Business Tao with George Kao

After 16 years of full-time solo income, I’ve learned that ease doesn’t come from “just going with the flow” -- it springs from keeping promises to myself… In this video I walk you through the weekly ritual that builds that muscle: schedule it, track it, honor it, then release attachment to perfection. If procrastination and overwhelm keep derailing your dream schedule, this video might just offer you the practical, soul-aligned structure you’ve been missing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I’m calling out the busy-work that keeps us soulpreneurs spinning—endless website tweaks, brand-name angst, and research rabbit holes—and replacing it with a single metric: valuable interaction with the people my business can best serve. When clients or referral partners actually move closer—comment, share, sign up—-that’s success. Anything else is noise that my soul can happily ignore :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

In this video I break down my signature “111 Formula” for rapid traction: 40 content experiments, 20 market-discovery chats, 20 collaborations, 10 stage-two power posts, 6 joyful-productivity habits, and 5 crystal-clear case studies—all within a year (or turbo-charge it in six months). I walk you through why these numbers matter, how to line them up with your values, and what it feels like to build both a business and a better self, brick by brick. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Most of my life, I’ve struggled with being consistent with good habits and keeping up with my work.If you’re a heart-based business owner or intuitive worker, maybe you can relate — feeling the resistance to doing certain important things, and letting hour after hour, day after day, pass.I used to be devastated when I realized that I was the one standing in my own way. I had all these dreams and visions, but my lack of discipline made them feel impossible. I thought I was unchangeable.Thankfully, I was wrong about that... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Imagine you’ve promised a good friend - someone you genuinely care about - that you’ll reach out every single day. Your friend is struggling. They need your presence, your advice, or simply your thoughtful voice.You’d make time, wouldn’t you?You’d text them something meaningful, record a quick voice message, or even film a short video while waiting for your flight to board. You’d find a way. Because you made a commitment, and because you care.Now, what if you treated your audience exactly this way?Your ideal audience is that friend. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

When it comes to creating content, my biggest piece of advice, something I've learned after making thousands of videos and posts, is to create lightly. Don't get bogged down thinking each piece has to be a viral hit or perfectly polished. Instead, show up with a sincere intention, maybe think of it as public journaling, and just put it out there – bless and release. This way, you can try lots of different things without getting attached, see what resonates, and keep the creative energy flowing without the pressure. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

In this episode, I share with you the creative workflow for my content. Create your own flow NOW, while your audience is small... or rather, much smaller than you'll have in the coming months and years! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Are you pouring your heart into your authentic business, yet sometimes feel lonely, wondering where support will come from? Where are the kindred spirits, the allies who will understand and uplift your efforts?You’re not alone in this feeling. Trust that there is definitely a path forward — a way to uncover the connections and resources waiting for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I stumbled upon a video which now has 76,000 *comments* and 16 million views 😲 Yet, it seems like a “boring” video compared to what most viral videos are like these days... you can find it on youtube by searching MIT Neurosurgeon Unemployed... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

“I’m actually not at the stage of creating content yet... because I don’t actually know what I want to do specifically.”All of us are somewhere along the spectrum of uncertainty about what we should offer in our business. Do not amplify that feeling. Instead, create content in order to get clarity.Your calling is where your interests meet the world’s interests. You’ll only discover that by testing the market with your content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

People often ask if free content leads to clients, and my answer is yes, but it’s about the HOW. It starts with creating authentically, from a place of service and gratitude, not expectation. Then, it’s about getting that content seen and genuinely connecting with the audience you’re blessed enough to attract. By talking with them and understanding what they really need support with, you can then offer services or products they’ve essentially already told you they want, making the whole process feel natural and truly helpful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

The most valuable asset you have in your business is self-trust. To build self-trust, simply plan self-appointments and show up for what you planned for -- and work lightly! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

As mentioned in the video above, here’s my introduction about Hans Wilhelm’s teachings:See all of Hans Wilhelm’s 100+ videos here: LifeExplained YouTubeAlso mentioned was the Law of Projection video: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Even if you coach/facilitate clients to create their own answers -- rather than *teaching* them anything -- you can still create useful content that draws potential clients to you. This video offers some prompts for you to reflect on. Let me know if it helps! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

A reminder for us soulpreneurs:You have to do stuff you don't naturally love… until you have enough money to do only what you love.Building a business as a solopreneur involves a huge variety of tasks and projects, most of which you wouldn’t naturally have thought – “This was what I was looking forward to doing, day to day, with an authentic business!”The stronger your passion and vision for what should be your ideal work, the stronger you’ll feel the gap. The destination seems so far from where you are now.The sane solution? You'll have to practice loving what you “have to” do now, to make money, so you can – one day in future – make money doing only what you love. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

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

I've come to see deadlines and metrics not as enemies of the soul, but as potential tools for its play. I mean, why did we even come to this Earth game with all its limitations, like needing to pay rent and all that? Back in the soulful realm, it's all abundance and freedom. So, maybe these constraints are actually part of the game, a way for our souls to practice expressing themselves powerfully within a specific context... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I've been part of several cults myself – religious, political, and even business ones! So I know the dynamics, and I'm susceptible to falling into those patterns myself. That's why I'm so passionate about finding a *healthier* way to build an audience. I don't want to be a "guru" telling people what to do. I want to empower them to find their own answers. It's about encouraging self-reflection, speaking to their deep desires, and helping them relieve themselves of unnecessary burdens. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

You have a rare combination of strengths. In this video, I'm rattle off a bunch of possible ones. What's your combo? Don't try to be the best at everything... it's exhausting. Other people are just naturally stronger at some things. Let them be. Instead, find YOUR combo, and become the ONLY one in your field with your unique strengths. See the full list at www.GeorgeKao.com/blog/listofstrengths This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Authentic marketing is the practice of expressing your soul, from an energetic space of enjoyment and connection… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

When I first started, I thought business ownership meant complete freedom to wake up whenever and work however I pleased. But here's the truth: successful businesses require the same dedication as professional artists or athletes. You need to create your own structure, follow your schedule religiously, and understand that skill development takes time. Just like you can't expect to run a marathon after one day of training, you can't expect immediate business success. It's about consistent practice and accepting that lag time between starting and seeing results.If you’re interested in working with a group, I run a membership community of joyfully productive business "athletes" :) called JoyPro: https://www.georgekao.com/joypro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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