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/megankachigan/*Note: This may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I'll earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I never recommend things I don't love or haven't used.

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Kit founder Nathan Barry to unpack the real relationship between money, impact, leverage, and fulfillment. We talk openly about wealth in a way most people never do, especially in professional services and high performing careers where conversations about money can still feel taboo. Nathan shares why he believes money is simply a tool, how value creation leads to wealth, and why building an audience may be one of the greatest leverage opportunities available today. We also dive deep into Nathan's upcoming book Ladders of Wealth and the framework behind it. He breaks down the four "ladders" people climb as they move from trading time for money to creating scalable products and equity driven wealth. Along the way, we explore the hidden skills behind making money, the importance of leverage and compounding, and how leaders can create systems that multiply impact over time. Nathan gets candid about his own financial journey, what motivates him now that he's achieved significant wealth, and how he's thinking about raising kids around work, ownership, and generational wealth. This conversation is packed with mindset shifts that completely change how you think about business, success, and the life you're building.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why Nathan believes money actually can buy happiness when used intentionally The hidden "micro skills" behind learning how to make money The four ladders people climb on the path to wealth creation How leverage quietly changes everything in business and life Why the highest earners often focus more on winning work than doing work The surprising role compounding plays in careers, relationships, and business growth How to think differently about equity, ownership, and long term wealth The mindset shift that helps leaders continue growing even after achieving success   If you want more conversations like this around growth, leadership, business development, and building a meaningful career, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your network. These conversations are designed to help you think bigger, create more impact, and build a life that compounds in every direction.   Resources Mentioned: Get into Nathan's World: NathanBarry.com  You Only Need This To Become Rich (Millionaire Explains) | 119: https://nathanbarry.com/you-only-need-this-to-become-rich-millionaire-explains-119/  Kit: https://kit.com/    Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/  

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Kit founder Nathan Barry to unpack the real relationship between money, impact, leverage, and fulfillment. We talk openly about wealth in a way most people never do, especially in professional services and high performing careers where conversations about money can still feel taboo. Nathan shares why he believes money is simply a tool, how value creation leads to wealth, and why building an audience may be one of the greatest leverage opportunities available today. We also dive deep into Nathan's upcoming book Ladders of Wealth and the framework behind it. He breaks down the four "ladders" people climb as they move from trading time for money to creating scalable products and equity driven wealth. Along the way, we explore the hidden skills behind making money, the importance of leverage and compounding, and how leaders can create systems that multiply impact over time. Nathan gets candid about his own financial journey, what motivates him now that he's achieved significant wealth, and how he's thinking about raising kids around work, ownership, and generational wealth. This conversation is packed with mindset shifts that completely change how you think about business, success, and the life you're building.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why Nathan believes money actually can buy happiness when used intentionally The hidden "micro skills" behind learning how to make money The four ladders people climb on the path to wealth creation How leverage quietly changes everything in business and life Why the highest earners often focus more on winning work than doing work The surprising role compounding plays in careers, relationships, and business growth How to think differently about equity, ownership, and long term wealth The mindset shift that helps leaders continue growing even after achieving success   If you want more conversations like this around growth, leadership, business development, and building a meaningful career, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your network. These conversations are designed to help you think bigger, create more impact, and build a life that compounds in every direction.   Resources Mentioned: Get into Nathan's World: NathanBarry.com  You Only Need This To Become Rich (Millionaire Explains) | 119: https://nathanbarry.com/you-only-need-this-to-become-rich-millionaire-explains-119/  Kit: https://kit.com/    Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/  

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Kit founder Nathan Barry to unpack the real relationship between money, impact, leverage, and fulfillment. We talk openly about wealth in a way most people never do, especially in professional services and high performing careers where conversations about money can still feel taboo. Nathan shares why he believes money is simply a tool, how value creation leads to wealth, and why building an audience may be one of the greatest leverage opportunities available today. We also dive deep into Nathan's upcoming book Ladders of Wealth and the framework behind it. He breaks down the four "ladders" people climb as they move from trading time for money to creating scalable products and equity driven wealth. Along the way, we explore the hidden skills behind making money, the importance of leverage and compounding, and how leaders can create systems that multiply impact over time. Nathan gets candid about his own financial journey, what motivates him now that he's achieved significant wealth, and how he's thinking about raising kids around work, ownership, and generational wealth. This conversation is packed with mindset shifts that completely change how you think about business, success, and the life you're building.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why Nathan believes money actually can buy happiness when used intentionally The hidden "micro skills" behind learning how to make money The four ladders people climb on the path to wealth creation How leverage quietly changes everything in business and life Why the highest earners often focus more on winning work than doing work The surprising role compounding plays in careers, relationships, and business growth How to think differently about equity, ownership, and long term wealth The mindset shift that helps leaders continue growing even after achieving success   If you want more conversations like this around growth, leadership, business development, and building a meaningful career, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your network. These conversations are designed to help you think bigger, create more impact, and build a life that compounds in every direction.   Resources Mentioned: Get into Nathan's World: NathanBarry.com  You Only Need This To Become Rich (Millionaire Explains) | 119: https://nathanbarry.com/you-only-need-this-to-become-rich-millionaire-explains-119/  Kit: https://kit.com/    Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/  

What if you could sit across from 10 of the most successful entrepreneurs alive, ask them one money question, and actually get a straight answer? No fluff, no sales pitch, just the real stuff. That's exactly what I did, and honestly, what came out of it might change the way you think about money forever. This episode is a mashup of some of the most powerful financial wisdom I've ever collected on The Happy Hustle Podcast. Over time, I asked 10 incredible guests two simple questions. What does happy hustling mean to you? And what's your best money hack? We're talking Dr. Myron Golden, John Lee Dumas, Dan Martell, Rory Vaden, Danette May, Garrett Gunderson, Nathan Barry, Kris Krohn, Pat Flynn, and Kiana Danial. Nine figure founders, New York Times bestselling authors, Hall of Fame speakers, and real estate moguls. I pulled all their answers together, distilled them down, and found something I honestly didn't even expect to find. Three clear money patterns that every single one of them follows. Whether you're still grinding through your first income stream or you're already running a business and wondering why the wealth still feels out of reach, this one is going to hit different. The first big lesson that kept showing up was this: stop trading time for money. My brother Myron Golden put it simply. Price your offer by the value of the result, not the hours it takes. Dan Martell added another layer with his buyback rate concept. Figure out what your time is worth per hour, then ruthlessly outsource everything below that number. CKris Krohn brought it home with real estate, reminding us that renters fund landlords and employees fund employers. The point? Your income needs to be detached from your hours. That's the whole game. The second lesson is build once and earn forever. Pat Flynn, Nathan Barry, Rory Vaden, and my girl Danette May all circled around this same idea in their own way. Build an audience. Build a flywheel. Build a personal brand with your reputation as the foundation. Danette laid it out beautifully. One book becomes a course, becomes a coaching program, becomes a product line. Your story is the asset woven through all of it. And as Rory said, reputation precedes revenue. In a world where AI can replicate almost any skill, your name and your story are the one thing that can't be copied. The third lesson is that cash flow is king and identity is queen. Garrett Gunderson said it clearly. Cash flow beats net worth. Invest in assets that pay you monthly. Kiana Danial backed this up with a deceptively simple move, dollar cost averaging into the market every single month without fail. The reason most people aren't building wealth isn't a lack of access. It's a lack of consistency. Buy, hold, repeat. Here's what I want you to walk away with. Five moves you can make right now. Calculate your buyback rate, which is your annual income divided by roughly 2000 hours, then stop spending time on anything below that number. Reprice at least one offer based on the value it delivers, not the hours it took you. Add one cash flowing asset this quarter, whether that's real estate, dividend stocks, or a digital product. Pick one platform, show up weekly for 90 days straight, no exceptions, and start building that audience flywheel. And start dollar cost averaging today, even if it's just a hundred bucks a month into an index fund. The automation takes the emotion out of it completely. This episode is short on theory and long on action. If you're serious about financial freedom and you want to hear the full wisdom from each of these incredible conversations, go listen to the full episode right now at https://caryjack.com/podcastin/. Now get out there and happy hustle. Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a copy of his new book, https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course @ https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/ Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure @ https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/ “It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode Sponsors: If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all night If you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at https://www.bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF. =================================================================== My Green Mattress If you've been waking up with back pain, feeling stiff, or just not getting that deep, quality sleep. This might be what you're missing: My Green Mattress. It's made with clean, non-toxic, and eco-friendly materials, so you're not just sleeping better, you're sleeping healthier too. The comfort and support are on another level, and you can really feel the difference night after night. 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What does it take to truly master book marketing and author growth in today's crowded landscape? Nathan Barry and James Clear co-hosted an exclusive mastermind bringing together 16 of the world's top non-fiction authors in Nashville. This episode pulls back the curtain on the cutting-edge strategies discussed: from leveraging Instagram trial reels for new audiences, to the surprising power of paid "tiny offers" over free lead magnets, and even the meticulous, 80-hour prep work behind viral podcast appearances. Discover how these literary titans are staying ahead, the unscalable tactics that drive massive success, and the mindset required to play at the highest levels of the author game.Timestamps:00:00 Intro: Book Marketing Secrets from Top Authors04:50 Unscalable Tactics for Book Launches08:26 The Power of "Tiny Offers" Over Lead Magnets11:58 Instagram Story Strategy: The Power of Three15:47 Leveraging Old Content for Viral Success19:07 Micro Podcast Tours for Book Promotion23:10 The Audiobook Debate: Does Listening Count as Reading?28:40 The 80-Hour Podcast Prep Phenomenon34:04 Authenticity vs. Meticulous Preparation in Content38:30 AI Checkpoints for Authentic Content Creation41:00 Scaling Speaking Fees Strategically45:30 Madeline Macintosh: CEO of Authors Equity49:00 Email Marketing and the Kit Flywheel for Book Sales52:45 Leveraging Local Indie Bookstores for Sales56:10 The Grind Behind Every Bestseller1:01:00 Building Your Own Mastermind Community1:06:50 The Power of Creating Your Own RoomIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Haley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-janicekFollow Chelsea:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseahahnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseainboiseFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comUnreasonable Hospitality: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.comAtomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsThe Five Types of Wealth: https://sahilbloom.com/5-types-of-wealthDiary of a CEO: https://www.stevenbartlett.com/podcastAuthors Equity: https://www.authorsequity.comSouthall Farm: https://www.southalltn.comA Gentleman in Moscow: https://www.amor-towler.com/a-gentleman-in-moscow

Uncovering how 'From Boise' evolved from a passion project rooted in community to a thriving six-figure business, Nathan Barry sits down with Marissa Lovell. Marissa shares the unique content strategy and innovative monetization experiments that fueled its growth, highlighting how deep community connections propelled its success in the local media landscape.Discover how 'From Boise' sets itself apart by championing positive local stories and community engagement, demonstrating the powerful impact of authenticity and experimentation in building a successful creator business.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: From Kit to From Boise04:15 The Origin Story: Why a Local Newsletter?09:40 Subscriber Milestones: 24,000+ Strong17:15 The From Boise Dinner Club: From Idea to Sold Out Success21:55 Craft & Commerce: A Note from Nathan23:20 Experimentation as a Core Philosophy27:00 Spotlighting Boise's Creative and Entrepreneurial Spirit32:50 The Business Arc: From Hobby to Six Figures38:25 Audience Questions: Content Curation46:30 The Art of Curation and Personal TouchIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Marissa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/from.boiseWebsite: https://www.fromboise.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/withlovefromboisePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6I7HKhg8nj5tiNJhssnYRqTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@from.boiseFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comFrom Boise: https://www.fromboise.comCraft & Commerce Conference: https://kit.com/conferenceRick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being: https://www.rickrubin.com/the-creative-actAnn Helen Peterson's Newsletter: https://annehelen.substack.comBoise Dev: https://boisedev.comTreefort Music Fest: https://www.treefortmusicfest.comIdaho Film Society: https://idahofilmsociety.orgSeth Godin: https://sethgodin.comHighlights:04:15 The Start of From Boise: An Experiment in Local Media14:10 Building Community: The Difference Between an Audience and a Crowd22:04 Diverse Monetization: From Sponsorships to Discount Cards28:00 News vs. Community Stories: A Unique Content Strategy32:50 The Business Side: Crossing Six Figures with a Local Newsletter

How do you actually become a successful long-term creator? Chase Reeves, a multi-talented creator ranging from musician to designer to coach, joins Nathan Barry to explore the unexpected ingredients for long-term success. Chase unpacks his unique journey, from pirated Photoshop to crafting captivating content, revealing how developing "taste" isn't just about technical skills, but a deep, soulful curiosity. This episode takes a dive into the critical balance between external validation and internal drive, why "actual" people connect with authenticity, and how embracing a little chaos might just be the secret sauce for innovation and genuine impact. Get ready to rethink how you approach your craft and cultivate a career that truly resonates.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:18 Intentionality and the exploration of feeling05:37 How Chase developed taste and his approach to making things09:24 The internet rewards performance, not integration12:54 How to sustain long-term growth and avoid burnout16:53 Connecting with your audience and understanding their needs20:47 Being playful and holding things loosely24:00 How small groups and men's work create healing through witness27:31 The cure for addiction is intimacy31:05 The difference between feeling good and being good34:10 The role of curiosity in building taste37:25 How to make a living while pursuing creative passions41:40 The power of saying "no" to opportunities44:25 Why creators need to protect their mental health47:20 Finding your unique voice in a crowded world50:10 Building a sustainable creative practice01:10:02 Embracing discomfort as a path to innovation01:20:30 Final thoughts on being a successful long-term creatorIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.comFollow Chase:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasewreevesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasereevesWebsite: https://chasereeves.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasereevesFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comTroubadour: https://www.troubadourgoods.comRedwood Outdoor Sauna: https://www.redwoodoutdoors.com/Cold Plunge: https://thecoldplunge.com/Wandered: https://www.wandrd.com/Pact: https://pact.com/Studio Neat: https://www.studioneat.com/Highlights:01:51 – Musicians to content creators is an underused path06:26 – Your nervous system matters in business09:03 – Taste is higher than capabilities in the beginning12:00 – Make something that's an exact copy15:18 – Deep sense of insecurity fuels learning19:50 – The internet rewards performance, not integration27:31 – The cure for addiction is intimacy 

What does it really take to build a great product? In this episode, Wes Bush talks with Nathan Barry, CEO of Kit, about how they've built a product-led business doing $40M+ in revenue. Nathan shares why staying close to customers matters so much, how Kit builds empathy across the team, and why the best product insights often come from watching users, not just collecting requests. They also get into what makes a product feel great to use, how Kit reduces friction with session recordings and gradual rollouts, and why free plans can be a smart long-term growth move. If you're building a product-led company, this episode is full of practical lessons on product quality, customer understanding, and playing the long game. Key Highlights: 0:54 - Kit's transparency as a growth lever02:26 - The successful product flywheel02:37 - Why analytics only tell part of the story06:29 - How Kit builds empathy across the team12:58 - What “best product” really means14:04 - Designing speed and polish users can feel18:29 - Building a culture that cares about quality23:08 - Reducing friction with data and rollouts30:19 - Free plans, moats, and long-term growth Resources: Kit: https://kit.comConnect with Nathan Barry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry/

What does it take to grow a SaaS business from $1 million to $5 million annual recurring revenue when your revenue has plateaued? Michael Sliwinski, founder of the productivity app Nozbe, joins Nathan Barry to diagnose the core issues his business faces and map out a clear path forward. Michael, who flew all the way from Europe for this conversation, dives into the challenges of competing in a crowded market, the impact of a product rebuild, and the search for a compelling new positioning. This episode is a masterclass in auditing your business, identifying roadblocks, and strategizing for breakthrough growth, especially for founders navigating a competitive landscape and aiming for their next big milestone.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:05 Michael's journey to Nozbe02:51 From side hustle to $1 million ARR04:47 The Japan growth explosion06:17 Rebuilding Nozbe from scratch10:14 Competing with industry giants12:58 Breaking down business metrics and building blocks19:07 Understanding max MRR and the S-curve22:42 The flatlining awareness and traffic25:02 Expansion and multi-seat customers29:43 Legacy customers on the old vs. new Nozbe30:52 Strong customer retention and low churn37:25 Key metrics and dashboard visibility39:46 Accountability through weekly revenue meetings42:07 The effectiveness of current content strategies46:27 Partnership success with a productivity consultant51:09 Direct sales for partners53:01 Reframing positioning for growth56:19 The core promise of Nozbe: The tool teams actually use59:43 The "boulder pushing" analogy1:02:18 Strategy for identifying and incentivizing new partners1:11:34 Tapping into true fans for new partner leads1:14:57 Michael's reflections and next stepsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com/?utm_campaign=29661554-nathan_barry_show&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=nathanbarryshow&utm_content=youtube_descriptionFollow Michael:X: https://twitter.com/msliwinskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsliwinskiMastodon: https://social.nozbe.com/@michaelNozbe: https://nozbe.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comNozbe: https://nozbe.comHighlights:02:17 – ZDNet feature blew up Nozbe05:13 – iPad app success in Japan09:27 – Impact and the $5M goal11:54 – Customer loyalty despite competitors22:15 – Demo meetings and their conversion rates32:27 – Customers prepaid until 204057:33 – Why simpler is better for teams

What does it truly take to operate at the pinnacle of human performance? Justin Su'a, a leading expert in performance psychology, joins Nathan Barry to reveal the mindset shifts and practical tactics employed by professional athletes, elite military units, and top-tier companies like Google and Lululemon. From confronting challenging leaders to navigating the intense pressure of the World Series, Justin shares invaluable lessons on embracing obstacles, seeking critical feedback, and building relationships strong enough to withstand even the harshest truths. If you're striving for excellence, looking to lead more effectively, or simply want to learn how the best in the world maintain their edge, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:18 Challenging a Military Leader's Perspective05:14 Asking Questions Instead of Giving Answers06:21 Difficult Feedback in Professional Sports09:05 Addressing Lack of Self-Awareness12:51 The "It's Not Sufficient" Principle15:19 Tuckman's Law of Team Development19:03 Navigating VUCA Environments20:00 Building Truth-Bearing Relationships24:37 Scoring Relationship Strength26:01 The Pressure of Sustained Success34:25 Seeking Critical Feedback from Compliments37:25 Soliciting Feedback from Your Team39:07 The Dangers of Untruthful Inner Circles42:15 Positive Sum vs. Zero Sum Games46:17 Mental Rumble Strips to Manage Pressure52:03 Crafting Effective Communication for Teams57:12 Leading by Example with Vulnerability1:02:19 Reinventing as a High Performer1:06:50 Justin's Journey into Content CreationIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://kit.com/?utm_campaign=29661554-nathan_barry_show&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=nathanbarryshow&utm_content=youtube_descriptionFollow Justin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinsuaX: https://x.com/JustinsuaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.suaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsuaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinSuaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinsuaWebsite: https://pagpros.com/meet-the-founderNewsletter: https://pagpros.kit.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comThe Performance Advisory Group: https://pagpros.com

Ever wondered how some businesses skyrocket to success while others seem to spin their wheels endlessly? In our latest episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, we dive deep into the world of flywheels with Nathan Barry, the mastermind behind ConvertKit. With a SaaS empire generating over $40 million per year, Nathan spills the beans on how he keeps the wheels turning smoothly in his business and how you can do the same.Nathan is not just your typical entrepreneur; he's a designer, writer, podcaster, father, husband, soon-to-be airplane pilot, and of course, a Happy Hustler.Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Nathan's tangible tactical flywheels that can revolutionize the way you approach your business tasks. From creating momentum to leveraging specific strategies, Nathan breaks down the four laws of flywheels.Discover how these principles can skyrocket your business growth and streamline your operations. Plus, learn about revenue and reach flywheels, the importance of focus, and posture in entrepreneurship, and actionable steps for creating a referral flywheel.Tune in to the episode now and let Nathan guide you through the transformative power of flywheels. In this episode, you will learn: 03:15 Understanding Flywheels11:18 The Four Laws of Flywheels25:49 Creating a Referral Flywheel29:24 Conclusion and Action Steps32:45 The Importance of Posture in Entrepreneurship35:01 The Posture in Sales and Recruiting37:20 Building a Successful SaaS Company38:15 The Challenges of SaaS and the Skills Needed43:08 The Long Game in Building a SaaS Company46:07 Happy Hustle Hacks: Health, Money, and Spirituality53:27 Rapid Fire RoundWhat does Happy Hustlin mean to you?Nathan says I think it's just working on interesting problems with interesting people.Connect with NathanInstagramFacebookLinkedinXYoutubeFind Nathan on his websites:https://convertkit.com/https://nathanbarry.com/ Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/cary__jack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured “It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode sponsor BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough (https://magbreakthrough.com/vip?gl=65132c943f5d60f00f8b4567&coupon=hustle)This stuff is a game-changer! Magnesium Breakthrough packs all 7 forms of magnesium, designed to support stress management, promote muscle relaxation, regulate the nervous system, control stress hormones, boost brain function, increase energy, and enhance sleep.I take 2 capsules before bedtime, and it's been a game-changer for me. The best part is, BIOptimizers offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee. No results, no problem – they'll refund you, no questions asked. It's a win-win!Head over to magnesiumbreakthrough.com/hustle and use code "hustle" for an exclusive 10% discount on any order. Plus, for a limited time, you'll score some special gifts with your purchase.

Nathan Barry went from working at Wendy's to running a software company doing $2.5M in revenue every month. But there were several steps along the way — and those steps are the topic of today's episode. In 2019, Nathan penned The Ladders of Wealth Creation to explain why to level up your earning power, you usually need to level up your skills. In this episode, we cover: The 4 Ladders of Wealth Creation How you may be able to add new income streams to an existing side hustle or business A marketing strategy that's working well for Nathan right now Full Show Notes: The Ladders of Wealth Creation: A Step-by-Step System to Up Your Earning Power New to the Show? Get your personalized money-making playlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mint Mobile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Indeed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Start hiring NOW with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quo (formerly OpenPhone)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Get 20% off of your first 6 months! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Sign up for a $1 per month trial! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Policygenius⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save. About The Side Hustle Show This is the entrepreneurship podcast you can actually apply! The award-winning small business show covers the best side hustles and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠side hustle ideas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We share how to start a business and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠make money online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offline, including online business, side gigs, freelancing, marketing, sales funnels, investing, and much more. Join 100,000+ listeners and get legit business ideas and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠passive income⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ strategies straight to your earbuds. No BS, just actionable tips on how to start and grow your side hustle. Hosted by Nick Loper of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Side Hustle Nation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Most businesses guard their intellectual property like it's Fort Knox. They lock their frameworks behind paywalls, gate their methodologies, and keep their best insights for paying clients only. We're doing the exact opposite - and it's actually better for business. In this episode, Wes reveals why ProductLed invested $150,000 to create The Product-Led Playbook and then decided to give it away completely free. He breaks down the counterintuitive business strategy behind democratizing product-led growth knowledge and why sharing your best IP actually attracts better clients. Key Highlights: 01:04: Why all ProductLed books are free (and always have been)02:09: Turning down publishers 02:50: The $150,000 investment and 16 iterations it took03:10: Why guarding knowledge is actually stupid for business03:53: Democratizing PLG - it's a skill anyone can learn04:39: How free content attracts doers who've already made hundreds of thousands05:28: Using free books to align entire teams on PLG strategy06:37: Why sharing makes onboarding company-wide adoption effortless06:56: The long-term mission - making ProductLed the de facto SaaS scaling system07:40: Why product-led companies can out-give anyone in their market08:29: What's inside - the same frameworks clients pay $30K+/month for08:51: The three core outcomes you'll unlock with the system09:19: Testimonials from Nathan Barry, Esben (Userflow), and G (Empire)

I chat with Craig Hewitt , founder of Castos. We talk about his journey from running a podcast editing agency to building a SaaS hosting platform. We cover the challenges of bootstrapping, raising funds, and going international. Craig shares how he uses distribution channels, how AI affects small teams, and what it's like to scale in a niche market. We end with advice for indie founders on picking business models, taking risks, and keeping up with tech changes.My twitter: https://x.com/wbetiagoAbout Craig HewittTwitter: https://x.com/TheCraigHewittPodcast: https://roguestartups.com/Timestamps by PodsqueezeGreg's Background and Starting Podcast Motor (00:01:02)Getting First Clients and Sales Approach (00:06:29)US vs. Europe: Customer Acquisition Differences (00:08:25)Localization and Multi-Currency Pricing (00:13:18)Transition from Agency to SaaS: Castus (00:16:30)Distribution Channels and Product Positioning (00:19:06)Impact of AI on Team and Product Development (00:25:28)Bootstrapping vs. Raising Money: Tiny Seed Experience (00:30:25)Agency vs. SaaS: Which to Start First? (00:31:33)Tiny Seed Accelerator: Value and Learnings (00:35:55)Distribution, Churn, and Growth Challenges (00:38:56)Balancing Family, Agency, SaaS, and Accelerator (00:41:05)Using Investment to Scale and the Realities of Raising Money (00:44:05)Investor Returns and Exit Expectations (00:51:19)Podcasting Market Realities and Churn (00:54:10)Pricing, Retention, and Content Marketing Plateau (00:57:23)What to Do When Growth Plateaus (01:00:59)AI's Impact on SaaS and the Economy (01:10:21)US vs. Europe: Entrepreneurial Mindset Differences (01:14:53)Conclusion and Where to Find Greg (01:17:58)Links and MentionsTools and Websites"Castos": "00:01:02""Podcast Motor": "00:01:02""Audacity": "00:05:40""Ecom from Skype": "00:05:40""Blueberry": "00:05:50""Buzzsprout": "00:05:50""Seriously Simple Podcasting": "00:17:36""HubSpot": "00:19:14""Cursor": "00:15:11""Zencastr": "00:22:33""Zoom": "00:22:33""Figma": "00:24:26""Cursor": "00:27:41""TinySeed": "00:30:25""11 Labs": "00:26:30""Claude": "00:26:30""Marnus": "00:26:30""TinySeed": "00:48:33""WordPress": "00:51:19""Podsqueeze": "00:54:10""Apple Podcast Connect": "00:55:13""Rogue Startups": "01:17:58"Books"Steal Like an Artist": "00:19:31"Videos and Podcasts"Nathan Barry's Podcast": "01:08:40"

In this episode, I sit down with Haley from the Kit team, to answer audience questions about building creator businesses, growing newsletters, and scaling software companies.We cover everything from how to find a solo SaaS idea as a non-technical founder, to mapping out a creator business from scratch, to scaling newsletters and identifying blue ocean opportunities. Haley also brings her behind-the-scenes perspective from working with creators at Kit.If you want a practical look at audience growth, business models, and the future of creator tools, this episode has it all.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:08 Finding SaaS ideas as a non-technical founder07:36 Mapping out a creator business from scratch18:25 Building a music career today vs streaming revenue22:58 The power of storytelling and setting public goals29:18 Newsletter growth strategies and creator pods35:54 Identifying blue oceans in crowded markets41:58 Gathering customer feedback the right way48:32 Choosing the right early hires in today's AI-driven world50:46 Biggest strategic mistakes and lessons learned01:03:40 Wrap-up and reflectionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comFollow Haley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-janicekX: https://x.com/haleyjanicekFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comCreator Network: https://kit.com/creator-networkCraft + Commerce: https://kit.com/conference

When the 2008 financial crisis nearly wiped out his freelance web design business, Nathan Barry began creating and selling digital products in search of more sustainable income. As his audience grew, he became frustrated with email tools that didn't cater to creators like him. This frustration led to the creation of Kit, an email platform with over $40 million in annual revenue, designed specifically for creator entrepreneurs. In this episode, Nathan reveals the ladders of wealth creation, his proven email marketing strategies, and the secret to scaling a creator-led business. In this episode, Hala and Nathan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:47) His Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots (10:49) From Freelancing to Building a Startup (16:17) The Birth of Kit: Creating an Email Marketing Platform (21:59) Creator Entrepreneurship and the Flywheel Effect (35:17) The Four Ladders of Wealth Creation (48:16) The Power of Teaching Everything You Know (54:13) Bootstrapping Kit to a $40M+ Business (1:05:16) AI and the Future of the Creator Economy Nathan Barry is the founder and CEO of Kit, an email marketing platform serving over 63,000 creators, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, including Tim Ferriss, James Clear, and Andrew Huberman. He is an author, speaker, designer, and host of The Nathan Barry Show. Known for his transparent approach to entrepreneurship, Nathan is a leading voice in the creator economy. Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting Airbnb - Find a co-host at airbnb.com/host  Mercury - Streamline your banking and finances in one place. Learn more at ⁠⁠mercury.com/profiting⁠⁠  Policy Genius - Secure your family's future with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com/profiting  Framer - Launch your site for free at Framer.com, and use code PROFITING Resources Mentioned: Nathan's Website: kit.com Nathan's Book, The App Design Handbook: bit.ly/TheAppDesign  Nathan's Book, Designing Web Applications: bit.ly/DesigningWeb  Nathan's Podcast, The Nathan Barry Show: bit.ly/TNBS-apple  The Almanac of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson: bit.ly/AlmanacRavikant  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Now on Spotify Video! Podcasting is a powerful tool in modern marketing, yet most creator-entrepreneurs overlook this content marketing goldmine. But not Hala Taha. She turned her podcast, Young and Profiting, into a revenue-generating asset, scaling her business from zero to seven figures. Today, she runs YAP Media, a leading podcast, social media, and LinkedIn marketing agency that helps over 35 top creators scale and monetize their shows. In this episode, Hala joins Nathan Barry to share her proven online marketing strategies, how she secures premium brand sponsorships, and how to leverage podcasting for business growth. In this episode, Hala will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:09) Podcast Advertising and Sponsorship Strategies (05:34) Why YAP Media's Podcast Network Is Unique (11:05) How to Package and Sell Creative Campaigns  (16:57) Leveraging LinkedIn for Podcasting Success (29:54) Guest Networking as a Business Strategy (35:25) Proven Strategies for Scaling Podcast Revenue  (41:34) Paid Interviews as a Marketing Strategy(47:33) SEO and Marketing Tips for Podcast Growth (1:02:10) Monetizing Your Podcast at Any Audience Size Hala Taha is the host of Young and Profiting, a top 10 business and entrepreneurship podcast on Apple and Spotify. She's the founder and CEO of YAP Media, an award-winning social media and podcast agency, as well as the YAP Media Network, where she helps renowned podcasters like Jenna Kutcher, Neil Patel, and Russell Brunson grow and monetize their shows. With her business on track to hit eight figures in 2025, Hala stands out as a leading creator-entrepreneur. Sponsored By: Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting. Airbnb - Find a co-host at airbnb.com/host Boulevard - Get 10% off your first year at joinblvd.com/profiting when you book a demo Resources Mentioned: Hala's Podcast, Young and Profiting: bit.ly/_YAP-apple  Hala's Agency, YAP Media: yapmedia.com    The Nathan Barry Show by Nathan Barry: bit.ly/TNBS-apple  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, E-commerce, Instagram, Digital Marketing, Content Creator, Storytelling, Social Media Marketing, Communication, Video Marketing, Social Proof, Marketing Trends, Influencers, Influencer Marketing, Digital Trends, Marketing Podcast

BEST OF How does an entrepreneur go from being told to shut down their business to building a software company worth over $200 million and serving over 50,000 creators? In this episode of How I Work, Nathan Barry, founder and CEO of ConvertKit, shares his incredible journey and the counterintuitive strategies that propelled his success. In this episode, we discuss: Nathan’s annual life review ritual: We delve into how he not only assesses business opportunities but also tracks his adventures, home life updates, fitness endeavours, and personal goals. The turning point: Just 18 months into launching ConvertKit, a friend advised him to shut it down. Discover the pivotal questions Nathan asked himself and the framework he used to make that crucial decision. Nathan shares his transformative experience of writing 1000 words a day for 600 consecutive days and how this habit has evolved over time. What on earth are flywheels? We unravel this concept and discuss how Nathan applied it to the sales process at ConvertKit. The importance of team building and its ripple effects on business success. Tune in to discover more about Nathan’s incredible journey, or catch his documentary (which he reluctantly filmed!) on YouTube. Don’t forget to visit his website: nathanbarry.com, where you can sign up for his weekly newsletter or tune in to his podcast, “Billion Dollar Creator.” My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits:Host: Amantha ImberSound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Krystal a Text Message.The magnetic pull of being in rooms with inspiring people can transform your creative journey. After recording in Nathan Barry's podcast studio in Boise during Craft and Commerce, I reflected on how proximity to motivated creators fuels success.This year's Kit event highlighted how connections formed at conferences evolve into impactful relationships for your business. Whether it was receiving a warm hug from author Jay Papasan or witnessing creators make significant strides, these moments reinforce the value of investing in community.While attending conferences can be a financial commitment, the relationships you build, the insights you gain, and the motivation you feel make it worthwhile. If you're hesitant about stepping into an uncomfortable situation, consider this your sign to take the leap. As we celebrate seven years of The Proffitt Podcast, I'm thrilled to introduce our rebranded Consistent Creators Club, designed to help content creators stay consistent. Join us for free at krystalproffitt.com/join and see how the right community can transform your creative journey. What room will you step into next that might change everything?Click the "Send Krystal a Text Message" link above to send us your questions, comments, and feedback on the show! (Pssst...we'll do giveaways in upcoming episodes so make sure you leave your name & podcast title.)Support the show

Crafting a brand with meaning and scaling a business with Shen Chen from Just One Cookbook. ----- Welcome to episode 517 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Shen Chen, who jointly runs the English-language Japanese food blog Just One Cookbook with his wife Nami.  Preserving Tradition While Scaling a Modern Business with Shen Chen from Just One Cookbook This week on the podcast, Bjork sits down with Shen Chen — one-half of the powerhouse duo behind Just One Cookbook. Shen shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a humble food blog grew into a multifaceted business, spanning YouTube, e-commerce, and digital memberships. He talks about the impact of shifting traffic trends, how COVID–19 changed the game, and why sometimes a business pivot isn't just smart—it's necessary. Shen also opens up about his newest venture: a brand inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and cultural preservation. From navigating the complexities of physical products to using social media and SEO to fuel organic growth, this episode is packed with practical tips and thoughtful insights for anyone looking to build a meaningful, resilient business. You won't want to miss this episode! Three episode takeaways: From Food Blog to Full-Fledged Business: Shen shares how Just One Cookbook evolved beyond recipes, expanding into YouTube, e-commerce, and community-building. You'll also hear him talk about how external factors like COVID–19 forced a shift in strategy, leading to new ventures and unexpected growth.  Crafting a Brand with Meaning: Discover how Shen's passion for Japanese craftsmanship sparked a new business rooted in tradition. He unpacks the power of appreciating quality, preserving cultural heritage, and building a product line that tells a deeper story. What It Really Takes to Scale a Business: From social media strategy to SEO, from paid ads to packaging logistics — Shen gives us a peek behind the curtain at the not-so-glamorous, but essential, parts of running a physical goods business. Spoiler: it's a lot, but totally worth it! Resources: Just One Cookbook Tasty Food Photography by Lindsay Ostrom 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly Member Mouse Interested in learning more about setting up a donor-advised fund? Shoot Bjork an email here! Shopify Episode 481 of The Food Blogger Pro podcast: Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List with Nathan Barry from Kit The Billion Dollar Creator Podcast, hosted by Nathan Barry and Rachel Rodgers Stainless Steel Prep Trays - JOC Goods JOC PLUS Membership JOC Goods — the Just One Cookbook store Follow Just One Cookbook and JOC Goodson Instagram Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.  

What do you do when a dream podcast opportunity comes knocking… and the universe throws every travel disaster at you to stop it?In this week's episode of On Your Terms®, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes (and in-the-air) chaos that nearly kept me from being interviewed by Nathan Barry on the Nathan Barry Show. From flight fiascos and airport sprints to finally stepping inside Kit's new Chicago studio—this episode is part travel diary, part entrepreneur pep talk.If you've ever wondered what it's like to do press while launching a book, or just love a good behind-the-scenes adventure with a few marketing and mindset nuggets sprinkled in, this one's for you.In this episode, you'll hear…The wild travel journey that almost made me miss my biggest podcast interview yetWhat it's like inside Kit's brand-new Chicago studio (it's next-level!)How I stay productive and grounded even when things go off the railsMy thoughts on what top-tier podcast producers do differently—and what we can learn from themA sneak peek at how I'm marketing my new book and building an audience beyond social mediaClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Order my book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy: A Practical No-BS Guide to Successful Online EntrepreneurshipWatch this episode on YouTubeCheck out my episode with Nathan on the Nathan Barry Show CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMER

Feeling stuck on how to build your personal brand without hiring a designer or doing a full rebrand? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down the concept of a Minimum Viable Brand—inspired by a powerful talk from ConvertKit founder Nathan Barry. Whether you're just getting started or pivoting into a new season, this simple 3-step framework will help you build clarity, confidence, and consistency as you show up in your business.Key Takeaways:Why your personal brand matters more than your logo or color paletteThe power of showing up with your name, face, and voiceHow to choose one platform to start creating content (without the overwhelm)Why people trust people—not polished brandsA simple action step you can take this week to start building your brand

Rebroadcast note: With everything happening in the world right now, we're taking a quick break from our miniseries to reshare this episode about layoffs. Because sometimes large layoffs are necessary, but they shouldn't be the norm and those being let go should still be treated like humans, rather than a line on a spreadsheet. If you listened the first time around, share this episode with someone in your network who might need it (especially if they're a government employee

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory  In this "Lessons" episode, Nathan Barry, founder and CEO of ConvertKit, shares the four key mantras that fueled his journey from author to software entrepreneur. He explains how teaching everything builds credibility and drives continuous learning, why creating every day and working in public not only sharpens your skills but also forges deep connections, and how defaulting to generosity unlocks lasting success by transforming every challenge into an opportunity to grow. ➡️ Show Linkshttps://successstorypodcast.com  YouTube: https://youtu.be/v-xAQXohY5IApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nathan-barry-founder-and-ceo-at-convertkit-the-secret/id1484783544Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lM4QCRHCxI4Yne8KLjRX5 ➡️ Watch the Podcast On YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

List-Building Tactics For Email Growth So how do Tim Ferriss and James Clear do it? How do they get millions of people on their email lists and, most importantly, how do they keep people subscribed? I believe a small email list of engaged subscribers and active buyers outweighs a large email list any day, but we have a lot to learn from these two men's strategies. Listen to this episode to hear which of their tactics I'm going to be using to grow my own email list this year. A $40M Business Owner Reverts to a $5/hour Strategy for His Success   The truth is, you don't need large numbers of subscribers like Ferriss and Clear to succeed. The lists cultivated with high-touch strategies may be "small" in comparison to millions, but the engagement of the subscribers produces incomparable results. Learn the exact direct sales flywheel strategy of Nathan Barry and how his manual efforts produced undeniable success even in this automated AI world. Let's Talk Tactics Building your email list will not happen overnight, and it certainly does not end with putting a subscribe button on your website. In this episode, I share my plan for growing my email list this year and how I plan to keep my subscribers engaged. You'd be surprised to learn the value you need in order to grow could be something you've already created. Stay to the end for some great ideas for freebies to offer, as well as my favorite way to impact engagement with my top readers. Don't let your email list stay stagnant for another year! Create your lead magnet and make your content so valuable for your subscribers that they never want to leave your list.  What's In This Episode Mailing list maintenance and engagement The $5 an hour strategy inspired by Nathan Barry Personal touch in content creation for stronger relationships Ensuring consistency and reliability in communication List-building strategies    What To Do Next Visit lisalarter.com/e177 for all resources from this episode.

Launching a cookie starter kit product, growing a TikTok following to 3 million followers, and networking with Dana Hasson.   ----- Welcome to episode 499 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Dana Hasson, an entrepreneur, content creator, self-taught baker, and founder of Homemade Ish. Leveraging 3 Million TikTok Followers to Launch a Product Dana Hasson has spent the last decade building her business — reaching over 3 million followers on TikTok and launching her first physical product, Homemade Ish Cookie Starter Kits. In this interview, Dana explains how (and why) she transitioned from beauty and fashion content to food content and how she balanced networking and creating in the early days of building her brand. Bjork and Dana also discuss the process of launching a physical product, including how she is pairing the brand with her existing content and leveraging her huge social media following. Three episode takeaways: Why consistency is the secret to success on social media — Dana shares more about how she grew her TikTok following to over 3 million followers and explains why she thinks posting consistently (5x/day, every single day, for over a year!) was the key to her success. How to launch a physical product — Dana recently launched Homemade Ish, her line of Starter Cookie Kits. Learn how she built her team behind the product, developed a scalable recipe for her cookies (hint: it requires a food scientist!), and everything else you need to consider when developing a product. The importance of a season of quiet hustle — Dana shares more about the early days of building her brand, when she focused on learning, networking, and understanding the industry — as she first started posting on social media. Resources: Dana's website Homemade Ish Chiara Ferragni Addison Rae How Faith Christensen Grew Her TikTok and Instagram Platforms to 2.5 Million Followers Good Girl Snacks Kit Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List with Nathan Barry from Kit Follow Dana on Instagram and TikTok Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Siftr and Memberful. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership

In this episode, keynote speaker and marketing strategist Clay Hebert shares his approach to crafting the perfect introduction.Clay breaks down why traditional elevator pitches fall short and introduces his 'verb-their-noun' formula to help you create clear, engaging, and memorable intros that foster real connections.Listen in to discover practical storytelling techniques, avoid common pitfalls, and transform how you present yourself and your business.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:58 Top Mistakes to Avoid in Your Introductions02:44 3 Common Myths About Introductions Debunked02:56 Myth 1: Why Introductions Shouldn't Be About You03:24 Myth 2: Why "Completeness" Hurts Your Intro04:16 Myth 3: The Problem with Prioritizing Accuracy in Intros05:19 How to Create Human Connection in Your Introductions08:06 The Ultimate Formula for Crafting a Perfect Introduction11:50 The Verb-Their-Noun Formula for Strong Introductions16:09 How to Avoid Buzzwords and Tell Simple, Impactful Stories20:52 How to Use Intrigue to Capture Attention in Your Intro28:37 Why Clarity Is the Key to Effective Communication31:14 Using Analogies to Make Your Introductions Clearer32:05 How to Make Your Intro Referable and Shareable34:19 How to Craft Transformation-Based Introductions That Engage35:46 How to Make Your Introduction Short, Memorable, and Impactful42:03 The Power of Storytelling in Making Memorable Intros44:03 How Customer Success Stories Can Improve Your Introduction50:04 Scalability of Effective Intros54:42 Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.Learn more about The Nathan Barry Show: https://nathanbarry.com/show/ Follow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry/ X: https://twitter.com/nathanbarry/ Website: https://nathanbarry.com/ Follow Clay:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clayhebert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayhebert/ X: https://twitter.com/clayhebert/ Website: https://clayhebert.com/ Featured in this episode:Clay Hebert: https://www.clayhebert.com/ Nathan Barry: https://www.nathanbarry.com/ Monster Energy: https://www.monsterenergy.com/ Liquid Death: https://www.liquiddeath.com/ Seth Godin: https://www.sethgodin.com/ Gary Vaynerchuk: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/ Jeff Spencer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffspencer/ Sean Stevenson: https://www.sleepsmarter.com/ Tim Grahl: https://timgrahl.com/ Kit: https://www.kit.com/ Craft & Commerce: https://conference.kit.com/ Donald Miller: https://www.donaldmiller.com/ Nisha Bora: https://rainbowplantlife.com/about/ Moo: https://www.moo.com/ Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ Quartz: https://www.qz.com/ Highlights:03:37 Why Intros Shouldn't Be Complete09:44 How to Increase Your Luck Surface Area in Business29:34 How Clarity Drives Higher Conversion Rates42:27 The Power of Strong Copywriting47:22 Kit's Example: Using Customer Transformation Stories

ConvertKit Founder and CEO Nathan Barry reveals how he harnessed the power of flywheels to skyrocket growth.Nathan shares:

“I think of the definition of a creator as someone who sets out to make original work, to educate, inspire, or entertain other people.”There are plenty of simple ways to grow as a speaker, but becoming a creator is one of the easiest ways to expand your speaking business and book more paid gigs!The term "creator" is used frequently (and sometimes negatively), but here's the reality: if you're a speaker, you are already creating content. The next step is to learn how to use and repurpose that content across multiple platforms and channels to grow your audience and build your brand.This week, we're chatting with someone who has helped millions of people create and share their content — Nathan Barry. Nathan is the creator of Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit), the world's largest email-first operating system for creators.Nathan is here to talk about how to build an audience through creating compelling and engaging content, as well as some practical tips on how to grow, automate, and segment your email list. Ultimately, building a content-driven speaking business can be a huge win for you and your speaking career, and Nathan is breaking down exactly how to do that.You'll learn:The difference (and value) of automation & segmentation.How owning an email audience can help land gigsWhy building an email list can only benefit youHow to cater your content to each individualWhy you still need to create an impressive demo videoWhy your interests matter to your audienceAnd so much more!“Don't try to do everything.”Episode Resources:Nathan's WebsiteKit's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm excited to share that Billion Dollar Creator is now The Nathan Barry Show.In this episode, I'll explain why I'm making this change and what you can look forward to in this new phase of the show.Thanks for listening, and I can't wait to see you in the next episode.Please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. I read every single one.Learn more about The Nathan Barry Show: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry/Twitter: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryWebsite: https://nathanbarry.com/

Nathan Barry, the creator behind ConvertKit (now rebranded as Kit) came to visit my Inner Circle and gave a very special presentation. Nathan's journey from a designer to building a software empire fascinated me. He originally tried to solve his frustrations with MailChimp and, in doing so, founded a business that today generates $45 million annually. In this episode, Nathan and I unpack the lessons he's learned from building and scaling ConvertKit to rebranding it into something bigger. He offers transparent insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, including the crucial moments when you have to either shut down or double down. Throughout the conversation, Nathan opens up about the turning points that shaped his business. From battling churn to leveraging direct sales in the early days, he shares how a relentless focus on product quality and customer experience laid the foundation for his success. He also discusses his decision to turn down a $200 million acquisition offer and the ripple effects it had on his executive team—proving that even the right decision can bring new challenges. Key Highlights: Shutting Down or Doubling Down: The pivotal question every entrepreneur faces when their business stalls. Fighting Churn: Strategies Nathan used to reduce churn, including shifting customers to annual plans. The Power of Direct Sales: Why doing things that don't scale—like concierge migrations—helped build momentum early on. Rebranding and SEO Challenges: How transitioning to kit.com presented unique hurdles and opportunities. The Importance of Execution: Why Nathan built a habit of writing 1,000 words a day for 600 days—and how it fueled his entrepreneurial success. This episode is literally packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating the ups and downs of scaling a business. Tune in to learn practical strategies for growing your audience, retaining customers, and staying focused on what matters most. Don't forget to check out this awesome deal from Mint Mobile! https://mintmobile.com/funnels And if you want to enjoy the Marketing Secrets Show ad-free, check out https://marketingsecrets.com/adfree Get 70% off on Welch Equities' retail price at wealthyconsultant.com/secrets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 268 "Is AI about to revolutionize storytelling forever?" Kipp dives into the groundbreaking potential of Google's NotebookLM and how it might reshape marketing strategies in 2024. Learn more about leveraging AI for creating engaging media, how engineers are becoming pivotal in marketing, and tips on automating content creation efficiently. Mentions Andrej Karpathy https://x.com/karpathy Histories of Mysteries podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3K4LRyMCP44kBbiOziwJjb?si=432a337c28f14d97&nd=1&dlsi=1e2cd9b320094415 NotebookLM https://notebooklm.google/ Ideogram https://ideogram.ai/ Claude https://claude.ai/ Nathan Barry https://x.com/nathanbarry Resource [Free] Steal our favorite AI Prompts featured on the show! Grab them here: https://clickhubspot.com/aip We're on Social Media! Follow us for everyday marketing wisdom straight to your feed YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGtXqPiNV8YC0GMUzY-EUFg  Twitter: https://twitter.com/matgpod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matgpod  Join our community https://landing.connect.com/matg Thank you for tuning into Marketing Against The Grain! Don't forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-against-the-grain/id1616700934   If you love this show, please leave us a 5-Star Review https://link.chtbl.com/h9_sjBKH and share your favorite episodes with friends. We really appreciate your support. Host Links: Kipp Bodnar, https://twitter.com/kippbodnar   Kieran Flanagan, https://twitter.com/searchbrat  ‘Marketing Against The Grain' is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Produced by Darren Clarke.

#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.

Leveraging Emails Lists, Boosting Revenue, and Building Relationships with Nathan Barry. ----- Welcome to episode 481 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Nathan Barry from ConvertKit, soon-to-be Kit. Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List Nathan Barry started ConvertKit back in 2013 and has grown his company into a multi-million dollar business with over 30,000 creators that use the platform. We are happy to welcome Nathan back to the podcast to chat about how he has grown his business, email marketing strategy, and the transition from ConvertKit to Kit. As algorithms change and search traffic becomes increasingly unpredictable, it's a great time to double down on your email list. Capturing your audience from both site traffic and your social accounts and building an ongoing relationship with that audience is a great way to diversify your income streams and protect the future of your business. This podcast episode dives into the importance of optimizing your emails for the reader, consistency, and driving revenue with your emails. Three episode takeaways: Strategies for Increasing Email List Sign-ups: When something goes viral on social media, how do you make sure you're capturing that audience? Nathan and Bjork discuss the importance of optimizing links in your social media profiles, lead magnets, and other tips for growing your email list. How Your Email List Can Increase Your Revenue: With the (slow) demise of third-party cookies, creators need to be more… creative with providing more relevant ads to their readers. If you're working with an ad network, your email list can be an incredibly valuable resource for serving targeted ads to your users (thereby maximizing your ad revenue). The Magic of Flywheels: Nathan explains how and why to apply the concept of flywheels, which emphasizes attracting, engaging, and delighting your community, to your business. He also makes a case for why you should focus on repeating what is working for your business (rather than chasing the next new thing). Resources: ConvertKit NathanBarry.com Follow Nathan on X Raptive The Elliott Homestead The Flexible Dieting Lifestyle Bonnie Christine Jenna Kutcher's Instagram post Mediavine Clariti Kit Kit Studios Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started at foodbloggerpro.com/work-with-us. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

In this episode, Nichole and Frannie dive into a comprehensive debrief of their recent launch of Brand Camp and the Easy Fun Brand Club. They discuss the intensity and excitement of their workload, their successful strategies, and candidly share statistics, including revenue generated and ad spend. They explain Brand Camp and their experiences transitioning their community-hosting platform to Mighty. Additionally, they reveal behind-the-scenes details about being featured on Nathan Barry's podcast and how that influence shifted their launch strategy. The episode also touches on valuable tips for organizing and managing launch materials, providing a potent resource for fellow entrepreneurs.Brand Persona Quiz Follow us on Instagram:@somethingbusinessy@ampersand_studiosOr check us out at www.ampersand-studios.com

Ever thought about whether you really need investors to build a successful business, or if it's possible to thrive without their backing? Many entrepreneurs believe that securing investor funding is crucial for launching and growing their ventures. But what if there's an alternative path that's just as viable, if not more rewarding?In today's episode, Omar explains why he's chosen to bootstrap his businesses. He dives deep into the four compelling reasons behind his decision to rely solely on his resources. From taking full responsibility to prioritizing sales, maintaining total control, and focusing on profit over revenue, Omar shares invaluable insights that have helped him build not only successful but financially stable businesses. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Ready to explore a unique approach to business growth without the need for investors? Let's dive in and uncover the powerful benefits of bootstrapping your way to success! Click play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksYou might also like...For more insights and inspiration on thriving without investors, don't miss MBA2279: Extended Interview: Nathan Barry – How to Grow a Self-Funded Software Business to $34 Million and Beyond. Discover how Nathan Barry scaled his business without outside funding!

In this episode, my friend Nathan Barry and I debate the best way to build an audience today in light of AI and the many changes with Google, Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram. Nathan is the founder of ConvertKit and the Nathan Barry show. What You’ll Learn The best way to build an audience What’s going on with Google, Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram The role of AI with content creation Try ConvertKit For Free Sponsors SellersSummit.com – The Sellers Summit is the ecommerce conference that I’ve run for the past 8 years. It’s small and intimate and you’ll learn a ton! […] The post 545: Expert Advice on Building a Massive Online Following With Nathan Barry appeared first on MyWifeQuitHerJob.com.

Nathan Barry is the founder and CEO of ConvertKit, one of the largest email marketing platforms on the planet. It powers the newsletters of people like Tim Ferris, Ryan Holiday, Andrew Huberman, and Gretchen Rubin, just to name a few. But ConvertKit has evolved and does so much more than email—which is why the brand itself is evolving.  If you haven't heard, ConvertKit is rebranding. It will soon be known simply as Kit—a set of tools for professional creators. That includes an app store where anyone can develop and expand on Kit to bring in extra tools, a central hub for your data with enhanced reporting, and the biggest and best Creator Network to help you find collaboration partners.   So, in this episode, you'll learn About the rebrand The risks involved Their new app store And how the Creator Network is doing Full transcript and show notes Nathan's Website / Twitter / YouTube Sign up for ConvertKit Watch episode one of ConvertKit's rebrand series Listen to Billion Dollar Creator *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → #96: Nathan Barry – from $150K/yr in ebooks to $30M in ARR with ConvertKit *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

Nathan Barry is a pioneer of the creator economy. He is the founder and CEO of ConvertKit, an email marketing platform used by creators like James Clear, Tim Ferriss and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's also the author of Authority, an eBook that has sold over 15,000 copies worldwide since its release. In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Nathan Barry joins host Robert Glazer to discuss building ConvertKit, ConvertKit's unique culture and profit sharing, the creator economy and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you actually have to leave your hometown to make it big? Codie dives into the science behind success and financial freedom, exploring the role of economic interconnectedness, environment, and mentorship, uncovering key factors influencing achievement, from the impact of hometowns to the benefits of networking and exposure to diverse communities. Rob Abasolo of the YouTube channel Robuilt explains why he flew the nest to find success, while Nathan Barry of ConvertKit explains how staying put led him to scale ConvertKit to where it is today.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 00:06:27 Scott Galloway said you shouldn't spend time in your apartment if you're young. 00:10:59 Deal of the Week: Culdesac Tempe. 00:15:52 A dating show for retirement communities? 00:18:06 Steal my Rich Friends: Rob Abosolo of Robuilt. 00:20:37 Getting the courage to leave home. 00:22:29 How NOT getting a dream job opened more doors. 00:24:16 Risk-compounding. 00:39:51 Steal my Rich Friend: Nathan Barry of ConvertKit. 00:54:46 Trading time for money. 01:09:23 CEO Storytime: Codie's biggest regret. 01:12:14 Happiness in relation to how close we live to others. 01:14:10 Relationships formed through difficulty. 01:18:54 Codie's love letter to her hometown. SOURCES: PublicSource study: https://projects.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-neighborhood-success/ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): https://www.simplypsychology.org/zone-of-proximal-development.html Economic interconnectedness: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01843-4 Scott Galloway Tweet: https://twitter.com/profgalloway/status/1662616507602354186 Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/03/neighbors-friendship-happiness/673352/ Culdesac: https://culdesac.com/

Episode Highlights With NathanWhat does he mean by playing chess when others are playing checkersA fascinating way Reese Witherspoon did this with a book clubOther examples of flywheels and playing chessTip: Look at anywhere you spend money in business and turn those into opportunities to make money or provide services How Amazon does both flywheel and playing chess wellHis three basic principles for this type of business: build more than a personal brand, sell products rather than attention, have recurring revenue or repeat purchasesThe benefits of writing and creation and how to get the benefits in your own life, even if you don't run a businessA reason to write 1,000 words a day as a creative exercise The benefits of taking on new challenges and getting out of your comfort zoneWhy it's fun to be a student again and stay a student foreverResources We MentionConvertKitBillion Dollar Creator PodcastThe Billion Dollar CreatorStreaks AppSoaring Child: Thriving with ADHDA place where you will learn how to address your child's ADHD symptoms naturally..Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Episode Highlights With NathanWhat a flywheel is and the correct understanding of the termHow flywheels exist in physics and how the concept is helpful in business as wellThe story of how building a well with a flywheel in Africa changed how he thought about businessHow a flywheel business system can help you have better resultsImportance of disconnecting effort and impact and getting leverage How to apply flywheels at the small business level to get better resultsAn example flywheel for content creationWhat an avatar is and how writing to a single person can be very helpful in businessHow flywheels apply to personal life as well, especially in health and fitnessExamples of byproducts of flywheels and how to make them beneficial Resources We MentionConvertKitGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don't by Jim CollinsCreator Flywheels – The Operating System for Your BusinessSoaring Child: Thriving with ADHDHere is a place where you will learn how to address your child's ADHD symptoms...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Ever wondered how some businesses skyrocket to success while others seem to spin their wheels endlessly? In our latest episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, we dive deep into the world of flywheels with Nathan Barry, the mastermind behind ConvertKit. With a SaaS empire generating over $40 million per year, Nathan spills the beans on how he keeps the wheels turning smoothly in his business and how you can do the same.Nathan is not just your typical entrepreneur; he's a designer, writer, podcaster, father, husband, soon-to-be airplane pilot, and of course, a Happy Hustler.Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Nathan's tangible tactical flywheels that can revolutionize the way you approach your business tasks. From creating momentum to leveraging specific strategies, Nathan breaks down the four laws of flywheels.Discover how these principles can skyrocket your business growth and streamline your operations. Plus, learn about revenue and reach flywheels, the importance of focus, and posture in entrepreneurship, and actionable steps for creating a referral flywheel.Tune in to the episode now and let Nathan guide you through the transformative power of flywheels. In this episode, you will learn: 03:15 Understanding Flywheels11:18 The Four Laws of Flywheels25:49 Creating a Referral Flywheel29:24 Conclusion and Action Steps32:45 The Importance of Posture in Entrepreneurship35:01 The Posture in Sales and Recruiting37:20 Building a Successful SaaS Company38:15 The Challenges of SaaS and the Skills Needed43:08 The Long Game in Building a SaaS Company46:07 Happy Hustle Hacks: Health, Money, and Spirituality53:27 Rapid Fire RoundWhat does Happy Hustlin mean to you?Nathan says I think it's just working on interesting problems with interesting people.Connect with NathanInstagramFacebookLinkedinXYoutubeFind Nathan on his websites:https://convertkit.com/https://nathanbarry.com/ Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/cary__jack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured “It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode sponsor BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough (https://magbreakthrough.com/vip?gl=65132c943f5d60f00f8b4567&coupon=hustle)This stuff is a game-changer! Magnesium Breakthrough packs all 7 forms of magnesium, designed to support stress management, promote muscle relaxation, regulate the nervous system, control stress hormones, boost brain function, increase energy, and enhance sleep.I take 2 capsules before bedtime, and it's been a game-changer for me. The best part is, BIOptimizers offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee. No results, no problem – they'll refund you, no questions asked. It's a win-win!Head over to magnesiumbreakthrough.com/hustle and use code "hustle" for an exclusive 10% discount on any order. Plus, for a limited time, you'll score some special gifts with your purchase.

Nathan Barry, founder of ConvertKit, shares his journey from software designer to content creator to software founder. With ConvertKit now sending 2.5 billion emails per month and generating $40 million in revenue, Nathan discusses the power of building an audience and leveraging it to create long-term enterprise value. He also delves into his passion for flying and the parallels between flying and entrepreneurship. Nathan emphasizes the importance of having goals outside of work and optimizing for the journey rather than just the destination.   Watch the full interview here:  https://youtu.be/vuwfio0Uw4Y   Don't forget to help us grow by subscribing and liking on YouTube! Check out more of Eric's content (Leveling UP YT) and Neil's videos (Neil Patel YT)   TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: (00:00) Nathan Barry introduces himself and his journey from software designer to software founder (02:57) Nathan Barry discusses his passion for flying and the process of getting a pilot's license (06:43) Nathan Barry expresses his goal of using flying for both personal and work-related purposes (08:14) Nathan Barry discusses the limitations and considerations of owning a larger plane (09:49) Eric asks Nathan about the payment structure for the pilot. (12:30) Nathan talks about his podcast and the journey of building an audience. (14:02) Nathan shares the story of Mark Sisson and the value of redirecting audience attention to a product. (15:08) Nathan explains the power of an audience in promoting and selling products. (16:03) Nathan discusses the success of Mark Sisson's Primal Kitchen and the value of an audience. (18:19) Nathan talks about the three rules for building an audience and creating enterprise value. (19:46) Nathan shares his experience building ConvertKit and its long-term enterprise value. (20:05) Nathan Barry and Eric Siu discuss the potential of agencies as successful businesses. (21:25) Nathan Barry shares his perspective on monetization options for creators.   Leave Some Feedback:   What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.   Connect with Us:    Single Grain

#757 What happens when you stop competing and start collaborating with other creators? This is actually the most effective online growth strategy today. But can we apply this concept to email and newsletters? In this episode, ConvertKit founder Nathan Barry joins me for a chat about the game-changing Creator Network. Listen in because Nathan and I discuss everything from building an email list from scratch to monetizing your reach by supporting creators you love. These are the best tactics to bypass social media algorithms and supercharge your newsletter growth. I'm excited because I've been an advisor and affiliate for ConvertKit for almost a decade, and this is the most innovative thing I've seen happen in the email space. So, tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session757.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode: it's not easy it's simple, the flywheel, being consistent, skilling up, the gift of time, and what money can provide. This week we are joined by founder and creator of ConvertKit, Nathan Barry to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how the fundamentals of FI helped drive him to create and build a successful business. We often discuss the importance of skill stacking when on the journey to FI, but we sometimes forget to touch on the trial and error that comes with learning and creating something new for yourself. While you can't expect to start something new and be faced with little to no challenges, this leaves more opportunities for personal growth and important lessons! So whether it's learning a new side hustle or starting a business, it's important to remember that you may not always know how to do something perfect when you begin. You should not count yourself out or give up when you don't see instant results, but rather reach out to new communities and take the lessons in stride! Though it takes time and effort, it's worth it! Nathan Barry: Website/Newsletter: nathanbarry.com Twitter: @nathanbarry Business: convertkit.com Timestamps: 1:23 - Introduction 3:24 - Nathan and FI 15:56 - Not Burning the Boats 22:26 - It's Not Easy, But it's Simple/Unique Messengers 33:00 - Being Consistent, Showing Up, and Skilling Up 44:22 - The Flywheel 58:01 - What Money Can Provide/The Gift of Time 70:16 - Conclusion Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: Mr. Money Mustache Physician on FIRE "The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future" By Chris Guillebeau "Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins The Tail End School of Greatness Podcast Subscribe to The FI Weekly! More Helpful Links and FI Resources: Earn $1,050 or More With These 3 Cash Back Cards Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance