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Niching down your messaging can feel like a catch-22. I talk to photographers a lot—which means non-photographers sometimes wonder if Systems in Session is actually for them.Short answer? Yes.Long answer? Let's break it down.In this episode, I explain why Systems in Session works for any service-based business—not just photographers. I share who's currently inside the program (including a stationery designer, a marketing specialist, and a website designer), and why the five core workflow phases—Inquiry, Booking, Onboarding, Service & Delivery, and Offboarding—apply no matter what you sell.Because while the service may change, the client journey doesn't.If you've been wondering whether Systems in Session would work for you, even if you don't take photos for a living, this episode is for you.Learn more at coliejames.com/systems
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Circus Is Sport — So Why Aren't We Treating It That Way?Performing artists train like elite athletes — but they're rarely treated like them in healthcare.In this episode, Emily Scherb (The Circus Doc) shares:How she transitioned from professional circus performer to PTWhy circus participation is exploding across the U.S.What “adult-onset circus” meansWhy pole dancers avoid seeking careThe stigma problem in healthcareHow load management applies to performing artistsWhy saying “I don't know” builds trustThe massive business opportunity PTs are missingKey TakeawaysCircus artists are athletes.Performing arts lack a strong culture of training load management.PTs don't need to be experts — just curious and respectful.Niching down builds authority and trust.This population is actively looking for clinicians who understand them.Guest LinksWebsite: https://www.thecircusdoc.comInstagram: @thecircusdocLinkedIn: Emily Scherb
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Colleen Breems discuss:Letting a niche form over timeEarning trust through depth and preparationUsing competence as the foundation of marketingPositioning intentionally with the right relationships Key Takeaways:Niching down is a gradual process shaped by consistency, passion, and earned trust. Being focused does not require rejecting all other work, only clarifying what you are known for. A clear niche strengthens credibility and often opens doors to adjacent opportunities.Strong niches are built by mastering statutes, procedures, and expectations within a specific role. Every case should be treated as reputation-defining, regardless of size or visibility. Reliability, preparedness, and professionalism compound into long-term trust.Visibility is effective only when it reflects genuine skill and consistent performance. Writing, speaking, and sharing expertise help decision makers remember you for a specific strength. Marketing should amplify substance, not replace it.Focused networking outperforms broad, unfocused relationship building. Clear positioning makes it easier for others to understand, remember, and refer to you. Niching is strongest when aligned with real demand and access to decision makers. "Don't wait until you're ready… Letting fear or doubt stop you from going after a niche is really the biggest roadblock." — Colleen Breems Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Colleen Breems: Colleen M. Breems is a partner practicing exclusively in matrimonial and family law. She represents clients in divorce, parentage, post-decree matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and related family law issues, with a focus on practical, client-centered solutions.In addition to representing adults, Colleen is frequently appointed by Cook County judges to serve as a Child's Representative or Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children in family law cases. She is also a trained mediator and parent coordinator.Colleen is deeply committed to public service, dedicating significant time to pro bono work through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and serving as Co-Vice President of the Advocacy Council for the Junior League of Chicago. Connect with Colleen Breems: Website: https://beermannlaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-breems-a8a4631b/ Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
What happens when passion meets structure, and the right niche changes everything? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Matthew Brandt, founder of Tactical Retreats, retired law enforcement officer, Navy veteran, and retreat leader creating life-changing experiences for veterans and first responders. Matthew shares his real, behind-the-scenes journey of launching retreats with heart, and learning (sometimes the hard way) how clarity, positioning, and niching down create momentum. You'll hear how: ▪️ His first retreat barely filled, then a single shift led to 75 women on a waitlist in one week ▪️ Niching within a niche unlocked demand, confidence, and sustainability ▪️ Trauma-informed retreat design is not optional, it's essential ▪️ Listening to your audience can radically transform your business ▪️ A small, boutique retreat model can scale into international retreats and property ownership Matthew also shares deeply human stories from the retreat space, from women arriving terrified and ready to leave… to sitting around the fire hours later saying, "I don't want to go home." We talk about leadership, safety, trust, resilience, and why passion alone is not enough, systems are what allow your mission to grow. This episode is a must-listen for retreat leaders who: ▪️ Feel called to do meaningful work ▪️ Want proof that strategy and heart can coexist ▪️ Are ready to refine their niche and scale responsibly ▪️ Believe retreats should heal, not create more trauma
Customer feedback for developers is one of the fastest ways to improve a product—and one of the easiest ways to derail it. When you're building something you care about, every comment feels important. The challenge is learning how to listen without letting feedback pull you in ten different directions. This episode explores how developers can use customer feedback to sharpen focus, avoid scope creep, and move faster—without losing the original vision that made the product worth building in the first place. About Tyler Dane Tyler Dane has dedicated his career to helping people better manage—and truly appreciate—their time. After working as a full-time Software Engineer, Tyler recently stepped away from traditional employment to focus entirely on building Compass Calendar, a productivity app designed to help everyday users visualize and plan their day more intentionally. The tool is built from firsthand experience, not theory—shaped by years of experimenting with productivity systems, tools, and workflows. In a bold reset, Tyler sold most of his belongings and relocated to San Francisco to focus on growing the product, collaborating with partners, and pushing Compass forward. Outside of coding, Tyler creates YouTube videos and writes about time management and productivity. After consuming countless productivity books, tools, and frameworks, he realized a common trap: doing more without actually accomplishing what matters. That insight led him to break productivity down into its most practical, nuanced components—cutting through hustle culture noise to focus on systems that actually work. Tyler is unapologetically honest and independent. With no investors, no sponsors, and nothing to sell beyond the value of his work, his focus is simple: help people get more done—and appreciate the limited time they have to do it. Follow Tyler on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X. Customer feedback for developers: Why "this is great, but…" matters Most useful feedback doesn't sound negative at first. It usually starts with, "This is great, but…" That "but" is where the signal lives. For developers, the mistake isn't ignoring feedback—it's stopping at the compliment. The real value is understanding what's missing, confusing, or blocking progress. Teams that grow fastest learn to treat that follow-up as actionable data, not criticism. The "This Is Great, But…" Checklist Capture the "but" immediately before it gets softened or forgotten Translate it into a concrete problem statement you can validate Customer feedback for developers: how to find the right people to talk to Not all feedback is equal. Talking to the wrong audience can send you down expensive paths that don't actually improve your product. Customer feedback for developers works best when it comes from people who: Actively experience the problem you're solving Would realistically adopt or pay for your solution Share similar workflows and constraints Broad feedback feels productive but often leads to vague changes. Focused conversations lead to clarity. Customer feedback for developers: filtering input to prevent scope creep Scope creep rarely starts with bad intent. It starts with trying to please everyone. The fix isn't saying "no" to customers—it's filtering feedback through a clear lens: Does this solve the core problem? Does this help our ideal user? Does this move the product forward right now? Avoid Scope Creep Without Ignoring Customers Separate "interesting ideas" from "next priorities." Keep a backlog for later so good ideas don't hijack today's focus Customer feedback for developers: balancing vision with real user needs Strong products sit at the intersection of vision and reality. If you only follow feedback, you become reactive. If you ignore it, you risk building in isolation. Customer feedback for developers should challenge assumptions—not erase direction. The goal is refinement, not reinvention, with every conversation. Customer feedback for developers: building momentum with faster shipping One consistent theme is speed. Slow feedback loops kill momentum. Shipping faster—even in small increments—creates learning. Fast cycles: Reveal what actually matters Improve judgment over time Reduce emotional attachment to individual decisions Build Momentum With Speed and Structure Short shipping cycles reduce overthinking Volume creates clarity faster than perfect planning Customer feedback for developers: choosing a niche in a crowded market General tools struggle in saturated spaces. Customer feedback for developers becomes clearer when you narrow your audience. Niching down doesn't limit opportunity—it increases relevance. How to position against "feature-parity" giants You don't win by copying large platforms. You win by serving a specific workflow better than anyone else. Self-direction when you don't have a manager Without an external structure, prioritization becomes your job. Customer feedback replaces task assignments—but only if you actively use it to set direction. Clear priorities beat unlimited freedom. Conclusion Customer feedback for developers isn't about collecting opinions—it's about building judgment. When you listen to the right people, filter ruthlessly, and ship quickly, feedback becomes a growth engine instead of a distraction. If you're building something of your own, treat feedback as fuel—not a steering wheel. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Embrace FeedBack For Better Teams Feedback And Career Help – Does The Bootcamp Provide It? Turning Feedback into Future Success: A Guide for Developers Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content
Is building a personal brand actually optional for healthcare providers anymore—or has it become a requirement for long-term freedom and impact? In this episode, Dr. Lauryn sits down with registered nurse and online business mentor Alyssa Schomaker to unpack why personal branding is no longer a “nice to have” for providers who want to scale beyond one-to-one care.Together, they dive into what it really takes to build a profitable online business from zero followers, why niching down is non-negotiable in 2026, and how organic content—not ads—can fuel sustainable growth. Alyssa shares hard-earned insights on overcoming perfectionism, building trust with small audiences, and creating scalable offers that don't lead to burnout. If you're a healthcare provider feeling stuck, bored, or boxed in by traditional models, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, visibility, and freedom.Key TakeawaysPersonal branding is no longer optional for healthcare providers who want to scale impact, income, and autonomy beyond one-to-one care.Niching down accelerates growth and trust, even with a small audience, and makes organic marketing far more effective.Organic content beats ads early on, allowing providers to build credibility, community, and sustainable revenue without sacrificing profit margins.Perfectionism is the biggest growth blocker, and B-minus action consistently outperforms polished content that never gets posted.About the GuestAlyssa Schomaker is a registered nurse, online business mentor, and founder of Freedom Collective Co® and the Online Health Business Academy™. She built her first online health coaching brand to six figures in its first year, eventually scaling to seven figures and helping over 14,000 women transform their lives. Today, Alyssa helps health and wellness practitioners, clinicians, and physicians build personal brands, create premium scalable offers, and grow simple, sustainable online businesses that expand impact without burnout.Work with Alyssa and Freedom Collective CoFollow Alyssa on InstagramResourcesFollow Dr. Lauryn: Instagram | X | LinkedIn | FacebookFollow She Slays on YouTubeSign up for the Weekly Slay newsletter!Mentioned in this episode:To learn more about CLA and the INSiGHT scanner go to the link below and enter code SHESLAYS when prompted.CLADo you need help in your practice with the busy work that you or your staff don't like doing? If you said yes, then you've got to check out the virtual chiropractic assistants offered by Chiro Matchmakers.Chiro MatchmakersHolistic Marketing HubHolistic Marketing HubGo from surviving to thriving with Genesis Chiropractic Software. Learn more and get your special discount using the link...
Most bookkeepers struggle with pricing, not because they lack skill, but because they don't understand how smart bookkeepers actually think about value. In this episode, I break down: - How bookkeepers should approach pricing - Why bookkeepers often undercharge - What separates confident bookkeepers from hesitant bookkeepers. If you're a bookkeeper or working with bookkeepers, this conversation will change how you see pricing forever. You'll learn how bookkeepers can price services more strategically, position themselves more confidently, and stop competing with other bookkeepers on price alone. This episode is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to charge what they're truly worth! Access the pricing report for yourself, here: subscribepage.io/Fi6w9A ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:28 - Pricing History and Current Situation 00:01:47 - Understanding the Value of Bookkeeping 00:02:41 - The Problem with Hourly Rate 00:05:35 - The Importance of Confidence in Pricing 00:07:04 - Survey Findings and Analysis 00:08:59 - The Need for Fixed Pricing 00:13:17 - Moving from Admin to Finance Lead 00:13:55 - How to Calculate Your Minimum Hourly Rate 00:15:08 - Building Packages and Productizing Services 00:16:55 - Differentiating Yourself from Other Bookkeepers 00:18:34 - The Correlation Between Confidence and Pricing 00:21:26 - The Role of Confidence in Sales Calls 00:23:48 - Moving from Fear to Confidence 00:25:20 - The Importance of Niching 00:27:10 - The Value of Niching Based on Personal Experiences 00:29:37 - Efficiency Through Focused Niching 00:30:15 - Efficiency Through Replicable Processes 00:30:49 - Understanding Client Needs for Package Design 00:31:38 - The Role of Confidence in Service Delivery 00:32:03 - The Impact of Niching on Pricing 00:32:37 - Invitation to Learn More and Reflect on Pricing 00:33:19 - Closing Remarks #bookkeeping
In this episode, we sit down with Terri Ross, founder of Terri Ross Consulting, healthcare business strategist, and former Fortune 500 executive, for a deep, practical conversation on how health coaches and wellness entrepreneurs can build scalable, profitable businesses — even in competitive markets. Terri brings over 20 years of experience in medical devices, aesthetics, sales psychology, and healthcare consulting. She's worked across oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, dermatology, plastic surgery, med spas, and integrative wellness — and now helps cash-based practices dramatically improve revenue, efficiency, and client results. This episode is a must-listen for health coaches, wellness professionals, med spa owners, and clinicians who want to stop underpricing, stop trading time for dollars, and start building businesses that actually scale.
Learn how to adapt and evolve your business to thrive through market disruptions and scale beyond seven figures. I sit down with Itai Sadan to explore why the ability to adapt and evolve separates good entrepreneurs from exceptional ones. Itai shares the raw story of building Duda from a garage startup to a company hosting over one million websites, including the pivotal moment when declining revenues forced a complete product pivot. From escaping the founder's trap to navigating the mobile revolution and now AI disruption, this conversation delivers hard-won lessons on staying ahead of market shifts, persuading your team through change, and why you don't have to be first to win. Itai Sadan is the co-founder and CEO of Duda, a white-label website builder serving digital marketing agencies and SaaS platforms worldwide. He launched the company in 2008 from his garage in Mountain View with his high school friend Amir Glatt after recognizing the shift toward mobile internet. Prior to Duda, Itai held positions at SAP and Amdocs and founded InterSight, a data storage startup, at age 21. His insights on SMBs, digital agencies, and online marketing have been featured in USA Today, TechCrunch, The Huffington Post, and more. Itai holds a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics from Ben Gurion University in Israel. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The founder's trap happens when everything depends on you, and escaping it requires hiring for your weaknesses first. Building a business is an ultra-marathon, not a sprint, so find a sustainable pace that allows for continuous learning. Market dynamics will thrust challenges upon you regardless of revenue milestones, so stay attuned to shifts beyond your control. When pivoting, use data and customer feedback to persuade your team rather than pulling rank as the boss. AI won't take your job, but a competitor using AI better than you will. You don't have to be first to market because Google, Facebook, and others all came after early movers and still won. Niching down and being crystal clear on who you serve positions you perfectly for the AI-forward buyer's journey. Surround yourself with mentors and smart people to play intellectual ping pong and spot blind spots you'd miss alone. Connect with Itai Sadan: Website: https://www.duda.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itaisadan Growing your business is hard, but it doesn't have to be. In this podcast, we will be discussing top level strategies for both growing and expanding your business beyond seven figures. The show will feature a mix of pure content and expert interviews to present key concepts and fundamental topics in a variety of different formats. We believe that this format will enable our listeners to learn the most from the show, implement more in their businesses, and get real value out of the podcast. Enjoy the show. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any future episodes. Your support and reviews are important and help us to grow and improve the show. Follow Charles Gaudet and Predictable Profits on Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/PredictableProfits Instagram: instagram.com/predictableprofits Twitter: twitter.com/charlesgaudet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlesgaudet Visit Charles Gaudet's Wesbites: www.PredictableProfits.com www.predictableprofits.com/community https://start.predictableprofits.com/community
Dan Lee is a Partner at Pin High Strategies, a merchant banking and advisory firm serving independent sponsors and founder-led businesses on capital raising and strategic growth. He has spent 25 years investing in private companies across both debt and equity. Previously, Dan was a Partner at Garnett Station Partners and a co-founder of Comvest Capital Partners, which he helped grow from $250 million to $12 billion. He has partnered with more than 100 founders and small businesses to support long-term growth and value creation. In this episode… Strong businesses don't grow from setbacks alone — they grow when leaders turn experience and relationships into leverage. What separates founders who scale from those who plateau isn't just strategy, but how well they activate networks and capital. How do entrepreneurs rebound from career shifts, tap deep connections, and leverage the rise of independent sponsors? Drawing on decades of private equity and advisory work, Dan Lee explains how enduring relationships and strategic focus create a competitive advantage. As a partner at Pin High Strategies, he explains how collaboration, trust, and long-term alignment transform networks into genuine opportunities rather than one-off transactions. Dan also explores the growing influence of independent sponsors — operators who acquire and grow companies without traditional institutional funds — and why this model gives founders both flexibility and control. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Dan Lee, Partner at Pin High Strategies, to discuss building resilient business platforms and leveraging deep networks for capital and growth. They explore why independent sponsors are gaining traction, how strategic niches accelerate success, and how to turn professional setbacks into new opportunities. Dan also shares lessons on raising capital, scaling platforms, and building partnerships that last.
Dan Lee is a Partner at Pin High Strategies, a merchant banking and advisory firm serving independent sponsors and founder-led businesses on capital raising and strategic growth. He has spent 25 years investing in private companies across both debt and equity. Previously, Dan was a Partner at Garnett Station Partners and a co-founder of Comvest Capital Partners, which he helped grow from $250 million to $12 billion. He has partnered with more than 100 founders and small businesses to support long-term growth and value creation. In this episode… Strong businesses don't grow from setbacks alone — they grow when leaders turn experience and relationships into leverage. What separates founders who scale from those who plateau isn't just strategy, but how well they activate networks and capital. How do entrepreneurs rebound from career shifts, tap deep connections, and leverage the rise of independent sponsors? Drawing on decades of private equity and advisory work, Dan Lee explains how enduring relationships and strategic focus create a competitive advantage. As a partner at Pin High Strategies, he explains how collaboration, trust, and long-term alignment transform networks into genuine opportunities rather than one-off transactions. Dan also explores the growing influence of independent sponsors — operators who acquire and grow companies without traditional institutional funds — and why this model gives founders both flexibility and control. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Dan Lee, Partner at Pin High Strategies, to discuss building resilient business platforms and leveraging deep networks for capital and growth. They explore why independent sponsors are gaining traction, how strategic niches accelerate success, and how to turn professional setbacks into new opportunities. Dan also shares lessons on raising capital, scaling platforms, and building partnerships that last.
Does the word "niche" make you cringe? You aren't alone. In this solo episode, Sarah tackles one of the biggest sticking points for new coaches: the fear that narrowing your focus means excluding people. Sarah reframes niching from a constraint into a "magic wand" - one of the fastest paths to securing paying clients.Key Takeaways1. Reframing the "Niche" Concept - Many coaches struggle with niching because they view it as excluding people, which goes against the inclusive nature of coaching. Sarah suggests a mindset shift:Think of "niching" simply as having a target audience.Just like Waitrose (a high-end positioned supermarket in the UK) advertises in glossy magazines to reach premium buyers, you are simply placing your message where your likely buyers will see it.2. Hobby vs. Business - Sarah delivers a "hard truth" about the financial reality of coaching:You cannot build a sustainable business on clients who cannot afford to pay you.If you do not have paying clients, you technically have a hobby, not a business.3. The 3 Steps to Choosing a Viable Niche - To choose a niche that actually works, Sarah advises looking for three specific criteria:Language & Rhythm: Choose a group whose language you speak and whose "rhythm of life" you inherently understand.The Problem: Ensure the people in this niche have a specific problem that your coaching can help resolve.Financial Viability: Make sure this group is able to pay a professional rate for your services."Choosing a niche is for coaches like having a magic wand and one of the fastest paths to paying clients that I know of."Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: https://thecoachingrevolution.com/ Join the FREE Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness
What happens when your coffee grinder is jammed… and so is your life?This episode starts with a broken coffee grinder and accidentally turns into one of the deepest, most honest conversations we've ever had on the Photographic Collective Podcast.Today we sit down with Jon Taylor Sweet — one of the most influential visual artists of the last decade whose work spans weddings, music, commercial, editorial, and culture — to talk about:Why he walked away from shooting 30 weddings a yearWhat burnout actually does to your nervous systemHow he built a career by niching up instead of niching downWhy relationships matter more than ratesWhy your creative voice is more important than your brandAnd how to build a life that doesn't require a breakdown every NovemberJon shares the real story behind his rise from shooting on an iPhone in Washington to working with artists like NF, David Kushner, Laney Wilson, and major brands like Jameson and Alaska Airlines — and why he still refuses to put himself in a box.This is a conversation about:Creativity without cagesBusiness without burnoutArt without arroganceAnd success without selling your soulIf you've ever felt tired, boxed in, creatively stuck, or like you're running a business you don't actually want to live inside of… this one will hit home.Also yes, we do talk about coffee. A lot. ☕️John Taylor Sweet joins us for a wildly honest conversation about burnout, creativity, niching up, and building a life you actually want to live. From shooting on an iPhone to working with world-class artists and brands, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable creativity.Why John cut his wedding workload from 30+ to 12 per yearWhat burnout actually feels like in your bodyHow to recognize when your nervous system is friedWhy saying no creates better yesesThe danger of building a business you hate living insideWhy niching up beats niching downHow relationships built his entire commercial and music careerThe truth about editing, style, and creative freedomWhy your composition and light matter more than your presetsHow to get commercial work without chasing brandsWhy comparison is killing your creativityThe real story of how his career started on an iPhoneWhy you don't need permission to create meaningful work00:00 – The Grinder Is Jammed05:00 – Onyx Coffee, Arkansas, and Chaos08:00 – Why John Cut His Workload in Half12:00 – Burnout, Anxiety, and the Nervous System18:00 – Rhythms, Faith, and Life Structure24:00 – Creativity, Movement, and Making Things30:00 – Art vs Industry vs Ego38:00 – The Commercial Work Philosophy45:00 – From iPhone to Global Brands55:00 – Failure, Learning, and Showing Up1:02:00 – The Problem With “There's Only One Way”1:08:00 – The Artist vs The Algorithm1:15:00 – Final Creative Mic DropA few KEY quotes from our chat.“If you don't build space into your life, your body will build it for you.”“Niching up lets creativity feed the thing that pays your bills.”“Relationships last longer than campaigns.”“Your composition and how you see light is your real signature.”“If you're not moving and you're not creating, something's off.”“You don't need permission to make meaningful work.”“Comparison is the fastest way to lose your voice.”John Taylor SweetWebsite: https://jontaylorsweet.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jontaylorsweetReferenced / RelatedNF (music artist)David KushnerLaney WilsonAlaska AirlinesJameson WhiskeyMiles & JaredMiles: https://www.mileswittboyer.comJared: https://www.jaredfincher.comPHOTOCO: www.mileswittboyer.com/photo
In this episode of the Know Grow Scale podcast, Laura Johns, founder and CEO of the Business Growers, discusses the importance of MSPs mastering a vertical or niche to transform their pipeline and improve sales conversions. She touches on the common fears MSPs have about limiting themselves and provides practical steps for successfully specializing in a vertical. Laura explains key elements required for this strategy, such as niche-specific websites, case studies, video testimonials, email marketing, and more. By following these steps, MSPs can position themselves as experts, build trust, shorten sales cycles, and increase lead quality. Laura also hints at the timeline for gaining momentum and when to consider adding another vertical. 00:00 Welcome to the Know Grow Scale Podcast 00:16 The Power of Niching for MSPs 01:18 What Does Mastering a Vertical Mean? 02:54 Why MSPs Struggle to Pick a Niche 04:49 Building the Right Pieces to Master a Vertical 09:05 Case Study: Medical Vertical 10:18 When to Add a Second Vertical 11:40 Conclusion and Next Steps The Business Growers: https://www.instagram.com/thebizgrowers/ _________________________________________________________ About The Business Growers: Many Managed Services Providers and IT companies struggle to grow because they are constantly putting out fires and don't have the bandwidth to focus on the marketing strategy and execution required to scale the business. At The Business Growers, we believe you shouldn't have to hire a full-time marketing team to compete in the marketplace. We work exclusively with MSPs and IT companies, serving as their tech marketing dream team and offering a proven framework for revenue growth. Visit us at https://thebusinessgrowers.com
If you're a solopreneur wondering “Am I charging enough?” or feeling awkward about raising your prices, this episode is for you.In this episode, Carly Ries and Joe Rando tackle one of the most common questions solopreneurs ask: How should I price my services or products? They unpack why pricing isn't about greed, it's about fairness, value, and respecting the years of expertise you bring to the table.You'll hear why charging based only on time keeps you stuck, how underpricing attracts the wrong clients and leads to burnout, and why shifting toward value-based pricing can protect your energy while increasing your income. They also explore how niching down makes your work more valuable, why higher prices often signal greater credibility, and how your pricing can evolve as your business grows.If you struggle with imposter syndrome around pricing, worry you're “too expensive,” or feel unsure how to confidently quote your work, this episode will help you rethink pricing with clarity and confidence.Episode FAQsHow should a solopreneur price their services?Solopreneurs should price based on value delivered, not just time spent. Your pricing should reflect the problem you solve, the outcomes you create, and the years of expertise behind your work, not simply an hourly rate. Value-based pricing attracts better clients and supports sustainable income.Why do solopreneurs struggle with charging higher prices?Many solopreneurs undercharge because of imposter syndrome, fear of seeming greedy, or wanting to be “nice.” But underpricing often leads to burnout, difficult clients, and income ceilings. Confident pricing helps attract clients who respect your work and your time.Is niching down really necessary to raise your prices?Yes. Niching down makes your expertise clearer and more valuable. When you specialize in a specific audience or problem, clients perceive you as the go-to expert, which makes it much easier to justify higher pricing and attract better-fit opportunities.
This week on BROWDUCATION, Megs is joined by corrective skincare specialist Molly Markland of Skin by Molly M. for a thoughtful conversation around skin barrier health, hydration, and why long-term results should always come before instant gratification.Together, they unpack how aggressive treatments impact the skin, what professionals should watch for before performing services, and why staying within your scope of practice leads to better outcomes for clients.
Send us a textSome businesses thrive no matter the market — Ksenia Votinova-Arnaud knows why. As a global tech entrepreneur, co-founder of a SaaS company, and creator of the Weatherproof Business Formula, she has built companies that grow, adapt, and scale.In this episode of Starter Girlz, Jennifer Loehding sits down with Ksenia to hear about her journey from growing up in the Soviet Union to coaching over a thousand executives and creating resilient business strategies that help entrepreneurs succeed.This conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolving definition of success, and the lessons Ksenia has learned about resilience, adaptability, and building systems that enable businesses to thrive. You'll hear discussion-based insights on vision, strategy, leveraging technology and AI, starting lean, niching effectively, and maintaining balance as you build a thriving business.⭐ What You'll Learn in This Episode✅ How resilience and vision shape business success✅ Lessons from scaling a global SaaS company✅ Patterns in business that can form repeatable systems✅ Insights gained from mentoring on strategy, mindset, and frameworks✅ Leveraging technology, AI, and no-code tools to support growth✅ Starting lean and validating ideas before scaling✅ Niching down to focus on the right customer segment✅ Balancing work and life to prevent burnout✅ Using systems and technology to work smarter, not harder
Send us a textIn episode 284 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Daniel Wakefield, founder of Top Tier Headshots, as he shares his journey from high school science teacher to one of South Florida's top headshot photographers, fueled by specialization, personal branding, and referral-driven growth.Tune in as we explore why specializing, showing up, and serving others can create unstoppable momentum in business.TIMESTAMPS02:05 — Where the Story Starts02:28 — From Teacher to Photographer03:04 — Wildlife Photography Spark03:45 — Early Wins & Passion05:10 — First Photography Business Fails06:02 — Branding & Niche Mistakes08:08 — Five Years of Focus08:40 — Becoming “The Headshot Guy”09:28 — LinkedIn Growth Engine11:02 — The “Hype Tornado”11:45 — Community & Referrals12:28 — Business is H2H13:38 — Showing Up Without Expectation14:35 — Authenticity Over Perfection15:14 — Trust Signals in Imagery16:08 — Coaching for Authenticity17:02 — Final TakeawaysQUOTES“If you're going to fail, fail spectacularly.” -Sebastian Rusk“There's something powerful about authenticity and about showing up as a human being.” -Daniel Wakefield“I want that to be who I am. So let's focus on showing that. Let's not have a disconnect with fake smile versus I really am a genuine person.” -Daniel Wakefield==========================Need help launching your podcast?Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY!PodcastLaunchLabNow.com==========================SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSSebastian RuskInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/Facebook: Facebook.com/sruskLinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLabDaniel Wakefield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toptierheadshots/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwakefield_/?hl=en WEBSITEDaniel Wakefield: https://www.danielwakefield.co/ ==========================Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/==========================Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money==========================PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards MastercardAPPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474
Niching isn't hard because you don't understand it. It's hard because no one ever explains why it actually works — especially in the wellness industry. If the idea of "choosing a niche" still feels restrictive, scary, or like you're cutting off opportunities… this episode is for you. In this conversation, I'm reframing niching entirely. Not as limiting your audience — but as building a client community that values your work more, understands you faster, and actually buys. We explore why broad positioning waters down your message, why clients hesitate when offers feel generic, and how clarity creates momentum in ways no new strategy ever could. This isn't about picking a label. It's about increasing perceived value, simplifying your marketing, and unlocking more aligned opportunities — without losing your authenticity. In this episode, we cover: why wellness offers feel more valuable when designed for a specific client community how niching increases trust and shortens the decision-making process the real reason broad messaging leads to silence, not sales how clarity simplifies your content, marketing and offers why niching reduces competition while increasing opportunities how to release FOMO and adopt an abundance mindset where to start if you feel torn between multiple directions If your marketing feels noisy, your message feels diluted, or you know you're doing "all the right things" without seeing traction — this episode will help you reconnect to what actually drives growth.
We talk a lot about niching in the agency world.Pick an industry.Go deep.Specialize.But in today's market, industry alone isn't enough — and many capable agencies can feel that, even if they can't quite name why.Execution is easier to buy. Capability is everywhere. And “great work” doesn't help clients feel confident when the stakes are higher.What cuts through now is being clear about the outcome you're willing to stand behind.In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency podcast, we move beyond outcome clarity and into the real decision agencies are facing right now: choosing an outcome niche without boxing yourself in.This isn't about rebranding or narrowing for the sake of narrowing.It's about removing friction for your clients and for you, and creating focus that actually supports momentum.In this episode, we explore:What outcome niching actually means and what it doesn'tWhy niching by industry alone no longer creates enough tractionThe three guardrails that make outcome niching work without overcommittingHow choosing an outcome can simplify sales, referrals, and deliveryIf you've felt like you're standing at the edge of your next stage and haven't quite named what comes next, this episode will help you think it through.These are the kinds of conversations we also have inside Agency Together.If you'd like to pressure-test your thinking with other agency owners, you can RSVP for the next Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer here:https://agencytogether.com/mixer-eventTune in to rethink what specialization really means — and how choosing the right outcome creates clarity and momentum.Hey thanks for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I'll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep144Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis
Niching your business as a physical therapist with ADHD can feel overwhelming. ADHD brains love variety, and PT training encourages us to treat everyone, which often makes choosing a focus feel impossible. But in business, unclear niches lead to unclear marketing and slower growth.In this episode, I show you how to niche your business as an ADHD entrepreneur using the Ikigai framework. You'll learn how to connect what you love, what you're good at, what people need, and what they are willing to pay for so you can create a clear PT business niche without losing flexibility.We talk about why ADHD business owners struggle with niche marketing, how to turn ADHD traits into strengths, and how clarity improves digital marketing and client conversations. You'll also walk away with simple steps to write your first niche statement and move forward with confidence.If you're starting a private practice, exploring physical therapy entrepreneurship, or trying to find direction without burning out, this episode will help you simplify the process and take the next step.--- Morgan Meese, the founder of a successful out-of-network physical therapy practice, has transformed her expertise into a role as a dedicated business and marketing coach. Specializing in cash pay physical therapy, Morgan owns a digital business where she collaborates with fellow clinicians, guiding them in launching and expanding their own cash-based solo practices. Her coaching extends to helping new business owners navigate the complexities of owning a physical therapy practice, incorporating elements like mobile physical therapy and telehealth. Morgan's unique approach incorporates niche marketing strategies, addressing the specific needs of clinicians and entrepreneurs. As a woman in business with ADHD herself, she also offers insights on time management for business owners, emphasizing the importance of digital marketing to attract more clients. Join Morgan on her journey of empowering women entrepreneurs, physical therapists and healthcare providers, combating burnout, and building a thriving business so you never have to go back to the clinic again.Find me on IG: DPT to CEO and Dr. Morgan Meese---To learn more, visit our website.Free eBook “So You Want To Start a Solo Practice” DPT to CEO: YoutubeApply for the DPT to CEO 1:1 Coaching Program with Morgan.Just getting started? The Therapy Business Basics Mini Course is the place to start!Buy me coffee
Send us a textIn this episode, Kay Suthar sits down with Shannol “S.A.” Grant, Business Growth Strategist and founder of an award-winning strategy agency, to talk about the power of simplifying complex ideas and building businesses that adapt and scale. S.A. shares how he made a bold move when leaving corporate not by resigning, but by pitching his first service and becoming a partner instead of an employee. He opens up about his journey from stroke to relaunch, how to niche down when you have multiple talents, and why one failed launch never means failure altogether. This episode is packed with strategic clarity for business owners who want sustainable growth, smarter launches, and stronger positioning.What to expect in this episode:(00:00) – From corporate employee to strategic partner (04:20) – From stroke to relaunching stronger (08:10) – How to simplify complex ideas for growth (12:30) – Niching down when you're multi-talented (16:40) – Adapting in an ever-changing business landscape (20:10) – The Five Phases of Product Launches (23:30) – Why one failed launch doesn't define your successAbout Shannol “S.A.” GrantShannol Grant is a Business Growth Strategist with over 20 years of experience helping businesses scale with clarity and consistency. His company focuses on creating strategies and systems that increase revenue, strengthen online presence, and turn visitors into lifelong customers. His agency is award-winning and known for delivering real, measurable results for business owners ready to grow intentionally.Connect with Shannol “S.A.” GrantWebsite: https://mysuccessex.com/Facebook: https://bossuncaged.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannol/Instagram: https://bossuncaged.com/instagramYouTube: https://bossuncaged.com/youtubeTwitter: https://twitter.com/SAGrant360Email: info@bossuncaged.comFREE Gift: https://promo.bossuncaged.com/uncensoredConnect with Kay SutharBusiness Website: https://makeyourmarkagency.com/Podcast Website: https://www.makeyourmarkpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-suthar-make-your-mark/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/482037820744114Email: kay@makeyourmarkagency.comFREE Gifts from Kay Suthar:3 Ultimate Secrets to Getting Booked on Podcasts: https://getbookedonpodcast.com5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Podcast in 14 Days: https://14daystolaunch.com
Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching
If you're an interior designer who feels deeply creative but secretly anxious about sales, pricing, or talking about your value, this episode is for you.Too many designers believe that great work should “sell itself,” only to find themselves undercharging, overdelivering, and wondering why their business still feels financially fragile. If you've ever felt uncomfortable talking about money, struggled to raise your design fees, or worried that niching down will limit your opportunities, you are not alone.In this episode, I sit down with interior design business coach Donna Hoffman for a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to monetize creativity. We talk about sales strategy for creative brains, why marketing clarity matters more than talent, and how designers can confidently communicate their value without feeling salesy or inauthentic. Donna shares real-world examples from her own seven-figure luxury design firm and explains why selling design is just as important as designing itself.If your goal is to run your design business like a confident CEO while still honoring your creative sensitivity, this conversation will help you take that next step.Featured Guest:Donna Hoffman is a seasoned interior design business coach and the founder of a seven-figure luxury interior design firm launched during the 2008 Great Recession. Known as the “master of words,” Donna specializes in branding, sales strategy, marketing strategy, and mindset support for creative entrepreneurs. Her work helps designers clarify their niche, confidently communicate value, and build profitable, resilient businesses that honor both creativity and well-being.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why interior designers don't design for a living✳️ How to niche your interior design business without closing yourself off to opportunities✳️ The difference between being a generalist and having a compelling point of difference✳️ How to use a pitch deck to educate clients and increase project scope naturally✳️ Why creative sensitivity affects pricing confidence and sales conversations✳️ How to raise your design fees strategically without sabotaging your mindset✳️ The importance of selling furnishings and products as part of a profitable design businessRead the Blog >>> How Designers Build Profitable Design BusinessesNEXT STEPS:
Matthew Pollard, aka the Rapid Growth® Guy, joins the podcast to talk about how introverts can excel at sales. As an introvert himself, Matthew provides insights into how introverts thrive through continuous improvement and structured processes. His own personal success is proof -- having been responsible for five multibillion-dollar success stories of his own. He's the founder of the Small Business Festival, which is listed by Inc. as one of the top five business conferences in the U.S. He is also an international keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. Listen in! Timestamps: 01:17 The Rapid Growth® Guy 01:59 The Power of Introverts in Sales 05:02 From Introvert to Sales Expert 09:03 Sales Systems 12:45 Micro Goals 18:27 Revolutionizing Your Business Approach 34:36 The Death of the Elevator Pitch 36:34 The Power of Storytelling 37:47 Sales Techniques and Strategies 46:22 Specialization and Niching 48:33 Networking and Client Acquisition 51:19 Success Stories Links: Matthew's Website: https://matthewpollard.com/ Matthew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewpollardspeaker/ Matthew's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Matthewpollard
Disruption: She Doesn't Look Like a Lawyer And That's Her Biggest Advantage | Sophie Murgatroyd Law by Sophie InterviewSophie Murgatroyd built Law by Sophie from nothing to a thriving practice in 18 months by rejecting every rule traditional lawyers follow: showing up in gym kit, niching into equine law, and marketing herself as "Legally Blonde." But her success runs deeper than tactics: five years ago, she survived violent trauma that took her unborn son Ashley's life, battled PTSD and depression, and rebuilt herself through therapy and sheer grit. Her secret? People buy from people, and authenticity is the ultimate competitive advantage.What You'll Learn:- Disruption in traditional industries: Being different attracts clients desperate for authenticity- Niching down: Specialising in equine law created a magnetic pull for clients who found someone who speaks their language- Courage to be disliked: Accepting you're not everyone's cup of tea grows your business faster- Trauma into resilience: Surviving violence and loss, therapy became essential for rebuilding- Therapy in high performance: Five years of consistent therapy transformed her life- Personal brand building: Showing up as yourself generates more business than corporate marketing- The By Sophie Empire: Building multiple businesses under one personal brand- Yorkshire farmer lessons: Early lessons about graft and earning what you want fuel her driveKey Quotes:"Replace the word 'algorithm' with 'audience' in any YouTube conversation, and you'll have your answer.""I'm not gonna be everyone's cup of tea. And do you know what? That's okay.""Therapy saved my life without a doubt.""Be unapologetically you."Sophie Murgatroyd's Background:Sophie Murgatroyd founded Law by Sophie, specializing in equine and agricultural law. A Yorkshire farmer's daughter, she qualified as a solicitor at a major Manchester firm. Five years ago, she survived a violent trauma that took her unborn son's life, leaving her battling PTSD and depression. Through therapy and her dog Kipper, Sophie rebuilt her life and launched Law by Sophie 18 months ago. She's now building the "By Sophie Empire" with multiple ventures and applying to become a judge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Right. Meet Gemma from Wild & Gem – archaeologist-turned-jeweller capturing real bits of the outdoors and turning them into wearable moments.
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What if growth doesn't make things easier but actually just raises the stakes? Agency life looks glamorous from the outside, but the real growth usually starts in the messy middle. Today's featured guest just wanted to build something of her own, but quickly learned that growth means the challenges get harder, instead of easier, and that your client and team retention will always be the best measures of success, since it means you've managed to build a business that has a real impact on clients and a culture people never want to leave. She'll share the pressure she felt as the agency got bigger, how she learned to celebrate the little wins, and how she built a culture that has truly worked as a strategic advantage. Elyse Lupin is the president and founder of Elysium Marketing Group, a full-service agency specializing in food and franchise marketing. With more than a decade of running the business, she has scaled from a new mom charging a thousand bucks for her first client to leading a well known, franchise-focused marketing team recognized for expertise, execution, and a culture clients genuinely enjoy working with. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why growth gets harder as your agency scales. 2 metrics that actually predict agency success. How culture became her agency's competitive advantage. The importance of letting go instead of babysitting tasks. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. How Mentoring Can Be the Push You Need Elyse started her agency during what most people would consider the absolute worst time to make a career change. She had a newborn, a mortgage, and a job that drained her every morning as she left her child in daycare. That friction reached a breaking point. A mentor tossed out traditional job options, but Elyse surprised even herself when she said, "I just want to start my own thing." Instead of talking her out of it, that mentor became her first client. It's one of those decisions you look back on and realize how thin the line is between staying stuck and building something you love. In the early days, she charged way too little, as nearly all agency owners do for those first engagements. But like she said, ignorance can be a gift. When you are early and scrappy, you move fast and celebrate every small win because you have no idea what's coming next. Why Growth Gets Harder, Not Easier After eleven years, Elyse said she was shocked by how the difficulty of running an agency evolves. Things do get easier in some ways, but each stage comes with a new complexity level. As the agency grew, so did the pressure to hire better people, keep up quality, retain clients, and juggle new demands that never existed in the early days. You go from hands-on fulfillment to team building to culture shaping to visionary leadership. Each level is a different skill set and none of it is simple. Scaling is not a victory lap. It is a longer, more strategic version of the same game you started with: solve the next problem without losing momentum. For Elyse, it's all about stopping to celebrate the little wins and let herself enjoy watching her team crush new challenges. 2 Metrics That Predict Agency Success: Client and Team Retention A lot of agency owners fall into the trap of measuring success by employee count or top line revenue. Elyse prefers to track retention. She considers it far more meaningful. Clients only stick around if they are getting results and some of her clients have been with her agency since the beginning. Employee retention matters just as much, because no amount of growth means anything if the team delivering the work is burning out or bailing. Even during COVID, when most of their food clients disappeared overnight, Elyse's agency found a way to pivot into B2B, protect the team, and still grow. Not at the same pace, but still upward. That speaks to culture, resilience, and leadership. In the end, what really matters is how happy you are in the business, whether or not your team is happy, and how profitable the business actually is. These are the things that will guarantee you stay in business and not start to resent it. How Culture Becomes an Agency's Competitive Advantage Elyse's agency has a spirit week. costume day. concert tshirt day. team jersey day. They joke about team members hearing her excitement through the office walls. But behind the fun is something serious. A happy team performs better, stays longer, and delivers higher quality work. She also implemented rituals that reinforce positivity and growth. Every Friday on remote days, they kick off with Wins of the Week. Team members spotlight others who went above and beyond, which forces everyone to pause and recognize progress. Then there is Elysium Advancement, a bi-weekly internal training where someone teaches a new AI tool or system. It keeps the whole agency sharp without overwhelming everyone with the nonstop flood of new tech. Finding the Balance Between a Remote and In-Person Team Elyse's agency is in office Monday through Thursday and remote on Fridays. She believes their productivity is higher together, especially since half the business is design focused. Instead of 15 email threads, they solve problems in 30 second conversations. Some teams thrive remote. Others thrive together. The important thing is knowing which one your agency needs. For them, an in-person environment helps them move faster and design better. Letting Go: Building Leaders Instead of Babysitting Tasks Most agency founders struggle with this. Elyse has built three strong department heads who now own their areas. Sure, she still has a hand in more than she probably should, but the structure is finally allowing her to think bigger instead of babysitting tasks. She also knows what her team would tell her to stop doing. Being too loud in the office. Which, as problems go, is one of the funnier ones. The Power of Picking a Niche Years ago, Elyse heard this very podcast's advice about niching down and resisted it. Like most agency owners, she felt her client base was too broad to narrow down. After COVID, she finally made the leap and put a stake in the ground around franchise marketing. She got her Certified Franchise Executive credential, doubled down on franchising events, and made franchise marketing a core part of the brand. And the decision paid off immediately. Franchise systems want a partner who understands their world, their FDDs, their local store marketing needs, and their complexity. Her agency became that partner. And with that clarity came authority, opportunity, and recognition. Niching did not reduce her client pool. It strengthened her position and made her easier to hire. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
#699 Bookkeeping might feel like an industry “at risk” in the age of AI — but according to returning guest Kate Johnson, it's actually positioned for major growth! In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, Kate shares how the accounting landscape is evolving, why AI-enabled bookkeepers will thrive, and how to ethically use new tools to speed up workflows and deliver higher-value insights. She also highlights the rising demand for fractional bookkeeping and CFO-style support, the opportunity in emerging software, and why storytelling, advisory skills, and strong financial fundamentals will keep human bookkeepers indispensable for years to come! What we discuss with Kate: + AI's impact on bookkeeping + Security concerns with financial data + Hourly vs. project-based pricing + Using AI for notes and summaries + Automating client intake workflows + Emerging accounting software options + Value of human context and storytelling + Transitioning to fractional roles + Expanding into CFO-level advisory + Niching down with specific software Thank you, Kate! Use code MU for 50% off the Bookkeeping Side Hustle Guidebook. Join the Bookkeeping Side Hustle Facebook Group. Follow Kate on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Follow Kate on Substack. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Something's been quietly building in the background for years now.And now it's undeniable.We're entering a new era of thought leadership.One where integrity, generosity, and presence replace the outdated bro-marketing, hustle-at-all-costs mentality.I believe 2026 will be the year of feminine leadership.Not in a gendered sense… but in energy, presence, and embodied leadership.
#695 What if your creative side hustle could fund your freedom and run itself while you explore the world? In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, we're joined by Christina Umerez, a digital nomad who built a successful Etsy print-on-demand business that now supports her travel-filled lifestyle. Christina shares how she went from custom pet portraits to simple sweatshirt designs that generate passive income on autopilot. She walks us through her step-by-step research strategy, explains why Etsy is the perfect beginner platform, and reveals how she scaled her store while outsourcing nearly everything. Whether you're crafty or just clever with words, this episode proves you don't need design experience — or even inventory — to start building a business that works while you play! (Original Air Date - 4/23/25) What we discuss with Christina: + From pet portraits to passive income + Why simple designs sell best + Etsy vs. Shopify for beginners + Niching by product vs. audience + Importance of mockups and visuals + How to research winning products + Balancing evergreen vs. seasonal items + Tips for getting first Etsy reviews + Setting up your store for success + Automating with print-on-demand tools Thank you, Christina! Check out CUOnline at CUOnline.ca. Follow Christina on TikTok and YouTube. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kelli Fetter is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she leads a team providing world-class virtual handwriting, reading, and spelling support to students worldwide. She's also a respected educator for teachers and therapists, known for her evidence-based approach to handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. With a background in pediatric occupational therapy across clinics, schools, and early intervention, and inspired by her own daughter's dyslexia and dysgraphia journey, Kelli is dedicated to empowering families and professionals to unlock every child's potential.In this episode, Kelli shares how her personal journey with her daughter's dyslexia and dysgraphia sparked a global virtual business that now helps students, teachers, and therapists understand handwriting on a deeper level. She talks about how her background as a pediatric OT and her determination as a mom shaped a company that offers assessments, tutoring, teacher training, and even reading and spelling support. Kelli also gets honest about the behind-the-scenes of growing a business: pushing through perfectionism, learning to delegate, building systems, and staying anchored in her mission to help more families. Hit play now to hear her story and the real work it took to get where she is today!Connect with Kelli Fetter:Black Friday WaitlistDysgraphia Course for TeachersExpectations FreebieKey Takeaways:(00:35) Meet Kelli: from OT to online business owner(02:35) What Handwriting Solutions does; support for dyslexia and dysgraphia(05:20) Niching down and helping teachers, OTs, and schools(09:20) Services breakdown: assessments, tutoring, reading support, and handwriting programs for students(14:25) Mindset blocks and overcoming perfectionism(20:25) Teacher trainings, therapist courses, a textbook, and new resources coming in 2026Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/startConnect With Heather:teacherbiz.com/aboutinstagram.com/teacherbiz
In this conversation, Chris LaFay (Founder, Classic City Consulting) shares a decade of hard-won lessons on staying profitable, avoiding bloat, and building an agency that lasts. We dig into “one-glass focus,” why not niching can still be strategic, when to pass on work, partnerships without finders fees, pricing and retainers, and the KPI that quietly compounds new business: intentional outreach.In this episode, you'll learnWhy “one glass” focus beats scattered growthProject variety vs. “niching down” (and how to niche by systems, not industry)The comparison trap: learning from peers without copy-pasting their playbookWhen referral partnerships work without commissions—and when they don'tThe 4 R's growth engine: Retain → Reactivate → Referral → Recruit (new)Don't hire on a hope: catching operational bloat before it sinks marginsPricing, retainers, and the “help agencies look great” strategyThe single KPI Chris tracks in good seasons: weekly intentional check-insHow to handle sunk costs with a “fans-first” lens (Savannah Bananas inspo)Mentorship as a cheat code for clarity and decisive actionChapters:00:00 Intro 09:04 One-Glass Focus: creator energy, momentum, and why projects stay interesting 11:29 Project Variety > Burnout: why new client problems keep the work fresh 14:15 Do You Need a Niche? Niching by WordPress/Shopify & repeatable frameworks 15:32 Peer Comparison Without Copy-Paste: learning from others, keeping identity 18:44 Outreach > Everything: how early agencies stall without consistent relationship-building 25:24 Partnerships Sans Finder Fees: when passing leads is the value (and exceptions) 31:10 Adding Value to Your Agency Network: beyond referrals; community & support 32:17 Risk You're Glad You Took: the hiring lesson that reshaped the business 37:51 Silencing the Inner Critic: external processing & mentor mirrors 41:22 Most Valuable KPI: weekly intentional reach-outs (and why they compound) 46:55 Action Taker You Admire: David Feldman & decisive leadership 51:49 Sunk Costs & When to Quit: “fans-first” filter + staying lean on OPEXConnect with Chris:Founder – Classic City Consulting Website: https://classiccity.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lafay/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aHdpQXccPOE9YTcDJe4gZConnect with Brian: Web: https://brianondrako.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianondrako/If you're an early-stage B2B Founder, join the Sales Skills For Founders newsletter and learn to “un-suck” at sales, one newsletter at a time.
You may have heard phrases like, “We can't all be margaritas and tacos, we can't make everyone happy,” or “If you're speaking to everyone, you're speaking to no one”. Niching down your podcast ensures that you're truly focusing on your ideal audience, giving them valuable content that is specific to their needs. This week, episode 24 of Successful Podcasting Unlocked answers the question: Should I niche my podcast down?In this episode, I share:Niching down your podcast allows you to attract the right listeners and serve them effectively. A smaller, more engaged audience is more valuable to your business than a larger audience that doesn't convert. When you're speaking directly to your audience, you can find content ideas through working with clients, sharing personal stories, and exploring different perspectives.If you feel like you've covered all the topics your audience is looking for, you can consider creating a limited series with a defined end date.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips, tricks, and advice as I answer all your podcasting questions. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH ALESIA GALATI:InstagramLinkedInWork with Galati Media! Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Former sports broadcaster Brooke Kromer reveals how she built a thriving luxury real estate business on Florida's 30A, helping athletes invest wisely.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss interviews Brooke Kromer, founder of Kromer Collective, who shares her journey from NFL sidelines to Florida's luxury 30A coast.Brooke discusses how she transitioned from sports broadcasting into real estate, built a powerhouse all-women team, and discovered her niche helping NFL athletes and coaches invest in high-return beachfront properties.She explains how storytelling, market mastery, and consistency built her brand — and why emotional intelligence and community are key to lasting success in real estate.You'll learn:How Brooke transitioned from sports broadcasting to real estateWhy niching with athletes became her competitive advantageThe secrets behind building a successful all-women teamHow she negotiates million-dollar deals with confidence30A's unique investment opportunities and market trendsHow to turn rental properties into profitable lifestyle assetsThe power of storytelling in real estate marketingThe importance of consistency in branding and social mediaHow faith, people, and relationships define her “why”
Choosing Your Niche and AudienceMy approach to niching goes against conventional wisdom and what they teach in business school – which is exactly why it works.Niching is how you build true scale, create lasting legacy, and make great money while enjoying the process. But you've got to do it the right way.In this episode, I'm breaking down when to niche and how to do it in a way that propels your business forward. This is the key to moving from landing clients one by one to building a repeatable sales and marketing engine that generates more money and greater impact.I'm exploring the 3 factors that go into choosing your niche and audience, and revealing exactly what to expect in terms of effort required to jump the curve.Some people take a year to reinvent their business and grow their audience. Others see results in months. Either way, niching is absolutely worth it once you have the right blueprint for making the transition on your own terms.________Ready to scale your revenue and impact?Join the waitlist for my advanced mastermind, GROW Independent – a 12-month program for building a predictable sales and marketing engine.Join the waitlist now at: https://www.chrisdonohoecoaching.com/growindependent_______Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.comTrack: Urban Legend by Musical Bakeryhttps://tunetank.com/track/3362-urban-legend/
Let's talk about how to get HIGH QUALITY social media management clients in 2025 with my Social Media Management Accelerator alum Caitlyn Grad! More about SMMA: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/smmaFind Caitlyn here: https://www.caitlyngradmarketing.com/https://www.instagram.com/caitlyngradmarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@madebycaitlyn 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome0:30 - Niching by Location: Becoming a Local Expert1:16 - Caitlyn's Background & Journey into Social Media2:07 - Formal Education vs. On-the-Job Learning3:52 - Early Career Steps & Agency Experience5:16 - Getting Client Results: The Importance of Strategy5:25 - Finding Clients Offline & Online6:12 - Facebook Groups for Local Client Acquisition7:18 - Specializing in Local Businesses8:01 - A Day in the Life: Working with Local Clients8:55 - The Local Niche as a Superpower10:10 - Facebook Posting Strategies for Client Acquisition11:56 - Networking & Staying Top of Mind13:27 - Collaborators & Referral Partners through Networking14:06 - Networking Group Experiences & Pricing Insights16:00 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Leads and Branding17:26 - Video Strategy for LinkedIn18:29 - Evolution of Video Content on LinkedIn19:06 - Managing Client Load & Setting Boundaries21:36 - Balancing Client Work with Personal Brand24:32 - Creating Content for Your Own Brand25:36 - Content Creation Schedule & Finding Inspiration26:20 - Working Non-Traditional Hours28:31 - Scaling Your Business: Hiring vs. Staying Solo29:54 - Embracing Solopreneurship32:06 - Expanding Skills Beyond Social Media Management34:52 - Advice for New Social Media Managers37:53 - Where to Find & Connect with Caitlyn
In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy and Smart podcast, host Dr. Karen Litzy is joined by Liane Wood, RP, a seasoned entrepreneur and registered psychotherapist. They discuss the transition from clinician to CEO, focusing on the mindset and identity shifts required. Liane shares her journey from running insurance brokerages to becoming a psychotherapist and eventually helping others build thriving private practices. The conversation covers the importance of systems, niching, and value-based pricing, as well as overcoming perfectionism and burnout. Takeaways Transitioning from clinician to CEO requires significant mindset shifts. Building systems in practice saves time, energy, money, and stress. Niching helps therapists attract the right clients. Value-based pricing focuses on transformation rather than time. Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for business growth. Delegation is key to scaling a practice. Balancing working in and on the practice prevents burnout. Shifting from fear to excitement can drive business vision. Therapists can be both compassionate clinicians and confident business owners. Successful therapists integrate strategic planning into their practice. Chapters · 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction · 00:00:00 Liane's Journey from Insurance to Therapy · 00:00:00 The Importance of Systems and Niching · 00:00:00 Value-Based Pricing and Overcoming Perfectionism · 00:00:01 Balancing Practice Work and Preventing Burnout · 00:00:01 Leadership and Vision in Therapy · 00:00:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways More About Liane: Liane Wood is a registered psychotherapist, private practice mentor, and the host of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast. With a background as the former CEO of an insurance brokerage, Liane brings a unique blend of business strategy and clinical insight to her work. She supports mental health therapists in building profitable, sustainable private practices that align with their lives—not just their caseloads. Through her podcast and programs, Liane helps therapists step confidently into the role of business owner, with clarity, integrity, and impact. Resources from this Episode: Build Your Private Practice Website Build Your Private Practice on Instagram Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio
In this Building Better Foundations episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche talk with Wes Towers of Uplift360, a Melbourne-based digital agency serving the construction and trades industry. The discussion centers on niching for developers—how focusing on a specific audience helps software teams and agencies communicate better, deliver faster, and build lasting client trust. Key Idea: Niching for developers isn't about limiting opportunities — it's about amplifying your expertise and clarity in the markets that need you most. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world.
Have you ever worried that narrowing your niche might mean losing business? In this episode, I unpack why niching down isn't about exclusion—it's about focus, alignment, and clarity that attracts the right clients to you. I'm sharing how I discovered my own niche over the years, the fears I had to overcome, and how specificity has helped me build stronger relationships, better referrals, and more ease in my business.We'll explore what it really means to niche beyond surface-level categories, like luxury versus budget, and instead look at the deeper layers of who you serve, what problems you solve, and how you deliver your services. You'll also learn how to identify your dream clients, refine your messaging, and evolve your niche as your business grows. If your marketing feels vague or you're struggling to connect with ideal clients, this episode will help you find clarity that creates real momentum.I would love to connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenTaylorConsulting/ & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jentaylorconsulting/!Resources Mentioned:Sign up for a Business Audit: https://bit.ly/3JJDQOYShow notes available at: https://jentaylorconsulting.com/design-your-wedding-business-podcast/
Today, we'll talk about the big question - should you start with a focused niche? There are pros and cons to the approach, but the perceived cons - "what if I get tired of the niche in a few years?" , "what if the niche doesn't lead to a bigger market?" , "isn't a niche just hiding from the bigger problem I want to solve?" have gotten louder lately. So, we'll address them. We'll go over what a good niche looks like, how to get one, and how to grow. Podcast Insider Sign UpTackleboxKurt Vonnegut Shape of StoriesSlice Podcast - How to Get Your First 1,000 Customers1:00 Kurt Vonnegut - The Shape of Stories2:38 The Niche Question4:15 The Jiro Problem5:20 Act 1 - A Chef's Startup7:48 Smooth Jazz8:15 Act 2 - What's a Niche For? 8:44 A Niche is a Shortcut to Trust11:49 A Niche to Seed Future Growth13:40 What a Good Niche Looks Like14:25 The Cook By Smelling Niche16:38 Act 3 - How to Grow From a Niche17:29 Grow Vertically or Horizontally?19:20 Grow through Influential Customers20:00 Spice Smelling Niche21:14 Act 4 - The Real Villain, and the Real Hero22:11 Trust in Future You
In this inspiring episode of The Managing Partners Podcast, host Kevin Daisey sits down with Joe Musso, a seasoned nursing home abuse attorney who turned one of the hardest areas of law into a thriving, purpose-driven practice. Joe reveals how niching down became his competitive advantage, the power of compassion in client relationships, and why choosing work others avoid can lead to massive impact and fulfillment. Listen in as they discuss marketing, systems, mentorship, and how passion fuels true success in law firm ownership. Today's episode is sponsored by The Managing Partners Mastermind. Click here to schedule an interview to see if we're a fit. Chapters (00:00:18) - The Best Law Firms Scale(00:00:31) - Cool Story and Friend on the Podcast(00:01:22) - Klein, Klein Smith: Unique Way to Represent the elderly(00:04:05) - Joe Biden on His Redskins Fan Base(00:04:55) - Looking to grow your law firm?(00:06:05) - The Case of the Nursing Home(00:12:31) - The Boring Work of Lawyers(00:14:41) - Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer on the Podcast(00:18:33) - Nursing Home Abduction Defense Lawyers(00:23:10) - Lawyers on the Nursing Home Abuse Cases(00:28:13) - Tom Clancy on mentoring and coaching(00:30:42) - Lawyers: Passion for their Work(00:36:20) - The Real Joe the Lawyer(00:36:51) - Personal Injury Law Firm Review(00:38:18) - Joe Deloache on WDW Law
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world's top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim's story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn't always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.If you've ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom.
Are you afraid that niching down will drive clients away? What if, instead, it brings the right clients straight to your door? And how can clarity about your purpose be […] The post How Niching Can Grow Your Practice with Dr. Christen Mullane | GP 298 appeared first on How to Start, Grow, and Scale a Private Practice | Practice of the Practice.
“You have to keep evolving. We're always evolving. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. If you're not happy with what you're doing, there's always a way to change. And you can lean on great thought leaders like this to help you get there. ” -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, Founder of Accelerate 2 Advisor, returns for part two of her series about Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She shares practical ways bookkeepers can apply the next four habits to strengthen client relationships, build stronger teams, and sustain long-term success. In this interview, you'll learn: How to create win-win client & team relationships Why discovery calls should focus on understanding, not selling The power of synergy with your team and professional partners To learn more about Lisa, visit her profile on LinkedIn. Sign up for her Masterclass here! Time Stamp 00:00 – Win-win results with accountants through systemized books01:25 – Habit 4: Think win-win 06:57 – Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood09:55 – Why selling is ongoing & rooted in understanding clients' real needs 12:28 – Listening & trust with clients & team members 15:25 – Habit 6: Synergy 18:20 – Building referral networks & partnerships for growth 21:14 – Niching & connecting with industry vendors & partners for referrals 23:25 – Real-world example: systemized bookkeeping driving strong CPA referrals 25:07 – Habit 7: Sharpen the saw 29:50 – The most transformative habit for bookkeepers 35:00 – How proactive bookkeepers put first things first to reach advisor level 35:56 – Wrap-up & invitation to Lisa's Accelerate to Advisor masterclass This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!
How Shannon Sagan used a memorable niche to drive referrals and build a sellable brand. On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley welcomes personal injury attorney Shannon Sagan, better known as The Dash Cam Lawyer. Shannon shares his incredible story of how niching for lawyers, done with purpose and creativity, transformed his career from a defense firm associate into a standout personal injury attorney with a national reputation. Shannon's journey proves that when you lean into what makes you different, you can dominate even the most competitive markets. His passion for dash cams became more than a tool for evidence, it became the foundation of a powerful personal brand. By combining his legal expertise with smart, memorable marketing, Shannon created The Dash Cam Lawyer, a name clients remember and trust. Through niching for lawyers, Shannon built a thriving practice rooted in authenticity. Instead of chasing every case, he focused on organic referrals and strategic branding. That focus helped him rise above large firms, earn recognition, and even launch his own custom dash cam on Amazon. He discusses the process of trademarking his brand, using social media to amplify his message, and balancing creativity with credibility. Beyond branding, Shannon opens up about the habits and mindset that fuel his success. He credits his morning routine, ongoing coaching, and consistent self-discipline as keys to maintaining growth in a fast-paced, competitive field. Together, Steve and Shannon explore how focus, perseverance, and a clear niche can elevate both your practice and your life. This episode is a masterclass in standing out through specialization. Whether you're just starting your firm or ready to redefine your brand, Shannon's story will inspire you to find your own lane and own it. In this episode, you will hear: Shannon Sagan's transition from defense lawyer to The Dash Cam Lawyer and niche marketing success Importance of niche marketing in the legal field and how it differentiates Shannon in a competitive market Benefits and usage of dash cams in legal disputes and personal injury cases Shannon's journey in entrepreneurship, including launching a custom dash cam on Amazon The role of social media and innovative branding in expanding Shannon's legal practice Personal growth practices, such as morning routines, and their impact on professional success Advice for young lawyers on networking, marketing, and establishing a unique legal niche Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Shannon J. Sagan: thedashcamlawyer.com/shannon-j-sagan The Dash Cam Lawyer: thedashcamlawyer.com The Driven Agenda Podcast by The Dash Cam Lawyer: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-agenda-with-shannon-sagan/id1783176264 The Dash Cam Lawyer Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedashcamlawyer LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonsagan YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thedashcamlawyer TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thedashcamlawyer X: x.com/dashcamlawyer Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedashcamlawyer Dash Shield Pro by The Dash Cam Lawyer: a.co/d/fBzpx4Y Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine (Entrepreneurship Simplified) by Mike Michalowicz: a.co/d/0bNIwfe Ep 106: Building an All In Team with Mike Michalowicz: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/building-an-all-in-team-with-mike-michalowicz The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod: a.co/d/bktO7f2 The Summit: atticussummit.com My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Niching down, the power of a simple sales funnel, and preventing burnout with Johnny Brunet. ----- Welcome to episode 539 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Johnny Brunet. The Journey to $100k as a Content Creator with Johnny Brunet Johnny Brunet's story is proof that a pandemic pivot can lead to major success! He went from stand-up comedy to mastering the Blackstone griddle, finding his sweet spot by creating content specifically for beginner cooks. He shares the secret sauce of his content empire: how he strategically focused on one niche tool to stand out and why targeting the starting-out crowd was the perfect gap in the market for massive growth. Beyond the cooking, Johnny gets real about the business, breaking down his successful revenue mix of YouTube AdSense, eBooks, and affiliate marketing. You'll get his best advice on keeping your sales funnel incredibly simple and the importance of smart content marketing to drive product sales. This episode will give you the blueprint for turning a niche idea into a full-time income without spreading yourself thin. Three episode takeaways: The power of niching down: Johnny's big pivot from comedy during COVID shows that sometimes you have to roll with life's changes! He found massive success by niching down to a specific tool (hello, Blackstone griddle!) and focusing on beginner cooks, proving there's gold in filling those market gaps. The simple sales funnel is your friend: Believe it or not, you don't need a crazy-complicated setup to make money! Johnny broke down his successful monetization mix of YouTube AdSense, eBooks, and affiliate marketing, emphasizing how a simple sales funnel and smart content marketing are key to actually moving those products. Don't spread yourself too thin: If you're creating content, take a note from Johnny: don't try to be everywhere at once. He recommends focusing on one type of content and, even better, just documenting your own learning process. It keeps you from spreading yourself too thin and is a great way to keep your audience engaged! Resources: Johnny's food blog: Johnny Brunet Be sure to check out Johnny's e-book, Griddle 101! Visit the members-only Food Blogger Pro forum here! Canva Stan Gumroad Kit ThriveCart FourthWall MKBHD — FourthWall Follow Johnny on YouTube and Facebook Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Yoast 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 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.
Most coaches and course creators think they have a traffic problem… But what they really have is a model problem. In this episode of The Expert Edge, I sit down with Valerie Feghali, founder of Wellness Pro Creative, who went from physical therapist to running a thriving membership with thousands of paying subscribers. We unpack: How niching down (to a “scary specific” audience) allowed Valerie to scale faster and attract higher-quality buyers. Why memberships are one of the most predictable ways to build recurring revenue without burning out creating endless new content. The simple paid ads funnel that pays for itself while warming up buyers for your higher-ticket programs. If you've ever wondered whether you should niche tighter, start a membership, or simplify your business model so it works without you glued to your laptop 24/7, this episode is for you. Listen now and discover how to turn your offer into a scalable, recurring-revenue machine. Check out Valerie's website here: https://wellnessvault.com/ [Applications are open] If you are an expert business owner making more than $300,000 per year, applications are open for Colin's Inner Circle Mastermind. Check out the details here: https://training.colinboyd.co/inner-circle-mastermind-application Whether you're pivoting, scaling, or simply pausing to reflect this one's for you. PRE-ORDER BOOK BONUS: If you haven't pre-ordered my new published book One Presentation Away yet—this is the best time. You'll get my NEW PRE-ORDER BONUS “The Step-On-Stage Confidence Guide" - the exact process I use to get in state before presenting. Grab it now at https://onepresentationawaybook.com/ Discover how to authentically connect with your audience & fill your programs with a Conversion Story - Version 2.0 (AI Edition) is now available. https://www.conversionstoryformula.com Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss an episode! Love this podcast? Write a review and give it a 5-star rating! For all the show notes and links: https://www.expertedgepodcast.com/blog/episode288 Connect with Colin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinboyd/
Over the past few years, I've heard several people suggest that "blogging is dead." However, one of my favorite coaching clients earns her primary income from her blog and also hosts retreats and an annual conference for an entire community of food bloggers who earn an income from their blogging efforts. So I invited my client, Megan Porta, and asked her the question, "Can you still make money blogging in 2025?" Short answer: Yes. It's doable. It looks different than it did a decade ago. It requires real passion, patience, and a focus on what serves readers right now. Below are thorough show notes to meet you exactly where you are. If you want to start or revive a blog as a real income stream, these notes double as a step-by-step primer. What This Episode Covers Why blogging still pays when you pair patience with passion Megan has seen brand-new bloggers “crushing it.” The difference now is you cannot fake it. Your readers and Google both know when you do. Authenticity wins. The fastest realistic path to first income Join a quality ad network once your traffic qualifies. We name the two big players and their current thresholds. We also discuss why Google SEO and Pinterest are still the two traffic pillars that move the needle. Niching way down to win Broad “everything” blogs struggle today. Specific sub-niches serve specific people and get rewarded. Think “vegan cakes” instead of “vegan.” The love for your topic has to show up in every post. The collaboration playbook for early momentum Smart email list swaps. Contributing value inside the right Facebook groups without spamming. How one helpful post can put a niche creator “on the map” in months. Income beyond ads Digital products. Memberships. Sponsorships. How to think about affiliate income post-HCU and what still works if you are selective. Platform and tech choices that save you pain Why WordPress.org with solid hosting is still the move. Why a VPS and proactive security matter. Real-world cautionary tales about updates, backups, and malware. Key Takeaways and Insights 1) Yes, you can still get paid to blog. The bar is higher. If you bring patience and genuine expertise, you can absolutely build an income today. People starting in the last year or two are succeeding. The difference is the landscape. Authenticity and user value must drive your strategy. 2) Niche inside the niche Winning examples are laser-specific. Pick a tight segment of a larger category, then become unmistakably helpful to that reader. This is how you break through and build trust. 3) Traffic plan: SEO and Pinterest first To qualify for premium ad networks, prioritize traffic that comes from search and Pinterest. Current thresholds discussed in the episode: Mediavine at roughly 50,000 sessions per month and Raptive at roughly 100,000 pageviews per month. Build to those numbers, then let ad RPMs start compounding. 4) Collaboration without spam Use email list collaborations. Show up consistently inside large, topic-relevant Facebook groups. Earn trust by answering questions with real substance. This moves traffic quickly when your niche is dialed in. 5) Create on-topic, helpful content Google's Helpful Content updates pushed bloggers to stay tightly aligned with user intent. Keep posts on point for your niche. Tangential personal stories and off-topic content dilute perceived expertise and can hurt discoverability. 6) Monetization mix that works in 2025 Display Ads once you hit network thresholds. This becomes semi-passive as your library grows. Digital Products as quick wins: ebooks, guides, weekly prep plans. These are simple to produce and match your audience's immediate needs. Memberships if your audience is invested. Price points in food niches commonly range from about 5 to 20 dollars per month, often for ad-free experiences or exclusive content. Tech options include WordPress setups and hosted communities such as Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, and niche tools like Member Kitchens. Sponsorships when you can articulate your audience's value. Niche reach can beat raw follower counts if you understand a sponsor's acquisition economics and lifetime value. Affiliate Income is trickier after recent updates. It can still work at higher commissions or with premium offers. Treat it as a supplemental play, not your core plan. 7) Stack the tech in your favor Choose WordPress.org for full control, proven SEO flexibility, and extensibility. Invest in good hosting. A VPS with strong uptime guarantees is worth it. Expect to pay roughly 89 to 150 dollars per month for reliability that protects your revenue. Treat security and backups as non-negotiables. Plugins and themes require regular updates. Malware exploits often come from simple neglect. Have a pro who can restore fast. This avoids losing days or weeks or years of content. Practical Playbook Phase 1. Choose a narrow niche and validate demand List ten posts your ideal reader would save today. Ensure all are tightly aligned with one outcome your niche cares about. Keep stories and extras on-topic so Google sees topical authority. Phase 2. Protect the asset Run WordPress.org on a reliable VPS and keep everything updated. Assign backups and security to a pro so you do not risk outages or data loss. Phase 3. Build a traffic engine Publish high-quality posts that answer exact questions your audience asks. Optimize for search and create Pinterest assets for each post. Aim for Mediavine or Raptive thresholds to unlock ad revenue. Phase 4. Accelerate through collaboration Join large, relevant Facebook groups. Contribute substantial answers that stand on their own. Start tasteful email list collaborations for quick, qualified traffic. Phase 5. Layer monetization Add an easy digital product that solves a specific use case. Test a simple membership once engagement is strong. Pitch sponsors when you can quantify your audience's fit and value. About My Guest Megan Porta has been blogging since 2010 and runs Eat Blog Talk, a podcast and community that supports food bloggers who want to grow and monetize. She is a strong voice for focus, patience, and authenticity in a space that has evolved dramatically. Resources Mentioned Megan's sites: PipAndEbby.com and EatBlogTalk.com. Megan welcomes follow-up questions at megan@eatblogtalk.com. Ad networks: Mediavine, Raptive, once you meet their traffic thresholds. Community and membership tools: Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, Member Kitchens. Platform: WordPress.org with quality hosting and a VPS. I'm Here To Help! If you want help in building your own online business, send me a short note about your business dream and where you feel stuck. I will point you to the most useful next step, whether that is a free resource, a workshop, or coaching with me. My email is cliff@cliffravenscraft.com.