Step-by-Step Online Business

  Copywriting is often thought of as writing that sells, but what actually makes it persuasive has little to do with the writing itself and everything to do with the psychology behind it. When someone reads a website, an email, or a sales page, they're not making decisions based on facts alone. They're reacting to how something makes them feel, whether they trust the person behind the words, and whether they believe the offer will help them in the way they want to be helped. The role of psychology in copywriting is to guide people toward a decision by recognizing what they value, what they fear, and what tends to make them hesitate. One of the biggest influences in copywriting is the way we use social proof. When someone sees that others have already taken a certain action and benefitted from it, it reduces the sense of risk. This is especially helpful when what you are offering is unfamiliar or feels like a big commitment. Another example is the principle of loss aversion. People are often more motivated to avoid missing out than to gain something new. This is why phrases that hint at something going away or being limited in some way can create a feeling of urgency. Good copy anticipates questions before someone has to ask them. It addresses concerns without sounding defensive. It makes people feel seen and understood, rather than sold to. This happens through psychology. For example: When someone feels uncertain, they look for simple next steps. When something feels overwhelming, they will delay making a decision. When they feel like the writer understands their situation, they are more likely to keep reading and eventually take action. Coaches and consultants who are not in the business world often feel unsure about how to write about their services. They may worry that persuasive writing is manipulative or overly pushy, but when it's rooted in psychology, copywriting becomes a way to make the decision-making process easier for the reader. It respects their time and their intelligence by giving them what they need to make a decision they feel good about.   Real-life examples: 1. Parenting Coach Before using copy psychology: Her homepage said she helps parents “find balance and connection at home.” Visitors skimmed it and bounced. She wasn’t sure why no one was booking consults. After using copy psychology: She rewrote her site to speak directly to stressed-out parents who “dread the 3 p.m. school pickup.” She used specific phrases parents say like “I feel like I yell all the time.”    2. Grief Counselor Before: Her email opt-in said “Join my newsletter for tools and inspiration.” No one signed up. She felt discouraged. After: She rewrote her opt-in to say “When you’re grieving, people don’t always know what to say. I do. I send one short email every week to help you feel less alone.” People replied to say thank you.   3. Voice Coach for Actors Before: Her offer was “One-on-one voice lessons for all levels.” It sounded professional but bland. Her site visitors didn’t really engage. After: She added copy that said, “If you avoid auditions with singing because you’re not confident in your voice, this is for you.” She included a short client story. Now actors DM her saying, “I felt like you were talking directly to me.”   4. Career Coach for Teachers Before: Her headline said “Helping you transition to a new role.” She thought it sounded professional. But teachers didn’t understand what it meant or how she could help. After: She changed it to “Want to leave teaching but don’t know what else you’re qualified for?” Teachers immediately clicked. Her calendar filled with consults.   5. Creativity Coach for Writers Before: She promoted her offer as “Weekly coaching to help you write more consistently.” Writers didn’t respond. After: She used emotional copy: “You’ve been stuck on the same first chapter for months. Let’s finish that draft together, without the pressure to be perfect.” Sign-ups increased and writers said, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”   6. Body Image Coach for Teens Before: Her program was described as “Body positivity coaching for teen girls.” Parents didn’t understand what it meant. After: She reframed it as “Helping your teen change how she talks to herself, so she stops saying ‘I look disgusting’ every time she sees a photo.” Parents reached out with tears and relief.   7. Wellness Consultant for Nurses Before: She wrote social posts with tips like “Remember to hydrate and stretch during your shift.” Engagement was low. After: She posted stories like “I worked 12 hours without eating and came home crying in my car. That’s when I knew I needed a new routine.” Nurses commented, shared, and started following.    Ready to use copy psychology in your own business? Step-by-step... Think of one person you’ve helped. Picture a real client, not a general audience. Write down what things looked like for them before they worked with you. What were they frustrated with? What had they already tried? What were they unsure about? Now write down what changed after they worked with you. What became easier? What started to work? What did they feel more confident doing? Keep it simple and specific. Use regular language. Don’t try to make it sound fancy. Use what you wrote to shape your copy. These before and after details can show up on your website, in your emails, and even in how you talk about your work. When someone sees their own situation in your "before" and their hope in your "after," they are much more likely to feel like your service is a fit for them.   They'll read more of what you write. Once you start using psychology in your copy, people begin to respond in more meaningful ways. Instead of skimming and leaving, they stay longer and keep reading. You might notice more replies to your emails or hear someone say, "It felt like you were talking directly to me." Your words feel relevant because they speak to what someone is actually experiencing. Rather than focusing on what you offer, you begin focusing on what your clients are going through. Maybe they feel overwhelmed. Maybe they're unsure where to start or stuck in the middle of something they thought they could finish on their own. When your copy reflects those moments, it builds trust because the reader feels like you understand them. Using psychology helps you move from describing your services to showing someone what life could look like after working with you. Your message becomes a way of saying, "I understand where you are, and here's how I can help you overcome obstacles." You don't need a background in marketing to do this well. You just need to listen closely to what people say before they choose to work with you and notice what changes for them afterward.  Good copy doesn't rely on clever phrases or complicated frameworks. It speaks to one person who wants support and wants to feel understood.   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

From Career to Consulting: Turning Expertise into Opportunity Step 1: Job Most professionals begin their working life with a single goal in mind: get a job. In those early stages, the focus is on gaining experience, developing skills, and finding a reliable place to grow. A job provides structure and the opportunity to learn from others. It's the foundation on which everything else is built. Step 2: Career As time passes, that job often evolves into a career. You begin to make strategic decisions about where you want to go, what industry you want to shape, and how you define success. You become more confident in your abilities and start making contributions that have a visible impact. A career demands more than just skill. It requires initiative, resilience, and purpose. Step 3: Coach/Consultant Eventually, with enough time, reflection, and repetition, something deeper happens. You move from being capable to being trusted. You develop a reputation not just for doing the work, but for doing it well and doing it consistently. Others begin seeking your input. You're asked to mentor new employees, lead complex projects, and fix what others cannot. At this point, you're no longer just building a career. You've become an expert. This is when consulting becomes not only possible but practical.   Why and When Consulting Makes Sense Consulting isn't simply a career change. It's a shift in ownership. When you consult, you're no longer offering your skills in service of someone else’s business. You're offering your perspective, your process, and your ability to solve problems as the product itself. This transition works best when you already have a strong foundation of knowledge, experience, and relationships. You're likely already helping others informally by answering questions, reviewing plans, or providing recommendations, all without thinking much of it. These moments are not just favors. They're signals. They suggest that your insights hold value. Consulting allows you to turn that value into something structured and sustainable.   Indicators That You're Ready to Consult or Coach There is no single formula, but several signs suggest it may be time to consider this path: You're frequently asked for advice or guidance in your area of expertise. You see patterns and solutions more quickly than others do. You feel ready to work with more autonomy and choose the projects you take on. You're motivated to create something of your own, even if you remain passionate about your field. If these statements feel familiar, it's likely that you've already outgrown the role you were hired to do. Consulting offers a next step that respects your experience and gives you greater control over your time, income, and direction.   How to Build a Business Around What You Know Becoming a consultant doesn't mean you need to figure it all out at once. It starts with identifying a problem you're uniquely qualified to solve and then packaging that solution in a way that others can access and benefit from. 👉This may take the form of one-on-one advisory work, project-based contracts, group training, or digital products. The format can evolve, but the value remains centered on your expertise. Consulting is starting from where you are and building something new with what you already know.   Jobs give us a beginning. Careers help us grow. Expertise offers us a choice. If you've spent years becoming excellent at what you do, there may come a point when the most strategic move is not to keep climbing, but to pivot. Consulting is not the right path for everyone, but for those who are ready, it can be the most rewarding step in a professional journey. Now may be the time to ask not where your next job will take you, but where your knowledge can take others. Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

"Well, how did I get here?" Those lyrics from Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads refers to the surreal feeling of waking up one day and questioning how your life got to where it is. 👉Take a poll of how many people are actually doing what they went to school for. You’d be shocked. Most of us ended up somewhere completely different, not because of failure, but because life redirected us to something better. And maybe... that unexpected detour was the real path we were meant to follow all along! I know because that was me. I didn’t follow a straight path. I followed curiosity and it led me somewhere more fulfilling than I ever planned. I spent years in school, earned my Doctor of Chiropractic, and fully expected to spend my career helping people heal, but life has a funny way of rewriting the script. Back when I was in my early 20s, the internet was barely a thing and Zoom definitely did not exist. Running a business meant physical locations, printed marketing materials, and face-to-face networking. (OMG, how old am I, ha!) Obviously, the world changed. The way we connect, sell, and build businesses transformed and I found myself evolving with it. I moved away from chiropractic and into the digital space. What started as curiosity turned into mastery, and before I knew it, I was helping other entrepreneurs build their own online businesses, teaching them how to create digital products, market themselves, and build scalable income streams. If you had told me back in grad school that this would be my career, I would have laughed. But here I am, running a thriving online business, helping others do the same. And you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing (except for that student loan ha). Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. They’re discovered. Like a lot of people who start their own thing, I kind of stumbled into it. I was freelancing, figuring things out as I went, and saying yes to projects that felt interesting. Some were great. Some… not so much. Along the way, I found myself working with people who had incredible knowledge to share. They were struggling to turn that knowledge into something sustainable online. They needed someone to help piece together the tech, strategy, and moving parts of a digital business. So, I started helping. One project at a time, one problem at a time. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized: Oh. This is what I do now. Now, I spend my days making the messy, complicated parts of online business way easier for people who just want to focus on what they love, like coaching, teaching, and sharing their expertise. I love it. It’s funny how things work out. What about you? Did you take a straight path to what you do now, or did you figure it out along the way like I did? Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

You already know your subject and have years of experience, stories from the field, and/or a method that delivers results. You've seen what works. People already come to you for advice, and now you are ready to package that knowledge into something more structured and scalable. ⭐A course is simply a focused way to help people reach a specific outcome. It gives your audience a way to learn from you on their own time while positioning your expertise in a professional, organized format. Begin Conversations While Building Your Course Instead of waiting until your course is done to start talking about it, consider sharing what you are creating as you go. This invites people into the process and will help build your audience. It also provides helpful feedback on what people want most. People enjoy being part of something from the beginning. By sharing your process, you're building interest and trust at the same time. Offer a Small Resource That Builds Toward Your Course A great way to connect is to give away a small win. Think of this as an introduction to your teaching style. A checklist, a short video, or a quick guide can show people that your approach works. Design your free resource around the same topic as your course. Make it simple to use and easy to apply. Focus on Connection Over Scale The size of your audience matters less than the level of trust. When a few people feel seen, helped, and supported, they often become your best clients and biggest advocates. Look for places where your potential audience already gathers. This could be a professional group, social platform, or online forum. Step by Step Plan for Your First Course Launch Step One Pick a specific result that your course will help someone reach. Write it as a statement with an action and a benefit. Step Two List the steps needed to reach that result. These will become your course modules. Organize them in the order that makes the most sense for someone brand new to your method. Step Three Visit conversations online where your ideal audience is already spending time. Look for the phrases they use, the struggles they describe, and the outcomes they're seeking. Step Four Create a free resource that helps someone take the first step. Keep it simple. A one page guide, a short how to video, or an email mini series works well. Step Five Mention your resource in conversations naturally. Share it inside online groups, on social posts, or in comments. Begin building your email list by offering value first. Step Six Invite five to ten people to join your first version of the course. This can be taught live over video or pre-recorded behind a paywall. Offer personalized support in exchange for feedback. Step Seven Use what you learn from your first group to adjust your content, delivery, and message. Keep improving your course with each round.   The sooner you begin helping someone with your expertise, the sooner you begin building momentum! You already have the knowledge and know how to guide someone through a process. With an online course, you'll have a way to share that with more people (and create a supplemental income stream).   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

In reality, holding off on growing your email list until everything feels just right means missing out on valuable momentum.  The best time to start growing your list is before you even have something to sell. Yes, even if you are still figuring out your offer.   ⭐FIVE REASONS why starting your email list now is a smart business move. 1. Build trust before you sell anything People are more likely to buy from people they know and trust. By showing up in their inbox regularly with helpful or inspiring content, you become familiar and credible. When your offer is ready, your audience will already be warmed up and more likely to buy. 2. Use your email list to test ideas Your email list is not just for promoting. It's also a space for learning what your audience wants. You can share ideas, ask questions, run simple polls, and see what topics spark the most interest. This feedback helps you shape the offer your audience wants (rather than create something that they don't want, without even realizing it). 3. Have a ready audience when you launch Launching something to no one is discouraging. If you start building your list now, you'll have a group of interested people ready to hear about your offer the moment it's ready. This gives your launch a strong head start and increases the chance of making early sales. 4. Gain confidence Writing to your email list helps you practice talking about your niche and the value you give. The more you do it, the more confident you'll become in your messaging. This also helps you get clear on who you serve and what problems you solve. 5. Attract the right people  You can begin by offering a simple free resource. It gives people a reason to join your email list and helps you attract the kind of people who are a good fit for your future offer.   How to Get Started Building Your Email List Step 1: Choose your email platform Kajabi is a great all-in-one option for building your list and automating follow-up emails (see profile for details) Step 2: Create a simple free resource Think about a common question or challenge your ideal client has. Turn your answer into a short PDF or video. Step 3: Set up a landing page Use your platform to create a page where people can enter their name and email in exchange for your free resource. Step 4: Write a welcome email sequence This email thanks them for signing up and introduces who you are, what you do, and what kind of content they can expect from you. Step 5: Share your landing page Post it on social media, add it to your website, or mention it in conversations with people who fit your audience. Step 6: Email your list consistently You don't need to email every day, but aim for regular weekly or every other week contact. Focus on providing value and building trust over time. Starting now means you are planting seeds for your future success. Your email list will grow alongside your business and become one of your most valuable assets. Your success is inevitable! Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

If you had the cure to cancer, wouldn't you do everything in your power to share it with the world?! So why is it that we don't put forth the same effort if we have an online course we spent months creating, but not sharing as much as we "should"? I think it's fear. We fear becoming annoying to our email list. We fear looking unprofessional on camera. We fear public speaking. We fear that there's no one out there to collaborate with, so we don't even try researching who'd be interested in a collaboration. Unless it's just me. Yep, I'm a victim of it as well. I have been wanting to start a YouTube channels for at least a year, but would see others in my space on their channels, compare my speaking and training skills to theirs, and think "there's no way anyone is going to be interested in watching a ten-minute video of me talking" or "I don't have the skills to edit my videos like they do." So, I didn't start. I just continued thinking about it. ...until my accountability partner started doing short 1-minute videos. She said she was nervous the whole time filming, but I sure couldn't see that when I watched. I thought, "she's being ridiculous, she's great on camera." And then I reflected back on my own fears. The difference between the two of us is that she took action and just did it, kicking fear to the curb. 👉I finally did the same. Launched the YouTube channel.  Of course they're cringe. I'm a new channel. Aren't they supposed to be that way? I'm reaching out hoping you'll be my accountability partner too. If you subscribe and keep watching, I'll keep posting.  And meanwhile...what fearful activity are you going to take step one on this week? Don't leave me hanging.  Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

You’re staring at your website again, thinking, “Something’s not working. Maybe I need to change the layout… or get a new logo… or hire a designer.” It’s tempting to believe a fresh design will finally bring in more sales. But after spending days (or months) rearranging your site, the lack of sales is still a problem. What if... it’s not the design that’s broken. What if it’s your business strategy. What You Really Want is More Sales, Not Just a Prettier Website. It’s easy to assume that if your site looked just a bit more polished, clients would be lining up, but the truth is that a beautiful website doesn’t automatically lead to sales.  What does? A strategy that guides your visitors from “just browsing” to “ready to buy.” Design plays a role, yes. But strategy is the engine under the hood.   Focusing on Strategy, Not Just Aesthetics Here’s what that means in practice: 1. Start With the End in Mind Before you design a single page, ask yourself: What’s the one clear action I want someone to take? Do you want them to book a free consult? Download a lead magnet? Purchase a self-paced course? This is your Conversion Goal. Everything else (buttons, copy, layout) should support that one goal. If your homepage is a buffet of options with no clear direction, visitors will bounce or get distracted. If you're selling coaching or consulting, your goal is likely to get them to schedule a consultation. If you're selling a digital product, the goal is likely a purchase or opt-in to a lead magnet that brings them down a sales funnel.   2. Map the Customer Journey Think about the steps a cold visitor goes through before they buy: Awareness: They discover you via social media, search, or a referral. Interest: They click through to your site or landing page. Consideration: They consume your free content or read about your services. Decision: They either buy, book, or bounce. If your journey skips a step, you’re losing them. Is your lead magnet related to your main offer? Are you asking them to book a consultation before you've build any trust? Are you bombarding them with too many CTA buttons? Solution: Walk through your site pretending you know nothing about your business. Is the next step obvious and logical at every point?    3. Tighten Your Messaging Design is important, but messaging sells. Is this front and center on your homepage? Who you help What problem you solve What result they can expect from working with you If visitors land on your page and can’t answer these questions in 10 seconds, you’ve lost them. No amount of fancy fonts can fix bad copy. Try this exercise: Imagine your dream client found you at 11:45 p.m. after a stressful day. Would your site instantly convince them you’re the answer to their problem, or would it cause even more stress so they click away?   4. Build Trust Along the Way People rarely buy from someone they just discovered. That’s why your website (and emails!) should be structured to build trust over time. It might include a sales funnel similar to this: A high-value freebie (lead magnet) that solves a quick problem An email sequence that shares your story, values, and wins Case studies or testimonials that prove your method works An explanation of your process, pricing, and next steps Consistency builds confidence. From your website, to your emails, to your Instagram stories, the tone and message should align and feel personal.   5. Audit Your Automation A beautifully mapped journey can still fall apart if your tech isn’t supportive. Your Kajabi automations should: Tag leads based on what they clicked or downloaded Trigger nurture or sales sequences at the right time Send reminders for expiring offers Deliver thank-you emails and onboarding content seamlessly When these steps work, your customer journey feels effortless, like they’re being personally guided, even when it’s all automated. What to look for: Check that all your links work, your sequences are triggered correctly, and your thank-you pages are warm and welcoming (not AI obvious). If your backend is messy, your sales will be too.   ⭐The takeaway?  Your business might not need a new coat of paint. Instead, it may just need a better customer journey. When your strategy is solid, even a simple website can become a powerful sales tool.    Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

Never in my life have I had a job where I sit at a desk for 8 hours. This is my first one and I'm only open to it because I don't have to commute! One of the joys of working at home is that my husband and I often have a mid-morning walk around a few blocks in the neighborhood. The goal is to ensure we don't turn into C-shapes. You know, the shape that you become when sitting at your desk day in and day out. (Did your posture just straighten up?!) During our walks, we like to talk through business problems we're trying to solve. Yesterday, I was talking about the fact that the biggest struggle I hear from my clients is that they built a fantastic online program, but for some reason it's not selling.  He suggested that perhaps the path they're taking their customer on doesn't lead to the purchase. That gave me a lightbulb moment.  I think what sometimes is happening they're so concentrated on making an amazing sales page that they forget there are other parts involved in the buying process. When potential customers don’t know where to go next, then they do nothing.    👣 Think of The Customer Journey Like This: Imagine you’re at a museum. The first exhibit is stunning, but there are no signs on where to go next, just long hallways and closed doors. You have to guess what's around the corner.  Now think of your offer as that exhibit. It might be brilliant, but if your visitor doesn’t know where to go next, they’ll wander off. That’s where your navigation menu and call-to-action buttons come in. They guide your visitor step by step through the experience, helping them understand what you do, why it matters, and how to take action. The path you lead them through is as important as the offer you want them to purchase.   How to Create an Optimized Customer Journey If your program isn’t selling, it may not be the offer that’s the problem. It might be the path. Here's how to guide your audience from “just found you” to “I’m in.” Step 1: Start with a Single Entry Point Pick one way your audience discovers you: maybe it’s a lead magnet, a podcast interview, a LinkedIn post, or your YouTube video. → Ask yourself: If someone lands here first, what would they need next to understand who I am and what I offer? Step 2: Make the Next Step Obvious Don’t assume they’ll know what to do. Point them to ONE next step - read an article, check their email, watch this video, etc. → Example: After someone downloads your freebie, have you set up a short welcome sequence that introduces you and your brand? Or, do you go straight for the $997 offer (to a cold audience, argh)? Or worse, there's no welcome sequence so they're left hanging? Step 3: Build a Warm-Up Sequence Most people need a little time to trust, understand, and feel ready. Designing a short email sequence that does three things: Builds trust with helpful, relevant value Shifts beliefs that are holding them back Creates clarity around what your offer helps them do → Think: 3–5 touchpoints that warm them up, not wear them out. Step 4: Revisit the Sales Page Instead of focusing on making the sales page “prettier” or longer, focus on making it feel like a continuation of the journey they’ve already been on. → Does it answer the questions they’ve been asking all along?  → Does it reflect what they’ve been learning from you already? When the page feels like the next logical step, not a sudden leap, more people say yes.   Your audience wants to say yes. But without a path, they do nothing. If your offer feels invisible, don’t build a new offer. Just build a better way to get to your current offer. 👣 Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

...Also, why I still use it in my business today. On the weekends, I cooked elaborate meals for bachelorette parties in Virginia wine country.  Before I ever launched an online course or logged into Kajabi, I was a personal chef. The parties I worked were mostly at elegant estate home Airbnbs. The house would be filled with about a dozen girls who had just spent the day wine tasting (you can imagine). They’d hired me as their personal chef to come in and make a multi-course dinner as the close to their weekend. It would begin with an inquiry through my website while they were in the planning stage. I’d reply with a personalized estimate that included groceries, menu prep, and travel. 👉And then… silence. Over and over again, I would take the time to reply, customize a menu, send my pricing, then hear nothing. At first, I assumed I was being price-shopped. I figured they went with someone cheaper or changed their plans. But then I decided to try something different. I set up a basic follow-up system. Every two weeks, I would send a quick email. Something simple like: “Just checking in to see if you’ve made any decisions about the chef for your weekend.” “Still holding your date if you're finalizing plans.” “Let me know if you’ve booked with someone else so I can release the slot.” That’s it. The result? My bookings doubled. The best business systems are really that simple.   I Still Use This System Today I left the personal chef business behind, but that follow-up system came with me. Now, I help professionals who want to launch online courses, coaching and consulting with business strategy and website platform support. Just like back then, people reach out and sometimes go quiet after our consultation. Instead of assuming they’re gone, I stay in touch. Not constantly, but at regular intervals and with the right tone. Sometimes they’re waiting for the right time. Sometimes they’re overwhelmed with other projects. Sometimes they want to buy, but need a little nudge. The point is, business relationships can take time. And the people who buy aren’t always the ones who reply instantly.   💗 Now for the step-by-step that you love... Here’s a Follow-Up System You Can Copy If you’re working with leads, consults, or inquiries and things go quiet after the first conversation, here’s a simple follow-up system: Step 1: Create a “Pending” List Any time someone expresses interest but doesn’t buy, add them to a list. This could be a Word doc, spreadsheet, or label in your inbox. What matters is that they don’t disappear from your radar. Step 2: Write Three Simple Follow-Up Messages (your templates) These are not long or pushy. They’re respectful check-ins spaced a couple of weeks apart. Message 1 (Week 1): “Just circling back in case you had any questions about moving forward. Happy to help with whatever you’re still considering.” Message 2 (Week 3): “I know timing can be everything. If this offer is still on your mind, I’d love to help you take the next step whenever you're ready.” Message 3 (Week 6): “Sometimes people just need space to think or shift priorities. Want me to check back a little later this season?” You'd adjust the tone to sound like something you would say, of course. Step 3: Set Follow-Up Reminders or Automate It You can schedule these with automations inside Kajabi, or use a simple calendar reminder. The key is to make follow-up part of your system, not something you remember last minute. Step 4: Track and Respond If someone tells you they’re waiting three months, tag that. If they say they’re not ready, that doesn’t mean never. It just means revisit later.   Your Systems Matter More Than You Think Most people think they need more content or a bigger audience. What they really need is a systemized, repeatable process. Follow-up is not about becoming a stalker. It’s just staying top of mind while respecting their timeline. It’s one of the most overlooked ways to increase your sales without increasing your output. Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

I would drive to a client's house and dread my day before it began. I was offering 1:1 services and I just could not see a way to make it 1:Many. But my goodness, I was determined to find the answer of how to get out of this fixed income life.  As you probably already know, offering 1:1 work is limited by how much time is available in a day. I could only help two clients a day so my income was capped. I just knew there had to be a better way.  One afternoon, I took a deep breath, opened my laptop, and committed to finding a way to help others, but at scale. That decision changed everything. If you're reading this, you may be in that same moment of decision.  Maybe your schedule has thinned.  Maybe you've realized your time is better spent creating something with long-term freedom.  Or perhaps you're just curious about what life could look like if you didn't have to drive to an office or rely on local clients.   To be clear: if you have a full-time job right now, keep it.  Your online business will grow, but growth is rarely instant. Use the security of your current position to support your transition. Build your business in the margins of your day in early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings. This methodical approach will help you create something sustainable without the pressure of needing instant results. The steps below are a roadmap that I, and many others, have followed to create online consulting businesses from the ground up. No matter your expertise, this is how you begin building your online business from where you are right now.   Roadmap to Pivot into Online Coaching & Consulting Step 1: Define your online service Start by translating your in-person offer into something that can be delivered virtually. Think through what people consistently come to you for help with. What outcomes do they achieve because they work with you? Structure your service around the result they’re looking for, not the time they spend with you. If you’ve been offering hourly sessions, consider switching to a result-based package. For example, instead of one-off sessions, you might create a three-session bundle that helps clients reach a specific goal. This gives your offer structure and value, even in a digital format. Clarity is everything. If you can describe what you help people achieve in one sentence, you’re on the right path. Step 2: Select the business model that matches your time and energy The three most common models are private coaching, group consulting, and digital programs. Each has its own rhythm. Private coaching gives you the deepest connection with clients and is ideal if you’re starting with a small audience. It’s also the easiest to begin because it doesn’t require content creation up front, just your presence and expertise. Group consulting allows you to leverage your time while still offering personal support. Clients get the benefit of learning from others while you serve multiple people at once. This can be delivered over video calls, with supporting resources to guide their progress. Digital programs are pre-recorded or pre-written lessons that clients can move through on their own. These take more time to build but allow you to serve clients at scale. They’re especially useful for topics that are repeatable or structured. Start with the one you feel most confident about. You can evolve into the others later. Step 3: Create your first offer Once you know your model, build a simple offer. It doesn’t need to be fancy or filled with extras. Your goal is to help someone solve a specific problem. Give your offer a name. Write out what’s included. Be honest about the outcomes. Keep your price straightforward. A low-to-mid-tier offer is usually best in the beginning because it builds trust while you learn what your audience needs. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. It will improve as you gain experience and client feedback. Step 4: Set up a simple system to deliver your service This is where you need to become a little more organized. Set up a way for people to schedule a session with you. Use a calendar tool that links to your availability. Make sure clients receive confirmation emails and know how to connect with you, whether that’s Zoom or another platform. If you’re creating digital materials, organize them into folders or an online course layout. Label everything clearly. Clients should never feel lost or confused. The easier you make the experience, the more likely people are to refer others and return themselves. Step 5: Build your online presence one piece at a time You don’t need a full website right away. You need one page that communicates who you help and how. Add your photo, your bio, and a call to action to schedule or apply. Link your calendar and you’re ready to start sharing your offer. Start talking about your work on the platform where your people already spend time. Share stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments. Speak directly to the problem your offer solves. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. Consistency builds trust. Think of every post, email, or video as a doorway into your world. You’re building a relationship, not just selling a service. Step 6: Focus on connection, not perfection The online world moves fast, but trust is still earned slowly. Instead of chasing trends or obsessing over likes, focus on connecting with the people who genuinely need your help. Reply to messages. Thank people for their interest. Ask questions that lead to meaningful conversations. Referrals, testimonials, and repeat clients all grow out of genuine relationships. Stay present with your audience. Show them that you care and that you’re paying attention. Your first few clients may come from your existing network. Let them know what you’re offering. Ask them to share with anyone who might benefit. Momentum often starts close to home. Step 7: Reinforce your systems and reflect often As your business begins to grow, you’ll notice where things feel clunky or confusing. Take time to fix those friction points. Streamline your intake process. Improve your client onboarding. Refine your communication templates. Start keeping track of your wins (client results, positive feedback, and income milestones). These notes will help you stay encouraged and make better decisions as you grow. Also, give yourself permission to pause and reassess every few weeks. Look at what’s working. Double down on that. Let go of anything that feels forced or unsustainable. You’re building something that supports your lifestyle, not the other way around. The journey from in-person to online consulting isn’t solely moving your business to virtual. It’s reclaiming your time, expanding your reach, and building something resilient. You already have what it takes. Now, you have a map to follow. Take the first step today. Your future self will thank you. 😉 Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

A resume gap raises eyebrows. Consulting changes the conversation. You have experience. You’ve led teams, solved problems, managed systems, improved workflows, coached people. That doesn’t expire when you leave a job. It becomes leverage. Consulting turns that leverage into income. Why Consulting Works You solve problems others aren’t equipped to handle.  That’s the value you bring.  You provide structure, direction, and solutions in areas like operations, marketing, strategy, finance, or mindset. If you’ve done it before, someone is ready to invest in your support. You are in charge. You move forward without interviews or traditional gatekeepers. You choose who you serve and how you deliver your expertise. 👉That gap in your resume? It becomes the start of your business.    Here's that STEP BY STEP you love 😉... How to Start 1. Focus on the problem you solve. Choose something meaningful and specific that creates real impact. Let your expertise be defined by the solution you offer, not just a title. Examples: “My operations are a mess.” “I don’t know how to market my service.” “I need help with employee retention.” 2. Package your offer.  Don’t overthink it. 60-minute session: $200 2-week strategy sprint: $1200 Monthly retainer: $2,500 Define the offer. What’s the outcome? How do they get it? 3. Build your online home. Use Kajabi. Set up a simple page: who you help, what you offer, how to book. Connect your calendar and payment gateway. 4. Start talking. Pick one platform as your podium. Post insights, share wins, explain how you help. No need to go viral. Show up consistently and with value. 5. Get one client. Reach out to your network. Offer free consultations. Run a workshop. Automate booking and follow-up.  Gain results, get testimonials, repeat.   👉Consulting doesn’t just fill the gap. It replaces the old model entirely. Consulting is a forward move. You choose the work. You set the pace. You lead with what you know. Your expertise speaks through action and outcomes. The next step is simple. Begin. Allow your results to tell the story. 💖 When you're new to consulting, one of the quickest ways to land your first clients is by starting with the people who already know you.  Reach out to former coworkers, managers, peers, or friends and let them know what kind of problems you solve now.  Offer a short working session or a free consultation to demonstrate how you can help. Focus on service, not selling. These early conversations often lead to referrals, testimonials, and yes, paid work. Turn your past experience into a story of results. Take one challenge you helped solve in a previous role and write it up as a simple case study. Highlight what the problem was, what actions you took, and what changed because of it. People connect with stories. They want to see that you understand their challenge and that you can lead them to a better outcome. Keep showing up with insights, small wins, and proof of how you think. When your message stays consistent and your "schedule a consultation" button is easy to access, your first few clients will come through. Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

If I had a dime for every consultation with a highly educated professional that begins with, “I've had this platform for a year, but have been procrastinating on beginning my business because it all just feels so overwhelming.” These are people who have built websites before, led projects, presented to executives, and made complex decisions in their day jobs. They’re capable and sharp. They know what they’re doing.  But when it comes to starting this kind of business, something shifts. The pressure to do things the “right way” grows louder. Suddenly, everything feels high stakes, even when it’s just a homepage. So they pause and stay in research mode. Underneath all this is a strong desire to build something that reflects their expertise and fits their next chapter.  When the tech feels complicated, it is often because someone is aiming for the finished version. But what actually moves things forward is a first version that works. 👉You don’t need another platform walkthrough. You need someone to admit that tech overwhelm is a real reason people don’t start their business, and it’s not because they’re lazy. It’s like putting on full hiking gear just to take a walk around the block. Backpack strapped tight. Headlamp on. Trekking poles in hand. Maybe even a water filter and a first-aid kit. And where are you headed? Around the block.  That’s what most people do when they start their consulting business. They prepare for a cross-country expedition when all they really needed was one solid step in the right direction.   You're about to receive straight answers to the three questions that stall most smart professionals before they ever talk to a client: What’s the bare minimum tech I need to get started What tools or setup can I skip for now Why does this feel harder than it should Before we get into it, I want to show you how this plays out in real life. Because it is easy to read a list like that and think, “Okay sure, that sounds simple,” while still feeling stuck in the weeds.  You need three things. Not fifteen. A one-page website  A way to allow someone to book a call with you A system for getting paid That’s it. If someone can understand what you offer, schedule time with you, and pay you, you’re open for business. You don’t need to build a course, write a funnel, or set up automations. You need a front door that opens. This part 👇 matters just as much as what you do need. You can skip: CRM software Email sequences Downloadable freebies Branding exercises Sales pages with countdown timers Anything that isn’t helping a real person reach out to you Most of these tools were made to support a business that’s already running. If you're still trying to get a first client, they’re just distractions wearing productivity costumes. Because the tools weren’t made for someone at your stage. They’re designed for scale-focused businesses. And because you’re a smart, high-functioning person, being confused by this stuff doesn’t just feel frustrating. It feels disorienting. "If I can lead teams or solve complex problems at work, why can’t I figure out a website builder?" This isn’t about your intelligence. It’s about the pressure to make it all look polished before you’ve even started. That pressure will keep you stuck unless you recognize it for what it is. Procrastination dressed as preparation. If you’ve been circling the block with your hiking gear on, here’s your permission to take off the backpack. Start with a simple setup. Make your offer findable, bookable, and payable. That’s it. Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

You're absolutely right that LinkedIn’s algorithm can limit reach if you drop external links inside your article. Instead of making a hard sell, your article ending should naturally guide readers toward the next step, whether that’s joining your email list, following you, or checking out your offer.   Here’s a better way to structure your newsletter ending so that it feels organic and still moves people closer to buying. How a New Consultant Can End LinkedIn Articles to Get Clients  So you’ve just written your first or second LinkedIn newsletter as a consultant. You shared some useful ideas, offered your perspective, maybe even a tip or two... And now you’re at the end thinking: “How do I end this in a way that helps people and brings in clients... without sounding like I’m selling something?”   Here’s how: 1. Use a Soft Call to Action Instead of ending your article with something like “Book a call” or “Hire me,” try using a call to action that feels like an invitation — not a pitch. Try this: If you’re trying to build relationships or grow your audience: Want more tips like this? I share a few extra ideas each week. Just hit “connect” and I’ll add you to my list. If you’re offering consulting services: Curious what this could look like in your business? I’m happy to walk you through it. Just reply “curious” in the comments and I’ll reach out. Why this works: You don’t need a sales link You encourage conversation People are more likely to respond when there’s no pressure     2. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question at the End Want more people to comment on your article? Ask them something that invites reflection or personal experience. Try this: What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with [your topic] right now? Have you tried something like this before? How did it go? What’s one thing you’d add to this? I’d love to hear your take. Then say: Drop your thoughts in the comments. I reply to everyone. Why this works: Comments = more reach Conversations = more trust Trust = future clients     3. Create a Curiosity Loop Instead of putting all your best stuff in the article, hint at something more valuable they can get, if they reach out. Try this: I actually have a breakdown of how I’ve used this exact framework with past clients. If you’d like a copy, just comment “send it” and I’ll DM you. Why this works: Creates curiosity Keeps people engaged after they read Opens the door to private conversations, where real consulting happens     4. Use a Story-Based Outro When you’re new, stories go a long way. They show that you’re real, you’ve helped people, and that your offer comes from experience. Try this: A few weeks ago, I walked someone through this exact process with a client. They messaged me a week later saying, “I finally feel like I know where I’m headed.” That’s why I do this work. If you’re stuck and want to talk through your next step, reply “next step” and I’ll reach out. Why this works: Stories feel natural, not salesy They show results, not just features They give someone a reason to connect Consultant-Friendly Formula to End Your LinkedIn Newsletter Try this 3-part format next time you write: 1️⃣ One-sentence summary of your takeaway “Most new consultants overthink their offer. It’s really about solving one clear problem.” 2️⃣ Open-ended question to spark comments “What’s one thing you’d change in your own offer based on this?” 3️⃣ Soft CTA “If you want a copy of the worksheet I use for this, comment ‘worksheet’ and I’ll send it over.”     RECAP How to End Your LinkedIn Article Without Sounding Like a Salesperson Use a soft CTA (invite, don’t push) Ask a thoughtful question (get engagement) Create curiosity (so they DM you)  Tell a short story (build connection) The more human your article feels, the more likely someone is to raise their hand and say, “Can we talk?” You don’t need a big audience. You just need a good ending. Go try this in your next article, and see what unfolds.   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

When you’re transitioning into consulting, the challenge isn’t figuring out what you offer. It’s structuring your business around it, packaging it, and building the systems that make it sustainable. This 90-day framework is designed to help you do exactly that. It’s organized into three phases, with focused, strategic actions that take around 15–20 minutes a day.   Days 1–30: Foundation Set the strategic groundwork. Every strong consulting business starts with clarity. Objectives: Define your niche and specialization Identify your target market and what they’re actively trying to solve Clarify your offer’s value and positioning Choose a pricing model aligned with your goals (project-based, retainer, etc.) Sketch a lean business model that reflects your availability, revenue goals, and services Key Assets You’ll Build: A positioning statement Client profile and problem/solution mapping Messaging guide for use in marketing and consult calls Revenue model draft   Days 31–60: Offer + Platform Setup With the strategy defined, now you’ll build the systems that present, deliver, and sell your offer. Objectives: Build your initial offer structure (including format, timeline, deliverables) Set up a basic Kajabi website (home, about, offer, and contact pages) Design a lead magnet that speaks to your target client's key pain point Create a basic nurture or welcome email sequence Set up automation for lead capture and delivery Key Assets You’ll Build: One consulting offer with clear scope and outcomes Website live on Kajabi with branded visuals and copy Lead capture page and delivery system Email sequence for nurturing new leads   Days 61–90: Launch + Growth You’ll now start attracting leads, testing messaging, and building consistency in your outreach. Objectives: Launch your lead magnet and begin list-building Start promoting your offer through email and organic content Build a weekly content rhythm (e.g., LinkedIn, blog, email) Systematize your consult/sales process Create a simple client onboarding workflow Key Assets You’ll Build: Launch email campaign 30-day content plan Consultation call process (outline or script) Basic CRM setup (Kajabi or external tool if needed) Referral request system   Recommended Tools (Minimalist Stack) Kajabi: Website, landing pages, lead capture, email, product delivery Calendly or Kajabi Scheduler: For consultation bookings Zoom or Kajabi Built-in Video: For consultations and paid 1:1 sessions Canva: For any visuals (lead magnet, simple brand assets)   👉 Want the Daily Version of The Above with Microsteps? If you want this 90-day framework broken down into bite-sized daily tasks, delivered in order and designed for real progress, you’ll find it inside the Expert to Offer program.   What’s Included in the (affordable) Expert to Offer Program: ✅ Daily Email Tasks (Mon-Fri) Receive one focused task per weekday, designed to move your business forward in just 15–20 minutes. Tasks are clear, specific, and easy to implement, even with a busy schedule. ✅ Complete Curriculum Each phase is structured to build on the last. You’ll progress from business foundation → offer packaging → platform setup → launch and marketing. Every step is intentional. ✅ Private Kajabi Portal Access All content is also available in a Kajabi member portal, so you can revisit any lesson, catch up at your own pace, and track your progress. ✅ Templates & Video Tutorials Includes customizable templates for your: Positioning and messaging Website copy (homepage, about, services) Lead magnet planning Email sequences Consultation call outline Launch checklist So, so much more... ✅ Regular Progress Checkpoints At the end of each month, you’ll receive a recap with suggested adjustments and optional reflection prompts to stay aligned and focused. ✅ Consulting Business Launch Plan By the end of the program, you’ll have a complete, client-ready offer, a functioning website, a lead generation system, and a plan to scale.   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

You know it. I know it. The “Hey, can I pick your brain?” conversations. The casual coffee chats that somehow turn into full-blown strategy sessions.  And those DMs asking you to explain how you'd do it, for free. You care. You want to be helpful.  And giving generously has probably built a lot of trust. For a while, that was fine. But if you’ve been saying yes to these moments over and over, let me say what you might need to hear: You’re not just helpful.  You’re ready to be paid.   You don’t need to have it all figured out.  You just need to decide that your advice has value. You don’t need to be a guru. You need to be a guide. Some of the highest-selling online programs? Built by people just one step ahead of their audience.   You don’t need a massive audience. You need a hungry one. Everyone’s chasing big follower counts. But a small, focused group of people who trust you and are willing to buy from you will outperform vanity metrics every time.   ✅ Here’s a Simple 3-Step Process to Move From Employee to Consultant: Step 1 – Define the Problem You Solve Not your niche. Not your title. What pain do you take away for others and how can you say it in plain English? Step 2 – Build Your First Offer Don’t wait for perfection. Package what you already know how to help with. A one-hour session. A three-part strategy. A “done-for-you” jumpstart. Start where you are, not where you think you should be. Step 3 – Create a Simple Page That Shows People How They Can Pay You 👉This is where I come in. Let me put together a simple one-page website for you (within a week) so you can stop keeping your consulting behind the scenes and finally share it with the world. Imagine checking your inbox and seeing someone book, not just a chat, but a paid session!   “But what if no one buys?” “But I don’t have a framework yet.” You don’t need a framework. You need one person willing to pay you to solve a problem they can’t figure out on their own.   The coffee chats helped people. But a consulting business? That changes lives, starting with yours. Are you ready to take the first step?  Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

Unsuccessful consultants misunderstand time. They see someone's website who has been in business for years and think they're going to have the same success if they build a similar website. “I’ll build something like that and get the same results.” But they’re missing the bigger picture. That sales page? It didn’t build the business. The business built the right to use that sales page. The testimonials. The trust. The audience. All earned. Over years.   When you’re starting out, you don’t have that yet. You need more than a headline and a checkout button.  You need proof. You need people. So what happens? You launch. You do a webinar. You make a pitch. Nobody buys. And you think... “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” Nope. You're just early. Really early.     🍅Think of building a business like planting a garden. You don’t toss in one seed and expect a tomato the next day. You water. You wait.  You chase squirrels away. You hope. You tweak the sunlight.  You Google “why are my leaves yellow?” Same with business. Month 1: Dirt.  Month 2: Still dirt.  Month 3: Tiny green sprout.  Month 12: First bloom.  Year 3: A few veggies in your basket.  👉 Year 5: Your neighbor asks for tips. That’s the game.   Unfortunately, most people quit before the magic happens. They want instant wins.  They want their first product to be perfect.  They want applause before the effort. It doesn’t work like that. You have to be bad...  before you can be good...  before you can be great.   Put it out anyway. Let your audience watch the journey. Watch you learn. Watch you improve. Watch you try. People don’t follow perfection. They follow progression. If you don’t cringe at your old stuff a year from now... you probably launched too late.   Success isn't a moment. It’s a collection of boring reps. You don’t need more talent. You need more patience. You might be thinking that you don't want to put your stuff out there until it's really good.  But the truth is that you have to be terrible before you can be good.  You have to be good before you can be great.   Your audience will be watching you. They are going to see that you're getting better and better at the content you're putting out.  It's the long term, long view focus that is going to win.    Your success is inevitable.  Consistency is exactly where success lies.   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

You’ve learned things. Lived things. Built skills. Solved problems. And all of that? It’s worth something. The question isn’t “Can I make money with what I know?” The question is “Which path should I start with?” So I made a list of 21 ways my clients are taking what they know and turning it into real, sellable offers. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just options. 👉In this article, I’m breaking down 3 of the 21 Ways to make money with what you know, so you can start to see what’s possible, and what’s next. 1. VIP Day: One Client, One Day, Big Results Imagine this: Someone hires you to spend one day focused entirely on helping them solve a big problem. Not a course. Not an hour-long consult. A full day (or half day) dedicated to one person’s transformation. That’s a VIP Day. You get paid well. They get their problem solved fast. Everyone wins. What you'll need to get started: A problem you can solve in a day An outline of what you’ll cover A calendar link Real example: Let’s say you're a systems pro. You could offer a VIP Day called: 🛠 “Streamline Your Back Office in One Afternoon” You walk your client through organizing files, setting up client workflows and automating their calendar, all in one focused session. Charge $750. Or $1,500. Whatever makes sense for the outcome you’re delivering. This works because it’s easy to understand, fast to deliver, and easy to sell once you’re clear on the result. More Real Examples: 🎭 You’re a voice coach → “Let’s prep your full audition package in one day including monologue polish, vocal warm-ups, and mindset rehearsal.” 🏥 You’re a project management consultant for private medical practices → “Let’s map out your entire patient onboarding workflow, from intake forms to follow-up systems, so your team runs like clockwork.” 💍 You’re a wedding officiant & ceremony planner → “In one VIP session, we’ll write your entire ceremony script, choose your readings, and walk through how to make it uniquely yours.” Clients love VIP days because they skip the slow drip of a multi-week process and get a result faster. You love them because they’re efficient, impactful, and premium-priced. It’s also a perfect way to start building your body of work, one day, one client at a time. The beauty? You can do it over Zoom. You don’t even need to wear pants. Yes, I can help you set it all up.   2. Monthly Membership: The Modern Neighborhood This one’s for people who want consistency. A monthly membership is essentially: “Pay me monthly and get access to _______.” The blank is up to you. Could be content. Could be live calls. Could be templates, trainings, accountability, or community. But here’s the kicker: People don’t join for content. They join for support. If you create a space where they feel seen, motivated, and guided, they’ll stay. Real Examples: 🧠 You’re a productivity coach → “Monthly goal planning sessions, weekly check-ins, and a habit tracker community.” 🍽 You’re a wellness pro → “Access to a rotating recipe vault, monthly meal planning sessions, and mindset coaching calls.” ⚖️ You’re a project management consultant for boutique law firms → “Monthly workflow reviews, customizable intake + case management SOPs, and live Q&A sessions on optimizing client communication, paralegal delegation, and docketing systems.” 🎨 You’re a creative writing mentor → “Monthly writing prompts, critique circles, and guest author Q&As inside a members-only community.” 🎓 You’re an academic advisor for first-gen college students → “Monthly planning workshops, scholarship alerts, and weekly motivation texts, all in a private student hub.” You don’t need 1,000 people to make this work. You need 10 people at $50/month = $500/month. Then 20. Then 50. Then 100. You’re not just offering content. You’re offering structure and progress. And that’s what people pay for. This isn’t just “content every month.” It’s about creating a space people want to return to. A monthly membership can include: Weekly calls Q&A threads Templates + tools Exclusive trainings Or even just curated accountability and check-ins It’s about creating momentum. People stay for the support, the structure, and the chance to grow alongside others. And yes, I help with building the branded community space, onboarding content, subscription setup, thank-you emails… all of it.   3. Freelance Packages: Productize Your Skill Set If you’re offering a service, packaging it as a whole beats pricing it by the hour every time. Instead of saying “I do writing” or “I offer coaching,”, offer clarity because clarity is what sells. ✍️ Messaging Strategist → “A 3-part brand voice audit with action steps to improve clarity, tone, and consistency across your site and emails.” 👩💼 Corporate Culture Consultant → “Team Alignment Blueprint: 1 leadership session + 1 team feedback survey + a 10-page internal communication strategy you can roll out immediately.” 🧱 Construction Project Manager → “Builder’s Workflow Kit: We’ll map out your full project timeline, subcontractor communication plan, and change-order process, all in one day.” 📈 Operations Consultant for SaaS Startups → “Founder’s Process Pack: 1:1 session + ClickUp buildout for client onboarding, team workflows, and sprint planning.” 📊 Fractional Sales Manager for Agencies → “3-Part Revenue Review: Sales pipeline audit, proposal template cleanup, and client journey map, delivered in 2 weeks.” This also provides clients a list of what they’re buying and gives you a repeatable structure to deliver. Then once your first package is working? You can build it into a digital product or group offer down the road. That’s the strategy I can help implement: Start small. Systemize. Scale.   Recap (Because You Scrolled Too Fast) 3 of the 21 Ways to make money with what you know... VIP Day: 1:1 intensive session for fast results. High-ticket. Low ongoing commitment. Monthly Membership: Ongoing access to you and your insights. Builds community and recurring income.  Freelance Packages: Productized services. Easy to sell. Easy to deliver. No fluff. No fancy. Just workable ways to get paid for what you already know. And these are just three ideas. Want the Other 18 Ideas? I wrote out all 21 ways in a no-nonsense list you can scan, save, and use as a springboard for your next offer. No opt-in drama. Just the next step if you're ready to stop sitting on your knowledge and start monetizing it. 📥 Grab the full list here. (This is no longer available, sorry). Just pick one. Package it. And put it out there. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now go make it work for you.    Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula  

How to Turn Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business (The Real-World Way)   Here’s the truth most aspiring coaches don’t want to admit 👇 You’re not stuck because you lack experience. You’re stuck because you’re waiting for permission. And spoiler: no one’s coming to give it to you. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “qualified” enough to start your own coaching business, let me offer this… TL;DR: You already know enough. And it’s time to turn that knowledge into income, impact, and freedom. Expertise Isn’t a Certification. It’s Experience. As someone who helps coaches and consultants launch their businesses every day, I see it constantly: people sitting on real value (stories, skills, and solutions) but holding back because they think they need “one more thing.” More time. More credentials. More confidence. But here’s what I know after working with hundreds of professionals in all kinds of industries: You don’t need to be the most experienced person in the room — you just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you want to help. That’s what coaching is. You’ve lived it. You’ve solved it. You’ve figured something out that someone else is still stuck in. That’s not just “experience.” That’s a blueprint.   TL;DR Thinking = Coaching Clarity One of the biggest barriers to starting is being able to explain what you do. 🪄Who do you help?  🪄What problem do you solve?  🪄 What outcome do they get? That’s the core of your offer. Your program. Your marketing. Your message. When you lead with clarity, people lean in.   Here’s what it looks like: TL;DR: I help overwhelmed parents teach their toddlers sign language through fun, five-minute daily games. Step-by-Step How to Turn Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business (The Real-World Way) No fluff here, just actual steps: 1. Define your niche Not “everyone.” Not “anyone.” Who do you really want to help, and what’s the problem you’re equipped to solve? 2. Map your method Write out the steps you took to get the result you now help others with. This becomes your signature process and builds trust. 3. Package it simply Start with a 1:1 service, a short-term coaching program, or a one-hour offer. You don’t need a 12-week course on Day 1. 4. Set it up on Kajabi Use a platform that supports your coaching business all in one place - sales page, email list, payments, community. No tech juggling. Ask me for a 30-day free trial link.  5. Market it with clarity Use TL;DR thinking in every part of your content. Because people don’t need inspiration. They need solutions.   People assume coaching success comes from perfect branding and viral content. Coaching success starts with clarity. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence builds momentum. And momentum builds a business.     TL;DR (Because of Course This Article Has One 😉) If you’ve helped someone solve a problem, you have something to offer. You don’t need permission to start. You need a plan, a platform, and a little guidance. Let’s turn what you know into something that serves others and supports your life.   TL;DR: Turning Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business, The Checklist If you can check these off, you're ready to start: 🔲 I’ve solved a problem others are still struggling with  🔲 I know who I want to help (and why)  🔲 I can outline the steps I took to get my result  🔲 I’m willing to start simple with 1:1 work  🔲 I can describe what I do in one clear sentence  🔲 I’m ready to stop overthinking and start offering value  🔲 I’m open to using Kajabi to run everything in one place  🔲 I want to create impact and income doing what I love   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

Are you hesitating to launch your online course because you’re afraid the competition is too fierce? Maybe you’re worried that AI, massive marketing budgets, or an endless supply of free content on YouTube will make it impossible for you to succeed. You may be watching others already doing what you dream of. They're selling courses, coaching clients, and building an audience. It may feel like the market is too crowded for you to break in. 👉But what if the real challenge isn’t the competition, but your perspective?   BRUTAL HONESTY Most online course creators don’t fail because of competition. They fail because of the wrong mindset, lack of strategy, and poor execution. They get trapped in fear, spread themselves too thin, or underestimate what it truly takes to stand out. But, the online business world is far bigger than you realize, filled with endless opportunities. The real obstacle isn’t the competition. It’s how you choose to see the game. Shift your perspective, and success becomes possible.       Are You Viewing the World as a Sea of Competitors When you focus on competition, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even start.   Do any of these resonate with you: 🔹 "AI is replacing experts. Why would anyone pay for my course?" With artificial intelligence generating content and answering questions, it’s easy to wonder if your knowledge is still valuable. But AI can’t replace real-world experience, personalized guidance, or human connection, all things that your course or coaching can offer. 🔹 "People can buy courses from others for way less. How can I compete?" Yes, there will always be cheaper options, but people don’t just buy courses. They buy trust, transformation, and convenience. If your course helps them get results faster, easier, or with more clarity, they’ll happily invest in it over a budget alternative. 🔹 "Big companies have huge marketing budgets. I can’t afford to stand out." Corporate brands might dominate advertising, but they lack authenticity and personal connection. People don’t just buy from brands. They buy from individuals they trust. Your unique story and perspective are your biggest assets. 🔹 "There are already so many courses and coaches. Why would anyone choose me?" It’s true. There are thousands of courses out there. But no one teaches it like you do. Your experience, personality, and approach make your course different. People will choose you because they resonate with your teaching style and trust you to help them. 🔹 "YouTube and Google already have free content. Why would someone pay me?" Information is free, but structured implementation, accountability, and expert guidance are not. Your course organizes the knowledge, saves people time, and helps them take action, things free content alone cannot do.   Competition isn’t your enemy. It’s proof that the market is thriving. The only thing holding you back is how you choose to see the opportunity in front of you.     What if, instead of seeing obstacles, you started seeing opportunities? Shifting to a World of Opportunity Successful entrepreneurs don’t focus on competition. They focus on serving their audience.   Here’s how you can shift your mindset and finally start your online business: 1. Competition Means There’s a Market If other people are selling courses, coaching programs, or digital services, that’s a good thing. It proves there’s demand. If no one was making money in your industry, that would be a real problem! 💡 Action step: Instead of fearing competition, study what others are doing. What gaps can you fill? What’s missing that you could offer?   2. People Buy from People They Trust Think about why you follow certain influencers, brands, or creators. It’s not just because they sell something. It’s because you connect with them. The same goes for your business. There might be hundreds of people teaching what you want to teach, but no one has your unique voice, story, or experience. 💡 Action step: Share your journey. Whether it’s through social media, emails, or blog posts, let people see your personality and why you do what you do.   3. AI and Technology Are Tools, Not Threats AI and automation aren’t replacing online businesses. They’re making them easier to run. Instead of fearing AI, use it to your advantage: Automate repetitive tasks so you have more time to focus on clients. Use AI tools for content creation, research, and marketing. Let AI handle customer service while you focus on selling. 💡 Action step: Start exploring AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and email automation to make your online business easier to manage.   4. Don’t Compete on Price. Compete on Value. Yes, someone overseas might offer the same service for $5. Yes, free YouTube videos exist. But people don’t pay for just information. They pay for guidance, transformation, and convenience. For example: Anyone can watch free workout videos on YouTube, but they still pay for personal trainers. Anyone can Google business advice, but they still hire coaches. Anyone can read a book on marketing, but they still pay for courses that break it down step by step. 💡 Action step: Instead of worrying about being the cheapest, focus on offering better results, a better experience, and personalized attention.   5. Free Content Builds Trust—Not Competition You might be thinking, “If people can get information for free, why would they pay me?” Here’s the secret: People pay for structure, clarity, and accountability. Yes, they can find free information. But it’s scattered, unorganized, and overwhelming. Most people don’t want to spend hours piecing everything together. They want a shortcut. That’s where your paid content comes in. 💡 Action step: Start creating free content to build trust, then offer a paid solution that helps people apply it faster and more effectively.     From Scarcity to Abundance: The Business Mindset Shift If you believe there aren’t enough customers or opportunities, you’ll hold yourself back.   But when you realize there are millions of people looking for guidance, you’ll focus on: Attracting the right audience instead of competing for everyone. Providing value instead of worrying about price wars. Building a personal brand that makes people trust you. Using AI and automation to grow your business instead of fearing it.   Scarcity mindset: “There are too many competitors. Why even try?” Abundance mindset: “There are more than enough customers. How can I help them?”   Scarcity mindset: “I’m not experienced enough to start.” Abundance mindset: “I can start where I am and grow from there.”   Scarcity mindset: “I need a big budget to compete.” Abundance mindset: “I can attract customers with value and connection.”       Your Next Step: Take Action If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to start your online business, you must realize that there is no perfect time. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll grow. The online world is filled with potential customers. Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula

You’re already solving problems. Already answering questions. Already getting asked, “Hey, can I pick your brain?” You don’t need permission to start consulting. You’re already doing it. But here’s the problem: You’re taking people from A to B… and you’ve never actually defined what B is.   🎯 This is where most people get stuck. They say things like: “I help companies grow.” “I streamline operations.” “I offer strategic guidance.” Cool. But what does that mean? If your service sounds like a TED Talk title, no one is going to bite.   👉Here’s what clients actually want to know: “Can you help me stop losing customers after the free trial?” “Can you shorten our hiring timeline from 90 days to 30?” “Can you reduce my 14-hour days to 6 and still hit revenue goals?”   They don’t want “consulting.” They want a result. Point B.   So here’s the real first step: Define the transformation. Before you build a website. Before you buy a domain. Before you write “Founder” in your Instagram bio. You’ve got to know what you're selling. Not “consulting.” Not “strategy.” Not “advice.” You're selling a bridge from Point A to Point B. And right now… You're standing on it.     Most people miss this. They get caught up in logos and LLCs. Tinkering. Tweaking. Hoping it’ll “look legit.” But the ones who actually get paid? They define Point B so clearly, it practically writes the invoice for them.   You don’t need a fancy funnel. You need a well-defined transformation, and a simple way to package it up so people get it, want it, and pay for it. That’s exactly what the next step is: 👉Define Your Point B & Productize.    Now... for the Step-by-Step:   🧩 The 3-Step Shift from Employee to Consultant Step 1: Spot the Pattern Look at what people already come to you for. What problems are you constantly solving at work? What fires do they always throw you at? ✨ This is your expertise in disguise. If you need help defining this step, there's a free resource in my profile - 21 Ways to Make Money With What You Know   Step 2: Define Point B What result are you helping them reach?  It’s not “strategic alignment”. It's: ✅ “Shorter sales cycles”  ✅ “Better team retention”  ✅ “Less founder burnout”  Give it a name. Make it specific. This is what they’ll buy.   Step 3: Package the Path Map out how you get someone from stuck (Point A) to solved (Point B).  Turn that into a simple offer.  Now you’re not “freelancing.”  You’re leading a transformation.   Free Resource: Idea to Offer Formula