Business Tao with George Kao

In this deep conversation, Mira Rao and I discuss the concepts of Resilience, Stress, Polyvagal Theory and the neurobiology of trauma, the difference between coaching & therapy, what is embodiment and authentic expression?, and why many of us (with people-pleasing tendencies) aren't setting goals that are really authentic to one's Self. When you understand your biology in terms of how you respond to stress, you'll empower yourself with new options that feel more true to you.Mira Rao is a Resilience and Embodiment Coach who has been practicing yoga for 25 years, and teaching yoga and body-based therapy for 10. She completed studies in Linguistics and Journalism, holds an MBA and is currently completing a Masters in Counseling at Notre Dame University.People seek her out when they’re burnt out on getting stuck in their past in therapy or whitewashing their pain with toxic positivity in coaching. They want to BOTH release old trauma and stress patterns, learn deep and steady self compassion AND make significant changes in their life to move forward with resilience and confidence. Mira teaches them practical ways to develop routines and rituals for embodied resilience that help them work through unresolved traumas, deal better with challenges and stress and start moving towards what they truly want in their lives.Mira Rao Website: https://www.mirarao.com.auYou'll find her Embodied Envisioning webinar/workshop there.Mira's social media links:https://www.instagram.com/miraraocoaching/https://www.facebook.com/MiraRaoCoaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mira-rao-resilience-and-embodiment-coach-60085515/ 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 the blocks to creating content can be solved by one mindset shift:Make your content for just 1 person at a time.Don’t write for “the world”.Don’t make videos for “your audience.”​That kind of approach can easily cause performance anxiety, which blocks you from showing up consistently.​.. Instead, imagine that you are talking to just 1 person… someone you feel comfortable talking to, someone who loves your ideas.Comment on this video here:https://youtu.be/-Hkw0EyrBGM 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 work -- and the way you show up -- is of deep unique value to thousands (maybe millions) of people, most of whom have yet to discover you. It's your great privilege and opportunity to do what you can to reach them. Comment on this video:https://youtu.be/a17rDzmbpjs 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

What do I mean by “authenticity” in the context of business and marketing, especially for us self-employed professionals?Authenticity is to practice having no agenda, other than these purposes:1. Genuine expression of your best self2. Enjoyment of the process3. Heart-based service4. Friendship… and thus playful collaboration!Let’s explore each idea…Watch the video or comment here:https://youtu.be/C6S8dK9il6w 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 working, are you aware of your facial expression, your body posture, your breathing?The more challenging the project, the more tense your face and body might get. This doesn’t help you to do better work. Yet it increases stress.Years ago I started practicing what I call “calm joyful focus”, which is to practice noticing, throughout the day, my body expression as I work, especially my face.Instead of furrowed eyebrows and pursed lips, I consciously relax my face, and hold a soft, gentle smile.In this video, I demonstrate:https://youtu.be/ZurThxVCeTc 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 add your comments here:https://youtu.be/-6AArQ4nG4A 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 don't need a marketing funnel to succeed in business.To comment on this and/or to read the blog post:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-i-dont-like-marketing-funnels-george-kao**Business Planning Live Course coming up... info here:https://www.georgekao.com/intro 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. Better design of our life/calendar structure... are we getting enough self-care, enough family time, enough admin time, enough time for the important things? Are we putting those activities at optimal times? This is an ongoing re-design issue as you learn more about your energy flow and your life's patterns.2. Your motivational methods in the moment... what works for you?This is a Q&A segment from the TLC program: https://georgekao.com/TLCWatch the video or leave your comments here:https://youtu.be/7xIXjp9ywpE**Business Planning Live Course coming up... info here:https://www.georgekao.com/intro 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

Pick a platform (such as Twitter) where you barely get any engagement... Reframe that fact as an opportunity -- you are liberated to test your content in relative obscurity! By having a daily practice of creating and sharing ideas, even if it's as brief as a tweet, you'll reach a new level of optimism and confidence in your business.Watch the video or leave your comments here:https://youtu.be/ezeAy0_hrzA**Business Planning Live Course coming up... info here:https://www.georgekao.com/intro 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 with a bit about Sales Funnels, but most of this episode focuses on the common (dishonest) strategy of "free" webinars that are actually bait-and-switch sales pitches that are carefully designed to move the unsuspecting participant through a series of emotions and understandings into the buying mode. 1/3rd build credibility with rags-to-riches storytelling and testimonials, 1/3rd myth busting to create "aha!" moments that sets up for the final third: the pressurized sale.Yes, a bit of cussing is involved. I'm passionate about this stuff ;-)Add your comments below this video:https://youtu.be/9IT3GV6n1Qo**Business Planning Live Course coming up... info here:https://www.georgekao.com/intro 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 few notes from the Live Chat:From Mira Rao: They are also paying you attention in the beginning before they pay you moneyFrom Jason Schneider Read an interesting article on ‘the attention economy' So you have your market = has paid you… next ring is your potential market = they follow you… and then a wider potential market = people who could be in your audience with similar interests? I don’t have the actual article but its an entire field with books etc.. Here's the wikipedia.This is a Q&A segment from the CORE program: https://georgekao.com/COREWatch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/iduUlPm6kJ8**Business Planning Live Course coming up... info here:https://www.georgekao.com/intro 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

Big thanks to Katie Raver for the permission to share this audio with you.Episode notes:the just launch or letting it go practiceGod / x deserves 30 secondsmindset: "I'm wondering if this will resonate with you"when it doesn't work: I didn't understand my audiencewait an hour or 24 hours after putting it out therethere's always a pattern so track the data (to relax about the just launch practice)just launch is: a dance, an inquiry, turning the corner, going to the park, asking "will this work out?", living from "it's gonna be ok" To learn more about Katie Raver and her work, visit: https://katieraver.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

This is a segment from the Social Media Mindset Webinar: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/SocialMedia 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

So many marketing/business coaches use "free webinars" and "masterclasses" to sell their paid programs, often higher-end offerings. I used to be very good at it. Then I changed my mind.Also see this video -- "the sham of "Free Masterclasses" that are actually sales pitches, and what to do instead..."This snippet is from a MasterHeart Group conversation: www.georgekao.com/groupWatch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/5MgCax0s1BA 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

Oftentimes, we let relatively minor circumstances, like being a little tired or feeling like watching videos, get in the way of keeping our commitments to ourselves, i.e. doing the right thing.This is how people become victims of life: doing the right things only when we feel good or when conditions are perfect…Watch the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/bmeEZxhskx8 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 good people in my circles -- those I would love to stay in connection with -- who are tempted (or have decided) to deactivate their Facebook accounts… or even leave social media altogether.This makes it harder to stay in touch, and far less likely for them to be top of mind for me. I’m also concerned for the viability of their business, if they lose the long-term marketing benefits of using social media effectively...Read the blog post here:https://georgekao.medium.com/good-people-please-dont-quit-facebook-social-media-c4544da44bf8Watch the video or add a comment to this episode here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/370931781485692 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 more on my thoughts on getting new clients:1. Here's my category of blog posts about it: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/category/authentic-enrollment2. Here's my course specifically about getting more clients:https://www.georgekao.com/authenticenrollmentWatch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/JSjwWe5l4rw 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

Thanks to Pamela Slim for giving a great overview of her new book:"The Widest Net: Unlock Untapped Markets and Discover New Customers Right in Front of You"Get the book in Kindle, Audible, or Hardcover:https://amzn.to/2X75S1QPam Slim's website:https://pamelaslim.comWatch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/8SNNKO3Aq14 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 don't think it's a good idea to try to figure out your niche at the beginning of your business.You don't have enough experimentations to understand that valuable intersection between your interests and your market's wants.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/DMd59POmPZ0 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 there a recommended amount of time we "should" spend on social media to grow our business? Some experts recommend hours per day. Here's what I think about it.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/iVY0D0v5CvU 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 thought-pattern that prevents a lot of people from making progress in their business:Before I... [take the next real step in my business]…I need to first do [some preparatory action that takes a lot of time]…so that I'll feel more ready/confident to move forward.This is a dangerous train of thought because "preparation" always sounds logical... until you wake up to the fact that you have already been preparing for months (maybe years!)… and you can be in preparation mode for the rest of your life.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/BvaImDmyUnw 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

Marketing experts differ on this question of whether one should publicly publish the prices of their services / programs / packages or whether to keep the mystery and make the prospective client contact you.I discuss my viewpoint on this.**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/QKAeovZkGHQ 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 Social Media Mindset Webinar: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/SocialMedia**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/po6CctztWAw 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

454 signups -- 7x one of my average paid classes75% attendance! Usually free webinars get around 25% attendance from signups.77% of attendees filled out the feedback form to receive the free recording.6% conversion (from total signups) to the paid version of the webinar, though I didn't know what to expect / wasn't counting on the sales.If you're interested in buying the webinar, it's available at: https://www.GeorgeKao.com/SocialMediaThis snippet is from a MasterHeart Group conversation: www.georgekao.com/group**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/WFcRRSbiWVA This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

People often bring up the story of how Steve Jobs launched the iPod as an innovative product that the world didn't know it couldn't live without, as "evidence" that we should just launch things we *believe* the market would love. Or they use the quote from Henry Ford, and I paraphrase here: "If I had asked what people wanted, they would've told me 'faster horses' instead of 'car' which they didn't know anything about."...but in the reality of entrepreneurship, it mostly doesn't work like this. Market research makes it more likely that a product/service/program will do better when it launches. Why? Because you're partnering with the market to create something they really want.This is a Q&A segment from my course on market research: www.georgekao.com/CORE**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/Quo0mIzhlM8 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 I prepare to update my Authentic Course Launches training, I’d like to clear up a major myth, as well as share the 5 pieces to think about if you’re interested in launching your own courses. Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/launchingcoursesAs mentioned, my blog post about business model: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

Perhaps the truest meaning of this moment is not whether you get “good” results… or whether you’ll have it easy… or whether you’ll look good.What the deeper meaning is, will depend on your life philosophy. There are multiple good answers.How would you respond to this question:“What is the higher meaning of each moment, that is more important than what’s apparent on the surface?”**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/WOJZEulrpNQ 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

Manon is a community builder and entrepreneur, and leads a global community for Co-Active coaches (and other coaches.) She believes the only way to grow yourself and your business is to Simply Start and the only thing you need to know is the next step. She brings together coaches in her community so that they can grow together in business and coaching and learn from each and from inspiring experts and mentors. In this interview, we discuss… * The importance of knowing you should not wait to be confident enough to start but confidence will grow as you do it. You DO NOT need to have all figured out, that is simply impossible.* When you create something new you will run into a lot of things that you don't know how to do yet. Learn to comfort yourself by saying: I will cross that bridge when I get there.* Don't go at it alone. Building a business can be a lonely endeavor. Find a group of trusted colleagues on a similar journey but that also inspire you to keep going and see your biggest self and gifts when you sometimes forget.* If you do not know exactly who you want to help or serve you won't find the answer in your head. You can do a 100 niche exercises but the only way you'll find out is by getting out there, doing it and get clarity by the doing. * If you are thinking of building your own community: do it. Do not underestimate the power and importance for people of being brought together with other people with whom they feel safe. People want to be connected and if you have the gift of being a connector: use it. I see it over and over again, in my own community but also with other coaches for instance when they do group coaching. Create a space that allows people to show up as their authentic selves. That's worth so much!**If you are a coach and you want to be part of a community of coaches in which you can not only learn together and from inspiring mentors but also be real and show up authentically, check out Manon's "Simply Start" Community:https://www.simply-start.comIf you want some 1-on-1 support to get simply started you can connect with Manon:https://www.instagram.com/simply_start_/**Watch video or add comment here:https://youtu.be/GvA_DeF4drA 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 an attempt to simply explain my whole marketing strategy…. There are 3 stages for every authentic business:1. Audience2. Offers3. ExpansionI explain in this episode.Watch the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/va91jWmuPZA 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

Should you use a tool that automates your social media, such as Buffer, Hootsuite, etc?I’ve tried Buffer and Hootsuite, and have seen them used by some clients and colleagues. I use none of them now, and caution my clients away from such tools, especially when posting to Facebook. This episode describes why.Watch the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/qllc_WwJbhw 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 the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/uzuU-GYq0IY 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 the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/05uuLvAceBE 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 the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/urFN0J23d_Q 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

Instead of possibly re-traumatizing our clients by selling to their "pain points" what if we emphasize their joy points, their gratitude points, their relief points?Watch the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/cZGfIVZgXw0 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

Not only should you not be afraid to repeat yourself, you should consider doing it regularly.Have a consistent rhythm of reposting your popular articles, videos, or podcast episodes. Feel free to repeat the same ideas you’ve said before, whether in the same way or in a different way.This may give you some relief that you don’t have to constantly create new content forever (although, it is good for your creativity/mental fitness to do so!) You can sometimes simply work on improving and reposting your previous stuff.Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/yourbest100 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 life is actually working perfectly. And your business? It’s exactly where it’s supposed to be. It’s not that you love all the results. However, anything and everything occurring in your life has a system behind it. There’s cause and effect. You experience the effects… and you have more choice in the cause than you realize.Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/systems This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

One of the common pieces of advice in selling and copywriting is that you need to “overcome the objections” of your prospective client. To ensure that their every concern and “what about….?” are answered so that they have zero doubt that your product/service is right for them.Let’s take a step back and consider this first: what kind of person would you rather sell to -- someone who has doubts and needs to be persuaded, or someone who is eager to see what you’re offering?Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/objections 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

View the video or add comments here:https://youtu.be/OyNnjvkhxdE 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 the video and add comments there: https://youtu.be/niT0FXOMITM 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1069796693226612/ 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1655769081223294/ 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/334504464081894/ 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/190790339657675/ 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

Listen to the master at work as he coaches some of my own clients into greater clarity with their niche!Watch video or add comment here:Tad Hargrave Niche Coaching 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/553102082738329/ 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10161054882829867 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

Add comment here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160904656124867 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://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160925964604867 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 social media...is posting content from your own truth, regardless of whether people will like it or not.Watch video or add comment here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/2959732394042838 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 the video or leave comments here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/2708424609217375 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