Solopreneur Success Path | Have A Profitable Online Business

1. LinkedIn Pro: Importance of the 'Who Viewed My Profile' feature for networking and business development. Tips on subscribing to the job seeker level to save costs. 2. Custom Email: The necessity of having a professional email linked to your domain for credibility. 3. ChatGPT Pro: Benefits of faster response times in the Pro version to save time and enhance productivity. 4. Canva Pro: How Canva Pro offers high-quality graphic design templates and tools, suitable even for those without a graphic design background. 5. Loom Pro: Advantages of the Pro version of Loom for creating longer, more professional videos. 6. Elementor Pro: Features of Elementor Pro for advanced web page building and the added functionalities like form redirections. 7. DocuSign: Importance of DocuSign for professionalizing client conversion processes. 8. Yoast SEO Pro: The value of the Pro version for enhancing website SEO and driving organic traffic. 9. Wordfence Pro: Discusses the security features of Wordfence Pro, emphasizing its role in protecting websites from hacking and malware. Segment 4: Practical Application and Accessibility Tom explains how each of these tools fits into the day-to-day management of an online business. Tips on how to effectively use these tools to maximize their potential without prior IT knowledge. Conclusion: Tom encourages listeners to consider these tools as part of their foundational setup for an online business. He emphasizes the importance of starting simple and scaling up as the business grows and revenues increase. http://www.tomclairmont.com www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Introduction: In this insightful episode of the "Solopreneur Success Path" Podcast, Tom Clairmont dives into the unconventional path of becoming a Solopreneur, highlighting why deviating from the norm can be a formidable yet rewarding endeavor. Discussion Points: 1. Challenging Norms: Tom discusses the traditional job pathway—securing a stable job, progressing gradually, and aiming for retirement—as the accepted norm in society. He contrasts this with the Solopreneur's journey, which is inherently filled with risks and driven by personal dreams and ambitions. 2. The Catalyst for Change: Tom shares his personal tipping point which pushed him towards entrepreneurship. Faced with frustrating corporate changes and unfulfilling job prospects, his move was sparked not by a positive vision but from a desire to escape a negative work environment. This, Tom explains, is a common trigger for many who venture into Solopreneurship. 3. The Reality of Starting Out: Initial challenges are abundant—working without pay, enduring setbacks, and slowly building credibility. Tom stresses the importance of identifying a target audience and refining a business offering, which are crucial for gradual success. 4. Achieving Success: Over time, with the right strategy and persistence, solopreneurs can start seeing substantial income, altering the perception of friends and family who might have once doubted their path. 5. Community and Support: Tom emphasizes that although being a solopreneur might feel isolating, there is a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who offer support, guidance, and validation. Networking within these groups can provide essential strategies and clarity. 6. Advice for Aspiring Solopreneurs: Concluding the episode, Tom advises listeners to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with a clear plan and strategy. Learning from others' mistakes and successes can significantly streamline one's journey towards becoming a successful solopreneur. Conclusion: Tom reassures listeners that stepping out of the conventional career path to start something of their own is not just about financial gain but fulfilling personal growth and achieving freedom. While it might seem daunting initially, the journey of a solopreneur is one of transformation and profound personal achievement. Website: www.tomclairmont.com www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Episode Summary In this episode of the Solopreneur Success Path, host Tom Clairmont delves into the top five challenges that solopreneurs face in 2024. Drawing from his extensive experience and conversations with numerous solopreneurs, Tom offers insights and practical advice on navigating these common struggles. 1 Failing vs. Being Wrong: Tom emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between failure and making mistakes. He encourages solopreneurs to adopt a positive mindset, learn from their mistakes, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. 2 First Year Success: Tom addresses the myth of immediate success for first-time solopreneurs. He shares his own journey, highlighting the importance of adjusting expectations, being patient, and embracing the learning curve during the initial year of business. 3 Short-term vs. Long-term Decisions: Tom discusses the balance between making short-term gains and building a solid long-term foundation. He advises solopreneurs to be mindful of their decisions and to focus on establishing a sustainable business model. 4 Wearing Too Many Hats: Tom acknowledges the overwhelming nature of managing various aspects of a business alone. He suggests practical solutions like hiring part-time help or retaining specialists to alleviate the burden and maintain focus on core strengths. 5 Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Tom underscores the significance of a positive outlook in overcoming isolation and uncertainty. He shares his personal strategies, such as regular meet-and-greet sessions and daily walks, to stay motivated and inspired. Tune in to this insightful episode to gain valuable tips and strategies for overcoming the common struggles of Solopreneurs in 2024. Website: www.tomclairmont.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclairmont/ www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary: In this episode of the Solopreneur Success Path, host Tom Clairmont welcomes Kayla McGuire, a seasoned strategic advisor and project management coach based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Kayla is the founder of Kayla McGuire Consulting, where she has dedicated over 15 years to helping entrepreneurs launch and scale their startups. Kayla shares her journey from being a project manager in a tech startup to becoming a successful freelancer. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to start her own consulting business in 2020, including the challenges she faced and how she leveraged her skills to overcome them. Tom and Kayla dive into the essentials of project management, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and leadership. Kayla highlights how modern project management tools and AI are transforming the industry, allowing project managers to focus more on strategic and human-centric skills. Kayla also talks about her contributions to the book Executing Excellence, co-authored by ten project managers, and how LinkedIn has been instrumental in her career. She provides insights into her approach to coaching aspiring project managers and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of freelancing and business growth. As the episode wraps up, Kayla shares her vision for the future of her business, aiming to expand her coaching services and continue supporting small business founders. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Kayla on LinkedIn or through her website for further insights and guidance. Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about the dynamic world of project management and the path to becoming a successful solopreneur. Kayla McGuire on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamcguire/ Website: www.tomclairmont.com www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary: Welcome to another episode of the "Solopreneur Success Path" podcast! Today, we're joined by Ami Hendrickson, a renowned author coach from Southwest Michigan. Ami specializes in guiding thought leaders through the intricate process of writing books that truly resonate and reflect their expertise. With a background in ghostwriting, screenwriting, and stage play writing, Ami has shifted her focus towards empowering new authors with simple, effective strategies for crafting polished manuscripts. Throughout her career, Ami has helped numerous clients become bestselling authors. Her approach demystifies the often overwhelming process of writing, making it an enjoyable journey for aspiring authors. Whether you've been told you should write a book, or have a burgeoning idea you're eager to manifest on paper, Ami is the expert you'd want to guide you through this creative expedition. In today's conversation, Ami shares her transition from writing and teaching to becoming a mentor who teaches others to excel in writing. She delves into the philosophy that teaching someone to write allows them to create indefinitely, rather than continually depending on ghostwriters. Ami's passion for teaching shines through as she explains how empowering others to write enriches their understanding and ownership of their work, making every word authentically theirs. Join us as Ami discusses her unique path from personal writing projects to becoming a beacon for those looking to make their mark in the literary world. Her insights are invaluable for anyone standing at the threshold of their writing journey, hesitant about the first steps but eager to tell their story. Why You Should Listen If you're on the verge of writing a book or have contemplated it for a while, this episode with Ami Hendrickson is a must-listen. Her expertise not only simplifies the complex world of book writing but also inspires with practical tips that turn daunting tasks into manageable projects. Ami's approach helps listeners understand that with the right guidance, the journey of writing a book can be as fulfilling as the outcome. Tune in to demystify the writing process and discover how you can start penning down your thoughts with clarity and confidence today! Ami Hendrickson Contact Info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-hendrickson/ Tom Clairmont Contact Info: Website: www.tomclairmont.com www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary In this compelling episode of the "Solopreneur Success Path" podcast, host Tom Clairmont has an insightful conversation with Saarim Asady, a standout LinkedIn strategy coach. Saarim shares the intriguing tale of how he pivoted from running a marketing business to mastering LinkedIn, emphasizing techniques to maximize its use without costly tools like Sales Navigator or paid ads. Saarim's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he recounts his journey, starting with his early business ventures at just nine years old and evolving into a passionate digital marketer by his university years. His story is filled with candid moments of challenges and breakthroughs, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the life of a persistent entrepreneur who transformed setbacks into learning opportunities. Listeners will find great value in Saarim's practical advice on leveraging LinkedIn to gain clients and grow a business effectively. His approach is not just about professional networking; it’s about creating meaningful connections and content that resonates with his audience. Saarim’s narrative is not only motivational but also a testament to the power of believing in oneself and relentlessly pursuing one’s goals. His personal anecdotes and professional tips combined make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their LinkedIn strategy or seeking inspiration to pivot in their career path. Saarim Adady LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saarim-asady/ Website: www.tomclairmont.com Online Course: Solopreneur 90 Day Launch Plan Receive weekly tips and perspective emails from Tom on having a professional online business HERE. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Overview: In this episode of the "Small Business Start Up Essentials" podcast, Tom Clairmont talks with Susan Shier, founder of Shier Impact, which focuses on back office administration and organization for small businesses. With a career spanning nearly four decades in administrative roles, Susan shares her journey from working in large corporations like IBM and Hewlett Packard to launching her own venture that helps business owners streamline their operations. Key Discussion Points: Background and Experience: Susan details her extensive background in administrative roles within major corporations. Her career is marked by a passion for creating order from chaos, which she has seamlessly transitioned into her own business, leveraging her skills to provide clarity and structure for small businesses. Transition to Entrepreneurship: The pivotal moment in Susan's career came when she was laid off from Hewlett Packard. This setback prompted her to reevaluate her career path and consider entrepreneurship. Initially, Susan took on small, part-time jobs to make ends meet, which eventually illuminated the potential of turning her skill set into a full-time business. Business Evolution: Susan's business, initially named "Peace of Mind Assistance," started with a focus on lifestyle management but eventually shifted back to her roots in administrative work. She discusses the evolution of her services and the realization that her core competencies in back office tasks were most valuable to her clients. Challenges and Adjustments: Navigating the shift from employee to business owner was not without challenges. Susan discusses the mental and emotional hurdles she faced, including dealing with depression and anxiety. The support from a life coach and a strong personal network helped her gain the confidence needed to push her business forward. Future Plans: Looking ahead, Susan is content with the current scale of her business but is open to developing digital products to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to continue providing high-level executive assistance while possibly expanding her educational offerings through online courses. Conclusion: Susan Shier's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to transition from a traditional corporate role to entrepreneurship. Her journey underscores the importance of leveraging personal strengths and experiences to fill a niche in the market, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path. Susan Shier's Contact Info: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanshier/ Website: https://go-simple.me/ Tom Clairmont Website: www.tomclairmont.com Solopreneur Success Plan Online Course:https://tomclairmont.thinkific.com/courses/solopreneur-success-plan www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

I just wanted to explain why I'm doing a slight rebrand for the Show and how I wanted the front line image to reflect better with the content of the Podcast. Thanks for listening and your continued support and encouragement along the way. The core aspect of the Podcast will stay the same. Website: www.tomclairmont.com www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of the Small Business Startup Essentials Podcast, Tom Clairmont dives deep into the vital topic of client acquisition and the essential systems for achieving it. Focused on streamlining processes, Tom shares his insights and personal experiences in incorporating effective systems into his business, aiming to guide listeners toward more efficient client acquisition strategies.Tom begins by demystifying marketing funnels for newcomers, explaining the "know, like, trust, try, buy" process. He emphasizes the importance of flooding the top of the funnel with targeted prospects to ensure a smoother transition through the funnel stages, detailed by the acronyms TOFU, MOFU, and BOFU. Tom stresses the need for a client attraction system, client conversion system, and client nurturing system, intricately woven into the business's foundation, to facilitate this journey.Highlighting content creation's critical role in attracting clients, Tom insists on a clear understanding of the target audience to ensure the marketing funnel is filled with qualified prospects. He shares practical tips on website design, leveraging SEO with the Yoast plugin, and optimizing LinkedIn profiles to enhance visibility and attract the right audience.Tom provides a detailed walkthrough of his strategies for LinkedIn, including profile optimization using Canva Pro, engaging posts, and targeted connection invites based on event participation. He also discusses leveraging webinars, podcasts, and email marketing to funnel potential clients into the engagement process.As listeners move through the middle part of the funnel, the client conversion system comes into play, aiming to transform observers into potential clients. Tom shares his approach to building trust and authority through complimentary Zoom calls, offering a glimpse into his training program and onboarding process, facilitated by tools like DocuSign to streamline the signup process.Finally, Tom addresses the client nurturing system, focusing on delivering exceptional value to create "raging fan customers" and encourage referrals, thus bypassing the traditional marketing funnel. He outlines options for clients to engage with his services at various levels, from online training videos to comprehensive training programs, with opportunities for upgrades and continued engagement through monthly retainers.This episode is not just a guide but a comprehensive blueprint for small business owners and solopreneurs aiming to establish or refine their client acquisition systems. Tom encourages listeners to reach out for his ebook or connect with him directly for more in-depth insights and assistance.Website: www.tomclairmont.comOnline Course: Solopreneur Success PlanReceive weekly tips and perspective emails from Tom on having a professional online business HERE.www.tomclairmont.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary: In this episode, your host delves into the critical aspect of income goals in the entrepreneurial journey. Tom Clairmont underscores the importance of having clear income objectives to not only measure progress but also to prevent complacency. He emphasizes that setting income goals isn't an act of greed or selfishness but rather a necessary mindset for solopreneurs. Success hinges on consistently pushing forward, and this proactive approach can make all the difference in an ever-changing business landscape. Tom acknowledges the allure of a stable income once a business is established, recognizing it as a significant achievement. However, he urges caution, highlighting a potential pitfall. Suppose a solopreneur relies heavily on a single substantial client for their stable income. In that case, they might face a precarious situation if that client's circumstances change, jeopardizing their financial stability. Tom's message is clear: don't become complacent with a stable income; keep striving for growth. He encourages listeners not to rest on their laurels but to maintain their drive and urgency to secure new clients continually. To avoid the vulnerability of relying on a single client, Tom suggests considering the possibility of hiring a virtual assistant. Delegating lower-level tasks can free up time for solopreneurs to focus on higher-level strategic activities that propel their business forward. Tom shares his own experience working with a virtual assistant to maximize efficiency and expand his business. Tom emphasizes that growth should be a multi-faceted endeavor, not just financial but also emotional, health-related, and overall well-being. He encourages solopreneurs to constantly review, modify, and improve their goals while remaining in a state of continuous learning. Despite the potential challenges in finding the right virtual assistant, Tom underscores its worth in terms of relieving the solopreneur from tasks that hinder growth. He believes that this investment is instrumental in maintaining momentum and achieving consistent progress. In conclusion, Tom leaves his audience with a powerful message: to avoid self-sabotage and keep moving forward, solopreneurs must be conscious of maintaining momentum and constant growth, even during periods of financial success. This episode serves as a reminder that success is not only financial but also holistic, encompassing various aspects of life. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary: In this episode, your host, Tom Clairmont, explores the challenges of being a solopreneur and the constant quest for making business operations easier without compromising quality. Tom introduces a lead magnet he created called "The Tools We Use," which provides valuable insights into online tools he personally uses in the business startup process. Tom acknowledges the perpetual need for new tools, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. He shares his recent experiences with using Chat GPT, highlighting how it's become an indispensable tool for generating content and fulfilling various roles within his business. Tom goes on to discuss specific scenarios in which he has utilized Chat GPT. From transforming podcast transcripts into engaging summaries to crafting website content, generating lead magnet ideas, and even exploring children's book concepts, Tom showcases the versatile applications of AI-powered content generation. Additionally, he emphasizes the growing role of virtual assistants, made more efficient by AI tools, in small businesses. Tom encourages listeners to leverage these technologies to streamline their operations and enhance productivity. Throughout the episode, Tom emphasizes the importance of embracing AI tools, such as Chat GPT, as valuable resources to simplify and enhance business processes. He invites listeners to share their own experiences and questions related to AI tools by emailing him at tom@tomclairmont.com. As the episode concludes, Tom leaves his audience with a sense of empowerment, reinforcing that AI is a valuable ally in the entrepreneurial journey, simplifying tasks and expanding possibilities. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary In this podcast episode, Tom Clairmont takes on the myths and misconceptions surrounding launching an online business later in life, sharing valuable insights and debunking common misconceptions. Here's a summary of the key points covered: • Age Is Just a Number: Tom emphasizes that age should not deter anyone from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Regardless of age, there's ample time to achieve success, and opportunities are not limited by a narrow time frame. • Risk and Financial Stability: Tom challenges the belief that starting something new later in life is riskier. He argues that having financial stability and resources accumulated over the years can actually reduce the risk associated with launching a new venture. • Tech Savviness Isn't a Must: Tom dispels the myth that one needs to be a tech guru to succeed online. With the abundance of tech resources, courses, and virtual assistants available, lack of tech expertise should not hold anyone back. • Cost of Starting: Tom highlights that starting an online business or podcast doesn't have to be costly. There are affordable options, including freelancers and AI tools, making it accessible to those on a budget. • Building Speed: The speed of building a business depends on available resources and goals. Tom emphasizes that it's possible to start small and grow over time, dispelling the notion that it will take too long to establish a business. • Action and Decision-Making: Tom encourages taking action and making decisions, emphasizing that the fear of making the wrong choice shouldn't deter aspiring entrepreneurs. Mistakes are part of the journey and provide valuable lessons. • The Right Mindset: Tom acknowledges that not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship. It requires motivation, decisiveness, resilience, and belief in oneself. Without the right mindset, success can be elusive. Listeners are left with a clearer understanding that age should not be a barrier to pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. Tom's insights challenge common myths and offer a fresh perspective on starting an online business later in life. Website: www.tomclairmont.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclairmont/ www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary In this episode, Tom Clairmont reflects on being 60 years old and facing the timeless struggle of having numerous ideas and dreams but limited time and focus to pursue them. He recounts a recent conversation with an old coach who shared similar struggles. Living in a land of opportunities and embracing capitalism can lead to the belief that success in one area can lead to success in all areas, which isn't necessarily true. Tom discusses the overwhelming influx of creative ideas and the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur with limited hours in a day. They touch on the fear of missing out when witnessing others' success in different areas. Tom emphasizes the importance of strategic prioritization, taming the creative mind, and focusing on one venture at a time while keeping other ideas in a journal for future exploration. He encourages listeners to enjoy the journey, recognize that success goes beyond wealth, embrace patience, and stay open to new opportunities. The key takeaway is that mastering one venture before moving to the next is often the path to genuine success and life fulfillment. Website: www.tomclairmont.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasclairmont/ www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary: We're talking about the crucial first step in building your online business foundation: having a clear vision. But you know what's equally important? Turning that vision into a reality. Why This Information Is So Important: Look, starting a business can be thrilling, but it's also packed with challenges, especially when you're taking the plunge later in life. Your vision is like your guiding star, but transforming it into a workable plan can feel like navigating uncharted waters. That's why this episode matters. Why You Should Absolutely Tune In: Setting Clear Goals: You'll discover why it's essential to break those big, audacious goals into manageable steps. I'll share how to prioritize them and even add a bit of urgency to keep you on track. Trust me; this can make all the difference. Overcoming Procrastination and Distraction: Who hasn't battled procrastination and distractions? I've been there too. I'll reveal some strategies to tackle these productivity killers head-on so you can stay focused and get things done. Lack of Planning: Planning is your roadmap to success. But not just any plan; it needs structure. I'll talk about why having daily and weekly goals, plus a to-do list that's actually doable, is crucial. Keeping it simple is my mantra, and I'll explain why. Information Overload: We're in the age of information overload. I recently did a little test with Google, and trust me, it can get overwhelming. I'll share how to cut through the noise, find reliable info, and avoid drowning in data. Maintaining Motivation: Let's face it, motivation can be sky-high when you start, but it often fizzles out. I'll talk about finding your "why" and keeping that fire burning, even when the going gets tough. It's all about visualizing your success. So, if you're thinking about launching a business, especially if you're a bit further down the road of life, this episode is your go-to guide. It's packed with real-world advice and solutions to help you navigate the tricky terrain of turning your vision into a thriving reality. Don't miss it! Website: www.tomclairmont.com Online Course: Solopreneur 90 Day Launch Plan Receive weekly tips and perspective emails from Tom on having a professional online business HERE. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Summary Hey there, it's Tom Clairmont, and welcome back to the Small Business Startup Essentials show. Today, we're diving into a topic that's becoming increasingly challenging in the digital age: maintaining focus and productivity, especially for home-based businesses like mine. If I'm grappling with these distractions, chances are, you are too. As time goes on, we're bombarded with more and more distractions. Our phones, the internet, and social media are just a few culprits. I've found that to stay on track, I have to power down my phone or put it out of reach. I even have to close my email and limit TV time to meal breaks. Otherwise, productivity takes a nosedive, and my to-do list goes haywire, especially on Mondays. Social media deserves special mention because it's designed to be addictive. Even though I'm not a fan of many platforms myself, I know people who struggle with constant social media engagement. With a home-based business, discipline and focus are vital to staying productive because time flies, and if we're not careful, we'll wonder where it all went. I've started incorporating exercise into my routine, which, while great for health, adds an unexpected layer of fatigue to my day. But there are other reasons distractions creep in. When you work from home, there's a built-in distraction—the comfort of your surroundings. It's easy to get lost in the view or other non-essential tasks. Working from home also means less external structure and accountability. Procrastination can creep in, and it's tempting to put things off. Meetings with clients can sometimes spiral into unproductive discussions, and self-accountability often takes a back seat. It's not meant to be discouraging, but I wanted to share my struggles because I believe in keeping it real. Recognizing these challenges upfront can help you prepare better and establish the discipline and structure needed for a successful home-based business. Let's tackle these issues head-on because they're not likely to get easier in the future. Website: www.tomclairmont.com Online Course: Solopreneur 90 Day Launch Plan www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Today I have with me author, co founder and Chief Technology Officer of Yembo, Zach Rattner. Zach recently wrote a book called Grow Up Fast. I recommend this book to anyone that’s thinking of launching a startup or maybe already launched one and need some guidance on how to navigate through the process. Zach currently lives in San Diego CA with his wife and family and has some good insight for us on making that transition out of the Corporate environment to having a successful business. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

You’ve been waiting….months…years and for what? The Right time? The right economy? The right situation? And how’s the wait been going for you? Are things getting better for you, or worse? Like it or not, the clock is ticking. You don’t have unlimited time to do the things you want to do and to be the person you want to be. What are you waiting for? The what if’s we think are normally the negative thoughts of…what if I fail? What if it doesn’t work out? What if I don’t get the support? What if I run out of money? What if I never sell anything? What if I can’t do what I say I can do? There’s a never ending supply of negative ‘what if’ thoughts. Then there are the ‘why’s’. Why now? Why not later? Why should I listen to this person and not that person? But my question to you is: Why do the negative thoughts flow so easily, but you need to be convinced over and over again to try to think positively about your future and about your chances and how you too can be successful just like millions of other people…just like you are? Maybe you’re thinking that the economy is getting worse and that’s stopping you? Maybe the soundtrack in your head keeps playing the same negative tune and that’s stopping you? Stop living in the past and start living in the present. You be YOUR biggest fan. Don’t rely on others to give you the confidence that you need. Do I want all my family and friends to agree with me and fully understand and approve what I’m doing and why I do it? Yes. But I know that’s never going to happen, so I’m past that now. I don’t need everyone’s approval. Some people just don’t understand…and will never understand why you don’t get that degree THEY think you should get, and just go out and get a better job. Some people will never understand that entrepreneurial perspective that flows so easily inside of you. Is the economy going to ever provide you with the perfect time? No Will your confidence level ever be at the perfect level for you to believe in yourself? No Will you ever get ALL the support you think you need so you can start doing this ‘thing’ that you do so well? Probably not. The time is now. Not tomorrow, not next week; not when you’re feeling up to it. Not when you have a bigger bank account. Not when somebody else says it’s OK. It’s now. Why am I so sure it’s now when I don’t even know you? Well, if this is you…if You’ve waited long enough and you’ve come up with all the excuses that everyone else comes up with for why you can’t be successful, then that’s how I know that this is your time and that you are the person. There is only one of you on this planet. So whatever you’re telling yourself about how others can do the same thing better then you, that’s not true. Take your experiences and expertise and your talents and put them all together. The world needs you now. People need what you can do now. People need to know what you know now and they’re looking for someone just like you to help them. Take a look around, friend. Is the world getting better? Or is the world getting crazier? From my perspective, it’s getting crazier. That’s why I’m asking you…imploring you to speak up. Speak out. Do whatever you need to do. Even if you don’t have all the confidence you think you need. It’s time for you to finally take action. If you need help, there’s plenty of people out there that will help you; including me. You don’t need to be a superhero. You don’t need to act like a superhero. You don’t need to act like anybody other than who you are. You don’t need to change who you are. Can you accomplish all that you will ever hope to do? Probably not. I know I can’t. But I do what I can do. And that’s what I’m asking of you as well. Do what you can do. The time is now and you are the person. Whether it’s starting a business or starting a Podcast. Start something. Website: www.tomclairmont.com Online Course: Solopreneur 90 Day Launch Plan Receive weekly tips and perspective emails from Tom on having a professional online business HERE. I'd love to hear from you about this episode! Click on this link to rate the episode or leave a comment and get a free gift: Episode Rating www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

New entrepreneurs get advice from a lot of different sources- There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of information. From YouTube, and Google searches, from Quora. The list goes on and on. We live in an information age now and we can pretty much talk. To our smartwatch. And ask at anything we need to know. Everybody has a slightly different perspective As well. And that doesn’t make it any easier to figure out. What we should do or shouldn’t do. What path to take? And how to take it. What works for one person may not work for someone else There’s no secret sauce. There’s no formula on success. I was just telling my daughter yesterday after she was telling me she wants to start a business that even the experts tell us. Try something. See if it works. If it doesn’t work, you try something else. What worked for me may not work for you. Now there are general principles in place that are sort of generic. And yes, there is a right and a wrong way to do some things for sure. But as far as what resonates with people. For your product or service and how you’re presenting it. And how that lines up with your experience. You may or may not be able to reach your target audience as effectively as somebody else who’s doing the same thing. Nobody wants to fail. We all want to succeed But success comes after. The failures Success comes after we’ve tried something. And it didn’t work. But we learned from that experience. And what not to do in order. To reach our target audience more effectively with a better pitch, a better angle. A different approach. A better product, a better service. Surely if we ‘do it the right way’ we’re more likely to succeed But what is the right way? What is ‘the right way’? How would you define ‘doing it right’? My rate might not be your right. It might be right for me and wrong for you. It might be right for you and wrong for me. It’s all subjective. There’s a low budget ‘right’ way and a big budget ‘right’ way. Both are totally different. I’ve found that. Most new entrepreneurs have the smaller budget approach at first until They are able to build their business. And along with that, build their bank account. But even while we’re still on that smaller budget even while we Still have that smaller bank account. We can get caught up in the mindset that others have that are on larger budgets in order to ‘do it right’ Now don’t forget. There’s A never ending supply of online tools for your toolbelt to help you on your path to success. Some are free, some are low cost and some are quite expensive the marketing tools seem to be the more pricier ones. Here are a few of the more popular ones and the kind of money you’ll shell out · Kajabi is a very popular online tool that will help you sell your products through funnels and landing pages, you can have a website developed, throw in email marketing…but it’s going to cost you between $150-$200/a month · Hubspot is another very popular source for not only launching but building your business with a wide range of online tools at your disposal, but that can cost you anywhere between $450 and $800/month · Clickfunnels is another very popular small business marketing site that offers sales funnels for your products. And this one is the cheaper option, if you really want to call it that. Clickfunnels will run you between $130-$160/month These tools are great if you have the structure, volume and staff in place to support it. You will need a team of marketing specialists to work these tools properly there’s a mountain of work to do to use these tools. But if you’re paying for them but need time to put the foundation in place, you’re paying for something you can’t even use for quite some time and time is not something you’ll have the privilege of wasting. Once you sign up for these services, the clock is ticking. Every month you will be charged. No doubt about that. So the trick is, how do you sign up for one of these expensive monthly services and then get your product or service up and running fast enough using these services so that you can start making money? That’s the dilemma that a lot of people have when they sign up for these pricy monthly services. · You’ll need your digital products and services in place ASAP · You’ll need your online coursed finished and ready to market and sell ASAP · You’ll need your email marketing in place and fully functioning ASAP But this is the dilemma that a lot of people face. Each one of these three things I just listed takes a lot of time in and of itself. All three of these together may take you a full year. Paying for one of these high ticket tools for a year and not being able to use it is a huge waste of many thousands of dollars. Now that wasn’t part of the plan, when you signed up for these types of expensive, pricey services. If this happened to you I’m sure you didn’t see it coming when you saw your money being flushed down the drain. And if this did happen to you, I sure am sorry about that and it’s probably under the guise of being told that this is the right way to do it. “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” Right? That’s what we’re always told. If you’re going to do something, do it right. The problem with that advice is that somebody else’s right way may not be your right way. Somebody else’s budget and mindset may be quite different than your budget and your mindset. This is why you will never hear me say through my coaching “If you’re going to do it, do it right.” Not that I don’t want you to do it the right way. It’s just that you need to determine for yourself what’s right for your business. I can tell you what worked for me. I can tell you what’s right for me. But you need to determine what’s right for you. Because, if you want to use tools like these, you need to be up and running as fast as possible. You see, I take the low budget approach and always will. If you’re able to quickly build a skilled team and build that foundation for the marketing funnels you’ll need, then great. Otherwise, be careful. Maxing out your CC or taking out a loan for your startup can be a huge financial risk, and that’s why I’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go throughout my 21 years of being in business. They want to start strong. They want to hit the ground running they’re very optimistic. They have big, big goals and dreams. I get that. But when they start too strong it can be easy to get in over your head very fast. So if we ever have the pleasure of working together through my one on one or online group coaching my advice is always going to come from the slow and steady approach. Again, I’ve been in business for over 20 years because of the slow and steady approach. So if you’re thinking about signing up for pricey marketing services all I’m asking is that you think it through to make sure to make sure that you have the foundation in place in advance so that you don’t get caught up into the whirlwind of success too early and you find yourself in over your head as well. OK? If you want a low budget alternative, I teach this in my coaching and online course. You can set up a great landing page for your lead magnet through MailerLite and the best thing about this is that the email integration is already built in. Now, if you haven’t heard me say this yet, MailerLite is free for the first 1,000 email subscribers. And the paid version after that is only $9/month. Did you hear that? Only $9/month. Now, do you get all the bells and whistles that the other services get for their $200 or $500/month? No. But you’ll probably either not need or use those bells and whistles either. So why pay for it? If you can work through the funnel process on your own, (and I have a Podcast episode on using mind mapping), then you can save yourself a TON of money. Is this a lot of work? Yes. But it always is. Even if you’re spending $800/month on a pricy service that will do SOME of the work for you. I said SOME. There’s still a lot of work for you to do even though you’re giving them the price of a small car each year. Is it work? Yes. Can you do it? Yes. Can you do it alone? Maybe. But if you need help, myself…or many others out there can help you through the process. You’ll get there. It always takes time, but hey, if I can do it, then so can you. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Hey friend, welcome back to another episode of the Small business started essentials podcasts where I like to cover topics that are sometimes generic, but sometimes personal to me as well. In this episode, I’m going to talk a little bit about why I’ll never retire. But as I was thinking about this, it sort of got me wondering what retirement is anyway? You know what is retirement? Is it to stop all effective formal sort of work? Just do nothing but poke around all day long or play golf? Mow the yard over and over again? (like my retired neighbor does…don’t get me wrong, he’s a great guy, he’s just bored) I watched my father retire at a very early age because he spent 30 years at a manufacturing plant. And after he officially retired, he officially laid down in bed and stayed there most of the day. I see some of my neighbors that are in retirement and they spend most of the day trying to figure out what to do with their day. So I certainly don’t want to fall into that trap, but what would I retire from? You know: • learning? • Helping people? • making an impact? • having influence? I know that retirement means different things to different people, but I guess for the scope of this episode, we’ll just frame it in the context of ‘officially working’. Now if that meant that I’d never had a job again, that would be one thing. But when you’re self employed, or a soleopreneur, and you have a business, there is no job. But the mindset of the business being a job could still be there. That’s not me. And just as an extra side note, I’m also married to somebody who has the same perspective. She also said ‘I’m never going to retire.’ You know, it’s just she always wants to be involved in either learning or teaching or making an impact one way or another. Whether it’s creating online courses or tutoring people in higher education. So I’m only mentioning this because it’s also a significant source of influence as well. But some people say they’ll never retire because they need the financial security. They need extra income. They don’t want to rely just on Social Security or pensions that they may have. They want to continually create a source of income. And I get that. I’m not criticizing that. That’s a good goal. Some people say they’ll never retire because they have a passion for their work. They just don’t want to don’t want to stop doing what they love doing. And that’s me. I can relate to that. That’s a huge reason why I say I’ll never retire. You know, to some or even a lot of people, the work that they do in their business gives them a sense of purpose and growth and fulfillment. They see themselves as contributing to something meaningful. If you’re involved in a non nonprofit organization, you’ll get a good taste of that. For some people the concept of continual professional development fuels them to keep going no matter how old they are. They want to keep learning. They want to keep developing. They want to be relevant in their field or in their industry or to the community. For some just the social interaction is a big factor in why they’d like to continue to do what they do. Some people just fear being isolated from prior connections to networks that they built over the decades. Having that mental stimulation and staying active and engaged can really help keep the mind to stay sharp and prevent boredom every single day. But also, if we say we’re going to retire, which means we’re sort of ceasing to be involved in the things we were previously involved in then the impact that we used to have will be gone. The length of our legacy and the footprint on society will be impacted as well. Now, some…see this retirement time as a time to start over and really dig into their hobbies and interests like never before. This morning I was scanning some Podcasts on Spotify and came across some shows that exist just as personal projects based on their interests…whether it’s music or history…there’s a lot of those kind of shows. These Shows are just their personal projects that they’re sharing with the world. Podcasters just having a Show that helps people enjoy what they like to enjoy as well. And that’s great. They’re using their retirement time just like I mentioned before. Staying active…mental stimulation. But I found that some just fear the concept of retirement for a lot of the reasons that I just mentioned. The fear of the unknown, I guess. I was talking to someone earlier today that said this to me as well. He’s been so used to working for decades and next year he’s announced that he’s retiring but doesn’t know what to do with himself. He doesn’t want to start a business, so then what? So what about you? What are your thoughts on the topic? Let me know. There’s a link in the show notes to rate the episode and leave a comment. I like hearing from the listeners on what their thoughts and feelings are as well. Let’s talk soon. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content

Hey friend welcome back again to another episode that I hope will give you a little bit more insight on not only the small business realm, but sort of the mindset of why I do what I do and how I do it. Today I’m going to talk about one specific decision that I made 20 years ago that had really paid off for me big time financially. You know, we can make a lot of decisions throughout the scope of our business. Sometimes you go with your gut when you’re not sure what to do. Sometimes you find out that your gut was wrong. Oh, well, you made a decision, and that’s what you needed to do. You gave it a shot. You’re going to find out if it either works or it doesn’t. You know, we’re flooded with ads about how to make a lot of money. And you don’t know who or what to believe. It’s real easy to be skeptical about these types of things. So maybe it’ll help if I give you a personal example of what did work for me. I’ve said a number of times that when I first started out, I really didn’t have a solid plan in place for what to do and how to do it. I worked on a business plan with very little guidance and back in the day, I went to some people at SCORE. And they were nice. They were friendly and helpful for the most part, but it was pretty much because they’re all volunteers. It was just a little conversation and they pointed me to some resources. Being that I was in the technology realm, it was a field that they weren’t familiar with anyway. But once I decided I was going to be providing web services, it occurred to me that I should form some sort of structure behind that concept and have a way to officially sell products and services and have people pay for those products and services in ways that would be easy for me to manage and maintain. So as I was looking at different companies that provided web services, I found that GoDaddy had an affiliate program that they referred to as a reseller because it’s really more than an affiliate program. In a typical affiliate program, you just refer another company with a special link that’s provided by them that distinguishes you, specifically so that when you refer people through this link, you get a small financial reward for it. But with the GoDaddy reseller program, they provide you with an independent dashboard, a way to pick and choose what products and services you want to offer with the pricing and what it’s going to be for each product, how you want to offer discounts based on the specific of time frames that you can determine or for other reasons. So it’s really a full blown way to have your own Web services business. But offer pretty much all or most of what GoDaddy has to offer. And through this dashboard that they provide you can present it as your individual company. And with a reseller fee of just $100 a year, I think that’s quite a bargain. Because I have made 10’s of thousands of dollars with just this one decision to be a reseller through GoDaddy. Now you might already be familiar with web services and what they are and how they work. But just to be clear when somebody wants a website, they’re going to need a domain name, hosting, they will probably want custom email. They may want SEO services. They may want a secure link for their domain name called SSL Secure socket layer (a little bit technical here) but they may want domain privacy protection you know pretty much the A to Z of what you need for a website hosting. I think I left that out hosting account the server that’s going to have the files for the website and offer it 24/7 to the Internet and when these products and services need to be renewed every year, and the customer does renew and pay for these products and services, you automatically get passive income. In the first ten years that I offered these products and services I acquired a good number of clients. Some people throughout the years come and go. Some businesses cease to exist. Some people move away and they have some other local contact that they want to deal with. Some people are convinced they can do these things themselves. They give it a try. So as the years go on, because I’m not offering these products and services like I used to, the amount of passive income has been going down from year to year, but it’s still significant. And when it comes to a financial planning, I can forecast what the passive income will be for those products and services that are renewed. In that concept of passive income, through the renewal of products and services, it still applies to affiliate affiliates that you can set up for yourself as well. You don’t have to have a reseller account like this to get that kind of income. You can set up a number of affiliate programs. And use that as an extra source of income too. So as a result, because I’ve seen first hand the benefits of passive income and how it works the past couple of years I’ve been creating affiliate programs that relate to that really directly to the kind of environment that I’m in and the kind of products and services I still provide, to increase the channels for passive income from my business Now I don’t know what kind of business you will have, or currently have. I don’t know the realm that you’re in, but I’m very confident that you’ll find a number of affiliate options for you to pick from and for you to establish with other companies so that it would increase your chances of having passive income. I hope that this shed a little bit of positive light on the potential that you have for not only generating income through direct product or service sales, but through the avenue of passive income as well. If you have any questions or comments, just hit me up in the link that’s in the show notes to leave a comment or rate the episode. I certainly like to hear from you because it really gives me crystal clear indication of what the listeners enjoy and want more of for future episodes. Let’s talk soon. www.tomclairmont.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/solopreneur-success-path/exclusive-content