Business Tao with George Kao

Add your comments under this video:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1483027278727954/ 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 your comments under this video:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1382800175435296/ 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 seen so many people get stuck about how to come up with the perfect professional title or succinct description of their work.Here’s the secret:It’s mostly a vanity exercise, unless you come up with a brilliant brand name, but that can take a lot of time. You can simply let it surface organically. If you keep waiting for that perfect name before you start your marketing, you might just go out of business.You don’t need a perfect title or short description to start getting clients... Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/yourtitle 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 you feel about the word “competition”? For us self-employed people, that word can create anxiety and resistance. Being “competitive” tends to make human beings less cooperative.Instead, I recommend using the term “niche mates” — other worthy human beings who occupy the same industry niche as us.The world is starving for genuine, win-win collaborations.Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/nichemates 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 video I briefly describe the 8 Practices that I do consistently and recommend to my clients (and to you!) for growing an authentic business: 1) Joyful Productivity2) Healthy Money Habits3) Authentic Content4) Paid Content Distribution5) Collaborations6) Audience Research7) Rhythm of Gentle Launches8) Mastery of Your CraftTo read more about each of these, check out this blog post:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/8practices 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 secret to joyful productivity is learning how to find enjoyment in any activity — especially tasks that move your goals forward but isn’t naturally “fun” to do — being able to do what is important, no matter what it is, with a consistency of joy.This blog post offer some ways to learn this valuable meta-skill:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/deliberatepractice This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Do you have something to add to this conversation? Add a comment below the video:https://youtu.be/ivA8UnoIFBU 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 use visual interruption or other attention-getting techniques, you tend to build an audience that doesn't care when you are authentically you. Then marketing becomes a chore, and more costly. If instead we imagine being with a dear friend, someone we feel comfortable with, and treat our audience like that, we will shine in our genuine expression and grow an audience of true fans.Video:https://youtu.be/MKNwBcfrs2k This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Are you feeling "not ready" to put your work out there?Little known fact: I often feel that way too. Much of the content & products you see from me, comes from that initial feeling, which has been transformed.If you're asking yourself whether you're "ready", you're already aware at some level that you ARE. Let that awareness transform your fear into love... hesitation into action. 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 a rebel at heart... yet I've learned to train a wiser heart for joyful productivity :)In this video I talk about my new 6-month Coaching Program to help you create a "thoughtful life calendar" that helps you get clear about your weekly and daily priorities, especially to help you grow your business strategically.To read the blog post, go to:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/tlcTo sign up for the program, go to: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

This is key to creating authentic content:Don't be afraid of losing people.Read the blog post here: https://www.georgekao.com/blog/nofear This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

In this video I describe the 8 Practices that I do consistently and recommend to my clients (and to you!) for growing an authentic business: 1) Joyful Productivity2) Healthy Money Habits3) Authentic Content4) Paid Content Distribution5) Collaborations6) Audience Research7) Rhythm of Gentle Launches8) Mastery of Your CraftRead the blog post:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/8practicesThis was formerly "the 7 disciplines of authentic business" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I set goals that are fun to think about... but I focus daily on the systems.Read the article here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/systemsnotgoals 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 is an unspoken assumption in marketing:More followers = More clients, more fulfillment, more freedom.Related assumption: More Money = More Happiness.These ideas are seductive, because they contain some truth, and they appeal to our human ego. But they come with profound burdens and drawbacks that marketers rarely talk about.​I’ll share with you my experience of getting "more followers", and why that might not be a wise direction to aim for…In the first 3 years of my business, I grew my Facebook Page to 3,000 fans, and my email list to more than 10,000 subscribers.I got a taste of having lots of followers. It is not the fantasy we're usually sold. In my experience, it did not produce real engagement with my content, nor did it lead to more or better clients. It did however result in more emails to respond to, more spam, and more unpaid requests on my time.A few years later, I rebooted my business. I removed 90% of my email list.I started over, perhaps in a humbler way, grounding my business in a spirit of service, as true as I could connect with, trusting God more, aiming to bring Love into more of what I do.That deeper commitment to service evolved into creating authentic content as you experience it today.A year after I started creating authentic content consistently, I started to notice that I no longer had to reach out to get new clients. They were all coming to me now! People started to message me privately and ask about my services, thanks seeing my content consistently. From a spirit of service, I also began to experience deeper fulfillment in my work with clients.Fewer followers also meant fewer emails, and less unpaid requests on my time... which meant more freedom.Today, I am grateful to say that I feel a daily sense of well-being, a lot of gratitude and fulfillment in my work, whether I am writing you this blog post, or working with a client, or preparing for my next workshop.This state of inner fulfillment is what I’ve truly wanted all my life. It is a sweeter experience than any glimpse of fame that I ever had.By no means am I famous today. I get but a few hundred views on each video, and a few dozen likes per Facebook post… which is laughable when compared with other marketing experts.Yet, I have a full client roster. I have enough participants for every workshop. And my content gets regular meaningful engagement from loyal readers.Through the experiences of the past decade, I’ve learned that I don’t want to be famous.I don’t want to get “more subscribers.” In fact, I am trying to keep my email list under 3,000, which means I occasionally unsubscribe people who haven’t opened my emails in a long time. This keeps my open rates higher (which is better for email deliverability), and it helps keep their inbox a bit cleaner.I’m not aiming to get tons of fans on social media.Here’s what I aim my energy towards… * Learning to serve more deeply* Learning to bring Love into my efforts daily* Learning what you (my audience) need, so I can be more helpfulMy hope is that I can be a different type of example than the typical business or marketing expert or mentor that you might encounter. Many of them are spreading the message that more fame is always better.Let us notice the seduction. Then, reconnect with ourselves and shift into a deeper way of being in business, one that fulfills heart and soul, rather than appease the ego.Not Fame.More Love.Greater Truth.Deeper Service. 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 the pursuit of our dreams, may we all emulate the Edison type of curiosity and persistence. Work diligently and see no failure at all… only redirection.Persist with a playful heart :)Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/nofailure 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

Video here:https://youtu.be/Zhz2bGFsXQ4Dylan Newcomb is the founder & lead trainer of UZAZU Embodied Intelligence, a embodiment-based coach for helping professionals & cultural creatives, and is an avid embodiment researcher.Dylan trained at the Juilliard School in both dance performance and music composition, danced in the Netherlands Dans theater for 8 years, and was a multi-award-winning choreographer & composer in the Netherlands for over a decade. Since 18 years, he has been developing and leading UZAZU Embodied Intelligence, an embodiment-based personal growth modality that empowers people to identify and shift their internal state from deregulation and stress to balance and empowermentAs a coach, Dylan Newcomb works 1-1 online with helping professionals, supporting them to move through the remaining blocks holding them back from effectively getting their purpose-driven work into the world, and with conscious entrepreneurs & cultural creatives looking to grow their impact, while also growing as a whole person. Dylan lives with his wife Kyung-sun Baek and their 10 year old daughter Kiana in Freeport Maine, USA.LINKS:https://www.uzazu.orghttps://www.facebook.com/UZAZU/The self-assessment mentioned in the video:https://www.uzazu.org/sign-up-for-the-embodied-intelligence-free-self-assessment/ 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 look at the posts on my Facebook Business Page (my social media platform of choice) you’ll notice that I basically post two things:1. Text-only writings, without images or links.2. Videos.To read the blog post:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/noimages 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 here: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/281127163709494/ 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 talk with Natasha Berta of Connected Marketing about how spiritually-oriented people can create a more supportive structure for their business. Natasha is a member of my MasterHeart Business Mentoring Group.Enjoy :)Comment underneath the video:https://youtu.be/zuo_wA7XihcLinks to connect with Natasha:https://www.instagram.com/connectedmarketingauhttps://www.facebook.com/connectedmarketingauhttps://www.youtube.com/c/ConnectedMarketinghttps://connectedmarketing.com.au 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 comment on this episode here:https://www.facebook.com/georgeKaocommunity/posts/657146221477001 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

Enjoy this inspiring interview with Akilah S. Richards, who is passionate about mindful partnerships and conscious parenting. She started Raising Free People Network, a digital multimedia platform for education, deep listening, and emergent collaborations within the intersections of privilege, parenting, and power. Her unschooling podcast is called Fare of the Free Child, and her latest book, Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work is available through PM Press, many local bookstores, and on Amazon.The video: https://youtu.be/Mh-ZXov9eNAAkilah's links:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fareofthefreechild/Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fare-of-the-free-child/id1138611256Courses:https://www.rfpunschool.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

Here's a sample of a course I love teaching.To enroll in the full course and access all the links:https://www.georgekao.com/money This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Nothing in my business is as important as being in a consistent rhythm of content creation.It is how I get smarter in my field.It’s how I develop the writings and videos that sometimes get shared, thereby allowing new fans and clients to find me.More than anything else I do, creating content is how I give back.It’s my ministry and mission.​Your wisdom, life lessons, skills, knowledge can help to transform so many people's lives! If you’re not being consistent in creating content, what's holding you back?Whether you want to write blog posts, make videos, record podcasts, post images, or create courses, develop an urgency for getting into -- and maintaining -- a rhythm of consistent creation.Not only can your content alleviate confusion and suffering in the world, and plant seeds that blossom into positive change, by creating, you’ll also be growing yourself professionally.When it comes to content, you get to quality through quantity.Each day that I work on my business, I am also reflecting on the next piece of content I’m going to create.It’s the foundation of my business creativity.“But I need to figure out my niche / ideal audience first…”Maybe you are putting the cart before the horse. I recommend you start with saying whatever you already know that might help others. Share whatever you have a passionate opinion about. By doing so, clarity begins to form.Be careful about defining your niche too early. Clarity about your Calling comes from your content... not the other way around.“But I need to first get my website or social media ready…”This is a frequent stumbling block — the belief that somehow, you can’t get started with content because something else isn’t ready: your website, your Facebook Cover image, your “About” section, etc.What I’ve learned from 10 years of coaching entrepreneurs: There’s always something that isn’t quite ready!“If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late…” — Reid Hoffman, founder of Linkedin, the largest professional platform in the world.The same goes for your online profile or website. If you’re still waiting to get your ducks in a row, and you’re not creating content, you are delaying the true growth of your online presence.The truth is that even if a lot of people see your content, very few of them will actually visit your website, Facebook Page, or whatever. If they like your content they will want to see more of your content, not judge your website!Develop the urgency to get into the rhythm of your content creation first, and then after that’s in place, get started creating or improving your website, social media presence, or anything else.You are perfect enough. You know enough. You are ready.“But what if I lose potential clients from a bad first impression?”The only situation where you should be concerned with making bad impressions is if you were forever stuck in a small village with no internet. Obviously, that's not true.The reality is that you have almost unlimited number of people to reach online. As of 2020 there are at least 4 billion people online. Imagine a random group of 1,000 people who are online. Let's say that only 1 person out of 1,000 would resonate with your content… that is still more than 4 million internet users who could be your fans! If you develop your skills of content creation, your message will be shared, such that even those who may have originally dismissed you, will eventually pay attention. I’ve seen this again and again.In fact, I feel... 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 common financial goal for solopreneurs? To make “6 figures”.(And if they achieve that, they now have to make “7 figures” because you can never make enough, right?)How do you relate to such goals?Do you set ones that are effective — and mentally healthy — for you?Read the blog post or watch the video:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/success 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 nourishing conversation about the deepest reasons to create content on a consistent basis. Gregory Vahanian is a member of my MasterHeart Business Mentoring group.Check out Gregory's content here:https://www.facebook.com/gregoryvahaniancoachinghttps://www.gregoryvahanian.com**Watch the video or add your comments here:https://youtu.be/sx9AvdZv_NU 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 think that we should have success already: a full client load, a large following of faithful readers, and interest from many people in regards to our work.I wish for you the greatest of success, truly.However, I also wish for you the peace of having gratitude for whatever stage you are, right now, in your business.**Watch the video or add your comments here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/506705226646365 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 Adele Wang interviewing me about the topic of uniqueness in business. Enjoy!Watch the video or comment here:https://www.facebook.com/georgekaocommunity/posts/850537988925815 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 a sample of a course I'm currently teaching.To enroll in the full course and access all the links:https://www.georgekao.com/authenticenrollment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

As a heart-centered business owner, you’re very supportive of others. This can mean you’re not mindful about your boundaries sometimes, and you give away more than you sustainably can.When friends or family are interested in your services, do you instinctually offer them free sessions or access to your programs?Here’s my recommended guidelines regarding what to offer for free to family, friends and colleagues.**Watch the video or add your comments here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/2612527942360670 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

Jeremy Blanchard's passion is supporting coaches to fall in love with client enrollment. He’s been training life & leadership coaches for 7 years in the art of enrollment. He’s also a course leader, mentor coach, and the Director of Enrollment at a professional coach training school: The Academy for Coaching Excellence. After attending his trainings, Jeremy’s students are actually looking forward to having sales & enrollment conversations, because they see what a difference that conversation can make in the life of a prospective client, whether or not they sign up.Jeremy is on staff for the Academy for Coaching Excellence: https://acecoachtraining.comVideo: https://youtu.be/ckXucCEOBIYIn this interview we discuss:Principle: “tell the truth” - The key distinguishing factor I’ve noticed between the enrollment conversations that feel “sales-y” and the ones that feel true to who you are is whether or not you’re telling the truth. Here, I don’t mean “truth vs directly lying” per se. I mean “truth vs hidden intention.” It often looks like Ways to implement that:Clarify the purpose - What is the purpose of this conversation? State it up front. Applies in a referral call or in an enrollment call with a prospect. Could sound like... [insert example]. If the purpose of a referral call is to have them refer people to your coaching practice, don’t say that it’s a “friend catch up call.”If the purpose of an enrollment call is to see if you’re a good fit to work together, don’t say that it’s for them to discover “key steps to move their business forward” or call it a “coaching call.”Permission - Ask permission before going on to each next part of the conversation. Two examples: Which is more empowering and opens up more possibility?“Okay, it sounds like you’re having challenges with X and want Y. Let me tell you how my coaching can help with that…”“Okay, it sounds like you’re having challenges with X and really wanting Y. Would it be useful to talk for a bit about how my services might be able to support with that?”Ways to apply permission:After stating the purpose: “How does that sound?” (checking that you’re on the same page_)Before sharing what: “I think I have a good understanding of what you’re looking for. Would it be useful to look at how what I do might be of service?”Before introducing the logistics/price: “Sounds like we’re on the same page that the services I’m describing are along the lines of what you’re looking for. Is that right? … Great. Would it be useful for me to share a bit about the logistics, price, etc?”Before supporting them if they aren’t sure about signing up: “Would it be supportive to talk through whether this program is the right fit at the right time given what you’re looking for”“Would it be useful to talk about ways you might be able to get creative to have this work financially for you?”Jeremy is on staff for the Academy for Coaching Excellence: https://acecoachtraining.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

If you can love the process, you’ll stick with it. If you stick with it, you’ll get enough practice to succeed!Watch the video or add your comments here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/954675228215336 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

Corbett Barr's Fizzle podcast helped me a lot when I was starting my business. It's great to finally be able to interview him! We discuss what is a "creator" and the overall path to being a successful one -- mindset as well as marketing. Enjoy!LINKS:https://fizzle.cohttps://corbettbarr.comWatch the video or add a comment here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160816802499867/ 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 a sample of a course I'm currently teaching.To enroll in the full course and access all the links:https://www.georgekao.com/money 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

Millions of people have tried the “Law Of Attraction” (popularized by “The Secret”) … and no matter how hard they try, they don’t manifest those millions of dollars they envisioned.If they go into debt to buy that fancy house or car, they usually regret the debt. Or that so-called “perfect” relationship they visualized, doesn’t end up working out.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/3339605176148656/ **Visualization is ineffective — even detrimental — when used only to imagine the ideal outcome.Instead, what if we use visualization to strengthen the process of our actions towards the desired outcome?If we can manifest a joyful way of working day to day, rather than pining for a better future, we give ourselves the best chance at creating our ideal life.There are 2 things that make this work:1. Successful visualization focuses on the process, even more than the outcome.2. Visualization is a fantasy, unless tied closely to real-world practice.Focusing On The ProcessMost people visualize only the desired outcomes.“I’ve written my best-selling book… I’m holding it in my hands… I’m seeing hundreds of positive reviews!”“I’ve filled my workshop… I see a large group of students who are joyfully experiencing transformation!”“I’ve filled my practice with ideal clients… I imagine myself working with high-paying clients on a typical workday!”These are good mental pictures to have, insofar as they:Helps you feel that the end vision is possible to attainHelp you see what direction to work towardsIt can, however, be detrimental to merely create the self-belief that you “deserve” it.Your vision may be ungrounded from the reality of what it actually takes to achieve it. You might also develop a false belief that you are entitled to it… and when you don’t attain that vision which you frequently repeat, it creates even more self-doubt than when you started.By failing to achieve your dream, you might even doubt the tool of visualization!Let’s take a deep breath.There’s a better way to use visualization.Here is what we all truly “deserve” — to improve our journey/process.A good process eventually leads to a good outcome.Consistent actions, in the right direction, create miraculous results over time!In the book The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, he tells the story of 2 people:Aaron takes a job for $5,000/month, a job that uses only his existing skills.Barbara starts a business that earns her $10 in the first week, but with repeated improvement in her skills, it results in 10% growth in income each week.Observe the wealth of these two people:3rd month: total of $15,000 (Aaron) versus $235 (Barbara)12th month: total of $60,000 versus $15,00018th month: total of $90,000 versus $186,00024th month: total of $120,000 (Aaron) versus $2.2 million (Barbara)Again, consistent actions, with consistent small improvements, create the kind of results that many only visualize, but never manifest. Therefore, visualize enjoying the process so that you’ll do it consistently, growing gradually in your skill and joy!I’m grateful that my books have received many good reviews, but I didn’t use outcome-visualization,... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I used to believe in the conventional marketing idea that if the audience isn’t buying, it’s because they haven’t seen your offer enough times.The rule of 7 is that a prospective buyer needs to see your marketing message at least 7 times before they truly decide whether to buy.From my decade of marketing experience — especially the past 5 years of consistent rhythm of offers — I haven’t found this idea to be true.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160696877999867 **Most buyers see my offer 1–3 times before signing up, if they sign up at all.If an offer isn’t a good fit — or if there isn’t enough of a trusting relationship — they can see the offer a dozen times and still not buy. And by that point, they’re experiencing what’s called “ad fatigue” — they’re tired of seeing the offer. The relationship between the business and the audience begins to erode.Here’s a 3-part checklist to figure out why your audience isn’t buying:ReachMatchTrustReachYour potential buyers need to see a specific offer at least once, and I would suggest up to three times within a month, before you know whether they’ve decided to buy.More than three times in a month, and they’ll probably be entering Ad Fatigue.It seems to me that many of you aren’t letting your audience know often enough about the thing you’re trying to sell.Maybe you don’t want to come across as salesy. Rightly so. Much of marketing out there does feel salesy… but you don’t have to do it that way.I aim to do my marketing in a heart-based and authentic way, and my audience seems to like it better than most other marketing they’ve seen.Whatever you’re trying to sell, it is important to let your audience know, up to three times this month, about that product or service. Next month, move onto another product/service, or try saying it in a very different way.If you’ve done this, and you’re surprised how few of them are buying, then it’s likely one of the following issues: Match or Trust.MatchHow well-matched is your offer to their wants?Have you surveyed your audience about the options you could offer? For example, every few months, I poll my audience about the upcoming courses I could teach, and see what they vote on. I then offer what is popular.OK, you’re offering the right solution for the problem they wish to solve right now. However, is the price a good match for them? How would you know? Ask them what they’ve bought — or have considered buying — to try to solve that problem. Compared to those options they’ve considered, is your price in the right range?What about timing?When people don’t buy, they sometimes say “it’s not the right time” but in my experience, that is often a courteous excuse that “it’s not really a good fit for me” because when it is a great match, they will buy it anyway.The exceptions are live events and services: maybe they’re going away in the next few weeks and literally cannot engage with your event or service in that same timeframe, but they really want to. Hopefully, you’ll offer a popular service or event several times a year so you can catch them the next time.If there is a match in interest and price, but you’re still surprised your audience isn’t... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

Which marketing methods have been used on you, that turn you off? Take notice. Don’t use such methods.Authentic marketing is simply following the Golden Rule: (not) doing unto others what you (don’t) want done unto you.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/georgeKaocommunity/posts/130166185004235 **I surveyed the students of my marketing course, Authentic Client Attraction/Enrollment, about the marketing methods that turn them off. This blog post will list the commonly mentioned ones, and I’ll share a better alternative for each…Lead MagnetsA “lead magnet” is a free thing that requires the person’s email address in order to access it. This is incredibly common and chances are that you’re either using it, or are thinking about it.This came up several times from my students (smart, good-hearted business owners) as being one of the top tactics that turned them off.We don’t have to use lead magnets to build a great audience. Read more: No more lead magnets.Sales Funnels“Isn’t this one of the key strategies for effective online marketing?” one might ask.Not in the experience of the students I surveyed. Many of them feel turned off by this kind of overly-scripted, forced experience of getting to know a business.Read more: No more sales funnels.Pushy HeadlinesJust look in your own email inbox and you’ll probably find some headlines that are clickbaity, simply trying to get you to open it instead of providing useful info. Maybe there’s pressure about something expiring. Or a line that doesn’t tell you anything about the email other than a basic message of “you’ll want to open this!” or “you’ll regret not seeing this!”But isn’t that what headlines are supposed to do? To get you to open the email?Here’s an alternative: Make your headline an interesting overview/summary of what they’ll read in the email. You might ask: “After reading the email, how would the reader summarize it, in an interesting way?” This is honest, respectful, and you’ll build a trustworthy reputation with your subscribers.They’ll be proud to forward your email onto their friends.Free Webinars that are actually Sales PitchesMaybe you’ve attended one of these: a so-called “free” training or online seminar that was supposed to give you helpful, valuable information, and turned out to be a carefully-designed sales pitch for an expensive program, tool, or service. Most of the content of the webinar is spent building up the credibility of the expert, “educating” the audience on the framework of the problem, and why they need the product that will be sold.Sometimes they’ll keep saying “Watch all the way to the end” to get a special bonus / secret or something else. Again, the point of the webinar was to sell, not to serve. (The audience would not have agreed to come if they knew the real intention.)I know this method very well, because I conducted hundreds of these in my early years in business and ended up teaching others how to do it. Needless to say, I wish I knew better. Now I do.Alternative: Offer a truly helpful webinar that is free-to-attend, but paid as a recording. This puts you into a mindset that you are creating a... 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 you make content, think only about your true fans.Don't think of the judgmental people, who are simply showing themselves to the works for who they are...Watch the video or make a comment here:https://www.facebook.com/georgeKaocommunity/posts/1197304217326501 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

Sunny Sabbini, a member of my MasterHeart business community, discusses how she brings abundance-thinking into her content/framework creation and her netcaring/collaborations.Watch video here: https://youtu.be/otyULAyjeToLearn more about Sunny's work:https://www.conflict2collaboration.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnysabbini/ 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 here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/1707807072688532 Read blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/energyreboot 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 here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160589819104867Read the blog post here:https://www.georgekao.com/blog/actionplan 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, Katie Raver, a member of my MasterHeart business community, discusses how she brings authenticity to relating to her audience and how that's helped her find more ideal clients.The Video: https://youtu.be/5O4KEIjTZpwLearn more about Katie's work with NLP And Attention Experiments: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

I’ve written a lot about the importance of creating and distributing content… it’s a great foundation for an authentic business.What I haven’t emphasized as much is the importance of having an offer rhythm, and that’s what this post is about. I encourage every client of mine — and you, if you are a small business and wish for consistent income — to have a consistent rhythm of offerings.Even if you have no audience yet, you can and should begin testing offerings, as soon as possible, starting with your friends.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/videos/583623285582988 **Here’s what I mean by a rhythm of offerings:To have a consistent schedule of sharing (testing) your offers with your audience or network.What are your offerings? Any products, services, or programs that you create and sell, or alternatively, that you curate and earn a commission from selling.(You don’t have to always create products, you can find things that your audience or network might love to buy, and earn an affiliate commission by promoting it to them. However, in the long term, creating offers is usually the more authentic and meaningful path.)My offer rhythm is simple. Use it if you’d like:Each month I launch a light online course on some topic that my audience has said they’re interested in.You can see how I actually launch, by going to my FB Page — George Kao’s Facebook Posts — and observe what I post every Wednesday. It’s always something related to the current launch.To find out my audience’s interests, I occasionally make a post like this one that asks which of two (or sometimes up to five) options they would prefer.Regularly launching light online courses is something I recommend that you do. It’s a wonderful way for potential clients to get to know your work, to stay top of mind for them about your expertise. It’s also an effective way for you to keep getting smarter and deeper about your field. Each of your online courses needs only to be 1–3 sessions/hours long.If you want to focus on growing your 1–1 client base, then your offer rhythm can simply be that twice a month, you remind your audience/network about your current offering. Do this through your email newsletter, and any social media platform you use. Your message can be:Telling a recent client success storyAnswer a frequently asked question about your workDescribe the ideal client who would benefit the most from your offeringDescribe why you’re passionate about what you do, e.g. briefly, what got you into doing this work?Offer a seasonal deal, with a due date to inquire with youFor any of the above messages you can be direct about asking them to inquire with you… or you can try an indirect approach: ask if they know someone who would benefit from your work, and that you’ll take great care of whomever they refer to you. Try both approaches and see what works for you!Besides a monthly rhythm of offers, you might also have an annual schedule. For example:Celebrating the anniversary of your businessHoliday that has special meaning for you, or your workStart of year and/or start of quarterCelebrating your birthdayAny of these could be reasons for you to make a special announcement about one of your offerings.Part of an annual rhythm of offers could also be... 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 authentic conversation about Purpose with Mark Walsh of Embodiment Unlimited. Check out the upcoming summit (free on Feb 26/27) --https://purposeblackbelt.com/Summit/You can comment on this episode underneath this video:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/448009803105572/ 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 often teaches us to create free content as a way to build up desire for your audience to buy your thing later. I don't like manipulating my audience, and recommend that we instead approach content as inner exploration and outer service. That's 80% of what we put online. Let 20% be transparent selling.Add your comments here:https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity/posts/10160689274524867 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’ll never be a good copywriter,” said the client. “How do I build my ideal audience and generate new clients if I can’t persuade them with good marketing copy?”“Don’t try to persuade,” I said. “Simply talk about the transformation that people experience as they try your services.”That is good marketing copy.Here are 7 ideas for you to describe the transformational power of your work. Use these ideas in your content, your website copy, and in conversations with your prospective clients.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/georgekaocommunity/posts/230047291569129 **1. VisionAs you get to know your ideal clients better, notice how they talk about the changes they wish to make.What goals are they yearning to achieve? What is the transformation they would love your help with? What kind of life do they want?Basically, why do they really want your services?It will take some experimentation to figure out how to describe the benefits in a way that really interest them. Don’t delay… just start trying. Publish it on social media and get feedback.Importantly, don’t promise the vision (definitely don’t guarantee it!), but say that it’s the aim or focus of your work.After you get a bit o feedback, go ahead and publish it on your website. You will keep improving on it over time, as you interact with more clients and learn about their vision. But you’ve got to start somewhere.Eventually, your description of the Vision will be so interesting and aligned to your ideal clients, that this may be all they clients need to see, to say Yes to your work.2. ResultsWhereas the Vision is a description of what your potential clients want in the future, the Results are specific descriptions of what your previous clients did actually experience.If you don’t have any clients yet, I recommend that you simply start doing your work with whomever is willing to experience it. You need to get some “results” stories as soon as possible. Consider trading with other service providers.Before you have any client stories to share, you can talk about the results in your own life.The more work you do with people, the more Results stories you can tell.Whereas the Vision is what’s possible, the Results are about what’s likely.If you only talk about what’s likely (Results), you might get fixated on past experiences. Yet if you only talk about what’s possible (Vision), it can get into ungrounded idealism and hyped-up marketing.So in your marketing, talk about what’s likely to happen when you work with an ideal client that is ready and willing to do the work with you.The simplest way to do this is to share testimonials or client reviews.If possible, weave in client case studies (stories of transformation) into your content and marketing.3. ProblemsYour clients are experiencing problems that are preventing them from achieving their Vision.Or perhaps they’re experiencing some pitfalls on their journey towards that Vision.As you observe your clients’ experiences, notice how they describe those problems or pitfalls, that your business can help solve or alleviate.Include those descriptions in your content and marketing... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

In my courses, I resist being "too" step by step about everything. Some complain that they want exact detailed steps so that they don't have to be uncertain. With technical training, that may be true (although there's a joy in finding your own way there as well.) With strategy, formulas are questionable. If I teach you step by step, please feel free to rebel, and find your own way. That is the only way to authentic fulfillment in your business.Watch the video here:https://youtu.be/7luNxAMNsMs 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

Tia Ma, a member of my MasterHeart business community, discusses how she brings authenticity to her content. Be sure to watch the last 5 minutes of the video (below) for a quick Qi Gong exercise that you can enjoy from wherever you are sitting!The Video: https://youtu.be/9c8gciWJXs0Check out Tia's content:FB Page -- https://www.facebook.com/qigongwithtiamaInstagram -- https://www.instagram.com/qigongwithtiamaWebsite -- https://tia-ma.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgekao.substack.com

I’ve been able to accomplish a lot in my business because I create even when I don’t feel like it — I work on a regular rhythm. (And I honestly don’t feel like it most of the time.)Similarly, I’ve learned to rest myself before I’m tired… to rest on a regular rhythm, whether or not I feel like it.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1178024079226820 **Several times I’ve nearly burned out. (Maybe I did and eventually recovered.) Painful experiences — emotional lows, lack of motivation, lack of hope, physical exhaustion — something I hope to help others prevent.I now know how important it is — for health and for a sustainable business — to rest before I need to.By the time I’m really tired, I’ve rested too late.The more addictive our technologies, the harder it is to remember to take breaks.So it’s more important than ever to make it a conscious practice of taking frequent breaks. To make resting a key discipline in our work.The reason for our breaks isn’t just a physical one, it’s also to rest from the emotions and mental states of working: various degrees of tenseness.Staying healthy — and growing strong — means to have a healthy rhythm of stretching (working) then relaxing (not working).I have several ways to rest. As you read about these, ask yourself whether (and how) you can implement this into your own life too…MicrobreaksFor several months, I’ve been practicing taking a micro-break every 15–20 minutes during any work hour, and it’s been very helpful to maintain joyful productivity and well-being.My micro-break takes about 30 seconds and goes like this:Taking a few deep breaths…and while I’m doing that, my hands move off the keyboard and I drop my arms to my sides, and gently close my eyes.I thank God for having brought me through all the work thus far, and give thanks that I’ll be brought through the rest of it. I then do a very quick energy reboot (breathing in Love, out Security, in Wisdom, out Thanks.)Then, I open my eyes, look into the distance and do a quick arm stretch, yawning or sighing as needed.Then I finish by reminding myself of what time the next micro-break is.To be able to do micro-breaks requires that we have time-consciousness: being very aware of the time. Too many of us haven’t practiced this, and it gets us into trouble. We’re at the computer, in a trance, for too long.Because I glance at the clock every few minutes while I’m working, I’m aware of taking a micro-break every 15–20 minutes.I’m not perfect, and sometimes I catch myself 45 minutes or an hour later without having taken a microbreak. The key is not to punish oneself but to treat it like a meditation: “Ah! I’m glad I caught my wandering mind” and gently do a microbreak at that time.Mid-Day BreaksI never work more than 2 hours before a large break. Such breaks last 30 minutes to 2 hours. (As mentioned above, I also take many micro-breaks during those 2 hours of work.)Two of these mid-day breaks are just 30 minutes each:Snack if I need to.15-minute nap. (I usually don’t fall asleep, but simply relaxing, laying down, helps a lot!)Two of the mid-day breaks are 90–120 minutes:Snack and nap.Walk my dog.Maybe run an errand e.g. go to the post office or store.Evening BreakOf course, it’s also important how we... 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 1% own more than 40% of the world’s wealth.The accumulation of assets in the hands of the few erodes democracy, as societal power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few.Knowing this, anything we can do to support small businesses will not just help those entrepreneurs survive, but will support more democracy, creativity, and true livelihood in the world.Similarly, the 1% most famous people own a huge share of the consumer’s attention.**Watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2548686211913259 **Influencers like Gary Vaynurchuk, Marie Forleo, Brene Brown, Joe Dispenza, and other celebrities own a disproportionate amount of our content consumption time.The accumulation of attention in the hands of a few will erode the diversity of creativity, true livelihood, and authentic business.Where is your attention going?Attention, like time, is limited. We ought to be more mindful of where it goes.I encourage us to start giving 10% or more of our attention each day to small creators: bloggers, video makers, podcasts, websites, or social media pages that get few comments on their content.(By “small creator” I mean “small business”, not that they are small thinkers! Their hearts are much bigger than their numbers.)You can still spend the vast majority of your media time giving attention to big influencers, thought leaders, and to Netflix and the major studios. Let’s just mindfully spend 10% of our content consumption time gifting a bit of our attention to small creators because it makes such a life-changing difference for them… for us!When your comment is one of the only comments that a small creator gets, for them it feels like finding water in a dry desert.It feeds their hearts and supports their passion.Your supportive comment helps them power through the many times they experience silence (zero feedback).On the other hand, when you “like” or comment on a popular creator’s post, it’s like a drop in the ocean, making almost no difference to them.Let’s be more mindful content consumers, and care for our fellow small creators!There are 3 things we can do in our 10% time…1. Engage.Find a small creator (blog, Facebook page, Medium page, Youtube channel, Podcast, Instagram, etc.)Look for a post that has few comments, and be one of the only commenters for them. It makes such a difference… Your comment could make their day, and inspire weeks of energy!What to say in your comment?What you like about that piece of content. Even if it’s not the most brilliant thing you’ve ever seen, there’s still something good about it — call out the good. If it’s a piece of writing, highlight a sentence or paragraph. If it’s a video, say what you liked about their presence or message.What can be improved — it’s super helpful for content creators to get feedback about how they can improve. You might want to do this privately, though. Praise publicly, critique privately. Tell them what you’d love for them to create content on… what topics interest you, that might be in their field of expertise?If you really liked that piece of content, go the extra mile and share it forward!2. Buy.Each week or... 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 first in the series I'm calling Progress & Learning, where I bring on members of my MasterHeart business community to share lessons that we can all use to help grow our authentic businesses in a joyfully productive way. Enjoy :)In this video, Tara Whitney and I discuss Joyful Productivity, Authentic Content, and Light Launches:https://youtu.be/rX5g2yM8PBo 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