Hey Reader, Lately, I’ve been hearing a version of the same question over and over again: “Am I doing the right things?” Usually, it’s followed by something like, “I’ve been showing up. I’m posting. I’m emailing. I’m making offers… but it feels like nothing’s working.” I get it. I’ve been there too. You’re doing “all the things. Or at least the ones you were told matter. But you’re not seeing the results you expected. Here’s what I usually say back: First, you might be doing the right things…...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, We’re a little more than halfway through the year, and if you’re anything like me, your feed is still flooded with lists of the latest trends, marketing must-dos, and new platform hacks. Honestly? Most of it just makes me feel behind. So instead of giving you more to do, let’s try something different. Here are 9 things I think we should all STOP doing. Stop trying to create content for everyone. You’re not for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Your content should speak directly...
18 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, Let’s be real for a second: if you’re serious about turning your side hustle into something sustainable, building your email list isn’t optional, it’s foundational. I know I’ve said this before (probably more than once), but here I am saying it again… because it’s that important. Social media is great for discovery and engagement, but it’s borrowed land. Your followers? Not really yours. But your email list? That’s your house. You make the rules. And when you show up consistently...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, Imposter syndrome is sneaky, right? It’s that voice that whispers, “You’re not ready.” “You don’t know enough.” “Who do you think you are to do this?” It shows up as perfectionism. As procrastination. As over-researching instead of starting. And for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs, it’s pretty common. (Like, annoyingly common.) And look, I could spend the next 500 emails telling you how smart, capable, and creative you are. But here’s the thing: hearing it from someone else...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, If there’s one thing that’s made the biggest difference in our team's success over the years, it’s this: We listen. It sounds simple (and it is), but it’s wildly underrated. Whether you’re running a consulting business, launching a course, starting a podcast, or growing a side hustle, you can’t grow for your audience if you’re not listening to your audience. In his book Superfans, Pat Flynn calls this “learning the lyrics.” It means listening to how your audience talks about their...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader, Back in December, I shared that I had been holding on to a SWOT Analysis Workbook for more than 6 months without sharing it out. I was waiting for it to be "perfect" or "ready." The truth is, it's likely never going to be perfect...but it can be ready. So I shared it with you and got some really great feedback. I've made some adjustments from that feedback, and wanted to share it again today. Why? Well, because what I would typically do is receive that feedback and spend another 6...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader, I’ve started a lot of businesses over the last 20 years or so. I’ve done a lot of things. Started a record label, managed the janitorial crew of a 18 building facility for a multi-billion dollar company, sold life and health insurance, ran fast food restaurants, helped open a bar, co-owned a concert club, and launched an online marketing firm. I’ve had some successes, and I’ve had a lot of failures. Most importantly, I’ve learned a ton along the way. A little over 10 years ago, I...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader, Did you know that more than 50% of new businesses fail within the first 5 years? It gets even worse in years 6-10. I just realized that we've had a profitable business for more than 10 years now. Has it been smooth sailing for the nearly decade we've been trying to figure this thing out? Hell no. It's been a crazy ride with more twists and turns than I could have ever expected. But, we're still here after a decade. That puts us in a category with a very small percentage of...
2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader, Woah! You actually opened it. That's awesome! First off, THANK YOU. I don't not take it lightly that you open these emails. It means a lot. Secondly, before I jump into what I wanted to share here, I wanted to let you know...I started a separate newsletter on Substack. I know, why, right? I actually explain why in my first post over there. Some of the content will overlap with this newsletter, but a lot of it is going to be a little more raw and unpolished over there...and will...
2 months ago • 5 min read