What Are You Creating?

In this episode, I sit down with Brian and Liz Deacle, the creators behind It’s a Drama and NZ Ahead. This conversation is a real-time look at what it means to build something without having it all figured out. We talk about their journey from running a traditional business to experimenting with blogging, courses, dropshipping, and eventually finding alignment in a completely unexpected way. What stands out most is the shift that happened when they stopped trying to force income and started creating from a place of genuine interest and experience. From there, everything began to take shape. We explore the evolution of their work, how their podcast and content naturally led to a thriving membership community, and what they’ve learned about trust, pressure, and the long game of building something meaningful. This is a conversation about creation as a lived process. If I were to sum up the episode in one line: This is what it sounds like when people stop trying to manufacture a path and start recognizing the one that’s already forming underneath them. And that’s what makes it compelling. Links Mentioned in This Episode It’s a Drama Website - https://itsadrama.com It’s a Drama Podcast - https://itsadrama.com/podcast It’s a Drama YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@itsadrama NZ Ahead Website - https://nzahead.com NZ Ahead Podcast - https://nzahead.com/podcast NZ Ahead YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@nzahead Liz’s Travel Bog Diaries Book - https://amzn.to/3Q5uCmg Liz’s Book on Grief “You Won't Just Cry When They Die” - https://elizabethdeacle.com  

In this conversation, I sit down with Jackie Ulmer, someone who has been building businesses online since the early days of the internet and continues to evolve how she shows up in the world today. We talk about her journey from network marketing to content creation, coaching, and YouTube, and the patterns that have stayed consistent through every season. One of the biggest takeaways for me is her belief that we don’t get our goals, we get our habits. This is a conversation about following curiosity, starting before you feel ready, and allowing your life and business to change as you do. Jackie also shares how her current season has shifted her perspective on success, pace, and what really matters. Links Mentioned in This Episode Jackie Ulmer’s Website: https://peakperformancehabits.com Jackie’s YouTube Channel (Lower Toxic Life): https://www.youtube.com/@lowertoxiclife Next Level Mastermind: http://NextLevelMastermind.info  

I’ve had thousands of conversations over the years. Today I am sharing a conversation with someone who has shifted how I think about every conversation I’ll have going forward. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Ready, and we explore what it looks like to lead with curiosity instead of assumption. We talk about her journey from journalism into documentary filmmaking, the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way, and the simple but powerful framework she created in her book Ask Like a Leader. As someone who coaches and facilitates mastermind groups, I found myself reflecting on how often I think I understand what someone is saying before I’ve truly explored it. This conversation reminded me what becomes possible when we slow down, stay curious a little longer, and allow deeper truth to emerge. Links Mentioned in This Episode Ask Like a Leader by Lauren Ready: https://amzn.to/3PvcbYc Lauren Ready (contact and speaking inquiries): https://laurenready.com  

In this conversation, I sat down with Emily Perry, someone who first discovered podcasting years ago and decided to use it as a way to share a message she deeply cares about. What started as an idea she wasn’t quite ready to release eventually became something much more focused and consistent. Today, Emily hosts a podcast devoted entirely to A Course in Miracles, and over time, it has become the primary way people discover her work and enter into her community. We talked about what it really looks like to stay committed to something over the long term. Emily shared how her podcast evolved from high production expectations to a much simpler, more sustainable approach, and why consistency has mattered far more than perfection. We also explored how choosing a narrowly focused topic has worked in her favor, allowing her to serve a specific audience deeply rather than trying to reach everyone. This is a conversation about devotion to a message, the discipline of showing up regularly, and what happens when you build something steadily over time with a willingness to keep going and serve the people who are already listening. Links Mentioned in This Episode Circle of Atonement: https://circleofa.org Exploring A Course in Miracles (Podcast): https://circleofa.org/podcast Next Level Mastermind If you’re building something meaningful in your life or business, and you’re ready for deeper conversations about what you’re creating and where it’s all going, I’d love to invite you into the Next Level Mastermind. This is a space for people who are already in motion. People who care about the work they’re doing and want to think more intentionally about how they’re building it and who they’re becoming in the process. If that resonates, reach out and start a conversation. My email is Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com  

In this conversation, I sat down with Debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers movement and host of the Slow Flowers Podcast. Debra has been showing up consistently for more than a decade, producing hundreds of episodes while building something much bigger than a podcast. What began as a book and a simple idea grew into a recognizable movement, a trusted media platform, and a membership-based community that supports flower farmers, florists, and creatives across the industry. We talked about how she coined the phrase “Slow Flowers,” how that idea took on a life of its own, and what it’s looked like to stay committed to it over time. Debra shared the evolution from content creation to building an ecosystem. A directory turned into a membership community. A podcast became a central voice for a movement. Along the way, she’s navigated questions around monetization, visibility, and staying relevant as the landscape continues to change. This is a conversation about playing the long game. About trusting your voice. About allowing what you create to grow beyond what you originally imagined. And about what happens when you keep showing up, year after year, long after most people would have walked away. Links Mentioned in This Episode Slow Flowers: https://www.slowflowers.com Slow Flowers Podcast: https://www.slowflowerspodcast.com Debra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowflowerssociety Debra’s Book (The Flower Farmers): https://www.slowflowerssociety.com/product-page/the-flower-farmers-inspiration-advice-from-expert-growers Next Level Mastermind If you’re building something meaningful in your life or business, and you’re craving deeper conversations about what you’re creating and where it’s all going, I’d love to invite you into the Next Level Mastermind. This is a space for entrepreneurs who are already in motion. People who care about the work they’re doing and want to think more intentionally about how they’re building it. If that resonates, email me today and let’s have a conversation about it. Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com  

In this conversation, I sat down with Randy Wilburn, someone who has been consistently creating in the podcasting space for more than a decade. Randy shares how his journey moved from personal expression and curiosity into building a highly intentional, niche podcast centered around a specific geographic region. We explored how his show, I Am Northwest Arkansas, has become a platform for storytelling, connection, and community. Randy talks about the power of consistency, the long-term ripple effects of sharing your voice, and how creating something meaningful over time can open doors you never could have planned for. This is a conversation about trusting the process, embracing your voice, and recognizing that what you’re creating has the potential to impact far more people than you may ever realize. Next Level Mastermind If you’re building something meaningful and want to surround yourself with other people who are thinking at a high level about their work, their life, and their next season of growth, I’d love to invite you into the Next Level Mastermind. Just reach out and let me know you’re interested, and we’ll start a conversation. My email is Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com  

In this conversation, I sat down with Jason Cabassi, someone I had the privilege of helping launch into podcasting back in 2011. Since then, Jason has gone on to produce more than a thousand episodes and build an entire podcast network centered around the shows he loves. We talked about how it all started with a fan podcast for The Walking Dead, the unexpected opportunities that followed, and how a simple curiosity-driven approach opened doors to interviews, live events, and long-term creative work. What stood out most in this conversation is what it actually looks like to sustain something over time. Jason shares the reality of turning podcasting from a hobby into a full-time career, the role community has played in his journey, and the challenges that come with growth, especially around marketing and monetization. This is a conversation about longevity, creative fulfillment, and what happens after the early excitement wears off and you’re still showing up years later, continuing to build something meaningful. Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcastica Network: https://podcastica.com Podcast Answer Man About Stephen Bartlett’s Advice: https://podcastanswerman.com/478 Next Level Mastermind If you’re building something meaningful and want to surround yourself with other people who are thinking at a high level about their work, their life, and their next season of growth, I’d love to invite you into the Next Level Mastermind. Just reach out and let me know you’re interested, and we’ll start a conversation. My email is Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com

In this conversation, I sat down with Clinton Haby, a legacy filmmaking pioneer. Clinton creates films that preserve the essence, energy, and lived experience of a person so that future generations can feel who they were, not just know facts about their life. We talked about how this work began with his own desire to preserve the essence of his grandparents, why he started with audio before eventually evolving into multi-camera video, and how his process helps people speak from the deepest and most meaningful parts of their lives. This was a conversation about story, memory, humanity, and the emotional weight of preserving what matters before the window closes. Links Mentioned in This Episode Clinton Haby on LinkedIn StoryKeeping Website StoryKeeping on Facebook StoryKeeping on Instagram Legacy Film School Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert  

In this episode, I sit down with Ken Freire for a conversation that began with a simple LinkedIn connection request and quickly turned into something deeper. Ken and I discovered that we’ve been moving in many of the same circles for years. His work with Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus team and his partnership with Dan Sanchez connects closely with people and communities that have been part of my world for a long time. What followed was a wide-ranging conversation about business, relationships, podcasting, and the role of connection in building something meaningful. Ken describes himself as a connector. Someone who loves introducing the right people to each other and helping others find the support they need to move forward. That mindset shapes how he approaches both life and business. We talk about the unique challenges solopreneurs face. The isolation. The overwhelming number of roles they have to play. The constant pressure to grow without losing themselves or their families in the process. Ken also shares the system he and Dan Sanchez are building to help solopreneurs grow their authority and attract clients through content while avoiding the burnout that often comes with hustle culture. One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how they’re experimenting with turning podcast content directly into books using modern AI tools and structured podcast frameworks. For anyone building a personal brand, coaching practice, or solopreneur business, this conversation offers a lot to think about. At its core, it comes back to a simple idea. Build something meaningful. Serve people well. Create from who you really are. Links Mentioned In This Episode Ken Freire and Solo Scaled Website: https://soloscaled.com Solo Scaled Podcast In Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/solo-scaled/id1821755384 Solo Scaled Podcast In Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FPKjMBWd4koVXEIHuHuJk Ken’s Podcast-to-Book Cohort: https://micclub.co Podcast Answer Man Episode 482, Why You Should Consider Creating a Separate Podcast With Only 5–10 Episodes: https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/482 If this conversation resonated with you, I encourage you to check out Ken’s work and explore the resources above. And if you're an entrepreneur who feels called to build something meaningful while surrounding yourself with the right people, you may also want to explore the Next Level Mastermind. Details at: https://NextLevelMastermind.info  

In this conversation, I sit down with Erick Rheam. Erick is a keynote speaker, author of the book Rise Above Chaos, and host of the Rise Above The Chaos podcast. But long before he became a professional speaker, he was someone searching for direction. In fact, Erick first discovered my Podcast Answer Man podcast back in 2012 while he was training for a marathon. He told me that during those long runs, my voice was in his earbuds as he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Now, more than a decade later, we finally sit down together to talk about the journey that took him from military leadership, to the corporate world, to building a successful speaking business. Along the way, Erick shares powerful stories about leadership, encouragement, resilience, and the courage it takes to step forward before you feel ready. This is one of those conversations that reminds me why I love podcasting. You never know where a conversation today might lead ten years from now. Links Related To This Episode Erick’s Website https://ErickRheam.com His Book Rise Above Chaos His Podcast Rise Above The Chaos Click Here To Listen to My Guest Appearance on Erick's Podcast Next Level Mastermind If you own a business, have a podcast, and connect with the content I create, I'd like to invite you to explore the Next Level Mastermind. It's a community of entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders committed to living and working with deeper intentionality. You can learn more at NextLevelMastermind.info You can also email me directly at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com to let me know you're interested, and we'll jump on a call to discuss it further.  

This conversation was recorded at the Cincinnati Podcast Studio with Brian Erickson. I originally invited Brian to join me for an episode of my What Are You Creating? podcast, which I typically produce as an audio-only show. Since Brian runs a studio devoted to high-quality video podcast production, he invited me to come to the studio and record the conversation there. This is a very unscripted conversation. It begins as an interview, but it naturally becomes a genuine exchange between two podcast professionals exploring how we each think about content creation. Where it’s been. Where it is now. And where it might be headed. At one point, Brian asks me to share my perspective on audio versus video, content ownership, and some of the principles that have shaped the way I approach creating and publishing work. If you care about creating meaningful work and playing a long game with your content, I think you’ll enjoy it. Important Links: You can see the video version of this episode, recorded professionally at the Cincinnati Podcast Studio, on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/2bzuQFXlzkE?si=Bq_4bp4WXjczmZK2 Cincinnati Podcast Studio website: https://cincinnatipodcaststudio.com Follow Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwerickson Next Level Mastermind If you’re a professional author, coach, speaker, content creator, course creator, or online business owner, and you’ve ever felt alone in your content creation, marketing, or business decisions, I want you to know this. You don’t have to do this journey by yourself. I’ve reopened the Next Level Mastermind. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who are committed to growth, service, and bringing their full education, experience, skills, and perspective into a trusted peer environment where everyone contributes and everyone benefits. If you feel a pull toward doing this work alongside other thoughtful, accomplished people who understand the decisions you’re facing, email me directly at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and put “Next Level Mastermind” in the subject line. I’d love to explore whether it makes sense for us to journey together.  

Heather Bayer was one of the very first people in her industry to ever launch a podcast, and more than a decade later she is still showing up every single week. In this conversation, I sit down with Heather to look back on the long arc of her creative life. From buying podcasting equipment in 2007 and letting it sit untouched for six years, to launching Vacation Rental Success in 2013 and publishing more than six hundred and fifty episodes since then, Heather’s story is a powerful reflection on what happens when someone decides to take their voice seriously and keeps going through every season of change. Insights from this conversation Starting a podcast with a professional mindset from day one creates a foundation that supports long term consistency. Defining an ideal client avatar and speaking to one specific person changes how content is created and how it lands. A podcast becomes powerful when it is built for the listener rather than as a personal vanity project. Weekly consistency builds trust and becomes part of people’s lives in ways that statistics do not always reveal. Even a smaller audience can have an enormous impact when those listeners are deeply connected to the voice they hear. Interviews can accelerate thought leadership through relationships and credibility by association. Listener emails and personal messages often provide the emotional fuel that keeps creators going. A podcast can quietly become the primary driver of long term business relationships. Platforms change, but a trusted voice continues to create connection across time. Creation that unfolds over years becomes part of a person’s identity. Links and resources Heather Bayer’s website: https://vacationrentalformula.com Heather’s email: heather@vacationrentalformula.com Vacation Rental Success Podcast: Apple | Spotify | YouTube Podcasting A to Z Podcasting A to Z Heather’s story is powerful because she chose to take her voice seriously and commit to showing up. If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, relaunching one that has gone quiet, or bringing new life to something you already created, my next session of Podcasting A to Z is starting soon. This is the same program Heather went through when she finally pulled that dusty equipment off the shelf, learned how to wire it all together, and launched what would become more than six hundred episodes of consistent, professional podcasting. It is where I personally walk you through every step of creating a great-sounding audio podcast with clarity, confidence, and a proven plan. You can find all the details at PodcastingAtoZ.com.

In this episode, I share a powerful conversation with Laura McClellan, host of The Productive Woman podcast, who took my Podcasting A to Z course more than twelve years ago and has now published over five hundred episodes. Laura almost never launched her show. She recorded her first episode, then let fear stop her for six months before finally deciding to publish an episode she recorded from a closet with a handheld recorder. What followed was a body of work that has touched thousands of people around the world. This conversation is part of my Where Are They Now? series, where I sit down with students who went through my course 10 to 15 years ago to explore what it actually looks like to keep showing up with your voice over the years. Insights from My Conversation with Laura Starting a podcast can begin as a personal, creative outlet long before it becomes something that serves others. Fear and self-doubt are often part of the beginning, even for people who later become incredibly consistent creators. You do not need a platform or an audience to start. You only need a willingness to speak and press publish. A simple weekly cadence creates momentum that compounds over time. Listener feedback, even from one person, can be the fuel that keeps you going. Podcasting builds community in ways that are difficult to predict when you first begin. Taking a sabbatical or stepping away can be part of a long creative life. It is easier for many people to speak than to write, which makes podcasting a powerful medium for sharing ideas. Tools and technology continue to evolve, making it easier than ever to create and distribute high-quality content. The true reward of podcasting is not downloads or stats, but the impact your voice has on real people. Links and Resources Laura’s Podcast In Apple Podcasts Laura's Podcast in Spotify Laura McClellan’s website: TheProductiveWoman.com Podcasting A to Z Podcasting A to Z Laura’s story is not special because she decided to begin and kept showing up. If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, relaunching one that has gone quiet, or bringing new life to something you already created, my next session of Podcasting A to Z is starting soon. This is the same program Laura went through and it is where I personally walk you through every step of creating a great-sounding audio podcast with clarity, confidence, and a proven plan. You can find all the details at PodcastingAtoZ.com.  

This episode is the first in a special “Where Are They Now?” series. Over the past several weeks, I have been sitting down with graduates of Podcasting A to Z who said yes to creating something more than a decade ago and kept showing up through many seasons of life and work. These are people who did not just launch a podcast. They built bodies of work that now span hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of episodes. Daphne Scott is the first of these conversations. Twelve years after going through Podcasting A to Z, she has produced more than three hundred podcast episodes, built multiple shows, and continues to evolve her voice through new projects, including a new leadership podcast and a growing YouTube channel. Insights from this conversation Consistency in podcasting is often less about ideas and more about having a reliable technical process that supports showing up week after week. Audio quality matters deeply. Even powerful messages lose their impact when the listening experience creates friction. Creating content across multiple locations requires intentional systems and thoughtful gear choices. Co-hosting a podcast adds energy and depth to a show, while also introducing additional complexity around scheduling, technology, and production. Building a backlog of episodes creates freedom and reduces the pressure of producing something new every single week. Video and audio invite different kinds of presence. How a creator shows up changes depending on the medium. Long-term creators evolve. The work continues even as identity, ambition, and purpose shift over time. Links and resources mentioned Daphne Scott’s website: https://Daphne-Scott.com The Super Fantastic Leadership Show Life: The Ultimate Choose Your Own Adventure Game podcast Daphne Scott’s Leadership Coaching YouTube Channel Podcasting A to Z: http://PodcastingAtoZ.com Podcasting A to Z If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, relaunching one that has gone quiet, or bringing new life into something you already created, my next session of Podcasting A to Z is starting soon. This is the same program Daphne and hundreds of other long-term creators went through when they first began. I would love to be your coach and walk with you through every step of launching and growing your show. You can learn more at PodcastingAtoZ.com.  

In this episode, I sit down with Jessika Suter, founder of Social Media Week Lima, to explore how a single conference experience sparked the creation of one of the most heart-centered marketing communities in the Midwest. After attending Social Media Marketing World for the first time, Jessika returned to her hometown of Lima, Ohio and, within two weeks, launched what would become an annual gathering of hundreds of business owners, marketers, and creators who believe in building relationships before pushing messages. Jessika shares how Social Media Week Lima grew from a small thirty-person gathering in her office into a four-hundred-plus attendee conference fueled by generosity, collaboration, and a commitment to “love more, give more, be more.” The conversation covers everything from how world-class speakers now volunteer their time to support the event, to how spontaneous moments like the Lima Olympics have become beloved traditions that bring joy, play, and real human connection back into the marketing world. Links Mentioned in This Episode Social Media Week Lima (tickets and event details) https://sociallima.com Now Marketing Group (Jessika’s agency) https://nowmarketinggroup.com Relationship Marketing with Jessika https://relationshipmarketingjessika.com Episode 802 of The Cliff Ravenscraft Show https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcasts/the-cliff-ravenscraft-show/episodes/2149132919 Podcast Answer Man https://podcastanswerman.com Podcasting A to Z https://podcastingatoz.com Podcasting A to Z If you have been thinking about starting a podcast as a way to build real relationships, grow your network, and create opportunities that would not exist otherwise, that is exactly why I created Podcasting A to Z. This is a four week group coaching experience where I work with you personally to help you launch or relaunch your podcast with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that fits who you are. We cover everything from concept and format to equipment, publishing, and how to use interviews and conversations to open doors to new relationships, partnerships, and clients. If you are ready to stop thinking about starting and actually get your podcast into the world, you can find all the details at https://podcastingatoz.com.

In this episode, I share a conversation with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of PodFest Expo, where we talk about: How he got into podcasting through conversations with his kids. Why he bought PodFest and what he is trying to protect and grow. How PodFest is different from other podcasting conferences. Why the event is built around independent creators. The Podcast Hall of Fame and why it now lives at PodFest. The changing needs of podcasters and how in-person events meet those needs. Key ideas from this episode The highest value of podcasting conferences come from the in-person relationships. Being in the same room with other creators changes how you see yourself and your work. The best opportunities in this industry almost always come from conversations, not presentations. If you keep the same people around you, your life and business will look the same in five years. PodFest is designed to serve independent podcasters first, not corporate sponsors. Resources and links mentioned PodFest Expo https://podfestexpo.com Promo Code for PodFest Use PAM for 10 percent off your ticket Podcast Hall of Fame https://podcasthall.com Podcast Answer Man Episode 480 https://podcastanswerman.com/480 Ready to stop doing this alone? If this episode reminded you that podcasting is better when you are in a room with other creators, then Podcasting A to Z might be exactly what you are looking for. Podcasting A to Z is my live, step-by-step coaching experience for people who are ready to launch, relaunch, or level up their podcast. It is a group of podcasters who are showing up, asking real questions, and building real momentum together. We meet for four weeks. We solve real problems. And we move your podcast forward with clarity and confidence. The next session begins January 26. Learn more and register at: PodcastingAtoZ.com  

Today, I had an incredible conversation with Austin Armstrong, an entrepreneur, speaker, and creator whose journey perfectly embodies what it means to stop thinking like a content creator and start thinking like a business owner who creates content. Austin is the founder of Syllaby, an AI-powered video marketing platform that helps entrepreneurs and service-based business owners simplify content creation and stay consistent across every major platform. He’s also the author of the upcoming book Virality!, which unpacks two decades of lessons from his evolution as a creator, marketer, and business builder. In our conversation, we explored: How Austin went from MySpace “trains” to building multi–seven-figure businesses powered by organic content. The story behind Syllaby, and how a simple pivot in messaging saved the company. What it really means to create systems that turn followers into customers. Austin’s powerful S.T.A.R.T. Video Framework for crafting scroll-stopping, lead-generating videos. The biggest mistakes creators make when chasing virality, and what to do instead. I loved this conversation because it’s about realizing that your content should serve your mission, not the other way around. Austin’s energy, humility, and depth of experience made this an enjoyable conversation. If you’re a creator, coach, or entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, you’re going to want to listen to this one from start to finish. The Path Forward If this episode resonated with you, I highly encourage you to pre-order Austin’s new book, Virality! It’s filled with proven frameworks, practical tools, and hard-won lessons that will help you think, act, and grow like a business owner who creates content. 👉 Pre-order Virality! on Amazon  

I’m working with a client who is a gifted communicator with years of real-world experience. He kept hearing that paid speaking is off limits unless you are already well known, can sell tickets by name alone, or have a massive audience. I knew that wasn’t the full story. So I brought in someone I trust and have known for nearly 15 years, Grant Baldwin, to walk through what actually works today for getting paid to speak without celebrity status. Grant has trained thousands of speakers and built The Speaker Lab into a respected, enduring brand, one that has ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest, growing privately held companies in the United States for five consecutive years. What This Episode Is… And Who It’s For This conversation is designed for strong communicators who are comfortable on a stage and want to translate that skill into paid opportunities. If that’s you, you’ll find a clear framework, realistic fee guidance, what event planners actually want, and the specific outreach and follow-up cadence that moves you from “aspiring” to “booked.” Core Mindset Shift: From “Be Famous” To “Solve A Specific Problem” Event planners aren’t always evaluating your follower count. They are reducing risk. They want a reliable speaker who can solve one specific problem for one specific audience and make the organizer look like a hero for choosing wisely. If Oprah or a former president is headlining, tickets sell on name alone. For the rest of us, the job is to solve a defined problem so well that attendees are grateful and organizers are relieved they chose us. The trap to avoid: “I can speak to anyone about anything.” Don’t be a buffet. Be a steakhouse. A steakhouse does one thing exceptionally well. Most buffets do many things mediocre. Your positioning must signal sharp focus, not “I do it all.” Practical implication: Choose a niche problem and audience, and let everything else in your marketing reinforce that narrow, valuable focus. The SPEAK Framework Grant Teaches (And How To Apply It) Grant uses a five-part framework. I’ll restate it with my commentary and application steps you can take immediately. S - Select a problem to solve Pick one clear problem for one identifiable audience. Validate it by confirming that organizations actually hire speakers on that topic. Avoid niche passions that no one budgets for on stage. Look for the Venn overlap between what you love, what you’re skilled at, and what event buyers pay for. Quick validators you can run this week: Make a list of real conferences or associations where your topic would fit. Start with local, state, and regional events rather than national headliners that pay six figures to celebrity keynoters. Identify a few working speakers one or two steps ahead of you as benchmarks. If no one exists in your proposed niche, that’s not a blue ocean. It’s likely a market that doesn’t buy talks on that topic. P - Prepare your talk Design a talk that offers a concrete solution to the chosen audience’s felt need. Make sure the talk aligns with what planners already hire speakers to address. Your talk is a product. It must reduce the organizer’s risk and fulfill the promise in the program description. Tip: If there’s a personal subtopic you care about that isn’t a main-stage draw, embed it as a 5 to 10 percent segment within a widely purchased theme, rather than making it the headline. This blends your passion with market reality without performing a bait-and-switch. E - Establish yourself as the expert You need a sharp, professional website and a demo video. Event planners who hire speakers will compare you to several other speakers. Your materials must look as good or better than your fee peers, because people judge books by their covers, especially under risk. You do not need to spend tens of thousands, but you do need clarity and quality. What to include: Crisp positioning: audience, problem, outcome. A talk page with titles, descriptions, and learning outcomes. Select testimonials that match your audience and topic. A short, high-quality demo reel showing stage presence and audience engagement. A - Acquire paid speaking gigs This is where most speakers falter. Do not wait passively for inquiries. Identify target events, start conversations, and follow up with discipline. Smaller events are not “lesser.” They are accessible and often pay in the $1,000 to $5,000 range for quality speakers who fit well. Those reps build momentum and referrals. A starter outreach line that works: “When will you start reviewing speakers for your [season/year] event?” You’re aligning to their process, not forcing a pitch at the wrong time. If they say, “in three months,” get explicit permission to follow up, then actually follow up in three months with a helpful, short note. They won’t expect you to do it. Showing up reliably previews how good you’ll be to work with. My added tactic: Use Facebook groups where your audience gathers to crowdsource a list of live events they already attend. Ask, “If someone wanted to fully immerse in solving [problem], what live events should they attend?” Now you have a prospect list drawn from the market itself. Then apply the outreach process above. I share the exact post volume thresholds and how I used this approach during my Free The Dream years. K - Know when to scale Speaking can be the whole business or the front end of a larger business. Some speakers aim for many gigs and fee growth. Others use speaking primarily to acquire coaching, consulting, or long-term clients worth tens of thousands, which can dwarf the fee itself. Decide your model early, then shape your targeting and topic accordingly. What To Charge When You’re Getting Started Set expectations realistically. Most speakers who are early in their professional journey charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for the first several paid gigs, with growth as reps, results, and marketing assets improve. Fees vary by industry: corporations generally pay more than nonprofits, for example. Your website, demo video, testimonials, and relevance to that organizer’s audience all factor into perceived value. If you are already collecting checks in the $10,000 to $25,000 range, you’re likely in a pond that routinely books at that level, with the credentials and references to match. Your materials and proof must stand shoulder to shoulder with other speakers priced similarly. The decision-maker is weighing risk. Your job is to make the yes feel safe. How Event Planners Think: Risk, Fit, Proof Event planners and committees are in the risk mitigation business. They need to justify why choosing you is safe. The fastest way to help them feel safe is to present tightly aligned positioning, a clear solution for their audience, relevant testimonials, and a professional demo that shows what they will see on their stage. If you’re a known quantity in their industry, you reduce risk further. Translation: Your niche experience matters. Even if you want to speak beyond your current industry later, start where you already have credibility and connections. Build momentum there, then expand. Be The Steakhouse, Not The Buffet We swapped a memorable story about a dinner in Vegas that nails this point. A top steakhouse has a short menu. It’s exceptional at one thing. Too many speakers showcase a menu of twenty topics across every domain. That spreads you thin and confuses buyers. You don’t become referable as “the person who solves X.” Choose X. Then keep saying X. Building Momentum: Breakouts, Workshops, Local and Regional Stages Keynotes are the glory slot, but many buyers hire outstanding breakout or workshop speakers they’ve never heard of. Target smaller, local, or state-level events where budgets are sensible and competition is less fierce. Use these to gather testimonials and in-industry proof. The more you speak, the more you speak. People in the seats are often the next bookers. Referrals compound. Proactive Prospecting And Follow-Up: Exactly How To Do It Most speakers fail because they wait. Here’s a workable cadence: Build a prospect list of the right-fit events. Send a short, no-pressure opener: “When will you start reviewing speakers?” Capture their answer and permission to follow up. Follow up exactly when promised with a crisp, helpful note. Keep the thread warm with brief check-ins aligned to their process, not your pitch calendar. This shows the organizer what it’s like to work with you. Reliability beats bravado. My supplement to this: Source events by asking active Facebook groups where your audience congregates which conferences they actually attend. Then research and contact those events using the cadence above. Two Viable Business Models: Fee-First vs. Lead-Gen-First Fee-first speakers optimize for the check, the travel schedule, and fee growth over time. Lead-gen-first speakers optimize for speaking to rooms filled with ideal buyers, then convert into higher lifetime value offers such as retainers, advisory, or premium programs. In some niches, a single client is worth more than the speaking fee. Choose the model that matches your goals and build your targeting and talk to support it. Host Your Own Stage To Create Reps And Proof You don’t have to wait for an invitation. Design a focused one-day workshop around your problem-audience fit, sell tickets, and put yourself on stage. This both validates your topic and produces assets, testimonials, and compelling footage for your reel. Tactical Tips, Stories, And Subtleties You Might Miss On First Listen Expectations prevent discouragement. Speaker fees range from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands. Unless your name sells tickets, start where the market is and grow. Manage expectations early so you stay persistent long enough to break through. Industry matters. Corporate, association, education, nonprofit, faith, and government markets all have different norms and ranges. Choose the pond that fits your topic, background, and goals. Marketing assets are

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Thompson, a man who has built an extraordinary business around something most people only do out of kindness: connecting others. I’ve met plenty of people over the years who are natural connectors. They love introducing friends, clients, and peers to each other. Those introductions often lead to life-changing opportunities. But Kevin is the first person I’ve met who figured out how to turn that gift into a sustainable business model. Kevin’s story begins with more than a decade in the publishing world, where he grew his company through over 600 strategic partnerships. Along the way, he discovered how much joy he found in helping people meet and collaborate. For years, he did it freely, simply because it felt good to serve. But one introduction in particular, connecting marketing legends Perry Marshall and Brian Kurtz, planted a powerful seed. That connection eventually led to a multimillion-dollar event, and when Kevin was publicly recognized for being the bridge that made it all possible, he began wondering: What if I could make a living just doing this? For a long time, he battled with the ethics of charging for introductions. Friends even told him it wasn't something that anyone should even consider. But in 2017, a single conversation changed everything. A friend suggested he host a small, in-person gathering of the entrepreneurs he knew. Kevin couldn’t sleep that night. By 4:30 the next morning, he was making a list of everyone he wanted to invite. His enthusiasm was contagious. His wife offered to handle catering, and the first six entrepreneurs he spoke to said, “I’m in.” That August, Kevin hosted his first event at his home in Arlington, Washington, with 15 attendees who each paid $5,000 to be there. They spent time sharing openly, collaborating deeply, and forming meaningful relationships that continued long after the event ended. A month later, he hosted another group, and it filled just as quickly. What began as a simple idea soon became a thriving business. From there, Kevin developed an ongoing model, first through one-on-one connection work and later through group experiences that aligned more naturally with his gifts. Today, he helps entrepreneurs create five-, six-, and seven-figure business opportunities through authentic relationship-building, often earning revenue shares from the connections he facilitates. Throughout this conversation, Kevin and I explore not only how he did it, but the deeper mindset that made it possible, the excitement, confidence, and belief that magnetized people toward his vision. You’ll hear how he overcame doubt, learned from missteps, refined his structure, and ultimately built a business that’s as fulfilling as it is profitable. Insights Gained from This Episode The surprising way one powerful introduction can change the trajectory of your business and someone else’s. Why enthusiasm, confidence and conviction often matter more than a polished business plan when sharing a new idea. How imposter syndrome keeps many people from seeing the true value they already bring to others. The mindset shift from “I shouldn’t charge for this” to “People are happy to pay for the value I create.” The simple structure behind Kevin’s first $5,000-per-person event and why intimacy and authenticity mattered more than luxury or production. How to test new business ideas through real conversations before locking yourself into a plan. What Kevin learned from early business models that didn’t work, and how he redesigned them to fit his natural strengths. The importance of alignment: when the structure of your business supports the way you actually like to show up, everything flows easier. How relationships, built with integrity and generosity, can create long-term, recurring income. The power of turning what you naturally love to do into something that sustains your life, your purpose, and the people you serve. Where you can find Kevin Thompson Kevin’s LinkedIn Profile Kevin’s Facebook Profile The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast: Apple Podcasts - Spotify - RSS Feed If this conversation sparked something in you, if it got you thinking differently about what’s possible in your business, your relationships, or the way you earn a living, then I’d love to hear from you. Right now, I’m working closely with entrepreneurs who are ready to bring more clarity, freedom, and alignment into the way they build and run their business. Ways I have to support you: Building an Online Business Course & Coaching Program 2.5 Day In-Person Mastermind Events A personal, customized Work-Life Audit to see exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift next… The best next step is simple. Just send me an email. Tell me a little about where you are right now and what resonated most from this episode. I read every message personally, and if it feels like I can genuinely help, we’ll set up a time to talk. You can reach me directly at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com. I look forward to hearing your story and exploring what’s possible together.  

Over the past few years, I've heard several people suggest that "blogging is dead." However, one of my favorite coaching clients earns her primary income from her blog and also hosts retreats and an annual conference for an entire community of food bloggers who earn an income from their blogging efforts. So I invited my client, Megan Porta, and asked her the question, "Can you still make money blogging in 2025?" Short answer: Yes. It's doable. It looks different than it did a decade ago. It requires real passion, patience, and a focus on what serves readers right now. Below are thorough show notes to meet you exactly where you are. If you want to start or revive a blog as a real income stream, these notes double as a step-by-step primer. What This Episode Covers Why blogging still pays when you pair patience with passion Megan has seen brand-new bloggers “crushing it.” The difference now is you cannot fake it. Your readers and Google both know when you do. Authenticity wins. The fastest realistic path to first income Join a quality ad network once your traffic qualifies. We name the two big players and their current thresholds. We also discuss why Google SEO and Pinterest are still the two traffic pillars that move the needle. Niching way down to win Broad “everything” blogs struggle today. Specific sub-niches serve specific people and get rewarded. Think “vegan cakes” instead of “vegan.” The love for your topic has to show up in every post. The collaboration playbook for early momentum Smart email list swaps. Contributing value inside the right Facebook groups without spamming. How one helpful post can put a niche creator “on the map” in months. Income beyond ads Digital products. Memberships. Sponsorships. How to think about affiliate income post-HCU and what still works if you are selective. Platform and tech choices that save you pain Why WordPress.org with solid hosting is still the move. Why a VPS and proactive security matter. Real-world cautionary tales about updates, backups, and malware. Key Takeaways and Insights 1) Yes, you can still get paid to blog. The bar is higher. If you bring patience and genuine expertise, you can absolutely build an income today. People starting in the last year or two are succeeding. The difference is the landscape. Authenticity and user value must drive your strategy. 2) Niche inside the niche Winning examples are laser-specific. Pick a tight segment of a larger category, then become unmistakably helpful to that reader. This is how you break through and build trust. 3) Traffic plan: SEO and Pinterest first To qualify for premium ad networks, prioritize traffic that comes from search and Pinterest. Current thresholds discussed in the episode: Mediavine at roughly 50,000 sessions per month and Raptive at roughly 100,000 pageviews per month. Build to those numbers, then let ad RPMs start compounding. 4) Collaboration without spam Use email list collaborations. Show up consistently inside large, topic-relevant Facebook groups. Earn trust by answering questions with real substance. This moves traffic quickly when your niche is dialed in. 5) Create on-topic, helpful content Google’s Helpful Content updates pushed bloggers to stay tightly aligned with user intent. Keep posts on point for your niche. Tangential personal stories and off-topic content dilute perceived expertise and can hurt discoverability. 6) Monetization mix that works in 2025 Display Ads once you hit network thresholds. This becomes semi-passive as your library grows. Digital Products as quick wins: ebooks, guides, weekly prep plans. These are simple to produce and match your audience’s immediate needs. Memberships if your audience is invested. Price points in food niches commonly range from about 5 to 20 dollars per month, often for ad-free experiences or exclusive content. Tech options include WordPress setups and hosted communities such as Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, and niche tools like Member Kitchens. Sponsorships when you can articulate your audience’s value. Niche reach can beat raw follower counts if you understand a sponsor’s acquisition economics and lifetime value. Affiliate Income is trickier after recent updates. It can still work at higher commissions or with premium offers. Treat it as a supplemental play, not your core plan. 7) Stack the tech in your favor Choose WordPress.org for full control, proven SEO flexibility, and extensibility. Invest in good hosting. A VPS with strong uptime guarantees is worth it. Expect to pay roughly 89 to 150 dollars per month for reliability that protects your revenue. Treat security and backups as non-negotiables. Plugins and themes require regular updates. Malware exploits often come from simple neglect. Have a pro who can restore fast. This avoids losing days or weeks or years of content. Practical Playbook Phase 1. Choose a narrow niche and validate demand List ten posts your ideal reader would save today. Ensure all are tightly aligned with one outcome your niche cares about. Keep stories and extras on-topic so Google sees topical authority. Phase 2. Protect the asset Run WordPress.org on a reliable VPS and keep everything updated. Assign backups and security to a pro so you do not risk outages or data loss. Phase 3. Build a traffic engine Publish high-quality posts that answer exact questions your audience asks. Optimize for search and create Pinterest assets for each post. Aim for Mediavine or Raptive thresholds to unlock ad revenue. Phase 4. Accelerate through collaboration Join large, relevant Facebook groups. Contribute substantial answers that stand on their own. Start tasteful email list collaborations for quick, qualified traffic. Phase 5. Layer monetization Add an easy digital product that solves a specific use case. Test a simple membership once engagement is strong. Pitch sponsors when you can quantify your audience’s fit and value. About My Guest Megan Porta has been blogging since 2010 and runs Eat Blog Talk, a podcast and community that supports food bloggers who want to grow and monetize. She is a strong voice for focus, patience, and authenticity in a space that has evolved dramatically. Resources Mentioned Megan’s sites: PipAndEbby.com and EatBlogTalk.com. Megan welcomes follow-up questions at megan@eatblogtalk.com. Ad networks: Mediavine, Raptive, once you meet their traffic thresholds. Community and membership tools: Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, Member Kitchens. Platform: WordPress.org with quality hosting and a VPS. I’m Here To Help! If you want help in building your own online business, send me a short note about your business dream and where you feel stuck. I will point you to the most useful next step, whether that is a free resource, a workshop, or coaching with me. My email is cliff@cliffravenscraft.com.