MB 210: Build an Online Platform & Connect with Investors – With Pat Flynn

So, you want to connect with potential investors online. But how do you go about building a thought leadership platform? What kind of content should you create? And how do you best serve your audience so that they are ready to invest when a deal comes up?

Pat Flynn is the creator of Smart Passive Income, the premiere learning and development platform for online entrepreneurs. He got into online marketing out of necessity in 2008 when he was laid off from his dream job as an architect. Since then, Pat has built several successful online businesses and impacted millions of people around the world. He credits his success to serving others first, and then building systems to lean into that service even more.

On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Pat joins me to explain how he got into the online marketing space and why he thinks EVERYONE should build a thought leadership platform. He offers insight into the power of podcasting, sharing how YOU can start a podcast of your own for under $100. Listen in for Pat’s insight on what to consider as you create an online platform and get his top tips for producing consistent content that serves your audience!

Key Takeaways

How Pat got into the online marketing space

• Let go from dream job as architect in 2008 with no Plan B
• Inspired by podcast to build website on LEED exam
• Published study guide, made nearly $8K in single month
• Started Smart Passive Income to help others start businesses

Pat’s response to the Why Me? objection

• Don’t have to be expert, just few steps ahead of audience
• Show up as person and connect to build superfans

How Pat defines smart passive income

• Not get rich quick, have to put in work
• Mechanisms in place to pay back later

The business model for an online venture

1. Pick target market, research needs
2. Create platform to demo authority
3. Monetize (sponsorships, ads, products, affiliate marketing or pledge)

Why Pat thinks EVERYONE should build a platform online

• Place to connect (nobody’s like you)
• Build relationships and authority

What to consider in building a platform

• Choose 1 format to start (e.g.: blog, podcast, YouTube channel)
• Commit to producing content consistently

Pat’s tips for producing regular content

• Planning session every quarter
• Focus on questions people ask

What Pat loves about podcasting

• Ease of creation (after initial setup)
• Build amazing relationships with listeners
• Evergreen content

How to start a podcast

• Decide on topic and how helps people
• Establish name, artwork and branding
• Get mic + hosting service (