The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#850 The world is run by those who show up. If you don't, opportunities won't come your way because no one knows who you are. So start putting yourself out there and building trust, and you'll see people who can help you step forward! My voice-over guy, John Melley, has had a 30-year career and this is one of the most important lessons he's learned. You've heard John in every one of our 850 episodes sharing a fun fact about me. Now, it's time to say goodbye because, as discussed in Wednesday's episode, the podcast is changing. We dive into the most effective techniques to unlock the full potential of your voice and hear some powerful stories from John. We also learn about his book, The Voice-Over Athlete, a great resource on everything from posture to stress for anyone working a desk job. It's the end of an era, so don't miss this session! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session850.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#849 What do you do when the strategies that used to work online stop delivering results? If you want to keep serving your audience, you pivot, evolve, and point the way toward the future of your space. That's what we're doing at SPI, so listen in on this episode to hear the big news! Today, I have SPI CEO Caleb Wojcik joining me to unveil the important changes coming to our podcast and company in 2025. Many of you will love this because we're going back to basics and leaning into the personal brand I've built around myself. More than ever, I'll show up with actionable advice and strategies you can apply to grow your online business. We'll still have the occasional guest on the podcast, but it'll mostly be you and me from now on. We're also shifting to video-first episodes, so tune in to hear what you can expect as a viewer and listener of our show! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session849.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#848 To end the year, I share the three principles that have guided my work in 2024. Listen in because these ideas have helped me stay productive, find success with short-form content, and write a new book! The first theme I tackle in today's episode is the power of simplification. You and your followers don't have time and attention to spare, so think about the simplest ways to achieve your goals. Next, I want you to get more reps in. In fact, I credit committing to posting Shorts every day for the success I've found this year! The final theme I discuss today is flow over force. This is a big one because it empowered me to fully rewrite Lean Learning, my upcoming book, in a week and a half. Tune in because this concept saved my deal with a traditional publisher! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session848.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#847 Every niche will be competitive in 2025. With AI sales copy flooding the internet, grabbing people's attention is harder than ever. So what's working in business right now? How do you stand out and launch a new brand? For this special session, I sit down with legend, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Jeff Walker of Product Launch Formula. We're also joined by his son Dan who's become a key figure within the PLF empire. That's right, we're not just getting the best marketing tips for 2025. Jeff and Dan reveal what it's like working together as father and son and how business has strengthened their bond. The Product Launch Formula has generated over a billion dollars in sales for students, so don't miss this powerful chat. We discuss crafting compelling, story-driven launches, niche marketing, fostering deep customer relationships, and adapting to the ever-changing online landscape. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session847.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#846 Building a strong connection with your followers means showing them you care, even when things go wrong. That's why doing what feels right is part of my DNA in business. It might be difficult or cost time and money, but owning up to mistakes and going the extra mile to fix them makes all the difference! In today's episode, I share a story about a partnership with a company that resulted in four unhappy customers. That's unacceptable when the trust I've built is on the line. Listen in because you'll hear how I worked with Whatnot, the live shopping service I was streaming on for my Deep Pocket Monster audience, to make up for this error. This is about taking responsibility and learning from mistakes to make anyone affected by them feel heard and valued. Navigating these situations can be tricky, though. Tune in to hear about my approach! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session846.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#845 Are you on a path toward a future you don't truly want? Today's guest felt that way when she was handed a five-year career plan at her corporate job. Trusting her gut, she pivoted to become a massive podcasting and entrepreneurship success story instead! The incredible Jenna Kutcher is joining me for this episode. She is a best-selling author and an educator who helps entrepreneurs build businesses with authenticity and heart. Jenna also hosts the popular Goal Digger podcast, a platform for inspiring conversations on turning passion into income. In this session, we learn how buying a $300 camera changed Jenna's life. We discuss running a wedding photography business, quitting a corporate job, and building a scalable brand. We also dive into podcasting and chat about everything from video versus audio-only shows and how to land industry-leading guests. Jenna's story is a testament to the power of following your passion and creating a business that aligns with your values. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session845.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#844 Today, I'm celebrating my birthday and sharing the top insights I rely on to build a successful business and live a fulfilling life. Having the right mindset is key, so join me as I explore these valuable lessons! In this special episode, I get personal and open up about the challenges and joys of being a parent entrepreneur. I also discuss the five key principles that have shaped my journey and helped me find balance. So what is our most valuable resource, and how do we make the most of it to build our legacy? Listen in because I talk about time management, building relationships, adapting to change, embracing discipline, and focusing on how we impact others. This episode is a reminder that success isn't all about chasing vanity metrics and hitting financial goals. Please tune in to hear my reflections and get inspired! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session844.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#843 What if your hobby could become a thriving business landing you five-figure deals and connecting you with industry leaders and celebrities? That's Jax Navarro's incredible story and journey. At PlasticAction, he takes toy photography and stop-motion animation to the next level, attracting millions of viewers in the process. Jax has worked with major brands like Hasbro and Marvel. He's even caught the attention of NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal! His success wasn't instant, though. Jax didn't skip the leg work of building authority in his space and fostering powerful relationships. Over the last few years, he went from doing unpaid work to charging tens of thousands of dollars for his projects. In this episode, we discuss landing clients, negotiating rates, and delivering high-quality work that leaves everyone wanting more. We also get a fascinating glimpse at the time and effort that goes into creating stop-motion animations. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session843.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#842 It's happening. After neglecting LinkedIn from day one, I'm committing to giving it a real shot with daily posts over the next three months. Listen in to hear how I'm approaching this experiment and giving myself a leg up to succeed! The thing about LinkedIn is that it offers a unique opportunity to connect with engaged professionals. This audience wants valuable business connections and insights, which is the bread and butter of what we do at SPI. That's why I won't chase vanity metrics on the platform. Instead, I'll pay close attention to my metrics while focusing on driving people to my Unstuck newsletter and the new SPI Community. My hypothesis is that consistent, high-value content tailored for the LinkedIn audience will attract and convert the right kind of people. I'm learning what works from the best, so tune in to follow this journey and get my top strategies! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session842.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#841 Many entrepreneurs hit their goals and achieve success, but still can't find fulfillment. I see it all the time. So, how do we unlock our highest destiny and let go of the beliefs that stop us from being happy? Tune in for my chat with the incredible Celinne Da Costa to find out! This episode goes beyond tactical advice and dives into the often-overlooked aspects of personal growth that are crucial for entrepreneurial success. Celinne shares her journey and the powerful coaching method she leverages to help business leaders tell the authentic stories that connect them with their soulmate clients. We explore finding true meaning by aligning our daily actions and mindset with our core values and ideal emotional state. Celinne reveals how to identify limiting beliefs that hold us back. She also provides strategies to create powerful new narratives that can supercharge our income, influence, and impact. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session841.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#840 Some people think they're at s a poker table. They believe that if one person wins, everyone else loses. I've never agreed with that, and I'll tell you why in today's episode! Listen in because having an abundance mindset is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success in entrepreneurship. The reaction to me launching my Power-Up Podcasting course perfectly illustrates this. From support to anger, other educators in the space had a lot to say about it! So, is it too late to enter a niche if other creators are already serving your target audience? Instead of being discouraged, you should see this as proof that you've found a viable market. Your perspective can make or break your success because there's always room for quality content and your unique voice in any space. Join me today to break free from the scarcity mindset! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session840.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#839 The best marketers focus on doing one or two things really well. Essentially, they take simple strategies seriously over a long enough time to see massive results. So how do we select the best tactics and do less to have a bigger impact? In this episode, I sit down with self-made entrepreneur, best-selling author, and marketing master Allan Dib. We discuss the top lessons from his incredible book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan, and get a peek at Allan's newest release, Lean Marketing. This powerful chat will change how you promote your brand. Allan will help you pare down your bloated marketing plan and zero in on the most effective strategies. We break down how to identify your ideal audience, craft a message that resonates, and select the right platform for your message. Also, tune in to hear Allan's four value levers, the secret ingredients that make your products and services irresistible! Show notes and more at https://SmartPassiveIncome.com/session839.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#838 Passive income is a myth. That might sound weird coming from the "passive income guy," but many people misunderstand the path to success and financial freedom. This is what's stopping them from building a thriving business! I just stumbled upon a mind-blowing example of this on X. Paddy Galloway, a YouTube expert, shared a DM from a teenage fan who was ready to shut down his channel after investing months and thousands of dollars in online courses and hiring editors. Listen to today's session for my reaction to this exchange because it perfectly illustrates why people struggle with building an audience! When the kid fessed up to not even being passionate about making videos and just being in it for the money, I lost it! This episode is a reality check for anyone chasing passive income without a genuine desire to help others. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session838.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#837 Is slowing down the key to unlocking the next level of your business and life? Tune in for today's episode, because my longtime friend Chris Ducker is back on the show. A lot has happened since our last chat, so join us to discover how Chris is building a powerful legacy without burning out! You'll get a sneak peek at Chris's upcoming book, The Long Haul Leader, and the scoop on his new and improved version of Youpreneur. We also discuss sustainable growth, gamifying your goals, networking and building relationships, and adapting to our changing business landscape. If you're feeling the side effects of hustle culture, listen in for an inspiring conversation on finding success while protecting your health! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session837.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Entrepreneurship is the best path toward financial freedom. That's why we've made it our mission at SPI to get you started on your journey and help you go full-time on your passion. We're making big changes to serve you better, so listen in on today's bonus episode to find out more! I'm chatting with Caleb Wojcik, our new CEO, to give you an inside look at our decision to merge our SPI Pro and All-Access Pass communities. We're creating one unified space for entrepreneurs to come together for even greater connection and collaboration! The SPI Community will host everything from office hours with me to newly updated courses and accelerator programs. We want to supercharge student and member outcomes and give you our full support, all in one place! Got to SmartPassiveIncome.com/community to join other entrepreneurs just like you! Now's the best time to act because our email marketing accelerator starts on November 14th. Join me for a live Q&A session on my YouTube channel on November 13th at 10 AM PT to learn more! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/podcasts/the-updated-spi-community/.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#836 Overcoming impostor syndrome is often the key to building your business and unlocking more sales. But how do you prove your expertise and become an authority in your space? Join me because, in today's episode, I continue the trip down memory lane I started in session 834! Going into the online course boom, I faced a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey. I reveal how my friend and mentor, Chalene Johnson, helped me overcome impostor syndrome and embrace selling through service. This was a game-changer because the course she pushed me to create, Power-Up Podcasting, generated over $250,000 at launch alone! I now had the confidence to take on bigger projects to help my students and audience. You'll hear about FlynnCon, my in-person conference, and how that led to the creation of our SPI Pro and All-Access Pass communities. I also want to give you a sneak peek at the future of SPI, so listen in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session836.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#835 Creating content that pops is vital, especially if you're in a technical niche. So how do you leverage unique visuals and smart pricing to get more clients? In this episode, I'm chatting with SPI Pro member Chris Lysy. This is a fascinating look at an entrepreneur, cartoonist, and social science researcher using data and design to craft powerful stories. Listen in because Chris has cracked the code to stand out in his space and attract high-paying clients! So, how do you choose the right platform for your content and create work that resonates with your target audience? Chris gives us an inside look at his unusual social media strategy. His knack for drawing cartoons that highlight the humor and absurdity in his niche is the driving engine behind his impressive consulting business. We dive into that and discuss pricing and packaging your services, and avoiding common traps for consultants. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session835.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#834 With the new phase of SPI coming, I take a trip down memory lane today to share how I started making money online. This is the first part of my story from getting laid off from a dream job to building my business and earning millions. If you need inspiration and motivation to keep going, tune in! Like many entrepreneurs, I started from scratch and quickly learned I had to be happy being scrappy. My encouraging success with GreenExamAcademy.com, my first online venture, was enough to fuel my ambition. For the longest time, I was putting out as much content as possible, becoming a trusted authority, and amassing an audience. The real game-changer, however, was starting this show in 2010, right as podcasting was catching on! From building in public to building relationships, listen in on this session because I want to share the lessons I've learned! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session834.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#833 The brand we envision when we first start is often not what we end up building in the long run. As our mission evolves, rebranding to reflect our growth can be a strategic game-changer. But how do we avoid the mistakes that cause more harm than good? Listen in on this episode to find out! I'm chatting with Charli Prangley today. She is an incredible design expert and the creative director at Kit, formerly known as ConvertKit. Our discussion is packed with actionable information on how to pull off a successful rebranding, so don't miss out! Charli and I dive into everything from choosing a new name and color scheme to reflect your brand to zeroing in on the right copy and messaging for your audience. Tune in because you'll learn the questions to ask and the tests to run to ensure your rebrand hits home! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session833.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#832 Many of us want to level up in our entrepreneurship journey but are worried about taking on more work. Burnout is very real, which is why we need to take steps to make our businesses more passive. But how do we actually do it? In this episode, I want to introduce you to my powerful SCALE framework. I'll take you through the steps to systematize, consolidate, automate, leverage, and evaluate your business for maximum impact without working more hours! I also want to share a story from my taekwondo days that perfectly illustrates why it's important to stop going against the grain and start thinking smarter in your brand. This session will give you a roadmap to creating a business that works for you, not the other way around. Listen in because you can apply this framework at any point in your journey! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session832.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.