Tiny Course Empire Podcast

You know what often gets lost between the “lifestyle freedom” dreams and the “I’m my own boss!” reality? A tiny little thing called doing the work. I discovered that early in my self-employment journey, when I wanted to be a writer. The only trouble was, I was a writer who did everything but write. I watched a lot of bad television. I read a lot of advice about writing. I took some courses about writing. But I did not write. Call it willpower, or discipline, or even drive—whatever it was, I didn’t have it. I’ve been fully self-employed and self-supporting since 2011. In that time, I’ve discovered that self-discipline isn’t something you’re born with (I wasn’t). It is something you can create for yourself, though. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why a results-based goal is not enough to keep you going, and what to do instead The unfortunate downside to self-employment, and how to shift your thinking so you can actually get stuff done A clever trick to try if you struggle to meet milestones Subtle ways procrastination shows up, and how to recognize and defeat it Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is a private community and learning resource for action-oriented entrepreneurs. Get your all-access, 7-day trial for just $7.

I used to work with a single mom. She had three kids all under 10, and their dad wasn’t around at all. She was on her own for juggling doctor appointments, school drop-offs and pick-ups, holiday pageants, birthday parties, and all the rest—all while working a full-time job. I told her often that I didn’t know how she managed it all. I don’t know how any parent does, to be honest. When I left that job to launch my own business, I discovered it wasn’t just parents who have a lot to manage. Entrepreneurs—especially of the solo variety—learn pretty quickly how to juggle their many responsibilities. They also learn a few tricks to set themselves up for success. These are mine. They’re simple things, really. And they might just change your life. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The two-minute trick I use to ensure every day starts out stress and anxiety free How clutter occupies more than just your desk space The huge difference a comfortable chair and a nice set of curtains can make How making a commitment frees up mental bandwidth Why multiple streams of income aren’t always a good idea Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7. David Sparks at MacSparky.com inspired me with his commitment to only change apps once per year.

Have you ever looked at someone—Cal Newport, say, or Richard Branson—and wondered how they manage to get so much done? They have the same amount of time you do, with the same family and life obligations. One has a busy teaching schedule, publishes prolifically, and produces a weekly podcast. The other seems to always be diving into a new business adventure. And you? Maybe you struggle to publish a single, weekly blog post, or you’ve been working on that course for months, and it feels like it will never be finished. How do these prolific creators get it all done? I’d like to know, too. I may not be as productive as Cal Newport or oversee as many companies as Richard Branson, but as a solopreneur, I have plenty on my plate. You do, too. Right now, I have: A weekly podcast now in it’s fourth year of production A new YouTube channel A thriving membership to manage New courses and workshops to create Coaching clients to advise Emails to write Affiliates to partner with Marketing campaigns to plan How do I manage all of that without dropping all the balls from time to time? I’ll tell you in this week’s episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The true cost of even a momentary distraction The one thing that takes priority over everything else in my business (and probably yours, too) What I advise all my coaching clients to do if they feel like they’re not achieving their goals The Sunday afternoon habit that changed how I approach my week The strategy I use to shave hours off my week How a tomato transformed my workday Resources mentioned: University of California researcher Gloria Mark on the time cost of distracted work Francesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique to improve time management and reduce work-related stress David Cain put a new twist on the Pomodoro Technique in his book, How to Do Things Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all access, 7-day trial for just $7.

My only excuse is that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that running a successful business required more than just a strong desire to escape my corporate cubicle. I didn’t know that turning my “hobby business” into a full-time income meant it would no longer have the laid-back feel of a hobby at all. And I definitely didn’t know how much work I’d have to do inside my own brain before I could make the move from employee to freelancer to entrepreneur. I learned a lot of lessons and made a lot of mistakes, so let’s talk about the four biggest ones on today’s episode. My hope is by sharing them with you, I can help you avoid taking the same pointless detours. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: The “SMART” goal the kept me playing small. (Spoiler alert: It didn’t turn out to be smart at all.) How I let other people stand in my way (and three things I remind myself of now, to prevent that from happening again). Why not having a boss can be a bad thing for entrepreneurs. Seriously. The secret to not having any customers (a.k.a. Kevin Costner was misled). Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that helps you avoid pitfalls and make smarter business decisions right from the start. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7.

When I was growing up, my dad had a favorite expression: When all else fails, read the directions. For him, it was a tongue-in-cheek warning not to struggle needlessly when someone else had already laid out a plan I could follow. I took it literally, and honestly, it’s served me well. When I was brand new to business, I didn’t have the cash to buy courses or hire a coach. I barely had enough to pay for my website hosting and email platform. I also didn’t know how to do things like set up an email funnel or create and sell a digital product. I took dad’s “advice” and got scrappy. This is how I did it. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to get “on the job” training even when you don’t have a job. Why putting on a detective hat is a good move when you’re growing your business. How “muddling through” and figuring it out on my own made me a better business owner. The one step that most new business owners miss (and it’s a huge mistake). Which courses and coaching programs you should purchase, and why. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is a private community and learning resource for action-oriented entrepreneurs. Get your all-access, 7-day trial for just $7. Cal Newport is the author of Deep Work and host of the Deep Questions podcast. BuiltWith.com gives you a peak behind the curtain of any URL. Kit.com (formerly ConvertKit) is my email platform of choice. Amy Porterfield teaches online business with a focus on course creation and email marketing.

It seems like a smart, even inevitable solution. If you want to grow your revenue, you have to create more products. And it’s true. Sometimes. Clothing manufacturers won’t get far selling the same styles year after year. Authors (with rare exception) can’t live on the earnings of a single book. Even theme parks rely on new attractions to keep customers coming back for more. Maybe that’s why as course creators, we think our only option to grow is to create more. More courses, bigger membership, more coaching options. What if doing more is actually bad for business though? What if we’d be better served by scaling back and streamlining our offers, instead of creating more of them? What if we’d be more visible if we pared down our marketing only to those channels that attract our ideal customer? Come to think of it, what if we narrowed our definition of what “ideal” even means? What might that do for our business growth? Let’s find out in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: What the Pareto principle really means (and the impact it has on your life) Three questions to ask when deciding what to eliminate from your never-ending project list The big mistake I see clients making (and that I make frequently, too) Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that simplifies business and eliminates the overwhelm. Start today with an all-access 7-trial for just $7. 10X is Easier Than 2X is filled with examples of business owners who scaled back and streamlined to earn more. Explore my “big box of marketing ideas” in episode 138.

Business—and life in general—is filled with conflicting advice. We hear about the latest and best email platform, only to be told a week later that this other one is better. A new social platform is suddenly everyone’s favorite hangout, when just last month they were raving about a different app. Even business models are not immune. Are courses dead? Or are they making a comeback? Who even knows? All this conflicting advice is bad for business, and in more ways than one. It keeps you stuck, never able to fully embrace any one strategy, to become proficient at it, to leverage it to its full capability. It’s a primary cause of shiny object syndrome, that well-known affliction that causes us to move quickly from one thing to the next, never gaining traction anywhere. Short of unsubscribing from every business focused podcast and YouTube channel or moving to an off-grid cabin on a mountaintop, what else can you do to navigate through all of this conflicting advice? I have some (hopefully non-conflicting) advice you can try. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How our pursuit of quick wins leaves us vulnerable to conflicting advice Why comparisonitis makes you think you’re failing, even when you’re right on track Understanding the difference between learning and doing (one matters way more than the other) The power of starting before you’re ready Three questions to ask when deciding which advice to follow Resources mentioned: Amy Porterfield’s podcast is one of the best Pat Flynn is a fantastic role model for online entrepreneurs Gary Vaynerchuck has super-human content creation powers. His advice to create 64 pieces of content in a day proves it. The Side Hustle Show is filled with ideas and inspiration $100 MBA offers plenty of practical advice no matter what business you’re in Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program to help your business grow. Get started for just $7 today.

For all the systems and processes and funnels I’ve created to run my business, the one that rules them all might surprise you. It’s not complicated. It’s not automated. It’s not even digital. It’s a simple index card, and it runs my entire life. I’ll tell you all about it in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why I use index cards instead of my fancy notebook or some complicated digital solution. What goes on my index cards (everything, obviously). How I keep them organized. How I turn quick capture ideas into a course or other content. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program to help your business grow. Get started for just $7 today. My favorite brand of index cards on Amazon This box keeps all my course notes organized

I read a book that was written with AI, and I enjoyed it it. What’s more, I’m going to recommend that you read it, too. There’s something I never thought I’d hear myself say. I’ve been actively avoiding tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and rolling my eyes at those who claim their “Brand New AI App Creates Best-Seller Quality AI Courses And Automated Course Websites In Less Than 60 Seconds” (yes, that is a quote taken from an actual sales page). So when I came across a discussion of how Clarke Ching wrote his latest book with the help of AI… well, you can imagine my thoughts about it. But I’ve read another of his books. He’s smart and entertaining, and I knew he wouldn’t let any AI tool lessen his impact, so I was intrigued. After reading his latest book, “The Bottleneck Detective,” I knew I had to get him on the podcast to talk about his process. It’s not what you might think, and the results really do speak for themselves. Clarke Ching is known professionally as “The Bottleneck Guy.” He’s an author, speaker, mentor, and consultant who specializes in helping busy leaders and their teams identify and overcome bottlenecks to improve productivity and reclaim their time. I’m happy to have him join me on this episode for a behind-the-scenes look at how—and why—he worked with two popular AI tools to write his latest book. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: Two reasons Clarke believes his book is actually better for having used AI as his writing partner. Whether or not he chooses to disclose that the book was written with the help of AI, and why. Practical, useful ways you can work with AI to create content. The two tools Clarke used, and why he chose them. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems Clarke’s website and LinkedIn Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas and Tiago Forte Mac Power Users forum discussion regarding how Clarke wrote his book Find Clarke’s books on Amazon

Visibility is a must in business. Without it, you can’t grow an audience, and without an audience, you’ll have no clients. One of the best ways to be more visible is to get booked on podcasts. That lets you take advantage of the community someone else has built around your topic, so you can show up as the expert you are. Getting interviewed on podcasts is something we talk about often in the Six-Figure Systems community, and the most common question I hear is, “How do I find shows to pitch?” You can hire a podcast booking agency who will charge you thousands of dollars for a few interviews. You can work through a community matching platform and fill your days talking to new podcasters with few listeners. Or you can take the advice of today’s guest, and get creative. With a 90% success rate on his interview pitches, the results speak for themselves. And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to uncover the one thing that makes you the perfect guest for any show How to find the “vested audiences” who need your input The power of being invisible (there’s a method to this madness, it turns out) Can any show be too small to bother with? Do you really need a speaker one sheet? Do you have to listen to the podcast before you make your pitch? Resources mentioned: Find Dan Morris on Facebook Read Get Your Spark Back by Rachel Marie Martin Listen to Dan’s Tracing the Path podcast about pizza, cholera, and the Godfather Use Talkwalker to track media mentions Use Headliner to make the most of your podcast content Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7.

Would it surprise you to know that the topic of this podcast episode was planned out weeks ago? Or that I’ve known since last January what my promotion calendar would look like in December? At the end of each year, I sit down with my calendar and my index cards and map out what the next several months will look like. I decide what training I’ll be creating, plan the workshops for Six-Figure Systems members, and I even choose the topics for this podcast, my blog (now a Substack account) and newsletter. A few years ago, I didn’t appreciate the power of long-term planning. Today, I can’t imagine running a business without it. If you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t even know what I’m going to post next week, let alone eight months from now,” then I’ve got a system you can steal. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. What you’ll learn in this episode: My “big rocks” process for mapping out my year Why I must have a plan for what I’m creating (and why I think you should, too) How I come up with so many content ideas (hint: it’s all about my favorite office supply) Why better content planning leads to more sales Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building mentorship with self-study courses, hands-on support, and a welcoming community of course creators and coaches just like you. Take it for a test-drive for just $7. Substack is where I share weekly updates about what I’m doing to grow a 7-figure business.

I wouldn’t start with a brand new website or an expensive course platform. I wouldn’t spend money on graphics or write a book. I wouldn’t even create a tripwire or build a funnel. Instead, I’d keep it simple, and prioritize the three core elements of a sustainable online business: Content List building Offers These are the foundation pieces every business needs. Without them, those funnels and tripwires and course platforms are worthless. Of course, there’s a bit more to it than this simplified checklist, so let’s talk about how you can make this work for you and your brand new business. And if you’d prefer the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Three things I would not do if I were just starting out in 2025. These were some costly lessons in both time and money, and I hope you won’t make the same mistakes! One simple tweak that makes content marketing a more powerful tool (most people won’t do this). Why list-building still matters today—and probably always will. How to keep your offers simple, and why you must resist the urge to add more. Three ways your mindset impacts your business success, and what you can do about it. File this under “things I really wish I’d known sooner!” Resources mentioned: In Four Steps to Choosing Your Perfect Content Platform, I break down the three styles of content, and help you decide which one is right for you. In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks encouraged me to let go of my limitations so I could reach for something better. Carol Dweck’s Mindset taught me the secret to success is in understanding how much capacity we have to grow. James Clear reminds us all that there is always room for quality. Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.

I like to imagine an arm wrestling tournament. On one side of the table we have Gary Vaynerchuk, and on the other, Cal Newport. Both internet superstars. Both prolific content creators. Both sharing their unique perspectives on what it takes to find success in the world of business. Yes, one is more business focused and the other more career oriented, but the message, in a lot of ways, is the same. Here’s where they differ wildly though. Gary Vaynerchuk is the quantity guy. Be everywhere, all the time, is his motto. He’s the guy who taught us to create 64 pieces of content in a day. Newport, on the other hand, is the quality guy. Do less, but better might be his tagline. So what does that mean for content creators like us? Do we follow Gary Vee down Burnout Road, or take the leisurely (if more intense) Perfection Parkway that Newport recommends? In this episode, we’ll explore both options, consider the pros and cons of each, and (hopefully) find a solution that works for you unique business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you can’t have quality without quantity, and how to use that fact to your advantage. The reasons you might deliberately choose either quantity or quality, depending on where you’re at in your business growth Why I’m opting for more quality, even at this stage in my business Resources mentioned: Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity Gary Vaynerchuk’s How to Create 64 Pieces of Content in a Day How to create standout content Tiny Course Empire on YouTube Inevitable Success on Substack Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7.

Content is a critical part of your business success. Creating content is time-consuming. Entire industries have sprung up as a result of these two conflicting statements, from private label (done-for-you) content you can purchase for pennies to generative AI solutions and costly freelancers who handle all your writing needs. Honestly, I’ve tried all those solutions, and none of them worked for me. Done-for-you content didn’t sound like me (at least not without a lot of effort, and then what’s the point?). Generative AI is even worse. Ghostwriters—the good ones—are out of my budget. Not only that, but I enjoy creating my own content. I don’t want to outsource it, I just need a way to be more efficient with my time. That’s where a content framework shines. I use these simple frameworks to not only save time, but also to maintain consistency in my branding, ensure I’m not rambling or missing important bits (as I have a tendency to do when left unchecked), and they help me avoid the dreaded TMI trap. In this episode, I’m sharing my podcast framework, plus a simple three-part system you can use to build your own reuseable content framework. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How I shaved two entire days from my weekly podcast production schedule The simple, five-part framework I use as a fill-in-the-blank template to get me started An easy, three-question template you can use when creating any piece of content Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program for online entrepreneurs. You can join us today for just $7. If perfectionism throws a wrench into your content creation plans, here’s help.

This summer, we decided to retire all of the existing courses at CindyBidar.com. That touched off a flurry of questions from Six-Figure Systems members and others: Are you really retiring? Will I still have access to my purchases? What will happen to Six-Figure Systems? What will you do instead? Today, I’m answering those questions and more. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why we decided to retire our courses. What’s next for Six-Figure Systems. What to look forward to in the new year. A fun visibility project I’m planning. Two new coaching programs to consider. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my flagship resource where you can access all of my courses and toolkits for one low price.Start today for just $7. Cindy Bidar Susbstack

Some days I sit down at my desk and I can barely sit still. I flit from email to my writing app to a video I’m editing to a course outline and back again, making no progress on anything. I get up to get coffee, or take a shower, or eat breakfast, thinking that when I come back I’ll find my focus. Sometimes it works. Other times, I sit down just as distracted as I was before. What the heck is going on? I decided to find out, and the research I found is disturbing. 73% of us are overwhelmed with distractions. Employees lose 720 hours per year to workplace distraction. 68% of us are unable to maintain focus on important tasks. 60% can’t commit to even two hours of distraction-free work. While it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in my distraction battle, it’s concerning that distractions are such an issue—one that only seems to be getting worse. If constant distractions are preventing you from growing your business, making a difference in the lives of your clients, or accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself, you’ll be glad to know I’ve uncovered 14 ideas to help. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Two types of distractions we face, and why understanding the difference is the key to finding a solutions My favorite distraction-destroying tools How treating your business more like a job can help eliminate distractions before they become a problem Three ways your calendar can help manage distractions Two surprising habits that can help you stay focused What to do when, despite your best efforts, you just can’t overcome the distractions that derail your efforts Resources mentioned: Freedom.to is an app that blocks distracting websites. Be Focused is the app I use on my phone to time my work blocks. The Pomodoro Technique is a simple and effective way to maintain your focus. 10% Happier is the book that convinced me meditation was worth my time. Interstitial Journaling is a useful method for tracking your time and your results. Time blocking helps me prioritize my days and prevent what Cal Newport calls “uncontrolled time.”

Just one more revision. Just one more fact check. Just one more chapter. Then it will be ready to publish. Or will it? For content creators, perfectionism is a never-ending search for better, and the result is a backlog of content that’s never published. It’s never quite good enough. How do you set aside your perfectionism and start putting content out in the world that serves your audience and helps your community achieve their goals? I’ve got four ideas for you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Three not-so-surprising causes of perfectionism Five signs you might be a perfectionist (personally, I check all these boxes) What we can learn about overcoming perfectionism by some of the most successful creators How to give yourself permission to be a beginner Understanding the point of dimishing returns How a well-known golf term helps me get past my own perfectionism How I use time blocking and deadlines to get past my perfectionistic tendencies Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems Genetic and environmental contributions to perfectionism and its common factors Perfectionism and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Meta-Analytic Review

Crowded. Saturated. Red ocean. These are some of the words that might describe a difficult niche—one that’s so competitive it’s difficult for a new voice to gain traction. If those are the words you’re using to describe your niche, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin. You might think there’s no point in creating content, because no one will ever see it, and if they do, it will just be more noise for them. What if I said you have the power to stand out and make an impact even in the most competitive of niches? And what if I said it’s not even that hard to do? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I’ll give you three ways you can create standout content that grows your brand, no matter what niche you’re in. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: The right way to use AI and done-for-you content (and why the wrong way is the opposite of standing out) Why your “voice” is your brand, and how to develop yours Having the confidence to stand up for what you believe How your core values make you, you Resources mentioned: The Accidental Tech Podcast Core Values Assessment Six-Figure Systems

“But shouldn’t I have something to sell before I start creating content?” That’s a question I hear often, and my response is always, “No. You should create content so you know what to sell.” Here’s the thing. Content invites conversation. It helps you to refine your processes and your unique stance on topics that matter to your audience. It forms a foundation upon which you can build (and market) a sustainable business. That’s just one of the reasons I put content first in my business, and why I advise all of my clients to do the same. Today on the podcast I want to tell you five reasons content comes first in my business. I’ll share how I leverage content to build relationships, make sales, and yes, decide what courses and programs I should be creating for my clients. And I’ll let you in on maybe the biggest benefit of content creation that no one else talks about. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why content creation is the best way to learn about your audience, yourself, and your business How to create more conversations and collaboration opportunities through content How content creation supports another critical element of business success Why content rules, even if you have enough money to run all the ads you want to run How content helps you stand out even in a crowded niche Why content is an asset that will pay for itself over and over again The power of compounding content, and why you should start building that body of work right now Resources mentioned: The CLEAR Framework for building an online business Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we demystify what it really takes to start and grow a business online, with a special focus on eliminating the overwhelm. Start today for just $7 for your first week. The importance of consistency is one of 15 things I wish I knew sooner when building my business.

Do you ever look back and think, “Dang, I wish I’d known!” I’m not even talking about the big stuff, like the 2008 recession (although it can be argued that we all should have seen that one coming). What I’m talking about are things like, “Dang, I wish I’d known that I can wear whatever I want and no one will notice or care,” or “I wish I’d known that investing a tiny amount when you’re young adds up to big dividends when you’re old.” I’ve come across many of these lessons in business as well, and I’m sharing 15 of them with you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. It’s my hope that you will both benefit from my hindsight, and learn to identify the ideas you have today that will later become “I wish I’d knowns.” Because when you spot them early, “I wish I’d known” becomes “I’m glad I did.” That’s a much better outcome, don’t you think? Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the value of your work is probably not what you think it is The most important skill any entrepreneur can develop (and it’s not email marketing or copywriting or even self-discipline) The least important thing I spent the most time on, and what I would do instead What you can learn even from a failed launch How to stay frustrated and stuck, and what to change if you don’t want to be there Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we build your business from the ground up. Get started today for just $7. Ira Glass on doing creative work

Congratulations! You’ve completed your course and it’s ready to launch. All that’s left is to roll out the red carpet, right? Let’s hit the pause button for just a minute. What if I told you that before you publish that sales page, there are strategies you can use to make it easier to sell your course, and that will increase your sales, too? These are the same ideas multi-million dollar sellers use to pre-sell everything from McRib sandwiches (remember those?) to the new, must-have SUV. In this episode, I’ll show you how to use strategies just like this to improve sales of your digital courses. In fact, you could even be putting some of these tactics in place while your course is still in the planning and production stage. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to make your potential customers feel as if they’re members of an exclusive club—and why that makes a difference in your sales. How to leverage a waitlist to create better, more impactful courses. How to harness your own excitement about that new course and use it to pre-sell content long before the sales page is ready. Three powerful digital assets that drive interest and promote your course long before it’s ready to sell. Resources mentioned: The Course Creation Challenge is back, and you are the first to know! Register today, and before you know it, you’ll have your own digital course ready to launch. Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we dive deep into all things online marketing. Start today for just $7 for your first 7 days, and get instant access to every course, toolkit, and live training call.

Did you know course completion rates—and even the results your students achieve—can depend more on the design of the materials than the content you teach? I sure didn’t, but after speaking with learning design expert Lisa Tussey, it makes perfect sense. Learning design is all about making it easy for your students to be successful. I was thrilled to learn that we don’t have to radically change how we approach course creation either. Just a few simple tweaks is all it takes to transform a poorly designed course into one that has a real impact on your students. In this episode, you’ll hear Lisa’s best tips for improving video engagement, practicing inclusivity, and content development. Her backward approach to course design is a gold nugget you won’t want to miss—especially when she shares the dangers of including too much information. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to keep video viewers engaged, even if your lesson videos are long (along with some shocking stats about viewer drop-off rates for longer videos) Lisa’s backward planning method for course design How to avoid adding too much information to your course (and why it’s a problem when you do) Tips to help your students get more out of your courses Why it pays to apply these principles to all your trainings Resources mentioned: Understanding by Design Tiny Course Empire Quick & Easy Course Creation The Course Creation Challenge will be open for registration beginning September 24, 2024 Lost Connections Start with Why Summit-First Framework Get this free training on better course design Lisa’s course review offer Use promo code CINDY50 to save $50 for a limited time

Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time available. For course creators, nowhere is this more true than in the launching of a new course. I’ve seen creators spend months or even years planning and developing a single course. They start with the best of intentions, but with no milestones to aim for and endless time available, progress—ironically—slows to a crawl. I spent several months creating my first digital course. That was far longer than I intended it to take, and a big part of the problem was that I didn’t have a timeline to follow. I didn’t know that I needed to compartmentalize my tasks to keep from muddying the project waters. I didn’t know how to prevent scope creep—or how badly it could derail my progress. I didn’t know the importance of single-tasking. Fast forward a few years and a few dozen completed courses, and I now have a plan that lets me create a brand new course in four weeks or less, without the backtracking, overwhelm, and rabbit trails that can make a product launch take longer than necessary. I’m sharing my course creation timeline with you in this week’s episode, so you can make Parkinson’s Law work for you instead of against you. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: My tried-and-true four-week course creation plan Three reasons why creating a course takes longer than you want it to (and how to fix it) How to make adjustments to the timeline to match your course-creation style Why I write the sales page first Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I share everything I know about building and growing a digital course business. Start today for just $7 for your first week. Tiny Course Empire is my strategy for building a multiple-six-figure course business, one tiny course at a time. Six Ways to Validate Your Course Idea will help you decide if your course idea has legs, or if it’s a waste of your time. Quick & Easy Course Creation offers up the step-by-step process to follow to take your course from idea to finished in record time.

Pricing your digital course is surprisingly stressful. Charge too little, and you might end up feeling resentful about all the work you put into your training only to be “giving it away for practically nothing.” Price it too high, and you might feel self-conscious about it. Who do you think you are, anyway? So we try to apply some logic. We try to math, but when it comes to digital goods, math doesn’t work either. There’s no additional cost involved in delivering one more video download or one more PDF, so we can’t multiply the cost of goods sold by our markup to arrive at a retail price. What’s the answer then? Well, it’s one part art, one part intuition, with a dash of espionage and just a hint of a power pose thrown in for flavor. We’ll get into all the ins and outs of how to price a digital course in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire Podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: What I discovered about pricing while managing a gas station. Two reasons low-cost products and courses might be more trouble than they’re worth. Where not to land on the pricing scale (here there be dragons). The surprising element that can dramatically increase what potential students are willing to pay for your course. Resources mentioned: My CLEAR Framework offers a step-by-step strategy for building a digital business from the ground up. When you’ve worked through the Framework, pricing your online course becomes much easier. The Framework Formula turns what you know into what you’re known for, which in turn opens the door to premium pricing for every course you create. Six-Figure Systems is my monthly training program where we talk strategy, pricing, marketing, and all things digital course creation. Start a 7-day, all-access trial today for just $7. Peter Boyle’s $1 Product Challenge offers a great reason to create an ultra-low-cost product. Tiny Course Empire focuses on creating a library of small courses you can leverage in a variety of ways.

You already know you have something big to share with the world. You’ve overcome an obstacle, or achieved a goal, or helped others to do the same. You’re excited about the impact you can have on the world, and looking forward to being your own boss. The only question that remains is, “What’s the best business model to choose? Should you create courses or become a coach?” That’s what we’re answering in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. We’ll take a look at what makes each model appealing, the big drawbacks you need to be aware of, and I’ll give you some pointers for choosing the best model for you, your goals, and your students and clients, as well. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: 3 big downsides to the course creator model, and how coaching solves those problems How to fix the scalability issue you’ll face as a coach How even low-cost courses can turn into a seven-figure business The unique advantage a course-based business has over coaching Why you might want to consider a hybrid approach that capitalizes on the best elements of each model What it really takes to charge top dollar as a coach Resources mentioned: In Six Ways to Validate Your Course Idea, I’ll help you determine if your idea has legs or if you should go back to the drawing board. Coaching Without Calls from Angela Wills will show you how to do exactly that. If you’ve ever thought that you’d love to coach, but don’t have the time flexibility, this course is for you. Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I share everything I know about launching, growing, and scaling an online business. Start an all-access, seven-day trial for just $7 when you visit TinyCourseEmpire.com/join.

Quick! What comes to mind when you think of a digital course? Is it a multi-module resource with videos and downloadable PDFs inside Teachable? A big production like Marie Forleo’s B-School? Or something else completely? When I started out online, I thought courses had to follow a specific format, and honestly, that thinking kept me stuck for a while. Later I learned that courses can take many forms, and the one you choose has less to do with you than with your subject matter and your students’ preferences. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into six different styles of online courses, the pros and cons of each, and how you can know which one is right for you. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Two course formats you might not think of as “courses,” and why you may want to consider them The pros and cons to consider before deciding on your course format What to consider when you’re being too hard on yourself about your course creation skills How one course can become many, and why you might want to repurpose your content The best course styles for student success The skill you need if you want to create engagement in your courses (and it has nothing to do with your teaching style) Three questions to ask as you’re deciding which course format to try Resources mentioned: The CLEAR Framework is a free eCourse that helps you develop a strong online business foundation. Jennifer Burke has promised to keep my favorite content challenge going. Six-Figure Systems has all the resources you need to develop your course-creation skills, and you can get started for just $7 today.

In 2006, Rachel Martin launched what would later come to known as an “OG Mommy Blog.” She wasn’t sure at the time where it would go, or if it would mean anything to anyone else. Today that blog has reached more than 50 million page views, and Rachel’s content has been featured in The Today Show, NPR, and many more—including the Tiny Course Empire podcast. This week, Rachel joins me to talk about how she built a community of more than one million followers on Facebook, how she sets and achieves big goals, and why she loves getting out of her comfort zone. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How Rachel manages to run multiple businesses, write books, travel, and speak, all while raising 11 children. Why she’s sometimes called the “OG Mommy Blogger.” How she built a Facebook page with 1M+ followers (without spending a dime on ads). How she maintains a personal connection with millions of fans and followers. Why she thinks written content is still a force in a world filled with TikTok videos. Why it’s important for you to put yourself out there as the face of your business. How to push the limits of your comfort zone to create more growth—both personally and in business. What a polar plunge taught her about getting out of her own comfort zone. How he uses micro-challenges to achieve big, audacious goals. Resources mentioned: FindingJoy.net is where Rachel connects with other moms. Rachel’s husband, Dan, decided he wanted a vaulted ceiling in the garage. So he built one. Mom Enough offers inspiration to moms everywhere through a series of heartfelt letters. The Brave Art of Motherhood is for anyone who feels stuck in the “I’m just a mom” phase of life. Get Your Spark Back mixes personal stories with practical action steps to help you reignite your spark and live a vibrant, fulfilling life.

For years I told myself I wasn’t ready to create an online course. I didn’t have the skills. I didn’t have the audience. I didn’t know how to sell. I didn’t have anything unique or special to say. My list of reasons to not create a course was long and—I know now—meaningless. While I was waiting to build better skills and grow an audience and learn to sell and create a unique process, other, less-skilled entrepreneurs were making bank. I finally got over myself and discovered a few things about what it really means to be “ready” to create an online course. Let’s talk about it in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire Podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: The critical business piece to have in place before you launch your course (and it has nothing to do with your logo or website). How to know if your course idea is “good enough” (spoiler: it is). Why you need to stop letting your competitors make decisions about your business future. How to uplevel your skills so you can launch pro-level video courses. Why the tech should never hold you back. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that turns those overwhelming projects into doable action steps so you can grow your business. Start for just $7 today. 5 Course Creation Lies That Hold You Back How to Generate Endless Course Ideas ThriveCart makes selling and delivering online courses easier than ever, and it’s the most cost-effective solution available today.

Rachel Rogers tells the story of Noah Kagan asking, “Why isn’t your business at $100 million yet?” She didn’t have a good answer. It’s a thought-provoking question and one I want to ponder (on a bit smaller scale), so I wrote a sticky note and stuck it on the wall above my desk. “Why aren’t we earning $1M?” It’s easy to blame the economy, the competition, or Mercury in Retrograde (whatever that means). It’s much harder to point the finger back at myself and ask, “Why aren’t we earning $1M yet?” One thing I’ve uncovered—or let’s call it RE-discovered—is that habits are what make or break you, both in business and in life. And I have more than a few bad habits holding me back. Maybe you do, too. Let’s figure out how to fix them. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to stop letting problems get in the way of finding a solution. Why we overthink things, and how to keep things simple instead. Why it’s almost never the right time to change tools or platforms. What to do if you find yourself sucked into a rabbit hole of mindless scrolling. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program that turns those overwhelming projects into doable action steps so you can grow your business. Start for just $7 today. ConvertKit is my top choice for email platforms. This video offers one possible solution for list cleanup on ConverKit. Get the CLEAR Framework here. Three books I’m loving are The Big Leap, We Should All Be Millionaires, and Traffic Secrets.

I was chatting with a friend recently about what makes some businesses thrive, while others seem to struggle to build an audience and make sales. Is it the charismatic leader? The innovative ideas? The six-figure ads budget? No, no, and no. Turns out, it’s as simple as the framework they’ve developed to help their clients and customers achieve a goal. Whether it’s to be more organized, reduce clutter, or get out of debt, this foundational piece is the thing all successful coaching and course-based businesses seem to have in common. In this episode, we’re taking a look at some popular frameworks and the creators who made them famous, plus how you can develop your own memorable, transformational framework. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you don’t have to “create” a framework. Some of the most successful people have taken existing (and even obvious) ideas and turned them into 7- and 8-figure businesses. How a simple framework becomes a lifetime of coaching, courses, and paid speaking gigs. Examples of famous frameworks that sparked books, careers, and even inspired millions to clean up the clutter. How to begin developing your own framework. Resources mentioned: The Framework Formula is my brand new course and workshop, where I’m revealing everything you need to know about uncovering your unique framework ideas, marketing your framework, and how to turn the simplest of ideas into a thriving business. Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I know about email marketing and so much more. Take a 7-day full-access trial for just $7 and get instant access to 50+ courses, hundreds of hours of call recordings, and our exclusive Six Steps to Six Figures Roadmap. David Allen has been teaching his framework for decades. Marie Kondo has a one-question framework that sparked an industry. Jim Collins’ framework takes the guesswork out of starting a new business. Mel Robbins’ framework helped her overcome debilitating anxiety and depression and launch a 7-figure speaking career. Tara Jones has a framework for getting out of debt. Corrine Crabtree has a framework for losing 100 pounds. I have a framework for starting a business, and you can get it here for free!

You make as many as 35,000 decisions every single day: whether to get up or hit the snooze, what to wear, what to eat, which route to take to the store, which movie to watch. The list is almost endless. Most decisions are made in a fraction of a second without much thought. The choice between toast or cereal is, after all, pretty inconsequential. Some decisions are much more daunting than choosing breakfast, of course. That’s especially true when you’re embarking on a whole new adventure, like starting a business. The list of things you don’t know far outweighs the list of things you’re confident about, which makes deciding even more difficult. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I’m taking on decision making, and offering up six simple frameworks you can use to make any decision, whether big or small. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Six different frameworks to use when deciding anything, and the best uses for each. Why some decisions warrant more in-depth consideration, and some are not worthy of spending more than a few minutes. How your goals, your lifestyle, and your values impact the decisions you make. How to know when it’s time to let go of a project or plan (even if you love it). Resources mentioned: Start a seven-day, all-access Six-Figure Systems trial for just $7 Cal Newport talks about lifestyle-centric career planning Personal core values assessment The ICE scoring model Pareto principle

Relentless. It might have a negative vibe to it, if it makes you think of kudzu, serial killers, and lava flows. Relentlessness is a powerful force for good, though. It allows athletes to train their way to gold medals, and novelists to land seven-figure book deals. It also allows entrepreneurs like you and me to create our own economies with nothing more than a laptop and an internet connection. Because contrary to what some people might tell you, there is no easy button for building a business. You can’t just hand it over to your favorite AI and walk away. You have to be a little bit relentless in your pursuit of success. Don’t worry though. Even if you weren’t born with a relentless streak, it’s pretty easy to develop. In this episode, I’ll give you seven tactics to boost your resolve and help you keep going even when you want to quit. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How reframing a challenge keeps me motivated Why poor results are an opportunity, rather than a signal to quit How to celebrate small wins How to know when to give up What I learned from a diet coach that has improved my business Resources mentioned: Seth Godin’s The Dip This motivational cartoon Six-Figure Systems (snap up a $7 trial here)

You’ve listened to me bang on about email marketing for a few years now. You know how important it is (crucial, in fact). You know how much I prioritize email above all other marketing channels (because it’s the only one you own and control). You know my thoughts on list-building and engagement and staying in touch with your subscribers. And I know that for some of you, my email marketing method feels a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re just getting started. That’s why when I met Amy Kuphal, I knew I had to introduce her to you. Amy is an email marketing ninja, but more than that, she’s a systems lover, and she wants nothing more than to make email marketing easy for everyone to do. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! Join me for this interview, and you’ll learn: How Amy discovered the power of email marketing How Amy’s Lead Generation Pyramid works to grow your mailing list How an email list allowed Amy to scale her 1:1 coaching business while working fewer hours Why you should sell to your email subscribers first, and how Amy does it with integrity The most important part of your lead magnet (this one caught me off guard) Why launching your lead magnet fast is more important than making it perfect Where to promote your lead magnet with some creative ideas you’ve probably never thought of How to turn new subscribers into raving fans with a short welcome sequence How Amy is using AI in her email marketing content How to make writing a weekly newsletter easy with Amy’s email templates Resources mentioned: Amy Kuphal, email marketing specialist and online business coach The Inbox Entrepreneur Six-Figure Systems (snap up a $7 trial here)

This week, I’m joined by my friend, mentor, and one-time coach Kelly McCausey. You may recognize her as the creator of the Stretch Yourself Challenge, an annual event I credit with helping to launch a new era in my business. Kelly recently announced that she’s closing the doors on the content marketing side of her business so she can focus on full-time mindset coaching. To celebrate, she’s hosting one final Stretch Yourself Challenge event, so I invited her to come chat with me about content marketing. We talked about how she got started with creating content, the mistakes she sees some marketers making, and what’s next for her own content as she transitions from a B2B business into a B2C market. What you’ll learn in this episode: Kelly’s history with content marketing and why she still thinks it’s the best thing you can do for your business growth Kelly’s experience with SEO and what types of businesses benefit from it most The types of content you should not be creating (even though it feels fun and easy) How the Stretch Yourself Challenge evolved and how you can get involved Whether I prefer brownies or coffee mugs as a finisher’s prize Resources mentioned: Stretch Yourself Challenge #15 (the last hurrah) Me Skills (Kelly’s new home on the net) Six-Figure Systems (snap up a $7 trial here)

Six-Figure Systems has been closed to new members for a while. We’ve made some changes behind the scenes and introduced some new pricing tiers, and to celebrate our re-opening this week, I want to share a recent Q & A call with you. This call recording gives you a sneak peek into what we do inside Six-Figure Systems, and the support we offer to both new and more established business owners. Give it a listen and learn about things like prioritizing your projects, growing your email list, and selling digital products on third-party marketplaces. Then come join us on a podcast-listener exclusive 7-day trial for only $7. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to focus on the most important work and let the distractions go Six ways to grow your mailing list Selling digital products on Gumroad Changes to Gmail and Yahoo! email sender requirements Leveraging an existing audience when you don’t (yet) have one of your own How to choose just one idea when you have so many Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems podcast listener trial. Start today for only $7. Atomic Habits by James Clear Gumroad Udemy Google’s email sender guidelines What email marketers need to know about Google and Yahoo! email changes

There’s something attractive about an online business, and it’s not just because you can work from home in your pajamas and fuzzy slippers. For many online entrepreneurs, anonymity is appealing. The thought—whether conscious or not—of hiding behind a laptop screen, never appearing in public, and even using a pseudonym in place of their real name makes introverted entrepreneurs feel safe. But is keeping a low profile, firmly sheltered within that comfort zone cocoon, really doing your business any good? And if not, what steps can you take to expand your cozy bubble, show off your brilliance, and earn what you deserve? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why I believe every online business owner must be willing to step out of his or her comfort zone, especially right now How comfort zones hold you back (including a little-known benefit of pushing yourself just a little further than you like) What the research says about the stress and anxiety you’re feeling as you try to put yourself out into the world How your own brain is working against you, and what you can do to rewire it Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems trial offer: Start today for just $7. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (free webinar February 15, 2024)

Imagine having the confidence to know your next blog post will hit the top of the search results. Or that your next sales page will convert well. Or that your ads campaign will bring in new subscribers. That’s what having well-maintained SOPs (standard operating procedures) can do for your business… so why do we not make them a priority? If you’ve ever said: I know I need better procedures, but I don’t know where to start I have procedures and checklists… somewhere I don’t need procedures because I’m the only one who works here I don’t want procedures—they’ll just stifle my creativity Then this episode is for you. We’re going to take a deep dive into creating better procedures and checklists, including how to write them, where to keep them, how to keep them updated, and more. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: The critical difference between processes, procedures, and work instructions, and why they’re all called simply “checklists” How to make a truly useful checklist by just asking a few questions How to maintain your SOPs without it sucking up all your time Where to keep your procedures The number one way to get your team to use your procedures and checklists—maybe the only way Resources mentioned: Atul Gawande’s Checklist Manifesto Sam Carpenter’s Work the System Our own Six-Figure Systems Program

“It takes me forever to write a single email.” That’s what my friend Tish said when I casually mentioned I had written 10 emails that morning. It’s a complaint I hear from other online business owners, too. Content is such a critical part of doing business online, but yet we struggle to create it consistently. Sound familiar? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I have 17 tips I’ve learned since I fired up my keyboard for the first time. Some will help you write faster, some will help you write better, and some will maybe just give you food for thought. But if you’re a writer (and you are) they’ll all help you improve your craft in some way. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to make course creation (or slide decks, or planners) take way longer than it should Why your high-school writing teacher was all wrong Two lessons I learned from fiction writers that will make your content more compelling The real reason you need to proofread your writing (and it’s not because people will judge you for your typos) The number one way to never run out of ideas What the productivity gurus can teach us about good writing habits Resources mentioned: Tish Lee podcasts about body positivity at Shining Self Stephen King’s “On Writing” is one of the best books about the craft whether you’re publishing blog posts or trashy romance novels Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” is a masterclass on how to be more creative Cal Newport recommends productive meditation for solving problems. I find it useful for being more creative. Shower Thoughts on Reddit is a fun diversion (but don’t spend too much time there)

Feeling a little confused about the upcoming Google and Yahoo! email changes? Hearing lots of scary-sounding acronyms and wondering what the heck they even mean? You’re not alone. A few months ago both Google (Gmail) and Yahoo! announced that beginning in 2024, they will impose new requirements on senders of bulk email—in other words, email marketers like us—and if we want to keep our email messages out of the spam folder, we’d need to shape up. What exactly are these new requirements, and how can you make sure your emails are compliant? That’s what we’re going to find out in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, and how they work to authenticate your email Which of your email subscribers are impacted How sender rules are changing, and when Important dates you need to know How spam complaints are counted, and what’s considered an acceptable number Where to get help if you need it Resources mentioned: Google Postmaster Tools Google Email Sender Guidelines Yahoo! Sender Requirements & Recommendations MailerLite blog post/video on domain authentication Verify your domain with ConvertKit SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Authentication on ActiveCampaign How to make sure your emails get through from Email Tool Tester

One of my favorite podcasters, Mike Schmitz, has a rule for his kids: “Create more than you consume.” This is great advice not just for kids, but for all of us—maybe especially for online business owners. With a never-ending supply of webinars, courses, blog posts, TikToks, YouTube, books, and more, it’s easy to find yourself consuming more than you produce. That’s a dangerous path to follow when your income is dependent on the courses, products, and other content you create. But where should you draw the line between “need to learn” and “need to create”? That’s what we’re exploring in this week’s podcast episode. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you can’t learn without creating How to choose what you consume with more intention Why content creation is harder than content consumption Why learning new things feels more productive than it really is The difference between high-value and low-value consumption How not to waste time and money on content you can’t use How to schedule enough time to both learn AND implement Resources mentioned: Mike Schmitz on Focused and on Bookworm MyNAMS Six-Figure Systems Lynn Terry’s ClickNewz How to Grow an Idea Garden

I’m talking a lot about content lately. It’s the first stop on the Online Business Roadmap, and for a good reason: It’s one of the pillars of your marketing plan. The only question is, what’s your content style? Will you be all business? Will you let your personality determine the direction you take? Or will you approach your content like a scientist, and follow the keyword data to find success? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I’m breaking down the three distinct content marketing styles. I’ll share some examples of each style, plus I’ll give you the pros and cons, so you can find the right style for your marketing goals. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Three styles of content marketing, and how to know which one is right for you How your content style helps shape your business income strategies Which style of content is best if you prefer to stay “behind the scenes” Why most people who identify as “creative” shy away from certain content styles Resources mentioned: Stupid Simple SEO Niche Site Academy Finding Joy Ahrefs The Care and Feeding of Your Idea Garden

The first time I realized that not everyone could easily break big projects into easily finished, bite-sized tasks was when I implemented (what I assumed was) a simple worksheet for tracking and completing a large project. My client—the beneficiary of the project worksheet—was so impressed he shared it with the rest of the team, and asked me to create more workflows for other ongoing projects. That was when I knew that not everyone thinks like me. Not everyone can look at a big project and see the smaller building blocks, and what order to complete them in for best results. Not everyone can easily see where the gaps are, and identify the things that can be safely eliminated. Turns out, that’s my superpower. If it isn’t yours though, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with this episode because I’m letting you in on my easy, four-step process for creating efficient, productive workflows in your business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: My four-step process for creating an efficient, effective, and results-oriented workflow out of any project. Four steps to quickly create a rough draft of a project plan. Why your first instinct (“I’ll just outsource this!”) is likely the wrong one. Resources mentioned: Canva Trello Asana Flowlu Text Expander Marketing without social media Six-Figure Systems

Congratulations on completing that brand-new course! Everything is ready to go—the videos are edited, the worksheets are beautiful, the transcripts are done, and you’re even proud of the sales page. There’s just one thing missing… testimonials. And that’s the sticky bit, isn’t it? I mean, how are you supposed to get testimonials when you haven’t sold anything yet? And how can you sell anything without testimonials? It’s a catch-22, online marketing style. The good news is that testimonials aren’t strictly required. Nice to have, for sure, but not a requirement. Some people—most maybe—will buy without them. But the even better news is this: You do have testimonials (or you can get them) even if you are brand new, even if you’ve never launched a course before, even if you just started your business this very morning. Listen up, and I’ll tell you all about it. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: What makes for a really great testimonial Why less-than-stellar testimonials still work 4 places to find testimonials for a brand-new product or course 3 examples of social proof that don’t require testimonials at all Why your testimonial collection is a living document, and how to keep it thriving How to get really good—I mean REALLY good—testimonials Resources mentioned: Indestractable, by Nir Eyal James Clear Shane Snow Greg McKeown Tiny Course Empire Six-Figure Systems Angela Wills Trello Evernote

As online business owners, we’re no stranger to digital tools. We build websites, edit video, create graphics, develop courses, take payments, host video calls, and even sometimes use pen and paper to organize our thoughts. Always in the back of our minds lurks the question, is this the best tool? Is there something else out there I should be using instead? Is there something better? In this episode, I’m taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the apps and tools that are running my business, including what’s changed in the past year, and what’s due for a change in 2024. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why I changed up my single most important marketing tool this year, and what I’m using instead. Why I still recommend (strongly) that you own and control your online home, the platform I use, and the one I’d choose if I were just getting started today. Where I host specialty files, such as video and audio. Why I’m abandoning my (formerly) favorite page builder in 2024, and the tool that will replace it. Why my preferred shopping cart isn’t what I recommend you use, especially if you’re just getting started, as well as my current top pick. Resources mentioned: LiquidWeb MomWebs Vimeo Libsyn Dropbox Google Drive Amazon S3 WordPress Astra Membership Academy ThriveThemes Eliminator SolidWP PostGopher Seriously Simple Podcasting Squarespace ConvertKit MailerLite Medium.com Substack aMember PayPal Stripe ThriveCart Canva Deposit Photos Ulysses Scrivener Audacity Noota.io Camtasia Snagit Trafft Zoom Trello Flowlu MacBook Pro, 16” M1 ATR 2100 USB mic Focusrite Scarlett Solo Logitech web cam LG UltraFine 32” monitor Leuchtturm 1917 notebook Bear Evernote

According to Side Hustle Nation, 39% of employed Americans have a side hustle? And that 30% of those people hope to turn their side hustle into a full-time gig? If you’re building a business along side a more traditional jobby-job, you’re in good company. It’s how lots of small business owners (including yours truly) got their start. That doesn’t mean juggling a business and a job is easy though. There are some pitfalls to watch out for, and many people will stumble along the way. Recently a listener wrote in and asked my advice on how to manage a growing business while still working a day job, so let’s tackle that question together on this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: The one thing you must do to build a business on the side Where to find the time when you think you don’t have a minute to spare My top tip for avoiding overwork and burnout (especially if you’re a freelancer) What to focus on first when your time is limited Two things we did to make the transition from employee to entrepreneur less stressful Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly online business coaching program. Carl Pullein is one of my favorite podcasters, and his productivity advice is useful for anyone trying to build a business while still holding a full-time job.

Two and a half years ago I sat down to record the very first episode of this podcast. I’d been a podcast listener for years—right now I’m subscribed to about 25 different shows, and I listen to dozens more on an episode-by-episode basis. So when I decided it was time to really embrace content marketing as a tool in my business, podcasting was my first choice. I knew a few things going in. I knew I had to be in it for the long-run. Content marketing is all about long-term strategy, not quick wins, so I was committed to a long-term plan. I knew I had to be consistent. Probably more than any other content medium, podcasting benefits from a consistent publishing schedule. I knew I wanted to teach, not interview. I’ve never enjoyed listening to interview style shows, and I never wanted to create one, so I knew going in that this would be a solo show—just me and my thoughts about running an online business. I also thought I was prepared, but there are always things you can’t truly know ahead of time. In this 100th episode, I’ll share five things I learned (or learned again) over the past 27 months. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Two big benefits of consistency that go way beyond just earning more money How setting deadlines in public helps ensure I do what I intend to do Why building a sustainable business requires long-term commitment (and that’s actually a good thing) Why showing up as your imperfect self is good enough Resources mentioned: Cal Newport’s Deep Questions is one of about 25 podcasts I regularly listen to. Letting Go of Perfectionism

There are two ways to make more money in your business: You can either sell more products, or you can increase the price of the products you sell. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how simple improvements in your product offers can result in both more sales and in higher revenue. In many cases, you can even make these improvements without adding a bunch of extra work for yourself. How’s that for a win/win? Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why your customers value proximity, and three ways to offer it without booking 1:1 calls How “perceived value” works to increase your revenue How catering to different learning styles can allow you to charge more for the same product Why making it easier for your customer to succeed can result in more sales Resources mentioned: How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Improving your content marketing results (Online Business Roadmap Step 6) Improving your opt-in funnel (Online Business Roadmap Step 7) Increasing engagement and making more sales with email marketing

One of the biggest lessons I learned in business is that I don’t have to work harder to make more money. I just have to improve what’s already working. It’s all about turning up the dial in a few strategic places so that you can build your list faster, generate more opens, and get more eyes on your offers. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How incremental improvements increase revenue without having to work harder Why no one can tell you what your open or click rates should be, and why you should still care about them Why you don’t need a complicated split-testing system to make improvements to your email marketing efforts How to change up your calls to action to increase click through Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Improving your content marketing results (Online Business Roadmap Step 6) Improving your opt-in funnel (Online Business Roadmap Step 7)

Running an online business is a continuous cycle of improvements. That’s how small startups become thriving businesses. That’s what phase two of the online business roadmap series is all about. In this week’s episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, we’re going to focus on some small improvements you can make to your opt-in offer so that it begins to turn new subscribers into buyers. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: What a tripwire is, and how to add one to your opt-in funnel using the assets you’ve already created How to quickly write an email follow up sequence (also known as a funnel or autoresponder) to promote your paid products Why email funnels are ultimately better than broadcast emails for making sales Three places to offer your subscribers an opportunity to buy from you Resources mentioned: The Tripwire Toolkit offers checklists to make creating tripwires easier Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I’ve learned over the past 12+ years about building and growing an online business TheOpt-In Funnel QuickStart Guide details all the steps for creating your first opt-in funnel The Opt-In Funnel Follow Ups are email templates you can edit and add to your funnels

Congratulations! If you’ve been following along with the last few episodes of this podcast, then you have made it through phase one building an online business from scratch. So far you’ve established a content publishing routine, created your first opt-in offer, build a newsletter habit, released a paid product, and written a sales page for it. Well done! With that foundation in place, now you’re in a great position to start growing, so in this episode, we’re going to circle back to your content routine, and look for ways you can improve your results. We’ll make plans for getting in front of a wider audience, driving more traffic, and refining your messaging to better appeal to your ideal customer. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: How to know what your audience needs from you (including paid products to create) Why you should be publishing your content on more than one channel Why now is the right time to build your own website if you haven’t yet done that How to borrow other people’s audiences to boost your own How to get started with search engine optimization Why it’s important to pay attention to your own content preferences, too Resources mentioned: How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Stupid Simple SEO is the most comprehensive SEO training I’ve seen Easy On-Page SEO (for beginners) offers simple strategies for getting started with search optimization Medium.com is a publishing platform used by thousands of bloggers and podcasters in hundreds of niches. Substack.com offers both blogging and newsletter management, and provides a way for creators to get paid, too.