The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#684 Content overload is the new normal, so how do we regain control over what we consume and how we learn? This is such an important topic that I'm writing a whole book about it! While Lean Learning is only coming out in 2024 or 2025, I still want to share my strategies to help you right now. Navigating the information buffet can be tricky, so listen in on this episode to find out about the habits I've cultivated to help me stay focused! Here's the thing, though. The big lesson I share today has very little to do with productivity hacks and everything to do with your mission. You see, when you understand the impact of your work and truly believe you're helping people, eliminating distractions is a breeze. That flow state is the key to unlocking your potential and ability to pursue goals, even without a lot of free time! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session684.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#683 Fear is often the biggest thing holding us back. So how do we neutralize its power over us? What can we do to stop it from manifesting as procrastination and perfectionism? How do we come to terms with uncertainty and move toward success? We tackle all that in this incredible episode with my guest, Dr. Corey Wilks, Psy.D. This session is an absolute masterclass on conquering fear and transforming your mindset! Dr. Wilks is a clinical psychologist and entrepreneur specializing in helping creators reach their potential. This conversation is a deep dive into everything from defeating the Four Horsemen of Fear — failure, uncertainty, ridicule, and success — to using psychology to price your products and deal with trolls and haters. My chat with Dr. Wilks will blow your mind and rewire it to help you reach your most ambitious goals, so don't miss out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session683.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#682 If you're trying to build a brand using short-form videos, I'm worried about you. This goes against most of the advice you'll hear, but I'm taking a stand because long-form content is a much better way to build a loyal audience. In this session, I want to walk you through the thought process and experiences that have led to this conclusion. In fact, I recently spoke on stage at Social Media Marketing World on this topic, and the feedback has been incredible. You see, Shorts are a lot like eating snacks that ultimately leave you unsatisfied. Is that what we want to provide as content creators? I want to be the chef at a restaurant where you sit down for an unforgettable experience. That's what future superfans are more attracted to! So join me today as I make the case for long-form content at a time when everyone else is falling short! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session682.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#681 Without building a community around your brand, you'll be left behind. That's the flag I'm planting in the ground, the line I'm drawing in the sand. But, for your business, what exactly is the role and value of bringing people together? Today, I'm exploring this topic with my guests Chris Miles and Danielle Hollembaek from Money Ripples. You see, they recently hired SPI CEO Matt Gartland and me to help them build their community. We want to share this process with you because the benefits for their company are already becoming apparent. Chris, Danielle, and I will discuss every step of this journey, from setting up a Circle community to creating an engaging space that people come back to again and again. This is a great episode for anyone looking to build a community-powered business! And, if this chat inspires you, check out our community help page to learn more about starting and running a membership business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session681.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#680 With AI leveling the playing field, just having the information people look for won't help you build a brand. For the modern entrepreneur, standing out is all about bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. I use this exact approach to grow Deep Pocket Monster, my Pokémon YouTube channel. In fact, there's a particular tool that has proven to be especially good at helping me foster a sense of community. I won't keep you guessing. The tool I'm referring to is a dish rag. That's right—just a plain, old dish rag. Listen in on this session to hear how a random moment from one of my videos has become a powerful inside joke. It is now not only helping me connect with my audience but also opening up incredible merchandising opportunities! Tune in to get this vital audience engagement lesson and join us at SmartPassiveIncome.com/communityhelp to start building your community today! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session680.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#679 There's a way to conceptualize your work-life balance as a stove with four burners: family, friends, health, and work. To succeed at any one thing, you have to turn off at least one of the other burners. If you want to excel at something, you have to turn off two. With that in mind, what is the best way to build a business without losing your health and relationships? My friend Steve Chou of MyWifeQuitHerJob.com is back on the show to share his powerful message and strategies with us. His book, The Family First Entrepreneur, is an incredible guide for achieving financial freedom without sacrificing what matters most. Today, we learn all about it! Steve and I explore time management, ecommerce, evergreen content, profit versus revenue, AI tools, and more! Having free time to spend with our loved ones is what we all want. So join us to get the tactics to help you get there! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session679.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#678 Today's episode is about as Zen as I ever get here on the show. You see, I was trying out my daughter's Buddha Board—a drawing surface meant to promote mindfulness—and it taught me a very important lesson. Nowadays, many of us are more preoccupied with capturing the moment than we are with living it. That's where the Buddha Board comes in as a way to create and watch your work fade away into nothingness a few minutes later. I'll read you some funny Amazon reviews highlighting just how troubling this concept is for some people. But, our innate aversion aside, mastering the art of letting go can be therapeutic and a major asset in business and entrepreneurship. So listen in on this session because I want us to go through a real-time exercise in presence. Join me, tap into your senses, and take it all in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session678.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#677 Bringing people together and fostering uplifting relationships is one of the most valuable services you can offer. That's why, at SPI, we're all-in on creating powerful online community experiences and sharing what we discover along the way. Today's chat with Gesche Haas of Dreamers & Doers is an incredible learning opportunity for all of us running membership sites. Her award-winning community has been going strong for nearly a decade, supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders. Gesche shares her inspiring continent-spanning journey and the tools and mindset that have made her membership business a success! We discuss attracting new members without being salesy, crafting an effective application process, onboarding, monetization, and more. This is a fantastic conversation about organic community growth, so tune in and enjoy. And, if this interview inspires you, be sure to check out our community challenge to help you get started! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session677.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#676 There's something I need to tell you. With over one thousand two hundred episodes published since 2014, AskPat is no more. That's right. I'm ending a podcast that has amassed tens of millions of downloads and has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship earnings. In this session, I want to walk you through this important decision and why I had to let go of a show I love. You'll hear me get nostalgic, but I also share the lessons learned along the way. Publishing a podcast for so long wouldn't have been possible without the valuable guidance I received from my friend John Lee Dumas. I want to take you back to the Starbucks in Mira Mesa, where our game-changing chat started my AskPat journey. Tune in to hear the story and find out what's next for us at SPI! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session676.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#675 Over thirteen years in, the most downloaded episode of this podcast is not one featuring famous guests like Tim Ferris, Gary Vaynerchuk, Amy Porterfield, or Ramit Sethi. It's actually episode 122 with Shane and Jocelyn Sams! Their journey from traditional jobs to starting million-dollar businesses is incredible! It's seriously one of the most fun and inspiring chats I've ever had, so be sure to listen in on that session if you haven't already. Today, Shane and Jocelyn and back for another fantastic conversation! We dive deeper than ever into their story and learn why their brand, Flipped Lifestyle, has become such a massive success. We discuss online communities, live events, public speaking, and much more. Shane and Jocelyn also share an important look at running a family business and how they manage their wonderful partnership. This is an incredibly powerful conversation about finding your gift and making a difference, so don't miss out. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session675.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#674 You're such a tool—is what I say to the tools I use because that's what they are! In this session, I share the next-generation software and services that impact how I work right now. These are the latest additions to my arsenal, and I've been blown away by how good they are! mymind, for example, is like an AI-powered Pinterest board for your brain. It allows me to collect notes, thoughts, articles, images, and so on, all in one place. Behind the scenes, mymind is sorting through everything, creating relevant and easily searchable categories. It's incredible! I've also been using 15five since stepping back into a marketing director role at SPI. This is a great way to maximize the team's potential and keep everyone engaged and happy with the work we do. ChatGPT, Kubera, SleepWatch, and even Chess.com are also among the other tools I cover today. Tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session674.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#673 Some creators get millions of views on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. That's incredible! But here's the thing—many of them aren't generating any income. Not a dime! That's the situation that today's guest found himself in when he went from fifty-two subscribers to a six-figure following in a matter of days. He went on to create viral video after viral video, barely making any money. That is, until he pulled off an incredible transition to long-form content that changed everything for him! Charles Cornell is here to share the ins and outs of how he managed to find his audience and build a fantastic music education brand. We cover a lot of ground today, tackling everything from understanding why your content isn't connecting with people to figuring out how the YouTube algorithm works. Oh, and tune in to hear Charles impersonating Gary Vee. It's insane! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session673.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#672 There is a big difference between building an audience and building a community. You see, as creators, we can do a lot more than just share our knowledge. When we leverage the full potential of our platforms, we create a sense of belonging for our followers. This is key not because community is like insurance for our businesses but because, now more than ever, people are starved for connection! And I'm not just talking the talk. I'm happy to announce that at Deep Pocket Monster, my venture into the Pokémon space, we now have over 3,600 paying members on our Discord server! That income alone covers our production costs. More importantly, the community we've built there is already changing lives. Listen in to hear the story that brought this reality home to me in a big way! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session672.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#671 This may come as a surprise, but your story has nothing to do with you. You see, when people hear about your journey, they actually feel the possibilities in their own life. When you share vulnerably, your story becomes a vehicle of hope for the listener! That's why storytelling is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as an entrepreneur. But don't take my word for it—listen in on my conversation with Shelli Varela to experience it firsthand. Today, she shares her inspiring journey from a 108-pound manicurist to becoming the first female firefighter in her city. This incredible transformation is now at the core of Shelli's roles as a public speaker, author, and podcaster. Don't miss this unbelievably moving episode because, as you'll learn, everybody has a story. Shelli delivers the tools and examples you need to hone this skill and connect with your audience on a whole new level! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session671.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#670 Many people now face the same reality I encountered during the 2008 recession. Freshly laid off from a dream architecture job, I realized that building a business would be my only shot at taking control of my future! You see, times of great disruption are a chance for new ideas to come to the fore. That's precisely the topic of today's roundtable chat with Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer and SPI CEO Matt Gartland. Together we tackle everything from taking initial steps like defining your version of success to time management and sustainable business growth. We share the tools and resources that have an outsized effect on how we work nowadays and much more. Our show is proud to join the Entrepreneur Podcast Network and this is the first in a series of quarterly discussions meant to provide actionable tips to help you secure your financial well-being. Listen in and stay tuned for the exciting episodes ahead! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session670.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#669 If you're trying to expand your knowledge and build business relationships, starting a mastermind is the way to go! But what specific setup can attract the top players in your niche to your group? That's the topic of today's talk with Antonio Centeno of Real Men Real Style. Antonio shares his game-changing mastermind method that brings high-profile members together and builds business relationships like crazy. This is a unique approach because, first of all, it comes with an eight-week time limit. But that's not the only tactic Antonio is leveraging to create these powerful experiences. Listen in on our chat to find out more! I always talk about digging your well before you're thirsty, so the benefits of recreating something like this in your niche are huge. Make sure to join Antonio and me for an inside look at his incredible brand and a conversation about building your network the easy way! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session669.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#668 I'm always cautious about where I invest my attention. As such, I'm never an early adopter when new trends or tools pop up. And that's been the case with AI tools like ChatGPT as well. That said, I've conducted some interesting experiments over the last few days. You'll hear all about it in this session, so tune in because the results are impressive! I have to credit my friend Rick Mulready for sharing his ChatGPT hacks with me. You see, only when I started using the right prompts did this software's strength become apparent. Still, never in my time using ChatGPT did it generate anything that I could copy and paste without alterations. Nonetheless, the use cases I've discovered for it could save us a lot of time in the future! So join me to learn how I've leveraged ChatGPT for email sequences and podcast show notes! These tools will become a part of everyone's workflow, so don't miss out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session668.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#667 If you want to stand out online, going the extra mile matters. Even in a crowded space, very few creators have the capacity and know-how to fully serve the niche. The extra mile is never saturated! But, with limited time and financial resources, what aspects of content creation should you become exceptional at? What are the best investments you can make, and which free tools will best grow your audience? Those are the topics of today's conversation with the incredible Roberto Blake of the Create Something Awesome Today podcast. His step-by-step advice is priceless for modern content generation, so don't miss out on this chat. Creators who understand and put their audience first always win. Today's conversation will help you find your competitive advantage and create more compelling content. Listen in, take notes, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session667.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#666 One thing is clear—lazy content creation won't get you anywhere online today! So how do you grab attention and get audiences to focus? One way to do it is through pattern interrupts. If you don't know what I'm talking about, maybe you've seen this technique in action during the Super Bowl commercials. In fact, a clever Tubi ad spot had me and thousands of other people scrambling in just fifteen seconds. Listen in on today's episode for my reaction! But you don't have to resort to trickery to create memorable content that stands out. Subtle yet effective ways to leverage pattern interrupts exist and work wonders in video, audio, or any other medium. So much so that they've become essential for modern content creation. Tune in to hear about some of the tactics I use that have delivered great results! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session666.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#665 The best part about online marketing is that it is fast. Most of the time, you'll either see results right away or not at all. But if your offer isn't working, how do you adjust it for optimal outcomes? With the right data and measurements, the answer is simple! In today's episode, I'm joined by Chris Mercer of MeasurementMarketing.io. Chris helps businesses figure out what's working and what isn't and stops them from committing "random acts of marketing" that never deliver. But what are the measurements to pay attention to and the easiest ways to automate your analytics? Chris shares his step-by-step framework with us in this game-changing conversation. Don't miss out because you'll have everything you need to completely transform your marketing at the end of today's session! Join us, and make sure to access the show notes and an incredible toolbox Chis has prepared for SPI listeners at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session665.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#664 You have to be a disaster before you become the master. I heard this from John Lee Dumas a while ago, but it really helped me get through February this year. You see, starting to write my upcoming book has been a massive grind. This is my first time going down the traditional publishing route, so it feels like a huge deal. I shared both my excitement and my worries with you in episode 624. If you haven't already, check that session out to find out more! Of course, I already wrote and self-published my first three books. That experience is coming in handy, but it didn't make starting this process any easier. So today, I want to share the steps I took to finally get in the groove. If you're struggling to get started on a big project or sick of grinding it out, listen in for my best tips! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session664.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#663 Email marketing is by far the number one way businesses are growing their revenue. It's also much more straightforward than we've been led to believe. So why are many entrepreneurs reluctant to get started? We often overcomplicate things, but Jason Resnick of NurtureKit.co joins me in this episode to share the simple email tactics that get amazing results. At the core of his method is a vital attitude shift from broadcasting to communication. Some of Jason's clients have even doubled their email list income using this framework! We've seen Jason's mastery in action at SPI. He is the man behind the massive success of our recent All-Access Pass campaign! This session is an excellent behind-the-scenes look at our email marketing plan and a blueprint for anyone looking to follow in our footsteps. The best part is that the tools discussed today can be used at any level, so listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session663.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#662 I didn't think anyone would discover my little trick, but one of our Unstuck newsletter subscribers from Australia totally caught me! She reached out with incredible feedback that I have to share with you. Suffice it to say the tools in my book Superfans are still serving businesses everywhere. In fact, my subscriber's message was all about how one simple tactic doubled her Patreon revenue in fifteen minutes! I wrote Superfans with this exact scenario in mind, focusing on strategies that will work no matter how technology evolves. With the advent of AI-powered content, the human connections I want to help you create are more important than ever to stand out online. If you've been keeping up with Deep Pocket Monster, my Pokémon YouTube channel, you know that Superfans is the foundation on which I've amassed half a million subscribers in two years. Join me for today's session to find out even more. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session662.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#661 What happens when you finally achieve your goals may surprise you. You see, many people who chase "success" find both the journey and the destination unfulfilling. But what if, instead of success, you aimed for greatness? This is the focus of my incredibly powerful conversation with my good friend, Lewis Howes. As many of you know, Lewis hosts The School of Greatness. With over 500 million downloads, his podcast is one of the most popular out there! Lewis joins me for a game-changing chat centered around the learnings from his new book, The Greatness Mindset. So how will a serve first mentality help you achieve more than you ever thought possible? In this episode, Lewis shares his tips for finding and pursuing a meaningful mission. We talk about the framework for work-life balance, transforming your weaknesses into superpowers, overcoming challenges, and much more. Next-level strategies are discussed today, so tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session661.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#660 Today I share an unusual tool for audience growth and engagement that you can have a lot of fun with! RPGs—ridiculous public goals—are something that I've noticed a few creators use. I've even leveraged this tactic myself at times, but never intentionally. That said, now that I'm coining the term, this is something I intend to explore in a lot more depth. RPGs are a powerful way to keep your viewers, listeners, and readers coming back for more. But what exactly does a "ridiculous public goal" strategy consist of? Listen in on this episode to find out. I always say that basic knowledge is available all over the internet. As such, it's your unique personality that grows your following and business. So join me to learn how to showcase your character and have people rooting for you to succeed through RPGs! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session660.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#659 Today's guests have built something absolutely incredible. They run a community of over fourteen thousand members and generate passive income from in-person meetups. That's right—their event system is fully automated! The key to all this is an exquisitely designed funnel and the podcast that started their inspiring journey. Liz Faircloth and Andresa Guidelli help women in real estate achieve financial freedom. Their brand, The Real Estate InvestHER, has seen massive growth in the four years since enrolling in SPI's Power-Up Podcasting course. Liz, Andresa, and I discuss building long-term business partnerships, organic audience growth, managing an influx of over one hundred new community members per week, and creating events that run themselves. Their insight into these topics is truly priceless! We also discuss the core principles behind their success that are both vital and universally applicable. So listen in for a masterclass in community creation and business development! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session659.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#658 This is not good. Not good at all. I was at the dentist's when my phone started blowing up with messages from my team and audience that Deep Pocket Monster had been hacked. If you're following my updates, you know that my Pokémon YouTube channel has grown to 480K subscribers. But building a large audience online doesn't just attract sponsors and new opportunities. Of course, you also become a target for bad actors looking to make a buck. That's why protecting yourself, your team, and your followers is vital! There's been a spike in attacks of late, so listen in on this episode to learn about how this happened and the tools I used to stop the hackers. I was actually able to get my channel back in about two hours, so join me for today's session to find out how to take action if this ever happens to you! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session658.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#657 Greg has had it with his nine-to-five job! He wants to be his own boss. He wants more free time with his superstar wife, Anna Kendrick. So what is the step-by-step process Greg can use to start his own business? If you're not too confused, listen in on this episode to get exactly that! Today, Amy Porterfield is on the show for one of our wildest chats. Two Weeks Notice, her first book, shares the blueprint for going from "stuck" to making strides toward your dreams. We have a lot of laughs in this one, but the tactics we explore are pure gold for beginner and intermediate entrepreneurs! Amy and I talk about side hustles, quitting traditional jobs, earning real money online, revenue-generating content, and much more. Many people wait for their true calling to appear out of nowhere. The thing is, unless you start taking action, your passion will never reveal itself. So join us for this conversation to begin your journey to financial freedom! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session657.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#656 In Hawaii, I am not who you think I am. When my flight lands tomorrow, I become someone else for the first time. What am I talking about? If you've followed my updates over the last two years, you know that my Pokémon YouTube channel has grown like crazy. In fact, with less overhead, Deep Pocket Monster is now more profitable than SPI. What?! So, at the Hawaii Pop Con, I'll be speaking as Pat Flynn from Deep Pocket Monster for the first time! Of course, none of this would be possible without the lessons from my book Superfans. It's that exact knowledge that I'm leveraging to grow this massive new community on YouTube. This is my absolute unfair advantage going into a highly competitive niche that, at first, I knew almost nothing about. Listen in on this session to learn more about the strategies that have made all the difference for me! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session656.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#655 How much is a good story worth? In marketing, it's priceless. It can make the difference between no sales and more sales than you can handle. But how do you tell the right story? How do you find the exact formula that can take your brand to the next level? This is the focus of today's conversation with Dr. J.J. Peterson of StoryBrand and the Marketing Made Simple podcast. You hear me talk about Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller all the time. It's one of the books that are essential reading for any entrepreneur. In this session, we dive even deeper into the game-changing impact of storytelling in business. Dr. J.J. Peterson shares the seven elements your brand script should include, how to become a better marketer, how to stand out in your niche, and much more. Thousands of organizations have seen massive growth under his guidance, so don't miss this incredible talk! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session655.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#654 None of us start out with an army of superfans. In fact, even getting people to give our content a chance on social media is a challenge in the beginning. In this Teaching Friday episode, Gillian Tietz of the Sober Powered and The Grind podcasts explains why and gives us the tactics that actually make a difference! When I have members of SPI Pro take over the show to share their expertise, I know the content will be insanely valuable. This session is a perfect example of that! Today, Gillian teaches us her Sneak Attack Method for social media. This is how she creates posts that bring in thousands of new followers and podcast listeners by leveraging the power of quick wins. This is a masterclass in podcast marketing, but the tips apply to all forms of content. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session654.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#653 Starting from nothing and working hard to build a business is relatable. But what happens when you finally "make it?" My returning guest, Sophie Walker of the Australian Birth Stories podcast, is the perfect example of someone who has built a brand from scratch and turned it into a vast empire. We last spoke in episode 432. Her show has since amassed over ten million downloads, and sponsors are lining up to support her work! She was one of our star students in Power-Up Podcasting, so I'm not surprised. But the responsibility of running a brand that's changing lives and the massive financial decisions involved can weigh anyone down. Join Sophie and me for this incredible conversation about podcasting, business growth, work-life balance, and building a team with a shared vision. We also discuss Sophie's first book, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, and much more. Listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session653.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to other entrepreneurs. But without a behind-the-scenes look, we often lack critical information that would change the whole equation. Especially if all we have to go by is someone's online presence. Back in 2019, I got an inside look at Gary Vaynerchuk's operation that was a total perspective shift. I've already had Gary on the show, but visiting his offices in New York helped me understand why I could never be as active as him on social media. I was floored to discover that he had an army of fifteen to twenty individuals dedicated to managing his personal accounts! Listen in to get the rest of the story and the takeaways that have since changed how I measure success. And, if you're not subscribed to my Unstuck newsletter, make sure to sign up to get more stories like these to help you move forward in business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session652.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#651 Connecting with your audience through podcasting can be a game-changing strategy for any brand. As you know, we're already helping many entrepreneurs take advantage of this opportunity. But what is the other, less often talked about, benefit of creating a show in your niche? This episode with Jess Larsen is mandatory listening for any podcaster. You see, Jess credits the interviews he's hosted on Innovation and Leadership with everyone from non-profit organizers to billionaires and movie stars as personal masterclasses from the people he looks up to most. The relationships you can build with top figures in your industry through podcasting are second to none! But how do you get high-profile guests on your show and create authentic connections that can help you grow your business? That's the focus of today's incredible chat with Jess. Don't miss our conversation, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session651.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#650 Wednesday's chat with Selena Soo for episode 649 was a great reminder of the importance of building business relationships. But there is actually a different kind of networking that can solve our audience growth and monetization woes. The thing is, this strategy is not right for everyone. In fact, I've had multiple offers come my way over the years to take advantage of this, and I've always turned them down. So what am I talking about? In this episode, I want us to look at the pros and cons of joining a podcast network. This applies to other forms of content as well. Networks have been popping us for YouTubers, bloggers, and other creators for a while now. So would you benefit from joining these organizations, or would you be better off staying away from them? I hope the perspective I share today will help you make the best long-term decision for your brand. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session650.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#649 The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely one if we don't take the time to nurture supportive connections. But how do we build a business network to help us reach and impact millions of people in our niche? This is the topic of today's chat with Selena Soo. Through her signature publicity and marketing approach, Selena helps her clients build powerful relationships and become industry leaders. Our conversation is a deep dive into the best strategies for leveling up your brand through win-win partnerships with influencers in your space. We discuss using your goals and values to access relevant new and legacy media channels to grow your audience. Selena and I also cover the shortcuts to building new relationships through specific in-person and online events. I always say that digging your well before you're thirsty is hugely important. Selena shares the precise templates to do just that in this incredible session. Listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session649.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#648 Just-in-time learning—only acquiring new information when needed for the job at hand—has been hugely beneficial for me! To help you set the tone for 2023, I'd like to talk about two impactful books that have helped me level up my skill set at pivotal moments in my journey. Tiny Thunder by Sue Rice has yet to take off, but it comes highly recommended by my mentor James Schramko. This is a fascinating book about the kind of marketing that stops people in their tracks by leveraging the power of analogies. The second book I bring up today is one that you might already be familiar with. Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman is a massively influential work that focuses on the relationship between visionaries and integrators in business. Having both types of people in your company is truly essential! Listen in on this session to learn more, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session648.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#647 Budgeting is a scary word for a lot of people. We're so used to instant gratification now that putting off the lifestyle we want feels like an impossible task. But this kind of spending leads many into debt. So what steps can finally set us up for financial freedom? Today's guest, Jamila Souffrant of Journey To Launch, is one of the top personal finance thought leaders out there. Through her incredible podcast, she provides listeners with tools and resources to skyrocket their savings and unlock the path to independence. Be sure to check out my appearance on episode 292 of her show to find out more! So what are the best strategies for sustainable budgeting? How can we achieve our dream lifestyle and retire early? What are the safest investments we can make at any level? Don't miss this chat because Jamila and I cover all that and much more. Listen in, and take action! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session647.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#646 All I wanted to do over the holidays was to play video games with my son. It's our tradition. But how I reluctantly ended up paying a stranger $125 to spend hours in his home with an overstimulated cat purring at me is just crazy. This bizarre series of events all started with a PC that broke down on me. But when I reached out to John, the computer repairman, on Yelp is when things started to get downright weird. You'll have to listen to today's episode to find out exactly what went down. I'll say this—The Yelp reviews didn't warn me about what would happen next. This is not how I thought I would spend my time off, but there's a lesson here about not giving up and how a nudge in the right direction can completely change things. It's also a great reminder about the power of building your story bank. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session646.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

# 645 If your answer is yes to the question I'm about to ask, you have to promise to listen in on this entire episode. I guarantee this conversation with Kelly Roach will absolutely rock your world! So, have you ever considered building a team to help you in your entrepreneurial endeavors? Imagine your brand running in a way that even if you had to stop working, you would still be able to serve your audience. Today's guest will provide the blueprint for hiring the dream team that will take your vision to the next level. We cover everything from finding your first hire to building the infrastructure for ongoing success. If you struggle with burnout, you'll learn how to set up systems that lead to actual freedom and insure you against the times when "life happens." This is one of my favorite episodes ever, so buckle up and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session645.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#644 What are your goals for 2023? It's well known that New Year's resolutions tend to fall by the wayside at the first hint of adversity. But is there anything we can do to make our new habits stick? In this episode, I want to share a mindset shift that has changed how I set and achieve my goals. This is something that's very effective because it addresses the perfectionism holding many of us back. What I'm talking about is giving ourselves permission to make mistakes along the way. It's important to realize that one missed day, one mishap, or a single error likely won't compromise our progress. But the key for me is not making the same mistake twice. At the very least, I try not to make the same mistake twice in a row. Listen in on today's session to learn how I've incorporated this attitude into my work and personal life. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session644.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#643 My value-packed chat with Eric Siu of the Marketing School podcast is the perfect way to kick off the year. With tips for the top five social platforms, podcasting, community, and high-ticket offerings, we cover all the bases and share our business growth blueprint for 2023. As host of a mastermind that convenes one hundred of the world's top marketers, Eric is in a perfect position to understand and teach the best strategies for organic reach and discoverability. So what are the most overpowered tools you can leverage? Which platforms are right for your business, and how do you get more engagement? Where should you invest your time and money this year, and what should you stay away from? Eric and I answer some of your most important marketing questions in today's episode. Listen in to get the tools and tactics for everything from finding more podcast listeners to networking and acquiring other businesses. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session643.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#642 For this final episode of 2022, I want us to look back and go through a Start, Stop, Continue exercise. With the results of my TikTok challenge still fresh in my mind, I especially want to focus on the Stop part. We might share the same goal going into 2023. As I'm entering my 40s, I just want to stop wasting the time that I have. The end of the year is the perfect moment for us to take inventory and set up new systems to move us toward our goals. But it's also important to acknowledge our achievements! At SPI, our recent All-Access Pass launch exceeded our expectations and confirmed the power of and demand for community-powered learning experiences. I'm grateful for all of you who signed up already! I'm also grateful for you, the listener. Thank you so much, and happy New Year! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session642.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#641 Virtual summits are shaping up to be a game-changer for our 2023 marketing efforts! Listen in on this episode because I loop you in on a strategy that can take your business to the next level, even if you're just starting out. You see, large audiences and niche authority are no longer the requirements for big online events. In fact, hosting a summit is a great way to generate a snowball effect around your brand and bring in your first wave of superfans! To share exactly how you might make this happen, I have Benjamin Dell of HeySummit joining me for an incredible chat. You'll also get a glimpse at how we're using event marketing at SPI to raise awareness of and generate leads for our All-Access Pass. If you're interested in doing something similar, get a free trial and 15% off for life by using our affiliate link for HeySummit! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session641.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#640 When you consume TikTok, it consumes you. Feel free to quote me on this. If you've been keeping up with my Friday updates, you know about my 30-day TikTok challenge. So what are the final results? Long story short, I'm not doing TikTok anymore. One obvious reason is that none of my videos took off during these thirty days. But there's an even bigger reason behind my decision. That's actually the most valuable lesson to come out of this experiment. You see, it's not that TikTok is bad and you shouldn't try it for your brand. The real problem is that it's way too good! What do I mean by that? Listen in on today's talk to get the details, but the takeaway is that your mindset on TikTok can save you countless hours in the long run. Join me to learn more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session640.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#639 Having your audience along for the ride as you create digital products to serve them is an incredible tool that increases engagement and connection. But is it wise to use this same strategy for physical products? With knockoffs being a massive concern, is it safe to use open platforms like Kickstarter to fund and launch your best ideas? Those are some of the questions I explore with my returning guest, Jeff Sheldon. He is the founder of Ugmonk, a design studio focused on impeccably crafted home, office, and clothing products. This chat gives us an inside look at what it takes to turn your vision into something tangible and successfully compete in the premium market. Jeff and I discuss the realities of manufacturing and distribution, share advice for finding a niche, and debate the pros and cons of selling digital and physical products. With additional tips for working from home and using ads to find new customers, there's something here for any entrepreneur! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session639.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#638 We need to talk about Shorts. They're like pants, but halfway—just kidding! I'm, of course, referring to YouTube's somewhat confusing answer to the growing popularity of TikTok. When platforms launch new formats, posts that take advantage of them typically see a nice algorithm boost. That's an opportunity I jumped on with Deep Pocket Monster, my Pokémon channel. So what were the results? Well, it's complicated. You see, some of my Shorts amassed over 15 million views. But, if you listen in on today's episode, you'll hear how that actually ended up hurting my channel. That said, YouTube has since addressed concerns like mine and committed to some incredible new features. So is now the perfect time to reconsider Shorts? Join me for this chat to find out more, and stay tuned because the results of my 30-day TikTok challenge are coming next week. Show notes and more SmartPassiveIncome.com/session638.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#637 You want to clear up your schedule before starting work on the big project you're passionate about, right? Here's the thing. It's not going to happen. If you perceive time as a barrier, you will never get started. So how do we create more time when our calendars are full? How do we stop procrastinating and progress toward our goals today? If anyone can answer those questions for us, it's the guest joining me today. Jason Feifer is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine. He gets to talk to the world's most successful people every day and has compiled the patterns that have come up in an incredible book, Build for Tomorrow. Right from the start, this chat with Jason provides us with the blueprint to understand how we work and start building our productivity infrastructure. This is an essential conversation that highlights the qualities of high-achieving entrepreneurs and uncovers the path to success in career, business, and life! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session637.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#636 My 30-day TikTok challenge isn't going great. In fact, my numbers so far are pretty abysmal. Even so, I just decided to delete a video that really had the potential to go viral (in more ways than one). You'll have to listen in on today's episode to find out what was in the video, though. Let's just say that podcasting can get nasty sometimes! But what I want to talk about is much more important than this one post I knew was a mistake the second I uploaded it. You see, being honest with ourselves about the value we provide and the message we want to be known for is vital. To help you stop chasing vanity numbers and discover your most powerful voice, I want to share the series of questions I always ask myself when I create content. Join me for this quick update to learn more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session636.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#635 Could you sell your business? You might not want to, but here's the thing. If your company can be sold, it means you're running it with the best systems in place for maximum growth and time off! I'm excited to have Sean Cannell of Think Media back on the show. He's been a guest on episode 328, where he shared the strategies that led to his success on YouTube. Today, we get into the updated tactics creators need to be aware of going into 2023. He has also transitioned his personal brand to a team brand, all while scaling his company and freeing up more time to focus on family and health. Join us for this chat to discover Sean's three-step methodology for growth, the seven Cs of YouTube success, how to build a team with a shared vision, and why you should prepare your business for sale even if that's not your goal. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session635.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.