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The future of the podcast is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.If you’ve been wondering what’s up with the podcast… join the club. After doing this for so long, I was really thinking that maybe it was time to turn the page and put it to bed.

But the more I thought about it, the more I knew that that decision wasn’t coming from the right place.

The last thing people would say about me is that I’m indecisive.

In fact, I’ve probably made a lot of decisions quickly that could have used a little more processing time to weigh the pros and cons, but that’s really not how I operate, so I’ll leave that one alone.

The past 6-8 months have fascinated me when I step back and examine what’s happened and how my mindset has shifted (read ‘grown’).

Transform ideas Into Action – Subscribe to the SPARKI attribute this to a few things:

• Experience – having been in this game for a long time, I know enough that in times of uncertainty or the need for clarity, it’s best to be patient.
• Age – there is something so freaking delightful about getting older and caring a whole lot less about what other people think
• Life changes—The move back to California in February 2023 was right for me, and now I’m heading back to Costa Rica. People have asked how long I’ll stay there, and I honestly don’t know. I want to stay put for a while (which, to me, is 3+ years). Ultimately, I’d like to buy there, but we’ll see where the economy goes.

A little history about the podcast:

I started podcasting in 2013 when I was “The WPChick” and the podcast was “The WPChick Podcast.”

There were maybe 5 other WordPress podcasts at the time, so getting some traction was pretty easy. I alternated between solo shows and interviews, which was a smart strategy because it really grew my audience.

I think the years between 2019 and now were so challenging personally that to host interviews and truly show up for other people felt like a lot of work… work that I didn’t really have the energy for… until now.

During that time, I went through some extremely challenging situations with my son, and then my Mom passed away unexpectedly in 2019, and my world was turned upside down.

Then, we all know what happened in 2020, when I decided to move to Boise, ID, followed by a move to Costa Rica in 2021.

So… needless to say, the last 5 years have been a lot (with other things happening in the background, but I’ll save that for my therapist).

Here’s the thing with all of this: To some people, this may not seem like a lot, and to others, it may seem overwhelming. I’ve been so incredibly hard on myself for things I’ve done, not done, not done enough of, woulda’, shoulda’, coulda’…. the judgment is what’s really gotten in the way.

None of us get through this life unscathed, without messing up, losing people we love, and without challenges and struggles.

That’s life.

It really is how we handle what happens to us that makes all the difference.

SO… all that being said… I’ve been incredibly hard on myself for the inconsistency with the podcast and, in many ways, my lack of excitement about doing it. It felt like a chore as opposed to the thing I loved doing.

A handful of things have changed for me (which I’ll share), but specifically, it’s my decision to fully #JustShowUP again.

No more censoring myself, no more worrying about what other people think (well, at least not feeding that, because that may always be part of my process), and doing the work.

Here’s what that means for the podcast:

• Way more interviews: but with a bit of a twist. I’m currently scheduling the interviews for the Women & Money series, which I’ve wanted to do since the beginning of this year.
• Conversations: There are a lot of conversations I want to have with friends who have been in this space for a long time, and we’ve seen each other grow, pivot, and stick it out. There’s so much power in sharing experiences.
• Other series: I love the idea of focusing on a topic as a series – I can already see doing one on AI, one on Costa Rica (living and working there), and one with SaaS founders. I’m getting more and more excited as I write this!
• Video: I have a lot of podcasts already recorded on video. It’s time to ramp up my YouTube channel and make the podcast feed available through YouTube as well.

I’d also like to do some live streams and free workshops with some of the companies whose tools I use and recommend.

All of this has me completely fired up.

transform Ideas into Action – Subscribe to the SPARKEspecially since there seems to be a return to long-form content (not that it ever went away, but just like everything else online, things are cyclical. I will be doing a post and/or podcast on this soon).

Side note: You know how I know I’m on the right path with this? I’ve written almost 1000 words without even looking up. Everything has just flowed as I’ve been writing. I write directly in the editor, whichever editor I use (WordPress, beehiiv, etc.).

So to look up and see how effortless this has been has made me a little giddy.

The other way I always know I’m on the right path is when I get goosebumps… this happens a lot when I’m coaching someone or helping someone work through something. When I get “lit up” and feel goosebumps, I know it’s right.

My goal is to complete the women and money series interviews by the end of June. If I can’t, I can at least start publishing them. I plan to publish them consecutively so you can follow the series.

I’ll do a before and summary episode to sort of ‘bookend’ the series (I will do this with any series I do). In fact… I think I may just jump into this whole ‘series’ thing and start planning the second series while recording the first.

Hmm… I think AI will be the next series.

What I’m Focusing OnGrowth.

More specifically, my email list.

The move to beehiiv has been great (my open and CTR have both gone up), but I know I need to get very specific with my list growth strategy.

I think this will also include some paid traffic (so I can target my ideal customer to a certain degree).

I’m also in the process of lining up some email swaps to support other creators and grow my list through the exchange. I’m participating in an upcoming summit and it’s for a new audience that I’m excited about getting in front of.

My goal is to have an organic + paid strategy that complements each other.

I am SUPER fired up about my new content strategy and attribute some of my enthusiasm to GaryV’s new book: Day Trading Attention.

Say what you will about Gary V – he knows his stuff. This book is incredibly tactical and it’s helped me reframe how I think about content and social on a whole new level.

Which, not surprisingly, completely supports “Everything Is Content.”

I’ve spent too much time overthinking things (we already talked about ‘what other people think, ‘ so I won’t go sideways with that here) and trying to ‘get it right’ that it has prevented me from simply being me and following my gut.

The irony is that it’s through doing the work that we become clearer and better at our craft.

I’ve let a handful of my own ‘rules’ get in the way: I hate using my phone for editing (there’s a workaround for everything), I don’t want to ‘waste time’ on social, I don’t know what to post (never been true, I just held myself back), organic doesn’t work, blah, blah, blah.

What’s been incredibly helpful for me is realizing the numbers game isn’t what we think it is.

Meaning you don’t need massive followers, likes, or other vanity metrics to create a business you love that serves the people you want to serve and supports the lifestyle you want to live.

Whether you want to live simply or extravagantly, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you want to live your life.

Back to growing my list.

In addition to some email swaps and paid traffic, I will also run my first giveaway.

I discussed this in a recent newsletter issue and have decided it’s time! I’m going to let this run for a few weeks with the goal of adding at least 500 quality subscribers to my list (this will be based on the engagement of the follow-up series and who is still subscribed after the giveaway is over).

One task with my organic strategy is ensuring that ALL my links on all social go directly to the newsletter opt-in page.

I’m also editing my bio on each platform and including my hashtag for #EverythingIsContent wherever I can (on the graphic and in the bio). I want to be known for #EverythingIsContent (this still trips me out that this is an actual searchable hashtag… because I’m telling you that it wasn’t before I created it. #justayin—clearly someone needs some credit or validation, haha).

To feel as excited as I am about my business again feels amazing.

And, as esoteric as it might sound, I think it’s because I’m choosing to trust myself. I’m going with my gut and not playing small anymore.

I’m crystal clear about the things I want to do, the things I don’t want to do, and the things that I need to work through the discomfort of doing to create the life I want.

I give much credit to this internal shift to Dr. Benjamin Hardy and his book ‘Be Your Future Self NOW.’

And, of course, my mentor/therapist and our work together.

But most importantly, I’m giving myself credit where credit is due.

I’m pretty sure that part of my DNA is that I’m tenacious. I’d rather spend the rest of my life betting on ‘Me’ than give up.

And I hope it inspires you to do the same.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:20 Focusing on One Thing at a Time
08:34 The Six-Step Framework for Discovering and Defining Your One Thing
16:30 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Assessment
28:29 The Power of Writing Well in Your Business
36:02 Documenting and Standardizing Your One Thing: Identity Imprint
41:20 Implementing and Promoting Your One Thing: Launchpad Liftoff

Before we get too much into discovering and defining Your ONE Thing, I want to preface this by saying that it isn’t about only doing or having ONE thing.

Even though that level of focus is pretty amazing (and is something I’m working towards, it’s a process).

This is about creating the ONE thing you’re known for.

Not a niche (swear I’m not anti-niche, I’m anti-ONLY-niche), but more of a brand philosophy and mantra that people associate with you and your business.

And if you’re a personal brand, ideally, people associate your ONE thing with YOU personally.

I’m hosting a free workshop next week, so I thought I’d give you a little sneak peek and preview what we’re going to cover and why this is crucial to differentiate yourself in a very noisy world filled with AI content.

And for what it’s worth, I LOVE AI and use it all the time.

But what sets you apart is who you are.

If you have even a little understanding and knowledge of copywriting, marketing, direct response, and content, you can use AI pretty easily and get decent output.

What AI can’t do is be YOU (and hopefully not in my lifetime because, let’s face it, that’s a little creepy to even think about).

You can absolutely train it to sound like you, write in your voice, use the type of language you use, but you still have to train it.

That’s where Your ONE Thing comes in.

I have a 6-step framework for “Your ONE Thing” – so let’s jump into it.

Be sure to register for the FREE workshop here. The LIVE Workshop will be recorded and held on Wednesday, May 15th, at 11:00 PDT.

Register for “Your ONE Thing” workshop HEREIf you get this after the live workshop, you can register and watch the on-demand workshop for free with the same link (and my goal is to run this live more than once while I continue iterating and refining everything).

Your ONE Thing FrameworkHere’s the 6-step framework, with more detailed explanations below:

1. Core Discovery Dive
2. Audience Alchemy
3. Idea Incubator
4. Reality Check
5. Identity Imprint
6. Launchpad Lift-Off

Let’s dive deeper into each one.

1. Core Discovery Dive (self-assessment & reflection):
   This is the self-assessment and reflection step of the framework. You’re going to want to dive deep into the core of your personal and business identity to uncover the unique elements that define you. Self-awareness is key here. This step also requires a certain level of courage and commitment to showing up genuinely as yourself and letting go of what people think.
   Understanding your strengths and passions will make creating more authentic and engaging content much easier.
2. Audience Alchemy (market and audience analysis):
   This involves a combination of market research and analysis andknowing your ideal target audience, including psychographics (which are just as valuable, if not more valuable, than demographics).
   You want to hone in on what excites them, their desires, and the specific problems they have that you can solve uniquely.
   Understanding market trends and audience preferences can help refine your unique selling proposition to meet your audience where they’re at.
3. Idea Incubator (ideation & concept development):
   This is where we will start brainstorming potential “ONE Things” for you and your business. I love all the steps, but this is probably my favorite. There are a couple of different methodologies for doing this, including the SCAMPER method (which I just discovered) and my Umbrella method.
   The Umbrella method is an easier place to start, and then, as you get clearer, you can iterate and move on to the SCAMPER method if you want to go deeper.
4. Reality Check (validation and testing):
   This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Once you have “Your ONE Thing,” you want to start testing this with your audience via email, social media, and content. I did this with Everything Is Content and have shared that before (mind you, I knew this resonated with people because I had already used it before). It was a five-part email series that then became five videos, five podcasts, a long-form blog post, coaching sessions, and a workshop.
   There are a handful of ways to test this, but the key is to do what feels most natural to you that you can deploy quickly – you don’t want to overthink this (and bonus if you can create a hashtag of it, but it’s hardly necessary).
5. Identity Imprint (definition and documentation):
   Now that you have your ONE thing, you want to explain clearly and compellingly what it is (clear is better than clever here) and map out how you can integrate it into all aspects of your content and, quite possibly, your business.
   We’ll document and standardize this core concept across all business channels and content (for example, I’ve integrated “Everything is Content” onto all my social profiles) so your messaging is consistent and clear.
6. Launchpad Lift-Off (implementation & promotion):
   Here’s where you’ll create a plan (mini-campaign?) to integrate your new core message into your current marketing efforts.
   Your plan should include some storytelling and personal elements and give a little behind-the-scenes look at “Your ONE Thing” and the impact you hope to create with it.

Takeaways

Discovering and defining “Your ONE Thing” is about creating a brand philosophy and mantra that people associate with you and your business.

The six-step framework for discovering and defining your one thing includes core discovery dive, audience alchemy, idea incubator, reality check, identity imprint, and launchpad liftoff.

Take the time to reflect on your personal and business identity, understand your target audience, brainstorm potential ideas, validate and test your one thing, and integrate it into your marketing efforts.

Writing well is one of the best things you can do for your business, as it applies across all mediums and helps you communicate effectively with your audience.

Your one thing should support your long-term goals and be integrated into all aspects of your content and business channels.

Register for “Your ONE Thing” Workshop FREE Here

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Sacred Simplicity is a term I heard in a song recently, and I love it.I’m applying it across the board in my business and life.

That’s what this episode is all about.

This freestyle episode is all about embracing what I like to call “sacred simplicity” in both our personal and professional lives.

06:41 A Busy weekend led to a much-needed rest.
09:11 Appreciate health because it can be fleeting.
11:52 Woman shares emotional video, regrets, seeks comfort.
15:21 Working for a year, not just privilege.
18:40 Experiences shape us and make us strive for self-actualization.
21:27 Regret over past, compassion for self, insignificance.
24:04 Prioritizing joy, learning, and mastering paid traffic.
27:10 Uncertainty about shift, preference for simplicity explained.
32:50 Tangible benefit motivates discussion of white labeling.
33:43 Offer writing, content, SEO services, validate organically.
39:07 Discussing lead gen and content strategies for ads.
40:42 Optimize traffic ads, capture leads, and test.
43:45 Focusing on quality work and living with ease.

A Time of Transition and ReflectionI’m currently in a season of significant change, counting down the months until my move to Costa Rica. As part of this transition, I’ve been tackling the task of decluttering and sorting through years of accumulated belongings at my dad’s house, now up for sale. This process has been both physically demanding and emotionally revealing. It’s amazing what we hold onto over the years, isn’t it?

During a weekend dedicated to clearing out my storage unit, I realized that some boxes hadn’t been opened since my move from Boise in March of 2021. Items were still labeled “go through before Costa Rica,” a reminder of postponed decisions. Yet, this clean-up wasn’t just about sorting through physical objects but also about reassessing what’s essential in my life. This is where the concept of sacred simplicity really comes to life—finding clarity and joy in the essentials, shedding the excess that no longer serves us.

The Refreshing Break from Digital ClutterThe physical labor of sorting and moving boxes provided a much-needed break from the digital clutter of my daily life. There’s something profoundly liberating about stepping away from screens and focusing on physical tasks. It allows for a mental reset, which is increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world.

This disconnect from digital work brought a surprising freshness to my thoughts. It reminded me of the importance of balance and taking time to enjoy simple pleasures—like the perfect weather we had, which was a crisp 76 degrees of pure sunshine. It was a reminder of the beauty of living in the moment, appreciating the small, simple joys that life offers.

Subscribe to Craft Extraordinary Content With Everyday StoriesLearning from Vanessa Lau: A Lesson in Sacred SimplicityDuring this time, I watched a video by Vanessa Lau, an influential content creator who recently returned from a sabbatical. Vanessa chose to step back at the height of her career to prioritize her well-being—a decision that resonates deeply with the concept of sacred simplicity. It’s about making life choices that honor our deepest needs and values, rather than constantly pushing for more.

Vanessa’s courage to choose herself over perpetual business growth is a powerful testament to the strength found in simplicity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves and our businesses is to take a step back, reflect, and recalibrate.

Sacred Simplicity in MarketingIn the realm of digital marketing, sacred simplicity can transform how we approach content and engagement. It’s about stripping back the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters—connecting with our audience in authentic and meaningful ways.

For instance, my philosophy of “Everything is Content” is an embodiment of this simplicity. It’s about seeing the value in everyday interactions and experiences and using them to engage with your audience more naturally and effortlessly. This approach not only makes content creation more accessible but also makes it more relatable to your audience, who sees real-life applications of your teachings and insights.

Feedback and Iteration: The Heartbeat of SimplicityAs we navigate through business and life, gathering feedback and being open to change are crucial. This episode itself is an experiment in simplicity—no script, no bullet points, just raw and real conversation. I would love to hear from you about how this format works for you. Does the spontaneity add to the authenticity, or do you find a more structured approach more helpful?

Your feedback is invaluable as it helps refine my approach and ensure that the content I provide aligns with your needs and preferences. This iterative process is simplicity in action—cutting out the noise and honing in on what genuinely adds value to our conversations.

Concluding Thoughts on Sacred SimplicityAs we wrap up today’s episode, I encourage you to think about how you can incorporate sacred simplicity into your own life. Whether it’s decluttering your physical or digital spaces, taking a sabbatical to focus on personal growth, or simplifying your marketing strategies, remember that there’s profound power in reducing complexity.

Thank you for joining me on this freestyle journey. I appreciate each and every one of you for tuning in and sharing this space with me. I’m excited to continue exploring these themes and more, always striving to find that sacred balance that enhances our personal lives and professional endeavors. Let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time, embrace simplicity, seek joy, and live with purpose.

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I think it’s safe to say most content creators are using AI for content creation these days.But I thought I’d go deeper, specifically with how I use it.

There are a few different ‘camps’ when it comes to AI, and some of them are totally over my head.

In other words, I’m not sure I really care how it works, what LLMs are doing, which companies have completed a new round of billions of dollars invested, or whether Nvidia or AMD is producing more chips.

All I care about is how I can use it in my business to do one of two things (I’ll go deeper with each of these below):

• Get clarity and create
• Cut down the time it takes to complete things

I haven’t gotten into much in terms of automations or having AI do tasks I don’t want to do, but that’s mainly because I don’t have a significant need for it right now.

My primary focus with AI right now is on using it for content creation.

I write all of my podcasts, blog posts, and emails. In other words, none of this is generated by AI (probably obvious, but you know what they say about assuming).

I’ve created one post with the help of AI (you can read that here) because I wanted to test creating an outline, seeing what the output was, and then adjusting from there. It was a good experience and process, and I’ll use it again for a couple of more in-depth tutorial posts I’m working on.

For example:

I’m in the process of moving from ConvertKit to beehiiv (at the time of writing this post).

As beehiiv continues to grow, I know a lot more people will be making this move, and I think it’s a great way to get traffic to the site, attract new subscribers (people making this move are definitely my target market), and make some affiliate commissions along the way.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKHere’s the prompt I used to start this post:

Good afternoon! I’d love your help writing an epic blog post (that I’ll create a video for as well) on the process of moving an email list, subscribers, newsletter, and automations from ConvertKit to beehiiv. Is this something you can help me with? I want this to be super clear, easy to understand and highly optimized for SEO. I’ll convert the blog post into a PDF that people can download as well. What do you need from me to get started?

By the way, that’s one of my favorite ways to start a conversation with ChatGPT (yes, I call them conversations).

I give simple context about what I want to accomplish, then ask what it needs from me to get started to accomplish what I’ve asked for.

I don’t want to get into the weeds with detailed prompts (I think I may start doing some video on this), but I want to give you an example of how I’m using it) – but the initial question of “what do you need from me” will help you get the best result possible.

OK, let’s look at the first of the two bullets I mentioned first.

Using AI for Content Creation to Gain Clarity and CreateFirst, I treat ChatGPT (or Chatty as I call her) as more of a partner than a tool, which is why I write in a conversational manner as opposed to simply imputing prompts.

I find the entire process way more enjoyable, and the relational nature works for my brain. So, I talk to ChatGPT rather than dictating to it.

Here are a handful of things I’ve used ChatGPT/AI for this week for clarity and creating content (btw, I use ClaudeAI and have started playing with Gemini. I tend to default to ChatGPT out of habit more than anything).

1. Images: I LOVE using DALL-E inside of ChatGPT. I’m publishing regularly (aiming for daily) on Medium and will create a unique image with DALL-E. I stick with illustration-style images and tend to go for a Pixar look (I have to entertain the kid in me somehow).
2. Lead Magnet: I’m running ads on Facebook via Laurel Portié’s teaching and need to come up with a new lead magnet (she calls them value bombs). My videos are performing well, but no one is asking for the lead magnet. I took my Everything is Content ‘playbook’ (the original 5-part series), uploaded it, and worked with ChatGPT to turn it into something that was more of a workbook.
   • Once I validate that people want this, I’ll add it to my site and integrate it into the welcome sequence for my newsletter.
3. Content plan for a client, based on an SEO Ahrefs report: This was pretty genius if I say so myself. I manage content and social for one client. A friend ran an SEO report for me (I don’t have a paid Ahrefs account), so I uploaded the report and asked Chatty to give me 20 blog post ideas based on keywords and a detailed social plan (the prompt was a little more in-depth than that, but you get the idea).
4. Social Media post for LinkedIn: I’ll share more on LinkedIn later (I never thought I’d enjoy that platform, but there is a LOT of opportunity there!)- but I had a hook from a LinkedIn tool (tools below), and asked for help writing a post and bullets for the hook I was using.
5. LinkedIn Carousel, based on a Medium article I wrote: There’s another amazing tool I’m using for carousels, and I wanted to see if ChatGPT would give me better textual output (it did). I pasted the post in and it generated the headline and copy for each slide in the carousel.
6. Podcast meta description: I copy and paste the entire written post into ChatGPT and ask for a 255-character meta description with my keyword (I use this for the ID3 tag for the audio and the SEO description).
7. Custom GPT for Everything is Content: I’ve been working on my framework for EIC for a while and knew I wanted to show people how to use the framework with ChatGPT, so I created a custom GPT to get people started (I taught this in my first “Everything is Content” workshop).

That’s just a handful of ways I’ve used AI (specifically ChatGPT) to clarify and create content over the past week.

The clarity of piece of this may not be as direct as the content creation piece but in some ways it can be a little more fun.

When I’m trying to flesh out an idea or concept, it can take a few sessions with ChatGPT to accomplish what I want, but that’s to be expected (hence the desire to get clarity).

Often, I need to sit with something or revisit it the next day. I can tell when I need to do that because it feels a bit like I’m going in circles with ChatGPT. I’m not getting the output I want (or anything I can work with) because of the input (FYI: it’s safe to say that most of the time, it’s your input).

Using AI for Content Creation to Save TimeI get that I’m stating the obvious here, but it only saves you time if you have a good base or foundation from which to work.

It’s not that you can’t spit out content quickly, but if you do that without something solid behind you, you’ll end up with obvious AI-generated content that people (and search engines) can see through a mile away.

You also run the risk of damaging your brand/business.

Even as AI gets better (remember that it’s also learning to write in your voice the more you use it – when you’re consistent with the tools you’re using), you still need to make sure that what you put out sounds and feels like you.

While it depends on what you’re creating, using AI as a starting point can significantly cut down your creation time.

It’s also an incredible brainstorming tool.

Take my initial example above, give it some context as to what you’re trying to accomplish, and then ask it what it needs from you to get this done.

Just like anything else, the more you use AI, the more possibilities you’ll start to see. Then it becomes fun to test and try things – especially if you do it in a conversational tone and talk with it as opposed to copying and pasting prompts (BOR-ING 🤣).

Suggestion:

Pick 1-3 types of content and platforms you’re going to focus on.

For me, that’s my own site, Medium, LinkedIn, and soon, YouTube (technically, that’s 4, but I’ve been doing this for a while).

When you find what works for you, create your own process and customGPT if it makes sense.

For example:

This podcast episode becomes the following:

• Video for YouTube (and other platforms)
• Video shorts
• Post on Medium
• Social content
• Email (to drive people back to listen)

Because I have the original content and wrote it myself, it’s easier to edit any output I get from social (as opposed to starting from scratch with only AI-generated content).

So, a great custom GPT for me would be a podcast repurposing GPT. I have a friend who wants to know how to create a custom GPT, and I told her I’d do a video for her. Think I’ll create this and use the podcast repurposing GPT as my example.

This will allow me to open the customGPT and select one of four prompts:

• LinkedIn content
  • Carousel prompt
  • Text prompt (to create a few different text posts for LinkedIn)
• YouTube headline and description for that podcast episode
• Email to promote the podcast

You see how this starts to feel a bit like the Matrix (or inception)… it gets a little meta when you start drilling down in different directions.

If you focus on using AI for content creation for only a handful of things at first and make mastery of what you’re doing the goal (because you’ll want to measure how that content performs) – then there’s no where to go but up!

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKOK, let’s talk about some of my favorite tools when it comes to AI for content creation.

General writing:

1. ChatGPT: obviously 😉
2. ClaudeAI (Anthropic)
3. Gemini: I’m still getting my feet wet here
4. Neuron Writer: Same; I want to use this primarily for SEO purposes
5. CoSchedule Headline analyzer: I returned to this for headlines, and the AI is helpful.
6. Reactor.is: This is a new tool by Rob Lennon that is pretty amazing. I plan on doing a full post on it as well.

Video/Audio:

1. Opus.pro (will probably cancel because RiversideFM will create shorts)
2. Riverside FM
3. Jupitrr: Will be testing this again
4. Munch: Looking at this, but probably not until I ramp up video (have tested it)
5. CastMagic
6. Canva

Graphics/Social

1. DALL-E (ChatGPT)
2. Canva
3. ai carousels (LOVE LOVE LOVE this tool)
4. Supademo (doing an in-depth post on that too)
5. Gamma.app
6. MyMarky.ai
7. Taplio

Chrome Extensions

I had a great extension I was using for folders and removed it, sort of by accident. It added a second panel that I thought was something else, so I deleted it. Now I can’t find it again (I will keep looking for it).

Most of the Chrome extensions for ChatGPT felt like they just added clutter and didn’t really save me much time (patience isn’t my strong suit).

I’ve encountered plenty, tried them, and may revisit them in the future, but for now, my focus is elsewhere.

There are plenty of other tools I share and have mentioned in my newsletter (which, if you’re not subscribed to, can be found at KimDoyal.com/the-SPARK), but there is only so much time in the day.

My focus has to be on what I’m currently doing and whether a tool is a distraction that creates more work or helps me focus on what I’m doing.

There are a lot of AI tools out there that focus on one element of content or marketing, but unless they have something unique (like Rob Lennon’s Reactor.is or Neuron Writer for SEO), then for the most part, I can do a lot of that directly in ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

AI tools are pretty fun to play with, but I have to be careful not to get sidetracked.

The only other tool I want to really take a look at and test is Content at Scale, but for $249 a month, it may come later (I’d rather put the budget towards ads).

And just like everything else in content, marketing, and business (well, life really), it takes consistent practice and the use of tools to find exactly what works for you.

We’re still in the very early stages of all of this, so the sooner you can adopt AI into your own content creation process, the better.

Keep in mind that you certainly don’t have to adopt using AI for anything… but I have a feeling it will eventually become a situation of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”

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Organic traffic still works.

It’s not that I thought it didn’t, but in many ways, I think I had resigned myself to thinking it was so much harder than it used to be.

In some ways, it is harder, but in other ways, we have so many tools at our fingertips (AI) that there’s no reason you can’t test and try things much faster. You can get data in 90 days that will tell you what’s working.

Depending on how long you’ve been online (i.e., you’re not starting from scratch), you may get results much faster.

I’ve seen some pretty fun results in only a few weeks.

Let’s get into it.

After 16 years online, you would think I would have learned to “never say never”… but here I am, changing my tune.

Fortunately, I’m pretty transparent about these little lessons I go through and have no shame in sharing that I’ve changed my mind.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKIdeally, when we know better, we do better, right?

Mind you, things change so quickly online (especially with AI now) that we better learn to be comfortable changing our minds and trying new things (once we have the fundamentals in place, anyway).

The best part of what I’m experiencing right now is that this is all happening because of ONE thing.

And I’m on a mission to help you figure out your ONE thing.

And no, this doesn’t mean you only have ‘one thing’ in your business (I’m speaking to all of you multi-passionate entrepreneurs who, bless you, can manage multiple offers, directions, or businesses).

I’m talking about starting with one core content idea that is part of your foundation.

For now, let’s call this “One to Many.”Let me back up a bit and explain how this relates to organic traffic still works.

I won’t go too deep into my journey, as I’ve shared it multiple times on the podcast. You can get a snapshot of that on my About page.

Over the last 16 years, I spent the first 10 years as ‘The WordPress Chick,’ pivoted to my personal brand, started focusing on content marketing, launched a content planner (with a strategy, not a fill-in-the-blank), added email marketing and newsletters to the mix, and have come back to content marketing as my core focus.

My ‘complementary’ categories to content marketing are email & newsletters and using AI for content marketing.

Now, let’s talk a bit about social media.

Which I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with.

Because of the clarity I’ve gained with my ONE thing (for now, let’s call it Core Content), I’ve jumped back in full force and am happily gaining some traction and, thankfully, traffic.

I attribute the results I’m getting to a few things:

• Not starting from scratch
• Having a presence on most platforms (regardless of recent engagement)
• LOVING what I’m doing again

This isn’t to say you can’t start from scratch and get results because, of course, you can.

It just might take a little longer.

But here’s the thing: time is going to pass whether you do the work or not, so you may as well do it now.

And the work I’m referring to is creating, publishing, and promoting your content.

Which will always differentiate you from people who want to do things quickly and easily. Especially with AI…

I LOVE using AI in my business – but I also know what I’m doing, who I’m talking to, how I want to serve them, and what my business goals are.

I’m not under any illusion that AI can replace my voice.

What it can do is help me define, iterate, and dig deeper with ideas.

OK… let’s get back to the ONE thing and how I’ve used it to start getting some great results with organic traffic again.

My ONE ThingFor anyone who is listening to or reading this and is feeling resistance to the one thing (even though I stated that it doesn’t mean you only do one thing in your business), stay with me!

I used to have a massive resistance to this, too.

Here’s a perfect example.

There’s a book called “The ONE Thing:The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller. Here’s how much I’ve resisted this whole concept.

I purchased this book… TEN YEARS ago, and I am finally reading it. 🤦‍♀️

What the hell, Doyal?

All is well. This is probably a case of “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

And ya’ girl is ready.

This entire thing started when I was feeling frustrated on a Sunday when I was trying to plan my week. I went into more detail about this in a previous episode (you can listen here), but the TL;DR is that instead of trying to force myself to figure something out, I got up from my desk and did something else.

Later that afternoon, I felt inspired to write an email series.

Based on “Everything is Content.”

The hashtag I created six years ago when I started focusing more on writing and turning stories into email, content, and ultimately, sales.

This 5-part email series was sent Monday through Friday.

I didn’t overcomplicate things, make a big plan, create a mind map, or do any research.

I simply wrote one email a day out of inspiration and a desire to get back to something I loved.

Before I get into how this has all evolved, I also want to say that this doesn’t mean it’s the ONLY thing in your business that you create content about from now on.

Creating Core Content, which is based on ONE idea- meaning – it’s not necessarily pillar content from an SEO perspective (that’s a whole other conversation)- it’s about taking ONE idea and creating tons of content around it to get leverage and drive organic traffic.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKHere’s a doodle that gives you an idea of what I’ve created from ONE core content idea:

Leveraging The ONE Thing and My Content StrategyI received great feedback from the email series, which is part of the reason I ran with Everything is Content again.

Plus… I really love the concept.

There’s a level of freedom that comes with “Everything is Content,” which makes it super easy to keep creating. When I feel I can only create content on one topic (niche down!), I feel stifled and get bored.

Starting in early March, I decided to start publishing on Medium again.

I’ve been on the platform for a long time (2015?) and have primarily been repurposing content there (you can do this by setting the canonical URL).

I also joined their partner program (you get paid when people engage with your stories when you set them as ‘Member Only’ content). I hadn’t done this in the past because I thought you couldn’t have affiliate links in your content.

Affiliate marketing isn’t my business strategy, but I’m an affiliate for tools I use and like. It’s kind of like the icing on the cake.

Turns out all you need to do is include a disclaimer that there may be affiliate links. Note to self: you know what they say about assuming. 😉

My goal with Medium isn’t to create a full-time income with my writing. It’s to attract my ideal customer to me, create some new connections, and grow my list. The earnings are a bonus.

Since I began this experiment less than a month ago I’ve made over $40 on the platform. And of course, previous articles continue to earn with more engagement (reads, views, claps, and comments).

I’m also actively engaging with other writers’ work.

I think by the end of the year, I could be up to $1k a month on Medium, which would easily cover my business expenses (excluding paid traffic).

I’m going to create a separate landing page that I send Medium traffic to (for my opt-in), but for now, I’m pretty pleased. I have no doubt this is contributing to the increase in my website traffic, too.

That’s in the last 30 days.

The final kicker for me was when I logged into ConvertKit today to send an email and saw that the last six people to opt in all came through my opt-in form on my site (my SPARK Popup).

I’m still in the ‘Creator Network’ and get people through there, but many of them don’t stick around.

I haven’t turned that off yet because I’ll wait until I make the move to beehiiv (more on that in the next episode). I’m hoping to start that process later this week and be done by next week.

We’ll see if the subscribers through beehiiv’s network stick around longer. Side note: I don’t think it’s the quality of the person subscribing but the method through which they subscribe.

I think of these referral engines as barely one step above cold emailing.

There’s so little context about who you are or why they subscribed, even with the best of follow-up sequences.

Back to leveraging the ONE thing.

I’m now adding LinkedIn and YouTube into the mix.

I’ve been on both platforms for years, but since pivoting from The WP Chick to my personal brand in 2018, I haven’t done much with either.

Previously, I would push content to LinkedIn and post videos here and there on YouTube, but I didn’t want to jump back in until I was clear on a strategy.

In other words, what I would be creating content about… consistently.

Getting clear on my ONE thing (Core Content, which is “Everything is Content”... talk about getting meta), has made all the difference in the world.

The other piece of this flow and focus I’m in now is how I’m integrating the personal with the professional (my business).

Once I made the decision in January to move back to Costa Rica this summer (for the foreseeable future), I realized one of the things I miss most about living there was the ease and simplicity of my life.

It really is “Pura Vida,” – which means pure life:

I realized I could easily integrate that into my business as well.

Not only are the photos on my site (background photos on pages) of Costa Rica (that I’ve taken or friends have taken), but I’m removing and eliminating things from my business that don’t give me that feeling.

And I’m LOVING it.

Streamlining, simplifying, and staying focused has been GOLD.

I had been working on a website rebrand for a while but couldn’t put my finger on what was missing.

As soon as I realized it was more of a feeling than a look, it all came together.

And it’s lit a fire in me to create my own strategy for growth.

As you Can see, Organic Traffic Still Works.While I continue testing and trying things (everything will get at least a 90 day commitment, but honestly, my plan is to focus on a few things for the remainder of the year), I’ll be doubling down on “Everything is Content” with paid traffic too.

One week into running my first set of ads based on Laurel Portié’s $5-a-day strategy, I’m getting clearer and clearer.

My lead magnet isn’t working (sharing my custom GPT), but I’m getting video views.

What this means is that I’ll be turning off one or two ads while adding one or two more. As soon as I’ve replaced the videos with a new lead magnet (Laurel calls these ‘value bombs’), I’ll continue iterating on the copy and the value bomb until I find one that’s working.

I’ll also be doing more surveying of my list and audience.

The best way to figure out what problems people are having is by asking them (I know, duh).

Most people want to stay behind their screens, though, and not have actual conversations (And I’ll admit, I love me some no-call weeks), but when you take the time to talk to people, you’ll understand where they’re stuck and find the exact language they use (helping you to speak in their own words).

To ensure I’m on the right track, I’ll share updates on all of this once a month.

It may be via email (so make sure you’re on my email list), a podcast, a video, or a blog post.

I guess it depends on what else is going on.

Regardless, I’m incredibly excited to see how this all unfolds.

All of the initial data is very promising, which is definitely inspiring me to keep going.

And if you’re interested in the first live cohort of “Everything is Content,” click here (if the date has passed, you should be redirected to sign up for the next round).

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There is something so absolutely freeing about getting older.

I was texting with a friend in Costa Rica the other day to set up a time to chat. I had been hoping to go down in April to bring some stuff down before my move in July, but with my Dad selling his house, I decided not to.

In our text conversation, we both said that we would put it on our calendars and put sticky notes everywhere so we didn’t forget. Last time we set a time to chat, we both spaced.

This was what I said to her:

I don’t think much about how much time and energy I’ve spent worrying about things that don’t matter. That’s a complete waste.

I do, however, make conscious decisions every day to choose my thoughts. To make today different than yesterday.

I was listening to a video with Dr. Joe Dispenza (who is amazing, by the way, if you’re remotely interested in neuroscience and being able to change your life with your thoughts), and he was saying that the hardest thing to do is to make sure you don’t think the same thoughts you had yesterday. 🤯

The absolute best way to do this is to tune out the things that no longer serve you.

I have always been fairly transparent about what I’m doing in my business, including sharing the challenges and struggles.

In fact, I’ve probably been more transparent about those than the wins.

God forbid I toot my own horn.

As I’ve gotten older and hit, ahem, mid-life (no one tells you that no matter how old you are, you still feel like a younger version of yourself), I’ve come to the realization that I better start tooting my own horn.

Especially as a woman.

In addition to learning to be fiercely protective of my goals and dreams, I’ve also become fiercely indifferent to others’ opinions.

My old self included

If I can share my lessons, challenges, and hell, yes, my wins… and it inspires even one person on their journey, it’s worth it.

It’s probably also because I feel that so much of what we’ve been taught and is accepted in society has been structured around what works for men.

It’s bullshit.

But I don’t want to go sideways here with any of that. All it will do is piss me off and get me worked up, which doesn’t help anyone.

What I want to focus on in this episode is the massive progress, clarity, and focus I have in my business in hopes that it will inspire you to do the same.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKWhat The Old Me Would Have Been Embarrassed to AdmitTrying to summarize this in one clear statement isn’t as easy as I thought, but I want to give you something so you know where this episode is going.

It feels like I FINALLY “Get it.”

As in, I’m finally fitting all the pieces of the puzzle together in order to create a business I love on my terms and get it working like a well-oiled machine.

And yes.

It’s taken 16 years to get here.

This is probably also why I’ve adopted the phrase “It takes what it takes” (seriously, good quotes hit my soul deeply).

This isn’t to say that I’ve been waffling for sixteen years or didn’t know what I was doing. I truly believe that everything I’ve done had a purpose and brought me to exactly where I am today, which, quite frankly, is FIYAH.

I did a visual of my journey in 2022 and since I have more to add to it, for now, here’s a quick synopsis of my timeline 👇:

March 2008Started my business and launched ‘The WordPress Chick’ – blogging and building websites.

Spring 2013Launched “The WPChick Podcast,” created an outsourcing company, and started coaching.

Summer 2016Created the Facebook Group, Content Creators and start pivoting more into Content Marketing (less WordPress)

Summer 2018Pivoted to my personal brand, redirect WPChick to KimDoyal.com

Fall 2018Partner with a friend to launch an e-commerce brand and physical content planner, the Content Creators Planner.

March 2020Move to Boise, ID and the world shuts down. Spend one year in Boise (way too cold).

Fall 2020Launch my #FtheHUSTLE Newsletter (an old hashtag I created years prior)

March 2021I decided to move to Costa Rica instead of renewing my lease in Boise. Moved there June 1st, 2021. 🏖

Spring 2022Think I’m going to go all in with #FtheHUSTLE. My focus now was on email marketing.

January 2023Change the name of my newsletter to “the SPARK” and decide to move back to California.

March 2024Still focused on the SPARK and have brought back “Everything is Content.” A hashtag I created in 2016. Decided I’m moving back to Costa Rica in July of 2024.

If you’re only listening to this, I’ve added a visual timeline so you can see this trajectory.

And, of course, this is the TL;DR version.

There have been other things mixed in there along the way.

Courses, coaching (still doing both), masterminds (participating and hosting), events, friendships, life struggles, heartache, you name it.

But that’s life, isn’t it?

Here’s what’s happened in my business since last May, which set everything in motion to get to what I’m sharing with you today.

After moving back to California last February and being hit with some of the heaviest snow in years (I’m at my Dad’s, which is about an hour southeast of Lake Tahoe), I got sick and then got shingles (seriously, wtf, right? That’s what a little stress will do to you).

It was a really rough few months, not to mention I was still healing from back surgery I had in Costa Rica in October of 2022.

In May 2023, I drove to Oregon for a weekend away with two dear friends. I met them online years ago, and we had created our own mini-mastermind of bi-weekly calls. It was the first time we had met in person.

I chose to drive because I love the time in the car listening to audiobooks or podcasts.

On my drive home, I listened to “Be Your Future Self NOW” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy, which changed everything.

When I got home, I wrote a letter from my future self, dated Dec. 31st, 2023. I also started bingeing as much of Ben Hardy’s content as possible and really started wrapping my head around prioritizing and setting a BIG goal.

I created a simple journaling habit (that I have kept up since May of 2023) and kept plugging away.

Then, in November, I was listening to a YouTube video by Dan Koe called “The Most Profitable Niche is You,” and it was like I had been struck by lightning.

It was absolutely in alignment with “Everything is Content” and was about letting go of trying to ‘niche down.

That’s when things started coming together.

In December, I wrote and recorded “Everything Is Content 2.0 – An Easy Guide To Getting Started KDS: 124,” and it was like I had opened a portal to what I was meant to do (how’s that for out there? Stick with me, this will all make sense).

Some of this came from a question a friend had asked me.

This is a dear friend who made a very conscious decision to trust herself and follow her heart. Because of that decision, she grew her business to half a million dollars in one year and is on track to hit a million this year.

Her question to me was, “What do you really want to do?”

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKI’ve always had a good mix of interest between the tangible and intangible.

I love technology, the Internet, and the ability to create things online and connect with people all over the world—which is the ‘tangible.’

I also love personal development, spirituality, mindset, and all the things we can’t necessarily ‘see’ – which are intangible.

The truth is, I need both – most people do, regardless of what that looks like. For some, it might be spirituality and yoga; for others, it might be nature; and for some, it might be traditional religion.

To each their own.

What matters is that you listen to it.

Here’s another amazing quote I read the other day. I absolutely LOVE this:

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who are alive.”

Howard Thurman

Powerful, isn’t it?

We do NOT need more of the same.

I don’t believe that you have to start with the problem you solve for people.

Which according to direct-response marketers, that’s pretty much blasphemy.

I’m not saying that you don’t need to solve problems for people – that’s why people buy because you have a solution they need.

What I’m saying is that trying to start from that point can create massive friction for people.

You’re better off creating things you want to create, sharing them, and then seeing what resonates.

I promise you your people are out there.

Back to the thing that the Old Me Would Have Been Embarrassed to Admit.I finally know what it is I’m supposed to be doing.

For the first time in a very, very long time, I feel crystal clear.

First and foremost, it’s claiming my skills, expertise, and how I can help people.

I know my purpose in this lifetime is to create and inspire.

I think I was just too worried about what other people would think if I combined this hybrid of tangible and intangible.

It wasn’t enough of a “niche.”

And as a reminder, plenty of people have created creator businesses without only talking about their niche.

I’m calling it my “anti-only-niche.”

I explained this in more detail in the “Getting Started with Everything is Content” episode, but it’s basically about coming up with one main category (niche) and subsequent categories that are of interest to you.

Not just subsets of the primary category.

Once all of this became clear, here’s what fell into place:

• I finally got my new website launched (current site, built with KadenceWP which is amazing)
• Decided to integrate Costa Rica into the brand (all my photos on my site are pics I’ve taken in Costa Rica, at least all the backdrop images)
• Took “Everything is Content” from an idea to an email series, to a workshop, coaching offer, and upcoming cohort
• I am eliminating and simplifying any chance I can get. For example, at the time of this recording, I’m moving from HighLevel to MemberVault because it was overkill for me. I don’t have an agency, don’t want one, and have no desire to white-label their software
• Since deciding to integrate Costa Rica into the brand (especially since I’m moving back), I’ve adopted the Pura Vida mentality in my business. I’m looking for any way possible to live “the good life” in everything I do.
• I might even bring a mascot into the brand, such as a cute sloth! How fun would that be?
• I’m simplifying my offers
• I’m letting go of tools and platforms I don’t like
• I’m doubling down on my commitment to master paid traffic (more on that soon)
• I’m tuning out from anyone or anything that says how things are “supposed” to be done
• I’m talking (creating) about what I want to talk about
• I’m going to promote myself and my work proudly
• I will make sure that I’m selling something every day

I’m also in the process of making sure all my social channels are up to date, my messaging is clear, and my brand feels cohesive and consistent across all channels (regardless of how active I may or may not be on them).

All of this feels like a long time coming…

And I’m OK with that.

Everything I’ve done has brought me here to this moment. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

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Someone has to go first.I don’t remember where I heard that (or read it), but it certainly struck a nerve.

I wrote it down because I knew it would be a podcast episode the minute I read it.

Before we go into that, though, let’s do a quick catch-up and recap, shall we?

I’m kind of tripping out that we’re almost halfway through March already.

Mind you, I’m not complaining. I looked at the weather for the next ten days, and after a couple of days of potential showers and clouds, it’s all blue skies, sunshine, and warmer weather (mid to upper 60s).

I feel like I’ve been quiet lately because I had the “Everything is Content” episodes ready to go (even if the last two didn’t go out when I had hoped).

I’m going to do a full break-down of Everything is Content now that I’ve:

• Published the email series and blog post
• Published the email series as videos and podcast episodes
• Republished the series on Medium
• Hosted my first live workshop
• I am about to offer the first live cohort

This is all part of a long-term strategy for me, and hot damn if it isn’t working.

The gas is about to be poured on this using Laurel Portié’s $ 5-a-day ad strategy, and I’m beyond excited to see how this all unfolds.

On the personal side of things…

I shared that I’ll be moving back to Costa Rica this summer sometime last month (maybe that’s why I’m tripping out that it’s mid-March already), and as the time gets closer, I’m getting more and more excited.

But there’s a lot to do in the meantime.

My Dad has finally decided to list his house for sale and is looking at moving down to the city where my siblings live (the same city where I raised my kids). We’re hoping to get the house up for sale before the end of the month.

Which means decluttering and getting the house ready for staging, photos, and viewings.

Keep in mind there are 56 years of stuff in this house. 😳

We’ve already started the process, and my siblings are coming up to help, so we should be able to knock things out by the end of this weekend.

And between you and I… I’m kind of hoping I’m not here for the actual move. I have done so much moving in the past five years I wouldn’t mind skipping this one (although I’ll be doing a lot of packing and purging before I leave).

That’s the beauty of moving back to Costa Rica... all I have to do is take my clothes, my dog, my computer, and any decor I want for my place. It’s completely furnished (although I will be hauling another mattress down).

OK… I think we’re all caught up now.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKLet’s get into “Someone Has to Go First”First, what I’m referring to here isn’t about being ‘first to market’ or ‘first to adopt’ (although I do think the ‘first to adopt’ comes into play here).

This is specifically related to content and the creator economy as we know it today.

When I was getting started in 2008, it felt like everyone was new to the online marketing space, and we were all figuring it out as a collective.

Of course, some direct-response marketers were much more seasoned and had brought their offline skills online, but for the most part, it was a fairly new space at the time.

Social media was new, blogging was still new, and earning a living online was like the Wild West.

I think we need to pretend it’s those early days again.

And not because of AI (which I love), saturated markets, pay-to-play social media platforms, or algorithms.

Because of the massive amounts of information at our fingertips, it feels like someone is already doing what we want to do or everyone already knows what we know.

I will assume I’m not the only one with those thoughts, so bear with me with the collective ‘we’ in this episode.

This is how I decided to bring back “Everything is Content.”

I created that phrase in 2016 and started actively using it in 2018.

We used it with the first content planner brand, and after we closed that brand, I wasn’t really sure what direction I was heading in.

My focus has always been digital marketing, content marketing, and, in the last few years, email and newsletters… but I felt ‘split’ between my personal brand and the content planner brand.

However, I’ve always shared my own journey, personal stories, and interests along with business content (the more you practice a ‘mash-up’ of this, the easier it gets).

Then I came across Dan Koe’s video “You Are the Most Profitable Niche,” and it felt like FINALLY! Someone else is saying what I’ve been thinking for years.

And then I start seeing content like this:

And who knows… I’m sure there’s an element of awareness happening here.

Meaning that once I became aware again of what I’m calling my “anti-ONLY-niche” stance, I started seeing it everywhere.

It’s kind of like when you purchase a new car, and all of a sudden, you start seeing it everywhere.

At the end of the day, though, none of that really matters.

What matters is that this changes the content game.

And I, for one, am here for it all.

What’s Getting in Your WayThe biggest thing I see getting in people’s way is knowledge bias.

Knowledge bias is “the curse of knowledge” or “the curse of expertise. It’s a cognitive bias where we incorrectly assume that everyone knows as much as we do on any given topic” (definition courtesy of Google).

Here’s the kicker with knowledge bias: it’s usually accompanied by its even more annoying friend, Imposter Syndrome (how fun is this image? Created by yours truly with the help of DALL-E).

Knowledge Bias causes us to undervalue our skills, knowledge, and expertise, believing that they’re not valuable enough or that we want to present something as good.

Imposter Syndrome has us feeling like we’re not skilled or knowledgeable enough to contribute.

Talking about both here is a perfect example.

Plenty of people have already written about Knowledge Bias and Imposter Syndrome. I could have very easily decided that I didn’t have enough to say or assumed that someone else had said it better.

The latter is absolutely possible.

But to whom?

This is based on the assumption that anyone listening to or reading this has the exact same experience as I do.

A tad ludicrous when you think of it that way, isn’t it?

I had a call last week with a woman who subscribed to my newsletter because she sent me this:

“Kim,

I love your newsletter!! I’m so grateful I stumbled on you while searching for ideas to start my own business towards the end of last year. I appreciate how real you are in your newsletters, the approach you take in business, and the guidance you share on living a happy life.

You inspire me in every email—it feels like we are BFFs because of how you share your thoughts and feelings. Thank you for putting yourself out there and inspiring my belief that I really will be able to start my own business.

I’m rooting for you and your success! 💕”

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKOvercoming Knowledge BiasSo, what do you about it?

To quote author Susan Jeffers, you “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

I know that’s not super helpful, so let’s get a little more specific:

1. Unique Perspectives Matter: We all have our own experiences, knowledge, and interpretations. That’s what makes us unique. What might seem obvious to one person is a mind-blowing experience to another. It is vitally important that you value your own experiences.
2. The Long Tail of Interest: There are 738 billion people on the planet, so there is plenty to go around. The vast internet reach means there’s likely an audience for whatever you’re passionate about (where most people drop the ball is in promoting their work).
3. Learning or Practicing in Public: This is some of the easiest content to create. You can’t get it wrong, and you’re never done. Sharing the learning process is just as valuable as sharing expert knowledge. Let go of thinking it might turn off a potential client or customer… it makes you relatable and trustworthy.

Take Mr. Beast, for example.

And confession… I’ve never actually watched any of his videos.

I have, however, heard a handful of people talk about him.

Dr. Benjamin Hardy talks about him in his book, ‘Be Your Future Self NOW,” when he tells the story of how Mr. Beast recorded a video from his future self, envisioning the growth he wanted for his YouTube channel.

Mr. Beast bet on himself.

He went from doing a little bit with his YouTube channel, where he posted uninspiring gaming videos, to a worldwide phenomenon (and an estimated net worth of $500 million).

You don’t have to want to be as big as Mr. Beast (I certainly don’t. I don’t have the desire or energy, haha)… but you do have to bet on yourself.

How This Applies to “Someone Has to Go First”Once you’ve been in business for a while, it’s easy to get caught up in the trap of “the same.”

We do the same things our peers, coaches, and creators whose products we’ve purchased are doing.

If it worked for them, we should be able to apply the exact same strategies and get the same results, right?

Wrong.

Solid marketing strategies work, especially when you apply them with the intention of creating and gathering data.

“Fill in the blank” doesn’t work.

This is my biggest pet peeve about writing templates.

Using formulas that worked for one person whose brand and voice are nothing like your own probably won’t work for you, AND… you won’t enjoy doing it because it doesn’t feel right.

And to reiterate a point I make over and over again: learning to write well on the web is the best thing you can do for your business.

• Someone Has to Go First: Progress and innovation require someone to go first. Take the first step; your audience is waiting for your unique voice and perspective. Breaking new ground doesn’t have to happen on a massive scale.
• The Ripple Effect: There are plenty of stories to draw from for inspiration from someone who started small (all of us, right?), and the idea took on a life of its own. The beauty of starting small is that it is how we learn and practice.
• The Iterative Process: I have fallen in love with this idea lately. It’s nothing new, but I finally “get it.” The nature of creating is an iterative process. The first attempt doesn’t have to be perfect. Each iteration is a step towards improving and finding your voice.
• Community and Collaboration: As the saying goes, no man (or woman), is an island. Communities and collaboration provide invaluable feedback. They also provide encouragement and support that help us overcome our own biases and fears.
• Imperfect Action Over Perfection: This might sound harsh, but claiming that you’re not hitting publish because you’re a perfectionist is an excuse. It’s how you keep yourself small. Starting is always more important than waiting for the perfect moment or idea or getting it ‘right.’ The creator economy (and when I say creator, I’m referring to content creators, coaches, course creators, and agencies) is starting to feel like a lot of ‘sameness’.

It kind of reminds me of home decor and trends, which, by the way, I’ve seen a lot of pushback on lately.

The idea is that we’re supposed to decorate our homes for ‘future resale’ value instead of making them feel like a space we want to live in (unless, of course, your intention is to move in, renovate, and resell in a short period of time).

Why wouldn’t you make it feel like YOU?!?!

The house I rented in Boise (in 2020) was very cookie-cutter and had a gray theme (which, thankfully, is on its way out). After a while, the walls felt like I was in prison.

The kitchen was beautiful, but that was about it. I added removable wallpaper to the office, so I had a little color (best invention ever, by the way).

Your business should feel the same.

Like YOU.

Yes we’re supposed to know who we’re talking to and the problems we solve for them. Put aside some of the principles of direct marketing and copywriting for a hot minute.

You need to be willing to listen to what feels right for you.

And as a little disclaimer, remember that it may take time to find what “feels right.”

Be careful not to use that as an excuse for not starting.

Particularly if you’re not doing anything at all (in terms of publishing or driving traffic).

Regardless of what market, niche, or industry you’re in… you need traffic. That can come via paid acquisition (advertising) or organic content.

Ideally, you find a combination of both that works for you.

Either way… don’t be afraid to go first.

We need new voices and perspectives all the time.

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As we wrap up our incredible journey through the “Everything is Content” series, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound concept we’re diving into today: zigging when everyone else is zagging.

Throughout this series, we’ve explored various elements of content creation, but today, we’re tackling the essence of differentiation and the power of personalization in our content strategies.

There was a time when it was pretty easy to create semi-decent content and get picked up by search engines.

Those days are behind us (which, in many ways, is a good thing… content needs to be better. Especially since we’re competing with AI).

The BEST differentiator is who you are, your experiences, and your perspective.

Why do we zag when others zag?

Get the “Everything is Content’ Full 5-part Series HEREAt the core of every successful content strategy is a unique voice, a distinct perspective, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. It’s about finding what resonates with you and, by extension, connecting more deeply with your audience.

During this series, we’ve established that all platforms work and all strategies can be effective.

Still, the magic happens when you align your content creation with your personal passion, consistency, and the joy of sharing your story.

This alignment isn’t just about being different for the sake of it; it’s about embracing what works for you and amplifying it.

Let’s debunk a common myth: the idea that certain marketing strategies or platforms are “dead.”

You’ve heard it before – “Email marketing is dead,” “Blogs are out,” “Social media is oversaturated.” 🥱

Here’s the truth – for every strategy declared extinct, there’s someone out there proving it wrong, thriving and creating impactful, meaningful content.

The key is not in the platform or the strategy itself but in how you use it to convey your unique message and connect with your audience.

Consider this: While some may argue that ad costs are soaring and traditional methods are fading, I’ve seen friends launch successful businesses solely through Facebook ads, targeting cold traffic with innovative, low-cost strategies that captivate and convert.

Their secret?

Understanding their audience, refining their offer, and staying true to their vision.

Moreover, the debate between long-form and short-form content, videos and podcasts, and blogging and microblogging often misses the point.

The medium is just a vessel; your content’s heart and soul come from your personal experience, your voice, and your passion.

So, how do you find your unique path in this crowded content landscape?

Start by choosing one or two types of content that feel natural to you.

Commit to consistently creating, whether through Instagram reels, blog posts, podcasts, or any medium that sparks joy in you.

Give it time, be patient, and watch as your unique voice starts to resonate with an audience that’s been yearning for something different, something authentically you.

Remember, the goal isn’t to churn out content for the sake of visibility.

It’s about creating content that matters, content that makes a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just one person.

As we’ve explored throughout this series, “Everything is Content” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a mindset, a reminder that our stories, experiences, and insights are valuable and deserve to be shared.

As we wrap up this special series, I invite you to join me in embracing the power of personal content creation.

Let’s not just follow the trends; let’s set them.

Let’s not just create content; let’s create connections.

Most importantly, let’s remember that in a world where everyone is zagging, the ziggers are not just seen—they’re remembered, celebrated, and followed (I couldn’t resist using “ziggers” 😉).

Here’s to creating content that’s as unique as you are, to find your voice in the cacophony, and to the incredible journey of zigging when the world zags.

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Welcome back to part 4 of our enlightening series, “Everything is Content.”

This episode is all about documenting, but with a twist.First, thank you for following along. If you’re just tuning in, I suggest checking out the first three parts—they all intertwine beautifully.

Part 1: Connecting Through Vulnerability

Part 2: Telling Your Stories

Part 3: Creating Content Karma

Today, we’re exploring the art of documenting, but not in the way you might expect.

In this series, we’ve covered a lot, from marketing principles to deeper dives into mindset.

It’s all about crafting a business and life you adore on your terms. Marketing, remember, is a journey meant to be enjoyed, and I’m here to guide you through it, ensuring you never forget that you’ve got this, no matter the challenge.

Today’s twist on documenting is inspired, in part, by Gary Vee’s mantra, “Document, don’t create.”

While I appreciate the simplicity, not all of us have a D-Rock in our lives or have daily routines that make for captivating content. 😉

Despite this, I’ve found a way to make my seemingly mundane activities not only interesting but also profitable.

Download the Everything is Content Playbook HERETake, for example, my recent decision to switch from ConvertKit to beehiiv for my email marketing. This wasn’t a decision made lightly, but upon hearing about beehiiv’s updates and improvements, I knew it was time.

I decided not just to make this switch but to document the entire process, turning it into an invaluable resource for others—and a profitable asset for myself.

This documentation will be an epic blog post detailing the why, the how, and the integration processes with other tools like Convertbox, Zapier, and Integrately.

The aim is not just to share my journey but to guide others through their own transitions, making the process as seamless as possible.

Moreover, by leveraging AI tools for creating outlines and SupaDemo for screen recordings, I’m ensuring this post is as informative and user-friendly as possible. This isn’t just about sharing my experience; it’s about creating a comprehensive guide that others can follow step by step.

But here’s the twist: by making this move and documenting it, I’m attracting my ideal audience.

Those interested in this transition are likely already engaged with email marketing, understand its value, and are my ideal subscribers. This documented journey isn’t just content; it’s a magnet for like-minded individuals who are perfect for my community.

Additionally, this content will be optimized for SEO, ensuring it reaches a wider audience. By providing massive value through this evergreen content, I’m setting the stage for long-term relationships, affiliate opportunities, and even potential product offerings related to email marketing and content creation.

I’m also considering driving paid traffic to this post.

Because this post can be monetized (as an affiliate for beehiiv), it makes sense to create this ‘epic post’ (really a complete guide on moving from ConvertKit to beehiiv) and put a little money behind it.

As well as a solid social campaign.

I’d probably start with a simple ad on Facebook and Instagram and see if I can target ConvertKit users, beehiiv (not sure if that audience exists on Facebook yet), and email marketing.

I’ll also convert the blog post into a downloadable PDF with screenshots and links to any relevant videos, including my beehiiv affiliate link.

Depending on how long the post is, I may repurpose it and post it on Medium as well (side note: Medium is a great place to repurpose written content because people on Medium are readers! They’re much more likely to become subscribers as well).

Because this post has affiliate links, it also has the potential to become a profitable asset.

In wrapping up, I encourage you to think about how you can apply this twist to your documenting efforts.

It’s not just about sharing your day-to-day; it’s about finding those gems in your routine that can be transformed into valuable, engaging content.

And as we continue this series, remember, there’s always a way to zig when everyone else is zagging.

Stay tuned for the final installment of this special series, where we’ll explore that very concept. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to register for the “Everything is Content” workshop to dive even deeper into these strategies.

Thanks for following along. Remember: in the world of content creation, everything—and I mean everything—is content.

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Embracing the Concept of Content KarmaToday, we’re diving into a concept I’m super excited about—let’s call it “content karma” for now.

The concept isn’t rocket science, but it’s an incredibly easy way to publish when you’re getting started or even when you’re stuck for ideas (or simply trying to find your voice).

I’ve actually been thinking that I’m going to schedule in some time, every morning, to focus solely on engaging and sharing other peoples content. You can also do this with tools, platforms, and things you use to run your business.

Sometimes, it’s easier to get momentum by sharing what other people are doing… plus, it’s goodwill and feels good. 😉

Side note: If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend Matthew Dicks’ enlightening book, “Storyworthy,” which revolutionized my view on storytelling and content creation. The idea is simple yet powerful: We’re all storytellers, and by harnessing this innate skill, we can endlessly craft engaging content.

Download the “Everything is Content” Playbook HEREWhy Highlighting Others Works WondersHighlighting and sharing others’ work has been a key part of my journey, especially during my early days as the WordPress Chick.

I had a lot of ‘imposter syndrome’ when I was “The WPChick” because I wasn’t a coder or developer. I was simply sharing my journey into the internet marketing space and my love for WordPress. I found it a lot easier to share the tools I was using, people who were doing great things in the WordPress space, and friends I had connected with.

I not only carved out my niche but also discovered a formula for content creation that felt both comfortable and authentic.

A huge turning point for me was when I launched “The WPChick Podcast.” This allowed me to amplify others’ voices and, in turn, my own. This approach is not just about creating content—it’s about building connections and community.

With a podcast (or video) where you’re interviewing and highlighting someone else, you’re basically saying, “Let me use my platform to share your message.”

This will more than likely create some incredible new friendships/connections that will support your growth as you continue on your own journey. That being said, give and do this with zero expectations.

A Project Close to My HeartHere’s another example of something I’d like to do (similar to this special series of “Everything is Content.”

I’ve been digging into my own sort of ‘money reinvention’ and have found some incredible women I’m learning from (books, podcasts, etc.).

I want to do a series where I interview up to 10 women in finance and entrepreneurship.

Obviously, I’ll gain something from this beyond content (because I’m super interested in talking with them and learning more about their own journeys). Still, the goal really is to share their impactful messages with my audience.

Besides just having valuable content and sharing their messages, I’ll also gain insight into the interest level of my audience when it comes to talking about money and finance.

How You Can Make Your Own Value DepositsCreating value deposits, or what I like to call “content karma,” is about sharing, highlighting, and promoting the work of others. Here are some ways you can start making your own deposits:

• Roundup Lists: Compile lists of people, tools, and resources that have influenced you.
• Mentors: Share the work of both official and unofficial mentors whose teachings have impacted your journey.
• Content Sharing: Promote content that resonates with you, whether it’s through newsletters, social media, or personal recommendations.
• Engagement: Actively engage with others’ content to help increase its visibility.

The Ripple Effect of GivingBy focusing on giving rather than receiving, you create a win-win situation: your audience gains valuable insights, and you help boost the visibility of others within your community.

Whenever I think of doing things like this (kind of like a ‘good deed’), I think of an episode of Friends where Joey tells Phoebe there’s no such thing as a selfless good deed.

Meaning, anytime we do something nice for someone else, we win too. 🥰 Of course, Phoebe works hard to find a good deed that is selfless, but she comes up short.

Looking AheadAs we continue our series, remember that in the realm of content creation, everything—and everyone—is worth celebrating. Stay tuned for our next discussion on documenting with a twist, and let’s keep spreading those value deposits far and wide.

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Telling Your StoriesWhen Content Becomes Personal: My Journey Through Storytelling

I’m thrilled to dive deep into a topic that’s close to my heart and crucial for creators, coaches, and course creators everywhere: the power of personal storytelling in content creation.

In the world of copy and content, there’s a prevailing notion that it’s all about the reader, not about us, the creators.

But let’s face it, that’s only half the story.

The truth is, we’re in the business of connection, of building relationships with our audience through the stories we share, the experiences we recount, and the vulnerabilities we expose.

I’ve always believed in the magnetic pull of Telling Your StoriesThey’re the threads that weave the fabric of our connections, making our audience feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s why I’ve anchored my content creation around a core content value: I want people to feel better for engaging with my content.

Whether through learning something new, enjoying a moment of levity, or feeling a heart-to-heart connection, it’s about enriching the lives of those who stumble upon my work.

Take, for example, my journey through one of life’s harshest realities: loss.

In 2003, life threw me a curveball that would forever change my trajectory. I was widowed at 32, left to navigate the world as a single mother of two small children (my kids were 6 & 2 when their Dad died).

This part of my story, a marker of my resilience and transformation, was something I initially kept close to my chest, mentioned briefly on my About page, yet it was a pivotal chapter in my life.

It wasn’t until 2017, on the anniversary of my husband’s death, that I chose to share this deeply personal story with my audience in an email titled “In Loving Memory and a Personal Message of Hope.”

The outpouring of responses was overwhelming, a testament to the power of vulnerability in forging deeper connections. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: our stories, no matter how often we’ve shared them, are always new to someone in our audience.

Download the “Everything is Content” Playbook HEREThey provide hope and remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles.But sharing personal stories is not about airing every detail of our lives; it’s about finding the balance between personal and private. It’s about sharing those moments that illuminate our humanity, that make us relatable, that show we’re more alike than we are different.

For instance, a seemingly trivial incident like falling down the stairs while distracted by my phone became a metaphor for the importance of staying present, of paying attention to what’s right in front of us.

The ‘falling-down-the-stairs’ story I shared with my audience wasn’t just a humorous anecdote; it was a reflection on mindfulness in both life and business.

You might be wondering what the whole point of that email was.

Sure, there was a pivot and a call to action—though I can’t quite recall what it was, whether it was to click through to a podcast, a blog post, or an offer. The real value, however, lies in the fact that we’re all human.

I don’t take myself too seriously, and that aspect of my personality makes me more relatable and approachable.

Sharing personal stories and experiences is invaluable because, like many of you, I find myself far more creative when I’m inspired or feel a genuine connection. While keyword-based articles, how-to guides, and case studies certainly have their place in content creation—a place that’s not disappearing anytime soon—I believe their presentation will evolve with AI.

It’s crucial to remember that you are the differentiator in everything you create.

Your energy, your voice, your humor, and even your highs and lows are all uniquely yours. Dr. Seuss said it best: “No one is You-er than You.”

This is precisely why sharing personal stories and experiences is so important.

This post, part of a five-part series, originally began as an email series before I turned it into blog content and now video content. I discuss how to weave stories into learning content, using my experience at Funnel Hacking Live 2018 as an example.

It was the last time I attended the event, and likely my last, but I shared my experiences and two significant epiphanies I had. Despite not using ClickFunnels anymore and having a love-hate relationship with it, the key takeaway is my willingness to share both my successes and failures.

This transparency makes me more relatable in a world obsessed with highlight reels.

I’ve also shared stories that may seem trivial but are deeply relatable, like feeling exhausted at large events, which is a sentiment many share.

Download the “Everything is Content” Playbook HERESharing your stories is crucial, and to help you get started, I challenge you to come up with three content ideas:

• Share a heartfelt story about overcoming a challenge
• Something funny that reminds people not to take life too seriously
• A case study or recap of an event, webinar, or book that impacted you.

More than anything, it’s vital to give your content a chance to succeed by promoting it.

When I started, I didn’t worry about what people thought because I was learning and growing. This ‘ignorance is bliss’ approach allowed me to dive in without fear.

As you grow in your craft, remember to share your stories.

They are what will set you apart in a world filled with AI and uniformity. And please avoid relying solely on templates.

Learn to write well for the web, and study frameworks and best practices to help your business stand out.

That wraps up this podcast on the importance of storytelling in content.

Keep an eye out for the next part of “Everything is Content,” where I’ll delve into the concept of the value deposit.

For those interested in diving deeper, I’m hosting a live workshop on March 6th at 11 AM Pacific Time. If you can’t make it live, a recorded version will be available for purchase, or you can sign up for the next live session. I’m committed to running this workshop repeatedly to gather the data I need to understand where most people get stuck with their content creation.

Thanks for tuning in, and I look forward to sharing more insights in part three tomorrow.

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Connecting Through Vulnerability – Part 1: A Special SeriesHey, guys. What’s going on before we get into today’s episode? This is a special series that I’m doing this week. It’s a 5 part series based on Everything is Content. Now you might remember, I don’t know, a month and a half ago, six episodes or so ago, I did an episode on Everything is Content 2.0. And I’ll link to that in the show notes for this.

I’m actually hosting an Everything is Content workshop, and so this is kind of a preview for that. This was a 5 part email series that I have since turned into videos, and now I’m doing this as a podcast. So you’ll get a taste of the 5 part framework. But I’m actually hosting an Everything is Content workshop, and so this is kind of a preview for that.

I know this sounds a little meta, and we’re getting a little into the matrix here, but I watch how I do this, but this is a taste of the framework itself. And again, you can go to kimdoyal.com/eicworkshop if you wanna join me in the live workshop I’m doing. It is on Wednesday, March 6th. So, depending on when you’re listening to this, if if that date has come and gone, then I’m going to be continuing to either do this live, or you’ll be able to get the workshop itself. Again, go to kimdoyal.com/eicworkshop. Alright, now here is part 1 of Everything is Content.

Hey there. It’s Kim Doyal, and welcome to my show where digital marketing meets real stories, experiences, and strategies.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working and not working in my business, as well as other experts who show up and share their stories. As much as I love talking about tangible marketing principles and tactics, we’ll dig a little deeper with the mindset and explore what’s required to create a business you love on your terms that also supports your life. I wanna help you understand the why behind the how.

Download the “Everything is Content” Playbook HEREWhether you’re a seasoned marketer or just dipping your toes in, remember that marketing is a journey, and the goal is to enjoy it. I desire to guide you on your journey and remind you that no matter what life throws at you, you’ve got this. Hey, guys.

What’s up? Kim Doyal here, and I’m doing a 5 part series called Everything is Content. Now, I came up with the hashtag Everything is Content back in 2016.

I’m not going to repeat that whole story here. Still, if you want a little more behind-the-scenes of how that came about, I did a whole podcast episode recently, and it was Everything is Content 2.0, which is an easy guide to getting started, you know, got to use those, what you call it, good headlines, right?

But this is all based on a 5 part email series where I’m giving actual examples of everything as content to show you how you can apply this to your own business and how it can translate into conversions, whether that’s leads or sales. Now, we’re going to go a little bit deeper with this. I’m also working on an ebook that I hope should be done within a month or so. I might do an audio version because I clearly love doing this, but these are what I do with this, so let me back up a little bit.

So, Everything is Content is based on the idea that I’m one who I hate keyword research. I know there’s value in SEO. I’m not negating that at all, but with AI, I feel like that’s kind of a race to the bottom, and who knows where it will be a year from now? But my whole goal with Everything is Content is to get people just to start creating, right? And seeing that there are content ideas all around us that fit under this umbrella in our business.

You don’t need to only talk about email marketing or for me, email marketing or content marketing. Right? Or I love using AI for content, but not necessarily to write for me. There’s a whole other marketing element that I use it for. But sometimes I want to talk about, hey, guess what? I’m moving back to Costa Rica. I am. Or, you know what? This is what I do when I feel out of alignment. Or, this is how I ground myself each day. So, all of those are under the umbrella of who I am in my business.

That’s where everything is content comes into play. All of our experiences are what contribute to who we are and how we move through the world. Right? So let’s get into it. Alright. So, the first example I’m going to give you is connecting through vulnerability. And this is when you’re frustrated and you need clarity to get moving. Okay? And there’s a lot of advice. Gary Vee made the phrase document, don’t create, very famous, or you’ve heard the term building in public.

And I have a good friend, Kevon Cheung, who created a cohort, and he’s great at that and about building in public. And but sometimes when you’re in the thick of things in your business and what you’re doing isn’t pretty or something you want to share, you don’t necessarily want to document that, nor I’m not saying, like, the build-in public, I prefer practice in public because sometimes you’re not necessarily building something that has a start and end date.

Right?

Building in public, to me, implies I’m making this thing. Therefore, there’s a clear process and a start and a finish. Right? It really implies a completion.

But what if what you’re doing or what you’re working on doesn’t really fit into either of those buckets? So here’s an example. This was, excuse me, a couple of weeks ago, and I was planning my week, and I was thinking about everything that needed attention in my business. And so I remember this clearly: it was a Sunday.

I kind of like to plan my week ahead on a Sunday. And my initial thought was just do this, like, master to-do list, kind of like a brain dump, right? But that started feeling overwhelming and not so fun.

Does everything really need to be addressed and dealt with right now?

No.

So, I started streamlining things last year based on the work of Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, but somehow, it can still feel like too much. And I have stuck with it for nine months; I’m not kidding you guys; I have a daily journal practice where I write down a mantra daily.

I have the three things I’m focusing on at night, three things I’m grateful for, three wins, and then I plan out the next day’s three things. And so I write them at night, and I rewrite them in the morning. Right? But the problem when you start doing these master to-do lists is that everything feels like a priority, which is silly, right?

Of course, there’s no way everything can be a priority.

Download the “Everything is Content” Playbook HEREOr I should say, my friend Lesley says this great saying, and it’s, “That’s not a problem today.”

Because most things are not today problems.

Now, keep in mind that none of these are necessarily problems. But the only way to move forward is to prioritize what needs to be done.

So this is where I choose three priorities at the time. Jim Collins, who wrote Good to Great, has a great saying.

If you have more than three priorities, you have none kind of thing, right?

And, the simple steps that I needed when I was kind of in this frustrated, like funky state, right, was to do the brain dump or to-do list and then eliminate all but three priorities, okay? And you guys have probably heard the whole thing, you know, develop or build your second brain

I’m writing a Medium post about not wanting a second brain because there’s enough in my first brain. I don’t need more stuff to do, right?

Or I don’t know about you guys, but sometimes the productivity systems and tools and project management become a part-time job. I’m not interested in doing that either, right?

Okay. So the goal with this, this is again circling way back, this is about sharing a vulnerability as a piece of content. So, doing the brain dump or the to-do list and then eliminating all but three priorities.

And what I’m sharing with you, this whole story is how I’m turning this into content and why anybody would care, right? Remember, the premise of this audio is part one: Everything is Content.

What I decided was that the process of getting clear and getting this muck out of my head was that it was going to be a podcast episode for the week. I needed to get it done as soon as possible, so deciding to use it for the podcast ensured that it had to happen, especially because I announced it in an email, right?

And I am a huge proponent of transparency and not just sharing the highlight reel. Honestly, I don’t know; my day-to-day routine is probably a little bit boring.

And I don’t know, the highlight reel might be what I’m having for lunch. But I have done this for as long as I can remember.

I have plenty of validation that sharing my struggles is what resonates with people.

It also makes you incredibly relatable. Your subscribers and customers must feel that what they want to achieve and accomplish is possible. And if you’re only sharing the wins and not the losses, then people doubt things, right? And so we must remember, you guys, creating and growing an online business is not easy. It doesn’t matter what market or what niche you’re in. It takes a lot of work

And so sharing the less-than-pretty side of things shows that we all struggle. But choosing to keep going is the differentiator, right?

How many people, God, you guys, when I was doing websites or even done for you podcasts, I cannot begin to tell you how many people we would build a website for, and then I would go back six months later, and they hadn’t put one piece of content on it. The logos and what I call the peripherals, the logos, the colors, the packages, and all that stuff are fun. But the day to day pushing and marketing, pushing is not the right word, but you know what I’m saying?

Publishing and creating is the work. Anyways, so when I decided to take this funky feeling and turn it into a podcast episode, this is what I decided it was going to look like: I would go deeper with the frustration in the story than I did in this original email or this video.

I prefaced it with wanting my desired outcome, which was the clarity I needed and my three priorities. And because I’m such a visual person, I’ll create something that allows me to see everything. And I should have grabbed it here

So what I did was I just did a brain dump on a piece of paper with colored pens, and I just wrote down everything as it came to mind. Then I went back and circled 3 priorities.

The reason I did it with pen and paper, too, is that it’s very easy to become like a distractoball. And next thing you know, I’m in mind map software, and I’m doing this, or I’m trying to create something with AI or something, and all I need to do is get it out of my brain. Okay.

Keep it simple.

Anyway, then all I did was take a quick photo with my phone of this brain dump, and now I have another image for the post.

So, again, you guys, I ranted in this email about, you know, when you find yourself spending so much time in the tools that are supposed to streamline your business, question whether or not you need them.

Now, I don’t have client work. I’ll have coaching clients. I have one person for whom I do some marketing on a monthly retainer, but I don’t need a project management system for it.

I use Asana for some of my own stuff once in a while, but you have to decide. And I’m going to preach this till the cows come home, but if it’s not something you enjoy using or want to work with or your brain doesn’t naturally work that way, don’t force a square peg in a round hole. Anyways, okay, enough of that rant.

Okay. So, sorry. You guys, this is really trippy. I don’t know if I said this initially, but I am testing using a teleprompter with Riverside FM. And so it’s great to have the notes here, but it’s a little interesting. And so the whole point of this was that I would also then have the after picture for the post, right, meaning once I circled and selected those 3 items. And then, all I did was list the three priorities I’ve chosen, and then, this is again, for the podcast episode, I went into the why behind those three things were the priorities and the action that I was taking. And then, if I’m lucky, I might come up with a name for this process, right? And I didn’t

It wasn’t necessary to do this. Now remember, this is an email that I sent out, and there are 5 parts of this to start teaching people that everything really is content. Right? It doesn’t not everything has to become a proprietary system or course or workshop or what. It can just be useful to you, right? It’s kind of like it reminds me of I was talking to my daughter one time. It was so funny. And she said something about, you know, she really wanted more side hustles that she didn’t have to monetize. And I go, You want me in a hobby? Right? So it’s just the world we live in. It’s okay to have things that you do simply because you enjoy them.

Anyways, the whole point of this, right, is that this was work that needed to be done, and I was frustrated, and I caught myself thinking that I needed to create this big to do and make this project.

All I could think was that this was making me crazy, like trying to figure out how to pull this clarity out of myself. And I will tell you that what I did also was I just got off the computer.

Like I said, it was a Sunday. And so I got off the computer and then I just went, I don’t know, I played a game on my iPad. I watched a little TV. It was a rainy day. And then I had this this inspiration.

Do an “Everything is Content” email series to discuss this.

And that is what inspired the podcast episodes. You see, all these pieces really become content.

So you might be asking, why is anybody going to care? Because the other thing that we hear often in marketing is that it’s not about you. It’s about your reader. It’s about your subscriber, your listener, whatever. But here’s the thing. I can’t I can speak to their problems and offer solutions if I’m the one to solve those problems, but all I have is my experience.

Download “the Everything is Content” Playbook HEREStories are what connect us to people.

So, put that whole thing to the side. Your audience, subscribers, and customers, too, feel and see themselves in those stories, but it’s more about being relatable and creating that connection.

And so the reason why, again, would anybody care is because we’ve all been there, right?

We’ve all felt that frustration. And then sometimes we hear or read someone else’s process and that’s all we need to get moving, even if how we do it is completely different.

And so what I’m hoping with this is I want people to start simplifying, right? And the post will serve as an example of everything is content that podcast episode did because I know this is getting very meta, right, where creating content that shows that everything is content, it’s getting a little meta, but you get the point, right?

And for the story part of the episode, I was completely honest about how I got distracted. And then I realized what the problem was, right? Which, Q Taylor Swift, it’s me. Hi.

I’m the problem. And so, I also wanted to share the desired outcome, right? I wrapped up the episode with 2 things I mentioned at the beginning: clarity and the three priorities.

And then, finally, I now have this brain dump of priorities. And so when I listed the top 3, which one of them is about ready to get done, it was a new website. I’ve been working on it for a little bit, bit, and I’m literally going to pull the trigger in a day or 2. And so, but I’ve got this document to go back to and get in line with, right?

And so I know that this might seem obvious, like this example, because it’s relative to my business, but in some ways, it definitely still falls under the documenting bucket. And you know what? I don’t know. Maybe we need to create a 3rd bucket of the shit that needs to get done bucket.

Because the entire purpose of everything is content is to help people who are sick of the same niche down advice. I, I, I as soon as I felt like I needed to niche down, I did this when I was a WordPress chick for ten years.

I got to a point where I was so tired of talking about WordPress. And I had already pivoted to talking more about content marketing. But then, when I decided that I was going to focus on email marketing, I felt stuck, too.

Like, all of a sudden, now I have to, you know, do keyword research, and what can I rank for, and what are long tail keywords? Just stop. Like, we are in a very different world today. We don’t know where SEO is going to be in a year from now

Again, it’s totally still relevant. I’m not an SEO expert, but I know where I get stuck.

My challenge to you is to start listening to that inner voice and trusting yourself and saying, What do I want to create content with? Who do I want to serve and how can I help them?

And then move forward.

People get stuck when it comes to creating content; they run out of ideas because they feel like it has to fall under a certain umbrella.

Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box when it comes to content. And, lastly, here’s a great example. So, I wrote a post on Medium. You can follow me on Medium here.

And the post was titled, What Gen X Women Really Want.

What we want is ease. Now, I’m not saying other people don’t want ease. I don’t get into generational wars and I’m not about to try and speak for men, okay?

But I know as a woman who is Gen X at this stage, all of my friends, people that I know, they’re were freaking tired, right? And so you’ve raised your kids, it’s like, I want things to be easier. That doesn’t mean you don’t do the work, but start asking yourself, what would my life look like if it were easy? Right? That’s a better question to pose.

Anyways, so this is part 1, like I said, of a 5 part series for Everything is Content. This originated as an email series. Now, last bit, because I know we’re getting a little chatty here

But the last piece is this is part of a bigger sort of, content flywheel that I’m creating, meaning all 5 of those emails are now becoming a blog post.

Each of these videos will go on YouTube and be posted on the blog. I have not transcribed them; they are emails. So, I’ve got a PDF for them and will start running paid traffic to that post because I’m on a mission.

I want people to ease up about content creation and start having more fun. And so those five emails, though, totaled about 4,500 words. So, I’m editing the content now to make sure that it makes sense in a post versus an email series. Right? So anyway, that is part 1 of Everything is Content.

So, have fun, guys.

Be easy about it.

Everything is Content.

Alright guys, that is it for part 1. Thanks so much for listening.

Again, I would love to have you join me at the workshop on Wednesday, March 6th, at 11 AM Pacific time, and of course, it will be recorded if you register. So go to kimdoyal.com/eicworkshop, all one word, and you can register to join me live, get the replay, or, depending upon when you have listened to this, you can probably just do the on-demand workshop. But I’m probably going to run it live for a little bit

View Details

I sat down with Addison Best to discuss the Realities of AI in Content Creation.00:00 Sending random rants, reconnecting with authenticity. China.
05:31 Embracing ignorance, shifting perspective, and embracing fun.
09:13 Balancing organic and paid traffic for brand.
11:49 Challenges with apps integration, user demands, burnout.
15:38 Frustration with big companies and their rules.
17:23 Generic ebook platform with AI and marketing features.
22:43 Seeking genuine connections, not just building tools.
23:53 Favor real connections over forced opt-ins.
29:14 Long journey to clarity and productivity.
32:46 Custom GPT creation for sales page writing.
33:34 Task manager helps stay on track, API potential.
38:28 AI tool not useful, unclear beneficial use case.
42:15 Draft article based on conversations, structure content.
44:29 Focus on actionable, personalized content for improvement.
49:51 Simplify your website strategy, focus on writing.
51:10 Newcomers face overwhelming and confusing landscape.
53:54 Big platforms need better customer support. Thanks!

Kim [00:00:00]:
Hey there. It’s Kim Doyal, and welcome to my show where digital marketing meets real stories, experiences, and strategies. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working and not working in my business, as well as other experts who show up and share their stories. As much as I love talking about tangible marketing principles and tactics, we’ll dig a little deeper with mindset and explore what’s required to create a business you love on your terms that also supports your life. I wanna help you understand the why behind the how. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just dipping your toes in, remember that marketing is a journey, and the goal is to enjoy it. My desire is to guide you on your journey and remind you that no matter what life throws at you, you’ve got this. Hey.

Kim [00:00:44]:
What’s going on, everybody? Welcome to another episode of the Kim Doyal Show. It’s been a while since I’ve done a I was gonna say live interview, but it’s live for us. So we’ll go ahead and run with that. And I’m excited because I think this conversation is gonna go in directions that neither of us are really aware of, but it’s gonna be really fun. My guest today is Addison Best. So first of all, Addison, thank you so much for being here.

Addison [00:01:06]:
Well, thank you for having me, Kim. It’s I think we talked about a little bit before this started. I haven’t spoken to anybody in, I feel like, a decade. I used to have an English learning podcast with my brother, but that was all audio. Now, I’m just looking in my camera, and I feel like a deer in headlights, and I’m just kind of like, oh, wait. This is how I look? And I’m kind of freaked out, but I’m gonna try to calm down and carry on, I guess.

Kim [00:01:30]:
Yeah. Well, you know what’s funny is it’s almost like because I wanna do the eye contact thing, I’m like, well, I’ll just go ahead and look at the camera and not worry about seeing myself or whatever. But, yeah. No. This is gonna be fun because first of all, for a little backstory about, you know, Addison had reached out to me. And this just goes to show you guys in the fall, and I was not getting the notifications from Gravity Forms. So it was like, oh my god. I’ve missed all these but before we get into a lot of the meat of what we wanna talk about, which we’re gonna kinda go down this AI and and the impact it has on content and email, I love the backstory, Addison.

Kim [00:02:12]:
So if you could share your backstory with listeners, that would be great.

Addison [00:02:14]:
Well, it’s funny. Yeah. I’ve been sending Kim, random emails that are kinda rants recently, so I didn’t even know if she was getting it or she thought this guy’s a bit nuts or whatever she was thinking. But I do it anyway because I’m trying to get back to my roots and being authentic and just having fun with different people and thinking and hoping that maybe they feel the same kind of thing. Specifically, my backstory, I guess, was in 2003 or so, I graduated university in Canada, and I went to visit my older brother in China, and I ended up staying for 14 years. That’s the short end of the story. And then, of course, I got into a bunch of digital marketing and things since being there, and now a couple decades later, here I am.

Kim [00:02:57]:
Okay. So I just have to unpack a couple things. First of all, can you speak fluent Chinese now, I’m assuming?

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKAddison [00:03:02]:
I wouldn’t say fluent. I lived in Shanghai, but, of course, you need to speak at a certain level to get by, and nobody like, taxi drivers, which you take everywhere, don’t speak English and stuff like that. You have to my wife is Chinese. I moved back to Canada 5 years ago or so. And, of course, I have to speak to some level of Chinese. And, yeah. And but I think also if I knew I was gonna be there for 14 years, I would have learned it even more. It was almost like I kept extending my stay for 14 years, and somehow I ended up staying for 14 years.

Addison [00:03:39]:
You know what I mean? It wasn’t a plan, if that makes any sense.

Kim [00:03:43]:
No. It totally does. Well, you know, after almost 2 years in Costa Rica, I am not fluent in Spanish, but I’ve decided to move back. And I’m, like, girl, come on. And the the tough thing there is that everybody not everybody, but most people speak English. And then, of course, you have Google Translate now. So you can speak to, you know, people that you need to. But, anyways, god, what incredible experience though.

Kim [00:04:05]:
I I just you got into digital marketing then and at in the early stages. Right? So it looked really different when you were getting started compared to now. And I always tell people, I’m like, on one hand, I feel like it was easier because there wasn’t as much competition. On the other hand, to get up and running, you can do it quickly today. So I don’t know. What are your thoughts on having been through that, a, in a foreign country, and, b, just this whole, like, let’s just see where this takes us.

Addison [00:04:33]:
Well, yeah, as I said, I was in China. I didn’t really know what I was gonna do. The 1st venture I did in digital marketing was create an English learning podcast with my brother in China. Part of the reason we did that, there was a super popular one, for Chinese learning in our city in Shanghai. And we just thought, Oh, wait, why don’t we do that? We went even to their studio, we saw what equipment they had and we’re like, whatever, we can buy a few microphones and just put up a podcast. And then of course you think, once you have a podcast, you’re going to make a website and try to monetize it in some way after that. And so we just kind of dove into it, not thinking about it, which was great, I think, and a good attitude to have. I learned a lot, I think, from doing that, and I actually, to be honest, I’m trying to get back more in that mentality now, So, you know, looking back what I did, I actually think I was on the right track in a lot of ways.

Kim [00:05:31]:
Well, we talked a little bit before, so and and this is something that is super near and dear to my heart, and that is just kinda ignorance is bliss, but also not being so concerned about, you know, anything external. You just put it out there and you publish and you see what works, you know. So if you could talk a little bit about what’s brought you back to that place of why do I care so much now? Like, you know, and shifting back because honestly, I think with where with where everything is today, there’s so many you know, this is what you need for a brand. This is what you should do on this channel. This is what you should on that channel. I think people are just sick of it. Like, there is a little bit of there’s market maturity so people can like, people can see a launch coming a mile away, right, versus, like, just genuinely connecting and and going back to roots and and having fun and testing stuff out. So, I just would love for you to go a little bit deeper into your own thoughts and realization of where’d that guy go?

Addison [00:06:29]:
Well, yeah. I had mentioned that a little bit before the show, and I just, went on YouTube. We had a an English learning podcast, so at that time, there wasn’t even really YouTube. So that was a video that I saw later, But it was entitled Saturday Night Drinks, and I just I had a vodka Red Bull with my brother on a couch, and we talked about some English learning material for slang spoken English. And, I mean, obviously, I didn’t give a shit about what people thought. It didn’t even make any sense, but I read the comments, and they were amazing. People loved it. And then I think now the vanilla stuff I’m, like, putting out there, and I’m thinking, why am I doing that? And certainly, nobody cares about it if you have go down too far in that mentality.

Addison [00:07:12]:
But at the same time, when you get older and, certainly, you have more of a professional, maybe a brand, you might kind of revert back and think, oh, now I have I can’t say this and I have to act in a certain way. But I think that’s where shit, to be honest. And that’s why I wanna get back into being a real person and having a real following, if if I can. We’ll see. Maybe I’m a dinosaur, and I’m just gonna, like, fall on my face. Like, I don’t care. That’s the thing now either, and I’m not gonna pretend like I do.

Kim [00:07:41]:
Leo, dinosaur. I think I’m probably about 10 years older than you. Sorry to interrupt. There might be a bit of a delay here, but I feel like people are craving that though, Addison. I think people are, you know, it’s like, we’re when it comes down to it, and I keep quoting doctor Seuss, but it’s like, no one is youer than you. And, like, we are the only differentiator. Especially with AI, like, you know, you can create massive amounts of of content and it’s a race to the bottom. So if you wanna differentiate yourself, then, of course, you need to be uniquely yourself.

Kim [00:08:13]:
Right?

Addison [00:08:14]:
Exactly. And what I realized, I like the simplicity, as you mentioned before back then as well, there weren’t so many tools, there weren’t all these social media platforms. You could build a simple HTML website or like a simple WordPress one. We had a simple email box collector. We made partnerships with real people, and we were collecting hundreds of emails a day from all opt ins. And, like, I made my own email server, and I just kinda went with it. We were sending out hundreds of thousands of emails to people. And it was that kind of mentality, well, what’s wrong with that? And the answer is nothing.

Addison [00:08:52]:
I mean, that’s it’s pretty good. If if you just have a simple strategy building, collecting emails, emailing that group, selling them something else, and then giving them the content that they want as well, and then reaching out to people and making partnerships. And if that’s all you do, I mean, you don’t really have to do much else, and there’s nothing to think about.

Kim [00:09:13]:
Well, completely, especially today where you look at, you know, organic social, it’s like, I don’t wanna spend that much time to master a specific platform. At the same time, like, it’s still I mean, my brand’s been around for a while now, so it’s it’s still obviously drives traffic. But a perfect scenario for me would be creating content. And then I have no problem with paid traffic, like getting a really solid paid traffic strategy down. And I just get to create and connect with people I like, And then the traffic engine is running, you know, like, Oh God, I do not want to spend all day mastering Twitter templates or X or whatever the hell he’s calling it. So okay. I wanna pivot to some of the the content that we wanna get into. But before we do that, I would love to hear just one of the things with the backstory piece that I think is fascinating is the pivots and and kind of trajectory.

Kim [00:10:07]:
So I would love to hear kind of your journey. Like you sent me some dates and steps along the way, because it wasn’t just, oh, I just launched this, this English, you know, learning channel podcast, you know, and that blew up. It was you you definitely had some, you know, your own path there. So if you could share a little bit about that, that’d be awesome.

Addison [00:10:24]:
Right. So it’s not like I’ve only done that. That was my 1st start into internet marketing and just doing stuff online. Since then, I’ve done a lot of consulting and, you know, working on different startups even and just different projects. One of the things, I own a health supplement brand. I sell physical products. I sell 1,000,000 of dollars a year in that. And even 8 years ago or so in China, kind of at the end of my time there, I started making Shopify apps with a friend, and we had about 8 apps.

Addison [00:10:58]:
And they started getting a bit of traction, but then, you know, through some personal issues, and some other reasons, we ended that. And I’m kinda going back into a similar thing, which was LeadSlide was created then, and that’s my I made an AI ebook creator software marketing funnel platform recently, and I kinda wanna go back and do the things I was doing then, but do it in a way that makes sense for 2024 as opposed to 2016. And I learned a lot from doing that and I made a lot of mistakes, so basically I wanted to not do those anymore hopefully.

Kim [00:11:40]:
Yeah. Okay. Well, not to to get super personal, but, like, what would you do differently. Right? And and what does it mean to do things differently today?

Addison [00:11:49]:
Well, I’ll give you an example. We had, I think 8 apps, and again, I like collecting emails, so part of the reason some of them were freemium, we collected a lot of emails every day, we didn’t have to pay a lot for advertising, and that was amazing. And we started doing too many integrations with the platform. And so what happens when you do that is themes and other things start breaking, and then your apps don’t work anymore, and then you create a bunch of headaches. So it sounds like a good idea to listen to your users and give them whatever they want, but what ends what ends up happening, especially in a small team, is you got shitty software and nobody wants it, and then you’re just like, why am I even bother doing this anymore? And then on a personal level, my business partner was going through a divorce, and I was getting ready I was busy with other projects and moving back to Canada at that point, so it’s just kind of fizzled out, and that’s the main reason what happened. But I mean, nothing earth shattering that happened, but it’s just like, I don’t want a simple solution now. I don’t want to waste my time dealing with all this horseshit either. So, like, I’m trying to go back to, like and that’s what I was saying.

Addison [00:13:01]:
The English learning strategy was simple. We collected a lot of emails. We sent emails. We made partnerships, and we made a podcast. That’s all we did, and it kinda worked. So

Kim [00:13:13]:
Well, it’s it’s funny I just

Addison [00:13:14]:
to that. Yeah.

Kim [00:13:16]:
People, I was just gonna say I have a kind of a mini mastermind with some friends, and I emailed them yesterday. I’m like, alright, you guys. I said my focus on on on simplifying. I wanna simplify, meaning whether just because I’ve created it doesn’t mean it. Mean I need to keep selling it. I don’t need to use this tool. Do I need that tool? Whatever. Just because and maybe it’s a stage of life for me, but I’m like, I want more free time.

Kim [00:13:37]:
I want what I’m doing to afford me more free time as well as it’s a whole lot easier to grow 1 or 2 things versus 10 or 15 with focus. Right?

Addison [00:13:49]:
Absolutely. It gets confusing. You start, thinking about, you know, why am I not doing this? And then you look at your week, and it’s like, did I even make anything? I didn’t even make any content this week. I didn’t produce anything. I didn’t collect any emails, but you felt like you were busy the whole week. You can have that. You can just feel, like, anxiety and feel feel terrible the whole week, and it’s like, wait a minute, it’s Friday, and did I do anything? The answer is often no, I think.

Kim [00:14:18]:
Mhmm.

Addison [00:14:19]:
And I don’t wanna be caught in that trap and just feeling kind of just, I don’t know, residual guilt and like angst and like, why am I not doing this? I just don’t want to feel that way, and that’s partly why I want to simplify it as well. It’s not necessarily to make the most money. It’s like, I don’t wanna shoot myself in the head at the end of the week.

Kim [00:14:38]:
Yeah. Well and the other thing is that that feeling then, all of a sudden, when you look at the end of the week and you’re like, I didn’t produce anything or, you know, you took care of stuff, it’s like then I start feeling like I’m behind. And I don’t want that. I’m I’m not. You’re you’re never done in this space. There’s always gonna be more to do. And I don’t wanna feel like, oh my god. Now now I’ve got it.

Kim [00:14:58]:
I have to work this weekend to get this done because I didn’t do this. And I don’t know. Like, part of why I love what I do is because I can take the dog for a walk in the afternoon or, you know, when I’m in a warmer climate, I can go hang out in the pool and read a book for a little bit, like walk. I those are the things that I wanna do. And so it’s it’s I’ve always said this. There’s a big difference between productivity and activity. And activity can take over pretty quickly if you’re not super diligent about your time. You know, so I totally got that.

Addison [00:15:27]:
No, absolutely. And and I find sometimes you focus, or I I focus sometimes too much about pleasing algorithms and things that I don’t wanna be pleasing, and I don’t give a shit

Kim [00:15:38]:
what

Addison [00:15:38]:
Google thinks, and I don’t think what care what Amazon thinks. Sometimes you end up sometimes it’s working well and you think this is great and then something shitty happens, like you lose all your traffic randomly overnight with SEO or something like that, and you get so stressed. So at least if you’re building an email list and partnerships, you’re not gonna lose that part of your business, you know, and you can keep some level of sanity, and that’s part of it. And I think that part seems to be getting worse in my feeling and just dealing with big companies and they’re always changing the rules and like changing things like, Now you gotta pay for this and that, and this doesn’t work, and you have to act this way. You’re not allowed to say this or that. And it’s like, sorry guys, I’m gonna do it anyways. So just, I’m tired of listening to it. And so that’s part of it.

Kim [00:16:28]:
I totally agree. Yeah. Well, it’s like I’ve kind of been ranty about I don’t know. When I was a WordPress chick, WordPress content was very easy to rank for. It was like 2008 to 18 or what. And it was like, it was, it wasn’t, I didn’t even try. And I was able to get pulled on page 1 of certain things, but it was like, the last thing I wanna do is keyword research. I’m just gonna tell you that right now.

Kim [00:16:49]:
And it’s like and then when I found myself feeling like I needed to write content or create content based on keywords or appeasing, you know, search search engines or using certain types of templates on on this platform because that’s what someone else did. It’s like all creativity went out the window and I was like, I don’t want to do this. It’s not fun. I’m not enjoying it. So, before we get in, I know I keep saying this before, but so lead slide, tell me why you decided to launch this and go a little bit more in detail, if you don’t mind, as to what it is and maybe who it’s for.

Addison [00:17:23]:
Okay. So currently it’s a very generic platform, I’d say. It has an ebook creator, which you can use AI tools and, like, it’s basically ChatGPT API to help you write the ebook. Now I’m hoping people won’t use it in that way, it’s more to give suggestions and make an ebook easily, but it also has a marketing funnel aspect where you can make a landing page, make an email pop up, and send an email without other third party tools. So essentially, you can build an ebook and market it to your audience and collect emails without needing anything else. And that’s what it is currently, but it’s very generic, so I need I’m just starting it. So, like, basically, I want beta testers, and then I’m gonna build specific stuff. Like for Shopify for example, it’ll be more catered to products and people that sell physical stuff.

Addison [00:18:21]:
WordPress, I just made, I launched a plugin. It’ll be more well, it’ll be more depending on what people want, I guess, and what they’re doing with their business. So we’ll see what it is. Essentially essentially, I’m making it super cheap at the moment. I’m admitting it’s not done. It’s $9 a month at the moment. It’s an arbitrary price if you want to sign up. I’ll actually work with you and try to make you more stuff, And my consulting would be a lot more than that, so it’s probably a good deal if you have any interest and you’re not using something similar.

Addison [00:18:54]:
Yeah.

Kim [00:18:55]:
Well, I I think it’s great and which this is an awesome pivot, and it’s just leadslide.com. Correct? So that way anybody listening and, of course, I’ll have the link in the show notes.

Addison [00:19:04]:
No, exactly. And what what I also want to do, and I just with my brother, I’m doing a bunch of stuff again. I did English learning before. My brother and I just launched a course on Udemy for prompt engineering. I’m getting more into AI and just exploring what it can do. I wanna do just a bunch of new stuff and trying different platforms again in 2024. Do I know what I’m doing exactly? A 100%, I do not, and I’ll see what where that takes me. And I think LeadSlide will eventually learn into more, courses, and I also feel there’ll be an element of collaboration.

Addison [00:19:43]:
I could see, for example, like, you build courses. Is that correct?

Kim [00:19:47]:
Mhmm.

Addison [00:19:47]:
Yeah. Well, I could see more doing collaboration and collaborative courses with people, building kind of not sharing lists exactly, but maybe I could put it on a funnel on your website and we exchange it somehow and create content together. I I see there being more of collaboration in the future with all this AI stuff happening, and I wanna make real connections with real people and doing I don’t know exactly, I’m not exactly there yet, but I feel some things going on these podcasts, I’m guessing, talking to more people. I’ll eventually have more ideas of what it’ll end up being. But I think when you have a base platform, if you have a page builder, you have, you know, an email collecting tool, you have an ebook creator, you can, you know, turn it into something more specific, based on that, and that’s what I’m excited about. So we have a generic thing at the moment, and now we’re gonna turn it into something cool. Do I know what that’ll be? No. I don’t.

Addison [00:20:47]:
So that’s that’s that’s where I’m at.

Kim [00:20:50]:
Which is, makes it way more fun. And as you were talking about the collaboration piece, I don’t know what your thoughts are on this. And I have a friend that is a email marketing ninja. He does all the segmentation, Jason Resnick. And and it so we talk about email and stuff. I kinda tend to focus more on the content of email. But when you’re talking about collaboration, what I love about that is because we both have very strong opinions about all these sorry. It’s so dry here.

Kim [00:21:19]:
Who would have thought? I just forgot California could be this dry. But, that all these referral programs personally, and I’ll just go on the record, I think they’re crap. I don’t think they serve the creators in any way other than it’s like the email vanity metric. And or if if you’re looking at look. I wanna grow like a newsletter as a media company, and I just want sponsorships, who are just paying attention to just numbers. Where at a certain point, it it’s not gonna work either because they’re gonna expect more of a return on their investment. Just because you have a big list, you know, doesn’t mean anything. But it’s to me, these referral programs, like, initially when they started out and they were, say, at the bottom of an email, and it’s like you could earn rewards for sharing.

Kim [00:22:03]:
And that was just you sharing directly to your audience and with your subscribers maybe. But these, like, hey. Thanks for opting in. Here’s 10 more things. Select yes. It’s like there’s no context. There’s no relationship building. And even the best follow-up sequence, there’s no initial connection at the point of saying yes.

Kim [00:22:24]:
So they’re I don’t care how good your emails are. They might just be like, oh, what is this? I forgot. Or, you know, there there there’s no reason for them to opt in other than they were shoved your newsletter or email list in their face. So the fact that you’re thinking in terms of genuine connections and collaborations, I couldn’t agree more.

Addison [00:22:43]:
Yeah. And it’s hard to know exactly how that’ll work. I just know that it is too generic at the moment. And I know and I’ve felt, one of the things I did with my English learning website a long time ago is I actually put, it was hard to put an email box in your website a long time ago actually, so a lot of people had a website and I’m like, I know they get a lot of traffic, and I’m like, how about I put my box on your website, and I’ll give you an affiliate link? So I made an actual deal like that. So I still think there’s opportunities for that kind of thing and real connections. Again and I I think and as you said, affiliate programs and referrals are way too generic, and I don’t I think there’s some way to collaborate, and I think the key is for me to actually connect with real people, and then I can turn it basically, with what it means to do that. I’m not just gonna build a tool. Basically, I’ll build it for myself, at least I’ll use it, and I’ll be the user, maybe only 1 user at worst.

Addison [00:23:50]:
So maybe I’ll go down that direction.

Kim [00:23:53]:
Yeah. But I I just all I you know, I think the point is just that I think that getting back to your point of real people, real connections, and actual collaborations. Like, I would rather send a solo email for somebody whose newsletter I love and recommend and have a connection to their content than forcing a bunch of opt ins after somebody opts in on my stuff. It just feels like, I don’t know. I don’t know what money grab is quite the, quite the right word, but there’s this like, oh, this works blindly. And I’m like, what happens? Your subscribers go up, down, up, down, up, down. Because I pay attention to who leaves. It’s either people from, like, a 2017 import when I was WordPress checked or it’s 90% or the referral network.

Kim [00:24:39]:
So, you know, food for thought. Let’s pivot into AI because I am super excited about this conversation. And let’s just see where it goes, Addison, because I know you’re talking about kind of the impact of AI on content and email, so let’s just let’s just see where this goes. What are your thoughts?

Addison [00:24:58]:
Okay. Well, first of all, I’ve been getting so much spam recently, and it they’re supposed to it’s obviously AI driven emails and collecting them, and they’re trying to be clever. It’s like, oh, hey, username. Oh, no. I’m just joking. I’m a real person and I saw your business. Hey, your business. And LeadSlide, you know, you’re doing great stuff over there.

Addison [00:25:20]:
And it’s like, that’s not, you know, that’s not a that’s not gonna help you’re not gonna build a connection with that kind of

Kim [00:25:28]:
Mhmm.

Addison [00:25:28]:
Intro email, and there’s more and more of that, and it’s better than it used to be, but it’s it’s not obviously, it wasn’t a real contact. For example, like, I contacted you directly, and I sent you some weird follow ups. But very related. You knew I was a real person by doing that. And I think you need to. So I think for me, AI, I could see in that context being more of it shows you who to contact. It shows, like, oh, you can contact Kim Doyle. She does this and this.

Addison [00:25:56]:
And I could at least write an email based on that and saying, I wanna go on your show or whatever. I think I’d get much better response if I at least thought about who you were as a person and how to, like, I could read it for a minute. You know what I mean? Like, had some sort of interaction. I feel like it’s like a used car salesman, almost like it’s like if I said, oh, Kim. Oh, my mom’s name is Kim. And then I just went into a rant about something. It gets, like, it’s just so ridiculous. And I find it’s that cheesy, almost a lot of it.

Addison [00:26:26]:
But that’s just for the outreach part.

Kim [00:26:28]:
With the outreach, it’s funny because I can’t I’ve got I get pitched for, oh, like, podcast people who pitch for a a speaker. Right? And they’re like, oh, I love what you’re doing, and I loved this episode. I’m like, you dropped a link in. Like, so there is still humans that that behave as robots also, but, you know, there there’s, and I I think that a piece of that is AI will be generating, you know, more templated type emails to begin with. So it’s like, they may it may be a person What about the the creation piece? What are your thoughts on that?

Addison [00:27:10]:
Right. Okay. For like SEO or something, I’m seeing a lot of people like, Oh, create 300 WordPress articles with a single click. I mean, okay, great, you made these shitty articles in a niche, and I guess maybe you can get some traffic with them. I think ultimately it’s gonna go down to 0. Even back in 2008, I had a website called Speak Fluent English, and it was it was one of those classic niche sites where you collect, you write in your 3 word, niche, URL. You write, like, how to speak English fluently and all this stuff. And we had relevant content in an email collector, but, we got slapped in Google massively.

Addison [00:27:54]:
We were collecting hundreds of emails a day down to 0 because, in all honesty, it was fairly spammy, and I think that it’ll be that all over again to a larger extent. So I think if you’re creating generic crap, which really AI is, it copies work and makes it very vanilla, which is I think it’s good for, setting up, like, templates of what you should write and headings and giving you ideas, but to actually write everything and create everything, I don’t well, I certainly don’t think it’s there at this point. And once it becomes that, I don’t I don’t think I’ll be creating any content anyways. It doesn’t really matter.

Kim [00:28:36]:
Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, it it’s interesting because I’ve tested some of those article things, and it was like, I wasn’t I jumped into Jasper early on, which it’s so much just AI in general is so much better. I just use Chet, GPT. I have some other tools, but, you know, I’ve tested some of those and I’m like, how are these any of these gonna stay in business? Because it’s such garbage formatted keyword stuff, like, it’s weird to me. And so the sad thing is it’s like you have people because there’s people starting every day. Right? Like, starting side hustles and wanting to get going every day. And, of of course, you know, the joke that marketers ruin everything.

Kim [00:29:14]:
It’s like this hype of using easy, fast, quick, whatever. Like, none of this. I’m 16 years into this, and I feel like I finally am really clear on what I wanna do, you know? So it’s kind of like, you know, it’s it’s sad because it preys on people who don’t have the skill set just yet. And then I think there are people that just think it’s a fast pass to cash also, you know. So but what what’s a bummer to me that people miss is I’m like, if you take the time to work with these things I mean, like, I could be working on one thing and 3 hours later with chat g p t, I’ve created all this stuff because it’s contextual. And for me, it’s not content I publish, but it’s marketing or frameworks or getting clarity about an idea. And then I go back and forth. I call it chatty.

Kim [00:30:04]:
And so we just go back and forth, and I I use things like good morning because it’s fun for me, and I want it to be fun. But, you know, that’s where I think the magic can happen with some of this stuff. And then you take it out and say, how would I say that? Or, you know, sometimes it’s kinda like waiting to edit something for 24 hours, then go back and look at what you’ve created. And does this sound like you or does it resonate with you? What however that looks. So, know, what are your thoughts on using it from that perspective?

Addison [00:30:32]:
Oh, a 100%. And I do it for making templates, even saying, like, give me 5 relevant links, or or what do you think about this article? You can feed it in and just say, like, do you am I missing anything? And sometimes the ideas are terrible, but, like, they might, oh, like, I didn’t think about that, and treat it like, you know, like an assistant or a person. I I I use it more as a tool like Photoshop or something like that. I think it’s one. It could help you with 1, solving 1 part of the problem. One thing that I’m loving it for personally is because I’m kind of a coding dabbler too, and I have a software business. So that is where it’s very helpful for in getting better every day. So not the content part.

Addison [00:31:15]:
So the AI, so you’ll be able to build more tools faster. And that part that part of it, to me, is interesting. And that’s how I’ll be using it more. The content And that’s how I’ll be using it more. The content creation will be I mean, that’ll be an ongoing thing of, you know, helping you write stuff, setting it up, and getting it to edit some certain things, and giving you suggestions, but not, of course, creating everything. And that’s the content creation part is the danger of just blindly letting it write everything because obviously it’s just copying everything too. It’s not, they’re not unique thoughts, and a lot of times they don’t even make any sense to be honest, but Well,

Kim [00:32:04]:
no, they don’t, or, you know, like ChatGpt is infamous for, like, phrase, colon, phrase, and it’s like, that’s a horrible headline. But I like to use it for the, like I was saying, like, really digging into an idea that I have to flesh it out. And sometimes I’ll start with, this is what I want to accomplish. What do you need from me to help you give me these results? And then it’s like target audience, all these things. So that’s all me. That’s all my context that I have to feed it, but it’s helping me refine an idea, you know. And I’ve started playing around with custom GPTs. And the one thing I regret not doing with the first one, there’s this, 12 point sales page framework by David Fry.

Transform Ideas into Inspired Action: Subscribe to the SPARKKim [00:32:46]:
It’s a PDF on the Internet. And that’s kind of my guide when I write sales pages, so I thought I’m gonna see if I can do a custom GPT with this. And what was fascinating was what Chat GPT needed from me in order to create the custom GPT. And I was like, god, I should have copied because it was all my original context. Right? So I’m like, I should have copied and paid what I was inputting to get the output I wanted and stuff. So I really I treated 1 as a as a I don’t know, kind of like this learning assistant and refinement of ideas, but you know, the coding piece of it, like, I’m not a coder, but I do love no code tools. So I think there’s some really unique ideas when you can come up with something that solves a problem. And can you create a solution with it for your audience?

Addison [00:33:34]:
No. Exactly. And for me, what I like it for is it can, almost act like a project manager and keep you on task, like these are the steps to do this and this and this and maybe actually complete something. So it’ll force you to do it if you do those steps, and then you can say, I’m on step 1. Now what do I do? You know, they will show you how to do it. So it keeps me on task and getting things done, which is what I like, especially if you’re working remotely or by yourself a lot of times, I think it’s a good thing to have, and that that part can be very useful. The API version of it is neat too if you’ve ever used the personas and, like, you can build get them talking to each other, and I think you’ll start seeing a lot more of that in the future where you can actually get them to write things in different perspectives or do whatever, and each kind of role will be different for the AI bots doing it, and that makes a better result if you can use that. And ChatGBT natively doesn’t have that, so you have to be I think at this point, you kinda have to be a bit of a coder to do that if you go on, like, GitHub, but you can use some of the tools with the API.

Addison [00:34:47]:
But to be honest, like, they’re kind of expensive because they keep talking to each other, draining all the bandwidth of it.

Kim [00:34:53]:
Oh, yeah.

Addison [00:34:53]:
It’s like, oh, I just spent $50 and, like, I built something kind of that doesn’t really work. But, you know, you have to, let it do that. It’s interesting what it can do, but it’s not I don’t think it’s quite there yet for for using it in that way.

Kim [00:35:09]:
But it’s a little bit nuts when you look at how much better in, like, 6 months everything has gotten already. Like, it is I mean, look look, like, you’d look at the, you know, all the AI generated images last fall versus today, and it’s like, what? How quickly? Right? It is it’s all shifting, but, and it, it seems to me, which it’s so funny because just when I think, well, how is this this tool or this app or whatever gonna integrate AI? They come up with a u a use case for it. And it seems like everything just has AI built into it. And, you know, so to a certain point, that starts getting a little bit overwhelming too. Like, when we were talking about simplifying stuff, you know, like, I don’t know. Like, I use Rank Math in my WordPress site, and I’m like, oh, for the love of God, I don’t need rank math AI because all of my content podcasts, email, it’s me. I write that all out. I don’t ever use it for just content, but it’s like, can I turn this off? I don’t want even wanna see it like, or don’t grade my SEO, which again, I take that with a grain of salt because I didn’t use your AI tool.

Kim [00:36:15]:
Some of that kind of stuff. I don’t know. What are your thoughts about so many of these tools and platforms automatically incorporating AI? Do you think it’s necessary? Do you think, you know, I don’t know. What are your thoughts?

Addison [00:36:27]:
Well, I think a lot of peep, I think a lot of companies are doing it because they know they have to. So they’re just saying AI blank, we do this, and it’s not really for a user endpoint. And I think Mhmm. Especially for big companies, like, they’ll have a chatbot on their website, and it doesn’t answer the question you’re looking for ever, but it’s just, like, they were required to put 1 on in the website, especially for, like, airline tickets or something because, obviously, they don’t have like, if you’re a coder, you’re not excited to work at an airline company. I feel like if you’re a shitty coder, you’re just like, I’ll get a job at at an airline agents or company or whatever, but, like, if you build a tool for them, it’s not very good. It it can barely, you know, tell you what your reservation number is, and then it’s like, oh, do you wanna speak to a live agent eventually? It’s like, of course, I do. So I think if you’re doing it in that way, I mean, it’s garbage, obviously, and I don’t even know I don’t even know who wrote half of these tools because they’re just they’re awful. So I think they could be good, but I don’t know, you know, if who’s doing them and, like, it really depends on the use case.

Addison [00:37:40]:
I’m worried about that as a lot of agents. I find them not really replacing people at this point, and they’re just not answering the questions that they need to be doing. I’m not I got I feel like I kinda forgot what you’re talking about, actually.

Kim [00:37:55]:
Well, I well, I just no. I mean, you I totally get that. And it’s funny cause I was actually on, I found this other, social media, generator. Right? Like, you put in your website and it pulls content and it’s probably the best thing I’ve seen so far for that type of stuff. But my there was a there was a question about, like, you could set a schedule and I’m like, you guys have 1 schedule option. And I’m not posting to every platform at the same time every day. Like this is ridiculous. So I went into, they have a chatbot and it literally says, this is a person, not a bot.

Kim [00:38:28]:
Oh, well, we’ll be with you later. We’ll be with you later. I’m like, could you just give me the support email? You know, so on one hand, it’s like this AI tool, but yet even that was was not useful. So I I just think it’s interesting where you see things that come out and there is, if you want to add AI, that might be the next pricing tier. So it seems to also be a feature, that they’re adding on, you know, and sometimes I’m like, what, why is there AI in this? It’s not necessary. But because to your point, I think we were talking about use cases. Right? It’s like they haven’t gotten clear on an actual beneficial use case for the end user, but they wanna say they have access.

Addison [00:39:09]:
Well, yeah. So we’re we’re getting a lot of that. I think there’s a lot of cool stuff, coming out too, and it is daunting because you don’t you wanna try all of it and none of it. And then again, coming back to my point is, like, what did I do this week? It’s like it let’s at least do create some content and maybe weave it weave AI into what I’m doing as opposed to worrying about the AI. Let’s, like, maybe spend some time just, like, watching videos on AI and not actually using the tool until I I feel like I really need to for some reason.

Kim [00:39:41]:
You know

Addison [00:39:41]:
what I mean? Like, let’s let’s think of a need first as opposed to this is awesome. Like, and then you use it and you’re always disappointed. That’s what I find too. Like the promo videos for AI is amazing. And then you use the tool and think, to be honest, this is worse than the content I’m already producing. If it’s worse than what you’re already doing but faster, that’s not really a good tool. Right? Like, that’s not the purpose of it. If it helps you create good stuff faster, that’s great.

Addison [00:40:09]:
If it’s garbage, but, like, you can do 10 times as much, is is that good? And the answer, of course, is no. It’s not good at all. And I think that’s what happens a lot of times.

Kim [00:40:19]:
Yeah. Well and I do that too. There’s because, you know, I share tools in my newsletter and so it’s like I’m always looking and curating and I kinda have a little process. Have my coffee in the morning. I’m going through stuff, and I’m looking. Because even all the AI newsletters, say, most of them feel just like carbon copies of the other one. Same format, same everything. But so unless I have a definitive use for it, which was the social media one, because that’s just a bane of my existence, I think, is repurposing my own content.

Kim [00:40:47]:
But the social media one, I was super impressed. And then there’s another one that does presentations called gamma. App. And I’m just like, holy blows me away. And so those 2 are the only that I’ve spent time in. I’ll come across them. And, and then you look at stuff too. Like there’s a lot of video tools that’ll take and like repurpose this, but now Riverside has got that built in also.

Kim [00:41:10]:
So that’s where I’m getting excited is the stuff that I’m already using. If they’re going to help me eliminate something else and, and make something that I’m doing quicker, you know, like I was paying for something else and I’m like, Oh, I can get rid of that because I can use this. So in those cases, I think it’s super helpful, but yeah, it’s, it can be a huge distraction of course, then you have all these YouTube channels, like here’s how to make money with AI. Like we saw the onslaught, you know, right. When everything came out of prompt packs. And I’m like, this is so unhelpful. Nobody needs a 1,000 prompts across the board, but you made $29 off somebody, so good on you.

Addison [00:41:43]:
Absolutely. Yeah, no, it’s hard to know what to use it for. I agree. Repurposing, I think, like if you have an article, obviously ChatGPT and DALL E could make an image and make, turn that into a headline and basically make a post for your Facebook or whatever. That makes sense in that use case because you’re really just using what you already have. Or even this podcast is somehow, let’s say, it this, like, Riverside transcribes our podcast, right, right now?

Kim [00:42:14]:
Mhmm.

Addison [00:42:15]:
So after that, could you make an article or, like, draft me an article based on our conversations and organize it? Because obviously, when you’re having and that could help you do it. I see it being used in that way, so actually using what you did and then reframing it in different ways. And I like, for me in LeadSlide, I could see using in the future once, you have a few, marketing funnels going that are somewhat successful. It could say, like, oh, we’ve actually created you a template that you should use in this, and we think you’ll increase your conversion rates or something like this. It’ll give you suggestions based on what you did, and I think that would be useful. It’s almost like it it does the analytics for you, and I think it could. And it’s not like you have to listen to it, but it could be suggested, like, campaigns to actually run. And like, Oh, do you wanna run a retargeting ad campaign with this? Oh, I didn’t think about that.

Addison [00:43:34]:
You know, your products are selling this way, And I think it can suggest, like, stuff to do without you having to do it yourself. And I think with, like, analytics and everything can get super complicated, like, way over overly complicated, so I think that would be a good use case as well.

Kim [00:43:53]:
So with something like so let’s take lead slide and with with, and I know this was, like, talking about possible use cases. But in terms of, like, suggestions coming back from that. So basically, you’re saying you’ll you’ll it’ll pull in data. Here’s this funnel. This is where this funnel exists. And so based on current traffic, it’ll make suggestions. Like, is that kind of what you’re visualizing in terms of like, it could make suggestions of, you know, try this social campaign on Twitter for this, or this carousel on LinkedIn, or this Facebook ad campaign. Is that kinda what you mean?

Addison [00:44:29]:
For sure. It’s like these things are these, this is the content that is converting better on your site. Why don’t you create more of that? It seems like you’re going off on a tangent and just, like, stay present it in a very easy to read way. So I think it could do that, and I think it will do that eventually. And it’s hard to know exactly what or even maybe, you know, you did this and you made this content, maybe you wanna reach out to Kim Doyle or you wanna reach out to these people and give you 5 suggestions as opposed to, like, spamming a 1000000 people. Maybe it’s like a few people that, you know, you might wanna contact or something like that. I think it could be used in that way. That’s how I would use it personally and would like it to be more personal and more of, like, clear action items that I can do without having to do a 1,000,000 things or knowing a bunch of code, which it seems like most people don’t want to learn to code anymore because especially now it’s going in a direction that you’re not going to need to probably in, like, 10 years anyway.

Kim [00:45:35]:
Yeah.

Addison [00:45:36]:
It’s hard to know. And, and I think my background, like, 20 years in WordPress and different stuff, you kind of were forced to know more, I think, before. And I think it’s getting less and less and less and less. So I think if, if you can do that automatically, that would be great.

Kim [00:45:52]:
You know, it’s really interesting, with, when I look at the, the different tools and whatnot that I’m using, and like even, so I’m about to launch a new theme for my side and it’s Cadence, which I love. And they just rolled out Cadence AI. I’d already started working on it. But I mean, with the click of a button, you’ve got this beautiful theme with your brand colors, your voice, the photos that pulls in. And, obviously, most people are not gonna use it out of the out of the shoot. Right? But it’s like, when I think back the 1st time I installed WordPress, I kid you not, I had the WordPress for Dummies book. Not a coder. Right? And I was like, what the heck? This was before, like, the one click installs with most of the hosts.

Kim [00:46:31]:
I’m like, what is a root folder? What the hell is a root for I’d like go get my neighbor who is in tech, and I’m like, can you please help me? I have no idea what how do I know what a root folder is? You know? And it was so challenging versus versus today. But, you know, with with the different tools and whatnot, like, do you have any tools that are okay. So you use it a lot for code. And like everything you’re saying with LeadSlide, like, I don’t I don’t know something else that is doing that uniquely either. And especially when you think about all of the funnel building platforms, like unless they’re working on it behind the scenes, I haven’t seen that well,

Addison [00:47:08]:
yeah, as I said, they’re Well, no, but as I said right now it’s not doing all that. This is it’s generic, but on purpose, so you can build it for a specific reason, But I’m saying that’s why I wanna do it that way because once you have that base, it’s like, can I build some real stuff to actually make some money so I don’t have to do it myself? Or it can at least aid me in a direction to do that for my business. And once I can do it for myself, of course, I would love to other people using it. And the more data you get, of course, then it’ll suggest more ideas based on that. I’m just saying that I think that’ll be happening anyway where if I do it or not, I think it’s just obvious it it will exist. So whoever does it doesn’t really matter. There will be more of that. But also, what the risk is for me is, like, I don’t wanna have that a platform when it’s only advertisements, which keep increasing in costs.

Addison [00:48:02]:
I I wanna do that for email and have it all in 1 platform that I can build a simple strategy, and just do that in an easy way. But again, that’s more of a personal preference. I think everyone, you know, there’s so many different ways to run a business online, but in general, I find the simpler ones are the ones I like and I gravitate towards, and it just makes me feel better. I mean, partly now it’s like I’m doing some projects just because, like, I wanna do them, and I think I’d like it. I’d feel better about myself if I did them. Do I think it’s the best strategy for money? Maybe not. Do I think, I could have sanity? Yes, I do. Can I build a life doing it that way? Yes, I do.

Addison [00:48:46]:
So it’s kind of a different perspective. I’ve always bootstrapped my businesses as well, no funding, and so it’s a different way of running it. And if you’re designing your life more and doing it that way, so I think anybody who has, like, this type of business like I do and probably you do, you’re designing a life as much as you are designing a business. You know, it’s kind of altogether.

Kim [00:49:07]:
Ideally, like, the life part comes first. That’s where I’m at at this stage in my life. And so, you know, I was listening to a podcast interview with Noah Kagan. He’s got a book out. And, like, he asked this question, what’s your freedom number? And like, really, like, what what do you want your life to look like? And and what do you need financially to do that? And it is true. Like simplifying things makes it so much easier to to get rid of all this extraneous stuff, you know. And you start thinking about, like it it’s fascinating to me because we have all these companies, email service providers or, you know, ClickFunnels, you know, GoHealth, all these different big tools and stuff. And, like, I had a call with a gal last week even, and she was wanting to start to write.

Kim [00:49:51]:
And and when she told me what her objectives were, I’m like, I think WordPress is overkill. I’m like, start writing on Medium and set up a ghost site, like, quickly. It’s, you know, like, WordPress, even though it’s gotten way easier than it was, but I’m like, there’s a different learning curve. And if your objective is not to build out a site with all of this stuff that you just want to write, start writing on medium because that’s where readers are. You can deal with canonical URLs and publish on your own site, but I’m like, keep it simple. So I feel like there’s a lot of people that have been in the space. I should say that, or in internet marketing, their creators, whatever that are leaning towards simplifying because they realize it’s like all of a sudden are you familiar with Vanessa Lau? Have you ever heard of her? She so just I just watched to her. She shut her business down a year ago and she was she I think she got to, like, 8,000,000 or something with, you know, and just it it took on this monstrous life of its own.

Kim [00:50:46]:
And she’s like, I wasn’t myself. I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t enjoying my life and not even, or, you know, maybe she’s 30 now. But you know, it’s very easy to get caught up in needing to do more, have more, be more. And I feel that people that have had a smidge of that are like, for what? For what? You end up creating a job for yourself. So the simplicity angle that you’re coming from, Addison, I think is huge. I think it’s gonna resonate with a lot of people.

Addison [00:51:10]:
I hope so. There come, and we’ll see what happens. But I think it’s also again when you have a few decades of experience under your belt, I think if you came into the game now and you didn’t know what to do, it’d be very overwhelming and confusing because there’s so many things and so many theories and, you know, just I don’t even know I I I mean, it’s hard to even know what I would think. I just know it would be very difficult because as you said, you started off with, like, the WordPress chick too, right, and got traffic just by putting something up there. And you could do that. Or back then, you just do it. Right? And it was there, and that was the cool part. But if you if you did that now and you didn’t with that strategy, it wouldn’t work at all.

Addison [00:51:52]:
You know what I mean? Being the WordPress chick in 2024 for you, like, a version of you that was brought up, you know, now wouldn’t work in the same way if you did it in the same, in exactly the same strategy. But having said that, I don’t think you’re gonna be on TikTok and be doing dances and stuff like this either. Are you, Kim? Like, that’s my guess.

Kim [00:52:13]:
No. It well, completely. And the funny thing is, like, I’ve repurposed stuff on TikTok, but even TikTok will show you I believe their algorithm is like, we’re gonna show we’re gonna show your stuff based on what you watch. And I’m like, well, that’s horseshit because I like watching a ton of things. Right? And honestly, I think my most viewed video on TikTok, because it’s mostly repurposed stuff, was of me driving through a river in Costa Rica. It’s called the monkey trail, and it’s a path to the shortest path to get to Liberia airport. And I I I felt it was that’s probably the I’m like, what does that do to my business? Nothing other than sharing, you know, so to your point, you’re right. I’m like, I know what I wanna do and I’m just gonna stick, you know, stick to my wheelhouse.

Kim [00:52:57]:
But, yeah, I could talk to you all day, Addison. Where is. This has been a blast. Where is the best place for people to connect with you, and find out more about LeadSlide?

Addison [00:53:06]:
Well, you can go to leadslide dot com, and I think there’s a contact form there, and just shoot me an email or sign up. It’s a free trial, and but you can actually contact me. It’s funny, A few people recently signed up, and I tried to say, I’m literally the founder. I’m emailing you directly. This is not a bot. Please let me know what you think. And no one ever replies because they think they think it’s a bot. You know what I mean? But if I do that, we literally don’t have the email even in place yet.

Addison [00:53:33]:
This is me. If I’m contacting you, that means it’s a direct mail at this point. So if you do that, you’ll get real engagement, and I think that would be the difference between signing up for, you know, one of the more established marketing platforms. You’ll actually be talking to me if you want to. I don’t know if that’s a positive, but if it is, feel free to do so.

Kim [00:53:54]:
Well, how about the fact that even some of the big platforms, you’re like, you know, good luck actually getting support with some sometimes it blows me away. I’m like, how much money do you make and you cannot nail your support? Come on guys. You know? But what do I know? Anyways, this has been a blast, Addison. Thank you for your patience, and I really appreciate you reaching out. I I miss this, you know, this piece when I think back to what blew up my brand, blew up, you know, not like it was viral. But the WordPress shake, it was the connections. It was absolutely a 100% the connections and the relationships. And so, I love that that’s a huge focus for you.

Kim [00:54:28]:
So thank you. I I really appreciate your time today.

Addison [00:54:30]:
Thanks a lot, Kim. It was a great time to be here.

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Simplifying your business to increase sales might seem counterintuitive, but it's far from it.The funny thing is if someone had told me five years ago that I wanted to simplify my business, I'm pretty sure I would have disagreed with them.I was reminded of this last weekend while working on my new site. I'm using KadenceWP (which I absolutely LOVE), and because it's been a long time since I've done a new theme, I forgot about the domino effect that happens when you start touching things.The domino effect is when you touch one thing; it creates a ripple effect (and multiple dominos start falling that have to be dealt with).Here's what I mean:I started with the homepage of my site and have two areas that highlight what I do and how people can work with me.The problem with these is that since they're only highlights, there's a learn more button that people click on to go deeper.So everything from the homepage that has a "learn more" button needs an additional page (I know, I'm stating the obvious, but go along with me).I've been working on the site for a while, so it's been a process. I didn't create a sitemap first (which would have solved some of this), but I also have a lot of pages and content on my site that I need to go through to delete or update.I've also gotten some much-needed clarity about my business over the last few months, so things have changed slightly.It wasn't until listening to a podcast after working on the site (and internal pages that need to be linked to) that I realized I was probably making things more complicated than they needed to be.I was listening to the podcast episode on the 'Get Paid Podcast' with Clair Pelletreau. She was interviewing a woman I hadn't heard of named Kirsten Roldan. First, I LOVE discovering new people (anyone else go down the rabbit hole when they listen to podcasts?), and I LOVE this woman. She made $350k in her FIRST year in business!Yes, it was her first year.The two things I love about her:She wants people to find peace in their business and stop complicating thingsShe does that primarily through teaching email marketing and business systemsShe had me at email.When I went to her website to check things out, I realized she only had a few offers.She has an agency (first offer, DFY) and two primary offers.That's it.Talk about simple, right?Which made me think about my site and offers.I do coaching and have courses. Easy enough, right?Well... I'm not so sure.All the courses I'll be listing are already created and are relative to everything I do (email, content, newsletters, AI).And I'm only selling things that are recent-ish.But...the bigger question is whether or not this aligns with my bigger goals and where I want to be a year from now.Because of this, I realized I needed to edit the homepage... again. This isn't a big deal because I'm essentially combining two things (Newsletters & Email Marketing) and combining them into one (I know, duh).So, it will become three columns instead of four in the section "How I Can Help." I'm using KadenceWP, so creating another block of three columns and dragging the content into the column will be super easy.Back to simplifying (because I've gone a little sideways here).I started thinking about the different offers and had to get real with myself for a minute.Here are a few thoughts I had:First, just because you've already created it doesn't mean you have to keep selling it. Even if it's relative to what you're doing, does it really align with where you're going? 🤔Is this the stuff you WANT to be doing/talking about/selling?Are you going to continue creating content around all of this so that what you talk about aligns with your offers?What if it were easier?What if you only had three offers like Kirsten Roland... and ALL your energy went into promoting those?

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There's nothing like pissy internet trolls to help you get crystal clear about who you engage with and that you don't owe anybody anything.Not to mention the joy of choosing to block these people from your life. My friend Karen Michaels (a brilliant social media strategist) repeatedly repeats that it's vitally as important to curate your feeds as it is to post and engage.I won't get into a bunch of details here- because the entire exchange was, quite frankly, a little wackadoodle. I re-posted something on Facebook about the Barbie snub of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie not being nominated for Best Director or Best Actress. The FB repost was a quote from Bette Midler.To which a friend replied that it was typical of Amercians to lie and omit only to advance a narrative.Um... excuse me? What I should have done was delete him and block him immediately. But because this person was a "friend" (we've had actual conversations on Zoom, I've interviewed him, etc.), I was pretty respectful in my response.Why a white male from Canada has a dog in the fight when it comes to American women feeling this was unjust (and just a little bit ironic considering the context of the movie) is beyond me.Little fact for you: In the 100 years of the Academy Awards, only EIGHT females have been nominated for director, with only three winnings.Either way, it was a ridiculous exchange and out of left field. After I deleted all of his comments and blocked him, all I could think was that this person must have something deeper going on and decided to pick a fight. I'm all for differing opinions, provided you can be respectful. The implication was also that because the movie received other awards, people (i.e., women) shouldn't be upset.Here's the thing: I'm at a point in my life when I'm done trying to appease idiots. I don't need to justify or explain myself to anyone. That being said, I'm pretty sure social media isn't the place where meaningful change is going to happen, especially with someone shows up just to be a dick.It makes me think of the Maya Angelou quote:"When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them."Maya AngelouHere's another internet troll story from last week that happened with a friend.I'm going to be a little cryptic since it's not my personal story, but you'll get the gist of it.A friend posted on Twitter that he was deleting a large quantify of cold subscribers from his email list that had come through one specific growth strategy, then asked if people could guess what it was.Someone from a company that sells this growth strategy jumped in with what appeared to be an attempt at a diplomatic reply, only to end up basically blaming the issue on the creator/business owner not having a good onboarding sequence.Sigh.Huge opportunity missed for creating a conversation about doing better.My friend is pretty brilliant when it comes to email marketing, growth, data, and automations. By the way, the growth strategy that was called out was referral programs.I'll go on the record now and say that if these programs don't improve, in other words, stop shoving 3-8 more opt-ins in someone's face after they subscribe, a lot of people will stop using them.I also think advertisers will stop paying for sponsorships in newsletters with big subscriber lists and crappy conversion rates.Moving on...WAY too many people are running their businesses with their egos driving the bus.Internet trolls aren't going anywhere anytime soon.It always comes down to how we handle what shows up.And even then, we're all human and have bad days, engage when we probably know we shouldn't, and get riled up by people... especially when you think the troll was a friend.Ideally, though, we move on.This also validated my goal of mastering paid traffic this year. 😉A Content Strategy for 2024

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Clarity & Cash flow are vital to the success of any business.There is nothing like a little avoidance to force your hand on getting some much-needed clarity.Especially when the priority is cash. Let me back up a little and share what brought me here.I spent a lot of last year trying to remove things from my business, or so I thought.On one hand, I created some incredibly solid habits that have stuck, but I feel like I still haven't moved the needle on things that will have the biggest impact on my business, at least not as much as I had hoped.And honestly, who's to say what's enough? Could I have done more? Sure.We always can. But I also know that last year was a lot. Being back in California, my Dad's health challenges, and more time with family & friends (which was great, but when everything is a 2-hour drive, one way, it can throw your schedule for a loop), and my own recovery from back surgery made for a long year.So, even though my goal was to simplify and remove things, I can't say I was super successful.I've accepted the fact that part of who I am is about exploring new ideas. This is fine, provided I keep the new ideas in the "exploring stage" and not in the "pivot and implement" stage.The two things (outside of life in general), that threw me off my path were AI and then hosting the retreat in Costa Rica.Neither of which I regret. Both were totally worth it, but both brought up deeper questions and a certain amount of evaluating what I want my business to look like.But let's not go sideways with that.This episode is how I realized I was more frustrated than I thought and how I found the much-needed clarity I didn't even know I needed.Which will lead to more cash flow.Avoidance At Its FinestUnless I'm out of town or have other plans, I usually do a little work every Sunday just to get ahead of my week. I look at my calendar, plan my week out, and try to get ahead of a few things if I'm in the mood.This past Sunday started out like every other Sunday that I chose to work, but after my first cup of coffee, I couldn't get into any sort of rhythm.I found myself going from thing to thing and then from one idea to the next.Then, I had the brilliant idea that I should "create a plan."I know you know what kind of plan I'm talking about. One of those "big picture" plans that looks pretty, presents itself as the ultimate organization for a "beautiful mind," and represents all things fabulous about your business.But in reality... it's just a HUGE distraction.It's the epitome of activity disguising itself as productivity.Even though I wasn't sure what to do next, there was no fooling me this time. I knew that would be a waste of time, and I wouldn't be any clearer on what was going on.So... what did I do?I stepped away from everything for a while.Then it hit me.I didn't need to make a plan to accomplish everything; I needed to do a brain dump, pick my top 3 priorities, and then make a list of things I could "put aside" for a while.Here's what that looked like:Here are the categories of my brain dump:WebsiteContentHigh LevelPaid TrafficCoursesCoachingCommunityPrioritiesHopefully this won't be too boring, but I'm going to share what I scribbled under each of these and will go into more detail in the podcast, and then I'll explain the three priorities.Website:Switch to my new theme (Kadence, which I LOVE)Finish copyAdd shopUpdate coaching & courses pagesNew tools & resource pageCheck SEO & Google indexing, update older content for SEO (if relevant to current content)ContentPodcast: schedule the special series interviews, get a few episodes aheadNewsletter: update posts on the website with featured images, VA adding to Medium, content flywheel (for promotion), add Content Snacks segmentBlog: 2 posts a month,

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Choose one primary marketing objective.And it should be email; the rest is just icing on the cake.But, before we get into that...One thing that has me really excited about the New Year and 2024, in general, is that there seems to be a broad desire in the marketing space for things to change.Hallelujah!A few things have contributed to this.The last 3+ years have been a little nuts across the globe, which in turn has made people feel weary. Of course, it's not all been gloom and doom, even if we have to make a conscious effort to seek out what's good (which is totally worth it).But I think we can all agree that it's "been a lot."In terms of the digital marketing/creator space, the bottom line is that the space has matured.People are more educated about how everything works; they're burnt out from hype promises, big launches, and the idea that you have to strive towards millions (and no judgment if that's what you want, ya' girl does, but you won't see me driving any lambos or posting pictures of mansions).With a massive distrust of government and media, we're learning to rely on ourselves. Which is a beautiful thing because that's where real strength comes from.I've seen a lot of New Year's posts about people wanting to remove things as opposed to "kicking ass and taking names" (something I've said myself on more than one occasion).Every year, I choose a new word. I chose my word for 2024 in December of last year. This is something that's sacred to me and isn't something that I have any desire to share, but rest assured, it's a positive word.This year, I've also chosen a "money" word. I was listening to a podcast episode with Kendall Summerhawk yesterday, and she explained how she does this and what her word is/has been. She suggested the first word that comes to mind (and it's ONE word, not a phrase or sentence).The first word that came to mind for me?EaseWhich is something I want across all areas of my life. You might be thinking that this is something most people want - and to a certain extent, I agree. Of course, most people want more ease. But more often than not, they don't want to change anything or do anything to achieve it.My therapist said she read something that said that 90% of people don't want to change. 🤯Which is a little mind-blowing to me.When you're hardwired or have spent the last 30 years constantly learning and growing, it's a hard concept to grasp. At the same time, I get it. Unless you've realized there is another way to do things (to live, to be, to feel, to earn, etc.), how do you know what's possible?This is why I've started signing off my emails with "Stay curious."Most entrepreneurs I know are curious, they do want something different or they wouldn't be in business for themselves. And now even the 'different' looks different. Back to ease and how that translates to money.For as long as I can remember, money has felt hard for me.My parents raised my siblings and me with incredible work ethics (and were both hard workers their whole lives. My dad still has a hard time doing "nothing").I had no other concept of earning or having money other than you had to "work hard."No one taught us (or them) about compound interest, investments, and the role money played in our lives (and here I am, at 53, doing a deep dive on ALL of this).It's not that any of these are new concepts to me at this stage in my life, but I guess we don't "get it" until we get it. 😉When I had a job, I maxed my 401k and did "all the things" I was supposed to.But unless you see that there's another way to do things or have a strong enough "why" for making change, it's probably not going to happen.The two things that shifted everything for me were:When my therapist said I needed to stop being a victim when it comes to money (ouch! But also, AMEN!)

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Lessons Learned and Finding My Voice Again resonated much more than doing a typical year-in-review post (at least how I've done them in the past).And for what it's worth, that's kind of the theme for this next year: both with business and my life. In other words, doing things differently.Initially, I was excited to do a year-in-review podcast. I've always enjoyed doing my look back on the year and seeing what worked, what didn't, and how that would impact the coming year.So much happened in 2023 that much of it feels a bit like a blur.In so many ways, the year really felt like "a lot."The contrast I experienced in moving back to California from Costa Rica felt overwhelming at times.The first contrast might seem obvious, and that was the weather.Having grown up and spent the majority of my adult life in the Bay Area, I didn't think it would have such an impact on me, but it did. It didn't help that I moved back during a crazy, heavy winter with massive snow (I've been at my Dad's since moving back, and it's about an hour southeast of Lake Tahoe).Beyond my short stint and one winter in Boise, Idaho, I've never lived in the snow.I have zero intention of doing that again when I leave here.I also forgot how incredibly dry it is here. Costa Rica is humid, but it's not like Orlando. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I acclimated to that climate after a while. Not to mention, my skin felt fantastic.As much as I missed the seasons (to the extent that Northern California actually has seasons), winter is the season I like the least.Snow is pretty, and I love how quiet it makes everything, but I'd be fine if my only experience of snow moving forward was a weekend visit.The Biggest Adjustment of AllPeople.My Dad will be 80 this year, and his health isn't all that great. You wouldn't look at him and think so, but he has a handful of issues (his heart is the main issue) that are somewhat serious. His health and missing family are the primary reason I moved back.The secondary reason was that the last year there was more trying than I realized. I had visitors every month for nine months, with only one month break during that time.As much as I was super appreciative that people came to visit, it interrupted my life and work in a way that impacted my income and my energy (again, hadn't really realized this while I was experiencing it). All my guests were people who were close to me, so it wasn't like they were difficult.This just validated what I already knew about myself, and am going to be firm about in the future. I require a good chunk of time to myself. Boundaries are key for me - regardless of whether they make sense to other people or not.It took a few "come to Jesus" moments with my Dad also for him to "get" that just because I'm at home working doesn't mean I'm available for midday chats, errands, questions, or whatever else he thinks of. That being said, it's a good thing I did come back.We had three trips to the ER this year (all via an ambulance) because of his health. My siblings are both two hours away so my Dad would have been on his own until they could have come up here. I had given myself until the end of June (2024) with him, hoping that he'd start thinking about moving.It looks like that might be coming to fruition this year (he's started looking at retirement communities and downsizing the house). We'll start looking with him when Spring rolls around. In the meantime, I'm on a mission to help him get rid of things, so when the time does come, it's not a massive undertaking (my kids are grateful I'm somewhat of a minimalist).I've also spent a lot more time with family and friends since coming back, which has been great.It also means a decent amount of traveling down to the East Bay (Bay Area), which is a four-hour round trip. I try to pack in as much as I can when I go down (I stay at my sister's),

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Do you want to Grow and scale in 2024?This episode is for you.I know you might be thinking, "Um... duh Kim, who doesn't."But I will take this in a different direction than you might expect. At least compared to trite advice, you might see popping up at this time of year.Like everything I'm doing moving forward, this episode is going to be a mix of things that speak to both the tangible (tasks) and intangible (thoughts, beliefs, mindset).I'll share the only way to grow and scale in 2024; then I'm going to share a story with you that was the inspiration for this episode.The point of sharing the inspiration is to piggyback on the last episode, "Everything Is Content, 2.0." I want you to start finding content ideas and inspiration from all areas of your life.So first, here's the ONLY way to grow and scale in 2024:Take complete and total responsibility for everything in your life.Doesn't sound very exciting, does it?Contrary to how that might feel when you hear it, I promise you that when you truly step into owning responsibility for everything in your life, it creates massive freedom, which then opens all kinds of doors.Besides showing you that "Everything Is Content," the story that led to the inspiration for this episode is also an example of me walking the walk.Because it's going to be much less about the contrast that showed up and much more about how I caught myself playing the victim, feeding old beliefs, and then stopping that bullshit as soon as I realized what I was doing.Here's what happened.I recently had a conflict with someone I love very much.It went sideways, some heated things were said, and then a resolution was reached (sounds so formal, but truly, the details aren't what matters here).Like all of us, I did the normal regurgitation of things in my head.You know what I'm talking about... "I should have said this, yea, but, if only, blah, blah, blah."After having returned home from the holiday and a fairly good night's sleep, although not enough, I found myself rehashing things within minutes of waking up.Two things to note here: even though I was home and had slept pretty well, it was less sleep than I needed, and I was pretty worn out from the previous four days. Because I woke up earlier than I wanted to, in some ways, I 'woke up on the wrong side of the bed.'The house was pretty cold (52), so I got to work to get a fire going right away after getting the kettle going for my coffee (I use a French Press and enjoy this slower process of brewing my coffee in the morning).While I was doing all of this, my mind started going a million miles a minute.Replaying the conflict, wishing I had said things differently (or not at all), and really working myself up.It only took me about 30 minutes, but it was like someone had splashed cold water on my face.I instantly thought, "What the hell are you doing to yourself?"Which was then followed by a firm and resounding "Fuck this!"I realized how quickly my ego had jumped in to take the wheel, and I was feeding that little shit as though I was a helpless victim to what was going on in my own mind (humans really are fascinating creatures!).I'll come back to this realization in a moment, but before that, I'm going to get a little meta here, and I want to share why this victim realization was so powerful to me. The first time anyone called me a victim was in 2011.It was my therapist/mentor (who I still speak with/work with today), and while I don't remember the exact context of the conversation (it had something to do with losing my husband eight years prior at 32) and she lovingly said something along the lines of me not being a victim (because I was acting like one) and my mind was blown.A victim is the last thing I would have ever thought of myself as but here it was.Obviously, losing my husband in a car accident was something that happened to...

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I came up with Everything Is Content back in 2016.I turned it into a hashtag: #everythingiscontent, and now you can find that hashtag used across social media. Was I the original creator of that hashtag? Who knows, but when I started using it, you couldn't search it. I created it because I discovered how incredibly true it was.This was after I had been writing as The WordPress Chick for eight years and knew I was moving towards pivoting to my personal brand.Two primary factors contributed to growing my personal brand, even before I made it official. Both were because of writing:My podcast (The WPChick Podcast => The Kim Doyal Show)My 'almost daily' emailsI'm going to go more in-depth with both, so sit tight.I've said this before, and it's a hill I'm willing to die on 👇:The BEST thing you can do to grow and scale your business online is to learn how to write and do it as often as possible.You don't have to want to become a writer, but if you're going to create the type of business that supports you without trading time for money, you need to create assets that work for you when you're not working.In other words, content, courses, ads, etc.Even if you only want to produce audio or video content, you still need to know how to write compelling copy to attract the right people.Off the top of my head, here is where good writing comes into play online:Content (your website)EmailsSocial contentWebsite copySales page copyEmail sequencesCoursesPodcast posts (show notes)EngagementWorksheetsEbooksVideo headlines and descriptionsI'm sure I'm missing plenty on that list, but you cannot grow an online business without learning to write. Period.End of story.And if you're listening to this and feeling resistance (i.e., maybe you're feeling a bit pissy?), then it's time to do a little entrepreneurial adulting and get really honest with yourself.How badly do you want this?In other words, are you willing to do the work?I'm not preaching hustle here; that's not what I'm talking about.I mean, are you willing to get comfortable with being uncomfortable? I have yet to meet a single creator/entrepreneur who doesn't experience fear. It's part of the journey.I also haven't met one who doesn't have to write (even if you have a ghostwriter or your content is primarily audio and/or video, you still have to write headlines, captions, descriptions, etc.).When I was getting started, I had plenty of fear but was so ignorant of the entire online marketing space that it was much easier to stay out of my head. I wasn't terribly worried about other people's thoughts because I didn't know many people online.Ignorance was bliss.As my business and brand grew, I worried a little more, but it wasn't until I felt like I had to "niche" down that I started really getting in my head.I ranted quite a bit about this in episode 121, where I referenced Dan Koe's video "The Most Profitable Niche Is You.So, instead of ranting more here (as fun as that can be), I want to give you a more straightforward guide on how to get started with "Everything Is Content, 2.0."A quick backstory on Everything Is ContentI actually taught a workshop on this (it was a paid workshop, and yes, I'm doing a brand new and completely updated version of this in January 2024) because I was so passionate about it.I had begun using the Everything Is Content hashtag because of my 'almost daily emails' (I called them almost because I didn't always send emails on the weekends).My 'almost daily emails' was something I decided to do after having been a subscriber of Ben Settle's for a year and watching how he did it (and because of that, I became a customer of his Email Players physical newsletter).I committed myself to figuring out email marketing regardless of the results.

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This episode is brought to you by Cloudways.Now through December 1st, get 40% OFF for 4 months on ALL hosting plans PLUS up to 40 FREE Migrations!Use Promo code BFCM4040.stk-23e49b9 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#d53371 !important}Removing your ego from marketing is the fastest way to more fun, more data, and, yes, better results.But first, a story on this realization.My friends and I recently revived something we used to do years ago.But first, a little backstory about these friends...These are my high school friends, and still, to this day, are near and dear to me. I've known one of them since kindergarten, another since 6th grade, and the rest are all from my freshman year in high school. So these are lifelong friends.By this stage in life, we've been through a lot together. Graduations, careers, marriages, children, loss, heartache, joy, moving... you name it. There have been times when we've been super close and incredibly active in one another's lives and times when life was so busy that it felt like a challenge to have dinner together.This is just life. I get that, but I always miss them when I haven't seen them in a while.So... the thing we recently revived was our "ornament exchange."My Mom used to do this when I was a child, so in my early 20s, I started an ornament exchange with my girlfriends. The original ornament exchange was handmade ornaments; we made one for each person. This way, you'd leave with 6-10 ornaments, which was great when we were all starting our homes and didn't have kids. As life got busier, we changed things up and would bring one nice ornament (and we started buying the ornaments).I don't remember when we stopped doing this, but after finally getting together for dinner in October, we decided to revive it and make it happen.Even though not everyone could make it, it was soul-filling for me.However, I was struck by something.We did the normal catching up that you do when you haven't seen each other in a while (although this was less catching up since we saw each other a couple of months ago), and then, as the night progressed, the conversations got deeper.I felt deep sadness for some of the things my friends shared.Partly because of what they had to go through (or are going through) but also because they hadn't shared what they were experiencing during the most challenging part.And I know I've done the same thing.This is what being busy can do to us.And while I can't speak for my friends, I'm sure there's a piece of truth to this for them as well. And that is that you don't want to 'bother' people when you're in the middle of something challenging, especially if you haven't talked to or seen them in a while.The crazy thing is that I know I could pick up the phone and call any of these women if I were in a crisis, and they'd all be there for me. No questions asked.And the same is true on my end.There is SO much power in sharing, being vulnerable, and telling our truths.The only way to do this is to get beyond ourselves... and remove the ego.This brings me to how this plays a significant role in our business and marketing.I talked with another friend I hadn't talked to in over a year. This is a woman I connected with years ago online. She's on my email list, worked with me, and bought some of my courses. Over the years, we became friends (this happens with many of my coaching clients).She's in Europe; I'm in the States... It never ceases to amaze me that I have people I consider dear friends worldwide.Anyway, we've been friends for years, and she's seen my transition from the WordPress Chick into my personal brand.She said something when we were talking that I realized was kind of a superpower of mine. She also said she uses me as inspiration on her own journey, which I know is part of my purpose in this lifetime (to inspire).

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This episode is brought to you by Cloudways.Now through December 1st, get 40% OFF for 4 months on ALL hosting plans PLUS up to 40 FREE Migrations!Use Promo code BFCM4040.stk-2f70fdb hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#d53371 !important}Interview with Marko SchmittKim [00:01:22]:Welcome to another episode of The Kim Doyal Show. I always say I'm very excited about my interviews, and it's true because I only talk to people I know, admire, and respect, and this is actually our 2nd time talking. But The 1st conversation I had with my guest, Marko Schmitt, which I'll do an official introduction in a minute, it was like I felt like we could have talked for hours. I'm like, we need to do a podcast episode. So here we are. So, first of all, welcome my guest, Marco Schmidt.Kim [00:02:05]:Marko, thank you for being here today.Marko [00:02:08]:Oh my god. Kim, it's Such a pleasure to be here, and it's really true. I mean, every time we connect, I just feel like, oh, wow, sister. You know? We're doing crazy cool stuff together. Even though we're operating in different places, we're still, like, in the same universe.Kim [00:02:22]:Totally. Totally. And we connected just through Twitter and then saw each other in a Kavon co cohort.Marko [00:02:30]:Right. Yeah. Yeah. We both love Kavon Chung. He's He's such a super cool guy in terms of bringing community together. And so and then, yeah, we've, like, had, you know, tons of, like, back and forth on Twitter and stuff like that, and I just love what I do. And so yeah. Super happy to be here.Marko [00:02:45]:Thanks.Kim [00:02:47]:Thank you. So I love hearing the backstory. So for the audience's audiences, I've got plurals now. But for the audience, can you share your backstory and what brought you to where you are today? And then we'll get into your business and what you're doing today.Marko [00:03:01]:For sure. I'm happy to talk to all of your audiences.Kim [00:03:07]:You know what?Marko [00:03:07]:Hey. Look.Kim [00:03:08]:Swear to god. Yeah. I sometimes my my mouth cannot keep up with my brain, but go ahead.Marko [00:03:14]:And vice versa. Right? I mean, sometimes I find my mouth saying something that my brain is going, no. No. No. Anyways, my backstory, probably it Started in some ways with dropping out of high school to join the circus. And, you know, it's like one of those things. I was one of those accelerated kids I was, like, always in the smart classes and got to do, like, the crazy fun things, you know, like going to the factory and seeing how they printed newspapers or, You know, bringing odd guests in and stuff like that. And by the time I got to high school, I had really thought high school is gonna be super fun, like college, like, really exciting, and it was Boring.Marko [00:03:51]:It was super boring. I lasted for almost 2 whole years, and then I dropped out to start doing circus work and play in a rock and roll band. And, I actually moved out of my parents' house and, you know, it's like the great thing is is that I already had skills. I already knew how to, like, you know, hustle and sell things, and, I learned how to paint houses. I I did a bunch of things. So I was Financially self sufficient when I moved out, and it always gave me this sort of independent attitude that I don't have to work for the man. And I have to say, here it is, you know, all these years later. Part of what I do as a coach is, like, working with people who are super skilled at what they do, You know, who are experts and seasoned, but they're afraid to let go of the weekly paycheck or or their corporate affiliation.Marko [00:04:37]:They they know they're not getting paid what they're worth. They know they're being lighted. But they don't have that background that I have of, like, being able to go and dance on your feet, make shit happen, and, like,

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This episode is brought to you by Cloudways. Now through December 1st, get 40% OFF for 4 months on ALL hosting plans PLUS up to 40 FREE Migrations! Use Promo code BFCM4040.stk-f1bee85 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#d53371 !important}The video "The Most Profitable Niche Is You" by Dan Koe inspired this episode.The digital marketing and creator space is one where you can go from feeling excited and inspired to jaded and exhausted in only a few weeks.I will avoid the advice we've all heard about productivity and routines because I agree with most of it... and that's not what this is about.Plus, I don't subscribe to the idea that there's "one" right way to do anything. There's only a "right way" for you.In the 15.5 years I've had my online business, I've had periods of extreme focus and consistency and other periods when life has knocked me on my ass. In those moments, I did the best I could.Albeit not without some self-judgment, which is something I'm always working on.I now understand, at a deep level, that self-judgment will come up... that's part of being human. My goal now is not to feed it. As my mentor often says, acknowledge, bless, and move on.In other words, don't feed it.The best way not to feed self-judgment is to ensure I'm true to myself.This can be tricky in the digital marketing and creator space.Here's what I mean:I have zero use for regurgitated content from 20-something men who have done listicle posts about the creators, books, or gurus who have inspired them the most on their journey.Why?Because they consist of lists made up entirely of the same men.Over and over and over again. 🥱HANG ON... don't leave or roll your eyes thinking this is going to be about bashing young men or the men they follow. We all have experiences and perspectives contributing to who we are and how we view the world. Who am I to judge what drives and inspires someone else?These things don't resonate because I'm not their target audience. I know, duh. At least not in the sense of demographics.A few key points:I was widowed at 32 with a six and a two-year-old (I'm now 53). The last thing I've ever needed was anyone telling me to "work harder" - let alone men with no responsibilities to anyone but themselves or a wife at home who took care of everything else (Yes, I know. I'm a bit of a martyr here, but also... #facts.).At one point, I subscribed to Western culture's mantra: "You are what you have and what you do." As a proud GenXer, the war cry of the 80s (SUCCESS!) wasn't missed on me. We're always supposed to be striving. 🤮 Life experience: I wish there were a better way to say this, but most women I know who are my age (and older), around 50, start caring a whole lot less about what other people think while at the same time having far more compassion and empathy for people in general.I've accepted that:Life is hardLife is unfairLife is messyMost people are genuinely doing the best they canIt goes by a lot faster than you think Life is beautifulWe're all worthy of love & belonging (thanks, Brené Brown!)There's always something to be grateful forMeditation is magic 😉So much of my journey has been about trying to do what others were doing.I don't mean that I was trying to be someone else, but when I hired a coach, bought a course, or read a book, I would tend to feel like I had to do it exactly like it was being taught.After all, that's what worked for them, right?For example:Last year, I invested five figures in a coaching and training offer. It was a combination of courses, one monthly call with the instructor, and weekly calls with her coaches.Fair enough. The content was great, and her coaches were well-trained and very knowledgeable.One of the strategies they taught was to require an application for a free webinar.This didn't resonate with me,

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I did it! My First Live Retreat is in the books!It was everything I hoped for and some huge a-ha moments for me.I'm going to share how it came about (Finally! This has been on my list of things I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember), taking imperfect action, the work involved, the event itself, and how I'm feeling a few weeks later.Even if you don't want to host your own retreat, I'm hoping this will give you some insight and clarity into how your business should support your personality, strengths, and how you want to feel.I had some huge epiphanies that, in all honesty, really surprised me.Including, "Do I really want to do in-person events?" 😲.stk-deff601 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#d53371 !important}How the event, IGNITE Women's Business Retreat, Came AboutAs I mentioned earlier, hosting a live event has been on my list of things to do for as long as I've been in business (almost 16 years!). After a couple of months of living in Costa Rica, I knew that's where I wanted to host an event. At the time, I had mentioned this to someone I had connected with in my building (that didn't last; she was just too much for me), and suddenly I found myself planning an overwhelming event.Fortunately, that friendship ended, and I stepped back and knew that what we had started planning was nothing like any event I'd want to host.Fast forward to June 2023 (five months after moving back to California from Costa Rica), and I was planning a visit back for October with a friend. I connected with this online years ago, and we have stayed in touch on & off throughout the years. I wanted to rent my friend's beachfront house that I had stayed at a few times, but the discounted price for me had gone up (rightfully so; the house is impressive, and she's actively renting it), and my friend said it wasn't in her budget.I wasn't interested in pivoting plans and going somewhere else because my initial goal to return to Costa Rica was to visit friends, which feels like home to me. Plus, it became apparent through our conversations that we had different ideas about what we wanted.That's when the idea hit me.Why don't I see if I can host a retreat instead? I called my friend and asked if she could give me a week (she gave me two); I reached out to a couple of people and got a yes immediately.So... my first-ever live retreat in Costa Rica was born.One of the 'yes's' came from a dear friend, Liz Weaver, who jumped in to co-host with me (best decision ever!).What started as a vacation back to the place I called home for almost two years quickly became a Women's Business retreat, and it was to happen in 3.5 months. Not a lot of time in the bigger picture of retreat planning, but that brings me to my next point.Imperfect ActionYou've probably heard the statement, "Imperfect action beats no action," which is 100% true. It can also bring a little bit of chaos into the mix. That said, sometimes I think this is the best way to make things happen.Because you don't have time to overthink, you jump in, say yes, and make it work.The house we were renting is an incredible beachfront property in Play Potrero, Guanacaste (available for rent. You can go through Airbnb here or through me and get a discount. Wink wink, nudge nudge) and sleeps 10.We figured us, plus eight guests, would be plenty for our first retreat.However, after we sold the first four spots, we decided not to keep selling it so we could all have our own rooms (each room comes with its own bathroom). Because we had such a short sales cycle, this also removed a little pressure from this first event. Our goal was to cover our costs (which we did, I think. We still have to tally everything up. I have a pile of receipts), figure out what worked and what didn't, and plan accordingly if we were going to continue doing this.You can check out the event website here,

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It seems I've been having a lot of these moments lately.If you haven't seen Jerry Maguire, it came out in 1996. Long story short, Jerry Maguire is a successful sports agent who has his own "Come-to-Jesus" moment, writes a manifesto, distributes it to the agency he works for, and all hell breaks loose in his life.Ideally, these moments don't cause everything in our lives to unfold. But they're pivotal moments.Turning points, if you will. The first moment I had that was really more of a "Come-to-Jesus" moment was when I decided to focus my business on serving women.I've wanted to do this for a long time but haven't really had the courage. Until now.Before I get into this recent epiphany (that's a hell of a lot shorter than writing out "My Jerry Maguire, Come-to-Jesus Moment"), I know exactly what has contributed to arriving here.Focus.Without a doubt, the focus I've applied over the last four months has created space for me to get clearer on what I truly want. What I want my life to look like, the work I want to do, and who I want to do it with.Choosing to focus on serving women felt like a huge fork in the road for me. I have a lot of men on my list and in my audience, and I was incredibly nervous that I would be cutting my audience in half.Here's the kicker, though... even though men have purchased my products, most of my customers are women.This is also why I'm investing in paid traffic.I'll always do organic content (which is where my Jerry Maguire moment came from), but being able to target exactly who I want to target? That's gold.OK, let's get into my "Jerry Maguire, Come-to-Jesus Moment."I love the phrase, "When the student is ready, the teacher appears."The beauty of this is that the teacher doesn't necessarily have to appear as a person. It can be an article, a video, or a specific message you start to see repeatedly.I subscribe to a lot of email lists, and YouTube channels and read a lot of articles in the digital marketing space, and it's easy to pick up on trends. Sometimes, I get an inkling of a shift happening, and other times, it takes a little longer.The first inkling I had of a shift happening was from the YouTuber creator Jessica Stansberry. She has a YouTube channel called "Hey Jessica!" and decided to launch a second channel just under her name.She's been online for about 12 years (I think) and started out doing a ton of "how-to" videos. Months before she decided to launch her second channel, she did a video where she was telling viewers to STOP doing so much how-to or creating content based on keywords.(This is where she hooked me; I hate creating content based on keywords or doing anything based on keyword research).Then, she launched her new channel because she wanted a place to do different content. Lifestyle, vlogging, and sharing her journey. That channel has almost 2k subscribers in less than a few months (and yes, she has her previous channel and existing audience where she can promote the new channel, but it wouldn't be growing if there wasn't valuable content).Then I saw this FB post from Adam Linkenauger.It's a long post, so I've copied and pasted it here, along with the image he included showing he knows a thing or two about YouTube:Adam's Facebook Post:"YouTube isn't about keywords or SEO.Forget that crap.I could care less about the "search engine", as ranking for keywords is small potatoes on the platform today.The first step is JOINTLY pleasing your subscriber base AND the algorithm.Understanding the traffic sources and the depth of strategy that comes with increasing clicks and keeping viewers watching longer.Where viewers come from drastically can change your thumbnail strategy, your headline strategy, and the content strategy depending on whether search, browse or suggested is your main feeder.Think of it much like how, in advertising,

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Staying the Course in your business can be challenging on any given day, let alone when the world feels like a dumpster fire.I won't go sideways with this episode about all of the challenges people are facing in the world right now. We're all aware that things are not what they used to be, and there's a lot of uncertainty.This is why it's vital that we tune out the noise and find ways to ground ourselves.I stopped watching the news about 15 years ago (when it felt like actual news, not entertainment or propaganda). Even back then, though, it felt like the focus was on the negative.I remember years ago, I would go straight to the gym after taking the kids to school, and if I were on the treadmill or elliptical, I'd pop on Good Morning America. Harmless enough, right? Most of that was lifestyle and entertainment, but there were news segments or teasers about the news, and even if I weren't aware of it, some of that would still sink in.Once I got my first iPad and realized I could actually read while working out, I stopped watching the news.Fast forward to today, and the only bits of news I get are from social media (not intentionally, but maybe TikTok because they show you content based on what you watch).I don't go too far down that rabbit hole because before I know it, I start feeling either angry or depressed.There was a time when I took a very neutral stance on what was happening politically because of this. All it did was make me miserable (and again, I promise this isn't a political post; this is all for context).My intention was, and still is, to be the best human being I can be, to be kind, do good work, and love with my whole heart. All while creating a life that fills my soul to the very depth of my being.With all of the upheaval over the last few years, something in me has woken up.And you can't "unring a bell," so to speak.My sense of responsibility to the world I live in feels deeper.I'm sure this is a combination of my age, my children are grown and on their own (so I have more bandwidth), and some of the loss I've experienced.You hit a point in life where you realize, "If not now, when?"We're living through some amazing and challenging times right now. The first and most important place to start is with ourselves.So, I've been contemplating this question a lot."How do I stay the course when everything around me feels like a dumpster fire?"Now, to be honest, I'm not actually using the phrase "when everything around me feels like a dumpster fire" when I'm thinking about the question of how to stay the course.That was strictly for the sake of the title of this episode.Words have power, and I try to choose them carefully. The question of staying the course, though, is 100% accurate. I'm asking from a place of curiosity and a true desire to keep myself in alignment.To answer this question, let's approach it from two angles: the internal and external side of things.The Internal Side of Staying the Course.In some ways, the internal side of this is easier because it's something we actually control. In other ways, it's harder because it takes conscious decisions, effort, and massive boundaries to anchor in behaviors and beliefs that support staying the course.And any time we set boundaries, we'll probably upset someone else simply because we're taking care of ourselves first.It's kind of funny when you realize that the only reason people get upset when you take care of yourself first is because you're not taking care of what they want. In other words, "do what I want, not what you want."It's super simplistic, I know, but it's on point.The other hard part about working on the internal side of things is that you must be willing to stop for a moment.Get away from the computer, the noise, people, social... all of it.It's hard to get clear on what you want and what's important to y...

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Loyalty to platforms and tools is crushing your growth.This was a huge epiphany I had while listening to a podcast recently (I was listening to Jenny Blake's "Free Time" podcast, which, by the way, is one of my favorites).The podcast episode I was listening to was "Why I Migrated My Three Email Lists to Substack (BFF Bonus Replay)," episode 222 (highly recommend).Many of you who have been with me for a long time (thank you) know that I love finding cool tools to check out and share.You've also probably noticed that over the last year, I've also talked much about streamlining my business.In fact, I'm tired of doing the tech. All I want to do is create and serve my audience - whether that's coaching, courses, a community, or creating and sharing valuable content.In late 2022, I contemplated moving from WordPress and going all in with ClickFunnels 2.0. Well... that was a bust. ClickFunnels 2.0, after a year-long delay in their launch, didn't have all the features I wanted to use, and it seemed silly to go to the trouble to move when I'd still need WordPress.The primary reason for wanting to make that move was simplicity.But it was also because I hate WooCommerce, which is what we used to launch Create It - The Content Planner.ClickFunnels 2.0 had promised their version of Shopify (for lack of a better explanation), and I thought, 'Great! That solves everything!'So, stick with WordPress I did.This is where the phrase, "better the devil you know," comes into play. As much as I don't like WooCommerce, I know how to use it and have developers who know how to use it.I love WordPress for the primary feature it was created for, which is blogging.The reason people end up looking for other platforms is that they don't want to piece a bunch of different things together (or Frankenstein, as some people say).As someone who can do a lot of this (although the less I do it, the less I remember how to, not to mention the less I want to do it) and has a developer who can do it, it all comes down to what I WANT to do.And screwing around with tech isn't something I want to do anymore.Circling back to the episode of Free Time I listened to that gave me my "a-ha" moment.Jenny Blake is a well-known author, has a large audience, and also has a very public dislike of social media. Her whole stance on social is that it isn't good for her. And that's the point, isn't it?I was intrigued to listen to this episode because I've been thinking of moving the newsletter for Create It (which is called "Creator's Weekly" and is fabulous - I don't write it, my daughter does) over to Substack.Now, before you think I've lost my marbles, you might be wondering about my very public love of beehiiv.Here's the thing.I do love beehiiv. I think the platform is beautiful, and it's easy to write in.That being said, I think Substack has a more robust community for discoverability. They seem to keep adding features that make it easier for people to grow their audiences, not just referral income.I've joked that if beehiiv ever became a full-blown email service provider, I'd be there in a heartbeat. But I don't see that happening anytime soon, even though they're adding more and more features by the day that support segmentation and automations.Before I go too much further with tools (because I still want to share a few things that are making me a little nuts), it's incredibly important to consider one thing with all of this.Your Business Model.How you monetize your business is the first thing you want to consider.Let's look at newsletters.If your goal is to grow a newsletter to sell sponsorships, then what you use to do that is going to look very different than a personal brand where the goal is to grow the quality and relationship with the subscriber so you can sell products and services.It also depends on how "ninja" you want to get with se...

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Reframing Content Marketing and social media is something I have to do occasionally.

Otherwise, I'd probably lose my mind a bit.

My challenge is that I enjoy doing it, but it can also feel like a chore.

Before we get into that, let's do a quick catch-up.

This is the first episode of September, and I can't believe we're down to only four months left in 2023. I've been back in California for eight months now, but it still feels a bit like I just got here.

This past weekend was Labor Day weekend in the States, and it actually felt like fall! Since I spent the last two fall seasons in Costa Rica, I'm going to soak up every bit of the "fall feels" that I can.

And that's with a trip to Costa Rica for almost a month (and I've got another one planned for January... woohoo!).

It was a rainy, cool weekend; I enjoyed some pumpkin spice coffee and scents (candles & plugins, what can I say) and made sure to take some downtime to simply enjoy the moment.

That was a little fall teaser as the sun is back (which I also love), and it will progressively be getting warmer again, but it doesn't look like we have any heat waves in the near future (working back up to the low 80s).

One thing I did for myself this weekend was spend a good chunk of time going through some training I've invested in.

It was Laurel Portié's $7 FB Ad Strategy program (I literally cannot believe the value of this...), and then I picked up Joel Erway's "Power Offer Workshop" (which is only $27)- which was recommended by Laurel in her program.

I probably spent five hours on Sunday going through the training and taking notes (I retain things much better when I write them down). I had a couple of major takeaways from the training I've gone through that inspired this episode.

First, Laurel Portié is a breath of fresh air.

The woman is incredibly smart; she's extremely generous with her time and knowledge, and she's made me think of advertising in a whole new light.

Not many ad people talk about driving traffic to content for validation (Amanda Bond does as well), so when she started referring to Power Content, I was super intrigued.

Let's look at Reframing Content Marketing first

I have always been a huge fan of content marketing.

It took me a while to find my groove (the podcast really shifted everything for me), but once I did, I fell in love with the process and mastery.

It's changed a lot over the years and will continue to with AI, but I'm here for all of it.

In a conversation with my friend, Jason Resnick, last week, I told him how frustrated I get with SEO and keyword research. I understand it, but searching for keywords to rank in Google and then creating content around those words feels ass-backward to me.

If I want to do an in-depth post specifically for search, that's one thing, but as a general concept, it feels incredibly forced for me.

I write relevant content that I want to create, first and foremost.

I live by my "Core Content Value," which is that "I want people to feel better for having consumed my content."

More specifically, the three elements of my Core Content Value are:

People will learn something

People will feel inspired

I'll connect with them on a deeper level

This is always my intention when creating content.

The thing with creating content based on keywords for a personal brand is that you may solve one specific problem (how-to content) for someone who is searching for the solution you've provided, but that doesn't mean they're interested in the content you create that isn't quite as tangible.

So when Jason shared a recent video and post by Rand Fishkin of SparkToro, which validates all of this for me, I was thrilled.

It's a 5-minute Whiteboard video with transcripts. Watch or read "Why the Worst Search Marketers Start Content Strategy with "SEO Keywords" 5-Minute Whiteboard" here.

I won't go into more detail with this here, but basically,

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It’s time we start amplifying women. Internet marketing has always been a male-dominated space.I was super hopeful when I shifted more to the ‘Creator Space’ – but I don’t think it’s much better.

I spent ten years in the WordPress space, and for the majority of that time, it was a male-dominated space as well (it seems to be getting better).

Before you think this will be an anti-man or ranty episode, let me assure you that it’s not.

Much like Mother Teresa’s quote about not attending a march against war but instead attending a rally for peace, that’s what I want to do here.

Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane first, shall we?

When I started my business in 2008, I knew that internet marketing was predominantly male.

I was also very new, so, to be fair, I didn’t really know where to look for the women when I was getting started.

Once I did, I started a Facebook Group called “The Women of Internet Marketing” and even made a movie called “Women in Business, 2.0” (the movie was in 2010 – and no, you can’t find it. It was a unique experience, to say the least).

So, this desire to support and highlight women isn’t something new for me.

I’ve always wanted to, but I think somewhere along the way, I got a little disheartened and sort of fell into the “if you can’t beat em, join em” mentality.

I was also super nervous about alienating some of my audience, which has always been pretty split 50/50 between women and men.

However, when I realized that the majority of my customers (i.e., people who actually BUY from me) are women, I let go of that.

Sign up for Early Notification of the SPARK Collective There’s also something that happens to women when you turn 50…

And I know, I can’t speak for all women, but the women I know and from a LOT of things I’ve read, when women turn 50, they stop caring so much about what other people think.

We’ve raised our kids, are established in our careers (or starting new ones), and finally feel like “YES! Now it’s MY turn.”

I also think a big turning point for me was when Roe v. Wade was overturned. I never in a million years thought I’d see that in my lifetime. I’m not going to get political here, but let’s say it lit a fire in me.

And let me be crystal clear… this isn’t just for women over 50.

This is for any woman who feels a strong pull to create a business and life that works for HER. It might be using your voice (like I’m doing here), maybe it’s writing a book, creating an e-commerce store, becoming a course creator, ad manager, social media manager… You get the point.

This episode is specifically for the entrepreneurial woman who is in this for the long haul.

You Can’t Unring a Bell

Once you start noticing things, you can’t “unnotice” them.

Here’s a little exercise for you.

Next time you see a round-up post or listicle that highlights a list of people, count the number of men to women.

It’s usually about 20-30% tops… if they’re even included.

This is why I feel SO strongly that it is up to us… as women, to support and amplify each other.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t read, recommend, follow, or support good men doing good work. What I am saying is to start “choosing awareness” and see if this resonates with you.

The flip side of that is true as well…

You don’t need to support a woman simply because she’s a woman.

Let’s move on.

Sign up for Early Notification of the SPARK Collective Amplifying Women in Business: Where to StartThe first thing I’m going to do here is target women.

Both organically (with episodes like this) and with paid traffic.

Let’s talk about organic marketing first.

I subscribe to many different newsletters and email lists (don’t we all, eh?). I’ve started a Google sheet where I’m listing the women I subscribe to, what they do, and their website.

From there, I’ll be doing the following:

• Social media posts
• Creating content
• Highlighting women via email (newsletter, solo broadcasts, etc.)

I did this when I was “The WPChick,” and I wasn’t sure which direction to go in with that brand, so I simply started sharing things I found interesting and valuable.

This grew my brand quickly.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t create your own content, but when you highlight and share other people, you quickly become someone people feel they can trust.

Win-win.

My goal will be to publish a NEW piece of content highlighting other women twice a month. This could be a podcast, post, repurposed video, or email. It doesn’t matter.

The goal will be long-form content with SEO value that simply gives credit where credit is due.

NOTE
Can you see how this is starting to “fill up” my own content creation calendar?

Ideally, this also creates new relationships with other entrepreneurial women. The key to new relationships is to embark on them with zero expectations.

If everything you’re doing is in alignment with who you are and how you move through the world, that’s all that matters.

The right people and relationships will happen.

That being said, if what you’re doing doesn’t bring you traffic or the right audience – then it’s time to re-evaluate.

You’ll also want to pay attention to which content is working the best.

Keep in mind, though, that there are a lot of factors that will contribute to content doing well. Focus on the things you can control:

• The quality of the content
• How well you’ve optimized your content
• How well you’ve shared and promoted your content

There will also be content you create and share that you do it just because you WANT to do it… not because it has the right keywords.

Which I see happening frequently with men.

For example, how many posts, comments, emails, and opinions have you seen about Alex Hormozi lately? We’re a week out from his record-breaking book launch, and it was all anyone was talking about the week after (not being a hater on Alex, I watched and bought the book).

Maybe I’m shooting myself in the foot, but I couldn’t bring myself to use his name in any sort of headline last week, even though I discussed a little bit of that in last week’s podcast.

It felt way too clickbaity.

I’ll also note that some of my highest-performing content has ZERO search engine relevance or keywords.

They were personal stories that created a connection.

Always remember that.

Sign up for Early Notification of the SPARK Collective The Easiest Way to Support Women in Business

Engage with their content.

Go beyond a like or a quick retweet (although that’s better than nothing).

For example, if you’re going to retweet, take less than a minute and write a comment about why you’re sharing, what you like about it, or why someone else should read it.

Here are a few other ways to support women:

• Comment on a blog post (yes, that’s still a thing).
• Clap and comment on Medium
• Comment on Social (yes, I know I already said that)
• Answer or reply to emails. When someone emails a survey or sends a “hit reply and let me know” – do it. Hit reply and let them know.
• Mention them in an email – with a link back
• Link to them in a piece of content
• Give them a shoutout in your podcast and/or video
• Create a quick short about them
• Subscribe & Follow: email, YouTube, and all social platforms (it is kind of hard to highlight women if you’re not following them)
• Buy from them! Even if it’s a friend (especially when it’s a friend)

Now, let’s talk for a minute about paid traffic.

I know I’ve been talking a lot about my commitment to mastering paid traffic (first starting with Facebook and Instagram) – and I’ll keep talking about it while I’m learning (with the hope of inspiring you to dip your toes in).

I currently have three Facebook courses I’m learning from:

• Claire Pelletreu’s “Absolutely FB Ads” course
• Jana Bishop’s “FB Ads Bootcamp”
• Laurel Portie’s “Ad Coaching for 7” membership (literally $7 a month)

O.K., I know this might seem a little redundant and like overkill, but let me explain my logic behind this.

I purchased Claire Pelletreu’s course back in 2020 at the recommendation of my dear friend, Maritza Parra. Martiza doubled down on herself and is doing phenomenal with paid traffic (half a million last year).

I bought this course with a business partner and was so burned out on ads from having worked with agencies that I couldn’t bring myself to go back through it.

It also seemed like Claire was going in a different direction.

When I realized she was back at it I’ve since jumped back in (and some of the content has been updated).

I bought Jana Bishop’s course because I kept seeing the ads on FB (how meta is that? And how meta is using meta for this? 🤣). It was $89 and was super easy to follow.

I had great results with the traffic ads, but my sales ads kind of choked – but that was on me. I used a previously created sales page, and I think there was a disconnect between the ad & the sales page. Fair enough.

I may go back to this – she’s a great teacher & it’s easy to follow.

Lastly, I signed up for Laurel Portie’s Ad Coaching for 7 at the recommendation of Amanda Bond (the Ad Strategist).

And I’m BLOWN away.

It’s literally only seven dollars a month. She has live training, an FB group where you can post questions (and get them answered), and tons of previously recorded content.

I jumped into that because of the recommendation of Amanda Bond (who I think is brilliant), and at that price point, it’s a no-brainer.

What do each of these courses have in common?

They’re all created by Women.

I’m telling you… I’m on a mission.

Sign up for Early Notification of the SPARK Collective What I’m Creating for Women in BusinessI’ve been in masterminds and coaching programs that men hosted, and as valuable as they were (and can be), I really wanted to create something where I wanted to be.

But I’m not starting with a mastermind (well, technically, because I am hosting my first LIVE event in Costa Rica this October! Click here to learn more).

In a recent newsletter, I talked about “flipping the Dream 100” – which is a concept by Chet Holmes and one that Russell Brunson has talked about for years.

Here’s what the Dream 100 is:

My idea behind “flipping the Dream 100” was that you can find thousands of people to do business with while you’re working towards your Dream 100 (if that’s what you want).

You can find people with similar audiences (both your target audience and audience size) that you can collaborate with.

You’ll notice this happening a lot in the newsletter space.

It’s not uncommon for newsletters to have referral programs – whether it’s native to the platform or using a tool like Sparkloop.

Another option is a tool like the Creator Network if you’re using ConvertKit – where you can recommend other newsletters after someone has successfully opted into your newsletter.

Sounds easy enough, right?

It is, but I’m finding that those subscribers tend not to stick around for very long.

I’m paying attention to the people who unsubscribe when I send a newsletter (or an email broadcast), and the bulk of people unsubscribing tend to be from the Creator Network.

I’m sure I’ll see more of that as I continue to pivot my messaging towards women (even though the content will serve either audience), but that’s to be expected.

I know what I’m doing to focus on the right audience, so I think I’ll see the inbound leads grow at a greater rate than the unsubscribes.

So, without further ado… let me be the first to share what’s coming.

Introducing…

My goal is for this to be unlike ANYTHING else you’ve seen.

First and foremost, it’s a community.

For Women.

This idea came from my video and post I did about a month ago asking for newsletters by women (for women initially).

I wanted to know where the women were.

In ANY niche (obviously, my niche is in the digital marketing space, but that’s not all I’m interested in).

So, not only will I be doing a live masterclass & member review every month (both live), but here’s what makes the SPARK Collective unique.

This will be a community for women who are ready for growth, and we will help you create the opportunities.

Sign up for Early Notification of the SPARK Collective Here is some of what you’ll find in the Collective:

• Brainstorm with a circle of fellow phenom females across industries.
• Receive introductions to potential partners, affiliates, or sponsors.
• Get matched with niche newsletters or podcasts for highly targeted swaps.
• Collaborate on game-changing joint ventures and partnerships.
• Find podcast and video guests (or opportunities to be a guest).
• Find sites you can guest post on.
• Gain visibility through community spotlights and features.
• Plug into an energizing space where women lift each other up.
• Access workshops and training on reaching the next level.
• Forge friendships and community with like-minded women.
• Share your wins and challenges in a space built on support.
• And so much more – this sisterhood sparks limitless opportunities!

There will be a weekly community newsletter that goes out with information about posts and opportunities. This may start as a bi-weekly as we’re getting ramped up, but as we grow, it will be a weekly newsletter where you can not only find opportunities but be featured as well.

I’ll also have guest experts (starting with community members) host live training and allow them to sell to the community (with some vetting of course).

Once this launches, this will be my primary focus for Kim Doyal.

I may have the occasional paid workshop here and there, but eventually, the only way to purchase anything of mine will be as a community member.

I’ve also got some proprietary content and frameworks (the SPARK Compass) that will be part of the foundation for every member.

The best part?

It’s going to be incredibly affordable.

I want to make this the PREMIER community for women who take action, are ready to grow, and believe in support and collaboration.

And, of course, I have every intention of making this ridiculously fun.

Because remember, if it’s not fun, I’m not doing it.

As the community grows and I get feedback, I’m sure things will evolve and change, but my goal is to keep this simple.

I don’t believe that more is better.

I’ve wanted to launch a community for as long as I can remember. Through the personal work I’ve done in my own life, the work I’ve done on and in my business, and the stage I’m at now… this is definitely an “idea whose time has come.”

I’ll be doing a live launch with this at the end of September (and if you’re listening or reading later than September 2023, the links in this post and episode will all redirect to join the community) with an amazing offer and some incredible bonuses (of course).

Then, sometime after I return from Costa Rica in November, I’ll do a deep dive and dissect how everything went.

As well as my plans to create an evergreen model for consistent promotion and marketing.

I’ve got my blinders on and am super focused.

Your next step is to click here to get on the notification list.

And, of course, I’ll keep you posted along the way.

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Trusting yourself in business feels like it should be easy.

After all, you've started your business because you wanted to do something different outside the norm.

You knew there was something else you were supposed to do with your life.

Or, maybe you started your business because you needed to.

Maybe you were let go from a job, could not find a job that justified the cost of daycare/commute, etc., or knew that if you didn't start something for yourself, your mental health and quality of life would continue to decline.

My reasons for starting my business were sort of a combination of all of the above.

I had been working full-time in retail management most of my adult life, and after losing my husband in a car accident at 32, with a six-year-old and a two-year-old at home, I knew something needed to change.

Prior to that job, I had tried a handful of entrepreneurial things, but it wasn't until I discovered what people were starting to do online (first discovered this space in 2006) that I knew "this was it!"

I had no idea what that looked like, but something lit up in me and grabbed hold of me.

I lost my husband in 2003 and started my business in 2008.

The five years in between were some of the hardest years of my life. It's too long to go into here (we'll save that for another podcast episode), but if I could go back and tell myself anything during that time, it would be to be gentle with myself.

On top of grieving, I was in massive judgment of myself all the damn time.

My therapist used to say I would "get myself coming and going." No matter what I did, it wasn't enough.

Learning to listen to our own intuition and trusting ourselves are incredible gifts you give to yourself if you're willing to do the work.

Intuition in Action

Until probably 12 years ago, I don't think I ever would have considered myself "intuitive." In fact, I was probably a little judgmental about that word and associated it with people who were a little "out there."

Regardless of how you define intuition or your perception of it, we're all intuitive.

We just haven't learned to tap into our intuition or trust ourselves with it.

A simpler, maybe more acceptable way to talk about intuition is learning to trust your gut.

I'm going to try to mesh the tangible with the intangible here, if you will - because in order to grow and scale a successful business, you need both.

And I'm on a mission to bring more of this language and discussion into the marketing space.

Here's a great example from the first year I was in business.

There was an internet marketing who I had discovered prior to starting my business. I had been listening to a CD set by Mark Victor Hansen (co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books) about becoming a speaker.

This internet marketer was talking about how he was making money with the internet with niche sites, affiliate marketing, and teaching.

I didn't understand half of what he was saying, but I was fascinated.

So when I finally made the leap into starting my business in 2008, I sought out this marketer and signed up for his coaching (which was 5k and the most I had ever spent on something like that).

Part of his coaching was coming to his house for a private retreat with a few other coaching clients.

By the time I went to this retreat, I had been in business for over a year and was building my first brand, The WordPress Chick.

This coach had been building websites with 'Frontpage' and was what he recommended.

Nothing in me wanted to learn Frontpage or HTML, and despite him telling me WordPress wasn't anything I should pursue, I trusted my gut.

I absolutely knew WordPress was worth it, would only continue to grow, and was where I was planting my flag.

Something in me (my intuition) told me that regardless of his financial success, this piece of advice wasn't worth listening to.

He was also of the mindset that you should pick a niche...

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Creating A Black Friday Cyber Monday Offer can be exciting, intimidating, and a little cringe-inducing.

It all depends on how you approach it.

I've been on both sides of the coin and somewhere in between when it comes to creating a Black Friday Cyber Monday Offer.

As someone who spent way too many years working in retail management, I had a pretty negative feeling about Black Friday for many reasons, mainly because I usually worked that weekend. I would have rather been enjoying time with family or kicking off my own holiday season.

Once I was out of retail, though, I promised myself I'd never go into a store that weekend... and for the most part, I haven't.

I may have gone once or twice with my Mom and sister, but that was more about doing something with them as opposed to shopping.

For the sake of all of our sanity, I'm going to stay away from the argument that addresses the 'for or against' Black Friday Cyber Monday.

It is what it is, I don't see it going anywhere, and there's no point getting worked up about it.

What we'll focus on is how to create a Black Friday Cyber Monday offer that aligns with who you are, how your support your audience, and what you can create that feels good for everyone.

Should you Create a Black Friday Cyber Monday Offer?

This question might seem a little contrary to the topic of this episode (because obviously, I think you should), but there are a handful of things you should consider before deciding whether you should create a Black Friday Cyber Monday Offer.

First question: Do you want to?

Before you call me Captain Obvious, what's really important about this question is getting clear on your "why" behind the answer.

Many people say they don't want to because they're "anti" the whole concept. I'm sure you can come up with many reasons why you or someone else might be "anti" running offers over this weekend. Fair enough.

Just make sure you're being completely honest with yourself.

Putting together the right offer for the right reasons and for the right people takes work.

You also need to go into it with the right expectations.

If you've never run one of these offers or created any type of similar marketing campaign, there's going to be a learning curve, but more on that in a minute.

Second question: Do you have an email list?

Unless you sell on social media ONLY (and have data that supports how well your social audience responds to offers), you have to have an email list.

I don't care if it's 500 or 5000.

Every single business needs an email list. This is the one source of traffic you control. And yes, if you don't have one, it's not too late to build one so you can send an offer over the Black Friday Cyber Monday weekend.

Last question: Are you willing to do the work?

I might sound a little like a stern parent here, but if you're not willing to put the time and energy into this, then don't bother.

Can you half-ass it and make some sales?

Sure, but with enough lead time and effort, why not go all in and do it correctly? There are no guarantees of how it will go, but keep in mind that regardless of how well your offer does, you're most likely going to make some sales and will gather massive data.

And more than likely, you'll end up with an offer you can use later with another campaign (different season, sale, special, etc.).

What Type of Offer to Create Based On Your Business & Audience

Contrary to what people might think, creating a Black Friday Cyber Monday offer isn't just for product businesses (courses, e-com).

Service businesses can do extremely well with a Black Friday Cyber Monday Offer as well.

I've done both e-commerce offers and service offers, both converted.

Let's look at three different business models and different offer types.

Service business

Creator business (courses, digital products)

E-commerce

Service Offers

The first service Black Friday Cyber Monday offer I ...

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The ONE question you can ask yourself is a game changer.

This was one of those questions that brought massive clarity in the span of about 1 minute. We're going to get into that in a minute, but let's do a quick catch-up and recap from last week.

First, if you missed last week's episode, I officially announced my first-ever Women's Business Retreat in Costa Rica!

The IGNITE Mastermind is happening this October 24th - the 28th. My dear friend and amazing branding expert, Liz Weaver, is co-hosting this with me.

We're just now getting around to promoting the event, but we only have four spots left, so if you're interested, be sure to head over to IgniteMastermindCR.com for all the details. This is the lowest price this event will ever be. We've set this up as an all-inclusive event (food, lodging, airport transportation, retreat workshop, and a catamaran sunset cruise). All you need to do is get yourself there!

We've even hired a professional photographer so you can get some gorgeous headshots in this amazing location (a luxury beachfront home).

Click here to learn more about the IGNITE Costa Rica retreat.

Is it me, or does it feel like this summer has completely flown by?

Maybe it's because it was so cold when I moved back in February that winter felt like it was never-ending. Now that we have warm weather and longer nights, it feels like it's going to be time for all the pumpkin spice everything.

Mind you, I've missed fall the last couple of years in Costa Rica, and I am one of those nutty pumpkin people, so I'm looking forward to enjoying all the coziness that fall brings.

Halloween decorations and candy are showing up in stores already.

When I was younger, I loved seeing this (I mean as a young adult, not a child). Maybe it was because it was forced on me by being in retail for so long.

By mid-August, I was already getting pumpkin-spiced candles for the house.

The older I get, the faster time seems to be moving, so I'm not in a rush to have seasons come and go too quickly anymore (although I'll probably be ready for summer by the end of January, haha).

Every month of the summer feels like it's been a little busier than I'm used to (or at least what I remember). Being back in California with family has been wonderful, but it also means my calendar is a little fuller.

When I start feeling a little squeezed, I remind myself that I always get everything done.

My goal is always to stay present and focused.

When I keep things simple (my three things), I always complete them, do better work, and enjoy my day more. Novel idea, isn't it?

Sometimes this is harder than others, but oddly enough, I find that slowing down helps me do this. The more I try to squeeze into a day, the faster the day goes.

My challenge to you as we wind down the rest of 2023 is to choose to be present.

To quote Maya Angelou:

If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present. Gratefully.

Moving on.

The ONE Question to Ask Yourself

I heard this in a video I was watching (yes, Ben Hardy), which was posed by Gary Keller of Keller Williams Real Estate in the United States (one of the biggest real estate brokers in the US).

Here's the question:

"What is the one thing, if accomplished, that makes everything else you're trying to do either easier or unnecessary?" 🤯

I knew immediately what that one thing was for me.

The community I'm launching in September.

I've talked a lot about simplifying my business recently, and the community is part of that.

I know there will be times when I feel like hosting a workshop or doing a collaboration of some sort, but the foundation for my business will be:

Community ==> Group Coaching ==> Retreats

That's it.

The community is called "The SPARK Collective.

I played around with a bunch of different names and ideas,

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The Cost You Pay isn't necessarily in dollars...

It's much greater.

But before we get into that, let's do a little recap of the last week.

In last week's episode, I talked about 'burning the boats' and simplifying everything in my business. Sharing that and getting the podcast published was the fuel I needed.

There is something about putting stuff out there that lights a fire in me.

I love setting up some sort of accountability that keeps me on track.

Whether it's to a mentor, a friend or publicly putting it out there - it works. I used to judge myself because I always felt like it was weak to need that (this was many years ago), but now it feels like a superpower.

I know what works for me, and I'm running with it.

I also did something last week I've been putting off for far too long - I got back in front of the camera! Go me!

And here's the truth... which I'm guessing most women will be able to relate to: I was having a really good hair day and basically told myself, "Girl, your hair is on point today. You need to record a video."

Whatever it takes, right?

So, I raised my desk, decided on the topic, and hit record. I posted the video to both my Facebook business page and personal page. Then I posted it to the biz page first and then to my personal page. On the personal page, I asked people to tell me where they saw it first.

I got more comments on my personal page than on my business page, but it's all a process.

Here's the crazy thing...

After having a conversation with my friend, Emma Hersh, and my experiment posting the same question on Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook - I've decided I'm going to focus on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Emma was great and sent over some data she found, and let me tell you, Facebook is NOT dead. Gen Z may not be there, but my audience is.

Then the next day, I came across a Gary V video (and I haven't watched or listened to him in a long time), and he said the three platforms people should be focusing on are: Facebook pages, YouTube shorts, and TikTok.

So that felt a little confirming.

That being said, I say show up where you feel most comfortable, create what you enjoy creating, and go all in.

Because I've made the commitment to do more video, it's easy to repurpose what I'm doing across all three platforms.

So, that being said, here's where you can follow me on all three. And bear with me as I start reworking my profiles on these platforms:

Facebook business page

YouTube

TikTok

Here we go, friends.

The Cost You Pay

I get super giddy when I come across someone new who inspires me.

You've heard me talk almost non-stop about Dr. Benjamin Hardy and the books he's written with Dan Sullivan. I had come across Ben Hardy last year, but for whatever reason, I wasn't quite ready for that work.

Clearly, that's changed.

Well, last week, I came across someone I had never heard of, who is killing it, and I have been bingeing her content. What I love about this woman is that she's not in the BS guru internet marketing/creator space.

I won't go sideways ranting or throwing shade at anyone here, but I think you get my point.

The people who are unrelatable, keeping themselves at arm's length from their audience, and whose message feels tired (or is this just me?)

Anyway...

I'm referring to Tiffany Carter of ProjectMEwithTiffany.com.

In a nutshell, she's got two businesses. One is an 8-figure business, and one is a 7-figure business. She's this brilliant mix of direct business strategy, spirituality, mentoring, and keeping it real.

I'm putting this out there now that I fully intend to have her on the podcast.

I don't even remember which podcast episode I was listening to, but when she said, "... the cost of not doing things," I wrote it down instantly and knew it would be the next podcast episode.

Logically, we all get this.

It's not a difficult concept,

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Well, it might seem like my best-laid plans for the podcast have gone sideways, but I assure you it's anything but.

I won't go into much detail about life with this episode, but the last couple of months have been super busy with family stuff, and I've been quietly working behind the scenes and, for lack of a better description, have been "burning the boats."

This episode is for anyone who has or has had that niggly feeling in their gut for far too long about making a change in their business. It could be niching down, a pivot to something entirely different, focusing on a different audience, or adding something brand new.

Whatever it is, my goal with this episode is to both inspire you and give you a few things you can do to get the ball rolling.

One thing to remember: this is going to look completely different for each individual. Don't compare your pivot to anyone else's.

On one hand, the burning of the boats feels like it's been years in the making. On the other hand, I made this decision fairly quickly because of the level of focus and structure I've implemented.

Simplifying & Burning the Boats

The first time I burned the boats in my business was when I pivoted from "The WPChick" to my personal brand. This was back in 2018, and I knew it was time.

In fact, it was probably time a few years prior, but I didn't have the clarity or the courage until 2018.

During the last few years as The WPChick, I felt very limited.

I didn't want to:

Create any more how-to WordPress tutorials

Do anymore client work, no more websites

Continue creating content about plugins or themes

I changed my tagline on my site to "A Place Where WordPress and Marketing Collide,"... which I loved, but at the time, the WordPress space was so anti-marketing (God forbid you made a living in that space outside of service work), and I didn't feel like dealing with the trolls (I had my fair share in that space).

What I loved doing was creating content and marketing.

The more I learned about marketing, the more I enjoyed it.

In many ways, I held myself back when I was The WPChick. Because there was such a self-righteous anti-marketing stance, I avoided trying things or going deeper with marketing strategies. I'd do the surface work and get some results, but not the results I truly wanted.

I tried to please everyone but myself.

If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be to only pay attention to people who were already where I wanted to be.

Here's another way to look at his:

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I've spent far too much of my life worrying about what other people think.

This might come as a surprise to people who don't know me very well or to those who I haven't allowed myself to be vulnerable with, but I'm over it.

This is probably one of my favorite things about getting older... as you start to realize that your time on this earth is actually finite and you may have less in front of you than behind you, you realize it's time to stop playing small.

Or, as Brené Brown shares in her article, " The Midlife Unraveling,"...

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Women Over 40, it's your turn.

Recently I was at my niece's high school graduation party.

A handful of my sister's dearest friends came to celebrate my niece as well, and it was wonderful to see all these women. All were friends she's known since childhood, so I've also known them all for 35+ years.

In a conversation with one of her friends, we started talking about my sister's birthday this year (she'll be 50, and I'm just about to turn 53 as I write this). As we were talking about this, her friend (who is 48) was saying that she's "not looking forward to turning 50 at all."

My response was so immediate and natural that I didn't think about it before I said it.

"I absolutely love being over 50! I am so happy with who I am at this stage in my life. It just gets better."

She looked at me, a little surprised, and said, "Really?"

It wasn't coming from a place of judgment at all... it was genuine curiosity.

Anyone over 40 can probably think back to when you were in your 20s, and 40 seemed so far away. And old. 😅

Ha!

There's a lot of truth to the body aging and things changing, but we have access to so much more information and understanding... I truly believe that you can be in better shape in your 50s than you were in your 30s if you want it.

It's all up to you.

The magic starts happening when you realize this is your life, and you get to choose what it looks like.

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I started my business back in 2008 at the ripe old age of 38.

Which, at the time, didn't feel old unless I was looking around at all the 20-something bros who were "killing it" (more on that in a minute).

I started my business for a few reasons:

I was widowed in 2003 with two small children (6 & 2). I wanted to be home for them.

I have always felt in the deepest part of my being that I was meant to do something different with my life (entrepreneurial, not a job).

I wanted more freedom.

The years between 2003 and 2008 were some of the most challenging years of my life (up to that point, because let's face it, none of us get out of this life without heartache and challenge. I've had more since then, but we learn to hold it differently as we age).

Fortunately, I found an amazing therapist who has since become more of a mentor, and I still speak with her/see her today. She's also an incredible model for creating whatever you want in your life. I have nothing but massive appreciation, gratitude, and deep love for her.

She also challenges me.

Which is what I'm hoping I can do for you.

There have been three distinct "spaces" I've been in since I started my online journey. I'm calling these spaces because they're way too broad to be a niche.

WordPress

Internet Marketing

Creator Economy

The common thread among all three is that they're all dominated by men.

WordPress

For the first ten years online, I was "The WordPress Chick.

I discovered WordPress, grabbed the domain name (which, btw, someone wants to buy... hmm..), and went about sharing what I was doing with WordPress.

I wasn't a developer or a coder, but I was figuring out how to use it and thought I'd share what I was doing.

This was truly a case of ignorance was bliss.

Until I started getting some skadouchey people trolling me (one guy, in particular, was a complete dick, but I don't even remember his name, so what does that tell you), then I started doubting myself.

When I started podcasting in 2013, things changed.

I was tired of being "behind the computer" and creating "how-to" videos for WordPress.

Podcasting was a game-changer for me because of the relationships that grew from the interviews.

Internet Marketing

I don't think I need to go too deep into this space... it's been all about bro culture from day one. Nuff said.

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Goodbye, Costa Rica.For now.

I’ve been pondering this decision for a while now, even though I said I would stay for two more years at the end of my 1-year lease last year.

Many factors have contributed to my decision to move back to the states, but the biggest one is family.

My Dad is 78, and while he’s already had some health issues, they seem to be compounding or worsening. Most people who know him would probably look at him and not think twice. Still, after spending so much time with him over the holidays (I hadn’t seen him for a year in person – he was going to come to Costa Rica, and I got Covid the day he was to fly down), I’ve been reminded that time is precious.

I never saw my Mom age since her passing at 71 was unexpected. Even though I watched all four grandparents age, it’s an entirely different feeling when it’s your parent.

Maybe because, secretly, it means I’m aging too.

I noticed a significant slowing down with my Dad, which I’m sure is partly due to age and health concerns. My aunt also had some health challenges this year (my Mom’s younger sister, who I’m incredibly close to), and I want to be closer.

Get #FtheHUSTLE in Your Inbox Other factors that contributed to saying Goodbye, Costa RicaI’ve had my own fair share of challenges this year (don’t we all), and being in a foreign country steps things up a bit.

Having to take my dog in for surgery on both back knees – and then a second time, because something happened to one of the knees, was a little traumatic (I felt like I’d failed her)- then to have surgery on my back?

It was a lot in a short period of time.

I also had visitors every month through August, except for February, and while I wouldn’t trade it for anything (I also had some incredible experiences), it was a little hard to start and stop so much (with work).

Having just launched “Create It,” I’m pretty head down with my business right now (the new content planner). I think it will be easier to manage things in the states than here. This might sound a little strange since it’s a digital business, but here are a few reasons why:

• Shipping: we’re shipping the initial orders and will hopefully switch to a distribution service by the second quarter, but we’ll be the shipping department (my daughter and me).
• Events: with the world opened up. I’d like to get back to networking and traveling to events. I’m looking at joining an e-commerce mastermind to scale the new brand, and there are quarterly events, which are much easier to get to from the states.

Another factor that I kind of can’t believe I’m sharing here (although why not? I share everything else, and knowing me, I’ve probably mentioned it in another podcast) is the dating scene.

It’s pretty non-existent.

I’ve shared before that the area I live in, while amazing, feels more or less like it’s made up of retirees and families (because of the proximity to the international schools).

I’ve had my fair share of younger Tico’s ask me out (when I was getting out and about more, haven’t done a whole lot of that over the last 4+ months with my back), but that’s not my jam (as flattering as it may have been haha).

When I had started thinking about moving back to the states, I had originally been thinking of Oregon or Washington, so I was still close enough to drive to see family.

Then it seemed silly to move back to be closer to family and not actually be close (I know, I’m a genius). So it’s back to Northern California, I go. I’ll land at my Dad’s for a few months while I scout different areas, but I won’t be in the Bay Area proper (I have some friends there still, but all my family has moved out of the Bay Area).

I don’t think I could handle the traffic, the people, the constant activity…

I have definitely acclimated to a slower pace of life in Costa Rica and want to keep it that way.

I’m currently thinking of a little city, Auburn, above Sacramento and below Lake Tahoe. There are a handful of small cities around Auburn as well that I’ll check out. I have a lifelong friend in Auburn, and it’s kind of a mix between the country and the mountains.

After being in a condo, I’m ready for space again (and a yard for the dogs where all I have to do is open the door and let them go!).

I’m going to watch the real estate market, so I will rent for a while, but ultimately, I would like to find a place to buy in the next year.

Does California cost more?

You bet.

But to be near people I love?

Totally worth it (and honestly, anywhere I’d want to live in Oregon or Washington, I wouldn’t be saving that much).

I’ve got one month left (I gave my notice to my landlord on January 1st). Basically, all I need to do is sell everything I can (my car and some other big things I’ve purchased or brought down), pack my clothes, personal belongings, and computer, and get the dogs ready (trip to the vet to see what’s required for entry back into the states) and book my flight.

I have no doubt that the month will go fast.

A friend is coming for a visit on the 13th (the one who lives in Auburn) and offered to take a couple of extra suitcases back with her, so that helps quite a bit.

All I plan to do with my last month here is spend as much time with my friends as possible and make frequent beach trips. I want to savor every moment.

I’ll definitely be back (especially since I have friends to visit and can stay with), so it’s just a “Goodbye for now.”

Get #FtheHUSTLE in Your Inbox What I’ve learned from my time in Costa Rica

More than anything, I’ve learned a lot about myself.

I am incredibly proud of myself for having done this. I literally moved to a country I’d never visited and made the most of it.

At times I questioned whether or not I was seeing enough of the country… and my therapist reminded me that this experience didn’t need to be anything other than what it was for me.

Much of that came from a former friend who constantly told me I needed to get out and do more, but I don’t “need” to do anything other than what I wanted to do.

I’m a grown-ass woman, and I do what I want! (I had a poster that said that – I think I need to buy another one when I’m back).

I’m writing an entire post on my experience in Costa Rica and how it completely changed my life. Who I am, how I move through the world, what I want, and my perspective on so many things.

Stay tuned for that, but now I want to talk about 2023.

Hello 2023Since I shared a bit about what I went through in 2022, I’m not going to repeat much of it here other than how it relates to what I’m doing moving forward.

As much as I love doing year-in-review posts, I’m feeling the pull to focus on moving forward (and it was a great year).

After my two-week trip to California for Christmas, I’m looking forward to being back and settled and then next Christmas being in my own space while also getting to spend the holidays with family.

Since moving to Costa Rica, the only travel I’ve done is back to California for visits – so I’m really looking forward to some other trips and experiences this year.

Planning for 2023

I love planning (since I have a Content Planner business), but I haven’t had much chance to take a minute and do any business planning for 2023.

And that’s O.K.

I’m not behind, and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, and it will happen as it’s supposed to.

I’ve started a mind map for this brand (using MindNode for Mac, which I’m kind of falling in love with), and have goals for Create It (which I created when I did the content plan for the sample planner), but the planning I’m talking about is the big picture planning, which always starts with how I want my life to feel.

Life Plans for 2023

• Find my new spot within 3-5 months of being back in California. I’ll land at my Dad’s and start checking out different areas. As he calls it, start “shopping” for where to live. Having lived in Northern California all of my life (up until 2020), I’m pretty familiar with the area I’m looking for but haven’t done it from the perspective of living there.
• Start dating! EEEK! I’ll probably wait until I get settled in my own place, but I’m actually looking forward to this.
• Spend more time with family. I want to hang out with my aunt more, go down to visit my daughter in LA, and spend more time with my siblings and my nieces and nephews (since I’m living with my Dad for a bit, we’ll get plenty of quality time together).
• More time with friends! Some of my closest friends are from high school (and even elementary). The older I get, the more I cherish time with my friends. I’ve always prioritized my friendships, but they feel deeper and richer as I get older. I’ll also spend time with dear friends I’ve only connected with online in person… we’re already planning a weekend on the Oregon coast together!
• More time for hobbies! I am SO excited to return to my watercolors, pens, drawing, etc. All of my art supplies are in storage… but not for long!

Interesting that as I look at that list, everything I’ve listed is about time.

And primarily, relationships.

It’s lovely.

I also think this is the first time I’ve put my life plans first!

Usually, I start with business… interesting.

Business Plans for 2023

Here we GOOOOOO!!!!!

As excited as I am, there’s a level of calm confidence I feel as I look at the year ahead.

After 15 years in this online space, there’s a knowing about what needs to be done, and I’m doing it.

Let’s look at both brands (KimDoyal & Create It).

KimDoyal.com

Cleaning, clarity, and consistency are my priorities.

• Cleaning: my site needs a good amount of cleaning up. That means cleaning up content, broken links, shortcodes in posts missing images from older posts, etc.
  This also means a new website. The goal for completion of the new site is the end of the first quarter. I’m also going to move all of my courses into Circle. I’m using Circle for Create It, and it makes more sense to use one platform for all courses on both brands (they’ll be separate accounts).
• Clarity: As someone who has fallen in love with writing, I need to be way clearer about who I am and what I do. Right now, it’s kind of a mystery (a little bit of this, a little bit of that). My focus is on email marketing, newsletters, and #FtheHUSTLE. People love #FtheHUSTLE, but it’s also a bit of “I get it! What a great name. Now, what is it?
• Consistency: I have to hire help—end of story. The only way I can create and produce what I want is to have help with the things I don’t enjoy doing or want to do (podcast editing, video editing, reposting my newsletter as blog posts, and social media). The one thing I’ve been very consistent on is the newsletter, but that’s about it. My poor podcast has been neglected for too long.

Within those themes are additional elements, but I’m not going to get into the weeds with them.

In terms of content for 2023, I want to revamp my YouTube channel and focus on written content that I can repurpose (long-form blog posts, podcasts, and the newsletter).

What that looks like in terms of social content, I’m not exactly sure, but I want the majority of what I share socially to come from organic content I’ve published on my site first.

I’m working on new keywords and a pillar content strategy.

My intention isn’t to produce “tons” of content… it’s to produce quality content that I can get more leverage from. In the Create It Content Planner, I’ve created a strategy focusing on three different types of focus content: Evergreen, Topical, and Connection.

My intention isn’t to produce “tons of content”… it’s to produce quality content that creates more leverage. @kimdoyalClick to TweetI’ll ensure my content for KimDoyal always falls under those three buckets.

Email list growth: add 10k subscribers to my email list.

I’ll do this organically and with a paid traffic strategy.

Get #FtheHUSTLE in Your Inbox Now let’s look at Create ItWhew! It has been a whirlwind getting that up and launched.

The physical planners are shipping to us, and then we’ll ship them out (and by us, I mean my daughter, who will ship the initial presale planners). After looking at the cost of shipping the planners from Atlanta to California, I think it might just make more sense to go with a distribution center for the next print run.

I have REALLY big plans for this brand!

The first thing I’m going to do is hire a traffic company. I’ve already had a call with the agency I’m going to use (female owned), and they’ve been running ads for another planner brand for THREE years (not a competitor), and she loves this space.

We’ll start with Facebook and Instagram and will add YouTube and Google next.

I learned a lot with the first planner and have already created a higher cart value from what I learned the first time.

I know I can grow this much faster (again, I learned a lot the first time).

I don’t want to divulge too much here regarding additional products, but they’re coming! I have a second planner I’d like to release by the end of Q2, but I won’t do that until we have the paid traffic, funnels, and content running (with my tiny effective team).

I will also join an e-commerce mastermind run by my friend Trey Lewellen. I initially thought I’d sign up in January, but I told him it would be February instead once I was back in California and settled. He’s a master at e-commerce, and I know he can show me how to scale this quickly, source other products, and really grow this.

Build my Tiny Effective Team

I’ve talked about this a bit before, but that term is from Jenny Blake’s book “Free Time.”

I’m willing to do what it takes to get this going (I already have), but I do NOT want to be so “in the weeds” with the day-to-day (creating content, social media, tech mgmt, etc.).

I have a few people in place already.

Next will be a VA/project mgr/right-hand person (does that exist in one person? initially, it might have to), then social media, and more content creators (my daughter is knocking it out of the park with our Creator’s Weekly newsletter!).

Whew.

Right now, the priority is simply getting the main website up. The pages are done. It’s just down to me editing copy and adding product descriptions, images, etc.

Then pulling the trigger.

I mentioned in the episode that I started writing this post a few weeks ago (finally having recorded it in the 4th week of January).

A few things have changed:

• I extended my stay in Costa Rica by nine days
• I’m going to use something else for courses, but I think I might keep Circle for the community piece (i haven’t decided)
• I will start running ads at the end of February or early March (so I’ve had time to settle in California). The same is true with the mastermind I want to join, but both are happening.

I’ve got some interviews I’ve already recorded that I’ll be publishing over the next few weeks, and will be back with a solo show and updates after that.

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This isn’t my official year-in-review podcast episode (I’ll record that in January), but I’m starting to look ahead at what I want for 2023.

Both business and life.

We’re about to enter December (or, depending on when you’re listening to this, we’re already there), and I head back to California in a few weeks.

The new planner, Create It, is done and off to the printer, so I can catch my breath for a minute and regroup.

I’ve worked almost every day since the week off after my back surgery. Still, now that I’m starting to feel a lot better physically, my mental energy has shifted as well (nothing like being resistant to what is… although I’ve stopped saying my back is taking longer than I’d like. My only answer now is that my back feels better and better every day).

Not that I could do much else…

It’s been raining almost every day (although, as I write this, there are bright blue skies outside… I’m hoping they stick around so I can take the dogs to the beach this afternoon).

Let’s get into today’s episode…

Launching a New CompanyI went into a lot of detail in the last episode that announced Create It, about the planner itself (as well as my decision to do this).

I want to go a little deeper about my vision for Create It Company, why I decided to start another company separate from my personal brand, and how I see them fitting together.

My first “real” entrepreneurial endeavor was the scrapbook store I opened with a business partner back in 1998. This was at the beginning of the scrapbooking craze, and I had just been laid off from my district manager position.

Even though I didn’t necessarily have the capital to do it, I would have opened another store (and can I say amen that we didn’t). I had BIG visions for that store (and we could have killed it online had I known what I know now ?… hindsight is 20/20, isn’t it?).

My business partner didn’t.

It was more of a hobby for her, whereas I needed it to bring in an income.

In many ways creating a physical content planner brings me full circle. Even at the Scrapbook store, I taught classes… so much of what I do today has been a part of my journey long before coming online.

I’d like to see how far I can take Create It.

Not just the planner, but the company.

Which is why I needed to do this on my own.

I’ve been fortunate to partner with amazingly talented people, but any time you bring on a partner, you’re giving up control.

And as crazy as I make myself, I’m much more willing to take risks, even when I have no idea how it will happen.

The idea of giving up on myself feels like a death sentence.

I have zero intentions of “retiring”… in fact, I see myself creating more as I get older.

One of my goals with Create It Company is to scale it to the point where it doesn’t need me. And who knows, maybe even sell it for a nice exit, but that’s getting ahead of myself.

Plans for the Company

In addition to hiring people (again, I went into much more detail about this in the last podcast episode), we have many more products planned for the brand.

I don’t want to give them away too much here, but here are the categories of products we’re looking at:

• More planners (beyond the content planner)
• Stickers (physical & digital)
• Pens
• Card decks
• Lots of training courses (with guest experts)
• Monthly content prompts and template subscription
• Consulting on planner creation and publication (helping other people produce planners)

To do this, I will need a little help and guidance in the e-commerce space, which is where my friend Trey Lewellen comes in.

Trey is a master at e-commerce.

So I’m looking at joining his mastermind in January.

Obviously, organic content and social media will be a big part of our growth strategy, but so will paid traffic. I’m on a mission to dial in paid traffic with someone internally (no outside ad agencies) and keep it in-house to keep our costs down, get ad creative returned on time, and be able to adjust as necessary.

Managing the ads isn’t my sweet spot, but I’m happy to create the creative.

I’ll update you on how the presale has done when I do my year-in-review podcast episode. We’ll also have some promotions in December (to help people start their planning for 2023).

Get #FtheHUSTLE in Your Inbox! Life ChangesI don’t think I’ve mentioned this publicly anywhere, but I’m looking at moving back to the states in the first part of 2023.

As of right now, I have no idea if that means February or June ?. I have a friend visiting in January, and I want to see how I feel after being back for Christmas (it was a little like culture shock last year flying into LAX from Costa Rica).

So, why the sudden change of heart, you might ask?

It’s a combination of many things, and the first and probably most obvious to me is that I felt this way last year too.

I miss the fall and holiday seasons in the states. I miss family, cozy times, and all that comes with this time of year.

The difference between how I feel this year versus last year is that I feel like I’m moving towards something (which will make a lot more sense when I explain the other reasons). Last year was difficult because Thanksgiving fell on my Mom’s birthday, and it was literally the first holiday I had ever spent without family.

All that being said, there’s nothing in me that feels sad about my desire to move back.

In fact, I was originally looking at either Oregon or Washington, but one of the primary reasons I want to move back is to be closer to family and friends. So it seems a little counterintuitive to move back to the states and still be that much further from family.

Which means Northern California.

I can’t be in the heart of the Bay Area and really don’t want to do suburbia either, so I’m looking at a few areas that are a little more remote but still only about 20 minutes from civilization. After staying with my Dad during the months before moving to Boise, I’ve realized that being that remote is too far (an hour to Target or Costco… and yes, those are measurements for me).

And yes, this means all the expenses of living in California. But that’s fine…more motivation to scale Create It, right? ?

I mentioned earlier that I want to join my friend Trey’s mastermind. He lives in St. Louis and has live events there a few times a year. Flying out of Cost Rica to the states isn’t necessarily difficult, but it’s not super convenient either.

I have to pay my dog sitter, and except for LAX, there aren’t a lot of direct flights out of Liberia.

I love the area I live in (Potrero, Guanacaste), but I’m sandwiched between retirees and families (the international schools are in this area). I’ve realized that I’m not really a digital nomad (I literally work Monday – Friday in my house. I’m not a fan of working in coffee shops because of the noise… even with noise-canceling headphones).

I don’t really want to work outside (as beautiful as it is, the humidity or heat would probably make me a little cookoo) – other than my patio every now and then, provided it hasn’t been raining (the mosquitos love me).

The other challenge of living here is dating.

It’s pretty much non-existent unless I want to date a 35-year-old Costa Rican (I’ve had plenty of opportunities there, but it’s a hard no for me).

I’m at a stage in my life where I want a primary relationship again – and I don’t see that happening here (and who knows, maybe that’s just a belief, but either way, it is what it is).

A lot of this could also be that this has been one hell of a year. The year started off with me getting Covid mid-January then I had visitors every month through August, except for February. Then literally, the day a friend left in August was when my back went out.

As much as I’d like to think I’m Wonder Woman, it’s been a lot.

Sharing all of this here and actually putting it out there is helping me get some much-needed clarity. Hopefully, it doesn’t sound like one big complaint after the other. It’s simply where I’m at right now.

Costa Rica is beautiful, and I’ve met some amazing people (some of whom will stay dear friends for life, I hope), but it kind of feels like my time here is done, for lack of a better explanation.

I’ll also give another update about this in my year-in-review episode, especially since I’ll have returned from California with fresh eyes.

When I do move back, I’ll land at my Dad’s for 2-3 months to get situated, start looking for a place and reacclimate to life in the states.

Get #FtheHUSTLE in Your Inbox! A Look Towards 2023I’ve been so head-down and focused on Create It that I hadn’t started thinking much about 2023 until this past weekend (Thanksgiving weekend). With the holiday in the states, I took advantage of a long, quiet weekend to get things done and start clearing my head.

I’ve already shared what I want to do with Create it, so I won’t repeat it here.

For my personal brand, it’s time to take my own advice and #JustShowUP!

For much of this year, I’ve felt like I’ve been in project mode.

I will continue focusing on email marketing and newsletters while sharing what I’m doing with content marketing (that will naturally support Create It).

But it’s time for me to make video a priority. I don’t see myself focusing on YouTube until the second quarter, but until then I’ll start rebranding my channel (thankfully I had the good sense to use my name for my channel as opposed to The WP Chick), editing playlists, and adding any video I do to the platform.

And yes, I still want to focus on TikTok.

That came to a screeching halt when my back went sideways and I needed surgery, but I’m feeling much better and am ready to jump back in.

There are 3 things I want to focus on in 2023:

• Mastery
• Systems
• Visual content

Now let’s drill down a little deeper on each of these.

Mastery

There is something so delicious about digging in and getting better at your craft. I know that might seem like the word doesn’t fit, but think about the experience of eating your favorite food, and it’s cooked perfectly.

That’s the feeling I’m referring to.

My areas of mastery are writing and marketing.

I know those are pretty general buckets (big buckets), but I have slowly fallen in love with writing over the last 10+ years and want to put more energy toward it. Storytelling, content writing, copywriting, and yes, even social media writing (why does short-form content throw me for such a loop?).

I purchased the newly updated “Everybody Writes” by Anne Handley (Kindle version) and am excited to dive in.

This should help immensely with my plan to write the #FtheHUSTLE book in 2023.

Systems

Systems are the bain of my existence. It’s not how my brain works; I don’t like administrative work. Can I hire for this role?

Absolutely, but I need to create and set it up (that doesn’t mean I won’t have help or have someone manage it for me. I will 100% be looking for that person in the first quarter of 2023)—someone who loves systems and just wants to do their thing with some security of a regular paycheck.

Because we’re selling Notion products, that’s the route I plan on going.

When I started Create It, I chose Asana because I knew it and could get it going quickly. Notion is one of those things I want to master in 2023 also, but I’ll start with basic best practices.

Last but not least is Visual Content.

This means creating and sharing more visuals that I personally create (think doodles, sketchnotes, etc.). I have a tool I use for doing some quick visuals called Sketchwow, but I’m talking about me personally drawing things that I use for my content.

This means learning Procreate for the iPad. This way, I can create high-quality doodles and easily export them while retaining the quality (I’m guessing you can export them as vector images).

I’ll be jumping into the next cohort of Pencil Pirates (the creator of Pencil Pirates, Laura Evans-Hill, said I could do the next round because of my back. As if I didn’t think she was already awesome!).

I’m going to try creating “illustrated guides” to things that are a little more complex (like Notion! haha). Then create content that supports the illustrated guide.

Books will be great for this (illustrating concepts from books), but that’s a bigger undertaking, so I’ll start with concepts and frameworks, including my own.

Either way, I’m excited to see where the doodles and drawing take me in 2023.

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Create It - The Content Planner is LIVE!

BUT... before we get into that, it's been a hot minute since I posted a podcast episode, and I want to share some updates with you.

I have a couple of interviews in the can and another solo show to wrap up, but this had to come first.

I had my back surgery on October 1st (in Costa Rica), and my dog, who had a second surgery on one of her legs, came home the week before my surgery (after being at the vet for 5 weeks!).

Having surgery in another country was an interesting experience, to say the least. I'm thinking of writing an article on Medium about the experience, but we'll see if I get around to that. I trusted the neurosurgeon completely and have no doubt the surgery was done well.

The hospital stay (only one night) was another experience altogether. Not to mention there were more or less zero postop instructions or guidelines unless I asked.

Fortunately, someone on my list, shoutout to Alex Smith of Fluid Junction, who had a similar surgery and became my go-to with questions and postop care. One of my neighbors is also a nurse who worked for a neurosurgeon for years in the states, so she's been a godsend too.

All that being said, I'm on the road to recovery.

Everything I read said about six weeks. You'd start to feel better (closer to normal), which was also true for me. I still limp a bit later in the day, my back gets sore, and I can feel pretty tired by late afternoon, but I'll take it. I'm not in any pain, and things are progressing nicely.

The bonus to all of this was that my daughter came down for the week after my surgery to help out, so I got some extra time with her (and didn't have to wait until Christmas to see her).

I've more or less been hanging out in my place, working, resting, and recuperating for the last 6 weeks. I go out to get groceries and a meal with friends here and there, but it's actually been pretty lovely being able to focus (not to mention it's been raining most of the last 6 weeks).

Now that that's out of the way let's jump into Create it - The Content Planner.

If you haven't heard, Jodi and I shut down the Content Creators Planner a couple of months ago. I shared a podcast episode about our decision to do so. You can listen to "Time for A New Chapter" here.

It was during the closing of that business that I started to feel the pull to give it another go.

We didn't shut it down because it wasn't a good business, but we didn't have the time for it as a team. Jodi has a successful full-time agency and is the primary person responsible for her aging parents. She has a lot on her plate.

Initially, I thought I would move on and focus on #FtheHUSTLE. Not just the newsletter but the business and life framework.

But that niggly feeling of "what if" wouldn't go away.

What if I did a new planner?

Started a new company?

And did more with than one type of planner?

The wheels started turning, and I knew that this was what I was supposed to do.

Having successfully done this once, albeit, with a business partner, I knew I could do this again, but I had that much more knowledge and understanding of running an e-commerce business.

I could take all the lessons, mistakes, challenges, and wins and do things differently.

The one thing I knew had to be different this time was that I had to have a team.

It can be challenging when you can do just about everything you need in your business. Between the two of us, Jodi and I had everything covered. After months of doing it on our own, the only thing we hired out was Facebook ads.

I also learned a lot from that experience, and as soon as we start running paid traffic (which will be after presales), we're keeping it in-house. I have a dear friend who is great with paid media, and I've already asked her if we can be her "only client."

If at some point she doesn't want to continue doing it for us,

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In this episode, I want to challenge you to start thinking about More Creating, Less Producing.

Let me back up a little bit and explain where this came from (and yes, I'll probably be creating a framework for this).

I came up with the term #FtheHUSTLE over six years ago.

At the time there were so many people preaching about hustle and grind it started getting on my nerves. It made me feel like no matter what I did, it wasn't enough.

And I'm a doer.

I take action, I like being productive and seeing results from my efforts.

All that being said, I didn't need to be bombarded with the message that I needed to do MORE or that I wasn't serious about my business because I wasn't working 24/7.

And can we just zip it about binge-watching TV already?

Do whatever works for you to refuel and recharge.

I didn't do anything with #FtheHUSTLE until almost two years ago when I saw the logo in a dropbox folder and knew instantly that it was going to be the name of the newsletter (I had no idea at the time I would use it for my podcast as well).

Fast forward to today, and I'm much clearer on what #FtheHUSTLE is (more on that later...and surprise, I've met with a book coach to start outlining an #FtheHUSTLE book! I started doing it with AI last year, and it didn't feel right. I want to write every word of this book).

FtheHUSTLE is subjective.

Meaning it gets to be whatever it needs to be for YOU.

Whether it's a shorter work week, limiting calls, more vacation time, not selling a product or service the way everyone else is telling you it needs to be done, choosing not to use social media or hiring someone to clean your house.

It can be business or personal, or better yet both.

It's about creating a life that allows you to be and do whatever it is you want.

This brings me to more creating, less producing.

I'm going to back into this because it will be helpful to hear how I'm focused on creating in a way that isn't necessarily obvious.

Align, Design, Assign

First off, Align, Design, Assign is from an amazing book I'm reading called "free time" by Jenny Blake.

HOLY MOLY, I love this book.

Recently I shared that I got the updated version of Mike Michalowicz's "Clockwork" because I want to remove myself from the aspects of my business that aren't the best use of my time.

I'm also launching a new company (you'll hear about that in the next month, I promise) and want to make sure it's set up in a way that isn't reliant on me as the brand's voice.

I will 100% be part of the brand in terms of part of the company (and obviously, using what I've created to support the launch), but I will not be the primary content creator. In fact, I'm hoping that within the first 6 months, we have a tiny, effective team (also from free time).

Back to Assign, Design, Align.

What hit me with both of these books and the work I'm doing behind the scenes for the new company (the naming took a lot of work, now I've moved on to the messaging and voice of the brand while having hired a graphic design company to work on the logo) is how I've had to slow down to be able to build something phenomenal.

I'm going to share a few bullet points from the "Align" part of the book that resonated so deeply within me.

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I am all kinds of excited today.

It's been a challenging few weeks with everything going on with my back (and if you missed that, you can read/listen to what's going on in the last podcast episode).

I did my border run to Nicaragua, which went really smoothly, but man was I exhausted afterward.

Fortunately, I was smart and planned to take care of myself the day after. I didn't have any calls and allowed myself to go with the flow. Which pretty much meant working at my desk as long as possible and then moving to my bed- regardless of the time of day.

I brought a cooler with my ice packs for the journey, which made all the difference in the world.

Now I'm set for another 90-days. Which is so close to Christmas, but I'll still have to do one more border run before I go to California in early December. I will apply for Costa Rica's digital nomad visa after the holidays.

The digital nomad visa will allow me to stay in the country for a year without border runs, open a bank account here (bye-bye international fees!), get a driver's license, and be a part of the national health care system here (called Caja).

I'll pay into Caja, but I'm happy to do so.

Now that all that is out of the way, I can focus on business again.

I have 3 weeks until my back surgery, and it's game on! There's something about knowing you have a 'sprint' ahead of you with an end date (even if it's just for a week) that makes it much more manageable to stay focused.

Now that you're all caught up, let's get into Shutting the Door on Self-Doubt.

Shutting the door on self-doubt came up on a call with my therapist this morning (I've jokingly said that I will have to pay her royalties at some point 🤣).

We were talking about a new project I'm working on, and I was sharing my challenges with naming it. If you've ever been stuck on naming something, you know what I mean (and if you haven't been stuck, can you share your secret with me?).

I had picked a name (or so I thought) for my new project, and two of my dear friends in this space whom I completely trust asked me if that name was right. The whole thing came about because I had hired a couple of people to have logos made.

Nothing felt right.

Instead of trying to figure it out with the existing name, my friends asked if I could use a different name.

Holy lightbulb moment!!! 💡

I solved this (and will share the name and what it is) within the next month, but I returned to a book I read years ago when I wanted to name something else.

The book is called "Hello, My Name is Awesome" by Alexandra Watkins.

Side note: Go to her website for some before and after name makeovers her company has done. Her website is "Eat My Words," and I LOVE the tagline on her site: "Your brand name shouldn't look like someone got drunk and played Scrabble." 🤣

I highly recommend the book.

It's pretty short (about 128 pages). She gives many examples of companies she's worked with, brands needing help, and then very specific exercises for coming up with your name. And yes, she "names names."

She has something she calls the 'Smile & Scratch' test.

I'm going to share those here with you (in hopes that it inspires you to get the book for yourself and do the exercises).

Ready?

The "Smile & Scratch" test by Alexandra Watkins:

Here are the 5 qualities of a super sticky name (this is the smile test):

Suggestive: it evokes something about your brand.Memorable: Makes an association with the familiar.Imagery: Aids memory through evocative visuals.Legs: lends itself to a theme for extended mileage.Emotional: it moves people.

Now let's look at the 7 deal breakers (this is the 'scratch test):

Spelling challenged: It looks like a typo.Copycat: Resembles a competitor's name.Restrictive: Limits future growth.Annoying: It seems forced.Tame: Feels flat, descriptive, uninspired.Curse of knowledge: Speaks only to insiders.Hard to pronounce: Confuses and distances custome...

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100 Episodes!

Technically, it's 277 episodes if we count the 177 episodes as The WordPress Chick.

I thought it was a lot more, but there have been some times over the year when the podcast went on sabbatical, and that's O.K.

What matters is that I get back to it.

So here we are, officially at episode 100, and it's GAME ON!

Before I get into what's coming and my new non-negotiables, I need to bring you up to speed with the last few weeks.

Life was a little bit of a shit show

One of my dogs needed knee surgery (on both back knees), so I had that done the first week in July. She didn't heal correctly because she pulled something out that they had done, probably just from moving incorrectly or getting off the couch (I was trying to lift her everywhere also).

So, after taking her back to the vet twice (they didn't do x-rays the first time), it was determined that she'd need surgery again on one knee.

Fortunately, they didn't charge me for the second surgery but wanted to keep her at the vet (she's still there at the time of this writing, which is 2.5 weeks later) so they could do physiotherapy with her to make sure she healed.

I've messaged them and am waiting for them to get back to me.

The day I dropped her off in Liberia (about an hour away), I started feeling like I was getting sick. Sure enough, I had a heavy summer cold, congestion, cough, and fever (tested negative for Covid twice).

I had a close friend's niece come to stay with me a during that time (I said it was fine as long as she did her own thing and didn't mind being here while I was sick), which turned out to be great because she made a couple of pharmacy runs for me.

The day I was taking her back to the airport, I went to get in my car and could barely walk.

How I managed to drive her, there is beyond me. I was in excruciating pain (I've had two kids and would take childbirth over that pain all day long). I had to stop my car 4 times on the way home to lay down in the back seat to get some reprieve.

I got a hold of a great massage therapist and asked if she had any time that day because I thought it was sciatica.

In the meantime, a friend brought me a muscle relaxant and some pain meds from the pharmacy during my massage (she knows the massage therapist too). I was sobbing I was in so much pain during the massage. I took the pain meds immediately, which did nothing.

I called my friend and said I needed to go to the doctor, so she & another friend's husband took me directly to the emergency in Liberia. After a CT scan and a couple more rounds of pain meds (it took forever to get some relief), it turns out I have a herniated disc pressing against my spine, compressing the nerves.

Last week my same friend (who truly is an angel) took me to San Jose (my first trip there - it's over 4 hours away) for an MRI. We stayed overnight (which was fun. We found an Outback Steakhouse - an American chain - and even a Starbucks! I got a Starbucks on the way out, but actually prefer Costa Rican coffee!).

We left San Jose the next day and went straight to Liberia to consult with the neurosurgeon for the results of the MRI.

He said I absolutely need surgery.

I had been doing a bit of research and reading before my MRI (which, holy hell, I'm way more claustrophobic than I thought!) and was determined to heal myself naturally.

Until I saw the MRI image.

I haven't decided yet, but I am leaning towards having the surgery.

The next big decision is whether to have the surgery here or back in the states. I don't have insurance here (and if I sign up now it won't be covered because this is a pre-existing condition), or to sign up for medical back in the states and get the surgery later.

It really just depends on whether or not I can deal with how I feel right now for a couple more months (insurance in the states won't go into effect until Nov. if I sign up now.

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For a limited time, get 50% off the Content Creators Planner while supplies last!

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Kim Doyal 0:01Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome to another episode of FtheHUSTLE with Kim Doyal. I, of course, I'm your host Doyal. And I'm just doing a little preview clip for today's show because I jumped right into it saying, We haven't you know, we haven't done anything in a long time. And it was specifically referring to today's episode, which was a conversation plan conversation between myself and Jodi Hersh, my co-founder of the content creators plan. So I thought I would just do a little preview clip here. So it makes a little bit more sense. When you listen to this. We did record this on video, which will be up on YouTube. And we'll be sharing in the content creators, Facebook group, and anywhere else, that seems like a great place to share it. So that being said, kind of big announcement to make. So enjoy the episode.

Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host, Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that meets your lifestyle. F the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports how you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging, what you're worth, and help earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms.

Hey, what's going on? Everybody? Long time, no talk? No, see, we haven't done anything on video in a long time. So we've got a big announcement today. Of course, we are the founders of the Content Creators Planner. I'm Kim Doyal. And of course, my cohort is Jodi Hersh. Well played not passed off very well. But we're, we're excited we do have a big announcement. And I'm going to kind of pass this over to Jodi to start with the announcement. And we've got a lot to share with you. So stay for the whole video. But we do have an announcement to make.

Jodi Hersh 2:06Yeah, so the big exciting announcement is that, like all good things, CCP is coming to an end CCP being Content Creators Planner. It's a mouthful for us. So we always call it CCP. And while we love the product, and we have loved working with everybody and helping everybody through Content Creators Planner, we're finding that we're both just way more focused on and excited about other things. And we're really doing a disservice to CCP, and to our audience. So we thought that we'd share a little bit with you about kind of how we got here, some of our favorite moments and highlights, and things that we've learned along the way. And a little bit about what we're each going to be doing moving forward and what all of this means for you guys than our customers.

Kim Doyal 3:06And first and foremost, of course, we want to thank you all for being on this journey with us. And just so you guys know, Jodi and I love each other life is good. This is not some weird, like, oh, you know, but we're not breaking up. We're still very good friends. And, you know, confidants and counsel to each other about business. So I want to do that. But a huge thank you. It's been such a fun, amazing journey. No regrets. It's, it's been wild, you know, starting something and launching something here before the world went upside down. But let's go. Jodi has prepared some really great kinds of questions and takes away so we're gonna jump in and say that, but again, thank you so much for being on this journey with us. So let's, let's get into the little structured thing you got to do there. I love it.

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I first came up with the hashtag #JustShowUP about ten years ago.

Learning what Just Show UP means at each stage of your journey will look different.

I know mine has. My ego tells me it's taken too long, my higher self tells me it's taken exactly as long as it's supposed to take.

Talk about freedom.

Years ago, when I was in a mastermind, a woman was just about done writing a book when her computer crashed. She didn't have a backup of her book.

Her response?

"It was supposed to happen. How do I know it was supposed to happen? Because it did."

HOLY MOLY.

That's a level of zen I hope to achieve (but I can guarantee you my initial reaction would have been as far from zen as you could imagine... and hopefully, I will always have a backup).

I'm a little in awe that after all this time doing this. I've stepped into something that has me as nervous and excited as I was the day I started.

Don't get me wrong, plenty of projects over the last 14+ years have kept me excited and motivated, but this is more than a project.

It's a calling.

A calling to Just ShowUP in a WHOLE new way.

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Creating a Movement

When I first came up with FtheHUSTLE, it was out of frustration.

Now it's a passion and an obsession.

Hustle and grind were being glorified by every male entrepreneur I was following. At the time, I felt like this was how I was supposed to build a business.

Then it hit me...

Most of the men preaching this had partners at home taking care of everything else in their life, or they were twenty-somethings with no responsibility to anyone but themselves.

Piss off.

At the time, I felt super defensive. I was a widowed mother with two young kids at home. I literally could not work harder than I was working.

I was constantly feeling like I had to justify what I was or wasn't doing.

It was exhausting.

Not to mention, I wanted a quality of life too.

I'm all about doing the work. Focusing on mastery, shipping, hitting publish, and showing up. But fuck me if I'm going to do it the way anyone else preaches or expects anymore.

In many ways, the toxic mentality of hustle and grind has become a new version of bullshit corporate America expects from you. But guess what?

This is worse.

Because YOU'VE created it.

You set out to create something you love that would give you freedom and quality of life. But instead, you've created something that makes you question what you're doing.

At the same time, realizing that you've created this is also the moment you gain freedom.

Because if you've created THIS... you can create something different.

Enjoying your life today does NOT mean you don't want it bad enough.

It doesn't mean you're not committed or hungry enough.

No one gets to decide what matters to you except YOU.

As much as #FtheHUSTLE is a clear statement, it's not really about being 'against' the hustle as much as it's FOR what works for you.

What YOU want.

How I'm creating my movement

At the risk of sounding trite, I'm creating it one step at a time.

The first step is showing up fully with this message. I've been using #FtheHUSTLE for a while now (the newsletter is almost two years old, woohoo!), but it was more a part of my business than the business model.

I'm figuring out the frameworks for using #FtheHUSTLE to create and grow a business you love while enjoying every freaking moment of your life.

It's time to challenge the narrative.

I swear I feel like I've "woken up" to this idea over this past year.

I started looking at all the models in business, society, and government, and it finally hit me that they've all been created by one group of people.

Men.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not here to bash men (I love men), but it's a piss poor representation of how things should be.

We have data and facts on things that work beca...

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I'm just back after having my last visitors for a while (my sister & niece were here for 10 days, it was fantastic!) and after a couple of nights of good sleep, I feel ridiculously excited about everything that's going on in my business.

My first official day back to work was yesterday (July 7th), and I didn't schedule much other than a couple of calls (I did a little work while my family was here but not much).

The only reason I kept the calls scheduled was because they fill me up: a mastermind call I have with two dear friends and my call with Jason Resnick (my partner with Deliverit). Jason and I hadn't talked in a couple of weeks because of my schedule so we had a lot to catch up on.

If I hadn't had a massage scheduled we probably could have talked longer (we schedule an hour but went about 90-minutes). It was my call with Jason that inspired this episode, so thanks, Jason!

The idea for this 90-day plan was Jason's idea based on something he's doing for himself, and there's something about setting up accountability for me that just works. SO.. here we go!

What inspired this 90-day sprint

Planning and doing things in 90-day blocks isn't something new, I've done it plenty of times. The difference with this was instead of deciding to plan for 90-days a specific goal inspired this 90-day sprint.

I've been anxiously waiting for ClickFunnels 2.0 to come out ever since I saw the preview video from Funnel Hacking Live last fall. It was supposed to be released in March of this year (2022) but didn't quite make it. They finally announced that it will be available on October 4th (which falls in line with the 90-days quite nicely. thank you Jason 😉).

Initially, I thought I'd just use it for funnels and products... but right now I think I'm going to move my ENTIRE business to ClickFunnels.

WHAAAAT?!?!

I know, I know... I haven't even used the new platform yet, so let me explain where this is coming from.

I moved my brand from The WPChick to Kim Doyal in 2018. Ever since I made that pivot I've gone much deeper into everything I do. This includes:

Marketing (general)CopywritingEmail marketingNewslettersSalesFunnelsContent (what I enjoy creating)Traffic

It's not that I wasn't doing these things before, but so much of what I did had to have a connection or tie to WordPress that I felt limited.

I felt massive freedom when I pivoted to my personal brand.

As much as I love tech and tools (I'll continue to share them in the newsletter), my heart is in entrepreneurship and growing something that makes an impact.

The deeper I got into these things (more writing, creating different products, etc.), the less time I had for playing with tech. I'm grateful for everything I've learned and feel like I've got a very solid foundation when I need to do something (i.e., can't hire someone), but at the end of the day?

I can't be bothered.

I've never been a ClickFunnels hater. Ever.

In fact, I was an early adopter of ClickFunnels (and have used it on and off over the last 7+ years) and shared it with a friend (who went on to make millions in e-commerce with the platform).

When ClickFunnels came out the only other tool for creating anything similar (that wasn't WordPress), was LeadPages. And still... they didn't have the entire 'funnel' piece in place.

There were a handful of WordPress tools at the time (OptimizePress) and I don't remember what else, but it all felt like a pain in the ass.

There was a time when certain tools triumphed over others and there were clear choices... but not anymore. The best tool to use for anything is the one you're going to USE!

Whichever tool you feel most comfortable using and gets the job done is what's most important.

Then there are all the people who hate on Russell Brunson.

Say what you will... I think he's brilliant at what he does and is a really good human being. I've met him briefly a couple of times (and did the obligatory photo with hi...

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Thanks to Cloudways for sponsoring this episode!

Cloudways is offering an exclusive discount for The Kim Doyal Show listeners. Visit cloudways.com and use the promo code KIM20 to avail 20% OFF for 2 months on the hosting plan of your choice.

Courage shows up in many ways.

There is nothing like sharing something publicly that makes it feel that much more REAL.

I've known for a long time that accountability works for me, but instead of making myself accountable to other people (meaning someone specific), I share things as a way of being accountable to myself.

Being accountable to myself means putting it out into the world.

Most of the time the things I publicly share get done (although not always in the time frame I hoped), but sometimes they don't.

No one is knocking at my door asking me where the "thing" is that I said I was going to do.

I let go of what that looked like a long time ago. The truth is that most people are too busy thinking about themselves to worry about what you said you were going to do.

And the bottom line is, it's your life.

This episode is going to be another 'processing' episode in that writing and recording this is helping me get clearer on what I'm doing and where I'm going.

My intention is that there's value for you as I share this process. As much as I need it, I know someone else out there needs to hear this too.

This is Who I've Always Been

I've always had an optimistic, and positive disposition.

My Mom used to tell me that even as a little kid I treated everything as an adventure.

I was naturally drawn to the things that made me feel good and intentionally chose not to engage with things that felt heavy or dark. I didn't know it at the time, but this is what I was doing (it didn't take many horror movies for me to realize "why the HELL would I watch something that scares the bejeezus out of me?").

I know this might sound obvious and I believe that a lot of kids are hard-wired to be optimistic - then the longer we're in school our optimistic, cheerful, and dreamer attitude is taught "out of" us (and I'm not negating that there are plenty of children that have hard childhoods and deal with trauma, that's not what I'm talking about here).

When I look back I realize how many times I made decisions based on the approval of other people (mainly my parents, who, as much as they always believed in me and supported me, brought their own "stuff" to the table).

The more I stepped into things that made me feel good, the more I was criticized (not at home). The criticism went two ways: it was either "you can't do that" or "who does she think she is."

I did a great visualization with my therapist last week and I had two very distinct memories show up: both were times when I was feeling really good about myself and someone (an authority figure /adult) felt the need to "put me in my place."

The thought that comes to mind with this is "jealousy is an ugly emotion."

We've all had those moments where we get a sideways comment from someone that has nothing to do with us and is completely about their own shit.

Here are a couple of examples (and I'm going to bullet list them here but there's a story attached to each that I will share in more depth in the podcast):

Answering the phone too happily at a business I owned (my business partner leaned towards the negative side)Having a boss say "can someone else besides Kim answer"... at a work meeting (my boss wasn't being negative, but everyone else was sitting there like a bump on a log)Collaborating with a woman online years ago who made a snide comment that "everyone wants to talk to the WP Chick"Internet trolls. #nuffsaidHaving a college professor make a snide remark after I gave a motivational speech (it was based on a Zig Ziglar article or phrase) that she was "ready to get her credit card out"

I'm DONE playing small.

Someone else's lack of ability to show up in their own life is not m...

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It's been a long time since I've felt this much excitement and nervousness about my business.

It's time to step outside of my comfort zone.

This has been a LONG time coming... in fact, I'd go so far as to say this is what I was put on this planet to do.

As nervous as I am, I know I'm going to do it.

I recently shared in the FtheHUSTLE newsletter that I was going to be sharing more about mindset, psychology, and life in Costa Rica through the newsletter.

What this really means is that I'm going to go ALL in with FtheHUSTLE on KimDoyal.com.

I'm not going to stop talking about digital marketing, because it's what I do and is what 'birthed' FtheHUSTLE to begin with.

But there's a bigger message with FtheHUSTLE that goes far deeper than being "anti-hustle and doing the work."

It's about what you want your life to look like.

I've shared a lot on the podcast throughout the years about my beliefs, mindset, spirituality, self-help, therapy... you name it.

But I've held back.

I've held back mainly because I was afraid of how it would be taken and I didn't know how to merge that side of me with the business side.

I see a path now... and I'm freaking THRILLED.

I'm going to share this (process this?) with you like this:

What led me to this decision What that means for my businessHow I'm going to do this

I'm also going to share the fears, the doubts, and how I'm working on managing my thoughts in order to achieve what I want.

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What led me to this decision 🤔

I've been very transparent about the transitions in my business. I've never really thought twice about it because everything fell under the "digital marketing" umbrella.

I went from The WordPress Chick ➡ outsourcing company ➡ coaching ➡ done-for-you podcast services ➡ attempt at a SaaS ➡ pivot to my personal brand ➡ launched the Content Creators Planner ➡ focus on Email & Newsletters (under the personal brand).

Whew...

Here's the interesting thing.

As I was living this, it all felt like a natural transition.

I would get super bored if I had been doing ONE thing for 14 years. I know this about myself. Even when I worked in retail management - I took every opportunity to open a new store, get promoted, or take on a new challenge.

In the entrepreneurial space, you're supposed to niche down. Pick ONE thing and focus on it. Which I did, but nothing grabbed me enough to want to do it long-term. Something about that made me feel stuck.

I think this is also why I love this space.

Tech and the web move SO fast.

As much as it can be challenging (you master one thing and need to learn something else), I find it exciting. I love how new opportunities present themselves ALL the time.

The trick is mastering the fundamentals so you can apply them to new opportunities.

I don't feel I've mastered the fundamentals, but I am always practicing them (i.e., working on mastery).

Those fundamentals for me are writing (specifically for the web), publishing, sales, traffic, and lead generation.

The fundamentals of each of those are study and practice. Boring, I know. But hot damn if they don't work.

I shared in the last episode that a recent launch didn't go the way I wanted (When Disappointment Leads to Clarity and Ultimately Freedom).

That was a little painful to share, but I KNEW that in order to make the transition I'm making I had to get the ball rolling.

Let's back it up a little further...

This probably won't come as much of a surprise, but I was one of those kids that would put on "shows" in the neighborhood. My friends and I would sing and dance and charge a quarter for ...

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One of the benefits of being in business so long is that you learn to take the so-called "failures" as part of the process.

But that doesn't mean you don't get disappointed.

That feeling you get when you've worked hard and something doesn't go as planned or the way you hoped it would. This is when the little kid in you who didn't get picked for the team or get invited somewhere shows up again.

The difference now is that you're not that child... you're the adult who chose to be an entrepreneur.

Knowing full well that things not going as planned is simply part of the process.

It's what you do with those feelings and results (because no matter how something turned out, you've got some data to work with. That's the beauty of an online business).

I'm going to share a bit of what I've been through this past week, how I've handled it and am still handling it, and how it's leading to the birth of something new.

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When Disappointment Leads to Clarity

I'm pretty transparent about most things in my life and business.

The more I share, the more people connect with me.

I also don't have the energy to be something I'm not or pretend for the sake of appearances or feeding my ego.

I recently launched something that didn't go as I hoped.

My initial feeling was a massive disappointment because I'd worked super hard to get to that point (this was a completely revamped version of Email Insiders, which went from a two-month cohort to a 6-month group coaching program).

A few months back I shared that I had made a significant investment in my business by signing up for a program and said I'd share more about that later.

Well, it's later. 😉

The program was called "Fearless CEO" with Mariah Coz. I say was because they've had a pivot and gone back to the name they were recognized for (High Ticket Hybrid) because there was a disconnect with their audience.

I won't go into a bunch of specifics on that because it's not my business or place to share what they've shared with paying clients, but even know they were successful in terms of sales (high 6 figures in two months), they realized they needed to make some adjustments.

I've invested a little over 13k in this program (yes, seeing that and saying it out loud makes me cringe a little, but fortunately, the content, training, structure, and program are amazing. No regrets).

I changed the name to "Email Insiders Accelerator", and went about doing exactly what I was supposed to (which was a LOT of work). The launch for this is through a live private training (they call it an LPT). To give you an idea, the Google doc to write out that training ended up being 35 pages long (there was a base template and I wrote out my content).

I followed the launch plan (they suggest not doing any paid traffic the first time), which meant I was emailing to about 10k people and posting to social.

I don't have any final numbers yet (the cart isn't closed), but the numbers have been disappointing.

I reminded myself that this is a big investment for people (6k) and when I invested in the Fearless CEO program it took me a few days to make that decision.

I held my live private training when I still had friends in town.

I could have put it off, but I knew I needed to get it done - because it's WAY too easy to continually put things off or push the date out further. For myself, I needed to pull the trigger.

So naturally, my first thought was that I did this too soon (gotta love the ego and all the BS it throws at us, right?).

In many ways, I was massively grateful that I had friends in town because I made a very conscious decision to stay p...

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It's officially May today (when I'm writing this episode) and at the end of the month, I'm renewing my lease in Costa Rica - for two more years.

My plan is to purchase a property down here before the end of those two years and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.

This episode is going to be a look back on the last year, the lessons, and what this all means for my business. I'm about to embark on a new chapter in my business and I honestly feel like I'm about to burst I'm so excited.

I'm still a little in awe of the fact that I've been living in Costa Rica for a year already. I knew the year would go quickly which is why I didn't hesitate to sign a year lease (sight unseen - both my place and the country). What was the worse that could happen? I break the lease and head back to the states.

I've found a lifestyle and way of life that feeds my soul... but it hasn't been a slam-dunk from day one. I've had my moments of doubt, changed my mind, and then came full circle to loving it again.

Some of this might be a little redundant (if you've been listening or reading over the last year), but hopefully, I can bring a fresh perspective now that I'm hitting the one-year mark.

A little backstory

Here's the TL;DR version of my move to Costa Rica (which you can read more about here).

After my youngest graduated high school, I moved out of the Bay Area. I had been planning this move for a couple of years and was looking at Boise, ID. In July of 2019, my world was turned upside down when my Mom passed away at 71.

Instead of going straight to Boise, I stayed with my Dad for a while with a couple of trips to Boise in between to check things out.

March 2020, right before the world shut down, I moved to Boise, ID.

My year in Boise was quiet, which is exactly what I needed. But I knew it wasn't for me (too cold). When my lease in Boise was coming due I had originally thought I'd stay a few more months and then break it but realized there was no point. Why not just move to Costa Rica? (I had been considering Portugal, but that was pretty far for a first jaunt out of the U.S.).

Within a week I found my place in Costa Rica, signed the lease, gave notice, and started packing. I spent two months in California at my Dad's to get things situated and on May 31st of 2021, I moved to Costa Rica (with the help of my amazing daughter).

Adjusting to Life in Costa Rica

Since I had never been here I truly had no idea what to expect (which meant I was pretty open to everything). I've shared bits and pieces of my life here in other episodes (more in-depth), but my day-to-day is really pretty similar to my life anywhere else, in terms of what I do.

That being said, EVERYTHING is different.

I recently had friends here for a week (and have more visitors in the coming months) and it was such a gift to see their appreciation for Costa Rica and the life I've created here.

Before I get into the things that are different and what my life is like here, I want to share some of the less-than-highlight-reel moments.

At about 3 months I started feeling a little homesick and kind of wondering if this was the right place for me. I had a trip home at that time (a memorial service for a dear family friend and a border run) so I think that carried me into the fall.

I also sold my car in California and purchased a car in Costa Rica when I got back (that's a whole other conversation). Having a car has made a huge difference down here (I was fortunate to have good friends who took me places or lent me their cars for the first few months, but I'm too independent to not have my own car here).

I had friends who wanted to come down but I thought with the rainy season ...

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Where to Connect with Nicole Osborne

Website | YouTube Channel | Twitter | Free Agency Growth Book

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Kim Doyal 0:00Before we get into today's episode, I have a quick message for my sponsor cloudways. cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies your web hosting experience. The platform allows businesses to focus on their growth and have complete peace of mind 24/7. Support and flexibility to scale. Can we just say support is hugely important when it comes to hosting? And thanks to cloud wise they are offering an exclusive discount for the Kim Doyal show listeners, visit cloudways.com and use a promo code Chem 20 to get 20% off for two months on the hosting plan of your choice. Alright guys, let's get into today's episode. Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host, Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that fits your lifestyle. F the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports how you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging what you're worth, and help earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms. Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome to another episode of the podcast at the hustle with Kim Doyal. I of course am your host Kim Doyal. And I'm really excited today because my guests and I have only chatted sort of online. This is really our first time getting to connect in person, and I'll take an in-person video any day over just email. But we're going to talk about growing an agency. She's got a great YouTube channel. There's a lot of stuff I'm going to pick Nicole's brain about but let's welcome my guests. Nicole Osborne of Wonder stars. Thank you for being here, Nicole.

Nicole Osborne 1:51Oh, Kim, I'm so excited to be here. I think I told you I'm a total fangirl. So to have you in Costa Rica. And thank you for having me.

Kim Doyal 2:01You're, you know, it's so funny. You know, you're just like you and like if people say that to me, and it's so funny. I used to tell my kid about my family. Like you know, you guys, I'm famous on the internet. And nobody believed me until like, my niece was 12. And she Googled me which it was all like blog posts and links and stuff. And I'm like, well, somebody believes me. But anyway, thank you.

Nicole Osborne 2:19I'm on my seven-year-old. I'm speaking to Kim. She's in Costa Rica.

Kim Doyal 2:24Well, and you're in Germany like this is what I love about are you in Germany. Oh, no.

Nicole Osborne 2:29What? German-based in London. Oh, even matter. I talked to someone today in Florida and someone in Pakistan. So actually, today's International Day. I'm loving it.

Kim Doyal 2:41It totally is. It's so funny when and for people. I'm really curious. And you guys have promised we're gonna get into the interview here. But this is what I love about people in my offline world. Right, who it's normal life day-to-day and it was like I was talking with I'm sure your friends at Pizza Neary this morning. I'm like, No, she's an Italian, who spent a ton of time in London. And now she lives in Spain. Like, this is why I love this. It's like the world is huge and small all at the same time.

Nicole Osborne 3:07I love I love pizza. I just communicated with her via LinkedIn, chatting about her amazing program.

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Email Marketing really is the holy grail of business.

It's the only thing I regret not putting time and energy into sooner, but as they say, there's no point crying over spilled milk.

Here's my intention with this episode:

Not only will you be fully vested in making email marketing a priority in your business, but you'll also have a solid understanding of why (this is more important than you think) and exactly what you should do to get started.

From the first moment I began in this amazingly crazy, wonderful, and frustrating world of internet marketing (I know you all know what I'm talking about), the message that the "money is in the list" has been as consistent as gravity.

The problem with this message is that even though we "get it"... we don't really "get it" until we dig in (how's that for an ambiguous statement).

There are 3 different phases in the online marketing space:

Newbie: People here are just getting started, full of enthusiasm and excitement for all the possibilities in front of them. They're committed to doing whatever it takes to make their dream a reality.Knows enough: This phase is probably the most dangerous. People here have had some success, some failures, they know enough to do the work, but they tend to keep looking for the 'ONE' thing that will get them to the next level. In this phase, you keep working but it feels a bit like spinning your wheels.Mastery: This is where the magic happens (and the best way to get there is through DOING THE WORK). You know that you need to do more than "know enough" to get to where you want to be. There's nothing wrong with knowing enough but in order to grow and scale you have to go deeper, not learn more.

Everything I've done along the way to get to where I am today has been invaluable, but who you become at the mastery level is an entirely different ballgame.

And to make sure we're all on the same page with mastery, the definition and explanation I'm using is: "comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment."

I think of mastery as ongoing learning and a desire to consistently improve.

The second phase (knows enough) is the most dangerous because you can end up stuck there.

There will always be people who know less than you, and you can serve them with integrity and truly help them at this level. However, there will always be people who know more than you.

If you feel like you're stuck in the "knows enough" phase my challenge to you is to go deeper. Find someone who knows more than you and show up like an excited 5-year-old on the first day of kindergarten.

Back to Email Marketing...

With so much changing online in terms of privacy and tracking, paid traffic is becoming more challenging (particularly if you're just getting started with it) and more expensive. It will always work and when you can you should definitely invest in it, but until then, you need a reliable source of traffic.

Which is your email list.

Think of email as a marketing channel you own where you get to create and control the conversation.

Here are a few statistics from Hubspot's annual "Ultimate List of Email Marketing Statistics for 2022":

There are 4 billion daily email users.78% of marketers have seen an increase in email engagement over the last 12 months.4 out of 5 marketers said they'd rather give up social media than email.81% of B2B marketers say their most used form of content marketing is newsletters.

I've linked to the full article above and if you're listening, you can just search for Hubspot's email marketing statistics and you'll find the article.

Everything I do on social and with my content is to drive people to get on my email list.

Period.

End of story.

Once they're on my list I can focus on creating a relationship with them. Some people may jump in and want to work with me right away and other people may subscribe and spend years on my list before purchasing.

That's O.K.,

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I've mentioned on many episodes that I have a therapist and still talk to her regularly (even though technically she's "retired").

I'm hoping this episode will be helpful in hearing how this relationship has evolved and why I still talk to my therapist - 18 years later (almost 19).

For those of you who have been listening to the show for a while (i.e, the days of "The WordPress Chick" podcast), some of this might be a repeat, but I encourage you to listen anyway.

The perspective I have today is completely different than the perspective I had when I first started podcasting.

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The Backstory

Why I started therapy

I started therapy in 2003, a couple of months after I lost my husband in a car accident (he was 32, our kids were 6 & 2). Prior to this, I didn't think I was someone who "needed therapy" (now I think everyone does 😉 - if you're lucky enough to find the right therapist).

I initially went to therapy for grief counseling and more or less considered that to be why I was going for the first couple of years.

Then my therapist told me she was moving out of the area and closing her practice, but me being me, asked if I could stay in touch.

I'd email now and then and then asked if we could do some phone sessions. Fast forward a few more years and I told her I wanted to see her in person (she had moved 3 hours north of me). Fortunately, she said sure and since I was making the trek we could keep the sessions open-ended (in terms of time). Most of these sessions were 3 hours long.

I looked at these days as a gift to myself and most people knew not to try and get in touch with me. There was something soothing about the solitude and time in the car before and after my session.

In between seeing her in person, I'd have phone sessions but it was more of an 'as-needed' basis. I'd have an in-person session usually every two months (unless I was going through something).

Fast- forward to 2020

Right after I moved to Boise the pandemic struck and everyone went into lockdown. I was stuck in Boise, she was stuck in Costa Rica (and yes, her love of Costa Rica is what put it on my radar).

A few months into the pandemic I was struck with inspiration and asked her if we could do weekly calls because I "wanted to raise my vibration."

I had no idea what that looked like or meant, but she was game (we have similar spiritual beliefs so I knew she'd get it).

Now two years later, unless something comes up, I'm still doing weekly calls with her (or seeing her in person when she's in Costa Rica).

Sharing this in my business

When I started my business in 2008 I had a completely different vision for what it was going to be than what it turned into (ignorance truly was bliss).

I first started sharing it on my podcast.

My intention when I started podcasting was simply to have more fun in my business.

At the time I was still doing WP websites, had an outsourcing company, and was just starting to coach clients (with similar businesses).

Because I wasn't stuck on how things had to be I let it grow and evolve (I've done this with every iteration of my business).

I started podcasting in 2013 and structured the show on two things: what I wanted to do and the types of shows I enjoyed listening to. I needed to get out from "behind the computer" at the time and I've always been a huge fan of audio content.

I set the show up so I would do a solo show one week and an interview the next (this varies nowadays). When I did the solo shows I started sharing little snippets here and there of things I had talked to my therapist about or a nugget of wisdom from her.

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Where to Connect with Kyle Van Deusen

Website | Twitter | The Admin Bar

Listen to my previous episode with Kyle here: "Keeping it Real with Kyle Van Deusen KDS: 068"

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Kim Doyal 0:00Before we get into today's episode, I have a quick message for my sponsor Cloudways. Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies your web hosting experience. The platform allows businesses to focus on their growth and have complete peace of mind with 24/7 support and flexibility to scale. Can we just say support is hugely important when it comes to hosting and thanks to Cloudways they are offering an exclusive discount for the Kim Doyal show listeners. Visit Cloudways.com and use a promo code KIM20 to get 20% off for two months on the hosting plan of your choice. Alright guys, let's get into today's episode.

Kim Doyal 0:38Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host, Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that fits your lifestyle. After the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports how you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging what you're worth, and how earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms.

Kim Doyal 1:21 Hey, What Up, What up?! Welcome to another episode of EFF the hustle with Kim Doyal because this is now the third iteration of my podcast. Kyle has been on with me with the WordPress Chick podcast, The Kim Doyal show. And I think I'm in my sweet spot at least for a few more years with FtheHUSTLE with Kim Doyal. So that being said, my guest is my good friend, Kyle Van Deusen. Kyle, thanks so much for being here today.

Kyle Van Deusen 1:45I'm super excited to be here. And I'm just waiting for your next iteration so I can come back again.

Kim Doyal 1:50Well, you'll I'm sure you'll come back before there is another iteration. At that point. I'm like, Girl, I got like for myself talking to myself girl stick with like, no more rebranding, let's just, we're dialed and we're placing events in the background.

Kyle Van Deusen 2:05 We're placing bets on the change of the name,

Kim Doyal 2:10 Or what course platform is gonna jump on next.

Kim Doyal 2:15 Anyway, um, alright, so let me I'm gonna kind of just do a little backstory with. I'm not I'm gonna link to previous episodes with Kyle, you guys can listen to who he is. And what he does, I'll let him do a quick little bio, we've gotten much deeper into his business in previous episodes. But the reason I reached out to Kyle is that he responded to an email about time lotteries. And we're going to talk about that in a minute. So this is going to be much more of a free flow conversation. We're going to talk about thought management mindset, running your business in a way that works for you. And we're gonna just see where it goes. So for those who have not listened, Kyle, or have had the good fortune of our previous conversations, give a little background.

Kyle Van Deusen 2:55Yeah, my name is Kyle Van Deusen. As you can probably hear from my accent, I am from Texas. So forgive me for that. But I own a small agency here in Texas that I've had since 2017. About a year after I started that I started an online community called the admin bar for web developers, freelancers,

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Where to Connect with Karen

Twitter | Linkedin | Newsletter

Kim Doyal 0:00Before we get into today's episode, I have a quick message for my sponsor Cloudways. Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies your web hosting experience. The platform allows businesses to focus on their growth and have complete peace of mind with 24/7 support and flexibility to scale. Can we just say support is hugely important when it comes to hosting thanks to Cloudways they are offering an exclusive discount for the Kim Doyal show listeners. Visit Cloudways calm and use the promo code Chem 20 to get 20% off for two months on the hosting plan of your choice. Alright guys, let's get into today's episode. Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that fits your lifestyle. After the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports how you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging what you're worth, and how earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms.

Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome to another episode of the hustle with Kim Doyal I am effing the hustle in Costa Rica. As you can see, welcome back. I'm so excited today for a number of reasons. But the to specifically one my guest is a dear friend and coaching client, love her energy, love everything she's doing. And the second reason is we're going to talk about something that I have jumped back into and I'm committed to mastering. So first of all, my guess is Karen Michaels. Karen, thank you so much for being here today.

Karen Michaels 1:52Yeah, that was super fun. You are having the hustle all day long girl.

Kim Doyal 1:56I don't know where that came in. You know, I don't always do that. Like, ah, but today was one of those days. And this is a total non sequitur. I bought the shade for this window over here. And I couldn't figure out how to roll it up. Right. Well, I figured out how to roll it up. So I was like, oh, like again.

Karen Michaels 2:13Oh, you can see the ocean as a current desert dweller. I use the ocean waves as my regular focus sounds.

Kim Doyal 2:24You know, it's funny too because I've got everything shut with AC on. Yes, yes. From that down a little. Alright. So first of all, Karen, before we get into our topic, Mm-hmm. Tell the audience who you are what you do. And you know how you run your business?

Karen Michaels 2:43How I read my wells, oh, my gosh,

Kim Doyal 2:45you're all day with that one. But I think really going in the right direction. And so a bit with sort of some off-script, which is what I do, which will lead to why we're talking about this specific topic today. So

Kim Doyal 3:50Let me just clarify you're a voice teacher.

Karen Michaels 2:58Yeah, sounds fun. Your girl Well, I am. I am a solopreneur here in Las Vegas, Nevada. And I'm also a singer and a pianist who happens to love technology and apple and writing. And I had been dabbling, and it was 100% of side hustle, right? I was dabbling with social media. And I was helping friends or a client would say, oh my gosh, I love what you did. Can you mock that up for me right quick before the gig, you know, hilarious? And I was like, Sure, no problem. And then, of course, when the pandemic struck, and quarantine happened, I'm gonna be honest,

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Thanks to Cloudways for sponsoring this episode!

Cloudways is offering an exclusive discount for The Kim Doyal Show listeners. Visit cloudways.com and use the promo code KIM20 to avail 20% OFF for 2 months on the hosting plan of your choice.

Newsletter Glue is the only WordPress plugin that allows you to publish your newsletter to your WordPress site AND your email service provider at once.

This was such a fun interview and I absolutely adore Lesley.

Her story is pretty amazing too... not a typical path into software development.

Lesley and I recorded this a while ago (I was holding onto it until the rebrand to FtheHUSTLE with Kim Doyal). Since then Newsletter Glue has launched a new website and version 2 of the plugin!

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Where to connect with Lesley

Get Newsletter Glue

Follow Lesley on Twitter

Follow Newsletter Glue on Twitter

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Kim Doyal 0:01Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host, Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that fits your lifestyle. After the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports how you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging what you're worth, and how earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms. Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome to another episode of the podcast. I am your host, Kim Doyal. And I'm really excited today because not only is our guest amazing, but we're going to talk about something that I have gotten really obsessed with in the last couple of years. And that is newsletters. But first, my guest today is Leslie sim, the founder of Newsletter Glue. Leslie, thanks so much for joining me today.

Lesley Sim 1:45Thanks so much for having me, Kim. Super happy to be here.

Kim Doyal 1:48And we'll just let everybody know, this is fun. You are recording from you're in Singapore.

Lesley Sim 1:54That's right.

Kim Doyal 1:55Okay, so what time is it for you?

Lesley Sim 1:58Is 9:34 pm

Kim Doyal 2:02Yeah, and it's 7:34 pm. This is why I love what we do, Leslie, it's like we get to connect with people all over the world. It's just, I don't know, it makes the world seem smaller and bigger kind of at the same time.

Lesley Sim 2:13Yeah, totally. I feel like I actually benefited from the pandemic because now nobody's going out and meeting people. And they have to meet people like me online. So that's yeah, that's been like one cool and unexpected side effect. nice side effect of the pandemic.

Kim Doyal 2:31It is, it's nice to see those benefits. And I mean, it just, I think it forced a lot of growth and opportunity online in general. So I think it's fantastic. Okay, so, enough about that. But I would love to know, you know, we did a live stream talking about newsletter glue, and I'll let you explain what that is. But I don't know much about your backstory if you wouldn't mind sharing with listeners, kind of, you know, how you got into all this what you're doing prior to creating and launching newsletter glue?

Lesley Sim 3:01Yeah, how far would you like me to go back?

Kim Doyal 3:06Maybe with your entrepreneurial journey, or you know, I mean, whatever you feel like sharing honestly.

Lesley Sim 3:12Um, so my very first job or my very first real job after university was in the government in the airport. And it turns out that I was very bad at that because I did not like Are you familiar with the term iron rice ball? No,

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It’s easy to say “Own Your Expertise” to other people, but sometimes it’s harder to do that for ourselves.

I have a tendency to go to one extreme when I get inspired (or fired up) about something and then the pendulum swings back to the middle and I'm able to move from a more grounded place.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I'm very clear on what I want this year to look like.

This March will be my 14th year in business (I'm beyond grateful that ignorance is bliss). What I'm doing today is not at all what I thought I'd be doing when I started this online journey in 2008.

Side note: I remind my kids ALL the time that what I'm doing today didn't even exist when I was their age, so this is my reminder to you too. Don't get attached to what things are supposed to look like.

I know I've shared my story a zillion times in terms of what I thought I was going to be doing (I thought I was going to write ebooks and make millions of dollars. #nuffsaid), so even though my business went in a different direction (and pivoted a handful of times), the journey is what has given me the strength to own my skillset.

This is what I'm hoping this episode will do for you as well.

Step into your own expertise and #JustShowUP - we need new voices and perspectives on things.

The "Create vs. Consume" argument

You hear this all the time in the creator space.

Stop consuming and start creating.

It's a completely valid point, but sometimes consuming is what helps you get clear on what you want to create.

I read a LOT.

Probably more than I need to, but guess what? I LIKE reading and learning.

It was through my consumption that I found what resonated most for me. You can also see patterns and behaviors that start emerging when you read and learn about specific topics consistently

There is absolutely a danger in consuming more than you create, but it truly depends on where you are in your journey and whether or not you're actually "doing the work."

Until about 5 years ago I probably consumed a lot of content on anything relative to digital marketing. Whether it was SEO, video marketing, email marketing, funnels, content creation, e-commerce, advertising, copywriting, podcasting, etc.

The funny thing is that even though some of those topics aren't interesting to me (SEO & advertising are at the top of that list), I still consumed it because I felt like I had to.

I had to have an understanding of ALL the things.

This is where the old saying "Jack of all trades and master of none" comes in.

But I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. In fact, here's the full saying that is often left out:

Think about traditional education (which in many ways is broken, but we'll leave that discussion for another time. Or never 😉).

You go to school and study general education for the first 12 - 14 years of your life (personally I think we could do without the two years of lower-division in college these days, but I digress. Again).

Once you've built that foundation, you then go on to a focused area of study.

If you're lucky with your business, you're able to find that focused area that becomes your specialty early on, but sometimes the price of admission to getting there is general education. The trial and error that comes from trying and testing new things are how we learn.

If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would have fallen in love with writing, email marketing, newsletters, and dare I say copywriting (that's really more of a love-hate relationship) I would have thought they had lost their mind.

Yet here I am.

Going all-in with these topics.

Before we get deeper into how you can figure out your own are...

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Kim Doyal 0:01Welcome to F the hustle. I'm your host, Kim Doyal. You want a life that is meaningful and exciting. In this podcast, we're going to talk about launching and growing an online business that fits your lifestyle. After the hustle is all about doing good work, building real relationships, and most importantly, creating a business that supports you and you want to live your life. You don't have to sacrifice the quality of your life today to create something that sets your soul on fire. And yes, that includes making a lot of money. So we'll be talking about selling, charging, what you're worth, and how earning more means helping more people. My goal is to help you find freedom and create a business on your terms. Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome back to another episode of the Kim Doyal show. I'm excited today because we're gonna dig into something that I don't know a ton about. Obviously, I'm very aware of it. And my guest is going to peel back the curtain, so to speak. So my guest today is Kevin Ramsey. He is one of the co-founders of Warren James. And we're gonna dig into that. But first of all, Kevin, thanks so much for being here today.

Kevin Ramsey 1:08Thank you for having me. I'm stoked to be here. Yeah, so

Kim Doyal 1:11this is great. And this is, I'm just gonna share this. And any of these little tidbits that you can share with your story would be great. But we connected via Twitter. And I've been saying to people recently, you know, having moved to Costa Rica, and like connecting with people here that I'm sure it's similar for you so much of my business has grown because of relationships. So I love that you just reached out to me, we had a little conversation, you're very patient, I'm like circle back in a month, we had a conversation. And so just the point in connecting and having real relationships with people can really shift the trajectory of your business.

Kevin Ramsey 1:48Yeah, without a doubt, I've been trying to be more proactive personally, when it comes to platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and those connections are at your fingertips, it's just a matter of like, you know, putting in the time looking around, like for me recently, I've been really focused on the new phrase, you know, called the creator economy and seeing who else is involved in that space. And yeah, it really, really helps with your business and helps with your personal growth, like having those connections, whether it be something now or like, years from now, right? Like having that relationship. Who knows what that can mean for you.

Kim Doyal 2:21Exactly, exactly. I'm, which I don't want to go sideways with my stuff. But I am doing an event down here next year. And it's crazy. I think I've landed a sponsor a pretty big sponsor already without even having a hotel book because of relationships. So it's just one of those things. And I love what you said too. I am obsessed with the quote-unquote, crater economy. I love that it's this tangible thing. Now, it's not just what creators call themselves. And just a side note, if you're not following her follow Cody Sanchez, she is amazing. She has. This is a random thing. I don't know her personally. But she has a newsletter and a platform. It's called contrarian thinking. But she's all about diversifying in the creator economy as well. So it's pretty fascinating. Anyways, I want to dive into Warren James, which I'm gonna let you explain what it is. And then before we go too deep into the company, I'd love to know a little bit of your backstory. So feel free to jump in where it suits you best.

Kevin Ramsey 3:20Yeah, totally. So I guess a quick little synopsis of Warren James. We've been around for a little under three years now. And we really work with the top point oh 1% of content creators out there. And we run their direct to consumer merchandise businesses from start to fitness, finish everything from you know, designing, purchasing a product,

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Frustration is a funny word.

It means a lot of different things to different people, even though it has one definition.

My therapist had a great definition of frustration:

.stk-6615d75-container{box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(120,120,120,0.1) !important;border-style:solid !important;border-color:#abb8c3 !important}

.stk-2757c19 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:none !important;font-size:22px !important;color:#d53371 !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-2757c19 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:22px !important}}Frustration is simply attempting to control something over which we have no control.

For the sake of this episode, we're going to focus strictly on what frustration can look and feel like in your business.

I'm also going to give you 3 ways you can take your frustration to dig a little deeper and get better at what you do.

This episode was inspired by a coaching client.

She messaged me about her Black Friday Cyber Monday offer, which she had worked extremely hard on (in other words, she's doing the work).

The campaign was set to go out over 4 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday of the holiday weekend).

After the first 2 days and no sales, she messaged me that she was having an "insecurity attack" and even though she knew the people on her list weren't the right people, she was really frustrated.

The day prior she was excited that even though no one bought it, she knew she was on the right path.

I'm going to give you a little context about where she was when we started working together (not her niche, market, or name, but you'll have enough to understand).

When we started working together she knew she wanted to focus on a different market. Very similar work, but the message and audience needed to be changed.

In addition to some website changes, we started working on a new email opt-in offer (this is a long sequence based on the 'Lesson, Bridge, Pitch, Survey' strategy by Brennan Dunn): 9 emails with a very specific purpose, followed by an offer to purchase, followed by a survey to those who didn't purchase.

Then we worked on the BFCM offer.

More emails, product images, sales page set up, etc.

A lot of work, right?

Here's the thing...

She's JUST getting started!

Where she was to where she is today is like night and day. She has been working extremely hard to build a solid foundation for her business.

It's kind of like how working out and eating healthy feels if you're trying to lose weight. You know your body is feeling better, your energy is better, your sleep is better, and maybe you've lost a few pounds.

Then you step on the scale a couple of months in and the number hasn't moved.

Maybe even the inches haven't dropped yet.

Does that mean that the two months prior, with everything you've accomplished aren't worth anything?

Absolutely not.

You've created new habits and are establishing a level of trust within yourself that no scale can take away (nor does it determine your worth and value).

This is the biggest challenge with online businesses.

It "seems" like everyone else is having success.

But we don't know how many times the person we're comparing ourselves to has failed. Nor do we know how much work has been put into the knowledge and skills they have today.

Here's an example:

I've made a couple of BFCM purchases. All have to do with writing.

The first was that I signed up for the Ship30for30 training starting in January 2022. The reason I did this is because of my commitment to a daily writing practice.

I thoroughly enjoy writing and want to get better at it so it becomes a primary source for traffic, content, and sales.

That training is going to help me create frameworks and practice writing on other platforms (my site and emails come easily now so this will help me write on other platforms. More on that in another episode).

Then this morning I signed up for Copy School by CopyH...

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The more people I talk to about email marketing, the more excited I become.

Email marketing is the holy grail of online business.

(Stay tuned for an in-depth post with that title 😉).

I'm halfway through my second cohort of Email Insiders VIP and even with only running this twice I see the patterns and similar challenges.

As things start shifting to Web 3.0 (you can read more about Web 3.0 and what that means here), it's never been more important to create an email list.

And here's the kicker...

I'm not sure that it matters where you do it. GASP!

Most traffic sources work when you do the work.

Meaning, if you put the time and energy into Instagram, consistently post, and engage with people who are engaging with your content, I have no doubt you can drive traffic and business through Instagram.

I would say the same is true with Twitter, Tik Tok (not that I know anything about that), Linkedin, YouTube, Pinterest, and quite possibly Facebook (although my guess is you have to be going live in order to get any traction. I don't spend much time on my business page anymore so don't hold me to this).

All that being said, your priority on these platforms should be to connect with your ideal audience and drive them to subscribe to your email list.

Period.

Nothing else.

When you have a solid system running that is driving traffic from one platform to an email list you own, then move onto the next platform.

I was recently talking with a friend who does social media management (and am considering hiring her to help me with my own, because I'd much rather spend time writing, recording, and creating).

She spends a LOT of time on social and said "two platforms are plenty."

Which works for me. Right now my platforms of choice are Twitter and Instagram (I'll share the strategy and what I'm going to do with that in another episode).

My first priority though?

Email Marketing

And writing... ALL the writing possible.

When I started my business way back in 2008, I thought I could write fairly well. I never would have called myself a writer, but let's just say at the time "ignorance was bliss."

Because I was able to write papers in high school and college and do well, I didn't think much beyond that (as I said, ignorance was bliss and maybe I was a little cocky. The older I get the more I realize how much I don't know).

It wasn't until I started my WPChick Podcast in 2013 that started appreciating and more importantly, enjoying writing.

Because of the way I talk I knew that I'd have to write my solo show episodes out first (and you can probably tell I'm not reading them, I simply use them as a guide so I follow somewhat of a cohesive flow).

I cringe a bit when I look back at older posts... for both the way it was written and how much needs to be edited and updated, but the bottom line?

I DID it.

And I kept doing it.

When I decided I wanted to put more time and energy into email marketing I had been following Ben Settle for a solid year before I really stepped into it.

Ben has a physical paper newsletter (Email Players) that he sends monthly and he emails daily.

Often times he emails more than once a day.

He doesn't worry about people unsubscribing, not liking him, or not buying.

He keeps doing his thing.

After watching what he did for a year I jumped in and started doing my own daily emails (although I called them my 'almost daily emails' - I emailed Monday through Friday and often times on the weekend).

Next to starting my podcast, putting the time and energy into email marketing was the best thing I've done for my business.

And probably my only regret in my business is that I didn't do it sooner.

Now I'm on a mission to help people get over their fear of writing and sending emails.

Just like anything else you've learned online, you CAN learn how to write emails. Emails that sell, connect, engage, inform, educate, and entertain.

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We're going to start this episode off with a quote (because it's SO perfect):

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.

-Victor Hugo

I am SUPER excited about today's episode because I think it's truly the most important thing we can master (as entrepreneurs but more importantly, as human beings).

I'm going to tell you what it is, but before I do, I want to ask you to do me a favor.

I want you to keep your mind as open and judgment-free as possible.

Ready?

The most important thing an entrepreneur needs to master is their thoughts.

I've gone down a huge rabbit hole with this lately for a few reasons (and I'll go into a little more detail with each):

First, I needed to do it with a few things in my personal life because they were sending me sidewaysSecond, this is probably one of the things I've been most focused on with my coach as I get ready to launch my communityLastly, my mentor has been helping me with this a LOT lately... we did some amazing work last year which has all led to this

You hear over and over again in the entrepreneurial space that your mindset is everything.

And it is... you just need to know how to get there.

My goal with this episode is two-fold:

to really buy into the idea that this is truly the best thing you can do for yourself (in your business and your life)to give you some tangible things you can do to start applying this

One thing to keep in mind: this is a practice. One of the sayings that my mentor has shared with me (that has taken me a while to really grasp), is that it's "a process, not an event."

Which naturally annoyed me... because I want to learn something and just know it.

Even though I may get pissy, I trust it now.

And it has made ALL the difference in the world.

O.K., let's get into it!

Time to Master your Thoughts

For the longest time, I really thought I was doing a great job of managing my thoughts.

I first got into self-help and listening to things when I was the ripe old age of 22.

I purchased Tony Robbins Personal Power and progressed through pretty much anything I could get my hands on at the time (keep in mind these were cassette tapes, all pre-podcast and digital downloads of anything).

I was working in a bookstore at the time and we sold audiobooks, so I'd splurge every now and then on a new book on tape. Because I purchased Personal Power I also would get the "Guthy Renker" and "Nightingale-Conant" catalogs (yes, a paper catalog in the mail).

At that time I'd say 99% of what I listened to were male authors (something I never really thought about at the time). Most of what I was listening to was about goal setting, motivation, sales, and productivity. All of that was fine, but it always felt like something was missing.

Then I discovered Dr. Wayne Dyer.

If you're not familiar with him, he's an NYT best-selling author of over 40 books. He's been called "The Father of Motivation" and had an academic career and private counseling practice before he wrote his first book.

When I first started reading & listening to Wayne Dyer most of his work was in the self-help genre. As his career progressed he moved more and more into spirituality and it felt like "this is what I've been missing!"

It was like this magic combination of "anything is possible" and "be gentle" at the same time.

(On a subconscious level this is probably where #FtheHUSTLE was really born).

From here I consumed everything I could of his.

I was also fortunate enough to see him live in San Francisco a few times (he loved San Francisco and was a great supporter of public television). One of the times I saw him it was a smaller event and I stood in line to tell him how much his work got me through losing my husband (this was a year after he died). Dr. Dyer hugged me and told me that he was still with me.

On many levels, I would say he was my first mentor.

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This business reboot has been a LONG time coming.

I feel like I have so much to catch you up on with this episode.

First, if you've stuck with me and wondered where the podcast is, Thank You.

Before I get into what's coming (and yes, the podcast is coming back with a regular schedule), I think I need to update you on a few things.

Life in Costa Rica

I've now been in Costa Rica for 4.5 months! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I've written a full post on why I moved to a country I'd never visited on Medium here (and would love some claps & comments if it resonates with you).

It's truly starting to feel like "home" here.

What's been so fascinating about this move to Costa Rica are all of the realizations I've had. Some are deep and some are pretty superficial (guess I didn't need to run to Target as often as I thought), but they've all made a difference in how I feel and where I'm going.

My understanding is that October is the end of the rainy season here. I haven't minded the rain at all... the thunderstorms here are like nothing I've seen before. It can literally be sunny and dry one minute and pouring with thunder and lightning the next (I love it, the dogs, not so much).

The rain is probably the only thing that's made it feel like fall here.

It's kind of a trip getting on Zoom calls with people who are all showing up bundled up in cozy clothes while I'm still here in my tank top and shorts.

My goal would be a place somewhere in the states and a place here.

I like fall and Christmastime in cooler weather (note I didn't say cold) and would be happy to have January through September here. We'll see.

I finally bit the bullet and got a car here. 🏎

FREEDOM!

I think I was more excited about buying a 2007 Kia Sorrento than I was about my Audi Q5... it's all about perspective.

I've been very fortunate that I've made some wonderful friends who have been kind enough to take me places and help me get what I've needed, but after 4 months I realized I needed a car.

One of the things I love about being in the car for any length of time is listening to podcasts and audiobooks (I can listen when I work sometimes, it just depends on the task at hand). I'm sure I'll do more listening when the rain stops and I can do more beach walks too.

Long story short, life in Costa Rica is really, really good.

Time for a Reboot (and what that means)

I want to break down this "reboot" into a few different categories:

PodcastEmailContentOffersFacebook Group

Let's start with the podcast.

When I pivoted the podcast from "The WordPress Chick Podcast" to "The Kim Doyal Show" - I essentially kept the format completely the same, I just changed the name, introduction, and artwork (although I should have kept the episode #'s continuing instead of starting over, but no point in crying over spilled milk, right? And I guess I could go back and edit them).

Besides the fact that the last 2.5 years have been challenging (losing my Mom, moving, Covid, moving again), I didn't feel excited about the podcast the way I once did.

The goal has always been to do a solo show and then an interview, which is fun, but I think I'd prefer to do primarily solo shows.

Not because I don't enjoy interviewing and creating new relationships, because they've been the foundation of growing my business.

Simply because I want to focus in a little different direction.

The podcast is going to get a new introduction and an "official reboot" (I'm thinking some sort of giveaway). That will happen in the next month or so after I launch my community (more on that in a minute).

I will definitely still have guests on the show, I just want to be more intentional about the conversation.

Email... and more Email

I miss my doing my "almost daily emails."

So yes, they're coming back.

Like many of you, I'm sure I had been hesitant about email marketing.

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I've been thinking about this a lot lately as I get closer to launching a community of my own. I think we all have experiences of launching something and it doesn't do as well as we had hoped.

We plan for it, we create the thing, and we get ready to start marketing it.

Then when the time comes to release our offer to our audience it falls flat (or at least doesn't do what we had hoped it would.

I want to go deeper into this today because I've experienced both sides of the coin.

It also fits nicely with my #FtheHustle movement because doing better work should lead to less hustle and greater rewards.

What makes me most excited about this is it's opened my eyes to a completely different (and more deliberate) marketing strategy which, if done intentionally, will always work.

Creating the runway

Before I dig into creating the runway, I want to be clear that what I'm referring to is more like setting the stage and being in alignment.

As an example, when Jodi and launched the Content Creators Planner it wasn't out of left field for me to be creating a physical planner for developing a content strategy. I had started the Content Creators group on Facebook two years prior, had been talking about content and content marketing, and was living by my #EverythingIsContent motto.

Creating and selling the Content Creators Planner was completely in alignment with how I had been showing up.

The time it took from our initial conversation about creating the planner together and launching it to the world was only four months.

It was a pretty crazy four months, but we did it. So even though that window was small, people were already used to hearing me talk about content marketing.

As soon as we had a logo and initial pages drafted, we started sharing it.

This is why it worked.

We went from a failed Kickstarter to a presale on our own website the week after Christmas (and announced the presale on New Year's Eve) and successfully funded the production. We didn't have the planner in our hands until March but people had been on the journey with us for months already...

They were perfectly happy because they knew we were invested in getting our creation into their hands.

This isn't only about the launch of your product/service/offer. It's making sure that when you're ready to market your offer it's in complete alignment with what you've been doing and how you've been showing up.

This is something I've been doing for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't as intentional as it is today.

.ugb-976967a .ugb-block-content .ugb-button{border-radius:70px}.ugb-976967a .ugb-button1{background-color:#d53371;border-radius:70px !important}.ugb-976967a .ugb-button1 .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-976967a .ugb-button1 svg:not(.ugb-custom-icon){color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-976967a .ugb-button1:before{border-radius:70px !important}Join the #FtheHUSTLE movement!

More runway means more freedom

This is where the magic happens.

Because you're allowing yourself the space and consistency to be in alignment with what you're doing, you can easily test the market for validation on offers.

So as an example: I have a friend who is in my Email Insiders VIP group right now (I'm running another group very soon). She does social media marketing for clients and is very active on these platforms.

She doesn't just create images and accompanying text and then schedule it, she digs deeper into what is working for the different platforms and tests/tweaks engagement.

One of the things I asked her about recently was Twitter threads. As I've gotten more active on Twitter lately I've noticed how popular Twitter threads have become (well, it's new to me, probably been around a while) so I asked her about them.

I was saying that I think Twitter threads would be a great way to share the newsletter every week because I could tag people I was mentioning and referencing in the newsletter on Twitter and that the segments of t...

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.ugb-0a2b8f0 .ugb-img{-webkit-mask-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwIDEwMCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+');mask-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwIDEwMCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+')}.ugb-0a2b8f0 .ugb-button.ugb-button--has-icon.ugb-button--has-icon svg{width:px;height:px}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-0a2b8f0 .ugb-img{width:161px;height:auto !important}}@media screen and (min-width:1025px){.ugb-0a2b8f0 .ugb-team-member__image{width:161px !important}}Darby RollinsCo-founder, Writing with Jarvis - 7 Day Book ChallengeAuthor | Drummer | Tacopreneur | Co-Founder & Game Designer @PlaySideHustle| Helping People Write Books With AIPublishedWithJarvis.com

How many times have you thought you're ready. You want to write your book?

Maybe it's been on your list of "things to do when"... mainly because it feels like such a daunting task or you think you need to go hole up in a cabin in the mountains for a month with zero distractions (as lovely as that might sound, it's probably not too realistic).

That's where Writing with Jarvis comes in.

First, let me tell you that I'm participating in this current challenge (beginning July 12th, 2021. Don't worry if you miss this, you can sign up for the next challenge. They're doing them regularly).

I had looked at this a few months ago but life was a little crazy with moving from Boise to California for a couple of months, and then to Costa Rica at the beginning of June.

I'm one of those people that makes way more progress when I'm held accountable. It just works. So I knew that in order for me to make writing my first book a priority I'd want to participate in the Writing with Jarvis Book Challenge. I also have a friend who went through the challenge and successfully wrote his book.

So there's that 😉.

I asked Darby Rollins, one of the creators of the Writing with Jarvis - 7 Day Book Challenge, to join me on the podcast to talk about the challenge, the process, and some of their success stories.

I'll be sharing an update this week (with my pre-work), and then will share some of the progress next week and of course, the final results of the challenge when it's completed.

I've decided to try something a little different with the post episode format and share the full transcripts below. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

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Kim Doyal 0:01Welcome to the Kim Doyal show where I believe business should be fun. Creating marketing and mastering your craft is as much about the day-to-day as it is about the big wins, and even the epic fails. In this podcast, we're going to talk about all things content marketing, digital marketing, a little bit of mindset, and how to just show up by creating an online business and income that fits your lifestyle. Hey, what's going on everybody? Welcome to another episode of the Kim Doyal show. I, of course, am your host Kim Doyal. And I'm super excited to have my guest on mainly because his book writing challenge is pretty magical. My guest today is Darby Rollins, Darby and I connected through the conversion AI group. I followed what he was doing. Now, for those of you who also aren't familiar with Jarvis, that is the robot, the bot for conversion AI, we're gonna go into that a little bit more. But, Darby,

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I made it!

I'm officially in Costa Rica.

I've been thinking about how I would do this episode in hopes that I could create some structure and not simply ramble at you about the process. I'm sitting here writing the post watching men hang from the trees outside my window to trim branches (they started with machetes and are using chainsaws now).

The bonus is my view of the ocean keeps getting better.

At the time of this writing/recording, I've been in Costa Rica for two weeks. The first 8 were with my daughter and we were really busy trying to see and do as much as possible (which kind of bit us in the ass since we were pretty wiped before we got on the plane).

Today is only day 2 of a somewhat normal routine... and that was a little nuts (housekeeper, someone fixing the refrigerator, high-speed internet install, and yes, tree trimming outside my windows).

My goal for the next few days is to get some rest while getting back on track with work. I need it and my dogs need it (they've done amazing considering everything they've been through).

Fast forward a few days and I'm back to working on this episode

Update: I'm sitting out on my patio writing. I've got my coffee, there's a slight breeze, and I'm staring at the ocean listening to birds.

I've shared my reasons for moving here (and will probably go more in-depth in another post on my PuraVidaJourney.com site), so let's start with the journey here and the last two weeks.

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Getting to Costa Rica

Best laid plans, right?

The truth is it actually went pretty smoothly.

The two months I spent at my Dad's after leaving Boise was busier than I expected, but really nice. It was great to get to see family a few times as well as my friends in the Bay Area. I had a great night with my girlfriends (these are friends from high school who I'm so grateful for), saw some family friends, and basically worked on getting things (myself), prepared for this move.

My daughter drove up from LA on Saturday, May 29th so we could have a graduation party for her with the family. She left her car at my Dad's because we needed my car to get all my bags, the dogs, and computer in and I'm letting her use my car for a while.

We turned around Sunday morning and hit the road back to LA (it's about a 6-hour drive) and checked into a hotel near the airport (the intention was to do a park & ride... then we found out they weren't running shuttles because of Covid. They didn't have the staff to clean them. Tip: make sure you're talking to the actual hotel and not a reservation line).

We decided to stay there anyway (it was only 5 min from the airport) and found a parking garage that would shuttle us over...there was no way we could Uber with all our stuff + the dogs).

To enter Costa Rica right now you have to purchase medical travel insurance, which I did. The night before our flight I logged in to fill out our health certificate, which then gives you a QR code so they just scan it at the airport. This was snafu #1.

My daughter couldn't find her passport (and she is super on top of things so we had a moment of freak out). Fortunately, she lives in LA and her place was only about 25 minutes away. We drove to her apartment and she couldn't find it (where she thought it should be).

I had a feeling it was there so went out to the family room to look around and it had fallen on the floor.

Hallelujah! Crisis averted.

We allowed plenty of time in the morning to park the car and get to the airport, which is good because we needed it for snafu #2.

I had bought the wrong dog kennels for the dogs.

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If you're not familiar with my good friend, Piccia Neri, you will be after this episode.

Piccia and I connected years ago when I was still "The WordPress Chick" and quickly became friends. Piccia is a designer whose primary focus is on UX (user experience if you're not familiar with the term). As someone who had no experience with any of this when I started my business, I'm always looking to learn from the experts... and find people who can help me make little shifts to create better experiences for my audience.

I asked Piccia to come on the podcast and talk about how design directly impacts conversions (primarily sales), and to share the news about her "Design for Conversions" online summit, where you can learn directly from experts in this space.

Not only is the event packed full of amazing speakers, but you're going to get actual strategies you can start implementing right away to start improving your own conversions.

Design for Conversions SummitMay 17th - 20th, 2021

Questions I Asked Piccia

For people who don't know you, can you share your background and what you do?What is the Design for Conversions Summit?Who is the Design for Conversions Summit for?Why do you think some design, that isn't as attractive, converts well?What do you think of the trend towards "dark mode"?Who are some of the speakers?What are some simple things people can start with to increase conversions?

What You're Going to Learn

Why everyone can benefit from understanding UX and how design impacts conversionsSome insight into using the "hamburger" menu on your websiteWhy good design HAS to work for your audience (or it's not good design)Why design matters with content too (think formatting)What accessibility is and how it matters with design (and will increase your conversions)How you can apply good design practices in everything you do online for your businessHow to look at long-form copy from the users point of view (even if it converts)

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Where to Connect with Piccia

Summit | Website | Linkedin

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It's been a while since I had Trey Lewellen on the podcast.

Trey and I met 7 years ago in a mastermind that started off teaching Facebook ads and eventually pivoted to a more general mastermind with an emphasis on FB ads. The first time we hung out together was in Maui at one of the in-person events and I felt like I'd known him forever.

Trey's energy is infectious.

He's fun, super smart, and simply "goes for it", which is one of the things I admire most about him.

Trey's business has evolved quite a bit over the years (you can read or listen to the first few years of his business in the first podcast episode I did with him here). Once he found his sweet spot with e-commerce, he started coaching and mentoring other e-commerce owners as well as keeping his own e-commerce businesses running (he left his first niche.... which you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out what that was).

With everything that has gone on in the world in the last year+ it's clear that e-commerce is only going to get stronger and stronger. And you don't have to be Amazon to do well with an e-commerce business.

Trey's superpower is importing products from China (can you imagine how much easier that would be if you had someone in the U.S. who already knew how to do that?)/

I knew that Trey was using a lot of different traffic methods (beyond Facebook), because his Facebook account had gotten shut down.

Naturally, I was curious as to how he was driving traffic and what he was teaching, so I asked him to hop on and do another podcast with me.

You'll also hear about his latest endeavor, a documentary series called "The Death of Brick & Mortar", where he highlights e-commerce entrepreneurs and shares their stories.

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Questions I Asked Trey

How he pivoted to other traffic sources after losing his Facebook business managerWhat he's doing with email marketing (as a traffic source)How he's using affiliates to help his e-commerce students scale their businesses (quickly)How he finds other traffic sourcesWhat he still uses Facebook for (in terms of traffic and partnerships)

What You're Going to Learn

How to determine if your offer is correct (before running traffic, brand new)Why a "market first" approach is the first place to start (and how it determines your success)How what Trey is teaching applies to the digital space as well (it's not just for physical products)What you need to do when you're first getting started and have no listHow there aren't any special tactics involved in getting started... it's good ol' fashioned networking, connecting, and building relationships

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Where to Connect with Trey

Facebook Group (Death of Brick & Mortar) | TalktoTrey.com

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I've officially been back in California for about a week and a half now.

And I have to admit, it's lovely to be back. There are a lot of things that need attention in this state, but it's hard to beat the weather and the beauty. No matter where I am in the world, it will always be home.

The first 4-5 days here were pretty busy with unloading things into storage, taking more to the dumps, and getting set up in my temporary space at my Dad's. Needless to say, it was a pretty exhausting couple of weeks leading up to the move and then the week of the move itself (the dogs did awesome on the long journey down... it was an 11-hour drive towing my car).

Since California opened the vaccine shots to everyone 50+ on April 1st (think it will be open to all ages by the time this comes out), I jumped in and got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot (which was great since I wouldn't be able to get it in Costa Rica).

The shot was no big deal, but a little less than 24-hours later I had flu-like symptoms and was down for the count for the day.

Even though the side effects were common, I almost think it was my body's way of saying "STOP! You need a day girl!"

So that's exactly what I did.

I took a bath (I couldn't tell you the last time I had a fever and chills) and climbed in bed. I alternated between sleep and watching HOUSE (never watched it before... it's a nice escape and Hugh Laurie is brilliant).

You might be wondering what my point is... and why am I sharing my oh-so-dull to-do list with you?

During this entire time (we're talking a solid 3 weeks here), I managed to keep things going in my business and made money in a few different ways.

This is what this episode is ALL about.

And before I start into the whole "focus and discipline thing"... I want to clarify a few things because it might sound like I'm contradicting myself here (I also appreciate the simple approach or essentialist approach).

One thing I haven't wavered on, EVER... no matter what I'm talking about, is "doing the work."

Even if you have 3 things you're doing, love them all, and are excited about each... at some point you have to hit publish, ship it, sell it, tell the world about it.

Being multi-passionate only becomes a problem when you use it as a distraction or way of life as opposed to diversification.

You Decide Where You Focus

This sounds so freaking obvious, but with so much information and opportunity available these days it's easy to go sideways or get distracted.

You're focused on one thing, let's say email marketing, then you see everyone talking about Clubhouse and why you should or shouldn't jump in (I notice the hype and excitement has really decreased). I had a few people tell me I should get on Clubhouse and have been invited to join rooms to speak.

I knew I didn't have the time or energy to jump in, so stayed focused.

It wasn't about whether or not Clubhouse was worth my time or had any value. I simply didn't want to do it. Might I try another audio platform later? Possibly.

But for now, the only audio content I'm doing is my podcast.

I have a few things that I do consistently so I make sure I have a certain level of attention and focus there, but then I also know what excites me and keeps me moving forward. I LOVE learning new things... I just don't love learning ALL the new things.

In the last year we've seen the world turn upside down. We've seen systems and ways of doing things break down before our eyes... most of which is good. Just because something has been done one way for years and years doesn't mean it's the way things should always be, right?

The same thing is happening with the internet and online business, which, in many ways, is still in its infancy. It just doesn't feel like it because technology moves so quickly.

How to decide where to focus:

Let's go back to childhood for a moment, shall we?

Where do you enjoy spending most of your time?

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I had a friend reach out to me on Facebook yesterday with a question that prompted this podcast episode.

And bear with me here... I think with this transition and move some of the upcoming podcast episodes are going to have more of a 'life theme' to them, but I'll do my best to share how it relates to my business and where I'm taking things, and more importantly, how that can help you.

Here was the question I received:

"Hey Kim! Hope you're doing well! I just read your email about the clean slate and it honestly got me thinking about my future on a lot of things. Things aren't going well with my current job and I haven't been happy in a while. My boss offered to pay me for one more month so I can find something else if my heart isn't completely in it, and I don't think that it is anymore.

I know you have a lot going on and I'm sorry to bombard you with that, but after your email it seemed like maybe you had some insight that I don't on things! Hope you're well."

I'm going to give you my response, and then we'll dig deeper into what I mean by it and how you might be able to implement this in your own life and business.

My response:

"Hey (his name)! You're not bombarding me. My insight comes from lots of trial, error, and tenacity (hence the podcast title). From my understanding, you want to have your own business. If you're not sure exactly what that looks like, that's perfectly fine. And I get needing a job while you figure that out. However, if you're enjoying the job, I'd start looking ASAP for something else that feels better in terms of a means to an end. When you focus on where you want to be as opposed to where you are, you'd be surprised at what shows up!"

We went back and forth a bit more, I sent him a link to a Dr. Joe Dispenza video on YouTube, and it really got me thinking.

I don't know about you, but I used to put so much pressure on myself to be somewhere else, do more, have more, accomplish more, etc., that I've robbed myself of much of the journey and the joy that can only come from being present in the moment.

Obviously, with my decision to move to Costa Rica, I'm not doing that anymore (or at least if I do I can tell you that it's a conscious decision), but it's been through life experiences that I've figured that out.

I talk to both of my kids about this stuff a lot. I've told them both that they are so far ahead of the game if they can "get" this stuff now... the world is their oyster.

One thing I want to share that I originally shared with my son and also with my friend on FB yesterday (he's about 20 yrs younger than me) is this: "What I do for a living didn't exist when I was his age."

My son is only 20, and my daughter is 24.

I want them both to follow their hearts, do what they love, and make the most of their lives, whatever that looks like to them.

I think it's safe to say that my life is nothing like I thought it would be (when I said that to my therapist one time she was like "ya think?" Meaning... that's the case for most people).

When I was 24 I was dating my husband, we knew we'd get married, have kids, and thought we'd live the typical, traditional, suburban life.

When all that was taken from me I did a lot of soul-searching.

It's taken years (and a lot of courage & conscious work), to really own that I want something different.

The same can be said for running an online business.

When we're starting an online business (and/or growing it), we all do the same thing (which makes sense). We do some research, we dig in, we study, we find some sort of mentor/guru/guide that helps us get started.

That could be in the form of finding someone you resonate with via a podcast or hiring an actual coach.

For the sake of this podcast episode, let's focus on an online business in terms of being a coach, author, course creator, or e-commerce store owner.

When I first started back in 2008 I hired a coach and signed up for a social media...

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It's been a while since I've started a post or podcast with a quote (and I guess technically I'm not since I'm explaining it before I share it... 🤣), but this feels appropriate for this episode.

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Hopefully you're not tired of hearing this (yet), but I shared last week that I am officially moving to Costa Rica!

Of course, I'm scared... but I'm doing it anyway (and much more excited than I am scared).

This has been something I've been thinking about for probably close to 10 years (not necessarily Costa Rica, but moving out of the country).

It started from a place of curiosity and wonder, pivoted to other reasons over the years (let's face it, the United States has had some serious challenges), and now my reasons have shifted again.

Of course, the curiosity and wonder are still there, but now it's because I have a massive desire to experience something different.

I've never really been someone who wanted to live in a city (I do appreciate visiting a city from time to time), and have spent my entire life in suburbia. I honestly never wanted anything else until 2002.

In 2002 I was in one of my best friends wedding in Italy (her husband is Italian, my daughter was the flower girl and I was a bridesmaid).

That trip changed everything for me.

I hadn't even been that interested in traveling to be honest. Once you get outside of your comfort zone and realize how much more there is to experience in the world you see things differently.

Even if you don't want to live out of the country or travel much, having those experiences are invaluable.

Once I went to Italy I craved those experiences and I knew I wanted that for my kids. I took them to Scotland in 2013, then my daughter and I went to the South of France in 2015 (she's since traveled with friends to Paris and London).

They have plenty of time for travel and both have a desire to see and experience things outside of their day-to-day (my job here is done).

Back to Costa Rica...🌴

Costa Rica wasn't really on my radar until my therapist told me she had property there.

Every now and then I would ask her a little bit about her experiences there, why she liked it so much, etc., which then made me look a little deeper into the country itself.

When I first started thinking about it I wasn't sure if I really could do it... but over the years, like anything else in life, you start to realize what you really want.

I started my business because I wanted FREEDOM.

Freedom to be home for my kids, not have to commute, and create the quality of life I wanted.

I have always felt like there was something else I was supposed to do with my life (outside of have a job and work for someone else), I never really knew what that was, I simply kept pursuing it.

And side note: I say this to my son all the time (he's 20). What I do for a living didn't even exist when I was his age!

There is something to be said for having tenacity and simply continuing to move forward.

I've decided I'm going to do a separate site for my journey to and in Costa Rica. I've got the domain name and will be sharing that soonish. I'll do some updates here as well, but if you want to follow that journey in more depth I'll let you know where to subscribe.

I'm even toying with the idea of doing a podcast so I can interview other entrepreneurs and business owners in the local area... which feels like it would be a great way to connect with people (so yea, it's a little self-serving).

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Being scared and doing it anyway

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Kyle Van Deusen is back on the podcast!

It's been a long time since I've had Kyle on the show and it was amazing to catch up with him. We had actually had a conversation in the fall that was supposed to be a podcast but the audio quality was choppy... so fast forward and we have a fresh episode for you.

Kyle and I talked about his plugin, Docket WP, email marketing, newsletters, and the general state of online marketing and where things are heading.

Questions I Asked Kyle

Tell us your backstory (I don't care how tired this question it is, I think it's always interesting)What is Docket WPHow his Facebook group, The Admin Bar, is goingHow he started his newsletterWhat kind of return he's getting on his email marketing and newsletter

What You're Going to Learn

What inspired the idea for Docket WPHow he fell into sponsorship with his newsletterHow he drives leads with his Facebook group How they create and maintain high engagement in the Admin Bar Facebook Group

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Where to connect with Kyle

OGAL Web Design | The Admin Bar Facebook Group | Docket WP

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Inspiration can come from so many places if you keep your mind open.

I can remember back to being a little kid and making plans with my friends. You had big ideas and big dreams... you didn't let the "outrageousness" of the dream hinder you from making the plans, right?

This cracks me up as I think about it... in the 4th grade, one of my best friends and I talked about how we were going to be rock stars. I was really into music when I was a child, I played piano and was in a children's choir. We spent so much time drawing our outfits and planning our performances (I don't remember what we were going to call ourselves).

I wish I could remember when we pivoted to the next great idea, but that's not the point.

The point is how we felt while we were "in it."

You know what I'm talking about, don't you?

As entrepreneurs we connect with the excitement of the idea and the planning phases on a regular basis (if we're lucky). The novelty and excitement can wear off once you start digging in and doing the work, but if it's right, you keep going.

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Finding Inspiration

I'll admit it... I can be a bit of a nut when it comes to information.

I jokingly said to my therapist that I wish I could get paid to read. Her response? Spot on as always, "well, you do. You take what you've read and learned, implement it, and apply that knowledge to what you're doing."

That being said, there does come a point where you have to consume much less than you create.

For me, I have routines for consumption. I allow myself time in the morning when I'm having my first coffee, or when I'm having lunch, or even after my work day is over (I tend to leave my office in the late afternoon, and then pick up my laptop again after dinner).

Now that I have two newsletters (#FtheHustle here and Creativity Published with Jodi on Content Creators Planner), my consumption has a more direct impact on what I'm doing (can I get an Amen?).

I've started creating a little bit more structured process for note taking and gathering. There are things I gather to share and there are things I gather for myself.

All of this has led me to discovering new people and places that inspire me.

What a gift!

For the sake of keeping this somewhat focused, I'm going to use the internet marketing/online marketing space as my example here.

There is no shortage of experts, influencers, or guru's to follow in this space.

And let's remove all judgment about how we feel about any of those people... let's just look at the facts (because I have no doubt some of the people that come to mind when I use those terms may trigger something in you, that's O.K.).

Like you I'm sure, I have my "go to" people that I follow, read, or listen to.

On one hand, this is great. You know who inspires you, who you resonate with, and what you like about them. On the other hand, it can lead to challenges that create that feeling of being "stuck" in your business.

There are a lot of "names" I've followed or listened to in the past that I don't follow or listen to anymore.

And it's for one simple reason.

I've outgrown them.

When we change and grow the people who brought us to a certain level aren't necessarily going to be the same ones who take us to the "next level" (that poor saying is so overused and annoying, but it is what it is).

Even when these people have significantly scaled and grown their businesses, what they're doing may no longer relevant to what you're doing OR... they're still serving the same audience (which is smart because they know who they serve and how to help them) and you're beyond that.

Here's the challenge with this.

It might be hard to put your finger on it, but as you grow and learn in your business you need to be challenged.

Often what happens is people simply move from tacti...

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This is one of those episodes that is long overdue.

Bridget Willard and I have been in the same circles for a long time with many mutual friends. I'm not sure why it took so long to actually connect but I'm so glad we did.

Bridget is a force to be reckoned with.

She's set some empowering goals for herself this year and is clearly on a mission. Having authored 3 books already (we discuss each book in the podcast and the links to her books are below), and she's recently released a new WordPress plugin called "Launch with Words" (did I mention it's free?).

Bridget was brilliant following my not-so-straight path to direct questions and we had a ton of fun in the process.

Questions I Asked Bridget

Tell us your backstory (this is still one of my favorite questions)How did you get into the WordPress spaceTell us about your new WordPress plugin, Launch with WordsCan you tell us about the books you've written?What are your thoughts on the current state of social media?What's coming for you?

What You're Going to Learn

How a career with a construction company led her to content and WordPressHow one video she created for a previous employer led to a contract that covered half her salaryHow her plugin can help people actually use their websites What people are doing wrong on social media (it's not rocket science)Why she wrote a book for herself on love songsWhat her 4th book is (she's writing it right now) and when we can expect it

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Where to Connect with Bridget

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Get Launch with Words (WordPress plugin) here

Bridget's Books on Amazon:

The Definitive Guide to Twitter Marketing

Keys to Being Social: Being Real in a Virtual World

Dysfunctional Love Songs: Affirmations for the Hopeless Romantic

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Thanks to Cloudways for sponsoring this episode!

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Creating your own niche IS possible...

If you've been in the online space for any length of time, at some point or another you've heard/read/been told that you need to niche down.

As someone who hasn't ever really done this, I've been a little giddy to see a couple of articles popping up lately that go against that age-old advice. I'm going to start by saying you don't necessarily need to be a generalist either... I'm saying create your OWN niche.

Back in the day when I was creating websites for clients, I never niched down. I also never advertised or marketed my services (which I'm not saying is a smart strategy, I simply didn't want to be doing that work so let it just unfold and see what showed up, but that's for another day).

Before we get too deep into this episode I think it's also worth noting that if you are in a niche and it's working for you, then fantastic. I'm not saying that niching down doesn't work, because I can give you plenty of great examples where it does.

I have a friend whose niche is the building industry (construction). She has created a solid and growing business in a very specific niche. However, she didn't start her business because she went looking for a niche and then picked the construction industry.

When I started my online business I more or less stumbled upon WordPress, enjoyed what I was learning and grabbed a great domain name (The WordPress Chick).

Those were the good ol' days.... ignorance was bliss.

My imposter syndrome showed up as I started to learn more and it wasn't until I found my own little space within the WordPress community (marketing & WordPress) that I started to slough off the feelings of being an imposter.

Which is why I shifted to my personal brand.

I love EVERYTHING about marketing.

Content creation, email marketing, copywriting, product creation, offers, chatbots, traffic, etc.

I go deep on things that interest me and let them evolve.

Let's look at content creation as an example.

I started creating content and continued doing things I loved. I knew very little about SEO, had never done the 'content silo' and many of the posts or episodes I've created that have resonated most with people have very little to do with SEO.

Again, not saying SEO doesn't matter (it does, and it's worth doing and getting good at).

What I am saying is it's brilliant to create and publish from a different place. If I don't feel inspired with what I'm doing it's simply not going to work.

Let's talk about the whole "niche" thing, shall we?

First, let's differentiate who we serve from the niche.

When you're creating your customer avatar, with demographics and psychographics, you want to get specific. Whether or not that ends up being exactly who you serve isn't the point.

Meaning, let's say I were to say that my target audience is a female, between 35-60, who has an online business and is looking to stop trading time for money. In other words, even if they love the service work they're doing they want some leverage. My psychographics are clear: they're self-responsible, willing to do the work, and are non-judgmental.

Does that mean I don't work with men?

Or I don't work with someone outside of that age range

Of course not. What this does is help me get crystal clear on my messaging and who I'm talking to when I create content or copy (including email). When I was in the WordPress space my audience was pretty split (50/50 between men & women).

I don't have current data on this right now but I can tell you that more women purchase from me than men (especially coaching services).

In a recent article by Nicholas Cole, he said:

Creators who stand out don't "find" their niche.

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Most of the coaching conversations I've had lately (and even conversations with friends) have had one common theme.

Getting in front of the right people at the right time.

In other words, having an audience.

Start planning your marketing with an audience-first approach.

I was tempted to use the term list as opposed to an audience, but I can't say that they're always interchangeable. Knowing there is an audience and having an audience who follows what you do doesn't mean all of those people are always on your email list.

Which is why there are so many channels to market on (and also why you should always be driving people to get on your email list).

I spent way too long being passive about growing my list.

You're not serving anyone by not focusing on growing a list of people who have raised their hands (does typing count as raising your hand?) and said they want to hear from you!

I am taking a strong stance on email now because I know firsthand that it works... better than social.

Yep, I said it.

Although... here's where I may contradict myself...

You can and should use social to grow your email list.

I shared a few predictions in my recent issue of #FtheHustle, and one of the things I predicted is that we're going to see massive changes in social media this year.

People are tired of the noise, lack of privacy, lack of organic results, etc. There will always be a pay-to-play model (without it they wouldn't be in business), but it's going to look different.

There is also tons of opportunity for new advertising avenues and growth channels, so I have no doubt we'll see those things popping up.

I also wrote a more in-depth post on Content Creators Planner with some content marketing predictions if you want to go deeper. For now let's get into some tangible things you can do to grow your email list and take an audience-first approach.

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Optimize your website for list growth

As many times as I've said this, I don't think you can hear this too much.

If you're worried about being too pushy or overly aggressive with asking for opt-ins on your site, you probably aren't.

It's much easier today to use conditional logic when it comes to displaying pop-ups, exit pops, ribbons, etc. My tool of choice is ConvertBox (it's what I use for all my lead generation on my site).

At the bare minimum, you should have:

Homepage opt-ina subtle opt-in above the folda ribbon or slide-in to capture people who scroll further down the pageAnd/or what used to be called a "Welcome Gate" that takes over the screen but can be closed

In-post opt-inat least one in every post one at the end of the post

Exit pop

Because a tool like ConvertBox allows you to only display if people aren't tagged (one example of conditional logic) as being on that list, it's very easy to keep this from feeling obnoxious.

In-line posts will always display, but they require an action on the part of the reader (I'm referring to a button or image at the bottom of the post that triggers an opt-in form when clicked). You can include a slide-in on your posts as well and also set conditional logic (only display once every 5 days as well as not displaying to people who are already tagged).

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Get picky: choose 1 or 2 social platforms to focus on

I might be starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to social media, so let me clarify that I am not anti-social media and will continue using it.

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Good ol' email marketing.

Something I was terribly resistant to for the first 8 years I was in business. Don't get me wrong, I always had an opt-in form for a lead magnet on my site, and a short follow-up sequence, but that was about it.

I'd send out an email every now and then, but I had zero strategy in place.

All the while I knew that "the money was in the list."

As cheesy as that saying is, I know first hand that it's true.

I started shifting my mindset around email marketing in 2016. I've told this story a handful of times before so I'll try to keep this brief.

I had been following Ben Settle for probably a solid year before I signed up for his Email Players newsletter (I'm not a subscriber anymore). I simply watched what he did and consumed his emails.

Ben emails daily.

I decided I was going to step into daily emails (I called them my 'almost daily emails) and regardless of what happened, I was going to stick with it.

This experiment was really much more about the commitment I made to myself to show up consistently with email marketing.

The type of emails were simple:

A story-based email with one call-to-action (there are other names for these types of emails, but we'll stick with story-based for simplicity).

Initially I had a lot of people unsubscribing, which is bound to happen when you don't communicate consistently. People forget who you are and that they even signed up (you'd be surprised at how many people think you added their name to your list... which I'm sure happens, but for the life of me I don't have the time).

And it was also crickets...

Not a lot happening, but I stuck with it anyway.

By the third month of doing this I had tripled the income for an affiliate product I used and loved.

My calls-to-action varied. One day it might be to a podcast episode, another day it might be an affiliate product, and another time it might be to an article I found helpful.

The purpose of doing this for me was simple:

I wanted to show myself I could do itI wanted to get better at writing (including copywriting, which I really didn't start studying until last year).

The results and relationships from my email marketing efforts blew me away.

I also fell in love with writing, which I never in a million years thought would happen. I wasn't a bad writer, I was just indifferent and considered it something that needed to be done.

Now?

It's my happy place. I thoroughly enjoy it and, most importantly, it delivers results.

In my experience, most people that don't do email marketing don't do it because they don't think they're good at it.

Or know what to say.

Or aren't a good writer.

Do it anyway.

Practicing it, doing the work, and paying attention to email marketing will absolutely deliver better results than any organic social posting you do.

Yep.

I said it.

I'm not saying not to do social posting, I'm simply saying that email marketing should be your first priority (or at least a much higher priority if you haven't been doing it).

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Before I get into why I'm doubling down on email marketing and how I'm going to do it, I want to share a few statistics with you.

.ugb-a9c107c .ugb-notification__item{border-color:#123d7c !important}These are directly from Hubpost's 2020 Marketing Statistics:Roughly 80% of marketers have reported an increase in email engagement over the past 12 months. (HubSpot, 2020)From a study of 1,000 small business owners, email marketing was ranked as the second most effective medium for building brand awareness. (Campaign Monitor, 2019)Email marketing has the highest return on investment for small businesses. (Campaign Monitor, 2019)The number of global e-mail users is set to grow to 4.48 billion users in 2024. (Statista, 2020)

That being said...

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When I think about this past year, I can't help but think of a song I have on a playlist by Panic! At The Disco called "Hey Look Ma, I Made it."

Not made it as in an end goal, but I made it through this year and am better for it.

The interesting thing about my accomplishments for 2020 is that most of them are internal or not obvious to other people, which I find hugely satisfying.

There's something immensely gratifying when you can shift to external validation as a driving force to internal validation. I've also shifted how I look at external validation.

External validation used to come from societal expectations, other people's approval, and things that could be measured (bank account, stuff, vanity metrics, etc.).

Now I think of external validation as the little signs that show up when I'm following my own right path. It could be an email from someone, a song I hear, an inquiry, money shows up, you name it... and the cool thing is that the more in alignment I am with what is true and right for me, the more these signs show up.

In a recent issue of Jodi Hersh's "Fresh Squeezed" newsletter, Jodi listed a handful of questions that she was going to ask herself as she reflected on 2020. It's a great list and I thought I'd use some of them here as I look back on my accomplishments.

Accomplishments

Q: What am I most proud of this year? What memorable project, assignment, or goal did I complete?

A: The personal work and journey I've been on this year. I set the intention back in April or May that I wanted to raise my vibration. I had no idea what that looked like, but my therapist was game and it's been amazing.

I launched List Explosion, #FtheHustle newsletter, got my podcast back on track, and with the Content Creators Planner, we have stuck to a weekly publishing schedule of new content & the newsletter.

I'm also extremely proud of the fact that I picked up and moved to another state by myself. I knew I needed to make a change and I did it.

Q: What's a goal I gave up on this year (or fell short on). Am I glad I did that because objectively it wasn't my highest priority?

A: I can honestly say I didn't give up on any goals or fall short on goals I set. I launched the things I wanted to launch, was happy with the results, and have trusted the process the entire time.

Q: What new habit or routine did I create this year that has had a positive impact?

A: Consistency has been huge for me. Accountability works extremely well for me and Jodi has been instrumental for me in this arena. The other new habit that has been huge for me is intermittent fasting. I LOVE how I feel, am losing weight, and know this is a lifestyle change.

Q: What did I face head-on this year rather than avoiding?

A: Diving into copywriting has been incredibly powerful for me. Really taking the time to learn, study and practice copywriting was initially challenging (hated it), but the more I did it, the easier it got (imagine that). This is also true of the work I've done with my therapist. I've faced things head on that I never thought I'd share, own, or want to look at. I feel like I've been in a constant state of wonderment with that work.

Q: How did I use my spare or personal time? Am I happy about my decision?

A: The majority of this year has felt like spare and personal time 😂. My decision to move to Boise has been so healing for me. My kids are on their own (both doing great), the rest of my family is well, and in Northern California and my time and life are mine.

This year has been all about me, and I've loved every minute of it. The quiet and space away from everything familiar have allowed me to get crystal clear on what I want for myself an...

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The one thing I would tell you if you asked me what to do to grow your online business (or start one), would be to simplify your marketing.

There are so many different tactics you can do to market your business and the challenging thing is that most of tactics work. Even if they haven't worked for you, you probably know someone who has had great success with a tactic you've tried and failed at.

And as always, I have zero judgment about this.

I simply see way too many people struggling trying to do everything at once. Or, they simply don't allow enough time for things to gain any traction.

They try something or create something, put it out there or share it (a few times), and then move onto the next thing.

This is also why a lot of people don't enjoy marketing.

The totally overcomplicate things.

I know this because I've done it too. There have also been things I've tried ONCE and then made a snap decision as to whether or not it really works.

Have you tried:

content marketingvideoaudio/podcastingemail marketingpaid trafficwebinarsmessenger marketingsocial mediadm'ing peopleguest posting/jv offers

My guess is if you've tried any of these types of marketing you've had a little success with some of it (or maybe even some big success) or you probably wouldn't still be running your business.

I want to dive into what this really looks like and hopefully you walk away with some clarity and a little bit of a plan.

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Build your foundation first

This used to drive me crazy when I was doing client websites back in the day.

A lot of people came to me wanting a website for a business they weren't really clear about.

They always had the "easy" stuff ready to go.

Some had logos, some didn't. Often times they had these elaborate packages for their services created but had no idea the problem they solved for their customers.

Often these clients fell under the coaching and consulting umbrella. Sometimes they had people they had helped and sometimes they hadn't (which is always a red flag: If you don't know that you can provide a solution to a real problem you may just be throwing money down the drain with a website).

This was ALWAYS the missing piece.

Who you serve (beyond the generic 'custom avatar' exercises we've all done), the problem they have, and the solution you provide.

The reason they didn't have this or the reason what they had was wrong is because it's hard work.

I won't go on a rant about "doing the work", but if you don't take the time to do it now you're going to waste a lot of time getting it wrong. Again, I'm speaking from experience.

Spend whatever time it takes to understand your StoryBrand (read the book by Donald Miller or use the free StoryBrand tool to dig in). Once you've done that, then go back and edit it.

I've said this before, but Jodi and I spent six hours on a Zoom call on a Saturday getting this right for the Content Creators Planner. It was so incredibly powerful and provided us with a foundation for all our content and marketing.

I'm not a branding or messaging expert, so I don't have an arsenal of tools or processes, but I can assure you that finding someone who can help you nail your messaging is worth every penny.

If you're not in a position to hire someone, then do the work and learn how to get clear on this.

It's not until after you've gotten clear here should you start jumping into having a website created.

*I get that most of you listening probably have a website, which is great. But take some time to look at your website through different eyes.

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I love it when one thing I've done inspires more content, a new conversation, and provides more validation for the path I'm on (which is truly about trusting myself).

I asked Allegra to join me for a conversation after I launched my #FtheHustle newsletter.

When I launched the newsletter it was one of those "divine hits."

I had come up with the term & hashtag a good 4 years ago, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it.

I had wanted to launch a newsletter for a while, but wasn't sure what that was going to look like, which is why I took my time. I'm at a point in my life and business where I don't push things just to get them out the door.

First, it needs to feel good in my body. When it feels good in my body I know I'm on the right path.

When I remembered #FtheHustle I knew instantly that I was going to use it for my newsletter.

Right before I launched the newsletter I had one friend tell me that maybe it would offend people or some people wouldn't like it.

The very same day he said that I received a handful of emails from people saying they LOVED #FtheHustle.

As soon as I launched it, I received two emails from people who weren't fond of it and told me so. Both people were respectful about it and I appreciated it, but it didn't carry any weight or cause me to abandon what I knew in my gut was right.

At the same time, I received (and continue to receive), multiple emails from people saying how much they love it and look forward to it every week.

You HAVE to trust your gut and stop listening to the masses.

I had sent Allegra a vox (via the app Voxer), and shared that I had received those emails.

The response from Allegra lit something in me.

The long and short of it was that she said DO YOU.

She said, "It costs you to not be who you are."

You have to decide what price you're willing to pay... and let it be the price you pay to go for what you WANT.

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I know this is a shorter post for this episode, but you really need to listen to the full episode to get the magic that occurred with this converation.

Where to connect with Allegra

Website | Twitter | Instagram

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I have a feeling this might be a bit of a rant... so I'm going to apologize in advance for that, but it's truly only because I care and am SO tired of seeing this happen.

And because I have been there myself.

I'm pretty sure I know what the problem is with the online space and why people start things and never finish them. They're paying WAY too much attention to what everyone else is doing and have some weird expectations about results.

We tend to see someone else's results and assume that we should have similar results, right out the gate.

We have no idea how many failures, tweaks, attempts, or tries the other person has experienced. Then we make assumptions based on someone else's results and when we don't get similar results, we tell ourselves stories about why it worked for them and didn't work for us.

As an example:

I'm in the Thinkific Facebook group and someone who had a very successful course launch shared her results with the group. I don't remember her exact figures, but it was a great launch (I want to say it was close to 6-figures).

Ready for this?

Her niche is weaving.

She shared everything she did in terms of marketing: she paid for an email drop to an industry magazine (bear with me if that's not the right term, but basically she paid the magazine about $1500 to include her course offer in an email, which resulted in about 12k of course sales).

She also ran Facebook ads, which didn't have a good return. Add to that it's a small community and people are connected to each other (this is a great example of 'the riches are in the niches').

Now take a product like a Facebook ads course.

How much competition do you think there is for a course teaching how to run Facebook ads?

A HELL OF a lot more than weaving.

I'm giving that example because Jodi and I just purchased a Facebook ads course from Claire Pelletreau based on some amazing results my friend Maritza Parra got going through her course.

Let me back up and say that Maritza has been marketing online for a LONG time. She's hired agencies, we met in a Mastermind that was based on running Facebook ads, she's taken other courses on ads... you name it.

THIS time she went on a recommendation from a coach of hers who had also gotten amazing results and made a commitment to do the ads herself.

To get really good at it and get them working.

(Note: also why Jodi and I have decided to run our own ads as well).

Maritza just had some amazing results and has given me permission to share them here. If you're listening to the podcast, I'd recommend checking out the post because it might be easier to follow or grasp the results in a written format.

Here are her results:

I spent more on FB ads than I ever have, ads were more expensive but since I was selling a $10 series with a $9 order bump I made money on the ads and filled my new membership with 177 members.

Many people joined who'd never heard of me.

Free optin:1542 optins $1733.22 ad spend to Free optin page

DYE $10 series: (challenge - but I didn’t want to use word challenge)$7280 728 $10 buyers $3861 429 $9 order bump

$1873.22 ad spend straight to $10 DYE sales page

$2291.52 retargeting ad spend to Free Doodle optin subscribers who did not purchase $10 DYE series

From $10 series $11,141 $10 series sales$5,897.96 ad spend$5,243.04 made from series

I’m going to reopen the membership for 24 hours on Cyber Monday to give people who missed it the chance to enroll at the founding member price.

Membership numbers:

New Members $33,858 = 114 yearly members x $297$1,701 = 63 monthly members x $27

$35,559 114 $297 membership sales$496.41 ad spend to membership sales page (I was a little overwhelmed so these ads were almost an afterthought. Building a team is next on my agenda)$35,062.59 total from membership

$40,305.63 cash collected (from membership and $5,243.04 from series)

I have a bonus lesson on month 6 and another on month ...

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Transitioning from one thing to another can be a challenge, but sometimes you know you need to do it.

That's what we're talking about today.

I LOVE getting questions from people that inspire content, whether it's a podcast episode, written post, or email.

For starters, it makes me happy that people feel comfortable enough to reach out and ask me, especially when it's something that strikes a nerve for them.

I don't know that there's a better compliment than being a safe space for someone when they need it.

Here's the question that inspired this episode, and I thought it would be most helpful/beneficial if I answered it here.

"How did you transition from a service company to a consultant? Or service to teacher/consultant?"

And a big thank you to Tess for emailing and asking. 😊

I've also told elements of my story plenty of times so I may try to condense some of it for those of you who already know it.  

I have a feeling this might be a long episode, so let's jump right into it.

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To refresh your memory, when I started my business in 2008 I thought I was going to be an information marketer.

I wasn't technical at all, knew just enough about online marketing to jump in and was simply committed to making it work.

I had zero intentions of EVER building websites, but one thing led to another and within the first 6 months of starting my business I had become "The WordPress Chick" and was building WordPress websites.

Here's a quick rundown of that journey.

As I began doing that I started creating content. I realized I didn't want to learn to code or program so I started hiring outsourcers. The next thing I knew I had a team, started offering coaching and many of my coaching clients also wanted a developer or designer they could use for outsourcing work.

Around the same time I had started my podcast (2013).

This is when I felt things starting to shift, meaning, I knew there was something else I was supposed to do beyond the work I was doing. Mainly because I found myself enjoying my business like I hadn't in a long time.

It took me a while before I actually cut the cord.

I continued with websites and the outsourcing company until the end of 2016. During that time I had also launched a done-for-you podcasting service called "Influence Podcasting" (which I will admit was a pretty great name and I loved the branding).

I had great success with the podcasting service, but it was still service work.

One thing I hear over and over again from people who are doing service work but aren't loving it (there are plenty of people who prefer it, so this isn't about service work i.e., agencies, etc. not being a great business model) is that they never have time to "work on their stuff."

Which is something I always felt too.

It's a bit of a catch-22 when the work you don't enjoy doing is paying the bills and the work you'd rather be doing hasn't started bringing in income.

The catalyst for me was when I decided to partner and launch a SaaS with a friend (I'm sure many of you remember that journey as well. The company was called LeadSurveys and the product was an opt-in that segmented subscribers from the first point of contact).

I did an entire podcast episode on why that didn't work, and I'm happy to say I'm still friends with the guy I partnered with.

There are a handful of reasons I can see that it was a good thing that didn't work out, but a couple are:

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I'm quite pleased to say that this is the first podcast interview Nathan has done. I'm always honored when people agree to be on the show (especially when I've asked them as opposed to being approached to have someone on my show).

This was such a great conversation... both in terms of the content and how it made me feel.

Which is pretty much how I'm going to determine who I decide to talk to when it comes to podcast interviews on my show.

Nathan made the leap from a corporate gig to going full time for himself after his contract ended and hasn't looked back (he had been working on his business after hours from the day job).

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to talk to Nathan is that I've watched his transition over the last year and a half and his message has softened a bit, while still keeping it real.

We talked about the real struggles and challenges that people face when building their businesses (it's usually a mindset issue as opposed to the ability to "do the work" or having the money).

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Questions I Asked Nathan

How he started his business (hint: he's a coach)Why did he decide to go all-in with one platform?How does he pre-qualifies his clients?What are some common issues amongst your clients?Where does Nathan see things headingWhat type of clients Nathan works with (and how he decides who to work with)

What You're Going to Learn

How Nathan got his first few coaching clients on FacebookWhy he's made a point of making sure his clients know who he is before they work with him (i.e, they have a relationship with him)How he shifted his messaging from sort of a "harsh" message to one of support and understanding (and the impact it's had on his businessThe games he doesn't want to play and why he's not interested in being in the public eyeWhy helping people is his biggest motivationWhy he feels people are craving how they felt before social media

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Where to Connect with Nathan

Clients without Tears Facebook Group

Clip from Lethal Weapon 2 we mentioned in the show.

You're welcome.

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This episode and post have been a long time coming.

I don't remember when I first came up with #JustShowUP, but it's been my mantra now for at least 6 or 7 years.

I never let it go, but I hadn't done much with it... until now.

I don't remember a time in my business when I felt this clear and focused.

On the one hand, my life circumstances are ideal for what I need to be doing in my business. On the other hand, this has been 100% intentional as well.

My life right now is mine.

My kids are both doing great, doing their thing, and living on their own. My dad is doing well and being as social as he can during a pandemic. It's been a year and a half since my Mom passed and I've found some peace.

I live quietly by myself, in another state, and am literally doing exactly what I want to do for me.

I shared in the last podcast episode that I set the intention about 5 months ago to "raise my vibration."

The personal work I've been doing with my therapist has been a game-changer. The impact it's had on my business continually surprises me because none of the work we're doing is directly about my business... but like most creators, I don't really separate myself from my business

JustShowUP

Before I get into what it means to #JustShowUP, I want to recommend a book. 

This book was recommended to me by my good friend Lisa Anderson. I bought the Kindle version right away but then went and bought the physical version as well so I could write in it, highlight things, and take notes (plus, it's an interactive book anyway).

The book is called "3 Word Rebellion" by Michelle Mazur.

The full title is:3 Word Rebellion: Create a One-Of-A-Kind Message That Grows Your Business Into A Movement"

I'm not even halfway into the book when I realized...

I've already created my "3 Word Rebellion"... in fact, I realized I have a few.

Just Show UP

Everything Is Content

F*ck the Hustle

Since it doesn't recommend three 3-Word Rebellions, I'm going all-in with Just Show UP for my personal brand and will continue using #EverythingIsContent on both brands (this brand and Content Creators Planner).

I'm also bringing back F*ck the Hustle because I think we've never needed that message more. 

Life is not about packing everything into every moment, grinding so hard that you miss the things that matter, and doing what you "think" you're supposed to do.

More on that later.

Initially Just Show UP was very literal: just show up and do the work. Even when it's hard or you don't want to, just show up.

I think this was inspired by two other books:

"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday and "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield.

I have always read a lot of self-help, business, and spiritual books, but these two books felt, for lack of a better word, solid.

Both are about self-responsibility.

Nothing will grow your business faster than taking complete responsibility for everything. 

And when I say everything, I mean everything.

Your business growth, profits, finances, relationships, health, mental well-being... all of it.

We can't control what happens to us but we can always control how we handle what happens to us and how we feel about what happens to us (I'm not referring to people with serious mental health issues where additional support is needed).

So there's the first piece to what it means to #JustShowUP.

Self-responsibility.

The cool thing about self-responsibility is that it goes both ways. Meaning, we take responsibility for our mistakes AND we take responsibility for our wins. 

The key to all of this is removing the judgment (I'm speaking to myself here too). Stop looking at what you have or haven't done as good or bad, right or wrong.

It just is.

The crazy thing about judgment is that it's pretty much irrelevant. What I've found is that it's all external beliefs that I've bought into. 

That being said,

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One of the best things about getting older (ideally), is that we start lining up more with who we truly are and what we really want our lives to look like.

During this little sabbatical from the podcast, I've been doing a lot of internal work.

Both for myself and for my business.

This all started about four and a half months ago when I made a conscious decision that I wanted to raise my vibration and energy. I know this isn't something I've talked much about on the podcast, or even publicly as it relates to my business, but that changes now.

I live my life from this place and it's all part of showing up, isn't it?

When I made the decision to raise my vibration I had no idea what that looked like or what it meant, but I felt a strong calling to step into something more, for lack of a better word.

Fortunately, I have a therapist who also believes in energy and vibration and I knew that was where I wanted to start. I told her I wanted to work on raising my vibration, I had no idea what that meant and asked for weekly calls.

It's been an amazing few months, to say the least.

What started out with a simple intention led to paths that surprised me, scared me, but most importantly, opened me up to even more possibility.

Side noteWhether it's a therapist, mentor, coach, or a dear friend. Find someone who believes in you, challenges you, and reminds you that your dreams are worth pursuing.

Here's the fun part...

Doing this work inspired me to doodle, write, and find creative ways to express what I'm feeling. I'm a very visual person and anytime I can connect an image to a thought or feeling things start to shift.

The ability to reframe something that seemingly felt like it was immovable is exhilarating.

Fast forward to the last couple of weeks and I doodled something that I think can help you in your business.

In fact, this podcast was inspired by that doodle and the encouragement of my therapist to share it, because it may just help someone.

My doodle, of course, is about shame.

Shame is one of those things that runs deep and we're not really aware of how much of our behavior is dictated by shame. If you haven't seen the infamous TED talk from Brene' Brown on shame and vulnerability, then take the time to watch this.  Back to my doodle... In a recent call with my therapist, we were discussing something that I thought I felt shame around and she said that the shame seemed "manufactured." In other words, was it really my truth? It hit me like a ton of bricks. And I realized that I thought I was supposed to feel shame about the topic we were talking about, but in reality, I didn't. A day or two later I was out back playing ball with my dogs, listening to my call with her (I record them, because duh) and the image below hit me like a ton of bricks.

For those of you who are listening and can't see the image, let me explain the doodle. It's of a factory machine that has a conveyer belt where you put something on the belt at the beginning, it goes through the machine, and it's transformed into something different when it comes out. In this case, what comes out is the actual word 'SHAME', which then is immediately dumped into a garbage can at the end of the conveyor belt labeled 'TOXIC WASTE'. The items on the belt that are going into the machine (that produce the shame), look kind of like blobs (think of the poop emoji). Each blob has text on it explaining what it is. For me, it's judgment, old beliefs, and religion. The doodle is simply labeled 'Manufactured Shame.' All of a sudden I realized that the shame I felt wasn't ME... it was external influences that I had given way too much power to. I will literally never look at shame the same way again. If I had more room I'd add a few items to the conveyor belt such as other people's opinions, expectations, and societal norms. The toxic waste garbage can felt like a big F-U to all those things I've allowed to get in my way,

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It's been quite a few years since I've looked at what I would do if I were starting my business today. I recently received an email from a friend and someone I've coached in the past asking me what I would do if I were starting out today.

He's gone through a couple of different transitions in his business since I've known him, trying to find his 'place' so to speak. He's always implementing and taking action, so that's not an issue.

He emailed me about a week ago saying he had taken a break from social media and a lot of the other things he had been doing so he could focus on his business. He said he had gotten caught up in the wrong things and was spending time and energy with things that really weren't in alignment with who he was (I'm paraphrasing... alignment is everything to me).

His emails completely resonated with me because I've been there.

Many of you have heard my story, but for those who haven't, I'm going to do a recap of my journey and tell you where things really pivoted for me.

I started my business in 2008.

I had spent the majority of my adult working life in retail management which, as much as I enjoyed the companies I worked for, was not what I wanted to be doing long term. I've always known there was something else I was supposed to do with my life.

I was widowed in 2003 while still working full time. The next 5 years are a bit of a blur, but I got out of retail, tried my hand at real estate and insurance (both too dry for me), and received a settlement surrounding my husband's death in 2008 so I had a little bit of a cushion to start my business (it wasn't anything I could retire on, but it gave me the runway I needed).

I discovered internet marketing and an event in San Francisco in 2006, which was the Real Estate Wealth Expo put on by the learning annex (bizarre fact: Trump was a keynote speaker along with Tony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki). My friend and I went to one of the scheduled workshops on internet marketing and were hooked immediately. I knew the internet was going to be my ticket out.

From there I dug a little deeper and learned as much as I could.

When I launched my business in 2008 I thought I was going to be an information marketing millionaire.

Seriously.

Late summer in 2008 I discovered WordPress and became "The WordPress Chick"... ignorance is bliss.

I was not a programmer, coder, or to be quite honest, not even that technical (my husband was the computer geek). Before I knew it I was creating websites for a few people locally (some bartered, some paid), and creating content about what I was learning.

It brought money in, but my heart was never really into it.

Fast forward 5 years and I had outsourcers working for me, was doing some coaching, and decided to start podcasting. I started podcasting because I wanted to have more fun in my business. I've always loved audio content (had been a long time audiobook listener...er, books on tape), and loved listening to podcasts.

To this day it was one of the best things I ever did.

I found my voice, grew an audience, and created some amazing relationships. My podcast also brought in business: website clients, coaching clients, podcast clients, and traffic.

The outsourcing grew as did my coaching. I had done a course on using WordPress and the Genesis Framework for beginners which did fairly well, but I felt like I was stuck in the time for money trap as well as being a 'how-to' person for a market that didn't want to spend money (that was my perception anyway).

In between this time I launched "Influence Podcasting", hired Jason Hornung and his agency to help me with Facebook ads, and did fairly well with a complete done-for-you podcasting service. I fully believe in the power of podcasting so this wasn't a difficult sale. However, it was still service work and I wanted to spend more time creating my own products.

At the end of 2016, I decided I was done with the outsourcing and websites (I had recurring revenue from the outso...

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I have a little confession to make.

Well, truth be told, it's more of a proud statement.

And that is that I've watched Frozen 2 twice in the last few days and bought Pixar's Onward (which was super cute too).

Right now, I'm doing everything I can do to feel good.

I hadn't planned on getting the podcast back on a regular schedule until I was settled in Idaho in a couple of weeks (and for those of you who don't know, I moved to Boise, Idaho on March 30th and as of today, April 5th, I'm still waiting on my furniture) but now more than ever I feel a calling to #justshowup.

Before we get into that, here's a quick backstory about this move and why I'm doing it now.

It was probably about 4 or 5 years ago when I decided I wanted to move out of California. It's crazy because it almost feels 'sacrilegious' to me to be moving out of California. I'm a bit of a homebody and have always taken pride in being a native Californian and a 5th generation San Franciscan, but the Bay Area isn't what it used to be and obviously I've changed.

I've never really been a 'city' person (my parents were both born and raised in San Francisco) but never minded visiting. As traffic has gotten worse and the cost of living has skyrocketed I started re-evaluating what I wanted. The fact that all I need is a decent internet connection certainly opens up my options.

I had planned on moving last fall, but then after my Mom passed away last summer went up to stay with my Dad for a while (they retired about 2 hours north of where I was living in the mountains near Lake Tahoe). While it was nice being up there (I'm not a fan of noise), it's a little too far out for me. I always loved coming up to visit because it was so quiet but it's a good hour even to get to Target or a few other stores. Not that I'm a huge shopper, but it's nice to be able to run out when you need things. As much as I love ordering from Amazon, we all need to get out of the house once in a while (as we are all realizing under these unprecedented times right now).

In February my Dad and I took a road trip up to Idaho to check things out again.

My family isn't super keen on me moving, but they all understand I need to do this and am ready for a new chapter in my life. I figured if I invited my Dad with me he'd be more on board with things.

I had a list of houses to look at and we drove around somewhat aimlessly one day. The next day we spent with a friend of my brother's girlfriend who had retired up to Boise from the Bay Area and is doing real estate. This made a HUGE difference. He was able to compare areas there to areas and cities in the Bay Area that were comparable, and also reached out to a few property managers he knew.

Long story short, I found a house that is only a couple years old, super cute, and hadn't even been listed yet.

I went with the intention to stay open. If I found a place I liked then I would proceed. If not, no rush.

Fast forward to today and I've been in Boise 1 week.

During one of the most uncertain times in my lifetime... and the world.

Which brings me to the point of this episode.

NOW is the time to #JustShowUP.

We're a few weeks into the Coronavirus madness now and we're all doing the best we can.

For those of us who have always worked at home, it's probably not that much different. Sales may be taking a dip, but that's O.K.

They will come back (and could potentially be stronger than before).

What do you do in the meantime?

The best you can.

The last thing I'm interested in doing is shaming anyone or berating people for not making the most of their time right now. It does a huge injustice to people who don't have that internal drive that others do or who are struggling simply to keep the lights on and put food on the table.

All the entrepreneurs who are posting things about making the most of this time... have at it. Do you. However, that doesn't give you the right to tell someone who finds solace in binge-watching T.V.

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It's been a while since I've recorded a podcast and for what it's worth, it's been intentional.

After giving myself some time last fall to process the loss of my Mom (which is still ongoing, but I think I'm on the other side of the shock and intense grief), I thought I'd just jump back into the podcast and it would be business as usual.

Obviously that hasn't been the case.

I have a couple of interviews to publish from last fall (and will), but something felt off.

I'll get into that when I talk about the future of the show, but before I go there, I need to bring you up to speed with what has happened in my business in general in the last couple of months and then we can talk about where things are heading. First of all, December for the Content Creators Planner was phenomenal. We had our highest sales month (at the time), doing over $40,000 in sales for one month.

I haven't shared on this show yet what has been happening with the planner in a while, so let me explain how we got there (and if you missed it, we did an hour-long live stream where we pulled back the curtains so-to-speak and shared our journey over the last year. You can watch the live stream here).

This is the short version of the live stream.

We started running paid ads ourselves back in May and were profitable from day 1. Neither of us are ad experts (although there is no shame in me telling you that Jodi's brain is wired to understand the nuances of ads much better than mine), but we know our product, our audience, and the problem our product solves.

We created the planner because it solved a problem we were having.

Because of the personal challenges we both faced last summer, we didn't do a whole lot of testing with the ads but would occasionally increase our budget or try a new audience. Our goal with the planner during those difficult months was simply to keep moving forward, which we did.

When September rolled around we realized we had money in the bank we took our first draw against the sales (not a lot, but it felt great to pay ourselves considering we started working on this project a year prior). Then we realized neither of us really had the time, skillset, or desire to focus on scaling our ads, so we reached out to a friend I met in a mastermind 6 years ago (and had stayed in touch with) who I knew was great at what they did (running paid traffic) and set up a call.

A month after our initial call we decided "let's do it."

We hired the ad team, committed to spending more on ads (all the data showed that we were highly profitable), and held on.

All this began at the end of October.

End of November we did $6185 in sales, and in December we ended at $41,681.

To say our minds were blown would be an understatement.

I still remember when we realized we would probably hit $30k... we were floored. So when we ended the month over $40k it was the icing on the cake.

Fast forward to January and we've surpassed last month's sales.

However, I don't want to mislead you and tell you we've just been sitting back watching the sales come in. We work pretty closely with our ad-team and we saw a big drop last week after some changes were made. The tough thing with advertising (we're only running on FB & Instagram right now), is that any time you make a change the algorithm needs to "re-learn" and it takes a few days to adjust.

While it looks like things are getting sorted, it's also massive validation that you cannot solely rely on one or two channels of traffic, which is often what people do. Especially when it's working.

So that's the current status of the planner and that side of my business.

Let's pivot to my personal brand, site, and business.

I've got two clients we do content marketing for and that's moving along nicely. I'm not going to take on any other clients for content marketing so I can stay focused on these two clients as well as growing the planner.

That being said, I've been pondering how to proceed with this podcast and my perso...

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I know I talked about connecting with Cory Miller recently at the R3 event and knew I wanted to have another conversation so we could go a little deeper.

Cory is one of those people that I felt like I had known forever the first time we met and it feels that way every time we talk.

I've never been interested in building a company and selling it, so I was very curious to know what that was like for Cory. He spent 10 years building his company, iThemes and then made a difficult decision to sell to LiquidWeb. Besides the business side of that story, I was interested in how that impacted Cory and his team. It wasn't a decision he took lightly because the people at his company were like family to him. He had grown with them, mentored them, spent time them outside of work and wanted to see them continue succeeding.

Beyond the business conversation, I knew we'd be able to talk about some of the "harder" things we all experience but don't always know how to discuss or share.

Cory was very transparent about the personal challenges he faced and how it impacted his life and well-being. Because of his own personal journey, he's very passionate about mental health and is on a mission to help get rid of the stigma in seeking treatment or professional help when we need it.

And of course, as the title implies, we talked about the next journey for Cory and where this path is taking him.

I'm trying to do a similar thing again, which is to start something that is good and sustainable and rewards me and I can build a team that cares for clients and people. @corymiller303

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Questions I Asked Cory

Can you share a little bit of your story with the audience who doesn't know you? What made you decide to sell iThemes and how did that acquisition come about? What are some of the things you've been evaluating for this next journey? What are your thoughts on starting another technology or software company? What challenges do you think entrepreneurs face with mental health and asking for help? How can entrepreneurs get their mindset right and make that the priority on this journey?

Sharing those stories and building that network I think is part of that. The part that helps to change the mindset. @corymiller303

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What You're Going to Learn

How Cory launched iThemes The writing he saw on the wall that helped him make the decision to sell What leader.team is (and why he started it) The moment he was brought to his knees (and how he got through it) How being vulnerable and sharing his story helped shape his new trajectory What he would tell his 10-year old self

Where to Connect with Cory Website | Twitter | YouTube Other episodes you might enjoy

The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur with John Jantsch KDS: 045

The Power of the Company You Keep KDS:034

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The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur is a new book by John Jantsch, and one I'll be getting for many of my entrepreneurial friends as gifts (and must-reads).

This book speaks to me on so many levels and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to talk to John about it.

I've been a reader for as long as I can remember. In fact, as a child, I used to just re-read the books I had when I needed something to read (it never occurred to me to ask my parents to take me to the library, which they would have gladly done).

I'm always reading multiple books at one time, based on what I need or want at the moment, but once in a while, a book comes along that becomes part of your daily routine and a staple on your nightstand or desk.

That's what The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur is... one of those books that become part of your daily routine.

Buy The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur Here

Questions I Asked John

This book is pretty different from the other books you've written. What inspired you to write this book? How did you decide which transcendentalists to study/include in the book? In what ways do you think entrepreneurs are NOT self-reliant? Why do you think we need this book now? You mentioned that you’ve learned a great deal about yourself when writing this book. What can you share that you learned that has impacted how you do business? This is a new take on the ‘morning routine’... I love the challenge questions. Were you going through the challenges as you wrote the book?

It was a crash course not only in the literature but in self-awareness as well. @ducttape

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What You're Going to Learn

Why John decided to write this book (and how it's been a 20-year process) How he decided which transcendentalists to include in the book What John learned about himself personally while writing this book How you can create a journaling practice around the book and the challenge questions How our current time mirrors the time that the transcendentalists lived and spoke their truth

I think self-reliant entrepreneurs will save the world. @ducctape

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Buy The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur Here

Where to Connect with John Website | Twitter | Podcast

Links from this episode

The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur Book

My Interview on Duct Tape Marketing

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At this point in my life, I feel like I've gained a little bit of wisdom.

I used to get frustrated because I felt there were so many things that I wished I had done differently or had paid attention to or done years ago.

Not anymore.

Of course, I still get frustrated, but I never really go down that old path of 'woulda, shoulda, coulda'. It just doesn't happen... or if it does, it's very brief and I catch myself. I don't feed it.

Because of this, my life has a completely better flow and I move through things much quicker.

I've had a handful of experiences recently that have been massive validation that things happen exactly when they're supposed to... in divine timing. As I've had these experiences it's made me evaluate other areas of my life and business where I can start shifting my mindset on things and start telling a better story.

Isn't it crazy that we can hear something over and over again, but we don't "get it" until we're ready to?

I want to share some of those stories and examples with you, how they're playing out in my business, and hopefully, give you some insight into where you can start telling a better story for yourself.

Story: They're probably out of my league

It's been almost 12 years since I've been online, doing this full time (my 'anniversary' will be in March of 2020). It's been one hell of a journey and I'm beyond grateful to be where I am today, but I also know I wouldn't be where I am today (or ready to hold all that's coming) if I hadn't experienced the things I've been through.

Here's one of the experiences recently that applies directly to what I'm talking about.

In August I had the good fortune of being invited to speak at the Recurring Revenue Retreat in Orlando, hosted by Robert Simmons, Christina Romero, and Matthew Rodela. Speaking is something I've wanted to do since I was in high school (I spoke at my high school graduation). For a while, I was a speech major in college and really wanted to go the 'motivational speaker' route.

For many reasons I pivoted and didn't follow that path, but I always knew I wanted to speak (and something inside me knew I would).

This wasn't the first time I've spoken at an event, but it was exactly what I needed when I needed it.

The event was about 6 weeks after my Mom passed away and I was very close to canceling. I felt bad that I hadn't done much promotion, but my Mom had been in the hospital for 6 weeks prior and it took everything in me just to take care of the basics.

I went because I knew that was what she would want me to do.

She was my biggest cheerleader and always believed in me.

Besides it being a great event (Michael Killen wrote a great recap of the event here), I was able to meet some good friends in person as well as establish some new friendships.

One of those people was Cory Miller, who used to own iThemes.

I had known of Cory for years and for some reason our paths never quite crossed. I think I reached out to Cory at one point to be on the podcast, he responded yes, and then I don't remember what happened, but for whatever reason, I never followed up. I think I told myself a story that he must be super busy and was probably 'out of my league' for guests.

Then I sat with Cory & his wife Lindsey (who I'd connected with before via her role at LiquidWeb) for lunch one day and felt like I had known him forever.

Cory recently had me on his YouTube channel for an hour-long interview and it was amazing.

We literally could have talked all day and after the interview continued our conversation for about 20 minutes. I've got an interview scheduled with Cory this month to have him on my show but more than that, I feel like this is the beginning of a quality friendship.

Here's the thing...

I know Cory showed up in my life at exactly the right time.

Who I am and where I'm at in my life has me in a place that I'm craving deeper relationships: whether that's taking existing friendships to another level or developing new friendship...

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If you've been hosting a podcast for a while (for the sake of this post, let's say longer than a year), you've probably received unsolicited requests from people who want to be a guest on your podcast (and if you haven't, hang in there, you will).

Not only are they unsolicited requests, which we'll talk about in a minute, but it's usually from someone who is doing the outreach for someone else. Which, in and of itself isn't really a big deal. It's how they go about doing it.

The first few years I was podcasting I was completely open to talking to anyone (O.K., maybe not anyone, but most people).

I reached out to people I knew, people I admired, and friends.

Getting interviews wasn't difficult, but pre-screening people needed some help.

I knew when I launched my show that the format would be to alternate between solo shows and interviews.

I did that for two reasons:

I know that I like listening to business updates, behind-the-scenes, etc. from the host only I also wanted to make sure I was positioning myself as an expert, not only highlighting other people.

That format has worked really well for me, but truth be told, I'm a little bored with it.

Ever since I pivoted from 'The WordPress Chick' to my personal brand I haven't had the same momentum with the podcast as I did before.

The last year + has been rough personally, which tends to impact the business. The best thing I could do for myself with the podcast was simple: just do the best I can. I refused to beat myself up about it being inconsistent (which is pretty much rule #1 when it comes to podcasting) and also refused to give it up.

I focused on being transparent and simply sharing where I was at and what was going on.

I'd love to say the personal challenges are behind me, but I'm not that ignorant. Fortunately, everything I went through with my son the last few years is behind me (and he's doing great) and I'm on my way to healing with losing my Mom. Having been through losing my husband I know there isn't a step-by-step process for getting through grief, but I have a much different approach to that today than I did 16 years ago.

Back to the podcast...

I have more than a handful of interviews done and in the can, but I may go back to some of those guests and ask if we can re-record. I'd prefer to do something fresh, touch base with them where they're at, and make sure the interview serves them and my gut says a re-do is the way to do that.

I'd like to incorporate more solo shows that are one-off ideas and probably only 20-30 minute episodes in addition to the weekly hour-long show. Which brings me full-circle back to being a podcast guest. I have very definitive opinions about guests but thought I'd reach out to my tribe and posted a question in my Facebook Group (Content Creators) for a tip or advice for people who reach out to be a guest on someone else's podcast. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint.

There was definitely some overlap on the answers, but I thought I would leave it all in for the sake of driving home a point.

I more or less have three things that will determine whether or not I want to have you on my show:

What value are you going to provide my audience? (show me you've done your homework) Have you listened to my show? (Do more than reference a post title... that's a brainless maneuver to tell me you loved episode "X") How are you going to promote the episode you're featured on?

This is a hard & fast rule for me now. When I ask a guest to be on the show, I have ZERO expectations. If you come to me asking to be on the podcast I expect you to put some effort into promoting it.

Here are the responses I received from other podcasters about having guests on their show. I also included a few "bonuses" from people who want to be guests on podcasts for some additional tips on getting booked on podcasts.

Ross Brand Podcast: Brand on Broadcasting

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This summer has been a complete and teary blur.

I'm going to do everything I can not to make this a sad, depressing episode, but bear with me as this is coming from a painful place.

I've shared this on Facebook so I know it won't come as a surprise to many of you that my Mom passed away on July 14th. She had been sick for about 4 months and was basically misdiagnosed over and over again from her doctors. She started not feeling well in February and was told it was just a bug. Long story short, it wasn't. She had had a heart valve replacement 6 years ago and also had a port in from chemo two years ago (which I think should have been taken out), we believe the port got infected, which then infected her heart. By the time my Dad took her to emergency (since none of the doctors ever bothered to look at her heart), she had a very serious heart and blood infection.

The rate at which she declined in the hospital was astounding.

And makes me question everything I thought about our medical system, healthcare in this country, and what that means for me moving forward (don't worry, I'm not going to get into a political rant about our healthcare system).

She spent two weeks in the hospital while they tried to figure things out, then was transferred to San Francisco because they're the cardiology specialists, and spent 4 weeks there total before she passed away. It was such a roller coaster... she wasn't strong enough the first time they were going to do surgery, then she made it through the surgery. Only to get a bacterial infection (that you can only get in the hospital) that caused her organs to shut down.

I know I've talked about my parents a few times on the podcast, but for those of you who don't know or haven't heard those episodes, I adore my parents. My Mom was the rock of our family. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year (and fortunately had a huge party to celebrate).

Even though you would never have known it by looking at her, my Mom had gone through some major health challenges in the past 20 years.

Breast cancer twice, major back surgery (which she then lived with some nerve challenges in her legs), and the heart valve replacement.

I honestly think her body was just tired.

I'm grateful that through encouragement from my therapist, I had some really hard conversations with my Mom in the hospital. In no way was I ready to say goodbye to my Mom (she was only 71), but I needed her to know it was O.K. if she felt it was time to go. I thanked her for the most amazing childhood and for being the absolute best mother and grandmother.

Needless to say, my family is heartbroken.

I was also in the process of moving (staying with my sister for a couple of months then my plan was to move up to Boise in the fall)... so have been beyond physically exhausted as well. I decided to move up to be with my Dad for a while to help him through this, which is a little bittersweet. My parents' place is up in the mountains and is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. On the flip side, everything here reminds me of my Mom. My daughter helped me get my office & room set up before she headed back down to Southern California, but it's going to take some time to get settled.

This grief is unlike anything I've ever felt.

When I lost my husband in 2003 I was devastated. He was only 32, our children were very young and all of a sudden my life was turned upside down.

Yet somehow I found my way through it.

I know I'll find my way through this as well, but the hole in my heart is deep. It's going to take a long time.

Re-evaluating Business The last thing I expected with this loss was that I'd be thinking about my business.

Anytime you're forced to step away from your business you're going to get a different perspective on things. I know this is probably stating the obvious, but when life hands you things that are heavy and truly life-changing the things that concerned you or worried you i...

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Newsletters for marketing and growth are on the rise. I wrote an article called 'The Return of the Newsletter' and truly contribute my interest in newsletters to today's guest, Josh Spector.

Josh Spector is who sent me down the rabbit hole when I found his newsletter titled "For the Interested" (we'll get into that more in a bit). I first found him on Medium, loved his content, then did what many of us do and followed the link and became a subscriber.

I've since joined Josh's Facebook group (you can join Newsletter Creators below), look forward to his newsletter every week and have been on the lookout for quality newsletters that provide value.

Josh 's background goes deep with content marketing and he's been behind a lot of successful social media and content marketing campaigns in Hollywood, such as the Oscars. He's been running the social media marketing for the Oscars for the last 9 years (including the famous 'Ellen selfie).

Josh consults with clients to help them grow their audience, grow their business, or grow their newsletter. Sometimes all three.

FREE Course! Content Traffic Kickstarter

Questions I Asked Josh

Can you share your background and how it led you to what you're doing today? When did you decide to jump back into newsletters? How have newsletters changed? What are some of the benefits of having a newsletter? What tools would you recommend for newsletter creations? How do you market your newsletter? What is the quality of a newsletter subscriber vs. just an email subscriber?

I think most content is under-leveraged. @jspector

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What You're Going to Learn

How Josh formats his newsletter (so it's easy to maintain and provides massive value) Why he suggests keeping your newsletter strict and flexible The power of evergreen content in your newsletter How do decide what your audience wants The difference between a content-driven vs. a sale driven newsletter Where to start with marketing your newsletter

If email is dead, why do the social platforms all want to email you to stay in contact with you? They’re not using their own platforms to communicate with you.@jspector

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Josh shared so much more than what to do with newsletters.

Great ideas on what to do with a lead magnet, such as publishing the lead magnet as a blog post and putting the opt-in into the blog post (great for traffic and a higher quality subscriber).

Josh also gave us a 'mini-lesson' on how you can lower paid traffic costs by running paid ads to a valuable piece of content (as opposed to running ads to a lead magnet or landing page). We were specifically talking about Facebook ads, where Josh has been able to get opt-ins for as low as $0.50. Don't believe the noise about Facebook ads not working anymore, it's about knowing your target audience, speaking directly to them in your ad copy, and then creating the right ad that drives them to click through and read the rest of the article.

The, once you're targeted visitor gets to your post you include a clear call-to-action in your content asking your visitor to subscribe to your newsletter.

You don't need to include a lead magnet. Someone who has clicked through and found value with what you've created is much more likely to feel like they can trust you with a newsletter.

There is SO much goodness in this episode, I have no doubt I'll be transcribing this one. ;-)

Be sure to check out all of the links that Josh mentioned below.

Where to Connect with Josh For The Interested | Josh Spector Website | Facebook Group Links mentioned in this episode

Read This Before You Hire A Social Media Expert How I Write My Newsletter 5 Tactics I've Used To Get 25,000 Newsletter Subscribers Connected Comedy For The Interested JoshSpector.com

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Allegra Sinclair is back for part 2 of our conversation on non-douchey marketing.

In case you missed the first episode, check out part 1 here (this was literally a two-hour recording, so we pick up where we left off from part 1).

Confession time: I enjoyed listening to this as much as I enjoyed recording it.

We covered a lot in this second half of the episode. In fact, I'm sure there are many discussion points we covered that are going to resonate with many of you.

Such as...

Not building a business around a tool (anyone who did this with WordPress, the way I did, will understand this) Why you have to be able to tell your story in order to succeed Why you should focus on spending time where your customers are, not your peers (how many people do this with Facebook groups?)

I also asked Allegra what she would tell someone who was just getting started with an online business today, knowing what she knows. Her answer (not surprisingly) was simple and direct. There are four simple questions she would ask anyone who was getting started with an online business today.

What is it you do? Who do you serve? What are you going to do for them? How do you engage with them?

In what other areas could you put in minimal effort and get maximum results? @AllegraSinclair

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We talked about where some of the problems lie in this space.

Such as too many people taking courses and then turning around to teach the very thing they literally just took a course on.

There's a big difference between knowing something and doing something. According to Allegra (and I completely agree), "Knowing stuff doesn't change lives. Doing stuff does."

We went in-depth with self-responsibility and doing the work when you don't want to. For some reason, there's something about the online marketing space where people confuse activity and productivity.

A lot of people do things with online marketing because everyone else is doing it. As an example, how many people have started a podcast because everyone else is podcasting? They get excited about the possibilities a podcast can bring, but they start it for the wrong reasons. They don't start it because they love podcasting, connecting with people, and sharing a message. They start it because they think they "should" be podcasting.

Then they never promote the podcast because it wasn't something they wanted to be doing to begin with.

The problem isn't with your gift. It's with your marketing of the gift. @AllegraSinclair

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Where to Connect with Allegra Website | Podcast | Twitter  

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy

Allegra Sinclair & Non-Douchey Marketing, Part 1 KDS: 037

The Power of the Company You Keep KDS: 034

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Mor Cohen is one of my 'go to' resources for design & branding. I'm fortunate because I know a handful of great designers who are also successful at making sure their designs and branding convert to sales, but Mor put her 'money where her mouth is' (so to speak). Not only does she deliver amazing branding and design for her clients, but she used her own skills to brand and design a course, that she pre-sold and launched with massive success.

Her course, Design Class, is for "digital marketers, web developers, and business owners, so you can master design and charge more for your products and services" (her words, straight off the website, not mine ;-) ).

What was so amazing about Mor's course how is how she launched it.

Mor has been doing design and branding for clients for years (she started in print design), but stepping out and offering a class on design was way out of her comfort zone. Fortunately, she did it anyway. This episode is going to convince you that doing design and branding right is worth the time, energy, and investment to grow and scale your business.

Questions I Asked Mor

What's your background? How did you get started with your current business? What is your business today? What is your course, Design Class, about? Who is your course for? What have you learned through your course launch process? What would you do differently? What's next on the horizon now that you've launched your first course? Where is the best place for people to connect with you?

Put yourself in your audience's shoes... what problem are you solving for them? @FlixFrame

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Here's a sneak peek at what's included in the course:

What You're Going to Learn

Why research needs to be at the core of your course How getting the branding and design right from the start will make a difference in the bottom line The power of a brand board and why all businesses need one How she chose what to include in her course Where she hosts her course and how she provides support The student experience and how she's adding more to her course based on feedback How creating her course led to another product (coming soon)

I expected it to be a lot more web developers but was surprised that it was small business owners who are trying to build their own sites. @FlixFrame

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Where to Connect with Mor Website | DesignClass | Facebook group Take the Design Class TODAY!

Content Traffic Kickstarter

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I've been thinking about balance in business and where I spend my time and energy quite a bit these days. In fact, it's probably safe to say this has been bubbling up for a while.

My business has shifted and grown significantly in the last few months. I have another brand (Content Creators Planner), I've added services back into my business (content marketing), and am hiring team members again.

It's been a couple of years since I've done any service work, and I was adamant that I didn't want to do services again... ever. Until the right service work came along (content marketing). I'm excited about this new part of my business, but I'm also not in a mad rush to sell this and bring on tons of clients. At least not until the systems are running like a well-oiled machine (or quite possibly ever).

I should probably clarify what I mean by 'tons of clients' because truth is, I want to scale this to a comfortable and manageable level and see where that takes me.

I have zero desire to create and scale a huge content marketing agency.

Where I'm at today, I see scaling this to 10 or 15 clients max... and doing it one client at a time, with 4 or 5 people on my team. Period.

The reasons I said yes to this offering is simple: I believe in content marketing 100%, love doing it, and want to help people get results. It also allows me to master my craft, create a great stream of recurring revenue (this is done on a monthly retainer and minimum of 6-month contract), and keep space within my life to serve people at a higher level.

The cash flow also allows me to re-invest back into my business with paid traffic.

None of which is the point of this post.

The point is that as I step into this new offering, work on growing the Content Creators Planner brand and keep my Kim Doyal brand going something is going to have to give.

I had a friend reach out on Facebook recently to see if everything was O.K. because I had been a little M.I.A.

Here's the thing...

Everything is great.

I've simply been doing the work. Adding services to my business initially requires much more involvement on my part while everything is being set up before I can be in more of the consultant role.

Surprisingly, it's been hugely liberating.

I spend way too much time scrolling on Facebook. I love my Facebook group (Content Creators) but am wondering how to keep that flourishing while I invest my time in my business (the keyword there being 'mine',  not Mark Zuckerberg's).

Which leads me to the title of this post. More 'Being' and less 'Being Seen.' There is an obscene amount of pressure to be seen everywhere (especially as a content marketer).

And before I go any further, this isn't a rant about hustling, doing too much, too little, whether or not you have a morning routine, or how productive your days are.

This is truly coming from a place of wondering how to navigate all of this.

We have access to what people are doing 24/7.

I love technology, social media, and all that the internet has allowed me. But for the love of all that is good in the world, I do not want to feel like I'm falling behind because I'm not recording and documenting every damn thing I do.

I think the cause of this is a mix between self-responsibility (or lack thereof) and the culture we live in.

I have nieces and a nephew that are younger than my kids (one finishing elementary, one finishing middle school, and one in high school).  When I watch some of the things they go through I honestly thank God that I didn't have social media growing up.

Between 7th and 9th grade I spent a combined total of 15 months on crutches for hip surgeries. It would have been 10 times harder to manage that time if I had access to see everything I was missing out on or all the fun other people were having (because let's face it, social media is the highlight reel. We see what people want us to see).

O.K., that went a little sideways...

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Non-douchey marketing. How do you like that for a title?

This conversation came out of an amazing article I read by Amanda Bond called "The Real Reason Facebook Ads Have Stopped Working"... and it's AH-MAZING.

My dear friend, Allegra Sinclair joined me on the podcast to talk about all things marketing. Where we're frustrated, how the marketplace is changing, and all kinds of other juicy stuff.

We started off by talking about being disappointed in the recent Kajabi event (IMPACT), which we both thought we would attend, but then saw the speaker lineup and were both disappointed.

Disappointed in the sense that it seemed like it was the same speakers (guru's) that speak at most of the events, as opposed to featuring people that are more relatable. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand needing to have names and keynote speakers to draw people to an event, but I also want to hear about the everyday person who has reached success and is more relatable.

I want someone who I feel like I can see myself in their story. @AllegraSinclair

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Topics we discussed:

Old school marketers who are trying to jump into ‘authenticity’, after years of bs marketing Sharing the challenges in business, even when you’ve ‘made it’ Knowing your audience and serving them where they’re at How to talk to your audience like they matter How successful people run businesses (hint: it’s not spammy internet marketing tactics) The questions you need to answer before you start jumping into funnels

We also went pretty deep with people getting clear on who they are and what they want.

So many people are struggling with who they are because there's so much noise online. They jump around from tactic to tactic and never build a solid foundation so everything they launch falls flat.

It's disheartening.

No, I'm fabulous right now. How about you talk to me right here? @AllegraSinclair

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When we started talking about what's working in the marketing space we talked about what sounds like it should be working and the execution of getting that thing to actually work.

The 'talking at people' because you think it's aspirational and they're going to want to rise to the occasion and meet you there, which is where I got Allegra's brilliant tweet above ("No, I'm fabulous right now. How about you talk to me right here?").

Stay tuned for part 2 next week.

Where to Connect with Allegra Website | Twitter | Podcast

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After doing a live stream demo with Matt Davies, the co-founder of Funnel Packs, I knew we needed to do a separate podcast interview.

Unfortunately, not all live streams translate well to an audio-only version when you're doing a demo and screen sharing. I've linked to the live stream below if you want to watch the demo.

Lucky for me, Matt Davies over-delivered on both the live stream and the podcast, so you won't be disappointed.

Like the rest of my interviews, I had to start out by asking Matt about his entrepreneurial journey and what brought him to where he is today (running a successful agency and launching a product that his market desperately needed). Matt got his start way back when by building his first site on Geocities (anyone remembers Geocities?). Before he knew it he was learning HTML and built a website for his aunt & uncle's bed and breakfast (for a bargain, but he was hooked when he realized he could get paid for building websites).

What's pretty amazing about Funnel Packs is the 'why' behind why Matt and his partner Mel created this product that like I said, has been desperately needed.

Anyone who does client and service work knows there can be a feast or famine cycle.

You land a big project, start working your big project, and before you know it your leads have dried up because you've been focused on doing the work. Which is admirable, but isn't a way to build a sustainable business.

Generating leads and marketing have to be part of what you do daily to drive and grow your business.

Matt realized his peers were missing that step that walks a potential customer through a process where they pre-qualify themselves, get into a value-based funnel, and come to you to work with you.

Questions I Asked Matt

Where did the idea for Funnel Packs come from? Who's behind Funnel Packs? What has the process been for developing and launching Funnel Packs? What is the Founders offer? Who are Funnel Packs for? What Funnel Packs are currently available? How are you deciding which Funnel Packs get built next?

Funnel Packs are pre-built marketing funnels that contain everything you need to set up your funnel in under an hour. @funnelpacks

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What You're Going to Learn

What's included in each Funnel Pack Why Matt & Mel decided to include so much with each Funnel Pack The problem they're solving for their customers The existing page builders Funnel Packs work with What Matt is really passionate about (outside of WordPress and Funnel Packs) How much functionality comes in each Funnel Pack (everything is editable)

Funnel pages Copy for your pages Email copy Lead magnet

Get Funnel Packs TODAY!

Where to Connect with Matt Website | Facebook | Instagram Links from this episode

Funnel Packs

Funnel Packs live stream on Facebook

Free book from Drift (you pay to ship) Watch my friend Kyle Van Deusen demo how you can create an entire marketing funnel in under an hour with Funnel Packs!

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Packaging & pricing your offers is so much more than "what the market will bear." Which is why I asked Michelle Hunter to do a second live stream with me where we could go deeper into both offers and pricing (an offer being more than just the product your selling).

I think this is probably the shortest time frame for having a guest on the podcast twice. I've had plenty of people on the show more than once (and all were amazing), but we more or less ran out of time on the first live stream with Michelle which is why we set a date immediately to do a second recording. You can listen to the first episode with Michelle on messaging here.

And of course, I had no doubt that Michelle would show up and over deliver and she did just that.

I think you're going to want to listen to this episode more than once and you'll definitely want a pen and paper handy to take some notes.

I felt a little selfish about having Michelle back on the podcast to talk about packaging offers and pricing since this is something I really wanted to get her thoughts on as well (sometimes I feel like I'm 'cheating' by getting to spend an hour with experts like Michelle).

I bundle the strategy with a deliverable that people can understand. - Michelle Hunter

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Topics We Covered

How do you differentiate between a product and an offer? What are the best ways to position an offer? How should people approach packaging services? How can someone position their offer when there are tangible & intangible deliverables? How to craft your message for your offer Meeting your customers where they're at Michelle's thoughts on discounting  (she doesn't like the word 'free' in her business)

And so I think it behooves us in the sales process to connect all the dots so that we don't just pour on deliverables. - Michelle Hunter

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What You're Going to Learn

Why you don't need to go deep with every customer call (or every customer) How to craft your customer journey (which you should do this if you haven't yet) How to determine if the elements of your offer add value to your customer because they compliment your core product or service Where to start when coming up with your price How to come up with what you need to be profitable (what are your costs?) What factors you need to consider when pricing your product and services How to make sure that your sales message is in alignment with your price

What is the price that will allow you to sell this with joy? - Michelle Hunter

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This is just a handful of the things we covered on this episode, you're definitely going to want to listen to the entire thing (or you can watch the video on Facebook or YouTube).

If you're interested in one of the 5 spots on the private training with Michelle, click here (the link will be removed when all the spots are taken).

Connect with Michelle Website | Facebook Links from this episode

Live Conversation with Michelle on Messaging

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The Power of the Company You Keep. This has been on my mind a lot the last few weeks.

It's been an overarching theme over the last couple of years as some relationships ended, new ones were formed, and old relationships kindled.

I have a feeling this episode might go a little old school as well as getting a little deep, so buckle up and let's dive into it.

A Little Context First

I recently went to an in-person Mastermind that was hosted by a friend of mine (more on that in a bit). The event wasn't like anything else I'd been to for a few reasons:

First, there was nothing for sale.

Second, no one was paying to be there (outside of our travel).

He invited everyone that has been a guest on his podcast and brought them together because he wanted to create something he'd want to attend.

He simply wanted to spend time with like-minded people.

Second, the invite list for this event was kind of like a 'who's who' of male internet marketers (the original guest list was between 40-50 people and there was only one other woman on this list). The guest list was comprised of people who had been on his podcast (the 'him' in this scenario is my friend, Trey Lewellen and his podcast is Kommerce Kings).

Trey and I met back in 2013 as part of a Facebook training /mastermind that then became another mastermind. At the time, Trey was selling t-shirts through tee spring (I did a podcast interview with Trey years ago that you can listen to here if you want more info. on how he got started, just keep in mind that his business looks completely different today). Trey is one of those people who have infectious energy... which is probably why we get along so well. He's pushed me out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion and every time he has I'm grateful.

The event itself turned out to be a more intimate gathering (he said he's going to do this every year with more notice for people next year, so that should be exciting), which truthfully, I was grateful for.

I was grateful for a couple of reasons:

I'd get a little more time to just hang and chat with Trey (and his brother) The guest list was a little intimidating (just being honest)

It was such a great trip.

Jodi Hersh and I finally got to meet in person (she's my business partner for the Content Creators Planner and although we met online about 5 years ago this was the first time we got to meet in person) and we spent the day after the event working together on plans for the marketing of the planner now that it's printed and shipping (WOOHOO!).

Some new opportunities have come out of the event (which I'll share more about later after things are firm and in place) but more importantly, I had some big personal takeaways which is what I wanted to share with you.

You Are The Average of the 5 People You Spend the Most Time With

We all know this saying, right?

We've heard it multiple times and yet until we experience it first-hand it feels... mean?

Meaning, you're going to have to judge people in your life and start making decisions of their worthiness, right?

Yes and no.

I've shared with you in a handful of different episodes that there have been a few friendships I've had that have ended (that sounds so dramatic, but it was really more of a moving on). In the last 6 months, I've also had that experience with a friendship of 20 years (in my 'offline' world). Nothing major, but it just sort of faded out (in a weird way, but I won't bore you with the details).

Here's the kicker though...

Without those relationships in my life, I've been more productive, accomplished more, and grown my business more in a year and a half than I had in the few previous years.

Why?

Simple. These people were my 'go-to' people to complain about things with. It's safe to say they were all dissatisfied with the conditions of their lives.

And I was right there with them.

The crazy thing?

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I knew after doing the last episode where I shared the Mavericks event I attended in Santa Monica that I wanted to go deeper with Troy Dean on the growth of WP Elevation and the launch of Mavericks. I've known Troy for a while now (I'm thinking 5-6 years?) and watching the growth of what they've created has been inspiring.

But I know it wasn't without struggles and challenges along the way, which is what I wanted to talk about (and of course the wins too).

For those of you who aren't familiar with Troy, he's Co-founder of the company WP Elevation. Troy started out in this space with a niche website (coffee machines! Who knew!) after taking the 30-day Challenge (anyone else remembers that? I did a few of those back in the day) with Ed Dale. After realizing he wasn't passionate about coffee machines he sold that website (for a whopping $60) and was hooked.

He started doing websites (which seems to be an entry point for a lot of people online), created a WordPress plugin called "Video User Manuals" and ended up with the premier training for WordPress consultants and web agencies.

Fast forward to today and WP Elevation is a multiple 7-figure business and they've added Mavericks Club.

We just need to put our big girl panties on and keep each other accountable. @troydean

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Questions I Asked Troy

Why he's so obsessed with the 'flight' theme (hence the image in the post) Why they switched WP Elevation from a membership (initially) to a course model with a recurring membership on the backend What he's learned from doing so many launches (and what he'd do differently) What would he do differently Who was his first online mentor How they came up with Mavericks Club How they launched Mavericks Club

We started surveying people who were leaving, started running an exit survey and it turns out most of them are leaving because they weren't getting enough help. @troydean

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What You're Going To Learn

What Troy did when he hit rock bottom Why he would start with Mavericks Club first How they've moved from the launch formula to an evergreen model What the growing pains have been with scaling a company to 7-figures What the long-term model is for the business and how Troy is creating leverage for himself How the first event in San Diego went and how they've created a template for their events How they 'codify' everything they do (systems and processes)

Where to Connect with Troy WP Elevation | Podcast | Digital Mavericks FB Group

Previous Episodes with Troy

Troy Dean, Mavericks Club, and My Week in Santa Monica

Live interview with Troy Dean of WP Elevation

Troy Dean, WP Elevation and Why Mindset Matters

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Last week was one of those amazing weeks that leaves you both excited and exhausted.

O.K., I wasn't exactly exhausted, but the activity in my brain was on high-speed most of the week, which leaves you needing a little 'white space' to bring it back to a manageable pace.

I spent the week in Santa Monica, California with Troy Dean and some of his team for his Mavericks Club event as well as the one-day event for WP Elevation on Saturday (after the Mavericks Club event was over). If you haven't heard of Mavericks Club yet don't worry, it's been a little bit on the 'down low' over the last year but I told Troy I was going to pimp it everywhere because I was so blown away.

And no, I'm not getting paid to promote this or share it.

Troy invited me so I could present the Content Creators Planner to his Mavericks Club and help them with a content strategy (which is pretty much why we created the planner, so many people need help creating a strategy).

Needless to say, I was super honored to be asked and wasn't about to say no.

I'm going to do my best to break down the week for you.

How each day was structured, what we did, and all my takeaways. There was a lot of information, so I don't doubt that I'm going to miss something, but I'm pretty sure I can do right by Troy & his team (what up Simon & Max!).

Suggestion for listening and consuming this episode:

Listen through once Listen again with pen & paper (or however you take notes) Look at the parallels in your business and where you can make adjustments Take action on ONE takeaway from this episode

The theme for this event (and I think I'm going to have Troy back on the podcast to go more in-depth in terms of the event), was 'Predictable Product'.

Lastly, before I get into the event itself, I want to share why I'm doing this in-depth post and podcast (and it's not just because #EverythingIsContent, which it is).

I'm sharing this because as I approach my 11th year in business in this crazy online marketing space, I've seen my fair share of things: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I've had a handful of different mentors, all who served a purpose at one time or another, but this was by far the most valuable, well executed, solid experience I've had to date.

[click_to_tweet tweet="I've had a handful of different mentors, all who served a purpose at one time or another, but this was by far the most valuable, well executed, solid experience I've had to date." quote="I've had a handful of different mentors, all who served a purpose at one time or another, but this was by far the most valuable, well executed, solid experience I've had to date." theme="style6"]

You guys know I spent a couple of years in a mastermind, and I straight up told Troy on Thursday evening at dinner that this blew that out of the water. I had amazing experiences with that mastermind, developed some fantastic friendships, and it shifted my mindset in so many ways. However, after attending the Mavericks Club event I realized how much was missing.

I'm hoping to shed some light on mentorship and masterminds in a way that allows you to shift your expectations for deliverables and the overall experience.

This event has set the bar high for me: both in where I invest my money and what I deliver to people who invest with me.

Pre-event

The event started on Wednesday, but I drove down Monday afternoon so Troy & I could record an in-person video podcast on Tuesday (I knew if I drove down Tuesday I'd feel tired and grimy from the drive. I wanted to feel fresh! ;-) ).

I headed over midday to the Airbnb where the guys were staying and was pretty dang impressed with their video setup (I don't know why I was surprised. If you've ever watched their live streams or podcasts you'll know that they've gone all in with making things as high-quality as possible).

Facebook wasn't cooperating so we weren't able to do it live,

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This interview with Michelle Hunter was way overdue. And SO very good!

Michelle and I connected last fall and had an amazing interview... that never quite got published (life was a little crazy last year, there was an issue with the audio and well, here we are, in March of 2019).

I asked Michelle if we could do a live stream instead of simply an audio interview because I knew once people heard her genius there would be great engagement and questions. I wasn't mistaken. I went ahead and had this episode transcribed for you (yes, it's that good!), and you can download the transcript at the end of the post or you can read the transcript below.

Michelle is a marketing strategist and copywriter. She works with creative entrepreneurs and established professionals to help refine their business models, their offers, and then develop core messaging around that. Michelle was gracious enough to do some 'live' training of what that looks like for a couple of businesses on the live stream, mine included (for the Content Creators Planner).

Backing into the core messaging by starting with the problem isn't as hard as it sounds, at least with Michelle walking you through it.

She also gave us a couple of specific strategies and exercises to get behind the problem and find out what the emotions are that drive a person to make a buying decision (once you see how this all unfolds it makes it SO much easier to understand!).

Let's dive into it.

Confidence is quiet. - Michelle Hunter

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Questions I Asked Michelle

Where does someone even start with getting clear on their messaging? Can you tell the apple story as an example of a marketing conversation (you have to listen to get this) How do you get clarity on the problem you're solving for your client? When do manifestos work for a business? What really matters when deciding who your ideal client is? Can you give us a tangible resource or exercise to help with the messaging? How can we tell better stories with our content and marketing?

The problem is that you're looking for your ideal client before you've positioned your offer. - Michelle Hunter

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What You're Going to Learn

Why you need to start with the transformation (once you've uncovered the problem) How to use "so that..." in your message and marketing Why a website banner/tagline shouldn't use a 'definition' What it means to find the commonalities to connect How to make sure your offers are in alignment with your ideal client (so you're not fragmenting your message) How to back into pricing your offers and services How to craft your hook

Where to Connect With Michelle Website | Creating Profitability Guide Other Episodes You Might Enjoy

Content Repurposing & My Wake-up Call KDS: 014

Running A Business When Life Goes Sideways KDS: 010

You can read the transcripts below or click here to download a PDF

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Tom Morkes is the epitome of what he teaches. He's a massive relationship builder and without a doubt, one of the nicest, most genuine people I've had the good fortune of connecting with (and now consider a friend).

Tom and I connected a few years back when he was working directly with entrepreneurs to help them publish and launch their books. He would connect me with one of his authors if they were a good fit for my audience and I would interview them for the podcast. We would hop on Skype from time to time and catch up, see what the other was working on, and get back to business.

When I realized I hadn't had Tom on the podcast I was kind of floored... he's behind some amazing projects (which you'll hear about) and is soooo good at what he does.

Which is why I asked him to do a live stream for my audience (video below, which you probably want to watch if you can) where he taught people how to drive traffic without investing in paid traffic.

Specifically, Tom shared the process behind how to reach 1000+ new customers every month without spending a dime on paid advertising and in just 30 minutes of work a day (even if you're starting with NO email list and NO platform).

Here's what was covered:

3 myths that are keeping you invisible (and broke) The ONE THING every hyper-profitable business has in common  How to reach thousands of potential customers, even if you're starting from scratch How to scale this system and turn it into a 6 to 7-figure stream

As someone who has spent years creating content (which is still a hugely successful method) and am always working on ways to promote that content, I was beyond excited to hear what Tom was teaching. Google isn't looking for more content, they're looking for better content. Here's the thing though...

... good content takes time to create and get picked up. There's a lot of work behind it and it's definitely the long-game.

What if there was a way to get more visitors, more traffic, and then you could convert that traffic to sales?

That's what Tom covered in this training.

Watch the training:

Tom MorkesTom Morkes is the founder of Insurgent Publishing, host of the iconic podcast In The Trenches, which has featured notable guests such as Dr. Jordan Peterson, Tom Ziglar, Seth Godin, and many of today’s top thought leaders, and author of The Art of Instigating, The Complete Guide to Pay What You Want Pricing and Collaborate. Tom is a sought after marketing and growth consultant who has helped dozens of brands and businesses across a variety of industries generate multiple millions in revenue. He’s helped his clients reach the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists; set the record for the most-funded, non-fiction publishing project in Kickstarter history; and add hundreds of thousands in annual recurring revenue using his launch strategies.

Where to Connect with Tom Website | Facebook | Podcast

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I've been talking about mixing up the podcast for a while, but I wasn't sure what that would look like.

When I started paying attention to what I was listening to and what I liked, it wasn't necessarily the interview style shows. I'll continue doing interviews still, but probably a little less frequently.

This conversation came about after I was having a private message with my friend Lorraine McNulty on Facebook Messenger. I had witnessed something in my Facebook Group that didn't sit well with me (didn't go against any direct posting guidelines, but there was something about it that bugged me).

Lorraine messaged me commenting on the posting (she's a moderator in my group, thankfully) and I instantly felt validated.

I exclaimed 'THANK YOU!"

Because I thought it was just me.

That conversation is what led to us having a conversation about the current state of online marketing and where we're heading. We had a handful of people join us live...

I think you're going to enjoy this.

Here are a few of the topics we discussed:

The state of online marketing today

What's working What's not working

Pet Peeves

Too much noise No value Talking at people Pontificating

Building Business on your terms

Stop complaining about what other people are doing Watch & learn If you don't like it, don't watch it

Where things are heading

Storytelling Tighter communities (think quality vs. quantity) It's not about the tools you use

I'll be adding more of these types of conversations to the podcast, so I'd really love your feedback and thoughts about this style of the show.

Other episodes you might enjoy

SEO for the Rest of Us with Brendan Hufford

LIVE conversation with JCron of Kajabi

Build Your Audience First

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Daniel Daines-Hutt was one of those people that completely over-delivered as a guest on the podcast. I'd love to tell you that this always works out swimmingly, but it doesn't.

In the case of Daniel not only did he completely over-deliver on the show, but I think it's safe to say we've become friends and I look forward to growing this friendship.

Daniel got started online with e-commerce and found he was really good at marketing and digital strategy, which actually allowed him and his partner, Freyja Spaven, to stay in New Zealand on an Entrepreneurial Visa (who knew such a thing existed).

It's hard to ignore someone who has written only 9 posts in 2 years but gets hundreds of thousands of visitors a month. They started AmyMyContent because they wanted to build an asset. When they first started, they hired an intern and created SOPs (standard operating procedures), turned that into training, then began publishing case studies on their blog to share the success of what they were doing (side note: case studies are one of my favorite types of content to read).

There's a big disconnect between the paid traffic guys and the inbound marketing guys. You should be doing both. @ampmycontent

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Questions I Asked Daniel

Can you give us your backstory / what you were doing before launching AmpMyContent? What is AmpMyContent? Why less writing and more promotion? What are some of the methods you use for promotion? How do you start writing better content? How do search and SEO play into content?

It starts with a loss, but you're getting data to see what works. @ampmycontent

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What You're Going to Learn

What bottom-up testing is What Daniel's 'Big Cheat' is How to present the information How to create an emotional connection Why paid traffic to content is far cheaper and provides better opt-ins

Good writing comes from the editing process, not the initial writing. @ampmycontent

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Links from this episode:

Why You Need to Stop Writing Content If You Want To Get Traffic

Definitive Guide to Paid Content Promotion

Where to Connect with Daniel Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Jason Resnick is another one of the people who I'm super grateful has come into my world. I've known of Jason for a long time and don't know why we hadn't connected yet (you know what I'm talking about right? How many times do you get a friend request and think "we weren't already connected?"). We finally hopped on a call at the end of last year and he's been amazing. Jason has many skills when it comes to online business, but I really wanted to dive in with him to talk about automation, in whichever direction Jason wanted to go.

When Jason suggested talking about using content in a follow-up sequence to position yourself as an expert I was all in.

This episode was run as a live stream on Facebook (which, as you can tell I'm really starting to love doing. I'm all about getting more mileage from each episode).

A little bit about Jason

Jason helps freelancers figure out what their specialty is so he can help them develop a stream of recurring revenue. He's been building websites since the late 1990s and also focuses on personalized marketing (which makes it much easier to craft the buyer's journey). Jason loves addressing the psychology in marketing and the three main areas that we all go through when it comes to purchasing: awareness, consideration, buying.

[click_to_tweet tweet="'If they don't want emails from me I'm not expecting a check.' @rezzz" quote="'If they don't want emails from me I'm not expecting a check.' @rezzz" theme="style6"]

Questions I Asked Jason

First, because of your knowledge, can you view sales pages/marketing objectively? What does a follow-up sequence look like for a digital product? What is a good follow-up sequence for my YouTube channel subscribers to drive them to my coaching? Where do you wrap your head around the best place to start with automating follow-up sequences? What's the best way to segment your leads? What is Feast?

[click_to_tweet tweet="I ask myself, 'if this was simple, what would it look like?' @rezzz" quote="I ask myself, 'if this was simple, what would it look like?' @rezzz" theme="style6"]

What You're Going to Learn

Where to place testimonials on your website (hint: near the buy button) Why it's better to send nothing... as opposed to a 'just checking in email' Why following up with people isn't 'bugging them' How following up begins with the right mindset Why decision makers need 5 pieces of content to make a decision Why you need to identify the intent first?

Where to Connect with Jason Website | Podcast | Facebook  | Twitter

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Brendan Hufford isn't a stranger to the podcast (you can listen to the first episode we did here. I think I may have to have him on as a regular ;-) ), so when he mentioned he was launching his SEO course (finally, and no, that's not a dig at him, but his teaching is a breath of fresh air) and I asked if we could jump on a live stream and share what he was doing.

I knew he'd be game and he didn't disappoint.

Brendan is great at educating and sharing through stories.

[click_to_tweet tweet="SEO is one of those things that I believe can work for everybody. @BrendanHufford" quote="SEO is one of those things that I believe can work for everybody. @BrendanHufford" theme="style6"]

Here are a few of the things we covered in this episode:

There are no secrets to SEO Round-up posts: does Google penalize for these? Why the future of SEO is relationships Over-priced courses Link building done like actual human beings

Sign Up for SEO for The Rest of Us Here

Something else I asked Brendan about was whether or not posting all content, regardless of whether it's optimized for SEO, is worth posting. In other words, is Google going to penalize me (will it hurt me)? The specific example I was asking him about was when I post my emails as blog posts. Most of my emails are in a story format with one link or call to action.

Brendan shared that it won't hurt you, but you want to make sure there is a purpose and it solves a problem. Not all content has to be created for search.

Link Building

This is one of the things Brendan is going to be teaching in his course (it's always been kind of a mystery to me) and something I was anxious to ask him about. Someone had recently posted a comment in Content Creators about being asked to link to an article on a major site and she had responded by asking for a link back in return... and they said yes! Which is fantastic (how many times do we not just 'ask'?).

Brendan was very adamant that link building is a long term strategy and is built off of relationships. He's super passionate about why what has been taught is garbage and how it should be done to be successful with it.

We talked about the 'Dream 100', which most people think of as a one-way strategy. Brendan has a great way of reframing the Dream 100 and how to approach it and be successful with it.

Sign Up for SEO for The Rest of Us Here

Crystal Ball Prediction for SEO in 2019

You know how I love predictions...mainly when I've been right about them, but it's fun nonetheless.

I asked Brendan what his crystal ball predictions were and where he spent most of his time (I specifically asked he thought it was smarter to focus on social platforms that came up in search, such as YouTube or Pinterest). His answer was fascinating. He thinks Pinterest is prime for being bought by Google (where else does Google rank content that is essentially behind a locked gate?).

There is SO much more in this episode, but you're going to have to listen to it to get the rest.

Sign up here for "SEO for The Rest Of US"