All Episodes

Before we get too deep into this season, I wanted to make sure you and I have a good baseline for creating content and engaging with the audience. Taylor Waldon, the Content Strategist for GiveWP, does a fantastic job of this. We talk about how they are expanding their niche and why creating the right content is crucial. This is a must list for anyone who's creating content for their small business, no matter what you do. Taylor WaldonGiveWP | BlogEpisode 54: The GiveWP TeamahrefsSponsored by: iThemes | CircleCI | TextExpander

A few weeks ago we spoke to Andrea Zoellner on how to implement a good Instagram Strategy. Well, another social network that seems like a hidden gem for content is LinkedIn, so I've brought on Cara North to talk to us. Cara is in the eLearning space, and we definitely talk about that, but I also wondered how she always seems to be trending on LinkedIn! So we talk about the smart way to build your network, add shareable content, and maybe even make a few worthwhile connections. Show NotesCara North | Cara on LinkedIn | TwitterBufferAutomating Social MediaSponsored by: Boosted | iThemes | CircleCI

Just because you're a government organization doesn't mean you can't have a little personality. That's what my friend Joe Galbo proves day-in and day-out over at the Consumer Products Safety Commission. I've wondered for some time how they manage their social media strategy there and Joe's the brains behind most of the operation. We'll talk content, memes, data and more, as well as how he can get it all done at the federal level. Show NotesEmail Joseph: jgalbo@cpsc.govConsumer Product Safety CommissionCPSC on TwitterDepartment of Energy PodcastSpace Heater TweetLifehacker ArticleSponsored by: Boosted | iThemes | CircleCI

Have you every wondered how some people seem to do so much? Well this week I sit down with James Rose to unlock some of the secrets of one of my favorite topics: automation. We talk about what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to take some tasks off of your plate, and off of your mind.Show NotesJames Rose | TwitterContent SnareJames’ Zapier Mastery CourseZapierAirtableCalendlyTextExpanderIntegromatIFTTTKeyboard MaestroAutoHotKeyZapier IdeasAutomators PodcastSponsored by: Boosted | iThemes | CircleCI

Wondering how to build a following on Instagram? I was! It's my favorite social platform and I'm trying to be more intentional about the content. So I brought on Andrea Zoellner, who offered fantastic advice around IG strategy, taking great photos, and if those walls of hashtags actually work. Let's get into all of that and more. Show NotesAndrea ZoellnerCapsule Suitcase | InstagramTailwindLaterBufferSponsored by: Boosted | iThemes | CircleCI

We're at the half for 2020, which means the end of Season 8. I'm proud to say I learned a ton, and I hope you have too! There were three big topics of focus this season: Find the Right Clients, Productize Your Services (or at least make them more predictable), and Build Your Email List / Network.Show NotesJason ResnickSara DunnNathan IngramShannon ShafferMaddy OsmanBrian CasselMatt AdamsJessica LawlorMatt MedeirosAngel MarieVito PelegJohn VuongMarketing Made SimpleSponsored by: Podcast Liftoff | CircleCI | TextExpander

We're at the halfway mark for the year and I've been trying out a lot of new tools and processes. In this bonus episode, I wanted to talk about WordPress plugins, digital products, and analog tools that have helped me be more productive!Show NotesEnroll in Podcast Liftoff! Use code BUILD at checkoutWP Content Pilot Pro / AppSumo DealThirstyAffiliates ProSix ColorsFuseboxHubspot CRMApple NotesMilanoteCanvaStream DeckKey LightMagic KeyboardField NotesWilliam Hannah Notebook Pen Addict PodcastSponsored by: CircleCI | TextExpander

With everything happening during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession, it's easy to panic, cut costs, and coast until this all blows over. But that can kill your business. Instead we need to adapt, and in today's episode, Brad Morrison tells us what his agency is doing to work through what will be a seemingly tough economy. We talk about our experiences with the last recession, what's different, and what you can do to adapt.Show NotesBrad MorrisonGoWPGoWP Niche Agency Owners Facebook GroupMy Gear KitsProductizing Your Services with Brian CasselStart LocalPam Aungst and Your SEO ProcessUgmonkPivoting for COVID-19Sponsored by: CircleCI | TextExpander

Recently, I launched my brand new course. Podcast Liftoff: Launch. A lot of work goes into creating an online course, and this episode peels back the curtain a little bit. You'll learn about the journey and decision making that took place, the research and audience building, and of-course, the process and tools. Show NotesGet a special offer on Podcast Liftoff: Launch for listeners onlyCreator CoursesConvertKitMindNodePodcast Liftoff MindmapMy recording process | Video ResourcesVideo Recording GearScreenflowLearnDashWooCommerceWooCommerce MembershipsWooCommerce SubscriptionsVimeo ProSponsored by: CircleCI | Ahrefs | TextExpander

John Vuong know SEO. But he knows relationships even more. AT a time where connecting with people face-to-face has become harder, John offers some fantastic advice for forging better relationship through communication - both with your current clients, and the ones that will soon be clients.Show NotesJohn VuongLocal SEO Search | Facebook | TwitterThe Pumpkin PlanBuilding Your Mailing List with Angel MarieAvoiding the Famine with Jason Resnick?Podcast Liftoff is Out! As a Listener, you'll get an additional 10% off the already discounted launch price. This link will automatically apply the coupon. Sponsored by: CircleCI | Ahrefs | TextExpander

I know what you're thinking - another podcast doing another episode about COVID-19. But now that we're in the thick of it, and we know it's not just "a few weeks at home," I wanted to reach out to some businesses and see what they were doing differently. There were some really great ideas. And you'll get 3 tips to help you think outside the box.Show NotesShannon Shaffer | Listen to her episodeJason Resnick | Listen to his episodeR. Alexander McManus, Esq.Ross JohnsonMaddy Osman | Listen to her episodeBobWP | Listen to his episodeLaura Byrne CristianoStart LocalCalendlyShip Your PodcastWebinar SeriesYouTube Channel Sponsored by: CircleCI | Ahrefs | TextExpander

Let me just tell you right off the bat: my business has grown from my mastermind group. And Ken Wallace…well he really knows what he's talking about. If you need some extra business support (especially now), you're not alone. In fact, Ken has bet his own business on it. In this episode, you'll learn what a Mastermind Group is, how it works, and some ideas for conducting one. There's a little something for everyone, so let's dive in.Show NotesKen WallaceMastermindJamStarting Your Own Mastermind GroupCaboPressSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

In August 2018 I was challenged to automate more. Now, nearly 2 years later, I've removed myself from core processes because of it. I'm saving lots of time, which allows me to focus on the important parts of my business. While I'm always looking to improve, I'm happy with what I've implemented so far.In this solo episode, I'm going to tell you about how you can start automating, how I automate, and some of my favorite tools.Show NotesCasabona.org Automation SeriesYouTube ChannelZapierIFTTTTextExpanderSiri ShortcutsHazelAutomators PodcastMacStoriesSiri Shortcuts Field GuideSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

As more businesses are starting to do commerce nearly exclusively online, it's important to know how your customers are finding you and how they make decisions. Enter Ronald Gijsel, the Community and Partnerships Manager at Yith. He's going to tech us all about the customer's journey and FREE tools to help us figure it out. His tips will help us understand our customers to, sure, sell more, but more importantly, create a better experience for them. I learned a lot here and started to implement his advice shortly after we recorded. I'm excited to start seeing results.Show NotesRonald Gijsel TwitterYithEnable e-commerce data in Google AnalyticsAll in One ExportBuild Your Email List using ConvertKit with Angel MarieConvertKitSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

Last week we heard from Maddy Osman about how to make money on marketplaces - and at the core of that is being able to productize your services. Now sure how to do that? Well, Brian Casel has you covered. His advice has inspired me to start offering a new service myself, and I know he'll do the same for you. Now is a great time to start looking at how you can make your business more predictable, and Brian can help. Show NotesBrian CasselAudienceOpsProcessKitProductize CourseSponsored by: Ahrefs

 Maddy Osman has a unique approach to her business and agency - and it’s mostly around getting gigs on FIverr and other marketplaces. When she first told me about that, I was blown away! I didn’t think someone state-side could make a good income off of Fiverr. Maddy has proved me wrong - and offers fantastic advice how you can get started too. Show NotesMaddy Osman | TwitterHow to Make Money on FiverrCGP GreyUsing Systems with Shannon ShafferLearnDash YouTube ChannelHow to write a kickass blog postSkillshare WorkshopsMillion Dollar ConsultingMaddy's WCUS Talk on UX AuditsGet your FREE Podcast WorkbookSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

 Sara Dunn is one of my favorite people to talk to, and for good reason. She’s fun, honest, and has a lot of great insight! Today we’re following up on episode 69, where we talked about her starting to niche down. Now, 2 years and nearly 100 episodes later, she’s fully into her niche business. We talk about making some tough decisions, and how to stay motivated. I truly think this is something every freelancer and small business owner should hear! Show NotesSara Dunn | Twitter | InstagramSara Dunn and Niching Down, Part 1My Fountain Pen CollectionShow It Website BuilderProfit FirstCompany of OneAutomation Blog PostsUsing Systems with Shannon ShafferOptimizing Your Time with Erin FlynnGet your FREE Podcast WorkbookSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

 Vito Peleg runs a very popular WordPress plugin called WP Feedback, but did you know he also runs a community under the same name? In this episode we talk all about the importance of community in growing your business. Now, during this episode we talk a lot about in-person events, and as I record this intro, there aren’t a whole lot of events going on right now. But digital communities are on the rise and they can be just as powerful. Take Vito’s advice to heart because it’s good, and important!WP FeedbackDownload FestivalBuddyBossVova Feldman and FreemiusGet your FREE Podcast WorkbookSponsored by: Ahrefs | TextExpander

 I’ve known Matt Adams for the better part of a decade - we’ve worked on some interesting projects together, which we’ll reminisce about as we dive into how he’s built an agency out of what started as a freelance career. We talk a lot about something that’s hard for a lot of freelancers to talk about: cashflow. Feast, Famine, and Client Relationships have been themes of this season and they all relate to the same thing: managing your money properly so you can survive as a business. Let’s hear how Matt does it.  Show NotesMatt Adams | LinkedIn | TwitterHourly Rate CalculatorAIGAProfit FirstWhen by Daniel PinkPandaDocGet your FREE Podcast WorkbookSponsored by: Ahrefs | Yith | TextExpander

 Nathan Ingram is a fantastic freelancer, educator, and coach. I met him doing iThemes Webinars and he always manages to ask the right questions and tee up the right talking points. I’m excited to talk to him today about how to manage client relationships. Last week we heard from Erin Flynn about her process for working less and mentioned the importance for finding the right clients. Nathan is going to dive deeper into that. We’ll talk about his book on this very topic, and then we’ll talk about a new project he recently launched to help freelancers. Show NotesNathan IngramMonster Contracts (get 20% off with code HIBI)Dealing with Problem Clients | WordCamp TalkWordCamp MiamiTrademark and Copyright with Rian KinneySponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks

 Erin Flynn is one of my favorite people to talk to. We are in a Master Mind group together and her insight and approach is always appreciated. Today, we’re talking about how she’s managed to build a business around literally working 2-4 hours a day. Recently she tweeted that she worked 1/4 the “normal job” hours and still hit her income goal. We’re going to talk about how she does it, and how you can do it too. Then we’ll chat a little bit about a big change we’re both getting ready for this summer.Show NotesErin Flynn | InstagramErin Flynn and Teaching OnlineJackie D'Ellia and What We Learned PodcastingFighting the Famine with Jason ResnickUsing Systems to Run a More Efficient Business with Shannon ShafferHourly Rate CalculatorBook: Start With WhySponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks

Last week, you heard from Angel Marie about the importance of building your list, and how you can use ConvertKit to do it. Today, I decided to pull back the curtain and tell you exactly how I use ConvertKit. Show NotesGet ConvertKitBuilding Your Mailing List with Angel MarieHow to Set Up a Landing Page with ConvertKitPointing a Custom Domain to a ConvertKit Landing PageSponsored by: Yith | TextExpander | FreshBooks

 I’m so excited to be talking to Angel Marie,  the Creator Educator over at ConvertKit this week. And we’re talking about one of my favorite topics: building your list. I’ve become a huge proponent of this over the last couple of years, and the contributing factors have been this podcast, my move into products, and the educator I got from people at ConvertKit like Angel. This is such a rich episode I’m excited for you to hear it.Show NotesAngel MarieConvertKitConvertKit on Facebook | InstagramHow to Set up a Free Landing Page with ConvertKitGet More Clients Using Content with Jessica LawlorSome Housekeeping: Angel mentions a link specifically for me later when talking about how you can get a free ConvertKit account. That’s an affiliate link and I may get a kickback for you using that. Don’t worry though - it won’t cost you anything else. And as a matter of fact, the second housekeeping item is this: Since we recorded this episode, ConvertKit has updated the offer that comes with this link - on top of the benefits Angel mentions, you’ll also get 100 free subscribers and broadcasts.Sponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks

 Ben Collins’ story is an interesting one! He went from forensic accountant to creating and selling online courses about Google Sheets - talk about niching down! But we talk about more than that. We also talk about location independence, and what it’s like moving from an office to working from home, with a family. Lots of great stuff in this episode, so let’s dig in. Show NotesBen Collins | TwitterTeachableHave a Daily Schedule when Working from HomeSponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks

Shannon Shaffer is the founder of Purple Finch Studios, a small agency she runs in Pennsylvania, and today we’re talking about the systems and automation she put in place to make her and her team more efficient. But more than just her team benefits - her clients get a much more delightful and clear on-boarding process, communication doesn’t falter, and her projects get off to a great start. The systems she’s put in place can help us all get projects off to a great start, then keep them on track. Shannon ShafferTwitter | LinkedInGet More Clients Using Content with Jessica LawlorLiquid WebDubsadoZapierClickupMilanoteLoomGustoSponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks

As tools for podcasting have evolved, the question of, “Can I start a podcast” has changed to, “should I start a podcast?” And importantly, will it help you grow your business? We’re going to talk about all of that and more in today’s episode. We’ll go over why podcasting is getting easier, some of the basics, and why YOU should start one. At the end of the episode, I’m going to tell you about a new online course I have coming out that will give you everything you need to launch your own show. Let’s get to it!Show NotesPodcast Liftoff CourseGrowing your Business through Podcasting with Matt MedeirosEdison Research's Podcasting StatsYour First Podcast SetupPodcaster's Gift / Gear GuideStart with WhySponsored by: TextExpander | FreshBooks

 Today I’m talking to my good friend Matt Medeiros. We both share a passion for podcasting and content creation in general. On top of talking about getting involved in local businesses, and legacy, we dig deep on putting content out into the world. First you learned about content strategy from Jessica Lawlor. Now you'll learn more about one of the big important mediums for creating content in 2020: podcasting. Show NotesMatt Medeiros | TwitterSouthcoast.fmPagelyMissing WPWeekly podcast, YoastGate, and 2020 plans! - The Matt ReportStart with WhySponsored by: FreshBooks | Creator Courses

If you've been freelancing or running a small business for any amount of time, you've learned a few things you probably wish you knew from the start. In this episode, I've asked a few of my freelancing friends (as well as Twitter), "What's one thing you wish you knew when you started freelancing?" There's lots of great advice, so let's get to it! Show NotesThe original Twitter ThreadJean Perpillant | TwitterSal Ferrarello | TwitterTopher DeRosia | TwitterBirgit Pauli-Haack | TwitterJonathan Bossenger | TwitterGetting Back to Blogging with Colin DevroeCheck out the memberships over at Creator CoursesSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks | Creator Courses

 Jessica Lawlor is a content manager and strategist. Your content plan is integral to your small business, as I’ve learned over the past couple of year. I’m being a lot more intentional this year, and in this episode, Jessica talks about how you can too. We chat about content calendars, answering important questions regarding your goals, and how to create content even if you’re strapped for time.Show NotesJessica Lawlor | TwitterThe Write LifeAirtableClick UpNathan Ellering and CoScheduleRepurposing Content with Jaclyn SchiffRepurpose.ioConvertKitOptinMonsterHow to get More Comfortable Recording a PodcastBecome a Creator Courses MemberSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks

This year, 2020, the show is going to focus heavily on Freelancers and small business owners. And to kick things off, I’m talking to long time freelancer and educator Jason Resnick. He’s the founder of the Feast community and Live in the Feast podcast, and today he’s going to tell you how to set yourself up to prevent the dreaded famine that often comes with freelance work. We’ll talk about niching down, vetting clients, and so much more.Show NotesJason Resnick | TwitterLive in the FeastWooCommerceDiversifying Your Income as a FreelancerThe Imagineering WorkoutCurtis McHaleBecome a Creator Courses MemberSponsored by: SaneBox | FreshBooks