#737 What is an advantage you have that almost feels like cheating? Is there something you can do that others can't or won't, and how do you leverage it to uplevel your brand? All of us can find our edge if we know where to look. Today's incredible guest, Dan Shapiro, is here to show us the way! As co-founder of the iconic 3D printer company Glowforge, Dan has empowered tens of thousands of people to start and run physical product businesses. He is the creator of Robot Turtles, a board game designed to teach kids the fundamentals of programming, and the author of Hot Seat, a guidebook for startup CEOs. To bring his ideas to life, Dan has also run some of the largest crowdfunding campaigns ever! Why do some businesses work while others fail? How do you create products that resonate with people and build something special? Listen in to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session737.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#736 What's the point of building a business if you can't maintain it? If you want to follow your vision and have free time to sustain and enjoy it, you have to understand the vertical thinking successful entrepreneurs instinctively use. Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, is joining me today to help you create projects that stack and work together to supercharge your growth! You're hearing from another one of SPI Pro's Experts in Residence today. We're introducing the EIR program to serve our members with next-level knowledge and support, so tune in to get a sneak preview of what's coming to our incredible community! In his job, Jason has access to world-class entrepreneurs and is here to share the lessons he's learned so far. He and I talk about getting clarity on your mission and bringing it to life in a sustainable way using proven strategies and mindsets! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session736.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#735 Many of us believe we need to reach millions of people to make a living online. We then fall into the trap of going as broad as possible with our content. But what if a small targeted audience is actually a major asset? In this episode, we hear all about Wojciech Wegrzynski's incredible journey. His podcast, the Fire Science Show, averages just five hundred downloads per episode. But here's the thing—Wojciech's revenue from sponsors is already surpassing his engineering job income! Listen in because this episode brings together some of the most important topics we always discuss here on the show. We cover the power of niching down and podcasting, overcoming fear and procrastination, and building authority in your space. Wojciech combines these elements in a big way and adds his fire safety expertise to the mix to make a massive difference in his industry! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session735.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#734 What is your personal philosophy? What are the thoughts that guide your actions? Understanding what drives you is the key to staying motivated and overcoming procrastination. This is how you 10x your business. Not only that, this is how you supercharge your personal life as well! Tune in today because SPI Pro's new Expert In Residence, Terry Rice, is joining me to help us set up the routines for success at work and at home! You'll hear all about the EIR program, the newest innovation we're introducing to serve our Pro members with next-level knowledge and support. So, how do you live your legacy? What are the business strategies that are also effective in parenting? How do you 10x your personal relationships and prioritize family as an entrepreneur? Join Terry and me for this special Friday session to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session734.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#733 "Who am I to stand out? Who am I to show off to other people?" That's the impostor syndrome in many of us talking. Falling for it and then underselling ourselves feels safe because we don't see the value in our skillset. But how do we discover our potential and build a confident personal brand around it? Christine Gritmon is joining me today to help you do just that. In this episode, she shares her expert knowledge to supercharge your online presence and take your branding game to the next level. We talk about uncovering the unique value you bring to the table, naming your business, choosing the best social platform for growth, building a reputation in your niche, collaboration and community, and more. This session will help you create a genuine brand to define and move you toward your goals. Listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session733.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#732 The days of writing blog posts, getting easy traffic from Google, and monetizing your content with ads or products are gone. So, what's the best way to build an audience today? "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This African proverb is hugely relevant in our online business landscape because it highlights the incredible power of collaboration. Listen in on this episode to hear all about what I'm doing to partner up with other entrepreneurs and get in front of massive new audiences! This can be the game-changing approach that unlocks the next level for many of us. I let fear and introversion hold me back for too long—don't make the same mistake! This is something I've covered in my Unstuck newsletter as well. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe for weekly business insights delivered straight to your inbox! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session732.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#731 Bringing relatability and character to your work is the number one way to stand out and succeed online today! But how do you apply the "just be yourself" advice in your business for fantastic results? You're about to witness the full power of sharing valuable knowledge with a heavy dose of personality in today's chat with Liz Wilcox. Not only is she The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, but her '90s pop culture obsession makes learning from her incredibly entertaining. Liz walks us through the steps of her Staircase framework for transitioning followers to customers. She also shares her twenty-minute newsletter blueprint for writing engaging and effective emails fast. We get into the best lead magnets for attracting new subscribers, the common mistakes to avoid, and, of course, a solid bit of NSYNC nostalgia. Join us for this fun and impactful conversation with Liz! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session731.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#730 Everything's already been done! That's one of the common excuses we come up with to stop us from starting a business. We tell ourselves all the good ideas are exhausted and that there's nothing new we can do. But is that really true? In this episode, I want to help you shift your mindset around what it takes to build a brand online and help you discover promising niche markets. This doesn't only apply to people with expertise and credentials, either! Being an authority in your space is fantastic, but you can still offer plenty of value online by sharing your journey as a beginner. That's how I approached and grew Deep Pocket Monster to over 700k subscribers! So, how do you plant your flag and decide what you want to be known for? Listen in on this session for my tips and a look at one of the emerging niches I'm keeping an eye on! Snow notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session730.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#729 Most people never take the leap to pursue the life they've always wanted. Often, it's because they're too afraid to quit their traditional jobs. That's why I've invited Brian Luebben of The Action Academy Podcast on the show to share the blueprint for achieving your version of success. Today, we hear Brian's story and learn about the side hustle that helped him replace his six-figure corporate income while traveling the world full-time. After recording, I had to go back and listen to this conversation again because I didn't want to miss any of the incredible golden nuggets. So make sure you take notes! Brian and I discuss building a financial foundation, creating products that address real needs, the importance of community for learning, the best short-form content strategy, and more. This is a great one, so listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session729.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#728 For better or worse, your choices today are a glimpse into how your life will turn out. I still remember the months I spent wallowing in self-pity after getting laid off in my mid-twenties, the same thoughts running through my head every day. I felt like a failure, and I felt doomed. What would have happened if I had continued down that path? It's hard to say, but I'm sure I wouldn't be here with you now. In this episode, I want to give you the shot of motivation you need to seize the day and start building your legacy! So, how do you live a life of significance? Join me for this session because I want to read you the inspirational quote I keep on my desk. This is the daily source of inspiration that drives me to push for meaning in my life. Tune in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session728.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#727 I'm always harping on the importance of starting a podcast to grow your brand. And for good reasons! But what would happen if you were to take my advice and the first piece of feedback you receive is a one-star review? Would you give up? That's the exact situation Jackie Nourse, aka Traveling Jackie, faced. Undeterred, she followed her passion and turned it into one of my favorite success stories! At JUMP Adventures, Jackie has built an amazing business around her mission of traveling full-time. Listen in to learn how she pulled it off and how she now brings her community along on her trips! This is an excellent conversation about bringing people together online and offline, building your version of the ideal life, and overcoming challenges. Join us because Jackie shares an inside look at the life-changing experiences she creates and why her audience keeps coming back for more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session727.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#726 Much of the knowledge I acquired when I started blogging is still with me. I have my early inspirations, Darren Rowse, Yaro Starak, and Seth Godin, to thank for that! In fact, one of Seth Godin's concepts that I often return to is the power of naming it. But what is it? It can be anything you teach or create. When you label something, you make it real. The messy middle, the part of the entrepreneurial journey between early excitement for an idea and when you finally reach your goals, comes to mind. Eric Partaker's 3 Alarms strategy, discussed in Wednesday's episode, is another example. So, how do you coin relevant terms in your business? Join this session to hear me brainstorm new ideas and come up with Fake Flynn-ing. Tune in to find out what that's all about and how to start naming things for your audience! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session726.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#725 The seven words that hold you back more than any other are "It is faster to do it myself." This kind of short-term thinking leads to burnout and stunts your business growth. But what is the most efficient way to scale your brand long-term? In this episode, returning guest Eric Partaker shares the blueprint for transitioning from scrappy founder to leadership master. This is priceless knowledge based on Eric's work coaching Fortune 50 CEOs, architecting Skype's success, and running several companies. You're not going to want to miss this chat! Eric helps you lay the foundation for sustainable business growth and explains why entrepreneurship cannot be separated from personal development. We discuss intentionality, the EAR framework for leadership, giving praise, and handling mistakes. For more, get a free copy of Eric's incredible book, The 3 Alarms, and his powerful tools and resources at SmartPassiveIncome.com/businessbundle! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session725.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#724 Finding success as a creator isn't all great. In fact, popularity can actually move you away from the special sauce that made your content stand out in the first place. You see, the moment you have something to lose, you begin to overthink every decision. Fear then starts to short-circuit the creative exploration that is part of the fun of building an online brand! My friend Matt Wolfe is dealing with this right now. He's doing fantastic work on YouTube, where his AI news channel pulls massive numbers. In this episode, I share the advice I gave him to help him stay motivated and keep the creative spark alive. So, listen in on today's session to learn how to find the fun in your work and avoid one of the major pitfalls of success! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session724.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#723 What are the kinds of things you tell yourself? In business, health, and relationships, our thoughts are what drive us to succeed or fail. The way we see the world truly affects the chemistry of our bodies. So, what are the habits that build effective cognitive patterns? In this episode, Shawn Stevenson shares the research-based information you need to tackle entrepreneurship the healthy way. He is the best-selling author of Sleep Smarter and Eat Smarter and host of The Model Health Show. His incredible work has changed my life, and I can't wait for you to hear our powerful conversation! We discuss everything from getting great sleep and the importance of family meals to supercharging your mindset for next-level business results. Listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session723.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#722 This one question is the creativity hack we've been trained out of as adults. It's the key to uncovering amazing knowledge and stories. Kids ask it all the time—"Why?" One of my top tips for creators, interviewers, and entrepreneurs is to trust the process of curiosity. This is how I approach everything I do. It's how I get guests on the podcast to open up and share valuable information. It's how I come up with content and discover fresh business opportunities. In this episode, I want to challenge you to tap into your inner child and look at your work through the lens of curiosity. I challenge you to ask why. So listen in for more on how I apply this technique to everything from podcasting to parenting. This is a mindset game-changer because it affects how you see the world and introduces you to an abundance of new possibilities in life and business! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session722.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#721 Finding an underserved audience and providing valuable free content is one of the quickest ways to build a massive brand online. But how do you turn your followers into paying customers? This is a challenging transition for many of us when we start charging for our work. My guest, Susie Bulloch of Hey Grill, Hey, has done an amazing job creating irresistible paid products to complement the free information that has defined her business. She runs the highest-trafficked barbecue and grilling recipe website, and today, we find out all about her journey and mission! Susie and I discuss everything from choosing a niche to monetizing your reach through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. We also talk about creating digital and physical products to serve your audience's unique needs and generate reliable monthly income. There's much to learn from Susie's growth, so listen in and enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session721.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#720 I didn't want to, but people I trust made me do something I otherwise would have never done. I won't keep you guessing—this is all about watching an anime. Specifically, One Piece. The show has over one thousand episodes! That's insane, but I was assured the story would be worth it. These are the kinds of things we're willing to take a chance on when we trust someone. So, what do I get out of this experience? As I've often said on the show, storytelling is vital for business success. In fact, it's the skill that will help you build the type of trust that gets people to spend their time and money with you. But building influence over people also comes with responsibilities. Today's session is all about having trust and stories as the foundation of your relationship with your audience. Tune in to learn more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session720.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#719 Today's guest is one of the first bloggers I followed when I started my online business journey. His content has been absolutely instrumental for me. Now, he's diving into podcasting and has created one of the few shows I subscribe to! Leo Babauta of Zen Habits is here to tell us why starting a podcast in 2023 is still a great idea. He also shares the mindset that has enabled him to stand out in a new medium right from the beginning. This is an inspiring conversation about minimalism and mindfulness in content creation! Leo and I tackle uncertainty and stress head-on and share tools and strategies to keep you moving toward your goals. Fair warning—Some tactics discussed today involve snakes, but we also provide nonvenomous solutions! If your work is meaningful, you're guaranteed to encounter resistance. So listen in to learn how to overcome the obstacles around your purpose and mission! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session719.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#718 The strategy I share today will help you at any level, no matter what niche you're in. There's another bonus—this tactic also makes the world a better place. So what is it? Tune in because we explore the benefits of forming relationships with the up-and-comers in your space. I've been doing this with Deep Pocket Monster, my Pokémon YouTube channel, and the results have been amazing! Some of the smaller creators I've helped get a leg up are now on an incredible trajectory. While it might seem like this creates more competition for me, the truth is that these are now supportive friendships that lead to more growth for everybody. The key word here is abundance. Creating a brand is not a zero-sum game where someone else's success comes at your expense. So, who are the up-and-comers in your niche and how do you create mutually beneficial relationships with them? Listen in on today's episode to find out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session718.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.