Archive 3: 2018-2020
631: How to Get More Organized with LastPass, Google Drive, Google Chrome, MindMeister & Upwork
Robert Plank, host of this podcast and author of The Checklist Mindset, is back to share with you a few powerful tools that will make a huge difference in your happiness, productivity, and throughput.
Quotes:
“If it's important, you'll find a way. If it's not important, you'll find an excuse.” – Robert Plank
“If something makes you uncomfortable or fearful, you should pursue it. Make an effort to face those challenges over and over again.” - Robert Plank
“Don't feel bad if you throw away most of what you write down. Whether it's ideas for information, products, websites, blog posts, or podcast ideas, you need to write down all the bad stuff to get to the good stuff.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
00:15 Facing your fears directly is the most effective way to overcome them, whether it's public speaking, money anxiety, or personal challenges.
02:30 Consistently checking and engaging with your finances reduces money anxiety and helps maintain better financial awareness.
10:13 Using digital tools like LastPass and Google Drive can significantly improve productivity, security, and organization in both personal and professional settings.
20:25 Outsourcing repetitive or time-consuming tasks through platforms like Upwork allows entrepreneurs to focus on high-value activities that truly matter.
33:41 Mind mapping is a powerful technique to unlock creativity, generate ideas, and organize complex thoughts, even if most initial ideas are discarded.
Resources
- LastPass (password manager)
- Google Drive (cloud storage & document sharing)
- Google Chrome (internet browser with add-ons including Permanent Clipboard)
- MindMeister (online mindmapping tool)
- Upwork (delegate)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:55 — 39.5MB) | Embed
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630: LaunchPad Co-Working Spaces in Newark, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans: Move Your Business into a Distraction-Free, Productive Environment with Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll
Today, we're talking about co-working spaces with Anne Driscoll (President & COO) and Chris Schultz (CEO) of Launch Pad. Co-working is a great solution for you if you're looking for a more professional appearance, to achieve more focus, productivity, networking, and inspiration. Plus, we cover many aspects of co-working you've probably overlooked. Example: co-working space networks, rentable conference rooms (and podcasting booths), as well as trial periods and multiple packages. Tune in and discover what you need to know about co-working.
Quotes:
“No matter what phase of entrepreneurship you're in, you're trying to make it happen. And we all are, at some level, trying to be a bit bigger than we are.”
“Community is one of the best drivers of principles and guidelines. We use our community to help draft principles, shape operating activities, and guide good behavior.”
“At the end of the day, if you're serious about your work, find a place where you can be serious and feel a sense of belonging. There's nothing lonelier than trying to hustle every single day alone. Having a community of like-minded folks facing the same challenges makes it easier.”
Takeaways:
02:57 Co-working spaces provide a professional environment that helps entrepreneurs stay motivated and focused.
03:33 Working from home can lead to distractions and reduced productivity, making co-working spaces an attractive alternative.
05:19 Networking and community support are crucial benefits of co-working spaces for business growth.
08:02 Flexible membership options allow entrepreneurs to scale their workspace as their business evolves.
15:11 Overcoming imposter syndrome is easier in a supportive, inclusive community environment.
21:20 Successful entrepreneurs take a long-term view when investing in their professional environment.
Resources
- Launch Pad (co-working workspace & community)
- Launch Pad (Twitter)
- Proximity.space (co-working software)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:46 — 23.8MB) | Embed
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629: Consulting Success: Scale Up, Find Freedom From Hourly Fees, Fill the Pipeline, and Solve Problems with Michael Zipursky
Michael Zipursky coaches consultants. He wants you to develop a mindset of serving (solving problems) so that you can create powerful systems, attract more clients, and ultimately increase your fees, so you are paid based on results and not hours (or days). Listen in to discover how to set yourself apart, have conversations with your prospects, and fill the pipeline.
Quotes:
“The real realization for people is that clients don't actually care about timing. What they care about is whether they are getting the results they want.” – Michael Zipursky
“The opportunity for consultants is to go deeper and have more meaningful consulting sales conversations before starting a project. This allows you to truly understand the buyer and get to the core of what is meaningful and valuable for them.” - Michael Zipursky
“Give yourself a little more space to understand that these things are not mistakes. They're lessons to be learned and opportunities to improve.” - Michael Zipursky
Takeaways:
02:31 Successful consulting is about solving problems and helping clients reach their goals, not just selling hours of work.
18:33 The key to winning more business is understanding a client's true needs through deep, thoughtful questions.
14:53 Consultants should focus on the value and results they deliver, not just the time spent on a project.
22:33 Fear of failure and desire for perfection often hold consultants back from taking meaningful action.
26:51 Building a consulting business requires a long-term mindset and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities.
Resources
- Consulting Success (Website)
- Michael Zipursky (LinkedIn)
- Michael Zipursky (Amazon)
- Michael Zipursky (Twitter)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:47 — 29.3MB) | Embed
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628: Marketer of the Day Book Case Study: How I Monetized My Podcast and Earned $4000 Assembling a Compilation Book I Didn’t Even Write
Tune in right now to hear the secrets of creating a compilation book -- plus why, whether you have an existing podcast or are even thinking about creating a new podcast -- you should pursue this avenue to help your podcast interviewees get more exposure!
Click to Buy the "Marketer of the Day" Compilation Book
Quotes:
“If you limit yourself to just internet marketing or just business owners, you're really holding yourself back.” – Robert Plank
“If you hop on five podcasts a day, you could snowball into multiple sources of traffic. Some podcasts will pay out better than others.” - Robert Plank
“This whole networking game with podcasting is huge. You could literally spend all day, every day, hopping on different shows, sharing what you know, and that's it.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
09:04 Podcasting allows you to build a network by interviewing diverse guests outside your immediate industry.
13:04 Compilation books offer a unique way to monetize podcast content and create deeper connections with guests.
19:22 Appearing on multiple podcasts can be an effective traffic and brand-building strategy for entrepreneurs.
20:24 Creating a book with podcast guests can provide mutual benefits through shared exposure and promotion.
21:21 Networking through podcasts and compilation books can open doors to future collaborations and speaking opportunities.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:40 — 23.7MB) | Embed
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627: How to Make a Passive Income Using Amazon ACX Audible Audiobooks
Robert Plank is back to explain how his wife (and many up-and-coming entrepreneurs) have used the Amazon Audible ACX marketplace to boot-strap their self-funding online business by narrating entire audiobooks. How is it done? What tools and experience are required? What are the steps? It's all explained in today's training.
Quotes:
“It's important to publish consistently—putting out episodes every week, three times a week if possible. But don't let a strict release schedule stop you from doing things.” – Robert Plank
“If a client is always on your mind in a bad way, then you should fire them. Life's too short not to be happy. So if a client is a pain in the butt, wants extra stuff, or wants to pay you less, you can say, 'See you later.'” - Robert Plank
“If it sounds overwhelming, it's a sign that you should hire someone to help with some of the work. This way, you can focus on high-level tasks. The idea is to have so much going on, so much money coming in, and so many clients that you're too busy not to delegate a lot of the work.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
00:49 Consistency in content creation doesn't mean you must stick to a rigid schedule; podcasts and creative projects can be flexible and released as you feel inspired.
08:27 Amazon's publishing platforms offer multiple ways to transform written content into different formats, making it easier than ever for authors to reach diverse audiences.
15:13 Audiobook narration on ACX provides flexible income opportunities, with options to get paid upfront or through royalty splits, allowing narrators to choose their preferred compensation model.
27:15 Building a successful voice-over business requires dedicating at least one hour every morning to developing your skills, auditioning, and expanding your professional network.
42:10 True professional freedom comes from having multiple clients, not just one or two, which allows you to increase rates, fire difficult clients, and maintain financial stability.
49:46 Treat your voice-over work as a business, not an art form, by having predictable systems, multiple income streams, and a strategic approach to client acquisition.
56:30 Audiobook narration platforms like ACX offer opportunities for aspiring voice actors to build a portfolio, gain experience, and potentially create a sustainable income stream.
Resources
- Audacity (Sound Recorder)
- Blue Yeti (Microphone)
- VO Success Formula (Voiceover Training)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:25 — 60.1MB) | Embed
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626: Defeat Impostor Syndrome, Enhance Your Leadership Skills, Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem with Mooniek Seebregts
Mooniek Seebregts has coached since 2002, she also is a speaker and an international bestselling author. In 2013 she became founder and director of The Center for Innovation for Leaders located in Sacramento, California, because she realized that, "People like to go after their full potential, they want to be a great leader, but they often don’t know how to get there."
Quotes:
“Self-development is hugely important. So, if I am not confident on the outside, there is something I need to work on inside.” – Mooniek Seebregts
“As a leader, you always want to take care of yourself first. What we put out will come back to us.” - Mooniek Seebregts
“Difficult employees usually have many layers. They're not just difficult for no reason; there is something underlying why they are seen as difficult or why they feel difficult.” - Mooniek Seebregts
Takeaways:
05:18 We are raised as followers, which makes it challenging to become confident leaders later in life.
09:53 Personal development requires examining subconscious beliefs and choosing which thoughts truly serve us.
14:14 Leadership is a continuous cycle of giving and receiving support, like a figure-eight pattern.
19:51 Understanding and addressing personal unhappiness is crucial for professional growth and team dynamics.
24:14 Journaling can help clear mental clutter and uncover deeper insights about ourselves.
Resources
- Center of Innovation for Leaders (Official Site)
- Mooniek Seebregts (LinkedIn)
- Email: contact@CenterOfInnovationForLeaders.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:42 — 28.3MB) | Embed
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625: Recurring Passive Income from Membership Sites: Get Out Of Idea Mode, Let Your Customers Vote Using Their Wallets, and Milestone Your Way to Internet Marketing Success
If you've ever thought about making money from a membership site, you'll want to listen in as Robert discusses what you need to do to keep things simple, hit real goals, and get out of idea mode so you can start making money. (Thanks for write-in questions from Howard Hopgood, Julie Robitaille, Vernon Jeter and Joe Donnalley).
- Burnout -> better goals
- Follow through -> accountability
- Progress -> take a focused 20 minutes to knock out the first step
- Motivation -> people, milestones, results
- Clarity -> journaling
Quotes:
“Motivation comes and goes, and you don't need it to take action. It's nice, though, if you have it. The way to get your motivation back is to be around people who interest you.” – Robert Plank
“Shut out the distractions, shut out all the millions of choices, because unless you do, you're going to be trapped in that bubble of mediocrity.” - Robert Plank
“If you're burned out, it means you need to have better goals. If you lack follow-through, it means you need accountability.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
04:40 Start your membership site by solving one specific problem for your target audience, not trying to solve everything at once.
12:15 Focus on creating a simple, low-ticket product first and prove its concept before adding complex features or increasing price.
22:30 Your motivation doesn't need to be constant; commit to taking small actions even when you don't feel excited about the task.
31:20 Let your customers guide your product development by listening to their questions and feedback.
38:50 Success isn't about a massive launch, but about consistent small steps and gradually improving your offering.
Join Membership Cube to Create Your Passive Income Site Today
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:12 — 44.1MB) | Embed
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624: How to Create, Promote, and Monetize Your Podcast Business (Your Questions Answered)
Robert is back answering YOUR questions about podcasting: what equipment to buy, what to talk about, how to market it, and additional possibilities you may not have thought of...
Quotes:
“If you haven't talked to someone on the phone, Skype, Zoom, GoTo Webinar, or something similar—if you haven't had that immediate human interaction in your industry this month—then maybe that's something to look into.” – Robert Plank
“When you put out a lot of content, you won't know at first what's working and what's not working.” - Robert Plank
“There are no bad ideas with your podcast. The only bad idea is not putting them out there. So, be bold and put out podcast episodes on all kinds of random stuff.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
00:14 Podcasting gives you total control over your business, letting you set your own rules and format.
06:24 Your podcast doesn't need to follow strict guidelines - you can be genuine, get to the point, and create something unique in your niche.
07:15 The key to overcoming business burnout is helping people solve real problems they're struggling with.
53:35 Start simple with podcasting: record a quick 5-minute episode about yourself and your expertise.
01:01:30 Podcasting allows you to share knowledge in bite-sized, easily digestible audio content that people can consume anywhere.
Resources
- Podcast Crusher: setup your own podcast
- MindMeister: mindmapping, Google integration, sharing
- Bonjoro: create quick thank you videos for your customers
This Week's Friends of the Show
- Carol Drebin: Talk About Your Final Plans.com
- Renee Balcom: reneecompany.com
- Dan: digitalmarketingonlinecourses.com/store
- Phil Cullum: IMNewsWatch.com
- Nora: PassiveAggressiveMen.com
- John Website: DirectSourceBrokers.com
- Linda Smith: TimeKeptSeries.com
- Emojigraphy.com
- Catherine Laub: The Celestial Spoon
- Wendy Gardner: glow-skincare.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:38 — 61.9MB) | Embed
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623: Toastmasters: Improve Your Presentation Skills and Become a Better Stage, Webinar and Podcast Speaker
In today's episode, Robert explains one of his "getting out of the house" hobbies that also benefits his marketing business, podcasting, speaking skills and more, and it's called Toastmasters. This is a club you can join with regular meetings you can attend to develop your presentation ideas and enhance your speaking skills. Tune in to hear all about it.
Quotes:
“There's nothing wrong with an awkward silence. When you present, talk, and pause for effect, it’s perfectly fine. In fact, it can make what you say more powerful.” – Robert Plank
“Who cares if you have the best information if you can’t get and keep people’s attention? Who cares if you have the best information if you don’t leave people wanting more?” - Robert Plank
“If you ignore your speaking skills and think you can wing it without practice, those who do practice are really gonna smoke you.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
00:16 Joining Toastmasters can significantly improve your communication skills across personal and professional settings.
09:57 Reducing filler words like "um" and "ah" makes presentations more powerful and engaging.
14:19 Practicing public speaking helps overcome fear and builds confidence in presenting ideas.
19:52 Toastmasters offers a structured environment to experiment with presentation techniques and storytelling.
22:38 Speaking skills are crucial for success, whether in a corporate job or as an entrepreneur.
Resources
- Toastmasters: Find a Club Near You (Site)
- Toastmasters (Twitter)
- Toastmasters (Facebook Group)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:21 — 55.9MB) | Embed
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622: VO Success Formula: Create a Voiceover Income from Freelancing
Tune in to today's episode to discover how to generate a "side hustle" freelancing income using voiceovers and Fiverr.
The formula explained is what Lance Tamashiro used to earn $4200 per month from Fiverr, and what Robert's wife used to recently land a $1500 audiobook, $90 earned in 10 minutes, and $250 in 20 minutes, and $300 in 40 minutes. We consider this assembly-line, "hard for others but easy for you" style freelancing an easy way for you to generate side income, especially if you're just getting started online OR are in need of extra money.
Visit VO Success Formula to Discover Fiverr Voiceover Secrets
(Note: the income claims discussed in today's episode are entirely our own and any income you generate is completely up to your efforts. Nothing is guaranteed.)
Quotes:
“Whatever you're doing to make money, I will never look down on it, because we all have bills to pay. I respect what you're doing to make ends meet, even during lean times.” – Robert Plank
“If what you're doing is something you hate, isn't sustainable, or if you're claiming to make millions but are only making a few hundred dollars a month, that is a problem.” - Robert Plank
“The healthy way to look at Fiverr is that it's like Amazon, eBay, or Craigslist. It's a place where people are ready to buy from someone, including you, and they’re ready to do it right now.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
04:40 Starting a side income doesn't require complex skills; simple voice recording can generate quick cash.
07:20 Dedicating just one hour daily to voiceover work can produce significant monthly earnings.
10:20 Fiverr offers a flexible platform where you can gradually increase your rates and add service extras.
19:38 Successful voiceover freelancers can build repeat client bases that generate substantial annual income.
28:02 Improving your recording speed and efficiency directly increases your effective hourly earnings.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:55 — 75.5MB) | Embed
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