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

“Like there’s this weird thing of the disappearing lawn guy… he shows up two or three times and then just drops off the face of the earth.” If you’ve ever hired a service provider who mysteriously vanished, you’ll appreciate this episode. Bryan Clayton took that exact frustration and turned it into a multi-city marketplace now used by 300,000 people every week. But this isn’t just about lawn care. It’s about systems, scale, simplicity — and why this might actually be the best time in 30 years to start a business. Bryan Clayton is the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, the largest lawn care marketplace in the United States. Before launching GreenPal, he built a landscaping company from the ground up to $8–9 million in annual revenue and 150 employees before selling it to a national firm. He combines deep operational experience with tech-driven innovation. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT If you’re building a service business — or even thinking about starting one — this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Tune in to hear how Bryan built two businesses in completely different ways — and why simplicity, customer feedback and systems thinking made all the difference. And if you want to stay updated on future episodes: Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.greenpal.com/LinkedIn 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.

Jared Bauman didn’t expect to compete for his own name online. But when a state representative with the exact same name started appearing everywhere in search results, it forced him to confront something bigger: search engines — and now AI tools — don’t guess who you are. They connect dots. And if your digital presence isn’t clearly connected, someone else may become the “expert” instead. In this episode, we take a calm, strategic look at how search is evolving from traditional SEO into what Jared calls “GEO” — Generative Engine Optimization — and what that means for solopreneurs and small business owners who want to remain visible in an AI-first world. No panic. No hype. Just clarity. Jared Bauman is the founder of 201 Creative, a marketing agency specializing in SEO and emerging AI search optimization strategies. He’s also the host of the Niche Pursuits podcast and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years, building and selling multiple businesses. As AI began reshaping search behavior, Jared studied the data, adapted his agency, and developed practical frameworks to help businesses stay visible and credible. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT CALL TO ACTION If you want your business to be recommended — not overlooked — in an AI-driven search landscape, this episode is essential listening. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations that help you grow the online side of your business strategically and sustainably. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED https://201creative.com/https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/https://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbauman/ 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.

“If I really want to make wealth for myself, I need to bet on myself.” That’s how Juzbi Walia explains the moment she stopped playing the corporate game and started building her own. And that same energy runs through this whole episode: sell with integrity, don’t slime people into a ‘yes’, and stop guessing what your audience is thinking. If you’ve ever read bro-marketing copy and felt like you needed to wash your eyeballs afterward, you’ll love Juzbi’s approach to persuasion that’s effective and ethical. Juzbi Walia has spent over a decade in persuasion and influence, working in corporate communications with major global agencies and a wide range of organisations across sectors. Now she brings that same influence skillset into the online business world as a conversion copywriter and email strategist, helping course creators launch with messaging that converts without crossing into manipulation. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT don’t actually know their real objectionsover-persuasioncopy is assembled, not writtensales argumentmessage hierarchystep into the strategist rolespaghetti on the wall If you’re building a course (or launching anything online) and you want to sell without sounding like a late-night infomercial, you’re going to get a ton from this one. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED @“How to Write Non Manipulative Emails That Sell” Suggested Timestamps 00:0000:01–00:0400:05–00:0800:13–00:1700:19–00:2500:25–00:2600:32–00:3400:35–00:3800:40 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.

"I was working 18-hour days, seven days a week, and my mum said, 'You're making good money, but we have something you don't—free time.'" Sara Vezensek had the kind of job most people fantasize about—flying on private jets, managing superyachts, and earning big. But it came at a cost. In this episode, she shares how she walked away from the dream lifestyle to build a business on her terms—one with time, financial, and location freedom. Sara Vezensek is an online business coach who specializes in helping women build businesses that give them “ultimate freedom.” After leaving a high-flying career managing multimillion-dollar projects, she went all in on organic marketing and intentional strategy to grow her own thriving business—all while working just 15 hours a week. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT before Tune in for a grounded conversation about building a business that supports the life you actually want. 👉 Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Masterclass: Your Million Dollar Course IdeaMoney Breakthrough MasterclassSara’s Instagram @saravezcoachSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Just because someone’s great at marketing doesn’t mean they can teach." When Jasmine Jonte invested in a high-ticket online course and discovered it was badly designed and nearly impossible to learn from, she had an epiphany: great teaching is a skill — and it’s one most experts don’t have. So, she used her background as a teacher to build a business that helps experts teach well, turning their brilliance into scalable, binge-worthy programs. Jasmine Jonte is a former kindergarten teacher turned founder of a course creation agency. She’s helped build over 140 programs across more than 70 niches — from real estate investing to tarot to dentistry — helping experts turn their intellectual property into powerful learning experiences that actually get results. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: or CALL TO ACTION If you're ready to turn your expertise into a powerful, scalable program — or just want a peek behind the curtain of what that takes — you won’t want to miss this episode. 👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business” https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED: https://www.creation.co8 https://www.creation.co/netflix“10 Next Level Strategies to Make Your Program as Binge-Worthy as Netflix”ChatGPTClaudeDescript(affiliate link) Senja 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.

“When New Zealand won the America's Cup, it wasn’t the biggest budget that won, it was one key question: Will it make the boat go faster?” That same philosophy drives Colin Clapp’s content strategy in a world now ruled by AI-driven search. If you’ve been told that SEO is dead, buckle up because Colin is here to explain why that couldn’t be further from the truth. Colin Clapp has been in the content trenches for years, helping creators and businesses grow visibility through smart, structured content strategies. From traditional SEO to adapting to the rise of AI search, he brings experience, clarity, and actionable frameworks, like his One Click Content Optimization approach, that get results. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT not CALL TO ACTION Tune in to this episode and find out what still works—and what’s changed—when it comes to being found online. 👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business” https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Online Marketing Done 4 You The 5 Pillars Framework - How to Optimize Content for Traditional SEO & AI Search (AEO & GEO):One Click Content Optimization 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.

“When I was six, my grandmother gave me a blank book and said, ‘This is for your first novel.’ I didn’t write in it because it had to be perfect.” That’s how Emily Aborn’s writing journey began. And it’s a relatable tale for anyone who's ever struggled with perfectionism in their content. In this episode, Emily shares why copywriting success is not about perfection. It’s about connection, clarity, and curiosity. Emily Aborn is a seasoned copywriter, content creator, and podcast host who helps entrepreneurs craft messaging that reflects their personality and drives action. With over eight years of experience, she’s developed a unique process for helping clients find and use their true brand voice. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT stay Tune in and learn how to craft copy that clicks with your audience. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED emilyaborn.comContent with CharacterStoryBrandaffiliate link 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.

If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re using the wrong business model. That’s exactly what happened to Stefanie Carlstedt. She’d built a business that looked successful on the outside. But it felt completely off on the inside … and she was burning out. Then came a moment that changed everything: “I thought it was fluff—just another personality test. But then I read my Human Design chart and started crying. For the first time, I felt seen.” If you’ve ever felt like your business isn’t quite working for you, you’re not alone. In a world of burnout and one-size-fits-all strategies, Human Design might offer something surprisingly useful. Especially if the usual advice hasn’t gotten you where you want to go. Stefanie has 13 years of experience, multiple businesses under her belt, and hundreds of clients behind her. Today, she helps entrepreneurs design businesses that align with how they’re actually wired—using Human Design as a tool to unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Tune in to this episode for a fresh perspective on finding the right-fit business approach for you. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED https://stefcarlstedt.com/hdreportOutliers My emails are 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.

“I told him not to pay a cent—and definitely not to shut his website down.” What would you do if you got a scary letter using legal language, claiming you owed $700 for a photo on your website? In this episode, I share a true story about an old client who received one of these copyright trolling threats, and how we handled it. From sleuthing image origins to proving usage rights, this is one episode you’ll want to listen to if you’ve ever used photos online. I'm Trudy Rankin and I am the founder of Online Business Liftoff and a seasoned digital strategist who helps people build sustainable, flexible businesses online. I ALSO TALKED ABOUT If you've ever published a photo on your website, you need to hear this. Tune in to protect yourself and your clients. RESOURCES MENTIONED https://archive.org/web/ Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Most people think SEO is dead. But it’s not. It’s just evolving into something far more interesting.” John Horn doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of digital advertising in 2025. In this episode, we take a look at how businesses can stop wasting money on paid ads and how to prepare for the next wave of AI-driven advertising platforms like ChatGPT. Whether you’re running ads now or scared to even try, John brings clarity, strategy, and a calm ‘don’t-panic’ tone to a space full of noise. John Horn is the CEO of Stub Group, a digital advertising agency that has helped clients generate over $500 million in revenue through profitable ad strategies. With over a decade of hands-on experience, John is known for helping businesses navigate complexity in a constantly shifting digital landscape. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT more Tune in now to get practical, non-hype strategies for growing your business with paid ads and future-proofing your marketing. And get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Stub Group websiteYouTube channelthe state of Google ads suspensions in 2025 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.

"I asked Ron if AI was going to eat his job for lunch—he said yes and no.” That mix of realism and optimism sets the tone for this episode. When AI started disrupting his on-camera spokesperson business, Ron Desi didn’t panic—he pivoted. And he used the same technology that threatened his income to build a completely new opportunity, including an email list of 1300 people in just 55 days using a personality-based quiz that hit all the right notes. Ron Desi is the founder of Growth Vids and a seasoned video strategist with a background in business education. For over a decade, he's helped companies communicate with clarity and authenticity through video. Now, he's embracing change and leading the way on how to adapt—creatively and strategically—in an AI-powered world. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT awaytoward If you're worried about how AI is changing the game, this episode is proof that you can use it to create new opportunities, not just survive disruption. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter ## RESOURCES MENTIONED GrowthVids.comDungeon NoobGemini, ChatGPT, Claude 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.

“It feels like we’re standing on the side of the interstate naked, holding a sign that says ‘Look at me!’” That’s how visibility expert Tracy Beavers describes what it’s like to show up online when you’re building a business. If that sounds uncomfortably familiar, this episode is a must-listen. Tracy breaks down how to grow your audience and email list authentically—without the ick. Tracy Beavers is a visibility and list-building strategist with over 25 years in corporate sales and marketing. She helps entrepreneurs cut through overwhelm and fear so they can grow an online business that actually supports their life, not the other way around. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT everywhereactually Ready to stop hiding and start growing? Tune in now and discover how to show up consistently, build trust, and grow your email list the smart way. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED Social Media Made Easyhttps://tracybeavers.com/socialDM Conversations That Feel Goodhttps://tracybeavers.com/dmCreate Online Business Successhttps://www.tracybeavers.com/podcast Be a Confident Entrepreneurhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/beaconfidententrepreneurDescript(affiliate link) CapCutCanva(affiliate link) YouTubeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokOpus ClipBuzzsproutMetricool(affiliate link) Affiliate Disclaimer: If you click on links on this page and then make a purchase, I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). I am a proud affiliate of these resources because I use them in my own life and business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Sometimes it’s not about legal advice—it’s about understanding the process. And that’s something you can learn without going to law school." – Shatrasha Butler Shatrasha Butler didn’t just go to law school—she’s on a mission to make legal knowledge actually useful for small business owners. In this episode, we unpack the legal must-knows for getting your business off the ground without drowning in jargon or draining your bank account. Shatrasha Butler is a licensed attorney with over a decade of experience spanning government counsel, private firm litigation, and corporate contract law. She’s the founder of Label Me Legal, where she empowers solopreneurs to protect and grow their businesses with confidence—no expensive retainers required. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT really Listen in for practical, empowering advice that will help you protect your business and move forward with confidence. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED IRS.gov https://www.uspto.gov https://labelmelegal.com 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.

"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.

“Everyone—from the engineer to the CEO—should take part in supporting customers. It changes how we build everything.” That insight from fractional CTO Brian Childress isn’t just memorable—it’s a blueprint for building better tech businesses. In this episode, Brian shares how embedding customer support into every role improves product development, team alignment, and long-term growth. Whether you're a SaaS founder, solopreneur, or future CTO, this episode is full of sharp, actionable advice. Brian Childress is a seasoned software architect and fractional Chief Technology Officer. With deep experience leading software engineering teams and scaling tech infrastructure, Brian helps startups and growth-stage companies make the leap from “just launched” to “ready for real users.” His superpower? Balancing deep tech know-how with customer-first strategy. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Tune in now for a candid conversation full of practical strategies and lightbulb moments. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 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.