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January was chaotic for me, with family time over the holidays, snow days, travel for Podfest, and a house full of sick people. Despite all that, my business kept running smoothly thanks to the systems and processes I’ve built over the years. Instead of stressing over a “lost” month, I decided to start 2025 in February, reframing my timeline and giving myself permission to adapt. This experience reinforced the importance of creating margin—not just in your weekly schedule but as a core part of your business—to handle unexpected disruptions while still moving forward. Top TakeawaysMy systems and processes provided me was more margin than I thought. Despite not working for half of December and a lot of January, I was still able to continue producing my podcast, posting here, generating leads, and sending out proposals.The calendar year is arbitrary. The things I wanted to do that I didn't do in January can easily move into February. And I already know my systems can support those changes.Building margin into your business isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about ensuring you have the space to adapt and thrive, even during busy or unpredictable times.Show NotesRead the LinkedIn postLeave feedback at StreamlinedFeedback.com

“How do I know if investing in automation is worth it?” This was a question someone asked me after my talk at Podfest. And it’s a fair question. We don’t want to waste time and money on something that won’t pay off.So in today’s episode, I tell you exactly how to know if automation and delegation are worth the investment.Top TakeawaysUnderstand Opportunity Cost: Opportunity cost is the value of what you give up when choosing one activity over another. For solopreneurs, this often means the lost income or time that could be spent on billable work.Automation Rule of Thumb: Automate repetitive tasks you’ve done at least three times and that require consistent inputs and outputs. But do the task manually first to ensure automation makes sense.Take Small Risks for Big Gains: Test delegation by hiring a VA or outsourcing small tasks. Even $50/week can help you reclaim time to avoid burnout or spend with family.Show NotesWhy You’re Losing Money when You Mow the LawnSend feedback to StreamlinedFeedback.com

This one might ruffle some feathers, but I’m OK with that. I think we NEED to disclose the usage of AI in creative work more. It’s less about signaling that you cheated in some way — on the contrary, I don’t think using AI is de-facto cheating. It’s about honesty, integrity, and transparency.So my policy is simple: if you use AI to write, record, or produce something, it should be disclosed in the same way affiliate links or paid promotion has to be disclosed.And today, I explore why I feel so strongly about that.Top TakeawaysEstablish Clear Guidelines for AI Disclosure: I tell my readers how and when I use AI. If it contributes more than 5% of an article’s total word count, I write it at the bottom of the piece.AI Produces Mediocrity: As Jason Snell said**,** AI tends to average out content, making most of it mediocre at best. If you want to stand out, you can’t just rely on AI.Human Connection is Irreplaceable: In a world where AI threatens to erode personal connection, it’s up to us to keep our content human.Show NotesMy AI Manifesto: We Must Disclose the Use of AIMy AI Disclosures PageSend Feedback

Halfway through writing nearly 24 articles for my Podcast Advent project, I started to wonder if I was wasting my time. Is this worth it? Am I writing what people actually want to read?You’ve probably fallen into the same trap: spending hours creating content, unsure if it’s resonating with anyone. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and can feel like shouting into the void. But it doesn’t have to be this way.Today, we’re exploring a few things you can try to come up with content that resonates with your audience — plus I’ll tell you about my GAPS framework for content in 2025.Top TakeawaysLet data lead the way: Your analytics are a treasure trove of insights. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console can show you what content performs well so you can double down on those topics.Ask your audience: Your audience is your best resource. Invite questions through email, social media, or a dedicated feedback link, and turn their questions into valuable content.Experiment, but evaluate: Testing new ideas is important, but don’t forget to review the results. If something doesn’t work after a few tries, let it go.Disclosure: ChatGPT has contributed more than 10% to the description and takeaways for this text, fully using the episode’s transcript.LinksLeave Feedback at https://streamlinedfeedback.com

It's time for 2025's yearly theme. While The Year of Control didn't go as planned, I'm excited to have a much better plan in place for this year's theme, The Year of Being Present. Want even more podcast content, giving you a behind the scenes look at being a busy, solopreneur parent? Sign up for my free, private podcast at casabona.org/notesShow NotesMy 2025 Yearly ThemeJoe's Audio Notes Why We Need to Disclose AI UsageThe BrickFocus AppSend your feedback at streamlinedfeedback.com 

I knew from a young age, I wanted to play the drums. I got my first small kit when I was five and when my friends and I started a "band," heavy quotes, I played paint buckets. When I was 15 years old, I knew I needed a real kit.This is the story of how I got it, and how one man's incredible kindness had a profound effect on me.Show NotesRead the Story at Casabona.orgRate: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodchaserGet Unstuck in 2025

2024 has been a transformative year for me. I learned a ton about myself and my business, and for the first time in a while I feel like I’m not flailing. I’ll have the clearest plan I’ve had in a long time in 2025 — one that’s reinforced by conversations I’ve had, not just hunches. So for the last episode of the year, I wanted to do a quick year in review where I talk about my biggest success, my biggest failure, and the lessons I learn.Plus, some feedback from last week’s episode on using AI.My Biggest SuccessThis was definitely ranking #1 in Google for “Podcast Coach”. It shows that my work to grow this area of my business is working out!Biggest FailureMy Be everywhere strategy. I made a big deal about it and abandoned after 4 months, since it was very clearly not working. It was basically all downsides. It also resulted in two other outcomes:Going to stop publishing on Medium in 2025Shutting down my membershipLessonsKnow your niche. I thought I knew mine but it got a lot clearer the back half of the year, and I saw a positive impact because of it.Don’t discount SEO/Google, and even ChatGPT, which is being used for search more. As social media is fracturing further,Focus on one thing at a time. My Be Everywhere strategy left me trying to do too many things at once, and none of the succeeded.LinksPodMatchMaker and MoxiePodcast AdventMy Experiment with Substack and Being “Everywhere”My Be Everywhere Strategy was an Incredible FailureHow to be a Scrappy Researcher (to Actually Sell Products) with Becky Pierson DavidsonI’m Shutting Down my Podcast MembershipWe Need AI DisclosuresMatt MedeirosThe Podcast SetupMike (Bagel) Barugel

It’s been two years since ChatGPT went mainstream, and AI has completely transformed how we work. While I maintain some hesitancy and skepticism in using AI, it has made it’s way into my daily life for certain tasks. While I’ll tell you all about that, I also talk about why the human touch will always matter, no matter how advanced these tools get.So strap in (yes, I wrote these words without any intervention from AI) for a look into how I’ve been using AI as a solopreneur. And don’t worry — I’ve mostly edited out the rambling rants.Top TakeawaysAI tools like ChatGPT have improved significantly, especially with features like custom GPTs and web-connected capabilities, but there’s room for growth in personalization.AI has become an essential tool in my workflows, particularly for providing fresh perspectives during ideation and research, and “rubber ducking.”As we move forward, it’s important to balance efficiency with authenticity, using AI for support while ensuring it doesn’t replace meaningful human interactions and creativity.LinksApple's Definition of a PhotoThe Coming WaveI'm on BlueskySend your feedback 

“Build your authority” feels like advice that’s often given without a solution attached. And it’s SO important to solopreneurs, especially since social media is no longer the best place to build a proper audience. That’s why I sat down with Jessica Lackey, a business and operations strategist who’s all about helping solopreneurs like us build real authority.  We talked all about what you actually need to do to build authority – from understanding who you’re talking to, to the medium you use to get your message out. Top TakeawaysDevelop a Clear Premise, Process, and Body of Work: Building authority begins with a well-defined message and positioning (your premise), a unique approach to your work (your process), and a public body of work that showcases your thinking and differentiates you from others.Focus on Patterns and Behaviors Over Demographics: When identifying your niche or audience, prioritize the patterns, behaviors, and values of those you serve best, rather than just their demographic details. This leads to more meaningful connections and effective authority building.Create a Cohesive Body of Work Outside of Feed-Based Platforms: Relying solely on social media can be limiting due to its ephemeral nature. Building authority is more effective on platforms you own—like blogs, newsletters, or podcasts—where your content forms a cohesive and accessible body of work.Finally, pick the medium you’re most comfortable with – or as Jessica puts it – pick the method for authority building that you’ll actually use. Show NotesJessica Lackey

In this bonus episode, I share a gratitude-inspired look at the tools and habits that have shaped my year, including my favorite apps, services, and hardware. From time-saving actions to game-changing tech, this episode offers a sneak peek into my “favorites of the year” and how they’ve helped me reclaim time and focus.LinksObsidianBlank Spaces AppThe BrickI'm on BlueskyAudibleChatGPTKindle ColorsoftMy iPhone Home Screen 

Have you ever been playing with your kids or trying to relax, but your mind keeps drifting back to work? Trust me, you’re not alone! It can feel frustrating – and it can feel like you’re failing to achieve “work/life balance.” That’s why I brought on Lindsey Carnick, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Onward Psychological Services.We get into how our minds work, the importance of aligning with our personal values, and practical strategies to stop overthinking – BUT ALSO why there’s no shame in those random work thoughts. If you’re done feeling shame for work thoughts hijacking your free time, and want to learn how to be more in control of your reaction to them, this is a perfect episode for you. Something that puts my mind at ease with work is knowing things are still chugging along, even when I’m sleeping, thanks to my automations. Want a head start? Download my free automations database at https://streamlined.fm/freebieTop TakeawaysAccept the Mind’s Wanderings: It’s natural for your mind to think about work during personal time. Instead of resisting or feeling guilty about these thoughts, acknowledge them without judgment.Align Actions with Personal Values: Understanding and prioritizing your personal values helps in making decisions that lead to a fulfilling life.Write to Manage Thoughts: Writing down thoughts can help clear your mind and prevent intrusive ideas from occupying mental space. Plus, once you write things down, the words on the page won’t change!Show NotesLindsey CarnickLindsey on LinkedinLindsey on InstagramThe Black Swan

It’s the annual gift guide episode! Except, instead of just talking at you for 40 minutes, This year, I’ve teamed up with my good friend Cat Mulvihill to bring you the ultimate 2024 Gift Guide for solopreneurs and anyone working from home. We talk home goods, tech, productivity, EDC, and more.Our main goal fits perfectly with the mission too: we want to help you solve a problem…not just spend money unnecessarily.Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for the solopreneur in your life, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful, problem-solving recommendations that’ll make the work-from-home experience smoother and more enjoyable.And let us know, what’s something you can’t live without? Leave a message at streamlinedfeedback.comFind CatCat MulvihillCat on LinkedInCat’s YouTube ChannelWant a special discount on all the Elgato stuff we mentioned? Use Cat's link and discount code: https://elgato.sjv.io/catmulvihillRebate Code at checkout: ZZ-CatMulvihillHome and OfficeDual Basket Air FryerOXO Coffee Grinder (I incorrectly said “Bonavita” during the show, which is my coffee maker)Tea KettleLamy Fountain PenJoe’s Pen Buyer’s GuideOofos SandalsTechRocketbookRock Paper PencilDoc PoppsKindle ColorsoftKobo eReadersStream Deck PlusStream Deck NeoCat’s Stream Deck Essentials CourseElgato Prompter Elgato Light Remote BrickPhilips SmartSleep Alarm ClockiFixIt KitRØDE Micro Mobile Wireless MicsDJI MicExternal Hard DriveEDCThe James Brand Folsom KnifeShady Rays SunglassesNomad Watch BandsBeats Case for iPhone 16 ProBellroy WalletOura RingSoftwareEcamm LiveTella.tvContains affiliate links

Bringing a VA into your business can free up your time and help you focus on growth, but finding and effectively working with the right VA requires clarity on what you need, a structured hiring process, and simple, ongoing communication.Many solopreneurs are overwhelmed by the process of hiring and working with a VA. You may not know where to start, what tasks to delegate, or how to ensure the VA’s work aligns with your business goals. This leads to hesitation, missed opportunities, and often burnout from handling too many tasks alone.So today, I’m going to tell you how I work with my VA, and give you a 4-step process for finding and successfully working your VA.Want that VA Notion template I mentioned? Head on over to https://streamlinedfeedback.com/  and leave a message!Top TakeawaysDefine and Delegate Key Tasks: Start by identifying tasks that take up the most time but don’t require your direct involvement. Using the “perform, evaluate, and remove” framework helps clarify which tasks are best suited for delegation to a VA.Select and Test Multiple Candidates: To find a suitable VA, post a job on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or onlinejobs.ph, then test a shortlist of candidates on the same task. Evaluating each VA’s work on a small project helps gauge their skills and attention to detail.Create Videos for Each Task: Use video tutorials to record yourself completing each task, explaining each step clearly. Have the VA transcribe these instructions and write out steps, creating a documented process that they can refer back to as they work.

A few months ago I launched a free private podcast called Joe’s Audio Notes. The episodes are very short (7 minutes or less), where I share my thoughts on being a solopreneur, a podcaster, a parent, and other thoughts related to being a productive member of society.I'm sharing 3 of the episodes here (which you can find in the chapter markers): Thinking About my Content StrategyHow do you pick the right idea?Battling the work hangoverIf you like it, I'd love for you to join! You can sign up for free here.

Ever thought about creating an online course that truly makes a difference? One that actually helps people accomplish their goals? That’s exactly what guitar coach Den López has done. He transformed his life from being a car mechanic in Barcelona to becoming a successful online guitar instructor.We’ll talk all about how he created the “Guitar in One Hour” Method that helps beginners play songs quickly without the usual frustration, his unique approach to designing courses that focus on actionable outcomes and real skill acquisition, and why he believes in giving away his best content for free to build trust.If you’ve ever wanted to build a flexible lifestyle business, deliver an online course that actually gets results, or need that push to follow your passion, this episode is a must-listen.Top TakeawaysPrioritize Actionable Outcomes in Your Courses: Focus on helping students achieve specific skills or results, and embed practical exercises within your lessons to encourage active participation and skill acquisition.Provide Immediate Value to Build Trust: Offer valuable content for free to address your audience’s immediate needs, and use lead magnets that solve specific problems quickly.Utilize Simple and Accessible Technology: High-quality content doesn’t require expensive equipment. Using basic tools like a smartphone can be effective and efficient.Show NotesDen LópezLearning guitar FREE Download

Being a business owner is hard. So is being a parent. So why don’t we hear more about how to do both well? Fret not – that’s why I brought Kim Caloca-Madden onto the show. We dive deep into why business owners with kids should build systems and how automation can be a game-changer for busy parents. Kim shares her personal journey from being a stay-at-home mom needing to generate income to becoming a powerhouse in business automation.We also cover how automation enhances consistency and efficiency in your business, practical steps to start automating today, even if you’re a newbie, Kim’s favorite tools for streamlining tasks and managing time, and balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship without losing your sanity.Want to get a head start on your automation journey with my free Automations Database? Go to https://streamlined.fm/freebie to download it. Top TakeawaysAutomation Enhances Consistency and Efficiency: Implementing automation in business processes helps deliver a consistent customer experience and reduces human error.Start Small with Automation: Begin by automating simple, repetitive tasks that consume time. Examples include task management, calendar synchronization, and email responses.Automation Requires Maintenance and Human Oversight. And remember, not all tasks should be automated; human interaction is necessary for certain aspects to maintain a personal touch.Show NotesKim Caloca-MaddenAutomators PodcastGetting Things Done by David Allen

The summer had one lasting effect I didn’t notice until recently: I made my schedule pretty open for anyone who wanted to meet. I didn’t want them to be limited to my limited availability, so I tried to be as open as possible. But over the last 2 weeks —really since my episode with Conny, I realized that I’ve let everyone else control my calendar.I’ll take a meeting with almost anyone bc I feel they are the best way to form relationships, but I’m not vetting those people. I’m not creating boundaries for my meetings either. I even have a calendar that’s totally open for friends — but I’ve sent it to more than friends.If you’re a busy solopreneur — especially a parent or someone with other obligations — this can kill productivity.So how do we fix it? That’s what we’re talking about today.One Big Problem: I’m not guarding my timeOne Small Fix: Cal.comFeedback: Working with a VAGet your free automations database at https://streamlined.fm/freebieTop TakeawaysYou need to control your own calendar instead of letting other people control it.That means asking yourself when you can block time off for no meetings, how many meetings you want to take in a day, and what’s the criteria for if you take a meeting or not.Cal.com is an excellent tool for creating a system that will manage your calendar for you.Show NotesCal.comSubmit feedback

My love-hate[but mostly hate] relationship with social media is well documented. It feels like a time-suck where you get into arguments with people who don’t care about anything you say. People tell me it’s great to grow your business…I just don’t see it. But Katie Brinkley has changed that for me. She elevates CEOs to become thought leaders and disruptors in their industries. And she does it mostly through social media. By the end of this episode, she’ll give you strategies for choosing the right social networks, posting (3-4 times per week max), as well as how to waste less time and make more sales. Want to hear a longer, ad-free version of this episode where Katie and I talk about brand social media vs. personal social media? Become a member of Streamlined Solopreneur Accelerated. Top TakeawaysSelect the Right Platforms: Focus on one or two platforms where your target audience is most active. Remember each platform has its own culture.Prioritize Genuine Engagement: Spend time connecting and commenting on others' posts to build relationships. Engagement is more impactful than frequent posting without interaction.Use Hashtags Strategically: Identify and engage with hashtags your ideal clients are using. This approach helps you connect more effectively with your target audience.Show NotesKatie Brinkley Stampede Social on InstagramManychatThe Social Shift

It’s easy for people who live unconstrained lives to give advice. “Just meditate for 2 hours each morning.” “Hustle.” “Get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy.” The truth is that most people have some constraints to live by. Whether it’s kids, work, or other obligations, we can’t just drop everything to follow the latest guru. That’s why I like Conny Graf’s approach. Conny has many credentials, but the one I like best is “certified clutter-clearing practitioner.” And today, she’s going to tell you how you can reasonably declutter your life to turn chaos into peace.Want to hear a longer, ad-free version of this episode where I  talk about the chaotic day leading up to this interview? Become a member of Streamlined Solopreneur Accelerated. Top TakeawaysChaos is when you have too many things going on, a cluttered environment, and a packed calendar that leads to stress and lack of focus. Recognize the early warning signs that you're slipping into chaos, like feeling agitated or nervous.Be intentional about your priorities and learn to say no more often. Not everything is equally important - focus on the "glass balls" in life like family and relationships. Give yourself grace when you can't be at your best.Declutter your physical spaces a little bit each day. Create designated spots for things like shoes and papers. Optimize your environment to support your daily activities and prevent stuff from piling up.Finding peace is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Make small adjustments over time, reflect on what's working and what's not, and continuously optimize your life and business. Focus on progress, not perfection.Show NotesConny GrafAligning Your Values to Set the Right Goals with Tanya Alvarez

Do you hate social media as much as I do? Some experts will tell you that you need social media to market,  but that’s increasingly not true. Gone are the heady days of Twitter, where you can tweet a link and people would actually see it. That’s why I brought on Emily Aborn, a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host. She’s also a wealth of information on how to market by making sure you have a great product, and much like her, a ton of personality. Want to hear a longer, ad-free version of this episode where Emily and I discuss the importance of a strong personal brand? Become a member of Streamlined Solopreneur Accelerated. Top TakeawaysHaving a high-quality product or service that solves your target audience's problems is the foundation of effective marketingCollaborating with others in your industry can help expand your reach and build trust with new audiences. Focusing on marketing strategies that align with your strengths, interests, and values can lead to more authentic and effective marketing efforts.Show NotesEmily AbornForget The Funnel Stop doing "Sales" and Start Having Conversations with Nikki RauschLeveraging GuestingPodmatchContent With Character Podcast