The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#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.

#634 What do you do when just making things better is not the answer anymore? You see, our courses at SPI have helped thousands of people find success. And now, through our communities, we're supporting more people than ever on their business journeys. Still, we knew we could do more. The thing is, making things "better" wasn't the answer for us. We had to try something different! That's where our All-Access Pass comes in. This community-powered education experience is the ultimate way to learn from every single one of our courses at your own pace while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs on the same path. All for an insane bargain! Listen in on this episode to find out why we're making our educational content more accessible, how this will lead to incredible transformations, and why community-powered courses are the next big thing. We're also hosting a launch party on December 7th. Join us to get access to exclusive founding member discounts and perks! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session634.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#633 This is massive. In fact, it is likely the biggest announcement we've ever made at SPI. You see, this launch might completely change your online education journey. Today I'm introducing you to our exciting new All-Access Pass! This community-powered education experience is the ultimate way to learn from every single one of our courses at your own pace while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs on the same path. We have a slew of incredible courses that thousands of people have used on their way to success in the business space. Not only that, but we're also running our fantastic communities for entrepreneurs at any level. Still, we knew we could do better. That's where the All-Access Pass comes in to bring all of that together for an insane bargain! Listen in on this special episode to discover more, and join our launch party to get exclusive founding member discounts and perks. See you there! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session633.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#632 There's a huge problem that we have to figure out. If we don't, the time and money we spend creating content will be wasted. So what am I talking about? In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the pandemic of short attention spans. I'm talking about how and why our audiences have become accustomed to TikTok, Reels, and Shorts type of content. Even if we never use these platforms, the time we have at our disposal to capture someone's attention is now shorter than ever. We really only have a second or two to get people to stick around. So how do we optimize our posts for these new content consumption habits? I'm learning a lot as I go through my 30-day TikTok challenge, and I want to share some of my findings with you in this episode. These tips apply to everything from podcast intros to blog posts and are vital for any modern content creator. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session632.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#631 How do you craft an irresistible pitch for potential sponsors? The biggest insight is that you should make your pitch them-focused instead of you-focused. Many creators start out with the exact opposite approach. They overemphasize how great their YouTube channel, podcast, or blog is and talk too little about how their content aligns with a brand's marketing objectives. My guest today, Justin Moore, is the founder of Creator Wizard. He has helped hundreds of people learn how to find and negotiate brand deals and make millions in the process. So how do you get sponsors even if you don't have a massive audience? What is your number one task as a creator? Who do you reach out to for brand deals, and how do you get them excited to respond? Join us for this epic conversation to get the tools and strategies that can save you from leaving thousands on the table. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session631.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#630 Are you leveraging challenges to scale your business? And no, I'm not just talking about challenging yourself. What I'm talking about today is supercharging your brand by creating irresistible challenges for your audience. I want to give you a sneak peek at what we're working on at SPI with our 100 Emails Challenge. This is how we've shared free step-by-step instructions with over ten thousand entrepreneurs to help them go from zero to one hundred email subscribers in three days. The updates coming to this program will blow your mind! And, with the new year just around the corner, I want to encourage you to challenge your own followers. This time of the year, when people are willing to take on new habits, is a great opportunity. Listen in to learn how to make the most of it by serving your audience and giving your business a boost in the process! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session630.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#629 Many new entrepreneurs buy into the myths of hustle culture. They believe that finding success is impossible without working to exhaustion day in and day out. But what if that kind of thinking doesn’t get results anymore? What if self-care is actually a more effective business strategy? I’m so excited that Jadah Sellner is back for another awesome chat! She hosts the Lead with Love podcast and is a brilliant entrepreneur and mentor. Jadah is a firm believer in self-care as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. Her first business book, She Builds, is a practical anti-hustle guide that challenges the overwork narrative. In this episode, we discuss the best strategies for growing a business in a sustainable, service-driven way. Listen in on our conversation to get a behind-the-scenes look at Jadah's writing process, and check out She Builds anywhere books are sold! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session629.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#628 Commitment is essential if you want to explore new opportunities and see what the results could be. For something to have a chance to do anything, you have to give it a chance to do something. For me, public challenges to put work into something for a certain number of days are a very powerful motivational tool. That’s why I’m committing to a platform I’ve neglected for the longest time. So what am I experimenting with? For the next thirty days, I’ll be posting on TikTok every day to see what happens. That’s it. No expectations, no pressure to go viral or anything like that. So why take on another social network at all? With a new book coming out, I have to know if TikTok is something that can help spread my message. Listen in on this episode to hear all about my strategy, and, of course, follow me on TikTok! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session628.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#627 What often stops us from taking action is the story our fear tells us. We’re afraid that other people might laugh at us or judge us. But, when you step back and think about it, is the worst-case scenario really that bad? Today’s episode is all about understanding and overcoming uncertainty. My special guest, Leo Babauta of Zen Habits, has been a massive inspiration for me since 2008 when I started Smart Passive Income. Through his blog and best-selling books, he has impacted millions of readers. I know I wouldn’t be here without him! This conversation is jam-packed with actionable tips and tools that can help us defeat procrastination, perfectionism, and negative thought patterns. Leo and I discuss setting and achieving goals, developing a fearlessness practice, and finding meaning in our work. Listen in to get a new perspective on uncertainty and learn the vital habits that set you up for success. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session627.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#626 One thing we all want to do is to hone our skills so we can improve our output. But, with tips and tools coming at us from all sides, how do we take action without getting overwhelmed? I remember trying to become a better public speaker and focusing on all the things I needed to work on to make that happen. The list seemed endless, and I was getting nowhere tackling everything at once. The strategy that changed everything for me was the opposite of that. Inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I decided instead to focus on a single aspect of my presentations at a time and improve on that by 1% every day. So how can you improve one thing the next time you do something? Listen in on this episode to find out about the tactic I use and how you can apply it to your own goals. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session626.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#625 What does being a successful creator online look like? This question often conjures up an image of big numbers and viral content. But what if that’s not the point? I’m so happy to talk to my friend Bob Clagett again today. Bob runs I Like To Make Stuff on YouTube, where he builds anything from basic furniture to crazy props from movies. You see, I came up with an idea for a portable podcast studio to house my gear for easy on-the-go audio recording. I couldn't make this on my own, so I knew Bob was the man for the job! With the build completed, we put it to the test for this episode. Bob and I discuss finding success without chasing virality, building a team with a shared vision, leveraging multiple platforms to generate revenue, and prioritizing community over profit. Join us for this inspiring chat about turning a passion into a business without losing the magic that made you love it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session625.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#624 I don’t even know if I’m allowed to share this with you yet. You see, this kind of thing is out of my control now. In fact, many of my business friends said this would happen and warned me against going down this path. So what’s happening? Am I selling the company or something? Don’t worry, that’s not it. That said, a huge change is coming because I just signed a book deal. That’s right, after self-publishing Let Go, Will It Fly, and Superfans, I’m now going down the traditional route. But why would I do this knowing what I know about the risks? I want to share my thought process with you in this episode. This is a long-term project, but I’m sure the lessons learned along the way will be game-changing for us. So what is the book called, and what is it about? Listen in on today’s episode to find out. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session624.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#623 Becoming a successful entrepreneur is often a matter of bringing a few key skills together. One of them, copywriting, is as vital as it is scary to some people. So how do you get to the point where your words work for you instead of against you? Today, I’m bringing an expert on the show to make it easy for us to start crafting sales pages, emails, scripts, or posts that convert like crazy. Through his writing, Stefan Georgi has helped his clients and students earn a total of over a billion dollars. You’ll hear all about how he does it in this episode! So what is the basic structure that all great ads follow? How do you connect deeply with your audience? What is the best tone to use in your writing, and how do you practice it? Listen in on this game-changing conversation for answers to all of that. Show notes, Stefan's amazing free resource, and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session623.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Business of Community Summit is a one-day virtual summit focused exclusively on the business thinking, decisions, and strategies needed to reach the economic potential of community for your business. You'll walk away with a clear roadmap for launching your own community this year! Visit SmartPassiveIncome.com/BCS to register for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#622 I have a massive update for you today. I’ve talked about my journey in the Pokémon space on the podcast before. Deep Pocket Monster is going strong on YouTube. It’s grown to over 300K subscribers, and we’ve had more than 8 million views this month. But the announcement I have for you today is way crazier than that. On June 9-11, 2023, I’m hosting a three-day Pokémon convention in Anaheim, California. CARD.PARTY will bring fans and creators together for my biggest live event yet! This is new territory and a learning opportunity for all of us. One thing I intend to be open and transparent about on the show is the financial aspect. In fact, reserving the convention space has already set us back a couple hundred thousand dollars. Listen in on today’s episode to find out more and, if you’re interested, join the waiting list for CARD.PARTY. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session622.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#621 Imagine this: You have an amazing job that you love. You work with high-end clients and make a great living. Then your health starts showing signs that this path isn’t right for you. That’s the situation Emily D. Baker was in when she said goodbye to her career in law. She now hosts one of the top entertainment news podcasts, The Emily Show, and is among the most successful streamers on YouTube. I bet this will become some people’s favorite episode because Emily shares the exact steps that lead to her massive success. These principles are the driving force behind her growth to over 660K subscribers on YouTube. Emily regularly has over 30K people watching her live streams. We discuss what it takes to manage those numbers in real time and why creating a sense of community is vital. Join us to hear about the time I got myself in trouble with her superfans. The power of community is no joke! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session621.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#620 How do you measure your success? Many entrepreneurs are stuck in a loop, their minds always going through the list of things they haven’t done yet. So how can we rewire our brains and pursue goals effectively? This is another fantastic Teaching Friday episode. We love inviting members of the SPI Pro community to share their expertise with us and provide actionable tips that can take our businesses to the next level. Michael Bauman is the CEO of Success Engineering. He helps entrepreneurs optimize their mindset, habits, and productivity through coaching and masterminds. In this session, Michael gives us a new perspective on enoughness and shares the strategies we can use to encourage healthy, powerful thought patterns. So how can you feel enough as a business owner, a parent, or a spouse? How can you feel like you’ve worked hard enough? Listen in on today’s talk to understand your emotions and how you can harness them to propel your life and business forward. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session620.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#619 It might surprise you that the highest-earning online communities are actually very small. Almost all of them have fewer than three hundred members. Many of them have fewer than one hundred members! In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to build a thriving digital community with Andrew Guttormsen. He co-founded Circle, which now hosts over seven thousand memberships! Andy has access to trends and analytics that you just couldn’t get from anywhere else. In fact, the teams at SPI and Circle are coming together for an all-day online summit on October 25th to share these insights with you. The Business of Community Summit is completely free and will give you the step-by-step direction you need to start or grow a membership. So how do you set up a community business? How do you attract new members and keep them coming back? How do you run a community and build a sustainable team around it? Find out today! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session619.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#618 How do you know your course is worthy of the price tag? What are the solutions you provide, and what are the transformations your students can expect to see? What do you want them to say about you and how you served them? Today’s guest host, Marla Bainbridge Martinez, will walk you through her REFOCUS system to help you answer these questions and take your courses and testimonials to the next level. These Teaching Friday episodes hosted by SPI Pro members are always jam-packed with actionable tips, so make sure you listen in. Marla’s business, Refocused Income, helps course creators build learning experiences that deliver results and lead to glowing reviews. In this session, she walks you through exercises that teach you how to organize your content optimally. She also helps you understand the strategies you can use to supercharge your social proof through testimonials and referrals. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session618.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#617 One thing that’s true about content creation is that consistency breeds legitimacy. But what if you keep putting in the hours and still don’t gain any traction? With no likes and no views coming in, what should you do? Vanessa Lau quit her Fortune 500 job to become a YouTuber, but finding her niche wasn’t easy. She now has over 600K followers and runs a multimillion-dollar company helping entrepreneurs and creators build businesses using social media. Vanessa and I start right at the beginning with the strategies you should use to find a niche. We compare platforms and discuss the vital importance of market research for beginners. We also talk about why Instagram is the best platform to get clients on when you’re just starting. Vanessa even shares some game-changing tricks I had no idea about, so this chat is valuable for entrepreneurs at any level. Make sure to listen in on this one! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session617.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#616 Often we look at success stories, and it almost seems like they came out of nowhere. Yet when we dig deeper into what it takes to become an overnight success, we almost always find years of hard work leading up to it. I’m so excited to share a huge milestone with you today! Many SPI listeners are already following my journey in the Pokémon space through Deep Pocket Monster on YouTube. So what’s the big news? Well, that channel just hit 250,000 subscribers! What?! 250K subscribers in under two years is insane! But the truth is that everything I learned about videos since 2009 went into it. This “overnight success” has been more than a decade in the making. In this episode, I want to share three essential strategies I use to grow Deep Pocket Monster. You can apply these tips to any platform, so join me for a special episode to learn all about them! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session616.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#615 Things are not like they used to be. You've noticed, I'm sure. But the best ways of adapting to an ever-changing business landscape are less than obvious. So what should you do to reach more people? What are the marketing strategies that actually work right now? I’m so excited to have Amy Porterfield back on the show to share her expertise with us. Amy is among the most knowledgeable marketers you will ever listen to, and she absolutely delivers in essential this episode. This chat is jam-packed with golden nuggets for entrepreneurs at any level. We get an email marketing masterclass, an in-depth look at webinars that convert like crazy, and podcast growth tips galore. Amy and I also go deep on video content, courses, surveys, quizzes, and much more. This is one of the most valuable podcast episodes to listen to, so enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session615.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#614 As you listen to this episode, I want you to go through a quick exercise with me. You can just do it in your head, but the real magic happens when you put pen to paper. My good friend, Chris Ducker, calls it the 3 Lists to Freedom. As the name suggests, we’ll be creating three lists to help us move forward in our businesses and have more time for the things we love. I’ll walk you through each step, but pay close attention to the final one. That’s going to be the “money list” that can make the difference between a scrappy entrepreneur and a CEO. We talk about why and how to remove yourself as a bottleneck in your business, even though it might be hard to let go of certain tasks you might be great at. This is a valuable exercise that has saved me countless hours. I can’t recommend it enough! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session614.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#613 One of the best ways to help your audience is to write a book based on your knowledge and experience. However, the key to connecting with readers is going from what you know to discovering your true message. But what does that even look like? How do you go from just sharing information to inspiring and motivating people to take real action? My guest, Azul Terronez, teaches people how to do exactly that. He is the CEO of Authors Who Lead, where he and his team help leaders write and publish the kinds of books that take brands to the next level. In this episode, we discuss the book landscape today and the business behind it. We also look at Azul's incredible company and how he's removing himself as a bottleneck and allowing other coaches to teach his method. This is a great episode for you if you’re looking for strategies to elevate your brand and stand out. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session613.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#612 As I was listening to Alex Hormozi talk about his content creation method at Grow With Video Live in Las Vegas, I was kicking myself. Why haven’t I been doing this?! We’ve already shared this strategy in the first issue of our fantastic weekly newsletter, Unstuck. That’s where you can get quick, powerful tips to help you move your business to the next level. People are raving about it, so make sure to join us there as well. Alex's process is a tactic I like to call crowdsparking. Inspired by crowdsourcing, it’s essentially sharing your ideas and thoughts publicly as you come up with them. The goal is to test their potential and to see which of them spark conversations and gain traction. This allows you to put your time behind content ideas that you know your audience is excited about. I've been doing this on Twitter, and it’s fantastic to get instant feedback and know where I should focus my energy. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session612.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#611 We've all been guilty of this at some point—setting goals and having a vision for our lives but not backing it up with the beliefs and plans to make it a reality. That's exactly what I’m chatting about with my fantastic guest, John Assaraf. You’ll hear all about his entrepreneurial journey, how he went from earning $1.65 an hour to founding companies worth billions. He is also a behavioral neuroscience researcher, best-selling author, and one of the top success coaches in the world. John gives you the science-backed tools you need to start rewiring your mind for success today. We talk about setting goals the right way and how to achieve them by avoiding the four obstacles that stand in your way. John and I also discuss belief systems, confirmation bias, and impostor syndrome while giving you the strategies you need to win big. I can't wait for you to hear this episode and apply these tactics! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session611.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#610 What is the number one strategy you should focus on in the coming years? At SPI, we believe that community is a massive part of the future of entrepreneurship. I'm pulling back the curtain today and revealing the exciting things we've been working on behind the scenes. Joining me are three brilliant members of our team. Jillian Benbow is the Community Experience Director at SPI. You’ve heard from her in episode 495, but today she introduces you to our newest community managers. David Masnato manages SPI Pro, while Ashley LaGrow is at the helm of our brand new Learner Community that we can’t wait to unveil! We talk about what it is and who it's for, and we give you a sneak peek at what we have in store for our members. You also get a look at our entire community strategy, with takeaways to help you future-proof your business. Whatever level you’re at, we have you covered at SmartPassiveIncome.com/community. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session610.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#609 As entrepreneurs, we often have legal questions but don’t even know where to start looking for answers. That’s why I wanted to create a go-to resource for us and shed some light on the common issues we might encounter in our businesses. I’m very excited about this episode because I’m chatting with my attorney, Mark Stansbury. He is a partner at Stansbury Weaver, where they’re rejecting the traditional law-firm model and have come up with fantastic new ways to serve entrepreneurs and startups. So when is the right time to register an LLC, and what about trademarking a name? What if someone is already using a similar name? Can you use other people’s content in your videos or podcast? And what can you do if someone else is using your content and making money off of it? Make sure to join us for this incredibly informative chat with Mark to find out more. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session609.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#608 I'm not afraid to admit when I make a mistake, and that’s exactly why I’m publishing this episode. You’ve heard me say this, “Nobody wakes up in the morning wanting more emails.” I was wrong about that, and I’ll tell you exactly why. There are newsletters that contain valuable niche content that people are excited to see pop up in their inboxes. James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter, the Hot Pod newsletter for podcast industry news, and Morning Brew are great examples of this. The team and I have been hard at work to create something similar for the SPI audience. Today I want to introduce you to the Unstuck newsletter. With concise, five-minute lessons to help you get unstuck, this will be our weekly email that you can’t wait to read. Every message contains a story that will inspire you, and we’ll provide the resources you need to move to the next level in your business. We’re very excited to hear what you think! Show notes and more a SmartPassiveIncome.com/session608.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#607 What would you be able to accomplish if you had a second brain helping you? And no, science hasn’t found a way to clone your brain yet. What I’m talking about is a digital system that allows you to manage information and deliver high-quality work with less effort. Today’s guest, Tiago Forte, is a knowledge management expert. He helps thousands of people get more done through his unbelievable productivity course, Building a Second Brain. We talk about everything from finding the right software tools for your needs to Tiago’s CODE and PARA systems for note taking. He’s a big fan of acronyms, but you’ll find out what this all means and how these systems can revolutionize your work-life. This is a fascinating chat with Tiago, and we get into the step-by-step process you can use to take your productivity to the next level. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session607.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.