Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

"Sometimes being an outsider is actually your best kept secret." Gloria Chou knows a thing or two about being an outsider—and turning that into a superpower. In this episode, she shares how she went from cold-calling journalists with no connections to getting clients featured in major outlets like Forbes and Vogue. If the idea of PR feels overwhelming or off-limits, you’ll want to listen to this. AUTHORITY Gloria Chou is a former U.S. diplomat who transitioned into the world of PR without any agency experience—and built a thriving business doing just that. She’s helped thousands of underrepresented founders get media coverage by teaching them to cold pitch with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT CALL TO ACTION Tune in and get ready to rethink your approach to visibility. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED gloriachoupr.com/masterclass https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you look deep into nature, you'll find the blueprint for a thriving business.” That’s the philosophy Matthieu Mehuys has cultivated—literally—from the soil up. From his beginnings on a Belgian family farm to founding a globally scalable regenerative design business, Matthieu shares how he turned a health crisis and a backpacking breakdown into a sustainable business that not only heals the planet, but educates and empowers others to do the same. Matthieu is an award-winning landscape architect and founder of Polonia Landscape Architect. Through his masterclasses, AI-supported tools, and best-selling book The 12 Universal Laws of Nature, he’s revolutionizing how people think about land, food, and freedom—bringing sustainable garden design out of elite hands and into everyday backyards. We Also Talked About: RESOURCES MENTIONED The 12 Universal Laws of Nature AppleSpotifyhttps://www.youtube.com/@ProjectKamp Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hafner got the grandaddy of all sticker shocks when he saw the quote to develop an app. That moment of sticker shock was all it took for him to go from app dreamer to no-code doer. In this episode, we explore how Dan turned a DIY project into a successful business—and how you can use no-code tools and AI agents to do the same. Dan Hafner is a no-code expert, app agency founder, and host of the Tech Bytes podcast. With a background in software testing and a passion for solving problems through automation, Dan helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into functional, money-making apps—without hiring developers. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Tune in to hear Dan’s insights and real-world examples of no-code success. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED DapperNoCode.comTech Byteshttps://dappernocode.com/podcastmind mapping toolhttps://www.lucidchart.com/pagesZapierMakeBubbleAdaloFlutterflow My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Pretty doesn’t mean it’s going to work.” That quote from marketing veteran James Hipkin cuts to the core of a major problem for online business owners: too much noise, too little strategy. With four decades of top-tier marketing experience across four countries, James joins us to unravel the confusion and teach you how to swap chaos for clarity, without falling for the next shiny thing. James Hipkin has been at the helm of multimillion-dollar marketing efforts and now helps small business owners use enterprise-level strategies on a manageable scale. His superpower? Translating big-budget principles into simple, actionable tools for the rest of us. We Also Talked About: wrong RESOURCES MENTIONED VIPchatwithJames.comUTM.ioGoogle AnalyticsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you bringing in revenue, but your business still feels like it’s drowning? In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, host Trudy Rankin sits down with accountant and financial strategist Chidi Egbujie to unpack the #1 cash flow mistake that silently sinks good businesses—and how to avoid it. “Every number has a story,” Chidi says. And he goes on to add that if you’re only talking to your accountant at tax time, you’re missing the plot. Chidi brings years of corporate finance experience. And now, as founder of Virtual Focus Accountants, he helps small business owners use their financial data not just to survive, but to grow strategically. From fixing your over reliance on your bank balance numbers to designing a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is packed with practical insights for service-based entrepreneurs ready to get out of the weeds. If you’re tired of hustling without clarity, this one’s for you. If your business brings in revenue but still feels like it’s gasping for air, you’re not alone. My newsletter is for founders and business owners who didn’t sign up for 80-hour weeks and client emails at midnight. If that sounds like you, join me for free, here. We Also Talked About: properlypersonal life visionnow RESOURCES MENTIONED quickbooks.intuit.comxero.com https://virtualfocusaccountants.co.ukChidi Egbujie Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If you’re not using analytics, you’re just shooting in the dark.” Philippa Gamse doesn’t mince words—and she’s right. In this episode, Trudy chats with digital marketing strategist and analytics expert Philippa Gamse, who unpacks the powerful, often overlooked role analytics plays in business growth. “People look at the numbers and glaze over,” Philippa says. But once you know what to look for, data becomes a goldmine of insights. From why your visitors might never see your call-to-action to how a simple change boosted one client’s revenue with an eBook, this episode is packed with real-world examples and straight-talking advice. Philippa has been working in digital strategy and web analytics since the early days of the internet (think: pre-Google Analytics!). With decades of experience helping businesses turn confusing data into strategic advantage, she’s on a mission to make analytics not just understandable—but actionable. We Also Talked About: Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED https://websitesthatwin.com/Five Hidden GemsWebsite Wealth(affiliate link) 42 Rules for a Winning Website(affiliate link)Google AnalyticsGoogle Tag ManagerGoogle Search Console 👉 My newsletter is for business owners who miss having weekends — and sanity. Sign up here and start reclaiming both. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It just seemed fun and easy—and I really didn’t have anything to lose." That moment of curiosity led Andreea Matei into the world of the Amazon Influencer Program, and two years later, she’s turned it into a six-figure revenue stream. In this episode, Andreea breaks down exactly how she did it—from shooting 30-second videos to building multiple income streams, all without ever needing to show her face on camera. If you’ve ever wanted a realistic and accessible side hustle (or full-blown business), this one’s for you. Andreea Matei is a seasoned Amazon Influencer who’s made over $140,000 in two years by reviewing products from her home (and her sister’s). A former marketer turned ecommerce expert, she now teaches others how to succeed with this surprisingly low-barrier income model. We Also Talked About: My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families. RESOURCES MENTIONED Six Figure Reviewer launchgrowjoy.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I tell people: Google's a machine, not a person. You have to feed it the right signals." In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, Trudy sits down with SEO expert Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers, who’s spent the last 15+ years helping small and medium businesses turn clicks into conversions. With his no-fluff approach to SEO, Brandon demystifies what it really takes to get your website found online, and why most entrepreneurs are spinning their wheels with outdated tactics. Brandon’s journey started with a job board internship, evolved into a side hustle, and eventually became a thriving agency. He shares practical, real-world strategies that don’t require a PhD in Google wizardry, just a little consistency, common sense, and a willingness to test and tweak. We Also Talked About: not RESOURCES MENTIONED SEO Optimizers - Brandon’s websiteUbersuggestGoogle Search ConsoleMozBar Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? My newsletter is for business owners who miss having weekends — and sanity. Sign up here and start reclaiming both. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Steve Anderson — risk expert and bestselling author of The Bezos Letters — to explore how hidden friction points quietly drain momentum from your business. If you’re ready to clear the roadblocks standing between you and your customers, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you move faster, serve better, and grow smarter. Steve Anderson brings decades of experience at the intersection of insurance, technology, and business growth strategy. He’s the author of The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon, a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller that’s been translated into 20 languages. With a sharp eye for spotting the patterns of business success and failure, Steve helps founders build businesses that last. We Also Talked About: RESOURCES MENTIONED The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon thebezosletters.com Steve Anderson - 👉 My newsletter is for business owners who miss having weekends—and sanity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A community-first mindset means showing up for your people—even when they're just quietly watching." That’s how Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, defines decades-long success in the online space. What started as a college hobby has blossomed into a vibrant, multimillion-follower platform celebrating Native American culture and proving that niche communities can not only survive but thrive in today’s noisy digital world. Paul’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your values, listening to your audience, and building engagement through heart, strategy, and the occasional well-placed email sequence. We Also Talked About: RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.powwows.com/powwowsnearmehttps://www.paulgowder.comhttps://www.paulgowder.com/emailtoolsPaul’s go-to email platform (affiliate link)https://groupleads.net/https://www.mediavine.com/ Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The world doesn’t happen to you — it happens through you." — Martin Salama What if losing millions, a home, a marriage, and a BMW all within a few months could actually be the best thing that ever happened to you? For Martin Salama, that's exactly what it was. In this episode, Martin shares how he transformed personal and financial disaster into a powerful coaching philosophy — one that helps entrepreneurs not just survive chaos, but thrive because of it. Martin is known as The Architect of The Warrior's Life, a coach who specializes in helping people live incredibly full lives — despite (or perhaps because of) the bumps in the road. After building and losing a multimillion-dollar business, Martin turned his own lessons into a seven-figure coaching program with a risk-reversal strategy that’s as bold as his personality. We Also Talked About: to The Four Agreements for RESOURCES MENTIONED The Four Agreements(affiliate link)Rich Dad Poor Dad(affiliate link)Who Not How(affiliate link)Worrier to Warrior(affiliate link) ConnectWithMartin.com Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You can’t out-hustle burnout. Trust me, I tried." That’s the hard-earned insight from Dr. Victoria Mensch, who went from clinical psychologist to Silicon Valley high-achiever — and burned out in both. Now she teaches leaders how to create burnout-proof lives by mastering energy, not just calendars. In this episode, Victoria breaks down why traditional success so often leads to emotional exhaustion, and how you can build a life and business that leaves room for joy, not just productivity. With a PhD in psychology and an MBA from UC Berkeley, Victoria brings both brain science and boardroom experience to the conversation. Her approach to self-leadership, energy management, and redefining control will have you rethinking the way you work — and why. We Also Talked About: Why burnout isn’t always obvious — and how to spot the subtle signs The myth of “success = happiness” (and what actually creates fulfillment) How self-awareness is the first step in becoming a resilient leader The surprising power of intentionally scheduling joy How to relinquish control — and why it’s essential for avoiding burnout Moving from corporate life to entrepreneurship: the real risks and rewards What “languishing” looks like — and how to shift into a state of flourishing A practical framework for balancing time, energy, and values Why leadership always starts with self-leadership RESOURCES MENTIONED Silicon Valley Executive Academy – Victoria’s corporate consulting hub Victoria Mensch on LinkedIn – connect with her for insights and support Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Marketing hasn’t fundamentally changed in 150 years. The tools have — but the core principles? Still the same.” That’s Phillip Marzouk, branding strategist and marketing nerd (his words), explaining how modern business owners often get tripped up by tactics while missing the big-picture strategy. With a background spanning website development, airline marketing campaigns (hello, Hobbiton!), and helping mom-and-pop shops thrive, Phillip breaks down how solopreneurs can stop chasing every shiny tool and start focusing on what actually works. Phillip has over 13 years of marketing experience, starting out in film before transitioning to the digital world. He’s led campaigns for big names like Qantas and Warner Bros, but what really lights him up is helping small businesses and solopreneurs cut through the noise and find what works for them — not just what’s trending. We Also Talked About: reallyleft Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED https://digitalonbrand.com Want regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business? Get them here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever faced a moment in life that completely changed your trajectory? For Alan Lazaros, that moment came in the form of a near-fatal car accident. Once a corporate high-flyer with a successful career in engineering and business, Alan found himself questioning everything he thought he knew about success, fulfillment, and purpose. That moment of reckoning led him to embrace podcasting as a vehicle for growth, connection, and impact. Fast forward to today, and Alan is the co-host of the Next Level University podcast, boasting nearly 2,000 episodes and a global reach. His journey is one of grit, reflection, and resilience, proving that real transformation happens when we align our work with our values and commit to daily self-improvement. If you're navigating the challenges of building a business or searching for a deeper sense of purpose, Alan's insights will inspire and motivate you to take action. We Also Talked About: Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-university-podcast/https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/https://www.nextleveluniverse.comSpotifyApple Traffic SecretsExpert Secrets Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt stuck in a job you didn’t love and wondered if there was a way to break free? Carol Kabaale, a Meta-certified ad strategist, knows exactly what that’s like. She secretly quit her corporate job—without telling her fiancé. As Carol puts it, “I just knew if I told everyone around me, they’d talk me out of it, so I kept quiet and built my plan in secret. And it worked.” In this episode, Carol shares how she went from her first client to a full-fledged agency, the smart ad strategies she uses to help businesses grow, and insider tips on running Facebook ads without wasting money. If you’re looking for real talk on what it takes to succeed with online advertising (and a little courage to take your own leap), this is the episode for you. We Also Talked About: Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED Ads Readiness Quiz carolkabaale.comEat That Frog! by Brian Tracy (affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wanted to write a book but got totally lost in the complexities of trying to do it through traditional publishing channels? What if you could bring your manuscript to life, maintain full creative control, and keep more of the profits by self-publishing? In this episode, I sit down with Michele DeFilippo, a publishing expert with over 50 years of experience, who shares her journey from traditional publishing to helping self-published authors create high-quality books that stand shoulder to shoulder with bestsellers. As Michele says, "Real self-publishing means you are in charge, you control your book, and you should get all the revenue." If you're ready to take control of your publishing journey, this episode is a must-listen! We Also Talked About: RESOURCES MENTIONED: 1106design.comPublish Like the Proshttps://1106design.substack.com/ Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up to my newsletter - https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the only thing standing between you and success was a mindset shift? According to entrepreneur, Nicky Billou, "Without sales, there's no business. And if you're scared of sales, you're scared of service." In this episode, we dive into what it means to truly serve in business and how shifting your mindset can transform not only your revenue but also your impact. Nicky’s journey is inspiring. From leaving Iran as a teenager to becoming a best-selling author and highly sought-after business coach, he shares how his father’s values of generosity and service shaped his approach to business. He reveals how entrepreneurs can overcome their fear of selling, connect with clients authentically, and build a business rooted in service rather than stress. We Also Talked About: RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.ecircleacademy.com/https://www.thethoughtleaderrevolution.com/episodesGet Booked & Get Paid: How To Generate 6 Figures+ A Year, Through Podcast GuestingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I was working way more than I should have been—and it was my husband who sat me down and said, ‘This family is going to break if you don’t make a change." For Donna Dube, a former ICU nurse turned business operations expert, that moment was a wake-up call. In this episode, Donna shares how she transformed her life by setting boundaries, leveraging time management strategies, and focusing on what she calls “CEO-level work.” Her insights can help you escape the busywork trap and build a business that works for you, not the other way around. We Also Talked About: Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up to my newsletter here. RESOURCES MENTIONED: https://ceoamplify.ca/ceo-power-hour ceoamplify.caAtomic Habits by James Clear(affiliate link)Traction by Gino Wickman(affiliate link) Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Den López was sick of missing time with his family and craved the freedom to pursue his passion. So he left his 16-year career as a mechanic and built his dream business teaching guitar. “I needed something I could get control of,” he said Tune in to discover how Den turned his passion for teaching into a thriving online business and how you can apply his insights to your own journey. Den Lopez is an innovative guitar teacher and the creator of the "Guitar in One Hour" method. With over 25 years of experience playing guitar and a high success rate for his students, Den has built a thriving business that transforms beginners and frustrated guitarists into confident players. His passion for making music accessible has inspired countless students worldwide. We Also Talked About: The emotional trigger that pushed Den to leave his 16-year career as a mechanic to pursue his passion for teaching guitar. How a family musical tradition shaped Den’s approach to teaching and his belief that anyone can make music. Why 95% of people quit learning the guitar and how Den’s innovative system simplifies the process. The role of breaking false beliefs and the importance of finding a mentor to succeed in both music and business. Insights into how Den built his business from scratch while balancing work and family life. A fascinating story of resilience and passion: Batman, rope, and the leap of faith needed to break free from job security. RESOURCES MENTIONED Den’s "Beginner Guitarist Playbook" – Get your free copy at learningguitarsecrets.com/free Russell Brunson’s One Funnel Away Challenge - https://www.onefunnelaway.com/ Django Reinhardt – Iconic gypsy jazz guitarist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ308aOOX04 Shane Sams – Entrepreneur and founder of Flipped Lifestyle - https://www.flippedlifestyle.com/ Pat Flynn – Entrepreneur and founder of the SPI community - https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/SPI-Community (affiliate link) Get regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from myself and other experts about growing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, always serving clients but never finding the time to grow your own business? As veteran Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Hajjar puts it, “It’s the biggest mistake you can make for your future—neglecting to build your own marketing engine.” So are you ready to build a marketing engine that works for you instead of the other way around? Tune in to this week’s episode and listen as Victoria shares how you can move from burnout to brilliance with a 24/7 marketing flywheel that scales your business and frees up your time. Victoria Hajjar is a seasoned Fractional Chief Marketing Officer with nearly 15 years of experience helping women founders transition their businesses from six to seven figures. Having built ROI-focused marketing systems for entrepreneurs worldwide, Victoria has mastered the art of creating sustainable growth strategies tailored to resource-limited businesses. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on future episodes. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: Why mindset matters: The hidden psychological barriers holding entrepreneurs back from investing in their marketing systems. The 24/7 Marketing Flywheel: A six-step framework that transforms your marketing into a self-sustaining engine. Building the right team: How to hire help strategically, even on a tight budget. Leadership habits: Why quarterly reviews and weekly meetings (even with yourself) are non-negotiable for success. Niching down: How specificity in your marketing can lead to exponential results online. RESOURCES MENTIONED Victoria Hajjar’s End Marketing Overwhelm Guide Victoria’s LinkedIn Profile: Connect with Victoria Want regular access to tips, techniques, and advice from experts about growing your business? Sign up to my newsletter here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.