Tiny Course Empire Podcast

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: Resources mentioned: Stretch Yourself Challenge #15Me Skillssnap 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: Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems podcast listener trialAtomic Habits by James ClearGumroadUdemyGoogle’s email sender guidelinesWhat 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: Resources mentioned: Start today for just $7Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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: 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: Resources mentioned: Atul Gawande’s Checklist ManifestoSam Carpenter’s Work the SystemOur 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: Resources mentioned: Shining SelfStephen King’s “On Writing”Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”productive meditationShower Thoughts on Reddit

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: Resources mentioned: Google Postmaster ToolsGoogle Email Sender GuidelinesYahoo! Sender Requirements & RecommendationsMailerLite blog post/video on domain authenticationVerify your domain with ConvertKitSPF, DKIM, and DMARC Authentication on ActiveCampaignHow 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: Resources mentioned: FocusedBookwormMyNAMSSix-Figure SystemsClickNewzHow 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: Resources mentioned: Stupid Simple SEONiche Site AcademyFinding JoyAhrefsThe 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: Resources mentioned: CanvaTrelloAsanaFlowluText ExpanderMarketing without social mediaSix-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: Resources mentioned: IndestractableJames ClearShane SnowGreg McKeownTiny Course EmpireSix-Figure SystemsAngela WillsTrelloEvernote

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: Resources mentioned: LiquidWebMomWebsVimeoLibsynDropboxGoogle DriveAmazon S3WordPressAstraMembership AcademyThriveThemesEliminatorSolidWPPostGopherSeriously Simple PodcastingSquarespaceConvertKitMailerLiteMedium.comSubstackaMemberPayPalStripeThriveCartCanvaDeposit PhotosUlyssesScrivenerAudacityNoota.ioCamtasiaSnagitTrafftZoomTrelloFlowluMacBook Pro, 16” M1ATR 2100 USB micFocusrite Scarlett SoloLogitech web camLG UltraFine 32” monitorLeuchtturm 1917 notebookBearEvernote

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: Resources mentioned: Six-Figure SystemsCarl Pullein

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: Resources mentioned: Cal Newport’s Deep QuestionsLetting 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: 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: Resources mentioned: Six-Figure SystemsHow 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: Resources mentioned: Tripwire ToolkitSix-Figure SystemsOpt-In Funnel QuickStart GuideOpt-In Funnel Follow Ups

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: 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 SEOEasy On-Page SEO (for beginners)Medium.comSubstack.com

If you find that asking people to buy what you’ve created feels a little icky, you’re not alone. Many of us have negative feelings about sales, and the people who make their living at it. After all, who hasn’t bumped into a pushy appliance salesman who just would not take no for an answer? Those unpleasant experiences often lead to discomfort when we’re on the other side of the desk, asking potential customers to hand over a credit card to buy something we’ve created. That means writing emails, hopping on a discovery call, or even writing a sales page is something we’d rather avoid. Here’s the problem, though. When you’re in business for yourself, it’s your job to sell what you create. That’s the only way you’re going to get paid. The good news is, even if you don’t enjoy sales, you can still craft a compelling sales page. All you have to do is follow a simple three-step process. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Resources mentioned: Sales Pages That ConvertEmail Marketing CampaignsSix-Figure SystemsLexi RodrigoHow 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)

If I could offer you one piece of advice about starting an online business, it would be this: Don’t wait to create your first digital product. Sure, there are loads of ways you can make money from an online business. You can be a coach, or a freelance writer, or an affiliate marketer, or build websites or publish a Substack or write a blog. I even know of one couple who hunt for scorpions and tarantulas on their property that they then sell online. #onlyinarizona Clearly, you have a lot of options. But when it comes to leverage, digital products offer the most flexibility and potential for growth. They’re what building a Tiny Course Empire is all about. Here’s the kicker though. Getting started can feel hard. It can look overwhelming. It can come with a lot of self-imposed pressure to get it just right. And that’s the kind of thinking that will keep you stuck right where you’re at. I’ve watched brilliant people with solid skills spend years creating and then updating a “signature course,” while never quite getting to the launch pad, because it’s never good enough. It’s never done, at least in their eyes. There’s a better, more achievable approach, and that’s to create a simple digital product. Nothing fancy here. Just a solution your audience needs, in a format they can use, at a price they can afford. It really doesn’t get any easier. I’ll walk you through how to do it in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where you’ll learn online business building strategies that workSendOwl.comWarriorPlus.comEJunkie.comPayPalStripeHow 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)

If I’m being honest, building your mailing list is the easy part. Staying in touch with those subscribers is much more difficult. Not in the tactical sense, but in the week-after-week practicality of it. It’s oh-so-easy to let another week slide by without sending an email to your list. Before you know it, they haven’t heard from you in months, or maybe even years. Believe me, I know. I’ve been there. Sometimes you feel like you don’t have anything useful to write. Sometimes you tell yourself you don’t have time. That next week will be better. Sometimes you worry that you’re just cluttering up your subscribers’ inboxes for no good reason. The problem with that line of thinking is that it leads to even more email procrastination. Even more self-applied pressure to do just the right thing, the perfect thing. But if you instead create a repeatable email system that’s easy to follow and quick to complete, you’ll find it’s a simple task to keep in touch with your subscribers, and build those relationships, too. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you’ll learn in this episode: Resources mentioned: Six-Figure SystemsEmail Marketing MomentumEmail Marketing CampaignsHow to build an audience from scratchHow to create your first opt-in offer