Frugalpreneur: Building a Business on a Bootstrapped Budget

Guest BioShaily started doing social media for her hobby community in high school… ON MYSPACE. She didn't realize what she did was doing social media until after college when she saw a question on a job application asking if she had ever managed an online community, and she realized there was something there.She graduated from Indiana University with a degree and certification in elementary education K-6, and she now uses those mad teaching skills to lead workshops, work with business owners 1-on-1 training them on social media, and has coached 200+ B2B consultants on how to use LinkedIn to grow their business. She guides business on how to stay top of mind with their community and referral network using social media. I hold them accountable and boost their confidence in themselves, what they have to offer, and their own social media abilities. She loves live streaming, event social media, live Tweeting, and comment engagement.ℹ️ IntroductionWelcome to another episode of the Frugalpreneur podcast! In today's showcase episode, we have the incredible Shaily, a bootstrapped entrepreneur who shares her journey of overcoming obstacles and finding success in the world of social media. Shaily takes us back to her high school days where she discovered her passion for online communities, paving the way for her career in managing social media. Through her frugal approach, Shaily shares her tips on minimizing overhead costs, utilizing AppSumo for great deals on software, and embracing the Profit First strategy. She also explores the importance of investing in the right people and the value of seeking help and guidance. Get ready to be inspired and learn valuable takeaways that you can implement in your own bootstrap business journey. Let's dive into Shaily's entrepreneurial story on this exciting episode of Frugalpreneur!❇️ Key topics and bullets- Shaily's childhood and early experiences with online communities- Transition to freelancing in media and managing social media- Shift from offering social media services to teaching others how to do it themselves- Bootstrapping the business and the importance of frugality- Utilizing AppSumo for deals on software- Hiring fractional workers for specific projects- Implementing Profit First system for financial management- Shaily's frugality in personal life- Investing money back into the business- Failure to pay for needed help earlier- Stubbornness in figuring things out on her own- Recognizing the value of investing in coaches and mentors🧞‍♂️ Discussion questions1. How did Shaily's experience as a "loser kid" shape her entrepreneurial journey?2. How did Shaily's early involvement in online communities contribute to her success in social media management?3. What was the turning point in Shaily's business when she shifted from managing social media for others to teaching them how to do it themselves?4. What frugal strategies did Shaily employ in the early stages of her business, and how did they contribute to her success?5. How did Shaily leverage her networking skills to find clients and grow her business?6. What lessons did Shaily learn about overspending and investing wisely in her business?7. In what ways did Shaily's personal frugality differ from her approach to finances in her business?8. How did investing in mentors and coaches help Shaily overcome challenges and accelerate her business growth?9. What role did Shaily's commitment to self-learning and figuring things out on her own play in her entrepreneurial journey?10. How has Shaily's willingness to ask for help and bring on additional services positively impacted her business and personal life?Resources:<a...

Guest BioChris Miles, the Cash Flow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor, is a leading authority teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to get their money working for them TODAY! He’s an author, podcast host of the Money Ripples Podcast, has been featured in US News, CNN Money, Entrepreneurs on Fire, BiggerPockets, and has a proven reputation with his company, Money Ripples, getting his clients fast, financial results. In fact, his personal clients have increased their cash flow by $300+ Million in the last 13 years!ℹ️ IntroductionWelcome to the Frugalpreneur podcast! In this showcase episode, we feature a bootstrapped entrepreneur named Chris who shares his journey of starting a business with little cash and the strategies he used to achieve success. Chris's story begins with a realization that the real money and freedom lie in having your own business, leading him to drop out of college and embark on his entrepreneurial path. From exchanging services to building relationships with influencers, Chris shares invaluable tips on how to bootstrap your business without relying heavily on financial resources. He also opens up about his biggest failure and the importance of having cash reserves to avoid desperation and attract more business. Join us as we dive deep into Chris's story and uncover the steps he took to bootstrap his business and make millions. Stay tuned for an episode filled with practical takeaways that you can implement in your own entrepreneurial journey. Now, let's get started!❇️ Key topics and bullets- Introduction to the Frugalpreneur podcast- Guest introduction: Chris and his unconventional journey into business- Importance of having real-life business experience before becoming a business consultant- Need to exchange value and provide a great product/service to other business owners- Examples of exchanging services to launch a website with little cash- Utilizing influencers and networking to create connections and referrals- Sharing personal experiences and investing time to genuinely understand others' needs- The importance of having cash reserves to avoid scarcity mindset and desperation- Building relationships and serving others rather than focusing on making money- The irony of when you don't need money, people want to pay you- Building relationships, referrals, and connections leading to becoming an industry leader- Additional ways to grow a business without using cash, such as swapping services and networking events- Utilizing credit as a tool to leverage financial opportunities for business growth.- Recommending getting credit when you don't need it and exploring options like credit cards and SBA loans- The benefits of writing a business plan with the help of an SBA loan.🧞‍♂️ Discussion questions1. Have you ever considered starting your own business? If so, what factors influenced your decision?2. How important do you think real-life business experience is before starting your own business?3. In what ways have you exchanged value with others in your industry or target market?4. Have you ever taken influencers or industry experts out to lunch or breakfast? If so, what were the results?5. How have your cash reserves (or lack thereof) impacted your mindset and ability to attract clients/customers?6. Can you share an experience where desperation or scarcity affected your ability to do business effectively?7. What are some ways you can come from a place of service and help others, even if you don't necessarily need the money?8. How can building relationships and networking with others in your industry contribute to your business success?9. What are your thoughts on using credit as a tool to bootstrap your business? Have you had any...

On this episode of Frugalpreneur, we delve into the journey of Hemant, the CEO and founder of DigiCom, a growth getting agency. Hemant shares his experiences and insights on building a successful business, highlighting the importance of commitment, passion, and learning along the way. We learn how Hemant initially dabbled in entrepreneurship, experimenting with different approaches before finding his calling in media buying. By providing excellent services to clients and continuously improving his skills, he managed to build a thriving agency. Hemant emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, exploring various aspects of business development, company setup, taxation, and employee recruitment.Throughout the episode, Hemant encourages listeners to share their own stories on the show, offering a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their experiences and share valuable insights. Listeners can visit frugal.show/guest to submit their stories as potential guests.In addition to sharing his own journey, Hemant provides practical advice for bootstrapped entrepreneurs. He suggests reaching out to contacts for advice and solutions, leveraging the knowledge of others, and taking advantage of resources like videos and books to learn new skill sets. Hemant also emphasizes the benefits of delegating tasks to experts, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and eventually manage a team.Transparency and goal setting are recurring themes in this episode. Hemant discusses the importance of regularly reviewing financial numbers, comparing performance to goals, and creating a transparent environment within a business. He also highlights the value of trying new things, accepting failure, and learning from mistakes.Towards the end of the episode, Hemant offers to audit the media of other entrepreneurs and provide a growth plan, expressing a desire to build partnerships and support fellow frugalpreneurs. He also addresses the potential costs of hiring experts and the need for goal setting transparency to achieve desired outcomes.Tune in to this episode of Frugalpreneur to gain valuable insights and practical tips from Hemant, a successful and experienced entrepreneur. Learn how to navigate the challenges of building a business on a budget, embrace learning opportunities, and ignite a passionate attitude towards success. Remember, failure is just a stepping stone on the journey to achieving your goals."❇️ Key topics and bullets- Introduction: - Brief introduction of the speaker Hemant - Overview of the episode's key takeaway- Hemant's Experience with Building a Business: - Hemant's initial attempt at starting a business without full commitment - Importance of having a specific reason and passion for what you do - Hemant's success story of building an agency by reaching out to contacts and staying dedicated - Emphasis on enjoying work and providing good services to clients leading to more clients- Learning Process and Business Development: - Hemant's journey of learning various aspects of business development - Highlights on company setup, taxation, and employee recruitment - Emphasis on the significance of the learning process- Call to Action and Audience Participation: - Encouragement for listeners to share their own stories on the show - Information on how to submit stories as potential guests on Frugalpreneur- Hemant's Background and Inspiration: - Hemant's father inspiring him to build his business after witnessing the positive impact of his own manufacturing business - The steps Hemant took to build DigiCom, including reaching out to contacts and running marketing campaigns- Successes and Financial Management: - Hemant's successes in increasing revenue and diversifying the revenue...

💡 Speaker bioNo Limbits was created with the goal of providing easy and accessible solutions to everyday problems.&nbsp;After losing her leg in a car crash in 2018, our founder Erica Cole found that her new prosthetic leg wasn't compatible with her existing wardrobe. Nothing would fit over her bulky prosthetic, which made getting dressed in the morning a pain and making adjustments throughout the day even more difficult. Erica eventually found that practicality ended up winning out over her own personal style, a compromise she hated having to make. Erica wanted to create something that would make life simpler, more enjoyable, and fashionable of course.ℹ️ IntroductionWelcome back to another episode of Frugalpreneur, the show where we celebrate the incredible stories of entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses while staying frugal. I'm your host, Sarah St John, and today we have a very special guest joining us. Her name is Erica, and her journey is truly inspiring.In 2018, Erica experienced a life-changing car accident, which resulted in the loss of her left leg. Despite this significant setback, she didn't let it deter her from pursuing her dreams. While studying chemistry at the University of Iowa, Erica entered a pitch competition and emerged victorious, which led her to start her own business.Initially starting small with an alterations business, Erica's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. She expanded her venture into an Etsy-like platform, showcasing her products to a wider audience. All the while, she diligently completed her chemistry degree, proving that determination knows no bounds.Her hard work and innovative mindset caught the attention of big players in the industry. Erica received job offers from prestigious organizations like Los Alamos National Lab and Target Incubator. However, true to her entrepreneurial heart, she decided to focus on growing her own business.Since then, Erica's business has flourished, now employing six individuals. She has even taken her brand to new heights, participating in a Kickstarter campaign and making a memorable appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank. But Erica doesn't just stop there – she's now partnering with Walmart for Disability Pride Month, a testament to her commitment to creating inclusive products.In this episode, Erica generously shares her insights into the world of adaptive clothing and products for people with disabilities. She explains how these designs not only benefit those with specific needs but also have a broader appeal that can improve the lives of many. Erica gives us a glimpse into her favorite creations, such as pants for people with lower limb differences and a sensory collection for those with sensory processing disorders.We also dive into Erica's experience working with the incredible team at Good American, where she had the opportunity to bounce ideas off Emma and her team members. She highlights the fantastic support she receives from Mark, who is lightning-fast in responding to her emails, providing guidance, and adding credibility to her business.Prepare to be inspired as Erica reveals her upcoming projects, including a much-needed adaptive outerwear option for those with limited mobility and dexterity in their hands. She goes into detail about how she designed this coat to accommodate difficult movements and improve the overall comfort and functionality for the wearer.But it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Erica. She takes us through the challenges she faced in her supply chain and how she overcame them to ensure timely deliveries and accessible prices. She also recounts her exhilarating journey on Shark Tank, where an unexpected turn of events led to an incredible partnership and unleashed a flood of traffic to her website.So, if you're ready to learn from an exceptional entrepreneur who has turned adversity into triumph, tune in to

💡 Guest bioJono is the founder and director of fitness education online, an online course business that offers a variety of courses for personal trainers and fitness trainers. He got into this business after realizing that he wanted to monetize his knowledge and generate revenue without solely relying on training clients. In 2014, Jono discovered the potential of online courses and decided to create his own. With a frugal mindset, he used a Microsoft Word document saved as a PDF as his first course, spending only $5 to have it edited professionally. Although he initially didn't invest much in advertising, Jono's course gained traction, and he started making significant sales. To bootstrap his business, he spent minimal upfront costs, utilized free software, manually emailed course materials to customers, and reinvested profits into sales and marketing. As his revenue grew, Jono tightened up his operations and now helps others create and sell online courses. He provides resources through his podcast, the Course Creator Community, and a Facebook group of the same name. Jono believes online courses are an excellent way to bootstrap a business due to their low upfront costs and potential for passive income.ℹ️ IntroductionWelcome to another episode of Frugalpreneur! I'm your host, Sarah St John, and today we have a special guest joining us. Get ready to take notes and be inspired by the incredible story of Jono, the founder and director of Fitness Education Online. Jono is here to share his journey of bootstrapping his online course business and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. From struggling with course formatting to finding affordable editing solutions, Jono's experience is packed with practical tips for keeping costs low and generating passive income. Join us as we dive into the world of online courses and uncover the secrets of a successful frugalpreneur. Stay tuned for Jono's insights, strategies, and some amazing tools he's discovered. It's going to be a show full of takeaways you won't want to miss. Plus, don't forget to visit our website and share your own bootstrap business journey with us. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the inspiring story of a true frugalpreneur. Welcome, Jono!❇️ Key topics and bullets- Introduction to Jono, Founder and Director of Fitness Education Online- The range of courses offered by Fitness Education Online- Jono's motivation for starting an online course business- Jono's early experiences with creating and selling courses- Overcoming challenges and finding affordable resources for course creation- The importance of investing in advertising and marketing- Tips for bootstrapping a business, including keeping costs low and reinvesting profits- The potential of online courses for generating passive income- Jono's current role in helping others create and sell their courses- Promotion of the platform being used by the listeners- Staying connected with the audience- Encouraging listeners to share their own stories on the show's website- Wrapping up the episode and expressing gratitude to the listenersTakeaways:- Insights into starting an online course business with limited capital- Tips and tricks for course creation and marketing- Lessons learned from Jono's successes and failures- Inspiration for those looking to bootstrap their own businessRemember to visit our website to share your own stories and stay connected with us. Thank you for tuning into this showcase episode of Frugalpreneur.🧞‍♂️ Discussion questions1. How did Jono transition from being a fitness trainer to starting his own online course business?2. What were some of the challenges Jono faced when creating and formatting his initial courses?3. How did Jono overcome those challenges and find someone to edit his...

💡 Speaker bioPaul Gowder is the founder of powwows.com, a website dedicated to exploring and connecting with Native American culture. In 1996, while in grad school, Paul started the website as a way to learn web design. Initially, it was a side project with pages about powwow dancing and vintage Star Wars toys. However, the powwow page gained popularity, attracting a vibrant community of users. As the website grew, Paul unintentionally stumbled into entrepreneurship and began monetizing the platform. Despite working full-time for the government, Paul continued to develop powwows.com until he retired in February 2021 to focus on the business. In the early days, the website didn't generate much revenue, and Paul and his family had to invest their own money to keep it going. They juggled multiple jobs and attended countless events to promote the platform. Eventually, the business became profitable, but Paul always prioritized community building and encouraged engagement through various channels, such as email lists, livestreams, and podcasts. He also emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and hiring virtual assistants to focus on key responsibilities. Sharing his expertise, Paul offers courses on online giveaways and email marketing to help others achieve growth and success in their businesses. With 25 years of experience, his goal is to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming obstacles and reaching the next level through his website, paulgutter.com.ℹ️ IntroductionOn this episode of Frugalpreneur, Sarah St John welcomes Paul Gowder, the founder of powwows.com, as their guest on a showcase episode. Paul, a bootstrapped entrepreneur, will be sharing his valuable tips, tricks, tactics, techniques, and tools for successfully bootstrapping a business. He will also delve into the successes and failures he encountered throughout his journey. Listeners can expect to gain actionable takeaways that they can implement in their own bootstrap business ventures. Paul's story is truly inspiring, as he started powwows.com in 1996 as a side project during grad school. Over time, it grew into a full-time business after Paul retired from his government job in February. Initially, the website generated revenue through merchandise sales and hustling at events. However, the business faced a major setback when a website redesign negatively impacted SEO and ad revenue.Despite the challenges, Paul found success by focusing on the community aspect of powwows.com, such as email lists and livestreams. He also highlights the importance of delegating tasks and leveraging one's strengths. In addition to running his website, Paul now offers courses and content on online giveaways and email marketing to help others grow their businesses.As always, Sarah St John encourages listeners to share their own stories if they believe it would benefit the audience. If you'd like to share your journey or learn more about Paul's insights, be sure to visit "frugal.show/guest". Tune in to this episode of Frugalpreneur and discover how Paul turned his side project into a thriving business while navigating the challenges of bootstrapping.🧞‍♂️ Discussion questions1. How important is it for entrepreneurs to bootstrap their businesses, and what are the benefits and challenges of doing so?2. Why is it important for entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and delegate tasks that are not in their area of expertise?3. What are some effective strategies for monetizing a website or online platform, especially in the early stages of business development?4. How can entrepreneurs recover from major revenue failures, such as those caused by changes in SEO and ad revenue?5. What role does community building play in the success of a business, and what are some effective ways to engage and grow a community?6. What are some lessons that can be learned from Paul's experience with his...

✨ Stephanie emphasizes the power of Pinterest for brands, stressing that it's often overlooked but can benefit all types of businesses, including B2B. She shares case studies and success stories to showcase the potential and urge brands to utilize this amazing resource. #PinterestPower📚 Speaking of resources, Stephanie is offering a free guide on common pitfalls to avoid when using Pinterest for marketing. It's a fantastic way for brands to understand the platform's power and get started on her Pinterest journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity! 📈 You can get the resource here: https://courses.rieldealandco.com/3-pinterest-pitfalls-to-avoid-if-you-want-to-make-a-profit💼 Over the course of 12 years, Stephanie built a full-service marketing agency from a side hustle. She relied on hard work, innovation, and word-of-mouth to grow and scale, without investing additional money. Talk about dedication and determination! #BootstrappingQueen🌟 One of their biggest successes was building and growing a team to support her agency. It's a testament to her leadership and vision. Achieving that milestone must have felt incredible! 🤝🎓 Stephanie's journey started in college, where she turned her passion for storytelling and her journalism background into a marketing side hustle. She was fascinated by the data and science of digital marketing, as well as the psychology of consumer behavior. 📊💡🔀 Throughout her remarkable journey, Stephanie faced challenges and learned valuable lessons. She admits she would have handled things differently, particularly in terms of hiring sooner. Being organized and utilizing accounting tools like FreshBooks and QuickBooks helped her overcome obstacles and manage her business effectively. #TipOfTheDay💸 When it comes to tracking sales and invoicing, she recommends using Stripe, which seamlessly integrates with their tech stack. Additionally, she highlights the power of automation with Zapier, making processes more efficient. Time to work smarter, not harder! ⏰⚡️📚 She is a true believer in the power of DIY for small businesses, especially in the beginning stages. She's even developed marketing courses to help others with branding and utilizing Pinterest. Sharing knowledge and empowering others? That's what it's all about! 📢💡💰 Here's some inspiration: Stephanie has bootstrapped all of her businesses without outside funding. She started her first venture while in college, using $100 from her internships and college jobs. It just goes to show that determination and resourcefulness can take you far! 💪💼📌 Did you know that pins on Pinterest have a long-lasting impact? They can drive thousands of website visits per month! Pinterest is more like Google than Instagram or Facebook in terms of generating targeted traffic based on keywords. It's a platform to leverage for success! 📎🌐📈 Not only do pins have lasting impact, but they keep working for you long after you post them. This makes Pinterest especially beneficial for those with limited resources or time. Your pins can continue driving traffic and engagement for years. Talk about a smart investment! 💼💼🔗 Stephanie has kindly provided us with a link for more information. Don't miss out on this valuable resource. Start exploring and utilizing the power of Pinterest today! 💡 ⏩ Before we wrap up, let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey of Stephanie. She saved all their earnings from consulting, freelance work, and contracting for nine years. That dedication paid off when she was finally able to invest back into her own business. 💰🎉🚀 Her bootstrapping and reinvestment have been the keys to success. It empowered her to start her second business this year, and she views both success and failure...

💡 Guest BioAn enthusiastic and experienced entrepreneur with four businesses to her credit, Ande is the host of the Startup Life LIVE Show, where she conducts lively, engaging interviews with founders at all stages and industries, and provides advice, tools, and resources to first-time founders launching, branding and building their businesses.Her earlier companies include dot com, venture-backed College Broadcast, a broadband media portal with over 50,000 viewers per day; Goddess Granola, a gourmet food product Ande took from recipe to manufacturing, branding, and national distribution in less than two years; and Bring Back Desire, a website devoted to sharing tips, tools, and resources with couples seeking more love and intimacy in their relationship. Ande is the co-host of a popular startup pitch event in Boston for&nbsp;Founders Live. She loves sharing her startup wisdom all over social media and as a volunteer mentor at local non-profit accelerator programs.❇️ Key topics and bullets- Promoting oneself as an exceptional founder and the business's ability to deliver products/services - Introduction to Ande and their journey as a founder - Emphasizing the importance of launching a business for first-time founders - Highlighting the professional and personal skill sets gained through the experience- Preparing to pitch to investors - Recommendation of Scrubius as a platform for pitch preparation- Building visibility and engagement - Andy Lyons' live startup show schedule and platforms (Tuesday/Friday at 12 PM EST) - Joining meetup groups to receive alerts when Andy goes live - Following and connecting with Andy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest - Subscribing to Andy's YouTube channel for insightful conversations with diverse founders- Representation and expansion opportunities - How the speaker's business benefited from supplier diversity programs at companies like Sodexo, Aramark, and Compass - Obtaining certification as a women-owned business through WeBank and the Women's Enterprise Business National Council - Presence in corporate campuses, college campuses, hospitals, and eventually grocery shelves- Lessons learned and the value of entrepreneurship - Sharing regret of passing up a $14,000,000 funding opportunity - Discussing the skills and knowledge gained from launching multiple businesses - Highlighting the transferable skills obtained through entrepreneurship- Building an online presence and networking - Setting up a podcast as a low-cost and effective content creation tool - Amplifying work and business opportunities through in-person conversations and networking events - Being media prepared and having sound bites ready for interviews- Managing investors and bootstrapping a business - Importance of having a clear exit strategy and managing the capital table - Resourcefulness and utilizing available tools for bootstrapping - Mention of Canva as a valuable marketing collateral tool - The key steps to bootstrap a business and the importance of a dream team- Seeking support and spreading awareness - Utilizing accelerator programs, business advisers, and organizations like SCORE - Finding service providers offering quality work at minimal budgets - Onboarding team members willing to accept lower salaries based on the business's vision - Sharing the business story and networking for increased awareness- Success story in scaling a food manufacturing business - Achieving nationwide expansion in less than 2 years by staying off the shelvesRelevant...

On this episode of Frugalpreneur, host Sarah St John is joined by guest Dr Noor Ali to discuss 5 important health insurance tips for freelancers. Dr Ali, who has a background in medicine and now works in the health insurance industry, shares valuable insights and advice based on her personal experiences. She highlights the significance of keeping a low deductible for financial safety, as well as the importance of evaluating health insurance plans based on individual coverage needs.She also debunks common misconceptions about health insurance policies, such as the assumption that a policy with a coverage amount of $1,000,000 covers all medical costs up to that amount. Dr Ali explains that the benefits provided by the policy add up to the coverage amount, but certain treatments like cancer could cost more. She also discusses the concept of max out of pocket or stop loss, which denotes the maximum amount an individual will have to pay out of pocket.In addition to these tips, Dr Ali emphasizes the rising cost of healthcare and the potential financial hardships that can arise from unexpected medical expenses. She stresses the importance of finding the right health insurance plan to protect assets and maintain overall health.The episode also delves into the options available in the public and private health insurance markets. Dr Ali advises individuals with an income below $50,000 to explore subsidized government plans in the public market, while those with a higher income may find more affordable options in the private market. She cautions against relying solely on internet research and recommend working with a health insurance adviser to find the most suitable plan.Furthermore, Dr Ali shares her own consultation services, offering 15-minute consultations for $12. During these consultations, she gets to know the client and their specific needs, and can suggest staying with their current plan or offer better alternatives. She also explains the advantages of locking in lower insurance premiums at a younger age and the importance of estimating income to determine the appropriate health insurance option.Ultimately, this episode provides practical and valuable advice for freelancers to navigate the complex world of health insurance and make informed decisions to protect their financial and physical well-being."❇️ Key topics and bullets- Introduction to the episode and the importance of health insurance for freelancers- Personal background and experience of Dr. Noor Ali in the health insurance industry- Understanding the coverage needs of individuals and the importance of researching and building a plan accordingly- Explanation of how coverage limits work in insurance policies and the misconception about a policy with a coverage of $1,000,000- The concept of max out-of-pocket or stop loss and its significance in protecting against high medical expenses- Overview of health sharing plans as alternatives to traditional health insurance and their lack of max out-of-pocket or stop loss- Discussion on medical bankruptcy as a result of rising healthcare costs and unexpected medical expenses- Importance of selecting the right health insurance plan to protect assets and maintain overall health- Affordable options in the public and private markets based on income levels- Focusing on major unexpected medical expenses rather than minor costs when evaluating health insurance plans- Advice on transitioning from public market plans to private ones after losing eligibility for subsidies- The impact of age on insurance premiums and the benefits of getting health insurance at a younger age- The influence of major insurance companies on online research and the benefits of working with a health insurance adviser- The uniqueness of each individual's situation and the importance of seeking professional...

About the Guest:Travis Steffen has spent 14 years and millions of dollars building the playbook that's helped me start, scale and sell&nbsp;8 companies. He's now helping other brilliant, passionate entrepreneurs trying to do the same thing.Relevant Links:StartupShortcuts.coFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

About the Guest:Alex Sanfilippo is an entrepreneur and the founder of PodPros, a software company specifically focused on independent podcast hosts and their guests to elevate their voices through podcasting and be heard. Alex and the team at PodPros have developed popular podcasting software services such as PodMatch, PodcastSOP and PodLottery. In addition, Alex is also the host of the top-rated podcast, Podcasting Made Simple, and is one of the most sought-after educators and public speakers in the podcasting industry.The 7 Steps:1. Find an area of passion2. Find a community within that area of passion3. Find a problem that community is struggling with4. Create a simple MVP version of the simple solution to the area they are struggling with5. Re-Evaluate&nbsp;6. Find a partner7. Word-of-mouth traction (referrals, etc) instead of running adsFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Resources Mentioned:Free Passive Income WorkshopFree One Blog Away CourseBlogger EvolutionEmpire FlippersMotion InvestFE InternationalAhrefsArchive.orgWordpress.orgShare A SaleCommission Junction (CJ)ClickBankJVZooGoogle TrendsFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Relevant Links:Sjofors.comPerSjofors.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Relevant Links:Systeme.io (affiliate link)FunnelVibe.comBolivarMuniz.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Relevant Links:DonnieBoivin.comSuccessChampionNetworking.comChampions90.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Ken Countess is managing director of kenISemail.com, a division of The Countess Group, now in its 22nd year.&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/kencountesshttp://www.twitter.com/kenisemailhttps://www.kenisemail.com/packageshttps://completelyfreetrial.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Kyle Hannah is a founder, entrepreneur and CEO of 13 years. All of the companies he have owned, co-owned and operated have been done with no outside capital or debt.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehannah/https://www.ugteleservices.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Augie Bourgois was born in France, but has lived in the US for the past 8 years. He lived and worked in Asia for 5 years in the hospitality industry. He is now the owner and main skipper in Data Sailing, a consultant firm in the data world.https://www.linkedin.com/in/augiebourgois/https://datasailing.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Mike Kaeding is the CEO of Norhart. Norhart designs, builds, and rents apartments. They are transforming the way this is done by incorporating technologies and techniques that have revolutionized other industries. This has resulted in improved quality and reduced cost of housing. They are currently constructing beautiful properties for 20-30% less than other developers. They believe they can achieve 50% or more in cost savings. Ultimately, they are committed to solving America’s housing shortage and affordability crisis. And in doing so they hope to improve the way we all live.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekaeding/https://twitter.com/mikekaedinghttps://www.norhart.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Kyler Nixon is the founder of Kyler Creative Marketing Agency. He is on a mission to help 1,000 brands each earn $1,000,000 through courses and memberships in the next 10 years.&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylernixon/https://twitter.com/Kyler_NixonKylercreative.com/newsletterFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/auditHow to Submit Your Podcast to IMDB.comPodcast Growth ChecklistCreator Marking Platforms99+ Awards Worthy of WinningCreator Hub

Carlos Henry is a performance coach for young minority entrepreneurial men to teach them how to achieve their goals in one year where it takes most 3-4 through some of the most powerful high income skills.www.carlosjhenry.weebly.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Link Moser has been working for himself since he was 12 years old, mostly doing freelance web design and some real estate sales on the side.https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkmoser/https://twitter.com/linkmhttps://www.linkmoser.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Daniel Martinez is a Saas founder and real estate investor.https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhivemind/https://twitter.com/danielhivemindhttps://hivemindcrm.io/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Rob is a lifelong problem solver and software developer that loves to help others be their best.https://linkedin.com/robbroadheadhttps://twitter.com/develpreneurhttps://develpreneur.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Steve specializes in helping small online businesses set up the foundation so they can eventually 'exit' their existing business.https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekilberg-e-commerce-coaching-mentor/https://skrpmedia.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Cora Kessler is the founder of Small Magic Studios, a digital marketing consultancy that helps small to mid-sized business to get unstuck.&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/in/cora-kessler-37787148/https://www.smallmagicstudios.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Resources Mentioned:NuclearNetworking.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/Sponsor Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/p/sponsor-the-show/Leave a Message for the Showhttps://podinbox.com/frugalpreneurGrab Your Free E-Books:https://www.ampmypod.com/freebookJoin the Free Community:https://www.skool.com/ampmypodGet Your Podcast Audited:https://www.ampmypod.com/audit

Resources Mentioned:StationRove.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/http://thesarahstjohn.com/podcastGet 1-on-1 Help With Your Podcast:https://www.podseam.com/Get Your Freebies:https://www.podseam.com/freebook

Resources Mentioned:TheJumpstartKit.comTamiJaffe.comFollow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/http://thesarahstjohn.com/podcastGet 1-on-1 Help With Your Podcast:https://www.podseam.com/Get Your Freebies:https://www.podseam.com/freebook

Dave Molenda, CPBA, CPDFA, CPEQA is the founder of Positive Polarity, LLC, a Midwest based coaching/training firm that brings solid growth to companies from over 30 years of real-world experience where he grew his business to $10,000,000.00 in annual sales before selling it. He speaks regularly at conferences around the country on topics that are designed to make the listener not only hear but engage.He developed a formula for success, ST + ICE = P (Strengthening the Team + Improving the Customers Experience = Profit) and with this formula, he has helped companies with their business growth. His #1 Amazon best Selling book called, Growing on Purpose, details the importance of both the team and the customer and how, if treated properly, profit will follow! He also is the host of The Positive Polarity Podcast, a weekly Podcast that interviews awesome business professional with amazing stories!Relevant Links:PositivePolarity.comDave Molenda's LinkedInTo get a free copy of Dave's book, email me at [email protected] the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/http://thesarahstjohn.com/podcastGet 1-on-1 Help With Your Podcast:https://www.podseam.com/Join the Free Community:https://www.thepodsquad.pro/Get Your Freebies:https://www.podseam.com/freebies

Relevant Links:https://austinandmonica.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/http://thesarahstjohn.com/podcastGet 1-on-1 Help With Your Podcast:https://www.podseam.com/Join the Free Community:https://www.thepodsquad.pro/Get Your Freebies:https://www.podseam.com/freebies

Adam "Triple A" Adams tells us the process he used to sell a past podcast of his. He also walks us through the 5-3-5 marketing method, which is:First 5:1. Subscribe/Follow2. Download3. Listen4. Rate/Review5. Keep Coming BackThe 3:1. Facebook2. LinkedIn3. Meetup.comLast 5:1. Personal2. No Links (unless given permission)3. Slow Play4. Short and Sweet5. Ask QuestionsLearn More about Adam Adams here: https://growyourshow.com/Follow the Frugalpreneur:https://www.frugal.show/http://thesarahstjohn.com/podcastGet 1-on-1 Help With Your Podcast:https://www.podseam.com/Join the Free Community:https://www.thepodsquad.pro/Get Your Freebies:https://www.podseam.com/freebies

Joe Casabona started his career over 20 years ago as a freelance web developer. He later realized his true passion was helping podcasts of any size make money, so they could turn their hobby into a business. In 2016, he started the How I Built It podcast, which interviews other web developers about how they built their plugin, theme, or other WordPress-related product. The podcast quickly gained popularity, reaching 50,000 downloads in just nine months. Since then, Joe has monetized the podcast in several ways, including sponsorship, membership, affiliates, and selling products and services.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. Joe Casabona's background in web development and how he got into podcasting2. The process of securing sponsorships for a new podcast3. The various ways that a podcast can be monetizedResources:https://casabona.org/https://podcastliftoff.com/freebie/sarah/https://www.podseam.com/freebiesChapter Summaries:[00:00:00] - Joe Casabona started his career over 20 years ago as a freelance web developer before realizing his true passion. The podcast has made over $250,000[00:00:46] - In high school and grammar school. He did drama club and he loved presenting. He has a master's degree in software engineering and he's been working remotely since 2013. He started podcasting because he wanted to talk to people about how they were building things. It's a way for him to be the extrovert while still working from home.[00:02:47] - Joe started a podcast in 2016. The name came from a domain he bought while he and his wife were on their honeymoon in Italy. Chris Coyer, a big name in the web development space, was his 6th guest and it started getting a lot of downloads from there. He had 50,000 downloads in nine months. He got it sponsored before he even started.[00:07:58] - There are five ways to make money podcasting. The first one is sponsorship. The second one is membership. The third one is affiliate links. The fourth and gift is products and services.[00:18:02] - It's important to choose the right sponsors for your podcast. Manscaped approached him earlier this year about sponsoring his podcast. He didn't think their products were in alignment with his audience. Some brands wanted exclusivity for an extended amount of time, or they wanted him to guarantee downloads upfront.[00:19:33] - Baked in ads give the most value to podcasters. CPM is probably not going to work for most podcasters who aren't in the top 2%.&nbsp;[00:28:30] - How I Built Bits is going to be a five or ten-minute episode with a short read at the beginning. People can sponsor the episode for $99 until the end. It's a way to increase the number of sponsors in an episode and make money.[00:30:53] - Make Money Podcasting is a 20-minute-long mini podcast. It's geared towards creators and small business owners.&nbsp;[00:34:20] - Joe makes about $30,000 to $50,000 per year on podcast sponsorship alone. He has locked in about $6,000 worth of sponsorships this week. He's considering scaling back the number of sponsors to two in 2023.[00:37:26] -&nbsp;Workflow: Airtable, Calendly, Zapier&nbsp;

Kate Erickson (the other half of Entrepreneurs on Fire, and wife of John Lee Dumas) shares her journey from a corporate career, to meeting JLD, to becoming a part of EO Fire, to how she manages and streamlines EO Fire, and about the benefits of moving to Puerto Rico.Entrepreneurship is a full-time job, and it takes a lot of time and effort to build a successful business. But it's not easy to manage time effectively when you're also juggling family, work, and other responsibilities. That's why Kate, who used to be a corporate employee, decided to become part of Entrepreneurs on Fire. She knows that it takes dedication and patience to succeed as an entrepreneur, and she's learned how to manage her time effectively by following some simple tips. Here are five time-management tips that will help you succeed as an entrepreneur: • Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much at once – instead, focus on achieving small goals that will help you move closer to your larger goal. This will help you stay motivated and focused throughout the process. • Prioritize your tasks. Make sure that you spend your time on tasks that are most important to your business. This will help you avoid wasting time on tasks that aren't essential or that can be completed more quickly or easily by someone else. • Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them. This will help you stay organized and motivated, and it will also give you a sense of accomplishment when you reach your goals. • Get organized. If you want to be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. One way to achieve this is by using a system like GTD (Getting Things Done). • Take breaks every now and then. It's important to allow yourself time for relaxation and recreation – this will help you recharge your batteries and come back stronger than before. • Set aside time each day for your business. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour, make sure you have dedicated time each day to work on your business. This will help you stay organized and keep track of progress. • Use technology to help manage your time. There are many tools available to help you manage your time more effectively, including timers, calendars, and task managers (like Trello or Asana). Use these tools to help organize your work schedule and track progress. • Ask for help when needed. If you find yourself struggling to manage your time, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members who are experienced in entrepreneurship or banking. They may be able to offer advice or assistance in completing specific tasks.Entrepreneurship is all about creating something new and exciting. But it's also about managing your time wisely so you can achieve your goals. One of the most important tools for time management for entrepreneurs is systems for content creation. This means creating a schedule and sticking to it, so you can focus on producing high-quality content that will help your business grow. Another key factor in successful entrepreneurship is batching content. This means producing content in small batches instead of all at once. This helps you stay focused and produce better quality work overall. By using these systems and following a schedule, you'll be able to manage your time more effectively and achieve your goals as an entrepreneur.[00:00 - 07:12] The Benefits of Working Together as a Couple in Business• Sarah is the host of the Frugalpreneur podcast and her guest today is Kate Erickson, the podcast host of Kate's Take and the other half of Entrepreneurs on Fire with John Lee Dumas.• Kate grew up very career minded, going to college and graduating with a degree in English. She worked in banking before becoming a part of John Lee Dumas' team at Entrepreneurs on Fire.[07:12 - 14:25]...

Brendan Kumarasamy, Founder of Master Talk, discusses his experience coaching ambitious executives and entrepreneurs to become top 1% communicators in their industry. He stresses the importance of storytelling, body language, vocal tone, and more in communication. He also recommends the random word exercise as a way to help any individual think quickly and logically under pressure. In conclusion, Brendan encourages listeners to not be afraid to explore their passions.[00:00 - 07:27] How to Communicate Effectively• Brendan Kumarasamy is the founder of Master Talk, a coaching business that helps ambitious executives and entrepreneurs become top 1% communicators in their industry.• Brendan started making videos as a side hustle in January 2019 and grew the business to 27,000 subscribers in just four years.• Brendan's main focus is coaching executives and entrepreneurs on how to communicate effectively, but he also offers free information on his YouTube channel.• Brendan recommends starting with one ball (a random word exercise) to help beginners learn how to juggle communication effectively.[07:28 - 14:34] How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking• The first step to overcoming fear is to learn how to walk.• The second step is to become proactive and ask questions every day.• The third step is to send videos messages of appreciation.• The fourth step is to manage fear by understanding it is a different threshold.[14:34 - 21:38] Why You Shouldn't Start Speaking Too Soon• Brenden discusses how his fear of public speaking led to him becoming a speaker, and how his mission-driven mindset has helped him overcome many challenges.• He recommends starting out by giving a presentation to just two people, and then gradually increasing the size of the audience.• He emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself about why one is pursuing public speaking, and advises against making excuses.How to start communicating effectivelyEffective communication is essential for any relationship. Whether you're trying to build a rapport with a new acquaintance, networking for a new job, or just chatting with your family, effective communication is key. Here are some tips on how to start communicating effectively: • Be aware of your body language. Your body language can say a lot about how you're feeling and what you're thinking. Make sure to keep your body relaxed and avoid crossing your arms or legs in an uncomfortable way. • Pay attention to the other person's words and tone of voice. Words and tones of voice can be very important when trying to communicate effectively. Pay attention to the way the other person is speaking, and try to match their tone of voice. If they're angry, try to be calm and reassuring. • Be clear and concise. When you're trying to communicate with someone, it's important to be as clear as possible. Make sure to use short sentences and avoid using jargon or complex vocabulary. If you need more time to explain something, be sure to say so. • Don't take things personally. It can be easy to take things personally when we're trying to communicate with others. But remember that everyone is different, and what one person might find offensive may not bother another person at all. Just try to keep things in perspective and focus on the task at hand rather than on the other person's personality traits.How to be proactive in answering questionsWhen it comes to communication, it's important to be proactive and answer questions as soon as possible. This way, you can avoid any misunderstandings and keep your relationships healthy. Here are a few tips for being proactive in communication: • Make a list of the questions that you're likely to be asked. This will help you prepare for the...

Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor,&nbsp;TEDx speaker,&nbsp;Billboard-charting musician, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, and the Founder &amp; CEO of&nbsp;Cope Notes, the text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world.He talks to us about the three iterations of Cope Notes, and how he bootstrapped it. He gives us tips on how to bootstrap our own businesses, especially in terms of software, SaaS, and apps.

John Lee Dumas (also referred to as JLD) of EOFire.com is here, ready to ignite, and drop value. He talks about the differences between podcasting back in 2012 when he started, to 2022, and beyond. In short: what worked then doesn't work now.

Lindsay McMahon started with an ESL podcast, All Ears English, and built it into a profitable business. Her show gets close to 8 million downloads per month, and she's here to tell us about branding your show, creating a unique value proposition, and more.

Joe DiSanto is a fractional CFO and consultant to small businesses and high-income individuals. He also founded the blog&nbsp;Play Louder,&nbsp;which serves as an invaluable resource to help individuals and business owners increase their net worth and plan better for their future.

Ray Blakney of Podcast Hawk talks to us about his experience bootstrapping multiple software and brick and mortar businesses."If you want to bootstrap a business, you better like learning and you better like making mistakes.""The difference between a successful frugal premier and an unsuccessful one is the successful ones just kept going while the unsuccessful ones quit."Ray Blakney is the founder and CEO of Podcast Hawk, a platform that helps you get booked as a podcast guest on autopilot. He is also the founder of Live Lingua, a successful online language school.This is Ray Blakney's story...Ray Blakney is a software engineer who quit his high paying job to start multiple businesses. He is the founder and CEO of Podcast Hawk, which helps you get booked as a podcast guest on autopilot. He has also bootstrapped multiple seven figure companies..In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How Ray Blakney bootstrapped multiple seven-figure businesses without any money2. How Ray Blakney's first business became profitable almost immediately3. How Ray Blakney's second business was born out of necessity during a global pandemicChapter Summaries:[00:00:00] - Sarah St. John is the host of the Frugalpreneur Podcast. Ray Blakeney is the founder and CEO of Podcast Hawk, a platform that helps you get booked as a podcast guest on autopilot. Ray quit his job as a software engineer and has bootstrapped multiple seven figure companies.[00:00:23] - After studying computer engineering in Silicon Valley and working in Fortune 500 companies, he quit his job and moved to Mexico to start a business. He sold his house, car, condo and all his possessions and started a chocolate factory in Southeast Asia. Now he's writing a book about his life.[00:03:45] - In 2008, he launched a Spanish school in Queretaro, Mexico, for $2000. And it was profitable from day one. He didn't know how to build a website and he didn't do the front end very well. He was a computer programmer. He is currently doing a course called Podcast Pro. Before he wrote his first business, he had launched two successful businesses. He owned a chocolate factory in Southeast Asia and a language school in Tulum, Mexico. He read two business books a week. He's been trying different business models since 2008. He doesn't want to do it again. There was a pandemic in Mexico and the borders were closed for 30 days. This affected the business of a language immersion school. The school had to cancel all the bookings and refund all the money. It took them seven years to get to seven figures. Most people will never have a seven figure business if they stick to it for seven years. If you're 25 and listening to this, at 32, you have a 7 figure business. Even if you're 40 or 50 listening to it, you can still have a business.[00:15:01] - In his opinion, starting an online business is easier than running a brick and mortar business. For example, for $100 you can have a professional looking business up online in a month. Brick and mortar businesses are usually run by older people who want to retire and are sold for a profit. Idea is to buy an existing business and turn it into a profitable one. He would like to buy a dry cleaner, a locksmith, plumbers or a storage unit business. He doesn't want to buy the brick and mortar business yet, as he wants to be location independent. You can buy a business with other people's money. The business pays off itself in the next two or three years and you just ride it for the rest of your life. If you want to scale it up, you hire someone to scout out all the businesses and you show up once every three months to sign the check. He wants to write a book about the process.[00:24:37] - Ray is a software engineer and a serial entrepreneur. His main business is Live Lingua, which is the online language. He wants to get on more...

Liz Cortes, a local SEO and Google ad specialist, joins Sarah St. John to discuss how she helps businesses get more traffic from local SEO and Google ads. Cortes has a interesting journey that the audience would likely enjoy hearing about. She started off selling baby pumpkins when she was five, worked as a fitness influencer in California, and then opened her own Rebel Fish Local business seven years ago. Rebel Fish Local focuses on helping local businesses get more traffic. Your business needs a physical address to be listed on Google and to be found through searches. When people try to find businesses in their city, having a physical address will help you show up more often. Additionally, having your business profile set up and filled out correctly will increase your chances of showing up in Google Maps and other online search engines. To begin marketing your business, you should first use Google Business Profile (GMBP). This will allow you to get started building reviews and being seen by Google before you have a website or any other online presence. Once you have a content platform that you enjoy and are good at (i.e., creating valuable content), you can start promoting your business using paid online advertising methods such as Google AdWords or Facebook Ads . However, it's important to note that paid advertising won't work if your website isn't set up correctly or if you don't have the right keywords targeted .[00:00 - 07:51] Liz Cortes on how to get more traffic from local SEO and Google ads• Cortes has an interesting journey that the audience would likely enjoy hearing about. She started out selling baby pumpkins door to door when she was five, and then moved to California and became a fitness influencer before starting her own business.• When her husband and she opened their agency, they decided to focus on local businesses instead of just health and fitness products. They closed down their fitness business when they transitioned to their agency, and then worked there for six months before exiting in an[07:51 - 15:14] You Have to Put Your Prices on Your Website• You have to have a physical address to have a Google business profile.• You don't need a website or any content yet to get started with online marketing.• You can start with just filling out your profile information and then getting reviews.• You should choose a content platform that you're really passionate about and focus on that first.• Putting prices on your website is recommended. This will help you attract customers and keep them longer.[15:14 - 23:07] 3 Options for Pricing Your Services• Price your services to reflect the value you provide, not the budget of your client.• Offer three different price points for clients to choose from, depending on what they need.• Apply copywriting strategy and naming conventions to your pricing so that clients know what they're getting into.[23:07 - 30:53] How to Spend Less on Google Ads and Still Get Results• Liz recommends that people research different ways to generate income before choosing a particular method, as different methods have different costs and benefits.• Google ads can be expensive, but can be effective if used correctly.• Nonprofit organizations can apply for Google grants to help cover costs.[30:53 - 38:43] Better ways to generate leads than ads: organic marketing is working well• Liz recommends paid webinars and group sales calls as a better way to generate leads than ads, as the organic approach is working well.• She also recommends texting people when they opt in to receive more personal touch and access to the speaker.• The key to converting on ads is targeting the right audience, keyword research, and creating effective copy.• When starting...

Alan Thomas went from 304 lbs to 175 lbs in 260 days and he shares his journey how being obese negatively impacted his life and business and how he turned the tides.

Ashley Fillingim from Sandstar Law tells out about when we would need a client contract, a collaboration contract, and how to counter offer a contract. She also talks about de-platforming, and the importance of backing up all your important assets.

Stephen Nagy is a Money Mentor and Money Multiplier that teaches us the different ways to take back control of our own money and how to become our own BYOB: Be Your Own Banker.

Dan R Morris of Blogging Concentrated teaches us how he works just 4 months a year by collaborating with other bloggers, business owners, podcasters, course creators, content creators, authors, and more. Get 65 courses, e-books, and more for just a one time $49! Ends June 19th, 2022!https://bloggingconcentrated.com/members/aff/go/sstjohn?i=71(affiliate link)

Joey Coleman, author of "Never Lose a Customer Again", teaches us how to obtain lifelong customer loyalty and the 8 phases of the customer experience: Assess, Admit, Affirm, Activate, Acclimate, Accomplish, Adopt, and Advocate.

Jonathan Milligan talks to us about why our message matters and the various ways we can monetize and market our message.

Jordan Harbinger shares his story from being fired from a popular podcast of 11 years, to building up his own solo show in just 8 months. He talks about some of his big-name guests, how he got them, and how your network is the most important asset you have in business.