The Smart Passive Income Online Business And Blogging Podcast

#783 As creators, starting a physical products business might seem daunting. But is there a future where something like MrBeast's Feastables puts companies like Hershey out of business? Will influencers eventually run the biggest brands in the world? In this episode, I chat with a solo blogger turned empire builder. My friend Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening is back on the show to give us an inside look at the 10x growth he's pulled off since our last chat. We discuss affiliate marketing, drop shipping, and creating original products on your own or through partnerships with other companies. We also dive into Kevin's content creation schedule. His brand puts out a wild 120 to 180 articles per month. But that's not all. Kevin and his team publish across several YouTube channels, with some videos requiring months of shooting and preparation. Listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session783.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac

#782 Something wild happened to me at lunch the other day. Even though this embarrassed me in public, there are lessons for us here. So, let me get it off my chest! I was on a Zoom call for work when, out of nowhere, a woman snapped at me. You see, she thought I was recording a video of her and her son. Before I could explain, this woman started calling me a creeper. As I turned my screen toward her to reveal I was on a call, she immediately realized her error. Apologies started flying, but it was clear this woman had other stuff going on that made her verbally attack me. The truth is, we can't ever know what other people are going through. This also applies to the trolls and haters we encounter as content creators and online business owners. So listen in for my perspective on leading with empathy and the importance of controlling your reactions! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session782.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#d

#781 Techno-optimists or not, we can't ignore the AI-powered tools already changing how people work and create. So, what can you do to make yourself and your services irreplaceable? In this episode, we have an honest conversation about the future of audio content. As we look at how voice cloning is already affecting creators and artists, we share both rosy and realistic predictions for where things are going. Joining me are Mike and Izabela Russell from Music Radio Creative. [affiliate link] I use their audio agency for everything from podcast editing to original songs about Pokémon for Deep Pocket Monster! Mike and Izabela reveal how they leverage free educational content, Shopify, affiliate marketing, and relationships with hundreds of artists and audio engineers to grow and run their massive business. I also know their tips for staying profitable in the Age of AI will be a wake-up call for some and a game-changer for others. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session781.See Privacy Policy

#780 Many creators and entrepreneurs play it safe. Here's the thing, though. That's actually a dangerous mindset to have if you want to see your brand grow. So how do you take the kinds of risks that lead to massive rewards? For the last year, we've all been talking about the incredible 10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. I've also been applying this perspective to SPI and Deep Pocket Monster, my Pokémon YouTube channel, and the results have been game-changing! So what are the key principles that have stuck with me after reading this book? How do you leverage and set ambitious goals to 10x your growth? When does it make sense to focus on incremental improvements instead? I cover all of this in today's deep dive into one of the most influential books of the last few years. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session780.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#779 Many creators struggle with finding and negotiating sponsorships. One of the problems is that they're often not aiming for win-win-win deals. For an effective partnership, the value proposition should be obvious to you, the brand you're promoting, and your audience. So, how do you ask the right questions to uncover unexpected sponsorship opportunities? My returning guest, Justin Moore, is the founder of Creator Wizard. Since our last chat in episode 631, his incredible work helping people learn about brand deals has been blowing up online. Today, I wanted to have Justin back on the show to share a look at his business and the mindset that's helping him grow! This is a great chat because we dive into Justin's Sponsorship Strategy Summit, the value of networking and building relationships, finding the right mastermind group to help you level up, and why you should share case studies and success stories. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session779.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/

#778 If growing your business were easy, what would it look like? This is a powerful question because many of us tend to overcomplicate things. So how do we build a brand without getting distracted by things that don't matter? I haven't recorded a coaching call episode like this in a long time—not since the AskPat days! We wanted to bring that energy back in today's session, so listen in as I help Cassie Shawcross of DivineJourneyBoutique.com understand her limiting beliefs and use her strengths to grow! Leaving a traditional career to become an entrepreneur is scary. But isn't always being stuck in jobs we don't want just as frightening a prospect? You'll want to listen in on this call because the perspective we gain leads to some inspiring breakthroughs for Cassie! This is a great conversation about being open to opportunities and bringing your people together. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session778.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt

#777 How do we sell more of our products? Essentially, what are the top strategies to get new leads and convert them into customers? Also, which tactics have stopped working, and where do we invest our time and money to get the best results? This is just a small part of today's wide-ranging conversation. My guest is Ben Harris from ClickFunnels, a popular and powerful platform for getting more people to your website and online store. You don't need to be a ClickFunnels user to learn from today's episode, though! Ben and I chat about buying ads outside platforms like Google and Meta, leveraging Facebook groups to simultaneously generate leads and build a community, soap opera email sequences, running webinars on YouTube, and more! Tune in because we get into basic and advanced tactics you might not have explored or considered yet! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session777.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf

#776 Businesses often use bonuses to sweeten the deal on what they're selling. Done well, this can be a great strategy to attract more customers. But when do the extras you offer start working against you? How do you use this tactic the right way to create irresistible deals? In 2024, I'm taking these Friday episodes up a notch with specific ideas and frameworks you can implement to optimize and grow your brand. This session is no different because today I'll help you create the perfect bonus sandwich. With this strategy, you'll select the best perks to complement your main product and avoid mistakes many entrepreneurs make! So, what are the bonuses that customers actually want? When should you avoid using any extras at all? How do you determine and market the total value of your offer? Join me to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session776.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#775 Selling a piece of software you've created and grown can be a massive windfall. But where do you start if you have an idea for a tool or service but can't write any code? What do you need to know upfront, and what would working with a programmer or development team cost? In episode 772, I offered you a sneak peek at my newest software venture. Now, Dave Chesson and Bhanuka Harischandra of Surge Global are joining me to reveal even more about this project and process. Together with their incredible team in Sri Lanka, Dave and Bhanuka are helping me bring my vision to life. So, how do you decide if your idea is worth building and investing in? What are the hidden costs of developing and maintaining software? How do you build something that actually works and attracts users? Tune in to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session775.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#774 I get asked this all the time—if I were starting over with $1000 to invest in an online business, what would I do? And here's my answer—I would go offline. This always surprises people, but the approach I cover today is the most powerful way to begin your entrepreneurial journey. But if you want to set yourself up for success, the most important part of this process should happen before you spend any money at all! In this episode, I want to help you find the right niche for your skillset and identify the key elements that will give you a leg up. So where would my $1000 go? This is the part that surprises people the most because my budget would all go toward building relationships in the space I've chosen. So, listen in to learn how I would leverage the easiest way to meet people in any industry—attending in-person live events! Show notes and more SmartPassiveIncome.com/session774.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

#773 How effective is the marketing copy around your products? For many entrepreneurs, this is one of the aspects of online business they struggle with the most. And the truth is, there are no shortcuts to great writing. So, how do we generate compelling stories and sales pages? There's no one better to answer this question for us than the godfather of modern copywriting himself, Ray Edwards. Ray is the author of How to Write Copy That Sells and Read This or Die. His expertise is priceless, and today, Ray delivers an absolute masterclass on marketing communication in the age of AI. You'll hear us explore his PASTOR framework to guide you through every step, from positioning your products to making sales and getting incredible testimonials. Listen in because Ray and I also share the most powerful ways to leverage tools like ChatGPT to take your marketing game to the next level fast! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session773.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N

#772 Regular listeners know I love bringing you along for the journey as I start new projects. Listen in to get a first glimpse at the software venture I hope will provide a game-changing solution for a problem no one is tackling. I desperately need this tool in my workflow, and know a lot of other creators will benefit from it as well. So, what am I talking about? I won't share all the details in this episode, but you'll get a clear look at what I'm building. This is a fascinating process because, like many of you, I don't know how to write code. That said, this is not my first time dabbling in software. I'm taking everything I've learned creating Fusebox.fm, sharing it with you, and applying it to this project. I'm also building this to sell, so I get into the economics behind this venture as well today. Tune in, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session772.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#771 What comes to mind when you think about recording video? Many people let their aversion to being on camera hurt the growth of their brands. Still, we all know we need to get comfortable with this to make the most of today's social media landscape! But where do you start as a complete beginner? How do you create consistently, and how often do you need to upload to YouTube to build an audience? For your online courses, what is the best way to plan and leverage videos? We cover all this and more in today's episode with my friend, collaborator, and frequent guest, Caleb Wojcik. As we're expanding the Expert in Residence program inside SPI Pro, we're enlisting Caleb as our go-to resource for all things video. Don't miss out because we discuss everything from a quantity-over-quality mindset for beginners to batch recording and easy editing! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session771.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s

#770 Making your first hire is a massive step in your entrepreneurial journey! If you're onboarding your first employee or contractor or need a refresher on being an effective team leader, listen in because this episode is for you! Of course, I've often had Jess Lindgren, my executive assistant of over ten years, on the show. Go to episode 753 to uncover the lessons we've learned working together for so long! But what do you need to do on day one with your first hire? And what are the specific things you definitely need to check off in the first week of working with someone new? Today, I cover everything from onboarding and company culture to protecting yourself against scammers and employees going AWOL. And shout out to our SPI Pro member, Derek Miller of Genius Lab Gear, for inspiring me to cover this topic! Tune in, and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session770.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf

#769 Very few people work the same job their whole lives anymore. Even so, many of us still perceive having to change careers as having failed. But what if a new role is actually an opportunity? This is the topic of today's conversation with my returning guest, Barrett Brooks. In the decade since our last chat, he has had to reinvent himself several times to uncover the best use of his knowledge and talents. Listen in on this inspiring session because we highlight the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and provide a fresh perspective on career experimentation! I can't wait to share this with you because Barrett's wisdom on becoming a better person, leader, and employee is incredibly valuable—so much so that we've hired him as a consultant at SPI to help us learn about each other and work better as a team! Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session769.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#768 We need to talk about pricing. Specifically, we need to discuss how discounts are hurting your business! Don't get me wrong—special offers can work wonders for your sales. So why would we want to remove this tool from our marketing arsenal? Listen in on this session for a behind-the-scenes look at what we're doing at SPI and the cohort-based model that's replaced discounts for us! This has been an incredible business move and a massive boost to our student and community member success rates. Of course, offering products at a lower price point still makes sense in some very specific scenarios. Tune in to also get my thoughts on when to use discounts in your product lifecycle. Don't miss out on this one. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session768.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#767 The strategies we used to rely on for growth on YouTube aren't working anymore. So, what are up-and-coming creators doing to build an audience? Which tactics get you more views and subscribers right now? I've had a lot of big names in the YouTube space on the show, everyone from Ali Abdaal to MKBHD. But today, I wanted to get a fresh perspective from someone who is just starting to make waves. There's a lot of buzz around my guest, Aprilynne Alter, due to her ability to uncover the secrets behind modern viral videos. In this episode, we really get in the weeds of the video creation process. We discuss everything from the idea and research phase to which metrics you should keep an eye on for maximum growth. Aprilynne puts hundreds of hours into her videos, and her insights on titles, thumbnails, quality versus quantity, and time management will surprise some of you! Show notes and more at https://SmartPassiveIncome.com/session767.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic

#766 Podcasting is a powerful way to generate revenue, but what are your monetization options if you're not reaching a massive audience yet? The thing is, big sponsors expect a minimum of ten thousand downloads per episode. So, how can you leverage a small, loyal following instead? Listen in because we're back with another incredible Teaching Friday session. Lauren Popish, our guest host, is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an educational platform and production agency helping women-led shows grow. Through her work, Lauren has uncovered the best strategies for podcasters at every level. If you're in a small niche or just starting out, tune in and take advantage of her expertise! This episode is a deep dive into affiliate marketing, listener donations, subscriptions, premium content, and selling your products and services through podcasting. For more from Lauren, visit TheWavePodcasting.com/pat to download her free Monetization Blueprint! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session766.See Privacy

#765 How close are you to burnout right now? If you buy into modern hustle culture, overworking yourself at the expense of your health is inevitable. But is this the best way to produce great work? In this episode, Cal Newport joins me to share an insightful look at the productivity habits of knowledge workers throughout history. This is a fascinating chat about how thinkers and creators managed their time before we adapted an assembly line model to innovation. Listen in and check out Cal's new book, Slow Productivity, for more on this topic! So, what are the three principles of accomplishing more without burnout? Mastering this lost art is a matter of doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and focusing on quality. Easier said than done. This is why Cal and I dive into each of these steps and uncover the lessons from the past we can apply to our modern work patterns! Show notes and more at https://SmartPassiveIncome.com/session765.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy

#764 Relying on motivation and willpower alone is not a sustainable way to grow your business. Instead, try building small routines that move you toward your goals every day. But what is the anatomy of a positive habit? How do you apply behavioral science findings to everyday tasks for greater success? Listen in because this Teaching Friday episode is the first of its kind! Our returning guest host is Julie DeLucca-Collins of Go Confidently Coaching. Today, she is interviewing Linda Fogg-Phillips, CEO and co-founder of the Tiny Habits Academy, for a chat that unlocks the steps of leveraging positive emotions to get more done. Julie and Linda share a look at the ABC method for behavior change and the Maui habit that can shift your mindset every day! This discussion is based on concepts introduced by Dr. BJ Fogg in the New York Times bestseller Tiny Habits. Tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session764.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at