Business Tao with George Kao

Observe the business experts you follow: notice the core message of their emails, social media, and websites… Are they trying to tempt you with big incomes and large followings? "Make 7 figures!” "Get one hundred thousand followers!”By selling wealth and fame, they are leading some people towards anxiety and depression.A business built on extrinsic (or external) motivations will eventually foster unhappiness.On the other hand, an authentic business – based on intrinsic motivations – tends to create true success...Comment here:https://youtu.be/nVmR5qs2sl0 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

Comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/nWlgY3U_ZVM 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

Don’t beat yourself up :) because at least you have a vision! Many people don’t. And we’re all in the journey of learning how to properly motivate ourselves.Got human accountability? Simplest is to use Focusmate. Join my focusmate group here: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunity Got a clear workflow process? Write it down. “Hat manual”.This segment is a sample from the Authentic Business Course:http://smpl.ro/BizInsights 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 used to dream about “financial freedom”… having so much money that I could just do whatever I wanted, travel the world, give money abundantly to causes and people in need.I invested in lots of business programs that sold me on that dream.Eventually I learned about the true purpose of work...Comment here:https://youtu.be/0TYAJFTaxa4 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 might want to listen to this more than once...This segment is a sample from the Authentic Business Course:http://smpl.ro/BizInsights 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

May you celebrate your past actions, have peace in the present, and joyfully stretch (just a bit!) into your potential.Comment here:https://youtu.be/mU9FFtvV80c 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 segment is a sample from the Authentic Business Course:http://smpl.ro/BizInsights 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

It's good to niche your offers, but you don't have to niche yourself / the entirety of your business.For us solopreneurs, it's about credibility anyway, not as much about niching... Comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/SLOr7M4GMTk 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 might want to listen to this more than once...This segment is a sample from the Authentic Business Course:http://smpl.ro/BizInsights 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, consistent creation... it’s a spiritual practice:* Post without checking for engagement (until your regular data gathering)* Show up and create as a discipline, not relying on inspiration only.* You are practicing your internal locus of motivation, the source of your authentic power and voice.Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/Rr_W44dqmqQ 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

"There are only TWO spots left in the program. Sign up now!"…is the sort of marketing message we might receive from a conventional marketer.It seems to me that they haven’t taken the care to consider how the audience feels. They're doing it because it "works" to get those few openings filled.When they offer only 2 spots left, and yet the campaign is being sent to thousands of people, what are the rest of those people supposed to do? They’re supposed to feel left out.In this episode I discuss marketing with FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) and a healthier alternative...Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/o83bKOhfwIE 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

To comment on this episode, go to: https://youtu.be/jllrDSO5NyQJeffrey Scott's website:https://www.joyomancy.comThe Technomancy Workshop:https://www.joyomancy.com/book-technomancy-workshop.html 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

Your ambitions can be as grand as you want them to be. What inspires you? Dream it! Yet, when it comes to the timeline of when those dreams are met -- hold to them loosely. Be unattached to the results of each day, each week, each month.Instead, attach yourself, care much more, about the schedule you planned for today... Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/WJnZBuaUuDU 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

No, you don't have to do what those marketing experts are telling you -- you don't have to use persuasion psychology to have a successful business. (I'm living proof and so are many others out there who simply focus on showing up consistently and authentically.)Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/sA2ez5B4-6I 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 next time an expert tells you that a marketing or conversion tactic “works”... ask this question: “It might work to convert 10% of the audience… but does it build trust with the other 90%... or would it feel salesy to them?”Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/d3sWWBxRrvk 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

Understanding the two energy sources that move your business forward... passion vs. compassion.In other words...Do what you love? Or...Offer what they want?Try to integrate these two...Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/w1JmTkTz4-U 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

Announcing my upcoming course:“What Do You Do?” –Integrate Your Deep & Diverse WorkInto a Coherent Intro & About Page(3-Week Transformational Experience For Soulful Service Providers)Have you found it challenging to communicate the depth and complexity of your work to others?Multi-passionate solopreneurs often struggle with conveying the essence of their offerings in a way that resonates with potential clients and collaborators.Let’s do this important work – together in community – for each of our businesses.This 3-week experience is tailored for solopreneurs who have diverse passions and tools. We will clarify, and then practice, how to describe our work.Throughout this course, you will create (or update), with the support of a community of fellow service providers, the following assets:1. A captivating Bio that can be used on your website and social media profiles, as well as a modified version for introducing yourself in a group.2. A new (or improved) About Page about you and your work – one of the key pages for your website.3. A clear and resonant Professional Title that you can proudly use in various places: LinkedIn Headline, your Zoom name, and many other places where you’re introduced.4. An authentic and simple Homepage Video where you introduce your work for 1 minute and invite the visitor to explore your website.5. A simple Media Kit webpage you can send to people interested in interviewing you on their podcast or video channel.If it sounds exciting to you to create these things – with my facilitation – in a supportive community of kindred spirits, then I hope you’ll join us for this 3-week experience!See the dates + the price at the enrollment page here: Details & EnrollmentAsk any questions here. 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 trying to understand your purposeful work, you may have encountered various kinds of venn diagrams (overlapping circles) to express the idea of Ikigai.Well, here's my version of it... a venn diagram for Authentic Business.Let me know if it helps! If so, add it to your toolbox 😊Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/J27KPHFHrgU 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 of us grow up hearing “You only get one chance at making a good first impression.” We are taught this when applying for schools, for jobs, and when finding friends and partners. It’s no wonder that so many people are blocked from their authentic creativity. I also believe this is why so many of us are not consistent in creating content, due to this deep philosophical limitation.Years ago I encountered this quote, which had a life-shifting impact for me:“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Over the years, I’ve practiced not worrying about making a good first impression...Watch the video / add your comments here:https://youtu.be/rpcVO8Nszyw 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 noticed that many service providers who consider themselves “spiritual” often toss their spirituality out the window when it comes to marketing... They trust the marketers and ignore their own values and heart.This kind of disconnection is not necessary (and actually harmful) if you want a successful, authentic business. In this video I discuss how genuinely caring for your people can be the core of your "marketing strategy".Comment here:https://youtu.be/WpzesUSlA3g 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

Here’s the business model that I use, and recommend for all clients to consider. It’s an alternative to sales funnels (which often feel unethical to me).This concentric circles model is meant for those who earn a living as solopreneurs (simpler business with less overhead) by sharing their life’s experiences via coaching, mentoring, facilitation, or healing.See the diagram and written explanation here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/businessmodel 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

Years ago, I received a simple piece of career advice:“Go where you’re respected.” — eco-entrepreneur Paul HawkenThese 4 words have guided my career.It applies to marketing too — aim to sell only to prospective clients who are already eager to work with you. By doing so, there will be no feeling of “selling.” There’s only connecting from the heart, helping them genuinely, and answering their questions. Comment here:https://youtu.be/xU5dAQRLJII 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 discuss how marketing doesn't have to be about chasing a huge audience or thousands of subscribers. Instead, I encourage you to focus on finding your 100 true fans – people who genuinely enjoy and connect with your authentic self. By exploring and empowering your authentic expression, you'll strengthen your unique energy signature, which will naturally attract your true fans. These fans will not only support your products and services but will also share your message with like-minded individuals, helping your audience grow organically.I hope this perspective shift inspires you to approach marketing with more heart and authenticity. By focusing on building genuine connections with your true fans, you'll create a more fulfilling and successful business.Watch the video and comment here:https://youtu.be/FlQf6bGLMZ4 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 feeling stuck in business, get back in touch with your audience on a 1-1 basis...Comment here:https://youtu.be/Fvk-Z0sH6gw 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

Alex's voice alone is healing to listen to! Enjoy this conversation about the power of our voice to heal our stored pain and liberate more authentic creativity and growth. Included is a sample meditation for releasing your voice.For more, check out Alex's website -- https://www.alexkingharris.comAlex King-Harris, known in the music world as Rara Avis (which is latin for Rare Bird), is a celebrated producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist with a 25-year career focused on music for yoga, embodiment, and the healing arts. He is a recognized pioneer in his field and has gained worldwide recognition for his musical offerings that blend live elements with eclectic, trance-inducing soundscapes. Alex's love for teaching vocal freedom and sound healing vocal journeys is evident through his workshops and ritual concert series. Additionally, he is the CEO and Co-Founder of YogiTunes, a worldwide streaming music platform for yoga and wellness.Comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/YTIYVqmre-Y 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 was a sample segment from the Joyful Productivity program: www.GeorgeKao.com/TLCComment here:https://youtu.be/tyDlhukEVjw 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

1. As a society, should we pause AI development?2. What about for you and me ... should we learn how to use AI?No (we can't anyway)... and yes, it's urgent.Related blog post here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/pauseaiDiscuss this episode here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/744206333746662 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

Rebecca is a Content Strategist who specifically works with people making a positive impact on the world—healers, artists, activists, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. Her mission is to help do-gooders clarify and express their message in order to connect with, ignite, and expand their audience to disrupt the status quo and nourish humanity. In this interview, we discuss… * Why you don't need to chase the algorithm around to have a successful online business. * Why you should lead with your most unpopular belief.* How to write copy in an effortless way that connects deeply with the people who would most resonate with your work.Rebecca is in the process of building her Content Cultivation Community where you can get ongoing access to her expertise as well as group accountability to have a consistent and effective online presence even if you hate social media or feel strapped for time. Join her email list to be the first to know when it drops at https://rebeccavandamm.com/email In the meantime, if you'd like to get a taste of her work, you can join her every first Friday for her free monthly gathering, Content Strategy Cafe. Check it out at https://rebeccavandamm.com/offerings 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

Comment here:https://youtu.be/t66lsIyrjhA 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 solopreneurs are being indoctrinated by digital marketers who sell them on the idea that they need a sales/marketing “funnel”.A typical funnel works like this:You see an Ad (for example on Facebook or Instagram), or receive an email, and it’s about a wonderful “free” thing… free video series, email course, or an intriguing quiz.You can only get that “free” thing by giving them your email address. This is known as “the opt-in.”You’ll get a series of emails giving you “value” in the form of free advice or teachings, but what you don’t realize is that it’s all designed to “indoctrinate” you. They want you to buy a specific thing they’re going to sell you soon.You then get an email that brings you to a sales webpage (usually quite long!) or sometimes you’re invited to a “free” webinar that tries to sell you on the thing they were intending for you to buy, from the very beginning. The original intention was hidden from you until now.You then get cleverly-written email reminders until you buy. It might include scarcity tactics (“Buy in the next 2 hours to get this amazing bonus!”)The idea of a “funnel” is to squeeze or manipulate people through a cleverly designed persuasion process.There are many variations of this. You might see an innocent “5 day challenge” to change your life, which then puts you into a Facebook group that is designed to build excitement for you to buy their program.Or it might be a long webinar that is cleverly-designed to hook you into buying. Sometimes the webinar appears to be just in time for you! What they don’t reveal is that the webinar is auto-playing (they should just call it a video!) and they only make it appear as if it is an event.I purposely don't use sales funnels in my business. In this episode I discuss this, and also offer what I consider to be a better alternative...Comment here:https://youtube.com/live/k6RvWJZ3roo 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 welcome your comments below -- how do you feel about A.I. (artificial intelligence) such as ChatGPT and MidJourney? Do you think it will benefit your authentic creating? Choose one of the places below to add your comments... on Youtube: https://youtu.be/p-V8nqxSL5son Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/575820811178908 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

Talking with Tad Hargrave about "point of view" (what I call "frameworks") and the 3 cases you need to make in your marketing: Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Prescription.In celebration of his upcoming course:https://georgekao--marketingforhippies.thrivecart.com/pov-marketing-lab/Follow Tad's content:https://www.youtube.com/@marketingforhippieshttps://www.instagram.com/marketingforhippies/ To comment on this video:https://youtu.be/g5hPU0rbRcA 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 principle has been essential to my success.How do I make great content? By making more content, and observing what spreads.How do I improve my skills?By working with more clients, and noticing who grows the most.True learning comes from action — we build muscles by doing things, not just reading about them.It takes *quantity* of action to develop quality of results...Comment here:https://youtube.com/live/juTyVlL1plU 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

Sonja's links:Website -- https://sonjathegrey.comIG -- https://www.instagram.com/sonjathegrey/FB -- https://www.facebook.com/sonjathegreyYoutube -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUBQb8E3JqTUBzPvdhQTOGQSonja is part of my group coaching program: https://www.georgekao.com/groupComment on this episode:https://youtu.be/YoMLBsAVxbg 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

There are essentially two foundational ways of showing up in our marketing and content:Be impressive instantly.Be consistently authentic.You can get clients through both methods, but only one method unleashes your full potential...Comment here:https://youtu.be/q7gTBV53XTE 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

Eric's links:https://www.wisdomheart.comhttps://www.facebook.com/wisdomhearthttps://www.instagram.com/wisdom.hearthttps://www.youtube.com/@WisdomHeartTVEric is part of my group coaching program: https://www.georgekao.com/group Comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/IlBtz9rrzDM 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 used to dream about “financial freedom”… having so much money that I could just do whatever I wanted, travel the world, give money abundantly to causes and people in need.I invested in lots of business programs that sold me on that dream.Eventually I learned about the true purpose of work...Comment here:https://youtu.be/fBbmVDZ5ihQ 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

Learn more here: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/SoulGym 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 get others excited about your passion project? Document your own creation journey... May this episode inspired you to go for it 🙌🏾Comment here:https://youtu.be/Ks5DO9dFuKQ 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

Links mentioned and additional thoughts can be accessed here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/theprosperouscoach 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

Cryptocurrency is a gamble. The stock market is volatile. Shockingly, even bonds don’t feel safe anymore.The best investment for most of us is – and has always been – in improving our own monetizable skills.You will never have to worry about ups and downs. It’s always valuable. It has always been the highest sustainable return on investment -- in money and in your personal growth. Win-win.Discuss:https://youtu.be/lRSwfPSpn6w 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

Mira's Links:https://www.facebook.com/MiraRaoCoachinghttps://www.instagram.com/miraraocoach/https://www.youtube.com/@mirarao5864Mira is part of my group coaching program: https://www.georgekao.com/group Comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/iSbET0We3I4 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

Maybe it’s my fault. I’ve written and spoken for years about how beneficial it is to be creating content consistently. Now, some of you are feeling guilty if you aren’t being consistent with it.You might even be letting it stop you from doing gentle launches on a consistent basis... Discuss here:https://youtu.be/BeTVIPw7CpM 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

Get inspired by Gregory Vahanian as he talks about his shift into authentic content creation and netcaring.Links to Gregory's content:Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/gregoryvahaniancoaching/Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/gregoryvahanian/Gregory is part of my group coaching program: https://www.georgekao.com/groupComment on this episode:https://youtu.be/6nwQBU71n8o 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

We become inauthentic when we try to persuade people.When you’re in the energy of trying to “get” someone to believe you and to buy your thing, it becomes too easy to say whatever you think the other person wants to hear. You lose your grounding and integrity.Instead, what if you sell only to people who will quickly understand the value of what you’re selling?Discuss:https://youtu.be/9tQ3CusWAyE 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 all the info here: https://www.georgekao.com/outreachTo ask any questions, comment here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1604533226641719 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

“Tell me about your goals.”“Well, I want a business beyond my wildest dreams. Doesn’t everyone?!”In her voice, there’s a slight tinge of desperation. An unspoken, “I refuse to be happy until I arrive.”When I started my business in 2009, I was like this, too. Easily influenced by my business mentors at the time, I became uber-focused on external success. Becoming a millionaire, building a guru online presence, etc.Eventually, I burned out. I came to realize that prioritizing the externals often erodes the internals, and lends itself to stress, constant grasping, lack of fulfillment, etc. A breathless chasing after external validation.Today, I wish to be average in external metrics, yet lead from the inner qualities.In an industry of business coaches and marketing experts who all clamor for seven-figure incomes and million-follower fame, I focus on three different things now…Discuss here:https://youtu.be/EM5s20UUBGI 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 wish I knew this when I was in my 30's, my 20's, even my teens...Discuss here:https://youtu.be/xk7sAsmUE3I 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

These are values that drive my business, and what I hope will set the foundation of my client community.I’m happy to share these values publicly, with the hope that it inspires growth for all business owners.As you listen to each point, take a moment to reflect on how it aligns with your own values. I’d love any comments, questions, and even suggestions.Related blog post: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/values 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 full-time as a solopreneur since 2009. I’ve launched many services, programs, and events. Some of them have been busts, getting few to no enrollments.My first reactions to those experiences had been discouragement and slight depression. Many times I’ve been tempted to quit.While I was in a state of discouragement, I asked myself:“What would I say to a client who was experiencing this… and what therefore should I do to also recover?”The word that came to me:BREATHEIntentional deep breathing is always a good reminder! However, I also got curious what else BREATHE could mean. In the next few days, what formed was a simple system bouncing back from setbacks.​It’s important to have a recovery process quickly available to you when you start to get discouraged.The next time you encounter a discouraging mistake or failure, try the BREATHE method as described in this episode.Discuss here:https://youtu.be/8tdMFKytknI 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