Business Tao with George Kao

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

Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/C1n3rbiWIa4 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 study “how to build an email list” you’ll almost certainly come across the strategy of hosting a telesummit. It is one of the fastest ways to build an email list. But it's often a terrible way to do it, because you’ll end up with an unresponsive list of subscribers, after spending incredible amounts of effort and time in creating the telesummit...Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/g2k2eyfb6OQ 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 see a lot of you (aspiring business owners) doing this:You’re waiting until you’re “ready” before you take the next leap.A dear client asked me about the “thin line between readiness and procrastination.”Based on my experience personally coaching hundreds of business owners, I can almost certainly tell you this: ​You are being fooled by your own brilliant mind. Your feeling of “lack of readiness” is actually procrastination.I never feel “ready” --When I started writing this article, I was scared that I wouldn’t have enough to say.When making my videos, by the time I click “record” I feel like I could’ve spent another hour (at least) thinking about the topic.When I launch a course, I never quite feel ready… but I remind myself that whatever I already know will be at least somewhat helpful to the students. We are usually much harsher on ourselves than our students / clients are.The founder of Linkedin, Reid Hoffman, famously said this:If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late.This article explains his thoughts:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/arent-any-typos-essay-we-launched-too-late-reid-hoffman/I feel embarrassed often... because I create often.Every book that I publish, I feel at least slightly embarrassed by… but the reality is that if I waited until a book was “ready” I might never publish. Thankfully I do publish, because book after book, each one is getting better. I can always re-publish and re-launch a 2nd edition later… and I will!Every course that I teach, I’m embarrassed by, but I also get feedback that year after year, each version gets better.The creative process, the reality of building an authentic business, requires this continual practice: Transforming Fear into Love.We are being called to recognize when we are feeling afraid in the creative process, and instead, reinterpret that emotion. Turn “fear” or “lack of readiness” into one or more of these…ExcitementPassionServiceCurious self-explorationAdventureTransform Hesitation into Action.If I am creating something, and I feel hesitation, I now interpret it as a signal to take action, to just do. To take the next step. To write the next sentence. To click “record” on the video. To press “publish”.It is a daily creative practice: transmuting fearful hesitation into loving action. Bit by bit, piece by piece, we are becoming more courageous, and wiser through experience.But the doubt, the “lack of readiness” never goes away. We simply get better at recognizing it, and transmuting it into creative action.I encourage you to start today.Bias yourself toward action, doing what you are “afraid” of, knowing that it is actually excitement, passion, service… and just write, speak, publish, launch, etc… do the thing that puts your work into the marketplace.Even though our lack of “readiness” in a creative project is procrastination, there is a real conversation to be had about “readiness” is in regards to the marketplace:It’s Not About Your Readiness, but Your Audience’s…Building an authentic business happens in stages:1. You build (and further nurture) your ideal audience through authentic, consistent content -- for example, through articles you write or videos that you make.2. You then notice what topics your ideal audience most resonates with, and you make more content on those topics.3. Based on one of the resonant topics, you then create -- lightly, with as little work as... 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

Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/k469ALv_6gc 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!"This is the kind of email we might receive from a conventional marketer.They have not taken the care to consider how this makes the audience feel. They're doing this because it "works" to get those openings filled.When they say there are 2 spots left, and yet the campaign is being sent to thousands of people, what are the rest of the people supposed to do? "Feel left out" is the unfortunate answer.This is the biggest problem in marketing today -- doing things that are expedient, that "work" to achieve a short-term result for profits, without caring how the audience feels (i.e. the majority who can’t buy at the moment), and therefore how this affects the marketer's own brand (i.e. reputation and relationship with audience) in the long-term.Sometimes, this is even consciously done by the marketer. Maybe they want the audience to feel like they must do what the marketer says ASAP, or otherwise feel left out… I, too, have to become more aware of how my own promotions might make you feel. If it ever feels less than good, please do let me know.Conventional marketing works to exacerbate:* Anxiety / scarcity / limitation* Fear of missing out / being excluded* Guru-ship (believe their authority more than your own inner authority)When I have only a few spots left for something, I don't email my list. I don't post it on social media. I reach out specifically to a few people that I believe would be grateful to know about those few spots. (I will ask them to kindly respond by tomorrow if they are interested, because otherwise I need to share the opportunity with others.)If you have something that is timely, e.g. a course or workshop, or the start of a program, then let people know the start date, and if they can't do it this time, when you might be doing it again. Respect people enough to make the choice. The ones who are excited about the offer will want to do it sooner rather than later. They won't want to wait.Recently, I decided not to post a "Last Chance" type of ad on Facebook, because I felt my audience already saw it enough. I had sent 2 emails to my list, and had already done a Facebook ad. I noticed the sales was initially good, but had trickled to a halt.I could "squeeze" out a few more sales by doing more promotions. Or, I could prioritize the feeling of connection and friendship with my audience.When an offer is right for the audience, the sales come in strong at the beginning, and then, kind of like cooking popcorn, the sales slow down, and then, if most of the audience has seen it enough times, one or two more might sign up.When cooking popcorn, you need to pay attention. It's not worth popping 2 more kernels, yet burning 20 of them. Stop promoting your offer to try to get 2 more sales, at the risk of burning 20 people. Don't annoy your list by sending too many promotional emails.This is how so many email lists become useless over time… they were not conscious of how their messages made the audience feel.I limit promotions to 2-3 emails about any one offer -- and this is only to my promotions email list (those who specifically want to hear about my promotions.) For example, to promote an upcoming course, 1 email is sent announcing that it is now available for registration, and the 2nd email is sent one day before the course starts. If it is a unique or new type of course that my audience isn’t used to seeing from me, I might send a 3rd email in between the 1st and 2nd, to give them more information about it. You can see my actual promotional emails here. (As always, I continue to learn, so feel free to give me your honest feedback and... 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

Organic food is better for your health and the well-being of the environment, but usually costs more money. Similarly, organic marketing is better for your brand and the well-being of your audience, but usually costs more time and effort in the beginning...Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/U9eOa0VSbeA 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 segment from the Create Your Framework course: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/frameworkWatch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/6mryAd2AUjQ 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

Webinar details and signup: https://georgekao.simplero.com/podcastingMy podcast hosting service: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=georgekao 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 marketing it is assumed that the goal, the daily effort, is to get more views, more followers, more sales.... always wanting other people to do more of what we want them to do.In other words, conventional marketing is deeply self-centered, which stems from either insecurity, or ego. “If I don’t strive to get my share of attention, I won’t be able to survive or shine!” The result is the proliferation of questionable marketing strategies and pushy sales tactics, that aim to “grab” more audience attention and action.The real problem is that it seems to work in the short term. ​The squeaky wheel at first gets the grease... but all that squeaking eventually gets it eliminated and replaced! ​Eventually, short-term strategies always comes back to haunt the marketers.It’s this selfish core of “I want you to do this for me" from marketers that makes consumers distrust and dislike so much of marketing. Whether it’s the emails that clutter our inbox, or the pushy calls to action, we feel we “have” to consume marketing, in order to get to the good stuff — the content we actually signed up for.Additionally, so many ads and commercials are annoying because they don't really speak to our true wants or needs.The bottom line: Most marketers don’t care enough — they’re just blasting their promotions to everyone, hoping to catch a few. They aren't caring enough to slow down and really understand and target their communications thoughtfully. It feels interruptive, a necessary evil — which is why Adblockers are so popular.Instead of “how can we get more attention”, what if we think in terms of “how can we care more?”I believe there is a deep calling in us authentic business owners to bring more love and wisdom into business. That is truly the core focus. By bringing more (and wiser) caring to our audience, the result tends to be more loyal attention, deeply happy customers, and greater word of mouth.Caring more for our current readers, existing subscribers, the clients we already have, means that we will want to grow a deeper understanding of who they are and what they're going through right now. We can then create content and offerings that are more relevant to them.Everybody wins.Care Enough to Seek Conversation.What are they thinking about now? How do they feel about our industry and the offerings that are available in the market? What can we do to meet them where they are, to serve them better?Willingness to care means willingness to talk to them. To converse 1–1 with as many of our audience as possible.Reach out privately to those who engage with our content on social media. Individually contact some of our email subscribers to get to know them better. Not just sending out surveys, but caring enough to be in 1–1 conversation with them.In our conversations, try to uncover what it is they are struggling with at this time: what can we create that will help them, especially through our content? Find out what related products/services they’ve bought. What did they love, and what weren't they satisfied with? This helps us create (or curate) better offerings for them.Most of us business owners are so in our own heads (and hearts), absorbed with our own experiences, in love with our own modality, focused on promoting our own ideas, that we can easily lose touch with what the audience actually wants.We need to care more about our audience than we care about our possible embarrassment by their silence or rejection. Let’s rise up out of our cocoon and get more audience-centered.It's so important to keep returning to these questions:How can I care more about my audience?How can I... 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 common creative block is worrying about the sequence in which you should be creating your content.Having written a thousand blog posts, self-published four books, created a dozen online courses, I can tell you this:Do not be concerned about the order of your content. Just start creating.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/qbxXr2cObEo 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 (best watched on video when possible) I show you how I quickly get clear about my top priorities, when so much is going on...Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/PfawawU8S7o 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

Have you delayed your business progress, or felt stuck, because of big questions such as:“What is my niche?”“Who is my ideal client?”“What should my offering be?”“What’s my marketing message?”“What’s my Calling in life?!”These questions carry a finality that can overwhelm. It’s like once you answer it, you lose your flexibility. “The decision would affect so many little things!” you say. No wonder we procrastinate before moving on such an important question. It can keep us stuck for years.Many years ago, a wise mentor said to me that our Calling can only be understood looking backward.As we observe the twists and turns of our life, we can then start to connect the dots… to see the pattern of our opportunities, the people we happened to meet, our successes and “failures” and what we learned from each major experience.We start to understand our Calling.Yet, Life is lived forward. And it’s easy to be afraid of future future, afraid of going in the “wrong” direction. We know that planning helps prevent mistakes, but when it comes to something as complex and continually evolving as our authentic business, there are too many factors we will never fully understand, for which we cannot plan.“We plan, and God laughs…” --Yiddish proverb.We don’t know how we will personally evolve, nor how society’s changes may affect us. This means the wisest way to build an authentic business, and to discover our calling, is to take the stance of experimentation.“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” ―Ralph Waldo EmersonFrom this playful perspective, let’s reframe those big intimidating questions…“What’s my niche?”…can be reframed as:“What’s the next niche I’d like to explore, through experimentation?”Instead of the false finality of defining my niche, I always am testing new ideas… while doubling-down on recent ideas that got traction.For example, a few years ago, I noticed that I was often answering questions for my audience and clients about Facebook Ads. So I decided to test out that niche by teaching a single 2-hour workshop on that topic. People loved it. So I repeated it for another audience. They loved it too. And now, my Facebook Marketing Course is what many people know me for. In other words, for them, this is my “niche”. (I don’t care how people define me -- as long as they find benefit from my work.)Another example: I was interested in the topic of “healthy money” (relating to money in a wiser way) so I tried writing some articles about it. Most of my articles on that topic have received lackluster response. Therefore, it’s not a niche that I’ll be putting much effort into. If it were a hobby, I might keep writing about it — I guess that’s why I kept it up so long without much response. However, for my business, I’d rather focus on other ideas that find a better market response.“Who’s my ideal audience?”…can be reframed as:“Who has recently been responding to my authentic content?”or…“What group of people will I try advertising my content to next?”This is why I preach the message of Authentic Content Marketing: in your content, be yourself (without having to pretend to be like anyone else). Talk about your passions, talk about what has really helped you and others, and then observe who responds to your authenticity.You can also experiment by running Facebook Ads to different audiences and see if they like your content.Then, as you start offering your products and services, observe who buys. That’s the beginning of your true ideal audience. Study who your buyers... 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

Think about your favorite band -- you'd love for them to play your favorite song again. Same thing with your content and audience -- they want you to say the same thing (that made a difference for them) again and again :)Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/beVIDFzfgcQ 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 are you not confident in selling your services?It’s when you don’t believe the transaction is truly a win-win.If you really believe in your services, and know that the person you’re talking to would find it to be a great deal at the price you’re offering, then you’re no longer afraid to sell. It becomes a worthwhile cause to let them know.Comment on this episode under the video:https://youtu.be/RFeYMNoSp7g 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

Today, your work, your tasks, are not your top priority.Your State is Your Top Priority.How are you being, as you go about your tasks and your work?Are you harried, anxious, struggling, and “just want to get it done”?The quality of your work tends to match the quality of your being.Plus, you have no guarantees of your work results — you can only control whether you do the work, and how you do it. Therefore, why not do your work from joy… instead of frustration, anxiety, or boredom?Your state of being is your top priority, because the only thing you can truly control is your inner life.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/BNoetdX3uZ4 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 long for the ability to create without any thoughts of money…to create because I love it… to take real time off when I need it… to try new things and build in more hobby-time into my life.Although everything I create is because I love it, I tend to always have that background question: ‘Will it make me money?’I want to get to a place where I feel I can try things and fail and be totally fine with it…”–a reader sent this to me.Indeed, it’s a life that many of us heart-based people long for. It’s a worthy vision, and it’s absolutely possible — step by step. We can even do some of it now, without having to wait.**Comment on this episode under the video:https://youtu.be/txZAi7XZnx0 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 start by talking about how knowledge is holographic, expandible, collapsible and very importantly, can never be perfectly communicated in terms of what "reality" really is.Therefore, when trying to communicate knowledge, we are basically making shit up all the time.To comment on this episode, go here:https://youtu.be/wuIoM8vCDfU**This is a segment from the Create Your Framework course: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/framework 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

Richard Taubinger & Kylie Slavik have an agency that has done the marketing for some major spiritual teachers including Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, Jack Canfield, and Tara Brach.In this conversation we discuss what they believe are the core 3 marketing skills:The importance of "hooks"The importance of telling your origin storyThe importance of content blocks for copywriting and videosLearn more about their work at these links:Website -- https://www.consciousmarketer.comFB Group -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/themarketerspathAccelerator -- https://www.consciousmarketer.com/accelerator/ 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 you become more effective and successful with your work, one of the risks is that others might copy you. This is most frequently done in online content: one of your pieces goes viral and then others reuse it, but don’t give you credit.Should you be concerned that it might happen? Do you need to constantly monitor and hunt down the copycats? Some people do. For me, it would be too much stress.Instead, I recommend preventive measures.The more places you publish the idea, the easier it will be for people to find you as the source of that idea.In this episode I also talk about uncopyrighting all my content...Comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/36AhD6fAlqA 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 hire your services because they trust your expertise.1. "Low hanging fruit" are the people you know who already trust your expertise. Contact them first. They don't remember what you provide, and they always need a reminder.2. At the same time, work on growing an "orchard" by planting seeds and nurturing the soil -- via authentic content, consistently.Comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/ZOBsCJMJx3Y 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 surprisingly simple way to build self confidence -- as I've personally experienced over a decade -- is to set self-appointments for making progress on a project... and practice sticking to those appointments.It can help to use Focusmate as a way to get into the habit.If you'd like to join my Focusmate group, here's the link: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunityComment on this episode:https://youtu.be/2fkQbtLnt2Q 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 buy online courses, when all the information is available for free, if you only knew where to look?Or if you're an aspiring Course Creator, and consumed with self-doubt about selling information that “wants to be free”, this episode is for you too...Comment here:https://youtu.be/k-Xp4QFBbng 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

Just as yours, my heart goes out to the innocent and suffering people of Ukraine and Russia at this time... and to the other wars around the globe that are underreported.And yet, you might have noticed that I rarely post anything about it, nor about the many important societal or political issues in the past few years.I wish to be an example of someone who does not post social/political stuff – for all of you out there who might sometimes feel guilty about not posting about such things.Discuss this episode here:https://youtu.be/QffSc9tFhWw 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 natural way for your friends to talk about your work is when they see some interesting content you've posted on social media related to your work, and thereby, share it forward with their network. It's easy and natural, and the more consistently you show up, the more often you'll get referrals.Comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/rAplzAiluzs 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 12-minute summary of how to gain a larger online following.This snippet is from a MasterHeart Group conversation: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/GroupComment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/5tFGXg3HIJ4 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

Helen Perry's known for the idea of #justbloodypostit! and in this video we talk about, as well as other encouraging tips for creators. I hope you find it inspiring! Helen is a former BCC radio broadcaster and began her online business in 2017 and in a few short years has developed quite the following. Not surprising, since she is generous with her ideas and support! Helen Perry's links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_helen_perry_/Podcast: https://www.helen-perry.co.uk/the-just-bloody-post-it-podcast/Website: https://www.helen-perry.co.uk 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 have several colleagues and clients who offer sliding-scale pricing. Some of them advocate for it, so it’s touchy for me to disagree with that strategy, but I feel it’s important to share my point of view about it. I don’t feel that sliding scale and pay-what-you-can is supportive for most businesses, and it puts too much burden on customers. Even if there are a few people who are doing it effectively, I think they are exceptions. Most of us would have a more sustainable business if we have simpler pricing.Here's the diagram I showed in the video: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/businessmodelComment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/IA1CzU8lSoc 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 order to be able to do marketing and selling consciously (with awareness of how our actions impact others’ emotions, as well as our own psyche), let’s look at the foundational metaphors we use in marketing.If you can understand the deeper purpose authentic marketing -- you might just start to really enjoy it.Read the blog post here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/marketingmetaphorsComment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/9enRMUF0G1o 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

New book is out today 😊🥳Joyful Productivity for Solopreneurs, 2nd Edition: Gentle Practices for Consistent Creativity, Wellbeing and Deep Meaning in WorkTo buy the book:Kindle e-book: https://amzn.to/3Hg4hrzPaperback: https://amzn.to/3JJL3MF...or go to Amazon for your country and search for the book's title (be sure to find the 2nd edition). Thank you for your support 🙏🏼To comment on this "episode" go to the video: https://youtu.be/s8maJGm5TIEIf you're planning to write a review (thank you!) -- and you're able to buy the book first -- it will then make yours a "verified" review, which adds more weight to the Amazon algorithm for promoting this book. Thank you for your support, however you decide to write a review, or not 😄Also, readers of this book are welcome to sign up for the Q&A calls about this book. See the dates/times here:https://georgekao.as.me/?appointmentType=30067369 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 would love to do marketing authentically rather than succumb to short-term pressure, deceptive tactics, or hype.And… you need to fill your next course, program, or get some clients soon.So how do we get clients without resorting to conventional strategies that don’t feel right?Here are 5 ways to consider.Watch video or comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/LNdGwcmfRD8 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 sad when I see people seeking quick and easy money.Often, they seek it because they are actually exhausted with work, and life. “If I could only solve this problem of money, then I can really have the freedom to live life on my terms.”That mindset provides little defense against unscrupulous people who are selling some system that will supposedly earn quick and easy money.Watch the video or comment on this episode here:https://youtu.be/iVUFuJyQ6xM 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 selling, it is typically assumed that you must learn persuasion tactics.Persuasion strategies do work… but only for the short-term. Do you enjoy having to convince or persuade people to buy from you?The idea of “persuasion” sets up an arms-folded, you vs. me dynamic.Our conscience is saying, “There’s got to be a better way.”Here’s an alternative that I enjoy much more:Instead of trying to sell, let’s do our best to align with our potential clients.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/NF4Iu7X1gOs 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 short episode, I share why it’s important for every authentic business to have its own framework.Other words for “framework” include model, system, methodology, blueprint, map, curriculum, signature program, theory of change, and client transformational journey.If you'd like to create a framework with the support of my online course and community, check this out: https://www.georgekao.com/framework 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

Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/E99LUyHZA5U 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 watch the video or add a comment to this episode:https://youtu.be/-XP6Z2weqjM 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 buy online courses, be sure to SCHEDULE these two times:1. Time to watch the course.2. Equal amount of time to implement what you watched.For each 30 minutes you watch, schedule 30 minutes as soon as possible (ideally in the same day or two) to implement the most important things you learned from what you watched. Otherwise, you might be wasting money just buying courses left and right!Mentioned in the video -- my Focusmate "group" so that you can get paired up with me and others in my group more often: https://www.focusmate.com/signup/georgekaocommunityThis video was part of a Q&A for my TLC coaching program: 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

It's often said (or assumed) that a fundamental principle of marketing is to have a clear, understandable message.It's then assumed that you should come up with that clarity before you start "putting your brand out there".This is like having a fixed mindset in marketing & branding.Growth Mindset for BrandingA growth mindset looks more like this:You don't "have" a clear message. You're always working to further clarify. You’re dedicated to the ongoing process of clarifying.Comment here:https://youtu.be/If93Yi_Ltj0 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

Jen Louden is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the self-care movement with her first book "The Woman’s Comfort Book". She's the author of several additional books on well-being, whole living, and creating, with the latest being "Why Bother? Discover the Desire for What’s Next". Her books have inspired more than a million women in 9 languages. Jen has spoken around the world on self-care, written a national magazine column, and even sat on Oprah's couch talking about the power of retreats. She believes self-love + world-love = wholeness for all. Check out Jen's coaching program for women writers of all levels and genres:https://jenniferlouden.com/write-now/Comment on the video here:https://youtu.be/VYQwyvjlXt8 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 share this “secret” with many creators -- I don’t feel inspired until I’ve already started creating... as short as 5 minutes, upwards of 45 minutes.I often feel uninspired. But I am willing to try.It’s how I start my work most of the time. This very video was recorded in an uninspired mood:https://youtu.be/RTKSIu3N9wI(Add your comments there if you'd like.) 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 fall prey to 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...Those teachers 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.To comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/4Y7voUC63OE 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

Have you ever heard that “sales is a numbers game”? According to that idea, you just have to “pitch” your services to a lot of people, and some of them will become your clients. Many sales trainers teach this: “Every no means you are closer to a YES!” If you’ve actually tried this, you know that it’s brutal... To most of us heart-based people, trying to “sell” a lot feels intimidating. We feel that it’s an inauthentic way of connecting with others. What if there was an alternative way to think about it, that felt more aligned with the heart… and perhaps more effective in the long-term?​Try what I teach in this video and let me know how it goes for you:https://youtu.be/gTZfUluecZA 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

Interview with Mark Walsh, founder of Embodiment Conference and Certification of Embodiment Coaching -- where we discussed the primacy of self-care and self-regulation.Main website: https://embodimentunlimited.comPodcast: https://embodiedfacilitator.com/the-embodiment-podcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfgLCTiNzVpIeL_j7Icxh8w**To watch the video or comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/2F6N2UQ8yZE 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

Sorry a bit of cussing involved here...Movements/causes don't work out because individuals don't have their sh*t together:1. Their productivity systems are unformed / all over the place.2. Even once they have their productivity systems in place, they don't practice showing up everyday with joy for their work.... In my work, I sometimes get to do what I love. The rest of the time? I love what I do.3. Leaders often become leaders without having adequately developed their inner wisdom and impulse control, to deal gracefully with human conflict, their base desires, and leading people well.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/LNXZanU8B0w 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

Find the date and time of the webinar, and sign up, here: www.GeorgeKao.com/SuccessFor most of my life I’ve been interested in what “success” means. Perhaps similar to you, I’ve read many books and attended many webinars on the subject. The past 12 years of building a business – and teaching entrepreneurship to thousands of others – have shown me that real fulfillment is based on one’s own authentic pathway to success.To experience success, we need to continually redefine what success means to us, and to confirm that our daily actions are aligned with what we understand to be our pathway towards success.For example, what helps you feel like you’re on the right track, when it comes to your career, finances, and life purpose?Join me – and dozens of kindred spirits who care about succeeding with their authentic self – for a webinar experience where we will work on our own definition and pathway of success. I will, of course, share mine with you. More importantly, I’ll suggest a framework for you to craft your own.To see the date/time of this event and to sign up to attend for free -- www.GeorgeKao.com/SuccessWill there be a recording?1. If you are able to attend live, and fill out the feedback form, you will receive the recording of BOTH sessions for free.2. If you cannot attend live, you can later buy the recordings of both sessions for approximately $75 USD.3. Or you can join TLC 2022 – https://www.GeorgeKao.com/TLC – the recordings are included as a bonus. 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 strict about showing up, lenient about results, and gentle to bring myself back to focus again and again.This is opposite of what many people do... Comment about this video here:https://youtu.be/KHUDMH2wKRQ 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

Tyson is a Spiritual Business Coach and the creator of the free Facebook Group called "The Serving Circle" for spiritual entrepreneurs who would like to find creative, heartfelt ways to collaborate and grow as one. Since 2016 it has been his mission to help online spiritual entrepreneurs, coaches, and healers create more reach, impact, and income in their business by integrating spirituality with profitable business strategies.He is also the host of the ‘Awaken Your Business’ Podcast and believes that you can elevate the consciousness of the planet through spiritual business success.We discuss:- How to build an online community that is engaging- The difference a community can make for your business.Here's how you can join the serving circle and start collaborating with your soul tribe. Jump into the Serving Circle FB Group using this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theservingcircle You will then be given the welcome pack and all the links to join the collaboration zoom calls. To comment on this episode:https://youtu.be/gCIRnK741No 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 accomplish worthwhile tasks with enough time (rather than doing things last minute), it’s a good strategy to schedule multiple appointments with yourself to work on that project and make gradual progress.However, what if the appointment passes, and you didn't work on that project like you planned to?The most common reactions:1. Ignoring the fact that you didn’t work on it.2. Self-blame for having failed to work on it.Neither of these are healthy responses. Let's talk about each. Then I'll share my recommendations.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/-xY2Aig4gLA 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 -- Step by doable step will take you to any vision of success you are committed to. 2 -- Every step has the deeper, more valuable opportunity, to practice a bit more of your Higher Self.Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/YHuyRsp4aCM 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 hands-down my favorite program to facilitate. I’m inspired by the vision of helping solopreneurs be joyfully productive, organized, better at boundaries and self-care, and excellent at daily prioritizing their time and energy. All of our businesses could thrive and our personal lives be far more balanced and joyful.Get all the details of the program (including the list of topics I mentioned in this episode) at this website: 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