Business Tao with George Kao

No, you don't have to niche down and constrict yourself like that.For us solopreneurs, it's about credibility anyway, not as much about niching...Discuss here:https://youtu.be/wwliMMN1FZA 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

Someone asked what I thought about paying $20,000 per year for a business coach... Of course, it’s fine if you’re having a very worthwhile experience, and if you are gradually paying it. My concern is when you’re paying a large sum and the coach is new to you, yet promising you the sun, the moon, and the stars.Many of us idealistic business owners are easily taken by big promises from authoritative-looking coaches. We can end up wasting thousands… or tens of thousands of dollars.The money you spend for business coaching should really be going towards the five areas I discuss in this episode.**Add your comments here:https://youtu.be/gNd4QCnzrzg 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 often hear that we only commit to things we pay a dear price for. Today a coach tried to sell me a £20k program to work with him 1-o-1, weekly sessions for a year. And he justifies the price with the need to commit: if you pay for a cheap service you won't be so likely to commit to change.As a healer, I wonder if selling high price packages might actually help my clients stick with my healing programs instead of being distracted by the next thing they find online.I remember you talked about self-worth and money… but I’m not sure about the relation between money we pay and the client’s commitment.” --reader of my blog.This is a great question, and as you study business, you will encounter this kind of advice: charge higher rates so that your clients take the work more seriously.I’ll turn the question around so you can see how it feels – how would you like it if you knew that I was charging you more, so that you would take my work more seriously?Discuss here:https://youtu.be/SLMZBrdlhb4 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

Once a year I teach my business plan course for the coming year.It's my most important course and I require all my clients to take it, so that we can be on the same page re: effective & authentic business planning 👍🏽What does the course cover?* In-depth training about the 111 business formula -- a unique strategy that I've been applying for years to build a thriving business. You'll learn the strategy + get my newest tracking system for helping you apply it.* In-depth training about the 8 practices of authentic business -- how I see the whole landscape of business -- the core elements needed for entrepreneurial success.* Additional key pieces and templates for how I recommend planning a business for the coming year.* Q&A with me to answer your questions about all of the above.If you're seeing this in November, you can catch the live sessions -- see the dates & times here: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/BizPlanEither way, I hope you have a method -- or will find/create one -- of planning your 2023 business that feels inspiring and effective for you 🌅Yours in Grateful Service,George Kao 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.Not necessary for a successful, authentic business. In this episode I discuss how genuinely care for your people can be the core of your "marketing strategy".Discuss here:https://youtu.be/DEZK4OTkcvw 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

"Capture, Categorize, Calendar" is the core idea from the "productivity" side of my Joyful Productivity teachings.For a writeup of this lesson, visit: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/ccc 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 is the public description of the program -- www.georgekao.com/group -- you can use the link there to request an Application. It's quick to fill out. Once I receive your request, if it seems like you might be a great fit for the program, I'll send you the official application and private document with other details. 🙏🏼 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...Discuss here:https://youtu.be/3uabo3wF-Ug 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

Recently I’ve spoken to several who have spent around $50,000 USD on business/marketing coaching or trainings… and often because they didn't realize those marketers are selling to their trauma.Sadly, much of the persuasion psychology being used (and taught) in marketing – the stoking of fear, uncertainty, doubt (FUD) – “works” on people who have experienced traumatic backgrounds… I’m not an expert in trauma and its healing, but some of you are. I welcome your comments below – if you want to share your insights on how marketing is being used to take advantage of people’s trauma backgrounds, to make more sales, and how we can instead do marketing with more awareness and compassion.In this episode I'll share a core shift of perspective to help you break free of manipulative business teachers...To comment on the episode:https://youtu.be/eiPPg471VSQ 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 launching a coaching program & community to help coaches/mentors/healers get (and stay) consistent in creating authentic content:The Soul Gym -- 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

Clients -- you'll attract more clients (and more ideal ones) because the practice of creating authentic content somehow changes your energy -- you get more in touch with a deeper authentic power than before. Plus, some of your content will get shared and find new ideal audience members. Calling -- by exploring your ideas, experiences, passions and putting it out into the world, you discover more of the intersection between your creativity and the market's wants.Creativity -- you will grow your "creativity fitness" -- the skill of being creative on demand.I'm launching a coaching program & community to help coaches/mentors/healers get (and stay) consistent in creating authentic content:The Soul Gym -- 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

Understanding the two energy sources that move your business forward...Join the discussion for this episode:https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=763920981598888 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

Coaches often tell me: “Because I’m not a consultant or teacher, I can't create content.”This is certainly an example of a limiting belief 😉 and it prevents many coaches from experiencing a greater potential that they could have as coaches. If you had a larger audience (created via content sharing), you have more choice – among your fans – of which clients you’d like to take on. You could raise your rates if you wished. You could also more easily create a group coaching program if you wanted to.Yet, content is not just for growing a business. Content is an important exercise of personal creativity and authentic expression. Nothing else has helped me find my authentic power more than my practice of creating consistently.Content is also a service to humanity – your content will benefit many more people compared to those who are able to give anything back to you.In this episode I'll offer some content ideas for coaches and facilitators.Join the discussion here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/2259773334181042/ 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

...that "make" people buy?Over the years, I’ve become quite sensitized to this type of marketing manipulation. By listening to this episode, you’ll also become more conscious in your marketing, and also gain more control over your purchasing choices.I hope we can become more "childlike" in our marketing philosophy -- to be persuasive not by trying, but because we are innocently trustworthy and naturally likeable :)Join the discussion here:https://youtu.be/vDf89855Kl0 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

My analysis of Simplero vs Kajabi, Podia, and a few other popular all-in-one platforms: www.georgekao.com/simpleroThis was a segment from my mentorship program: www.georgekao.com/groupComment here:https://youtu.be/sU3fPkzSfi8 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

Some marketing experts want you to focus on “list-building” or getting lots of “traffic”.It can make us start to do things that are inauthentic. For example, using “lead magnets” to grow an email list, or making popular posts on social media that aren’t true to our business or authenticity.What if instead we focus on serving the just right “people”, instead of always getting more “traffic”? The shift seems subtle, but it’s important: a more relational language continually trains us to focus on real human beings.Instead of “traffic”, what does an authentic business really need? I discuss that in this episode.Comment here:https://youtu.be/p90Uk6G-irE 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...Comment on the episode here:https://youtu.be/oGZFh_AtvTo 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 loved being interviewed by Leah Cooper for her podcast The Wellbeing Room. I hope you enjoy this special episode!Topics I shared:how I came to bring spiritual awareness to the work I do as a business and marketing coachwhat prompted the start of "Soul Gym" and how it has evolved over timethe Spiritual Alphabet - my tools and values for wellbeingthe evolution of the Energy Reboot practiceTo watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/13ks1gen0MoLeah Cooper's Podcast – The Wellbeing Room 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?Comment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMrjEKwp7VY 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

Is LinkedIn useful for non-corporate professionals such as holistic healers and intuitive coaches?I took a survey of my audience of non-corporate professionals...Here is a summary of their responses:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/linkedinforcoachesComment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/__EAw35qRH0 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

Check out my course on the simple process of self-publishing a book: https://www.georgekao.com/bookcreation 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

Check out my course on the simple process of self-publishing a book: https://www.georgekao.com/bookcreation 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

Too much of online prospecting/sales is about reaching out to strangers or acquaintances who have not signaled their interest in your work."But based on their profile they might be interested, so I should reach out to them." Most of the time, this feel to the recipient like spam.In this episode I'll share 3 "warm outreach" alternatives...Comment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gbeGlyKOAo 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’s so much talk in marketing about increasing "conversion rates” -- which may mean how many webpage visitors buy, who many opt into your email list.Yet, none of us heart-based entrepreneurs like to focus on the manipulative actions that supposedly lead to "higher" conversion rates. And thankfully, we don’t need to worry about it.Comment here -- https://youtu.be/Uvqh3_VTaOk 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

My focusmate group: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunityMy in--depth program about joyful productivity: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/TLCComment here: https://youtu.be/TWryykCEync 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/XqIMy7oEfhAThis snippet is from MasterHeart Business Mentoring: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/Group 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

Episode from 2018 that's worth resharing...A lot of solopreneurs get indoctrinated by marketers into believing that they need a sales/marketing “funnel”.I don't think it's necessary, and for many of us heart-based service providers, it's not the way we want to start the relationship with our potential clients.Comment here -- https://youtu.be/esA0IH0zIgI 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

Coaches, Healers, and Mentors -- here’s a marketing framework to help you fill your practice.Let me know if you find this short episode helpful 🙏🏼Comment here -- https://youtu.be/TTswoxJPqCE 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

An episode from 2018 that's worth re-sharing... Marketing doesn't have to feel fake... nor be a performance to try to "attract" people.What you're really doing -- when you take on *authentic* marketing -- is dedicating yourself to the practice of Passion + Compassion...Comment here -- https://youtu.be/hiotuAxyKvc 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 spiritual teachers, coaches, and healers fall into the idea of "means to an end"... let the marketers do whatever they do to get us an audience, so that we can do our "real" work with the clients...They don’t understand that their marketing itself is impacting many more people, compared to the smaller numbers who sign up to work with them. Their public presence (messaging and branding) is influencing many more minds and hearts than they realize.In other words, your marketing itself is a core part of your ministry/client work.Comment here -- https://youtu.be/Xc8ckPBr2eI 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 the core practices that consistently give me a sense of deep well-being. This is a aample from this course -- https://www.georgekao.com/tlcMentioned in this episode:TLC Reboot July 2022My favorite coaching program to run is restarting next week -- The Joyful Productivity Program. The skills are so foundational to business success and well-being that I recommend it as the FIRST program to take for all my clients. I myself review the skills every year and find benefit each time. Check out the details: https://georgekao.captivate.fm/tlcTLC 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 been a long time that I've hoped to facilitate a community of coaches & creators to support each other in spiritual/personal growth. It's finally happening :) See 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

My video creation course -- https://www.georgekao.com/videocreationThe best of my videos: https://geni.us/GKBestVidsMy instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geokaoWatch this video and comment here -- https://youtu.be/g8ULevnGUc0 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’s the highest sustainable return on investment in money and in your personal growth. Win-win.The old post I mentioned re: why I don't like the movement to invest in crypto:https://geni.us/WhyNoCryptoComment on this episode here: https://youtu.be/ubFEfCaJEFs 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 find it helpful to clear your limiting beliefs, go for it. That can be a good first step. Please don't stop there, though, or you might get stuck with giving too so much energy to *expanding* the limiting belief that "your limiting beliefs are what is actually limiting your life." I suggest that you must take the next steps and look at your limiting *structures* so that you can create empowering environments for your action...Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/JGbFVBKjBf8 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 loving the course as it has already generated more action on my part than the whole preceding year. But I do have a tendency to want to solve everything NOW… and some degree of frustration that my life just doesn’t allow for that!"Comment here: https://youtu.be/AZchuttsra4This is a segment from the TLC program. 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.**Watch the video or comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/cdMy7lBVLaM 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.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/SPQnw1ZHAW8 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

"Best of" video from 2018... What if you could reframe the "work" (and sometimes, the "struggle") of building your business, so that you take the truly productive actions — yet find it deeply fun?And what if that is part of life’s purpose: to sense into the deeper joy that is actually present in all productive and helpful activities, that at the surface level don’t seem “fun”?Let's discuss in this episode.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/uHNn2_tGGDI 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've heard me (and Gary Vaynerchuk) say before... if you're not consistently creating content, try the mindset of "documenting" your journey versus trying to create masterpieces. But if you're doing that, won't you look like a novice? Will your audience trust you enough to hire you for your services? In this episode I discuss ways of "documenting" that still builds trust with your audience...**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/UHCzpG4RZBsThis is a segment from my Monthly Q&A call. You get access to 2 months of these live calls when you sign up for any of my courses: https://www.georgekao.com/workshops 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

For most my life I worked like most people -- just "getting through" tasks as soon as I can, and with a "have to do this" kind of attitude.Once I started practicing what I shared with you in today's episode, my days become much more joyful (and productive!)This is a sample lesson from the TLC (Joyful Productivity) program... a 6-month group coaching program that is my favorite one to run. It starts again next week: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/TLC 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 "best of" video from 2018...To reach more people and make a deeper impact with your message, and ultimately grow your business, work on getting better at the 7 factors discussed in this episode.Look at it as an audit of your content marketing process, and make time to gradually improve in each of these areas... www.GeorgeKao.com/Blog/7Contenthttps://youtu.be/HdYNWvxYS2Q 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 a good question -- with these different ways of showing up online and communicating your message -- by writing blog posts (articles), making videos (Youtube, IG, FB, LinkedIn, TikTok), or recording podcasts... which one should you choose? Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/GKgKAMSOkMQThis is a segment from my Monthly Q&A call. You get access to 2 months of these live calls when you sign up for any of my courses: https://www.georgekao.com/workshops 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 email list?"I've been asked this question for years. People hear from business experts that building an email list is the most important thing to do in marketing.It's a myopic focus. If you talk more deeply with marketing experts, I think they'll agree.None of us need an "email list". What we actually want is an audience who cares about what we offer.It is essential for authentic marketing to switch our mindset from "building an email list" to growing an engaged audience. Without this mindset shift, even the resulting email list will be ineffective.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/k1K4EDuuIwo 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 get stuck on having to integrate their life's purpose, fully, into their "brand". I say let it go. Be willing to try offering different types of services. See what your audience resonates most with. Then do more of that. Eventually your "brand" will become clearer over time. **Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/aMJ6U5ymd20 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 make videos sharing your knowledge & experiences (I hope you will!) you might feel anxious about remembering what you want to say on video... or sometimes, you might lose your train of thought.In either case, remember this:The purpose of authentic video (compared to writing) is to convey an authentic presence, to demonstrate your care for the topic and your audience.If you want accuracy of information delivery, do it in writing instead.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/atRLF0LJi_o 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 basic thing in business is to have a good offer (product, service, event) that is aligned with the wants of one's audience. This video makes it very clear how to improve the value of that offer. Tad gives us 13 ways to consider.The ideas are borrowed in part from "Leadsology: The Science of Being in Demand" a book by Tom Poland.This is probably going to be required viewing for my clients so we can work on improving their offers!Check out Tad Hargrave's content and offers here:https://marketingforhippies.comTad's youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/tadhargraveTad's social media:https://www.instagram.com/marketingforhippies/https://www.facebook.com/hippymarketer**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/ZzH4A3Ja-5Q 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

Why is it hard to sell art... or anything you passionately create?When we create something, we're hugely biased toward it. We took a long journey to get there, to make that vision a reality.Yet we’re surprised when the thing doesn't sell well. Others just “don’t get it!”, we think.Here’s what happened – your experience of the "aha!" moments, during the long journey of creating, all happened within your own experience… nobody saw it. Therefore, you’re the only one who finds the end result, the “pay off”, super valuable.If only you can find a way to bring your audience along on the journey of discovery and creation, then they might share moments of realization with you. The resulting creation will be deeply valuable to them, because they feel they also had some part to play.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/agkKrQxIWr8 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 got to tell you that one of the most common things I see, that is preventing people from making progress in their business, is that they're always preparing.They're always getting ready to get out there...One more training.One more month of working on their website.This is a dangerous pattern...**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/D97HVXGz_bA 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

Solopreneurs sometimes wish that they didn’t have to do marketing, and people would just discover them and inquire about their services.For a lucky few, that *non-strategy* might work. For the rest of us? We have to learn how to do good marketing… In this episode I talk about how to post about your business on social media, and not sound salesy... **Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/eKpzgyCLGY4 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